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15 Years of RTI

Why in News A report by the Satark Nagrik Sangathan and the Centre for Equity Studies has pointed out that more than 2.2 lakh Right to information...

12 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Status of Bharatmala Pariyojana

Why in News A total of 322 projects in a length of 12,413 km have been awarded and 2921 km has been constructed under Bharatmala Pariyojana till...

12 Oct 2020 News Analysis
South Asia Economic Focus Report: World Bank

Why in News The World Bank has recently released its biennial South Asia Economic Focus report. The fall 2020 edition is titled “Beaten or...

12 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Hurricane Delta

Why in News Recently, Hurricane Delta made landfall in the USA state of Louisiana, which is still recovering from the damage caused by a previous...

12 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Malnutrition and Covid-19

This article has been taken from ‘Malnutrition - the silent pandemic‘ which was published in ‘The Indian Express’ on...

10 Oct 2020 News Editorials
Protests to Coup: Kyrgyzstan

Why in News Protesters in Kyrgyzstan have captured key government buildings, including the Parliament house and the presidential office and the...

10 Oct 2020 News Analysis
GDP Revival Forecast: RBI

Why in News The Monetary Policy Committee of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the extension of its accommodative policy stance for the...

10 Oct 2020 News Analysis
SC on NCPCR’s Repatriation Request

Why in News The Supreme Court has sought a response from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), to its request to eight...

10 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Increased Election Campaign Broadcast Time

Why in News The Election Commission of India (ECI) has increased the broadcast time allotted to recognised political parties on Doordarshan and All...

10 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Kastoori Cotton

Why in News Union Minister for Textiles unveiled a brand and a logo for Indian cotton recently on the occasion of 2nd World Cotton Day on 7th...

10 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Anti Radiation Missile: Rudram-1

Why in News The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight tested indigenously developed Anti Radiation Missile...

10 Oct 2020 News Analysis
The Plight of Slums

The article is based on ‘Affordable housing is the solution to urban inequality, exclusion’ which was published in the ‘Hindustan...

09 Oct 2020 News Editorials
Fluoride & Iron Removal technology of CMERI

Why in News The Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) has transferred its High Flow Rate Fluoride & Iron Removal technology...

09 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Graded Response Action Plan

Why in News The Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) has directed Delhi and neighbouring States to implement air...

09 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Television Rating Points

Why in news Recently, the Mumbai Police has claimed about a scam about the manipulation of TRPs (Target Rating Points) by some TV channels by...

09 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Arctic Amplification

Why in News A team of scientists have identified iodic acid (HIO3) as a novel driver of new aerosol particle formation in the Arctic which is...

09 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Global Commons At Threat

The given article is based upon ‘Managing The Global Commons’ which was published in ‘The Hindu’ on 30/09/2020. It talks...

08 Oct 2020 News Editorials
Reforms in Exploration and Licensing Policy: Oil & Gas

Why in News The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the Policy framework on reforms in the...

08 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Ratification of 7 Persistent Organic Pollutants

Why in News The Union Cabinet has approved the ratification of seven chemicals listed under Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants...

08 Oct 2020 News Analysis
USA Aircraft Refuelling at A&N Islands

Why in News Recently, a USA Navy P-8A long range Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) landed at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands...

07 Oct 2020 News Analysis

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			'title' => '15 Years of RTI',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A report by the Satark Nagrik Sangathan and the Centre for Equity Studies has pointed out that <strong>more than 2.2 lakh <a href="/to-the-points/paper4/right-to-information-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Right to information</a></strong> cases are pending at the Central and State Information Commissions (ICs), which are the final courts of appeal under the RTI Act, 2005.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report was released on the occasion of completion of the 15 years of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-related-to-rti-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Information (RTI) Act.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Unavailability during <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> lockdown</strong>: Out of the total 29 ICs that were studied, 21 were not holding any hearings.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Even the websites of 3 ICs -Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Nagaland -were not accessible during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lockdown-extended" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown.</strong></a></li>
<li>Websites of 11 commissions out of 29, had no information/notification about the functioning of the IC during the lockdown.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduced Capacity:</strong> Of the 29 ICs, two ICs -Jharkhand and Tripura -were found to have<strong> no commissioners</strong> for varying lengths of time. They were completely defunct.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>4 were functioning without a <strong>Chief Information Commissioner</strong> -Bihar, Goa, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.</li>
<li>Under the RTI 2005 act, <strong>every commission should have a chief and up to 10 commissioners.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Delays and Backlogs:</strong> The assessment found that on average, the CIC takes 388 days (more than one year) to dispose of an appeal/complaint from the date that it was filed before the commission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The highest number of pending appeals, with over 59,000 cases were in Maharashtra, followed by Uttar Pradesh and the Central Information Commissions (CIC).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>No Penalties:</strong> The report found that the <strong>Government officials face hardly any punishment for violating the law.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Penalties were imposed in only 2.2% of cases that were disposed of, despite previous analysis showing a rate of about 59% violations which should have triggered the process of penalty imposition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It provided that the Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner (of Centre as well as States) shall hold office for such<strong> term as prescribed by the Central Government.</strong> Before this amendment, their term was fixed for 5 years.</li>
<li>It provided that the <strong>salary, allowances and other service conditions</strong> of the Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner (of Centre as well as States) shall be such<strong> as prescribed by the Central Government.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Before this amendment, the salary, allowances and other service conditions of the Chief Information Commissioner were similar to those of the Chief Election Commissioner and that of an Information Commissioner were similar to those of an Election Commissioner (State Election Commissioners in case of States).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It <strong>removed the provisions regarding deductions in salary</strong> of the Chief Information Commissioner, an Information Commissioner, the State Chief Information Commissioner and a State Information Commissioner due to pension or any other retirement benefits received by them for their previous government service.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/rti-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019</strong></a> was <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-related-to-rti-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>criticized on grounds of diluting the law and giving more powers to the central government.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Central Information Commission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Established:</strong> The Central Information Commission was established by the Central Government in 2005, under the provisions of the Right to Information Act (2005). It is <strong>not</strong> a constitutional body.</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong> The Commission consists of a<strong> Chief Information Commissioner and not more than ten Information Commissioners.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At present (2019), the Commission has <strong>six Information Commissioners</strong> apart from the Chief Information Commissioner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Appointment:</strong> They are appointed by the <strong>President</strong> on the <strong>recommendation of a committee</strong> consisting of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.</li>
<li><strong>Tenure:</strong> The Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner shall hold office for such term <strong>as prescribed by the Central Government</strong> or until they attain the age of<strong> 65 years,</strong> whichever is earlier. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are<strong> not eligible for reappointment.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Power and Functions of CIC</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the duty of the Commission to <strong>receive and inquire into a complaint</strong> from any person regarding information request under RTI, 2005.</li>
<li>The Commission can <strong>order an inquiry into any matter</strong> if there are reasonable grounds <strong>(suo-moto power).</strong></li>
<li>While inquiring, the Commission has the <strong>powers of a civil court</strong> in respect of summoning, requiring documents etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Suggestions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government must ensure<strong> the timely appointment of chiefs and members of ICs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The increasing backlog of cases is exacerbated by the fact that most Commissions are functioning at reduced capacity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is absolutely critical that all information commissions conduct<strong> timely and effective hearings and disposal</strong> of cases to ensure people can exercise their fundamental right to information.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Commissions should hold hearings telephonically. Where possible, video calls can be set up.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There should be a<strong> prioritization of cases dealing with information related to life and liberty.</strong> Information regarding matters like food distribution, social security, health and COVID 19-related issues should be proactively disclosed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Section 7(1) of the RTI Act states that information concerning the life or liberty of a person has to be supplied <strong>within 48 hours</strong> of the request being received.</li>
<li><strong>Section 4</strong> of the RTI Act requires<strong> suo motu disclosure of information</strong> by each public authority.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Urgent digitization</strong> of records and proper record management is important as lack of remote access to records in the lockdown has been widely cited as the reason for not being able to conduct hearings of appeals and complaints by commissions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Governments should put in place a mechanism for <strong>online filing of RTI applications.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The role of information commissions is crucial during Covid-19 to ensure that people can obtain information on healthcare facilities, social security programs and delivery of essential goods and services meant for those in distress.</li>
<li>If the poor and marginalised affected by the public health emergency are to have any hope of obtaining the benefits of government schemes, they must have access to relevant information.</li>
<li><strong>Democracy is all about the governance of the people, by the people and for the people.</strong> In order to achieve the third paradigm, the state needs to start acknowledging the importance of informed public and the role that it plays in the country&rsquo;s development as a nation. In this context, underlying issues related to RTI Act should be resolved, so that it can serve the<strong> information needs of society.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/at-15-rti-act-crippled-by-rising-backlog/article32827394.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'Status of Bharatmala Pariyojana',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A total of 322 projects in a length of 12,413 km have been awarded and 2921 km has been constructed under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bharatmala-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bharatmala Pariyojana</strong></a> till August 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bharatmala Pariyojana is an <strong>umbrella program for the highways sector</strong> envisaged by the <strong>Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.</strong></li>
<li>Under<strong> Phase-I of Bharatmala Pariyojana,</strong> implementation of<strong> 34,800 km of national highways in 5 years</strong> (from 2017 to 2022) has been approved at an estimated outlay of <strong>Rs. 5,35,000 crore.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nhai-achieves-highest-ever-construction-of-national-highways" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Highways Authority of India</strong></a> (NHAI) has mandated the development of about 27,500 km of national highways under Phase-I.</li>
<li>However, as per <strong>ICRA Limited</strong>, Phase-I is <strong>likely to be delayed</strong> by four years due to the prevailing <strong>uncertainty due to Covid-19</strong> and <strong>consequent impact on valuations.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>ICRA Limited is an <strong>Indian independent and professional investment information and credit rating agency.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Phase-II</strong> envisages around <strong>48,000 km of road network across India by 2024.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To <strong>optimise the efficiency of freight and passenger movement</strong> across the country by bridging critical infrastructure gaps through effective interventions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>effective interventions</strong> include the development of economic corridors, inter corridors and feeder routes, national corridor efficiency improvement, border and international connectivity roads, coastal and port connectivity roads and greenfield expressways.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/industrial-corridors-2#:~:text=Industrial%20corridors%20offer%20effective%20integration,the%2Dart%20cargo%20handling%20equipment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Corridors</strong></a>: These are<strong> integrated networks of infrastructure</strong> within a geographical area designed <strong>to stimulate economic development.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Greenfield Projects:</strong> They <strong>lack constraints imposed by prior work on the site.</strong> Typically, it entails <strong>development on a completely vacant site</strong> and architects start completely from scratch.</li>
<li><strong>Brownfield Projects:</strong> They carry <strong>constraints related to the current state of the site</strong> and <strong>might be contaminated or have existing structures</strong> that architects have to tear down or modify in some way before the project can move forward.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>To<strong> generate a large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities</strong> in the construction and infrastructure sector and also as part of the enhanced economic activity resulting from better road connectivity across the country.</li>
<li>To<strong> connect 550 districts in the country</strong> through national highway linkages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Improvement in the efficiency of existing corridors</strong> through the development of <strong>Multimodal Logistics Parks</strong> and elimination of chokepoint.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Multimodal Logistics Parks are a key<strong> policy initiative</strong> of the Government of India to <strong>improve the country's logistics sector</strong> by lowering overall freight costs, reducing vehicular pollution and congestion, and cutting warehousing costs.</li>
<li>A chokepoint is a single point through which all incoming and outgoing network traffic is funnelled and hence, leads to congestion and traffic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Enhance focus on<strong> improving connectivity in North East</strong> and <strong>leveraging synergies with Inland Waterways.</strong></li>
<li>Emphasis on the use of <strong>scientific and technological planning</strong> for Project Preparation and Asset Monitoring.</li>
<li><strong>Satellite mapping of corridors</strong> to identify up-gradation requirements.</li>
<li><strong>Delegation of powers to expedite project delivery</strong> for successful completion of Phase I by 2022.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Project Categories:</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602494683_image%200.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602494683_image 0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1663471" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'South Asia Economic Focus Report: World Bank',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> has recently released its biennial <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/contraction-in-gdp-of-india-in-2020-21-world-bank" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South Asia Economic Focus report</strong></a>. The fall 2020 edition is titled &ldquo;Beaten or Broken? Informality and Covid-19&rdquo;.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.</li>
<li>The report predicts that the extended closure of schools amid the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong> </a>could <strong>dent India&rsquo;s future earnings</strong> by anywhere between 420 billion USD and 600 billion USD, as depleted learning levels of students will translate into <strong>poorer productivity</strong> going forward.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Impact on Education:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Around 5.5<strong> million students could drop out of schools</strong> across South Asia.</li>
<li><strong>391 million students</strong> have been kept out of school in primary and secondary education due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown.</strong></a></li>
<li>Dropouts, combined with substantial learning losses for those who remain enrolled in schools, would <strong>cost South Asia as much as 622 billion USD</strong> in future earnings and gross domestic product.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The regional loss is<strong> largely driven by India,</strong> all countries will lose substantial shares of their GDP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The projected learning loss for the region is<strong> 0.5 years of learning-adjusted years of schooling (LAYS)</strong> at present.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>LAYS combines quantity and quality of schooling into a single easy-to-understand metric of progress.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Due to the closure of schools, not only the learning process has been obstructed but the children may have <strong>forgotten their previous learnings.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The average child in South Asia may lose 4,400 USD in lifetime earnings once having entered the labour market, equivalent to <strong>5% of total earnings.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Engaging children through remote learning programmes had been difficult, despite most governments&rsquo; best efforts to mitigate the impact of school closures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602489728_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602489728_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Impacts on Economy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Impact on Informal Sector:</strong> The report has flagged damage to businesses, consumption patterns and imposed social hardship on poor and vulnerable households, especially <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-migrants-and-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>urban migrants</strong> </a>and informal workers in the South Asia region. It has also warned against<strong> far-reaching consequences</strong> apart from these immediate impacts.</li>
<li><strong>GDP:</strong> The regional GDP of the South Asia region is estimated to contract by 7.7% in 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product</a></strong> (GDP) can contract by 9.6% in 2020-21.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Labour productivity:</strong> It will also take a greater hit from Covid-19 than most previous natural disasters. <strong>Reasons</strong> for the decrease in labour productivity are as follows:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Globalization:</strong> The increased integration of the global economy will amplify the adverse impact of Covid-19. Effect on supply chains, export-import and international migration of labour will affect labour productivity.</li>
<li><strong>Capacity underutilization:</strong> Contagion prevention and physical distancing may render some activities, for example, the hospitality sector, unviable unless they are radically transformed, which will take time. Even in less directly affected sectors such as manufacturing, banking and business, severe capacity underutilisation lowers total factor productivity.</li>
<li><strong>Disruptions to training, schooling and other education:</strong> These may occur due to severe income losses as well as lack of access to training and education facilities. Even once restrictions are lifted, the impediment of training will also lower human capital and labour productivity over the long term.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Related Reports:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-report-on-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-children" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Report on the Impact of Covid-19 on Children</strong></a> estimated that almost <strong>24 million children could drop out</strong> or not have access to school next year due to the <strong>economic impact of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19.</a></strong></li>
<li>Earlier this year, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-education-monitoring-report-2020-unesco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the Global Education Monitoring Report, 2020</strong></a> was released by UNESCO which highlighted that the <strong>Covid-19 had worsened the inequalities in education systems</strong> worldwide.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To avoid the outcome of the pandemic, progress on three fronts is required: <strong>Information, Solidarity</strong> and <strong>Action.</strong></li>
<li>It is critical that education is at the heart of international solidarity efforts, from<strong> debt management</strong> and<strong> stimulus packages</strong> to <strong>global humanitarian appeals </strong>and <strong>official development assistance.</strong></li>
<li>It is the time to <strong>step up international solidarity for children and humanity&mdash;</strong> and to lay the foundations for a deeper transformation of the way we nurture and invest in our world&rsquo;s youngest generation.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> as a lower-middle-income country needs to use education as an equalizer for its widespread socioeconomic inequalities. Focus on increasing the education budget in the New<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-education-policy-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Education Policy</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/right-to-internet-access-and-digital-literacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>decreasing the digital divide</strong> </a>are welcome steps to achieve this goal.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/school-closure-may-cost-india-dear/article32828676.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/south-asia-economic-focus-report-world-bank'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Hurricane Delta',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Hurricane Delta made landfall in the <strong>USA state of Louisiana,</strong> which is still recovering from the damage caused by a<strong> previous <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-laura#:~:text=Key%20Points,and%20bring%20down%20power%20lines." target="_blank" rel="noopener">hurricane (Laura)</a></strong> in August 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Hurricane Delta is the <strong>10<sup>th</sup> named storm</strong> to make USA landfall so far this year, breaking a record that has stood since 1916.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the scientists, <strong>global warming</strong> is a major cause behind rapidly intensifying Atlantic hurricanes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Delta is also the<strong> first Greek alphabet named hurricane</strong> on record to make landfall in continental USA.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>When a very active hurricane season occurs and the list is exhausted, <strong>the Greek alphabet is used</strong> (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, Theta, etc).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It hit Louisiana as a <strong>Category 2 hurricane,</strong> but weakened to a Category 1 as it moved inland.</li>
<li><strong>Hurricanes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Hurricanes are the <strong>biggest and most violent storms</strong> on the planet.</li>
<li><strong>Every year, between June and November</strong> they hit the<strong> Caribbean,</strong> the <strong>Gulf of Mexico</strong> and the <strong>eastern coast of the United States,</strong> sometimes leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.</li>
<li>In the <strong>western North Pacific,</strong> they are called <strong>"typhoons".</strong></li>
<li>In the <strong>Bay of Bengal</strong> and <strong>Arabian Sea,</strong> they are called <strong>"cyclones".</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>Australia,</strong> they are called<strong> &ldquo;Willy-Willy&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Formation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A hurricane <strong>starts out as a tropical disturbance.</strong> This is an area over warm ocean waters where rain clouds are building.</li>
<li>A tropical disturbance sometimes <strong>grows into a tropical depression.</strong> This is an area of <strong>rotating thunderstorms</strong> with winds of 62 km/hr or less.</li>
<li>A<strong> tropical depression becomes a tropical storm</strong> if its winds reach 63 km/hr.</li>
<li>A tropical storm <strong>becomes a hurricane</strong> if its winds reach 119 km/hr.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602488800_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602488800_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Category of Hurricanes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Hurricanes can be classified in <strong>five categories</strong> depending on the sustained wind speeds.</li>
<li>In the Atlantic, the <strong>Saffir-Simpson wind scale</strong> is used to measure their destructive power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Parts of a Hurricane:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602488904_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602488904_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Eye:</strong> The eye is the "hole" at the center of the storm. Winds are light in this area. Skies are partly cloudy, and sometimes even clear.</li>
<li><strong>Eye Wall:</strong> The eye wall is a ring of thunderstorms. These storms swirl around the eye. The <strong>wall is where winds are strongest and rain is heaviest.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Rain Bands:</strong> Bands of clouds and rain go far out from a hurricane's eye wall. These bands stretch for hundreds of miles. They contain thunderstorms and sometimes tornadoes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Naming:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Each year, tropical storms are named in <strong>alphabetical order.</strong> The names come from a list of names for that year. There are <strong>six lists of names.</strong> Lists are<strong> reused every six years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/hurricane-delta-makes-landfall-in-southwestern-louisiana-6719310/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-delta'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Malnutrition and Covid-19',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article has been taken from <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/malnutrition-the-silent-pandemic-6610858/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Malnutrition - the silent pandemic&lsquo;</strong> </a>which was published in &lsquo;The Indian Express&rsquo; on 25/09/2020. It focuses upon how the pandemic has worsened the problem of Malnutrition.</p>
</div>
<p>While malnutrition already remains as the predominant risk factor for child deaths and total disability- adjusted life years, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>COVID-19</strong></a> has pushed back our efforts on ending malnutrition, which plagues India's children.</p>
<p>There is a real risk that, as nations strive to control the virus, the gains made in reducing hunger and malnutrition will be lost. The need for more equitable, resilient and sustainable food and health systems has never been more urgent.</p>
<h3>Malnutrition</h3>
<p>Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person&rsquo;s intake of energy and/or nutrients. The term malnutrition addresses 3 broad groups of conditions:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Undernutrition,</strong> which includes wasting (low weight-for-height), stunting (low height-for-age) and underweight (low weight-for-age).</li>
<li><strong>Micronutrient-related malnutrition,</strong> which includes micronutrient deficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals) or micronutrient excess;</li>
<li><strong>Overweight,</strong> obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers).</li>
</ul>
<p>Globally, at least 1 in 3 children under 5 is undernourished or overweight and at least 1 in 2 children suffer from <strong>hidden hunger.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Hidden Hunger</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Hidden hunger is a lack of vitamins and minerals.</li>
<li>It occurs when the quality of food people eat does not meet the nutrient requirements. The food is deficient in micronutrients such as the vitamins and minerals that are needed for their growth and development.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Causes of Malnutrition</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Food &amp; nutrition insecurity:</strong> Increased food and nutrition insecurity has severely weakened the immune system of people contributing to poor growth &amp; intellectual impairment and has lowered human capital and development prospects</li>
<li><strong>Inequity:</strong> Inequity is a cause of malnutrition &mdash; both under-nutrition and overweight, obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Inequities in food and health systems exacerbate inequalities in nutrition outcomes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Dietary Intake:</strong> Inadequate dietary intake and disease are directly responsible for undernutrition, but multiple indirect determinants exacerbate these causes. These include-
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Food insecurity</li>
<li>Inadequate childcare practices</li>
<li>Low maternal education</li>
<li>Poor access to health services</li>
<li>Lack of access to clean water and sanitation</li>
<li>Poor hygiene practices</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Covid-19 and Malnutrition</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The nationwide lockdown has disrupted access to essential services, including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mid-day-meal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mid-Day Meals</strong></a>, which are not only a nutritional measure to supplement some portion of a child&rsquo;s calorie needs but is also a tool to access education.</li>
<li>Through a concurrent rapid needs assessment, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/childhood-index" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Save the Children</strong></a> found that around 40% of eligible children have not received mid-day meal during the lockdown.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Malnutrition and India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global Nutrition Report-2020:</strong> As per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-nutrition-report-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Nutrition Report 2020</strong></a>, India is among 88 countries that are likely to miss global nutrition targets by 2025.</li>
<li><strong>Malnourished children in India:</strong> Malnutrition in India accounts for 68% of total under-five deaths and 17% of the total disability- adjusted life years.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India is home to about 30% of the world&rsquo;s stunted children and nearly 50 per cent of severely wasted children under the age of five.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>FAO estimates:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-22nd-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)</strong> </a>estimates that 194.4 million people in India (about 14.5% of the total population) are undernourished.</li>
<li><strong>Global Hunger Index-2019:</strong> India ranks 102 out of 117 countries in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-hunger-index-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Hunger Index 2019.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Wasting rate:</strong> India&rsquo;s wasting rate is extremely high at 20.8% &mdash; the highest wasting rate of any country.</li>
<li><strong>Nutrition interventions:</strong> They are not sufficient to tackle the problem of undernutrition: Even at 90% coverage, the core set of proven nutrition-specific interventions would only decrease stunting by 20 per cent.</li>
<li><strong>Covid-19:</strong> Covid-19 has posed serious threats to children and their health and nutritional rights.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to recent estimates, even in the best possible scenario and accounting for changes in the provision of essential health and nutrition services due to COVID-19, India could have around additional 60,000 child deaths (around 3,00,000 in the worst-case scenario) in the next six months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Malnutrition and Undernutrition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person&rsquo;s intake of energy and/or nutrients.</li>
<li>The term malnutrition covers <strong>two broad groups of conditions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Undernutrition&mdash;</strong>which includes <strong>stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age)</strong> and<strong> micronutrient deficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Obesity&mdash;</strong> which includes<strong> overweight and diet-related noncommunicable diseases</strong> (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Measures Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-food-day#:~:text=World%20Food%20Day%20is%20observed,people%20while%20nurturing%20the%20planet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Food Day</a>:</strong> it is observed annually on October 16 to address the problem of global hunger.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/poshan-abhiyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>POSHAN Abhiyaan</strong></a>: The government of India had launched the National Nutrition Mission (NNM) or <strong>POSHAN Abhiyaan</strong> to ensure a &ldquo;Malnutrition Free India&rdquo; by 2022.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/anaemia-in-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a>: Launched in 2018, the mission aims at accelerating the annual rate of decline of anaemia from one to three percentage points.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/midday-meal-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mid-day Meal (MDM) scheme</strong></a>: aims to improve nutritional levels among school children which also has a direct and positive impact on enrolment, retention and attendance in schools.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/one-nation-one-ration-card-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013</strong></a>: aims to ensure food and nutrition security for the most vulnerables through its associated schemes and programmes, making access to food a legal right.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-matru-vandana-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)</strong></a>: Rs.6,000 is transferred directly to the bank accounts of pregnant women for availing better facilities for their delivery.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/malnutrition-in-india-1#:~:text=Integrated%20Child%20Development%20Services%20(ICDS)%20Scheme&amp;text=It%20provides%20a%20package%20of,check%2Dup%20and%20referral%20services" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme</strong></a>: launched in 1975, the scheme aims at providing food, preschool education, primary healthcare, immunization, health check-up and referral services to children under 6 years of age and their mothers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps That Can Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a need to explore possible solutions and put forward key policy and programme proposals for the integrated management of acute malnutrition and mitigating the impact of<strong> Covid-19.</strong></li>
<li>For easy and sustained access to nutritious food, the spotlight back should be brought back on locally-available, low-cost nutritious food.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also more encouragement should be given to maternal, infant and young child nutrition actions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Strategies like &lsquo;take-home ration&rsquo; and &lsquo;mid-day meal service&rsquo; to ensure the continuation of services and coverage of the most vulnerable communities, especially in urban areas. Child-sensitive social protection schemes, like <strong>Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna (PMMVY),</strong> need to be implemented in a way so that they reach the last child.</li>
<li>Strict measures are needed to ensure that the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Distribution System (PDS)</strong></a> is accessible to all, especially the vulnerable population.</li>
<li>The use of newer technologies in service delivery, data management, evidence generation and real-time monitoring should be encouraged for maximum use in these processes.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Nutrition is not a peripheral concern rather a central to our existence; a pro-equity agenda that mainstreams nutrition into food systems and health systems, supported by strong financing and accountability is the greatest need.</li>
<li>Only five years are left to meet the 2025 global nutrition targets, while the time is running out, the focus should be on an action that provides the maximum impact.</li>
<li>Given the range of drivers of nutrition, spanning multiple sectors of agriculture, social protection, health and education, tackling undernutrition demands a multi-sectoral response.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602328535_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602328535_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #edf2ff;">
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Any country cannot aim to attain economic and social development goals without addressing the issue of malnutrition&rdquo;. In light of the statement, discuss the multi-sectoral dimensions of malnutrition in India and how to address them.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3WNGJIv2aWs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/trouble-in-the-air-120100801708_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Trouble in the Air</strong></a> which was published in the &lsquo;Business Standard&rsquo; on October 08, 2020. Now watch this on our youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/malnutrition-and-covid-19'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Protests to Coup: Kyrgyzstan',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Protesters in Kyrgyzstan have <strong>captured key government buildings,</strong> including the <strong>Parliament</strong> house and the <strong>presidential office</strong> and the situation is like a coup.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong> Kyrgyzstan, often referred to as Central Asia&rsquo;s <strong>only democracy,</strong> had seen violent anti-government protests in the past.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2005 and 2010, sitting presidents were forced out of office in popular protests- <strong>&lsquo;Tulip&rsquo;</strong> and <strong>&lsquo;Melon&rsquo;</strong> revolutions.</li>
<li>The <strong>current protests</strong> began after <strong>early results of the parliamentary election</strong> were announced.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Political parties in Kyrgyzstan should win at least 7% of the popular vote to enter Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The results showed that <strong>only four parties managed to cross the threshold</strong> and of which, <strong>three</strong> were<strong> pro-government</strong> parties.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The only <strong>one opposition party</strong> could cross the threshold.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason for the protest:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Even before the election, political fault lines were sharpening in Kyrgyzstan.</li>
<li>The country&rsquo;s main political party, the Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK), stayed out of the election due to intra-party rift and split.</li>
<li>Several political leaders were detained and elections were perceived as rigged.</li>
<li>Consequently, after elections, protestors formed a <strong>Coordination Council</strong> to lead the &ldquo;revolution&rdquo;. The country&rsquo;s Election Commission annulled the results, but the protesters continued.</li>
<li><strong>Official View:</strong> Opposition&rsquo;s intention is to instigate a political coup.</li>
<li><strong>The Opposition&rsquo;s View:</strong> The elections were rigged which made people protest against the establishment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Kyrgyzstan&rsquo;s importance:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602324937_image0.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602324937_image0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been key to the strategic plans of both Russia and China.</li>
<li><strong>Russia</strong> considers the region as its backyard and plays hard politics to retain its influence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Kyrgyzstan is a member of the Russia-led <strong>Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>CSTO</strong> is a Russia-led military alliance of six former Soviet states that was created in 2002.</li>
<li>Its aim is to ensure the collective defence of any member that faces external aggression.</li>
<li><strong>Members of CSTO:</strong> Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation and Tajikistan</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While Russia has cultivated strong ties with all political factions in Kyrgyzstan, radical political changes could throw up opportunities for its rivals.</li>
<li><strong>Belarus,</strong> another country in Russia&rsquo;s backyard with a pro-Russia President, is already witnessing political turmoil after August&rsquo;s Presidential election.</li>
<li>In the South Caucasus, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/armenia-azerbaijan-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan</strong></a>, both former Soviet Republics, over Nagorno-Karabakh, risks dragging Russia into a conflict that Russia doesn&rsquo;t want.</li>
<li>All three combined, Russia&rsquo;s attempts to build stronger political and economic integration with the former Soviet region are suddenly facing critical challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China-</strong> This landlocked Central Asian country that<strong> shares a long border with China.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is located at the centre of Eurasia, is a vital link in its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative.</strong></a></li>
<li>In 2019, Chinese President visited Bishkek (capital)- shows close link with the current establishment.</li>
<li>China has built road and rail networks with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>USA:</strong> During the early stages of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/us-taliban-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Afghan war</strong></a>, the USA had used Kyrgyzstan for refuelling and other logistical purposes. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The USA base was shut down in 2014 by Parliament.</li>
<li>A regime change can be favourable for the USA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Kyrgyzstan</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has enjoyed strong bilateral ties with Kyrgyzstan since <strong>1991.</strong></li>
<li>India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with Kyrgyzstan in 1992.</li>
<li>Since 1992, the two countries have many agreements, including on Culture, Trade and Economic Cooperation, Civil Aviation, Investment Promotion and Protection, Avoidance of Double Taxation, Consular Convention etc.</li>
<li><strong>In 2011, the joint &lsquo;Khanjar&rsquo; series of exercises was started.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Indian diaspora in Kyrgyzstan-</strong> about 9,000 Indian students are studying medicine in various medical institutions in the country. Also, there are many businessmen living in Kyrgyzstan who are involved in trade and several other services there.</li>
<li><strong>Strategic:</strong> The Kyrgyz leaderships have been<strong> largely supportive of India&rsquo;s stand on Kashmir.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They also support India&rsquo;s bid for a<strong> permanent seat at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNSC</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Departure from a Democratic Regime may bring uncertainty for India&rsquo;s interests.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Due to the strategic importance of the country, other nations with interest in the new regime may interfere. This must not form <strong>another zone of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cold war</a>.</strong> The process must be <strong>Kyrgyz-led and Kyrgyz-owned</strong> for long-term stability.</li>
<li>India can have a word in order to support the democratic and peaceful political system in Kyrgyzstan.</li>
<li>Also, India can explore the communication with the potential political factions in Kyrgyzstan that can form the government in Kyrgyzstan.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/the-hindu-explains-whats-happening-in-kyrgyzstan/article32812356.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/protests-to-coup-kyrgyzstan'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'GDP Revival Forecast: RBI',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Monetary Policy Committee</strong> of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> has announced the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>extension of its accommodative policy stance</strong></a> for the rest of this year as well as 2021-22 and forecasted a GDP revival in coming months.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>RBI had previously introduced a number of measures in its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/monetary-policy-report-rbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Monetary Policy Report</strong> </a>for dealing with the Covid-19 induced economic setback.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Decisions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>RBI has kept <strong>key policy rates unchanged to revive growth</strong> of the economy and mitigate the economic impact of Covid-19 pandemic.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> Repo and reverse repo rate unchanged</strong> at 4% and 3.35% respectively because of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/inflation-data-august-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>high inflation.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Risk weights,</strong> i,e, the capital required to be set aside on individual home loans, have been relaxed and the <strong>loan limit</strong> for retail and small business borrowers have been raised.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This would give a boost to the <strong>job-intensive real estate sector</strong> that has been suffering in the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)</strong> will be available round the clock.</li>
<li><strong>Targeted <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/open-market-operations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Long Term Repo Operations</a> (TLTRO)</strong> of Rs 1,00,000 crore for the revival of specific sectors, and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/special-open-market-operations-by-rbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Open Market Operations</strong></a> <strong>(OMOs)</strong> for <strong>State Development Loans (SDLs)</strong> have been announced.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will assure market participants of <strong>access to liquidity and easy finance conditions.</strong></li>
<li>Long Term Reverse Repo Operation (LTRO) is a mechanism to<strong> facilitate the transmission of monetary policy</strong> actions and the flow of credit to the economy. This helps in<strong> injecting liquidity in the banking system.</strong></li>
<li>Open Market Operations (OMO) is one of the <strong>quantitative</strong> monetary policy tools which is <strong>employed by the central bank of a country to control the money supply in the economy.</strong></li>
<li>OMOs are conducted by the RBI by way of <strong>sale or purchase of government securities (g-secs)</strong> to adjust money supply conditions.</li>
<li>The central bank sells g-secs to commercial banks to remove liquidity from the system and buys back g-secs to infuse liquidity into the system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602327462_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602327462_image3.png" width="776" caption="false" height="262" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Forecasts:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>GDP Revival</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Real gross domestic product (GDP)</strong></a> in FY21 will fall by 9.5%.</li>
<li>GDP growth may break out of contraction and <strong>enter a positive zone by Q4</strong> of the current fiscal year (2020-21)</li>
<li>Starting from a modest recovery the economic activity is expected to gain traction in Q3.</li>
<li>The real GDP growth in 2020-21 is expected to be negative at -9.8% in Q2 of 2020-21,-5.6% in Q3 and 0.5% in Q4.</li>
<li>Real GDP is likely to grow by 20.6% in the Q1 of 2021-22.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Decline in Inflation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Inflation is expected to decline in the next 3 months and is likely to ease to the projected target of around 4% (within a band of +/- 2%) by Q4 of FY&rsquo;21.</li>
<li>Supply chain disruptions is the major factor driving up inflation. As supply chains are restored, the inflation would come down.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/inflation-data-august-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>retail inflation growth was 6.69%</strong></a>, as of<strong> August 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restart of Economy</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The economy is likely to witness a three-speed recovery i.e. individual sectors showing varying paces with <strong>fastest, modest and slowest</strong> recovery rates.</li>
<li>Apart from agriculture, sectors such as fast-moving consumer goods, automobiles, pharma and power would revive first.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Monetary Policy Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Monetary Policy Committee is a<strong> statutory</strong> and institutionalized framework under the <strong>Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934,</strong> for maintaining price stability, while keeping in mind the objective of growth.</li>
<li>The <strong>Governor of RBI</strong> is <strong>ex-officio Chairman</strong> of the committee.</li>
<li>The committee comprises<strong> six members (including the Chairman)</strong> - three officials of the RBI and three external members nominated by the Government of India.</li>
<li>Decisions are taken by majority with the Governor having the <strong>casting vote in case of a tie.</strong></li>
<li>The MPC determines the policy interest rate (repo rate) required to achieve the inflation target (4%).</li>
<li>An RBI-appointed committee led by the then deputy governor Urjit Patel in 2014 recommended the establishment of the Monetary Policy Committee.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Repo Rate and Reverse Report Rate</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the <strong>rate at which the central bank of a country (Reserve Bank of India in case of India) lends money to commercial banks</strong> in the event of any shortfall of funds.</li>
<li>It is used by monetary authorities to<strong> control inflation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the event of inflation, central banks increase the repo rate as this acts as a disincentive for banks to borrow from the central bank. This ultimately reduces the money supply in the economy and thus helps in arresting inflation.</li>
<li>The central bank takes the contrary position in the event of a fall in inflationary pressures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Ideally, a low repo rate <strong>should translate into low-cost loans for the general masses.</strong> When the RBI slashes its repo rate, it expects the banks to lower their interest rates charged on loans.</li>
<li><strong>Reverse repo rate</strong> is the rate at which the RBI borrows money from commercial banks within the country.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/rbi-keeps-lending-rates-unchanged/article32810230.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/gdp-revival-forecast-rbi'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'SC on NCPCR’s Repatriation Request',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> has sought a response from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/children-abandoning-education-in-mica-mining-districts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)</strong></a>, to its request to eight States for immediate repatriation of children living in care homes with their families.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Repatriation Request:</strong> The NCPCR requested to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Mizoram, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Meghalaya for repatriation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These States combinedly have 1.84 lakh children in care homes.</li>
<li>This accounts for over 70% of the children in care homes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Activism:</strong> The court is<strong> suo motu</strong> monitoring the condition and welfare of children placed in care homes across the country during the pandemic.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The active role of the judiciary, even in the executive or legislative sphere, for upholding the rights of citizens and preserving the constitution is known as judicial activism.</li>
<li>The court questioned if the NCPCR could issue such general directions to the States without considering the education, health, safety of the children, the consent of their parents and their economical situation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>On individual basis:</strong> Repatriation ought to be considered on an individual basis for child safety.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sovereignty-unconstrained-right#:~:text=An%20amicus%20curiae%20(literally%2C%20%22,the%20issues%20in%20the%20case." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>amicus curiae</strong></a> (&ldquo;friend of the court&rdquo; - one who assists the court advice regarding questions of law or fact ), the NCPCR direction violated the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gom-reviews-amendments-to-the-jj-act-2015" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Juvenile Justice Act of 2015</strong></a> since the pandemic would make a child more vulnerable to domestic abuse.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, comprehensively addresses children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection.</li>
<li>As per the <strong>Section 27(1) of the Act,</strong> Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) are to be constituted by State Government by notification in the Official Gazette for every district, for exercising the powers and to discharge the duties conferred on such Committees in relation to children in need of care and protection under JJ Act, 2015.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NCPCR&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> The NCPCR, suggested the need for a child to grow up in a familial environment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, in an April 2020 order, the court had directed juvenile authorities to &ldquo;proactively consider whether a child or children should be kept in the child care institutions considering the best interest, health and safety concerns&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Child Care Homes:</strong> The children being taken in<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/survey-of-child-care-institutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> child care homes</strong></a>, are not only those who are orphans/abandoned children, but also children <strong>hailing from downtrodden/financially unstable families.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, if there is any child who is either being brought up by a single parent or comes from a family which is not able to bring up the child properly, then that child can avail all the facilities at a care home.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The facilities for children like individual bedding, proper nutrition and diet, toys, hygiene and maintenance of the CCI/Homes, sufficient water, health check-ups, educational facilities based on the age and special needs of the child.</li>
<li>All the children in these care homes are required to study in nearby government schools.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Commission for Protection of Child Rights</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NCPCR is a<strong> statutory body</strong> set up in <strong>March 2007</strong> under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.</li>
<li>It is under the<strong> administrative control of the Ministry of Women &amp; Child Development.</strong></li>
<li>The Commission's mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programmes, and administrative mechanisms are in consonance with the child rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.</li>
<li>It inquires into <strong>complaints</strong> relating to a child's right to free and compulsory education under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aser-report-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Education Act, 2009.</strong></a></li>
<li>It monitors the implementation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-approved-changes-to-pocso-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.</strong> </a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Individual case basis of repatriation is a reasonable step to begin with.</li>
<li>Meanwhile there must be strengthened monitoring of child care institutions regarding the proper facilities.</li>
<li>Elements of sensitivity can be inducted with training in the staff at child care homes so as to understand the needs of children.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-questions-ncpcr-on-children-repatriation/article32812837.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/sc-on-ncpcr-s-repatriation-request'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Increased Election Campaign Broadcast Time',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Election Commission of India</strong></a> (ECI) has increased the broadcast time allotted to <strong>recognised political parties</strong> on <strong>Doordarshan and All India Radio</strong> to aid campaigning for elections to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar, 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Broadcast Timings:</strong> A base time of <strong>90 minutes</strong> will be given to <strong>each</strong> national party and recognised state party of Bihar uniformly on the regional kendras of <strong>Doordarshan</strong> network and <strong>All India Radio</strong> network in Bihar.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>No party will be given more than <strong>30 minutes</strong> in a single broadcast session.</li>
<li>Any additional time (beyond the basic 90 minutes) will be given to a party based on its electoral performance in the last Assembly election in 2015.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Broadcast Period:</strong> The period of broadcast will be between the last date of filing nominations and two days before the date of polling in Bihar.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The Prasar Bharati Corporation</strong> in consultation with the ECI will decide the actual date and time for broadcast and telecast.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Prasar Bharati</strong> is India's largest public broadcasting agency. It is a<strong> statutory autonomous</strong> body set up by the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990 and comprises the Doordarshan Television Network and All India Radio, which were earlier media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The parties will be required to <strong>submit transcripts</strong> and <strong>recordings</strong> in advance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In addition to the broadcast by parties, the Prasar Bharati Corporation will organise a maximum of <strong>four panel discussions and/or debates</strong> on the Kendra/Station of Doordarshan/ All India Radio.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Each eligible party can nominate one representative to such a programme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> With the pandemic restricting movement and maintenance of safety for the people and party workers through <strong>non-contact-based campaign.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can act as an <strong>experimental step to reduce the expenditure on physical campaigning.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Types of Parties</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Election Commission of India</strong> lists political parties as &ldquo;national party&rdquo;, &ldquo;state party&rdquo; or &ldquo;registered (unrecognised) party&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The conditions for being listed as a national or a state party are specified under the <strong>Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Conditions for recognized parties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>National Party:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>6% valid votes polled in any four or more states at a general election to the Lok Sabha or to the State legislative assembly; and, in addition, it wins four seats in the Lok Sabha from any state or states.</li>
<li>2% of all Lok Sabha seats in the last such election, with MPs elected from at least three states.</li>
<li>Recognition as a state party in at least four states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State Party:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Two seats plus a 6% vote share in the last Assembly election in that state.</li>
<li>One seat plus a 6% vote share in the last Lok Sabha election from that state.</li>
<li>3% of the total Assembly seats or 3 seats, whichever is more.</li>
<li>One of every 25 Lok Sabha seats (or an equivalent fraction) from a state.</li>
<li>An 8% state-wide vote share in either the last Lok Sabha or the last Assembly polls.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Loss of Recognised Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Once recognised as a national or a state party, a political party loses its given status only if it fails to fulfil any of the conditions for two successive Assembly and two successive Lok Sabha elections.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>That means a party retains that status irrespective of its performance in the next elections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ec-increases-broadcast-time-for-parties-on-dd-air-6718928/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-election-campaign-broadcast-time'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Kastoori Cotton',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Union Minister for Textiles unveiled a brand and a logo for<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-cotton-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indian cotton</strong></a> recently on the occasion of 2<sup>nd</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-cotton-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Cotton Day</strong></a> on 7<sup>th</sup> October 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The branding, <strong>Kasturi Cotton,</strong> would initially be applicable to long-staple cotton that is grown in India and meets prescribed standards.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602316468_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602316468_image2.png" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>World Cotton Day</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Theme for World Cotton Day, 2020:</strong> Cotton: The Fibre that Moves Me</li>
<li><strong>Launched:</strong> By World Trade Organisation in 2019 on the initiative of <strong>Cotton-4 (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali).</strong></li>
<li><strong>In Collaboration with:</strong> United Nations <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-22nd-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food and Agriculture Organization</strong></a> (FAO), the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-investment-report-unctad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Conference on Trade and Development</strong> </a>(UNCTAD), the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-msme-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Trade Centre</strong></a> (ITC) and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cotton</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Kharif Crop</strong> which requires 6 to 8 months to mature.</li>
<li><strong>Drought &ndash; resistant</strong> crop ideal for arid climates.</li>
<li><strong>Occupies 2.1%</strong> of the world&rsquo;s arable land, meets <strong>27%</strong> of the world&rsquo;s textiles need.</li>
<li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Between 21-30&deg;C.</li>
<li><strong>Rainfall:</strong> Around 50-100cm.</li>
<li><strong>Soil Type:</strong> Well-drained <strong>black cotton soil (Regur Soil)</strong> (E.g. Soil of Deccan Plateau)</li>
<li><strong>Products:</strong> fibre, oil and animal feed.</li>
<li><strong>Top Cotton Producing Countries:</strong> China &gt; India &gt; USA</li>
<li><strong>Top Cotton Producing States in India</strong>: Gujarat &gt; Maharashtra &gt; Telangana &gt; Andhra Pradesh &gt; Rajasthan.</li>
<li><strong>Four cultivated species</strong> of cotton: <em>Gossypium arboreum, G.herbaceum, G.hirsutum and G.barbadense.</em><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><em><strong>Gossypium arboreum and G.herbaceum</strong></em> are known as <strong>old-world cotton</strong> or <strong>Asiatic cotton.</strong></li>
<li>G.hirsutum is also known as <strong>American cotton or upland cotton</strong> and G.barbadense as <strong>Egyptian cotton.</strong> These are both <strong>new world cotton species.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hybrid Cotton:</strong> Cotton made by crossing two parent strains that have different genetic characters. Hybrids are often <strong>spontaneously and randomly created in nature</strong> when open-pollinated plants naturally cross-pollinate with other related varieties.</li>
<li><strong>Bt Cotton:</strong> It is a genetically modified organism or genetically modified pest-resistant variety of cotton.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cotton in India</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cotton is an important<strong> fibre and cash crop</strong> which plays a dominant role in the industrial and agricultural economy of India.</li>
<li>India is the&nbsp;<strong>largest producer of cotton</strong> in the world and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/the-decline-in-cotton-exports" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>third largest exporter</strong></a>. It is also the <strong>largest consumer of cotton</strong> in the world.</li>
<li>The pest-resistant <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/impacts-of-bt-cotton" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Genetically Modified (GM) Bt cotton hybrids</strong> </a>have captured the Indian market (covering over<strong> 95%</strong> of the area under cotton) since their <strong>introduction in 2002.</strong></li>
<li>India produces about 6 million tons of cotton every year which is about 23% of the world cotton.</li>
<li>India produces about 51% of the<strong> total organic cotton production</strong> of the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Government Initiatives for Cotton</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Food Security Mission-Commercial Crops (NFSM-CC):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the <strong>12<sup>th</sup> Five Year Plan,</strong> under the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-security-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NFSM</strong></a>, a cropping system approach is being adopted by including commercial crops like cotton, jute and sugarcane.</li>
<li>Cotton Development Programme (CDP), launched in 2014-15 is being implemented under NFSM-CC for enhancing production and productivity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/apeda-trifed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)</strong></a> under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has prescribed a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/organic-food-regulatory-system-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>certification system for organic Cotton</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)</strong> has developed a mobile application called<strong> &ldquo;Cott-Ally&rdquo;</strong> to provide the latest news on weather conditions, the crop situation and best farm practices.</li>
<li>CCI has also opened 430 procurement centres in all cotton-growing states and payments are being made digitally to farmers&rsquo; accounts within 72 hours.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Cotton Corporation of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CCI was established in 1970 under the administrative control of the <strong>Ministry of Textiles</strong> as a <strong>Public Sector Undertaking</strong> under the<strong> Companies Act 1956.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra)</li>
<li><strong>Role:</strong> To undertake price support operations, whenever the market prices of cotton fall below the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/minimum-support-price" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Minimum Support Prices (MSP)</strong></a> announced by Govt. of India, without any quantitative limit.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Cotton Research</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Central Institute for Cotton Research</strong> has campuses in Nagpur in Maharashtra state and Sirsa in Haryana state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a central research institute established by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-council-of-agricultural-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) .</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology is situated in Mumbai.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/indian-cotton-gets-kasturi-branding-logo/article32816396.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/kastoori-cotton'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Anti Radiation Missile: Rudram-1',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)</strong></a> has successfully flight tested<strong> indigenously developed Anti Radiation Missile (Rudram-1).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Anti Radiation Missiles:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> These are designed to detect, track and <strong>neutralise the adversary&rsquo;s radar, communication assets</strong> and other<strong> radio frequency sources,</strong> which are generally part of their air defence systems. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These can locate and target<strong> any radiation emitting source.</strong></li>
<li>These can play a <strong>key role in neutralising any jamming platforms of the enemy</strong> or take out radar stations thereby <strong>clearing a path for own fighters to carry out an offensive </strong>and<strong> also prevent own systems from being jammed.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Components:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Inertial navigation system:</strong> A computerised mechanism that uses changes in the object&rsquo;s own position &mdash; coupled with GPS, which is satellite-based.</li>
<li><strong>'Passive homing head' for Guidance:</strong> A system that can detect, classify and engage targets (radio frequency sources in this case) over a wide band of frequencies as programmed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Rudram-1:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Development and Test:</strong> It is an <strong>air-to-surface missile,</strong> designed and <strong>developed by</strong> the <strong>DRDO.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>DRDO conducted a successful test of the <strong>New Generation Anti Radiation Missile (NGRAM)</strong> also called the <strong>Rudram-1</strong> at the <strong>Integrated Test Range (ITR)</strong> in <strong>Balasore</strong> (Odisha).</li>
<li>Rudram-1 is the <strong>first indigenous anti-radiation missile</strong> of the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Capability:</strong> Once the missile locks on the target, it is<strong> capable of striking accurately even if the radiation source switches off in between. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Operational Features:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The missile, <strong>integrated with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sukhoi-30-mki-equipped-with-the-brahmos-missile" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SU-30 MkI aircraft</a>,</strong> has a <strong>capability of varying ranges</strong> based on the launch conditions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It can be adapted for launch from other fighter jets too.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It can be launched from <strong>altitudes of 500 m to 15 km </strong>and<strong> speeds of 0.6 to 2 mach.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Rudram has been developed for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-air-force-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Air Force</strong></a> -<strong> IAF&rsquo;s requirement</strong> to enhance its <strong>Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) capability.</strong></li>
<li>Further, <strong>modern-day warfare</strong> is more and more <strong>network-centric,</strong> which means it comprises elaborate detection, surveillance and communication systems that are integrated with the weapons systems.</li>
<li>This is yet <strong>another test of indigenously developed weapons systems</strong> in addition to the recent tests of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/shaurya-missile" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shaurya missile</strong></a> or Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), which is an unmanned scramjet vehicle, or the test of flight test of a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/smart-system-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602315424_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602315424_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1663083" 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/anti-radiation-missile-rudram-1'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'The Plight of Slums',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>The article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/affordable-housing-is-the-solution-to-urban-inequality-exclusion/story-2lxI9nIzrMekwC1s9nX3KI.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Affordable housing is the solution to urban inequality, exclusion&rsquo;</strong> </a>which was published in the &lsquo;Hindustan Times&rsquo; on 30/09/2020. It focuses upon the Supreme Court&rsquo;s ruling on slums in Delhi, their existing condition and the way forward towards affordable housing.</p>
</div>
<p>Millions from lower-income groups from rural areas throng cities every year for a secure livelihood. A majority of which is hardly able to earn enough to eek out a decent standard of living at urban exorbitant rates.</p>
<p>Hence, many are forced to put up in slums and shanties of &lsquo;jhuggi jhopdi clusters&rsquo;. Apart from being unhygienic, these are also mostly far from workplaces and away from affordable commute options.</p>
<p>In this context the Supreme Court has ordered forced eviction of many households settled around the railway land in Delhi.The court has tasked the railways, the Delhi government and the central government to instead come up with a comprehensive housing plan for these households.</p>
<p>This case highlights the plights of slum dwellers in India and in interest of Human rights the related challenges must be addressed at the earliest..</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Current Issue</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme Court has ordered the removal of about 48,000 slum dwellings situated along railway tracks in Delhi within three months, and to ensure compliance of its order, it has stopped any court from passing an order of stay against such removal.</li>
<li>The action was taken after the failed attempt of the Special Task Force to remove these Jhuggies as they were present within the security zone of the Railways.</li>
<li>Although these Bastis (slums) cover less than 0.6% of total land area, and 3.4% of residential land in the 2021 Delhi Master Plan, they support possibly upto 30% of the city&rsquo;s population.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Slums</h3>
<p><strong>Slums:</strong> Highly populated urban residential areas consisting mostly of closely packed, decrepit housing units in a situation of deteriorated or incomplete infrastructure, inhabited primarily by impoverished persons.</p>
<p><strong>The Sorry Condition of Slums</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>More than 1 billion people live in slums and informal settlements globally.</li>
<li>As much as 50-80% of employment is informal in developing cities, from street vendors to minibus drivers to migrant workers.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Many of these families are surviving day-to-day lives by living in dense neighborhoods with unreliable and often shared access to basic services like water, sanitation and electricity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>In India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Between 152-216 million (17.4% of urban households) people in India live in dense informal housing, or slums.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-forest-watch" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Resources Institute (WRI)'s</strong></a> World Resources Report documented how one slum in Bangalore is 12 times denser than the city average, housing 140,000 people per square kilometer.</li>
<li>In 2018, only 60% residents could access piped water &mdash; and even then, water was only available in taps for an average of two hours per day, two to three days a week.</li>
<li>In Mumbai,While more than 70% of slum dwellers queued up for water delivered by tanker trucks every few days, the amount of water these households could access was far below the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization (WHO)&rsquo;s</strong></a> recommendation of 50 liters per day in non-emergency situations.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Case Study:Slums in Delhi</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Lalbagh, Delhi&rsquo;s largest slum has a population of more than 3 lakhs and is spread over an area of just one kilometer.</li>
<li>A sizable proportion of slums (37.2%) in Delhi have no toilet facility and people use open spaces for the purpose.</li>
<li>According to the data mentioned in the Slum-Free City Action Plan (SFCAP) finalised by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), 22.30% of the 2,55,435 households living in 589 surveyed jhuggi-jhopri (JJ) clusters in Delhi defecate in the open.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The highest number of households defecating in the open were found in South Delhi that accounts for 142 of the 589 surveyed clusters in the city, the highest in the nine districts of the city.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Delhi, which is already suffering from a housing shortage, needs to build and upgrade around 4.8 million houses by 2022, to house a third of its population that lives in substandard housing.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Steps That Can Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Affordable Housing:</strong> It refers to the housing units that are affordable by that section of society whose income is below the median household income.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It does not mean just a pucca structure but the possibility of employment and affordable mobility.</li>
<li>It is also linked to admission for children in local schools, employers&rsquo; homes that domestic workers can walk to, public institutions were trust has been built, arrangements for child-care with known neighbours, and streets that vendors and rickshaw drivers have mastered as markets</li>
<li>The notion of<em> &lsquo;jahan jhuggi, waha makan&rsquo;</em> should be pursued.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana &ndash; Urban:</strong> In-situ Rehabilitation of the existing slum dwellers should be taken and accomplished in a mission mode under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-awas-yojana-grameen-behind-target" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM- Awas Yojana- Urban.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Reducing the Urban Rural Gap:</strong> In order to prevent the migration of a large population from rural to urban areas, job opportunities and other amenities should be provided in the rural areas a well. Schemes such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pura-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PURA Initiative</strong> </a>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/shyama-prasad-mukherji-rurban-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM)</strong> </a>offer as a way forward towards these goals.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Forcibly evicting 48,000 households will result in a grave human rights emergency that could threaten the lives of affected people.</li>
<li>Inequitable distribution of resources, including physical capital such as housing, poses a threat to sustainable development.</li>
<li>The government should ensure that consultations are held with affected people, and plans for providing adequate housing are developed with their prior informed consent.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602240841_image0.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602240841_image0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #edeffc;">
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;The condition of slums highlights gross human right violations&rdquo;. In light of the statement, discuss how affordable housing can address the issues related to slums and urban inequalities.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3WNGJIv2aWs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/vanquishing-viruses-on-nobel-prize-for-medicine/article32785917.ece/amp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vanquishing viruses: On Nobel prize for medicine</strong></a> published in 'The Hindu' on October 06, 2020. Now watch this on our youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-plight-of-slums'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Fluoride & Iron Removal technology of CMERI',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI)</strong> has transferred its High Flow Rate Fluoride &amp; Iron Removal technology to Capricans Aqua Private Limited, West Bengal.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Technology:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>Community Level Water Purification System</strong> which has a Flow-Rate capacity of 10,000 Ltr/hr.</li>
<li>It uses commonly available raw materials such as <strong>sand, gravel and adsorbent materials.</strong></li>
<li>It comprises a <strong>three-stage purification process</strong> that purifies water within permissible limits (1.5 parts per million (ppm) &amp; 0.3 parts per million for Fluoride and Iron respectively).</li>
<li>The technology uses a combination of <strong>Oxidation, gravity settling</strong> (settling down of heavier impurities under gravity) and <strong>Chemisorption</strong> process in an Affordable Package.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Chemisorption</strong> is a kind of adsorption which involves a chemical reaction between the surface and the adsorbate. New chemical bonds are generated at the adsorbent surface.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The integrated <strong>backwashing</strong> technology will help in improving the shelf-life of the filtration media in a resource rationalized manner.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Backwashing</strong> refers to pumping water backwards through the filter media, for the preventive maintenance so that the filter media can be reused.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The number of Fluoride affected individuals are continuously increasing in a contaminated habitat in the last 50 years. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This has been happening in consonance with the disproportional <strong>depletion of the Water Table,</strong> which has led to the multiplication of the level of concentration of Fluoride in the particular region.</li>
<li>The deployment of this Community Level system at affected places can help to turn the tide against the menace of Iron and Fluorosis across the Nation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cost-Effective solution</strong> for serving the most vulnerable sections of the Nation.</li>
<li>Besides, the technology is also a major thrust towards the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat</strong> </a>campaign.</li>
<li>The proliferation of this technology will also help in catalyzing<strong> Employment Generation opportunities.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Iron in water:</strong> Iron is the most common contaminant of drinking water, followed by salinity, arsenic, fluoride, and heavy metal.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rajasthan</strong> had the highest number of rural habitations affected by contamination overall, at 16,833 in 2019.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Combined arsenic and iron pollution</strong> affect West Bengal and Assam the worst.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason:</strong> Corrosion of pipes is a common reason why iron is found in drinking water.</li>
<li><strong>Impacts:</strong> As little as 0.3 mg/L concentration of iron can make the water appear brown.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The overload of iron may cause severe health problems such as liver cancer, diabetes, cirrhosis of liver, diseases related to heart and central nervous system, infertility etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fluoride in water:<img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602238804_image3.png" width="500" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>High levels of Fluoride were reported in 230 districts of 20 States of India (2016-17).</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong> Naturally occurring fluoride in water along with the result of industrial processes.</li>
<li>Owing to inaccessibility to Affordable Fluoride Removal Solutions the Fluorosis affected statistics has also witnessed an upward trajectory.</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong> There are two main types of fluorosis, namely dental and skeletal fluorosis.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Dental fluorosis</strong> is caused by continuous exposure to high concentrations of fluoride during tooth development.</li>
<li><strong>Skeletal fluorosis</strong> is developed by the disturbance of calcium metabolism in the formation of bones of the body.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It results in the softening and weakening of bones resulting in deformities leading to crippling.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis:</strong></li>
<li>NPPCF is a health initiative<strong> launched in the 11<sup>th</sup> Five Year Plan,</strong> initiated in 2008-09.</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To collect, assess and use the baseline survey data of fluorosis of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.</li>
<li>Comprehensive management of fluorosis in the selected areas.</li>
<li>Capacity building for prevention, diagnosis and management of fluorosis cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CMERI is a public engineering research and development institution in Durgapur, West Bengal.</li>
<li>It is a constituent laboratory of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/council-of-scientific-and-industrial-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.</strong> </a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Council of Scientific and Industrial Research</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CSIR is the <strong>largest research and development (R&amp;D) organisation in India.</strong> CSIR has a pan-India presence and has a dynamic network of 38 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 3 Innovation Complexes and 5 units.</li>
<li><strong>Established:</strong> September 1942</li>
<li><strong>Located:</strong> New Delhi</li>
<li>CSIR is<strong> funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology</strong> and it operates as an <strong>autonomous body</strong> through the Societies Registration Act, 1860.</li>
<li>CSIR covers a wide spectrum of streams and provides significant technological intervention in many areas with regard to societal efforts which include the environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, farm and non-farm sectors.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1662808" 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/fluoride-iron-removal-technology-of-cmeri'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Graded Response Action Plan',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/epca-on-early-burning-of-crop-residue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Environment Pollution (Prevention &amp; Control) Authority (EPCA)</strong></a> has directed Delhi and neighbouring States to implement air pollution control measures under <strong>very poor</strong> and <strong>severe</strong> category air quality of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/grap-to-be-enforced-in-delhi-ncr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Graded Response Action Plan</a> (GRAP)</strong> from 15<sup>th</sup> October 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Graded Response Action Plan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The action plan which was <strong>formulated in 2016 and notified in 2017</strong> for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).</li>
<li>The plan was formulated after several meetings were held by <strong>Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA)</strong> with state government representatives and experts.</li>
<li>These are <strong>institutionalized measures to be taken when air quality deteriorates,</strong> hence <strong>works only as an emergency measure.</strong></li>
<li>GRAP includes the measures which will be taken by different government agencies to prevent worsening of Air Quality of Delhi-NCR and prevent <strong>PM10</strong> and <strong>PM2.5</strong> levels to go beyond the &lsquo;moderate&rsquo; national <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sameer-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Air Quality Index</a> (AQI)</strong> category.</li>
<li>If air quality reaches the <strong>severe+ stage,</strong> GRAP talks about <strong>shutting down schools and implementing the odd-even road-space rationing scheme.</strong></li>
<li>The plan requires action and coordination among <strong>13 different agencies in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan (NCR areas).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602237578_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602237578_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons of Winter Pollution in Delhi:</strong> Apart from the other pollution which are due to overpopulation, vehicular emissions and industries, following are the factors that make winter pollution severe:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/epca-on-early-burning-of-crop-residue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stubble Burning</a>:</strong> It is a traditional practice in Punjab and Haryana to clean off the rice chaff to prepare the fields for winter sowing.</li>
<li><strong>Shifting of Jet Stream:</strong> The southward shift of subtropical jet stream happens causing a westward wind pattern in the northern part of India and thus spread of pollutants.</li>
<li><strong>Stagnant Lower Level Winds:</strong> As the winter season sets in, dust particles and pollutants in the air become unable to move. Due to <strong>stagnant lower level winds,</strong> pollutants get locked in the air and affect weather conditions, resulting in <strong>smog. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Environment Pollution Control Authority</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was notified in 1998 under the <a href="/search/Environment%20protection%20act%201986" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Environment Protection Act, 1986.</strong></a></li>
<li>EPCA is a <strong>Supreme Court mandated body</strong> tasked with taking various measures to tackle air pollution in the National Capital Region.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The economy is already under stress post-lockdown so the combined effort is to ensure that there is no further disruption.</li>
<li>Pollution will make Covid-19 &ldquo;more dangerous&rdquo; and therefore, there must be zero-tolerance for air pollution during this period, as it will come at &ldquo;huge human health cost&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/epca-directs-delhi-other-states-to-implement-grap/article32807746.ece#:~:text=A%20Supreme%20Court%2Dappointed%20pollution,diesel%20generators%2C%20except%20for%20emergency" 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/graded-response-action-plan'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Television Rating Points',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in news</h3>
<p>Recently, the Mumbai Police has claimed about a scam about the manipulation of <strong>TRPs (Target Rating Points)</strong> by some TV channels by rigging the devices used by the <strong>Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> The TRP is the metric used by the marketing and advertising agencies to evaluate viewership. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Viewer:</strong> Anyone who watches television for <strong>more than a minute</strong> is considered a viewer.</li>
<li>It represents how many people, from which <strong>socio-economic categories,</strong> watched which channels for how much time during a particular period. This period is <strong>one minute</strong> as per the international standards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a company created in 2010 and jointly owned by advertisers, ad agencies, and broadcasting companies, represented by the Indian Society of Advertisers, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation and the Advertising Agencies Association of India.</li>
<li>The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting notified the <strong>Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies</strong> in India on January 10, 2014, and registered BARC in July 2015 under these guidelines, to carry out television ratings in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Methodology of Calculation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bar-o-meters:</strong> BARC has installed <strong>Bar-O-meters</strong> in over <strong>45,000 empanelled households.</strong> These record viewing details as well as audio watermarks of content.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Audio watermarks are embedded in video content prior to broadcast. These watermarks are not audible to the human ear, but can easily be detected and decoded using dedicated hardware and software.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Selection of Households:</strong> The households are chosen by an <strong>annual Establishment Survey</strong> which is a large-scale face-to-face survey of a sample of approximately 3 lakh households from the target population.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The panel chosen to capture TRPs must be representative of the country&rsquo;s population, and the methodology must be economically viable for the industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Classification of Households:</strong> These households are classified into 12 categories under the New Consumer Classification System (NCCS) adopted by BARC in 2015, based on the <strong>education level of the main wage earner</strong> and the<strong> ownership of consumer durables</strong> from a list of 11 items ranging from a power connection to a car.</li>
<li><strong>Data Collection:</strong> While watching a show, members of the household register their presence by pressing their<strong> separate viewer ID</strong> button. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This captures the duration for which the channel was watched and by whom and provides data on viewership habits across age and socio-economic groups.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Precautions to Prevent Rigging:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The viewing behaviour of panel homes is reported to BARC India <strong>directly and daily.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Coincidental checks</strong> either physically or telephonically are done regularly. Certain <strong>suspicious outliers</strong> are also checked directly by BARC India.</li>
<li>These households <strong>rotate randomly</strong> every year and they are kept confidential.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of TRP:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These <strong>influence programmes produced</strong> for the viewers. Better ratings would promote a programme while poor ratings will discourage a programme.</li>
<li>TRPs are the main <strong>currency for advertisers</strong> to decide which channel to advertise on by calculating the <strong>cost-per-rating-point (CPRP).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Limitations of TRP:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The panel can be <strong>infiltrated or tampered</strong> by bribing viewers or cable operators or tampering with the selection of panel.</li>
<li>If the <strong>sample size is very small,</strong> e.g. for English News channels, the manipulation becomes easier as even manipulating a few homes will change the TRP.</li>
<li>There is an <strong>absence of any specific law</strong> through which the agents/suspects involved in panel tampering/infiltration could be penalised.</li>
<li>About 70% of the revenue for television channels comes from advertising and only 30% from the subscription.<strong> Dependence on advertisements</strong> for revenue is leading to broadcasting content which suits the advertisers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increasing the sample size so that the results are more accurate, developing a legal framework for the regulation of TRP and chip-based activity logs through all set-top boxes</strong> are some of the things that can be done by the government in conjunction with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/interoperable-set-top-boxes-trai" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)</strong></a> to make the calculation of TRP fair and precise.</li>
<li>The subscription rates, which are controlled by the TRAI, should be raised so that TV channels are not forced to serve the lowest common denominator.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explained-trp-and-its-loopholes/article32805873.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/television-rating-points'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Arctic Amplification',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A team of scientists have identified<strong> iodic acid (HIO<sub>3</sub>)</strong> as a novel driver of new <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aerosol-levels-hit-20-year-low#:~:text=Aerosols%20are%20defined%20as%20a,located%20on%20the%20terrestrial%20surface." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>aerosol</strong></a> particle formation in the Arctic which is responsible for <strong>Arctic Amplification or Arctic Warming.</strong> Presence of Iodic acid in the region had not been observed previously.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These aerosol particles influence the formation of clouds. As these <strong>clouds reflect solar radiation (known as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aerosols-radiative-forcing-in-western-trans-himalayas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aerosol Radiative Forcing</a>)</strong> but also retain heat on the Earth's surface, they have an influence on the warming of the Arctic.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Over the past 30 years, the Arctic has warmed at roughly twice the rate as the entire globe, a phenomenon known as <strong>Arctic amplification.</strong></li>
<li>This means that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-warming-of-1-5-c-ipcc-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>global warming</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/special-report-on-climate-change-ipcc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change</strong></a> are<strong> impacting the Arctic more than the rest of the world.</strong></li>
<li>Global temperatures from 2000&ndash;2009 were on average about 0.6&deg;C higher than they were from 1951&ndash;1980. The Arctic, however, was<strong> about 2&deg;C warmer.</strong></li>
<li>Scientists first started to see evidence of changes in Arctic climate in the 1980s. Since then, the changes have become <strong>much more pronounced.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602228870_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602228870_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Change in Albedo:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Albedo is a measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed.</li>
<li>When bright and reflective ice (with more albedo) melts, it gives way to a darker ocean (lowering albedo); this amplifies the warming trend because the ocean surface absorbs more heat from the Sun than the surface of snow and ice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Changing Ocean currents:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ocean currents normally bring in warmer water from the Pacific, and colder water exits out of the Arctic into the Atlantic.</li>
<li>But those currents may be changing because more melting ice is injecting the Arctic Ocean with freshwater. The missing ice also exposes the surface waters to more wind. This mixes up colder freshwater at the surface and warmer saltwater below, raising surface temperatures and further melting ice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Changing Weather</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ocean currents drive the powerful polar jet stream, which moves hot and cold air masses around the Northern Hemisphere. This is a product of the temperature differences between the Arctic and the tropics.</li>
<li>But as the Arctic warms, the jet stream now undulates wildly north and south. This has been <strong>injecting the Arctic with warm air.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Thunderstorms</strong> are also much more likely to occur in the tropics than the higher latitudes. The storms transport heat from the surface to higher levels of the atmosphere, where global wind patterns sweep it toward higher latitudes.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The abundance of thunderstorms in tropics creates a near-constant flow of heat <strong>away from the tropics towards the Arctic</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact in the Arctic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The floating sea ice cover of the Arctic Ocean is shrinking, especially during summer.</li>
<li>Snow cover over land in the Arctic has decreased, notably in spring.</li>
<li>In addition, frozen ground in the Arctic, known as <strong>permafrost,</strong> is warming and in many areas thawing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Comparison with Antarctica:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is<strong> no Antarctic amplification.</strong> Antarctic warming has been similar to the global average, although some parts are warming much faster.</li>
<li><strong>Reason:</strong> Antarctica is surrounded by the <strong>vast Southern Ocean,</strong> which is soaking up much of the atmosphere&rsquo;s excess heat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effects Worldwide:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Higher temperature will cause a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/large-population-and-assets-to-be-affected-by-sea-level-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sea-Level Rise</strong> </a>globally that in turn has impacts like the destruction of ecosystems, displacement, loss of life and property etc.</li>
<li>Arctic permafrost thaw is also releasing the potent <strong>greenhouse</strong> gas methane causing profound <strong>global warming effects.</strong></li>
<li>Arctic wildfire, called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/zombie-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Zombie Fire</strong></a> intensity is also increasing each year as thawing ground dries out.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Related Information:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602228907_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602228907_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/arctic-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Arctic Council</strong></a> is the leading <strong>intergovernmental forum</strong> promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States, Arctic indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, in particular on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic.</li>
<li>Recently, the Indian Prime Minister at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eastern-economic-forum" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Eastern Economic Forum (EEF)</strong></a>, mentioned <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indo-arctic-strategic-construct" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s willingness to play a significant role in the Arctic Council.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>The only way to deal with Arctic amplification is by halting global warming as a whole. The <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-climate-change-act-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong> </a>provides a clear vision of limiting global warming. Cutting fossil fuel emissions, conservation of forests and afforestation and carbon sequestration are some of the ways to bring down the global temperature levels.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/arctic-amplification'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Global Commons At Threat',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>The given article is based upon <a href="/admin/articles/edit/Drishti%20Mains Question  There is a need to increase efforts in managing our interactions with the environment on a global scale. Discuss the statement in light of the global commons." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Managing The Global Commons&rsquo;</strong></a> which was published in &lsquo;The Hindu&rsquo; on 30/09/2020. It talks about how and why the global common resources are being used excessively and what is the way forward to prevent the indiscriminate exploitation.</p>
</div>
<p>The world has lately faced a pandemic, record-breaking forest fires, floods and droughts in various places, and the rapid melting of Arctic ice.</p>
<p>One of the main causes behind such events is the disruption of our environment which unfortunately, has been recognised at global scale only in the past few years.</p>
<p>To cope with these events, we need to increase our efforts in managing our interactions with the environment on a global scale where the prime areas of concern are the global commons.</p>
<h3>Global Commons</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global commons</strong> have been traditionally defined as those parts of the planet that fall outside national jurisdictions and to which all nations have access. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They do not belong to one community or individual, but to humanity.</li>
<li>International law identifies four <strong>global commons,</strong> namely <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The high Seas</li>
<li>The atmosphere</li>
<li>Antarctica</li>
<li>The Outer Space.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Resources of interest or value to the welfare of the community of nations &ndash; such as tropical rain forests and biodiversity - have lately been included among the traditional set of global commons as well.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of Commons</h3>
<p><strong>Globally</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Area:</strong> A third of the global population depends on &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; for their survival; 65% of the global land area is under &lsquo;Commons&rsquo;, in different forms.</li>
<li><strong>Carbon storage:</strong> At least 293,061 million metric tonnes of carbon (MtC) are stored in the collective forestlands of indigenous peoples and local communities.</li>
<li><strong>Pollination:</strong> The significance of &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; in supporting pollination (the cost estimated to be worth $224 billion annually at global levels) cannot be overlooked.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>In India&rsquo;s Context</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Area:</strong> In India, the extent of &lsquo;Common&rsquo; land ranges between 48.69 million and 84.2 million hectares, constituting 15-25% of its total geographical area.</li>
<li><strong>&lsquo;Common&rsquo;-pool resources:</strong> They contribute $5 billion a year to the incomes of poor Indian households. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Around 77% of India&rsquo;s livestock is kept in grazing-based or extensive systems and dependent on &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; pool resources.</li>
<li>And 53% of India&rsquo;s milk and 74% of its meat requirements are met from livestock kept in extensive &lsquo;Common&rsquo; systems..</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related To Global Commons</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to a report by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sixth-national-report-to-the-convention-of-biological-diversity#:~:text=The%20Convention%20on%20Biological%20Diversity%20(CBD)%2C%20a%20legally%20binding,It%20has%203%20main%20objectives%3A&amp;text=The%20sustainable%20use%20of%20the,the%20utilization%20of%20genetic%20resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)</strong></a>, the biodiversity has been mismanaged so badly that <strong>60% of the lost resources</strong> can never be recouped.</li>
<li>The spread of zoonotic diseases like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-s-preparedness" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>, <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/greenhouse-gas-emission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Greenhouse Gas Emissions</strong></a>, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-biodiversity-warning-bells" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>biodiversity reduction</strong></a>, overfishing; and the accumulation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/investment-to-reduce-plastic-waste-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>plastic waste</strong></a> are some of the problems within the scope of global commons.</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc#:~:text=The%20text%20of%20the%20United,Nations%20Headquarters%20in%20New%20York.&amp;text=The%20UNFCCC%20secretariat%20relocates%20from,home%20to%2018%20UN%20organizations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Multilateral Negotiations on Climate Change</strong> </a>and other global commons over decades have had limited success.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Although we have a good idea of what kind of governance might be successful at the local community level, these insights do not directly address the challenges we face on a global scale.</li>
<li>Another possible reason is that countries are selfish to their own cause. Hence, they do not pay much heed to the alarming conditions of global commons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602155224_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602155224_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>At local level:</strong> Community members may have more knowledge about the local ecological and social context, but they could also lack expertise or may be ruled by powerful factions within the community, or may not perceive sufficient incentives to sustain the local commons.</li>
<li><strong>The urge of the rich and powerful</strong> to privatise these resources for individual prosperity in the form of property management principles, intellectual property rights and others has also led to the decline in the availability of &lsquo;commons&rsquo;.</li>
<li><strong>In India:</strong> Despite their significance, &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; have suffered continued decline and degradation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/restructuring-of-indian-statistical-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Sample Survey Office</strong></a> data show a 1.9% quinquennial rate of decline in the area of &lsquo;Common&rsquo; lands, though microstudies show a much more rapid decline of 31-55% over 50 years, <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This has jeopardised the health of systemic drivers such as soil, moisture, nutrient, biomass and biodiversity, in turn aggravating food, fodder and water crises.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps That Can Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to manage shared resources, a balance between both private and public interests needs to be maintained.</li>
<li><strong>Coordinated Activities:</strong> Coordinates activities at different scales should be performed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, local irrigation communities could monitor the state of infrastructure and water use and adapt their watering scheme or cropping patterns to changes in water availability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Managing both the global and local commons:</strong> To manage our global commons, we need to facilitate and accommodate the self- governance of local commons, but provide safeguards at different levels to avoid exploitation and manage risks.</li>
<li><strong>Rural and Urban Communities:</strong> Facilitate the rural and urban communities to self-govern their shared resources. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, there will be risks involved for which the cities and nations will have to take up the responsibilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The two Specific Approaches:</strong> In addition to seeking more money, time and capacities to deal common resources management, we need to focus on two specific approaches: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To re-introduce more strongly, the management and governance principles of &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; approaches into decision-making and implementation of conservation, use and benefit sharing action.</li>
<li>To use the approach of<strong> creative destruction</strong> to put resource management in the hands of the people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Creative Destruction</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Creative destruction refers to the incessant product and process innovation mechanism by which new production units replace outdated ones.</li>
<li>It was coined in 1942 by <strong>Joseph Schumpeter,</strong> an Austrian Economist, who considered it &lsquo;the essential fact about capitalism&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Further Possible Challenges</h3>
<p>Governing the global commons is the defining challenge for current and future generations:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The opposing and dominant world view of the <strong>&lsquo;developmentalists&rsquo;</strong> is predicated on the value of built infrastructure, and requires the constant colonisation of open land and resources.</li>
<li>Failures will be inevitable if we stimulate local-level experimentation, and higher-level authorities need to provide insurance for those cases.</li>
<li>If local initiatives are successful, higher-level authorities need to provide insurance that the outcomes of those successes will not be grabbed by outsiders.</li>
<li>While the state can have oversight over resource management, keeping people away from using and managing &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; is against effective governance of &lsquo;Commons&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Commons are the resources relevant not only for rural communities but are now a major provider of livelihood options for both urban and peri-urban populations as well.</li>
<li>The relevance of &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; impacting urban dwellers cannot be overlooked with more urbanisation happening.</li>
<li>What is desperately needed at this moment is a manifesto for the protection of the commons and open lands, and for the re-creation of economies that derive value out of healing wounded landscapes and covering open lands with diverse vegetation, water and life.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602156479_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602156479_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #edfaef;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>There is a need to increase efforts in managing our interactions with the environment on a global scale. Discuss the statement in light of the global commons.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EsAtx38D3xs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/gst-compensation-states-covid-pandemic-6705779/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Spirit of Mutuality</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on October 06, 2020. Now watch this on our youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/global-commons-at-threat'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Reforms in Exploration and Licensing Policy: Oil & Gas',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/centre-cuts-non-urea-fertiliser-subsidy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs</strong></a> (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the<strong> Policy framework</strong> on reforms in the exploration and licensing sector for enhancing domestic exploration and production of oil and gas.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Attract new <strong>investment</strong> in Exploration and Production (E&amp;P) Sector.</li>
<li>Intensification of <strong>exploration</strong> activities in unexplored areas.</li>
<li><strong>Liberalizing</strong> the policy in producing basins.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Four Focus Areas:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increasing Exploration Activities in Unexpected Areas:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bidding out <strong>uncommercialized basins</strong> to contractors without them having to share revenue or production with the Government and only paying royalties/levies.</li>
<li>For <strong>unallocated/unexplored areas,</strong> the bidding to be based on a revenue-sharing basis but more weightage to work programme to be given.</li>
<li>Shorter exploration period and <strong>fiscal incentives.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Marketing and Pricing Freedom:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To incentivize enhanced gas production, marketing and pricing freedom to be granted for those new gas discoveries whose <strong>Field Development Plan (FDP)</strong> is yet to be approved.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>FDP is the evaluation document of multiple development options for a field and selecting the best option based on assessing tradeoffs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fiscal incentive on additional gas production</strong> from domestic fields over and above normal production.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Preparation of Enhanced Production Profile:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Public sector Undertakings like <strong>Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL)</strong> will prepare an enhanced production profile to enhance production from their existing fields.</li>
<li>For production enhancement, bringing new technology, and capital, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) will be allowed to <strong>induct private sector partners.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Ease of Doing Business:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Measures like setting up coordination mechanism and simplification of approval, alternate dispute resolution mechanism etc. to be taken.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Domestic production of oil and gas was declining, import dependence was rising and investment in E&amp;P activities was reducing.</strong> Thus, policy reform in this sector was needed.</li>
<li>Earlier, the government between 2016 and 2019 had given pricing freedom for all fields except those given to state-owned ONGC and OIL on a nomination basis.</li>
<li>But, there were<strong> restrictions on marketing</strong> like a ban on affiliates of producers buying the fuel etc. This <strong>restricted competition</strong> kept<strong> prices artificially low.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/hydrocarbon-exploration-and-licensing-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy or HELP</strong></a> was approved in March 2016, aimed at increasing the transparency and decreasing the administrative discretion in granting hydrocarbon licenses. It replaced the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/increasing-domestic-oil-production" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP)</a>, 1997.</strong></li>
<li>Recently, India also launched its first gas exchange which has been named as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-gas-exchange-igx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Gas Exchange (IGX).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Development of support services.</li>
<li>Employment generation.</li>
<li>Transfer of advanced technology.</li>
<li>Reducing import dependence.</li>
<li>Improve <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/energy-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>energy security</strong></a> of the country.</li>
<li>Save the precious foreign exchange on imports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Petroleum</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Crude petroleum occurs in <strong>sedimentary rocks</strong> of the tertiary period.</li>
<li>It consists of <strong>hydrocarbons of liquid and gaseous states</strong> varying in chemical composition, colour and specific gravity.</li>
<li>It is an essential source of energy for all internal combustion engines in automobiles, railways and aircraft.</li>
<li>Its numerous by-products are processed in petrochemical industries such as fertiliser, synthetic rubber, synthetic fibre, medicines, vaseline, lubricants, wax, soap and cosmetics.</li>
<li>Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Russia are some <strong>major countries with the largest oil reserves.</strong></li>
<li>Digboi, Naharkatiya and Moran in<strong> Assam,</strong> Ankleshwar, Kalol, Mehsana, Navagam, Kosamba and Lunej in <strong>Gujarat;</strong> Mumbai High in <strong>Maharashtra</strong> are important <strong>oil-producing areas in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Natural Gas</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Natural gas is found with petroleum deposits and is released when crude oil is brought to the surface. It can be used as a domestic and industrial fuel.</li>
<li><strong>Russia, Norway, UK and the Netherlands</strong> are the major producers of natural gas.</li>
<li>In <strong>India</strong>, Jaisalmer, Krishna Godavari delta, Tripura and some areas offshore in Mumbai have natural gas resources.</li>
<li>The<strong> Gas Authority of India Limited</strong> was set up in 1984 as a public sector undertaking to transport and market natural gas.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Oil and Natural Gas Corporation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is a <strong>Maharatna</strong> Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of the Government of India.</li>
<li>It was set up in 1995 and is under the <strong>Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.</strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>largest crude oil and natural gas company in India,</strong> contributing around 70% to Indian domestic production.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The production enhancement scheme for the nomination field of NOCs is likely to <strong>augment production</strong> by leveraging new technology, capital and management practices through private sector participation.</li>
<li>It would bring <strong>uniformity to the bidding process</strong> across various contractual regimes and policies to avoid ambiguity and contribute towards <strong>ease of doing business.</strong></li>
<li>The move is in line with India&rsquo;s goal of becoming self-reliant as envisaged in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanibhar Bharat initiative</strong></a>. It will help India develop into a <strong>gas-based economy.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1565313" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Ratification of 7 Persistent Organic Pollutants',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Union Cabinet</strong> has approved the <strong>ratification of seven chemicals</strong> listed <strong>under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/brs-conventions-cop-meet-in-geneva" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).</a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Cabinet further delegated its powers</strong> to ratify chemicals under the Stockholm Convention to Union Ministries of External Affairs <strong>(MEA)</strong> and Environment, Forest and Climate Change <strong>(MEFCC)</strong> in respect of POPs for streamlining the procedure.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Persistent Organic Pollutants: POPs</strong> are identified chemical substances that are characterised by:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Persistence in the environment.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Bio-accumulation</strong> in the fatty acids in living organisms.</li>
<li><strong>Less soluble in water.</strong></li>
<li>Adverse <strong>effect on human health/ environment.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Exposure to POPs can lead to cancer, damage to central &amp; peripheral nervous systems, diseases of the immune system, reproductive disorders and interference with normal infant and child development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The property of<strong> long-range environmental transport (LRET)</strong> makes them spread widely in the atmosphere.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Stockholm Convention:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a<strong> global treaty</strong> to protect <strong>human health and the environment</strong> from POPs.</li>
<li>It was opened for signature in 2001 in Stockholm (Sweden) and became effective in <strong>2004.</strong></li>
<li>POPs are listed in various Annexes to the Stockholm Convention after thorough scientific research, deliberations and negotiations among member countries.</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Support the transition to safer alternatives.</li>
<li>Target additional POPs for action.</li>
<li>Cleanup old stockpiles and equipment containing POPs.</li>
<li>Work together for a POPs-free future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India ratified the Stockholm Convention in 2006</strong> as per<strong> Article 25(4),</strong> which enabled it to keep itself in a default "opt-out" position such that amendments in various Annexes of the convention cannot be enforced on it unless an instrument of ratification/ acceptance/ approval or accession is explicitly deposited with UN depositary.</li>
<li>The convention calls to <strong>ban nine of the dirty dozen chemicals</strong> (key POPs), limit the use of DDT to malaria control, and curtail inadvertent production of dioxins and furans. The convention <strong>listed twelve distinct chemicals</strong> in three categories:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Eight pesticides</strong> (aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, mirex and toxaphene)</li>
<li><strong>Two industrial chemicals</strong> (poly chlorinated biphenyls and hexachlorobenzene)</li>
<li><strong>Two unintended by-products of many industrial processes involving chlorine</strong> such as waste incineration, chemical and pesticide manufacturing and pulp and paper bleaching (poly chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, commonly referred to as dioxins and furans).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Cabinet Decision:</strong> The Union Cabinet has approved the ratification of seven chemicals listed <strong>under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/brs-conventions-cop-meet-in-geneva" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stockholm Convention</a>.</strong> These chemicals are regulated under the following domestic provision for POPs:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Considering its commitment towards providing a safe environment and addressing human health risks, the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)</strong> had notified the 'Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, in 2018 <strong>under</strong> the provisions of <strong>Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.</strong></li>
<li>The regulation inter alia prohibits the manufacture, trade, use, import and export of seven chemicals, namely:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chlordecone,</li>
<li>Hexabromobiphenyl,</li>
<li>Hexabromodiphenyl ether and Hepta Bromodiphenyl Ether (Commercial octa-BDE),</li>
<li>Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and Pentabromodiphenyl ether (Commercial penta-BDE),</li>
<li>Pentachlorobenzene,</li>
<li>Hexabromocyclododecane, and</li>
<li>Hexachlorobutadiene.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of Decision:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Cabinet's approval for ratification of POPs demonstrates <strong>India's commitment to meet its international obligations</strong> with regard to protection of environment and human health.</li>
<li>It also indicates the<strong> resolve of the Government to take action on POPs</strong> by implementing control measures, develop and implement action plans for unintentionally produced chemicals, develop inventories of the chemicals' stockpiles and review.</li>
<li>The ratification process would enable India to access the<strong> Global<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/climate-finance-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Environment Facility</a> (GEF)</strong> financial resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="list-style-type: none;"></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Environment Facility</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>GEF was established with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rio Earth Summit</strong> </a>of 1992.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarter:</strong> Washington, D.C., USA.</li>
<li>The GEF is jointly managed by the <strong>United Nations Development Programme</strong> (UNDP), the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Bank</a></strong>, and the <strong>United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).</strong></li>
<li>The financial mechanism was established to help tackle our planet&rsquo;s most pressing environmental problems.</li>
<li>It provides <strong>funds to the developing countries and transition economies</strong> for projects related to climate change, biodiversity, the ozone layer, etc.</li>
<li>It is a<strong> financial mechanism for 5 major international environmental conventions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change</strong></a> (UNFCCC),</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-day-for-biological-diversity" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity</strong></a> (UNCBD),</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/brs-conventions-cop-meet-in-geneva" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants</strong></a> (POPs),</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-convention-to-combat-desertification-cop-14" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification</strong></a> (UNCCD), and</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mercury-emission-versus-its-concentration-in-fishes#:~:text=The%20Minamata%20Convention%20on%20Mercury,of%20mercury%20and%20its%20compounds.&amp;text=Controlling%20the%20anthropogenic%20releases%20of,key%20obligations%20under%20the%20Convention." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Minamata Convention on Mercury.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1662335" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'USA Aircraft Refuelling at A&N Islands',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a<strong> USA Navy P-8A long range Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA)</strong> landed at <strong>Port Blair</strong> in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&amp;N) Islands for refuelling <strong>under the bilateral logistics support agreement.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is the first time the USA got access to A&amp;N under the <strong>Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement</strong> (LEMOA).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>LEMOA:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It allows both countries to <strong>have access to each other&rsquo;s designated military facilities</strong> for refueling and replenishment.</li>
<li>Signed by India in <strong>2016.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other foundational military communication agreements with the USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>General Security of Military Information Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>GSOMIA allows <strong>militaries to share the intelligence</strong> gathered by them.</li>
<li>Signed by India in <strong>2002.</strong></li>
<li>An extension to the GSOMIA, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-us-2-2-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Industrial Security Annex</strong> </a>(ISA), was signed at the 2+2 dialogue in <strong>2019.</strong></li>
<li>ISA provides a framework for exchange and protection of classified military information<strong> between the USA and Indian defence industries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Valid for 10 years, COMCASA aims to provide a legal framework for the <strong>transfer of highly sensitive communication security equipment from the USA to India</strong> that will streamline and facilitate interoperability between their armed forces.</li>
<li>Signed by India in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>BECA:</strong> The USA is looking forward to India signing the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial cooperation (BECA)</strong></a>, at the next India-USA 2+2 ministerial dialogue likely to be held in October, 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BECA will<strong> allow India to use the geospatial maps of the USA</strong> to get pinpoint military accuracy of automated hardware systems and weapons such as cruise and ballistic missiles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Significance of A&amp;N Islands:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>close to the Strait of Malacca</strong> and global sea lanes of communication.</li>
<li>A&amp;NI has become an important element of <strong>India&rsquo;s <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Act East Policy&rdquo;</a></strong> of engaging with countries in the region east of India.</li>
<li>The Andaman and Nicobar chain of islands could be used as a<strong> basis for Indian maritime power projection into the Indo-Pacific</strong> and even beyond into the south-west Pacific.</li>
<li>The A&amp;NI could be used for India&rsquo;s <strong>Third Fleet</strong> (other two are the Western and Eastern Fleets) <strong>and the trans-shipment hub</strong> at Car Nicobar, could potentially be a strategic game-changer, rivalling the ports of Singapore or Colombo.</li>
<li>Changing nature of warfare has led to the expansion of scope of a <strong>Tri-Command Service.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As Andaman and Nicobar is the first Tri-Command structure in India, development of military infrastructure at A&amp;NI is a key requirement in India&rsquo;s security strategy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Maritime Interactions with Quad Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)</strong> is the <strong>informal strategic</strong> dialogue between <strong>India, USA, Japan and Australia</strong> with a shared objective to ensure and support a<strong> &ldquo;free, open and prosperous&rdquo; Indo-Pacific region.</strong></li>
<li>There has been a sharp increase in India&rsquo;s <strong>maritime interactions with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/four%20corners:%20on%20the%20quad%E2%80%99s%20agenda" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quad countries</a></strong> on a bilateral basis centred around information sharing for improved <strong>Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)</strong> in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indian-ocean-islands-diplomacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Region</strong></a> and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>MDA</strong> is defined by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/international-maritime-organization-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Maritime Organization</strong></a> as the effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of a country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has <strong>logistics agreements</strong> with all three Quad countries &mdash; <strong>Australia, Japan and the USA.</strong> India has also signed <strong>maritime information sharing agreements</strong> with Australia and Japan and a similar agreement is in the works with the USA .</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The increase in India&rsquo;s maritime interactions with the Quad countries will <strong>strengthen India&rsquo;s position in the Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-embrace-of-strategic-hedging" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Strategic balancing</strong></a> is the key to move forward in relationships with powerful countries like the USA.</li>
<li>India and the USA must now strive to complete <strong>the unfinished agreements</strong> and set the course for a <strong>Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/us-navy-aircraft-refuels-at-port-blair/article32760946.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => '15 Years of RTI',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A report by the Satark Nagrik Sangathan and the Centre for Equity Studies has pointed out that <strong>more than 2.2 lakh <a href="/to-the-points/paper4/right-to-information-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Right to information</a></strong> cases are pending at the Central and State Information Commissions (ICs), which are the final courts of appeal under the RTI Act, 2005.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report was released on the occasion of completion of the 15 years of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-related-to-rti-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Information (RTI) Act.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Unavailability during <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> lockdown</strong>: Out of the total 29 ICs that were studied, 21 were not holding any hearings.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Even the websites of 3 ICs -Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Nagaland -were not accessible during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/lockdown-extended" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown.</strong></a></li>
<li>Websites of 11 commissions out of 29, had no information/notification about the functioning of the IC during the lockdown.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduced Capacity:</strong> Of the 29 ICs, two ICs -Jharkhand and Tripura -were found to have<strong> no commissioners</strong> for varying lengths of time. They were completely defunct.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>4 were functioning without a <strong>Chief Information Commissioner</strong> -Bihar, Goa, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.</li>
<li>Under the RTI 2005 act, <strong>every commission should have a chief and up to 10 commissioners.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Delays and Backlogs:</strong> The assessment found that on average, the CIC takes 388 days (more than one year) to dispose of an appeal/complaint from the date that it was filed before the commission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The highest number of pending appeals, with over 59,000 cases were in Maharashtra, followed by Uttar Pradesh and the Central Information Commissions (CIC).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>No Penalties:</strong> The report found that the <strong>Government officials face hardly any punishment for violating the law.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Penalties were imposed in only 2.2% of cases that were disposed of, despite previous analysis showing a rate of about 59% violations which should have triggered the process of penalty imposition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It provided that the Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner (of Centre as well as States) shall hold office for such<strong> term as prescribed by the Central Government.</strong> Before this amendment, their term was fixed for 5 years.</li>
<li>It provided that the <strong>salary, allowances and other service conditions</strong> of the Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner (of Centre as well as States) shall be such<strong> as prescribed by the Central Government.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Before this amendment, the salary, allowances and other service conditions of the Chief Information Commissioner were similar to those of the Chief Election Commissioner and that of an Information Commissioner were similar to those of an Election Commissioner (State Election Commissioners in case of States).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It <strong>removed the provisions regarding deductions in salary</strong> of the Chief Information Commissioner, an Information Commissioner, the State Chief Information Commissioner and a State Information Commissioner due to pension or any other retirement benefits received by them for their previous government service.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/rti-amendment-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019</strong></a> was <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-related-to-rti-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>criticized on grounds of diluting the law and giving more powers to the central government.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Central Information Commission</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Established:</strong> The Central Information Commission was established by the Central Government in 2005, under the provisions of the Right to Information Act (2005). It is <strong>not</strong> a constitutional body.</li>
<li><strong>Members:</strong> The Commission consists of a<strong> Chief Information Commissioner and not more than ten Information Commissioners.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At present (2019), the Commission has <strong>six Information Commissioners</strong> apart from the Chief Information Commissioner.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Appointment:</strong> They are appointed by the <strong>President</strong> on the <strong>recommendation of a committee</strong> consisting of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.</li>
<li><strong>Tenure:</strong> The Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner shall hold office for such term <strong>as prescribed by the Central Government</strong> or until they attain the age of<strong> 65 years,</strong> whichever is earlier. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They are<strong> not eligible for reappointment.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Power and Functions of CIC</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the duty of the Commission to <strong>receive and inquire into a complaint</strong> from any person regarding information request under RTI, 2005.</li>
<li>The Commission can <strong>order an inquiry into any matter</strong> if there are reasonable grounds <strong>(suo-moto power).</strong></li>
<li>While inquiring, the Commission has the <strong>powers of a civil court</strong> in respect of summoning, requiring documents etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Suggestions</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government must ensure<strong> the timely appointment of chiefs and members of ICs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The increasing backlog of cases is exacerbated by the fact that most Commissions are functioning at reduced capacity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is absolutely critical that all information commissions conduct<strong> timely and effective hearings and disposal</strong> of cases to ensure people can exercise their fundamental right to information.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Commissions should hold hearings telephonically. Where possible, video calls can be set up.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There should be a<strong> prioritization of cases dealing with information related to life and liberty.</strong> Information regarding matters like food distribution, social security, health and COVID 19-related issues should be proactively disclosed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Section 7(1) of the RTI Act states that information concerning the life or liberty of a person has to be supplied <strong>within 48 hours</strong> of the request being received.</li>
<li><strong>Section 4</strong> of the RTI Act requires<strong> suo motu disclosure of information</strong> by each public authority.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Urgent digitization</strong> of records and proper record management is important as lack of remote access to records in the lockdown has been widely cited as the reason for not being able to conduct hearings of appeals and complaints by commissions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Governments should put in place a mechanism for <strong>online filing of RTI applications.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The role of information commissions is crucial during Covid-19 to ensure that people can obtain information on healthcare facilities, social security programs and delivery of essential goods and services meant for those in distress.</li>
<li>If the poor and marginalised affected by the public health emergency are to have any hope of obtaining the benefits of government schemes, they must have access to relevant information.</li>
<li><strong>Democracy is all about the governance of the people, by the people and for the people.</strong> In order to achieve the third paradigm, the state needs to start acknowledging the importance of informed public and the role that it plays in the country&rsquo;s development as a nation. In this context, underlying issues related to RTI Act should be resolved, so that it can serve the<strong> information needs of society.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/at-15-rti-act-crippled-by-rising-backlog/article32827394.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/15-years-of-rti'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'Status of Bharatmala Pariyojana',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A total of 322 projects in a length of 12,413 km have been awarded and 2921 km has been constructed under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bharatmala-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bharatmala Pariyojana</strong></a> till August 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bharatmala Pariyojana is an <strong>umbrella program for the highways sector</strong> envisaged by the <strong>Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.</strong></li>
<li>Under<strong> Phase-I of Bharatmala Pariyojana,</strong> implementation of<strong> 34,800 km of national highways in 5 years</strong> (from 2017 to 2022) has been approved at an estimated outlay of <strong>Rs. 5,35,000 crore.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nhai-achieves-highest-ever-construction-of-national-highways" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Highways Authority of India</strong></a> (NHAI) has mandated the development of about 27,500 km of national highways under Phase-I.</li>
<li>However, as per <strong>ICRA Limited</strong>, Phase-I is <strong>likely to be delayed</strong> by four years due to the prevailing <strong>uncertainty due to Covid-19</strong> and <strong>consequent impact on valuations.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>ICRA Limited is an <strong>Indian independent and professional investment information and credit rating agency.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Phase-II</strong> envisages around <strong>48,000 km of road network across India by 2024.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To <strong>optimise the efficiency of freight and passenger movement</strong> across the country by bridging critical infrastructure gaps through effective interventions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>effective interventions</strong> include the development of economic corridors, inter corridors and feeder routes, national corridor efficiency improvement, border and international connectivity roads, coastal and port connectivity roads and greenfield expressways.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/industrial-corridors-2#:~:text=Industrial%20corridors%20offer%20effective%20integration,the%2Dart%20cargo%20handling%20equipment" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Economic Corridors</strong></a>: These are<strong> integrated networks of infrastructure</strong> within a geographical area designed <strong>to stimulate economic development.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Greenfield Projects:</strong> They <strong>lack constraints imposed by prior work on the site.</strong> Typically, it entails <strong>development on a completely vacant site</strong> and architects start completely from scratch.</li>
<li><strong>Brownfield Projects:</strong> They carry <strong>constraints related to the current state of the site</strong> and <strong>might be contaminated or have existing structures</strong> that architects have to tear down or modify in some way before the project can move forward.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>To<strong> generate a large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities</strong> in the construction and infrastructure sector and also as part of the enhanced economic activity resulting from better road connectivity across the country.</li>
<li>To<strong> connect 550 districts in the country</strong> through national highway linkages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Improvement in the efficiency of existing corridors</strong> through the development of <strong>Multimodal Logistics Parks</strong> and elimination of chokepoint.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Multimodal Logistics Parks are a key<strong> policy initiative</strong> of the Government of India to <strong>improve the country's logistics sector</strong> by lowering overall freight costs, reducing vehicular pollution and congestion, and cutting warehousing costs.</li>
<li>A chokepoint is a single point through which all incoming and outgoing network traffic is funnelled and hence, leads to congestion and traffic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Enhance focus on<strong> improving connectivity in North East</strong> and <strong>leveraging synergies with Inland Waterways.</strong></li>
<li>Emphasis on the use of <strong>scientific and technological planning</strong> for Project Preparation and Asset Monitoring.</li>
<li><strong>Satellite mapping of corridors</strong> to identify up-gradation requirements.</li>
<li><strong>Delegation of powers to expedite project delivery</strong> for successful completion of Phase I by 2022.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Project Categories:</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602494683_image%200.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602494683_image 0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1663471" 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/status-of-bharatmala-pariyojana'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'South Asia Economic Focus Report: World Bank',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> has recently released its biennial <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/contraction-in-gdp-of-india-in-2020-21-world-bank" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South Asia Economic Focus report</strong></a>. The fall 2020 edition is titled &ldquo;Beaten or Broken? Informality and Covid-19&rdquo;.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The report includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.</li>
<li>The report predicts that the extended closure of schools amid the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong> </a>could <strong>dent India&rsquo;s future earnings</strong> by anywhere between 420 billion USD and 600 billion USD, as depleted learning levels of students will translate into <strong>poorer productivity</strong> going forward.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Impact on Education:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Around 5.5<strong> million students could drop out of schools</strong> across South Asia.</li>
<li><strong>391 million students</strong> have been kept out of school in primary and secondary education due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/21-days-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>lockdown.</strong></a></li>
<li>Dropouts, combined with substantial learning losses for those who remain enrolled in schools, would <strong>cost South Asia as much as 622 billion USD</strong> in future earnings and gross domestic product.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The regional loss is<strong> largely driven by India,</strong> all countries will lose substantial shares of their GDP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The projected learning loss for the region is<strong> 0.5 years of learning-adjusted years of schooling (LAYS)</strong> at present.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>LAYS combines quantity and quality of schooling into a single easy-to-understand metric of progress.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Due to the closure of schools, not only the learning process has been obstructed but the children may have <strong>forgotten their previous learnings.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The average child in South Asia may lose 4,400 USD in lifetime earnings once having entered the labour market, equivalent to <strong>5% of total earnings.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Engaging children through remote learning programmes had been difficult, despite most governments&rsquo; best efforts to mitigate the impact of school closures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602489728_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602489728_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Impacts on Economy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Impact on Informal Sector:</strong> The report has flagged damage to businesses, consumption patterns and imposed social hardship on poor and vulnerable households, especially <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-migrants-and-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>urban migrants</strong> </a>and informal workers in the South Asia region. It has also warned against<strong> far-reaching consequences</strong> apart from these immediate impacts.</li>
<li><strong>GDP:</strong> The regional GDP of the South Asia region is estimated to contract by 7.7% in 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product</a></strong> (GDP) can contract by 9.6% in 2020-21.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Labour productivity:</strong> It will also take a greater hit from Covid-19 than most previous natural disasters. <strong>Reasons</strong> for the decrease in labour productivity are as follows:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Globalization:</strong> The increased integration of the global economy will amplify the adverse impact of Covid-19. Effect on supply chains, export-import and international migration of labour will affect labour productivity.</li>
<li><strong>Capacity underutilization:</strong> Contagion prevention and physical distancing may render some activities, for example, the hospitality sector, unviable unless they are radically transformed, which will take time. Even in less directly affected sectors such as manufacturing, banking and business, severe capacity underutilisation lowers total factor productivity.</li>
<li><strong>Disruptions to training, schooling and other education:</strong> These may occur due to severe income losses as well as lack of access to training and education facilities. Even once restrictions are lifted, the impediment of training will also lower human capital and labour productivity over the long term.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Related Reports:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-report-on-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-children" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Report on the Impact of Covid-19 on Children</strong></a> estimated that almost <strong>24 million children could drop out</strong> or not have access to school next year due to the <strong>economic impact of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19.</a></strong></li>
<li>Earlier this year, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-education-monitoring-report-2020-unesco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the Global Education Monitoring Report, 2020</strong></a> was released by UNESCO which highlighted that the <strong>Covid-19 had worsened the inequalities in education systems</strong> worldwide.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To avoid the outcome of the pandemic, progress on three fronts is required: <strong>Information, Solidarity</strong> and <strong>Action.</strong></li>
<li>It is critical that education is at the heart of international solidarity efforts, from<strong> debt management</strong> and<strong> stimulus packages</strong> to <strong>global humanitarian appeals </strong>and <strong>official development assistance.</strong></li>
<li>It is the time to <strong>step up international solidarity for children and humanity&mdash;</strong> and to lay the foundations for a deeper transformation of the way we nurture and invest in our world&rsquo;s youngest generation.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> as a lower-middle-income country needs to use education as an equalizer for its widespread socioeconomic inequalities. Focus on increasing the education budget in the New<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-education-policy-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Education Policy</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/right-to-internet-access-and-digital-literacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>decreasing the digital divide</strong> </a>are welcome steps to achieve this goal.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/school-closure-may-cost-india-dear/article32828676.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/south-asia-economic-focus-report-world-bank'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Hurricane Delta',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Hurricane Delta made landfall in the <strong>USA state of Louisiana,</strong> which is still recovering from the damage caused by a<strong> previous <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-laura#:~:text=Key%20Points,and%20bring%20down%20power%20lines." target="_blank" rel="noopener">hurricane (Laura)</a></strong> in August 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Hurricane Delta is the <strong>10<sup>th</sup> named storm</strong> to make USA landfall so far this year, breaking a record that has stood since 1916.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the scientists, <strong>global warming</strong> is a major cause behind rapidly intensifying Atlantic hurricanes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Delta is also the<strong> first Greek alphabet named hurricane</strong> on record to make landfall in continental USA.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>When a very active hurricane season occurs and the list is exhausted, <strong>the Greek alphabet is used</strong> (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, Theta, etc).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It hit Louisiana as a <strong>Category 2 hurricane,</strong> but weakened to a Category 1 as it moved inland.</li>
<li><strong>Hurricanes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Hurricanes are the <strong>biggest and most violent storms</strong> on the planet.</li>
<li><strong>Every year, between June and November</strong> they hit the<strong> Caribbean,</strong> the <strong>Gulf of Mexico</strong> and the <strong>eastern coast of the United States,</strong> sometimes leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.</li>
<li>In the <strong>western North Pacific,</strong> they are called <strong>"typhoons".</strong></li>
<li>In the <strong>Bay of Bengal</strong> and <strong>Arabian Sea,</strong> they are called <strong>"cyclones".</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>Australia,</strong> they are called<strong> &ldquo;Willy-Willy&rdquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Formation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A hurricane <strong>starts out as a tropical disturbance.</strong> This is an area over warm ocean waters where rain clouds are building.</li>
<li>A tropical disturbance sometimes <strong>grows into a tropical depression.</strong> This is an area of <strong>rotating thunderstorms</strong> with winds of 62 km/hr or less.</li>
<li>A<strong> tropical depression becomes a tropical storm</strong> if its winds reach 63 km/hr.</li>
<li>A tropical storm <strong>becomes a hurricane</strong> if its winds reach 119 km/hr.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602488800_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602488800_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Category of Hurricanes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Hurricanes can be classified in <strong>five categories</strong> depending on the sustained wind speeds.</li>
<li>In the Atlantic, the <strong>Saffir-Simpson wind scale</strong> is used to measure their destructive power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Parts of a Hurricane:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602488904_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602488904_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Eye:</strong> The eye is the "hole" at the center of the storm. Winds are light in this area. Skies are partly cloudy, and sometimes even clear.</li>
<li><strong>Eye Wall:</strong> The eye wall is a ring of thunderstorms. These storms swirl around the eye. The <strong>wall is where winds are strongest and rain is heaviest.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Rain Bands:</strong> Bands of clouds and rain go far out from a hurricane's eye wall. These bands stretch for hundreds of miles. They contain thunderstorms and sometimes tornadoes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Naming:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Each year, tropical storms are named in <strong>alphabetical order.</strong> The names come from a list of names for that year. There are <strong>six lists of names.</strong> Lists are<strong> reused every six years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/hurricane-delta-makes-landfall-in-southwestern-louisiana-6719310/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hurricane-delta'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Malnutrition and Covid-19',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article has been taken from <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/malnutrition-the-silent-pandemic-6610858/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Malnutrition - the silent pandemic&lsquo;</strong> </a>which was published in &lsquo;The Indian Express&rsquo; on 25/09/2020. It focuses upon how the pandemic has worsened the problem of Malnutrition.</p>
</div>
<p>While malnutrition already remains as the predominant risk factor for child deaths and total disability- adjusted life years, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>COVID-19</strong></a> has pushed back our efforts on ending malnutrition, which plagues India's children.</p>
<p>There is a real risk that, as nations strive to control the virus, the gains made in reducing hunger and malnutrition will be lost. The need for more equitable, resilient and sustainable food and health systems has never been more urgent.</p>
<h3>Malnutrition</h3>
<p>Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person&rsquo;s intake of energy and/or nutrients. The term malnutrition addresses 3 broad groups of conditions:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Undernutrition,</strong> which includes wasting (low weight-for-height), stunting (low height-for-age) and underweight (low weight-for-age).</li>
<li><strong>Micronutrient-related malnutrition,</strong> which includes micronutrient deficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals) or micronutrient excess;</li>
<li><strong>Overweight,</strong> obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers).</li>
</ul>
<p>Globally, at least 1 in 3 children under 5 is undernourished or overweight and at least 1 in 2 children suffer from <strong>hidden hunger.</strong></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Hidden Hunger</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Hidden hunger is a lack of vitamins and minerals.</li>
<li>It occurs when the quality of food people eat does not meet the nutrient requirements. The food is deficient in micronutrients such as the vitamins and minerals that are needed for their growth and development.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Causes of Malnutrition</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Food &amp; nutrition insecurity:</strong> Increased food and nutrition insecurity has severely weakened the immune system of people contributing to poor growth &amp; intellectual impairment and has lowered human capital and development prospects</li>
<li><strong>Inequity:</strong> Inequity is a cause of malnutrition &mdash; both under-nutrition and overweight, obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Inequities in food and health systems exacerbate inequalities in nutrition outcomes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Dietary Intake:</strong> Inadequate dietary intake and disease are directly responsible for undernutrition, but multiple indirect determinants exacerbate these causes. These include-
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Food insecurity</li>
<li>Inadequate childcare practices</li>
<li>Low maternal education</li>
<li>Poor access to health services</li>
<li>Lack of access to clean water and sanitation</li>
<li>Poor hygiene practices</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Covid-19 and Malnutrition</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The nationwide lockdown has disrupted access to essential services, including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mid-day-meal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mid-Day Meals</strong></a>, which are not only a nutritional measure to supplement some portion of a child&rsquo;s calorie needs but is also a tool to access education.</li>
<li>Through a concurrent rapid needs assessment, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/childhood-index" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Save the Children</strong></a> found that around 40% of eligible children have not received mid-day meal during the lockdown.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Malnutrition and India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global Nutrition Report-2020:</strong> As per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-nutrition-report-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Nutrition Report 2020</strong></a>, India is among 88 countries that are likely to miss global nutrition targets by 2025.</li>
<li><strong>Malnourished children in India:</strong> Malnutrition in India accounts for 68% of total under-five deaths and 17% of the total disability- adjusted life years.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India is home to about 30% of the world&rsquo;s stunted children and nearly 50 per cent of severely wasted children under the age of five.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>FAO estimates:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-22nd-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)</strong> </a>estimates that 194.4 million people in India (about 14.5% of the total population) are undernourished.</li>
<li><strong>Global Hunger Index-2019:</strong> India ranks 102 out of 117 countries in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-hunger-index-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Hunger Index 2019.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Wasting rate:</strong> India&rsquo;s wasting rate is extremely high at 20.8% &mdash; the highest wasting rate of any country.</li>
<li><strong>Nutrition interventions:</strong> They are not sufficient to tackle the problem of undernutrition: Even at 90% coverage, the core set of proven nutrition-specific interventions would only decrease stunting by 20 per cent.</li>
<li><strong>Covid-19:</strong> Covid-19 has posed serious threats to children and their health and nutritional rights.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to recent estimates, even in the best possible scenario and accounting for changes in the provision of essential health and nutrition services due to COVID-19, India could have around additional 60,000 child deaths (around 3,00,000 in the worst-case scenario) in the next six months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Malnutrition and Undernutrition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person&rsquo;s intake of energy and/or nutrients.</li>
<li>The term malnutrition covers <strong>two broad groups of conditions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Undernutrition&mdash;</strong>which includes <strong>stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age)</strong> and<strong> micronutrient deficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals).</strong></li>
<li><strong>Obesity&mdash;</strong> which includes<strong> overweight and diet-related noncommunicable diseases</strong> (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Measures Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-food-day#:~:text=World%20Food%20Day%20is%20observed,people%20while%20nurturing%20the%20planet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Food Day</a>:</strong> it is observed annually on October 16 to address the problem of global hunger.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/poshan-abhiyaan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>POSHAN Abhiyaan</strong></a>: The government of India had launched the National Nutrition Mission (NNM) or <strong>POSHAN Abhiyaan</strong> to ensure a &ldquo;Malnutrition Free India&rdquo; by 2022.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/anaemia-in-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a>: Launched in 2018, the mission aims at accelerating the annual rate of decline of anaemia from one to three percentage points.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/midday-meal-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mid-day Meal (MDM) scheme</strong></a>: aims to improve nutritional levels among school children which also has a direct and positive impact on enrolment, retention and attendance in schools.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/one-nation-one-ration-card-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013</strong></a>: aims to ensure food and nutrition security for the most vulnerables through its associated schemes and programmes, making access to food a legal right.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-matru-vandana-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)</strong></a>: Rs.6,000 is transferred directly to the bank accounts of pregnant women for availing better facilities for their delivery.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/malnutrition-in-india-1#:~:text=Integrated%20Child%20Development%20Services%20(ICDS)%20Scheme&amp;text=It%20provides%20a%20package%20of,check%2Dup%20and%20referral%20services" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme</strong></a>: launched in 1975, the scheme aims at providing food, preschool education, primary healthcare, immunization, health check-up and referral services to children under 6 years of age and their mothers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps That Can Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a need to explore possible solutions and put forward key policy and programme proposals for the integrated management of acute malnutrition and mitigating the impact of<strong> Covid-19.</strong></li>
<li>For easy and sustained access to nutritious food, the spotlight back should be brought back on locally-available, low-cost nutritious food.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also more encouragement should be given to maternal, infant and young child nutrition actions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Strategies like &lsquo;take-home ration&rsquo; and &lsquo;mid-day meal service&rsquo; to ensure the continuation of services and coverage of the most vulnerable communities, especially in urban areas. Child-sensitive social protection schemes, like <strong>Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna (PMMVY),</strong> need to be implemented in a way so that they reach the last child.</li>
<li>Strict measures are needed to ensure that the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Distribution System (PDS)</strong></a> is accessible to all, especially the vulnerable population.</li>
<li>The use of newer technologies in service delivery, data management, evidence generation and real-time monitoring should be encouraged for maximum use in these processes.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Nutrition is not a peripheral concern rather a central to our existence; a pro-equity agenda that mainstreams nutrition into food systems and health systems, supported by strong financing and accountability is the greatest need.</li>
<li>Only five years are left to meet the 2025 global nutrition targets, while the time is running out, the focus should be on an action that provides the maximum impact.</li>
<li>Given the range of drivers of nutrition, spanning multiple sectors of agriculture, social protection, health and education, tackling undernutrition demands a multi-sectoral response.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602328535_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602328535_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #edf2ff;">
<p><span style="color: #003366;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Any country cannot aim to attain economic and social development goals without addressing the issue of malnutrition&rdquo;. In light of the statement, discuss the multi-sectoral dimensions of malnutrition in India and how to address them.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3WNGJIv2aWs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/trouble-in-the-air-120100801708_1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Trouble in the Air</strong></a> which was published in the &lsquo;Business Standard&rsquo; on October 08, 2020. Now watch this on our youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/malnutrition-and-covid-19'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Protests to Coup: Kyrgyzstan',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Protesters in Kyrgyzstan have <strong>captured key government buildings,</strong> including the <strong>Parliament</strong> house and the <strong>presidential office</strong> and the situation is like a coup.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong> Kyrgyzstan, often referred to as Central Asia&rsquo;s <strong>only democracy,</strong> had seen violent anti-government protests in the past.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2005 and 2010, sitting presidents were forced out of office in popular protests- <strong>&lsquo;Tulip&rsquo;</strong> and <strong>&lsquo;Melon&rsquo;</strong> revolutions.</li>
<li>The <strong>current protests</strong> began after <strong>early results of the parliamentary election</strong> were announced.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Political parties in Kyrgyzstan should win at least 7% of the popular vote to enter Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The results showed that <strong>only four parties managed to cross the threshold</strong> and of which, <strong>three</strong> were<strong> pro-government</strong> parties.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The only <strong>one opposition party</strong> could cross the threshold.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason for the protest:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Even before the election, political fault lines were sharpening in Kyrgyzstan.</li>
<li>The country&rsquo;s main political party, the Social Democratic Party of Kyrgyzstan (SDPK), stayed out of the election due to intra-party rift and split.</li>
<li>Several political leaders were detained and elections were perceived as rigged.</li>
<li>Consequently, after elections, protestors formed a <strong>Coordination Council</strong> to lead the &ldquo;revolution&rdquo;. The country&rsquo;s Election Commission annulled the results, but the protesters continued.</li>
<li><strong>Official View:</strong> Opposition&rsquo;s intention is to instigate a political coup.</li>
<li><strong>The Opposition&rsquo;s View:</strong> The elections were rigged which made people protest against the establishment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Kyrgyzstan&rsquo;s importance:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602324937_image0.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602324937_image0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been key to the strategic plans of both Russia and China.</li>
<li><strong>Russia</strong> considers the region as its backyard and plays hard politics to retain its influence.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Kyrgyzstan is a member of the Russia-led <strong>Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>CSTO</strong> is a Russia-led military alliance of six former Soviet states that was created in 2002.</li>
<li>Its aim is to ensure the collective defence of any member that faces external aggression.</li>
<li><strong>Members of CSTO:</strong> Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation and Tajikistan</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While Russia has cultivated strong ties with all political factions in Kyrgyzstan, radical political changes could throw up opportunities for its rivals.</li>
<li><strong>Belarus,</strong> another country in Russia&rsquo;s backyard with a pro-Russia President, is already witnessing political turmoil after August&rsquo;s Presidential election.</li>
<li>In the South Caucasus, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/armenia-azerbaijan-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan</strong></a>, both former Soviet Republics, over Nagorno-Karabakh, risks dragging Russia into a conflict that Russia doesn&rsquo;t want.</li>
<li>All three combined, Russia&rsquo;s attempts to build stronger political and economic integration with the former Soviet region are suddenly facing critical challenges.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China-</strong> This landlocked Central Asian country that<strong> shares a long border with China.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is located at the centre of Eurasia, is a vital link in its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/belt-and-road-initiative-perspectives-from-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road Initiative.</strong></a></li>
<li>In 2019, Chinese President visited Bishkek (capital)- shows close link with the current establishment.</li>
<li>China has built road and rail networks with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>USA:</strong> During the early stages of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/us-taliban-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Afghan war</strong></a>, the USA had used Kyrgyzstan for refuelling and other logistical purposes. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The USA base was shut down in 2014 by Parliament.</li>
<li>A regime change can be favourable for the USA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Kyrgyzstan</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has enjoyed strong bilateral ties with Kyrgyzstan since <strong>1991.</strong></li>
<li>India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with Kyrgyzstan in 1992.</li>
<li>Since 1992, the two countries have many agreements, including on Culture, Trade and Economic Cooperation, Civil Aviation, Investment Promotion and Protection, Avoidance of Double Taxation, Consular Convention etc.</li>
<li><strong>In 2011, the joint &lsquo;Khanjar&rsquo; series of exercises was started.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Indian diaspora in Kyrgyzstan-</strong> about 9,000 Indian students are studying medicine in various medical institutions in the country. Also, there are many businessmen living in Kyrgyzstan who are involved in trade and several other services there.</li>
<li><strong>Strategic:</strong> The Kyrgyz leaderships have been<strong> largely supportive of India&rsquo;s stand on Kashmir.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They also support India&rsquo;s bid for a<strong> permanent seat at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNSC</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Departure from a Democratic Regime may bring uncertainty for India&rsquo;s interests.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Due to the strategic importance of the country, other nations with interest in the new regime may interfere. This must not form <strong>another zone of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cold war</a>.</strong> The process must be <strong>Kyrgyz-led and Kyrgyz-owned</strong> for long-term stability.</li>
<li>India can have a word in order to support the democratic and peaceful political system in Kyrgyzstan.</li>
<li>Also, India can explore the communication with the potential political factions in Kyrgyzstan that can form the government in Kyrgyzstan.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/the-hindu-explains-whats-happening-in-kyrgyzstan/article32812356.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/protests-to-coup-kyrgyzstan'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'GDP Revival Forecast: RBI',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Monetary Policy Committee</strong> of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> has announced the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>extension of its accommodative policy stance</strong></a> for the rest of this year as well as 2021-22 and forecasted a GDP revival in coming months.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>RBI had previously introduced a number of measures in its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/monetary-policy-report-rbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Monetary Policy Report</strong> </a>for dealing with the Covid-19 induced economic setback.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Decisions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>RBI has kept <strong>key policy rates unchanged to revive growth</strong> of the economy and mitigate the economic impact of Covid-19 pandemic.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> Repo and reverse repo rate unchanged</strong> at 4% and 3.35% respectively because of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/inflation-data-august-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>high inflation.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Risk weights,</strong> i,e, the capital required to be set aside on individual home loans, have been relaxed and the <strong>loan limit</strong> for retail and small business borrowers have been raised.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This would give a boost to the <strong>job-intensive real estate sector</strong> that has been suffering in the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)</strong> will be available round the clock.</li>
<li><strong>Targeted <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/open-market-operations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Long Term Repo Operations</a> (TLTRO)</strong> of Rs 1,00,000 crore for the revival of specific sectors, and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/special-open-market-operations-by-rbi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Open Market Operations</strong></a> <strong>(OMOs)</strong> for <strong>State Development Loans (SDLs)</strong> have been announced.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will assure market participants of <strong>access to liquidity and easy finance conditions.</strong></li>
<li>Long Term Reverse Repo Operation (LTRO) is a mechanism to<strong> facilitate the transmission of monetary policy</strong> actions and the flow of credit to the economy. This helps in<strong> injecting liquidity in the banking system.</strong></li>
<li>Open Market Operations (OMO) is one of the <strong>quantitative</strong> monetary policy tools which is <strong>employed by the central bank of a country to control the money supply in the economy.</strong></li>
<li>OMOs are conducted by the RBI by way of <strong>sale or purchase of government securities (g-secs)</strong> to adjust money supply conditions.</li>
<li>The central bank sells g-secs to commercial banks to remove liquidity from the system and buys back g-secs to infuse liquidity into the system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602327462_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602327462_image3.png" width="776" caption="false" height="262" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Forecasts:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>GDP Revival</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Real gross domestic product (GDP)</strong></a> in FY21 will fall by 9.5%.</li>
<li>GDP growth may break out of contraction and <strong>enter a positive zone by Q4</strong> of the current fiscal year (2020-21)</li>
<li>Starting from a modest recovery the economic activity is expected to gain traction in Q3.</li>
<li>The real GDP growth in 2020-21 is expected to be negative at -9.8% in Q2 of 2020-21,-5.6% in Q3 and 0.5% in Q4.</li>
<li>Real GDP is likely to grow by 20.6% in the Q1 of 2021-22.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Decline in Inflation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Inflation is expected to decline in the next 3 months and is likely to ease to the projected target of around 4% (within a band of +/- 2%) by Q4 of FY&rsquo;21.</li>
<li>Supply chain disruptions is the major factor driving up inflation. As supply chains are restored, the inflation would come down.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/inflation-data-august-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>retail inflation growth was 6.69%</strong></a>, as of<strong> August 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restart of Economy</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The economy is likely to witness a three-speed recovery i.e. individual sectors showing varying paces with <strong>fastest, modest and slowest</strong> recovery rates.</li>
<li>Apart from agriculture, sectors such as fast-moving consumer goods, automobiles, pharma and power would revive first.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Monetary Policy Committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Monetary Policy Committee is a<strong> statutory</strong> and institutionalized framework under the <strong>Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934,</strong> for maintaining price stability, while keeping in mind the objective of growth.</li>
<li>The <strong>Governor of RBI</strong> is <strong>ex-officio Chairman</strong> of the committee.</li>
<li>The committee comprises<strong> six members (including the Chairman)</strong> - three officials of the RBI and three external members nominated by the Government of India.</li>
<li>Decisions are taken by majority with the Governor having the <strong>casting vote in case of a tie.</strong></li>
<li>The MPC determines the policy interest rate (repo rate) required to achieve the inflation target (4%).</li>
<li>An RBI-appointed committee led by the then deputy governor Urjit Patel in 2014 recommended the establishment of the Monetary Policy Committee.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Repo Rate and Reverse Report Rate</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the <strong>rate at which the central bank of a country (Reserve Bank of India in case of India) lends money to commercial banks</strong> in the event of any shortfall of funds.</li>
<li>It is used by monetary authorities to<strong> control inflation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the event of inflation, central banks increase the repo rate as this acts as a disincentive for banks to borrow from the central bank. This ultimately reduces the money supply in the economy and thus helps in arresting inflation.</li>
<li>The central bank takes the contrary position in the event of a fall in inflationary pressures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Ideally, a low repo rate <strong>should translate into low-cost loans for the general masses.</strong> When the RBI slashes its repo rate, it expects the banks to lower their interest rates charged on loans.</li>
<li><strong>Reverse repo rate</strong> is the rate at which the RBI borrows money from commercial banks within the country.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/rbi-keeps-lending-rates-unchanged/article32810230.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/gdp-revival-forecast-rbi'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'SC on NCPCR’s Repatriation Request',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> has sought a response from <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/children-abandoning-education-in-mica-mining-districts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)</strong></a>, to its request to eight States for immediate repatriation of children living in care homes with their families.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Repatriation Request:</strong> The NCPCR requested to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Mizoram, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Meghalaya for repatriation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These States combinedly have 1.84 lakh children in care homes.</li>
<li>This accounts for over 70% of the children in care homes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Activism:</strong> The court is<strong> suo motu</strong> monitoring the condition and welfare of children placed in care homes across the country during the pandemic.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The active role of the judiciary, even in the executive or legislative sphere, for upholding the rights of citizens and preserving the constitution is known as judicial activism.</li>
<li>The court questioned if the NCPCR could issue such general directions to the States without considering the education, health, safety of the children, the consent of their parents and their economical situation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>On individual basis:</strong> Repatriation ought to be considered on an individual basis for child safety.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/sovereignty-unconstrained-right#:~:text=An%20amicus%20curiae%20(literally%2C%20%22,the%20issues%20in%20the%20case." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>amicus curiae</strong></a> (&ldquo;friend of the court&rdquo; - one who assists the court advice regarding questions of law or fact ), the NCPCR direction violated the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gom-reviews-amendments-to-the-jj-act-2015" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Juvenile Justice Act of 2015</strong></a> since the pandemic would make a child more vulnerable to domestic abuse.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, comprehensively addresses children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection.</li>
<li>As per the <strong>Section 27(1) of the Act,</strong> Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) are to be constituted by State Government by notification in the Official Gazette for every district, for exercising the powers and to discharge the duties conferred on such Committees in relation to children in need of care and protection under JJ Act, 2015.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NCPCR&rsquo;s Stand:</strong> The NCPCR, suggested the need for a child to grow up in a familial environment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, in an April 2020 order, the court had directed juvenile authorities to &ldquo;proactively consider whether a child or children should be kept in the child care institutions considering the best interest, health and safety concerns&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Child Care Homes:</strong> The children being taken in<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/survey-of-child-care-institutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> child care homes</strong></a>, are not only those who are orphans/abandoned children, but also children <strong>hailing from downtrodden/financially unstable families.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Therefore, if there is any child who is either being brought up by a single parent or comes from a family which is not able to bring up the child properly, then that child can avail all the facilities at a care home.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The facilities for children like individual bedding, proper nutrition and diet, toys, hygiene and maintenance of the CCI/Homes, sufficient water, health check-ups, educational facilities based on the age and special needs of the child.</li>
<li>All the children in these care homes are required to study in nearby government schools.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Commission for Protection of Child Rights</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NCPCR is a<strong> statutory body</strong> set up in <strong>March 2007</strong> under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.</li>
<li>It is under the<strong> administrative control of the Ministry of Women &amp; Child Development.</strong></li>
<li>The Commission's mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programmes, and administrative mechanisms are in consonance with the child rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.</li>
<li>It inquires into <strong>complaints</strong> relating to a child's right to free and compulsory education under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aser-report-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Education Act, 2009.</strong></a></li>
<li>It monitors the implementation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-approved-changes-to-pocso-act" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.</strong> </a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Individual case basis of repatriation is a reasonable step to begin with.</li>
<li>Meanwhile there must be strengthened monitoring of child care institutions regarding the proper facilities.</li>
<li>Elements of sensitivity can be inducted with training in the staff at child care homes so as to understand the needs of children.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-questions-ncpcr-on-children-repatriation/article32812837.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/sc-on-ncpcr-s-repatriation-request'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Increased Election Campaign Broadcast Time',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/election-commission-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Election Commission of India</strong></a> (ECI) has increased the broadcast time allotted to <strong>recognised political parties</strong> on <strong>Doordarshan and All India Radio</strong> to aid campaigning for elections to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar, 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Broadcast Timings:</strong> A base time of <strong>90 minutes</strong> will be given to <strong>each</strong> national party and recognised state party of Bihar uniformly on the regional kendras of <strong>Doordarshan</strong> network and <strong>All India Radio</strong> network in Bihar.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>No party will be given more than <strong>30 minutes</strong> in a single broadcast session.</li>
<li>Any additional time (beyond the basic 90 minutes) will be given to a party based on its electoral performance in the last Assembly election in 2015.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Broadcast Period:</strong> The period of broadcast will be between the last date of filing nominations and two days before the date of polling in Bihar.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The Prasar Bharati Corporation</strong> in consultation with the ECI will decide the actual date and time for broadcast and telecast.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Prasar Bharati</strong> is India's largest public broadcasting agency. It is a<strong> statutory autonomous</strong> body set up by the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990 and comprises the Doordarshan Television Network and All India Radio, which were earlier media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The parties will be required to <strong>submit transcripts</strong> and <strong>recordings</strong> in advance.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In addition to the broadcast by parties, the Prasar Bharati Corporation will organise a maximum of <strong>four panel discussions and/or debates</strong> on the Kendra/Station of Doordarshan/ All India Radio.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Each eligible party can nominate one representative to such a programme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong> With the pandemic restricting movement and maintenance of safety for the people and party workers through <strong>non-contact-based campaign.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can act as an <strong>experimental step to reduce the expenditure on physical campaigning.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Types of Parties</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Election Commission of India</strong> lists political parties as &ldquo;national party&rdquo;, &ldquo;state party&rdquo; or &ldquo;registered (unrecognised) party&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The conditions for being listed as a national or a state party are specified under the <strong>Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Conditions for recognized parties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>National Party:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>6% valid votes polled in any four or more states at a general election to the Lok Sabha or to the State legislative assembly; and, in addition, it wins four seats in the Lok Sabha from any state or states.</li>
<li>2% of all Lok Sabha seats in the last such election, with MPs elected from at least three states.</li>
<li>Recognition as a state party in at least four states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State Party:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Two seats plus a 6% vote share in the last Assembly election in that state.</li>
<li>One seat plus a 6% vote share in the last Lok Sabha election from that state.</li>
<li>3% of the total Assembly seats or 3 seats, whichever is more.</li>
<li>One of every 25 Lok Sabha seats (or an equivalent fraction) from a state.</li>
<li>An 8% state-wide vote share in either the last Lok Sabha or the last Assembly polls.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Loss of Recognised Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Once recognised as a national or a state party, a political party loses its given status only if it fails to fulfil any of the conditions for two successive Assembly and two successive Lok Sabha elections.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>That means a party retains that status irrespective of its performance in the next elections.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ec-increases-broadcast-time-for-parties-on-dd-air-6718928/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/increased-election-campaign-broadcast-time'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Kastoori Cotton',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Union Minister for Textiles unveiled a brand and a logo for<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-cotton-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indian cotton</strong></a> recently on the occasion of 2<sup>nd</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-cotton-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Cotton Day</strong></a> on 7<sup>th</sup> October 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The branding, <strong>Kasturi Cotton,</strong> would initially be applicable to long-staple cotton that is grown in India and meets prescribed standards.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602316468_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602316468_image2.png" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>World Cotton Day</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Theme for World Cotton Day, 2020:</strong> Cotton: The Fibre that Moves Me</li>
<li><strong>Launched:</strong> By World Trade Organisation in 2019 on the initiative of <strong>Cotton-4 (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali).</strong></li>
<li><strong>In Collaboration with:</strong> United Nations <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-22nd-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Food and Agriculture Organization</strong></a> (FAO), the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-investment-report-unctad" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Conference on Trade and Development</strong> </a>(UNCTAD), the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-msme-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> International Trade Centre</strong></a> (ITC) and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cotton</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Kharif Crop</strong> which requires 6 to 8 months to mature.</li>
<li><strong>Drought &ndash; resistant</strong> crop ideal for arid climates.</li>
<li><strong>Occupies 2.1%</strong> of the world&rsquo;s arable land, meets <strong>27%</strong> of the world&rsquo;s textiles need.</li>
<li><strong>Temperature:</strong> Between 21-30&deg;C.</li>
<li><strong>Rainfall:</strong> Around 50-100cm.</li>
<li><strong>Soil Type:</strong> Well-drained <strong>black cotton soil (Regur Soil)</strong> (E.g. Soil of Deccan Plateau)</li>
<li><strong>Products:</strong> fibre, oil and animal feed.</li>
<li><strong>Top Cotton Producing Countries:</strong> China &gt; India &gt; USA</li>
<li><strong>Top Cotton Producing States in India</strong>: Gujarat &gt; Maharashtra &gt; Telangana &gt; Andhra Pradesh &gt; Rajasthan.</li>
<li><strong>Four cultivated species</strong> of cotton: <em>Gossypium arboreum, G.herbaceum, G.hirsutum and G.barbadense.</em><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><em><strong>Gossypium arboreum and G.herbaceum</strong></em> are known as <strong>old-world cotton</strong> or <strong>Asiatic cotton.</strong></li>
<li>G.hirsutum is also known as <strong>American cotton or upland cotton</strong> and G.barbadense as <strong>Egyptian cotton.</strong> These are both <strong>new world cotton species.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Hybrid Cotton:</strong> Cotton made by crossing two parent strains that have different genetic characters. Hybrids are often <strong>spontaneously and randomly created in nature</strong> when open-pollinated plants naturally cross-pollinate with other related varieties.</li>
<li><strong>Bt Cotton:</strong> It is a genetically modified organism or genetically modified pest-resistant variety of cotton.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cotton in India</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cotton is an important<strong> fibre and cash crop</strong> which plays a dominant role in the industrial and agricultural economy of India.</li>
<li>India is the&nbsp;<strong>largest producer of cotton</strong> in the world and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/the-decline-in-cotton-exports" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>third largest exporter</strong></a>. It is also the <strong>largest consumer of cotton</strong> in the world.</li>
<li>The pest-resistant <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/impacts-of-bt-cotton" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Genetically Modified (GM) Bt cotton hybrids</strong> </a>have captured the Indian market (covering over<strong> 95%</strong> of the area under cotton) since their <strong>introduction in 2002.</strong></li>
<li>India produces about 6 million tons of cotton every year which is about 23% of the world cotton.</li>
<li>India produces about 51% of the<strong> total organic cotton production</strong> of the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Government Initiatives for Cotton</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Food Security Mission-Commercial Crops (NFSM-CC):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the <strong>12<sup>th</sup> Five Year Plan,</strong> under the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-security-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NFSM</strong></a>, a cropping system approach is being adopted by including commercial crops like cotton, jute and sugarcane.</li>
<li>Cotton Development Programme (CDP), launched in 2014-15 is being implemented under NFSM-CC for enhancing production and productivity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/apeda-trifed" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)</strong></a> under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has prescribed a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/organic-food-regulatory-system-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>certification system for organic Cotton</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)</strong> has developed a mobile application called<strong> &ldquo;Cott-Ally&rdquo;</strong> to provide the latest news on weather conditions, the crop situation and best farm practices.</li>
<li>CCI has also opened 430 procurement centres in all cotton-growing states and payments are being made digitally to farmers&rsquo; accounts within 72 hours.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Cotton Corporation of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CCI was established in 1970 under the administrative control of the <strong>Ministry of Textiles</strong> as a <strong>Public Sector Undertaking</strong> under the<strong> Companies Act 1956.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra)</li>
<li><strong>Role:</strong> To undertake price support operations, whenever the market prices of cotton fall below the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/minimum-support-price" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Minimum Support Prices (MSP)</strong></a> announced by Govt. of India, without any quantitative limit.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Cotton Research</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Central Institute for Cotton Research</strong> has campuses in Nagpur in Maharashtra state and Sirsa in Haryana state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a central research institute established by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-council-of-agricultural-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) .</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology is situated in Mumbai.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/indian-cotton-gets-kasturi-branding-logo/article32816396.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/kastoori-cotton'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Anti Radiation Missile: Rudram-1',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)</strong></a> has successfully flight tested<strong> indigenously developed Anti Radiation Missile (Rudram-1).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Anti Radiation Missiles:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong> These are designed to detect, track and <strong>neutralise the adversary&rsquo;s radar, communication assets</strong> and other<strong> radio frequency sources,</strong> which are generally part of their air defence systems. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These can locate and target<strong> any radiation emitting source.</strong></li>
<li>These can play a <strong>key role in neutralising any jamming platforms of the enemy</strong> or take out radar stations thereby <strong>clearing a path for own fighters to carry out an offensive </strong>and<strong> also prevent own systems from being jammed.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Components:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Inertial navigation system:</strong> A computerised mechanism that uses changes in the object&rsquo;s own position &mdash; coupled with GPS, which is satellite-based.</li>
<li><strong>'Passive homing head' for Guidance:</strong> A system that can detect, classify and engage targets (radio frequency sources in this case) over a wide band of frequencies as programmed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About Rudram-1:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Development and Test:</strong> It is an <strong>air-to-surface missile,</strong> designed and <strong>developed by</strong> the <strong>DRDO.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>DRDO conducted a successful test of the <strong>New Generation Anti Radiation Missile (NGRAM)</strong> also called the <strong>Rudram-1</strong> at the <strong>Integrated Test Range (ITR)</strong> in <strong>Balasore</strong> (Odisha).</li>
<li>Rudram-1 is the <strong>first indigenous anti-radiation missile</strong> of the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Capability:</strong> Once the missile locks on the target, it is<strong> capable of striking accurately even if the radiation source switches off in between. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Operational Features:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The missile, <strong>integrated with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sukhoi-30-mki-equipped-with-the-brahmos-missile" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SU-30 MkI aircraft</a>,</strong> has a <strong>capability of varying ranges</strong> based on the launch conditions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It can be adapted for launch from other fighter jets too.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It can be launched from <strong>altitudes of 500 m to 15 km </strong>and<strong> speeds of 0.6 to 2 mach.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Rudram has been developed for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-air-force-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Air Force</strong></a> -<strong> IAF&rsquo;s requirement</strong> to enhance its <strong>Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) capability.</strong></li>
<li>Further, <strong>modern-day warfare</strong> is more and more <strong>network-centric,</strong> which means it comprises elaborate detection, surveillance and communication systems that are integrated with the weapons systems.</li>
<li>This is yet <strong>another test of indigenously developed weapons systems</strong> in addition to the recent tests of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/shaurya-missile" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shaurya missile</strong></a> or Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), which is an unmanned scramjet vehicle, or the test of flight test of a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/smart-system-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602315424_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602315424_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1663083" 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/anti-radiation-missile-rudram-1'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'The Plight of Slums',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>The article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/affordable-housing-is-the-solution-to-urban-inequality-exclusion/story-2lxI9nIzrMekwC1s9nX3KI.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Affordable housing is the solution to urban inequality, exclusion&rsquo;</strong> </a>which was published in the &lsquo;Hindustan Times&rsquo; on 30/09/2020. It focuses upon the Supreme Court&rsquo;s ruling on slums in Delhi, their existing condition and the way forward towards affordable housing.</p>
</div>
<p>Millions from lower-income groups from rural areas throng cities every year for a secure livelihood. A majority of which is hardly able to earn enough to eek out a decent standard of living at urban exorbitant rates.</p>
<p>Hence, many are forced to put up in slums and shanties of &lsquo;jhuggi jhopdi clusters&rsquo;. Apart from being unhygienic, these are also mostly far from workplaces and away from affordable commute options.</p>
<p>In this context the Supreme Court has ordered forced eviction of many households settled around the railway land in Delhi.The court has tasked the railways, the Delhi government and the central government to instead come up with a comprehensive housing plan for these households.</p>
<p>This case highlights the plights of slum dwellers in India and in interest of Human rights the related challenges must be addressed at the earliest..</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Current Issue</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Supreme Court has ordered the removal of about 48,000 slum dwellings situated along railway tracks in Delhi within three months, and to ensure compliance of its order, it has stopped any court from passing an order of stay against such removal.</li>
<li>The action was taken after the failed attempt of the Special Task Force to remove these Jhuggies as they were present within the security zone of the Railways.</li>
<li>Although these Bastis (slums) cover less than 0.6% of total land area, and 3.4% of residential land in the 2021 Delhi Master Plan, they support possibly upto 30% of the city&rsquo;s population.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Slums</h3>
<p><strong>Slums:</strong> Highly populated urban residential areas consisting mostly of closely packed, decrepit housing units in a situation of deteriorated or incomplete infrastructure, inhabited primarily by impoverished persons.</p>
<p><strong>The Sorry Condition of Slums</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>More than 1 billion people live in slums and informal settlements globally.</li>
<li>As much as 50-80% of employment is informal in developing cities, from street vendors to minibus drivers to migrant workers.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Many of these families are surviving day-to-day lives by living in dense neighborhoods with unreliable and often shared access to basic services like water, sanitation and electricity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>In India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Between 152-216 million (17.4% of urban households) people in India live in dense informal housing, or slums.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-forest-watch" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Resources Institute (WRI)'s</strong></a> World Resources Report documented how one slum in Bangalore is 12 times denser than the city average, housing 140,000 people per square kilometer.</li>
<li>In 2018, only 60% residents could access piped water &mdash; and even then, water was only available in taps for an average of two hours per day, two to three days a week.</li>
<li>In Mumbai,While more than 70% of slum dwellers queued up for water delivered by tanker trucks every few days, the amount of water these households could access was far below the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organization (WHO)&rsquo;s</strong></a> recommendation of 50 liters per day in non-emergency situations.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Case Study:Slums in Delhi</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Lalbagh, Delhi&rsquo;s largest slum has a population of more than 3 lakhs and is spread over an area of just one kilometer.</li>
<li>A sizable proportion of slums (37.2%) in Delhi have no toilet facility and people use open spaces for the purpose.</li>
<li>According to the data mentioned in the Slum-Free City Action Plan (SFCAP) finalised by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), 22.30% of the 2,55,435 households living in 589 surveyed jhuggi-jhopri (JJ) clusters in Delhi defecate in the open.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The highest number of households defecating in the open were found in South Delhi that accounts for 142 of the 589 surveyed clusters in the city, the highest in the nine districts of the city.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Delhi, which is already suffering from a housing shortage, needs to build and upgrade around 4.8 million houses by 2022, to house a third of its population that lives in substandard housing.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Steps That Can Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Affordable Housing:</strong> It refers to the housing units that are affordable by that section of society whose income is below the median household income.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It does not mean just a pucca structure but the possibility of employment and affordable mobility.</li>
<li>It is also linked to admission for children in local schools, employers&rsquo; homes that domestic workers can walk to, public institutions were trust has been built, arrangements for child-care with known neighbours, and streets that vendors and rickshaw drivers have mastered as markets</li>
<li>The notion of<em> &lsquo;jahan jhuggi, waha makan&rsquo;</em> should be pursued.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana &ndash; Urban:</strong> In-situ Rehabilitation of the existing slum dwellers should be taken and accomplished in a mission mode under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-awas-yojana-grameen-behind-target" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM- Awas Yojana- Urban.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Reducing the Urban Rural Gap:</strong> In order to prevent the migration of a large population from rural to urban areas, job opportunities and other amenities should be provided in the rural areas a well. Schemes such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pura-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PURA Initiative</strong> </a>and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/shyama-prasad-mukherji-rurban-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM)</strong> </a>offer as a way forward towards these goals.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Forcibly evicting 48,000 households will result in a grave human rights emergency that could threaten the lives of affected people.</li>
<li>Inequitable distribution of resources, including physical capital such as housing, poses a threat to sustainable development.</li>
<li>The government should ensure that consultations are held with affected people, and plans for providing adequate housing are developed with their prior informed consent.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602240841_image0.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602240841_image0.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #edeffc;">
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;The condition of slums highlights gross human right violations&rdquo;. In light of the statement, discuss how affordable housing can address the issues related to slums and urban inequalities.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3WNGJIv2aWs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/vanquishing-viruses-on-nobel-prize-for-medicine/article32785917.ece/amp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Vanquishing viruses: On Nobel prize for medicine</strong></a> published in 'The Hindu' on October 06, 2020. Now watch this on our youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-plight-of-slums'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Fluoride & Iron Removal technology of CMERI',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI)</strong> has transferred its High Flow Rate Fluoride &amp; Iron Removal technology to Capricans Aqua Private Limited, West Bengal.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Technology:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>Community Level Water Purification System</strong> which has a Flow-Rate capacity of 10,000 Ltr/hr.</li>
<li>It uses commonly available raw materials such as <strong>sand, gravel and adsorbent materials.</strong></li>
<li>It comprises a <strong>three-stage purification process</strong> that purifies water within permissible limits (1.5 parts per million (ppm) &amp; 0.3 parts per million for Fluoride and Iron respectively).</li>
<li>The technology uses a combination of <strong>Oxidation, gravity settling</strong> (settling down of heavier impurities under gravity) and <strong>Chemisorption</strong> process in an Affordable Package.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Chemisorption</strong> is a kind of adsorption which involves a chemical reaction between the surface and the adsorbate. New chemical bonds are generated at the adsorbent surface.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The integrated <strong>backwashing</strong> technology will help in improving the shelf-life of the filtration media in a resource rationalized manner.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Backwashing</strong> refers to pumping water backwards through the filter media, for the preventive maintenance so that the filter media can be reused.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The number of Fluoride affected individuals are continuously increasing in a contaminated habitat in the last 50 years. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This has been happening in consonance with the disproportional <strong>depletion of the Water Table,</strong> which has led to the multiplication of the level of concentration of Fluoride in the particular region.</li>
<li>The deployment of this Community Level system at affected places can help to turn the tide against the menace of Iron and Fluorosis across the Nation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cost-Effective solution</strong> for serving the most vulnerable sections of the Nation.</li>
<li>Besides, the technology is also a major thrust towards the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat</strong> </a>campaign.</li>
<li>The proliferation of this technology will also help in catalyzing<strong> Employment Generation opportunities.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Iron in water:</strong> Iron is the most common contaminant of drinking water, followed by salinity, arsenic, fluoride, and heavy metal.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Rajasthan</strong> had the highest number of rural habitations affected by contamination overall, at 16,833 in 2019.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Combined arsenic and iron pollution</strong> affect West Bengal and Assam the worst.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason:</strong> Corrosion of pipes is a common reason why iron is found in drinking water.</li>
<li><strong>Impacts:</strong> As little as 0.3 mg/L concentration of iron can make the water appear brown.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The overload of iron may cause severe health problems such as liver cancer, diabetes, cirrhosis of liver, diseases related to heart and central nervous system, infertility etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fluoride in water:<img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602238804_image3.png" width="500" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>High levels of Fluoride were reported in 230 districts of 20 States of India (2016-17).</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong> Naturally occurring fluoride in water along with the result of industrial processes.</li>
<li>Owing to inaccessibility to Affordable Fluoride Removal Solutions the Fluorosis affected statistics has also witnessed an upward trajectory.</li>
<li><strong>Impact:</strong> There are two main types of fluorosis, namely dental and skeletal fluorosis.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Dental fluorosis</strong> is caused by continuous exposure to high concentrations of fluoride during tooth development.</li>
<li><strong>Skeletal fluorosis</strong> is developed by the disturbance of calcium metabolism in the formation of bones of the body.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It results in the softening and weakening of bones resulting in deformities leading to crippling.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis:</strong></li>
<li>NPPCF is a health initiative<strong> launched in the 11<sup>th</sup> Five Year Plan,</strong> initiated in 2008-09.</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To collect, assess and use the baseline survey data of fluorosis of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.</li>
<li>Comprehensive management of fluorosis in the selected areas.</li>
<li>Capacity building for prevention, diagnosis and management of fluorosis cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CMERI is a public engineering research and development institution in Durgapur, West Bengal.</li>
<li>It is a constituent laboratory of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/council-of-scientific-and-industrial-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.</strong> </a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Council of Scientific and Industrial Research</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>CSIR is the <strong>largest research and development (R&amp;D) organisation in India.</strong> CSIR has a pan-India presence and has a dynamic network of 38 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 3 Innovation Complexes and 5 units.</li>
<li><strong>Established:</strong> September 1942</li>
<li><strong>Located:</strong> New Delhi</li>
<li>CSIR is<strong> funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology</strong> and it operates as an <strong>autonomous body</strong> through the Societies Registration Act, 1860.</li>
<li>CSIR covers a wide spectrum of streams and provides significant technological intervention in many areas with regard to societal efforts which include the environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, farm and non-farm sectors.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1662808" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fluoride-iron-removal-technology-of-cmeri'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Graded Response Action Plan',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/epca-on-early-burning-of-crop-residue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Environment Pollution (Prevention &amp; Control) Authority (EPCA)</strong></a> has directed Delhi and neighbouring States to implement air pollution control measures under <strong>very poor</strong> and <strong>severe</strong> category air quality of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/grap-to-be-enforced-in-delhi-ncr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Graded Response Action Plan</a> (GRAP)</strong> from 15<sup>th</sup> October 2020.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Graded Response Action Plan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The action plan which was <strong>formulated in 2016 and notified in 2017</strong> for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).</li>
<li>The plan was formulated after several meetings were held by <strong>Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA)</strong> with state government representatives and experts.</li>
<li>These are <strong>institutionalized measures to be taken when air quality deteriorates,</strong> hence <strong>works only as an emergency measure.</strong></li>
<li>GRAP includes the measures which will be taken by different government agencies to prevent worsening of Air Quality of Delhi-NCR and prevent <strong>PM10</strong> and <strong>PM2.5</strong> levels to go beyond the &lsquo;moderate&rsquo; national <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sameer-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Air Quality Index</a> (AQI)</strong> category.</li>
<li>If air quality reaches the <strong>severe+ stage,</strong> GRAP talks about <strong>shutting down schools and implementing the odd-even road-space rationing scheme.</strong></li>
<li>The plan requires action and coordination among <strong>13 different agencies in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan (NCR areas).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602237578_image4.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602237578_image4.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons of Winter Pollution in Delhi:</strong> Apart from the other pollution which are due to overpopulation, vehicular emissions and industries, following are the factors that make winter pollution severe:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/epca-on-early-burning-of-crop-residue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stubble Burning</a>:</strong> It is a traditional practice in Punjab and Haryana to clean off the rice chaff to prepare the fields for winter sowing.</li>
<li><strong>Shifting of Jet Stream:</strong> The southward shift of subtropical jet stream happens causing a westward wind pattern in the northern part of India and thus spread of pollutants.</li>
<li><strong>Stagnant Lower Level Winds:</strong> As the winter season sets in, dust particles and pollutants in the air become unable to move. Due to <strong>stagnant lower level winds,</strong> pollutants get locked in the air and affect weather conditions, resulting in <strong>smog. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Environment Pollution Control Authority</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was notified in 1998 under the <a href="/search/Environment%20protection%20act%201986" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Environment Protection Act, 1986.</strong></a></li>
<li>EPCA is a <strong>Supreme Court mandated body</strong> tasked with taking various measures to tackle air pollution in the National Capital Region.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The economy is already under stress post-lockdown so the combined effort is to ensure that there is no further disruption.</li>
<li>Pollution will make Covid-19 &ldquo;more dangerous&rdquo; and therefore, there must be zero-tolerance for air pollution during this period, as it will come at &ldquo;huge human health cost&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/epca-directs-delhi-other-states-to-implement-grap/article32807746.ece#:~:text=A%20Supreme%20Court%2Dappointed%20pollution,diesel%20generators%2C%20except%20for%20emergency" 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/graded-response-action-plan'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Television Rating Points',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in news</h3>
<p>Recently, the Mumbai Police has claimed about a scam about the manipulation of <strong>TRPs (Target Rating Points)</strong> by some TV channels by rigging the devices used by the <strong>Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> The TRP is the metric used by the marketing and advertising agencies to evaluate viewership. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Viewer:</strong> Anyone who watches television for <strong>more than a minute</strong> is considered a viewer.</li>
<li>It represents how many people, from which <strong>socio-economic categories,</strong> watched which channels for how much time during a particular period. This period is <strong>one minute</strong> as per the international standards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a company created in 2010 and jointly owned by advertisers, ad agencies, and broadcasting companies, represented by the Indian Society of Advertisers, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation and the Advertising Agencies Association of India.</li>
<li>The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting notified the <strong>Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies</strong> in India on January 10, 2014, and registered BARC in July 2015 under these guidelines, to carry out television ratings in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Methodology of Calculation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bar-o-meters:</strong> BARC has installed <strong>Bar-O-meters</strong> in over <strong>45,000 empanelled households.</strong> These record viewing details as well as audio watermarks of content.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Audio watermarks are embedded in video content prior to broadcast. These watermarks are not audible to the human ear, but can easily be detected and decoded using dedicated hardware and software.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Selection of Households:</strong> The households are chosen by an <strong>annual Establishment Survey</strong> which is a large-scale face-to-face survey of a sample of approximately 3 lakh households from the target population.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The panel chosen to capture TRPs must be representative of the country&rsquo;s population, and the methodology must be economically viable for the industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Classification of Households:</strong> These households are classified into 12 categories under the New Consumer Classification System (NCCS) adopted by BARC in 2015, based on the <strong>education level of the main wage earner</strong> and the<strong> ownership of consumer durables</strong> from a list of 11 items ranging from a power connection to a car.</li>
<li><strong>Data Collection:</strong> While watching a show, members of the household register their presence by pressing their<strong> separate viewer ID</strong> button. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This captures the duration for which the channel was watched and by whom and provides data on viewership habits across age and socio-economic groups.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Precautions to Prevent Rigging:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The viewing behaviour of panel homes is reported to BARC India <strong>directly and daily.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Coincidental checks</strong> either physically or telephonically are done regularly. Certain <strong>suspicious outliers</strong> are also checked directly by BARC India.</li>
<li>These households <strong>rotate randomly</strong> every year and they are kept confidential.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of TRP:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These <strong>influence programmes produced</strong> for the viewers. Better ratings would promote a programme while poor ratings will discourage a programme.</li>
<li>TRPs are the main <strong>currency for advertisers</strong> to decide which channel to advertise on by calculating the <strong>cost-per-rating-point (CPRP).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Limitations of TRP:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The panel can be <strong>infiltrated or tampered</strong> by bribing viewers or cable operators or tampering with the selection of panel.</li>
<li>If the <strong>sample size is very small,</strong> e.g. for English News channels, the manipulation becomes easier as even manipulating a few homes will change the TRP.</li>
<li>There is an <strong>absence of any specific law</strong> through which the agents/suspects involved in panel tampering/infiltration could be penalised.</li>
<li>About 70% of the revenue for television channels comes from advertising and only 30% from the subscription.<strong> Dependence on advertisements</strong> for revenue is leading to broadcasting content which suits the advertisers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increasing the sample size so that the results are more accurate, developing a legal framework for the regulation of TRP and chip-based activity logs through all set-top boxes</strong> are some of the things that can be done by the government in conjunction with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/interoperable-set-top-boxes-trai" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)</strong></a> to make the calculation of TRP fair and precise.</li>
<li>The subscription rates, which are controlled by the TRAI, should be raised so that TV channels are not forced to serve the lowest common denominator.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explained-trp-and-its-loopholes/article32805873.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/television-rating-points'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Arctic Amplification',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A team of scientists have identified<strong> iodic acid (HIO<sub>3</sub>)</strong> as a novel driver of new <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aerosol-levels-hit-20-year-low#:~:text=Aerosols%20are%20defined%20as%20a,located%20on%20the%20terrestrial%20surface." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>aerosol</strong></a> particle formation in the Arctic which is responsible for <strong>Arctic Amplification or Arctic Warming.</strong> Presence of Iodic acid in the region had not been observed previously.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These aerosol particles influence the formation of clouds. As these <strong>clouds reflect solar radiation (known as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aerosols-radiative-forcing-in-western-trans-himalayas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aerosol Radiative Forcing</a>)</strong> but also retain heat on the Earth's surface, they have an influence on the warming of the Arctic.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Over the past 30 years, the Arctic has warmed at roughly twice the rate as the entire globe, a phenomenon known as <strong>Arctic amplification.</strong></li>
<li>This means that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-warming-of-1-5-c-ipcc-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>global warming</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/special-report-on-climate-change-ipcc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>climate change</strong></a> are<strong> impacting the Arctic more than the rest of the world.</strong></li>
<li>Global temperatures from 2000&ndash;2009 were on average about 0.6&deg;C higher than they were from 1951&ndash;1980. The Arctic, however, was<strong> about 2&deg;C warmer.</strong></li>
<li>Scientists first started to see evidence of changes in Arctic climate in the 1980s. Since then, the changes have become <strong>much more pronounced.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602228870_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602228870_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Change in Albedo:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Albedo is a measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed.</li>
<li>When bright and reflective ice (with more albedo) melts, it gives way to a darker ocean (lowering albedo); this amplifies the warming trend because the ocean surface absorbs more heat from the Sun than the surface of snow and ice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Changing Ocean currents:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ocean currents normally bring in warmer water from the Pacific, and colder water exits out of the Arctic into the Atlantic.</li>
<li>But those currents may be changing because more melting ice is injecting the Arctic Ocean with freshwater. The missing ice also exposes the surface waters to more wind. This mixes up colder freshwater at the surface and warmer saltwater below, raising surface temperatures and further melting ice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Changing Weather</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Ocean currents drive the powerful polar jet stream, which moves hot and cold air masses around the Northern Hemisphere. This is a product of the temperature differences between the Arctic and the tropics.</li>
<li>But as the Arctic warms, the jet stream now undulates wildly north and south. This has been <strong>injecting the Arctic with warm air.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Thunderstorms</strong> are also much more likely to occur in the tropics than the higher latitudes. The storms transport heat from the surface to higher levels of the atmosphere, where global wind patterns sweep it toward higher latitudes.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The abundance of thunderstorms in tropics creates a near-constant flow of heat <strong>away from the tropics towards the Arctic</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact in the Arctic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The floating sea ice cover of the Arctic Ocean is shrinking, especially during summer.</li>
<li>Snow cover over land in the Arctic has decreased, notably in spring.</li>
<li>In addition, frozen ground in the Arctic, known as <strong>permafrost,</strong> is warming and in many areas thawing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Comparison with Antarctica:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is<strong> no Antarctic amplification.</strong> Antarctic warming has been similar to the global average, although some parts are warming much faster.</li>
<li><strong>Reason:</strong> Antarctica is surrounded by the <strong>vast Southern Ocean,</strong> which is soaking up much of the atmosphere&rsquo;s excess heat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effects Worldwide:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Higher temperature will cause a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/large-population-and-assets-to-be-affected-by-sea-level-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sea-Level Rise</strong> </a>globally that in turn has impacts like the destruction of ecosystems, displacement, loss of life and property etc.</li>
<li>Arctic permafrost thaw is also releasing the potent <strong>greenhouse</strong> gas methane causing profound <strong>global warming effects.</strong></li>
<li>Arctic wildfire, called <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/zombie-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Zombie Fire</strong></a> intensity is also increasing each year as thawing ground dries out.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Related Information:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602228907_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602228907_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/arctic-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Arctic Council</strong></a> is the leading <strong>intergovernmental forum</strong> promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States, Arctic indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, in particular on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic.</li>
<li>Recently, the Indian Prime Minister at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eastern-economic-forum" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Eastern Economic Forum (EEF)</strong></a>, mentioned <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/indo-arctic-strategic-construct" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s willingness to play a significant role in the Arctic Council.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>The only way to deal with Arctic amplification is by halting global warming as a whole. The <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-climate-change-act-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong> </a>provides a clear vision of limiting global warming. Cutting fossil fuel emissions, conservation of forests and afforestation and carbon sequestration are some of the ways to bring down the global temperature levels.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/arctic-amplification'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Global Commons At Threat',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>The given article is based upon <a href="/admin/articles/edit/Drishti%20Mains Question  There is a need to increase efforts in managing our interactions with the environment on a global scale. Discuss the statement in light of the global commons." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Managing The Global Commons&rsquo;</strong></a> which was published in &lsquo;The Hindu&rsquo; on 30/09/2020. It talks about how and why the global common resources are being used excessively and what is the way forward to prevent the indiscriminate exploitation.</p>
</div>
<p>The world has lately faced a pandemic, record-breaking forest fires, floods and droughts in various places, and the rapid melting of Arctic ice.</p>
<p>One of the main causes behind such events is the disruption of our environment which unfortunately, has been recognised at global scale only in the past few years.</p>
<p>To cope with these events, we need to increase our efforts in managing our interactions with the environment on a global scale where the prime areas of concern are the global commons.</p>
<h3>Global Commons</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global commons</strong> have been traditionally defined as those parts of the planet that fall outside national jurisdictions and to which all nations have access. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They do not belong to one community or individual, but to humanity.</li>
<li>International law identifies four <strong>global commons,</strong> namely <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The high Seas</li>
<li>The atmosphere</li>
<li>Antarctica</li>
<li>The Outer Space.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Resources of interest or value to the welfare of the community of nations &ndash; such as tropical rain forests and biodiversity - have lately been included among the traditional set of global commons as well.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of Commons</h3>
<p><strong>Globally</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Area:</strong> A third of the global population depends on &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; for their survival; 65% of the global land area is under &lsquo;Commons&rsquo;, in different forms.</li>
<li><strong>Carbon storage:</strong> At least 293,061 million metric tonnes of carbon (MtC) are stored in the collective forestlands of indigenous peoples and local communities.</li>
<li><strong>Pollination:</strong> The significance of &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; in supporting pollination (the cost estimated to be worth $224 billion annually at global levels) cannot be overlooked.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>In India&rsquo;s Context</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Area:</strong> In India, the extent of &lsquo;Common&rsquo; land ranges between 48.69 million and 84.2 million hectares, constituting 15-25% of its total geographical area.</li>
<li><strong>&lsquo;Common&rsquo;-pool resources:</strong> They contribute $5 billion a year to the incomes of poor Indian households. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Around 77% of India&rsquo;s livestock is kept in grazing-based or extensive systems and dependent on &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; pool resources.</li>
<li>And 53% of India&rsquo;s milk and 74% of its meat requirements are met from livestock kept in extensive &lsquo;Common&rsquo; systems..</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related To Global Commons</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to a report by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sixth-national-report-to-the-convention-of-biological-diversity#:~:text=The%20Convention%20on%20Biological%20Diversity%20(CBD)%2C%20a%20legally%20binding,It%20has%203%20main%20objectives%3A&amp;text=The%20sustainable%20use%20of%20the,the%20utilization%20of%20genetic%20resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)</strong></a>, the biodiversity has been mismanaged so badly that <strong>60% of the lost resources</strong> can never be recouped.</li>
<li>The spread of zoonotic diseases like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-s-preparedness" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>, <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/greenhouse-gas-emission" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Greenhouse Gas Emissions</strong></a>, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-biodiversity-warning-bells" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>biodiversity reduction</strong></a>, overfishing; and the accumulation of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/investment-to-reduce-plastic-waste-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>plastic waste</strong></a> are some of the problems within the scope of global commons.</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc#:~:text=The%20text%20of%20the%20United,Nations%20Headquarters%20in%20New%20York.&amp;text=The%20UNFCCC%20secretariat%20relocates%20from,home%20to%2018%20UN%20organizations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Multilateral Negotiations on Climate Change</strong> </a>and other global commons over decades have had limited success.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Although we have a good idea of what kind of governance might be successful at the local community level, these insights do not directly address the challenges we face on a global scale.</li>
<li>Another possible reason is that countries are selfish to their own cause. Hence, they do not pay much heed to the alarming conditions of global commons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602155224_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602155224_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>At local level:</strong> Community members may have more knowledge about the local ecological and social context, but they could also lack expertise or may be ruled by powerful factions within the community, or may not perceive sufficient incentives to sustain the local commons.</li>
<li><strong>The urge of the rich and powerful</strong> to privatise these resources for individual prosperity in the form of property management principles, intellectual property rights and others has also led to the decline in the availability of &lsquo;commons&rsquo;.</li>
<li><strong>In India:</strong> Despite their significance, &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; have suffered continued decline and degradation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/restructuring-of-indian-statistical-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Sample Survey Office</strong></a> data show a 1.9% quinquennial rate of decline in the area of &lsquo;Common&rsquo; lands, though microstudies show a much more rapid decline of 31-55% over 50 years, <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This has jeopardised the health of systemic drivers such as soil, moisture, nutrient, biomass and biodiversity, in turn aggravating food, fodder and water crises.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps That Can Be Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In order to manage shared resources, a balance between both private and public interests needs to be maintained.</li>
<li><strong>Coordinated Activities:</strong> Coordinates activities at different scales should be performed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, local irrigation communities could monitor the state of infrastructure and water use and adapt their watering scheme or cropping patterns to changes in water availability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Managing both the global and local commons:</strong> To manage our global commons, we need to facilitate and accommodate the self- governance of local commons, but provide safeguards at different levels to avoid exploitation and manage risks.</li>
<li><strong>Rural and Urban Communities:</strong> Facilitate the rural and urban communities to self-govern their shared resources. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, there will be risks involved for which the cities and nations will have to take up the responsibilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The two Specific Approaches:</strong> In addition to seeking more money, time and capacities to deal common resources management, we need to focus on two specific approaches: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To re-introduce more strongly, the management and governance principles of &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; approaches into decision-making and implementation of conservation, use and benefit sharing action.</li>
<li>To use the approach of<strong> creative destruction</strong> to put resource management in the hands of the people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Creative Destruction</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Creative destruction refers to the incessant product and process innovation mechanism by which new production units replace outdated ones.</li>
<li>It was coined in 1942 by <strong>Joseph Schumpeter,</strong> an Austrian Economist, who considered it &lsquo;the essential fact about capitalism&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Further Possible Challenges</h3>
<p>Governing the global commons is the defining challenge for current and future generations:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The opposing and dominant world view of the <strong>&lsquo;developmentalists&rsquo;</strong> is predicated on the value of built infrastructure, and requires the constant colonisation of open land and resources.</li>
<li>Failures will be inevitable if we stimulate local-level experimentation, and higher-level authorities need to provide insurance for those cases.</li>
<li>If local initiatives are successful, higher-level authorities need to provide insurance that the outcomes of those successes will not be grabbed by outsiders.</li>
<li>While the state can have oversight over resource management, keeping people away from using and managing &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; is against effective governance of &lsquo;Commons&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Commons are the resources relevant not only for rural communities but are now a major provider of livelihood options for both urban and peri-urban populations as well.</li>
<li>The relevance of &lsquo;Commons&rsquo; impacting urban dwellers cannot be overlooked with more urbanisation happening.</li>
<li>What is desperately needed at this moment is a manifesto for the protection of the commons and open lands, and for the re-creation of economies that derive value out of healing wounded landscapes and covering open lands with diverse vegetation, water and life.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602156479_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1602156479_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #edfaef;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>There is a need to increase efforts in managing our interactions with the environment on a global scale. Discuss the statement in light of the global commons.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EsAtx38D3xs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/gst-compensation-states-covid-pandemic-6705779/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Spirit of Mutuality</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on October 06, 2020. Now watch this on our youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/global-commons-at-threat'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Reforms in Exploration and Licensing Policy: Oil & Gas',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/centre-cuts-non-urea-fertiliser-subsidy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs</strong></a> (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the<strong> Policy framework</strong> on reforms in the exploration and licensing sector for enhancing domestic exploration and production of oil and gas.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Attract new <strong>investment</strong> in Exploration and Production (E&amp;P) Sector.</li>
<li>Intensification of <strong>exploration</strong> activities in unexplored areas.</li>
<li><strong>Liberalizing</strong> the policy in producing basins.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Four Focus Areas:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increasing Exploration Activities in Unexpected Areas:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bidding out <strong>uncommercialized basins</strong> to contractors without them having to share revenue or production with the Government and only paying royalties/levies.</li>
<li>For <strong>unallocated/unexplored areas,</strong> the bidding to be based on a revenue-sharing basis but more weightage to work programme to be given.</li>
<li>Shorter exploration period and <strong>fiscal incentives.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Marketing and Pricing Freedom:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To incentivize enhanced gas production, marketing and pricing freedom to be granted for those new gas discoveries whose <strong>Field Development Plan (FDP)</strong> is yet to be approved.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>FDP is the evaluation document of multiple development options for a field and selecting the best option based on assessing tradeoffs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fiscal incentive on additional gas production</strong> from domestic fields over and above normal production.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Preparation of Enhanced Production Profile:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Public sector Undertakings like <strong>Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL)</strong> will prepare an enhanced production profile to enhance production from their existing fields.</li>
<li>For production enhancement, bringing new technology, and capital, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) will be allowed to <strong>induct private sector partners.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promoting Ease of Doing Business:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Measures like setting up coordination mechanism and simplification of approval, alternate dispute resolution mechanism etc. to be taken.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Domestic production of oil and gas was declining, import dependence was rising and investment in E&amp;P activities was reducing.</strong> Thus, policy reform in this sector was needed.</li>
<li>Earlier, the government between 2016 and 2019 had given pricing freedom for all fields except those given to state-owned ONGC and OIL on a nomination basis.</li>
<li>But, there were<strong> restrictions on marketing</strong> like a ban on affiliates of producers buying the fuel etc. This <strong>restricted competition</strong> kept<strong> prices artificially low.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/hydrocarbon-exploration-and-licensing-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy or HELP</strong></a> was approved in March 2016, aimed at increasing the transparency and decreasing the administrative discretion in granting hydrocarbon licenses. It replaced the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/increasing-domestic-oil-production" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP)</a>, 1997.</strong></li>
<li>Recently, India also launched its first gas exchange which has been named as the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-gas-exchange-igx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Gas Exchange (IGX).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Development of support services.</li>
<li>Employment generation.</li>
<li>Transfer of advanced technology.</li>
<li>Reducing import dependence.</li>
<li>Improve <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/energy-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>energy security</strong></a> of the country.</li>
<li>Save the precious foreign exchange on imports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Petroleum</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Crude petroleum occurs in <strong>sedimentary rocks</strong> of the tertiary period.</li>
<li>It consists of <strong>hydrocarbons of liquid and gaseous states</strong> varying in chemical composition, colour and specific gravity.</li>
<li>It is an essential source of energy for all internal combustion engines in automobiles, railways and aircraft.</li>
<li>Its numerous by-products are processed in petrochemical industries such as fertiliser, synthetic rubber, synthetic fibre, medicines, vaseline, lubricants, wax, soap and cosmetics.</li>
<li>Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Russia are some <strong>major countries with the largest oil reserves.</strong></li>
<li>Digboi, Naharkatiya and Moran in<strong> Assam,</strong> Ankleshwar, Kalol, Mehsana, Navagam, Kosamba and Lunej in <strong>Gujarat;</strong> Mumbai High in <strong>Maharashtra</strong> are important <strong>oil-producing areas in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Natural Gas</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Natural gas is found with petroleum deposits and is released when crude oil is brought to the surface. It can be used as a domestic and industrial fuel.</li>
<li><strong>Russia, Norway, UK and the Netherlands</strong> are the major producers of natural gas.</li>
<li>In <strong>India</strong>, Jaisalmer, Krishna Godavari delta, Tripura and some areas offshore in Mumbai have natural gas resources.</li>
<li>The<strong> Gas Authority of India Limited</strong> was set up in 1984 as a public sector undertaking to transport and market natural gas.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Oil and Natural Gas Corporation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is a <strong>Maharatna</strong> Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of the Government of India.</li>
<li>It was set up in 1995 and is under the <strong>Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.</strong></li>
<li>It is the <strong>largest crude oil and natural gas company in India,</strong> contributing around 70% to Indian domestic production.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The production enhancement scheme for the nomination field of NOCs is likely to <strong>augment production</strong> by leveraging new technology, capital and management practices through private sector participation.</li>
<li>It would bring <strong>uniformity to the bidding process</strong> across various contractual regimes and policies to avoid ambiguity and contribute towards <strong>ease of doing business.</strong></li>
<li>The move is in line with India&rsquo;s goal of becoming self-reliant as envisaged in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanibhar Bharat initiative</strong></a>. It will help India develop into a <strong>gas-based economy.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1565313" 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/reforms-in-exploration-and-licensing-policy-oil-gas'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Ratification of 7 Persistent Organic Pollutants',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Union Cabinet</strong> has approved the <strong>ratification of seven chemicals</strong> listed <strong>under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/brs-conventions-cop-meet-in-geneva" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).</a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Cabinet further delegated its powers</strong> to ratify chemicals under the Stockholm Convention to Union Ministries of External Affairs <strong>(MEA)</strong> and Environment, Forest and Climate Change <strong>(MEFCC)</strong> in respect of POPs for streamlining the procedure.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Persistent Organic Pollutants: POPs</strong> are identified chemical substances that are characterised by:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Persistence in the environment.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Bio-accumulation</strong> in the fatty acids in living organisms.</li>
<li><strong>Less soluble in water.</strong></li>
<li>Adverse <strong>effect on human health/ environment.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Exposure to POPs can lead to cancer, damage to central &amp; peripheral nervous systems, diseases of the immune system, reproductive disorders and interference with normal infant and child development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The property of<strong> long-range environmental transport (LRET)</strong> makes them spread widely in the atmosphere.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Stockholm Convention:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a<strong> global treaty</strong> to protect <strong>human health and the environment</strong> from POPs.</li>
<li>It was opened for signature in 2001 in Stockholm (Sweden) and became effective in <strong>2004.</strong></li>
<li>POPs are listed in various Annexes to the Stockholm Convention after thorough scientific research, deliberations and negotiations among member countries.</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Support the transition to safer alternatives.</li>
<li>Target additional POPs for action.</li>
<li>Cleanup old stockpiles and equipment containing POPs.</li>
<li>Work together for a POPs-free future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India ratified the Stockholm Convention in 2006</strong> as per<strong> Article 25(4),</strong> which enabled it to keep itself in a default "opt-out" position such that amendments in various Annexes of the convention cannot be enforced on it unless an instrument of ratification/ acceptance/ approval or accession is explicitly deposited with UN depositary.</li>
<li>The convention calls to <strong>ban nine of the dirty dozen chemicals</strong> (key POPs), limit the use of DDT to malaria control, and curtail inadvertent production of dioxins and furans. The convention <strong>listed twelve distinct chemicals</strong> in three categories:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Eight pesticides</strong> (aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, mirex and toxaphene)</li>
<li><strong>Two industrial chemicals</strong> (poly chlorinated biphenyls and hexachlorobenzene)</li>
<li><strong>Two unintended by-products of many industrial processes involving chlorine</strong> such as waste incineration, chemical and pesticide manufacturing and pulp and paper bleaching (poly chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, commonly referred to as dioxins and furans).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Cabinet Decision:</strong> The Union Cabinet has approved the ratification of seven chemicals listed <strong>under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/brs-conventions-cop-meet-in-geneva" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stockholm Convention</a>.</strong> These chemicals are regulated under the following domestic provision for POPs:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Considering its commitment towards providing a safe environment and addressing human health risks, the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)</strong> had notified the 'Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, in 2018 <strong>under</strong> the provisions of <strong>Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.</strong></li>
<li>The regulation inter alia prohibits the manufacture, trade, use, import and export of seven chemicals, namely:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chlordecone,</li>
<li>Hexabromobiphenyl,</li>
<li>Hexabromodiphenyl ether and Hepta Bromodiphenyl Ether (Commercial octa-BDE),</li>
<li>Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and Pentabromodiphenyl ether (Commercial penta-BDE),</li>
<li>Pentachlorobenzene,</li>
<li>Hexabromocyclododecane, and</li>
<li>Hexachlorobutadiene.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of Decision:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Cabinet's approval for ratification of POPs demonstrates <strong>India's commitment to meet its international obligations</strong> with regard to protection of environment and human health.</li>
<li>It also indicates the<strong> resolve of the Government to take action on POPs</strong> by implementing control measures, develop and implement action plans for unintentionally produced chemicals, develop inventories of the chemicals' stockpiles and review.</li>
<li>The ratification process would enable India to access the<strong> Global<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/climate-finance-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Environment Facility</a> (GEF)</strong> financial resources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="list-style-type: none;"></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Environment Facility</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>GEF was established with the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rio Earth Summit</strong> </a>of 1992.</li>
<li><strong>Headquarter:</strong> Washington, D.C., USA.</li>
<li>The GEF is jointly managed by the <strong>United Nations Development Programme</strong> (UNDP), the <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Bank</a></strong>, and the <strong>United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).</strong></li>
<li>The financial mechanism was established to help tackle our planet&rsquo;s most pressing environmental problems.</li>
<li>It provides <strong>funds to the developing countries and transition economies</strong> for projects related to climate change, biodiversity, the ozone layer, etc.</li>
<li>It is a<strong> financial mechanism for 5 major international environmental conventions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change</strong></a> (UNFCCC),</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-day-for-biological-diversity" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity</strong></a> (UNCBD),</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/brs-conventions-cop-meet-in-geneva" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants</strong></a> (POPs),</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-convention-to-combat-desertification-cop-14" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification</strong></a> (UNCCD), and</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mercury-emission-versus-its-concentration-in-fishes#:~:text=The%20Minamata%20Convention%20on%20Mercury,of%20mercury%20and%20its%20compounds.&amp;text=Controlling%20the%20anthropogenic%20releases%20of,key%20obligations%20under%20the%20Convention." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Minamata Convention on Mercury.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1662335" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'USA Aircraft Refuelling at A&N Islands',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a<strong> USA Navy P-8A long range Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA)</strong> landed at <strong>Port Blair</strong> in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&amp;N) Islands for refuelling <strong>under the bilateral logistics support agreement.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is the first time the USA got access to A&amp;N under the <strong>Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement</strong> (LEMOA).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>LEMOA:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It allows both countries to <strong>have access to each other&rsquo;s designated military facilities</strong> for refueling and replenishment.</li>
<li>Signed by India in <strong>2016.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other foundational military communication agreements with the USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>General Security of Military Information Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>GSOMIA allows <strong>militaries to share the intelligence</strong> gathered by them.</li>
<li>Signed by India in <strong>2002.</strong></li>
<li>An extension to the GSOMIA, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-us-2-2-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Industrial Security Annex</strong> </a>(ISA), was signed at the 2+2 dialogue in <strong>2019.</strong></li>
<li>ISA provides a framework for exchange and protection of classified military information<strong> between the USA and Indian defence industries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Valid for 10 years, COMCASA aims to provide a legal framework for the <strong>transfer of highly sensitive communication security equipment from the USA to India</strong> that will streamline and facilitate interoperability between their armed forces.</li>
<li>Signed by India in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>BECA:</strong> The USA is looking forward to India signing the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial cooperation (BECA)</strong></a>, at the next India-USA 2+2 ministerial dialogue likely to be held in October, 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BECA will<strong> allow India to use the geospatial maps of the USA</strong> to get pinpoint military accuracy of automated hardware systems and weapons such as cruise and ballistic missiles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strategic Significance of A&amp;N Islands:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <strong>close to the Strait of Malacca</strong> and global sea lanes of communication.</li>
<li>A&amp;NI has become an important element of <strong>India&rsquo;s <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;Act East Policy&rdquo;</a></strong> of engaging with countries in the region east of India.</li>
<li>The Andaman and Nicobar chain of islands could be used as a<strong> basis for Indian maritime power projection into the Indo-Pacific</strong> and even beyond into the south-west Pacific.</li>
<li>The A&amp;NI could be used for India&rsquo;s <strong>Third Fleet</strong> (other two are the Western and Eastern Fleets) <strong>and the trans-shipment hub</strong> at Car Nicobar, could potentially be a strategic game-changer, rivalling the ports of Singapore or Colombo.</li>
<li>Changing nature of warfare has led to the expansion of scope of a <strong>Tri-Command Service.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As Andaman and Nicobar is the first Tri-Command structure in India, development of military infrastructure at A&amp;NI is a key requirement in India&rsquo;s security strategy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increased Maritime Interactions with Quad Countries:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)</strong> is the <strong>informal strategic</strong> dialogue between <strong>India, USA, Japan and Australia</strong> with a shared objective to ensure and support a<strong> &ldquo;free, open and prosperous&rdquo; Indo-Pacific region.</strong></li>
<li>There has been a sharp increase in India&rsquo;s <strong>maritime interactions with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/four%20corners:%20on%20the%20quad%E2%80%99s%20agenda" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quad countries</a></strong> on a bilateral basis centred around information sharing for improved <strong>Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)</strong> in the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indian-ocean-islands-diplomacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Region</strong></a> and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-Pacific.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>MDA</strong> is defined by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/international-maritime-organization-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Maritime Organization</strong></a> as the effective understanding of anything associated with the maritime domain that could impact the security, safety, economy, or environment of a country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has <strong>logistics agreements</strong> with all three Quad countries &mdash; <strong>Australia, Japan and the USA.</strong> India has also signed <strong>maritime information sharing agreements</strong> with Australia and Japan and a similar agreement is in the works with the USA .</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The increase in India&rsquo;s maritime interactions with the Quad countries will <strong>strengthen India&rsquo;s position in the Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-embrace-of-strategic-hedging" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Strategic balancing</strong></a> is the key to move forward in relationships with powerful countries like the USA.</li>
<li>India and the USA must now strive to complete <strong>the unfinished agreements</strong> and set the course for a <strong>Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/us-navy-aircraft-refuels-at-port-blair/article32760946.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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