Search

Search list matched with tags “class”

Peacock Soft-shelled Turtle

Why in News Recently, Peacock soft-shelled turtle (a turtle of a vulnerable species) has been rescued from a fish market in Assam’s...

01 Dec 2020 News Analysis
IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch (Pendrive Course)

IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch (Pendrive Course) Registration open Mode: Pen Drive Course (Total 8 Pen...

01 Dec 2020 Online Courses
Implementing Forest Rights

This article is based on “How FRA helped India’s forest communities during COVID-19” which was published in Down to Earth on...

30 Nov 2020 News Editorials
Hidden Epidemic

Why In News A new research published recently in Diabetologia (journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes) highlights the...

30 Nov 2020 News Analysis
China’s New Dam on Brahmaputra

Why in News Recently, Chinese authorities have given the go ahead for a Chinese hydropower company to construct the first downstream hydropower...

30 Nov 2020 News Analysis
Mission COVID Suraksha

Why in News The Government of India has announced the stimulus package of Rs. 900 crore for the Mission COVID Suraksha, the Indian Covid-19 Vaccine...

30 Nov 2020 News Analysis
OTT Platforms

Why in News? The government has brought video streaming over-the-top (OTT) platforms under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and...

30 Nov 2020 Paper 3
Checks & Balances

This article is based on “The Red Lines” which was published in The Indian Express on 27/11/2020. It talks about the issues and...

28 Nov 2020 News Editorials
The Constitution Day

Why in News Recently on 26th November, 71st constitution day was celebrated in the country. Every year as part of the celebrations, a number of...

28 Nov 2020 News Analysis
National Organ Donation Day

Why in News National Organ Donation Day was celebrated on 27th November by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Key Points National Organ...

28 Nov 2020 News Analysis
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

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

Code Context


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

$viewFile = '/var/www/drishtiias.com/public_html/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp'
$dataForView = [
	'progress' => [],
	'bookmarks' => [],
	'notes' => [],
	'mynote' => [],
	'topdata' => [
		(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {}
	],
	'searchdata' => [],
	'searchlist' => [
		(int) 0 => [
			'title' => 'Peacock Soft-shelled Turtle',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> Peacock soft-shelled turtle</strong> (a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-turtle-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>turtle</strong></a> of a<strong> vulnerable species</strong>) has been rescued from a fish market in<strong> Assam&rsquo;s Silchar.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606807873_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606807873_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> <em>Nilssonia hurum.</em></li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They have a <strong>large head, downturned snout</strong> with low and oval carapace of dark olive green to nearly black, sometimes with a yellow rim.</li>
<li>The<strong> head and limbs are olive green;</strong> the <strong>forehead has dark reticulations</strong> and large<strong> yellow or orange patches or spots,</strong> especially behind the eyes and across the snout.</li>
<li><strong>Males</strong> possess <strong>relatively longer and thicker tails</strong> than females.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This species is confined to<strong> India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.</strong></li>
<li>In india, it is widespread in the northern and <strong>central parts of the Indian subcontinent.</strong></li>
<li>These are found in <strong>rivers, streams, lakes and ponds with mud or sand bottoms.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Threats:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The species is <strong>heavily exploited for its meat and calipee</strong> (the outer cartilaginous rim of the shell).</li>
<li>Threats in the River Ganga to the species are those generic for all large river turtles, including <strong>reduction of fish stock,</strong> as a result of <strong>overfishing, pollution, increase in river traffic, and sand-mining,</strong> among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-conservation-of-migratory-species" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972</strong></a>: Schedule I</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong></a>: Vulnerable</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES</strong></a>: Appendix I</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/professor-rescues-vulnerable-turtle-species-from-assam-fish-market-7074419/" 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/peacock-soft-shelled-turtle'
		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch (Pendrive Course)',
			'catname' => 'Online Courses',
			'desc' => '<section class="article-list">
<div class="feature-text" style="padding: 0px;">
<div class="online-pendrive-course online-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="content-block">
<div class="text-block">
<h2>IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch <br /><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #00008b;">(Pendrive Course)</span></h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Registration open</strong></li>
<!--<li><strong>Batch Starts</strong>: December 15, 2020.</li>-->
<li><strong>Mode</strong>: Pen Drive Course (Total 8 Pen Drives, one pen drive to be sent every month)</li>
<li><strong>Team</strong>: Team of best teachers led by Dr. Vikas Divyakirti.</li>
<li><strong>Course Size</strong>: 400+ classes of 1000+ hours. Full syllabus course starting at the very basic level.</li>
<li><strong>Course Validity</strong>: 3 years, Facility to see each class unlimited times.</li>
<li>A special concession of 20% in the fee for admission in General Studies Classroom Course at our any branch - Delhi, Prayagraj or Jaipur. (conditions apply)</li>
<li><strong>Other facilities</strong>: Printed Notes for all segments, 24 Main's Tests with evaluation facility, Current Affairs classes for 3 years, Prelims Test Series for 3 years, Monthly Magazine and personalized guidance for doubts for 3 years.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="red-block awake">
<h2>Special Discount</h2>
<p><strong>Fee: <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">₹ 1,00,000/- (including GST)</span> ₹ 90,000 (including GST).<br /></strong></p>
<p>For additional information related to this course, call <a href="tel:8010440440">8010440440</a> / <a href="tel:8010440440">7669806814</a>.</p>
<div class="btn-block"><a href="/gs-foundation-pendrive-courses-registration" class="btn red" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy Now</a>&nbsp;<a href="/gs-foundation-pendrive-courses-registration" class="btn blue" id="bookSession" rel="noopener" data-course="IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch(Pendrive Course)">Book Counseling Session</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- #end online pendrive course -->
<div class="why-pendrive-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="image-block"><img src="/drishti/img/online-banner2.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
<div class="content-block">
<h2><span style="color: #00008b;">Key Features of the Course</span></h2>
<ul style="display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2;">
<li>Teaching by the best teachers of the country under the leadership of Dr. Vikas Divyakirti. Ethics (complete syllabus) and Indian Constitution (main sections) to be taught by Dr. Vikas Divyakirti himself.</li>
<li>Total 1000+ hours of classes. <span>Facility to see each class unlimited times</span>. Validity of the course is for 3 years from the start of the batch.</li>
<li>Special emphasis on conceptual clarity and developing answer writing skills in classes. Practice and discussion of questions asked in the previous years&rsquo; as well as probable questions in upcoming exams.</li>
<li>A team of subject experts will be made available for clearing doubts. Provision of resolving doubts via regular online meetings also.</li>
<li>The following books / notes will be sent to your address as text material free of charge:
<ul>
<li>Printed booklets of notes for each section.</li>
<li>Our monthly magazine 'Drishti Current Affairs Today' for 3 years.</li>
<li>6 books of 'Prelims Practice Series' published by Drishti Publications to strengthen your prelims preparation (will be sent a few months after the start of the batch).</li>
<li>5 books of 'Mains Capsule' Series published by Drishti Publications to strengthen your Mains' preparation (will be sent a few months after the start of the batch).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Current Affairs Classes and Prelims Crash Course free for three years (online).</li>
<li>IAS Prelims Online Test Series free for 3 years. Total 30x3 = 90 Tests (75 Tests for General Studies and 15 for CSAT)</li>
<li>One or more Practice Tests from each section for Prelims and Mains. Test evaluation (for Mains) will be done by our academic support team.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!--<div class="imporant-info">
<div class="wrapper" style="background-color: #f9ffe4;"><strong><span style="color: #00008b; font-size: 22px;">-->
<div class="pendrive-feature-block">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="content-block">
<h2><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Process of Sending Pen Drives &amp; Notes</span></h2>
<ul>
<li>All pen drives and notes related to this course will be sent to you according to a fixed schedule. Since this batch will start from December 15, 2020, we will dispatch the first pen drive and the first set of notes by speed post or courier service by December 15. In 7-10 days (ie by 20-25 December) you will receive a pen drive and the first packet of notes. (Note: If you live at a place where it takes longer to reach the postal/courier services due to COVID-19 or other reasons, then it may take some extra time).</li>
<li>Initially, pen drives and notes are sent for the segments from which questions are asked in the prelims exam. After them, the topics of the main examination are covered. This sequence has been devised so that even the students taking prelims examination in 2021 are not inconvenienced in taking the exam.</li>
<li>A schedule will be sent to you along with the first packet mentioning the dates of sending all pen drives and notes.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="image-block"><img src="/hindi/drishti/img/feature-thumb-img.png" alt="" /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1REQI0jAqRA&amp;list=PLQpF--VlgguRCRkwkjnCsiVit9vTtSuLZ" class="icon-play" target="_blank" rel="noopener">play</a> <span>Demo classes available on YouTube. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="learning-program">
<div class="section-payment">
<div class="wrapper">
<h2>Payment Options</h2>
<div class="row">
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Cash Deposit</h4>
<p>You can deposit cash at our Drishti office, Find our address below</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />13/15, Tashkand Marg, Civil Lines (Near Patrika Chauraha), Prayagraj, <br />UP-211001</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="tel:011-47532596">011-47532596</a> <br />+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end -->
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Bank Transfer/Account Deposit</h4>
<p>VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd. <br /><strong>Account No.</strong> 36726486454,<br /><strong>Bank </strong>State Bank of India,<br /><strong>IFSC Code</strong> SBIN0018166, <br /><strong>MICR Code</strong> 110002563, Branch Code 18166 , <br /><strong>Branch</strong> - Mukherjee Nagar New Delhi-110009</p>
<p><span>Contact Details:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="phone">+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="/admin/articles/edit/1800-121-6260">1800-121-6260</a></li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end -->
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Demand Draft/Cheque</h4>
<p>Send your demand draft or local cheque of fee amount by registered post/courier at below address</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation, <br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="email"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end --></div>
<!-- end row --></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/online-classes/gs-foundation-batch-pendrive-course'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Implementing Forest Rights',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/forests/how-fra-helped-india-s-forest-communities-during-covid-19-74440" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;How FRA helped India&rsquo;s forest communities during COVID-19&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in Down to Earth on 27/11/2020. It talks about the implementation issues regarding the Forest Rights Act, 2006.</p>
</div>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, like any other dimension, has had a drastic impact on forest communities. It caused losses of livelihoods and shelter, food insecurity, physical hardships, health-concerns and economic suffering.</p>
<p>In order to cope with the crisis, effective implementation of <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/forest-rights-act-2006" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, also known as Forest Rights Act (FRA)</a> </strong>assumes much importance.</p>
<p>FRA has the potential to secure the forest rights and address other issues of at least 200 million tribals (covering 50% of India&rsquo;s forest land). However, it is laxity in the implementation of the act that undermines fructification of the law, even after a decade and a half of its enactment.</p>
<h3>FRA &amp; Associated Issues</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s Forest Rights Act empowers the forest communities to use, manage and govern forests for their livelihood as well as for the conservation and protection of forests. But its poor implementation remains an issue.</li>
<li>The key reasons for poor implementation of FRA include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lack of political commitment;</li>
<li>Lack of adequate human and financial resources with the Department of Tribal Affairs, which is the nodal agency for implementation of FRA;</li>
<li>The tussle with forest bureaucracy which influences decision at various levels;</li>
<li>Poor or non-functioning of district and sub-division level committees, which consider the claims filed by gram sabhas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has been a decade and a half since the law was passed. However, only 13% of the 40 million ha has been demarcated under the FRA by the environment ministry.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This laxity in duly recording existing forest rights and the resultant tenurial insecurity is likely to increase vulnerability and more adversely impact livelihoods and food security of forest dwellers during the pandemic and after.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Issues Faced by the Forest Communities</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Absence of Social Infrastructure:</strong> The absence of healthcare facilities in tribal areas, with a prevalence of diseases and health concerns such as malnutrition, malaria, leprosy, etc, severely limited the capacities to deal with any major outbreak like Covid-19.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The poor access of tribal and forest dwellers to the<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> public distribution system</strong></a> was reported from all states.</li>
<li>There were also various reports of starvation from the tribal areas since they remain excluded from most of the benefits of the socio-economic scheme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Related to Minor Forest Produce:</strong> Mere granting of ownership over minor forest produce (MFPs) will not improve tribal livelihoods, as overall production of MFPs (except of tendu leaves) has fallen rapidly due to monoculture plantation by the forest department.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Silvicultural practices of plant species, such as teak (in place of sal), yields no recurrent product for gathering.</li>
<li>Moreover, the important MFPs continue to be &lsquo;nationalised&rsquo;, that is, these can be sold only to government agencies.</li>
<li>Further, the collection, use and sale of minor forest produce (MFP) by forest dwellers also got severely affected due to the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>PVTG Issue:</strong> The survival of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/particularly-vulnerable-tribal-groups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>particularly vulnerable tribal groups</strong></a> (PVTG) living in remote and scattered geographical locations in India was another issue. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>PVTG have been the prime conservationists of deep forests and have managed the biodiversity of forests since ages.</li>
<li>Deep forests are a complex ecosystem encapsulating the grand narratives of resources, nature, biodiversity and lives.</li>
<li>Breaking this ecosystem would only intensify the dispossession, alienation of the communities, thereby adversely impacting the forests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dilution of EIA:</strong> Amid such hardships faced by tribal communities, the dilution of laws and policies under the theme of &lsquo;Self-Reliant India&rsquo; to boost the economy has increased resentment among them.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The recent announcements regarding the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/draft-eia-notification-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>dilution of Environment Impact Assessment</strong></a> and liberalisation of entry norms for private entities in the coal sector have increased tribal anger.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Implementing FRA in Letter &amp; Spirit:</strong> Implementing FRA will not only lead to the development of forest dwellers but also build a relationship of trust and bond between them and the government, thereby reducing land conflict, Naxalism and underdevelopment.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperative Federalism:</strong> Keeping in view the enormous economic, social and ecological benefits of individual and community forest management, the Centre in cooperation with State governments should implement the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in its right spirit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, it is important that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs at the Central and State levels are strengthened with human and financial resources to help implement FRA on a mission mode.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reforming Forest Bureaucracy:</strong> Besides leveraging modern technology to map and monitor the implementation of FRA, the forest bureaucracy must also be reformed to serve as service providers to gram sabhas.</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Market For MFP:</strong> There is a need to provide marketing and MSP support to non-timber forest products and create institutional mechanisms to support community forest enterprises for value addition.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the government should continue to provide technical support to the gram sabhas, so as to ensure not only higher production of MFPs but price support as provided to farmers so as to rejuvenate the tribal economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Rights recognised under FRA have helped to facilitate support for forest communities at various levels by overcoming constraints and crisis situations during times of wide-scale distress. However, a wider implementation of the law is what is the need of the hour.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5fcf5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Forest Rights Act-2006 remains crucial to secure rights of the forest dwellers and rejuvenation of the tribal economy. Discuss</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/implementing-forest-rights'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Hidden Epidemic',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why In News</h3>
<p>A new research published recently in <strong>Diabetologia</strong> (journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes) highlights the <strong>vulnerability of indian youth</strong> towards <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-diabetes-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>diabetes.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The research titled <strong>&ldquo;Lifetime risk of diabetes in metropolitan cities in India,&rsquo;&rsquo;</strong> was done by a team of authors in India, U.K. and U.S.,<strong> led by Shammi Luhar, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, U.K.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Findings of the study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than<strong> half of men</strong> (55%) and<strong> two thirds</strong> (65%) of <strong>women aged 20 years in India</strong> are more likely to develop diabetes, with most of those cases<strong> (around 95%)</strong> likely to be <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-diabetes-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>type 2 diabetes</strong></a> (T2D) in their lifetime.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Type 2 diabetes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It affects the way the body uses insulin. While the body still makes insulin, unlike in type I, the<strong> cells in the body do not respond</strong> to it as effectively as they once did.</li>
<li>The population with 45 and above age groups is the most affected with it.</li>
<li>This is the most common type of diabetes and it has strong links with obesity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Lifetime risk of developing diabetes in 20 year old men and women free of diabetes today is <strong>56% and 65%,</strong> respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Obesity</strong> has a significant impact on vulnerability to diabetes. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>86%</strong> higher among 20 year old women and <strong>87%</strong> among men of <strong>metropolitan area.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India currently has <strong>77 million adults who have diabetes</strong> and this number is <strong>expected to almost double to 134 million by 2045.</strong></li>
<li>Women generally<strong> had a higher lifetime risk of developing diabetes</strong> across their lifespan.</li>
<li>Remaining lifetime risk of developing diabetes<strong> declined with age.</strong> As per researchers, those <strong>currently aged 60 years and free of diabetes, </strong>are<strong> less likely to develop diabetes</strong> in their remaining life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sources of data for the study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Sex and BMI-specific incidence rates</strong> of diabetes<strong> in urban India</strong> taken from the <strong>Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia (2010&ndash;2018);</strong></li>
<li><strong>age, sex and urban-specific rates of mortality</strong> from period lifetables reported by the <strong>Government of India</strong> (2014);</li>
<li>Prevalence of diabetes from the <strong>Indian Council for Medical Research India Diabetes study</strong> (2008&ndash;2015).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of high probabilities of developing diabetes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Overburdening of already<strong> strained health Infrastructure</strong> of the country.</li>
<li>Increase <strong>out-of-pocket expenditure</strong> on diabetes treatment by patients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes of such high incidences of diabetes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Urbanisation</li>
<li>Decreasing diet quality</li>
<li>Decreased levels of physical activity</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prevention or postponing diabetes by effective lifestyle modification, such as:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Following a healthy diet</li>
<li>Increasing physical activity</li>
<li>Reducing body weight in those who are obese or overweight</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606737640_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606737640_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="615" height="480" /></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Diabetes</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Diabetes is a<strong> Non-Communicable Disease</strong> (NCD) that occurs either when the pancreas<strong> does not produce enough insulin</strong> (a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose), or when the<strong> body cannot effectively use</strong> the insulin it produces.</li>
<li>Types:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Type I diabetes:</strong> It is also known as<strong> juvenile diabetes</strong> (as it mostly affects children of age 14-16 years), this type occurs when the <strong>body fails to produce sufficient insulin.</strong> People with type I diabetes are <strong>insulin-dependent,</strong> which means they must take artificial insulin daily to stay alive.</li>
<li><strong>Gestational diabetes:</strong> This type occurs in women during pregnancy when the body sometimes <strong>becomes less sensitive to insulin.</strong> Gestational diabetes does not occur in all women and <strong>usually resolves after giving birth.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Diabetes affects the<strong> five major organs</strong> namely,<strong> Kidney, Heart, Blood vessels, Nervous System, and Eyes (retina).</strong></li>
<li>The factors responsible for the increase in diabetes are an <strong>unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, harmful use of alcohol, overweight/obesity, tobacco use, etc.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/lifetime-risk-of-diabetes-in-metropolitan-cities-is-alarming-warns-study/article33205315.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/hidden-epidemic'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'China’s New Dam on Brahmaputra',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Chinese authorities have given the go ahead for a <strong>Chinese hydropower company</strong> to construct the<strong> first downstream hydropower project</strong> on the lower reaches of the river<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-on-brahmaputra" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Brahmaputra</strong></a> (known as <strong>Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet</strong>).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728541_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728541_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Brahmaputra:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It originates under the name of <strong>Siang or Dihang,</strong> from the <strong>Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailash range near the Mansarovar lake.</strong> It enters India west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Tributaries:</strong> Dibang, Lohit, Siang, Burhi Dihing, Tista, and Dhansari.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is a<strong> perennial river</strong> and has <strong>several peculiar characteristics due to its geography and prevailing climatic conditions.</strong></li>
<li>It is<strong> flooded twice annually.</strong> One flood is caused by the<strong> melting of the Himalayan snow in summer</strong> and the <strong>other due to the monsoon flows.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> frequency</strong> of these floods have increased and are devastating due to climate change and its impact on high and low flows.</li>
<li>These <strong>pose a concern for the population and food security in the lower riparian states of India and Bangladesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The river is in itself <strong>dynamic as frequent landslides and geological activity force it to change course</strong> very often.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> state-owned</strong> hydropower company <strong>POWERCHINA</strong> signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/60-years-of-1959-tibetan-uprising" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tibet Autonomous Region</strong></a> (TAR) <strong>government</strong> to implement hydropower exploitation in the downstream of the Yarlung Zangbo river as part of the new <strong>Five Year Plan</strong> (2021-2025).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will be the<strong> first time the downstream sections of the river will be tapped.</strong> However, the<strong> location</strong> of the planned project <strong>has not been mentioned anywhere.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Great Bend of the Brahmaputra</strong> and the<strong> Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon in Medog county,</strong> where the river turns sharply to flow across the border into f <strong>Arunachal Pradesh could be the potential spot</strong> for the project. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This<strong> 50 km section</strong> alone offers a potential of developing <strong>70 million kilowatt hours</strong> (Kwh).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Previous Projects:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>2015,</strong> China operationalised its<strong> first hydropower project at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dams-in-china-over-transboundary-rivers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zangmu in Tibet</a>,</strong> while three other dams at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dams-in-china-over-transboundary-rivers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dagu, Jiexu and Jiacha</strong></a> are being developed, all on the upper and middle reaches of the river.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728929_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728929_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Importance of the Project for China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> 60 million kWh hydropower</strong> exploitation could <strong>provide 300 billion kWh of clean, renewable and zero-carbon electricity annually.</strong></li>
<li>The project will play a significant role in realising China&rsquo;s goal of reaching a <strong>carbon emissions peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality till 2060.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has been expressing concerns on Brahmaputra<strong> since 2015</strong> when China operationalised its <strong>project at Zangmu.</strong></li>
<li>A dam at the <strong>Great Bend,</strong> if approved, would raise fresh concerns considering its <strong>location downstream and just across the border</strong> from Arunachal Pradesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For India, <strong>quantity of water is not an issue</strong> because these are run of the river dams and will not impact the Brahmaputra flow. More importantly, Brahmaputra is not entirely dependent on upstream flows and an estimated <strong>35% of its basin is in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, India is concerned about the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-on-brahmaputra" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chinese activities affecting the quality of water, ecological balance and the flood management.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-70-years-of-diplomatic-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and China</strong> </a>do not have a water sharing agreement. Both nations share hydrological data so it becomes important to share genuine data and have continuous dialogue on issues like warning of droughts, floods and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/high-water-discharge-from-china-threatens-arunachal-assam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>high water discharges.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is required to go beyond the exchange of hydrological data and ask China for information on the topographic condition of the whole basin.</li>
<li>Any forward movement on ensuring hydro-security in the Brahmaputra basin would require a long-term understanding between the two countries. It is necessary for India to engage China in a sustained dialogue and secure a water-sharing treaty that serves the interests of both the countries.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-hydropower-company-plans-first-downstream-dam-on-brahmaputra/article33206687.ece#:~:text=China's%20media%20reported%20on%20Sunday,of%20the%20river%20with%20potential" 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/china-s-new-dam-on-brahmaputra'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Mission COVID Suraksha',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Government of India has announced the<strong> stimulus package of Rs. 900 crore</strong> for the <strong>Mission COVID Suraksha,</strong> the Indian Covid-19 Vaccine Development Mission, which will <strong>help the development process of the vaccine candidates.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mission COVID Suraksha is India&rsquo;s <strong>targeted effort to enable the development of indigenous, affordable and accessible vaccines</strong> for the country and will complement the ongoing mission of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat.</strong></a></li>
<li>The Centre had announced this package during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-iii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>third economic stimulus.</strong></a></li>
<li>The Mission with its <strong>end-to-end focus from preclinical development through clinical development and manufacturing and regulatory facilitation for deployment,</strong> would consolidate all available and funded resources towards accelerated product development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Grant:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Phase-I of the Mission has been allotted <strong>Rs. 900 Crore for a period of 12 months.</strong></li>
<li>The grant will be provided to the<strong> Department of Biotechnology</strong> (DBT) for Research and Development (R&amp;D) of Indian <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> vaccines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stakeholders:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will be<strong> led by DBT</strong> and implemented by a dedicated <strong>Mission Implementation Unit</strong> at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/making-india-a-biotech-hub" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council</strong></a> (BIRAC).</li>
<li>The existing activities under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-biopharma-mission#:~:text=The%20National%20Biopharma%20Mission%20(NBM,funded%20by%20World%20Bank%20loan." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Bio Pharma Mission</strong> </a>(NBM) and<strong> Ind-CEPI Mission</strong> will provide complementary strengths to this Mission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The DBT is supporting the implementation of the Ind-CEPI Mission, &ldquo;Epidemic preparedness through rapid vaccine development: Support of Indian vaccine development aligned with the global initiative of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/thsti-part-of-vaccine-assessment-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations</strong></a> (CEPI)&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The Ind-CEPI Mission was approved in<strong> March 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Accelerating pre-clinical and clinical development.</li>
<li>Licensure of Covid-19 vaccine candidates that are currently in clinical stages or ready to enter the clinical stage of development.</li>
<li>Establishing clinical trial sites.</li>
<li>Strengthening the existing central laboratories and suitable facilities for animal studies, production facilities and other testing facilities to support the vaccine development.</li>
<li>Supporting the development of common harmonized protocols, training, data management systems, regulatory submissions, internal and external quality management systems and accreditations.</li>
<li>Supporting capabilities for process development, cell line development and manufacturing of GMP batches for animal toxicology studies and clinical trials.</li>
<li>Developing suitable<strong> Target Product Profile</strong> so that vaccines being introduced through the mission have preferred characteristics applicable to India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vaccine Candidates:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A total of<strong> 10 vaccine candidates have been supported by DBT</strong> so far at both academia and industry and as on date and<strong> 5 vaccine candidates are in human trials.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/phase-ii-iii-clinical-trials-of-covishield" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covishield</strong></a>: The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pneumococcal-conjugate-vaccine-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Serum Institute of India</strong></a> (SII) is conducting the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/drugs-and-clinical-trials-rules-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>phase-3</strong></a> trial of the <strong>Oxford-Astrazeneca</strong> Covid-19 vaccine.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covaxin-approved-for-human-clinical-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covaxin</strong></a>: The indigenously developed <strong>Bharat Biotech</strong> and 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) vaccine has already started the phase III clinical trial.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/clinical-trial-of-covid-19-vaccine-zycov-d" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ZyCoV-D</strong></a>: Indigenously developed vaccine by<strong> Zydus Cadila</strong> has completed the phase-2 clinical trial in the country.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/russian-covid-vaccine-sputnik-v" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sputnik V</strong></a>: The combined phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the<strong> Russian Covid-19 vaccine</strong> Sputnik V in India are about to get started.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pfizer-s-covid-19-vaccine-candidate#:~:text=India%20is%20preparing%20to%20administer,vaccine%20candidates%20in%20the%20future." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BNT162b2</strong></a>: India is focusing on training for conducting phase II and III human clinical trials of the <strong>Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine candidate</strong> along lines of India&rsquo;s regulatory mechanism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Clinical Trials</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>systematic study to generate data for discovering or verifying the clinical and pharmacological profile</strong> (including pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic) or <strong>adverse effects</strong> of a new drug on humans.</li>
<li>It is the <strong>only way of establishing the safety and efficacy</strong> of any drug before its introduction in the market for human use and is preceded by animal trials where the efficacy and side effects are observed in animals and an estimated drug dose is established.</li>
<li>Clinical trials of drugs developed in India<strong> have to undergo all four phases of trials in India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Phase I or clinical pharmacology trials or &ldquo;first in man&rdquo; study.</li>
<li>Phase II or exploratory trials.</li>
<li>Phase III or confirmatory trials.</li>
<li>Phase IV trials or post-marketing phase.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1676998" 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/mission-covid-suraksha'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'OTT Platforms',
			'catname' => 'Paper 3',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>The government has brought video streaming over-the-top (OTT) platforms under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. These platforms were so far under the purview of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.</p>
<h3>Over-The-Top Platforms</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>OTT or Over-the-Top platforms are audio and video hosting and streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar etc, which started out as content hosting platforms but soon branched out into the production and release of short movies, feature films, documentaries and web series themselves<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These platforms offer a range of content and use <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI)</strong></a> to suggest users the content they are likely to view based on their past viewership on the platform. </li>
<li>Most OTT platforms generally offer some content for free and charge a monthly subscription fee for premium content which is generally unavailable elsewhere. </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>OTT Platforms and India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is currently the world&rsquo;s fastest growing OTT (over-the-top streaming) market, and is all set to emerge as the world&rsquo;s sixth-largest by 2024.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At present, the OTT platform&rsquo;s valuation stands at 35 billion INR, with nearly 500 million internet users, expected to grow at 8% per year. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In January 2019, eight video streaming services had signed a self-regulatory code that laid down a set of guiding principles for content on these platforms which prohibited five types of content. This includes: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Content that deliberately and maliciously disrespects the national emblem or national flag.</li>
<li>Any visual or story line that promotes child pornography. </li>
<li>Any content that &ldquo;maliciously&rdquo; intends to outrage religious sentiments. </li>
<li>Content that &ldquo;deliberately and maliciously&rdquo; promotes or encourages terrorism.</li>
<li>Any content that has been banned for exhibition or distribution by law or court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues with OTT Platforms</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Content regulation:</strong> There is no law or autonomous body to monitor and manage the digital contents provided on these OTT platforms and it is made available to the public at large without any filter or screening.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unlike television, print or radio which follow guidelines released by governments, OTT platforms classified as digital media or social media, had little to no regulation on the choice of content they offered, the subscription rates, certification for adult movies and others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Regulation of OTT Content</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In a move that will have a far-reaching impact, the Union government has brought Over The Top (OTT) platforms, or video streaming service providers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and others, under the ambit of the <strong>Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.</strong></li>
<li>The latest order covers &ldquo;Digital/Online Media&rdquo;, including &ldquo;films and audio-visual programmes made available by online content providers&rdquo; and &ldquo;news and current affairs content on online platforms&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It will give the government control over these platforms, which were unregulated till now as there is no law or autonomous body governing digital content.</li>
<li>Online content providers come under the legal framework of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cyber-security#:~:text=Information%20Technology%20Act%2C%202000,Hacking%20with%20computer%20system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information Technology Act 2000</strong></a> but, unlike print and broadcast media, were not directly under any Ministry.</li>
<li>However, there are no details yet on how the government will regulate it. But it is learnt that the Programme Code that governs content on TV and which found an outlet in the Cable Television Network Regulation Act, 1995, may serve as a template to frame rules for online content.</li>
<li><strong>Impact of regulation:</strong> The regulation of OTT could also mean that these platforms would have to apply for certification and approval of the content they wish to stream.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This in itself could give rise to many conflicts as most OTT platforms have content that could otherwise be censored by the certification boards in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Digital Awareness:</strong> Consumers should be made aware of the impacts of their streaming and realise if there is really a need to watch these videos multiple times. Every video viewed consumes energy every time. Rather watching the video with a group can save energy. </li>
<li><strong>Viewers&rsquo; Responsibility:</strong> The purpose of creating laws for the OTT content is to prevent the underage people from watching certain contents. Ensuring on our part that kids in our home do not access such contents can help fulfill the very purpose.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper3/ott-platforms'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Checks & Balances',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/the-red-lines-narendra-modi-7069676/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The Red Lines&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 27/11/2020. It talks about the issues and solutions related to the principle of checks and balances in Indian Polity.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-on-one-nation-one-election" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>All India Presiding Officers Conference</strong></a> was conducted at Kevadia in Gujarat. The conference discussed many issues largely on the theme of harmonious coordination between the legislature, executive, and judiciary.</p>
<p>At the conference, the Prime Minister of India highlighted the ethos of separation of powers and checks &amp; balances that are built into the Indian constitutional design.</p>
<p>However, recently <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/parliamentary-reforms-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>there are many instances</strong></a> which undermine the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-673" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>doctrine of separation of powers and weakens the system of checks &amp; balances.</strong></a> This loss of integrity may erode people&rsquo;s trust in the functioning of the government.</p>
<h3>The Doctrine of Separation of Powers</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Separation of powers is the division of the legislative, executive, and judicial functions of government.</li>
<li>Since the sanction of all three branches is required for the making, executing, and administering of laws, it minimises the possibility of arbitrary excesses by the government.</li>
<li>The constitutional demarcation precludes the concentration of excessive power by any branch of the government.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Instruments of Checks &amp; Balances</h3>
<p><strong>Legislature Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Judiciary:</strong> Impeachment and the removal of the judges. Power to amend laws declared ultra vires by the Court and revalidating it.</li>
<li><strong>On Executive:</strong> Through a no-confidence vote it can dissolve the Government. Power to assess works of the executive through the question hour and zero hour. Impeachment of the President.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Executive Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Judiciary:</strong> Making appointments to the office of Chief Justice and other judges.</li>
<li><strong>On Legislature:</strong> Powers under delegated legislation. Authority to make rules for regulating their respective procedure and conduct of business subject to the provisions of this Constitution.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Judicial Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Executive: <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/13-04-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Judicial review</a></strong> i.e. the power to review executive action to determine if it violates the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>On Legislature:</strong> Unamendability of the constitution under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution#:~:text=The%20Constitutional%20Bench%20in%20Kesavananda,essential%20features%20of%20the%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>basic structure doctrine</strong> </a>pronounced by the Supreme Court in Kesavananda Bharati Case 1973.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Weakening System of Checks &amp; Balances</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Weakened Opposition in India:</strong> Democracy works on the principle of checks and balances. It is these checks and balances that prevent democracy from turning into majoritarianism.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In a Parliamentary system, these checks and balances are provided by the opposition party.</li>
<li>However, the majority of a single party in the Lok Sabha has diminished the role of an effective opposition in the Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Weakened Legislature Scrutiny:</strong> According to data by PRS Legislative Research, while 60% of the Bills in the 14<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha and 71% in the 15<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha were referred to Department-related Standing Committees (DRSCs) concerned, this proportion came down to 27% in the 16<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from the DRSCs, there are negligible bills referred to Select Committees of the Houses or Joint Parliamentary Committees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judiciary Being Averse to Checks &amp; Balances:</strong> The Supreme Court has held the 99th constitutional amendment, which provided for the establishment of the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-94" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Judicial Appointments Commission</strong> </a>as ultra-vires.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) could guarantee the independence of the system from inappropriate politicization, strengthen the quality of appointments, enhance the fairness of the selection process, promote diversity in the composition of the judiciary, and rebuild public confidence in the system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Activism:</strong> In many recent judgments, the Supreme Court has become hyper-activist in making judgements that are deemed as laws and rules. This transgresses the domain of legislature and executive.</li>
<li><strong>Executive Excesses:</strong> Executive in India is alleged of over-centralisation of power, weakening of public institutions like CIC &amp; RTI and passing laws to strengthen law, order &amp; security of the state but curbs freedom of expression as well like UAPA.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Introducing Legislative Impact Assessment (LIA):</strong> A detailed framework for pre and post-legislative Impact Assessment was needed whereby every legislative proposal is evaluated on account of social, economic, environmental and administrative impact for wider awareness.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A new Legislation Committee of Parliament to oversee and coordinate legislative planning should be constituted.</li>
<li>This can check any overreach by the executive that may curb the civil liberties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthen the Role of the Opposition:</strong> In order to strengthen the role of the opposition, the institution of shadow cabinet can be formed in India.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Shadow Cabinet</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>&lsquo;Shadow Cabinet&rsquo; is a unique institution of the British cabinet system.</li>
<li>It is formed by the opposition party to balance the ruling cabinet and to prepare its members for future ministerial office.</li>
<li>In such a system each action of Cabinet Minister must be countersigned by the minister in the shadow cabinet.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Judiciary Should Lead By Example:</strong> Supreme Court is the custodian of the constitution that checks any overreach by legislature and executive. Therefore, the judiciary should lead to the adherence of maintaining constitutional morality by proactively making the collegium system transparent.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Until a better mechanism is evolved, the Supreme court can take steps to make collegium more transparent and accountable to make it&rsquo;s functioning democratic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Repeated interventions of one organ into another's functioning can diminish the faith of the people in the integrity, quality, and efficiency of the other organs. It also undermines the spirit of democracy as too much accumulation of powers in organs of government undermines the principle of check and balance.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffdf2;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Repeated interventions of one organ into another's functioning can diminish the faith of the people in a democracy. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NDiHWatgxRU" 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/vexatious-dragon-resolute-india-strong-india-to-keep-chinas-rise-peaceful/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Vexatious Dragon, Resolute India: Strong India, to keep China&rsquo;s rise peaceful&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Economic Times on November 26th, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/checks-balances-1'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'The Constitution Day',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently on 26<sup>th</sup> November, <strong>71<sup>st</sup> constitution day</strong> was celebrated in the country. Every year as part of the celebrations, a number of activities aimed<strong> at highlighting and reiterating the values and principles enshrined in the Constitution</strong> are organised.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas</strong> is also known as <strong>National Law Day.</strong> The day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India <strong>formally adopted the Constitution of India that came into force on 26 January 1950.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment</strong> on 19 November, 2015, notified the decision of the Government of India to celebrate 26 November as 'Constitution Day'.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Facts about the Constitution of India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The framing of the Constitution took over <strong>2 years, 11 months and 18 days.</strong></li>
<li>The original copies of the Indian Constitution <strong>weren&rsquo;t typed or printed. They have been handwritten</strong> and are now kept in a helium-filled case within the library of the Parliament.</li>
<li><strong>Prem Bihari Narain Raizada</strong> had written the unique copies of the Structure of India.</li>
<li>Originally, the Constitution of India was written in English and Hindi.</li>
<li>The Constitution of India has borrowed some of its features from a number of countries, including Britain, Ireland, Japan, USA, South Africa, Germany, Australia, and Canada.</li>
<li>The basic structure of the Indian Constitution stands on the <strong>Government of India Act, 1935.</strong></li>
<li>World's lengthiest Constitution</li>
<li>Federal System with Unitary Features</li>
<li>Parliamentary Form of Government</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1934, <strong>M N Roy</strong> first proposed the idea of a <strong>constituent assembly.</strong> Under the <strong>Cabinet Mission plan</strong> of 1946, elections were held for the formation of the constituent assembly.</li>
<li><strong>Drafting Committee:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Drafting Committee had seven members: Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, N. Gopalaswami, B.R. Ambedkar, K.M Munshi, Mohammad Saadulla, B.L. Mitter and D.P. Khaitan.</li>
<li>At its first meeting on 30<sup>th</sup> August 1947, the Drafting Committee elected <strong>B.R Ambedkar</strong> as its Chairman.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Constitutional Amendment</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>First Amendment Act, 1951</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Provided for the saving of laws providing for the acquisition of estates, etc.</li>
<li>Added<strong> Ninth Schedule</strong> to protect the land reforms and other laws included in it from the judicial review. After Article 31, Articles 31A and 31B were inserted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Second and Seventh schedules were substantially amended for the purpose of the States Reorganization Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment) Act, 1976</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The major Amendments made in the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act are:</li>
<li><strong>Preamble</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The characterization of India as &lsquo;Sovereign Democratic Republic&rsquo; has been changed to &lsquo;Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic&rsquo;.</li>
<li>The words &lsquo;Unity of the nation&rsquo; have been changed to &lsquo;Unity and integrity of the nation&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A major change that was made by the 42<sup>nd</sup> Constitutional Amendment was to give primacy to all Directive Principles over the Fundamental Rights contained in Articles 14, 19 or 31.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fundamental Duties</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The 42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act inserted Article 51-A to create a new part called IV-A in the Constitution, which prescribed the Fundamental Duties to the citizens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (44<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act, 1978</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A new provision was added to Article 74(1) saying that the President could require the council of ministers to reconsider its advice to him, either generally or otherwise and the President should Act in accordance with the advice tendered after such reconsideration.</li>
<li>It has been provided that an Emergency can be proclaimed only on the basis of written advice tendered to the President by the Cabinet.</li>
<li>Right to Property has been taken out from the list of Fundamental Rights and has been declared a legal right.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (73<sup>rd</sup> Amendment) Act, 1992</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A separate part IX has been added to the Constitution with the addition in Article 243A and a fresh Schedule called the Eleventh Schedule enumerating the powers and functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (74<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act, 1992</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies. After part VIII of the Constitution, a separate part IXA has been added to the Constitution with the addition in Article 243A and a fresh schedule called Twelfth schedule enumerating the powers and functions of urban local bodies has been incorporated.</li>
<li>The Act provides Municipal Panchayat, Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation, reservation of seats for SCs and STs in proportion to their population and one-third reservation of seats for women.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (101<sup>st</sup> Amendment) Act, 2017</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Introduced the Goods and Services Tax.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (102<sup>nd</sup> Amendment) Act, 2018</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Constitutional status to National Commission for Backward Classes</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (103<sup>rd</sup> Amendment) Act, 2019</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A maximum of 10% Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) of citizens of classes other than the classes mentioned in clauses (4) and (5) of Article 15, i.e. Classes other than socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1675720#:~:text=25.11.2020%20%7C%20Goa&amp;text=Constitution%20Day%20also%20known%20as,effect%20from%2026th%20January%201950." 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/the-constitution-day'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'National Organ Donation Day',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>National Organ Donation Day</strong> was celebrated on <strong>27<sup>th</sup> November</strong> by the <strong>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP)</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Provides financial grants for</strong> establishing ROTTOs, SOTTOs, developing new and upgrading existing retrieval and transplant centres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Organ Donation Institutional Set up:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-28th-november-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Organ &amp; Tissue Transplant Organisation</strong></a> (NOTTO), the <strong>Regional Organ &amp; Tissue Transplant Organisations</strong> (ROTTO) at regional level and the <strong>State Organ &amp; Tissue Transplant Organisations</strong> (SOTTO) at state level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State of Organ Donation in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India <strong>ranked third</strong> in the world as per<strong> WHO Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation</strong> (GODT) in terms of organ donation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Transplantation of Human Organs Act was passed in 1994 and subsequently amended in 2011 thus bringing in form<strong> Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011.</strong></li>
<li>It provides various regulations for the removal of human organs and its storage.</li>
<li>It also regulates the transplantation of human organs for<strong> therapeutic purposes</strong> and for the <strong>prevention of commercial dealings</strong> in human organs.</li>
<li><strong>Main Provisions</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The act recognises brain death identified as a form of the death process and defines criteria for brain death.</li>
<li>It provides <strong>regulatory and advisory bodies for monitoring transplantation activity.</strong></li>
<li>It also provides for <strong>maintenance of a registry of donors and recipients</strong> of human organs and tissues.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606556312_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606556312_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Initiatives such as <strong>Indian Organ Donation Day</strong> helps <strong>promote awareness and recognize the selfless contribution</strong> made by deceased donors to healthcare and mankind re-instill our faith in humanity.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1676491" 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/national-organ-donation-day'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'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>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dry-swab-rt-pcr-covid-19-test'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'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>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-vietnam-talks'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'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) 13 => [
			'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) 14 => [
			'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) 15 => [
			'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) 16 => [
			'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) 17 => [
			'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) 18 => [
			'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) 19 => [
			'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'
		]
	],
	'updates' => object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

		'(help)' => 'This is a Query object, to get the results execute or iterate it.',
		'sql' => 'SELECT articles.article_id AS `articles__article_id`, articles.category_id AS `articles__category_id`, articles.title AS `articles__title`, articles.description AS `articles__description`, articles.shortdescription AS `articles__shortdescription`, articles.featuredimage AS `articles__featuredimage`, articles.tag_id AS `articles__tag_id`, articles.secondary_tag AS `articles__secondary_tag`, articles.type AS `articles__type`, articles.publishon AS `articles__publishon`, articles.posturl AS `articles__posturl`, articles.metatitle AS `articles__metatitle`, articles.metadescription AS `articles__metadescription`, articles.metakeyword AS `articles__metakeyword`, articles.status AS `articles__status`, articles.sort_order AS `articles__sort_order`, articles.addedby AS `articles__addedby`, articles.updatedby AS `articles__updatedby`, articles.added AS `articles__added`, articles.modified AS `articles__modified`, articles.whatsnewid AS `articles__whatsnewid`, articles.display_printpdf AS `articles__display_printpdf`, articles.display_comments AS `articles__display_comments`, articles.pdf_name AS `articles__pdf_name`, articles.display_archive AS `articles__display_archive`, articles.star_rating AS `articles__star_rating`, articles.display_in_states AS `articles__display_in_states` FROM articles articles WHERE status = :c0 ORDER BY publishon desc LIMIT 10',
		'params' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'defaultTypes' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'decorators' => (int) 0,
		'executed' => false,
		'hydrate' => true,
		'buffered' => true,
		'formatters' => (int) 0,
		'mapReducers' => (int) 0,
		'contain' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'matching' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'extraOptions' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'repository' => object(App\Model\Table\ArticlesTable) {}
	
	},
	'page' => (int) 75,
	'search' => 'class',
	'totalPages' => (float) 336,
	'title' => 'Search'
]
$progress = []
$bookmarks = []
$notes = []
$mynote = []
$topdata = [
	(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/careers',
		'title' => 'We are hiring Full Time Content Developers, to know more, please click here.',
		'type' => (int) 1,
		'date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {},
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'news'
	
	}
]
$searchdata = []
$searchlist = [
	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Peacock Soft-shelled Turtle',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> Peacock soft-shelled turtle</strong> (a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-turtle-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>turtle</strong></a> of a<strong> vulnerable species</strong>) has been rescued from a fish market in<strong> Assam&rsquo;s Silchar.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606807873_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606807873_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> <em>Nilssonia hurum.</em></li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They have a <strong>large head, downturned snout</strong> with low and oval carapace of dark olive green to nearly black, sometimes with a yellow rim.</li>
<li>The<strong> head and limbs are olive green;</strong> the <strong>forehead has dark reticulations</strong> and large<strong> yellow or orange patches or spots,</strong> especially behind the eyes and across the snout.</li>
<li><strong>Males</strong> possess <strong>relatively longer and thicker tails</strong> than females.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Habitat:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This species is confined to<strong> India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.</strong></li>
<li>In india, it is widespread in the northern and <strong>central parts of the Indian subcontinent.</strong></li>
<li>These are found in <strong>rivers, streams, lakes and ponds with mud or sand bottoms.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Major Threats:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The species is <strong>heavily exploited for its meat and calipee</strong> (the outer cartilaginous rim of the shell).</li>
<li>Threats in the River Ganga to the species are those generic for all large river turtles, including <strong>reduction of fish stock,</strong> as a result of <strong>overfishing, pollution, increase in river traffic, and sand-mining,</strong> among others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conservation Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-conservation-of-migratory-species" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Protection Act, 1972</strong></a>: Schedule I</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IUCN Red List</strong></a>: Vulnerable</li>
<li><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CITES</strong></a>: Appendix I</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/professor-rescues-vulnerable-turtle-species-from-assam-fish-market-7074419/" 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/peacock-soft-shelled-turtle'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch (Pendrive Course)',
		'catname' => 'Online Courses',
		'desc' => '<section class="article-list">
<div class="feature-text" style="padding: 0px;">
<div class="online-pendrive-course online-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="content-block">
<div class="text-block">
<h2>IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch <br /><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #00008b;">(Pendrive Course)</span></h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Registration open</strong></li>
<!--<li><strong>Batch Starts</strong>: December 15, 2020.</li>-->
<li><strong>Mode</strong>: Pen Drive Course (Total 8 Pen Drives, one pen drive to be sent every month)</li>
<li><strong>Team</strong>: Team of best teachers led by Dr. Vikas Divyakirti.</li>
<li><strong>Course Size</strong>: 400+ classes of 1000+ hours. Full syllabus course starting at the very basic level.</li>
<li><strong>Course Validity</strong>: 3 years, Facility to see each class unlimited times.</li>
<li>A special concession of 20% in the fee for admission in General Studies Classroom Course at our any branch - Delhi, Prayagraj or Jaipur. (conditions apply)</li>
<li><strong>Other facilities</strong>: Printed Notes for all segments, 24 Main's Tests with evaluation facility, Current Affairs classes for 3 years, Prelims Test Series for 3 years, Monthly Magazine and personalized guidance for doubts for 3 years.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="red-block awake">
<h2>Special Discount</h2>
<p><strong>Fee: <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">₹ 1,00,000/- (including GST)</span> ₹ 90,000 (including GST).<br /></strong></p>
<p>For additional information related to this course, call <a href="tel:8010440440">8010440440</a> / <a href="tel:8010440440">7669806814</a>.</p>
<div class="btn-block"><a href="/gs-foundation-pendrive-courses-registration" class="btn red" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy Now</a>&nbsp;<a href="/gs-foundation-pendrive-courses-registration" class="btn blue" id="bookSession" rel="noopener" data-course="IAS General Studies: Prelims and Mains Foundation Batch(Pendrive Course)">Book Counseling Session</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- #end online pendrive course -->
<div class="why-pendrive-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="image-block"><img src="/drishti/img/online-banner2.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
<div class="content-block">
<h2><span style="color: #00008b;">Key Features of the Course</span></h2>
<ul style="display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2;">
<li>Teaching by the best teachers of the country under the leadership of Dr. Vikas Divyakirti. Ethics (complete syllabus) and Indian Constitution (main sections) to be taught by Dr. Vikas Divyakirti himself.</li>
<li>Total 1000+ hours of classes. <span>Facility to see each class unlimited times</span>. Validity of the course is for 3 years from the start of the batch.</li>
<li>Special emphasis on conceptual clarity and developing answer writing skills in classes. Practice and discussion of questions asked in the previous years&rsquo; as well as probable questions in upcoming exams.</li>
<li>A team of subject experts will be made available for clearing doubts. Provision of resolving doubts via regular online meetings also.</li>
<li>The following books / notes will be sent to your address as text material free of charge:
<ul>
<li>Printed booklets of notes for each section.</li>
<li>Our monthly magazine 'Drishti Current Affairs Today' for 3 years.</li>
<li>6 books of 'Prelims Practice Series' published by Drishti Publications to strengthen your prelims preparation (will be sent a few months after the start of the batch).</li>
<li>5 books of 'Mains Capsule' Series published by Drishti Publications to strengthen your Mains' preparation (will be sent a few months after the start of the batch).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Current Affairs Classes and Prelims Crash Course free for three years (online).</li>
<li>IAS Prelims Online Test Series free for 3 years. Total 30x3 = 90 Tests (75 Tests for General Studies and 15 for CSAT)</li>
<li>One or more Practice Tests from each section for Prelims and Mains. Test evaluation (for Mains) will be done by our academic support team.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!--<div class="imporant-info">
<div class="wrapper" style="background-color: #f9ffe4;"><strong><span style="color: #00008b; font-size: 22px;">-->
<div class="pendrive-feature-block">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="content-block">
<h2><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Process of Sending Pen Drives &amp; Notes</span></h2>
<ul>
<li>All pen drives and notes related to this course will be sent to you according to a fixed schedule. Since this batch will start from December 15, 2020, we will dispatch the first pen drive and the first set of notes by speed post or courier service by December 15. In 7-10 days (ie by 20-25 December) you will receive a pen drive and the first packet of notes. (Note: If you live at a place where it takes longer to reach the postal/courier services due to COVID-19 or other reasons, then it may take some extra time).</li>
<li>Initially, pen drives and notes are sent for the segments from which questions are asked in the prelims exam. After them, the topics of the main examination are covered. This sequence has been devised so that even the students taking prelims examination in 2021 are not inconvenienced in taking the exam.</li>
<li>A schedule will be sent to you along with the first packet mentioning the dates of sending all pen drives and notes.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="image-block"><img src="/hindi/drishti/img/feature-thumb-img.png" alt="" /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1REQI0jAqRA&amp;list=PLQpF--VlgguRCRkwkjnCsiVit9vTtSuLZ" class="icon-play" target="_blank" rel="noopener">play</a> <span>Demo classes available on YouTube. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="learning-program">
<div class="section-payment">
<div class="wrapper">
<h2>Payment Options</h2>
<div class="row">
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Cash Deposit</h4>
<p>You can deposit cash at our Drishti office, Find our address below</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />13/15, Tashkand Marg, Civil Lines (Near Patrika Chauraha), Prayagraj, <br />UP-211001</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="tel:011-47532596">011-47532596</a> <br />+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end -->
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Bank Transfer/Account Deposit</h4>
<p>VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd. <br /><strong>Account No.</strong> 36726486454,<br /><strong>Bank </strong>State Bank of India,<br /><strong>IFSC Code</strong> SBIN0018166, <br /><strong>MICR Code</strong> 110002563, Branch Code 18166 , <br /><strong>Branch</strong> - Mukherjee Nagar New Delhi-110009</p>
<p><span>Contact Details:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="phone">+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="/admin/articles/edit/1800-121-6260">1800-121-6260</a></li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end -->
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Demand Draft/Cheque</h4>
<p>Send your demand draft or local cheque of fee amount by registered post/courier at below address</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation, <br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="email"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end --></div>
<!-- end row --></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/online-classes/gs-foundation-batch-pendrive-course'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Implementing Forest Rights',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/forests/how-fra-helped-india-s-forest-communities-during-covid-19-74440" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;How FRA helped India&rsquo;s forest communities during COVID-19&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in Down to Earth on 27/11/2020. It talks about the implementation issues regarding the Forest Rights Act, 2006.</p>
</div>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>, like any other dimension, has had a drastic impact on forest communities. It caused losses of livelihoods and shelter, food insecurity, physical hardships, health-concerns and economic suffering.</p>
<p>In order to cope with the crisis, effective implementation of <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/forest-rights-act-2006" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, also known as Forest Rights Act (FRA)</a> </strong>assumes much importance.</p>
<p>FRA has the potential to secure the forest rights and address other issues of at least 200 million tribals (covering 50% of India&rsquo;s forest land). However, it is laxity in the implementation of the act that undermines fructification of the law, even after a decade and a half of its enactment.</p>
<h3>FRA &amp; Associated Issues</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s Forest Rights Act empowers the forest communities to use, manage and govern forests for their livelihood as well as for the conservation and protection of forests. But its poor implementation remains an issue.</li>
<li>The key reasons for poor implementation of FRA include: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lack of political commitment;</li>
<li>Lack of adequate human and financial resources with the Department of Tribal Affairs, which is the nodal agency for implementation of FRA;</li>
<li>The tussle with forest bureaucracy which influences decision at various levels;</li>
<li>Poor or non-functioning of district and sub-division level committees, which consider the claims filed by gram sabhas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It has been a decade and a half since the law was passed. However, only 13% of the 40 million ha has been demarcated under the FRA by the environment ministry.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This laxity in duly recording existing forest rights and the resultant tenurial insecurity is likely to increase vulnerability and more adversely impact livelihoods and food security of forest dwellers during the pandemic and after.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Issues Faced by the Forest Communities</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Absence of Social Infrastructure:</strong> The absence of healthcare facilities in tribal areas, with a prevalence of diseases and health concerns such as malnutrition, malaria, leprosy, etc, severely limited the capacities to deal with any major outbreak like Covid-19.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The poor access of tribal and forest dwellers to the<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> public distribution system</strong></a> was reported from all states.</li>
<li>There were also various reports of starvation from the tribal areas since they remain excluded from most of the benefits of the socio-economic scheme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Related to Minor Forest Produce:</strong> Mere granting of ownership over minor forest produce (MFPs) will not improve tribal livelihoods, as overall production of MFPs (except of tendu leaves) has fallen rapidly due to monoculture plantation by the forest department.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Silvicultural practices of plant species, such as teak (in place of sal), yields no recurrent product for gathering.</li>
<li>Moreover, the important MFPs continue to be &lsquo;nationalised&rsquo;, that is, these can be sold only to government agencies.</li>
<li>Further, the collection, use and sale of minor forest produce (MFP) by forest dwellers also got severely affected due to the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>PVTG Issue:</strong> The survival of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/particularly-vulnerable-tribal-groups" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>particularly vulnerable tribal groups</strong></a> (PVTG) living in remote and scattered geographical locations in India was another issue. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>PVTG have been the prime conservationists of deep forests and have managed the biodiversity of forests since ages.</li>
<li>Deep forests are a complex ecosystem encapsulating the grand narratives of resources, nature, biodiversity and lives.</li>
<li>Breaking this ecosystem would only intensify the dispossession, alienation of the communities, thereby adversely impacting the forests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dilution of EIA:</strong> Amid such hardships faced by tribal communities, the dilution of laws and policies under the theme of &lsquo;Self-Reliant India&rsquo; to boost the economy has increased resentment among them.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The recent announcements regarding the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/draft-eia-notification-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>dilution of Environment Impact Assessment</strong></a> and liberalisation of entry norms for private entities in the coal sector have increased tribal anger.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Implementing FRA in Letter &amp; Spirit:</strong> Implementing FRA will not only lead to the development of forest dwellers but also build a relationship of trust and bond between them and the government, thereby reducing land conflict, Naxalism and underdevelopment.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperative Federalism:</strong> Keeping in view the enormous economic, social and ecological benefits of individual and community forest management, the Centre in cooperation with State governments should implement the Forest Rights Act, 2006 in its right spirit.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, it is important that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs at the Central and State levels are strengthened with human and financial resources to help implement FRA on a mission mode.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reforming Forest Bureaucracy:</strong> Besides leveraging modern technology to map and monitor the implementation of FRA, the forest bureaucracy must also be reformed to serve as service providers to gram sabhas.</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening Market For MFP:</strong> There is a need to provide marketing and MSP support to non-timber forest products and create institutional mechanisms to support community forest enterprises for value addition.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the government should continue to provide technical support to the gram sabhas, so as to ensure not only higher production of MFPs but price support as provided to farmers so as to rejuvenate the tribal economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Rights recognised under FRA have helped to facilitate support for forest communities at various levels by overcoming constraints and crisis situations during times of wide-scale distress. However, a wider implementation of the law is what is the need of the hour.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5fcf5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Forest Rights Act-2006 remains crucial to secure rights of the forest dwellers and rejuvenation of the tribal economy. Discuss</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/implementing-forest-rights'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Hidden Epidemic',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why In News</h3>
<p>A new research published recently in <strong>Diabetologia</strong> (journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes) highlights the <strong>vulnerability of indian youth</strong> towards <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-diabetes-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>diabetes.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The research titled <strong>&ldquo;Lifetime risk of diabetes in metropolitan cities in India,&rsquo;&rsquo;</strong> was done by a team of authors in India, U.K. and U.S.,<strong> led by Shammi Luhar, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, U.K.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Findings of the study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than<strong> half of men</strong> (55%) and<strong> two thirds</strong> (65%) of <strong>women aged 20 years in India</strong> are more likely to develop diabetes, with most of those cases<strong> (around 95%)</strong> likely to be <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-diabetes-day-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>type 2 diabetes</strong></a> (T2D) in their lifetime.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Type 2 diabetes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It affects the way the body uses insulin. While the body still makes insulin, unlike in type I, the<strong> cells in the body do not respond</strong> to it as effectively as they once did.</li>
<li>The population with 45 and above age groups is the most affected with it.</li>
<li>This is the most common type of diabetes and it has strong links with obesity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Lifetime risk of developing diabetes in 20 year old men and women free of diabetes today is <strong>56% and 65%,</strong> respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Obesity</strong> has a significant impact on vulnerability to diabetes. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>86%</strong> higher among 20 year old women and <strong>87%</strong> among men of <strong>metropolitan area.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India currently has <strong>77 million adults who have diabetes</strong> and this number is <strong>expected to almost double to 134 million by 2045.</strong></li>
<li>Women generally<strong> had a higher lifetime risk of developing diabetes</strong> across their lifespan.</li>
<li>Remaining lifetime risk of developing diabetes<strong> declined with age.</strong> As per researchers, those <strong>currently aged 60 years and free of diabetes, </strong>are<strong> less likely to develop diabetes</strong> in their remaining life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sources of data for the study:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Sex and BMI-specific incidence rates</strong> of diabetes<strong> in urban India</strong> taken from the <strong>Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia (2010&ndash;2018);</strong></li>
<li><strong>age, sex and urban-specific rates of mortality</strong> from period lifetables reported by the <strong>Government of India</strong> (2014);</li>
<li>Prevalence of diabetes from the <strong>Indian Council for Medical Research India Diabetes study</strong> (2008&ndash;2015).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of high probabilities of developing diabetes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Overburdening of already<strong> strained health Infrastructure</strong> of the country.</li>
<li>Increase <strong>out-of-pocket expenditure</strong> on diabetes treatment by patients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Causes of such high incidences of diabetes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Urbanisation</li>
<li>Decreasing diet quality</li>
<li>Decreased levels of physical activity</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prevention or postponing diabetes by effective lifestyle modification, such as:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Following a healthy diet</li>
<li>Increasing physical activity</li>
<li>Reducing body weight in those who are obese or overweight</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606737640_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606737640_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="615" height="480" /></a></p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Diabetes</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Diabetes is a<strong> Non-Communicable Disease</strong> (NCD) that occurs either when the pancreas<strong> does not produce enough insulin</strong> (a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose), or when the<strong> body cannot effectively use</strong> the insulin it produces.</li>
<li>Types:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Type I diabetes:</strong> It is also known as<strong> juvenile diabetes</strong> (as it mostly affects children of age 14-16 years), this type occurs when the <strong>body fails to produce sufficient insulin.</strong> People with type I diabetes are <strong>insulin-dependent,</strong> which means they must take artificial insulin daily to stay alive.</li>
<li><strong>Gestational diabetes:</strong> This type occurs in women during pregnancy when the body sometimes <strong>becomes less sensitive to insulin.</strong> Gestational diabetes does not occur in all women and <strong>usually resolves after giving birth.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Diabetes affects the<strong> five major organs</strong> namely,<strong> Kidney, Heart, Blood vessels, Nervous System, and Eyes (retina).</strong></li>
<li>The factors responsible for the increase in diabetes are an <strong>unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, harmful use of alcohol, overweight/obesity, tobacco use, etc.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/lifetime-risk-of-diabetes-in-metropolitan-cities-is-alarming-warns-study/article33205315.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/hidden-epidemic'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'China’s New Dam on Brahmaputra',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Chinese authorities have given the go ahead for a <strong>Chinese hydropower company</strong> to construct the<strong> first downstream hydropower project</strong> on the lower reaches of the river<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-on-brahmaputra" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Brahmaputra</strong></a> (known as <strong>Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet</strong>).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728541_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728541_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Brahmaputra:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It originates under the name of <strong>Siang or Dihang,</strong> from the <strong>Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailash range near the Mansarovar lake.</strong> It enters India west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Tributaries:</strong> Dibang, Lohit, Siang, Burhi Dihing, Tista, and Dhansari.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is a<strong> perennial river</strong> and has <strong>several peculiar characteristics due to its geography and prevailing climatic conditions.</strong></li>
<li>It is<strong> flooded twice annually.</strong> One flood is caused by the<strong> melting of the Himalayan snow in summer</strong> and the <strong>other due to the monsoon flows.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> frequency</strong> of these floods have increased and are devastating due to climate change and its impact on high and low flows.</li>
<li>These <strong>pose a concern for the population and food security in the lower riparian states of India and Bangladesh.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The river is in itself <strong>dynamic as frequent landslides and geological activity force it to change course</strong> very often.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> state-owned</strong> hydropower company <strong>POWERCHINA</strong> signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/60-years-of-1959-tibetan-uprising" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tibet Autonomous Region</strong></a> (TAR) <strong>government</strong> to implement hydropower exploitation in the downstream of the Yarlung Zangbo river as part of the new <strong>Five Year Plan</strong> (2021-2025).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will be the<strong> first time the downstream sections of the river will be tapped.</strong> However, the<strong> location</strong> of the planned project <strong>has not been mentioned anywhere.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Great Bend of the Brahmaputra</strong> and the<strong> Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon in Medog county,</strong> where the river turns sharply to flow across the border into f <strong>Arunachal Pradesh could be the potential spot</strong> for the project. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This<strong> 50 km section</strong> alone offers a potential of developing <strong>70 million kilowatt hours</strong> (Kwh).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>China&rsquo;s Previous Projects:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>2015,</strong> China operationalised its<strong> first hydropower project at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dams-in-china-over-transboundary-rivers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zangmu in Tibet</a>,</strong> while three other dams at <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dams-in-china-over-transboundary-rivers" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dagu, Jiexu and Jiacha</strong></a> are being developed, all on the upper and middle reaches of the river.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728929_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606728929_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Importance of the Project for China:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> 60 million kWh hydropower</strong> exploitation could <strong>provide 300 billion kWh of clean, renewable and zero-carbon electricity annually.</strong></li>
<li>The project will play a significant role in realising China&rsquo;s goal of reaching a <strong>carbon emissions peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality till 2060.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has been expressing concerns on Brahmaputra<strong> since 2015</strong> when China operationalised its <strong>project at Zangmu.</strong></li>
<li>A dam at the <strong>Great Bend,</strong> if approved, would raise fresh concerns considering its <strong>location downstream and just across the border</strong> from Arunachal Pradesh.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For India, <strong>quantity of water is not an issue</strong> because these are run of the river dams and will not impact the Brahmaputra flow. More importantly, Brahmaputra is not entirely dependent on upstream flows and an estimated <strong>35% of its basin is in India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, India is concerned about the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-on-brahmaputra" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Chinese activities affecting the quality of water, ecological balance and the flood management.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-70-years-of-diplomatic-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India and China</strong> </a>do not have a water sharing agreement. Both nations share hydrological data so it becomes important to share genuine data and have continuous dialogue on issues like warning of droughts, floods and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/high-water-discharge-from-china-threatens-arunachal-assam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>high water discharges.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is required to go beyond the exchange of hydrological data and ask China for information on the topographic condition of the whole basin.</li>
<li>Any forward movement on ensuring hydro-security in the Brahmaputra basin would require a long-term understanding between the two countries. It is necessary for India to engage China in a sustained dialogue and secure a water-sharing treaty that serves the interests of both the countries.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-hydropower-company-plans-first-downstream-dam-on-brahmaputra/article33206687.ece#:~:text=China's%20media%20reported%20on%20Sunday,of%20the%20river%20with%20potential" 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/china-s-new-dam-on-brahmaputra'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Mission COVID Suraksha',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Government of India has announced the<strong> stimulus package of Rs. 900 crore</strong> for the <strong>Mission COVID Suraksha,</strong> the Indian Covid-19 Vaccine Development Mission, which will <strong>help the development process of the vaccine candidates.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Mission COVID Suraksha is India&rsquo;s <strong>targeted effort to enable the development of indigenous, affordable and accessible vaccines</strong> for the country and will complement the ongoing mission of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat.</strong></a></li>
<li>The Centre had announced this package during the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/economic-stimulus-iii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>third economic stimulus.</strong></a></li>
<li>The Mission with its <strong>end-to-end focus from preclinical development through clinical development and manufacturing and regulatory facilitation for deployment,</strong> would consolidate all available and funded resources towards accelerated product development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Grant:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Phase-I of the Mission has been allotted <strong>Rs. 900 Crore for a period of 12 months.</strong></li>
<li>The grant will be provided to the<strong> Department of Biotechnology</strong> (DBT) for Research and Development (R&amp;D) of Indian <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> vaccines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stakeholders:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will be<strong> led by DBT</strong> and implemented by a dedicated <strong>Mission Implementation Unit</strong> at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/making-india-a-biotech-hub" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council</strong></a> (BIRAC).</li>
<li>The existing activities under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-biopharma-mission#:~:text=The%20National%20Biopharma%20Mission%20(NBM,funded%20by%20World%20Bank%20loan." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Bio Pharma Mission</strong> </a>(NBM) and<strong> Ind-CEPI Mission</strong> will provide complementary strengths to this Mission.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The DBT is supporting the implementation of the Ind-CEPI Mission, &ldquo;Epidemic preparedness through rapid vaccine development: Support of Indian vaccine development aligned with the global initiative of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/thsti-part-of-vaccine-assessment-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations</strong></a> (CEPI)&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The Ind-CEPI Mission was approved in<strong> March 2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Accelerating pre-clinical and clinical development.</li>
<li>Licensure of Covid-19 vaccine candidates that are currently in clinical stages or ready to enter the clinical stage of development.</li>
<li>Establishing clinical trial sites.</li>
<li>Strengthening the existing central laboratories and suitable facilities for animal studies, production facilities and other testing facilities to support the vaccine development.</li>
<li>Supporting the development of common harmonized protocols, training, data management systems, regulatory submissions, internal and external quality management systems and accreditations.</li>
<li>Supporting capabilities for process development, cell line development and manufacturing of GMP batches for animal toxicology studies and clinical trials.</li>
<li>Developing suitable<strong> Target Product Profile</strong> so that vaccines being introduced through the mission have preferred characteristics applicable to India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vaccine Candidates:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A total of<strong> 10 vaccine candidates have been supported by DBT</strong> so far at both academia and industry and as on date and<strong> 5 vaccine candidates are in human trials.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/phase-ii-iii-clinical-trials-of-covishield" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covishield</strong></a>: The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pneumococcal-conjugate-vaccine-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Serum Institute of India</strong></a> (SII) is conducting the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/drugs-and-clinical-trials-rules-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>phase-3</strong></a> trial of the <strong>Oxford-Astrazeneca</strong> Covid-19 vaccine.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covaxin-approved-for-human-clinical-trials" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covaxin</strong></a>: The indigenously developed <strong>Bharat Biotech</strong> and 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) vaccine has already started the phase III clinical trial.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/clinical-trial-of-covid-19-vaccine-zycov-d" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ZyCoV-D</strong></a>: Indigenously developed vaccine by<strong> Zydus Cadila</strong> has completed the phase-2 clinical trial in the country.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/russian-covid-vaccine-sputnik-v" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sputnik V</strong></a>: The combined phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the<strong> Russian Covid-19 vaccine</strong> Sputnik V in India are about to get started.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pfizer-s-covid-19-vaccine-candidate#:~:text=India%20is%20preparing%20to%20administer,vaccine%20candidates%20in%20the%20future." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BNT162b2</strong></a>: India is focusing on training for conducting phase II and III human clinical trials of the <strong>Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine candidate</strong> along lines of India&rsquo;s regulatory mechanism.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Clinical Trials</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>systematic study to generate data for discovering or verifying the clinical and pharmacological profile</strong> (including pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic) or <strong>adverse effects</strong> of a new drug on humans.</li>
<li>It is the <strong>only way of establishing the safety and efficacy</strong> of any drug before its introduction in the market for human use and is preceded by animal trials where the efficacy and side effects are observed in animals and an estimated drug dose is established.</li>
<li>Clinical trials of drugs developed in India<strong> have to undergo all four phases of trials in India.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Phase I or clinical pharmacology trials or &ldquo;first in man&rdquo; study.</li>
<li>Phase II or exploratory trials.</li>
<li>Phase III or confirmatory trials.</li>
<li>Phase IV trials or post-marketing phase.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1676998" 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/mission-covid-suraksha'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'OTT Platforms',
		'catname' => 'Paper 3',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>The government has brought video streaming over-the-top (OTT) platforms under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. These platforms were so far under the purview of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.</p>
<h3>Over-The-Top Platforms</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>OTT or Over-the-Top platforms are audio and video hosting and streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar etc, which started out as content hosting platforms but soon branched out into the production and release of short movies, feature films, documentaries and web series themselves<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These platforms offer a range of content and use <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI)</strong></a> to suggest users the content they are likely to view based on their past viewership on the platform. </li>
<li>Most OTT platforms generally offer some content for free and charge a monthly subscription fee for premium content which is generally unavailable elsewhere. </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>OTT Platforms and India</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is currently the world&rsquo;s fastest growing OTT (over-the-top streaming) market, and is all set to emerge as the world&rsquo;s sixth-largest by 2024.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At present, the OTT platform&rsquo;s valuation stands at 35 billion INR, with nearly 500 million internet users, expected to grow at 8% per year. </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In January 2019, eight video streaming services had signed a self-regulatory code that laid down a set of guiding principles for content on these platforms which prohibited five types of content. This includes: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Content that deliberately and maliciously disrespects the national emblem or national flag.</li>
<li>Any visual or story line that promotes child pornography. </li>
<li>Any content that &ldquo;maliciously&rdquo; intends to outrage religious sentiments. </li>
<li>Content that &ldquo;deliberately and maliciously&rdquo; promotes or encourages terrorism.</li>
<li>Any content that has been banned for exhibition or distribution by law or court.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues with OTT Platforms</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Content regulation:</strong> There is no law or autonomous body to monitor and manage the digital contents provided on these OTT platforms and it is made available to the public at large without any filter or screening.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unlike television, print or radio which follow guidelines released by governments, OTT platforms classified as digital media or social media, had little to no regulation on the choice of content they offered, the subscription rates, certification for adult movies and others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Regulation of OTT Content</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In a move that will have a far-reaching impact, the Union government has brought Over The Top (OTT) platforms, or video streaming service providers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and others, under the ambit of the <strong>Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.</strong></li>
<li>The latest order covers &ldquo;Digital/Online Media&rdquo;, including &ldquo;films and audio-visual programmes made available by online content providers&rdquo; and &ldquo;news and current affairs content on online platforms&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It will give the government control over these platforms, which were unregulated till now as there is no law or autonomous body governing digital content.</li>
<li>Online content providers come under the legal framework of the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cyber-security#:~:text=Information%20Technology%20Act%2C%202000,Hacking%20with%20computer%20system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Information Technology Act 2000</strong></a> but, unlike print and broadcast media, were not directly under any Ministry.</li>
<li>However, there are no details yet on how the government will regulate it. But it is learnt that the Programme Code that governs content on TV and which found an outlet in the Cable Television Network Regulation Act, 1995, may serve as a template to frame rules for online content.</li>
<li><strong>Impact of regulation:</strong> The regulation of OTT could also mean that these platforms would have to apply for certification and approval of the content they wish to stream.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This in itself could give rise to many conflicts as most OTT platforms have content that could otherwise be censored by the certification boards in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Digital Awareness:</strong> Consumers should be made aware of the impacts of their streaming and realise if there is really a need to watch these videos multiple times. Every video viewed consumes energy every time. Rather watching the video with a group can save energy. </li>
<li><strong>Viewers&rsquo; Responsibility:</strong> The purpose of creating laws for the OTT content is to prevent the underage people from watching certain contents. Ensuring on our part that kids in our home do not access such contents can help fulfill the very purpose.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/paper3/ott-platforms'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Checks & Balances',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/the-red-lines-narendra-modi-7069676/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The Red Lines&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 27/11/2020. It talks about the issues and solutions related to the principle of checks and balances in Indian Polity.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-on-one-nation-one-election" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>All India Presiding Officers Conference</strong></a> was conducted at Kevadia in Gujarat. The conference discussed many issues largely on the theme of harmonious coordination between the legislature, executive, and judiciary.</p>
<p>At the conference, the Prime Minister of India highlighted the ethos of separation of powers and checks &amp; balances that are built into the Indian constitutional design.</p>
<p>However, recently <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/parliamentary-reforms-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>there are many instances</strong></a> which undermine the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-673" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>doctrine of separation of powers and weakens the system of checks &amp; balances.</strong></a> This loss of integrity may erode people&rsquo;s trust in the functioning of the government.</p>
<h3>The Doctrine of Separation of Powers</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Separation of powers is the division of the legislative, executive, and judicial functions of government.</li>
<li>Since the sanction of all three branches is required for the making, executing, and administering of laws, it minimises the possibility of arbitrary excesses by the government.</li>
<li>The constitutional demarcation precludes the concentration of excessive power by any branch of the government.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Instruments of Checks &amp; Balances</h3>
<p><strong>Legislature Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Judiciary:</strong> Impeachment and the removal of the judges. Power to amend laws declared ultra vires by the Court and revalidating it.</li>
<li><strong>On Executive:</strong> Through a no-confidence vote it can dissolve the Government. Power to assess works of the executive through the question hour and zero hour. Impeachment of the President.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Executive Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Judiciary:</strong> Making appointments to the office of Chief Justice and other judges.</li>
<li><strong>On Legislature:</strong> Powers under delegated legislation. Authority to make rules for regulating their respective procedure and conduct of business subject to the provisions of this Constitution.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Judicial Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On Executive: <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/13-04-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Judicial review</a></strong> i.e. the power to review executive action to determine if it violates the Constitution.</li>
<li><strong>On Legislature:</strong> Unamendability of the constitution under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution#:~:text=The%20Constitutional%20Bench%20in%20Kesavananda,essential%20features%20of%20the%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>basic structure doctrine</strong> </a>pronounced by the Supreme Court in Kesavananda Bharati Case 1973.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Weakening System of Checks &amp; Balances</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Weakened Opposition in India:</strong> Democracy works on the principle of checks and balances. It is these checks and balances that prevent democracy from turning into majoritarianism.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In a Parliamentary system, these checks and balances are provided by the opposition party.</li>
<li>However, the majority of a single party in the Lok Sabha has diminished the role of an effective opposition in the Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Weakened Legislature Scrutiny:</strong> According to data by PRS Legislative Research, while 60% of the Bills in the 14<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha and 71% in the 15<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha were referred to Department-related Standing Committees (DRSCs) concerned, this proportion came down to 27% in the 16<sup>th</sup> Lok Sabha.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Apart from the DRSCs, there are negligible bills referred to Select Committees of the Houses or Joint Parliamentary Committees.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judiciary Being Averse to Checks &amp; Balances:</strong> The Supreme Court has held the 99th constitutional amendment, which provided for the establishment of the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-94" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Judicial Appointments Commission</strong> </a>as ultra-vires.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) could guarantee the independence of the system from inappropriate politicization, strengthen the quality of appointments, enhance the fairness of the selection process, promote diversity in the composition of the judiciary, and rebuild public confidence in the system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Judicial Activism:</strong> In many recent judgments, the Supreme Court has become hyper-activist in making judgements that are deemed as laws and rules. This transgresses the domain of legislature and executive.</li>
<li><strong>Executive Excesses:</strong> Executive in India is alleged of over-centralisation of power, weakening of public institutions like CIC &amp; RTI and passing laws to strengthen law, order &amp; security of the state but curbs freedom of expression as well like UAPA.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Introducing Legislative Impact Assessment (LIA):</strong> A detailed framework for pre and post-legislative Impact Assessment was needed whereby every legislative proposal is evaluated on account of social, economic, environmental and administrative impact for wider awareness.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A new Legislation Committee of Parliament to oversee and coordinate legislative planning should be constituted.</li>
<li>This can check any overreach by the executive that may curb the civil liberties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthen the Role of the Opposition:</strong> In order to strengthen the role of the opposition, the institution of shadow cabinet can be formed in India.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Shadow Cabinet</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>&lsquo;Shadow Cabinet&rsquo; is a unique institution of the British cabinet system.</li>
<li>It is formed by the opposition party to balance the ruling cabinet and to prepare its members for future ministerial office.</li>
<li>In such a system each action of Cabinet Minister must be countersigned by the minister in the shadow cabinet.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Judiciary Should Lead By Example:</strong> Supreme Court is the custodian of the constitution that checks any overreach by legislature and executive. Therefore, the judiciary should lead to the adherence of maintaining constitutional morality by proactively making the collegium system transparent.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Until a better mechanism is evolved, the Supreme court can take steps to make collegium more transparent and accountable to make it&rsquo;s functioning democratic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Repeated interventions of one organ into another's functioning can diminish the faith of the people in the integrity, quality, and efficiency of the other organs. It also undermines the spirit of democracy as too much accumulation of powers in organs of government undermines the principle of check and balance.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffdf2;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Repeated interventions of one organ into another's functioning can diminish the faith of the people in a democracy. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NDiHWatgxRU" 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/vexatious-dragon-resolute-india-strong-india-to-keep-chinas-rise-peaceful/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Vexatious Dragon, Resolute India: Strong India, to keep China&rsquo;s rise peaceful&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Economic Times on November 26th, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/checks-balances-1'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'The Constitution Day',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently on 26<sup>th</sup> November, <strong>71<sup>st</sup> constitution day</strong> was celebrated in the country. Every year as part of the celebrations, a number of activities aimed<strong> at highlighting and reiterating the values and principles enshrined in the Constitution</strong> are organised.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Constitution Day or Samvidhan Diwas</strong> is also known as <strong>National Law Day.</strong> The day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India <strong>formally adopted the Constitution of India that came into force on 26 January 1950.</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment</strong> on 19 November, 2015, notified the decision of the Government of India to celebrate 26 November as 'Constitution Day'.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Facts about the Constitution of India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The framing of the Constitution took over <strong>2 years, 11 months and 18 days.</strong></li>
<li>The original copies of the Indian Constitution <strong>weren&rsquo;t typed or printed. They have been handwritten</strong> and are now kept in a helium-filled case within the library of the Parliament.</li>
<li><strong>Prem Bihari Narain Raizada</strong> had written the unique copies of the Structure of India.</li>
<li>Originally, the Constitution of India was written in English and Hindi.</li>
<li>The Constitution of India has borrowed some of its features from a number of countries, including Britain, Ireland, Japan, USA, South Africa, Germany, Australia, and Canada.</li>
<li>The basic structure of the Indian Constitution stands on the <strong>Government of India Act, 1935.</strong></li>
<li>World's lengthiest Constitution</li>
<li>Federal System with Unitary Features</li>
<li>Parliamentary Form of Government</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 1934, <strong>M N Roy</strong> first proposed the idea of a <strong>constituent assembly.</strong> Under the <strong>Cabinet Mission plan</strong> of 1946, elections were held for the formation of the constituent assembly.</li>
<li><strong>Drafting Committee:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Drafting Committee had seven members: Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, N. Gopalaswami, B.R. Ambedkar, K.M Munshi, Mohammad Saadulla, B.L. Mitter and D.P. Khaitan.</li>
<li>At its first meeting on 30<sup>th</sup> August 1947, the Drafting Committee elected <strong>B.R Ambedkar</strong> as its Chairman.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Constitutional Amendment</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>First Amendment Act, 1951</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Provided for the saving of laws providing for the acquisition of estates, etc.</li>
<li>Added<strong> Ninth Schedule</strong> to protect the land reforms and other laws included in it from the judicial review. After Article 31, Articles 31A and 31B were inserted.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Second and Seventh schedules were substantially amended for the purpose of the States Reorganization Act.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment) Act, 1976</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The major Amendments made in the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act are:</li>
<li><strong>Preamble</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The characterization of India as &lsquo;Sovereign Democratic Republic&rsquo; has been changed to &lsquo;Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic&rsquo;.</li>
<li>The words &lsquo;Unity of the nation&rsquo; have been changed to &lsquo;Unity and integrity of the nation&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A major change that was made by the 42<sup>nd</sup> Constitutional Amendment was to give primacy to all Directive Principles over the Fundamental Rights contained in Articles 14, 19 or 31.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fundamental Duties</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The 42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act inserted Article 51-A to create a new part called IV-A in the Constitution, which prescribed the Fundamental Duties to the citizens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (44<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act, 1978</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A new provision was added to Article 74(1) saying that the President could require the council of ministers to reconsider its advice to him, either generally or otherwise and the President should Act in accordance with the advice tendered after such reconsideration.</li>
<li>It has been provided that an Emergency can be proclaimed only on the basis of written advice tendered to the President by the Cabinet.</li>
<li>Right to Property has been taken out from the list of Fundamental Rights and has been declared a legal right.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (73<sup>rd</sup> Amendment) Act, 1992</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A separate part IX has been added to the Constitution with the addition in Article 243A and a fresh Schedule called the Eleventh Schedule enumerating the powers and functions of Panchayati Raj Institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (74<sup>th</sup> Amendment) Act, 1992</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act provides constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies. After part VIII of the Constitution, a separate part IXA has been added to the Constitution with the addition in Article 243A and a fresh schedule called Twelfth schedule enumerating the powers and functions of urban local bodies has been incorporated.</li>
<li>The Act provides Municipal Panchayat, Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation, reservation of seats for SCs and STs in proportion to their population and one-third reservation of seats for women.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (101<sup>st</sup> Amendment) Act, 2017</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Introduced the Goods and Services Tax.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (102<sup>nd</sup> Amendment) Act, 2018</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Constitutional status to National Commission for Backward Classes</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Constitution (103<sup>rd</sup> Amendment) Act, 2019</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A maximum of 10% Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) of citizens of classes other than the classes mentioned in clauses (4) and (5) of Article 15, i.e. Classes other than socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1675720#:~:text=25.11.2020%20%7C%20Goa&amp;text=Constitution%20Day%20also%20known%20as,effect%20from%2026th%20January%201950." 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/the-constitution-day'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'National Organ Donation Day',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>National Organ Donation Day</strong> was celebrated on <strong>27<sup>th</sup> November</strong> by the <strong>Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP)</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Provides financial grants for</strong> establishing ROTTOs, SOTTOs, developing new and upgrading existing retrieval and transplant centres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Organ Donation Institutional Set up:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-28th-november-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Organ &amp; Tissue Transplant Organisation</strong></a> (NOTTO), the <strong>Regional Organ &amp; Tissue Transplant Organisations</strong> (ROTTO) at regional level and the <strong>State Organ &amp; Tissue Transplant Organisations</strong> (SOTTO) at state level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>State of Organ Donation in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India <strong>ranked third</strong> in the world as per<strong> WHO Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation</strong> (GODT) in terms of organ donation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Transplantation of Human Organs Act was passed in 1994 and subsequently amended in 2011 thus bringing in form<strong> Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011.</strong></li>
<li>It provides various regulations for the removal of human organs and its storage.</li>
<li>It also regulates the transplantation of human organs for<strong> therapeutic purposes</strong> and for the <strong>prevention of commercial dealings</strong> in human organs.</li>
<li><strong>Main Provisions</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The act recognises brain death identified as a form of the death process and defines criteria for brain death.</li>
<li>It provides <strong>regulatory and advisory bodies for monitoring transplantation activity.</strong></li>
<li>It also provides for <strong>maintenance of a registry of donors and recipients</strong> of human organs and tissues.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606556312_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1606556312_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Initiatives such as <strong>Indian Organ Donation Day</strong> helps <strong>promote awareness and recognize the selfless contribution</strong> made by deceased donors to healthcare and mankind re-instill our faith in humanity.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1676491" 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/national-organ-donation-day'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'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>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dry-swab-rt-pcr-covid-19-test'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'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>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-vietnam-talks'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'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) 13 => [
		'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) 14 => [
		'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) 15 => [
		'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) 16 => [
		'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) 17 => [
		'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) 18 => [
		'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) 19 => [
		'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'
	]
]
$updates = object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

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

}
$page = (int) 75
$search = 'class'
$totalPages = (float) 336
$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
$month = 'December'

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

Achievers Corner

Prelims

Mains & Interview

Current Affairs

Drishti Specials

Free Downloads

Test Series

Videos

Search

Search list matched with tags “class”