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Dry Swab RT-PCR Covid-19 Test

Why in News Recently, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) has got the permission...

28 Nov 2020 News Analysis
India-Vietnam Talks

Why in News Recently, Defence Ministers of India and Vietnam have discussed collaboration in defence industry capability building, training and...

28 Nov 2020 News Analysis
Honey FPO Programme: NAFED

Why in News Recently, the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has virtually inaugurated the Honey Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO)...

28 Nov 2020 News Analysis
Artificial Intelligence & Agriculture

This article is based on “AI for the farmer” which was published in The Indian Express on 26/11/2020. It talks about the application of...

27 Nov 2020 News Editorials
Trends in Air Pollution: CPCB

Why in News According to a recent study commissioned by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the rate of increase in pollution levels in...

27 Nov 2020 News Analysis
Cabinet Approves Capital Infusion into NIIF

Why in News Recently, the Union Cabinet has given its approval to the proposal for equity infusion by the Government of Rs. 6000 crores in NIIF Debt...

27 Nov 2020 News Analysis
PM on One Nation, One Election

Why in News Recently, the Prime Minister of India has addressed the concluding session of the 80th All India Presiding Officers Conference via...

27 Nov 2020 News Analysis
President’s Powers to Pardon

Why in News Recently, the President of the United States of America (USA) has exercised his powers under the constitution to pardon his former...

27 Nov 2020 News Analysis
Awards for Tiger Conservation

Why in News The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR - Uttar Pradesh) has bagged international award TX2 for doubling the number of tigers in the past four...

27 Nov 2020 News Analysis
India & Gulf Countries

This article is based on “Time to bridge the Gulf” which was published in The Indian Express on 24/11/2020. It talks about the ongoing...

26 Nov 2020 News Editorials
Agreements Between India-Bahrain

Why in News Recently, India and Bahrain have agreed to further strengthen their historic ties, including in areas of defence and maritime...

26 Nov 2020 News Analysis
Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Cluster: PMKSY

Why in News Recently, the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries has attended the Independent Management Advisory Committee (IMAC) meeting to...

26 Nov 2020 News Analysis
Subdued Northeast Monsoon

Why in News Rainfall over the southern peninsular region has been deficient so far, indicating that the northeast monsoon has remained subdued this...

26 Nov 2020 News Analysis
Cyclone Nivar

Why in News Recently, the tropical cyclone Nivar has made landfall along the Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coast. Landfall refers to the phenomenon of a...

26 Nov 2020 News Analysis
Sea Guardian Drones from US

Why in News Recently, two American MQ9B Sea Guardian unarmed drones have been inducted by the Indian Navy. The drones would be on lease with...

26 Nov 2020 News Analysis
Menace of Manual Scavenging

This article is based on “Machine hole” which was published in The Indian Express on 21/11/2020. It talks about the issue of death due...

25 Nov 2020 News Editorials
India’s Assistance to Afghanistan

Why in News Recently, at the Afghanistan 2020 Conference, India has announced about 150 projects worth USD 80 million. Afghanistan’s...

25 Nov 2020 News Analysis
Desalination Plants

Why in News Recently, Maharashtra announced the setting up of a desalination plant in Mumbai. The plant will process 200 million litres of water...

25 Nov 2020 News Analysis
IRNSS: Part of World Wide Radio Navigation System

Why in News The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has recognised the Indian Regional Navigation...

25 Nov 2020 News Analysis
Land-attack Version of BrahMos Missile

Why in News Recently, India has successfully test-fired a land-attack version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Andaman and Nicobar...

25 Nov 2020 News Analysis

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		(int) 0 => [
			'title' => 'Dry Swab RT-PCR Covid-19 Test',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, 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>-<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-tigers-under-stress-due-to-tourism#:~:text=Centre%20for%20Cellular%20%26%20Molecular%20Biology&amp;text=It%20is%20located%20in%20Hyderabad,and%20Cell%20Biology%20Network%2C%20UNESCO." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology</strong></a> (CSIR-CCMB) has got the permission of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-to-test-for-community-transmission-of-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Medical Research</strong></a> (ICMR) to commercially use the<strong> dry swab RNA-extraction free testing method</strong> for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Dry swab method has a consistency of 96.9%.</li>
<li>The comparison of <strong>conventional</strong> (swab-VTM-RNA extraction-RT-PCR) and the <strong>simplified</strong> (direct elution from dry swab-RT-qPCR) protocols suggested that dry swabs eluted directly into a simple buffered solution can support molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 via endpoint RT-PCR without substantially compromising sensitivity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conventional Method:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the conventional testing method,<strong> nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal</strong> swab samples are <strong>collected by sample collection centres</strong> from the suspected coronavirus patients. These are <strong>then transported to testing centres,</strong> sometimes even hundreds of kilometres away.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>nasopharynx</strong> is the<strong> upper part of the pharynx</strong> (throat) <strong>behind the nose.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>oropharynx</strong> is the <strong>middle part of the pharynx just beyond the mouth</strong> and includes the back part of the tongue (base of tongue), tonsils, soft palate (back part of the roof of the mouth), and the sides and walls of the throat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The swab samples are generally placed in a liquid called <strong>Viral Transport Medium</strong> (VTM) and to avoid leakage, the samples are packed heavily that<strong> adds on to sample processing times</strong> at both the sample collection and testing centres.</li>
<li><strong>RNA extraction,</strong> even with automation, takes <strong>four hours for roughly 500 samples.</strong> VTM and RNA extraction both add a<strong> significant burden on money and time required</strong> for mass testing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New and Simplified Method:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Dry swab technique <strong>does not require VTM and RNA extraction process,</strong> and can be directly used for RT-PCR testing.</li>
<li>It has the <strong>potential of bringing the costs and time of testing by 40-50%</strong> and the <strong>screening can also be enhanced several-fold</strong> with immediate effect while, at the same time, <strong>making the whole process safer.</strong></li>
<li>It is<strong> easy to implement</strong> with<strong> no requirement of new kits and existing manpower can perform this</strong> with no additional training.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will<strong> scale up the testing.</strong></li>
<li>More economical than <strong>conventional <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/radt-vs-rt-pcr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RT-PCR tests.</a></strong></li>
<li>Quicker results</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>RT-PCR Test</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Kary Mullis,</strong> the <strong>American biochemist</strong> invented the PCR technique. He was awarded the <strong>Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1993.</strong></li>
<li>Under the test, copies of a<strong> segment of DNA</strong> (deoxyribonucleic acid) are <strong>created using an enzyme called Polymerase.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>&lsquo;chain reaction&rsquo;</strong> signifies <strong>how the DNA fragments are copied exponentially,</strong> where one is copied into two, the two are copied into four, and so on.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A<strong> fluorescent DNA binding dye</strong> called the<strong> &ldquo;probe&rdquo;</strong> is added to DNA, which shows the presence of the virus on a fluorometer.</li>
<li><strong>Covid-19 is made of RNA</strong> (ribonucleic acid), so to detect it,<strong> RNA is converted into DNA</strong> using a technique called reverse transcription.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Then the copies of the DNA are then made and amplified.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/coronavirus-csir-ccmbs-dry-swab-rt-pcr-covid-19-test-gets-icmr-nod/article33194817.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'India-Vietnam Talks',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Defence Ministers of India and Vietnam</strong> have discussed collaboration in defence industry capability building, training and cooperation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations, etc.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606549958_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606549958_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong> Both countries reaffirmed the strong India-Vietnam Defence cooperation which is a key pillar of <strong>Comprehensive Strategic Partnership</strong> (2016).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Underlining the vision of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Atmanirbhar Bharat&rdquo;</strong></a> for enhancing self-reliance including defence industries, India <strong>urged closer defence industry cooperation</strong> by concluding an<strong> institutionalised framework agreement in the near future.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Vietnam thanked India for the assistance</strong> by Indian Armed Forces in capacity building of Vietnamese Defence Forces especially in the field of Human Resource development.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> conveyed its willingness to <strong>enhance the scope and level of training for all three services</strong> of Vietnam Defence forces in Indian Defence Institutes.</li>
<li>It needs to be noted that the two countries<strong> have built ties</strong> on the procurement of weaponry and military hardware, capacity building, collaboration in the area of warship building and repair.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UN Peacekeeping:</strong> Discussed cooperation in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-peacekeepers-in-south-sudan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN peacekeeping</strong></a> operations, which help countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in the field of Hydrography:</strong> This will enable sharing of Hydrographic data and assist in production of navigational charts by both sides. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Hydrography</strong> is the science that <strong>measures and describes the physical features of the navigable portion of the Earth's surface</strong> and adjoining coastal areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>ADMM Plus Meeting:</strong> Vietnam <strong>invited India for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asean-defence-ministers-meeting-plus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASEAN Defence Ministers&rsquo; Meeting-Plus</a></strong> (ADMM Plus) being hosted by Vietnam in December 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>ADMM-Plus is a platform for the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of Southeast Asian Nations</a></strong> (ASEAN) <strong>and its eight Dialogue Partners</strong> Australia, China, <strong>India,</strong> Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the USA (collectively referred to as the &ldquo;Plus Countries&rdquo;), to strengthen security and defence cooperation for peace, stability, and development in the region.</li>
<li><strong>Vietnam is a member of ASEAN.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>ASEAN</strong> is a regional grouping that promotes economic, political and security cooperation among its <strong>ten members.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Vietnam Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India and Vietnam have agreed to enhance their <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-vietnam-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bilateral cooperation</strong> </a>in line with <strong>India&rsquo;s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative</strong> (IPOI) and the ASEAN&rsquo;s Outlook on Indo-Pacific.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This came in the backdrop of China&rsquo;s aggression in the Indo-Pacific region including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/china-in-south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South China Sea region</strong> </a>and its actions along the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Line of Actual Control</strong> </a>(LAC) with India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation at Multiple Fora:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/elections-for-non-permanent-members-of-the-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Security Council</strong></a>, both India and Vietnam will serve concurrently as <strong>non-permanent members in 2021.</strong></li>
<li>India and Vietnam closely cooperate in various <strong>regional forums</strong> such as <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/east-asia-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>East Asia Summit</strong></a>, <strong>Mekong Ganga Cooperation, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/12th-asia-europe-meeting-asem-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Asia Europe Meeting</a></strong> (ASEM).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has on many occasions explained that it will <strong>continue to maintain its oil and gas exploration tie-ups</strong> with Vietnam in Vietnamese waters.</li>
<li>Vietnam is also the <strong>second largest export destination for India after Singapore in the ASEAN region. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Bilateral trade</strong> for the period<strong> April-November 2019</strong> reached <strong>USD 9.01 billion.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Assistance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has<strong> reaffirmed its development and capacity building assistance</strong> to Vietnam through initiatives such as <strong>Quick Impact Projects</strong> (QIP), <strong>Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation</strong> (ITEC) and e-ITEC initiatives, PhD fellowships, as well as projects in<strong> water resource management</strong> in Vietnam&rsquo;s Mekong Delta region, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SDGs</strong></a>, <strong>digital connectivity</strong> and <strong>heritage conservation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tourism and People-to-People Contacts:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>year 2019 was celebrated as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism.</strong> Both countries have facilitated <strong>a simplified visa regime</strong> to promote bilateral tourism.</li>
<li>The <strong>Embassy of India organized various events to celebrate [email protected]</strong> in 2018-19. These include Jaipur artificial limb fitment camps, which were organized in four provinces of Vietnam, benefitting 1000 people, under<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/line-of-credit-to-pacific-island-nations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;India for Humanity&rsquo;</strong> </a>initiative of the Government of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As India and Vietnam geographically lie at the heart of the emerging Indo-Pacific construct, both would play a major role in this strategic space which is becoming a core theatre for competition for power and influence amongst the major powers.</li>
<li>The strategic partnership under the broad India-Vietnam cooperation framework would be critical towards building the vision laid out under <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s &lsquo;Act East&rsquo; Policy</strong></a>, which looks to expand engagement that is mutually positive and which ensures an inclusive growth for all in the region.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-vietnam-hold-bilateral-talks/article33195964.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Honey FPO Programme: NAFED',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Minister of Agriculture and Farmers&rsquo; Welfare</strong> has virtually inaugurated the <strong>Honey Farmer Producer Organisation</strong> (FPO) <strong>Programme</strong> of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/measures-for-farmers-welfare" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited</strong></a> (NAFED).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>Producer Organisation</strong> (PO) is a legal entity formed by primary producers, viz. farmers, milk producers, fishermen, weavers, rural artisans, craftsmen, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>FPO is one type of PO where the members are farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Apiculture or beekeeping</strong> is the care and management of honey bees for the production of honey and wax. In this method, bees are bred commercially in apiaries, an area where a lot of beehives can be placed.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The programme has been launched under the <strong>Formation and Promotion of FPOs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a new <strong>Central Sector Scheme</strong> for the promotion of <strong>10,000 new FPOs.</strong></li>
<li>Under it, the <strong>National Level Project Management Advisory and Fund Sanctioning Committee</strong> (N-PMAFSC) had allocated FPO clusters for <strong>2020-21</strong> to all implementing agencies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Initially there will be three implementing agencies to form and promote FPOs, namely <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/small-farmers-agribusiness-consortium" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Small Farmers Agri-business Consortium</strong></a> (SFAC), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Scheme%20to%20Promote%20Young%20Entrepreneurs%20in%20Cooperatives" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Cooperative Development Corporation</strong></a> (NCDC) and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-bank-for-agriculture-and-rural-development-nabard" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development</strong></a> (NABARD).</li>
<li><strong>NAFED</strong> has been appointed as the 4<sup>th</sup> national implementing agency.</li>
<li>States may also, if so desire, nominate their implementing agency in consultation with the <strong>Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers&rsquo; Welfare</strong> (DAC&amp;FW).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>FPOs will be developed by specialist <strong>Cluster Based Business Organizations</strong> (CBBOs) engaged by implementing agencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>NAFED, through CBBOs and the <strong>Indian Society of Agribusiness Professionals</strong> (ISAP) has initiated the formation and promotion of FPOs of beekeepers and honey collectors in 5 states of India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These 5 locations are <strong>East Champaran</strong> (Bihar), <strong>Morena</strong> (Madhya Pradesh), <strong>Bharatpur</strong> (Rajasthan), <strong>Mathura</strong> (Uttar Pradesh) <strong>and Sunderbans</strong> (West Bengal).</li>
<li>The <strong>first Honey FPO</strong> has been registered in the state of Madhya Pradesh under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-7th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Beekeeping and Honey Mission</strong> </a>(NBHM).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Skill Upgradation</strong> in scientific beekeeping.</li>
<li>State of the art<strong> infrastructural facilities</strong> for processing honey and allied beekeeping products like <strong>bee&rsquo;s wax, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom,</strong> etc.</li>
<li>Quality upgradation by<strong> quality control laboratories.</strong></li>
<li>Better<strong> supply chain management</strong> by improving <strong>collection, storage, bottling and marketing centres.</strong></li>
<li>Promotion and Formation of FPOs is the first step for <strong>converting Krishi into Atmanirbhar Krishi. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Efforts by Government to Promote Beekeeping:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Government is promoting beekeeping as part of its<strong> aim to double farmers&rsquo; income</strong> and <strong>ensure tribal upliftment.</strong></li>
<li>The Government has <strong>allocated Rs. 500 crore</strong> towards beekeeping under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Abhiyan.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/apiary-on-wheels" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Apiary on Wheels:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a unique concept designed by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-7th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Khadi and Village Industries Commission</strong> </a>(KVIC) for the easy upkeep and migration of Bee Boxes having live Bee colonies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>National Bee Board</strong> has created four modules to impart training as part of the NBHM.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under it, 30 lakh farmers have been trained in beekeeping and are also being financially supported by the Government.</li>
<li>Mini Mission 1 and Mini Mission 2 are schemes under the mission.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Government launched <strong>NBHM</strong> as part of <strong>&lsquo;Sweet Revolution&rsquo;.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The 'Sweet Revolution' was launched in <strong>2016</strong> to <strong>promote beekeeping and associated activities.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>apex organization of marketing cooperatives</strong> for agricultural produce in India.</li>
<li>It was founded on <strong>2<sup>nd</sup> October 1958</strong> and is registered under the <strong>Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002.</strong></li>
<li>NAFED is now<strong> one of the largest procurement as well as marketing agencies</strong> for agricultural products in India.</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To organize, promote and develop marketing, processing and storage of agricultural, horticultural and forest produce.</li>
<li>To distribute agricultural machinery, implements and other inputs, undertake inter-state, import and export trade, wholesale or retail as the case may be.</li>
<li>To act and assist for technical advice in agricultural production for the promotion and the working of its members, partners, associates and cooperative marketing, processing and supply societies in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>National Bee Board</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>SFAC registered the NBB as a society under the<strong> Societies Registration Act, 1860</strong> in 2000 and it was reconstituted (with the secretary as chairman) in June 2006.</li>
<li>Objective:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Overall <strong>development of beekeeping by promoting scientific beekeeping</strong> in India to increase the productivity of crops through pollination and increase the honey production for increasing the income of the beekeepers/farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Presently NBB is implementing <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/horticulture-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Horticulture Mission</strong> </a>(NHM)<strong> and Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan State</strong> (HMNEM).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1676047" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/honey-fpo-programme-nafed'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Artificial Intelligence & Agriculture',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/artificial-intelligence-farmer-agriculture-7069520/lite/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;AI for the farmer&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 26/11/2020. It talks about the application of artificial intelligence in Indian agriculture.</p>
</div>
<p>As the world population continues to grow and land becomes more scarce, people need to get creative and become more efficient about how agriculture is done. This would require the use of less land to produce more crops and increasing productivity and yield.</p>
<p>Moreover, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agriculture-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian agriculture faces multiple challenges</strong></a> like high dependence on monsoon, resource intensiveness &ndash; heavy use of resources (water, inorganic fertilisers and pesticides), degradation of land and loss of soil fertility, and low per hectare yield, among others.</p>
<p>In this context, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence</strong></a> (AI) can play a catalytic role in improving crop yield from various factors like the climate changes, population growth, employment issues and food security problems.</p>
<h3>Scope of AI in the Agriculture</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Augmenting Entire Supply Chain:</strong> Worldwide, agriculture is a $5 trillion industry, and AI technologies can help to yield healthier crops, control pests, monitor soil and growing conditions, organize data for farmers, help with the workload, and improve a wide range of agriculture-related tasks in the entire food supply chain.</li>
<li><strong>Opportunity for High Growth:</strong> Globally, AI applications in agriculture reached a valuation of nearly $ 1 billion in 2019 and this is estimated to grow to almost $8 billion by 2030, a nearly 25% growth.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, in this scenario, the Indian agri-tech market, presently valued at $204 million, has reached just 1% of its estimated potential of $ 24 billion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Huge Agricultural Data Resource:</strong> Due to the diversity of its soil types, climate and topography, India provides a great opportunity for the data scientists and AI experts to develop state of the art AI tools and solutions for agriculture.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian farms and farmers provide vast and rich data to help create AI solutions for not just the country but the world at large. And this is one of the factors that makes the opportunity for AI in Indian agriculture unparalleled.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Use of AI in Agriculture</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>AI Helping Analyze Farm Data:</strong> Farms produce hundreds of thousands of data points on the ground daily. With the help of AI, farmers can now analyze a variety of things in real-time such as weather conditions, temperature, water usage or soil conditions collected from their farm to better inform their decisions.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Farmers are also using AI to create seasonal forecasting models to improve agricultural accuracy and increase productivity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Precision Agriculture:</strong> Precision agriculture uses AI technology to aid in detecting diseases in plants, pests, and poor plant nutrition on farms.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>AI sensors can detect and target weeds and then decide which herbicides to apply within the right buffer zone.</li>
<li>This helps to prevent over-application of herbicides and excessive toxins that find their way in our food.</li>
<li>It would increase productivity by introducing precision agriculture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tackling the Labour Challenge:</strong> With fewer people entering the farming profession, most farms are facing the challenge of a workforce shortage.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One solution to help with this shortage of workers is AI agriculture bots. These bots augment the human labour workforce and are used in various forms. For example:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These bots can harvest crops at a higher volume and faster pace than human labourers, more accurately identify and eliminate weeds, and reduce costs for farms by having around the clock labour force.</li>
<li>Additionally, farmers are beginning to turn to chatbots for assistance. Chatbots help answer a variety of questions and provide advice and recommendations on specific farm problems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>With the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmer-s-protest#:~:text=Three%20Farm%20Bills%20that%20are,(Amendment)%20Bill%2C%202020." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> recent reforms in the Agriculture sector</strong></a>, there is a likelihood of increased investments in contract farming and infusion of technology for better yields and productivity. This will further push the adoption of AI in agriculture. Further, In order to help these AI solutions scale increased investments needed, both from the public and private sector.</p>
<p>In this context, the recently concluded <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mega-virtual-summit-on-artificial-intelligence#:~:text=The%20Ministry%20of%20Electronics%20and,October%205%2D9%2C%202020." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Responsible AI for Social Empowerment Summit &ndash; RAISE</strong></a> &ndash; 2020 Summit has helped provide a platform for global stakeholders to come together to finalize the roadmap for using AI for the public good.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606478360_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606478360_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" 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: #fffef5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Artificial Intelligence can play a catalytic role in improving food security in India. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NLNSwPa1PuQ" 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.financialexpress.com/opinion/need-new-laws-for-real-time-tax-dispute-resolution/2136758/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Need new laws for real-time tax dispute resolution&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Financial Express on November 26<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/artificial-intelligence-agriculture'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Trends in Air Pollution: CPCB',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a recent<strong> study</strong> commissioned by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-notifies-contaminated-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Central Pollution Control Board</strong></a> (CPCB), the <strong>rate of increase in pollution levels</strong> in southern and eastern India is far greater than the Indo-Gangetic plain (IGP).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has also found that<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/tackling-the-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> air pollution</strong></a><strong> in rural areas has increased at par with urban India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>jointly carried out by IIT-Delhi and CPCB</strong> and analysed <strong>data from 2000 to 2019.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Currently, the process of <strong>collating and analysing the 2020 data is going on</strong> as well and a <strong>decrease in pollution levels is expected</strong> in the coming years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The study, <strong>conducted on the basis of satellite data,</strong> is the <strong>first of its kind to look at air pollution spatially.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Spatial mapping</strong> of pollution will be<strong> vital for</strong> the government to form its future policies under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-clean-air-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Clean Air Programme</strong></a> (NCAP).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>rate of increase of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dashboard-for-monitoring-air-quality" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PM2.5</a></strong> over eastern and southern India is <strong>more than 1.6% per year</strong> during this period, and <strong>less than 1.2% annually</strong> in the IGP.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>PM2.5 are fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.</li>
<li>It is a major pollutant affecting the environment, human health and the climate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>436 cities/towns with a population of more than 1 lakh in 2019<strong> exceeded</strong> the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-lists-cities-with-no-clean-up-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Ambient Air Quality Standard</strong></a> (NAAQS) of <strong>40 micrograms per metric cube</strong> (&mu;g/m3).</li>
<li>Population-weighted 20-year averaged PM2.5 over India is 57.3 &mu;g/m3, with a<strong> larger increase observed between 2010 and 2019</strong> than in the 2000-09 period.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As of 2019, <strong>99.5% of districts</strong> in India did not meet the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation</strong> </a>(WHO) air quality guideline of 10 &mu;g/m3.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Statewise Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Ambient PM2.5 exceeds the annual NAAQS</strong> of 40 &mu;g/m3 in every state except for Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K), Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland.</li>
<li>The <strong>PM2.5 level in the IGP,</strong> which has a population of more than 70 crore, and the western arid region is <strong>more than double</strong> the annual NAAQS.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606475947_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606475947_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="326" height="372" /></a></li>
<li>In Odisha and Chhattisgarh, which have reported among the highest increase in air pollution in <strong>eastern India,</strong> this is <strong>due to mining activities and thermal coal power plants.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>southern</strong> India, <strong>high urbanisation in and around cities</strong> such as Bengaluru or Hyderabad has led to increased emissions.</li>
<li><strong>Unfavourable meteorological conditions</strong> in eastern and peninsular India, along with increase in emissions, has led to an overall increase in PM 2.5.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While in absolute terms the level of <strong>air pollution continues to be the highest in the IGP,</strong> the <strong>rate of increase in air pollution is much higher in southern India</strong> and certain areas of<strong> eastern India.</strong></li>
<li>If the focus continues to be on IGP and the increasing pollution (levels) in southern and eastern India is not addressed now, in <strong>another 10 years these regions will also have the same problem as northern India does.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Urban-rural Divide:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On PM2.5 levels cutting across the urban-rural divide, the study cites the example of <strong>Delhi,</strong> where it<strong> increased by 10.9%</strong> between<strong> 2001 to 2015.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>During the same period, PM2.5 exposure in<strong> rural India rose by 11.9%.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A steady air pollution rise in rural India is<strong> due to high reliance on solid fuel for domestic use,</strong> which is the<strong> largest contributor</strong> to ambient PM2.5 in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This implies that <strong>poor air quality in India is not an urban-centric problem.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Air pollution in rural areas is rarely discussed</strong> with air pollution policies which continue to focus on urban centres.</li>
<li>Schemes like the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana</strong></a> (PMUY) are expected to decrease the pollution levels but it<strong> lacks a mechanism to track its progress.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since the household sources contribute more than 50% to ambient PM2.5 in rural areas, successful implementation of PMUY with sustained usage should arrest or even reverse the increasing trend in rural PM2.5.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/air-pollution-rising-faster-in-south-than-in-gangetic-india-finds-study-7069817/" 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/trends-in-air-pollution-cpcb'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Cabinet Approves Capital Infusion into NIIF',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Cabinet has given its approval to the proposal for equity infusion by the Government of<strong> Rs. 6000 crores </strong>in<strong> NIIF Debt Platform</strong> - sponsored by the <strong>National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This was <strong>one of the twelve key measures</strong> made by the Union Minister for Finance as part of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Government of India&rsquo;s stimulus to the economy</strong></a>, under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-infrastructure-pipeline-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Infrastructure Pipeline</strong></a> (NIP), investment in infrastructure sector is targeted at <strong>Rs. 111 lakh crore over the next 5 years</strong> across various sub-sectors, creating substantial need for debt financing.</li>
<li>It would require at least <strong>Rs. 60 to 70 lakh</strong> crores in <strong>debt financing.</strong></li>
<li>Current environment requires well-capitalized specialized infrastructure focused financial institutions, such as <strong>NIIF Debt Platform</strong> being <strong>developed by NIIF</strong> which can focus on lending across the project life cycle with a strong capital base and expertise driven approach.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The current approval of equity infusion is subject to two conditions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Out of the proposed amount, only <strong>Rs. 2,000</strong> crore would be allocated during the current year <strong>2020-21.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, in view of the unprecedented financial situation and availability of limited fiscal space due to the prevailing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>, the proposed amount may be disbursed <strong>only if there is readiness and demand for debt raising.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NIIF</strong> will take all necessary steps to use the <strong>equity investments from Domestic and Global pension funds and sovereign wealth funds</strong> expeditiously.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NIIF Debt Platform: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>It comprises of:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited (AIFL):</strong> It is an IFC (Infrastructure Finance Company), established with the aim of playing a transformative role in growth of Indian infrastructure debt financing.</li>
<li><strong>NIIF Infrastructure Finance Limited (NIIF-IFL):</strong> It was incorporated as an <strong>Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF)</strong> in 2014 for financing operating infrastructure projects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contribution:</strong> It is expected to contribute nearly<strong> Rs. 1 lakh crores</strong> in debt to the infrastructure sector over the<strong> next 5 years.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Impact :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will act as a<strong> catalyst in attracting more investments</strong> into the infrastructure sector as envisaged in <strong>NIP.</strong></li>
<li>The process will also<strong> help relieve exposure of banks to infrastructure projects</strong> and <strong>free up space for new green-field projects.</strong></li>
<li>It will <strong>enhance liquidity of infrastructure assets</strong> and<strong> lower the risks.</strong></li>
<li>It is expected that a <strong>well-capitalized, well-funded and well-governed NIIF debt Platform</strong> can play a major role in <strong>infrastructure financing and development of the bond market in India</strong> by acting as an intermediary between the bond markets and infrastructure projects and companies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Investment and Infrastructure Fund</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NIIF is a<strong> government-backed entity</strong> established to provide long-term capital to the country&rsquo;s infrastructure sector.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Indian government has a 49% stake</strong> in NIIF with the rest held by foreign and domestic investors.</li>
<li>With the Centre&rsquo;s significant stake, NIIF is considered <strong>India&rsquo;s quasi-sovereign wealth fund.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It was set up in<strong> December 2015</strong> as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/a-special-fund-for-housing-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Category-II Alternate Investment Fund.</strong></a></li>
<li>Across its <strong>three funds viz. Master Fund, Fund of Funds, and Strategic Opportunities Fund,</strong> it manages over USD 4.3 billion of capital.</li>
<li>Its registered office is in <strong>New Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Terms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Debt financing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>When a company borrows money to be paid back at a future date with interest, it is known as debt financing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Equity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Equity represents the shareholders&rsquo; stake in the company, identified on a company's balance sheet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sovereign wealth fund:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A sovereign wealth fund is a state-owned investment fund composed of money generated by the government, often derived from a country's surplus reserves.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pension fund:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A pension fund is any plan, fund, or scheme which provides retirement income.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bond:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>fixed income instrument</strong> that represents a loan made by an investor to a borrower. In simpler words, a bond acts as a contract between the investor and the borrower. Mostly <strong>Companies and Government</strong> issue bonds and <strong>investors</strong> buy those bonds as a<strong> savings and security option.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/govt-allots-2000-cr-for-infra-funding/article33178833.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/cabinet-approves-capital-infusion-into-niif'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'PM on One Nation, One Election',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister of India has addressed the concluding session of the<strong> 80<sup>th</sup> All India Presiding Officers Conference</strong> via videoconference, at <strong>Kevadiya</strong> (Gujarat) on the occasion of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/70th-constitution-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Constitution Day</a> (26<sup>th</sup> November).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>He raised the pitch for <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-one-nation-one-election" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;One Nation, One Election&rsquo;</strong></a>, a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/a-single-voters-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>single voter list</strong></a> for all polls and also asked the presiding officers to<strong> simplify the language of statute books</strong> and allow for an<strong> easier process to weed out redundant laws.</strong></li>
<li>He also paid tributes to the security forces and appreciated <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s efforts to fight terrorism.</strong></a> The day marked <strong>12 years of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/ten-years-after-the-mumbai-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mumbai terror attacks.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>One Nation, One Election:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The idea is about structuring the Indian election cycle in a manner so that<strong> elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies are synchronised</strong> together so that the<strong> election to both can be held within a given span</strong> of time.</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Help <strong>keep a check on the poll expenses,</strong> party expenses, etc. and also save public money.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce the burden</strong> on administrative setup and security forces.</li>
<li><strong>Ensure timely implementation</strong> of the government policies and also ensure that the administrative machinery is engaged in developmental activities rather than electioneering.</li>
<li><strong>Solve the problem of governance</strong> on the part of the politicians who are ruling. It is generally seen that for short term political gains from a particular assembly election, ruling politicians avoid taking a harsh long term decision which can ultimately help the country in the long run.</li>
<li><strong>Provide more time to all the stakeholders</strong> i.e. political parties,<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), paramilitary forces, civilians for the preparation of elections once in five years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The synchronisation is a major problem <strong>considering the traditions and conventions that India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/parliamentary-vs-presidential-form-of-government" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Parliamentary system</a> follows.</strong> The government is accountable to the Lower House and it is possible that the government can fall before completing its term and the moment the government falls, there has to be an election.</li>
<li>It is <strong>difficult to convince and bring together all the political parties</strong> on the idea.</li>
<li>For holding simultaneous elections, the <strong>requirements for <a href="/infographics/info-paper2/electronic-voting-machines-evms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Electronic Voting Machines</a></strong> (EVMs) <strong>and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-notice-to-ec-over-vvpats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails</a></strong> (VVPATs) <strong>will double</strong> as the ECI has to provide two sets (one for election to the Legislative Assembly and second for that to the Lok Sabha).</li>
<li>There will also be an <strong>additional requirement of the polling staff and for better security arrangements.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India held the elections for the assembly as well as the Lok Sabha from 1951-52 to till 1967. As such, therefore, there are <strong>no disagreements on adequacy and efficacy</strong> of the idea. India<strong> can even think of holding elections at the same time even for the local bodies.</strong></li>
<li>To sync the term of the State Legislative Assemblies with that of the Lok Sabha, the <strong>term of the state legislative assemblies can be reduced and increased accordingly.</strong> However, to do so, <strong>constitutional amendments</strong> may be needed in <strong>Articles 83, 85, 172, 174 and 356.</strong></li>
<li>In India,<strong> fixing the dates is not feasible</strong> because of the Parliamentary form of government so one<strong> radical solution is to switch to the Presidential form of Government</strong> where the President is not accountable to the House.</li>
<li><strong>Synchronising only the elections to the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>One Voter List:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Only one voter list should be used for Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and other elections.</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A common electoral roll will <strong>save an enormous amount of effort and expenditure</strong> as the preparation of a separate voters list causes duplication of the effort and the expenditure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Persuading the state governments to tweak their respective laws</strong> and <strong>adopt the ECI voters list</strong> for municipal and panchayat polls.</li>
<li>Requires a<strong> massive consensus-building exercise.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The mature approach calls for the option of <strong>states adopting EC&rsquo;s voter list.</strong></li>
<li>The EC&rsquo;s voters list has to be made in a way <strong>to fit the State Election Commissions&rsquo; wards which is a tedious task</strong> but can be done by the use of technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>All India Presiding Officers Conference</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It began in <strong>1921,</strong> and the <strong>Gujarat event marks its centenary year.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Theme for 2020:</strong> &lsquo;Harmonious Coordination between Legislature, Executive and Judiciary: Key to a Vibrant Democracy&rsquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>emphasises on the need for coordination between all three wings of the state,</strong> viz. Legislature, Executive and Judiciary and <strong>suggests them to be guided by the Constitution</strong> which mentions their role to their decorum.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Elections are held at different places every few months and it hampers the developmental work. Therefore, it&rsquo;s a must to have a deep study and deliberation on the idea in order to prevent the impact of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/model-code-of-conduct-ec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>model code of conduct</strong> </a>on development works every few months.</li>
<li>There needs to be a consensus on whether the country needs one nation, one poll or not. All political parties should at least cooperate in debating this issue, once the debate starts, the public opinion can be taken into consideration. India being a mature democracy, can then follow the outcome of the debate.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/one-nation-one-election-need-of-india-says-pm-modi/article33183867.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/pm-on-one-nation-one-election'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'President’s Powers to Pardon',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>President of the United States of America (USA)</strong> has exercised his <strong>powers</strong> under the constitution to<strong> pardon</strong> his former National Security Advisor.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Unlike the <strong>USA President,</strong> whose powers to grant pardons are<strong> almost unrestrained,</strong> the <strong>President of India</strong> has to act on the <strong>advice of the Cabinet.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pardoning Power of the President in the USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>President</strong> of the USA has the <strong>constitutional right to pardon or commute</strong> sentences related to <strong>federal crimes.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Clemency is a broad executive power,</strong> and is<strong> discretionary</strong> which means the <strong>President</strong> is <strong>not answerable</strong> for his pardons, and does not have to provide a reason for issuing one. But there are few limitations.</li>
<li>The USA has a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/presidential-form-of-government" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Presidential system.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The USA Supreme Court</strong> has held that this<strong> power</strong> is granted <strong>without limit</strong> and cannot be restricted by <strong>Congress</strong> (legislature).</li>
<li><strong>Limitations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All Presidents shall have power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for offenses against the United States, <strong>except in cases of impeachment.</strong></li>
<li>Further, the power <strong>only applies to federal crimes and not state crimes.</strong></li>
<li>Those pardoned by the President can<strong> still be tried under the laws of individual states.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pardoning Power of the President in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/commutation-of-death-sentence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 72 of the Constitution</strong></a>, the <strong>President</strong> shall have the power to grant <strong>pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions</strong> of punishment or to <strong>suspend, remit or commute</strong> the sentence of any person convicted of any offence where the <strong>sentence is a sentence of death.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Limitation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The President <strong>cannot exercise his power of pardon</strong> independent of the government.</li>
<li>In several cases, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the Supreme Court (SC)</strong></a> has ruled that the President has to act on the advice of the Council of Ministers while deciding mercy pleas. These include <strong><em>Maru Ram vs Union of India</em> in 1980, and <em>Dhananjoy Chatterjee vs State of West Bengal</em> in 1994. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Procedure:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Rashtrapati Bhawan <strong>forwards the mercy plea to the Home Ministry,</strong> seeking the <strong>Cabinet&rsquo;s advice.</strong></li>
<li>The Ministry in turn <strong>forwards this to the concerned state government;</strong> based on the reply, it formulates its advice on behalf of the Council of Ministers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reconsideration:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Although the President is bound by the Cabinet&rsquo;s advice, <strong>Article74 (1)</strong> empowers him to return it for reconsideration once. If the Council of Ministers decides against any change, the <strong>President has no option but to accept it.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mercy-petition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 161</a>, the Governor</strong> in India too has pardoning powers.</li>
<li><strong>Difference Between Pardoning Powers of President and Governor:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The scope of the pardoning power of the <strong>President</strong> under <strong>Article 72</strong> is wider than the pardoning power of the <strong>Governor under Article 161</strong> which differs in the following two ways:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Court Martial:</strong> The power of the <strong>President</strong> to grant pardon extends in cases where the punishment or sentence is by a <strong>Court Martial</strong> but <strong>Article 161 does not provide</strong> any such power to the <strong>Governor.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Death sentence:</strong> The <strong>President</strong> can grant pardon in <strong>all cases</strong> where the sentence given is the sentence of death but the pardoning power of the <strong>Governor</strong> does not extend to <strong>death sentence cases.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Terms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pardon:</strong> It removes both the sentence and the conviction and<strong> completely absolves the convict</strong> from all sentences, punishments and disqualifications.</li>
<li><strong>Commutation:</strong> It denotes the<strong> substitution of one form of punishment for a lighter form.</strong> For example, a death sentence may be commuted to rigorous imprisonment, which in turn may be commuted to a simple imprisonment.</li>
<li><strong>Remission:</strong> It implies <strong>reducing the period of sentence</strong> without changing its character. For example, a sentence of rigorous imprisonment for two years may be remitted to rigorous imprisonment for one year.</li>
<li><strong>Respite:</strong> It <strong>denotes awarding a lesser sentence in place of one originally awarded</strong> due to some special fact, such as the physical disability of a convict or the pregnancy of a woman offender.</li>
<li><strong>Reprieve:</strong> It implies <strong>a stay of the execution of a sentence</strong> (especially that of death) for a temporary period. Its purpose is to enable the convict to have time to seek pardon or commutation from the President.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/presidents-powers-to-pardon-in-us-india-7069712/" 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/president-s-powers-to-pardon'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Awards for Tiger Conservation',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR - Uttar Pradesh)</strong> has bagged international award <strong>TX2</strong> for doubling the number of tigers in the past four years.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Also, the <strong>Transboundary Manas Conservation Area or TraMCA (India-Bhutan</strong> border) has received the <strong>Conservation Excellence Award for 2020.</strong></li>
<li>Earlier, <strong>India&rsquo;s 2018 Tiger census</strong> (once in every four years) had set a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tiger-census-2018-guinness-book-of-world-records" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Guinness record</strong></a> for being the largest camera-trap wildlife survey.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Awards:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Launched recently, these awards <strong>were open to submissions from any site in a tiger range country</strong> that has achieved remarkable measurable progress since 2010.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Site:</strong> An area having a functional tiger population, legally designated as a "site" under national legislation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Award winners were announced on 23rd November 2020 - the <strong>10 year anniversary for the global TX2 goal.</strong></li>
<li>Sites <strong>will receive a small financial grant</strong> to be used to further tiger conservation.</li>
<li><strong>TX2 Award:</strong> It goes to <strong>one site that has achieved remarkable and measurable increase in its tiger population</strong> since 2010.</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Excellence Award:</strong> This award recognises one site that has achieved excellence in <strong>two or more of these five themes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Tiger and prey population monitoring and research (tiger translocation/prey augmentation),</li>
<li>Effective site management,</li>
<li>Enhanced law enforcement &amp; protection &amp; ranger welfare improvement,</li>
<li>Community based conservation, benefits and human-wildlife conflict mitigation and</li>
<li>Habitat and prey management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>TX2 Goal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The TX2 goal is a<strong> global commitment to double the world's wild tigers by 2022.</strong></li>
<li>The goal has been <strong>set by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/living-planet-report-wwf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Wildlife Fund (WWF)</a></strong> through the<strong> Global Tiger Initiative, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tigers-in-high-altitudes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Tiger Forum</a></strong> and other critical platforms.</li>
<li>All <strong>13 tiger range governments</strong> came together for the first time at the<strong> St Petersburg Summit</strong> (Russia -2010) where they committed to double the number of wild tigers by 2022.</li>
<li><strong>Tiger Range Countries include</strong> India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tiger <em>(Panthera Tigris)</em></strong> is categorised as <strong>&lsquo;Endangered&rsquo;</strong> under the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> IUCN Red List</strong> </a>and is listed under <strong>Appendix I</strong> of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Global Tiger Day</strong> is observed on <strong>29<sup>th</sup> July</strong> across the world.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Project Tiger was launched in 1973</strong> with 9 tiger reserves. Tiger has been listed under <strong>&lsquo;Schedule I&rsquo; of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pilibhit Tiger Reserve:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Location</strong>: Pilibhit district, Lakhimpur Kheri District and Bahraich District of<strong> Uttar Pradesh</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The northern edge of the reserve<strong> lies along the Indo-Nepal border</strong> while the southern boundary is marked by the<strong> river Sharada and Khakra.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Declaration:</strong> PTR was declared in <strong>2014-15</strong> on the basis of its special type of ecosystem with vast open spaces and sufficient feed for the elegant predators.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>PTR is one of the finest examples of the exceedingly diverse and productive<strong> Terai ecosystems</strong> (low-lying land at the foot of the Himalayas).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The study done by<a href="/printpdf/rhinos-to-be-re-introduced-in-uttarakhand" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Wildlife Institute of India (WII)</strong></a> shows that <strong>Dudhwa-Pilibhit population has high conservation value</strong> as it represents the only tiger population with the ecological and behavioral adaptations of the tiger unique to the Terai region.</li>
<li>It is <strong>home to</strong> a habitat for over 127 animals, 326 bird species and 2,100 flowering plants. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Wild animals include tiger, swamp deer, Bengal florican, hog deer, leopard, etc.</li>
<li>It has high sal forests, plantation and grasslands with several water bodies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bagged TX2 Award:</strong> The number of tigers in the reserve area <strong>has gone up to 65 from 25</strong> in the period of just four years (2014-18).</li>
<li><strong>Other Protected Areas in Uttar Pradesh:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dudhwa-national-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dudhwa National Park</strong></a></li>
<li>Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary</li>
<li>Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary</li>
<li>Sur Sarovar (Keethan) Bird Sanctuary</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Transboundary Manas Conservation Area:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Formation:</strong> It was <strong>conceptualized in 2011</strong> with the vision to jointly develop and manage a transboundary conservation area between Bhutan and India, for the benefit of people and wildlife.</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The TraMCA landscape with an area of over 6500 sq. km forms a vital mosaic of conservation spaces <strong>across the Eastern Himalayas,</strong> and covers the entire Manas Tiger Reserve in India, four protected areas in Bhutan and also two biological corridors.</li>
<li>The <strong>Manas Tiger Reserve in India and Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan</strong> form the core of this biologically outstanding trans-boundary region that is <strong>home to</strong> tigers, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-elephant-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>elephants</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dna-database-for-indian-rhinos" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>rhinos</strong> </a>and more than 1,500 species of mammals, birds and vascular plants.</li>
<li>The <strong>Manas River</strong> flowing through Royal Manas National Park and Manas National Park also <strong>makes both parks an important watershed area</strong> in the region.</li>
<li>The landscape and its surroundings <strong>support over 10 million people</strong> in India and Bhutan with its services.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bagged Conservation Excellence Award:</strong> For <strong>efforts</strong> to increase the tiger population. The<strong> recognition</strong> was for the TraMCA comprising the 500 sq. km.<strong> Manas National Park in Assam</strong> and the 1,057-sq. km. <strong>Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The number of Tigers in the Indian Manas <strong>increased from 9 in 2010 to 25 in 2018</strong> while that in the <strong>Bhutan Manas more than doubled from 12 in 2008 to 26 in 2018.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/wildlife-preserve-straddling-assam-bhutan-gets-tiger-conservation-award/article33169212.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/awards-for-tiger-conservation'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'India & Gulf Countries',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-gulf-nations-relations-trade-crude-oil-jaishankar-visit-7062948/lite/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Time to bridge the Gulf&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 24/11/2020. It talks about the ongoing transformation in the gulf region and the opportunity for India.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, India&rsquo;s External Affairs Minister visited Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The visit reflects the growing importance of gulf countries in India&rsquo;s foreign policy.</p>
<p>For decades, India&rsquo;s saw the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gulf-cooperation-council-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gulf countries</strong></a> largely from the economic prism, as a source of oil and a destination for labour exports. However, over the last few years, this economic prism has morphed into a strategic embrace.</p>
<p>Present Prime Minister&rsquo;s personal outreach to the Gulf rulers has helped crack open immense possibilities for political and strategic cooperation. This elevation of India&rsquo;s strategic priorities vis-a-vis the Gulf countries reflects on the structural changes taking place in the Gulf and the region&rsquo;s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.</p>
<h3>Transformation of Gulf Region</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>No Longer Exclusive Petro-States:</strong> The Gulf states are no longer seen as a collection of petro-states, now they have established a strong structure of finance capital built on the massive accumulation of oil revenues over the last few decades.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This has given rise to what is today called &ldquo;Khaleeji&rdquo; or Gulf capitalism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Khaleeji Capitalism:</strong> It is a concept developed by Adam Hanieh, a scholar based in London&rsquo;s School of Oriental and African Studies Capitalism, which tracks the rise of large conglomerates and sovereign wealth funds in the Gulf.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is due to this capitalism model the gulf countries dominate several regional sectors &mdash; from banking and finance to infrastructure and logistics, from agribusiness and real estate to retail to telecom.</li>
<li>Further, the growing financial clout of the Gulf countries has also begun to translate into expansive geopolitical influence in the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Moving Towards Modernisation:</strong> Gulf countries, in the present times, seek to reduce the heavy hand of religion on social life, expand the rights of women, widen religious freedoms, promote tolerance, and develop a national identity that is not tied exclusively to religion.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UAE has been the leader in this regard. It has initiated reforms including the decriminalisation of alcohol use, permission for cohabitation among unmarried couples, criminalisation of honour crimes against women, and the institution of long-term visas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>De-hyphenation of India-Pakistan:</strong> Today, the Gulf countries are eager to build strong and independent political ties with India, without getting affected by the India-Pakistan relations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Relations with the Gulf Countries</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Political:</strong> The governments of the Gulf countries are India-friendly and Indian-friendly.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the Prime Minister of India has received the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uae-awards-highest-civilian-honour-to-the-prime-minister#:~:text=guest%20of%20honor.-,Zayed%20Medal,bearing%20the%20name%20%27Zayed%27.&amp;text=UK%27s%20Queen%20Elizabeth%20II." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;Order of Zayed&rsquo;,</strong></a> the highest civilian order of the UAE and the &lsquo;King Hamad Order of the Renaissance&rsquo;, the third-highest civilian order of Bahrain.</li>
<li>In the recent past, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have not adopted hostile posture to India&rsquo;s domestic developments such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>removing the special status for Jammu &amp; Kashmir under Article 370.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic:</strong> The Gulf countries are among India&rsquo;s key suppliers of energy and annual remittances from Indians.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are India&rsquo;s third and fourth-largest trading partners respectively and the total bilateral trade of the Gulf countries with India for the year 2018-19 stood at USD 121.34 billion.</li>
<li>UAE also features in the top 10 sources of FDI inflows into India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Shielding India&rsquo;s Economic Interest:</strong> First and foremost, Indian foreign policy should shield India&rsquo;s interests in the post-pandemic turbulence.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Due to economic instability caused by the pandemic, the Gulf countries are considering cutting back on foreign labour.</li>
<li>India should ensure that the Indian expatriates will not be affected by this.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Focusing Beyond Oil:</strong> There is a need to focus on the new and long-term possibilities for economic cooperation with the Gulf countries, which is looking at a future beyond oil.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Gulf states have embarked on massive economic diversification and are investing in a variety of new projects including renewable energy, higher education, technological innovation, smart cities, and space commerce.</li>
<li>India must get its businesses to focus on the range of new opportunities in the Gulf.</li>
<li>India also needs to tap into the full possibilities of Gulf capital for its own economic development. The big gap between the investments that the Gulf is ready to offer and India&rsquo;s ability to absorb needs to be reduced.</li>
<li>In 2015, the UAE committed to investing $75 billion in India. However, there is still a long distance away from facilitating that scale of investments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Leveraging Gulf-Israel Normalisation:</strong> Earlier this year, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/uae-israel-peace-treaty-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UAE and Bahrain have normalised relations with Israel</strong></a>. This provides an opportunity for India to increase economic and technological engagement with Israel.</li>
<li><strong>Getting Along With Khaleeji Capitalism:</strong> With the rise of Khaleeji capitalism, the Gulf countries today deliver economic and security assistance to friendly states, build ports and infrastructure, acquire military bases and broker peace between warring parties and states.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UAE currently chairs the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Rim Association</strong></a> (IORA) and has been eager to work with India in developing joint infrastructure projects.</li>
<li>India needs to bring scale and depth to its regional initiatives on connectivity and security in the Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The Middle East has become more multipolar, with power diffused among a variety of regional and extra-regional actors. Within this mix, the rise of modern values and Khaleeji Capitalism in the gulf countries make the case for India to discard outdated perceptions of the Gulf and seize the new strategic possibilities with the region.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606391572_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606391572_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="596" height="518" /></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: #f5f7ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The elevation of India&rsquo;s strategic priorities vis-a-vis the Gulf countries reflects on the structural changes taking place in the Middle East. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R6sNDnsLBLI" 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://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/et-editorials/clearing-the-air-with-president-elect-biden/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Clearing the air with President-elect Biden&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Economic Times on November 24<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-gulf-countries'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Agreements Between India-Bahrain',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>India and Bahrain</strong> have agreed to<strong> further strengthen their historic ties, including in areas of defence and maritime security.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bahrain is a member of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gulf-cooperation-council-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Gulf Cooperation Council</strong></a> (GCC) and signed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Abraham Accord</strong></a> with Israel and the UAE, which was mediated by the USA.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606387997_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606387997_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> bilateral issues,</strong> as well as <strong>regional and global matters of mutual interest,</strong> included areas of defence and maritime security, space technology, trade and investment, infrastructure, IT, FinTech, health, hydrocarbon and renewable energy.</li>
<li>Both sides affirmed to further <strong>strengthen their <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> related cooperation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bahrain <strong>appreciated the assistance provided by India during the pandemic</strong> through the supply of medicines, medical equipment and medical professionals.</li>
<li>They expressed satisfaction on the <strong>operationalisation of the Air Bubble</strong> arrangement between the two countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Air bubbles</strong> (travel corridors or<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-bubble" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> travel bubbles</a></strong>) are systems established between two countries that perceive each other to be safe and allow carriers of both the countries to fly passengers either way without any restrictions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India <strong>renewed invitation to Bahrain</strong> for visiting India for the <strong>3<sup>rd</sup> India-Bahrain High Joint Commission</strong> meeting to be held in the upcoming months.</li>
<li>In <strong>2019,</strong> India launched a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bahrain" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USD 4.2 million redevelopment project of the Sri Krishna temple</strong> </a>in the Bahraini capital, <strong>Manama.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>200-year old temple</strong> stands as a testimony for the enduring India-Bahrain friendship.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India also conveyed <strong>condolences on the demise of late Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa,</strong> who significantly <strong>contributed to the strengthening of India-Bahrain relations</strong> and to the welfare of the Indian community in Bahrain.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Bahrain Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Ties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Their history goes back to <strong>about 5,000 years ago,</strong> to the period of <strong>Dilmun Civilization in Bahrain</strong> to the era of <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/indus-valley-civilization" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indus valley civilization</a> in India.</strong></li>
<li>Ancient Bahraini traders are believed to have carried out a flourishing trade of <strong>Bahraini pearls with Indian spices.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bilateral Agreements/Memorandums of Understanding</strong> (MoUs):<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extradition-treaty-between-india-and-belgium" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Extradition</strong> </a>Treaty (January 2004)</li>
<li>MoU on cooperation in the field of Information and Communication Technology (May 2012)</li>
<li>MoU on the establishment of a Joint High Commission (February 2014)</li>
<li>MOU on Water Resources Development and Management (February 2015)</li>
<li>Agreement on cooperation in combating international terrorism, transnational organised crime and trafficking in illicit drugs, narcotics and psychotropic substances and precursors chemicals (December 2015)</li>
<li>MoU for cooperation in the fields of Renewable Energy and Healthcare and Agreement on Exemption from Short Stay Visa for Holders of Diplomatic and Special/Official Passport (July 2018)</li>
<li>MoU on cooperation in the exploration and uses of<a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/29-03-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Outer Space</strong> </a>for Peaceful Purposes (March 2019)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade and Economic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Total bilateral trade stands at <strong>USD 1282.96 million in 2018-19</strong> and <strong>USD 753.60 million in 2019-20</strong> (April-Dec).</li>
<li><strong>Indian Exports to Bahrain:</strong> Mineral fuels and oils, inorganic chemicals, organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals of rare earth, cereals, nuts, fruits, articles of apparel and clothing accessories etc.</li>
<li><strong>Indian Imports from Bahrain:</strong> Crude oils, mineral fuels and their bituminous substance, distillation, aluminium, fertilizers, ores/slags/ashes of aluminium, iron and copper, pulp, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Indian investment in Bahrain:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s total capital investment into Bahrain between January 2003 and March 2018 has been estimated at <strong>approximately USD 1.69 billion. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Financial services</strong> have the highest investment value (40% of total projects), followed by the <strong>real estate and hospitality sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Expatriate Community:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Approximately 3,50,000 Indians are living in Bahrain currently</strong> and around 70% are in the category of unskilled labour.</li>
<li>In addition to the predominant blue-collar labour force, there is a sizable number of other professionals who play a <strong>vital role in Bahrain&rsquo;s socio-economic development.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>November 2015,</strong> Bahrain launched <strong>&lsquo;Little India in Bahrain&rsquo;</strong> project to acknowledge and mark the contribution of the Indian community to the history and progress of Bahrain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-bahrain-agree-to-boost-cooperation-7067684/" 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/agreements-between-india-bahrain'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Cluster: PMKSY',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries has attended the <strong>Independent Management Advisory Committee</strong> (IMAC) <strong>meeting</strong> to consider the proposals received under the <strong>Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Cluster</strong> (APC) of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-food-processing-industry" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana</strong></a> (PMKSY).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IMAC approved <strong>7 proposals with a total project cost of Rs. 234.68 crore</strong> including grants-in-aid of Rs. 60.87 crore in <strong>Meghalaya, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.</strong></li>
<li>These projects will <strong>leverage private investment</strong> of Rs. 173.81 crore and are <strong>expected to generate employment</strong> for 7750 persons.</li>
<li><strong>Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Cluster:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>approved in May 2017</strong> under the PMKSY, to <strong>incentivise the setting up of APCs in the country.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Aims:</strong> To develop modern infrastructure and common facilities to encourage a group of entrepreneurs to set up <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-processing-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>food processing</strong></a> units based on cluster approach by linking groups of producers/farmers to the processors and markets.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These clusters will <strong>help in reducing the wastage of the surplus produce</strong> and <strong>add value to the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/horticulture-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">horticultural</a>/agricultural produce</strong> which will result in <strong>an increase of income of the farmers</strong> and <strong>create employment</strong> at the local level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under the scheme, each APC has <strong>two basic components:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Basic Enabling Infrastructure</strong> like roads, water supply, power supply, drainage, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Core Infrastructure/Common Facilities</strong> like warehouses, cold storages, tetra pack, sorting, grading, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Requirements for Setup:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>At least 5 food processing units with a minimum investment of Rs. 25 crore and at least 10 acres of land is required for at least 50 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In<strong> 2016,</strong> the <strong>Ministry of Food Processing Industries</strong> (MoFPI) introduced an umbrella <strong>Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters</strong> (SAMPADA), which was proposed to be implemented with an allocation of <strong>Rs. 6,000 crores</strong> for the period of <strong>2016-20.</strong></li>
<li>In<strong> 2017,</strong> it was renamed as the <strong>Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana</strong> (PMKSY).</li>
<li>It is a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-to-hike-monthly-pensions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Sector Scheme.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To supplement agriculture.</li>
<li>To create processing and preservation capacities.</li>
<li>To modernise and expand existing food processing units with a view to increasing the level of processing.</li>
<li>To add value leading to the reduction of wastage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Seven component schemes under PMKSY:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/zoram-mega-food-park-mizoram" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mega Food Parks.</strong></a></li>
<li>Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure.</li>
<li>Infrastructure for APC.</li>
<li>Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages.</li>
<li>Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities.</li>
<li>Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure.</li>
<li>Human Resources and Institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under PMKSY,<strong> capital subsidy</strong> in the form of<strong> grants-in-aid</strong> ranging from 35% to 75% of the eligible project cost <strong>subject to a maximum specified limit</strong> is provided to investors under the various schemes for <strong>undertaking infrastructure, logistic projects and setting up of food processing units</strong> in the country.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1675339" 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/scheme-for-creation-of-infrastructure-for-agro-processing-cluster-pmksy'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Subdued Northeast Monsoon',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Rainfall over the southern peninsular region has been deficient so far,</strong> indicating that the northeast monsoon has remained subdued this year.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pattern of Rainfall in India:</strong> India receives rainfall during<strong> two seasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>About <strong>75% of the country&rsquo;s annual rainfall</strong> is received from the<a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Southwest monsoon</strong></a> between<strong> June and September.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Northeast monsoon</strong> occurs during <strong>October to December,</strong> and is a <strong>comparatively small-scale monsoon,</strong> which is confined to the <strong>Southern peninsula.</strong> It is called the<strong> winter monsoon.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Northeast Monsoon and Rainfall:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>After the<strong> complete withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon</strong> from the country takes place by<strong> mid-October,</strong> the <strong>wind pattern rapidly changes</strong> from the<strong> south-westerly to the north-easterly direction.</strong></li>
<li>The period after the Southwest monsoon season, from October to December, is the <strong>peak time for cyclonic activity in the North Indian Ocean region</strong> covering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The winds associated with the formation of low pressure systems, depressions, or cyclones <strong>influence this monsoon,</strong> and therefore, the rainfall.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regions associated with Northeast Monsoon:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The rainfall associated with the Northeast monsoon is important for <strong>Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, north interior Karnataka, Mahe and Lakshadweep.</strong></li>
<li>Tamil Nadu records about<strong> 48% of its annual rainfall</strong> during these months, making it the key factor for<strong> undertaking agricultural activities and reservoir management</strong> in the state.</li>
<li>Some South Asian countries such as <strong>Maldives, Sri Lanka and Myanmar,</strong> too, record rainfall during October to December.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for deficient rainfall this Northeast monsoon:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Prevailing La Ni&ntilde;a conditions in the Pacific Ocean:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>La Ni&ntilde;a conditions <strong>enhance the rainfall associated with the Southwest monsoon,</strong> but has a<strong> negative impact</strong> on rainfall associated with the<strong> Northeast monsoon.</strong></li>
<li>La Ni&ntilde;a (Spanish for &lsquo;little girl&rsquo;) refers to the <strong>large-scale cooling of the ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean,</strong> coupled with changes in the tropical atmospheric circulation, namely winds, pressure and rainfall.</li>
<li>It usually<strong> has the opposite impacts on weather and climate as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/el-nino-threatens-monsoon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">El Ni&ntilde;o</a></strong>, which is the warm phase of the so-called <strong>El Ni&ntilde;o Southern Oscillation (ENSO).</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>El Ni&ntilde;o</strong> (Spanish for &lsquo;little boy&rsquo;) is the<strong> abnormal surface warming observed along the eastern and central regions of the Pacific Ocean</strong> (region between Peru and Papua New Guinea).</li>
<li>La Nina and El Nino are <strong>large-scale ocean phenomena</strong> which influence the global weather winds, temperature and rainfall.</li>
<li>They have the <strong>ability to trigger extreme weather events</strong> like droughts, floods, hot and cold conditions, globally.</li>
<li>Each cycle can last anywhere <strong>between 9 to 12 months, at times extendable to 18 months</strong> and re-occur after<strong> every three to five years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inter Tropical Convective Zone (ITCZ):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The current position of the ITCZ has also contributed to the poor rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season.</li>
<li>The ITCZ is <strong>a low-pressure belt,</strong> whose northward and southward movements along the equator determine the precipitation in the tropics.</li>
<li>Currently, the <strong>ITCZ is located to the north of its normal position.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Other Important Atmospheric Circulation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/madden-julian-oscillation-mjo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)</strong></a>: The MJO can be defined as an eastward moving 'pulse' of clouds, rainfall, winds and pressure near the equator that typically recurs every 30 to 60 days.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-northeast-monsoon-rainfall-deficiency-explained-7063467/" 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/subdued-northeast-monsoon'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Cyclone Nivar',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cyclone-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> tropical cyclone</strong> </a><strong>Nivar</strong> has made landfall along the <strong>Tamil Nadu-Puducherry</strong> coast.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Landfall refers to the phenomenon of a cyclone&rsquo;s outer wall moving over the coastline and beyond.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Tropical Cyclone:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A tropical cyclone is an intense circular storm that <strong>originates over warm tropical oceans</strong> and is<strong> characterized by</strong> low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain.</li>
<li>A characteristic feature of tropical cyclones is the <strong>eye,</strong> a central region of clear skies, warm temperatures, and low atmospheric pressure.</li>
<li>Storms of this type are called<strong> hurricanes in the North Atlantic</strong> and eastern Pacific and <strong>typhoons in SouthEast Asia</strong> and China. They are called <strong>tropical cyclones</strong> in the <strong>southwest Pacific and Indian Ocean region</strong> and <strong>Willy-willies in north-western Australia.</strong></li>
<li>Storms<strong> rotate anticlockwise</strong> in the<strong> northern hemisphere</strong> and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cyclone Nivar:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <strong>fourth cyclone</strong> that has taken shape in the North Indian Ocean region this year. The first three cyclones were <strong>Cyclone Gati</strong> (made landfall in Somalia in November), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cyclone-amphan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cyclone Amphan</strong></a> (eastern India witnessed it in May), and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cyclone-nisarga" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cyclone Nisarga</strong></a> (in Maharashtra).</li>
<li>Nivar will be the <strong>second cyclone to hit Tamil Nadu in two years</strong> after <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cyclone-gaja" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cyclone Gaja</strong></a> in 2018.</li>
<li>The storm has been <strong>named Cyclone Nivar,</strong> based on the <strong>guidelines of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).</strong> Nivara has been <strong>selected from the list of names given by Iran.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to WMO guidelines, countries in every region are supposed to give names for cyclones.</li>
<li>The North Indian Ocean Region covers tropical cyclones formed over Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.</li>
<li>The <strong>13 members,</strong> which come under the region, are Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.</li>
<li>A <strong>total of 169 cyclones were named</strong> by these countries for this year, with <strong>13 names from each country.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has weakened from a very severe cyclonic storm to a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 km per hour.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606382334_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606382334_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="700" height="407" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Government Steps:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Tamil Nadu government</strong> has announced a <strong>public holiday</strong> under the <strong>Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881,</strong> in 16 districts, including Chennai, considering the impact of Cyclone Nivar.</li>
<li><strong>Fishing activities</strong> have been <strong>restricted and residents evacuated</strong> in coastal areas hit by the cyclone. The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)</strong></a> has deployed its teams in the affected regions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/tamil-nadu-puducherry-brace-for-cyclone-nivar-7064447/" 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/cyclone-nivar'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Sea Guardian Drones from US',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> two American MQ9B Sea Guardian unarmed drones</strong> have been inducted by the Indian Navy.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The drones <strong>would be on lease with India</strong> for <strong>one year.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>MQ9B Sea Guardian:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606378509_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606378509_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <strong>maritime variant</strong> of the <strong>Predator MQ9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).</strong></li>
<li>It has a maximum<strong> endurance </strong>of <strong>40 hours</strong> and a maximum flying <strong>altitude</strong> of <strong>40,000</strong> feet.</li>
<li>It has a <strong>3600 maritime surveillance radar</strong> and an optional multimode <strong>maritime surface search radar.</strong></li>
<li>It can be <strong>used in operations</strong> such as Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief, Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement (Drug Trafficking, Illegal Immigration and Piracy), etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Procurement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Navy has for the <strong>first time inducted two surveillance drones</strong> through a <strong>lease agreement</strong> with an American firm, using the <strong>emergency powers granted by the Centre to the Armed forces amid the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China standoff.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the emergency power, the government has granted <strong>emergency funds up to Rs. 500 crore</strong> per procurement project to the three armed services to <strong>buy ammunition and weapons</strong> in view of the escalating border standoff with China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Drones were procured under the option for leasing military platforms introduced in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/defence-acquisition-procedure-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The drones are meant for carrying out <strong>surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region and can be deployed on the China border</strong> if asked for and if needed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Already the Navy's <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-approves-sale-of-military-hardware" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>P8I Poseidon aircraft</strong></a> have been deployed in Ladakh.</li>
<li>The<strong> P-8I aircraft</strong> is a variant of the <strong>P-8A Poseidon aircraft</strong> that have been developed by Boeing company.</li>
<li>Boeing&rsquo;s P-8A Poseidon is designed for long-range Anti-Submarine warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As part of its force <strong>restructuring to offset budgetary constraints,</strong> the Navy is looking to induce more unmanned solutions in future.</li>
<li><strong>Till the time the government approves buying the drones,</strong> which has to get the <strong>Defence Acquisition Council's nod,</strong> leasing is a more economic and viable option.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/defence-acquisition-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Defence Acquisition Council</strong></a> is the <strong>highest decision-making body</strong> in the Defence Ministry for deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and the Indian Coast Guard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-inducts-two-sea-guardian-drones-on-lease-from-us/article33178519.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/sea-guardian-drones-from-us'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Menace of Manual Scavenging',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/machine-hole-7059558/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Machine hole&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 21/11/2020. It talks about the issue of death due to Manual Scavenging and the way forward.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the government has proposed to bring amendments in the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/manual-scavenging-in-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013</strong></a>. These amendments are being brought in the light of recently released data by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment which show that manual scavenging has led to 376 deaths over the past five years, including 110 in 2019 alone.</p>
<p>The proposed changes envisaged to make mechanised cleaning of sewers and septic tanks will be mandatory, the word &ldquo;manhole&rdquo; will be replaced with &ldquo;machine-hole&rdquo; in official usage, and a 24&times;7 national helpline will be set up to report violations.</p>
<p>However, correcting a problem that is closely intertwined with social hierarchies requires more than technological or legal solutions.</p>
<h3>Manual Scavenging</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The term <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/manual-scavenging-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;manual scavenging&rsquo;</strong></a> refers to the practice of manually carrying human excreta.</li>
<li>In the past, this referred to the practice of removing excreta from dry latrines.</li>
<li>However, new modern sanitation technologies brought new forms of manual scavenging work, which include manual and unsafe cleaning of drains, sewer lines, septic tanks and latrine pits.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Legal Framework Against Manual Scavenging</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Manual scavengers and their rehabilitation Act, 2013 prohibits manual scavenging.</li>
<li>Further, the employment or engagement of people to manually clean drains, sewer tanks, septic tanks is an offence punishable by imprisonment and fine.</li>
<li>Also, it asks state governments and municipal bodies to identify manual scavengers and rehabilitate them.</li>
<li>Apart from it, a principle for compensation was also established by the Supreme Court for providing Rs 10 lakhs to every case of sewer death.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Reasons for the Prevalence of Manual Scavenging</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Social Issue:</strong> The practice of manual scavenging is linked to India&rsquo;s caste system where so-called lower castes were expected to perform this job.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, the law has ended, manual scavenging as a form of employment, the stigma and discrimination associated with it still linger on.</li>
<li>This makes it difficult for liberated manual scavengers to secure alternative livelihoods. Apart from this, people could once again return to manual scavenging in the absence of other opportunities to support their families.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Protective Gear:</strong> Frequent deaths occur as manual scavengers don't even have adequate tools and protective gear to clean the manhole.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It often involves using the most basic of tools such as buckets, brooms and baskets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indifferent Attitude:</strong> A number of independent surveys have talked about the continued reluctance on the part of state governments to admit that the practice prevails under their watch.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unwilling to invest in technology and the rehabilitation of workers, municipalities live in denial instead of acting to end the practice.</li>
<li>Also, despite frequent news of death due to manual scavenging, there have been no reports from states of people being convicted for employing manual scavengers.</li>
<li>Further, there is no provision of hand holding people who are targeted for such rehabilitation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issue Due to Outsourcing:</strong> Many times local bodies outsource sewer cleaning tasks to private contractors. However, many of them fly-by-night operators, do not maintain proper rolls of sanitation workers.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In case after case of workers being asphyxiated to death, these contractors have denied any association with the deceased.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Proper Identification:</strong> The Social Justice Ministry has decided to directly provide funds to workers to purchase cleaning machines, instead of giving money to contractors or municipalities. This is a step in the right direction.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For it to succeed, states need to accurately enumerate the workers engaged in cleaning toxic sludge.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Empowering Local Administration:</strong> With Swachh Bharat Mission identified as a top priority area by the 15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission, and funds available for smart cities and urban development provides for a strong case to address the problem of manual scavenging.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For this to happen, it is essential to empower local administration, so that money needed to shift to mechanised cleaning would not be a constraint.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Social Sentisitation:</strong> To address the social sanction behind manual scavenging, it is required first to acknowledge and then understand how and why manual scavenging continues to be embedded in the caste system.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>After this, there is a need to sensitise people about the gross violation of this human right.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need For a Stringent Law:</strong> If a law creates a statutory obligation to provide sanitation services on the part of state agencies, it will create a situation in which the rights of these workers will not hang in the air.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Manual scavengers are amongst the poorest and most disadvantaged communities in India.</p>
<p>It is due to this reason it is difficult to eliminate manual scavenging in a system that operates at the intersection of caste, economic inequality.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7fbff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Manual Scavenging is a problem that is closely intertwined with social hierarchies and requires more than just technological or legal solutions. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PUuwl1q-1Zg" 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.hindustantimes.com/editorials/planning-for-a-post-covid-world/story-XxsHbpEabWHpRqfnRNWmsN.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Planning for a post-Covid world&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on November 23<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/menace-of-manual-scavenging'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'India’s Assistance to Afghanistan',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, at the<strong> Afghanistan 2020 Conference,</strong> India has announced about 150 projects worth USD 80 million.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Afghanistan&rsquo;s President, officials from the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> (UN) and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> (EU) officials, besides representatives of other countries, attended the conference.</li>
<li>Also, the <strong>USA has decided to reduce its troop presence</strong> in Afghanistan to about 2,500<strong> by January 2021.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Current Assistance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India will launch <strong>phase-IV of high-impact community development projects,</strong> which include around <strong>150 projects worth USD 80 million.</strong></li>
<li>It has signed an agreement for building the <strong>Shahtoot dam,</strong> which would provide <strong>safe drinking water</strong> to 2 million residents of Kabul city.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It builds on the 202 km <strong>Pul-e-Khumri transmission line of 2009,</strong> through which India provides power to the city.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Earlier Assistance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s development programmes in Afghanistan are focused around<strong> five pillars:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Large infrastructure projects.</li>
<li>Human resource development and capacity building.</li>
<li>Humanitarian assistance.</li>
<li>High-impact community development projects.</li>
<li>Enhancing trade and investment through air and land connectivity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Since 2001,</strong> India has committed <strong>USD 3 billion</strong> towards rebuilding and reconstruction of Afghanistan.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>During the <strong>Taliban years from 1996 to 2001, India did not invest</strong> in Afghanistan.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606298653_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606298653_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="395" height="297" /></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-dropped-from-chabahar-rail-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chabahar Port</strong></a> <strong>in Iran,</strong> which provides<strong> alternate connectivity to Afghanistan.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Afghanistan&rsquo;s growth has been constrained by its landlocked geography and Pakistan blocking transit access made the situation even worse.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pandemic Support:</strong> India sent more than 20 tonnes of <strong>medicines, other equipment and transported 75,000 tonnes of wheat</strong> to Afghanistan to address the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> challenge.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Shift in Indian Perspective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Indian government&rsquo;s decision to invest in Afghanistan&rsquo;s future, where the Taliban is set to play a dominant role, is being seen as a <strong>major departure from the past.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India also participated in the commencement ceremony of the intra-Afghan talks in Doha in September 2020,</strong> where a 21-member Taliban team was also present. It <strong>reflects India's realisation of ground realities and shifting sands in Kabul&rsquo;s power structure.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduction of Troops by USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>February 2020,</strong> the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-taliban-peace-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA and the Tabilan signed an agreement</strong></a> in Doha, (Qatar&rsquo;s capital).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to it, the <strong>USA would withdraw all of its troops from Afghanistan in 14 months</strong> and would also<strong> release Taliban prisoners,</strong> held captive by the Afghan government.</li>
<li>In return, the <strong>Taliban assured</strong> that they would <strong>not allow</strong> transnational jihadist organisations such as <strong>al-Qaeda</strong> and the <strong>Islamic State</strong> to <strong>use Afganistan as their base</strong> and also <strong>committed to start direct talks with the Afghan government,</strong> which began in September 2020.</li>
<li>With the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/withdrawal-of-us-troops-from-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA leaving at such a crucial point</strong></a>, it<strong> not only deprives Afghan forces of the support they need,</strong> particularly the<strong> airpower,</strong> but also<strong> affects their morale.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nato-ally-status-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>North Atlantic Treaty Organization</strong></a> (NATO) has <strong>committed to funding Afghan troops for four more years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, this decision <strong>will leave Afghanistan with an uncertain future</strong> as the <strong>Taliban is expected to take over</strong> after the troops&rsquo; withdrawal.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Taliban, who were <strong>ousted from power in 2001 after the USA invasion,</strong> have since been fighting both foreign troops and the Afghan government.</li>
<li>It now controls more than half of the country and contests the whole of it.</li>
<li>Since the agreement was signed, the Taliban have <strong>conducted more than 13,000 attacks</strong> nationwide.</li>
<li>According to a <strong>UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan</strong> (UMAMA) report in October 2020, nearly<strong> 6,000 Afghan civilians were killed</strong> in the first nine months of the year and <strong>45% of the deaths were by the Taliban.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The increasing level of violence in Afghanistan is a pressing concern. However, in<strong> spite of the challenges, both sides</strong> (the government representatives and the Taliban) <strong>remain at the negotiating table,</strong> and appear to have reached an early breakthrough.</li>
<li>India calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and also believes that the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indias-role-in-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>peace process</strong></a> must be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.</li>
<li>India looks forward to walking hand in hand with the people of Afghanistan and the world community to work towards a peaceful, prosperous, sovereign, democratic and united Afghanistan.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-pledges-aid-to-rebuild-afghanistan-commits-to-projects-worth-80-million-7064393/" 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/india-s-assistance-to-afghanistan'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Desalination Plants',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Maharashtra announced the setting up of a desalination plant in Mumbai.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The plant will process <strong>200 million litres of water daily (MLD),</strong> and will help in overcoming the<strong> water shortage faced by Mumbai</strong> in the months of <strong>May and June.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Maharashtra</strong> will be the <strong>fourth state</strong> to experiment with Desalination Plants.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Desalination Plants:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <strong>desalination plant</strong> turns salt water into water that is fit to drink.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/desalination-plants-harm-environment-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Desalination</strong></a> is the process of <strong>removing salts from water</strong> to produce water that meets the quality (salinity) requirements of different human uses.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Most commonly used <strong>technology</strong> for the process is <strong>reverse osmosis.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606292180_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606292180_image1.png" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An external pressure is applied to push solvents from an area of high-solute concentration to an area of low-solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.</li>
<li>The <strong>microscopic pores</strong> in the membranes allow water molecules through but leave salt and most other impurities behind, releasing clean water from the other side.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These plants are mostly set up in areas that have access to <strong>sea water.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantage of Desalination Plants:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It can extend water supplies beyond what is available from the<strong> hydrological cycle,</strong> providing an<strong> &ldquo;unlimited&rdquo;, climate-independent</strong> and <strong>steady supply</strong> of high-quality water.</li>
<li>It can<strong> provide drinking water</strong> in areas where no natural supply of potable water exists.</li>
<li>As it generally <strong>meets or exceeds</strong> standards for <strong>water quality,</strong> water desalination plants can also<strong> reduce pressure on freshwater supplies</strong> that come from<strong> areas</strong> (over exploited water resources) that need protecting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disadvantage of Desalination Plants:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Costly to build and operate</strong> desalination plants as the plants require huge amounts of energy. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Energy costs</strong> account for <strong>one-third to one-half of the total cost</strong> of producing desalinated water.</li>
<li>Because energy is such a large portion of the total cost, the <strong>cost is also greatly affected by changes in the price of energy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The environmental impact</strong> is another disadvantage to water desalination plants. Disposal of the salt removed from the water is a major issue. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This discharge, known as<strong> brine,</strong> can change the salinity and lower the amount of oxygen <strong>(Hypoxia)</strong> in the water at the disposal site, stressing or killing animals not used to the higher levels of salt.</li>
<li>In addition, the desalination process <strong>uses or produces numerous chemicals including chlorine, carbon dioxide, hydrochloric acid and anti-scalents</strong> that can be<strong> harmful in high concentrations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Opportunities:</strong> The environmental problem can be changed into an economic opportunity as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>discharge (brine)</strong> can also contain<strong> precious elements like uranium, strontium as well as sodium and magnesium</strong> which have the potential to be mined.</li>
<li><strong>Brine</strong> has been used for <strong>aquaculture,</strong> with <strong>increases in fish biomass of 300%.</strong> It has also been successfully used to cultivate the <strong>dietary supplement Spirulina,</strong> and to irrigate forage shrubs and crops.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Desalination Plants in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has largely been limited to countries in the <strong>Middle East</strong> and has recently started being used in parts of the <strong>United States and Australia.</strong></li>
<li>In India, <strong>Tamil Nadu</strong> has been the pioneer in using this technology, setting up two desalination plants near <strong>Chennai in 2010 and then 2013.</strong></li>
<li>The other states that have proposed these plants are <strong>Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a <strong>need to make desalination technologies more affordable,</strong> i.e. increasing the viability of desalination for addressing<strong> Sustainable Development Goal 6</strong> (SDG-6: Ensure Access to water and Sanitation for All).</li>
<li>To do this, <strong>technological refinement for low environmental impacts</strong> and <strong>economic costs,</strong> along with <strong>innovative financial mechanisms</strong> to support the sustainability of desalination schemes, will likely be required.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/mumbai-desalination-plant-7063528/" 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/desalination-plants-1'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'IRNSS: Part of World Wide Radio Navigation System',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Maritime Safety Committee</strong> (MSC) of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/international-maritime-organization-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Maritime Organisation</strong> </a>(IMO) has recognised the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/navic-in-mobiles" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System</strong></a> (IRNSS) as a component of the <strong>World Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS)</strong> during its 102<sup>nd</sup> session held virtually.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The IMO is the <strong>United Nations specialised agency</strong> responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the <strong>prevention</strong> of marine and atmospheric <strong>pollution</strong> by ships.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has become the <strong>fourth country</strong> in the world to have its independent regional navigation satellite system recognised by the IMO as a part of the <strong>World Wide Radio Navigation System</strong> (WWRNS).</li>
<li>The other three countries that have its navigation systems recognised by the IMO are the <strong>USA, Russia and China. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">The IMO has accepted IRNSS as an</span><b> alternative navigation module in Indian waters</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. It was in use only on a pilot basis earlier but </span><b>now all merchant vessels are authorised to use it, even small fishing vessels.</b></li>
<li>The navigation system <strong>can now replace GPS in the Indian Ocean waters upto 1500 km</strong> from the Indian boundary. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>IRNSS is a <strong>regional and not a global navigation</strong> system.</li>
<li>With the recognition as a component of the WWRNS, the Indian navigation system is similarly placed as <strong>Global Positioning System</strong> (GPS - USA), most commonly used by marine shipping vessels across the world or the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System <strong>(GLONASS).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is being considered as a significant achievement towards the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Atmanirbhar Bharat&rsquo;</strong> </a>initiative.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Apart from navigational benefits it has strategic importance as it reduces overdependence on the global navigation system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Important Navigation Systems:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>USA navigation system:</strong> The <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-visual-positioning-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Positioning System</strong></a> (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that consists of 24 orbiting satellites.</li>
<li><strong>Glonass is Russian</strong> Satellite Navigation System considered as a counterpart to GPS of the USA.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-launches-beidou-navigation-satellite-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BeiDou Navigation Satellite System</strong></a> of <strong>China:</strong> A hybrid constellation consisting of around 30 satellites in three kinds of orbits.</li>
<li><strong>Galileo</strong> is <strong>Europe's</strong> Global Navigation Satellite System.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system developed by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organization</strong></a> (ISRO).</li>
<li>The main objective is to provide reliable position, navigation and timing services over India and its neighbourhood.</li>
<li>The IRNSS constellation <strong>was named as &ldquo;NavIC&rdquo;</strong> (Navigation with Indian Constellation) by the Prime Minister.</li>
<li>NavIC provides <strong>two types of services:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Standard Positioning Service</strong> (SPS) is meant for the general public.</li>
<li><strong>Restricted Service</strong> (RS) is an encrypted service meant for authorised users and agencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Unlike the widely used GPS which includes 24 satellites, NavIC has <strong>8 satellites</strong> and their range is within India and its adjoining regions extending up to<strong> 1,500 km</strong> from the <strong>country's border.</strong></li>
<li>Technically satellite systems with more satellites provide more accurate positioning information. However, compared to GPS which has a position <strong>accuracy of 20-30 metres,</strong> the NavIC is able to pinpoint location to an estimated accuracy of <strong>under 20 metres.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/india-becomes-4th-nation-to-get-imo-nod-for-navigation-satellite-system-7059589/#:~:text=India%20has%20become%20the%20fourth,Radio%20Navigation%20System%20(WWRNS).&amp;text=The%20IMO%20has%20now%20accepted%20IRNSS%20as%20an%20alternative%20navigation%20module." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Land-attack Version of BrahMos Missile',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India has successfully <strong>test-fired a land-attack version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile</strong> from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The test by the Army comes over a month after the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/naval-version-of-brahmos-tested#:~:text=A%20naval%20version%20of%20the,Navy%20in%20the%20Arabian%20Sea." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Naval version of BrahMos</a> was successfully test fired</strong> from Indian Navy&rsquo;s indigenously-built stealth destroyer INS Chennai.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Features of New Land-attack Version:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>range</strong> of the missile has been <strong>extended to 400 km</strong> from the original 290 km but its <strong>speed</strong> has been maintained at<strong> 2.8 Mach or almost three times the speed of sound.</strong></li>
<li>The test was done in a <strong>&ldquo;top-attack&rdquo;</strong> configuration.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Most modern missiles, including BrahMos,<strong> can be fired in both top-attack and direct attack modes.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>top attack</strong> mode, the missile is required to climb sharply after launch, travel at a certain altitude and then fall on top of the target.</li>
<li>In<strong> direct attack</strong> mode, the missile travels at a lower altitude, directly striking the target.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Test:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These tests <strong>are a display of India&rsquo;s tactical cruise missile triad,</strong> i.e. launch capability from land, sea and air platforms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has <strong>already deployed a sizable number of the original BrahMos missiles</strong> and other key assets in several strategic locations along the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict#:~:text=China%20views%20India%27s%20assertions%20regarding,due%20to%20Covid%2D19%20pandemic." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China</strong></a> in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The test marks the achievement of a critical milestone in <strong>enhancing India&rsquo;s capability of engaging enemy&rsquo;s vitally important targets</strong> in depth areas.</li>
<li>In the last two-and-half months, <strong>India has <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nag-missile-anti-tank-guided-missile" target="_blank" rel="noopener">test fired a number of missiles</a></strong> including<strong> an anti-radiation missile named Rudram-1</strong> which is planned to be inducted into service by <strong>2022.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>BrahMos Missile:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606289537_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606289537_image2.png" style="float: right;" caption="false" width="300" height="168" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An <strong>amalgamation of the names of Brahmaputra river and Moskva river (Russia),</strong> BrahMos missiles are <strong>designed, developed and produced by BrahMos Aerospace.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>BrahMos Aerospace is a<strong> joint venture</strong> company set up by 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</strong></a> (DRDO) and <strong>Mashinostroyenia of Russia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is a <strong>medium-range supersonic cruise missile</strong> which can be<strong> launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Cruise missiles</strong> are defined as &ldquo;an unmanned self-propelled guided vehicle that sustains flight through aerodynamic lift for most of its flight path and whose primary mission is to place an ordnance or special payload on a target.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Depending upon the<strong> speed,</strong> such <strong>missiles are classified as Subsonic (around 0.8 Mach), Supersonic (2-3 Mach) and Hypersonic</strong> cruise missiles (more than 5 Mach).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is the <strong>world&rsquo;s fastest supersonic cruise missile,</strong> as well as the <strong>fastest anti-ship cruise missile in operation.</strong></li>
<li>It<strong> operates on the "Fire and Forget" principle,</strong> i.e it does not require further guidance after launch.</li>
<li>The missile has a <strong>flight range upto 290-km.</strong> However, <strong>India's entry into the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/india-s-prospects-as-a-nuclear-power" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Missile Technology Control Regime</a></strong> (MTCR) has extended the range of the BrahMos missile to reach 450-600 km.</li>
<li><strong>Various versions of BrahMos,</strong> including those that can be fired from land, warships, submarines and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sukhoi-30-mki-equipped-with-the-brahmos-missile" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sukhoi-30 fighter jets</strong></a>, have already been developed and successfully tested in the past.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>hypersonic version</strong> of the missile, capable of reaching <strong>a speed of 5 Mach,</strong> is under development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/army-successfully-launches-brahmos-supersonic-cruise-missile-7063865/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Dry Swab RT-PCR Covid-19 Test',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, 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>-<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-tigers-under-stress-due-to-tourism#:~:text=Centre%20for%20Cellular%20%26%20Molecular%20Biology&amp;text=It%20is%20located%20in%20Hyderabad,and%20Cell%20Biology%20Network%2C%20UNESCO." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology</strong></a> (CSIR-CCMB) has got the permission of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icmr-to-test-for-community-transmission-of-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Medical Research</strong></a> (ICMR) to commercially use the<strong> dry swab RNA-extraction free testing method</strong> for the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Dry swab method has a consistency of 96.9%.</li>
<li>The comparison of <strong>conventional</strong> (swab-VTM-RNA extraction-RT-PCR) and the <strong>simplified</strong> (direct elution from dry swab-RT-qPCR) protocols suggested that dry swabs eluted directly into a simple buffered solution can support molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 via endpoint RT-PCR without substantially compromising sensitivity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conventional Method:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the conventional testing method,<strong> nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal</strong> swab samples are <strong>collected by sample collection centres</strong> from the suspected coronavirus patients. These are <strong>then transported to testing centres,</strong> sometimes even hundreds of kilometres away.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>nasopharynx</strong> is the<strong> upper part of the pharynx</strong> (throat) <strong>behind the nose.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>oropharynx</strong> is the <strong>middle part of the pharynx just beyond the mouth</strong> and includes the back part of the tongue (base of tongue), tonsils, soft palate (back part of the roof of the mouth), and the sides and walls of the throat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The swab samples are generally placed in a liquid called <strong>Viral Transport Medium</strong> (VTM) and to avoid leakage, the samples are packed heavily that<strong> adds on to sample processing times</strong> at both the sample collection and testing centres.</li>
<li><strong>RNA extraction,</strong> even with automation, takes <strong>four hours for roughly 500 samples.</strong> VTM and RNA extraction both add a<strong> significant burden on money and time required</strong> for mass testing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New and Simplified Method:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Dry swab technique <strong>does not require VTM and RNA extraction process,</strong> and can be directly used for RT-PCR testing.</li>
<li>It has the <strong>potential of bringing the costs and time of testing by 40-50%</strong> and the <strong>screening can also be enhanced several-fold</strong> with immediate effect while, at the same time, <strong>making the whole process safer.</strong></li>
<li>It is<strong> easy to implement</strong> with<strong> no requirement of new kits and existing manpower can perform this</strong> with no additional training.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will<strong> scale up the testing.</strong></li>
<li>More economical than <strong>conventional <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/radt-vs-rt-pcr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RT-PCR tests.</a></strong></li>
<li>Quicker results</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>RT-PCR Test</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Kary Mullis,</strong> the <strong>American biochemist</strong> invented the PCR technique. He was awarded the <strong>Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1993.</strong></li>
<li>Under the test, copies of a<strong> segment of DNA</strong> (deoxyribonucleic acid) are <strong>created using an enzyme called Polymerase.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>&lsquo;chain reaction&rsquo;</strong> signifies <strong>how the DNA fragments are copied exponentially,</strong> where one is copied into two, the two are copied into four, and so on.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A<strong> fluorescent DNA binding dye</strong> called the<strong> &ldquo;probe&rdquo;</strong> is added to DNA, which shows the presence of the virus on a fluorometer.</li>
<li><strong>Covid-19 is made of RNA</strong> (ribonucleic acid), so to detect it,<strong> RNA is converted into DNA</strong> using a technique called reverse transcription.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Then the copies of the DNA are then made and amplified.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/coronavirus-csir-ccmbs-dry-swab-rt-pcr-covid-19-test-gets-icmr-nod/article33194817.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'India-Vietnam Talks',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Defence Ministers of India and Vietnam</strong> have discussed collaboration in defence industry capability building, training and cooperation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations, etc.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606549958_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606549958_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Defence Cooperation:</strong> Both countries reaffirmed the strong India-Vietnam Defence cooperation which is a key pillar of <strong>Comprehensive Strategic Partnership</strong> (2016).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Underlining the vision of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Atmanirbhar Bharat&rdquo;</strong></a> for enhancing self-reliance including defence industries, India <strong>urged closer defence industry cooperation</strong> by concluding an<strong> institutionalised framework agreement in the near future.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Vietnam thanked India for the assistance</strong> by Indian Armed Forces in capacity building of Vietnamese Defence Forces especially in the field of Human Resource development.</li>
<li><strong>India</strong> conveyed its willingness to <strong>enhance the scope and level of training for all three services</strong> of Vietnam Defence forces in Indian Defence Institutes.</li>
<li>It needs to be noted that the two countries<strong> have built ties</strong> on the procurement of weaponry and military hardware, capacity building, collaboration in the area of warship building and repair.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UN Peacekeeping:</strong> Discussed cooperation in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-peacekeepers-in-south-sudan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN peacekeeping</strong></a> operations, which help countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation in the field of Hydrography:</strong> This will enable sharing of Hydrographic data and assist in production of navigational charts by both sides. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Hydrography</strong> is the science that <strong>measures and describes the physical features of the navigable portion of the Earth's surface</strong> and adjoining coastal areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>ADMM Plus Meeting:</strong> Vietnam <strong>invited India for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/asean-defence-ministers-meeting-plus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASEAN Defence Ministers&rsquo; Meeting-Plus</a></strong> (ADMM Plus) being hosted by Vietnam in December 2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>ADMM-Plus is a platform for the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/asean" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association of Southeast Asian Nations</a></strong> (ASEAN) <strong>and its eight Dialogue Partners</strong> Australia, China, <strong>India,</strong> Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the USA (collectively referred to as the &ldquo;Plus Countries&rdquo;), to strengthen security and defence cooperation for peace, stability, and development in the region.</li>
<li><strong>Vietnam is a member of ASEAN.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>ASEAN</strong> is a regional grouping that promotes economic, political and security cooperation among its <strong>ten members.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Vietnam Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India and Vietnam have agreed to enhance their <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-vietnam-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bilateral cooperation</strong> </a>in line with <strong>India&rsquo;s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative</strong> (IPOI) and the ASEAN&rsquo;s Outlook on Indo-Pacific.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This came in the backdrop of China&rsquo;s aggression in the Indo-Pacific region including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/china-in-south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>South China Sea region</strong> </a>and its actions along the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Line of Actual Control</strong> </a>(LAC) with India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooperation at Multiple Fora:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/elections-for-non-permanent-members-of-the-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN Security Council</strong></a>, both India and Vietnam will serve concurrently as <strong>non-permanent members in 2021.</strong></li>
<li>India and Vietnam closely cooperate in various <strong>regional forums</strong> such as <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/east-asia-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>East Asia Summit</strong></a>, <strong>Mekong Ganga Cooperation, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/12th-asia-europe-meeting-asem-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Asia Europe Meeting</a></strong> (ASEM).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has on many occasions explained that it will <strong>continue to maintain its oil and gas exploration tie-ups</strong> with Vietnam in Vietnamese waters.</li>
<li>Vietnam is also the <strong>second largest export destination for India after Singapore in the ASEAN region. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Bilateral trade</strong> for the period<strong> April-November 2019</strong> reached <strong>USD 9.01 billion.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Assistance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has<strong> reaffirmed its development and capacity building assistance</strong> to Vietnam through initiatives such as <strong>Quick Impact Projects</strong> (QIP), <strong>Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation</strong> (ITEC) and e-ITEC initiatives, PhD fellowships, as well as projects in<strong> water resource management</strong> in Vietnam&rsquo;s Mekong Delta region, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SDGs</strong></a>, <strong>digital connectivity</strong> and <strong>heritage conservation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tourism and People-to-People Contacts:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>year 2019 was celebrated as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism.</strong> Both countries have facilitated <strong>a simplified visa regime</strong> to promote bilateral tourism.</li>
<li>The <strong>Embassy of India organized various events to celebrate [email protected]</strong> in 2018-19. These include Jaipur artificial limb fitment camps, which were organized in four provinces of Vietnam, benefitting 1000 people, under<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/line-of-credit-to-pacific-island-nations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;India for Humanity&rsquo;</strong> </a>initiative of the Government of India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>As India and Vietnam geographically lie at the heart of the emerging Indo-Pacific construct, both would play a major role in this strategic space which is becoming a core theatre for competition for power and influence amongst the major powers.</li>
<li>The strategic partnership under the broad India-Vietnam cooperation framework would be critical towards building the vision laid out under <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-act-east-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s &lsquo;Act East&rsquo; Policy</strong></a>, which looks to expand engagement that is mutually positive and which ensures an inclusive growth for all in the region.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-vietnam-hold-bilateral-talks/article33195964.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Honey FPO Programme: NAFED',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Minister of Agriculture and Farmers&rsquo; Welfare</strong> has virtually inaugurated the <strong>Honey Farmer Producer Organisation</strong> (FPO) <strong>Programme</strong> of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/measures-for-farmers-welfare" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited</strong></a> (NAFED).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>Producer Organisation</strong> (PO) is a legal entity formed by primary producers, viz. farmers, milk producers, fishermen, weavers, rural artisans, craftsmen, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>FPO is one type of PO where the members are farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Apiculture or beekeeping</strong> is the care and management of honey bees for the production of honey and wax. In this method, bees are bred commercially in apiaries, an area where a lot of beehives can be placed.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The programme has been launched under the <strong>Formation and Promotion of FPOs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a new <strong>Central Sector Scheme</strong> for the promotion of <strong>10,000 new FPOs.</strong></li>
<li>Under it, the <strong>National Level Project Management Advisory and Fund Sanctioning Committee</strong> (N-PMAFSC) had allocated FPO clusters for <strong>2020-21</strong> to all implementing agencies.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Initially there will be three implementing agencies to form and promote FPOs, namely <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/small-farmers-agribusiness-consortium" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Small Farmers Agri-business Consortium</strong></a> (SFAC), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/Scheme%20to%20Promote%20Young%20Entrepreneurs%20in%20Cooperatives" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Cooperative Development Corporation</strong></a> (NCDC) and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-bank-for-agriculture-and-rural-development-nabard" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development</strong></a> (NABARD).</li>
<li><strong>NAFED</strong> has been appointed as the 4<sup>th</sup> national implementing agency.</li>
<li>States may also, if so desire, nominate their implementing agency in consultation with the <strong>Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers&rsquo; Welfare</strong> (DAC&amp;FW).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>FPOs will be developed by specialist <strong>Cluster Based Business Organizations</strong> (CBBOs) engaged by implementing agencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>NAFED, through CBBOs and the <strong>Indian Society of Agribusiness Professionals</strong> (ISAP) has initiated the formation and promotion of FPOs of beekeepers and honey collectors in 5 states of India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These 5 locations are <strong>East Champaran</strong> (Bihar), <strong>Morena</strong> (Madhya Pradesh), <strong>Bharatpur</strong> (Rajasthan), <strong>Mathura</strong> (Uttar Pradesh) <strong>and Sunderbans</strong> (West Bengal).</li>
<li>The <strong>first Honey FPO</strong> has been registered in the state of Madhya Pradesh under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-7th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Beekeeping and Honey Mission</strong> </a>(NBHM).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Skill Upgradation</strong> in scientific beekeeping.</li>
<li>State of the art<strong> infrastructural facilities</strong> for processing honey and allied beekeeping products like <strong>bee&rsquo;s wax, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom,</strong> etc.</li>
<li>Quality upgradation by<strong> quality control laboratories.</strong></li>
<li>Better<strong> supply chain management</strong> by improving <strong>collection, storage, bottling and marketing centres.</strong></li>
<li>Promotion and Formation of FPOs is the first step for <strong>converting Krishi into Atmanirbhar Krishi. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Efforts by Government to Promote Beekeeping:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Government is promoting beekeeping as part of its<strong> aim to double farmers&rsquo; income</strong> and <strong>ensure tribal upliftment.</strong></li>
<li>The Government has <strong>allocated Rs. 500 crore</strong> towards beekeeping under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Abhiyan.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/apiary-on-wheels" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Apiary on Wheels:</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a unique concept designed by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-7th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Khadi and Village Industries Commission</strong> </a>(KVIC) for the easy upkeep and migration of Bee Boxes having live Bee colonies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>National Bee Board</strong> has created four modules to impart training as part of the NBHM.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under it, 30 lakh farmers have been trained in beekeeping and are also being financially supported by the Government.</li>
<li>Mini Mission 1 and Mini Mission 2 are schemes under the mission.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Government launched <strong>NBHM</strong> as part of <strong>&lsquo;Sweet Revolution&rsquo;.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The 'Sweet Revolution' was launched in <strong>2016</strong> to <strong>promote beekeeping and associated activities.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>apex organization of marketing cooperatives</strong> for agricultural produce in India.</li>
<li>It was founded on <strong>2<sup>nd</sup> October 1958</strong> and is registered under the <strong>Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002.</strong></li>
<li>NAFED is now<strong> one of the largest procurement as well as marketing agencies</strong> for agricultural products in India.</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To organize, promote and develop marketing, processing and storage of agricultural, horticultural and forest produce.</li>
<li>To distribute agricultural machinery, implements and other inputs, undertake inter-state, import and export trade, wholesale or retail as the case may be.</li>
<li>To act and assist for technical advice in agricultural production for the promotion and the working of its members, partners, associates and cooperative marketing, processing and supply societies in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>National Bee Board</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>SFAC registered the NBB as a society under the<strong> Societies Registration Act, 1860</strong> in 2000 and it was reconstituted (with the secretary as chairman) in June 2006.</li>
<li>Objective:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Overall <strong>development of beekeeping by promoting scientific beekeeping</strong> in India to increase the productivity of crops through pollination and increase the honey production for increasing the income of the beekeepers/farmers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Presently NBB is implementing <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/horticulture-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Horticulture Mission</strong> </a>(NHM)<strong> and Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan State</strong> (HMNEM).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1676047" 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/honey-fpo-programme-nafed'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Artificial Intelligence & Agriculture',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/artificial-intelligence-farmer-agriculture-7069520/lite/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;AI for the farmer&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 26/11/2020. It talks about the application of artificial intelligence in Indian agriculture.</p>
</div>
<p>As the world population continues to grow and land becomes more scarce, people need to get creative and become more efficient about how agriculture is done. This would require the use of less land to produce more crops and increasing productivity and yield.</p>
<p>Moreover, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/agriculture-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian agriculture faces multiple challenges</strong></a> like high dependence on monsoon, resource intensiveness &ndash; heavy use of resources (water, inorganic fertilisers and pesticides), degradation of land and loss of soil fertility, and low per hectare yield, among others.</p>
<p>In this context, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence</strong></a> (AI) can play a catalytic role in improving crop yield from various factors like the climate changes, population growth, employment issues and food security problems.</p>
<h3>Scope of AI in the Agriculture</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Augmenting Entire Supply Chain:</strong> Worldwide, agriculture is a $5 trillion industry, and AI technologies can help to yield healthier crops, control pests, monitor soil and growing conditions, organize data for farmers, help with the workload, and improve a wide range of agriculture-related tasks in the entire food supply chain.</li>
<li><strong>Opportunity for High Growth:</strong> Globally, AI applications in agriculture reached a valuation of nearly $ 1 billion in 2019 and this is estimated to grow to almost $8 billion by 2030, a nearly 25% growth.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, in this scenario, the Indian agri-tech market, presently valued at $204 million, has reached just 1% of its estimated potential of $ 24 billion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Huge Agricultural Data Resource:</strong> Due to the diversity of its soil types, climate and topography, India provides a great opportunity for the data scientists and AI experts to develop state of the art AI tools and solutions for agriculture.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian farms and farmers provide vast and rich data to help create AI solutions for not just the country but the world at large. And this is one of the factors that makes the opportunity for AI in Indian agriculture unparalleled.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Use of AI in Agriculture</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>AI Helping Analyze Farm Data:</strong> Farms produce hundreds of thousands of data points on the ground daily. With the help of AI, farmers can now analyze a variety of things in real-time such as weather conditions, temperature, water usage or soil conditions collected from their farm to better inform their decisions.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Farmers are also using AI to create seasonal forecasting models to improve agricultural accuracy and increase productivity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Precision Agriculture:</strong> Precision agriculture uses AI technology to aid in detecting diseases in plants, pests, and poor plant nutrition on farms.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>AI sensors can detect and target weeds and then decide which herbicides to apply within the right buffer zone.</li>
<li>This helps to prevent over-application of herbicides and excessive toxins that find their way in our food.</li>
<li>It would increase productivity by introducing precision agriculture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tackling the Labour Challenge:</strong> With fewer people entering the farming profession, most farms are facing the challenge of a workforce shortage.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One solution to help with this shortage of workers is AI agriculture bots. These bots augment the human labour workforce and are used in various forms. For example:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These bots can harvest crops at a higher volume and faster pace than human labourers, more accurately identify and eliminate weeds, and reduce costs for farms by having around the clock labour force.</li>
<li>Additionally, farmers are beginning to turn to chatbots for assistance. Chatbots help answer a variety of questions and provide advice and recommendations on specific farm problems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>With the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/farmer-s-protest#:~:text=Three%20Farm%20Bills%20that%20are,(Amendment)%20Bill%2C%202020." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> recent reforms in the Agriculture sector</strong></a>, there is a likelihood of increased investments in contract farming and infusion of technology for better yields and productivity. This will further push the adoption of AI in agriculture. Further, In order to help these AI solutions scale increased investments needed, both from the public and private sector.</p>
<p>In this context, the recently concluded <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mega-virtual-summit-on-artificial-intelligence#:~:text=The%20Ministry%20of%20Electronics%20and,October%205%2D9%2C%202020." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Responsible AI for Social Empowerment Summit &ndash; RAISE</strong></a> &ndash; 2020 Summit has helped provide a platform for global stakeholders to come together to finalize the roadmap for using AI for the public good.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606478360_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606478360_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" 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: #fffef5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Artificial Intelligence can play a catalytic role in improving food security in India. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NLNSwPa1PuQ" 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.financialexpress.com/opinion/need-new-laws-for-real-time-tax-dispute-resolution/2136758/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;Need new laws for real-time tax dispute resolution&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Financial Express on November 26<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/artificial-intelligence-agriculture'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Trends in Air Pollution: CPCB',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a recent<strong> study</strong> commissioned by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-notifies-contaminated-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Central Pollution Control Board</strong></a> (CPCB), the <strong>rate of increase in pollution levels</strong> in southern and eastern India is far greater than the Indo-Gangetic plain (IGP).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has also found that<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/tackling-the-air-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> air pollution</strong></a><strong> in rural areas has increased at par with urban India.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>jointly carried out by IIT-Delhi and CPCB</strong> and analysed <strong>data from 2000 to 2019.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Currently, the process of <strong>collating and analysing the 2020 data is going on</strong> as well and a <strong>decrease in pollution levels is expected</strong> in the coming years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The study, <strong>conducted on the basis of satellite data,</strong> is the <strong>first of its kind to look at air pollution spatially.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Spatial mapping</strong> of pollution will be<strong> vital for</strong> the government to form its future policies under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-clean-air-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Clean Air Programme</strong></a> (NCAP).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Findings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>rate of increase of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dashboard-for-monitoring-air-quality" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PM2.5</a></strong> over eastern and southern India is <strong>more than 1.6% per year</strong> during this period, and <strong>less than 1.2% annually</strong> in the IGP.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>PM2.5 are fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.</li>
<li>It is a major pollutant affecting the environment, human health and the climate.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>436 cities/towns with a population of more than 1 lakh in 2019<strong> exceeded</strong> the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-lists-cities-with-no-clean-up-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Ambient Air Quality Standard</strong></a> (NAAQS) of <strong>40 micrograms per metric cube</strong> (&mu;g/m3).</li>
<li>Population-weighted 20-year averaged PM2.5 over India is 57.3 &mu;g/m3, with a<strong> larger increase observed between 2010 and 2019</strong> than in the 2000-09 period.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As of 2019, <strong>99.5% of districts</strong> in India did not meet the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation</strong> </a>(WHO) air quality guideline of 10 &mu;g/m3.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Statewise Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Ambient PM2.5 exceeds the annual NAAQS</strong> of 40 &mu;g/m3 in every state except for Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K), Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland.</li>
<li>The <strong>PM2.5 level in the IGP,</strong> which has a population of more than 70 crore, and the western arid region is <strong>more than double</strong> the annual NAAQS.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606475947_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606475947_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="326" height="372" /></a></li>
<li>In Odisha and Chhattisgarh, which have reported among the highest increase in air pollution in <strong>eastern India,</strong> this is <strong>due to mining activities and thermal coal power plants.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>southern</strong> India, <strong>high urbanisation in and around cities</strong> such as Bengaluru or Hyderabad has led to increased emissions.</li>
<li><strong>Unfavourable meteorological conditions</strong> in eastern and peninsular India, along with increase in emissions, has led to an overall increase in PM 2.5.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While in absolute terms the level of <strong>air pollution continues to be the highest in the IGP,</strong> the <strong>rate of increase in air pollution is much higher in southern India</strong> and certain areas of<strong> eastern India.</strong></li>
<li>If the focus continues to be on IGP and the increasing pollution (levels) in southern and eastern India is not addressed now, in <strong>another 10 years these regions will also have the same problem as northern India does.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Urban-rural Divide:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On PM2.5 levels cutting across the urban-rural divide, the study cites the example of <strong>Delhi,</strong> where it<strong> increased by 10.9%</strong> between<strong> 2001 to 2015.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>During the same period, PM2.5 exposure in<strong> rural India rose by 11.9%.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A steady air pollution rise in rural India is<strong> due to high reliance on solid fuel for domestic use,</strong> which is the<strong> largest contributor</strong> to ambient PM2.5 in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This implies that <strong>poor air quality in India is not an urban-centric problem.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Air pollution in rural areas is rarely discussed</strong> with air pollution policies which continue to focus on urban centres.</li>
<li>Schemes like the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana</strong></a> (PMUY) are expected to decrease the pollution levels but it<strong> lacks a mechanism to track its progress.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Since the household sources contribute more than 50% to ambient PM2.5 in rural areas, successful implementation of PMUY with sustained usage should arrest or even reverse the increasing trend in rural PM2.5.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/air-pollution-rising-faster-in-south-than-in-gangetic-india-finds-study-7069817/" 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/trends-in-air-pollution-cpcb'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Cabinet Approves Capital Infusion into NIIF',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Cabinet has given its approval to the proposal for equity infusion by the Government of<strong> Rs. 6000 crores </strong>in<strong> NIIF Debt Platform</strong> - sponsored by the <strong>National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This was <strong>one of the twelve key measures</strong> made by the Union Minister for Finance as part of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Government of India&rsquo;s stimulus to the economy</strong></a>, under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-infrastructure-pipeline-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Infrastructure Pipeline</strong></a> (NIP), investment in infrastructure sector is targeted at <strong>Rs. 111 lakh crore over the next 5 years</strong> across various sub-sectors, creating substantial need for debt financing.</li>
<li>It would require at least <strong>Rs. 60 to 70 lakh</strong> crores in <strong>debt financing.</strong></li>
<li>Current environment requires well-capitalized specialized infrastructure focused financial institutions, such as <strong>NIIF Debt Platform</strong> being <strong>developed by NIIF</strong> which can focus on lending across the project life cycle with a strong capital base and expertise driven approach.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The current approval of equity infusion is subject to two conditions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Out of the proposed amount, only <strong>Rs. 2,000</strong> crore would be allocated during the current year <strong>2020-21.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, in view of the unprecedented financial situation and availability of limited fiscal space due to the prevailing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>, the proposed amount may be disbursed <strong>only if there is readiness and demand for debt raising.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NIIF</strong> will take all necessary steps to use the <strong>equity investments from Domestic and Global pension funds and sovereign wealth funds</strong> expeditiously.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NIIF Debt Platform: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>It comprises of:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited (AIFL):</strong> It is an IFC (Infrastructure Finance Company), established with the aim of playing a transformative role in growth of Indian infrastructure debt financing.</li>
<li><strong>NIIF Infrastructure Finance Limited (NIIF-IFL):</strong> It was incorporated as an <strong>Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF)</strong> in 2014 for financing operating infrastructure projects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contribution:</strong> It is expected to contribute nearly<strong> Rs. 1 lakh crores</strong> in debt to the infrastructure sector over the<strong> next 5 years.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Impact :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will act as a<strong> catalyst in attracting more investments</strong> into the infrastructure sector as envisaged in <strong>NIP.</strong></li>
<li>The process will also<strong> help relieve exposure of banks to infrastructure projects</strong> and <strong>free up space for new green-field projects.</strong></li>
<li>It will <strong>enhance liquidity of infrastructure assets</strong> and<strong> lower the risks.</strong></li>
<li>It is expected that a <strong>well-capitalized, well-funded and well-governed NIIF debt Platform</strong> can play a major role in <strong>infrastructure financing and development of the bond market in India</strong> by acting as an intermediary between the bond markets and infrastructure projects and companies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Investment and Infrastructure Fund</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NIIF is a<strong> government-backed entity</strong> established to provide long-term capital to the country&rsquo;s infrastructure sector.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Indian government has a 49% stake</strong> in NIIF with the rest held by foreign and domestic investors.</li>
<li>With the Centre&rsquo;s significant stake, NIIF is considered <strong>India&rsquo;s quasi-sovereign wealth fund.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It was set up in<strong> December 2015</strong> as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/a-special-fund-for-housing-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Category-II Alternate Investment Fund.</strong></a></li>
<li>Across its <strong>three funds viz. Master Fund, Fund of Funds, and Strategic Opportunities Fund,</strong> it manages over USD 4.3 billion of capital.</li>
<li>Its registered office is in <strong>New Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Terms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Debt financing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>When a company borrows money to be paid back at a future date with interest, it is known as debt financing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Equity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Equity represents the shareholders&rsquo; stake in the company, identified on a company's balance sheet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sovereign wealth fund:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A sovereign wealth fund is a state-owned investment fund composed of money generated by the government, often derived from a country's surplus reserves.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pension fund:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A pension fund is any plan, fund, or scheme which provides retirement income.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bond:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>fixed income instrument</strong> that represents a loan made by an investor to a borrower. In simpler words, a bond acts as a contract between the investor and the borrower. Mostly <strong>Companies and Government</strong> issue bonds and <strong>investors</strong> buy those bonds as a<strong> savings and security option.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/govt-allots-2000-cr-for-infra-funding/article33178833.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/cabinet-approves-capital-infusion-into-niif'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'PM on One Nation, One Election',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister of India has addressed the concluding session of the<strong> 80<sup>th</sup> All India Presiding Officers Conference</strong> via videoconference, at <strong>Kevadiya</strong> (Gujarat) on the occasion of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/70th-constitution-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Constitution Day</a> (26<sup>th</sup> November).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>He raised the pitch for <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-one-nation-one-election" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;One Nation, One Election&rsquo;</strong></a>, a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/a-single-voters-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>single voter list</strong></a> for all polls and also asked the presiding officers to<strong> simplify the language of statute books</strong> and allow for an<strong> easier process to weed out redundant laws.</strong></li>
<li>He also paid tributes to the security forces and appreciated <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-annual-resolution-on-counter-terror" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India&rsquo;s efforts to fight terrorism.</strong></a> The day marked <strong>12 years of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/ten-years-after-the-mumbai-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mumbai terror attacks.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>One Nation, One Election:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The idea is about structuring the Indian election cycle in a manner so that<strong> elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies are synchronised</strong> together so that the<strong> election to both can be held within a given span</strong> of time.</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Help <strong>keep a check on the poll expenses,</strong> party expenses, etc. and also save public money.</li>
<li><strong>Reduce the burden</strong> on administrative setup and security forces.</li>
<li><strong>Ensure timely implementation</strong> of the government policies and also ensure that the administrative machinery is engaged in developmental activities rather than electioneering.</li>
<li><strong>Solve the problem of governance</strong> on the part of the politicians who are ruling. It is generally seen that for short term political gains from a particular assembly election, ruling politicians avoid taking a harsh long term decision which can ultimately help the country in the long run.</li>
<li><strong>Provide more time to all the stakeholders</strong> i.e. political parties,<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), paramilitary forces, civilians for the preparation of elections once in five years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The synchronisation is a major problem <strong>considering the traditions and conventions that India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/parliamentary-vs-presidential-form-of-government" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Parliamentary system</a> follows.</strong> The government is accountable to the Lower House and it is possible that the government can fall before completing its term and the moment the government falls, there has to be an election.</li>
<li>It is <strong>difficult to convince and bring together all the political parties</strong> on the idea.</li>
<li>For holding simultaneous elections, the <strong>requirements for <a href="/infographics/info-paper2/electronic-voting-machines-evms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Electronic Voting Machines</a></strong> (EVMs) <strong>and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-notice-to-ec-over-vvpats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails</a></strong> (VVPATs) <strong>will double</strong> as the ECI has to provide two sets (one for election to the Legislative Assembly and second for that to the Lok Sabha).</li>
<li>There will also be an <strong>additional requirement of the polling staff and for better security arrangements.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India held the elections for the assembly as well as the Lok Sabha from 1951-52 to till 1967. As such, therefore, there are <strong>no disagreements on adequacy and efficacy</strong> of the idea. India<strong> can even think of holding elections at the same time even for the local bodies.</strong></li>
<li>To sync the term of the State Legislative Assemblies with that of the Lok Sabha, the <strong>term of the state legislative assemblies can be reduced and increased accordingly.</strong> However, to do so, <strong>constitutional amendments</strong> may be needed in <strong>Articles 83, 85, 172, 174 and 356.</strong></li>
<li>In India,<strong> fixing the dates is not feasible</strong> because of the Parliamentary form of government so one<strong> radical solution is to switch to the Presidential form of Government</strong> where the President is not accountable to the House.</li>
<li><strong>Synchronising only the elections to the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>One Voter List:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Only one voter list should be used for Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and other elections.</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A common electoral roll will <strong>save an enormous amount of effort and expenditure</strong> as the preparation of a separate voters list causes duplication of the effort and the expenditure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Persuading the state governments to tweak their respective laws</strong> and <strong>adopt the ECI voters list</strong> for municipal and panchayat polls.</li>
<li>Requires a<strong> massive consensus-building exercise.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The mature approach calls for the option of <strong>states adopting EC&rsquo;s voter list.</strong></li>
<li>The EC&rsquo;s voters list has to be made in a way <strong>to fit the State Election Commissions&rsquo; wards which is a tedious task</strong> but can be done by the use of technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>All India Presiding Officers Conference</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It began in <strong>1921,</strong> and the <strong>Gujarat event marks its centenary year.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Theme for 2020:</strong> &lsquo;Harmonious Coordination between Legislature, Executive and Judiciary: Key to a Vibrant Democracy&rsquo;.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>emphasises on the need for coordination between all three wings of the state,</strong> viz. Legislature, Executive and Judiciary and <strong>suggests them to be guided by the Constitution</strong> which mentions their role to their decorum.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Elections are held at different places every few months and it hampers the developmental work. Therefore, it&rsquo;s a must to have a deep study and deliberation on the idea in order to prevent the impact of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/model-code-of-conduct-ec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>model code of conduct</strong> </a>on development works every few months.</li>
<li>There needs to be a consensus on whether the country needs one nation, one poll or not. All political parties should at least cooperate in debating this issue, once the debate starts, the public opinion can be taken into consideration. India being a mature democracy, can then follow the outcome of the debate.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/one-nation-one-election-need-of-india-says-pm-modi/article33183867.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/pm-on-one-nation-one-election'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'President’s Powers to Pardon',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>President of the United States of America (USA)</strong> has exercised his <strong>powers</strong> under the constitution to<strong> pardon</strong> his former National Security Advisor.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Unlike the <strong>USA President,</strong> whose powers to grant pardons are<strong> almost unrestrained,</strong> the <strong>President of India</strong> has to act on the <strong>advice of the Cabinet.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pardoning Power of the President in the USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>President</strong> of the USA has the <strong>constitutional right to pardon or commute</strong> sentences related to <strong>federal crimes.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Clemency is a broad executive power,</strong> and is<strong> discretionary</strong> which means the <strong>President</strong> is <strong>not answerable</strong> for his pardons, and does not have to provide a reason for issuing one. But there are few limitations.</li>
<li>The USA has a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/presidential-form-of-government" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Presidential system.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The USA Supreme Court</strong> has held that this<strong> power</strong> is granted <strong>without limit</strong> and cannot be restricted by <strong>Congress</strong> (legislature).</li>
<li><strong>Limitations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>All Presidents shall have power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for offenses against the United States, <strong>except in cases of impeachment.</strong></li>
<li>Further, the power <strong>only applies to federal crimes and not state crimes.</strong></li>
<li>Those pardoned by the President can<strong> still be tried under the laws of individual states.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pardoning Power of the President in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/commutation-of-death-sentence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 72 of the Constitution</strong></a>, the <strong>President</strong> shall have the power to grant <strong>pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions</strong> of punishment or to <strong>suspend, remit or commute</strong> the sentence of any person convicted of any offence where the <strong>sentence is a sentence of death.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Limitation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The President <strong>cannot exercise his power of pardon</strong> independent of the government.</li>
<li>In several cases, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the Supreme Court (SC)</strong></a> has ruled that the President has to act on the advice of the Council of Ministers while deciding mercy pleas. These include <strong><em>Maru Ram vs Union of India</em> in 1980, and <em>Dhananjoy Chatterjee vs State of West Bengal</em> in 1994. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Procedure:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Rashtrapati Bhawan <strong>forwards the mercy plea to the Home Ministry,</strong> seeking the <strong>Cabinet&rsquo;s advice.</strong></li>
<li>The Ministry in turn <strong>forwards this to the concerned state government;</strong> based on the reply, it formulates its advice on behalf of the Council of Ministers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reconsideration:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Although the President is bound by the Cabinet&rsquo;s advice, <strong>Article74 (1)</strong> empowers him to return it for reconsideration once. If the Council of Ministers decides against any change, the <strong>President has no option but to accept it.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mercy-petition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Article 161</a>, the Governor</strong> in India too has pardoning powers.</li>
<li><strong>Difference Between Pardoning Powers of President and Governor:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The scope of the pardoning power of the <strong>President</strong> under <strong>Article 72</strong> is wider than the pardoning power of the <strong>Governor under Article 161</strong> which differs in the following two ways:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Court Martial:</strong> The power of the <strong>President</strong> to grant pardon extends in cases where the punishment or sentence is by a <strong>Court Martial</strong> but <strong>Article 161 does not provide</strong> any such power to the <strong>Governor.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Death sentence:</strong> The <strong>President</strong> can grant pardon in <strong>all cases</strong> where the sentence given is the sentence of death but the pardoning power of the <strong>Governor</strong> does not extend to <strong>death sentence cases.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Terms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pardon:</strong> It removes both the sentence and the conviction and<strong> completely absolves the convict</strong> from all sentences, punishments and disqualifications.</li>
<li><strong>Commutation:</strong> It denotes the<strong> substitution of one form of punishment for a lighter form.</strong> For example, a death sentence may be commuted to rigorous imprisonment, which in turn may be commuted to a simple imprisonment.</li>
<li><strong>Remission:</strong> It implies <strong>reducing the period of sentence</strong> without changing its character. For example, a sentence of rigorous imprisonment for two years may be remitted to rigorous imprisonment for one year.</li>
<li><strong>Respite:</strong> It <strong>denotes awarding a lesser sentence in place of one originally awarded</strong> due to some special fact, such as the physical disability of a convict or the pregnancy of a woman offender.</li>
<li><strong>Reprieve:</strong> It implies <strong>a stay of the execution of a sentence</strong> (especially that of death) for a temporary period. Its purpose is to enable the convict to have time to seek pardon or commutation from the President.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/presidents-powers-to-pardon-in-us-india-7069712/" 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/president-s-powers-to-pardon'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Awards for Tiger Conservation',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR - Uttar Pradesh)</strong> has bagged international award <strong>TX2</strong> for doubling the number of tigers in the past four years.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Also, the <strong>Transboundary Manas Conservation Area or TraMCA (India-Bhutan</strong> border) has received the <strong>Conservation Excellence Award for 2020.</strong></li>
<li>Earlier, <strong>India&rsquo;s 2018 Tiger census</strong> (once in every four years) had set a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tiger-census-2018-guinness-book-of-world-records" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Guinness record</strong></a> for being the largest camera-trap wildlife survey.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Awards:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Launched recently, these awards <strong>were open to submissions from any site in a tiger range country</strong> that has achieved remarkable measurable progress since 2010.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Site:</strong> An area having a functional tiger population, legally designated as a "site" under national legislation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Award winners were announced on 23rd November 2020 - the <strong>10 year anniversary for the global TX2 goal.</strong></li>
<li>Sites <strong>will receive a small financial grant</strong> to be used to further tiger conservation.</li>
<li><strong>TX2 Award:</strong> It goes to <strong>one site that has achieved remarkable and measurable increase in its tiger population</strong> since 2010.</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Excellence Award:</strong> This award recognises one site that has achieved excellence in <strong>two or more of these five themes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Tiger and prey population monitoring and research (tiger translocation/prey augmentation),</li>
<li>Effective site management,</li>
<li>Enhanced law enforcement &amp; protection &amp; ranger welfare improvement,</li>
<li>Community based conservation, benefits and human-wildlife conflict mitigation and</li>
<li>Habitat and prey management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>TX2 Goal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The TX2 goal is a<strong> global commitment to double the world's wild tigers by 2022.</strong></li>
<li>The goal has been <strong>set by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/living-planet-report-wwf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Wildlife Fund (WWF)</a></strong> through the<strong> Global Tiger Initiative, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tigers-in-high-altitudes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Tiger Forum</a></strong> and other critical platforms.</li>
<li>All <strong>13 tiger range governments</strong> came together for the first time at the<strong> St Petersburg Summit</strong> (Russia -2010) where they committed to double the number of wild tigers by 2022.</li>
<li><strong>Tiger Range Countries include</strong> India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tiger <em>(Panthera Tigris)</em></strong> is categorised as <strong>&lsquo;Endangered&rsquo;</strong> under the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> IUCN Red List</strong> </a>and is listed under <strong>Appendix I</strong> of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Global Tiger Day</strong> is observed on <strong>29<sup>th</sup> July</strong> across the world.</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Project Tiger was launched in 1973</strong> with 9 tiger reserves. Tiger has been listed under <strong>&lsquo;Schedule I&rsquo; of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wild-life-protection-act-implementation-and-failure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pilibhit Tiger Reserve:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Location</strong>: Pilibhit district, Lakhimpur Kheri District and Bahraich District of<strong> Uttar Pradesh</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The northern edge of the reserve<strong> lies along the Indo-Nepal border</strong> while the southern boundary is marked by the<strong> river Sharada and Khakra.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Declaration:</strong> PTR was declared in <strong>2014-15</strong> on the basis of its special type of ecosystem with vast open spaces and sufficient feed for the elegant predators.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>PTR is one of the finest examples of the exceedingly diverse and productive<strong> Terai ecosystems</strong> (low-lying land at the foot of the Himalayas).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The study done by<a href="/printpdf/rhinos-to-be-re-introduced-in-uttarakhand" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Wildlife Institute of India (WII)</strong></a> shows that <strong>Dudhwa-Pilibhit population has high conservation value</strong> as it represents the only tiger population with the ecological and behavioral adaptations of the tiger unique to the Terai region.</li>
<li>It is <strong>home to</strong> a habitat for over 127 animals, 326 bird species and 2,100 flowering plants. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Wild animals include tiger, swamp deer, Bengal florican, hog deer, leopard, etc.</li>
<li>It has high sal forests, plantation and grasslands with several water bodies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bagged TX2 Award:</strong> The number of tigers in the reserve area <strong>has gone up to 65 from 25</strong> in the period of just four years (2014-18).</li>
<li><strong>Other Protected Areas in Uttar Pradesh:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dudhwa-national-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dudhwa National Park</strong></a></li>
<li>Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary</li>
<li>Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary</li>
<li>Sur Sarovar (Keethan) Bird Sanctuary</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Transboundary Manas Conservation Area:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Formation:</strong> It was <strong>conceptualized in 2011</strong> with the vision to jointly develop and manage a transboundary conservation area between Bhutan and India, for the benefit of people and wildlife.</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The TraMCA landscape with an area of over 6500 sq. km forms a vital mosaic of conservation spaces <strong>across the Eastern Himalayas,</strong> and covers the entire Manas Tiger Reserve in India, four protected areas in Bhutan and also two biological corridors.</li>
<li>The <strong>Manas Tiger Reserve in India and Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan</strong> form the core of this biologically outstanding trans-boundary region that is <strong>home to</strong> tigers, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-elephant-day-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>elephants</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dna-database-for-indian-rhinos" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>rhinos</strong> </a>and more than 1,500 species of mammals, birds and vascular plants.</li>
<li>The <strong>Manas River</strong> flowing through Royal Manas National Park and Manas National Park also <strong>makes both parks an important watershed area</strong> in the region.</li>
<li>The landscape and its surroundings <strong>support over 10 million people</strong> in India and Bhutan with its services.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bagged Conservation Excellence Award:</strong> For <strong>efforts</strong> to increase the tiger population. The<strong> recognition</strong> was for the TraMCA comprising the 500 sq. km.<strong> Manas National Park in Assam</strong> and the 1,057-sq. km. <strong>Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The number of Tigers in the Indian Manas <strong>increased from 9 in 2010 to 25 in 2018</strong> while that in the <strong>Bhutan Manas more than doubled from 12 in 2008 to 26 in 2018.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/wildlife-preserve-straddling-assam-bhutan-gets-tiger-conservation-award/article33169212.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/awards-for-tiger-conservation'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'India & Gulf Countries',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-gulf-nations-relations-trade-crude-oil-jaishankar-visit-7062948/lite/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Time to bridge the Gulf&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 24/11/2020. It talks about the ongoing transformation in the gulf region and the opportunity for India.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, India&rsquo;s External Affairs Minister visited Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The visit reflects the growing importance of gulf countries in India&rsquo;s foreign policy.</p>
<p>For decades, India&rsquo;s saw the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gulf-cooperation-council-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gulf countries</strong></a> largely from the economic prism, as a source of oil and a destination for labour exports. However, over the last few years, this economic prism has morphed into a strategic embrace.</p>
<p>Present Prime Minister&rsquo;s personal outreach to the Gulf rulers has helped crack open immense possibilities for political and strategic cooperation. This elevation of India&rsquo;s strategic priorities vis-a-vis the Gulf countries reflects on the structural changes taking place in the Gulf and the region&rsquo;s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.</p>
<h3>Transformation of Gulf Region</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>No Longer Exclusive Petro-States:</strong> The Gulf states are no longer seen as a collection of petro-states, now they have established a strong structure of finance capital built on the massive accumulation of oil revenues over the last few decades.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This has given rise to what is today called &ldquo;Khaleeji&rdquo; or Gulf capitalism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Khaleeji Capitalism:</strong> It is a concept developed by Adam Hanieh, a scholar based in London&rsquo;s School of Oriental and African Studies Capitalism, which tracks the rise of large conglomerates and sovereign wealth funds in the Gulf.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is due to this capitalism model the gulf countries dominate several regional sectors &mdash; from banking and finance to infrastructure and logistics, from agribusiness and real estate to retail to telecom.</li>
<li>Further, the growing financial clout of the Gulf countries has also begun to translate into expansive geopolitical influence in the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Moving Towards Modernisation:</strong> Gulf countries, in the present times, seek to reduce the heavy hand of religion on social life, expand the rights of women, widen religious freedoms, promote tolerance, and develop a national identity that is not tied exclusively to religion.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UAE has been the leader in this regard. It has initiated reforms including the decriminalisation of alcohol use, permission for cohabitation among unmarried couples, criminalisation of honour crimes against women, and the institution of long-term visas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>De-hyphenation of India-Pakistan:</strong> Today, the Gulf countries are eager to build strong and independent political ties with India, without getting affected by the India-Pakistan relations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Relations with the Gulf Countries</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Political:</strong> The governments of the Gulf countries are India-friendly and Indian-friendly.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the Prime Minister of India has received the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uae-awards-highest-civilian-honour-to-the-prime-minister#:~:text=guest%20of%20honor.-,Zayed%20Medal,bearing%20the%20name%20%27Zayed%27.&amp;text=UK%27s%20Queen%20Elizabeth%20II." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;Order of Zayed&rsquo;,</strong></a> the highest civilian order of the UAE and the &lsquo;King Hamad Order of the Renaissance&rsquo;, the third-highest civilian order of Bahrain.</li>
<li>In the recent past, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have not adopted hostile posture to India&rsquo;s domestic developments such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-370-and-35-a-revoked" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>removing the special status for Jammu &amp; Kashmir under Article 370.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic:</strong> The Gulf countries are among India&rsquo;s key suppliers of energy and annual remittances from Indians.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are India&rsquo;s third and fourth-largest trading partners respectively and the total bilateral trade of the Gulf countries with India for the year 2018-19 stood at USD 121.34 billion.</li>
<li>UAE also features in the top 10 sources of FDI inflows into India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Shielding India&rsquo;s Economic Interest:</strong> First and foremost, Indian foreign policy should shield India&rsquo;s interests in the post-pandemic turbulence.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Due to economic instability caused by the pandemic, the Gulf countries are considering cutting back on foreign labour.</li>
<li>India should ensure that the Indian expatriates will not be affected by this.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Focusing Beyond Oil:</strong> There is a need to focus on the new and long-term possibilities for economic cooperation with the Gulf countries, which is looking at a future beyond oil.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Gulf states have embarked on massive economic diversification and are investing in a variety of new projects including renewable energy, higher education, technological innovation, smart cities, and space commerce.</li>
<li>India must get its businesses to focus on the range of new opportunities in the Gulf.</li>
<li>India also needs to tap into the full possibilities of Gulf capital for its own economic development. The big gap between the investments that the Gulf is ready to offer and India&rsquo;s ability to absorb needs to be reduced.</li>
<li>In 2015, the UAE committed to investing $75 billion in India. However, there is still a long distance away from facilitating that scale of investments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Leveraging Gulf-Israel Normalisation:</strong> Earlier this year, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/uae-israel-peace-treaty-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UAE and Bahrain have normalised relations with Israel</strong></a>. This provides an opportunity for India to increase economic and technological engagement with Israel.</li>
<li><strong>Getting Along With Khaleeji Capitalism:</strong> With the rise of Khaleeji capitalism, the Gulf countries today deliver economic and security assistance to friendly states, build ports and infrastructure, acquire military bases and broker peace between warring parties and states.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UAE currently chairs the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Rim Association</strong></a> (IORA) and has been eager to work with India in developing joint infrastructure projects.</li>
<li>India needs to bring scale and depth to its regional initiatives on connectivity and security in the Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The Middle East has become more multipolar, with power diffused among a variety of regional and extra-regional actors. Within this mix, the rise of modern values and Khaleeji Capitalism in the gulf countries make the case for India to discard outdated perceptions of the Gulf and seize the new strategic possibilities with the region.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606391572_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606391572_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="596" height="518" /></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: #f5f7ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The elevation of India&rsquo;s strategic priorities vis-a-vis the Gulf countries reflects on the structural changes taking place in the Middle East. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R6sNDnsLBLI" 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://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/et-editorials/clearing-the-air-with-president-elect-biden/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Clearing the air with President-elect Biden&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Economic Times on November 24<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-gulf-countries'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Agreements Between India-Bahrain',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>India and Bahrain</strong> have agreed to<strong> further strengthen their historic ties, including in areas of defence and maritime security.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Bahrain is a member of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gulf-cooperation-council-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Gulf Cooperation Council</strong></a> (GCC) and signed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Abraham Accord</strong></a> with Israel and the UAE, which was mediated by the USA.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606387997_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606387997_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> bilateral issues,</strong> as well as <strong>regional and global matters of mutual interest,</strong> included areas of defence and maritime security, space technology, trade and investment, infrastructure, IT, FinTech, health, hydrocarbon and renewable energy.</li>
<li>Both sides affirmed to further <strong>strengthen their <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> related cooperation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bahrain <strong>appreciated the assistance provided by India during the pandemic</strong> through the supply of medicines, medical equipment and medical professionals.</li>
<li>They expressed satisfaction on the <strong>operationalisation of the Air Bubble</strong> arrangement between the two countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Air bubbles</strong> (travel corridors or<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-bubble" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> travel bubbles</a></strong>) are systems established between two countries that perceive each other to be safe and allow carriers of both the countries to fly passengers either way without any restrictions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India <strong>renewed invitation to Bahrain</strong> for visiting India for the <strong>3<sup>rd</sup> India-Bahrain High Joint Commission</strong> meeting to be held in the upcoming months.</li>
<li>In <strong>2019,</strong> India launched a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-bahrain" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USD 4.2 million redevelopment project of the Sri Krishna temple</strong> </a>in the Bahraini capital, <strong>Manama.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>200-year old temple</strong> stands as a testimony for the enduring India-Bahrain friendship.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India also conveyed <strong>condolences on the demise of late Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa,</strong> who significantly <strong>contributed to the strengthening of India-Bahrain relations</strong> and to the welfare of the Indian community in Bahrain.</li>
</ul>
<h3>India-Bahrain Relations</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Historical Ties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Their history goes back to <strong>about 5,000 years ago,</strong> to the period of <strong>Dilmun Civilization in Bahrain</strong> to the era of <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper1/indus-valley-civilization" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indus valley civilization</a> in India.</strong></li>
<li>Ancient Bahraini traders are believed to have carried out a flourishing trade of <strong>Bahraini pearls with Indian spices.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Bilateral Agreements/Memorandums of Understanding</strong> (MoUs):<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extradition-treaty-between-india-and-belgium" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Extradition</strong> </a>Treaty (January 2004)</li>
<li>MoU on cooperation in the field of Information and Communication Technology (May 2012)</li>
<li>MoU on the establishment of a Joint High Commission (February 2014)</li>
<li>MOU on Water Resources Development and Management (February 2015)</li>
<li>Agreement on cooperation in combating international terrorism, transnational organised crime and trafficking in illicit drugs, narcotics and psychotropic substances and precursors chemicals (December 2015)</li>
<li>MoU for cooperation in the fields of Renewable Energy and Healthcare and Agreement on Exemption from Short Stay Visa for Holders of Diplomatic and Special/Official Passport (July 2018)</li>
<li>MoU on cooperation in the exploration and uses of<a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/29-03-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Outer Space</strong> </a>for Peaceful Purposes (March 2019)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Trade and Economic Relations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Total bilateral trade stands at <strong>USD 1282.96 million in 2018-19</strong> and <strong>USD 753.60 million in 2019-20</strong> (April-Dec).</li>
<li><strong>Indian Exports to Bahrain:</strong> Mineral fuels and oils, inorganic chemicals, organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals of rare earth, cereals, nuts, fruits, articles of apparel and clothing accessories etc.</li>
<li><strong>Indian Imports from Bahrain:</strong> Crude oils, mineral fuels and their bituminous substance, distillation, aluminium, fertilizers, ores/slags/ashes of aluminium, iron and copper, pulp, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Indian investment in Bahrain:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India&rsquo;s total capital investment into Bahrain between January 2003 and March 2018 has been estimated at <strong>approximately USD 1.69 billion. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Financial services</strong> have the highest investment value (40% of total projects), followed by the <strong>real estate and hospitality sector.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indian Expatriate Community:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Approximately 3,50,000 Indians are living in Bahrain currently</strong> and around 70% are in the category of unskilled labour.</li>
<li>In addition to the predominant blue-collar labour force, there is a sizable number of other professionals who play a <strong>vital role in Bahrain&rsquo;s socio-economic development.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>November 2015,</strong> Bahrain launched <strong>&lsquo;Little India in Bahrain&rsquo;</strong> project to acknowledge and mark the contribution of the Indian community to the history and progress of Bahrain.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-bahrain-agree-to-boost-cooperation-7067684/" 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/agreements-between-india-bahrain'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Cluster: PMKSY',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries has attended the <strong>Independent Management Advisory Committee</strong> (IMAC) <strong>meeting</strong> to consider the proposals received under the <strong>Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Cluster</strong> (APC) of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-food-processing-industry" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana</strong></a> (PMKSY).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IMAC approved <strong>7 proposals with a total project cost of Rs. 234.68 crore</strong> including grants-in-aid of Rs. 60.87 crore in <strong>Meghalaya, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.</strong></li>
<li>These projects will <strong>leverage private investment</strong> of Rs. 173.81 crore and are <strong>expected to generate employment</strong> for 7750 persons.</li>
<li><strong>Scheme for Creation of Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Cluster:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was <strong>approved in May 2017</strong> under the PMKSY, to <strong>incentivise the setting up of APCs in the country.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Aims:</strong> To develop modern infrastructure and common facilities to encourage a group of entrepreneurs to set up <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-processing-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>food processing</strong></a> units based on cluster approach by linking groups of producers/farmers to the processors and markets.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These clusters will <strong>help in reducing the wastage of the surplus produce</strong> and <strong>add value to the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/horticulture-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">horticultural</a>/agricultural produce</strong> which will result in <strong>an increase of income of the farmers</strong> and <strong>create employment</strong> at the local level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under the scheme, each APC has <strong>two basic components:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Basic Enabling Infrastructure</strong> like roads, water supply, power supply, drainage, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Core Infrastructure/Common Facilities</strong> like warehouses, cold storages, tetra pack, sorting, grading, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Requirements for Setup:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>At least 5 food processing units with a minimum investment of Rs. 25 crore and at least 10 acres of land is required for at least 50 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In<strong> 2016,</strong> the <strong>Ministry of Food Processing Industries</strong> (MoFPI) introduced an umbrella <strong>Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters</strong> (SAMPADA), which was proposed to be implemented with an allocation of <strong>Rs. 6,000 crores</strong> for the period of <strong>2016-20.</strong></li>
<li>In<strong> 2017,</strong> it was renamed as the <strong>Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana</strong> (PMKSY).</li>
<li>It is a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/proposal-to-hike-monthly-pensions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Sector Scheme.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To supplement agriculture.</li>
<li>To create processing and preservation capacities.</li>
<li>To modernise and expand existing food processing units with a view to increasing the level of processing.</li>
<li>To add value leading to the reduction of wastage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Seven component schemes under PMKSY:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/zoram-mega-food-park-mizoram" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mega Food Parks.</strong></a></li>
<li>Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure.</li>
<li>Infrastructure for APC.</li>
<li>Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages.</li>
<li>Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities.</li>
<li>Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure.</li>
<li>Human Resources and Institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under PMKSY,<strong> capital subsidy</strong> in the form of<strong> grants-in-aid</strong> ranging from 35% to 75% of the eligible project cost <strong>subject to a maximum specified limit</strong> is provided to investors under the various schemes for <strong>undertaking infrastructure, logistic projects and setting up of food processing units</strong> in the country.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1675339" 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/scheme-for-creation-of-infrastructure-for-agro-processing-cluster-pmksy'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Subdued Northeast Monsoon',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Rainfall over the southern peninsular region has been deficient so far,</strong> indicating that the northeast monsoon has remained subdued this year.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pattern of Rainfall in India:</strong> India receives rainfall during<strong> two seasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>About <strong>75% of the country&rsquo;s annual rainfall</strong> is received from the<a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Southwest monsoon</strong></a> between<strong> June and September.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Northeast monsoon</strong> occurs during <strong>October to December,</strong> and is a <strong>comparatively small-scale monsoon,</strong> which is confined to the <strong>Southern peninsula.</strong> It is called the<strong> winter monsoon.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Northeast Monsoon and Rainfall:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>After the<strong> complete withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon</strong> from the country takes place by<strong> mid-October,</strong> the <strong>wind pattern rapidly changes</strong> from the<strong> south-westerly to the north-easterly direction.</strong></li>
<li>The period after the Southwest monsoon season, from October to December, is the <strong>peak time for cyclonic activity in the North Indian Ocean region</strong> covering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The winds associated with the formation of low pressure systems, depressions, or cyclones <strong>influence this monsoon,</strong> and therefore, the rainfall.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Regions associated with Northeast Monsoon:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The rainfall associated with the Northeast monsoon is important for <strong>Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, north interior Karnataka, Mahe and Lakshadweep.</strong></li>
<li>Tamil Nadu records about<strong> 48% of its annual rainfall</strong> during these months, making it the key factor for<strong> undertaking agricultural activities and reservoir management</strong> in the state.</li>
<li>Some South Asian countries such as <strong>Maldives, Sri Lanka and Myanmar,</strong> too, record rainfall during October to December.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for deficient rainfall this Northeast monsoon:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Prevailing La Ni&ntilde;a conditions in the Pacific Ocean:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>La Ni&ntilde;a conditions <strong>enhance the rainfall associated with the Southwest monsoon,</strong> but has a<strong> negative impact</strong> on rainfall associated with the<strong> Northeast monsoon.</strong></li>
<li>La Ni&ntilde;a (Spanish for &lsquo;little girl&rsquo;) refers to the <strong>large-scale cooling of the ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean,</strong> coupled with changes in the tropical atmospheric circulation, namely winds, pressure and rainfall.</li>
<li>It usually<strong> has the opposite impacts on weather and climate as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/el-nino-threatens-monsoon" target="_blank" rel="noopener">El Ni&ntilde;o</a></strong>, which is the warm phase of the so-called <strong>El Ni&ntilde;o Southern Oscillation (ENSO).</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>El Ni&ntilde;o</strong> (Spanish for &lsquo;little boy&rsquo;) is the<strong> abnormal surface warming observed along the eastern and central regions of the Pacific Ocean</strong> (region between Peru and Papua New Guinea).</li>
<li>La Nina and El Nino are <strong>large-scale ocean phenomena</strong> which influence the global weather winds, temperature and rainfall.</li>
<li>They have the <strong>ability to trigger extreme weather events</strong> like droughts, floods, hot and cold conditions, globally.</li>
<li>Each cycle can last anywhere <strong>between 9 to 12 months, at times extendable to 18 months</strong> and re-occur after<strong> every three to five years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inter Tropical Convective Zone (ITCZ):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The current position of the ITCZ has also contributed to the poor rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season.</li>
<li>The ITCZ is <strong>a low-pressure belt,</strong> whose northward and southward movements along the equator determine the precipitation in the tropics.</li>
<li>Currently, the <strong>ITCZ is located to the north of its normal position.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Other Important Atmospheric Circulation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/madden-julian-oscillation-mjo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)</strong></a>: The MJO can be defined as an eastward moving 'pulse' of clouds, rainfall, winds and pressure near the equator that typically recurs every 30 to 60 days.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-northeast-monsoon-rainfall-deficiency-explained-7063467/" 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/subdued-northeast-monsoon'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Cyclone Nivar',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cyclone-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> tropical cyclone</strong> </a><strong>Nivar</strong> has made landfall along the <strong>Tamil Nadu-Puducherry</strong> coast.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Landfall refers to the phenomenon of a cyclone&rsquo;s outer wall moving over the coastline and beyond.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Tropical Cyclone:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A tropical cyclone is an intense circular storm that <strong>originates over warm tropical oceans</strong> and is<strong> characterized by</strong> low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain.</li>
<li>A characteristic feature of tropical cyclones is the <strong>eye,</strong> a central region of clear skies, warm temperatures, and low atmospheric pressure.</li>
<li>Storms of this type are called<strong> hurricanes in the North Atlantic</strong> and eastern Pacific and <strong>typhoons in SouthEast Asia</strong> and China. They are called <strong>tropical cyclones</strong> in the <strong>southwest Pacific and Indian Ocean region</strong> and <strong>Willy-willies in north-western Australia.</strong></li>
<li>Storms<strong> rotate anticlockwise</strong> in the<strong> northern hemisphere</strong> and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cyclone Nivar:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <strong>fourth cyclone</strong> that has taken shape in the North Indian Ocean region this year. The first three cyclones were <strong>Cyclone Gati</strong> (made landfall in Somalia in November), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cyclone-amphan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cyclone Amphan</strong></a> (eastern India witnessed it in May), and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cyclone-nisarga" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cyclone Nisarga</strong></a> (in Maharashtra).</li>
<li>Nivar will be the <strong>second cyclone to hit Tamil Nadu in two years</strong> after <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cyclone-gaja" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cyclone Gaja</strong></a> in 2018.</li>
<li>The storm has been <strong>named Cyclone Nivar,</strong> based on the <strong>guidelines of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).</strong> Nivara has been <strong>selected from the list of names given by Iran.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to WMO guidelines, countries in every region are supposed to give names for cyclones.</li>
<li>The North Indian Ocean Region covers tropical cyclones formed over Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.</li>
<li>The <strong>13 members,</strong> which come under the region, are Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.</li>
<li>A <strong>total of 169 cyclones were named</strong> by these countries for this year, with <strong>13 names from each country.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has weakened from a very severe cyclonic storm to a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 km per hour.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606382334_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606382334_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="700" height="407" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Government Steps:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Tamil Nadu government</strong> has announced a <strong>public holiday</strong> under the <strong>Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881,</strong> in 16 districts, including Chennai, considering the impact of Cyclone Nivar.</li>
<li><strong>Fishing activities</strong> have been <strong>restricted and residents evacuated</strong> in coastal areas hit by the cyclone. The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)</strong></a> has deployed its teams in the affected regions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/tamil-nadu-puducherry-brace-for-cyclone-nivar-7064447/" 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/cyclone-nivar'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Sea Guardian Drones from US',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> two American MQ9B Sea Guardian unarmed drones</strong> have been inducted by the Indian Navy.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The drones <strong>would be on lease with India</strong> for <strong>one year.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>MQ9B Sea Guardian:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606378509_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606378509_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <strong>maritime variant</strong> of the <strong>Predator MQ9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).</strong></li>
<li>It has a maximum<strong> endurance </strong>of <strong>40 hours</strong> and a maximum flying <strong>altitude</strong> of <strong>40,000</strong> feet.</li>
<li>It has a <strong>3600 maritime surveillance radar</strong> and an optional multimode <strong>maritime surface search radar.</strong></li>
<li>It can be <strong>used in operations</strong> such as Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief, Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement (Drug Trafficking, Illegal Immigration and Piracy), etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Procurement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Navy has for the <strong>first time inducted two surveillance drones</strong> through a <strong>lease agreement</strong> with an American firm, using the <strong>emergency powers granted by the Centre to the Armed forces amid the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China standoff.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the emergency power, the government has granted <strong>emergency funds up to Rs. 500 crore</strong> per procurement project to the three armed services to <strong>buy ammunition and weapons</strong> in view of the escalating border standoff with China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Drones were procured under the option for leasing military platforms introduced in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/defence-acquisition-procedure-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The drones are meant for carrying out <strong>surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region and can be deployed on the China border</strong> if asked for and if needed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Already the Navy's <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-approves-sale-of-military-hardware" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>P8I Poseidon aircraft</strong></a> have been deployed in Ladakh.</li>
<li>The<strong> P-8I aircraft</strong> is a variant of the <strong>P-8A Poseidon aircraft</strong> that have been developed by Boeing company.</li>
<li>Boeing&rsquo;s P-8A Poseidon is designed for long-range Anti-Submarine warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As part of its force <strong>restructuring to offset budgetary constraints,</strong> the Navy is looking to induce more unmanned solutions in future.</li>
<li><strong>Till the time the government approves buying the drones,</strong> which has to get the <strong>Defence Acquisition Council's nod,</strong> leasing is a more economic and viable option.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/defence-acquisition-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Defence Acquisition Council</strong></a> is the <strong>highest decision-making body</strong> in the Defence Ministry for deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and the Indian Coast Guard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-inducts-two-sea-guardian-drones-on-lease-from-us/article33178519.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/sea-guardian-drones-from-us'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Menace of Manual Scavenging',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/machine-hole-7059558/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Machine hole&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 21/11/2020. It talks about the issue of death due to Manual Scavenging and the way forward.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the government has proposed to bring amendments in the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/manual-scavenging-in-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013</strong></a>. These amendments are being brought in the light of recently released data by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment which show that manual scavenging has led to 376 deaths over the past five years, including 110 in 2019 alone.</p>
<p>The proposed changes envisaged to make mechanised cleaning of sewers and septic tanks will be mandatory, the word &ldquo;manhole&rdquo; will be replaced with &ldquo;machine-hole&rdquo; in official usage, and a 24&times;7 national helpline will be set up to report violations.</p>
<p>However, correcting a problem that is closely intertwined with social hierarchies requires more than technological or legal solutions.</p>
<h3>Manual Scavenging</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The term <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/manual-scavenging-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;manual scavenging&rsquo;</strong></a> refers to the practice of manually carrying human excreta.</li>
<li>In the past, this referred to the practice of removing excreta from dry latrines.</li>
<li>However, new modern sanitation technologies brought new forms of manual scavenging work, which include manual and unsafe cleaning of drains, sewer lines, septic tanks and latrine pits.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Legal Framework Against Manual Scavenging</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Manual scavengers and their rehabilitation Act, 2013 prohibits manual scavenging.</li>
<li>Further, the employment or engagement of people to manually clean drains, sewer tanks, septic tanks is an offence punishable by imprisonment and fine.</li>
<li>Also, it asks state governments and municipal bodies to identify manual scavengers and rehabilitate them.</li>
<li>Apart from it, a principle for compensation was also established by the Supreme Court for providing Rs 10 lakhs to every case of sewer death.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Reasons for the Prevalence of Manual Scavenging</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Social Issue:</strong> The practice of manual scavenging is linked to India&rsquo;s caste system where so-called lower castes were expected to perform this job.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, the law has ended, manual scavenging as a form of employment, the stigma and discrimination associated with it still linger on.</li>
<li>This makes it difficult for liberated manual scavengers to secure alternative livelihoods. Apart from this, people could once again return to manual scavenging in the absence of other opportunities to support their families.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Lack of Protective Gear:</strong> Frequent deaths occur as manual scavengers don't even have adequate tools and protective gear to clean the manhole.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It often involves using the most basic of tools such as buckets, brooms and baskets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Indifferent Attitude:</strong> A number of independent surveys have talked about the continued reluctance on the part of state governments to admit that the practice prevails under their watch.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unwilling to invest in technology and the rehabilitation of workers, municipalities live in denial instead of acting to end the practice.</li>
<li>Also, despite frequent news of death due to manual scavenging, there have been no reports from states of people being convicted for employing manual scavengers.</li>
<li>Further, there is no provision of hand holding people who are targeted for such rehabilitation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issue Due to Outsourcing:</strong> Many times local bodies outsource sewer cleaning tasks to private contractors. However, many of them fly-by-night operators, do not maintain proper rolls of sanitation workers.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In case after case of workers being asphyxiated to death, these contractors have denied any association with the deceased.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Proper Identification:</strong> The Social Justice Ministry has decided to directly provide funds to workers to purchase cleaning machines, instead of giving money to contractors or municipalities. This is a step in the right direction.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For it to succeed, states need to accurately enumerate the workers engaged in cleaning toxic sludge.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Empowering Local Administration:</strong> With Swachh Bharat Mission identified as a top priority area by the 15<sup>th</sup> Finance Commission, and funds available for smart cities and urban development provides for a strong case to address the problem of manual scavenging.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For this to happen, it is essential to empower local administration, so that money needed to shift to mechanised cleaning would not be a constraint.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Social Sentisitation:</strong> To address the social sanction behind manual scavenging, it is required first to acknowledge and then understand how and why manual scavenging continues to be embedded in the caste system.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>After this, there is a need to sensitise people about the gross violation of this human right.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need For a Stringent Law:</strong> If a law creates a statutory obligation to provide sanitation services on the part of state agencies, it will create a situation in which the rights of these workers will not hang in the air.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Manual scavengers are amongst the poorest and most disadvantaged communities in India.</p>
<p>It is due to this reason it is difficult to eliminate manual scavenging in a system that operates at the intersection of caste, economic inequality.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7fbff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Manual Scavenging is a problem that is closely intertwined with social hierarchies and requires more than just technological or legal solutions. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PUuwl1q-1Zg" 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.hindustantimes.com/editorials/planning-for-a-post-covid-world/story-XxsHbpEabWHpRqfnRNWmsN.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Planning for a post-Covid world&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on November 23<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/menace-of-manual-scavenging'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'India’s Assistance to Afghanistan',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, at the<strong> Afghanistan 2020 Conference,</strong> India has announced about 150 projects worth USD 80 million.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Afghanistan&rsquo;s President, officials from the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> (UN) and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> (EU) officials, besides representatives of other countries, attended the conference.</li>
<li>Also, the <strong>USA has decided to reduce its troop presence</strong> in Afghanistan to about 2,500<strong> by January 2021.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Current Assistance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India will launch <strong>phase-IV of high-impact community development projects,</strong> which include around <strong>150 projects worth USD 80 million.</strong></li>
<li>It has signed an agreement for building the <strong>Shahtoot dam,</strong> which would provide <strong>safe drinking water</strong> to 2 million residents of Kabul city.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It builds on the 202 km <strong>Pul-e-Khumri transmission line of 2009,</strong> through which India provides power to the city.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Earlier Assistance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India&rsquo;s development programmes in Afghanistan are focused around<strong> five pillars:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Large infrastructure projects.</li>
<li>Human resource development and capacity building.</li>
<li>Humanitarian assistance.</li>
<li>High-impact community development projects.</li>
<li>Enhancing trade and investment through air and land connectivity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Since 2001,</strong> India has committed <strong>USD 3 billion</strong> towards rebuilding and reconstruction of Afghanistan.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>During the <strong>Taliban years from 1996 to 2001, India did not invest</strong> in Afghanistan.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606298653_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606298653_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="395" height="297" /></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-dropped-from-chabahar-rail-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chabahar Port</strong></a> <strong>in Iran,</strong> which provides<strong> alternate connectivity to Afghanistan.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Afghanistan&rsquo;s growth has been constrained by its landlocked geography and Pakistan blocking transit access made the situation even worse.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pandemic Support:</strong> India sent more than 20 tonnes of <strong>medicines, other equipment and transported 75,000 tonnes of wheat</strong> to Afghanistan to address the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> challenge.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Shift in Indian Perspective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Indian government&rsquo;s decision to invest in Afghanistan&rsquo;s future, where the Taliban is set to play a dominant role, is being seen as a <strong>major departure from the past.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India also participated in the commencement ceremony of the intra-Afghan talks in Doha in September 2020,</strong> where a 21-member Taliban team was also present. It <strong>reflects India's realisation of ground realities and shifting sands in Kabul&rsquo;s power structure.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduction of Troops by USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>February 2020,</strong> the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-taliban-peace-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA and the Tabilan signed an agreement</strong></a> in Doha, (Qatar&rsquo;s capital).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>According to it, the <strong>USA would withdraw all of its troops from Afghanistan in 14 months</strong> and would also<strong> release Taliban prisoners,</strong> held captive by the Afghan government.</li>
<li>In return, the <strong>Taliban assured</strong> that they would <strong>not allow</strong> transnational jihadist organisations such as <strong>al-Qaeda</strong> and the <strong>Islamic State</strong> to <strong>use Afganistan as their base</strong> and also <strong>committed to start direct talks with the Afghan government,</strong> which began in September 2020.</li>
<li>With the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/withdrawal-of-us-troops-from-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA leaving at such a crucial point</strong></a>, it<strong> not only deprives Afghan forces of the support they need,</strong> particularly the<strong> airpower,</strong> but also<strong> affects their morale.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nato-ally-status-to-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>North Atlantic Treaty Organization</strong></a> (NATO) has <strong>committed to funding Afghan troops for four more years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, this decision <strong>will leave Afghanistan with an uncertain future</strong> as the <strong>Taliban is expected to take over</strong> after the troops&rsquo; withdrawal.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Taliban, who were <strong>ousted from power in 2001 after the USA invasion,</strong> have since been fighting both foreign troops and the Afghan government.</li>
<li>It now controls more than half of the country and contests the whole of it.</li>
<li>Since the agreement was signed, the Taliban have <strong>conducted more than 13,000 attacks</strong> nationwide.</li>
<li>According to a <strong>UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan</strong> (UMAMA) report in October 2020, nearly<strong> 6,000 Afghan civilians were killed</strong> in the first nine months of the year and <strong>45% of the deaths were by the Taliban.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The increasing level of violence in Afghanistan is a pressing concern. However, in<strong> spite of the challenges, both sides</strong> (the government representatives and the Taliban) <strong>remain at the negotiating table,</strong> and appear to have reached an early breakthrough.</li>
<li>India calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and also believes that the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indias-role-in-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>peace process</strong></a> must be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.</li>
<li>India looks forward to walking hand in hand with the people of Afghanistan and the world community to work towards a peaceful, prosperous, sovereign, democratic and united Afghanistan.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-pledges-aid-to-rebuild-afghanistan-commits-to-projects-worth-80-million-7064393/" 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/india-s-assistance-to-afghanistan'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Desalination Plants',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Maharashtra announced the setting up of a desalination plant in Mumbai.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The plant will process <strong>200 million litres of water daily (MLD),</strong> and will help in overcoming the<strong> water shortage faced by Mumbai</strong> in the months of <strong>May and June.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Maharashtra</strong> will be the <strong>fourth state</strong> to experiment with Desalination Plants.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Desalination Plants:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <strong>desalination plant</strong> turns salt water into water that is fit to drink.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/desalination-plants-harm-environment-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Desalination</strong></a> is the process of <strong>removing salts from water</strong> to produce water that meets the quality (salinity) requirements of different human uses.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Most commonly used <strong>technology</strong> for the process is <strong>reverse osmosis.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606292180_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606292180_image1.png" style="float: right;" width="350" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An external pressure is applied to push solvents from an area of high-solute concentration to an area of low-solute concentration through a semi-permeable membrane.</li>
<li>The <strong>microscopic pores</strong> in the membranes allow water molecules through but leave salt and most other impurities behind, releasing clean water from the other side.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These plants are mostly set up in areas that have access to <strong>sea water.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantage of Desalination Plants:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It can extend water supplies beyond what is available from the<strong> hydrological cycle,</strong> providing an<strong> &ldquo;unlimited&rdquo;, climate-independent</strong> and <strong>steady supply</strong> of high-quality water.</li>
<li>It can<strong> provide drinking water</strong> in areas where no natural supply of potable water exists.</li>
<li>As it generally <strong>meets or exceeds</strong> standards for <strong>water quality,</strong> water desalination plants can also<strong> reduce pressure on freshwater supplies</strong> that come from<strong> areas</strong> (over exploited water resources) that need protecting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disadvantage of Desalination Plants:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Costly to build and operate</strong> desalination plants as the plants require huge amounts of energy. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Energy costs</strong> account for <strong>one-third to one-half of the total cost</strong> of producing desalinated water.</li>
<li>Because energy is such a large portion of the total cost, the <strong>cost is also greatly affected by changes in the price of energy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The environmental impact</strong> is another disadvantage to water desalination plants. Disposal of the salt removed from the water is a major issue. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This discharge, known as<strong> brine,</strong> can change the salinity and lower the amount of oxygen <strong>(Hypoxia)</strong> in the water at the disposal site, stressing or killing animals not used to the higher levels of salt.</li>
<li>In addition, the desalination process <strong>uses or produces numerous chemicals including chlorine, carbon dioxide, hydrochloric acid and anti-scalents</strong> that can be<strong> harmful in high concentrations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Opportunities:</strong> The environmental problem can be changed into an economic opportunity as:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>discharge (brine)</strong> can also contain<strong> precious elements like uranium, strontium as well as sodium and magnesium</strong> which have the potential to be mined.</li>
<li><strong>Brine</strong> has been used for <strong>aquaculture,</strong> with <strong>increases in fish biomass of 300%.</strong> It has also been successfully used to cultivate the <strong>dietary supplement Spirulina,</strong> and to irrigate forage shrubs and crops.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Desalination Plants in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has largely been limited to countries in the <strong>Middle East</strong> and has recently started being used in parts of the <strong>United States and Australia.</strong></li>
<li>In India, <strong>Tamil Nadu</strong> has been the pioneer in using this technology, setting up two desalination plants near <strong>Chennai in 2010 and then 2013.</strong></li>
<li>The other states that have proposed these plants are <strong>Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There is a <strong>need to make desalination technologies more affordable,</strong> i.e. increasing the viability of desalination for addressing<strong> Sustainable Development Goal 6</strong> (SDG-6: Ensure Access to water and Sanitation for All).</li>
<li>To do this, <strong>technological refinement for low environmental impacts</strong> and <strong>economic costs,</strong> along with <strong>innovative financial mechanisms</strong> to support the sustainability of desalination schemes, will likely be required.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/mumbai-desalination-plant-7063528/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
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	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'IRNSS: Part of World Wide Radio Navigation System',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Maritime Safety Committee</strong> (MSC) of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/international-maritime-organization-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Maritime Organisation</strong> </a>(IMO) has recognised the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/navic-in-mobiles" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System</strong></a> (IRNSS) as a component of the <strong>World Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS)</strong> during its 102<sup>nd</sup> session held virtually.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The IMO is the <strong>United Nations specialised agency</strong> responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the <strong>prevention</strong> of marine and atmospheric <strong>pollution</strong> by ships.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has become the <strong>fourth country</strong> in the world to have its independent regional navigation satellite system recognised by the IMO as a part of the <strong>World Wide Radio Navigation System</strong> (WWRNS).</li>
<li>The other three countries that have its navigation systems recognised by the IMO are the <strong>USA, Russia and China. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><span style="font-weight: 400;">The IMO has accepted IRNSS as an</span><b> alternative navigation module in Indian waters</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. It was in use only on a pilot basis earlier but </span><b>now all merchant vessels are authorised to use it, even small fishing vessels.</b></li>
<li>The navigation system <strong>can now replace GPS in the Indian Ocean waters upto 1500 km</strong> from the Indian boundary. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>IRNSS is a <strong>regional and not a global navigation</strong> system.</li>
<li>With the recognition as a component of the WWRNS, the Indian navigation system is similarly placed as <strong>Global Positioning System</strong> (GPS - USA), most commonly used by marine shipping vessels across the world or the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System <strong>(GLONASS).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is being considered as a significant achievement towards the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Atmanirbhar Bharat&rsquo;</strong> </a>initiative.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Apart from navigational benefits it has strategic importance as it reduces overdependence on the global navigation system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Important Navigation Systems:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>USA navigation system:</strong> The <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-visual-positioning-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Positioning System</strong></a> (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that consists of 24 orbiting satellites.</li>
<li><strong>Glonass is Russian</strong> Satellite Navigation System considered as a counterpart to GPS of the USA.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/china-launches-beidou-navigation-satellite-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BeiDou Navigation Satellite System</strong></a> of <strong>China:</strong> A hybrid constellation consisting of around 30 satellites in three kinds of orbits.</li>
<li><strong>Galileo</strong> is <strong>Europe's</strong> Global Navigation Satellite System.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system developed by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organization</strong></a> (ISRO).</li>
<li>The main objective is to provide reliable position, navigation and timing services over India and its neighbourhood.</li>
<li>The IRNSS constellation <strong>was named as &ldquo;NavIC&rdquo;</strong> (Navigation with Indian Constellation) by the Prime Minister.</li>
<li>NavIC provides <strong>two types of services:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Standard Positioning Service</strong> (SPS) is meant for the general public.</li>
<li><strong>Restricted Service</strong> (RS) is an encrypted service meant for authorised users and agencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Unlike the widely used GPS which includes 24 satellites, NavIC has <strong>8 satellites</strong> and their range is within India and its adjoining regions extending up to<strong> 1,500 km</strong> from the <strong>country's border.</strong></li>
<li>Technically satellite systems with more satellites provide more accurate positioning information. However, compared to GPS which has a position <strong>accuracy of 20-30 metres,</strong> the NavIC is able to pinpoint location to an estimated accuracy of <strong>under 20 metres.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/india-becomes-4th-nation-to-get-imo-nod-for-navigation-satellite-system-7059589/#:~:text=India%20has%20become%20the%20fourth,Radio%20Navigation%20System%20(WWRNS).&amp;text=The%20IMO%20has%20now%20accepted%20IRNSS%20as%20an%20alternative%20navigation%20module." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Land-attack Version of BrahMos Missile',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India has successfully <strong>test-fired a land-attack version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile</strong> from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The test by the Army comes over a month after the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/naval-version-of-brahmos-tested#:~:text=A%20naval%20version%20of%20the,Navy%20in%20the%20Arabian%20Sea." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Naval version of BrahMos</a> was successfully test fired</strong> from Indian Navy&rsquo;s indigenously-built stealth destroyer INS Chennai.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Features of New Land-attack Version:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>range</strong> of the missile has been <strong>extended to 400 km</strong> from the original 290 km but its <strong>speed</strong> has been maintained at<strong> 2.8 Mach or almost three times the speed of sound.</strong></li>
<li>The test was done in a <strong>&ldquo;top-attack&rdquo;</strong> configuration.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Most modern missiles, including BrahMos,<strong> can be fired in both top-attack and direct attack modes.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>top attack</strong> mode, the missile is required to climb sharply after launch, travel at a certain altitude and then fall on top of the target.</li>
<li>In<strong> direct attack</strong> mode, the missile travels at a lower altitude, directly striking the target.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Test:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These tests <strong>are a display of India&rsquo;s tactical cruise missile triad,</strong> i.e. launch capability from land, sea and air platforms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has <strong>already deployed a sizable number of the original BrahMos missiles</strong> and other key assets in several strategic locations along the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict#:~:text=China%20views%20India%27s%20assertions%20regarding,due%20to%20Covid%2D19%20pandemic." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China</strong></a> in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The test marks the achievement of a critical milestone in <strong>enhancing India&rsquo;s capability of engaging enemy&rsquo;s vitally important targets</strong> in depth areas.</li>
<li>In the last two-and-half months, <strong>India has <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nag-missile-anti-tank-guided-missile" target="_blank" rel="noopener">test fired a number of missiles</a></strong> including<strong> an anti-radiation missile named Rudram-1</strong> which is planned to be inducted into service by <strong>2022.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>BrahMos Missile:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606289537_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606289537_image2.png" style="float: right;" caption="false" width="300" height="168" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An <strong>amalgamation of the names of Brahmaputra river and Moskva river (Russia),</strong> BrahMos missiles are <strong>designed, developed and produced by BrahMos Aerospace.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>BrahMos Aerospace is a<strong> joint venture</strong> company set up by 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</strong></a> (DRDO) and <strong>Mashinostroyenia of Russia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is a <strong>medium-range supersonic cruise missile</strong> which can be<strong> launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Cruise missiles</strong> are defined as &ldquo;an unmanned self-propelled guided vehicle that sustains flight through aerodynamic lift for most of its flight path and whose primary mission is to place an ordnance or special payload on a target.&rdquo;</li>
<li>Depending upon the<strong> speed,</strong> such <strong>missiles are classified as Subsonic (around 0.8 Mach), Supersonic (2-3 Mach) and Hypersonic</strong> cruise missiles (more than 5 Mach).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is the <strong>world&rsquo;s fastest supersonic cruise missile,</strong> as well as the <strong>fastest anti-ship cruise missile in operation.</strong></li>
<li>It<strong> operates on the "Fire and Forget" principle,</strong> i.e it does not require further guidance after launch.</li>
<li>The missile has a <strong>flight range upto 290-km.</strong> However, <strong>India's entry into the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/india-s-prospects-as-a-nuclear-power" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Missile Technology Control Regime</a></strong> (MTCR) has extended the range of the BrahMos missile to reach 450-600 km.</li>
<li><strong>Various versions of BrahMos,</strong> including those that can be fired from land, warships, submarines and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sukhoi-30-mki-equipped-with-the-brahmos-missile" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sukhoi-30 fighter jets</strong></a>, have already been developed and successfully tested in the past.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>hypersonic version</strong> of the missile, capable of reaching <strong>a speed of 5 Mach,</strong> is under development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/army-successfully-launches-brahmos-supersonic-cruise-missile-7063865/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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