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Deforestation Rate Declined

Why in News According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 (FRA 2020) report, the rate of forest loss has declined in the period of...

15 May 2020 News Analysis
COBAS 6800 Testing Machine

Why in News The Union Health Minister inaugurated the first automated coronavirus testing device named ‘COBAS 6800’. This is the...

15 May 2020 News Analysis
Constitutional Morality

Introduction According to Dr. Ambedkar, Constitutional morality would mean effective coordination between conflicting interests of different...

14 May 2020 Paper 2
Covid-19 and Indian Federalism

This article is based on “Reaffirm cooperative federalism” which was published in The Hindu on 13/05/2020. It talks about the nature of...

14 May 2020 News Editorials
Energy Transition Index: WEF

Why in News Recently, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has released the annual rankings of the global Energy Transition Index. The index benchmarks...

14 May 2020 News Analysis
Integrated Battle Groups

Why in News Recently, the Army chief said that a comprehensive testing of the Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) has concluded but its roll out has...

14 May 2020 News Analysis
Economic Stimulus-I

Why in News Recently, the Union Finance Minister announced liquidity measures for businesses, especially Micro, Small and Medium enterprises...

14 May 2020 News Analysis
Revenue Loss to States

Why in News According to estimates from the India Ratings and Research (a credit rating agency), the Covid-19 lockdown has caused 21 major States to...

14 May 2020 News Analysis
National Biomedical Resource Indigenization Consortium

Why in News Recently, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has launched a National Biomedical Resource Indigenization Consortium (NBRIC) to drive...

14 May 2020 News Analysis
US-Israel Talks on West Bank Annexation

Why in News Recently, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Israel's plans to annex parts of...

14 May 2020 News Analysis
Direct Seeding of Rice

Why in News Due to labour shortage in two granary states of Punjab and Haryana, farmers are now being encouraged to adopt ‘Direct Seeding of...

14 May 2020 News Analysis
Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Panchayati Raj

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is responsible for the work of advocacy, monitoring and implementation of 73rd Constitutional Amendment. The...

13 May 2020 Paper 2
Revival of Non-Alignment Movement

This article is based on “What’s in a NAM?” which was published in The Indian Express on 11/05/2020. It talks about the relevance...

13 May 2020 News Editorials
PRS Capsule March 2020

Key Highlights of PRS COVID-19 Lockdown notified in the country Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to Provide Relief Against COVID-19 RBI Announces...

13 May 2020 PRS Capsule
Aarogya Setu Data Access and Knowledge Sharing Protocol

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued ‘Aarogya Setu Data Access and Knowledge...

13 May 2020 News Analysis
Global Nutrition Report 2020

Why in News The Global Nutrition Report 2020 stated that India is among 88 countries that are likely to miss global nutrition targets by 2025. It...

13 May 2020 News Analysis
“RESTART” Conference

Why in News A digital conference on ‘Rebooting the Economy through Science, Technology, and Research Translations (RESTART)’ was...

13 May 2020 News Analysis
Atmanirbhar Bharat and Economic Stimulus

Why in News Recently, the Prime Minister has announced the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (or Self-reliant India Mission)’ with an economic...

13 May 2020 News Analysis
GI Tag to Two Products

Why in News Recently, Jharkhand’s Sohrai Khovar painting and Telangana’s Telia Rumal have been given the Geographical Indication (GI)...

13 May 2020 News Analysis
Labour Laws and Covid-19

This article is based on “Contempt for labour: On dilution of labour laws” which was published in The Hindu on 08/05/2020. It talks...

12 May 2020 News Editorials

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		(int) 0 => [
			'title' => 'Deforestation Rate Declined',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to the <strong>Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 (FRA 2020) report,</strong> the rate of forest loss has declined in the period of 1990-2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The FRA is released by the <strong>United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).</strong></li>
<li>The FRA 2020 is <strong>based on the assessment</strong> of more than<strong> 60 forest-related variables in 236 countries</strong> and territories in the period of 1990&ndash;2020.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Total forest area:</strong> The world&rsquo;s total forest area is 4.06 billion hectares (bha), which is 31% of the total land area. This area is equivalent to 0.52 hectares per person.</li>
<li><strong>Top countries in forest cover &mdash;</strong> the <strong>Russian Federation, Brazil, Canada, the United States of America and China</strong> constituted more than 54% of the world&rsquo;s forests.</li>
<li><strong>Forest loss:</strong> According to the report, the <strong>world has lost 178 million hectares (mha) of forest since 1990,</strong> an area the size of Libya.</li>
<li><strong>Decline in rate of forest loss:</strong> The rate of net forest loss decreased substantially during the period of 1990&ndash;2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was 7.8 mha per year in the decade 1990&ndash;2000, 5.2 mha per year in 2000&ndash;2010 and 4.7 mha per year in 2010&ndash;2020.</li>
<li>This is due to a <strong>reduction in deforestation in some countries,</strong> plus <strong>increases in forest area in others</strong> through afforestation and the <strong>natural expansion of forests.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Areas that witnessed forest loss: Africa</strong> had the <strong>largest annual rate of net forest loss</strong> in 2010&ndash;2020, at 3.9 mha, <strong>followed by South America,</strong> at 2.6 mha.</li>
<li><strong>Areas that witnessed forest gain: Asia</strong> had the <strong>highest net gain of forest area</strong> in 2010&ndash;2020, <strong>followed by Oceania and Europe.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, Oceania experienced net losses of forest area in the decades 1990&ndash;2000 and 2000&ndash;2010.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types of forest loss:</strong> The largest proportion of the world&rsquo;s forests are tropical (45%), followed by <strong>boreal, temperate and subtropical.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Naturally regenerating forest areas</strong> worldwide <strong>decreased</strong> since 1990, but the area of <strong>planted forests has</strong> increased.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Plantation forest</strong> cover is 131 mha, about 3% of the global forest area.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>highest percent</strong> of plantation forests are in <strong>South America</strong> while the <strong>lowest are in Europe.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protected forest areas</strong> worldwide estimate around 726 mha. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>South America</strong> has the highest share of forests in protected areas, at 31%.</li>
<li>The protected forest areas increased by 191 mha since 1990.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Forest Resources Assessment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The FRA presents a comprehensive view of the world&rsquo;s forests and the ways in which the resource is changing.</li>
<li>It supports the development of sound policies, practices and investments affecting forests and forestry.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Food and Agriculture Organization is an <strong>agency of the</strong> <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.</li>
<li>FAO is also a source of knowledge and information and helps developing countries and countries in transition to modernize and<strong> improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition and food security</strong> for all.</li>
<li><strong>Formation:</strong> 16<sup>th</sup> October 1945</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Rome, Italy</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/forests/deforestation-rate-globally-declined-between-2015-and-2020-fao-report-71107" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'COBAS 6800 Testing Machine',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Union Health Minister inaugurated the first automated<strong> coronavirus testing device named &lsquo;COBAS 6800&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is the first such testing machine that has been procured by the Government for testing of Covid-19 cases and is installed at the<strong> National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>COBAS 6800 is a <strong>fully automated,</strong> high end machine for performing <strong>Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing for Covid-19.</strong></li>
<li>It will provide <strong>quality, high-volume testing</strong> as it can test around 1200 samples in 24 hours. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will largely increase the testing capacity in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is a sophisticated machine <strong>enabled with robotics that minimizes the chance of contamination</strong> as well as the risk of infection to the health care workers.</li>
<li>The machine requires a minimum <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sequencing-novel-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Biosafety Level 2</strong></a> (BSL2+) containment level for testing, thus it was placed at the NCDC.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BSL2+ covers laboratories that work with agents associated with human diseases (i.e. pathogenic or infectious organisms) that pose a moderate health hazard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The device<strong> can also detect other pathogens</strong> like Viral Hepatitis B &amp; C, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hiv-aids-outreach" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-tuberculosis-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mycobacterium Tuberculosis</strong></a>, Papilloma, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, Chlamydia (a bacterial infection), Neisseria (bacteria) etc.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Centre for Disease Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), formerly the <strong>National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD),</strong> had its origin as the Central Malaria Bureau, established at Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh) in 1909.</li>
<li>NICD was transformed into the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) with a larger mandate of controlling emerging and re-emerging diseases in <strong>2009.</strong></li>
<li>It functions as the <strong>nodal agency</strong> in the country for <strong>disease surveillance, facilitating prevention and control of communicable diseases.</strong></li>
<li>It is also a national level institute for <strong>training specialized manpower</strong> for public health, laboratory sciences and entomological services and is involved in various applied research activities.</li>
<li>The Institute is under <strong>administrative control of the Director General of Health Services,</strong> Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</li>
<li>The Institute has its headquarters in <strong>Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1623782" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cobas-6800-testing-machine'
		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Constitutional Morality',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to Dr. Ambedkar, Constitutional morality would mean effective coordination between conflicting interests of different people and the administrative cooperation to resolve them amicably without any confrontation amongst the various groups working for the realization of their ends at any cost.</li>
<li>Constitutional morality has been regarded as a paramount reverence for the constitution.</li>
<li>Constitutional morality provides a principled understanding for unfolding the work of governance. It specifies norms for institutions to survive and an expectation of behaviour that will meet not just the text but the soul of the Constitution. It also makes the governing institutions and representatives accountable.</li>
<li>Constitutional Morality is scarcely a new concept. It is written largely in the Constitution itself like in the section of <strong>Fundamental Rights</strong> (Article 12 to 35), <strong>Directive Principle of State Policy</strong> (Article 36 to 51), <strong>Preamble </strong>and<strong> Fundamental duties.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Elements of constitutional morality</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589460545_Constitutional%20morality (Infograph 14-5-2020) With logo-02-01.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589460545_Constitutional morality (Infograph 14-5-2020) With logo-02-01.png" width="700" height="438" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Supreme Court's Judgements and Constitutional Morality</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Constitutional morality is not limited only to following the constitutional provisions literally but is based on values like individual autonomy and liberty; equality without discrimination; recognition of identity with dignity; the right to privacy.</li>
<li>Constitutional morality means adherence to the core principles of constitutional democracy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For Example: In <strong>Supreme Court&rsquo;s Sabarimala verdict</strong> religious freedom, gender equality and the right of women to worship guaranteed<strong> under Article 14, 21 and 25</strong> of the Constitution was reinstated which struck down the practice of banning entry of women of a certain age to the Sabarimala temple in Kerala as unconstitutional.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Constitutional morality here went against social morality that discriminates against women based on biological reasons like menstruation.</li>
<li>Other Judgments by the Supreme Court defining Constitutional Morality:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kesavananda Bharati Case</strong></a>, the Supreme Court restricted the power of the Parliament to violate the Basic Structure of the Constitution.</li>
<li>In the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-decriminalizes-homosexuality" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Naz Foundation case</strong></a>, the Supreme Court opined that only Constitutional Morality and not Public Morality should prevail.</li>
<li>In <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-judgement-on-delhi-centre-tussle" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lt Governor of Delhi case</strong></a>, SC proclaimed constitutional morality as a governing ideas that "highlight the need to preserve the trust of people in the institution of democracy.</li>
<li>In Sabarimala case, the Supreme Court bypassed the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/supreme-court-on-religious-practices" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;doctrine of essentiality&rdquo;</a></strong> to uphold the Constitutional morality</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Constitutional morality <strong>ensures the establishment of rule of law in the land</strong> while integrating the changing aspirations and ideals of the society.</li>
<li>Constitutional morality as a governing ideal that <strong>highlights the need to preserve the trust of the people in institutions of democracy.</strong> As such an ideal, it allows people to cooperate and coordinate to pursue constitutional aspirations that cannot be achieved single-handedly.</li>
<li>Constitutional morality<strong> can use laws and forms to impact and change the persisting social morality.</strong> For example, by abolishing the practice of Sati by legislation, the right to dignity and life was passed on to the widows which later on affected the perception of the practice in the society.</li>
<li>Constitutional morality <strong>recognises plurality and diversity in society and tries to make individuals and communities in the society more inclusive</strong> in their functioning by constantly providing the scope for improvement and reforms. For example in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, the SC provided a framework to reaffirm the rights of LGBTQ and all gender non-conforming people to their dignity, life, liberty, and identity.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Concerns</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The term has not been clearly defined by the SC, which leaves the scope of its subjective interpretation by the individual judges.</li>
<li>This top-down approach to morality can affect the possibility of organic emergence of the solutions to the persisting ethical problems in society.</li>
<li>Violates the principle of separation of powers: It establishes judicial supremacy over parliamentary supremacy. Against the very principle of democratic government.</li>
<li>It is claimed that the application of this doctrine amounts to judicial overreach and are thereby pitting <strong>&ldquo;constitutional morality&rdquo;</strong> against <strong>&ldquo;societal/popular morality&rdquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Need to Uphold Constitutional Morality</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The central elements of constitutional morality are <strong>freedom and self-restraint.</strong> Self-restraint was a precondition for maintaining freedom under a proper constitutional government. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To uphold constitutional morality, the constitutional methods must be used for achieving social and economic objectives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Commitment to the <strong>ideals and aspirations of the Constitution.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Awareness creation</strong> among the common public regarding their rights which are protected by the Constitution.</li>
<li>Following the Fundamental Duties while exercising Fundamental Rights.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Constitutional Morality is a sentiment to be cultivated in the minds of a responsible citizen. Upholding constitutional morality is not just the duty of Judiciary or state but also of individuals. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The preamble of the constitution explicitly mentions the type of society we wish to establish; it is only through constitutional morality it can become reality.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The progressive and monumental precedents have been set-up by the judiciary in the past few years, where this doctrine has been applied especially in relation to the cases of gender-justice, institutional propriety, social uplift, checking majoritarianism and other such evils.</li>
</ul>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/constitutional-morality'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'Covid-19 and Indian Federalism',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/reaffirm-cooperative-federalism/article31567966.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Reaffirm cooperative federalism&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 13/05/2020. It talks about the nature of Indian federalism and federal issues accentuated during the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>
</div>
<p>India&rsquo;s success in defeating <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> actively rests upon Centre-State collaboration. However, some recent developments have revealed fissures in Centre-State cooperation.</p>
<p>As it is the States which act as first responders to the pandemic, supplying them with adequate funds and autonomy becomes a prerequisite in effectively tackling the crisis.</p>
<p>This requires the Centre to view the States as equals, and strengthen their capabilities, instead of increasing their dependence upon itself.</p>
<p>In this context, Covid-19 poses a litmus test for the federal structure of India, whose nature is already a matter of debate amongst constitutional experts.</p>
<h3>Nature of Indian federal structure</h3>
<p>Federalism traditionally signifies the independence of the Union and State governments of a country, in their respective spheres. However, due to the centralising tendency of Indian federalism, K C Wheare referred to it as <strong>&ldquo;Quasi federal&rdquo;.</strong></p>
<p>Similarly other constitutional experts describe it as,<strong> &ldquo;federation without federalism&rdquo;</strong> and &ldquo;a<strong> Union of Unequal States&rdquo;,</strong> particularly the way it has evolved over the years.</p>
<p><strong>Features of Indian Federation that reflects a Centralising Tendency</strong></p>
<p><strong>Inequitable Division of Power</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The division of powers is in favour of the Centre and highly inequitable from that of a true federation.</li>
<li>The Union List contains more numbers and important subjects (like defence, currency, external affairs, citizenship, railways) than the State List.</li>
<li>Also, the Centre has overriding authority over the Concurrent List and the residuary powers have also been left with the Centre.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>No Territorial Integrity with States</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Parliament can by unilateral action change the area, boundaries or name of any state (Article 3 of Indian constitution).</li>
<li>Indian federalism is described as an <strong>indestructible union of destructive states.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Flexibility of the Constitution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Constitution of India embodies not only the powers of the Centre but also those of the states.</li>
<li>Further, the bulk of the Constitution can be amended by the unilateral action of the Parliament and the power to initiate an amendment to the Constitution lies only with the Centre.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Emergency Provisions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During an emergency, the Central government becomes all-powerful and the states go into the total control of the Centre.</li>
<li>It converts the federal structure into a unitary one without a formal amendment of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Appointment of Governor</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The governor is the head of the state but is appointed by the President. He holds office during the pleasure of the President.</li>
<li>In this capacity, he/she acts as an agent of the Centre.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Integrated Constitutional Offices</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian constitution provides for an integrated audit machinery (such as CAG), election commission (such as ECI) and states have no control over these offices.</li>
<li>Also, features like Single Citizenship, Integrated Judiciary and All India Services also signifies centralising tilt.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Federal Issues Accentuated During the Pandemic</h3>
<p><strong>Lack of Finances with the States</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Due to the Covid-19 induced lockdown, the sources of states&rsquo; revenue have collapsed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Majority of states&rsquo; revenue comes from liquor sales, stamp duty from property transactions and the sales tax on petroleum products.</li>
<li>However, their expenditure such as on interest payments, social sector schemes and staff salaries remain unchanged.</li>
<li>Moreover, states are now called upon to spend more on beefing up their health infrastructure and on Covid-19 measures, including testing, treatment and quarantining.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>States&rsquo; GST collections have also been severely affected with their dues still not disbursed by the Centre.</li>
<li>According to the FRBM Act, states cannot borrow from the market over a certain limit.</li>
<li>Further, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-cares-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM-CARES relief fund</strong></a> has been put under the ambit of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/corporate-social-responsibility-csr-expenditure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</strong></a> contributions. However, contributions to the &lsquo;Chief Minister&rsquo;s Relief Fund&rsquo; or &lsquo;State Relief Fund for Covid-19&rsquo; do not qualify as admissible CSR expenditure.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This directly disincentives donations to any Chief Minister&rsquo;s Relief Fund; diverts crores in potential State revenues to PM-CARES; and makes the States largely dependent upon the Centre.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Furthermore, the suspension of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mplad-scheme-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MPLADS</strong></a> and diversion of the funds to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mp-s-salaries-cut-and-mplads-suspended" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Consolidated Fund of India</strong></a> may not be in concurrence of cooperative federalism, as it discourages locally tailored solutions by the MPs.</li>
<li>In this scenario, states in India have fully become dependent on the Union government for finances.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Managing Covid-19 Disaster</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For instance, the zone classifications into &lsquo;red&rsquo; ,orange&rsquo; and &lsquo;green&rsquo; have evoked sharp criticisms from several States.</li>
<li>The States have demanded more autonomy in making such classifications.</li>
<li>This is despite the fact that state consultation is a legislative mandate cast upon the centre under the Disaster Management Act of 2005 (under which binding COVID-19 guidelines are being issued by the Centre to the States).</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Disaster Management Act, 2005 envisages the creation of a &lsquo;National Plan&rsquo; under Section 11, as well as the issuance of binding guidelines by the Centre to States under Section 6(2), in furtherance of the &lsquo;National Plan&rsquo;.</li>
<li>However, section 11(2) of the Act mandates State consultations before formulating a &lsquo;National Plan&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Migrant Crisis</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The influx of migrant workers into their home states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, which already face severe financial and medical deficits, would worsen matters for the states.</li>
<li>The sustenance of agricultural, industrial and construction activities would be difficult in the absence of a majority of the workforce in the backdrop of the lifting of restrictions, given these workers are going back to their hometowns.</li>
<li>In this case, both Centre and states failed to devise a coherent and holistic plan of action to avert the migrant crisis.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To be Taken</h3>
<p><strong>Short-Terms Measures</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The limit imposed by the FRBM Act must be relaxed so that states who are falling short of funds can borrow money to combat the pandemic and revive the economy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These borrowing can be backed by sovereign guarantee by the Union Government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Union government can provide money to states so that they can take necessary action to deal with the crisis at state level.</li>
<li>The Union government should direct FCI to move the grains from the godowns to states.</li>
<li>A successful approach to tackle the crisis would still need Centre&rsquo;s intervention and guidance in a facilitative manner, where the Centre would communicate extensively the best practices across states, address the financial needs effectively, and leverage national expertise for scalable solutions.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Long-Term Measures</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The recent meeting by Indian Prime Minister with the chief ministers of states is a testimony of cooperative federalism. In this context, the government should consider making the Inter-State Council a permanent body.</li>
<li>Management of disasters and emergencies (both natural and manmade) should be included in the List III (Concurrent List) of the Seventh Schedule.</li>
<li>An Inter-State Trade and Commerce Commission should be established, which will help realise the idea of <strong>&lsquo;One India One Market&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>Arbitrary control of union over states through the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/governor" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> institution of the governor and Article 356</strong></a>, must be checked.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The constituent assembly in India studied various democratic federal models in the world and formulated a system suited uniquely to India&rsquo;s needs. Further, it is argued that a &ldquo;strong centre&rdquo; does not necessarily presuppose weak states.</p>
<p>As a result, India adopted &lsquo;cooperative federalism&rsquo; &mdash; essentially defined by administrative cooperation between the centre &amp; states and among states. Therefore, both union and states should work together to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic and strengthen the spirit of cooperative federalism.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589456863_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589456863_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" 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: #e3fbff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Covid-19 pandemic is a litmus test of the federal structure of India. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8EeQ8VpGzRU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based from &ldquo;Perilous State&rdquo; which was published in The Hindu on May 13<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/covid-19-and-indian-federalism'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Energy Transition Index: WEF',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Economic Forum</strong></a> (WEF) has released the<strong> annual rankings</strong> of the global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/energy-transition-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Energy Transition Index</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The index<strong> benchmarks 115 economies</strong> on the current performance of their energy systems across economic development and growth, environmental sustainability and energy security and access indicators and their readiness for transition to secure, sustainable, affordable and inclusive energy systems.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Data Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Sweden</strong> has <strong>topped</strong> the Index for the third consecutive year and is <strong>followed by Switzerland and Finland</strong> in the top three.</li>
<li><strong>France</strong> (8<sup>th</sup>) and the <strong>UK</strong> (7<sup>th</sup>) are the only <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institution-upsc-ias-g20-significance-global-groupings-member-challenges-buenos-aires-gs-mains-paper-ii-2-international-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G20</strong></a> countries in the top ten.</li>
<li>Only <strong>11 out of 115 countries have made steady improvements</strong> in ETI scores since 2015. <strong>Argentina, China, India and Italy are among the major countries</strong> with consistent annual improvements.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In<strong> China</strong> (78<sup>th</sup>), problems of air pollution have resulted in policies to control emissions, electrify vehicles and develop the world&rsquo;s largest capacity for<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/solar-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> solar photovoltaic</strong> </a>(SPV) and onshore <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/policy-watch-indias-wind-energy-potential" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>wind power</strong></a> plants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Scores for the<strong> US, Canada, Brazil and Australia</strong> were <strong>either stagnant or declining.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The US ranks outside the top 25% for the first time, primarily due to the uncertain regulatory outlook for energy transition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Performance Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>results for 2020</strong> show that <strong>75% of countries have improved</strong> their <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>environmental sustainability</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a result of multifaceted, incremental approaches, including pricing carbon, retiring coal plants ahead of schedule and redesigning electricity markets to integrate renewable energy sources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its study measuring <strong>readiness for clean energy transition</strong> in 115 economies showed that <strong>94 have made progress</strong> since 2015.</li>
<li>The <strong>greatest overall progress</strong> is observed among <strong>emerging economies.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Ranking and Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>moved up two positions to rank 74<sup>th</sup></strong> with<strong> improvements</strong> in all <strong>three dimensions of the energy triangle</strong> namely:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Economic development and growth.</li>
<li>Energy access and security.</li>
<li>Environmental sustainability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For India, gains have come from a <strong>government-mandated renewable energy expansion programme</strong> i.e. to add 275 GW by 2027.</li>
<li>India has also <strong>made significant strides in energy efficiency</strong> through bulk <strong>procurement of LED bulbs,</strong> smart meters and programs for labelling of appliances. Similar measures are being experimented to drive down the costs of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/electric-vehicles-evs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>electric vehicles</strong></a> (EVs).</li>
<li>It indicates a <strong>strong positive trajectory,</strong> driven by<strong> strong political commitment</strong> and an<strong> enabling policy environment.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Covid-19</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> risks cancelling out recent progress in transitioning to clean energy,</strong> with unprecedented falls in demand, price volatility and pressure to quickly mitigate socioeconomic costs placing the near-term trajectory of the transition in doubt.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Policies, roadmaps and governance frameworks for energy transition at national, regional and global levels need to be more robust and resilient against external shocks.</li>
<li>The pandemic offers an <strong>opportunity to consider unorthodox intervention in the energy markets</strong> and global collaboration to support a recovery that accelerates the energy transition once the crisis subsides.</li>
<li>The <strong>economic recovery packages</strong> (like the announcement of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Yojana</strong></a> <strong>by India</strong>), introduced by the governments can <strong>accelerate the transition to clean energy,</strong> by helping countries scale their efforts towards sustainable and inclusive energy systems, if implemented with long-term strategies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Economic Forum</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>Swiss nonprofit foundation</strong> established in<strong> 1971,</strong> based in <strong>Geneva, Switzerland.</strong></li>
<li>Recognized by the Swiss authorities as the international institution for <strong>public-private cooperation,</strong> its <strong>mission</strong> is cited as, "committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas".</li>
<li><strong>Major reports published by WEF:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-competitiveness-index-4-0-wef" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Competitiveness Report</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Global IT Report</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-gender-gap-report-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Gender Gap Report</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Global Risk Report</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-and-tourism-competitiveness-index" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Travel and Tourism Report</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/india-up-at-74th-place-on-wef-s-global-energy-transition-index/story-QIoQqmRmjqqNeQc2XxyQBK.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: HT</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/energy-transition-index-wef'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Integrated Battle Groups',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Army chief said that a comprehensive testing of the Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) has concluded but its roll out has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IBGs are brigade sized agile self-sufficient combat formations which can swiftly launch strikes against adversaries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>IBGs can be <strong>mobilised within 12-48 hours</strong> based on the location.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Each IBG would be organised on the basis of <strong>Threat, Terrain and Task</strong> and resources to each battle group will be allocated on the basis of <strong>3Ts.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, the composition of every IBG would differ on the basis of the terrain where it is located i.e. an IBG operating in a desert needs to be constituted differently from one operating in the mountains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Each IBG</strong> will be <strong>headed</strong> by a <strong>Major General.</strong></li>
<li>The integrated units for the border will be all-encompassing, with artillery, armoured, combat engineers and signal units.</li>
<li><strong>IBGs</strong> have been <strong>classified into- Defensive and Offensive.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Defensive IBGs</strong> would hold ground at vulnerable points or where enemy action is expected.</li>
<li><strong>Offensive IBGs</strong> have the ability to quickly mobilise and make thrust into enemy territory for strikes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>After years of deliberations, the Army decided to raise the IBGs along the borders with China and Pakistan that will help it carry out swift strikes in case of a war.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/integrated-battle-groups-will-soon-be-operational/article31576965.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/integrated-battle-groups-1'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Economic Stimulus-I',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Finance Minister announced<strong> liquidity measures for businesses, especially Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs),</strong> as part of the <strong>first tranche</strong> of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The announced measures also form a <strong>part of the Rs. 20-lakh-crore economic stimulus package</strong> to deal with the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</li>
<li>This economic stimulus includes both <strong>liquidity financing measures and credit guarantees.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589449679_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589449679_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="615" height="462" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Salaried Workers and Taxpayers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The deadline for income tax returns for the financial year 2019-20 has been extended, with the due date now pushed to November 30, 2020.</li>
<li>The rates of Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) and Tax Collection at Source (TCS) have been <strong>cut by 25%</strong> for the FY 2020-21.</li>
<li>The statutory <strong>Provident Fund (PF) payments have been reduced from 12% to 10% for both employers and employees</strong> for the next three months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NBFCs, Housing Finance Companies and Microfinance Institutions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Many of these institutions serve the MSME sector financially and will be supported through a Rs.30,000 crore investment scheme <strong>fully guaranteed by the Centre.</strong></li>
<li>Further, an expanded <strong>partial credit guarantee scheme worth Rs.45,000 crores</strong> also has been offered, of which the <strong>first 20% of losses will be borne by the Centre.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For instance, if the government provides a 100% credit guarantee up to an amount of Rs 1 crore to a firm, it means that a bank can lend Rs 1 crore to that firm; in case the firm fails to pay back, the government will repay all of Rs 1 crore. If this guarantee was for the first 20% of the loan, then the government would guarantee to pay back only Rs 20 lakh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Power Distribution Companies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As these companies are facing an unprecedented cash flow crisis and thus will receive Rs. 90,000 crore liquidity injection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Real Estate and Contractors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Contractors (those dealing with the construction/ works and goods and services contracts) will get a six month extension for completion of work from all Central agencies, and also get partial bank guarantees to ease their cash flows.</li>
<li>Registered real estate projects will get a six-month extension for registration and completion of Real Estate Projects under <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/rera-act-2016" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA)</strong></a> with Covid-19 to be treated as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-force-majeure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;force majeure&rdquo; event.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A Force Majeure (FM) means extraordinary events or circumstances beyond human control such as an event described as an Act of God (like a natural calamity).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Tenders to be Disallowed:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian MSMEs and other companies have often faced unfair competition from foreign companies and would be difficult to compete in the future due to Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
<li>Therefore, <strong>global tenders will be disallowed </strong>in <strong>government procurement tenders upto Rs 200 crores.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Liquidity Measures for Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>New Definition of MSMEs:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The definition of an <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MSMEs</strong></a> has been expanded<strong> to allow for higher investment limits</strong> and the <strong>introduction of turnover-based criteria.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier MSMEs were defined on the basis of the limit of investment in machinery or equipment.</li>
<li>The &lsquo;turnover&rsquo; is the more efficient way to identify an MSME as it allows a lot of firms, especially in the services sector like mid-sized hospitals, hotels and diagnostic centres to be eligible for benefits as an MSME.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There will be<strong> no difference between a manufacturing MSME and a services MSMEs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589449757_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589449757_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="615" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Infusion of Liquidity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Instead of directly infusing money into the economy or giving it directly to MSMEs,the government will offer <strong>credit guarantees for MSMEs.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Emergency Credit Line:</strong> The <strong>collateral free loans</strong> of worth <strong>Rs. 3 lakh crores</strong> will be available for MSMEs. It will ensure access to working capital to resume business activity and safeguard jobs for 45 lakh MSMEs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The above measure is available for MSMEs that have <strong>an already outstanding loan of Rs. 25 crore or those with a turnover less than Rs 100 crore.</strong></li>
<li>The loans will have a tenure of 4 years and they will have a <strong>moratorium of 12 months</strong> (that is, the payback starts only after 12 months).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Subordinate Debt Scheme :</strong> The loans of amount Rs 20,000 crore will be provided to MSMEs that were<strong> already categorised as &ldquo;stressed&rdquo;, or struggling to pay back. </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In this case, the<strong> government provides partial guarantee.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Equity Infusion:</strong> Fund of Funds with corpus of <strong>Rs 10,000 crores</strong> will be set up which will provide <strong>equity funding for MSMEs</strong> with growth potential and viability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Credit Guarantees to MSMEs</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Credit Guarantee Schemes (CGS) by the government assures the bank that its loan will be <strong>repaid by the government in case the MSME falters.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Introduction of CGS:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Though, there was an option to pump liquidity via the banks but banks suspect any new loans due to rising Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).</li>
<li>Thus, the government faced a dual problem where banks had the money but were not willing to lend to the credit-starved sections of the economy, while the government itself did not have enough money to directly help the economy.</li>
<li>The credit guarantees solve dual issues faced by the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such CGS creates moral hazards as borrowers remain assured of paying back and the lender remains assured of receiving credit amounts. Subsequently, the government is forced to pay the amount.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Overall Implications of Economic Stimulus</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The measures announced during the first tranche of the economic stimulus focuses <strong>majorly on supply side measures,</strong> aimed at activating businesses in the MSME, real estate, NBFC sectors.</li>
<li>In general, <strong>stimulus measures are aimed at boosting demand</strong> either by government spending on its own account or increasing disposable incomes of households through cash transfers or tax concessions.</li>
<li>Indian economy needs <strong>both supply and demand side measures</strong> for the <strong>revival.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/economic-package-to-spur-growth-build-a-self-reliant-india-fm/article31573533.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/economic-stimulus-i'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Revenue Loss to States',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to estimates from the India Ratings and Research (a credit rating agency), the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> lockdown has caused 21 major States to suffer a collective revenue loss of about Rs. 97,100 crore for the month of April.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The lockdown caused disruptions</strong> to production, supply-chains, trade and the total washout of activities in aviation, tourism, hotels and hospitality.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The disruption caused has taken place with such a speed and scale that even if the lockdown is lifted, economic activity is unlikely to normalise in near future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Although, during the lockdown,<strong> nearly 40% of the economy was functional</strong> as economic activities defined as <strong>essentials</strong> were allowed to operate. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This means that despite the lockdown <strong>some amount of revenue did accrue to the states.</strong> But despite this, the states faced significant revenue loss in April.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The lockdown has a more <strong>paralyzing impact on the states,</strong> which have a <strong>high share of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/liquor-revenue-for-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">own revenue</a></strong> in the total revenue mix.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, for <strong>Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana</strong> 65%-76% of their revenue comes from their <strong>own sources.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Both Union government and State governments are struggling due to the dried-up cash inflow.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>But the problems of the <strong>States are more precarious</strong> because of the actual <strong>battle against the Covid-19 and the associated expenditure</strong> being incurred by them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under the current circumstance, there is a fair <strong>amount of uncertainty</strong> regarding the quantum and timings of the states' receivables from the Centre. Their own sources of revenue have also fallen to abysmally low levels.</li>
<li>This is pushing states to adopt <strong>austerity measures</strong> and combine it with exploring new/more ways of generating revenues.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Austerity measures include action by a government to reduce the amount of money it spends.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The situation may improve somewhat in May 2020 due to the easing of some restrictions&ndash; <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Allowing the liquor sale.</li>
<li>Raising the excise duty on liquor.</li>
<li>Some states have raised VAT on petrol and diesel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sources of State government revenue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>States&rsquo; Own Tax Revenue (SOTR),</li>
<li>Share in central taxes,</li>
<li>States&rsquo; Own Non-Tax Revenue (SONTR)</li>
<li>Grants from the Centre.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>States&rsquo; own revenue</strong> mainly comes from seven heads&ndash;<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fall-in-goods-and-services-tax-gst-collections" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>State Goods and Services Tax (SGST)</strong></a>,<strong> State Value Added Tax (VAT)-</strong> mostly on petroleum products, <strong>State excise-</strong>mostly on liquor, <strong>stamps and registration fees, vehicle tax, tax and duty on electricity,</strong> and <strong>own non-tax revenue.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/major-states-lost-97100-crore-in-own-revenue-in-april-india-ratings/article31577161.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/revenue-loss-to-states'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'National Biomedical Resource Indigenization Consortium',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has launched a <strong>National Biomedical Resource Indigenization Consortium (NBRIC)</strong> to drive <strong>indigenous innovation&nbsp;</strong>focused on developing reagents (used in chemical reactions), diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics <strong>for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/ppp-investment-model" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Private Partnership (PPP)</strong> </a>hosted and led by the <strong>Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms</strong> (C-CAMP).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; initiative</strong></a> for biomedical research and innovative products, towards promoting import substitution and exports.</li>
<li>It aims to establish a <strong>nation-wide collaborative platform</strong> for convergence of research, product resources and services towards developing reagents, diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics across India.</li>
<li>It <strong>identifies providers/manufacturing enterprises</strong> of crucial bio-medical resources and <strong>connects</strong> them with policy makers as well as with other stakeholders from public and private sectors.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) is one of the centers for technology-based <strong>innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of life sciences </strong>under the <strong>Department of Biotechnology (DBT).</strong></li>
<li>It intends to develop state-of-the-art technologies and to provide training on these technologies to academia and industry.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1622757" 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-biomedical-resource-indigenization-consortium'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'US-Israel Talks on West Bank Annexation',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss<strong> Israel's plans to annex parts of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/west-bank-settlements" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Bank</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pompeo&rsquo;s visit was exempted from <strong>Israel&rsquo;s mandatory two-week quarantine</strong> for arrivals and shut borders due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a>.</li>
<li>For Israel, this visit was an <strong>indication of the strength of its alliance with the USA</strong> and the talks focused on discussions on <strong>annexation, shared <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-to-pull-out-of-npt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">concerns about Iran</a></strong>, the<strong> battle against the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/novel-strain-of-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coronavirus</a>, Israel&rsquo;s incoming government</strong> and <strong>threats from Israel&rsquo;s ties with China.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Israel-China Ties:</strong> The<strong> US</strong> has reportedly been <strong>pressuring Israel to rethink</strong> a bid by a <strong>Hong Kong company to build a massive desalination facility.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Plans for Annexation of West Bank</strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589448153_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589448153_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="715" height="900" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Israeli hard-liners</strong> are eager to unilaterally redraw the <strong>Mideast map</strong> before November&rsquo;s US Presidential Election.</li>
<li>The<strong> presumptive Democratic nominee,</strong> Joe Biden, is in the<strong> opposition of unilateral annexation plans</strong> by Israel.</li>
<li>Annexation would <strong>give Donald Trump an accomplishment</strong> to shore up his <strong>pro-Israel base,</strong> particularly politically influential <strong>pro-Israel evangelical</strong> (of or according to the teaching of the gospel or the Christianity) <strong>Christian voters</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These voters <strong>believe in the notion that God promised the land to Jews</strong> and it <strong>should be returned</strong> to them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Israel-Palestine Conflict</strong></a> can be traced back to <strong>1917.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mideast War, 1967:</strong> It is also known as the <strong>six-day war</strong> or <strong>Third Arab-Israeli war. Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip</strong> in the war. The Palestinians seek these territories for a future independent state. In the decades since, Israel has built settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem that now house nearly 700,000 Israelis. Most of the <strong>international communities</strong> consider these settlements a <strong>violation of international law and obstacles to peace.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mideast Plan or Middle East Peace Plan:</strong> It was <strong>unveiled by Trump</strong> in January, 2020. Under it, the <strong>Palestinians</strong> would have a <strong>limited statehood contingent on a list of stringent requirements</strong> while <strong>Israel would annex some 30% of the West Bank.</strong></li>
<li>The Palestinians rejected the plan and <strong>threatened to withdraw</strong> <strong>from</strong> key provisions of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oslo-peace-accords" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Oslo Peace Accords</strong></a>, which are a <strong>series of agreements between Israel and the Palestinians </strong>signed in the<strong> 1990s.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> Trump administration believes</strong> that Israel&rsquo;s West Bank settlements are <strong>consistent with international law</strong> and <strong>supports the annexation</strong> of West Bank territory, as long as Israel agrees to enter peace talks with the Palestinians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Criticism</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The annexation will trigger widespread <strong>international condemnation</strong> because it will <strong>crush already faint Palestinian hopes of establishing a viable state</strong> on the lands captured by Israel in the Mideast war.</li>
<li>The <strong>Arab League</strong> has mentioned the annexation as a <strong>war crime.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> (EU) and other individual member states, have warned of tough consequences if Israel moves forward in the annexation process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India was one of the few countries to<strong> oppose the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a>&rsquo; partition plan in November 1947,</strong> echoing its own experience during independence a few months earlier.</li>
<li>India <strong>recognised Israel in 1950</strong> but it is also the <strong>first non-Arab country to recognise Palestine Liberation Organisation</strong> (PLO) as the sole representative of the Palestinians. India is also one of the first countries to <strong>recognise</strong> the <strong>statehood of Palestine in 1988.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2014,</strong> India favored the <a href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Human Rights Council&rsquo;s</strong></a> (UNHRC) resolution to probe Israel&rsquo;s human rights violations in Gaza. Despite supporting the probe, <strong>India abstained from voting against Israel</strong> in UNHRC in <strong>2015.</strong></li>
<li>As a part of <strong>Link West Policy,</strong> India has <strong>de-hyphenated its relationship with Israel and Palestine in 2018</strong> to treat both the countries mutually independent and exclusive.</li>
<li>In <strong>June 2019,</strong> India <strong>voted in favor of a decision introduced by Israel</strong> in the <strong>UN Economic and Social Council</strong> (ECOSOC) that objected to granting consultative status to a Palestinian non-governmental organization.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/despite-virus-pompeo-talks-west-bank-annexation-in-israel-6408956/" 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/us-israel-talks-on-west-bank-annexation'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Direct Seeding of Rice',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Due to labour shortage in two granary states of Punjab and Haryana, farmers are now being encouraged to adopt<strong> &lsquo;Direct Seeding of Rice&rsquo; (DSR)</strong> in place of <strong>conventional transplanting.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic has led the labourers to reverse migrate to their villages, which has created a shortage of labourers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Normal Transplanting of Paddy vs Direct Seeding of Rice</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Transplanting Paddy:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In transplanting paddy, <strong>farmers prepare nurseries</strong> where the paddy seeds are first sown and raised into young plants.</li>
<li>The nursery seed bed is 5-10% of the area to be transplanted.</li>
<li>These <strong>seedlings are then uprooted and replanted</strong> 25-35 days later in the puddled field.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In DSR, the pre-germinated seeds are directly drilled into the field by a tractor-powered machine.</li>
<li>There is no nursery preparation or transplantation involved in this method.</li>
<li>Farmers have to only level their land and give one pre-sowing irrigation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection against the weeds</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Transplanting Method:</strong> In transplanting for the first three weeks or so, the plants have to be irrigated almost daily to maintain a water depth of 4-5 cm. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Water prevents growth of weeds by denying them oxygen in the submerged stage, whereas the soft <strong>&lsquo;aerenchyma tissues&rsquo;</strong> in paddy plants allow air to penetrate through their roots. Water, thus, acts as a herbicide for paddy.</li>
<li><strong>DSR Method:</strong> In DSR as flooding of fields is not done during sowing, chemical herbicides are used to kill weeds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantage with Direct Seeding of Rice</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Water savings. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Less numbers of labourers</strong> required.</li>
<li><strong>Saves labour cost.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Reduce methane emissions</strong> due to a shorter flooding period and decreased soil disturbance compared to transplanting rice seedlings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Drawbacks of Direct Seeding of Rice</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Non-availability of herbicides.</li>
<li>The <strong>seed requirement for DSR is also high,</strong> 8-10 kg/acre, compared to 4-5 kg/acre in transplanting.</li>
<li>Further, <strong>laser land levelling is</strong> compulsory in DSR. This is not so in transplanting.</li>
<li>The <strong>sowing needs to be done timely</strong> so that the plants have come out properly before the monsoon rains arrive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Rice</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rice is a staple food for the overwhelming majority of the population in India.</li>
<li>It is a <strong>kharif crop</strong> which requires<strong> high temperature, (above 25&deg;C)</strong> and<strong> high humidity</strong> with annual <strong>rainfall above 100 cm.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the <strong>areas of less rainfall, it is grown with the help of irrigation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>southern states and West Bengal the climatic conditions allow the cultivation of two or three crops</strong> of rice in an agricultural year. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In West Bengal farmers grow three crops of rice called<strong> &lsquo;aus&rsquo;, &lsquo;aman&rsquo; and &lsquo;boro&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>About <strong>one-fourth of the total cropped area in India is under rice cultivation. </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Leading producer states:</strong> West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab.</li>
<li><strong>High Yielding States:</strong> Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Kerala.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Punjab and Haryana are <strong>not traditional rice growing areas.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Rice Cultivation in the irrigated areas of Punjab and Haryana was introduced in the 1970s following the <strong>Green Revolution.</strong></li>
<li>Almost the entire land under rice cultivation in Punjab and Haryana is irrigated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India contributes 21.6% of rice production in the world and <strong>ranked second after China</strong> in 2016.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/labour-short-can-direct-seeding-be-alternative-to-paddy-transplanting-6408653/" 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/direct-seeding-of-rice'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Panchayati Raj',
			'catname' => 'Paper 2',
			'desc' => '<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is responsible for the work of advocacy, monitoring and implementation of 73<sup>rd</sup> Constitutional Amendment.</li>
<li>The role of the MoPR involves strengthening the administrative infrastructure, basic services etc. by leveraging technology and capacity building of the functionaries of Rural Local Body (RLB).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Schemes and Policies</h3>
<p><strong>Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) Grants</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ministry monitors the effective utilization of FFC Grants by the Gram Panchayats (GPs) through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/public-financial-management-system-pfms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Financial Management System</strong></a> (PFMS).</li>
<li>Around 5.5 Lakhs assets created by using FFC grants in GPs have been geo-tagged to give thrust to the digital monitoring system.</li>
<li>A majority of Gram Panchayats are on-board in PRIASoft-PFMS and a lot of them are already doing digital payments through PRIASoft -PFMS.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Panchayat Enterprise Suite Application</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has conceived a software viz, <strong>PlanPlus,</strong> the software application facilitates the consolidation and integration of all plans of all planning units.</li>
<li>The Gram Panchayat development plans (GPDPs) prepared by the panchayats are uploaded on the software and the citizens can also view the activities being planned in their respective areas.</li>
<li>Currently, generation of plans through PlanPlus has been prescribed as one of the necessary conditions for release of performance grants.</li>
<li>Action Soft is another Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) Application which works in collaboration with Plan-Plus and captures the work execution flow, converges and keeps track of flow of funds from different source s during implementation and brings about total transparency in the reporting of physical and financial progress of works.</li>
<li>PRIA Soft is another PES application developed for managing receipts and expenditure of approved list of works through voucher entries.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Fourteenth Finance Commission Recommendations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Fourteenth Finance Commission recommendations are path breaking to strengthen local governments.</li>
<li><strong>Fiscal decentralization</strong> and the <strong>trust-based approach</strong> have empowered our Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats to address the local needs.</li>
<li>The <strong>devolution of funds</strong> has also had an impact on the effectiveness, responsiveness and quality of the public services delivered in rural areas.</li>
<li>The <strong>formulation of GPDPs and digitization of Panchayat records</strong> through PES applications has made the system more transparent, accountable and effective.</li>
<li>Through proper planning at the local level, the funds devolved can be effectively utilized for more inclusive development.</li>
<li>The State Governments should trust the village Panchayats and provide them flexibility to utilize the untied funds to meet the local needs.</li>
<li><strong>Decentralized planning</strong> will be a motivating exercise for the citizens if their demands are heard, accepted and fulfilled.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Panchayati Raj: Background</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Panchayati Raj, the institutional manifestation of democratic decentralization in India, became an integral part of the Indian Constitution only after five decades of independence in the year 1993 after the enactment of 73<sup>rd</sup> Constitutional Amendment Act.</li>
<li>Post Independence, the <strong>first major Community Development Programme was launched in 1952</strong> with the aim of bringing about overall development of rural areas through people&rsquo;s participation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This programme was formulated to provide an administrative framework through which the government could reach to the district, tehsil/taluka and village level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Later in 1957, the Planning Commission appointed a <strong>committee headed by Balwantrai Mehta in 1957 to study the Community Development Programmes and National Extension Services Programme</strong> especially to assess the extent of people&rsquo;s participation and to recommend ways to ensure this.</li>
<li>The committee recommended three-tier panchayati raj system in the country viz Zila Parishad at the District Level, Panchayat Samiti at the Block/ Tehsil/ Taluka Level and Gram Panchayat at the Village Level.</li>
<li>Though the committee did not recommend a rigid frame work for the same, the seeds were sown for the birth of contemporary Panchayati Raj.</li>
<li>Subsequently<strong> the Ashok Mehta Committee&rsquo;s recommendations</strong> in 1978 for a two-tier system with Zilla Parishad at the district level and Mandal Panchayat as the base and <strong>L. M. Singhvi Committee&rsquo;s recommendations</strong> that the PRIs should be enshrined in the Constitution and &lsquo;Gram Sabha&rsquo; should be the base for decentralised democracy, bore fruits in the form of the 73<sup>rd</sup> Constitutional Amendment Act, 1993.</li>
<li>This became landmark development in the history of local self-government. It uniformly introduced a three-tier Panchayati Raj system throughout the country and provided them with necessary powers and authority to help them to function as units of self-government. Panchayati Raj was started in India on the premise that at the local level there should be some kind of democracy which would involve people in the process of governance. If the people are to be involved they have to be given responsibilities in the functioning of the institutions and development programmes of the government. This is the only way democracy reaches the masses.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Mission Mode Project (MMP) on e-Panchayat</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the e-Panchayat MMP, a suite of Core Common Applications has been developed collectively called Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) Applications. Following are some of the key activities undertaken under the e-Panchayat MMP during the year:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Unified portal focusing on Work Based Accounting:</strong> It will bring in a more user-friendly interface with ease of navigation that would make it hassle-free for the GPs to track, monitor and modify their Action Plan.</li>
<li><strong>On-boarding of schemes on PRIASoft-PFMS integration for real time payments by GPs:</strong> The Ministry, in the current year, has put in place a robust mechanism capturing the entire gamut of activity right from the stage of planning to monitor the various stages of work, recording the expenditure incurred for the works to providing complete detail of the asset created.</li>
<li><strong>Gram Manchitra:</strong> It is a Spatial Planning Application provides a single/ unified Geo Spatial platform to better visualize the various developmental works to be taken up across the 29 sectors and provide a decision support system for GPDP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Launched in 2018, this centrally sponsored scheme is an effort in the direction of achieving &ldquo;Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The RGSA helps more than 2.55 lakh <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Panchayati Raj Institutions</strong></a> (PRIs) to develop governance capabilities to deliver on SDGs through inclusive local governance with focus on optimum utilisation of available resources.</li>
<li>The key principles of SDGs, i.e. leaving no one behind, reaching the farthest first and universal coverage, along with gender equality will be embedded in the design of all capacity building interventions including trainings, training modules and materials.</li>
<li>Priority will be given to subjects of national importance that affects the excluded groups the most, e.g. poverty, primary health services, nutrition, immunization, sanitation, education, water conservation, digital transactions etc.</li>
<li>The implementation and monitoring of the activities of the scheme are broadly aligned for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with main thrust on Panchayats identified under Mission Antyodaya and Aspirational districts as identified by NITI Aayog.</li>
<li>This scheme extends to all States and UTs of the country and will also include institutions of rural local government in non-Part IX areas, where Panchayats do not exist.</li>
<li>The scheme will strengthen Gram Sabhas to function as effective institutions with social inclusion of citizens particularly the vulnerable groups.</li>
<li>It will establish the institutional structure for capacity building of PRIs at the national, state and district level with adequate human resources and infrastructure.</li>
<li>Panchayats will progressively be strengthened through incentivisation on the basis of nationally important criteria which will encourage competitive spirit among them.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sabki-yojana-sabka-vikas-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>People&rsquo;s Plan Campaign (PPC)- Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It aims to draw up Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) in the country and place them on a website where anyone can see the status of the various government&rsquo;s flagship schemes.</li>
<li>To provide sustainability to the GPDP formulation process into a participative and transparent exercise,<strong> the process of GPDP preparation for the financial year 2020-21 again started in a Campaign mode from 2nd October, 2019 as PPC-2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NOTE</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Panchayat Day:</strong> It is celebrated on 24 April every year. It was on this day in 1993, that the 73<sup>rd</sup> amendment act had come into force.</li>
<li><strong>Panchayati Raj:</strong> The term was coined by PM Nehru who inaugurated the 3-tier Panchayati Raj in Nagaur (Rajasthan, 2 October 1959).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Incentivization of Panchayats</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry has been incentivizing the Panchayats/ States/ Union Territories (UTs) under the scheme of Incentivization of Panchayats, one of the central components of the restructured scheme of RGSA, in recognition of their good work for improving delivery of services &amp; public goods and to encourage a spirit of competition.</li>
<li>Awards, including financial incentives are given annually to best performing Panchayats/States/UTs under various categories namely, <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar (DDUPSP) for Gram/ Block/ District Panchayats;</li>
<li>Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar (NDRGGSP) for Gram Panchayats;</li>
<li>Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) Award for Gram Panchayats;</li>
<li>Child-friendly Gram Panchayat Award (CFGPA) for Gram Panchayats and e-Panchayat Puraskar for States/UTs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-panchayati-raj'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Revival of Non-Alignment Movement',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/narendra-modi-video-address-nam-summit-6403546/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;What&rsquo;s in a NAM?&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 11/05/2020. It talks about the relevance of the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) in present times.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister of India hosted a video conference that addresses a summit of the Non-aligned nations. This is in concurrence of India&rsquo;s efforts of promoting global cooperation in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>
<p>In the domain of foreign policy, this meeting assumes great significance, given the fact that Indian Prime Minister has skipped the last two NAM summits, at Venezuela in 2016 and Azerbaijan in 2019.</p>
<p>It is argued that the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)</strong> </a>was the product of certain circumstances which have undergone a sea change and thus, have become irrelevant.</p>
<p>However, the Covid-19 pandemic and India renewed interest in NAM, have earmarked the relevance of Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) to pursue effective work programmes at the international level.</p>
<h3>Why is NAM criticised?</h3>
<p>The Non-Aligned Movement was formed during the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cold War</strong></a> as an organization of States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the superpowers: the United States or the Soviet Union but sought to remain independent or neutral. It also stands united for the decolonization of European colonies in Asia and Africa.</p>
<p>However, the world order has changed significantly in 21<sup>st</sup>-century, which has rendered the utility of the NAM doubtful:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The cold war has ended with the disintegration of USSR in 1991 and subsequently:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bi-polar world is non-existent.</li>
<li>The collapse of communism and the communist bloc and thereby ending the ideological rivalry between capitalism vs communism.</li>
<li>Since the US emerged as the sole world power following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many non-aligned countries left the NAM.</li>
<li>Shifting of global politics narrative from the balance of power to economic interdependence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Decolonisation project has become redundant, as almost all major colonies have been decolonised.</li>
<li>It is argued that NAM today competes with groups like the Commonwealth. The other groups are more effective, as they deal with economic and trade issues. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NAM does not do that, nor does it take up any diplomatic initiative.</li>
<li>It has no position even on issues like human rights, child exploitation and gender issues. Also, most of the members of NAM are developing.</li>
<li>As a result, its members have to follow the Western dictates in this regard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Relevance of NAM</h3>
<p>The 21<sup>st</sup>-century world order is significantly different from that of the 20<sup>th</sup>-century. Though the world has changed, the problems have remained almost the same. In this context, NAM can prove its worth by striving to work for the following contemporary issues:</p>
<p><strong>New Cold War</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Those who say the NAM is a relic of the Cold War must also acknowledge that a new Cold War is beginning to unfold, this time between the US and China.</li>
<li>This can be reflected in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/trade-war-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Trade War</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad initiative</strong></a>, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-pacific narrative</strong></a>, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>emergence of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</strong></a>, naval presence in the Indian ocean, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The resurgence of colonialism: Neo-colonialism</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Neocolonialism is the practice of using capitalism, globalisation, cultural imperialism, and conditional aid to influence a developing country instead of the previous colonial methods of direct military control (imperialism) or indirect political control (hegemony).</li>
<li>China&rsquo;s investment in Africa and Asia through its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/italy-joins-belt-road-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road initiative</strong></a> is criticized for being neo-colonialism in nature whereas NAM can help in establishing the ethos of collective action.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Restructuring and democratization of the UN</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Due to undemocratic representation and veto power of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>permanent members in UNSC</strong></a>, the UNSC has been criticised as undemocratic. Thus, there has been a demand for reforms in the UN system for long.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Combating Global Issues</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NAM becomes relevant to mobilize international public opinion against terrorism, weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), nuclear proliferation, ecological imbalance, safeguarding interests of developing countries in <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>WTO (World Trade Organization)</strong></a> etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Importance of NAM for India</h3>
<p><strong>Support for India&rsquo;s Candidature in UNSC</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NAM&rsquo;s total strength comprises 120 developing countries and most of them are members of the UN General Assembly.</li>
<li>Thus, NAM members act as an important group in support of India&rsquo;s candidature as a permanent member in UNSC.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Global South Cooperation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is widely perceived as a leader of the developing world. Thus, India&rsquo;s engagement with NAM will further help in the rise of India&rsquo;s stature as the voice of the developing world or global south.</li>
<li>In times of increasing protectionism, NAM can provide a platform for South-South cooperation.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Strengthening of Multipolar World Order</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A multipolar world order is in concurrence with Indian forigen policy.</li>
<li>Thus, NAM can help in formation of a multipolar world with India becoming a major pole.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Given the relevance of NAM in present times, it remains a critical diplomatic forum for the pursuit of India&rsquo;s forign policy interests. Therefore India must refrain from treating NAM as a ritual to be performed every three years and start engaging with NAM constructively.</p>
<p>Thus, just like the start of cold war provided the ground for NAM in the 20<sup>th</sup> century, the Covid-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity for India to lay the foundation of NAM 2.0. In this context, the virtual NAM summit hosted by India is a step in the right direction.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589374531_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589374531_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" 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: #fffeeb;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the relevance of Non-alignment movement in present times.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/97hx_xhb7eI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on &ldquo;Ease Land Markets&rdquo; which was published in The Times of India on May 12<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/revival-of-non-alignment-movement'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'PRS Capsule March 2020',
			'catname' => 'PRS Capsule',
			'desc' => '<p><em><strong>Key Highlights of PRS</strong></em></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="#1">COVID-19</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#2">Lockdown notified in the country</a></li>
<li><a href="#3">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to Provide Relief Against COVID-19</a></li>
<li><a href="#4">RBI Announces Measures for Financial Stress Caused by COVID-19</a></li>
<li><a href="#5">Social Distancing Measures Proposed</a></li>
<li><a href="#6">Census and NPR Postponed</a></li>
<li><a href="#7">Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 Extended</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#8">Finance</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#9">Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020</a></li>
<li><a href="#10">Consolidation of 10 Public Sector Banks</a></li>
<li><a href="#11">Supreme Court strikes down RBI Circular Regulating Virtual Currencies</a></li>
<li><a href="#12">recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#13">Health</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#14">Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</a></li>
<li><a href="#15">The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 passed by Rajya Sabha</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#16">Mining</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#17">The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#18">Defence</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#19">Draft Defence Procurement Procedure 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#20">Environment and Forests</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#21">Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#22">Agriculture</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#23">System of Fertilizer Subsidy</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#24">New and Renewable Energy</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#25">Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II Extended</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="1">COVID-19</h2>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-s-preparedness" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)</strong></a> is an infectious disease caused by a new type of virus.The disease originated in Wuhan, China and since then has spread globally. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 as a global pandemic.</p>
<p>The first confirmed case in India was on January 30, 2020. Since then, there has been a consistent rise in the number of cases within the country. With the spread of COVID-19, the central government has announced several policy decisions to contain the spread, and financial measures to support citizens and businesses who would get affected.</p>
<p><strong>Key Announcements</strong></p>
<h3 id="2">Lockdown Notified in the Country</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To contain the spread of COVID-19, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Disaster Management Authority</strong></a> (NDMA) directed the central and state governments, as well as various State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to take measures to ensure<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/social-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> social distancing.</strong></a></li>
<li>These measures were issued under the provisions of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/invocation-of-disaster-management-act-2005-to-deal-with-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disaster Management Act</strong></a>, 2005.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act sets up the NDMA and SMDAs and provides certain powers to these authorities for the effective management of disasters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>During the lockdown, all establishments, other than those selling or producing essential goods or providing essential services, and activities related to agricultural operations have been closed.</li>
<li>Essential goods include items such as food, medicine, and electricity. Essential services include banking services, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals.</li>
<li>Transportation of all goods (whether essential or non-essential) will continue to remain functional.</li>
<li>Further, certain bodies, such as the district administration, police, and defence services will continue to operate.</li>
<li>The Union Home Secretary further directed all state/union territory governments, as well as various State/Union Territory Disaster Management Authorities to issue orders to their District Magistrates or Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SP), SP, or Deputy SP to:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ensure adequate arrangements of temporary shelter and food for the needy, including stranded migrant workers,</li>
<li>Relocate migrant workers who have moved out to reach their hometown, to the nearest shelter home, and to quarantine them for at least 14 days.</li>
<li>Direct employers to pay wages during the lockdown, and to ensure landlords do not demand rent from workers for one month.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="3">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to Provide Relief Against COVID-19</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Finance Minister announced a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>relief package under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana</strong> </a>for the poor.</li>
<li>An amount of Rs 1.7 lakh crore has been allocated for the same.</li>
<li>Key features of the package under the scheme are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh for public health workers (such as doctors, nurses, paramedics and ASHA workers) who are treating patients of COVID-19.</li>
<li>The scheme will cover all health workers working in government health centres, wellness centres, and hospitals of the centre and states.</li>
<li>The insurance cover will be over and above any other insurance cover being availed by the beneficiary.</li>
<li>Five kilograms of wheat or rice and one kilogram of preferred pulses will be provided for free every month to poor families for the next three months.</li>
<li>This will be over and above the current entitlements under the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-security-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Food Security Act.</strong></a></li>
<li>20.4 crore women account holders under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-6th-september-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana</strong></a> will get Rs 500 per month for next three months.</li>
<li>Further, eight crore poor families will be given three gas cylinders free of cost over the next three months.</li>
<li>The first instalment of Rs 2,000 due in 2020- 21 under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/one-year-of-pm-kisan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM-KISAN Yojana</strong></a> will be advanced and paid in April, 2020.</li>
<li>Wages under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/youngest-workers-rise-in-menrega" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme</strong> </a>will be increased from Rs 182 to Rs 202 per day.</li>
<li>Centre will direct state governments to utilise the funds available under District Mineral Fund for medical testing, screening and other requirements for treatment and prevention of spread of COVID-19.</li>
<li>Further, states will also be directed to utilise funds under the Building and other Construction Workers Welfare Fund to provide assistance and support to workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="4">RBI Announces Measures for Financial Stress Caused by COVID-19</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> has announced several measures to address the stress in financial conditions caused by COVID-19. These include: (i)cutting policy rates, (ii) expanding liquidity in the market to ensure that financial markets and institutions are able to function normally, and (iii) relief to borrowers in repayment of loans.</li>
<li>Key measures are detailed below:</li>
<li><strong>Policy Rates:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The repo rate (the rate at which RBI lends money to banks) was reduced from 5.15% to 4.4%.</li>
<li>The reverse repo rate (the rate at which RBI borrows money from banks) was reduced from 4.9% to 4.0%.</li>
<li>The marginal standing facility rate (the rate at which banks can borrow additional money) and the bank rate (the rate at which RBI buys bills of exchange) were reduced from 5.4% to 4.65%.</li>
<li>The accommodative stance of monetary policy will be continued in order to revive growth and mitigate the impact of coronavirus on the economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Liquidity management:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for all banks has been reduced from 4% to 3% till March 26, 2021.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>CRR is the amount of liquid cash that banks have to maintain with the RBI, as a percentage of their total deposits (net demand and time liabilities).</li>
<li>The daily required minimum CRR balance has been also reduced from 90% to 80%, till June 26, 2020. Further, the RBI will conduct auctions of targeted term repos of up to three years tenor.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under the marginal standing facility (MSF), banks can borrow overnight from RBI by dipping into their statutory liquidity ratio (SLR).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>SLR is the ratio of liquid assets such as gold, treasury bonds and government securities to net demand and time liabilities (NDTL).</li>
<li>The borrowing limit for MSF has been increased from 2% of NDTL to 3% of NDTL till June 30, 2020.</li>
<li>These steps are expected to inject a total liquidity of Rs 3.74 lakh crore.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Relief to borrowers:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All banks and financial institutions (including NBFCs) are permitted to grant a moratorium of three months on payment of all term loan instalments (including agricultural, retail and crop loans) and interest on working capital loans (such as overdraft facilities), which are due between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020.</li>
<li>Such deferment will not result in a downgrade in asset classification.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="5">Social Distancing Measures Proposed</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released several advisories and notifications addressing: (i) citizens, (ii) hospitals, (iii) state governments/ departments/ Ministries, and (iv) employees.</li>
<li>Key notifications include:</li>
<li><strong>Testing laboratories:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>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> allowed for free of cost diagnosis to all individuals with COVID19 symptoms. For this purpose, the government approved certain private laboratories to test individuals for COVID-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Social distancing measures:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government also proposed for certain interventions to be followed by state governments to ensure social distancing. These include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Closure of all educational establishments (schools, universities), gyms, museums, cultural and social centres, swimming pools and theatres.</li>
<li>Postponing of exams and ongoing exams to be conducted only after ensuring physical distance of one meter amongst students.</li>
<li>Encourage private sector organisations/ employers to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="6">Census and NPR Postponed</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In December 2019, the Union Cabinet had approved proposals to: (i) conduct the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/census-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census of India 2021</strong></a> throughout the country, and (ii) update the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-population-register" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Population Register (NPR)</strong> </a>in all parts of the country, except the state of Assam.</li>
<li>The Census was to be conducted in two phases:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A house listing and housing census between April and September 2020, and population enumeration in February 2021.</li>
<li>The NPR was to be updated along with the house listing and housing census (except in Assam).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>NPR is a register of the usual residents in the country.</li>
<li>Usual residents refer to those who have either resided in a local area for the past six months or more, or intend to reside in that area for the next six months or more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the census and updation of NPR have been postponed until further orders.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="7">Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 Extended</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced an extension of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-export-policy-unveiled" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Trade Policy</strong></a>, applicable for the period 2015-20, by one year, i.e, up to March 31, 2021.</li>
<li>The extension has been announced to provide continuity in the policy regime, given the current situation due to the coronavirus pandemic.</li>
<li>Following are some of the key features of the Policy:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All export promotion schemes, except the Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) will be available till March 31, 2021.</li>
<li>Exemption from payment of GST and compensation cess on certain imports will continue during this period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="8">Finance</h2>
<h3 id="9">Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/direct-tax-vivad-se-vishwas-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020</strong></a> was passed by Parliament.</li>
<li>The Bill provides a mechanism for resolution of pending tax disputes related to income tax and corporation tax.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong></li>
<li><strong>Appellant:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill defines an appellant as the person in whose case any appeal or petition, filed by him or the income tax authority, was pending before the appellate forums as on January 31, 2020.</li>
<li>These appellate forums are the Supreme Court, the High Courts, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunals and the Commissioner (Appeals).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resolution mechanism:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill proposes a mechanism under which an appellant can file a declaration to the designated authority to initiate resolution of pending direct tax disputes.</li>
<li>The designated authority will determine the amount payable by the appellant against the dispute, and grant a certificate, containing particulars of the amount payable, within 15 days.</li>
<li>The appellant must pay this amount within 15 days and inform the designated authority. The amount paid will not be refundable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amount payable for resolution:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The amount payable by an appellant for dispute resolution is determined based on whether the dispute relates to the payment of tax, or the payment of interest, penalty, or fee.</li>
<li>An additional amount is required to be paid if such payment is made after March 31, 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="10">Consolidation of 10 Public Sector Banks</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Union Cabinet has approved the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amalgamation-of-national-banks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>consolidation of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four PSBs.</strong></a></li>
<li>The amalgamation will be effective from April 1, 2020.</li>
<li>This measure was announced by the Finance Minister in August 2019 to help achieve scale and higher capacity for PSBs.</li>
<li>The banks to be merged are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Oriental Bank of Commerce and Union Bank of India to be merged into Punjab National Bank.</li>
<li>Syndicate Bank to be merged into Canara Bank.</li>
<li>Allahabad Bank to be merged into Indian Bank.</li>
<li>Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank to be merged into Union Bank of India</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="11">Supreme Court strikes down RBI Circular Regulating Virtual Currencies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/supreme-court-on-cryptocurrency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court struck down a circular issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> in April 2018 with respect to virtual currencies on the grounds of proportionality.</li>
<li>The circular prohibited entities regulated by the RBI from dealing in virtual currencies or providing services for facilitating any person or entity in dealing with virtual currencies.</li>
<li>A virtual currency is a digital representation of value, which can be used as a medium of exchange, a store of value or a unit of account.</li>
<li>It usually does not have the status of a legal tender.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A legal tender is guaranteed by the central government and all parties are legally bound to accept it as a mode of payment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Court held that anything which may pose a threat to the financial system of the country falls within the purview of regulatory powers of the RBI.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is irrespective of whether the activity forms part of the credit or payment system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, it held that the availability of power is different from the manner and extent to which it can be exercised.</li>
<li>The Court held that the RBI did not provide any evidence that virtual currencies have negatively impacted the entities regulated by it.</li>
<li>Further, it noted that the Inter- Ministerial Committee, constituted in November 2017, was of the opinion that a ban might be an extreme tool and would not be achievable through regulatory measures.</li>
<li>Considering these, the Court held that the RBI&rsquo;s action of prohibiting entities regulated by it from dealing in virtual currencies was not proportional and the above directive should be set aside.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="12">recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the continuation of Scheme for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/recapitalisation-of-rrbs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)</strong></a> for the year 2020-21.</li>
<li>RRBs primarily cater to the credit and banking requirements of enterprises operating in the rural sector.</li>
<li>In 2011, a Scheme for Recapitalisation of RRBs was approved by the Cabinet and an amount of Rs 2,900 crore was allocated for it till 2019-20.</li>
<li>The Scheme is aimed at improving the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-cancels-licence-of-ckp-co-op-bank" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR)</strong></a> of RRBs.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>CRAR measures the bank&rsquo;s total available capital as a percentage of its total assets.</li>
<li>RBI has prescribed a minimum CRAR of 9% to be maintained by all banks on an ongoing basis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recapitalisation will be done for those RRBs that have been unable to maintain this required CRAR of 9%.</li>
<li>An amount of Rs 670 crore has been approved for this purpose by the central government.</li>
<li>This will be released upon release of an equal instalment by the sponsor banks.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A sponsor bank is a scheduled commercial bank which shares ownership of the RRB.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="13">Health</h2>
<h3 id="14">Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/medical-termination-of-pregnancy-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</strong></a> was passed by Lok Sabha in March 2020.</li>
<li>The Bill amends the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 which provides for the termination of certain pregnancies by registered medical practitioners.</li>
<li>The Bill adds the definition of termination of pregnancy to mean a procedure undertaken to terminate a pregnancy by using medical or surgical methods.</li>
<li><strong>Termination of pregnancy:</strong> Under the Act, a pregnancy may be terminated within 12 weeks, if a registered medical practitioner is of the opinion that:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Continuation of the pregnancy may risk the life of the mother, or cause grave injury to her health.</li>
<li>There is a substantial risk that the child, if born, would suffer physical or mental abnormalities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For termination of a pregnancy between 12 to 20 weeks, two medical practitioners are required to give their opinion.</li>
<li>The Bill amends this provision to state that a pregnancy may be terminated within 20 weeks, with the opinion of a registered medical practitioner.</li>
<li>Approval of two registered medical practitioners will be required for termination of pregnancies between 20 to 24 weeks.</li>
<li>The termination of pregnancies up to 24 weeks will only apply to specific categories of women, as may be prescribed by the central government.</li>
<li>The central government will notify norms for medical practitioners whose opinion is required for terminating the pregnancy.</li>
<li><strong>Constitution of a Medical Board:</strong> Under the Bill, every state government is required to constitute a Medical Board.</li>
<li>It states that the upper limit of termination of pregnancy will not apply in cases where such termination is necessary due to the diagnosis of substantial foetal abnormalities.</li>
<li>These abnormalities will be diagnosed by a Medical Board.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Medical Boards will consist of the following members: (i) a gynaecologist, (ii) a paediatrician, (iii) a radiologist or sonologist, and (iv) any other number of members, as may be notified by the state government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="15">The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 passed by Rajya Sabha</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-indian-systems-of-medicine-ncim-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019</strong></a> was passed by Rajya Sabha in March 2020.</li>
<li>The Bill repeals the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970.</li>
<li>Key features of the Bill include:</li>
<li><strong>Constitution of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill provides for the establishment of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).</li>
<li>The NCISM will consist of 39 members, appointed by the central government.</li>
<li>Members of the NCISM will include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chairperson</li>
<li>The Presidents of the Board of Ayurveda and the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa</li>
<li>10 members (part-time) to be appointed on a rotational basis from amongst the nominees of states in the Advisory Council.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions of the NCISM include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Framing policies for regulating medical institutions and medical professionals of Indian System of Medicine.</li>
<li>Ensuring compliance by the State Medical Councils of Indian System of Medicine of the regulations made under the Bill.</li>
<li>Ensuring coordination among the autonomous boards set up under the Bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Autonomous boards:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill sets up certain autonomous boards under the supervision of the NCISM. These boards are:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Board of Ayurveda and the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa: They will be responsible for formulating standards, curriculum, and granting recognition to medical qualifications in their respective disciplines.</li>
<li>The Medical Assessment and Rating Board: It will determine the process of rating and assessment of medical institutions.</li>
<li>The Ethics and Medical Registration Board: It will maintain a National Register of all licensed medical practitioners of the Indian System of Medicine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="16">Mining</h2>
<h3 id="17">The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mineral-laws-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020</strong></a> was passed by Parliament.</li>
<li>It amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), and the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP Act).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The MMDR Act regulates the overall mining sector in India.</li>
<li>The CMSP Act provides for the auction and allocation of mines whose allocation was cancelled by the Supreme Court in 2014.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Schedule I of the Act provides a list of all such mines; Schedule II and III are sub-classes of the mines listed in Schedule I.</li>
<li>Schedule II mines are those where production had already started then, and Schedule III mines are ones that were earmarked for a specific end-use.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Key features are as follows:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Removal of restriction on end-use of coal:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, companies acquiring Schedule II and Schedule III coal mines through auctions could use the coal produced only for specific end-uses such as power generation and steel production.</li>
<li>The Bill removes this restriction on the use of coal mined by such companies.</li>
<li>Companies will be allowed to carry on coal mining operations for their own consumption, sale or for any other purposes, as may be specified by the central government.</li>
<li>The Bill also adds that companies are not required to possess any prior coal mining experience in India to participate in the auction of coal and lignite blocks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composite license for prospecting and mining:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, separate licenses were provided for prospecting and mining of coal and lignite, called prospecting license, and mining lease, respectively.</li>
<li>Prospecting includes exploring, locating, or finding mineral deposits.</li>
<li>The Bill provides for an additional prospecting license-cum- mining lease.</li>
<li>This license will allow both prospecting and mining activities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Transfer of clearances to new bidders:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, upon expiry, mining leases for specified minerals (minerals other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals) were transferred to new persons through auction.</li>
<li>The new lessee was required to obtain statutory clearances before starting mining operations.</li>
<li>The Bill provides that the various approvals, licenses, and clearances given to the previous lessee will be extended to the new lessee for two years.</li>
<li>During this period, the new lessee will be allowed to continue mining operations. However, the new lessee must obtain all the required clearances within this two-year period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="18">Defence</h2>
<h3 id="19">Draft Defence Procurement Procedure 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Defence released the Draft Defence Procurement Procedure, 2020 (Draft DPP, 2020).</li>
<li>The DPP governs the purchase of weapons and equipment for India's defence forces.</li>
<li>The draft DPP revises the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-flawed-defence-procurement-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>DPP-2016</strong></a> with the aim of increasing indigenous manufacturing and reducing timelines for procurement of defence equipment.</li>
</ul>
<p>Key features of the revised DPP, along with some of the major changes proposed include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Leasing:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The revised DPP has introduced &lsquo;leasing&rsquo; as a new mode of acquisition.</li>
<li>Leasing substitutes initial capital outlays with periodical rental payments.</li>
<li>This is preferred in some situations such as where: (i) procurement is not feasible within time, or (ii) the asset is required only for a specific time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enhancement of Indigenous Content (IC):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The DPP-2016 specified five categories of capital acquisition
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Buy (Indian-IDDM)</li>
<li>Buy (Indian)</li>
<li>Buy and Make (Indian)</li>
<li>Buy and Make</li>
<li>Buy (Global).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The revised DPP adds a sixth category as Buy (Global-Manufacture in India).</li>
<li>Further, it has enhanced the IC requirement in various categories of procurement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Product support:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The revised DPP states that the original equipment manufacturer also needs to specify long term product support through performance based logistics and comprehensive maintenance contract.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="20">Environment and Forests</h2>
<h3 id="21">Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020.</li>
<li>It seeks to replace the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/environmental-impact-assessment-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006.</strong></a></li>
<li>It proposes certain conditions and thresholds on undertaking new infrastructure projects, and on expansion or modernisation of existing infrastructure projects.</li>
<li>These projects include dams, mines, airports, and highways.</li>
<li>Key features of the proposed notification include:</li>
<li><strong>Categorisation of projects and activities:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All infrastructure projects and activities will be divided into three categories based on their potential social and environmental impacts and the extent of such impact.</li>
<li>All projects will require prior environment clearance from the concerned regulatory authority before commencement of any construction, installation, establishment, or any such activity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exemption:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 2006 notification defines &lsquo;public consultation&rsquo; as the process by which the concerns of local affected persons and other stakeholders are addressed and taken into account while designing the project.</li>
<li>The draft notification exempts certain projects from public consultation. These include all building, construction and area development projects, inland waterways, expansion or widening of national highways, and modernisation of irrigation projects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Violations:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Violations will be reported to the Appraisal Committee, who will assess if the cases of violation can be run sustainably under compliance of environmental norms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="22">Agriculture</h2>
<h3 id="23">System of Fertilizer Subsidy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (Chair: Ms. K. Kanimozhi) submitted its report on the subject<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-approves-nutrient-based-subsidy-rates" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;System of Fertilizer Subsidy&rsquo;.</strong></a></li>
<li>The central government provides subsidies to fertilizer manufacturers and importers so that farmers can buy them at affordable prices.</li>
</ul>
<p>Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Change in the subsidy policy:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Committee noted that fertilizer subsidy resulted in a tremendous growth of agricultural productivity, which was necessary for food security of the huge population of the country.</li>
<li>However, it has also led to negative effects such as over and imbalanced use of fertilizers, and soil degradation.</li>
<li>The Committee noted that any drastic change in the existing fertilizer subsidy policy would have a huge bearing on the country&rsquo;s food security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>It recommended that:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any such drastic change must be effected only after an in-depth study and wider consultations with all stakeholders (including the concerned central and state government departments, fertilizer industry, and farmers and their associations).</li>
<li>It also recommended that education and awareness of farmers about balanced use of fertilizers should be an integral part of the policy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Direct subsidy to farmers:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Committee observed that many fertilizer manufacturing plants are operating with very old technology and systems, and not at their highest efficiency.</li>
<li>The government bears the cost of their inefficiency in the form of higher subsidy.</li>
<li>The Committee recommended that the companies should be set free to manufacture, supply, and sell fertilizers as per their own system.</li>
<li>A farmer should have the choice of buying from various brands of fertilizers, while getting the subsidy directly in his bank account.</li>
<li>Such a system will push manufacturers to produce and sell fertilizers in the most cost- effective manner, and push the inefficient ones out.</li>
<li>It also recommended that the government should set out a clear and firm roadmap to switch to a system where farmers directly get the subsidy and the manufacturing and importing of fertilizers is set free to the market forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="24">New and Renewable Energy</h2>
<h3 id="25">Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II Extended</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-december-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II</strong></a> has been extended up to March 31, 2021.</li>
<li>The scheme was launched in December 2018.</li>
<li>As per the original timeline, the scheme was valid until December 2019.</li>
<li>The scheme provides for the installation of solar street lighting systems in specified areas.</li>
<li>Under the scheme, 75% of the cost is borne by the central government and the balance 25% is provided through the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mplad-scheme-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Member of Parliament Local Area Development Fund (MPLAD).</strong></a></li>
<li>Under the Phase-II of the scheme, a total of 3.04 lakh solar street lights are to be installed.</li>
</ul>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-march-2020'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Aarogya Setu Data Access and Knowledge Sharing Protocol',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)</strong> has issued <strong>&lsquo;Aarogya Setu Data Access and Knowledge Sharing Protocol, 2020&rsquo;</strong> laying down guidelines for sharing such data with government agencies and third parties amid <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The executive order issued came amid <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/privacy-concern-over-aarogya-setu-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>concerns and privacy issues expressed by a number of experts</strong></a> over the efficacy and safety of the app.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Aarogya Setu App</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has been launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.</li>
<li>It will help people in identifying the risk of getting affected by the Coronavirus.</li>
<li>It will also help to calculate risk based on the user's interaction with others, using cutting edge Bluetooth technology, algorithms and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>artificial intelligence</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Once installed in a smartphone, the app detects other nearby devices with Aarogya Setu installed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The app will help the Government take necessary timely steps for assessing risk of spread of Covid-19 infection and ensuring isolation where required.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The issued Protocol intends to ensure that data collected from the app is gathered, processed and shared in an <strong>appropriate way.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> violation of the protocol</strong> will lead to the penalties under the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disaster Management Act, 2005.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>MeitY</strong> is designated as the agency <strong>responsible for the implementation</strong> of this Protocol. Further, the app&rsquo;s developer, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rojgaar-sangi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Informatics Centre (NIC)</strong></a> shall be responsible for collection, processing and managing response data collected by the Aarogya Setu app under this Protocol.</li>
<li>Further, it also calls for the <strong>Empowered Group on Technology and Data Management</strong> to review the protocol after six months; unless extended. It will be in <strong>force only for six months</strong> from the date of its issue.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Empowered Group of Ministers</strong> (EGoM) is a Group of Ministers (GoM) of the Union Government appointed by the Cabinet or the Prime Minister for investigating and reporting on such matters as may be specified.</li>
<li>These EGoMs are also authorised to take decisions in such matters after investigation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Definition of Individual:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The order states that the data pertaining to individuals is urgently required in order to formulate appropriate health responses for addressing the Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
<li>The Protocol clarifies that individuals means persons who are infected or are at high risk of being infected or who have come in contact with infected individuals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Categorisation of Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The data collected by the Aarogya Setu app is broadly divided into <strong>four categories&mdash;</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Demographic Data:</strong> It includes information such as name, mobile number, age, gender, profession and travel history.</li>
<li><strong>Contact Data:</strong> It is about any other individual that a given individual has come in close proximity with, including the duration of the contact, the proximate distance between the individuals and the geographical location at which the contact occurred.</li>
<li><strong>Self-assessment Data:</strong> It includes the responses provided by that individual to the self-assessment test administered within the app.</li>
<li><strong>Location data:</strong> It comprises the geographical position of an individual in latitude and longitude.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The demographic data, contact data, self-assessment data and location data are collectively called as <strong>response data.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ground for Data Sharing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The data can be shared only if it is strictly necessary to directly formulate or implement an <strong>appropriate health response.</strong></li>
<li>It can also be shared for<strong> appropriate research work.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Allowed Entities to Access Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>response data containing personal data</strong> may be shared by the app&rsquo;s developer with the Health Ministry, Health Departments of State/Union Territory governments/local governments, National and State Disaster Management Authorities, other ministries and departments of the central and state governments, and other public health institutions of the central, state and local governments.</li>
<li>It can also be shared further with any <strong>third parties</strong> that include the Indian universities or research institutions and research entities registered in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Further, the Protocol also empowers above mentioned universities and research entities to share the data with other such institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Checks and Balances:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>De-identified Form:</strong> Except for demographic data, the response data must be stripped of information that may make it possible to identify the individual personally. <strong>De-identification is the process used to prevent someone's personal identity from being revealed.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Stripped information must be<strong> assigned a randomly generated ID.</strong></li>
<li>The Protocol also discourages reversal of de-identification and imposes penalties under applicable laws for the time being in force.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maintenance of the List:</strong> The NIC needs to maintain a list of, the agencies with the time at which data sharing was initiated, the categories of such data and the purpose of sharing the data.</li>
<li><strong>Data Retention:</strong> Any entity with which the data has been shared shall not retain the data <strong>beyond 180 days</strong> from the day it was collected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a <strong>need for a Personal data protection law</strong> to back the government&rsquo;s decision to make the app mandatory for everyone.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/personal-data-protection-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Personal Data Protection Bill 2019</strong></a> is in the process of being approved by Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> clause for data sharing with third parties is open ended</strong> and has a highest possibility of being misused. The stated list of the third parties with which the data can be shared would have been helpful.</li>
<li>Further, the <strong>process of de-identifying the data should have been detailed,</strong> given that reversing de-identification was not difficult.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/coronavirus-aarogya-setu-who-all-can-access-your-data-and-when-6407175/" 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/aarogya-setu-data-access-and-knowledge-sharing-protocol'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Global Nutrition Report 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Global Nutrition Report 2020</strong> stated that<strong> India is among 88 countries that are likely to miss global nutrition targets by 2025.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It also identified the country as one with the <strong>highest rates of domestic inequalities in malnutrition.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Nutrition Targets</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2012, the <strong>World Health Assembly</strong> (the decision-making body of the<strong> World Health Organisation</strong>) identified<strong> six nutrition targets to be met by 2025.</strong> These are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reduce stunting by 40% in children under 5.</li>
<li>Reduce the prevalence of anaemia by 50% among women in the age group of 19-49 years.</li>
<li>Ensure 30% reduction in low-birth weight.</li>
<li>Ensure no increase in childhood overweight.</li>
<li>Increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months up to at least 50%</li>
<li>Reduce and maintain childhood wasting to less than 5%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Status</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India will <strong>miss targets for all four nutritional indicators</strong> for which there is data available, i.e. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Stunting among under-5 children,</li>
<li>Anaemia among women of reproductive age,</li>
<li>Childhood overweight and</li>
<li>Exclusive breastfeeding.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stunting and wasting among children</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Data:</strong> 37.9% of children under 5 years are stunted and 20.8% are wasted, compared to the Asia average of 22.7% and 9.4% respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Inequity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is identified as among the three worst countries,</strong> along with Nigeria and Indonesia, for <strong>steep within-country disparities in stunting,</strong> where the levels varied four-fold across communities.</li>
<li>For example, Stunting level in Uttar Pradesh is over 40% and their rate among individuals in the lowest income group is more than double those in the highest income group at 22.0% and 50.7%, respectively.</li>
<li>In addition, stunting prevalence is 10.1% higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Overweight and Obesity</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Data: Rate of overweight and obesity continues to rise,</strong> affecting almost a fifth of the adults, at 21.6% of women and 17.8% of men.</li>
<li><strong>Inequity:</strong> There are nearly double as many obese adult females than there are males (5.1% compared to 2.7%).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Anaemia</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>One in two</strong> women of reproductive age is<strong> anaemic.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Underweight children</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Between 2000 and 2016, rates of underweight have decreased from 66.0% to 58.1% for boys and 54.2% to 50.1% in girls.</li>
<li>However, this is still <strong>high compared to the average of 35.6% for boys and 31.8% for girls in Asia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Link Between Malnutrition and Inequity</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The report emphasises on the link between malnutrition and different forms of inequity, such as those based on geographic location, age, gender, ethnicity, education and wealth in all its forms.</li>
<li><strong>Inequities in food and health systems increase inequalities in nutrition outcomes</strong> that in turn can lead to more inequity, perpetuating a vicious cycle.</li>
<li>Coming at a time the world is battling Covid-19, which has exposed different forms of socio-economic inequities, the report calls for promoting equity to address malnutrition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Malnutrition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person&rsquo;s intake of energy and/or nutrients.</li>
<li>The term malnutrition covers two broad groups of conditions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One is <strong>&lsquo;undernutrition&rsquo;</strong>&mdash;which includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age) and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals).</li>
<li>The other is <strong>overweight,</strong> obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In April 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming the <strong>UN Decade of Action on Nutrition from 2016 to 2025.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Sustainable Development Goal (SD Goal 2: Zero hunger)</strong> aims to<strong> end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030,</strong> making sure all people &ndash; especially children &ndash; have access to sufficient and nutritious food all year round.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Global Nutrition Report</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> Global Nutrition Report</strong> was conceived following the first <strong>Nutrition for Growth Initiative Summit (N4G)</strong> in 2013. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The first report was published in<strong> 2014.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It acts as a report card on the world&rsquo;s nutrition&mdash;<strong>globally, regionally, and country by country&mdash;</strong>and on efforts to improve it.</li>
<li>It is a multi-stakeholder initiative, consisting of a Stakeholder Group, Independent Expert Group and Report Secretariat.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-may-miss-nutrition-targets/article31568549.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/global-nutrition-report-2020'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => '“RESTART” Conference',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A digital conference on <strong>&lsquo;Rebooting the Economy through Science, Technology, and Research Translations (RESTART)&rsquo;</strong> was organised on the occasion of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-technology-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Technology Day</a> (May 11).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The conference was organized by the <strong>Technology Development Board (TDB),</strong> an autonomous organization of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) along with the <strong>Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).</strong></li>
<li><strong>CII</strong> is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Outcome</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Strengthen Medicines &amp; Medical Technologies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Experts are of the opinion that the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>pandemic is a great opportunity for R&amp;D and needs to be used for strengthening<strong> &lsquo;Medicines &amp; Medical Technologies for better preparedness to face future Pandemics&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The crisis has unfolded some of the best medical advancements and innovations, like drug discovery, vaccines, and diagnostic tools, etc. as well as ways to preserve electronic health records. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Example: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/privacy-concern-over-aarogya-setu-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aarogya Setu app</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bipap-ventilator-swasthvayu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BiPAP</a></strong> ventilators, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>use of combination of drugs to</strong></a> treat Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Technologies such as <strong>appropriate face masks</strong> and best practices like <strong>physical distancing</strong> need to be made a part of life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Advanced Materials:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Novel materials such as smart materials, special purpose alloys, engineering polymers &amp; blends, graphene, composites, etc. <strong>will be the key to revamping the industry&rsquo;s product lines</strong> in the future.</li>
<li>To tackle pandemics like Covid-19, research <strong>needs to quickly switch over from being capital intensive to knowledge-intensive and should be brought closer to industry. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advanced Manufacturing Technologies for Sustainable Future</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In addressing short term and long-term challenges, advanced technologies provide avenues to the industry to re-stimulate innovation, sustainability and employment.</li>
<li>Covid-19 has forced the Industries to go for <strong>digital transformation.</strong></li>
<li>The world is moving towards<strong> mass customization and mass specialization</strong> today, and technology like<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/3d-bioprinting-to-create-artificial-blood-vessels" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> 3-D printing</strong></a> plays a major role in it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Innovation &amp; Technology Alliance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In today's pandemic scenario, virtual collaboration is the key to connect globally to fight against the common challenge of Covid-19, and collaboration between countries must continue with much vigour.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Technology Day</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India observes its National Technology Day on <strong>11<sup>th</sup> May</strong> every year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the day India successfully tested nuclear bombs in Pokhran on May 11, 1998.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It was first observed in 1999, and<strong> aims to commemorate the scientific and technological achievements of Indian scientists, engineers.</strong></li>
<li>It is organised every year by the Technology Development Board of India. The focus this year is<strong> &lsquo;Rebooting the economy through Science and Technology.&rsquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Key Terms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Capital intensive and Knowledge intensive</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The term "capital intensive" refers to business processes or industries that require large amounts of investment to produce a good or service.</li>
<li>Knowledge Intensive includes reliance on professional knowledge for business services. Here the workers need a lot of education, skills, and experience in order to work effectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mass customization:</strong> It allows a customer to design certain features of a product while still keeping costs closer to that of mass-produced products.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1623332" 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/restart-conference'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Atmanirbhar Bharat and Economic Stimulus',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister has announced the <strong>&lsquo;Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (or Self-reliant India Mission)&rsquo;</strong> with an <strong>economic stimulus package &mdash; worth Rs 20 lakh crores</strong> aimed towards achieving the mission.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The announced economic package is <strong>10% of India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</a> in 2019-20.</strong></li>
<li>The amount <strong>includes</strong> packages already announced at the beginning of the lockdown incorporating <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>measures from the RBI</strong></a> and the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> payouts under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.</strong></a></li>
<li>The package is expected to focus on<strong> land, labour, liquidity and laws.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Self-Reliant India Mission<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589358343_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589358343_image4.jpg" width="450" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Self-Reliant India Mission aims towards <strong>cutting down import dependence</strong> by focussing on substitution while improving safety compliance and quality goods to gain global market share.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Self-Reliance <strong>neither signifies any exclusionary or isolationist strategies</strong> but involves creation of a helping hand to the whole world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Mission focuses on the <strong>importance of promoting &ldquo;local&rdquo; products.</strong></li>
<li>The Mission will be carried out in <strong>two phases:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Phase 1:</strong> It will consider sectors like medical textiles, electronics, plastics and toys where local manufacturing and exports can be promoted.</li>
<li><strong>Phase 2:</strong> It will consider products like gems and jewellery, pharma and steel, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Mission would be based on<strong> five pillars</strong> namely,<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Economy</li>
<li>Infrastructure</li>
<li>System</li>
<li>Vibrant Demography</li>
<li>Demand</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Mission is also expected to complement <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Make In India Initiative&rsquo;</a></strong> which intends to encourage manufacturing in India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Analysis of Declared Economic Package</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Inclusion of RBIs&rsquo; Expenditure in Fiscal Package:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The declared package is considered to be substantially less because<strong> it includes the actions of RBI as part of the government&rsquo;s &ldquo;fiscal&rdquo; package, even though only the government controls the fiscal policy and not the RBI</strong> (which controls the &lsquo;monetary&rsquo; policy).</li>
<li>Thus, the Government expenditure and RBI&rsquo;s actions are <strong>neither the same nor can they be added</strong> in this manner. And thus nowhere in the world fiscal packages are declared in this manner.</li>
<li>For instance, when the US announced a relief package of $3 trillion (Rs 225 lakh crore), it only refers to the money that will be spent by the government &mdash; and does not include the expenditure of the Federal Reserve (US central bank).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implication of Inclusion of RBIs&rsquo; Expenditure :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If the government is including RBI&rsquo;s liquidity decisions in the calculation, then the <strong>actual fresh spending by the government could be considerably lower.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>That&rsquo;s because RBI has been coming out with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/open-market-operations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Long Term Repo Operation (LTRO)</strong></a>, to infuse liquidity into the banking system worth Rs 1 lakh crore at a time. If RBI launches another LTRO of Rs 1 lakh crore, then the overall fiscal help falls by the same amount.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The direct expenditure by a government usually includes wage subsidy or direct benefit transfer or payment of salaries, etc &mdash;<strong> immediately and necessarily stimulates the economy.</strong> In other words, that <strong>money necessarily reaches the people &mdash;</strong> either as <strong>through salary or purchase.</strong></li>
<li>But <strong>measures from RBI include credit easing&mdash;</strong> that is, making more money available to the banks so that they can lend to the broader economy &mdash; is not like government expenditure. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In times of crisis, banks may take that money from RBI and, instead of lending it, may park it back with the RBI.</li>
<li>Recently, Indian banks have parked Rs 8.5 lakh crores with the central bank. So in terms of calculations, RBI has given a stimulus of Rs 6 lakh crore. But in reality, RBI has received an even bigger amount back from the banks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Thus, the <strong>declared amount is 10% of GDP, but less than 5% cash outgo is expected.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1623391" 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/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'GI Tag to Two Products',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Jharkhand&rsquo;s Sohrai Khovar painting </strong>and<strong> Telangana&rsquo;s Telia Rumal</strong> have been given the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bangalore-blue-grapes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Geographical Indication (GI)</a> tag.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sohrai Khovar Paintings:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354836_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354836_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Sohrai Khovar painting is a<strong> traditional and ritualistic mural art.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>mural</strong> is any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other permanent surfaces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is being practised by local tribal women during local harvest and marriage seasons using<strong> local, naturally available soils of different</strong> colours in the area of <strong>Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand.</strong></li>
<li>Style features a<strong> profusion of lines, dots, animal figures and plants,</strong> often representing religious iconography i.e.visual image and symbols.</li>
<li>It has been<strong> painted on the walls of important public places</strong> in Jharkhand, such as the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Telia Rumal:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354865_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354865_image2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Telia Rumal cloth <strong>involves intricate handmade work with cotton loom</strong> displaying a variety of designs and motifs in three particular lours &mdash; red, black and white.</li>
<li>It is an art of Ikat tradition using <strong>natural vegetable dyes.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Ikkat is</strong> a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles .</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Uniqueness:</strong> Telia Rumal can only be<strong> created using the traditional handloom process</strong> and not by any other mechanical means as otherwise, the very quality of the Rumal would be lost.</li>
<li>The telia fabrics were <strong>used by nobles</strong> (Nizam&rsquo;s dynasty) in Hyderabad. The fabric was exported to Persian Gulf, Middle East, Aden, East Africa, Singapore and Burma.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Geographical Indication Status</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>GI is an indication <strong>used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999</strong> seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act is administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and TradeMarks- who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications.</li>
<li>The <strong>Geographical Indications Registry is located at Chennai.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The registration of a geographical indication is <strong>valid for a period of 10 years.</strong> It can be renewed from time to time for a further period of 10 years each.</li>
<li>It is also a <strong>part of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Trade Organisation&rsquo;s</a> Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).</strong></li>
<li>Recent Examples: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tirur-vettila-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tirur Vetilla</strong> </a>(Kerala), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dindigul-lock-and-kandangi-saree" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dindigul Lock and Kandangi Saree</strong></a> (Tamil Nadu), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gi-tag-for-odisha-rasagola" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Odisha Rasagola</strong></a> etc.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/art/gi-tag-for-jharkhands-sohrai-khovar-painting-telanganas-telia-rumal/article31569123.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/gi-tag-to-two-products'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'Labour Laws and Covid-19',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/contempt-for-labour-the-hindu-editorial-on-dilution-of-labour-laws/article31538103.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Contempt for labour: On dilution of labour laws&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on 08/05/2020. It talks about the issue pertaining to evasion of labour laws amid Covid-19 pandemic.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-globalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> has triggered public health and global economic crises. As the economy struggles with the lockdown and thousands of firms and employees stare at an uncertain future, some of the state governments last week decided to make significant changes in the application of labour laws.</p>
<p>These changes are being brought about to incentivise economic activity in several states. However, this move may undermine the interest of labourers, who are one of the most vulnerable sections that have been impacted by the pandemic.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Madhya Pradesh has allowed units of business and industries to be operated without many of the requirements of the Factories Act.</li>
<li>Uttar Pradesh has cleared an ordinance exempting businesses and industries from labour laws, except for a handful, for three year period.</li>
<li>There are reports that several other states are pursuing similar measures.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Some Major Indian Labour Legislation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Labour falls in the Concurrent List of the Indian constitution and there are many laws enacted by the Centre and the states.</li>
<li>There are four major central legislations, that form the core of labour laws in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Factories Act, 1948:</strong> The main objectives of this act is to ensure safety measures on factory premises, and promote the health and welfare of workers.</li>
<li><strong>The Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961:</strong> It aims to regulate hours of work, payment, overtime, a weekly day off with pay, other holidays with pay, annual leave, employment of children and young persons, and employment of women.</li>
<li><strong>The Minimum Wages Act, 1948:</strong> It sets the <strong>minimum wages</strong> that must be paid to skilled and unskilled labours.</li>
<li><strong>Industrial Disputes Act. 1947:</strong> It relates to terms of service such as layoff, retrenchment, and closure of industrial enterprises and strikes and lockouts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Pertaining to Evasion of Labour Laws</h3>
<p><strong>Creating an Enabling Environment for Exploitation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The immediate suspension of labour laws by the states is far from being called a reform as it will strip the labour of its basic rights and also drive down wages.</li>
<li>As for the suspension, most of the provisions under the Factories Act, 1948 and the Industrial Disputes Act,1947 would mean workers in factories may be denied basic working facilities such as cleanliness, proper ventilation, drinking water, canteens, and restrooms.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Counter Productive Step</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These steps are far from pushing for a greater formalisation of the workforce.</li>
<li>This move will in one go turn the existing formal workers into informal workers as they would not get any social security.</li>
<li>Also, there will be no way for any worker to even seek grievance redressal.</li>
<li>Resulting fall in wages will further depress the overall demand in the economy, thus hurting the recovery process.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Forced Labour</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Article 23 of the Constitution prohibits &ldquo;forced labour&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The Supreme Court, in case<strong> PUDR v. Union of India (1982),</strong> held that &ldquo;the word &lsquo;force&rsquo; would mean any condition arising from the compulsion of economic circumstances which leaves no choice of alternatives to a worker.</li>
<li>Thus, the suspension of labour laws by several states reduces the bargaining power of labour, their right to negotiate and hence may turn them into Forced Labour.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Against the International Commitments</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These amendments in labour laws are the spirit of the<strong> International Labour Organization&rsquo;s &lsquo;Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017&rsquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It requires states to ensure marginalised groups &ldquo;freely choose employment&rdquo; while rebuilding after any disaster.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related to Indian Labour laws</h3>
<p><strong>Complex Set of Laws</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are over 200 state laws and close to 50 central laws, and yet there is no set definition of &ldquo;labour laws&rdquo; in the country.</li>
<li>The multiplicity and complexity of laws make compliance and enforcement difficult and lays the foundation for corruption, rent-seeking and exploitation of workers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Inflexible Laws</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian labour laws are often characterised as &ldquo;inflexible&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It has been argued that firms (those employing more than 100 workers) dither from hiring new workers because firing them requires government approvals.</li>
<li>This has constrained the growth of firms on the one hand and could not improve the job prospects of the workers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Applicability of Labour Laws</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A large number of workers that are engaged in the unorganized sector are not covered by labour regulations and social security.</li>
<li>At present nearly 83% of India&rsquo;s workers are part of the informal economy.</li>
<li>Thus, the current framework of labour laws falls short of securing the interest of all the labourers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To Be Taken</h3>
<p><strong>Short-Term Step</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With respect to Covid-19 pandemic, the central and state governments in India should follow what most governments have done across the world.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government should partner with the industry and allocate a percentage of the GDP towards sharing the wage burden and ensuring the health of the labourers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Long-Term Steps</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government has proposed four labour codes: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Labour Codes on Wages </strong></li>
<li><strong>Labour Code on Industrial relations</strong></li>
<li><strong>Labour Code on Occupational safety, health and working conditions</strong></li>
<li><strong>Labour Code on Social Security and Welfare</strong></li>
<li>These should be passed by the parliament as soon as possible.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Labour laws applicable to the formal sector should be modified to introduce an optimum combination of flexibility and security.</li>
<li>Make the compliance of working conditions regulations more effective and transparent.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>For sustainable industrial growth in India, there is a need for holistic labour laws reforms, which would enable firms to expand, while keeping the interest of labours intact, thereby resulting in the formalisation of the Indian economy.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589285653_pasted%20image 0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589285653_pasted image 0.png" caption="false" width="213" height="551" /></a></p>
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<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the significance of labour laws in the Industrial growth of India.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kNxL6-s_684" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on &ldquo;Coming to terms&rdquo; which was published in The Hindu on May 11<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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		'title' => 'Deforestation Rate Declined',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to the <strong>Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 (FRA 2020) report,</strong> the rate of forest loss has declined in the period of 1990-2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The FRA is released by the <strong>United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).</strong></li>
<li>The FRA 2020 is <strong>based on the assessment</strong> of more than<strong> 60 forest-related variables in 236 countries</strong> and territories in the period of 1990&ndash;2020.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Total forest area:</strong> The world&rsquo;s total forest area is 4.06 billion hectares (bha), which is 31% of the total land area. This area is equivalent to 0.52 hectares per person.</li>
<li><strong>Top countries in forest cover &mdash;</strong> the <strong>Russian Federation, Brazil, Canada, the United States of America and China</strong> constituted more than 54% of the world&rsquo;s forests.</li>
<li><strong>Forest loss:</strong> According to the report, the <strong>world has lost 178 million hectares (mha) of forest since 1990,</strong> an area the size of Libya.</li>
<li><strong>Decline in rate of forest loss:</strong> The rate of net forest loss decreased substantially during the period of 1990&ndash;2020.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was 7.8 mha per year in the decade 1990&ndash;2000, 5.2 mha per year in 2000&ndash;2010 and 4.7 mha per year in 2010&ndash;2020.</li>
<li>This is due to a <strong>reduction in deforestation in some countries,</strong> plus <strong>increases in forest area in others</strong> through afforestation and the <strong>natural expansion of forests.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Areas that witnessed forest loss: Africa</strong> had the <strong>largest annual rate of net forest loss</strong> in 2010&ndash;2020, at 3.9 mha, <strong>followed by South America,</strong> at 2.6 mha.</li>
<li><strong>Areas that witnessed forest gain: Asia</strong> had the <strong>highest net gain of forest area</strong> in 2010&ndash;2020, <strong>followed by Oceania and Europe.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, Oceania experienced net losses of forest area in the decades 1990&ndash;2000 and 2000&ndash;2010.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Types of forest loss:</strong> The largest proportion of the world&rsquo;s forests are tropical (45%), followed by <strong>boreal, temperate and subtropical.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Naturally regenerating forest areas</strong> worldwide <strong>decreased</strong> since 1990, but the area of <strong>planted forests has</strong> increased.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Plantation forest</strong> cover is 131 mha, about 3% of the global forest area.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>highest percent</strong> of plantation forests are in <strong>South America</strong> while the <strong>lowest are in Europe.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protected forest areas</strong> worldwide estimate around 726 mha. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>South America</strong> has the highest share of forests in protected areas, at 31%.</li>
<li>The protected forest areas increased by 191 mha since 1990.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Forest Resources Assessment</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The FRA presents a comprehensive view of the world&rsquo;s forests and the ways in which the resource is changing.</li>
<li>It supports the development of sound policies, practices and investments affecting forests and forestry.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Food and Agriculture Organization is an <strong>agency of the</strong> <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.</li>
<li>FAO is also a source of knowledge and information and helps developing countries and countries in transition to modernize and<strong> improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition and food security</strong> for all.</li>
<li><strong>Formation:</strong> 16<sup>th</sup> October 1945</li>
<li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Rome, Italy</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/forests/deforestation-rate-globally-declined-between-2015-and-2020-fao-report-71107" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'COBAS 6800 Testing Machine',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Union Health Minister inaugurated the first automated<strong> coronavirus testing device named &lsquo;COBAS 6800&rsquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This is the first such testing machine that has been procured by the Government for testing of Covid-19 cases and is installed at the<strong> National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>COBAS 6800 is a <strong>fully automated,</strong> high end machine for performing <strong>Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing for Covid-19.</strong></li>
<li>It will provide <strong>quality, high-volume testing</strong> as it can test around 1200 samples in 24 hours. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This will largely increase the testing capacity in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is a sophisticated machine <strong>enabled with robotics that minimizes the chance of contamination</strong> as well as the risk of infection to the health care workers.</li>
<li>The machine requires a minimum <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sequencing-novel-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Biosafety Level 2</strong></a> (BSL2+) containment level for testing, thus it was placed at the NCDC.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BSL2+ covers laboratories that work with agents associated with human diseases (i.e. pathogenic or infectious organisms) that pose a moderate health hazard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The device<strong> can also detect other pathogens</strong> like Viral Hepatitis B &amp; C, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hiv-aids-outreach" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-tuberculosis-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mycobacterium Tuberculosis</strong></a>, Papilloma, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, Chlamydia (a bacterial infection), Neisseria (bacteria) etc.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Centre for Disease Control</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), formerly the <strong>National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD),</strong> had its origin as the Central Malaria Bureau, established at Kasauli (Himachal Pradesh) in 1909.</li>
<li>NICD was transformed into the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) with a larger mandate of controlling emerging and re-emerging diseases in <strong>2009.</strong></li>
<li>It functions as the <strong>nodal agency</strong> in the country for <strong>disease surveillance, facilitating prevention and control of communicable diseases.</strong></li>
<li>It is also a national level institute for <strong>training specialized manpower</strong> for public health, laboratory sciences and entomological services and is involved in various applied research activities.</li>
<li>The Institute is under <strong>administrative control of the Director General of Health Services,</strong> Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.</li>
<li>The Institute has its headquarters in <strong>Delhi.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1623782" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Constitutional Morality',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to Dr. Ambedkar, Constitutional morality would mean effective coordination between conflicting interests of different people and the administrative cooperation to resolve them amicably without any confrontation amongst the various groups working for the realization of their ends at any cost.</li>
<li>Constitutional morality has been regarded as a paramount reverence for the constitution.</li>
<li>Constitutional morality provides a principled understanding for unfolding the work of governance. It specifies norms for institutions to survive and an expectation of behaviour that will meet not just the text but the soul of the Constitution. It also makes the governing institutions and representatives accountable.</li>
<li>Constitutional Morality is scarcely a new concept. It is written largely in the Constitution itself like in the section of <strong>Fundamental Rights</strong> (Article 12 to 35), <strong>Directive Principle of State Policy</strong> (Article 36 to 51), <strong>Preamble </strong>and<strong> Fundamental duties.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Elements of constitutional morality</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589460545_Constitutional%20morality (Infograph 14-5-2020) With logo-02-01.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589460545_Constitutional morality (Infograph 14-5-2020) With logo-02-01.png" width="700" height="438" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Supreme Court's Judgements and Constitutional Morality</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Constitutional morality is not limited only to following the constitutional provisions literally but is based on values like individual autonomy and liberty; equality without discrimination; recognition of identity with dignity; the right to privacy.</li>
<li>Constitutional morality means adherence to the core principles of constitutional democracy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For Example: In <strong>Supreme Court&rsquo;s Sabarimala verdict</strong> religious freedom, gender equality and the right of women to worship guaranteed<strong> under Article 14, 21 and 25</strong> of the Constitution was reinstated which struck down the practice of banning entry of women of a certain age to the Sabarimala temple in Kerala as unconstitutional.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Constitutional morality here went against social morality that discriminates against women based on biological reasons like menstruation.</li>
<li>Other Judgments by the Supreme Court defining Constitutional Morality:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-structure-of-constitution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kesavananda Bharati Case</strong></a>, the Supreme Court restricted the power of the Parliament to violate the Basic Structure of the Constitution.</li>
<li>In the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-decriminalizes-homosexuality" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Naz Foundation case</strong></a>, the Supreme Court opined that only Constitutional Morality and not Public Morality should prevail.</li>
<li>In <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-judgement-on-delhi-centre-tussle" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Lt Governor of Delhi case</strong></a>, SC proclaimed constitutional morality as a governing ideas that "highlight the need to preserve the trust of people in the institution of democracy.</li>
<li>In Sabarimala case, the Supreme Court bypassed the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/supreme-court-on-religious-practices" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&ldquo;doctrine of essentiality&rdquo;</a></strong> to uphold the Constitutional morality</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Constitutional morality <strong>ensures the establishment of rule of law in the land</strong> while integrating the changing aspirations and ideals of the society.</li>
<li>Constitutional morality as a governing ideal that <strong>highlights the need to preserve the trust of the people in institutions of democracy.</strong> As such an ideal, it allows people to cooperate and coordinate to pursue constitutional aspirations that cannot be achieved single-handedly.</li>
<li>Constitutional morality<strong> can use laws and forms to impact and change the persisting social morality.</strong> For example, by abolishing the practice of Sati by legislation, the right to dignity and life was passed on to the widows which later on affected the perception of the practice in the society.</li>
<li>Constitutional morality <strong>recognises plurality and diversity in society and tries to make individuals and communities in the society more inclusive</strong> in their functioning by constantly providing the scope for improvement and reforms. For example in Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, the SC provided a framework to reaffirm the rights of LGBTQ and all gender non-conforming people to their dignity, life, liberty, and identity.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Concerns</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The term has not been clearly defined by the SC, which leaves the scope of its subjective interpretation by the individual judges.</li>
<li>This top-down approach to morality can affect the possibility of organic emergence of the solutions to the persisting ethical problems in society.</li>
<li>Violates the principle of separation of powers: It establishes judicial supremacy over parliamentary supremacy. Against the very principle of democratic government.</li>
<li>It is claimed that the application of this doctrine amounts to judicial overreach and are thereby pitting <strong>&ldquo;constitutional morality&rdquo;</strong> against <strong>&ldquo;societal/popular morality&rdquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Need to Uphold Constitutional Morality</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The central elements of constitutional morality are <strong>freedom and self-restraint.</strong> Self-restraint was a precondition for maintaining freedom under a proper constitutional government. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To uphold constitutional morality, the constitutional methods must be used for achieving social and economic objectives.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Commitment to the <strong>ideals and aspirations of the Constitution.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Awareness creation</strong> among the common public regarding their rights which are protected by the Constitution.</li>
<li>Following the Fundamental Duties while exercising Fundamental Rights.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Constitutional Morality is a sentiment to be cultivated in the minds of a responsible citizen. Upholding constitutional morality is not just the duty of Judiciary or state but also of individuals. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The preamble of the constitution explicitly mentions the type of society we wish to establish; it is only through constitutional morality it can become reality.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The progressive and monumental precedents have been set-up by the judiciary in the past few years, where this doctrine has been applied especially in relation to the cases of gender-justice, institutional propriety, social uplift, checking majoritarianism and other such evils.</li>
</ul>',
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	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'Covid-19 and Indian Federalism',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/reaffirm-cooperative-federalism/article31567966.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Reaffirm cooperative federalism&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 13/05/2020. It talks about the nature of Indian federalism and federal issues accentuated during the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>
</div>
<p>India&rsquo;s success in defeating <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> actively rests upon Centre-State collaboration. However, some recent developments have revealed fissures in Centre-State cooperation.</p>
<p>As it is the States which act as first responders to the pandemic, supplying them with adequate funds and autonomy becomes a prerequisite in effectively tackling the crisis.</p>
<p>This requires the Centre to view the States as equals, and strengthen their capabilities, instead of increasing their dependence upon itself.</p>
<p>In this context, Covid-19 poses a litmus test for the federal structure of India, whose nature is already a matter of debate amongst constitutional experts.</p>
<h3>Nature of Indian federal structure</h3>
<p>Federalism traditionally signifies the independence of the Union and State governments of a country, in their respective spheres. However, due to the centralising tendency of Indian federalism, K C Wheare referred to it as <strong>&ldquo;Quasi federal&rdquo;.</strong></p>
<p>Similarly other constitutional experts describe it as,<strong> &ldquo;federation without federalism&rdquo;</strong> and &ldquo;a<strong> Union of Unequal States&rdquo;,</strong> particularly the way it has evolved over the years.</p>
<p><strong>Features of Indian Federation that reflects a Centralising Tendency</strong></p>
<p><strong>Inequitable Division of Power</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The division of powers is in favour of the Centre and highly inequitable from that of a true federation.</li>
<li>The Union List contains more numbers and important subjects (like defence, currency, external affairs, citizenship, railways) than the State List.</li>
<li>Also, the Centre has overriding authority over the Concurrent List and the residuary powers have also been left with the Centre.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>No Territorial Integrity with States</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Parliament can by unilateral action change the area, boundaries or name of any state (Article 3 of Indian constitution).</li>
<li>Indian federalism is described as an <strong>indestructible union of destructive states.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Flexibility of the Constitution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Constitution of India embodies not only the powers of the Centre but also those of the states.</li>
<li>Further, the bulk of the Constitution can be amended by the unilateral action of the Parliament and the power to initiate an amendment to the Constitution lies only with the Centre.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Emergency Provisions</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>During an emergency, the Central government becomes all-powerful and the states go into the total control of the Centre.</li>
<li>It converts the federal structure into a unitary one without a formal amendment of the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Appointment of Governor</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The governor is the head of the state but is appointed by the President. He holds office during the pleasure of the President.</li>
<li>In this capacity, he/she acts as an agent of the Centre.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Integrated Constitutional Offices</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian constitution provides for an integrated audit machinery (such as CAG), election commission (such as ECI) and states have no control over these offices.</li>
<li>Also, features like Single Citizenship, Integrated Judiciary and All India Services also signifies centralising tilt.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Federal Issues Accentuated During the Pandemic</h3>
<p><strong>Lack of Finances with the States</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Due to the Covid-19 induced lockdown, the sources of states&rsquo; revenue have collapsed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Majority of states&rsquo; revenue comes from liquor sales, stamp duty from property transactions and the sales tax on petroleum products.</li>
<li>However, their expenditure such as on interest payments, social sector schemes and staff salaries remain unchanged.</li>
<li>Moreover, states are now called upon to spend more on beefing up their health infrastructure and on Covid-19 measures, including testing, treatment and quarantining.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>States&rsquo; GST collections have also been severely affected with their dues still not disbursed by the Centre.</li>
<li>According to the FRBM Act, states cannot borrow from the market over a certain limit.</li>
<li>Further, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pm-cares-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM-CARES relief fund</strong></a> has been put under the ambit of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/corporate-social-responsibility-csr-expenditure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</strong></a> contributions. However, contributions to the &lsquo;Chief Minister&rsquo;s Relief Fund&rsquo; or &lsquo;State Relief Fund for Covid-19&rsquo; do not qualify as admissible CSR expenditure.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This directly disincentives donations to any Chief Minister&rsquo;s Relief Fund; diverts crores in potential State revenues to PM-CARES; and makes the States largely dependent upon the Centre.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Furthermore, the suspension of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mplad-scheme-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MPLADS</strong></a> and diversion of the funds to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mp-s-salaries-cut-and-mplads-suspended" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Consolidated Fund of India</strong></a> may not be in concurrence of cooperative federalism, as it discourages locally tailored solutions by the MPs.</li>
<li>In this scenario, states in India have fully become dependent on the Union government for finances.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Managing Covid-19 Disaster</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For instance, the zone classifications into &lsquo;red&rsquo; ,orange&rsquo; and &lsquo;green&rsquo; have evoked sharp criticisms from several States.</li>
<li>The States have demanded more autonomy in making such classifications.</li>
<li>This is despite the fact that state consultation is a legislative mandate cast upon the centre under the Disaster Management Act of 2005 (under which binding COVID-19 guidelines are being issued by the Centre to the States).</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Disaster Management Act, 2005 envisages the creation of a &lsquo;National Plan&rsquo; under Section 11, as well as the issuance of binding guidelines by the Centre to States under Section 6(2), in furtherance of the &lsquo;National Plan&rsquo;.</li>
<li>However, section 11(2) of the Act mandates State consultations before formulating a &lsquo;National Plan&rsquo;.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Migrant Crisis</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The influx of migrant workers into their home states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, which already face severe financial and medical deficits, would worsen matters for the states.</li>
<li>The sustenance of agricultural, industrial and construction activities would be difficult in the absence of a majority of the workforce in the backdrop of the lifting of restrictions, given these workers are going back to their hometowns.</li>
<li>In this case, both Centre and states failed to devise a coherent and holistic plan of action to avert the migrant crisis.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To be Taken</h3>
<p><strong>Short-Terms Measures</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The limit imposed by the FRBM Act must be relaxed so that states who are falling short of funds can borrow money to combat the pandemic and revive the economy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These borrowing can be backed by sovereign guarantee by the Union Government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Union government can provide money to states so that they can take necessary action to deal with the crisis at state level.</li>
<li>The Union government should direct FCI to move the grains from the godowns to states.</li>
<li>A successful approach to tackle the crisis would still need Centre&rsquo;s intervention and guidance in a facilitative manner, where the Centre would communicate extensively the best practices across states, address the financial needs effectively, and leverage national expertise for scalable solutions.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Long-Term Measures</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The recent meeting by Indian Prime Minister with the chief ministers of states is a testimony of cooperative federalism. In this context, the government should consider making the Inter-State Council a permanent body.</li>
<li>Management of disasters and emergencies (both natural and manmade) should be included in the List III (Concurrent List) of the Seventh Schedule.</li>
<li>An Inter-State Trade and Commerce Commission should be established, which will help realise the idea of <strong>&lsquo;One India One Market&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>Arbitrary control of union over states through the<a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/governor" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> institution of the governor and Article 356</strong></a>, must be checked.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The constituent assembly in India studied various democratic federal models in the world and formulated a system suited uniquely to India&rsquo;s needs. Further, it is argued that a &ldquo;strong centre&rdquo; does not necessarily presuppose weak states.</p>
<p>As a result, India adopted &lsquo;cooperative federalism&rsquo; &mdash; essentially defined by administrative cooperation between the centre &amp; states and among states. Therefore, both union and states should work together to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic and strengthen the spirit of cooperative federalism.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589456863_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589456863_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" 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: #e3fbff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Covid-19 pandemic is a litmus test of the federal structure of India. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8EeQ8VpGzRU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based from &ldquo;Perilous State&rdquo; which was published in The Hindu on May 13<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/covid-19-and-indian-federalism'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Energy Transition Index: WEF',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Economic Forum</strong></a> (WEF) has released the<strong> annual rankings</strong> of the global <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/energy-transition-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Energy Transition Index</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The index<strong> benchmarks 115 economies</strong> on the current performance of their energy systems across economic development and growth, environmental sustainability and energy security and access indicators and their readiness for transition to secure, sustainable, affordable and inclusive energy systems.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Data Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Sweden</strong> has <strong>topped</strong> the Index for the third consecutive year and is <strong>followed by Switzerland and Finland</strong> in the top three.</li>
<li><strong>France</strong> (8<sup>th</sup>) and the <strong>UK</strong> (7<sup>th</sup>) are the only <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-institution-upsc-ias-g20-significance-global-groupings-member-challenges-buenos-aires-gs-mains-paper-ii-2-international-relations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>G20</strong></a> countries in the top ten.</li>
<li>Only <strong>11 out of 115 countries have made steady improvements</strong> in ETI scores since 2015. <strong>Argentina, China, India and Italy are among the major countries</strong> with consistent annual improvements.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In<strong> China</strong> (78<sup>th</sup>), problems of air pollution have resulted in policies to control emissions, electrify vehicles and develop the world&rsquo;s largest capacity for<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/solar-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> solar photovoltaic</strong> </a>(SPV) and onshore <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/policy-watch-indias-wind-energy-potential" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>wind power</strong></a> plants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Scores for the<strong> US, Canada, Brazil and Australia</strong> were <strong>either stagnant or declining.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The US ranks outside the top 25% for the first time, primarily due to the uncertain regulatory outlook for energy transition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Performance Analysis:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>results for 2020</strong> show that <strong>75% of countries have improved</strong> their <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>environmental sustainability</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a result of multifaceted, incremental approaches, including pricing carbon, retiring coal plants ahead of schedule and redesigning electricity markets to integrate renewable energy sources.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Its study measuring <strong>readiness for clean energy transition</strong> in 115 economies showed that <strong>94 have made progress</strong> since 2015.</li>
<li>The <strong>greatest overall progress</strong> is observed among <strong>emerging economies.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Ranking and Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has <strong>moved up two positions to rank 74<sup>th</sup></strong> with<strong> improvements</strong> in all <strong>three dimensions of the energy triangle</strong> namely:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Economic development and growth.</li>
<li>Energy access and security.</li>
<li>Environmental sustainability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For India, gains have come from a <strong>government-mandated renewable energy expansion programme</strong> i.e. to add 275 GW by 2027.</li>
<li>India has also <strong>made significant strides in energy efficiency</strong> through bulk <strong>procurement of LED bulbs,</strong> smart meters and programs for labelling of appliances. Similar measures are being experimented to drive down the costs of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/electric-vehicles-evs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>electric vehicles</strong></a> (EVs).</li>
<li>It indicates a <strong>strong positive trajectory,</strong> driven by<strong> strong political commitment</strong> and an<strong> enabling policy environment.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Impact of Covid-19</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> risks cancelling out recent progress in transitioning to clean energy,</strong> with unprecedented falls in demand, price volatility and pressure to quickly mitigate socioeconomic costs placing the near-term trajectory of the transition in doubt.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Policies, roadmaps and governance frameworks for energy transition at national, regional and global levels need to be more robust and resilient against external shocks.</li>
<li>The pandemic offers an <strong>opportunity to consider unorthodox intervention in the energy markets</strong> and global collaboration to support a recovery that accelerates the energy transition once the crisis subsides.</li>
<li>The <strong>economic recovery packages</strong> (like the announcement of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Yojana</strong></a> <strong>by India</strong>), introduced by the governments can <strong>accelerate the transition to clean energy,</strong> by helping countries scale their efforts towards sustainable and inclusive energy systems, if implemented with long-term strategies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Economic Forum</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>Swiss nonprofit foundation</strong> established in<strong> 1971,</strong> based in <strong>Geneva, Switzerland.</strong></li>
<li>Recognized by the Swiss authorities as the international institution for <strong>public-private cooperation,</strong> its <strong>mission</strong> is cited as, "committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas".</li>
<li><strong>Major reports published by WEF:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-competitiveness-index-4-0-wef" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Competitiveness Report</a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Global IT Report</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-gender-gap-report-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Gender Gap Report</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Global Risk Report</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/travel-and-tourism-competitiveness-index" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Travel and Tourism Report</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/india-up-at-74th-place-on-wef-s-global-energy-transition-index/story-QIoQqmRmjqqNeQc2XxyQBK.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: HT</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/energy-transition-index-wef'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Integrated Battle Groups',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Army chief said that a comprehensive testing of the Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) has concluded but its roll out has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IBGs are brigade sized agile self-sufficient combat formations which can swiftly launch strikes against adversaries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>IBGs can be <strong>mobilised within 12-48 hours</strong> based on the location.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Each IBG would be organised on the basis of <strong>Threat, Terrain and Task</strong> and resources to each battle group will be allocated on the basis of <strong>3Ts.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, the composition of every IBG would differ on the basis of the terrain where it is located i.e. an IBG operating in a desert needs to be constituted differently from one operating in the mountains.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Each IBG</strong> will be <strong>headed</strong> by a <strong>Major General.</strong></li>
<li>The integrated units for the border will be all-encompassing, with artillery, armoured, combat engineers and signal units.</li>
<li><strong>IBGs</strong> have been <strong>classified into- Defensive and Offensive.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Defensive IBGs</strong> would hold ground at vulnerable points or where enemy action is expected.</li>
<li><strong>Offensive IBGs</strong> have the ability to quickly mobilise and make thrust into enemy territory for strikes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>After years of deliberations, the Army decided to raise the IBGs along the borders with China and Pakistan that will help it carry out swift strikes in case of a war.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/integrated-battle-groups-will-soon-be-operational/article31576965.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/integrated-battle-groups-1'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Economic Stimulus-I',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Finance Minister announced<strong> liquidity measures for businesses, especially Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs),</strong> as part of the <strong>first tranche</strong> of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The announced measures also form a <strong>part of the Rs. 20-lakh-crore economic stimulus package</strong> to deal with the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</li>
<li>This economic stimulus includes both <strong>liquidity financing measures and credit guarantees.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589449679_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589449679_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="615" height="462" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Salaried Workers and Taxpayers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The deadline for income tax returns for the financial year 2019-20 has been extended, with the due date now pushed to November 30, 2020.</li>
<li>The rates of Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) and Tax Collection at Source (TCS) have been <strong>cut by 25%</strong> for the FY 2020-21.</li>
<li>The statutory <strong>Provident Fund (PF) payments have been reduced from 12% to 10% for both employers and employees</strong> for the next three months.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NBFCs, Housing Finance Companies and Microfinance Institutions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Many of these institutions serve the MSME sector financially and will be supported through a Rs.30,000 crore investment scheme <strong>fully guaranteed by the Centre.</strong></li>
<li>Further, an expanded <strong>partial credit guarantee scheme worth Rs.45,000 crores</strong> also has been offered, of which the <strong>first 20% of losses will be borne by the Centre.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For instance, if the government provides a 100% credit guarantee up to an amount of Rs 1 crore to a firm, it means that a bank can lend Rs 1 crore to that firm; in case the firm fails to pay back, the government will repay all of Rs 1 crore. If this guarantee was for the first 20% of the loan, then the government would guarantee to pay back only Rs 20 lakh.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Power Distribution Companies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As these companies are facing an unprecedented cash flow crisis and thus will receive Rs. 90,000 crore liquidity injection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Real Estate and Contractors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Contractors (those dealing with the construction/ works and goods and services contracts) will get a six month extension for completion of work from all Central agencies, and also get partial bank guarantees to ease their cash flows.</li>
<li>Registered real estate projects will get a six-month extension for registration and completion of Real Estate Projects under <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/rera-act-2016" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA)</strong></a> with Covid-19 to be treated as a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-force-majeure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;force majeure&rdquo; event.</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A Force Majeure (FM) means extraordinary events or circumstances beyond human control such as an event described as an Act of God (like a natural calamity).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Tenders to be Disallowed:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian MSMEs and other companies have often faced unfair competition from foreign companies and would be difficult to compete in the future due to Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
<li>Therefore, <strong>global tenders will be disallowed </strong>in <strong>government procurement tenders upto Rs 200 crores.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Liquidity Measures for Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs)</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>New Definition of MSMEs:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The definition of an <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MSMEs</strong></a> has been expanded<strong> to allow for higher investment limits</strong> and the <strong>introduction of turnover-based criteria.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier MSMEs were defined on the basis of the limit of investment in machinery or equipment.</li>
<li>The &lsquo;turnover&rsquo; is the more efficient way to identify an MSME as it allows a lot of firms, especially in the services sector like mid-sized hospitals, hotels and diagnostic centres to be eligible for benefits as an MSME.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>There will be<strong> no difference between a manufacturing MSME and a services MSMEs.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589449757_image2.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589449757_image2.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="615" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Infusion of Liquidity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Instead of directly infusing money into the economy or giving it directly to MSMEs,the government will offer <strong>credit guarantees for MSMEs.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Emergency Credit Line:</strong> The <strong>collateral free loans</strong> of worth <strong>Rs. 3 lakh crores</strong> will be available for MSMEs. It will ensure access to working capital to resume business activity and safeguard jobs for 45 lakh MSMEs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The above measure is available for MSMEs that have <strong>an already outstanding loan of Rs. 25 crore or those with a turnover less than Rs 100 crore.</strong></li>
<li>The loans will have a tenure of 4 years and they will have a <strong>moratorium of 12 months</strong> (that is, the payback starts only after 12 months).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Subordinate Debt Scheme :</strong> The loans of amount Rs 20,000 crore will be provided to MSMEs that were<strong> already categorised as &ldquo;stressed&rdquo;, or struggling to pay back. </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In this case, the<strong> government provides partial guarantee.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Equity Infusion:</strong> Fund of Funds with corpus of <strong>Rs 10,000 crores</strong> will be set up which will provide <strong>equity funding for MSMEs</strong> with growth potential and viability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Credit Guarantees to MSMEs</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Credit Guarantee Schemes (CGS) by the government assures the bank that its loan will be <strong>repaid by the government in case the MSME falters.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons for Introduction of CGS:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Though, there was an option to pump liquidity via the banks but banks suspect any new loans due to rising Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).</li>
<li>Thus, the government faced a dual problem where banks had the money but were not willing to lend to the credit-starved sections of the economy, while the government itself did not have enough money to directly help the economy.</li>
<li>The credit guarantees solve dual issues faced by the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Such CGS creates moral hazards as borrowers remain assured of paying back and the lender remains assured of receiving credit amounts. Subsequently, the government is forced to pay the amount.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Overall Implications of Economic Stimulus</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The measures announced during the first tranche of the economic stimulus focuses <strong>majorly on supply side measures,</strong> aimed at activating businesses in the MSME, real estate, NBFC sectors.</li>
<li>In general, <strong>stimulus measures are aimed at boosting demand</strong> either by government spending on its own account or increasing disposable incomes of households through cash transfers or tax concessions.</li>
<li>Indian economy needs <strong>both supply and demand side measures</strong> for the <strong>revival.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/economic-package-to-spur-growth-build-a-self-reliant-india-fm/article31573533.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/economic-stimulus-i'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Revenue Loss to States',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to estimates from the India Ratings and Research (a credit rating agency), the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> lockdown has caused 21 major States to suffer a collective revenue loss of about Rs. 97,100 crore for the month of April.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>The lockdown caused disruptions</strong> to production, supply-chains, trade and the total washout of activities in aviation, tourism, hotels and hospitality.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The disruption caused has taken place with such a speed and scale that even if the lockdown is lifted, economic activity is unlikely to normalise in near future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Although, during the lockdown,<strong> nearly 40% of the economy was functional</strong> as economic activities defined as <strong>essentials</strong> were allowed to operate. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This means that despite the lockdown <strong>some amount of revenue did accrue to the states.</strong> But despite this, the states faced significant revenue loss in April.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The lockdown has a more <strong>paralyzing impact on the states,</strong> which have a <strong>high share of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/liquor-revenue-for-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">own revenue</a></strong> in the total revenue mix.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For example, for <strong>Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana</strong> 65%-76% of their revenue comes from their <strong>own sources.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Both Union government and State governments are struggling due to the dried-up cash inflow.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>But the problems of the <strong>States are more precarious</strong> because of the actual <strong>battle against the Covid-19 and the associated expenditure</strong> being incurred by them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under the current circumstance, there is a fair <strong>amount of uncertainty</strong> regarding the quantum and timings of the states' receivables from the Centre. Their own sources of revenue have also fallen to abysmally low levels.</li>
<li>This is pushing states to adopt <strong>austerity measures</strong> and combine it with exploring new/more ways of generating revenues.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Austerity measures include action by a government to reduce the amount of money it spends.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The situation may improve somewhat in May 2020 due to the easing of some restrictions&ndash; <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Allowing the liquor sale.</li>
<li>Raising the excise duty on liquor.</li>
<li>Some states have raised VAT on petrol and diesel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sources of State government revenue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>States&rsquo; Own Tax Revenue (SOTR),</li>
<li>Share in central taxes,</li>
<li>States&rsquo; Own Non-Tax Revenue (SONTR)</li>
<li>Grants from the Centre.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>States&rsquo; own revenue</strong> mainly comes from seven heads&ndash;<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fall-in-goods-and-services-tax-gst-collections" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>State Goods and Services Tax (SGST)</strong></a>,<strong> State Value Added Tax (VAT)-</strong> mostly on petroleum products, <strong>State excise-</strong>mostly on liquor, <strong>stamps and registration fees, vehicle tax, tax and duty on electricity,</strong> and <strong>own non-tax revenue.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/major-states-lost-97100-crore-in-own-revenue-in-april-india-ratings/article31577161.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/revenue-loss-to-states'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'National Biomedical Resource Indigenization Consortium',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has launched a <strong>National Biomedical Resource Indigenization Consortium (NBRIC)</strong> to drive <strong>indigenous innovation&nbsp;</strong>focused on developing reagents (used in chemical reactions), diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics <strong>for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/ppp-investment-model" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Private Partnership (PPP)</strong> </a>hosted and led by the <strong>Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms</strong> (C-CAMP).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; initiative</strong></a> for biomedical research and innovative products, towards promoting import substitution and exports.</li>
<li>It aims to establish a <strong>nation-wide collaborative platform</strong> for convergence of research, product resources and services towards developing reagents, diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics across India.</li>
<li>It <strong>identifies providers/manufacturing enterprises</strong> of crucial bio-medical resources and <strong>connects</strong> them with policy makers as well as with other stakeholders from public and private sectors.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) is one of the centers for technology-based <strong>innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of life sciences </strong>under the <strong>Department of Biotechnology (DBT).</strong></li>
<li>It intends to develop state-of-the-art technologies and to provide training on these technologies to academia and industry.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.nic.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1622757" 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-biomedical-resource-indigenization-consortium'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'US-Israel Talks on West Bank Annexation',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss<strong> Israel's plans to annex parts of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/west-bank-settlements" target="_blank" rel="noopener">West Bank</a>.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Pompeo&rsquo;s visit was exempted from <strong>Israel&rsquo;s mandatory two-week quarantine</strong> for arrivals and shut borders due to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pandemic</a>.</li>
<li>For Israel, this visit was an <strong>indication of the strength of its alliance with the USA</strong> and the talks focused on discussions on <strong>annexation, shared <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iran-to-pull-out-of-npt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">concerns about Iran</a></strong>, the<strong> battle against the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/novel-strain-of-coronavirus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coronavirus</a>, Israel&rsquo;s incoming government</strong> and <strong>threats from Israel&rsquo;s ties with China.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Israel-China Ties:</strong> The<strong> US</strong> has reportedly been <strong>pressuring Israel to rethink</strong> a bid by a <strong>Hong Kong company to build a massive desalination facility.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Plans for Annexation of West Bank</strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589448153_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589448153_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="715" height="900" /></a></strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Israeli hard-liners</strong> are eager to unilaterally redraw the <strong>Mideast map</strong> before November&rsquo;s US Presidential Election.</li>
<li>The<strong> presumptive Democratic nominee,</strong> Joe Biden, is in the<strong> opposition of unilateral annexation plans</strong> by Israel.</li>
<li>Annexation would <strong>give Donald Trump an accomplishment</strong> to shore up his <strong>pro-Israel base,</strong> particularly politically influential <strong>pro-Israel evangelical</strong> (of or according to the teaching of the gospel or the Christianity) <strong>Christian voters</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These voters <strong>believe in the notion that God promised the land to Jews</strong> and it <strong>should be returned</strong> to them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/israel-palestine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Israel-Palestine Conflict</strong></a> can be traced back to <strong>1917.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mideast War, 1967:</strong> It is also known as the <strong>six-day war</strong> or <strong>Third Arab-Israeli war. Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip</strong> in the war. The Palestinians seek these territories for a future independent state. In the decades since, Israel has built settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem that now house nearly 700,000 Israelis. Most of the <strong>international communities</strong> consider these settlements a <strong>violation of international law and obstacles to peace.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Mideast Plan or Middle East Peace Plan:</strong> It was <strong>unveiled by Trump</strong> in January, 2020. Under it, the <strong>Palestinians</strong> would have a <strong>limited statehood contingent on a list of stringent requirements</strong> while <strong>Israel would annex some 30% of the West Bank.</strong></li>
<li>The Palestinians rejected the plan and <strong>threatened to withdraw</strong> <strong>from</strong> key provisions of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oslo-peace-accords" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Oslo Peace Accords</strong></a>, which are a <strong>series of agreements between Israel and the Palestinians </strong>signed in the<strong> 1990s.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> Trump administration believes</strong> that Israel&rsquo;s West Bank settlements are <strong>consistent with international law</strong> and <strong>supports the annexation</strong> of West Bank territory, as long as Israel agrees to enter peace talks with the Palestinians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Criticism</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The annexation will trigger widespread <strong>international condemnation</strong> because it will <strong>crush already faint Palestinian hopes of establishing a viable state</strong> on the lands captured by Israel in the Mideast war.</li>
<li>The <strong>Arab League</strong> has mentioned the annexation as a <strong>war crime.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/european-union" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>European Union</strong></a> (EU) and other individual member states, have warned of tough consequences if Israel moves forward in the annexation process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Stand</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India was one of the few countries to<strong> oppose the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a>&rsquo; partition plan in November 1947,</strong> echoing its own experience during independence a few months earlier.</li>
<li>India <strong>recognised Israel in 1950</strong> but it is also the <strong>first non-Arab country to recognise Palestine Liberation Organisation</strong> (PLO) as the sole representative of the Palestinians. India is also one of the first countries to <strong>recognise</strong> the <strong>statehood of Palestine in 1988.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>2014,</strong> India favored the <a href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Human Rights Council&rsquo;s</strong></a> (UNHRC) resolution to probe Israel&rsquo;s human rights violations in Gaza. Despite supporting the probe, <strong>India abstained from voting against Israel</strong> in UNHRC in <strong>2015.</strong></li>
<li>As a part of <strong>Link West Policy,</strong> India has <strong>de-hyphenated its relationship with Israel and Palestine in 2018</strong> to treat both the countries mutually independent and exclusive.</li>
<li>In <strong>June 2019,</strong> India <strong>voted in favor of a decision introduced by Israel</strong> in the <strong>UN Economic and Social Council</strong> (ECOSOC) that objected to granting consultative status to a Palestinian non-governmental organization.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/world/despite-virus-pompeo-talks-west-bank-annexation-in-israel-6408956/" 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/us-israel-talks-on-west-bank-annexation'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Direct Seeding of Rice',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Due to labour shortage in two granary states of Punjab and Haryana, farmers are now being encouraged to adopt<strong> &lsquo;Direct Seeding of Rice&rsquo; (DSR)</strong> in place of <strong>conventional transplanting.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> pandemic has led the labourers to reverse migrate to their villages, which has created a shortage of labourers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Normal Transplanting of Paddy vs Direct Seeding of Rice</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Transplanting Paddy:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In transplanting paddy, <strong>farmers prepare nurseries</strong> where the paddy seeds are first sown and raised into young plants.</li>
<li>The nursery seed bed is 5-10% of the area to be transplanted.</li>
<li>These <strong>seedlings are then uprooted and replanted</strong> 25-35 days later in the puddled field.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In DSR, the pre-germinated seeds are directly drilled into the field by a tractor-powered machine.</li>
<li>There is no nursery preparation or transplantation involved in this method.</li>
<li>Farmers have to only level their land and give one pre-sowing irrigation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection against the weeds</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Transplanting Method:</strong> In transplanting for the first three weeks or so, the plants have to be irrigated almost daily to maintain a water depth of 4-5 cm. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Water prevents growth of weeds by denying them oxygen in the submerged stage, whereas the soft <strong>&lsquo;aerenchyma tissues&rsquo;</strong> in paddy plants allow air to penetrate through their roots. Water, thus, acts as a herbicide for paddy.</li>
<li><strong>DSR Method:</strong> In DSR as flooding of fields is not done during sowing, chemical herbicides are used to kill weeds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantage with Direct Seeding of Rice</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Water savings. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Less numbers of labourers</strong> required.</li>
<li><strong>Saves labour cost.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Reduce methane emissions</strong> due to a shorter flooding period and decreased soil disturbance compared to transplanting rice seedlings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Drawbacks of Direct Seeding of Rice</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Non-availability of herbicides.</li>
<li>The <strong>seed requirement for DSR is also high,</strong> 8-10 kg/acre, compared to 4-5 kg/acre in transplanting.</li>
<li>Further, <strong>laser land levelling is</strong> compulsory in DSR. This is not so in transplanting.</li>
<li>The <strong>sowing needs to be done timely</strong> so that the plants have come out properly before the monsoon rains arrive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Rice</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Rice is a staple food for the overwhelming majority of the population in India.</li>
<li>It is a <strong>kharif crop</strong> which requires<strong> high temperature, (above 25&deg;C)</strong> and<strong> high humidity</strong> with annual <strong>rainfall above 100 cm.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the <strong>areas of less rainfall, it is grown with the help of irrigation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>southern states and West Bengal the climatic conditions allow the cultivation of two or three crops</strong> of rice in an agricultural year. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In West Bengal farmers grow three crops of rice called<strong> &lsquo;aus&rsquo;, &lsquo;aman&rsquo; and &lsquo;boro&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>About <strong>one-fourth of the total cropped area in India is under rice cultivation. </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Leading producer states:</strong> West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab.</li>
<li><strong>High Yielding States:</strong> Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal and Kerala.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Punjab and Haryana are <strong>not traditional rice growing areas.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Rice Cultivation in the irrigated areas of Punjab and Haryana was introduced in the 1970s following the <strong>Green Revolution.</strong></li>
<li>Almost the entire land under rice cultivation in Punjab and Haryana is irrigated.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India contributes 21.6% of rice production in the world and <strong>ranked second after China</strong> in 2016.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/labour-short-can-direct-seeding-be-alternative-to-paddy-transplanting-6408653/" 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/direct-seeding-of-rice'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Panchayati Raj',
		'catname' => 'Paper 2',
		'desc' => '<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is responsible for the work of advocacy, monitoring and implementation of 73<sup>rd</sup> Constitutional Amendment.</li>
<li>The role of the MoPR involves strengthening the administrative infrastructure, basic services etc. by leveraging technology and capacity building of the functionaries of Rural Local Body (RLB).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Important Schemes and Policies</h3>
<p><strong>Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) Grants</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Ministry monitors the effective utilization of FFC Grants by the Gram Panchayats (GPs) through <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/public-financial-management-system-pfms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Public Financial Management System</strong></a> (PFMS).</li>
<li>Around 5.5 Lakhs assets created by using FFC grants in GPs have been geo-tagged to give thrust to the digital monitoring system.</li>
<li>A majority of Gram Panchayats are on-board in PRIASoft-PFMS and a lot of them are already doing digital payments through PRIASoft -PFMS.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Panchayat Enterprise Suite Application</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has conceived a software viz, <strong>PlanPlus,</strong> the software application facilitates the consolidation and integration of all plans of all planning units.</li>
<li>The Gram Panchayat development plans (GPDPs) prepared by the panchayats are uploaded on the software and the citizens can also view the activities being planned in their respective areas.</li>
<li>Currently, generation of plans through PlanPlus has been prescribed as one of the necessary conditions for release of performance grants.</li>
<li>Action Soft is another Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) Application which works in collaboration with Plan-Plus and captures the work execution flow, converges and keeps track of flow of funds from different source s during implementation and brings about total transparency in the reporting of physical and financial progress of works.</li>
<li>PRIA Soft is another PES application developed for managing receipts and expenditure of approved list of works through voucher entries.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Fourteenth Finance Commission Recommendations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Fourteenth Finance Commission recommendations are path breaking to strengthen local governments.</li>
<li><strong>Fiscal decentralization</strong> and the <strong>trust-based approach</strong> have empowered our Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats to address the local needs.</li>
<li>The <strong>devolution of funds</strong> has also had an impact on the effectiveness, responsiveness and quality of the public services delivered in rural areas.</li>
<li>The <strong>formulation of GPDPs and digitization of Panchayat records</strong> through PES applications has made the system more transparent, accountable and effective.</li>
<li>Through proper planning at the local level, the funds devolved can be effectively utilized for more inclusive development.</li>
<li>The State Governments should trust the village Panchayats and provide them flexibility to utilize the untied funds to meet the local needs.</li>
<li><strong>Decentralized planning</strong> will be a motivating exercise for the citizens if their demands are heard, accepted and fulfilled.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Panchayati Raj: Background</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Panchayati Raj, the institutional manifestation of democratic decentralization in India, became an integral part of the Indian Constitution only after five decades of independence in the year 1993 after the enactment of 73<sup>rd</sup> Constitutional Amendment Act.</li>
<li>Post Independence, the <strong>first major Community Development Programme was launched in 1952</strong> with the aim of bringing about overall development of rural areas through people&rsquo;s participation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This programme was formulated to provide an administrative framework through which the government could reach to the district, tehsil/taluka and village level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Later in 1957, the Planning Commission appointed a <strong>committee headed by Balwantrai Mehta in 1957 to study the Community Development Programmes and National Extension Services Programme</strong> especially to assess the extent of people&rsquo;s participation and to recommend ways to ensure this.</li>
<li>The committee recommended three-tier panchayati raj system in the country viz Zila Parishad at the District Level, Panchayat Samiti at the Block/ Tehsil/ Taluka Level and Gram Panchayat at the Village Level.</li>
<li>Though the committee did not recommend a rigid frame work for the same, the seeds were sown for the birth of contemporary Panchayati Raj.</li>
<li>Subsequently<strong> the Ashok Mehta Committee&rsquo;s recommendations</strong> in 1978 for a two-tier system with Zilla Parishad at the district level and Mandal Panchayat as the base and <strong>L. M. Singhvi Committee&rsquo;s recommendations</strong> that the PRIs should be enshrined in the Constitution and &lsquo;Gram Sabha&rsquo; should be the base for decentralised democracy, bore fruits in the form of the 73<sup>rd</sup> Constitutional Amendment Act, 1993.</li>
<li>This became landmark development in the history of local self-government. It uniformly introduced a three-tier Panchayati Raj system throughout the country and provided them with necessary powers and authority to help them to function as units of self-government. Panchayati Raj was started in India on the premise that at the local level there should be some kind of democracy which would involve people in the process of governance. If the people are to be involved they have to be given responsibilities in the functioning of the institutions and development programmes of the government. This is the only way democracy reaches the masses.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Mission Mode Project (MMP) on e-Panchayat</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Under the e-Panchayat MMP, a suite of Core Common Applications has been developed collectively called Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) Applications. Following are some of the key activities undertaken under the e-Panchayat MMP during the year:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Unified portal focusing on Work Based Accounting:</strong> It will bring in a more user-friendly interface with ease of navigation that would make it hassle-free for the GPs to track, monitor and modify their Action Plan.</li>
<li><strong>On-boarding of schemes on PRIASoft-PFMS integration for real time payments by GPs:</strong> The Ministry, in the current year, has put in place a robust mechanism capturing the entire gamut of activity right from the stage of planning to monitor the various stages of work, recording the expenditure incurred for the works to providing complete detail of the asset created.</li>
<li><strong>Gram Manchitra:</strong> It is a Spatial Planning Application provides a single/ unified Geo Spatial platform to better visualize the various developmental works to be taken up across the 29 sectors and provide a decision support system for GPDP.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Launched in 2018, this centrally sponsored scheme is an effort in the direction of achieving &ldquo;Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The RGSA helps more than 2.55 lakh <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/panchayati-raj-institution-pri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Panchayati Raj Institutions</strong></a> (PRIs) to develop governance capabilities to deliver on SDGs through inclusive local governance with focus on optimum utilisation of available resources.</li>
<li>The key principles of SDGs, i.e. leaving no one behind, reaching the farthest first and universal coverage, along with gender equality will be embedded in the design of all capacity building interventions including trainings, training modules and materials.</li>
<li>Priority will be given to subjects of national importance that affects the excluded groups the most, e.g. poverty, primary health services, nutrition, immunization, sanitation, education, water conservation, digital transactions etc.</li>
<li>The implementation and monitoring of the activities of the scheme are broadly aligned for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with main thrust on Panchayats identified under Mission Antyodaya and Aspirational districts as identified by NITI Aayog.</li>
<li>This scheme extends to all States and UTs of the country and will also include institutions of rural local government in non-Part IX areas, where Panchayats do not exist.</li>
<li>The scheme will strengthen Gram Sabhas to function as effective institutions with social inclusion of citizens particularly the vulnerable groups.</li>
<li>It will establish the institutional structure for capacity building of PRIs at the national, state and district level with adequate human resources and infrastructure.</li>
<li>Panchayats will progressively be strengthened through incentivisation on the basis of nationally important criteria which will encourage competitive spirit among them.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sabki-yojana-sabka-vikas-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>People&rsquo;s Plan Campaign (PPC)- Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It aims to draw up Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) in the country and place them on a website where anyone can see the status of the various government&rsquo;s flagship schemes.</li>
<li>To provide sustainability to the GPDP formulation process into a participative and transparent exercise,<strong> the process of GPDP preparation for the financial year 2020-21 again started in a Campaign mode from 2nd October, 2019 as PPC-2019.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>NOTE</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>National Panchayat Day:</strong> It is celebrated on 24 April every year. It was on this day in 1993, that the 73<sup>rd</sup> amendment act had come into force.</li>
<li><strong>Panchayati Raj:</strong> The term was coined by PM Nehru who inaugurated the 3-tier Panchayati Raj in Nagaur (Rajasthan, 2 October 1959).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Incentivization of Panchayats</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry has been incentivizing the Panchayats/ States/ Union Territories (UTs) under the scheme of Incentivization of Panchayats, one of the central components of the restructured scheme of RGSA, in recognition of their good work for improving delivery of services &amp; public goods and to encourage a spirit of competition.</li>
<li>Awards, including financial incentives are given annually to best performing Panchayats/States/UTs under various categories namely, <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar (DDUPSP) for Gram/ Block/ District Panchayats;</li>
<li>Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar (NDRGGSP) for Gram Panchayats;</li>
<li>Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) Award for Gram Panchayats;</li>
<li>Child-friendly Gram Panchayat Award (CFGPA) for Gram Panchayats and e-Panchayat Puraskar for States/UTs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/year-end-review-2019-ministry-of-panchayati-raj'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Revival of Non-Alignment Movement',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/narendra-modi-video-address-nam-summit-6403546/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;What&rsquo;s in a NAM?&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 11/05/2020. It talks about the relevance of the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) in present times.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister of India hosted a video conference that addresses a summit of the Non-aligned nations. This is in concurrence of India&rsquo;s efforts of promoting global cooperation in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>
<p>In the domain of foreign policy, this meeting assumes great significance, given the fact that Indian Prime Minister has skipped the last two NAM summits, at Venezuela in 2016 and Azerbaijan in 2019.</p>
<p>It is argued that the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/non-aligned-movement-nam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)</strong> </a>was the product of certain circumstances which have undergone a sea change and thus, have become irrelevant.</p>
<p>However, the Covid-19 pandemic and India renewed interest in NAM, have earmarked the relevance of Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) to pursue effective work programmes at the international level.</p>
<h3>Why is NAM criticised?</h3>
<p>The Non-Aligned Movement was formed during the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/cold-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cold War</strong></a> as an organization of States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the superpowers: the United States or the Soviet Union but sought to remain independent or neutral. It also stands united for the decolonization of European colonies in Asia and Africa.</p>
<p>However, the world order has changed significantly in 21<sup>st</sup>-century, which has rendered the utility of the NAM doubtful:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The cold war has ended with the disintegration of USSR in 1991 and subsequently:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The bi-polar world is non-existent.</li>
<li>The collapse of communism and the communist bloc and thereby ending the ideological rivalry between capitalism vs communism.</li>
<li>Since the US emerged as the sole world power following the collapse of the Soviet Union, many non-aligned countries left the NAM.</li>
<li>Shifting of global politics narrative from the balance of power to economic interdependence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Decolonisation project has become redundant, as almost all major colonies have been decolonised.</li>
<li>It is argued that NAM today competes with groups like the Commonwealth. The other groups are more effective, as they deal with economic and trade issues. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NAM does not do that, nor does it take up any diplomatic initiative.</li>
<li>It has no position even on issues like human rights, child exploitation and gender issues. Also, most of the members of NAM are developing.</li>
<li>As a result, its members have to follow the Western dictates in this regard.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Relevance of NAM</h3>
<p>The 21<sup>st</sup>-century world order is significantly different from that of the 20<sup>th</sup>-century. Though the world has changed, the problems have remained almost the same. In this context, NAM can prove its worth by striving to work for the following contemporary issues:</p>
<p><strong>New Cold War</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Those who say the NAM is a relic of the Cold War must also acknowledge that a new Cold War is beginning to unfold, this time between the US and China.</li>
<li>This can be reflected in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/trade-war-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Trade War</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad initiative</strong></a>, <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-pacific narrative</strong></a>, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/important-international-institutions-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>emergence of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation</strong></a>, naval presence in the Indian ocean, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The resurgence of colonialism: Neo-colonialism</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Neocolonialism is the practice of using capitalism, globalisation, cultural imperialism, and conditional aid to influence a developing country instead of the previous colonial methods of direct military control (imperialism) or indirect political control (hegemony).</li>
<li>China&rsquo;s investment in Africa and Asia through its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/italy-joins-belt-road-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Belt and Road initiative</strong></a> is criticized for being neo-colonialism in nature whereas NAM can help in establishing the ethos of collective action.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Restructuring and democratization of the UN</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Due to undemocratic representation and veto power of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>permanent members in UNSC</strong></a>, the UNSC has been criticised as undemocratic. Thus, there has been a demand for reforms in the UN system for long.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Combating Global Issues</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NAM becomes relevant to mobilize international public opinion against terrorism, weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), nuclear proliferation, ecological imbalance, safeguarding interests of developing countries in <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>WTO (World Trade Organization)</strong></a> etc.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Importance of NAM for India</h3>
<p><strong>Support for India&rsquo;s Candidature in UNSC</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NAM&rsquo;s total strength comprises 120 developing countries and most of them are members of the UN General Assembly.</li>
<li>Thus, NAM members act as an important group in support of India&rsquo;s candidature as a permanent member in UNSC.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Global South Cooperation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is widely perceived as a leader of the developing world. Thus, India&rsquo;s engagement with NAM will further help in the rise of India&rsquo;s stature as the voice of the developing world or global south.</li>
<li>In times of increasing protectionism, NAM can provide a platform for South-South cooperation.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Strengthening of Multipolar World Order</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A multipolar world order is in concurrence with Indian forigen policy.</li>
<li>Thus, NAM can help in formation of a multipolar world with India becoming a major pole.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Given the relevance of NAM in present times, it remains a critical diplomatic forum for the pursuit of India&rsquo;s forign policy interests. Therefore India must refrain from treating NAM as a ritual to be performed every three years and start engaging with NAM constructively.</p>
<p>Thus, just like the start of cold war provided the ground for NAM in the 20<sup>th</sup> century, the Covid-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity for India to lay the foundation of NAM 2.0. In this context, the virtual NAM summit hosted by India is a step in the right direction.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589374531_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589374531_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="700" 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: #fffeeb;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the relevance of Non-alignment movement in present times.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/97hx_xhb7eI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on &ldquo;Ease Land Markets&rdquo; which was published in The Times of India on May 12<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/revival-of-non-alignment-movement'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'PRS Capsule March 2020',
		'catname' => 'PRS Capsule',
		'desc' => '<p><em><strong>Key Highlights of PRS</strong></em></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="#1">COVID-19</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#2">Lockdown notified in the country</a></li>
<li><a href="#3">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to Provide Relief Against COVID-19</a></li>
<li><a href="#4">RBI Announces Measures for Financial Stress Caused by COVID-19</a></li>
<li><a href="#5">Social Distancing Measures Proposed</a></li>
<li><a href="#6">Census and NPR Postponed</a></li>
<li><a href="#7">Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 Extended</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#8">Finance</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#9">Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020</a></li>
<li><a href="#10">Consolidation of 10 Public Sector Banks</a></li>
<li><a href="#11">Supreme Court strikes down RBI Circular Regulating Virtual Currencies</a></li>
<li><a href="#12">recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#13">Health</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#14">Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</a></li>
<li><a href="#15">The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 passed by Rajya Sabha</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#16">Mining</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#17">The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#18">Defence</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#19">Draft Defence Procurement Procedure 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#20">Environment and Forests</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#21">Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#22">Agriculture</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#23">System of Fertilizer Subsidy</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#24">New and Renewable Energy</a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="#25">Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II Extended</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="1">COVID-19</h2>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-s-preparedness" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)</strong></a> is an infectious disease caused by a new type of virus.The disease originated in Wuhan, China and since then has spread globally. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 as a global pandemic.</p>
<p>The first confirmed case in India was on January 30, 2020. Since then, there has been a consistent rise in the number of cases within the country. With the spread of COVID-19, the central government has announced several policy decisions to contain the spread, and financial measures to support citizens and businesses who would get affected.</p>
<p><strong>Key Announcements</strong></p>
<h3 id="2">Lockdown Notified in the Country</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To contain the spread of COVID-19, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Disaster Management Authority</strong></a> (NDMA) directed the central and state governments, as well as various State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) to take measures to ensure<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/social-vaccine" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> social distancing.</strong></a></li>
<li>These measures were issued under the provisions of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/invocation-of-disaster-management-act-2005-to-deal-with-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disaster Management Act</strong></a>, 2005.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act sets up the NDMA and SMDAs and provides certain powers to these authorities for the effective management of disasters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>During the lockdown, all establishments, other than those selling or producing essential goods or providing essential services, and activities related to agricultural operations have been closed.</li>
<li>Essential goods include items such as food, medicine, and electricity. Essential services include banking services, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals.</li>
<li>Transportation of all goods (whether essential or non-essential) will continue to remain functional.</li>
<li>Further, certain bodies, such as the district administration, police, and defence services will continue to operate.</li>
<li>The Union Home Secretary further directed all state/union territory governments, as well as various State/Union Territory Disaster Management Authorities to issue orders to their District Magistrates or Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SP), SP, or Deputy SP to:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ensure adequate arrangements of temporary shelter and food for the needy, including stranded migrant workers,</li>
<li>Relocate migrant workers who have moved out to reach their hometown, to the nearest shelter home, and to quarantine them for at least 14 days.</li>
<li>Direct employers to pay wages during the lockdown, and to ensure landlords do not demand rent from workers for one month.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="3">Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana to Provide Relief Against COVID-19</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Finance Minister announced a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>relief package under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana</strong> </a>for the poor.</li>
<li>An amount of Rs 1.7 lakh crore has been allocated for the same.</li>
<li>Key features of the package under the scheme are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh for public health workers (such as doctors, nurses, paramedics and ASHA workers) who are treating patients of COVID-19.</li>
<li>The scheme will cover all health workers working in government health centres, wellness centres, and hospitals of the centre and states.</li>
<li>The insurance cover will be over and above any other insurance cover being availed by the beneficiary.</li>
<li>Five kilograms of wheat or rice and one kilogram of preferred pulses will be provided for free every month to poor families for the next three months.</li>
<li>This will be over and above the current entitlements under the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/food-security-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Food Security Act.</strong></a></li>
<li>20.4 crore women account holders under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-6th-september-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana</strong></a> will get Rs 500 per month for next three months.</li>
<li>Further, eight crore poor families will be given three gas cylinders free of cost over the next three months.</li>
<li>The first instalment of Rs 2,000 due in 2020- 21 under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/one-year-of-pm-kisan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>PM-KISAN Yojana</strong></a> will be advanced and paid in April, 2020.</li>
<li>Wages under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/youngest-workers-rise-in-menrega" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme</strong> </a>will be increased from Rs 182 to Rs 202 per day.</li>
<li>Centre will direct state governments to utilise the funds available under District Mineral Fund for medical testing, screening and other requirements for treatment and prevention of spread of COVID-19.</li>
<li>Further, states will also be directed to utilise funds under the Building and other Construction Workers Welfare Fund to provide assistance and support to workers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="4">RBI Announces Measures for Financial Stress Caused by COVID-19</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> has announced several measures to address the stress in financial conditions caused by COVID-19. These include: (i)cutting policy rates, (ii) expanding liquidity in the market to ensure that financial markets and institutions are able to function normally, and (iii) relief to borrowers in repayment of loans.</li>
<li>Key measures are detailed below:</li>
<li><strong>Policy Rates:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The repo rate (the rate at which RBI lends money to banks) was reduced from 5.15% to 4.4%.</li>
<li>The reverse repo rate (the rate at which RBI borrows money from banks) was reduced from 4.9% to 4.0%.</li>
<li>The marginal standing facility rate (the rate at which banks can borrow additional money) and the bank rate (the rate at which RBI buys bills of exchange) were reduced from 5.4% to 4.65%.</li>
<li>The accommodative stance of monetary policy will be continued in order to revive growth and mitigate the impact of coronavirus on the economy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Liquidity management:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for all banks has been reduced from 4% to 3% till March 26, 2021.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>CRR is the amount of liquid cash that banks have to maintain with the RBI, as a percentage of their total deposits (net demand and time liabilities).</li>
<li>The daily required minimum CRR balance has been also reduced from 90% to 80%, till June 26, 2020. Further, the RBI will conduct auctions of targeted term repos of up to three years tenor.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Under the marginal standing facility (MSF), banks can borrow overnight from RBI by dipping into their statutory liquidity ratio (SLR).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>SLR is the ratio of liquid assets such as gold, treasury bonds and government securities to net demand and time liabilities (NDTL).</li>
<li>The borrowing limit for MSF has been increased from 2% of NDTL to 3% of NDTL till June 30, 2020.</li>
<li>These steps are expected to inject a total liquidity of Rs 3.74 lakh crore.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Relief to borrowers:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All banks and financial institutions (including NBFCs) are permitted to grant a moratorium of three months on payment of all term loan instalments (including agricultural, retail and crop loans) and interest on working capital loans (such as overdraft facilities), which are due between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020.</li>
<li>Such deferment will not result in a downgrade in asset classification.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="5">Social Distancing Measures Proposed</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released several advisories and notifications addressing: (i) citizens, (ii) hospitals, (iii) state governments/ departments/ Ministries, and (iv) employees.</li>
<li>Key notifications include:</li>
<li><strong>Testing laboratories:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>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> allowed for free of cost diagnosis to all individuals with COVID19 symptoms. For this purpose, the government approved certain private laboratories to test individuals for COVID-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Social distancing measures:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government also proposed for certain interventions to be followed by state governments to ensure social distancing. These include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Closure of all educational establishments (schools, universities), gyms, museums, cultural and social centres, swimming pools and theatres.</li>
<li>Postponing of exams and ongoing exams to be conducted only after ensuring physical distance of one meter amongst students.</li>
<li>Encourage private sector organisations/ employers to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="6">Census and NPR Postponed</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In December 2019, the Union Cabinet had approved proposals to: (i) conduct the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/census-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census of India 2021</strong></a> throughout the country, and (ii) update the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-population-register" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Population Register (NPR)</strong> </a>in all parts of the country, except the state of Assam.</li>
<li>The Census was to be conducted in two phases:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A house listing and housing census between April and September 2020, and population enumeration in February 2021.</li>
<li>The NPR was to be updated along with the house listing and housing census (except in Assam).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>NPR is a register of the usual residents in the country.</li>
<li>Usual residents refer to those who have either resided in a local area for the past six months or more, or intend to reside in that area for the next six months or more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the census and updation of NPR have been postponed until further orders.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="7">Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 Extended</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced an extension of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-export-policy-unveiled" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Foreign Trade Policy</strong></a>, applicable for the period 2015-20, by one year, i.e, up to March 31, 2021.</li>
<li>The extension has been announced to provide continuity in the policy regime, given the current situation due to the coronavirus pandemic.</li>
<li>Following are some of the key features of the Policy:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All export promotion schemes, except the Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) will be available till March 31, 2021.</li>
<li>Exemption from payment of GST and compensation cess on certain imports will continue during this period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="8">Finance</h2>
<h3 id="9">Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/direct-tax-vivad-se-vishwas-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020</strong></a> was passed by Parliament.</li>
<li>The Bill provides a mechanism for resolution of pending tax disputes related to income tax and corporation tax.</li>
<li><strong>Key features of the Bill include:</strong></li>
<li><strong>Appellant:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill defines an appellant as the person in whose case any appeal or petition, filed by him or the income tax authority, was pending before the appellate forums as on January 31, 2020.</li>
<li>These appellate forums are the Supreme Court, the High Courts, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunals and the Commissioner (Appeals).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Resolution mechanism:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill proposes a mechanism under which an appellant can file a declaration to the designated authority to initiate resolution of pending direct tax disputes.</li>
<li>The designated authority will determine the amount payable by the appellant against the dispute, and grant a certificate, containing particulars of the amount payable, within 15 days.</li>
<li>The appellant must pay this amount within 15 days and inform the designated authority. The amount paid will not be refundable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amount payable for resolution:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The amount payable by an appellant for dispute resolution is determined based on whether the dispute relates to the payment of tax, or the payment of interest, penalty, or fee.</li>
<li>An additional amount is required to be paid if such payment is made after March 31, 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="10">Consolidation of 10 Public Sector Banks</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Union Cabinet has approved the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amalgamation-of-national-banks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>consolidation of 10 public sector banks (PSBs) into four PSBs.</strong></a></li>
<li>The amalgamation will be effective from April 1, 2020.</li>
<li>This measure was announced by the Finance Minister in August 2019 to help achieve scale and higher capacity for PSBs.</li>
<li>The banks to be merged are:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Oriental Bank of Commerce and Union Bank of India to be merged into Punjab National Bank.</li>
<li>Syndicate Bank to be merged into Canara Bank.</li>
<li>Allahabad Bank to be merged into Indian Bank.</li>
<li>Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank to be merged into Union Bank of India</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="11">Supreme Court strikes down RBI Circular Regulating Virtual Currencies</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/supreme-court-on-cryptocurrency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court struck down a circular issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a> in April 2018 with respect to virtual currencies on the grounds of proportionality.</li>
<li>The circular prohibited entities regulated by the RBI from dealing in virtual currencies or providing services for facilitating any person or entity in dealing with virtual currencies.</li>
<li>A virtual currency is a digital representation of value, which can be used as a medium of exchange, a store of value or a unit of account.</li>
<li>It usually does not have the status of a legal tender.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A legal tender is guaranteed by the central government and all parties are legally bound to accept it as a mode of payment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Court held that anything which may pose a threat to the financial system of the country falls within the purview of regulatory powers of the RBI.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is irrespective of whether the activity forms part of the credit or payment system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>However, it held that the availability of power is different from the manner and extent to which it can be exercised.</li>
<li>The Court held that the RBI did not provide any evidence that virtual currencies have negatively impacted the entities regulated by it.</li>
<li>Further, it noted that the Inter- Ministerial Committee, constituted in November 2017, was of the opinion that a ban might be an extreme tool and would not be achievable through regulatory measures.</li>
<li>Considering these, the Court held that the RBI&rsquo;s action of prohibiting entities regulated by it from dealing in virtual currencies was not proportional and the above directive should be set aside.</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="12">recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the continuation of Scheme for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/recapitalisation-of-rrbs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>recapitalisation of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)</strong></a> for the year 2020-21.</li>
<li>RRBs primarily cater to the credit and banking requirements of enterprises operating in the rural sector.</li>
<li>In 2011, a Scheme for Recapitalisation of RRBs was approved by the Cabinet and an amount of Rs 2,900 crore was allocated for it till 2019-20.</li>
<li>The Scheme is aimed at improving the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-cancels-licence-of-ckp-co-op-bank" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR)</strong></a> of RRBs.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>CRAR measures the bank&rsquo;s total available capital as a percentage of its total assets.</li>
<li>RBI has prescribed a minimum CRAR of 9% to be maintained by all banks on an ongoing basis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Recapitalisation will be done for those RRBs that have been unable to maintain this required CRAR of 9%.</li>
<li>An amount of Rs 670 crore has been approved for this purpose by the central government.</li>
<li>This will be released upon release of an equal instalment by the sponsor banks.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A sponsor bank is a scheduled commercial bank which shares ownership of the RRB.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="13">Health</h2>
<h3 id="14">Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/medical-termination-of-pregnancy-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2020</strong></a> was passed by Lok Sabha in March 2020.</li>
<li>The Bill amends the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 which provides for the termination of certain pregnancies by registered medical practitioners.</li>
<li>The Bill adds the definition of termination of pregnancy to mean a procedure undertaken to terminate a pregnancy by using medical or surgical methods.</li>
<li><strong>Termination of pregnancy:</strong> Under the Act, a pregnancy may be terminated within 12 weeks, if a registered medical practitioner is of the opinion that:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Continuation of the pregnancy may risk the life of the mother, or cause grave injury to her health.</li>
<li>There is a substantial risk that the child, if born, would suffer physical or mental abnormalities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For termination of a pregnancy between 12 to 20 weeks, two medical practitioners are required to give their opinion.</li>
<li>The Bill amends this provision to state that a pregnancy may be terminated within 20 weeks, with the opinion of a registered medical practitioner.</li>
<li>Approval of two registered medical practitioners will be required for termination of pregnancies between 20 to 24 weeks.</li>
<li>The termination of pregnancies up to 24 weeks will only apply to specific categories of women, as may be prescribed by the central government.</li>
<li>The central government will notify norms for medical practitioners whose opinion is required for terminating the pregnancy.</li>
<li><strong>Constitution of a Medical Board:</strong> Under the Bill, every state government is required to constitute a Medical Board.</li>
<li>It states that the upper limit of termination of pregnancy will not apply in cases where such termination is necessary due to the diagnosis of substantial foetal abnormalities.</li>
<li>These abnormalities will be diagnosed by a Medical Board.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Medical Boards will consist of the following members: (i) a gynaecologist, (ii) a paediatrician, (iii) a radiologist or sonologist, and (iv) any other number of members, as may be notified by the state government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="15">The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019 passed by Rajya Sabha</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-commission-for-indian-systems-of-medicine-ncim-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2019</strong></a> was passed by Rajya Sabha in March 2020.</li>
<li>The Bill repeals the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970.</li>
<li>Key features of the Bill include:</li>
<li><strong>Constitution of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill provides for the establishment of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).</li>
<li>The NCISM will consist of 39 members, appointed by the central government.</li>
<li>Members of the NCISM will include:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Chairperson</li>
<li>The Presidents of the Board of Ayurveda and the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa</li>
<li>10 members (part-time) to be appointed on a rotational basis from amongst the nominees of states in the Advisory Council.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions of the NCISM include:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Framing policies for regulating medical institutions and medical professionals of Indian System of Medicine.</li>
<li>Ensuring compliance by the State Medical Councils of Indian System of Medicine of the regulations made under the Bill.</li>
<li>Ensuring coordination among the autonomous boards set up under the Bill.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Autonomous boards:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill sets up certain autonomous boards under the supervision of the NCISM. These boards are:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Board of Ayurveda and the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa: They will be responsible for formulating standards, curriculum, and granting recognition to medical qualifications in their respective disciplines.</li>
<li>The Medical Assessment and Rating Board: It will determine the process of rating and assessment of medical institutions.</li>
<li>The Ethics and Medical Registration Board: It will maintain a National Register of all licensed medical practitioners of the Indian System of Medicine.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="16">Mining</h2>
<h3 id="17">The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mineral-laws-amendment-bill-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mineral Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020</strong></a> was passed by Parliament.</li>
<li>It amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), and the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP Act).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The MMDR Act regulates the overall mining sector in India.</li>
<li>The CMSP Act provides for the auction and allocation of mines whose allocation was cancelled by the Supreme Court in 2014.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Schedule I of the Act provides a list of all such mines; Schedule II and III are sub-classes of the mines listed in Schedule I.</li>
<li>Schedule II mines are those where production had already started then, and Schedule III mines are ones that were earmarked for a specific end-use.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Key features are as follows:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Removal of restriction on end-use of coal:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, companies acquiring Schedule II and Schedule III coal mines through auctions could use the coal produced only for specific end-uses such as power generation and steel production.</li>
<li>The Bill removes this restriction on the use of coal mined by such companies.</li>
<li>Companies will be allowed to carry on coal mining operations for their own consumption, sale or for any other purposes, as may be specified by the central government.</li>
<li>The Bill also adds that companies are not required to possess any prior coal mining experience in India to participate in the auction of coal and lignite blocks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Composite license for prospecting and mining:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, separate licenses were provided for prospecting and mining of coal and lignite, called prospecting license, and mining lease, respectively.</li>
<li>Prospecting includes exploring, locating, or finding mineral deposits.</li>
<li>The Bill provides for an additional prospecting license-cum- mining lease.</li>
<li>This license will allow both prospecting and mining activities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Transfer of clearances to new bidders:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, upon expiry, mining leases for specified minerals (minerals other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals) were transferred to new persons through auction.</li>
<li>The new lessee was required to obtain statutory clearances before starting mining operations.</li>
<li>The Bill provides that the various approvals, licenses, and clearances given to the previous lessee will be extended to the new lessee for two years.</li>
<li>During this period, the new lessee will be allowed to continue mining operations. However, the new lessee must obtain all the required clearances within this two-year period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="18">Defence</h2>
<h3 id="19">Draft Defence Procurement Procedure 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Defence released the Draft Defence Procurement Procedure, 2020 (Draft DPP, 2020).</li>
<li>The DPP governs the purchase of weapons and equipment for India's defence forces.</li>
<li>The draft DPP revises the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-flawed-defence-procurement-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>DPP-2016</strong></a> with the aim of increasing indigenous manufacturing and reducing timelines for procurement of defence equipment.</li>
</ul>
<p>Key features of the revised DPP, along with some of the major changes proposed include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Leasing:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The revised DPP has introduced &lsquo;leasing&rsquo; as a new mode of acquisition.</li>
<li>Leasing substitutes initial capital outlays with periodical rental payments.</li>
<li>This is preferred in some situations such as where: (i) procurement is not feasible within time, or (ii) the asset is required only for a specific time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enhancement of Indigenous Content (IC):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The DPP-2016 specified five categories of capital acquisition
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Buy (Indian-IDDM)</li>
<li>Buy (Indian)</li>
<li>Buy and Make (Indian)</li>
<li>Buy and Make</li>
<li>Buy (Global).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The revised DPP adds a sixth category as Buy (Global-Manufacture in India).</li>
<li>Further, it has enhanced the IC requirement in various categories of procurement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Product support:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The revised DPP states that the original equipment manufacturer also needs to specify long term product support through performance based logistics and comprehensive maintenance contract.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="20">Environment and Forests</h2>
<h3 id="21">Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the Draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2020.</li>
<li>It seeks to replace the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/environmental-impact-assessment-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006.</strong></a></li>
<li>It proposes certain conditions and thresholds on undertaking new infrastructure projects, and on expansion or modernisation of existing infrastructure projects.</li>
<li>These projects include dams, mines, airports, and highways.</li>
<li>Key features of the proposed notification include:</li>
<li><strong>Categorisation of projects and activities:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All infrastructure projects and activities will be divided into three categories based on their potential social and environmental impacts and the extent of such impact.</li>
<li>All projects will require prior environment clearance from the concerned regulatory authority before commencement of any construction, installation, establishment, or any such activity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Exemption:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 2006 notification defines &lsquo;public consultation&rsquo; as the process by which the concerns of local affected persons and other stakeholders are addressed and taken into account while designing the project.</li>
<li>The draft notification exempts certain projects from public consultation. These include all building, construction and area development projects, inland waterways, expansion or widening of national highways, and modernisation of irrigation projects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Violations:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Violations will be reported to the Appraisal Committee, who will assess if the cases of violation can be run sustainably under compliance of environmental norms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="22">Agriculture</h2>
<h3 id="23">System of Fertilizer Subsidy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (Chair: Ms. K. Kanimozhi) submitted its report on the subject<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-approves-nutrient-based-subsidy-rates" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;System of Fertilizer Subsidy&rsquo;.</strong></a></li>
<li>The central government provides subsidies to fertilizer manufacturers and importers so that farmers can buy them at affordable prices.</li>
</ul>
<p>Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Change in the subsidy policy:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Committee noted that fertilizer subsidy resulted in a tremendous growth of agricultural productivity, which was necessary for food security of the huge population of the country.</li>
<li>However, it has also led to negative effects such as over and imbalanced use of fertilizers, and soil degradation.</li>
<li>The Committee noted that any drastic change in the existing fertilizer subsidy policy would have a huge bearing on the country&rsquo;s food security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>It recommended that:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Any such drastic change must be effected only after an in-depth study and wider consultations with all stakeholders (including the concerned central and state government departments, fertilizer industry, and farmers and their associations).</li>
<li>It also recommended that education and awareness of farmers about balanced use of fertilizers should be an integral part of the policy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Direct subsidy to farmers:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Committee observed that many fertilizer manufacturing plants are operating with very old technology and systems, and not at their highest efficiency.</li>
<li>The government bears the cost of their inefficiency in the form of higher subsidy.</li>
<li>The Committee recommended that the companies should be set free to manufacture, supply, and sell fertilizers as per their own system.</li>
<li>A farmer should have the choice of buying from various brands of fertilizers, while getting the subsidy directly in his bank account.</li>
<li>Such a system will push manufacturers to produce and sell fertilizers in the most cost- effective manner, and push the inefficient ones out.</li>
<li>It also recommended that the government should set out a clear and firm roadmap to switch to a system where farmers directly get the subsidy and the manufacturing and importing of fertilizers is set free to the market forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="24">New and Renewable Energy</h2>
<h3 id="25">Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II Extended</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-december-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Jyoti Yojana Phase-II</strong></a> has been extended up to March 31, 2021.</li>
<li>The scheme was launched in December 2018.</li>
<li>As per the original timeline, the scheme was valid until December 2019.</li>
<li>The scheme provides for the installation of solar street lighting systems in specified areas.</li>
<li>Under the scheme, 75% of the cost is borne by the central government and the balance 25% is provided through the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mplad-scheme-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Member of Parliament Local Area Development Fund (MPLAD).</strong></a></li>
<li>Under the Phase-II of the scheme, a total of 3.04 lakh solar street lights are to be installed.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/prs-capsule/prs-capsule-march-2020'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Aarogya Setu Data Access and Knowledge Sharing Protocol',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)</strong> has issued <strong>&lsquo;Aarogya Setu Data Access and Knowledge Sharing Protocol, 2020&rsquo;</strong> laying down guidelines for sharing such data with government agencies and third parties amid <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a>.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The executive order issued came amid <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/privacy-concern-over-aarogya-setu-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>concerns and privacy issues expressed by a number of experts</strong></a> over the efficacy and safety of the app.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Aarogya Setu App</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has been launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.</li>
<li>It will help people in identifying the risk of getting affected by the Coronavirus.</li>
<li>It will also help to calculate risk based on the user's interaction with others, using cutting edge Bluetooth technology, algorithms and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>artificial intelligence</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Once installed in a smartphone, the app detects other nearby devices with Aarogya Setu installed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The app will help the Government take necessary timely steps for assessing risk of spread of Covid-19 infection and ensuring isolation where required.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Description:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The issued Protocol intends to ensure that data collected from the app is gathered, processed and shared in an <strong>appropriate way.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> violation of the protocol</strong> will lead to the penalties under the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-disaster-management-authority-ndma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Disaster Management Act, 2005.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>MeitY</strong> is designated as the agency <strong>responsible for the implementation</strong> of this Protocol. Further, the app&rsquo;s developer, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rojgaar-sangi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Informatics Centre (NIC)</strong></a> shall be responsible for collection, processing and managing response data collected by the Aarogya Setu app under this Protocol.</li>
<li>Further, it also calls for the <strong>Empowered Group on Technology and Data Management</strong> to review the protocol after six months; unless extended. It will be in <strong>force only for six months</strong> from the date of its issue.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Empowered Group of Ministers</strong> (EGoM) is a Group of Ministers (GoM) of the Union Government appointed by the Cabinet or the Prime Minister for investigating and reporting on such matters as may be specified.</li>
<li>These EGoMs are also authorised to take decisions in such matters after investigation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Definition of Individual:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The order states that the data pertaining to individuals is urgently required in order to formulate appropriate health responses for addressing the Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
<li>The Protocol clarifies that individuals means persons who are infected or are at high risk of being infected or who have come in contact with infected individuals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Categorisation of Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The data collected by the Aarogya Setu app is broadly divided into <strong>four categories&mdash;</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Demographic Data:</strong> It includes information such as name, mobile number, age, gender, profession and travel history.</li>
<li><strong>Contact Data:</strong> It is about any other individual that a given individual has come in close proximity with, including the duration of the contact, the proximate distance between the individuals and the geographical location at which the contact occurred.</li>
<li><strong>Self-assessment Data:</strong> It includes the responses provided by that individual to the self-assessment test administered within the app.</li>
<li><strong>Location data:</strong> It comprises the geographical position of an individual in latitude and longitude.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The demographic data, contact data, self-assessment data and location data are collectively called as <strong>response data.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ground for Data Sharing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The data can be shared only if it is strictly necessary to directly formulate or implement an <strong>appropriate health response.</strong></li>
<li>It can also be shared for<strong> appropriate research work.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Allowed Entities to Access Data:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>response data containing personal data</strong> may be shared by the app&rsquo;s developer with the Health Ministry, Health Departments of State/Union Territory governments/local governments, National and State Disaster Management Authorities, other ministries and departments of the central and state governments, and other public health institutions of the central, state and local governments.</li>
<li>It can also be shared further with any <strong>third parties</strong> that include the Indian universities or research institutions and research entities registered in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Further, the Protocol also empowers above mentioned universities and research entities to share the data with other such institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Checks and Balances:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>De-identified Form:</strong> Except for demographic data, the response data must be stripped of information that may make it possible to identify the individual personally. <strong>De-identification is the process used to prevent someone's personal identity from being revealed.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Stripped information must be<strong> assigned a randomly generated ID.</strong></li>
<li>The Protocol also discourages reversal of de-identification and imposes penalties under applicable laws for the time being in force.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maintenance of the List:</strong> The NIC needs to maintain a list of, the agencies with the time at which data sharing was initiated, the categories of such data and the purpose of sharing the data.</li>
<li><strong>Data Retention:</strong> Any entity with which the data has been shared shall not retain the data <strong>beyond 180 days</strong> from the day it was collected.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is a <strong>need for a Personal data protection law</strong> to back the government&rsquo;s decision to make the app mandatory for everyone.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/personal-data-protection-bill-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Personal Data Protection Bill 2019</strong></a> is in the process of being approved by Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> clause for data sharing with third parties is open ended</strong> and has a highest possibility of being misused. The stated list of the third parties with which the data can be shared would have been helpful.</li>
<li>Further, the <strong>process of de-identifying the data should have been detailed,</strong> given that reversing de-identification was not difficult.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/coronavirus-aarogya-setu-who-all-can-access-your-data-and-when-6407175/" 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/aarogya-setu-data-access-and-knowledge-sharing-protocol'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Global Nutrition Report 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Global Nutrition Report 2020</strong> stated that<strong> India is among 88 countries that are likely to miss global nutrition targets by 2025.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It also identified the country as one with the <strong>highest rates of domestic inequalities in malnutrition.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Global Nutrition Targets</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>In 2012, the <strong>World Health Assembly</strong> (the decision-making body of the<strong> World Health Organisation</strong>) identified<strong> six nutrition targets to be met by 2025.</strong> These are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reduce stunting by 40% in children under 5.</li>
<li>Reduce the prevalence of anaemia by 50% among women in the age group of 19-49 years.</li>
<li>Ensure 30% reduction in low-birth weight.</li>
<li>Ensure no increase in childhood overweight.</li>
<li>Increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months up to at least 50%</li>
<li>Reduce and maintain childhood wasting to less than 5%.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Status</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India will <strong>miss targets for all four nutritional indicators</strong> for which there is data available, i.e. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Stunting among under-5 children,</li>
<li>Anaemia among women of reproductive age,</li>
<li>Childhood overweight and</li>
<li>Exclusive breastfeeding.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stunting and wasting among children</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Data:</strong> 37.9% of children under 5 years are stunted and 20.8% are wasted, compared to the Asia average of 22.7% and 9.4% respectively.</li>
<li><strong>Inequity:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India is identified as among the three worst countries,</strong> along with Nigeria and Indonesia, for <strong>steep within-country disparities in stunting,</strong> where the levels varied four-fold across communities.</li>
<li>For example, Stunting level in Uttar Pradesh is over 40% and their rate among individuals in the lowest income group is more than double those in the highest income group at 22.0% and 50.7%, respectively.</li>
<li>In addition, stunting prevalence is 10.1% higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Overweight and Obesity</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Data: Rate of overweight and obesity continues to rise,</strong> affecting almost a fifth of the adults, at 21.6% of women and 17.8% of men.</li>
<li><strong>Inequity:</strong> There are nearly double as many obese adult females than there are males (5.1% compared to 2.7%).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Anaemia</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>One in two</strong> women of reproductive age is<strong> anaemic.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Underweight children</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Between 2000 and 2016, rates of underweight have decreased from 66.0% to 58.1% for boys and 54.2% to 50.1% in girls.</li>
<li>However, this is still <strong>high compared to the average of 35.6% for boys and 31.8% for girls in Asia.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Link Between Malnutrition and Inequity</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The report emphasises on the link between malnutrition and different forms of inequity, such as those based on geographic location, age, gender, ethnicity, education and wealth in all its forms.</li>
<li><strong>Inequities in food and health systems increase inequalities in nutrition outcomes</strong> that in turn can lead to more inequity, perpetuating a vicious cycle.</li>
<li>Coming at a time the world is battling Covid-19, which has exposed different forms of socio-economic inequities, the report calls for promoting equity to address malnutrition.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Malnutrition</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person&rsquo;s intake of energy and/or nutrients.</li>
<li>The term malnutrition covers two broad groups of conditions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>One is <strong>&lsquo;undernutrition&rsquo;</strong>&mdash;which includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age) and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals).</li>
<li>The other is <strong>overweight,</strong> obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In April 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming the <strong>UN Decade of Action on Nutrition from 2016 to 2025.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Sustainable Development Goal (SD Goal 2: Zero hunger)</strong> aims to<strong> end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030,</strong> making sure all people &ndash; especially children &ndash; have access to sufficient and nutritious food all year round.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Global Nutrition Report</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> Global Nutrition Report</strong> was conceived following the first <strong>Nutrition for Growth Initiative Summit (N4G)</strong> in 2013. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The first report was published in<strong> 2014.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It acts as a report card on the world&rsquo;s nutrition&mdash;<strong>globally, regionally, and country by country&mdash;</strong>and on efforts to improve it.</li>
<li>It is a multi-stakeholder initiative, consisting of a Stakeholder Group, Independent Expert Group and Report Secretariat.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-may-miss-nutrition-targets/article31568549.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/global-nutrition-report-2020'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => '“RESTART” Conference',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A digital conference on <strong>&lsquo;Rebooting the Economy through Science, Technology, and Research Translations (RESTART)&rsquo;</strong> was organised on the occasion of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-technology-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Technology Day</a> (May 11).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The conference was organized by the <strong>Technology Development Board (TDB),</strong> an autonomous organization of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) along with the <strong>Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).</strong></li>
<li><strong>CII</strong> is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Outcome</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Strengthen Medicines &amp; Medical Technologies:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Experts are of the opinion that the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronaviruses" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>pandemic is a great opportunity for R&amp;D and needs to be used for strengthening<strong> &lsquo;Medicines &amp; Medical Technologies for better preparedness to face future Pandemics&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The crisis has unfolded some of the best medical advancements and innovations, like drug discovery, vaccines, and diagnostic tools, etc. as well as ways to preserve electronic health records. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Example: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/privacy-concern-over-aarogya-setu-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aarogya Setu app</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bipap-ventilator-swasthvayu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BiPAP</a></strong> ventilators, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>use of combination of drugs to</strong></a> treat Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Technologies such as <strong>appropriate face masks</strong> and best practices like <strong>physical distancing</strong> need to be made a part of life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of Advanced Materials:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Novel materials such as smart materials, special purpose alloys, engineering polymers &amp; blends, graphene, composites, etc. <strong>will be the key to revamping the industry&rsquo;s product lines</strong> in the future.</li>
<li>To tackle pandemics like Covid-19, research <strong>needs to quickly switch over from being capital intensive to knowledge-intensive and should be brought closer to industry. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advanced Manufacturing Technologies for Sustainable Future</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In addressing short term and long-term challenges, advanced technologies provide avenues to the industry to re-stimulate innovation, sustainability and employment.</li>
<li>Covid-19 has forced the Industries to go for <strong>digital transformation.</strong></li>
<li>The world is moving towards<strong> mass customization and mass specialization</strong> today, and technology like<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/3d-bioprinting-to-create-artificial-blood-vessels" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> 3-D printing</strong></a> plays a major role in it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Innovation &amp; Technology Alliance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In today's pandemic scenario, virtual collaboration is the key to connect globally to fight against the common challenge of Covid-19, and collaboration between countries must continue with much vigour.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Technology Day</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India observes its National Technology Day on <strong>11<sup>th</sup> May</strong> every year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the day India successfully tested nuclear bombs in Pokhran on May 11, 1998.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It was first observed in 1999, and<strong> aims to commemorate the scientific and technological achievements of Indian scientists, engineers.</strong></li>
<li>It is organised every year by the Technology Development Board of India. The focus this year is<strong> &lsquo;Rebooting the economy through Science and Technology.&rsquo;</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Key Terms</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Capital intensive and Knowledge intensive</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The term "capital intensive" refers to business processes or industries that require large amounts of investment to produce a good or service.</li>
<li>Knowledge Intensive includes reliance on professional knowledge for business services. Here the workers need a lot of education, skills, and experience in order to work effectively.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mass customization:</strong> It allows a customer to design certain features of a product while still keeping costs closer to that of mass-produced products.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1623332" 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/restart-conference'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Atmanirbhar Bharat and Economic Stimulus',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Prime Minister has announced the <strong>&lsquo;Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (or Self-reliant India Mission)&rsquo;</strong> with an <strong>economic stimulus package &mdash; worth Rs 20 lakh crores</strong> aimed towards achieving the mission.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The announced economic package is <strong>10% of India&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</a> in 2019-20.</strong></li>
<li>The amount <strong>includes</strong> packages already announced at the beginning of the lockdown incorporating <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>measures from the RBI</strong></a> and the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> payouts under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.</strong></a></li>
<li>The package is expected to focus on<strong> land, labour, liquidity and laws.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Self-Reliant India Mission<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589358343_image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589358343_image4.jpg" width="450" caption="false" style="float: right;" /></a></h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Self-Reliant India Mission aims towards <strong>cutting down import dependence</strong> by focussing on substitution while improving safety compliance and quality goods to gain global market share.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Self-Reliance <strong>neither signifies any exclusionary or isolationist strategies</strong> but involves creation of a helping hand to the whole world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Mission focuses on the <strong>importance of promoting &ldquo;local&rdquo; products.</strong></li>
<li>The Mission will be carried out in <strong>two phases:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Phase 1:</strong> It will consider sectors like medical textiles, electronics, plastics and toys where local manufacturing and exports can be promoted.</li>
<li><strong>Phase 2:</strong> It will consider products like gems and jewellery, pharma and steel, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Mission would be based on<strong> five pillars</strong> namely,<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Economy</li>
<li>Infrastructure</li>
<li>System</li>
<li>Vibrant Demography</li>
<li>Demand</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Mission is also expected to complement <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/assessment-of-make-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Make In India Initiative&rsquo;</a></strong> which intends to encourage manufacturing in India.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Analysis of Declared Economic Package</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Inclusion of RBIs&rsquo; Expenditure in Fiscal Package:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The declared package is considered to be substantially less because<strong> it includes the actions of RBI as part of the government&rsquo;s &ldquo;fiscal&rdquo; package, even though only the government controls the fiscal policy and not the RBI</strong> (which controls the &lsquo;monetary&rsquo; policy).</li>
<li>Thus, the Government expenditure and RBI&rsquo;s actions are <strong>neither the same nor can they be added</strong> in this manner. And thus nowhere in the world fiscal packages are declared in this manner.</li>
<li>For instance, when the US announced a relief package of $3 trillion (Rs 225 lakh crore), it only refers to the money that will be spent by the government &mdash; and does not include the expenditure of the Federal Reserve (US central bank).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implication of Inclusion of RBIs&rsquo; Expenditure :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If the government is including RBI&rsquo;s liquidity decisions in the calculation, then the <strong>actual fresh spending by the government could be considerably lower.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>That&rsquo;s because RBI has been coming out with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/open-market-operations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Long Term Repo Operation (LTRO)</strong></a>, to infuse liquidity into the banking system worth Rs 1 lakh crore at a time. If RBI launches another LTRO of Rs 1 lakh crore, then the overall fiscal help falls by the same amount.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The direct expenditure by a government usually includes wage subsidy or direct benefit transfer or payment of salaries, etc &mdash;<strong> immediately and necessarily stimulates the economy.</strong> In other words, that <strong>money necessarily reaches the people &mdash;</strong> either as <strong>through salary or purchase.</strong></li>
<li>But <strong>measures from RBI include credit easing&mdash;</strong> that is, making more money available to the banks so that they can lend to the broader economy &mdash; is not like government expenditure. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In times of crisis, banks may take that money from RBI and, instead of lending it, may park it back with the RBI.</li>
<li>Recently, Indian banks have parked Rs 8.5 lakh crores with the central bank. So in terms of calculations, RBI has given a stimulus of Rs 6 lakh crore. But in reality, RBI has received an even bigger amount back from the banks.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Thus, the <strong>declared amount is 10% of GDP, but less than 5% cash outgo is expected.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1623391" 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/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'GI Tag to Two Products',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Jharkhand&rsquo;s Sohrai Khovar painting </strong>and<strong> Telangana&rsquo;s Telia Rumal</strong> have been given the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bangalore-blue-grapes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Geographical Indication (GI)</a> tag.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Sohrai Khovar Paintings:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354836_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354836_image1.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Sohrai Khovar painting is a<strong> traditional and ritualistic mural art.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>mural</strong> is any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other permanent surfaces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is being practised by local tribal women during local harvest and marriage seasons using<strong> local, naturally available soils of different</strong> colours in the area of <strong>Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand.</strong></li>
<li>Style features a<strong> profusion of lines, dots, animal figures and plants,</strong> often representing religious iconography i.e.visual image and symbols.</li>
<li>It has been<strong> painted on the walls of important public places</strong> in Jharkhand, such as the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Telia Rumal:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354865_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589354865_image2.jpg" style="float: right;" width="250" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Telia Rumal cloth <strong>involves intricate handmade work with cotton loom</strong> displaying a variety of designs and motifs in three particular lours &mdash; red, black and white.</li>
<li>It is an art of Ikat tradition using <strong>natural vegetable dyes.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Ikkat is</strong> a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles .</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Uniqueness:</strong> Telia Rumal can only be<strong> created using the traditional handloom process</strong> and not by any other mechanical means as otherwise, the very quality of the Rumal would be lost.</li>
<li>The telia fabrics were <strong>used by nobles</strong> (Nizam&rsquo;s dynasty) in Hyderabad. The fabric was exported to Persian Gulf, Middle East, Aden, East Africa, Singapore and Burma.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Geographical Indication Status</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>GI is an indication <strong>used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999</strong> seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act is administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and TradeMarks- who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications.</li>
<li>The <strong>Geographical Indications Registry is located at Chennai.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The registration of a geographical indication is <strong>valid for a period of 10 years.</strong> It can be renewed from time to time for a further period of 10 years each.</li>
<li>It is also a <strong>part of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Trade Organisation&rsquo;s</a> Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).</strong></li>
<li>Recent Examples: <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tirur-vettila-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tirur Vetilla</strong> </a>(Kerala), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dindigul-lock-and-kandangi-saree" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Dindigul Lock and Kandangi Saree</strong></a> (Tamil Nadu), <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gi-tag-for-odisha-rasagola" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Odisha Rasagola</strong></a> etc.</li>
</ul>
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<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/art/gi-tag-for-jharkhands-sohrai-khovar-painting-telanganas-telia-rumal/article31569123.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'Labour Laws and Covid-19',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/contempt-for-labour-the-hindu-editorial-on-dilution-of-labour-laws/article31538103.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Contempt for labour: On dilution of labour laws&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu on 08/05/2020. It talks about the issue pertaining to evasion of labour laws amid Covid-19 pandemic.</p>
</div>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-globalization" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> has triggered public health and global economic crises. As the economy struggles with the lockdown and thousands of firms and employees stare at an uncertain future, some of the state governments last week decided to make significant changes in the application of labour laws.</p>
<p>These changes are being brought about to incentivise economic activity in several states. However, this move may undermine the interest of labourers, who are one of the most vulnerable sections that have been impacted by the pandemic.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Madhya Pradesh has allowed units of business and industries to be operated without many of the requirements of the Factories Act.</li>
<li>Uttar Pradesh has cleared an ordinance exempting businesses and industries from labour laws, except for a handful, for three year period.</li>
<li>There are reports that several other states are pursuing similar measures.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><strong>Some Major Indian Labour Legislation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Labour falls in the Concurrent List of the Indian constitution and there are many laws enacted by the Centre and the states.</li>
<li>There are four major central legislations, that form the core of labour laws in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Factories Act, 1948:</strong> The main objectives of this act is to ensure safety measures on factory premises, and promote the health and welfare of workers.</li>
<li><strong>The Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961:</strong> It aims to regulate hours of work, payment, overtime, a weekly day off with pay, other holidays with pay, annual leave, employment of children and young persons, and employment of women.</li>
<li><strong>The Minimum Wages Act, 1948:</strong> It sets the <strong>minimum wages</strong> that must be paid to skilled and unskilled labours.</li>
<li><strong>Industrial Disputes Act. 1947:</strong> It relates to terms of service such as layoff, retrenchment, and closure of industrial enterprises and strikes and lockouts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Pertaining to Evasion of Labour Laws</h3>
<p><strong>Creating an Enabling Environment for Exploitation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The immediate suspension of labour laws by the states is far from being called a reform as it will strip the labour of its basic rights and also drive down wages.</li>
<li>As for the suspension, most of the provisions under the Factories Act, 1948 and the Industrial Disputes Act,1947 would mean workers in factories may be denied basic working facilities such as cleanliness, proper ventilation, drinking water, canteens, and restrooms.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Counter Productive Step</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These steps are far from pushing for a greater formalisation of the workforce.</li>
<li>This move will in one go turn the existing formal workers into informal workers as they would not get any social security.</li>
<li>Also, there will be no way for any worker to even seek grievance redressal.</li>
<li>Resulting fall in wages will further depress the overall demand in the economy, thus hurting the recovery process.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Forced Labour</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Article 23 of the Constitution prohibits &ldquo;forced labour&rdquo;.</li>
<li>The Supreme Court, in case<strong> PUDR v. Union of India (1982),</strong> held that &ldquo;the word &lsquo;force&rsquo; would mean any condition arising from the compulsion of economic circumstances which leaves no choice of alternatives to a worker.</li>
<li>Thus, the suspension of labour laws by several states reduces the bargaining power of labour, their right to negotiate and hence may turn them into Forced Labour.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Against the International Commitments</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These amendments in labour laws are the spirit of the<strong> International Labour Organization&rsquo;s &lsquo;Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017&rsquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It requires states to ensure marginalised groups &ldquo;freely choose employment&rdquo; while rebuilding after any disaster.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Related to Indian Labour laws</h3>
<p><strong>Complex Set of Laws</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There are over 200 state laws and close to 50 central laws, and yet there is no set definition of &ldquo;labour laws&rdquo; in the country.</li>
<li>The multiplicity and complexity of laws make compliance and enforcement difficult and lays the foundation for corruption, rent-seeking and exploitation of workers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Inflexible Laws</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Indian labour laws are often characterised as &ldquo;inflexible&rdquo;.</li>
<li>It has been argued that firms (those employing more than 100 workers) dither from hiring new workers because firing them requires government approvals.</li>
<li>This has constrained the growth of firms on the one hand and could not improve the job prospects of the workers.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Applicability of Labour Laws</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A large number of workers that are engaged in the unorganized sector are not covered by labour regulations and social security.</li>
<li>At present nearly 83% of India&rsquo;s workers are part of the informal economy.</li>
<li>Thus, the current framework of labour laws falls short of securing the interest of all the labourers.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps To Be Taken</h3>
<p><strong>Short-Term Step</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>With respect to Covid-19 pandemic, the central and state governments in India should follow what most governments have done across the world.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government should partner with the industry and allocate a percentage of the GDP towards sharing the wage burden and ensuring the health of the labourers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Long-Term Steps</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The government has proposed four labour codes: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Labour Codes on Wages </strong></li>
<li><strong>Labour Code on Industrial relations</strong></li>
<li><strong>Labour Code on Occupational safety, health and working conditions</strong></li>
<li><strong>Labour Code on Social Security and Welfare</strong></li>
<li>These should be passed by the parliament as soon as possible.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Labour laws applicable to the formal sector should be modified to introduce an optimum combination of flexibility and security.</li>
<li>Make the compliance of working conditions regulations more effective and transparent.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>For sustainable industrial growth in India, there is a need for holistic labour laws reforms, which would enable firms to expand, while keeping the interest of labours intact, thereby resulting in the formalisation of the Indian economy.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589285653_pasted%20image 0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1589285653_pasted image 0.png" caption="false" width="213" height="551" /></a></p>
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<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the significance of labour laws in the Industrial growth of India.</p>
</td>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kNxL6-s_684" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on &ldquo;Coming to terms&rdquo; which was published in The Hindu on May 11<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
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