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Dashboard for Monitoring Air Quality

Why in News CarbonCopy and Respirer Living Sciences, two environmental organisations, have released a dashboard which presents a comparative picture...

29 Oct 2020 News Analysis
India in Support of France

Why in News Recently, India came out in support of France’s President who has been criticised by Pakistan and Turkey for strongly defending...

29 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Amendment Related to Land in Jammu and Kashmir

Why in News Recently, the Centre notified ‘Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Third Order,...

29 Oct 2020 News Analysis
The Big Picture: Groundwater Extraction Norms

Why in News? With around one-sixth of assessed ground water units in the country facing over-exploitation, the Centre Govt has issued revised...

29 Oct 2020 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement

This article is based on “The Delhi-DC strategic dance” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 27/10/2020. It talks about the...

28 Oct 2020 News Editorials
Tectonically Active Zone of Himalayas

Why in News Recently, a group of scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), Dehradun have found that the Indus-Tsangpo Suture...

28 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Computation Analysis of Indian Genes

Why in News Recently, the results from the computation analysis of the 1029 sequenced genomes from India were published in the scientific journal,...

28 Oct 2020 News Analysis
India-USA 2+2 Dialogue 2020

Why in News Recently, India and the USA have concluded the 3rd India-USA 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi. The USA reiterated its support to India in...

28 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Maritime Vision 2030

Why in News Recently, the Union Minister of State for Shipping has inaugurated the Direct Port Entry (DPE) facility of V O Chidambaranar Port Trust...

28 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Superconductivity at Room Temperature

Why in News Recently, researchers have created a material that is superconducting at room temperature, however, it only works at a pressure of 267...

28 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Electronic Exchange of Customs Data

Why in News Recently, the Department of Posts, Government of India (India Post) and United States Postal Service signed an agreement for electronic...

28 Oct 2020 News Analysis
AWAKE: Main Examination 2020

'AWAKE' : UPSC Civil Service Mains Examination 2020 (Answer Writing and Knowledge Enrichment Program) AWAKE is a special crash course...

27 Oct 2020 Online Courses
Stubble Waste Management

This article is based on “Wealth from stubble” which was published in The Indian Express on 27/10/2020. It talks about the issue of...

27 Oct 2020 News Editorials
Tsunami Early Warning System in India

Why in News According to experts from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information System (INCOIS), India is much safer against tsunami threats...

27 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Sudan and Israel to Normalise Relations

Why in News Recently, in a deal brokered by the USA, Sudan and Israel have agreed to normalise relations to end decades of hostility. Key...

27 Oct 2020 News Analysis
India - Australia Circular Economy Hackathon

Why in News Atal Innovation Mission (AIM- an initiative set up by NITI Aayog), in association with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and...

27 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Extension of ESI Scheme: Arunachal Pradesh

Why in News Recently, the central government has extended the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme to Arunachal Pradesh, with effect from 1st...

27 Oct 2020 News Analysis
Insurance Sector in India

This article is based on “Keeping it Saral” which was published in The Hindu Businessline on 22/10/2020. It talks about the journey of...

26 Oct 2020 News Editorials
Compound Interest Waiver on Moratorium Loans

Why in News Recently, the Government of India has announced the scheme for the waiver of compound interest that was payable by the borrower who had...

26 Oct 2020 News Analysis
New Abortion Laws in Poland

Why in News Recently, women in Poland have been protesting a court ruling that drastically restricts their right to access safe and legal...

26 Oct 2020 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'Dashboard for Monitoring Air Quality',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>CarbonCopy and Respirer Living Sciences, two environmental organisations, have released a <strong>dashboard</strong> which presents a <strong>comparative picture of particulate matter (PM) for 122 Indian cities</strong> since 2016.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The dashboard establishes a <strong>three-year rolling average trend for PM2.5 and PM10 levels</strong> across the cities from <strong>2016 to 2018</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/state-of-global-air-2020-hei#:~:text=Recently%2C%20a%20global%20study%2C%20State,pollution%27s%20global%20impact%20on%20newborns." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>State of Global Air 2020</strong></a> revealed that <strong>India had faced the highest exposure to toxic air</strong> in the world last year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>122 cities are referred to as <strong>non-attainment cities</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-clean-air-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Particulate Matter</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Also called <strong>particle pollution</strong>, it is a term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air.</li>
<li><strong>It includes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>PM10:</strong> inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller; and</li>
<li><strong>PM2.5:</strong> fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sources of PM:</strong> Some are emitted directly from a source, such as <strong>construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of <strong>complex reactions of chemicals</strong> such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are pollutants emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Harmful Effects:</strong> Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems, because they can get deep into the lungs, and some may even get into the bloodstream. Particle pollution exposure has been <strong>linked to a variety of problems</strong>, including irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function and increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>National Clean Air Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Centre had launched the National Clean Air Programme in 2019 to <strong>address air pollution in 122 cities</strong>. These cities are referred to as <strong>non-attainment cities</strong> as they <strong>did not meet the national ambient air quality standards</strong> for the period of 2011-15 under the <strong>National Air Quality Monitoring Programme</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Dashboard:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) based dashboard,</strong> built on data from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-notifies-contaminated-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Pollution Control Board&rsquo;s</strong></a> <strong>National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM) Network</strong> which was started in 1984-85 and covers 344 cities/towns in 29 states and 6 UTs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the NAMP, each station records about 104 observations a year covering <strong>four pollutants</strong>&ndash; Sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulate matter (SPM), and respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM).</li>
<li><strong>State pollution control boards</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/neeri-indair" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)</strong></a>, Nagpur <strong>carry out the monitoring</strong>, and the <strong>Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change oversees the operation under the NCAP</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Monitoring Systems:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>SAFAR:</strong> System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, known as "SAFAR", for <strong>greater metropolitan cities of India</strong> to provide location specific information on air quality in near real time. It was introduced by the <strong>Ministry of Earth Science</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>AQI:</strong> Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool for <strong>effective communication of air quality status to people</strong> in terms, which are easy to understand. There are <strong>six AQI categories</strong>, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. AQ sub-index has been evolved for <strong>eight pollutants</strong> (PM10, PM2.5, NO<sub>2</sub>, SO<sub>2</sub>, CO, O<sub>3</sub>, NH<sub>3</sub>, and Pb) for which short-term (upto 24-hours) National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/graded-response-action-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Graded Response Action Plan for Delhi and NCR</strong></a> has been prepared for implementation under different AQI categories.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A majority of health models which establish the relationship between air pollution and public health are based on western models due to a lack of health data available in Indian context.</li>
<li>When this data can be made available, it will give a true sense of the <strong>burden of respiratory diseases in the country by geographical distribution</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Performance on PM 2.5 level:</strong> A total of<strong> 59 of 122 cities</strong> had PM2.5 data available.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Noida ranked the worst</strong> with 119, followed by Agra, Delhi, Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Muzzaffarpur, Kanpur, Chandigarh, Howrah and Kolkata.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Performance on PM 10 level: Delhi ranked as the most polluted state</strong> on an average of 3 years&rsquo; PM10 monitoring data, followed by <strong>Jharkhand</strong> and <strong>Uttar Pradesh</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Maharashtra,</strong> which has the <strong>maximum number of non-attainment cities</strong> in the NCAP, has seen air quality worsen since 2016. State capital, Mumbai, for instance witnessed a year-on-year increase in PM10 levels from 119 in 2016, to 151 in 2017 and 165 in 2018.</li>
<li><strong>Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu</strong> has recorded <strong>progressive and substantial improvements in PM10 levels</strong> between 2016 and 2018 - by 24% in 2017, in comparison to 2016 levels, and another 23% in 2018 in comparison to the previous year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The dashboard can help identify the need for more monitoring stations and address data gaps. At a time when the Central government aspires to bring out a new law to address air pollution in the National Capital Region, it is important to evaluate the existing regulations as the first step towards effective crisis management.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/dashboard-to-monitor-air-quality-of-indian-cities-6907849/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'India in Support of France',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>India came out in support of France&rsquo;s President</strong> who has been criticised by Pakistan and Turkey for strongly defending the French people&rsquo;s right to freedom of expression.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603969644_image4.webp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603969644_image4.webp" width="634" height="377" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, a French schoolteacher was murdered for showing caricatures of the Prophet to his students.</li>
<li>Condemning the murder, French President defended the <strong>freedom of expression and secular values</strong>.</li>
<li>In response, Turkey and Pakistan accused French President of running an anti-Islamic agenda and provoking Muslims.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Iran and Saudi Arabia too condemned the cartoon. There was a call in the entire muslim world to boycott French products.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Support to France:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India condemned the criticism of Turkey and Pakistan</strong> on French President, by calling the criticism in violation of the <strong>most basic standards of international discourse</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India also condemned the murder of schoolteacher as brutal terrorist attack.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While France has seen repeated violent incidents around caricatures and cartoons that are deemed offensive, <strong>it is unusual for India to wade into a controversy over religion in another country</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2015, after the attack on Charlie Hebdo journalists and cartoonists, India condemned the incident by calling that India was on the side of those who condemn this barbaric incident.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s support for French President could have been influenced by the fact that the charge against the French President has been led by <strong>Turkey and Pakistan, two countries that have <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-trade-diplomacy-with-malaysia-turkey" target="_blank" rel="noopener">repeatedly attacked India over Jammu and Kashmir and alleged human rights violations</a></strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-France Ties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Strategic:</strong> India has close strategic ties with France, especially on issues of mutual interest from <strong>counter-terrorism to defence, and nuclear to space</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Terror:</strong> France backed the India&rsquo;s proposal for a global conference on terrorism. Both the countries also support organising a new <strong>&ldquo;No Money for Terror&rdquo;&nbsp;</strong>- anInternational Conference on Fighting Terrorist Financing.<br />
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li>Two countries agreed to enhance their operational cooperation and launch fresh efforts to fight radicalisation, especially <strong>Online <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/how-does-india-deal-with-radicalisation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Radicalisation</a></strong>.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence:</strong> Both countries have a <strong>defence dialogue</strong> at the Ministerial level. <br />
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li>The three services have regular defence exercises; viz. <br />
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-roman;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-french-joint-exercise-shakti-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Exercise Shakti</strong></a> (Army)</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-18th-april-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Exercise Varuna</strong></a> (Navy)</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-france-joint-patrolling" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Exercise Garuda</strong></a> (Air Force)</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/induction-of-french-rafale-aircrafts-in-iaf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>received its first batch (5 out of 36) of French Rafale aviation</strong></a> combat aircraft at Ambala Air base (Haryana).</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><strong>Space:</strong> Both have decided to deepen space cooperation to meet new challenges together, whether it concerns planetary exploration or human spaceflight.<br />
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li>France has agreed to be part of India's Venus mission, scheduled for 2025.</li>
<li>ISRO&rsquo;s Venus instrument, <strong>VIRAL (Venus Infrared Atmospheric Gases Linker)</strong> has been co-developed by Russian and French agencies.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multilateral Platform:</strong> France has been <strong>extremely supportive of India at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UN Security Council</a></strong> on Kashmir and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, among other issues. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Prime Minister of India was a special invitee at the 45<sup>th</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g-7-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-7 Summit</a> in Biarritz, France</strong> where India was one of the <strong>"Goodwill" partners</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate:</strong> The two countries have a close cooperation on climate change, and have formed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/third-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s relations with France is built on a foundation of shared democratic values and are informed by a commonality of interest in issues such as sustainable development and climate change.</li>
<li>France also opens the pathway for deeper engagement with Europe on global issues, especially after uncertainty in the region due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/brexit-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Brexit</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The new partnerships with France, Germany and other like-minded countries like Japan would hopefully turn out to be far more consequential for India&rsquo;s influence on the global stage.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/emmanuel-macron-france-india-slams-turkey-pakistan-6907907/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'Amendment Related to Land in Jammu and Kashmir',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Centre notified <strong>&lsquo;Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Third Order, 2020'</strong>, which states that <strong>any Indian citizen can now buy land in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K)</strong> without being a domicile.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603969591_image1.webp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603969591_image1.webp" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The introduction of the UT of J&amp;K Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Third Order, 2020 has resulted in the <strong>repeal of at least 11 land laws in J&amp;K,</strong> including the J&amp;K Big Landed Estates Abolition Act that had resulted in famous &lsquo;Land to tiller&rsquo; rights.</li>
<li><strong>Features of Latest Order:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>No domicile or permanent resident certificate is required to purchase non-agricultural land</strong> in the UT. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>People as well as investors</strong> outside J&amp;K can now purchase land in the UT, ending the exclusive rights of locals over the land granted under Article 370 (now abrogated).</li>
<li>The Centre has been arguing that Article 370 hampered development in the U.T. as investors were unable to purchase land prior to 5th August 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amended the Jammu &amp; Kashmir Land Revenue Act, 1996,</strong> under which only agriculturists of J&amp;K can purchase agricultural land. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However,<strong> it doesn't bar the agricultural land to be used for non-agricultural purposes</strong>. A District Collector can allow the agricultural land to be used for non-agricultural purposes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Centre also notified the<strong> Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016</strong>, which paves the way for the acquisition of land in J&amp;K by all Indian citizens.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Previously, <strong>Article 35-A</strong> of J&amp;K Constitution placed prohibitions on the sale of land to those who were not state subjects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Abolished the <strong>Big Land Estate Abolition Act, 1950</strong> &ndash; this provided for redistribution of land which paved the way for rural prosperity and ended landlordism in J&amp;K.</li>
<li>Empowers the Centre to declare any area in J&amp;K as &lsquo;strategic&rsquo; and intended for the direct operational and training requirement of the <strong>armed forces</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, this can be only done by an <strong>army officer of or above the rank of a corps commander</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Spouses</strong> of a J&amp;K domicile shall also be <strong>deemed as a domicile</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier, spouses of domiciles were not considered domiciles.</li>
<li>Children of central government officials posted for over ten years in J&amp;K will also continue to be considered domiciles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For more than two years now, J&amp;K has been without an elected government. All the changes being introduced in the UT have been steamrolled by the Centre rather than being legislated by elected representatives of the people.</li>
<li>This has created suspicions in the J&amp;K that the Centre is gradually disempowering the local population and consolidating control through executive power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Land Reforms in Kashmir</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Kashmir Valley had a history of cruel exploitation of tillers through the periods of Afghan, Sikh and Dogra rule.</li>
<li>The Sheikh Abdullah&rsquo;s government brought the <strong>Big Landed Estates Abolition Act, in 1950,</strong> through a slogan <strong>land to the tiller</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act <strong>placed a ceiling on land ownership</strong> at 186 kanals (about 22 acres).</li>
<li>The rest of the <strong>land of a landlord was redistributed</strong> among share-croppers and landless labourers, without any compensation to the landlord.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This led to most <strong>radical land reform anywhere in the world outside the Communist bloc</strong>. It brought a <strong>social transformation</strong> that has few parallels. It <strong>ended landlordism in J&amp;K and paved the way for rural prosperity</strong>.</li>
<li>This land reform was so popular in Kashmir that it continued to be pushed for the next quarter-century. The ceiling was gradually decreased until the last of the reform Acts in 1975.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/now-outsiders-can-buy-land-in-jammu-and-kashmir/article32952629.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/amendment-related-to-land-in-jammu-and-kashmir'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture: Groundwater Extraction Norms',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eTyaAyM3nbU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>With around one-sixth of assessed ground water units in the country facing over-exploitation, the Centre Govt has issued revised <strong>guidelines for groundwater use</strong>. The new guidelines aim to ensure a more robust groundwater regulatory mechanism in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier in December 2018, the <strong>CGWB (Central Ground Water Board)</strong> issued a draft notification that proposed a &lsquo;water conservation fee&rsquo; for industrial extraction and this was roundly criticised. The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal</strong></a> stayed the draft in January 2019 terming it &ldquo;unsustainable,&rdquo; and having &ldquo;serious shortcomings.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The guidelines have <strong>pan-India applicability</strong> which was never there before.</li>
<li>Certain categories have been exempted from these guidelines under particular conditions.</li>
<li>The guidelines include the restoration and extraction charges for groundwater.</li>
<li>Saline groundwater is also exempted as it needs to be extracted as much as possible.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Guidelines</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Prohibition of industries:</strong> The new guidelines prohibit new industry and mining projects in over-exploited zones and makes it mandatory for existing industries, commercial units and big housing societies to take &lsquo;no objection certificate&rsquo; (NOC).</li>
<li><strong>Exemption:</strong> The domestic consumers, rural drinking water schemes, armed forces, farmers and micro &amp; small enterprises (that withdraw upto 10 m3 water per day) are exempted from the requirement of a no objection certificate from the CGWB.</li>
<li>The guidelines have also encouraged the use of recycled and treated sewage water by industries, mentioned a provision of action against polluting industries and mandated the requirement of digital flow meters, piezometers and digital water level recorders</li>
<li><strong>Compensation:</strong> The guidelines notified by the CGWB under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jal-shakti-mantralaya" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Jal Shakti Ministry</strong></a> prescribes a minimum environmental compensation of ₹1 lakh on industrial, mining and infrastructure users for extracting groundwater without a no objection certificate (NOC). This can rise, depending on the quantum of water extracted and the duration of the breach.</li>
<li><strong>Abstraction charges:</strong> All residential apartments/ group housing societies/ Government water supply agencies in urban areas would be required to pay ground water abstraction charges.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All industries/mining/ infrastructure projects drawing groundwater in safe, semi-critical and critical assessment units will have to pay groundwater abstraction charges based on the quantum of groundwater extraction and category of assessment unit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Central Ground Water Board</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a subordinate office of the <strong>Ministry of Water Resources</strong> and is the <strong>National Apex Agency</strong> entrusted with the responsibilities of providing scientific inputs for management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation and regulation of groundwater resources of the country.</li>
<li>It was <strong>established in 1970</strong> by renaming the Exploratory Tubewells Organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and later on <strong>merged</strong> with the Groundwater Wing of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-navy-signs-mou-with-geological-survey-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Geological Survey of India</strong></a> during 1972.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India and Groundwater</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is the <strong>largest user of groundwater in the world,</strong> extracting groundwater to the tune of <strong>253 billion cubic meter (bcm)</strong> per year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is about <strong>25%</strong> of the global groundwater extraction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Out of the total of <strong>6584</strong> assessment units, <strong>1034</strong> have been categorized as <strong>&lsquo;Over-exploited&rsquo;</strong>, <strong>253</strong> as <strong>&lsquo;Critical&rsquo;</strong>, <strong>681</strong> as <strong>&lsquo;Semi-Critical&rsquo;</strong> and <strong>4520</strong> as <strong>&lsquo;Safe&rsquo;</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The remaining <strong>96</strong> assessment units have been classified as <strong>&lsquo;Saline&rsquo;</strong> due to non-availability of fresh groundwater due to salinity problems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Availability of Water:</strong> India has about <strong>1123 billion m<sup>3</sup></strong> of water resources available, out of which <strong>690 bcm</strong> is surface water and rest <strong>433 bcm</strong> is groundwater. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Out of total groundwater available, <strong>90% of it is used for irrigation purposes</strong> which is mainly for agricultural purposes.</li>
<li>The remaining 10% accounts for domestic and industrial purposes combined.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atal-bhujal-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Atal Bhujal Yojana</a>:</strong> It seeks to revive village-level Water User Associations (WUAs). The scheme will strengthen the financial state of the WUAs, including allowing these bodies to retain a significant portion of irrigation fees.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-aquifer-mapping-and-management-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Aquifer Mapping</a>:</strong> National Aquifer Mapping and Management program (NAQUIM) envisages mapping of aquifers (water bearing formations), their characterization and development of Aquifer Management Plans to facilitate <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/india-s-water-crisis-every-drop-counts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sustainable management of groundwater</strong></a> resources.</li>
<li><strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/selected-best-practices-In-water-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Selected Best Practices in Water Management</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Involved</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Although the new rules exempt farmers from the need for obtaining an NOC from CGWA, it highlights a key factor that leads to excessive <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/depleting-groundwater" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>groundwater extraction</strong></a> in the agriculture sector. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Exempting the agricultural sector from the guidelines would not provide much improvement as the sector alone is responsible for 90% usage of groundwater.</li>
<li><strong>Water use efficiency</strong> is very low in the agricultural sector and water guzzling crops worsen the situation.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/power-subsidy-in-agriculture-and-related-issue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>free electricity supply</strong></a> provided to the farmers also contributes to excessive groundwater extraction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>No consideration of incentive</strong> has been taken into account for those industrial sectors who use groundwater less than the defined limit.</li>
<li><strong>Impact on industries:</strong> Although industries are responsible for less than 10% of consumption, still it will be the highest affected sector by these guidelines.</li>
<li><strong>Use of money collected:</strong> Ensuring that the money collected from imposed charges is used for making reforms in the same field only is a possible challenge.</li>
<li><strong>Water is a state subject</strong>. The primary entry in the Constitution relating to water is indeed <strong>Entry 17</strong> in the <strong>State List</strong>. It brings water including water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and embankments, water storage and water power under state list.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>But it is explicitly made subject to the provisions of <strong>Entry 56 in the Union List</strong> which enables the Union to deal with inter-State rivers if Parliament legislates for the purpose.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Micro irrigation:</strong> or drip irrigation should be encouraged. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In drip irrigation, water is run through pipes (with holes in them) either buried or lying slightly above the ground next to the crops. Water slowly drips onto the crop roots and stems.</li>
<li>Unlike spray irrigation, very little is lost to evaporation and the water can be directed only to the plants that need it, cutting back on water waste.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Extraction charges:</strong> The extraction charges collected, should be used for restoration of groundwater.</li>
<li><strong>Water guzzling crops:</strong> Discouraging water guzzling crops such as sugar canes.</li>
<li><strong>Target specific areas:</strong> Although the guidelines are pan-India, they should certainly target the states that have exploited/ overexploited groundwater. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are some of the states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Artificial recharge of groundwater:</strong> It is the process of spreading or impounding water on the land to increase the infiltration through the soil and percolation to the aquifer or of injecting water by wells directly into the aquifer.</li>
<li><strong>Groundwater management plants:</strong> Installing groundwater management plants at local levels, will help the people in knowing the groundwater availability in their area making them use it wisely.</li>
</ul>',
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			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/groundwater-extraction-norms'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/the-delhi-dc-strategic-dance-ht-editorial/story-3StIXRnekFZN0vHDh76yvM.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The Delhi-DC strategic dance&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on 27/10/2020. It talks about the implications of signing the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA) agreement between India and US.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-usa-2-2-dialogue-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-United States (US) 2+2 talks</strong> </a>were conducted. The most striking outcome from these talks was the formal signing of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA).</strong></a></p>
<p>BECA is the last of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> four foundational defence agreements</strong></a> between the two countries that allow a much higher level of military cooperation in technology, interoperability, and defence manufacturing.</p>
<p>The signing of the BECA marks the end of the prolonged phase of mutual trust-building and sets the stage for more expansive security cooperation.</p>
<h3>What is BECA?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement largely pertains to geospatial intelligence, and sharing information on maps and satellite images for defence.</li>
<li>BECA will provide Indian military systems with a high-quality GPS to navigate and missiles with real-time intelligence to precisely target the adversary.</li>
<li>It will give access to topographical and aeronautical data and products that will aid navigation and targeting.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Foundational Agreements</h3>
<p>The BECA follows three other agreements:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) was signed by the government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee back in 2002.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to protect the military information shared by the US.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) was signed a full 14 years later in 2016.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to provide mutual logistics support around the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Communication Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) was signed in 2018
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to facilitate communication between the weapons platforms of the two armed forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of Signing of BECA</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Converging Indo-Pacific Strategies:</strong> Signing of BECA will fast-forward the integration of the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indo-Pacific strategies</strong> </a>of their two countries.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, this is in sync with increasing formalization of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>QUAD</strong></a>, which can be seen in the recent joining of Australia in the Malabar naval exercises.</li>
<li>India will be able to keep a close watch on the movements of Chinese warships in the Indian Ocean.</li>
<li>Moreover, its signing comes at a time when India is locked in one of its most hostile standoffs with China along their disputed border in the Himalayan region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deep Military Implications:</strong> While LEMOA means one partner trusts the other enough to expose its valuable assets, COMCASA means one is confident that it can rely on encrypted systems to connect the two militaries, and BECA means it can share highly classified information in real time without fear of being compromised.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All this signals the level of trust that has developed between the two countries and their militaries, faced with an increasingly aggressive China.</li>
<li>BECA allows more intensive engagement between the armed forces &mdash;from interoperability to intelligence-sharing and joint defence research to production of weapons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multi-Polar World Order:</strong> Substantive and institutionalised cooperation between the two defence establishments will serve the long-term interests of a rising India and an America that is restructuring its global security burden.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Issues</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Aversion to Alliance System:</strong> Signing of these four foundational agreements would mean India getting strategically more close to US.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>From the perspective of the US, in order to counter China, it would want India to be getting close to an alliance system.</li>
<li>However, one aspect which remains unchanged is the Indian strategic establishment&rsquo;s aversion to the term alliance.</li>
<li>From the heyday of non-alignment to the present day possibilities of multi-alignment, this idea that alliances are inherently bad has been a constant in India&rsquo;s mainstream strategic thinking.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dependence on Russia:</strong> India is one of the world's biggest defence equipment buyers, but around 60-70% of its inventory is supplied by Russia.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the US wants India to move away from Russian equipment and platforms, as it feels this may expose its technology and information to Russia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Compromising Strategic Autonomy:</strong> Many foregin policy experts in India are of the view that, by synchronising its systems with those of the US, it will enable the US to enter its decision-making loop.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is something that no sovereign country would like.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Divergence of Foregin Policy Interest:</strong> There is divergence on foregien policy interests between US and India, especially relating to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On account of Indian Ocean issues, the US would want India&rsquo;s cooperation in the South China Sea, but India&rsquo;s primary naval challenge is in the western and north-western Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Expanding Scope of Convergence:</strong> If both the US and India want India to become a genuine strategic balancer to China, they need to leapfrog economic and technological cooperation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, the US and India are now in talks of an &ldquo;innovation partnership&rdquo; that must develop along with all the military-to-military bonhomie taking place.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maintaining Strategic Autonomy:</strong> India must clarify to the US that, it can sign the civil nuclear pact, it can sign foundational defence agreements, it can converge on the Indo-Pacific but it won&rsquo;t lead to an alliance relationship.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, India should realise agreements are a scrap of paper, unless they are backed by a mutuality of interest at the given time. Therefore, must continue its efforts of strategic hedging with our global powers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Signing of BECA will allow India and the US to act together and get into a better position to shape the regional and global environment in favour of peace and stability. However, both countries must not glamourize this signing as these agreements are not an end in themselves they are a means to a larger end &ndash; security and prosperity of its citizens.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603885711_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603885711_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" 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: #fffef7;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Signing of various defence agreements will allow India and the US to act together and get into a better position to shape the regional and global environment. Critically analyse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N5yHKT0xjpI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/the-shade-of-grey-on-fatfs-mandated-tasks/article32947421.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The shade of grey&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on October 27<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/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-1'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Tectonically Active Zone of Himalayas',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a group of scientists from the <strong>Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology</strong> (WIHG), Dehradun have found that the<strong> Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone (ITSZ) of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/re-measuring-mount-everest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Himalaya</a></strong>is<strong> tectonically active.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The suture zone of Himalaya was conventionally thought to be locked.</li>
<li>WIHG is an <strong>autonomous institute</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/50th-foundation-day-of-dst" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Department of Science and Technology</strong> </a>(DST), Government of India.</li>
<li><strong>Tectonics</strong> is the <strong>scientific study of the deformation of the rocks</strong> that make up the Earth&rsquo;s crust and the forces that produce such deformation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It deals with the <strong>folding and faulting</strong> associated with mountain building, the large-scale, <strong>gradual upward and downward movements</strong> of the crust and <strong>sudden horizontal displacements</strong> along faults.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geological Features that Support the Finding:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sedimentary beds are tilted and thrust broken.</li>
<li>Rivers are associated with uplifted terraces.</li>
<li>Bedrock shows brittle deformation at much shallower depths.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These deformed geological features were <strong>dated using the technique of Optically Stimulated Luminescence</strong> (OSL) and data of <strong>seismicity</strong> and <strong>denudation rate</strong> was also reviewed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Optically-Stimulated Luminescence:</strong> It is a late <strong>quaternary</strong> (geological time period that encompasses the most recent 2.6 million years) dating technique used to date the last time quartz sediment was exposed to light. As sediment is transported by wind, water or ice, it is exposed to sunlight and zeroed of any previous luminescence signal.</li>
<li><strong>Seismicity:</strong> It is the worldwide or local distribution of<a href="/to-the-points/paper1/earthquake-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> earthquakes</strong></a> in space, time, and magnitude. More specifically, it refers to the measure of the frequency of earthquakes in a region.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/50th-foundation-day-of-dst">Denudation:</a></strong> It is a long term process in which the wearing and tearing of the surface of the Earth take place. It includes all those processes that lower relief and acts both chemically <strong>(chemical weathering)</strong> and physically <strong>(mechanical weathering).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The region of the ITSZ has been neo-tectonically active since the last 78000-58000 years.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ITSZ is a suture zone in the <strong>Ladakh region</strong> and marks the limit of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/seismicity-study-of-arunachal-himalaya" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian plate</a></strong> <strong>where it collides with the Eurasian plate</strong> and is subducted below the latter.</li>
<li>The ITSZ can be traced for<strong> more than 200 km</strong> and a wide variety of rock association along the ITSZ indicates that the collision at the plate boundary was of very <strong>complex nature.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The ITSZ was conventionally believed to be a locked zone till now.</li>
<li>This will have <strong>major implications</strong> in terms of earthquake study, prediction, understanding the seismic structure of the mountain chains well as its evolution.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Suture Zones</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A suture zone is a<strong> linear belt of intense deformation,</strong> where distinct terranes, or tectonic units with different plate tectonic, metamorphic, and paleogeographic histories join together.</li>
<li>These zones also <strong>provide the only record of deep oceanic crust and of ancient seafloor processes</strong> for roughly the first 90% of Earth&rsquo;s history.</li>
<li>Their study provides a means to understand the end-product of<strong> plate tectonic processes</strong> in time and space. In plate tectonics, sutures are seen as the remains of subduction zones together with the terranes possibly representing fragments of different tectonic plates.</li>
<li>The suture zone is often <strong>represented on the surface by a mountain range comprising intensely deformed rocks.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Iapetus Suture from Great Britain,</strong> which is now concealed beneath younger rocks, and <strong>Indo-Tsangpo Suture</strong> well exposed in the Himalayas are some of the best examples of suture zones.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1667585" 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/tectonically-active-zone-of-himalayas'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'Computation Analysis of Indian Genes',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the results from the computation analysis of the 1029 sequenced genomes from India were published in the scientific journal, Nucleic Acid Research.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The analysis has found that out of<strong> 55,898,122 single nucleotide variants</strong> in India 18,016,257 <strong>(32.23%) variants are unique and found only in the samples sequenced from India.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This emphasizes the need for an India centric population genomic initiative.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>analysis was carried out by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/council-of-scientific-and-industrial-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CSIR</a></strong> constituent labs, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi and Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad.</li>
</ul>
<h3>IndiGenomes Resource Database</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It encompasses the <strong>genomic data from over 1000 whole genome sequences sequenced</strong> from across India as part of the<strong> IndiGen programme</strong> and represents diverse geographies and ethnicities. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> IndiGen Programme</strong> was launched in <strong>April 2019,</strong> under which <strong>genome sequencing</strong> of 1029 self-declared healthy Indians drawn from across the country has been completed.</li>
<li>Its <strong>objective</strong> was to enable genetic epidemiology and develop public health technologies applications using population genome data.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The resource provides<strong> access to over 55 million genetic variants representing the contemporary Indian population</strong> with an objective to classify variants involved in <strong>mendelian disorders</strong> and <strong>improve precision medicine outcomes.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Mendelian disorder</strong> is a type of genetic disorder, resulting due to alterations in a gene or due to abnormalities in the genome.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It enables the<strong> identification of markers for carrier screening, variations causing genetic diseases, prevention of adverse events</strong> and provides better diagnosis and optimal therapy <strong>through mining data.</strong></li>
<li>This resource can provide useful insights for clinicians and researchers in comprehending genetics not only at the population level but at the individual level.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Despite having this rich genetic diversity, India has been under-represented in global genome studies. Further, the population architecture of India has resulted in high prevalence of recessive alleles.</li>
<li>In the absence of large-scale whole genome studies from India, the population-specific genetic variants are not adequately captured and catalogued in global medical literature.</li>
<li>In order to fill the gap of whole genome sequences from different populations in India, CSIR initiated the <strong>IndiGen Programme.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Genome</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A genome is all the <strong>genetic matter</strong> in an organism. It is defined as an organism&rsquo;s complete set of <strong>Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA),</strong> including all of its genes.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Every organism&rsquo;s genetic code is contained in its<strong> DNA,</strong> the building blocks of life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Each genome contains all of the information needed to build and maintain that organism.</li>
<li>In humans, a copy of the entire genome contains more than 3 billion DNA base pairs.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Genome sequencing</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Genome sequencing is figuring out the <strong>order of DNA nucleotides, or bases,</strong> in a genome&mdash;the order of <strong>Adenine, Cytosine, Guanines, and Thymine</strong> that make up an organism's DNA.</li>
<li><strong>Application:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Genome sequencing can play a crucial role for <strong>new advancements in medical science</strong> (like predictive diagnosis and precision medicine, genomic information) and in <strong>disease management.</strong></li>
<li>Through genome sequencing methodology, researchers and clinicians can <strong>easily detect the disease related to genetic disorder.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of Genome Sequencing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The study of entire genome sequences will help understand<strong> how the genome as a whole works&mdash;</strong>how genes work together to direct the growth, development and maintenance of an entire organism.</li>
<li>The genes account for less than 25% of the DNA in the genome, and so knowing the entire genome sequence will <strong>help scientists study the parts of the genome outside the genes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1667949" 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/computation-analysis-of-indian-genes'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'India-USA 2+2 Dialogue 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and the USA have concluded the <strong>3<sup>rd</sup> India-USA 2+2 dialogue</strong> in New Delhi.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> USA reiterated its support to India </strong>in<strong> defending its territorial sovereignty</strong> in the background of the ongoing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict#:~:text=After%20the%20first%20round%20of,casualties%20on%20the%20Chinese%20side.&amp;text=India%20and%20China%20fought%20a%20war%20in%201962." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>standoff between India-China.</strong></a></li>
<li>It also referred to the greater <strong>threats posed by <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China in the Indo-Pacific region</a></strong> and by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> in general.</li>
<li>The <strong>first two rounds</strong> of these dialogues between both the countries were held in <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-to-host-2-2-dialogue-mechanism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018</a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-us-2-2-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has signed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement</strong></a> (BECA) with the USA.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BECA will enable the<strong> exchange of geospatial data and information</strong> between the two countries and will <strong>improve the accuracy of India&rsquo;s missiles</strong> in precision strikes.</li>
<li>The geospatial maps and charts to be shared, will be <strong>acquired from multiple sources</strong> like satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), reconnaissance aircraft, aerostats among others.</li>
<li>As part of measures to enhance military to military cooperation, Liaison Officers at each other's establishments could be leveraged to enhance information sharing.</li>
<li>BECA is one of the<strong> four foundational military communication agreements between the two countries.</strong> The <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-us-mini-2-plus-2-talks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">other three</a></strong> are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>General Security Of Military Information Agreement.</li>
<li>Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement.</li>
<li>Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Both countries released a <strong>Joint Statement on shared Indo-USA goals in the Asia-Pacific region</strong> and emphasised that the <strong>Code of Conduct in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South China Sea</a></strong> should not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of any nation in accordance with international law.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They also decided to <strong>expand joint capacity building activities</strong> with partner countries in the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-pacific-trilateral-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indo-Pacific</a> region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Steps Taken:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Memorandum of Understanding</strong> (MoU) on <strong>Technical Cooperation in Earth Observations and Earth Sciences.</strong></li>
<li>Agreement to <strong>extend the duration</strong> of the <strong>MoU on the Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Agreement on the electronic exchange of customs data.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Letter of intent regarding cooperation in traditional Indian medicines.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Discussions on the status of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-afghan-policy-and-taliban" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Afghanistan</a></strong> and support for its peace process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>&lsquo;2+2&rsquo; Dialogue</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>2+2 Ministerial is the <strong>highest-level institutional mechanism</strong> between the two countries.</li>
<li>It is a<strong> format of dialogue</strong> where the defence/foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country.</li>
<li>India holds such talks with <strong>Australia, Japan and the USA.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The signing of BECA is a significant achievement for India as it is a sign of the USA accepting the Indian request for cooperation in the advanced field of maritime domain awareness.</li>
<li>India-USA&rsquo;s national security convergences have grown closer in a more multipolar world and the meetings as well as the agreements not only advance their individual interests but also ensure that the bilateral cooperation between them makes a positive contribution in the world arena.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-us-22-dialogue-rajnath-singh-raises-chinas-action-in-ladakh/article32955117.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-usa-2-2-dialogue-2020'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Maritime Vision 2030',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Minister of State for Shipping has inaugurated the <strong>Direct Port Entry</strong> (DPE) facility of<strong> V O Chidambaranar Port Trust</strong> (VOCPT).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The state-of-the-art DPE facility is created inside the <strong>Truck Parking Terminal</strong> which was developed under the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/karwar-port" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;Sagarmala&rsquo;</strong> </a>for issuing customs clearance of export cargo.</li>
<li>The IT-enabled infrastructure at the ports will make Indian ports, world-class ports aligning with the <strong>&lsquo;Maritime Vision 2030&rsquo;</strong> of the <strong>Ministry of Shipping.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will <strong>reduce logistics cost</strong> and<strong> increase the velocity of the cargo.</strong></li>
<li>It would <strong>enable direct movement of containers from factories,</strong> without intermediate handling at any container freight stations (CFSs), on a <strong>24x7 basis.</strong></li>
<li>It will help in <strong>increasing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ease of Doing Business</a></strong> for the exporters, as the facility will <strong>bring efficiency and reduce dwell time, lower tariff cost </strong>and<strong> improve the competitiveness of shippers</strong> in international trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Maritime India Vision 2030</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>ten-year blueprint for the maritime sector</strong> which <strong>will be released</strong> by the Prime Minister of India at the <strong>Maritime India Summit in November 2020.</strong></li>
<li>It will <strong>supersede the Sagarmala initiative</strong> and aims to boost waterways, give a <strong>fillip to the shipbuilding industry</strong> and <strong>encourage cruise tourism in India.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Policy Initiatives and Development Projects:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Maritime Development Fund:</strong> A Rs. <strong>25,000-crore fund,</strong> which will provide low cost, <strong>long-tenure financing to the sector</strong> with the Centre contributing Rs. 2,500 crore over seven years.</li>
<li><strong>Port Regulatory Authority: A pan-India</strong> port authority will be set up <strong>under the new Indian Ports Act</strong> (to replace the old <strong>Indian Ports Act 1908</strong>) for enabling oversight across major and non-major ports, enhance institutional coverage for ports and provide for structured growth of the ports sector to boost investor confidence.</li>
<li><strong>Eastern Waterways Connectivity Transport Grid project:</strong> It will aim to develop regional connectivity with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar.</li>
<li><strong>Riverine Development Fund:</strong> Calls for extending low cost, long-term financing for inland vessels with the support of a Riverine Development Fund (RDF) and for extending the coverage of the tonnage tax scheme (applicable to ocean-going ships and dredgers) to inland vessels also to enhance the availability of such vessels.</li>
<li><strong>Rationalisation of Port Charges:</strong> It will make them more competitive, besides doing away with all hidden charges levied by ship liners to bring in more transparency.</li>
<li><strong>Promotion of Water Transport:</strong> For decongestion of urban areas, and developing waterways as an alternative means of urban transport.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1667782" 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/maritime-vision-2030'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Superconductivity at Room Temperature',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>researchers have created a material that is superconducting</strong> at room temperature, however, it <strong>only works at a pressure of 267 Gigapascals</strong> (GPa), which is equivalent to <strong>about three-quarters of pressure at the centre of Earth</strong> (360 GPa).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Material Used:</strong> A <strong>mixture of carbon, hydrogen and sulfur</strong> was put in a microscopic niche carved between the tips of two diamonds<strong> (diamond anvil)</strong> and laser light was used on them to<strong> trigger chemical reactions.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Process:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As the experimental<strong> temperature was lowered, resistance</strong> to a current passed through the material <strong>dropped</strong> to a vanishingly small value below the <strong>critical temperature</strong> (Tc).</li>
<li>The <strong>transition of the sample to become superconductive</strong> occurred the best at <strong>transition temperature of around 15&deg;C at 267 GPa.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Verification:</strong> To verify that this phase was indeed a superconductor, the group ascertained that the <strong>magnetic susceptibility</strong> of the superconductor was that of a <strong>diamagnet.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <strong>superconducting material kept in a magnetic field expels the magnetic flux out</strong> its body when cooled below the critical temperature and<strong> exhibits perfect diamagnetism.</strong></li>
<li>It is also called the <strong>Meissner effect</strong> which simply means that <strong>magnetic lines do not pass through superconductors</strong> in a magnetic field.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Superconductors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A superconductor is a material that can<strong> conduct electricity or transport electrons from one atom to another with no resistance.</strong></li>
<li>No heat, sound or any other form of energy would be released from the material when it has <strong>reached critical temperature</strong> (Tc), or the temperature at which the material becomes superconductive.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The critical temperature for superconductors is the <strong>temperature at which the electrical resistivity of metal drops to zero.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prominent examples</strong> include <strong>aluminium, niobium, magnesium diboride,</strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Applications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>From magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, low-loss power lines, ultra powerful superconducting magnets to mobile-phone towers.</li>
<li>Researchers are also experimenting with them in high-performance generators for wind turbines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Limitations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Their usefulness is still<strong> limited by the need for bulky cryogenics</strong> (production of and behavior of materials at very low temperatures) as the common superconductors <strong>work at atmospheric pressures,</strong> but only if they are kept very cold.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Even the most sophisticated ones like <strong>copper oxide-based ceramic materials</strong> work only below &minus;140&deg;C.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Research:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If researchers can stabilise the material at ambient pressure,<strong> applications of superconductivity at room temperatures could be achieved</strong> and will be within reach.</li>
<li>Superconductors that work at room temperature could have a <strong>big technological impact, for example in electronics that run faster without overheating.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Diamagnetism</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a<strong> very weak form of magnetism</strong> that is <strong>induced by a change in the orbital motion of electrons</strong> due to an applied magnetic field.</li>
<li>This magnetism is <strong>non-permanent and persists only in the presence of an external field.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> magnitude of the induced magnetic moment is very small, </strong>and its<strong> direction is opposite to that of the applied field.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Meissner Effect</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>When a <strong>material makes the transition from the normal to the superconducting state,</strong> it<strong> actively excludes magnetic fields</strong> from its interior and this is called the Meissner effect.</li>
<li>This constraint to zero magnetic fields inside a superconductor is<strong> distinct from the perfect diamagnetism which would arise from its zero electrical resistance.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/room-temperature-superconductivity-possible-but-under-severe-pressure/article32937247.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/superconductivity-at-room-temperature-1'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'Electronic Exchange of Customs Data',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Department of Posts, Government of India (India Post) and United States Postal Service</strong> signed an<strong> agreement</strong> for <strong>electronic exchange of customs data</strong> related to postal shipments between the two countries.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> The primary objective of this agreement is to facilitate <strong>&lsquo;ease of exports&rsquo;</strong> for small and large exporters through postal channels from different parts of the country.</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> The agreement will make it <strong>possible to transmit and receive electronic data of international postal items prior to their physical arrival at the destination</strong> and would<strong> enable customs clearance of postal items in advance</strong> in line with the evolving global postal framework.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Exchange of Electronic Advance Data (EAD)</strong> will be a key driver towards <strong>promoting mutual trade</strong> with emphasis on the exports.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>USA is the top export destination for India</strong> (~17%) which is also reflected in exchange of goods through postal channels.</li>
<li>In 2019, around 20% of international <strong>Express Mail Service (EMS)</strong> and 30% of Letters &amp; Small Packets transmitted by India Post were destined to the USA whereas 60% of the Parcels received by India Post were originated from the USA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong> This will fulfill a major demand of the export industry to expedite customs clearances of export items and will contribute towards making India an Export Hub for the world.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The agreement will also improve the performance of postal services in terms of reliability, visibility and security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>India Post</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India Post is the <strong>trade name for the Department of Posts (DoP), a</strong> government-operated postal system in <strong>India under the Ministry of Communications.</strong></li>
<li>With 1, 55,531 Post Offices, the DoP has the most widely distributed postal network in the world.</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Delivering mails, accepting deposits under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-cuts-interest-rates-on-nsc-ppf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Small Savings Schemes</strong></a>, providing life insurance cover under Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) and providing retail services like bill collection, sale of forms, etc.</li>
<li>It also acts as an agent for the Government of India in discharging other services for citizens such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sub-group-of-chief-ministers-on-coordination-between-mgnrega-and-agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)</strong> </a>wage disbursement and old age pension payments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1667915" 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/electronic-exchange-of-customs-data'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'AWAKE: Main Examination 2020',
			'catname' => 'Online Courses',
			'desc' => '<section class="article-list">
<div class="feature-text" style="padding: 0px;">
<div class="online-pendrive-course online-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="content-block">
<div class="text-block">
<h2>'AWAKE' : UPSC Civil Service Mains Examination 2020 <br /><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #00008b;">(Answer Writing and Knowledge Enrichment Program)</span></h2>
<p>AWAKE is a special crash course designed for one single purpose &ndash; improving marks obtained in the CSE Mains Examination.</p>
<p>This program was launched in 2019 and more than 50% of aspirants who were successful in the Hindi medium for that year had been a part of the AWAKE program. Team Drishti, under the able guidance of Dr. Vikas Divyakirti, is now trying to recreate this success in the English medium as well.</p>
<p><strong>The AWAKE program has two primary components viz., identifying potential topics/questions that can be asked in the Mains Examination, and the developing of answer writing skills for every participating aspirant.</strong>Experienced teachers, as such, will be conducting classes where not only important topics will be discussed but also various answer writing methods, tips and tricks will be demonstrated.</p>
<p>The AWAKE program will cover all four GS papers and due to Covid related restrictions, will currently be conducted only in the online mode via the Drishti Learning App.</p>
</div>
<div class="red-block awake">Fees : <strong>₹ 5,000/-</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 500;">Registration Open</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 500;">Classes Start - From 1st November</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 500;"><strong>Mode</strong> - Online Classes (Drishti Learning App)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="btn-block"><a href="/awake-online-courses-buy" class="btn red" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Join Now</a>
<div class="notice"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drishti.academy.app&amp;hl=en_IN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download DRISHTI LEARNING APP</a><br /><i>*the AWAKE program is currently available only on Drishti Learning App.</i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- #end online pendrive course -->
<div class="why-pendrive-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="image-block"><img src="/drishti/img/online-banner2.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
<div class="content-block">
<h2><span style="color: #00008b;">Key Features of AWAKE:</span></h2>
<ul style="display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2;">
<li>A total of 120 hours or 40 classes &ndash; class discussions are concise and to the point.</li>
<li>Classes are easy to watch and prepare from &ndash; all you need is an Android based phone and an internet connection.</li>
<li>Along with video lectures, model answers to most important questions discussed in class will be provided in the PDF format.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Please Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2;">
<li>Due to the growing similarity in UPSC CSE and UPPCS Mains Examinations, this crash course can be attended by aspirants of either exams. For the same reason, the validity of this crash course will be until the CSE and UPPCS Main Exams are over. Also, each video lecture can be viewed upto three times.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px; padding-top: 20px;">Schedule for the 40 video lectures (approximate) included in this program is as follows:</p>
<ol style="display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2;">
<li>History of India and the World, and Art &amp; Culture (6 classes)</li>
<li>Economy (4 classes)</li>
<li>Geography, Environment and Disaster Management (6 classes)</li>
<li>International Relations (3 classes)</li>
<li>Science &amp; Technology (5 classes)</li>
<li>Polity, Governance, and Internal Security (respectively: 4+2+2 = 8 classes)</li>
<li>Indian Society and Social Justice (2 classes)</li>
<li>Ethics (2 classes)</li>
<li>Current Affairs (4 Classes)</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
<div class="imporant-info">
<div class="wrapper">
<p style="text-align: center; padding: 15px; font-size: 22px;"><strong>For additional information related to this course, call <a href="tel:8010440440">8010440440</a> / <a href="tel:7669806814">7669806814</a></strong></p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="learning-program">
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<div class="wrapper">
<h2>Payment Options</h2>
<div class="row">
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Cash Deposit</h4>
<p>You can deposit cash at our Drishti office, Find our address below</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />13/15, Tashkand Marg, Civil Lines (Near Patrika Chauraha), Prayagraj, <br />UP-211001</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="tel:011-47532596">011-47532596</a> <br />+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
</ul>
</address></div>
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<h4>Bank Transfer/Account Deposit</h4>
<p>VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd. <br /><strong>Account No.</strong> 36726486454,<br /><strong>Bank </strong>State Bank of India,<br /><strong>IFSC Code</strong> SBIN0018166, <br /><strong>MICR Code</strong> 110002563, Branch Code 18166 , <br /><strong>Branch</strong> - Mukherjee Nagar New Delhi-110009</p>
<p><span>Contact Details:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="phone">+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="/admin/articles/edit/1800-121-6260">1800-121-6260</a></li>
</ul>
</address></div>
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<h4>Demand Draft/Cheque</h4>
<p>Send your demand draft or local cheque of fee amount by registered post/courier at below address</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation, <br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="email"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li>
</ul>
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</div>
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</section>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/online-classes/awake-mains-examination-2020'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Stubble Waste Management',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/wealth-from-stubble-burning-farmers-farmers-air-pollution-delhi-punjab-haryana-6884982/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Wealth from stubble&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 27/10/2020. It talks about the issue of stubble burning and suggests actionable programmes to address the same.</p>
</div>
<p>Every winter in northern India starts with the precarious news of dangerous levels of air pollution resulting from the Paddy <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/stubble-burning-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>stubble burning</strong></a>. This is because the quantity of the farm waste is humongous and the window for disposing of it is too small.</p>
<p>The regularity of air pollution from stubble burning led the state and central government to develop business models to discourage stubble burning and promote farm <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/waste-to-energy-plants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>waste to energy</strong> </a>projects.</p>
<p>However, despite these interventions the farmers have less incentive to collect the stubble and subsequently the stubble burning issue largely remains unsolved. Therefore, stubble management should be broadly focussed on-field management, alternate cropping, processing to biofuels and proper implementation of existing schemes.</p>
<h3>Reason For Stubble Burning</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Stubble burning is the act of setting fire to crop residue to remove them from the field to sow the next crop.</li>
<li>In order to plant next winter crop (Rabi crop), farmers in Northern India have to move in a very short interval and if they are late, due to short winters these days, they might face considerable losses.</li>
<li>Therefore, burning is the cheapest and fastest way to get rid of the stubble.</li>
<li>Further, if stubble is left in the field, pests like termites may attack the upcoming crop.</li>
<li>Also, the precarious economic condition of farmers doesn&rsquo;t allow them to use expensive mechanised methods to remove stubble.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues in Stubble Waste to Energy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lax Implementation:</strong> In 2019, the governments of Punjab and Haryana announced Rs 2,500/acre as a bonus to small farmers who avoid burning stubble but there has been the negligible implementation of this scheme.</li>
<li><strong>Adverse Impact of Laws:</strong> Implementation of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/punjab-water-law-responsible-for-air-pollution-in-delhi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act (2009)</strong> </a>made the time period of stubble burning coincident with the onset of winter in Northern India.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Late transplanting of paddy during Kharif season to prevent water loss as directed by PPSW Act (2009) had left farmers with little time between harvesting and preparing the field for the next crop and hence farmers are resorting to the burning of stubble.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Supply as Raw Material:</strong> The costs of establishing a year-round &ldquo;bankable&rdquo; supply chain for paddy straw bales is another deterrent.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Albeit with limitations related to offtake agreements, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/biofuel-day-2#:~:text=The%20Policy%20allows%20use%20of,of%20National%20Biofuel%20Coordination%20Committee.&amp;text=5000%20crore%20in%206%20years,as%20compared%20to%201G%20biofuels." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Policy on Biofuels</strong></a> was not able to achieve intended targets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increasing Competition With Solar &amp; Wind Energy:</strong> The government has actively supported the biomass power sector by provisioning for a high feed-in tariff.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, tariff orders for biomass gasifier/biogas power became inconsequential with solar and wind power tariffs declining to 33% of that of biomass power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On-field Management:</strong> It involves mulching the stubble into fields by customised machinery. In order to promote mulching there is a need for:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Providing subsidy for purchasing equipment.</li>
<li>Establishing Farm Machinery Banks for custom hiring of in-situ crop residue management machinery.</li>
<li>Furthermore, Co-operative societies of farmers, <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/self-help-groups-shgs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>self-help groups</strong></a>, registered farmers societies/farmers groups, private entrepreneurs for establishment of farm machinery banks or custom hiring centres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Alternate Cropping:</strong> There is a need to promote alternatives to wheat and rice, which could be the cultivation of silage crops (hybrid sorghum, hybrid napier grass, maize).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These alternatives have a high yield, enabling farmers to meet the feedstock needs of cattle, can also be used to produce biofuels plants and the cultivated area can be interspersed with horticulture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ensuring Adequate Supply with Biomass Depots:</strong> It is essential to undertake on-field baling of stubble, aggregate bales in a depot and enter into &ldquo;bankable&rdquo; agreements for supplies to Bio-Energy Plants.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In order to establish a biomass depot, there should be fiscal incentives for enabling green entrepreneurship.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Turning Stubble to Advanced Biofuels:</strong> Stubble should be used for production of gaseous <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biofuels-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>biofuels</strong></a> like producer gas, biogas and green hydrogen.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/satat-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SATAT scheme</strong></a> is a step in the right direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Stubble burning poses a challenge to public health. However, by processing agriculture residues to biofuels and compost will benefit many more farmer households, with manifold collateral benefits that accrue from assured availability of sustainable energy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603801502_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603801502_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="550" height="515" /></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: #fefff2;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Effective stubble management can convert the crisis of public health into an opportunity of sustainable energy. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_mO76JsnMB0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/an-indian-spacex-policy-to-tap-private-sector-talent-for-space-taking-shape/2113451/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;An Indian SpaceX&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Financial Express on October 23<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/stubble-waste-management'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Tsunami Early Warning System in India',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to experts from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/incois-launches-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian National Centre for Ocean Information System (INCOIS)</strong></a>, India is much safer against tsunami threats than it was in 2004, due to the establishment of a state-of-the-art tsunami early warning system at INCOIS.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Indian Tsunami Early Warning System:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Indian Tsunami Early Warning System (ITEWS) was <strong>established in 2007</strong> and is based at &amp; operated by INCOIS, Hyderabad.</li>
<li>It is an <strong>integrated effort</strong> of different organizations including the Department of Space (DOS), Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Survey of India (SOI) and National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).</li>
<li>ITEWS comprises a<strong> real-time network of seismic stations,</strong> tide gauges and a <strong>24X7 operational tsunami warning centre</strong> to detect tsunamigenic earthquakes, to monitor tsunamis and to provide timely advisories to vulnerable communities.</li>
<li>Indian scientists can detect large undersea earthquakes in Indian Ocean in real-time and provide a tsunami warning in 10-20 minutes after the earthquake occurs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2004, India didn&rsquo;t have any tsunami warning capability nor any public knowledge of tsunamis in the Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is among the <strong>first few centres to introduce quantitative tsunami forecasts.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)</strong> of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unesco-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO</strong></a> (also known as UNESCO-IOC) accredited<strong> Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre</strong> (ITEWC) as <strong>Tsunami Service Provider</strong> (TSP) for 28 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Rim</strong></a> <strong>(IOR) countries</strong>, along with Indonesia and Australia in 2011, for issuing regional warnings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Focus in Tsunami Warning Capability:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The focus in recent times has been on <strong>enhancing community awareness and response</strong> through several <strong>capacity building activities, biennial Indian Ocean wide tsunami drills</strong> and<strong> piloting of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tsunami-ready-programme-unesco-ioc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready initiative.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Tsunami Ready is a community performance-based programme</strong> to promote tsunami preparedness through active collaboration of public, community leaders, and national and local emergency management agencies.</li>
<li>The <strong>main objective of this programme is to improve coastal community's preparedness for tsunami emergencies,</strong> to minimize the loss of life and property and to ensure a structural and systematic approach in building community preparedness through fulfilling the best-practice indicators.</li>
<li><strong>Two villages of Odisha-</strong> Venkatraipur in Ganjam district and Noliasahi in Jagatsinghpur district<strong> are now &lsquo;Tsunami Ready&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>INCOIS is <strong>establishing a network of 35 stations to estimate the tectonic plate&rsquo;s movements in real-time</strong> and measure the vertical displacements under the sea directly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>INCOIS</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>INCOIS was <strong>established in 1999</strong> as an <strong>autonomous body</strong> under the <strong>Ministry of Earth Sciences.</strong></li>
<li><strong>INCOIS</strong> through Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) is the <strong>nodal agency to provide tsunami advisories to India.</strong></li>
<li>It is coordinating with the Disaster Management Officials (DMOs) for implementation of <strong>Tsunami Ready</strong> programme in India.</li>
<li>It conducts <strong>IOWave Tsunami mock exercises biannually</strong> to strengthen the readiness to handle the emergency situations with stakeholders.</li>
<li>INCOIS also identifies the <strong>Potential Fishing Zones</strong> (PFZ) for the fishermen community.</li>
<li>It has also <strong>made improvement in overcoming the cloud cover</strong> through usage of geostationary satellites and numerical modelling.</li>
<li>INCOIS has also partnered with <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation</strong></a> (ISRO) and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wings-india-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Airports Authority of India</strong></a> (AAI) to <strong>develop a satellite based message broadcasting services</strong> through the indigenous navigational satellite communication system <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/navic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>'NAVIC'</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tsunamis</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These are a series of waves usually <strong>generated by movement of the sea floor.</strong> These movements are <strong>caused by different types of geophysical phenomena</strong> such as <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/earthquake-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>earthquakes</strong></a>,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-conference-on-landslides-risk-reduction-and-resilience" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> landslides</strong> </a><strong>and volcanic eruptions.</strong></li>
<li>The word tsunami is a <strong>Japanese word,</strong> represented by two characters: tsu, meaning, "harbor", and nami meaning, "wave".</li>
<li>The tsunami waves behave very differently in deep water than in shallow water as their <strong>speed is related to the water depth.</strong></li>
<li>They <strong>frequently occur in the Pacific,</strong> where dense oceanic plates slide under the lighter continental plates. When these plates fracture they provide a vertical movement of the seafloor that allows a quick and efficient transfer of energy from the solid earth to the ocean.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Initiatives like Tsunami Ready has to be replicated in other vulnerable coastal communities as it enhances ability to respond to cyclones and storm surges too.</li>
<li>The best of warning systems could fail, if communities are not prepared, if they do not understand the official and natural warning signs of a tsunami, and if they do not take appropriate and timely response.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/india-much-safer-against-tsunami-threat-incois-director/article32947534.ece#:~:text=India%20is%20much%20safer%20against,Information%20System%20(INCOIS)%20here." 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/tsunami-early-warning-system-in-india'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Sudan and Israel to Normalise Relations',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, in a <strong>deal brokered by the USA, Sudan and Israel</strong> have agreed to <strong>normalise relations</strong> to end decades of hostility.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603787483_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603787483_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Sudan, which was<strong> technically at war with Israel since its foundation</strong> in <strong>1948,</strong> has now become the <strong>third country to forge diplomatic relations</strong> with it, in recent times.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, the USA brokered diplomatic pacts between<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Israel and the UAE and Bahrain</a> as well,</strong> to normalise their relations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The deal would <strong>deepen Sudan&rsquo;s engagement with the West.</strong></li>
<li>The deal follows USA&rsquo;s conditional agreement to <strong>remove Sudan from its blacklist of countries accused of sponsoring terrorism.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sudan was <strong>added to the list in 1993</strong> after it was accused of harbouring groups such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/beirut-explosion" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hezbollah</strong></a> and <strong>Palestinian militant outfits</strong> which the USA deems as terrorists.</li>
<li>As a result, Sudan was <strong>cut off from the global economy</strong> and was <strong>starved of foreign investment</strong> which faced another blow in <strong>2011</strong> when <strong>South Sudan was formed</strong> taking away its major oil resources.</li>
<li>With its name removed from the list, Sudan will no longer stay deprived of foreign investments.</li>
<li>Under the deal, <strong>Sudan has agreed to pay USD 335 million in compensation</strong> to victims of the<strong> Al-Qaeda bombings</strong> of USA embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It delivers a<strong> foreign policy achievement for Trump</strong> just days before the USA election.</li>
<li>It<strong> boosts Israel&rsquo;s motive</strong> which has made it a priority to <strong>forge ties with formerly hostile countries in Africa and the Arab</strong> world in the absence of any progress with the Palestinians.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the initial phase, there will be<strong> no exchange of ambassadors or a mutual establishment of embassies.</strong></li>
<li>After the<a href="/be-mains-ready-daily-answer-writing-practice-question/papers/six-day-war-reasons-war-shaped-history-of-the-modern-world#:~:text=The%20Six%2DDay%20War%20was,the%20severity%20of%20their%20defeat." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> six-day war of 1967 war</strong></a>, Arab powers met in <strong>Khartoum</strong> (Sudan&rsquo;s capital) to <strong>pledge three &ldquo;noes&rdquo;</strong> viz.<strong> no peace</strong> with Israel,<strong> no recognition</strong> of Israel, and<strong> no negotiations</strong> with Israel.&nbsp;Therefore, the deal holds a symbolic significance for Israel.</li>
<li>Unlike the UAE and Bahrain, which have never fought with Israel, <strong>Sudan sent forces to fight in the war around Israel&rsquo;s creation in 1948</strong> and during the<strong> war of 1967.</strong> In the <strong>1970s, Israel backed Sudanese insurgents</strong> fighting the Khartoum government.</li>
<li>With this agreement, <strong>Israel will complete the creation of a safety cordon in the Red Sea,</strong> which currently includes Egypt, Jordan, South Sudan and Saudi Arabia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The deal is also<strong> aimed at unifying Arab countries against their common adversary, Iran.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Though Sudan has been largely marginal to Middle Eastern politics in recent decades, the normalisation has significant symbolic value.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Reaction:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Allies of the USA,</strong> including Germany, Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, have<strong> welcomed the deal</strong> as a boost to stability in West Asia.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, <strong>Palestinian leaders have strongly condemned</strong> the deal, echoing their rejection of all of the Israel&rsquo;s normalisation accords.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-allies-welcome-israel-sudan-deal-iran-palestine-cry-foul/article32937621.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/sudan-and-israel-to-normalise-relations'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'India - Australia Circular Economy Hackathon',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aatmanirbhar-bharat-arise-atal-new-india-challenge" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Innovation Mission</strong> </a>(AIM- an initiative set up by NITI Aayog), in association with <strong>Australia&rsquo;s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation</strong> (CSIRO), will organise a two-day hackathon on circular economy, <strong>&lsquo;India-Australia Circular Economy Hackathon (I-ACE)&rsquo;,</strong> in December 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>idea of I-ACE was conceived during a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-australia-virtual-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">virtual summit</a> on 4th June, 2020,</strong> between the Indian and Australian prime ministers, exploring innovative ways to boost the circular economy in India and Australia.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Focus:</strong> I-ACE will focus on <strong>identification and development of innovative technology solutions</strong> by students, startups and MSMEs of both nations.</li>
<li><strong>Key Themes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Innovation in packaging, reducing packaging waste.</li>
<li>Innovation in food supply chains, avoiding waste.</li>
<li>Creating opportunities for plastic waste reduction.</li>
<li>Recycling critical energy metals and e-waste.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Selection of Winners:</strong> Shortlisted students and startups/MSMEs will be called for the hackathon, where two winners (one student and one startup/MSME) per theme from each country will be announced at an award ceremony.</li>
<li><strong>Cash Prize:</strong> Winning teams from both the countries will get cash prizes. The winning Indian student and startup/MSME will be awarded a prize of Rs. 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, respectively, coupled with post-hackathon product development opportunities.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Circular Economy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Meaning:</strong> It is an economy where products are designed for durability, reuse and recyclability and thus almost everything gets reused, remanufactured, and recycled into a raw material or used as a source of energy.</li>
<li><strong>Efficient Use of Resources:</strong> It includes <strong>3 R&rsquo;s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle),</strong> Refurbishment, Recover, and Repairing of materials.</li>
<li><strong>Example:</strong> If a person is planning to discard his/her mobile, it can be given to someone else (i.e. giving the mobile second life-Reuse), rather than throwing it just like that.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Once the mobile reaches its end of life, it can be ensured that everything embedded in it, aluminum, copper, plastic etc. should be brought back to production cycle so that the circle of the economy gets completed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Response to the Linear Process:</strong> Many countries follow a linear process in which raw materials are taken from the environment, turned into new products which are then disposed of after use.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603786065_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603786065_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>For Industry:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Fulfills the need for raw materials:</strong> The output produced by industries in a circular economy comes back to the industries in the form of input, for example, when parts of a mobile will be segregated, copper and aluminum will become raw materials for some industries.</li>
<li><strong>Efficient utilization of resources:</strong> This helps industries in earning cash profits equivalent to 3-5% of their turnover. Ultimately, QCDF (Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Flexibility) and sustainability level of industries get improved.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>For Environment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-better-way-of-waste-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Problem of disposal of waste</strong></a> <strong>gets solved</strong> as in a circular economy, waste is converted into raw materials.</li>
<li>Also <strong>solves the problem of air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>For Consumers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Cost-Effective:</strong> The products in the circular economy are more cost effective for consumers as they tend to be more efficient, besides having a longer shelf life.</li>
<li><strong>Efficient Products:</strong> Increased Efficiency leads to a reduction in the cost of maintenance as well as that of disposal, which otherwise a consumer has to incur in a huge amount.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Response:</strong> Germany and Japan have used it as a binding principle for reorganizing its economy, whereas China even has a law on it (Circular Economy Promotion Law).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals</strong></a>, adopted by the United Nations Member States in 2015, include many related ambitions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Circular Economy and India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is already on its path to the circular economy. Initiatives of the National Productivity Council (NPC) and government show that. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>NPC</strong> is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Commerce &amp; Industry. <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-productivity-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Productivity Week 2019 Theme</strong></a> was &lsquo;Circular Economy for Productivity and Sustainability&rsquo;.</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-digital-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Digital India&rsquo;</strong></a> Program contains a significant component of the recycling of electronic wastes. <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/swachh-bharat-mission-urban#:~:text=Swachh%20Bharat%20Mission%2DUrban%20(SBM,certified%20through%20third%2Dparty%20verification." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Swachh Bharat Mission</strong></a> is also about making wealth out of wastes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has a <strong>huge potential for reuse and recycling</strong> as only around 20% of the total waste generated goes into the recycling process.</li>
<li>Manufacturing Sector, especially MSMEs can help a lot in transformation towards a circular economy. The sector should &lsquo;DECIDE&rsquo; i.e.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Designing processes for refurbishment and easy cycling.</li>
<li>Educating masses on Circular Economy and its benefits.</li>
<li>Collaborative Models for smooth implementation of Circular Economy.</li>
<li>Innovating Products for circularity.</li>
<li>Digitization for transparency, virtualization, dematerialization, and feedback driven intelligence for saving resources.</li>
<li>Energy-Efficient for environmental sustainability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India and Australia have had a strong and productive bilateral partnership since a decade and their collaborations across a broad range of areas have yielded significant results.</li>
<li>Circular Economy can lead to the emergence of<strong> more sustainable production and consumption patterns,</strong> thus providing opportunities for developed and developing countries to achieve economic growth and inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.</li>
<li>The transition towards a circular economy requires systematic innovations including new innovative financing models, partnerships, business models and close integration of <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-industrial-revolution-4-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">industry 4.0</a> principles.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1667604" 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/india-australia-circular-economy-hackathon'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'Extension of ESI Scheme: Arunachal Pradesh',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the central government has<strong> extended the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme to Arunachal Pradesh,</strong> with effect from 1<sup>st</sup> November, 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ESI Scheme <strong>stands implemented in 568 districts</strong> in all the States and Union Territories, except Lakshadweep.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Integrated Social Security Scheme:</strong> Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme provides social protection to workers and their dependants, in the organised sector, in contingencies, such as, sickness, maternity and death or disablement due to an employment injury or occupational hazard.</li>
<li><strong>Statutory Provisions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> ESI Act, 1948</strong> is applicable to factories and notified establishments in an implemented area employing 10 or more employees for wages.</li>
<li>The <strong>"appropriate Government"</strong> State or Central is empowered to extend the provisions of the ESI Act to various classes of establishments, industrial, commercial or agricultural or otherwise. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Most of the State Governments have extended the ESI Act to certain specific class of establishments, such as, shops, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, preview theatres, motors transport undertakings and newspaper establishments etc., employing 10 or more persons.</li>
<li>However, the threshold for Coverage of establishments is still<strong> 20 Employees in Maharashtra.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility for Employees:</strong> The existing wage limit for coverage under the Act is <strong>Rs. 21,000 per month</strong> (Rs. 25,000 per month in the case of <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/issues-related-to-persons-with-disability" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>persons with disability</strong></a>).</li>
<li><strong>Self-Financing Scheme:</strong> The ESI Scheme is <strong>financed by contributions from employers and employees.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>June 2020,</strong> the government had <strong>reduced the rate of contribution</strong> under the ESI Act <strong>from 6.5% to 4%</strong> (employers&rsquo; contribution reduced from 4.75% to 3.25% and employees&rsquo; contribution reduced from 1.75% to 0.75%).</li>
<li><strong>Employees, earning less than Rs. 137 a day</strong> as daily wages, are<strong> exempted</strong> from payment of their share of contribution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> The <strong>covered employees and their dependants</strong> are eligible for a host of benefits including Cashless Medical Care Services, Sickness Benefit, Maternity Benefit, Employment Injury Benefit and Dependant Benefit in case of death due to employment injury, Unemployment Benefit etc. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The employees covered under ESI Scheme are also entitled to <strong>unemployment allowance.</strong> There are two unemployment allowance schemes namely <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atal-bimit-vyakti-kalyan-yojana-esic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna (ABVKY)</strong></a> and <strong>Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojna (RGSKY).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Administration:</strong> It is administered by<strong> an apex corporate body called the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).</strong> The Corporation is <strong>headed by the Union Minister of Labour,</strong> as its Chairman.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1667020#:~:text=of%20India%20has%20now%20extended,from%201st%20November%2C%202020.&amp;text=All%20factories%20located%20in%20the,coverage%20under%20ESI%20Act%201948." 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/extension-of-esi-scheme-arunachal-pradesh'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Insurance Sector in India',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/editorial/keeping-it-saral/article32920441.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Keeping it Saral&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu Businessline on 22/10/2020. It talks about the journey of the insurance sector in India and its associated issues.</p>
</div>
<p>Insurance is the main element in the operation of national economies throughout the world today. It protects health and assets of the people and stimulates business activities to operate in a cost-effective manner.</p>
<p>Citing this, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sandbox-for-fintech" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority</strong> </a>(IRDA) has released guidelines for the insurance sector i.e. <strong>Saral Jeevan Bima (SJB).</strong> Saral Jeewan Bima provides for broad contours of a standard individual term life insurance product which must be adhered by insurance companies.</p>
<p>While India&rsquo;s insurance sector has been growing dynamically in recent years, its share in the global insurance market remains abysmally low.</p>
<p>There are many underlying issues which affect the insurance sector in India such as low penetration and density rates, inadequate investment in insurance products, and the dominant position and deteriorating financial health of public-sector players.</p>
<p>Therefore, the goal of making insurance accessible to all will remain difficult to achieve, until the above mentioned issues are addressed.</p>
<h3>Background of Insurance Sector</h3>
<p>The insurance sector has witnessed many changes over the years including:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Nationalisation of life (LIC Act 1956) and non-life sectors (GIC Act 1972).</li>
<li>Constitution of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in 1999.</li>
<li>Opening up of the sector to both private and foreign players in 2000.</li>
<li>Increase in the foreign investment cap to 26% from 49% in 2015.</li>
<li>The recent notification of 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) for insurance intermediaries (announced in the Union Budget of 2019-20) has further liberalised the sector.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Saral Jeevan Bima</h3>
<p>With SJB, IRDA envisages to increase penetration of insurance in India. Under this scheme:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Standardisation:</strong> IRDA has come up with guidelines for a &ldquo;standard" product&mdash;Saral Jeevan Bima&mdash;specifying the terms and conditions, benefits, and features that life insurance companies must include. Thereby, making it simpler for individuals to buy a term insurance policy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SJB will make it easier for the customers to make an informed choice, enhance the trust between the insurers and the insured, and reduce mis-selling as well as potential disputes at the time of claiming settlement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inclusive:</strong> The product guidelines mention that insurers should offer the product without restrictions on gender, place of residence, travel, occupation, or educational qualifications.</li>
<li><strong>Securing Interests of Insurers:</strong> Insurers will not be liable for a payout if the policyholder dies within 45 days of taking the policy except in case of accident.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges in India&rsquo;s Insurance sector</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Prevalence of Insurance Gap:</strong> The insurance penetration (ratio of total premium to GDP (gross domestic product)) and density (ratio of total premium to population) stood at 3.69% and US$ 73, respectively for FY18 (fiscal year 2017-18), which is low in comparison with global levels. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These low penetration and density rates reveal the uninsured nature of large sections of population in India, and the presence of an insurance gap.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Public Sector Dominated:</strong> The insurance sector has transitioned from being an exclusive State monopoly to a competitive market, but public-sector insurers hold a greater share of the insurance market even though they are fewer in number.</li>
<li><strong>Nascent Non-life Insurance:</strong> Life insurance dominates the sector with a huge share of 74.7%, with non-life insurance accounting for the remaining 25.3%. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the non-life insurance sector, motor, health, and crop insurance segments are driving growth. India&rsquo;s non-life insurance penetration is below 1%.</li>
<li>In addition, insurance products catering to speciality risks such as catastrophes and cyber security are at a nascent stage of development in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rural-Urban Divide:</strong> Low insurance penetration and density rates prevail in India. However, Rural participation of insurers remains deficient, and life insurers, especially private ones, gravitate towards the urban population.</li>
<li><strong>Capital Starved Insurers:</strong> Insurers in India lack sufficient capital, and their financial health, particularly that of the public-sector insurers, is in a precarious state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, investment in the insurance sector got dwindled due to the crisis in banks and NBFCs (non-banking financial companies) sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rural Centric Approach:</strong> Insurance companies in India will have to show long-term commitment to the rural sector as well, and will have to design products which are suitable for rural people.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, government insurance schemes such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/ayushmanbharat" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-fasal-bima-yojana-pmfby" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/financial-inclusion-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana</strong></a>, and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/financial-inclusion-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana</strong></a> are notable steps in right direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need For Awareness Program:</strong> There is a need for complementary thrust to spread awareness and improve financial literacy, particularly the concept of insurance, and its importance.</li>
<li><strong>Technological Intervention:</strong> Another area that necessitates regulatory scrutiny is that of application of technology in insurance. An example is the emergence of &lsquo;InsurTech&rsquo;, designed to make the claim process simpler and more comprehensible.</li>
<li><strong>Enhanced Role of Regulator:</strong> The regulator needs to exercise vigilance on three other aspects. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It must ensure that insurance is not denied to lower-income people who make up the bulk of the population and have the most need for protection.</li>
<li>It should insist that insurers facilitate a simple online process for direct buying of insurance products, bypassing intermediaries.</li>
<li>It should ensure that players do not overcharge or add hidden costs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Demographic factors, coupled with increasing awareness and financial literacy, are likely to catalyse the growth of the sector. An enhanced regulatory regime that focuses on increasing insurance coverage is the need of the hour.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603712025_image0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603712025_image0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fafbff;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the significance of the insurance sector in Indian economy and its underlying issues.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/insurance-sector-in-india'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'Compound Interest Waiver on Moratorium Loans',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Government of India has announced the scheme for the<strong> waiver of compound interest</strong> that was payable by the borrower who had opted for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>loan moratorium</strong></a> between 1<sup>st</sup> March 2020, and 31<sup>st</sup> August 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reserve Bank of India</a> (RBI)</strong> had in March 2020 offered a <strong>three-month moratorium on loans,</strong> enabling borrowers to defer repayments on EMIs and other loans. This was later <strong>extended by another three months,</strong> till 31<sup>st</sup> August 2020.</li>
<li>The loan moratorium, and waiver of compound interest, was aimed at providing borrowers relief amid the economic impact of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603707042_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603707042_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Compound Interest Waiver Scheme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under this, the government will grant <strong>eligible borrowers ex-gratia payment</strong> of the difference between the compound interest and simple interest for the six-month moratorium period.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Ex-gratia payment</strong> is the money which is paid due to moral obligation and not due to legal obligation.</li>
<li><strong>Simple interest</strong> is levied <strong>only on the principal amount</strong> of a loan or deposit. In contrast, <strong>compound interest is levied on the principal amount and the interest</strong> that accumulates on it in every period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The scheme shall be applicable for <strong>loans availed by <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises</a> (MSMEs)</strong> as well as <strong>loans to retail customers</strong> for education, housing, consumer durables, automobiles, <strong>provided a borrower has an aggregate outstanding loan of Rs. 2 crore or less,</strong> from all such loans. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Credit card dues</strong> have also been included in the scheme&rsquo;s ambit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> loan interest waiver payment</strong> shall be admissible, <strong>irrespective of whether the borrower had availed the moratorium partly, fully, or not at all.</strong></li>
<li>However, this would only be permitted for<strong> loan accounts that had not been reported</strong> as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lessons-from-npa-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Performing Assets (NPAs)</strong></a> as on 29<sup>th</sup> February 2020. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A loan is recorded as a non-performing asset or NPA, 90 days after repayments become overdue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effect:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>amount saved</strong> through loan interest waiver <strong>will be very small.</strong> This is because only the<strong> interest that would have been charged on the interest of the original loan</strong> during the six months moratorium period is waived off.</li>
<li>In other words, the<strong> loan repayment will continue</strong> and one will still need to pay the <strong>simple interest</strong> that would have paid if not opted for the loan moratorium. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is only the compounding interest that goes off.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implementation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lenders have been asked to set up a grievance redressal mechanism for eligible borrowers under the scheme by 30<sup>th</sup> October 2020.</li>
<li>A mechanism has also been put in place for lenders to claim the amount back from the government. Lenders have to submit claims for reimbursement by 15<sup>th</sup> December 2020 through a special cell set up in the State Bank of India (SBI).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/centre-lays-out-modalities-of-compound-interest-scheme-on-loans-up-to-2-crore/article32936609.ece?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=13650c84d0076c2e6d74730151c83ed7f698c58a-1603707270-0-AYYbU7AByQh6Sja8_6Nhyon2Vfo5irIk9yUc49zGFp5nV2aWkQ3xIqOztnFy0TIyBOYMgBwMQB0GD3QdtQCWpYF3zSYTtIarKolHnvi0cnbYzE_9Ide8P4lQ402OR2X_ZMwZDgsnOegC8Ene6PrLmCLvMBMSFsxYFcari5c1ZMG_gCGs4FO0EFDfyx-ynynphWuKqIaqj0eXbhNzvaXmo2d2MJtTdq3-B5Y936AyGolHwl7FbigmLeBoav1pXYa4s-1oP3w7J6LLCVh5OnEA526q0wWqtkSji0DEDUS0a_IjOeVG2EAmjBrEco-PEPSidLVhwdhMSLGl4ckIJwJahiphN6oxcF4BMU8dQiww7hpO0N7ZN2ujUXiPqufGlW1wyt9WoKRAp-BE3BE6zP1rPzSIETZMCg5HeMh9T77wN_vhF5_UD7-BbwJco_tAt7vHysBca0vFa49uatXLPqnEEy7zkjKfsN-cKP61WD6hDHuV-4EU14oAyoVHVaj-UdQsF-umOYxib8KGV6hTABQ6osY6zqy1c_R8h9Ih7X4hKFScqeC4_M0oa_-zTop9_pM9wCxovkcUm6vHQdzaQYrgfrBKPNRmxBDPNmAhjgu19kcUn9_JGlpkMgI8y2I3SJEWY1qKGgrKc6WCG65IciTxhtY" 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/compound-interest-waiver-on-moratorium-loans'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'New Abortion Laws in Poland',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> women in Poland</strong> have been protesting a court ruling that drastically restricts their <strong>right to access safe and legal <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/abortions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">abortions</a>.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Poland&rsquo;s Abortion Laws:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The existing <strong>1993 abortion law permits the termination of pregnancy on the grounds of foetal defects.</strong></li>
<li>These are <strong>already considered some of the strictest laws in Europe</strong> and after the enactment of the court&rsquo;s decision, <strong>abortions will only be permitted in cases of rape, incest, or if there is a threat to the mother&rsquo;s life.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Poland&rsquo;s Constitutional Tribunal</strong> ruled that an <strong>existing law</strong> was <strong>unconstitutional</strong> because the<strong> Polish constitution assures a right to life</strong> and the abortion based on a foetal malfunction was a directly forbidden form of discrimination.</li>
<li>Tribunal held that <strong>permitting abortions</strong> in the case of foetal deformities <strong>legalised &ldquo;eugenic practices</strong> with regard to an unborn child, thus denying it the respect and protection of human dignity.&rdquo;<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Eugenics</strong> is the<strong> practice or advocacy of improving the human species</strong> by selectively mating people with specific desirable hereditary traits.</li>
<li>It <strong>aims to reduce human suffering</strong> by &ldquo;breeding out&rdquo; disease, disabilities and so-called undesirable characteristics from the human population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Similar Instances:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Earlier in 2016</strong> too, thousands of women went on strike in <strong>protest against a draft law for a complete ban on abortions.</strong></li>
<li>The draft law was<strong> proposed by an anti-abortion citizens&rsquo; group</strong> and was initially <strong>supported by the Catholic Church.</strong> It <strong>suggested stringent punishments</strong> like jail upto 5 years for the women and also the doctors performing the abortion.</li>
<li>However, the <strong>Church later backed out</strong> when bishops said they<strong> could not support the proposal to jail women who underwent an abortion.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications of the Latest Ruling:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fewer than 2,000 legal abortions are carried out in Poland each year, a <strong>majority of which are due to foetal defects.</strong> So the ruling <strong>essentially translates to a near complete ban</strong> on abortions in the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Abortions in cases of rape, incest or where there is a threat to the mother&rsquo;s life account for <strong>merely 2% of all legal terminations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>An estimated <strong>80,000 to 1,20,000 Polish women either go abroad or seek illegal abortions every year</strong> due to the country&rsquo;s<strong> strict laws</strong> or the<strong> stigma</strong> assocoated with it.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is feared that the<strong> number could surge even further</strong> if terminations due to malformed foetuses are outlawed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Reactions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Regional and global organisations like the <strong>Council of Europe, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/suspension-of-amnesty-international-operations-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amnesty International</a>,</strong> the <strong>Center for Reproductive Rights and Human Rights Watch</strong> criticised the ruling.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Abortion</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is defined as the <strong>termination of pregnancy by various methods,</strong> including<strong> medical surgery</strong> before the fetus is able to sustain independent life.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Abortion Laws in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Abortions in India are regulated by the <strong>Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971.</strong></li>
<li>Under the law (<strong>section 3</strong> of the MTP Act 1971), the<strong> doctor can perform an abortion in the following conditions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If the pregnancy would be <strong>harmful to the life of the patient </strong>or <strong>affects her physical or mental health.</strong> The doctor will need to consider the circumstances of the patient to figure out if the pregnancy will harm her mental health, on a case to case basis.</li>
<li>If there is a good chance that the<strong> child would suffer from physical or mental abnormalities</strong> which would leave him or her seriously handicapped.</li>
<li>If pregnancy occurred as a <strong>result of a failure of contraception</strong> (only applicable to married women).</li>
<li>If pregnancy is a <strong>result of sexual assault or rape.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Termination of Pregnancy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If the pregnancy has <strong>not exceeded 12 weeks, only one doctor</strong> is needed to sign-off.</li>
<li>If the pregnancy <strong>has exceeded 12 weeks and is below 24 weeks, two doctors</strong> are needed.</li>
<li>The <strong>gestation period does not matter</strong> if a doctor feels that an immediate abortion must be conducted<strong> to save the life of the patient.</strong></li>
<li>The doctor who determines if it is necessary to perform an abortion and performs it <strong>needs to be a &lsquo;registered medical practitioner&rsquo; under the law.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>January 2020,</strong> the Union Cabinet approved <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-bill-to-raise-upper-limit-for-abortion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">amendments to the MTP Act</a></strong>, allowing women to seek abortions as part of the reproductive right and gender justice.</li>
<li>The amendment <strong>raised the upper limit of MTP from 20 weeks to 24 weeks</strong> for women including rape survivors, victims of incest, differently-abled women and minors.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-polish-women-are-protesting-a-recent-court-ruling-on-abortions-6883121/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'Dashboard for Monitoring Air Quality',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>CarbonCopy and Respirer Living Sciences, two environmental organisations, have released a <strong>dashboard</strong> which presents a <strong>comparative picture of particulate matter (PM) for 122 Indian cities</strong> since 2016.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The dashboard establishes a <strong>three-year rolling average trend for PM2.5 and PM10 levels</strong> across the cities from <strong>2016 to 2018</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/state-of-global-air-2020-hei#:~:text=Recently%2C%20a%20global%20study%2C%20State,pollution%27s%20global%20impact%20on%20newborns." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>State of Global Air 2020</strong></a> revealed that <strong>India had faced the highest exposure to toxic air</strong> in the world last year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>122 cities are referred to as <strong>non-attainment cities</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-clean-air-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Particulate Matter</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Also called <strong>particle pollution</strong>, it is a term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air.</li>
<li><strong>It includes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>PM10:</strong> inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller; and</li>
<li><strong>PM2.5:</strong> fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sources of PM:</strong> Some are emitted directly from a source, such as <strong>construction sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of <strong>complex reactions of chemicals</strong> such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are pollutants emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Harmful Effects:</strong> Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest problems, because they can get deep into the lungs, and some may even get into the bloodstream. Particle pollution exposure has been <strong>linked to a variety of problems</strong>, including irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function and increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>National Clean Air Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Centre had launched the National Clean Air Programme in 2019 to <strong>address air pollution in 122 cities</strong>. These cities are referred to as <strong>non-attainment cities</strong> as they <strong>did not meet the national ambient air quality standards</strong> for the period of 2011-15 under the <strong>National Air Quality Monitoring Programme</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Dashboard:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a <strong>National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) based dashboard,</strong> built on data from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-notifies-contaminated-sites" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Central Pollution Control Board&rsquo;s</strong></a> <strong>National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM) Network</strong> which was started in 1984-85 and covers 344 cities/towns in 29 states and 6 UTs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under the NAMP, each station records about 104 observations a year covering <strong>four pollutants</strong>&ndash; Sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), suspended particulate matter (SPM), and respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM).</li>
<li><strong>State pollution control boards</strong> and the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/neeri-indair" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)</strong></a>, Nagpur <strong>carry out the monitoring</strong>, and the <strong>Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change oversees the operation under the NCAP</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Monitoring Systems:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>SAFAR:</strong> System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, known as "SAFAR", for <strong>greater metropolitan cities of India</strong> to provide location specific information on air quality in near real time. It was introduced by the <strong>Ministry of Earth Science</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>AQI:</strong> Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool for <strong>effective communication of air quality status to people</strong> in terms, which are easy to understand. There are <strong>six AQI categories</strong>, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. AQ sub-index has been evolved for <strong>eight pollutants</strong> (PM10, PM2.5, NO<sub>2</sub>, SO<sub>2</sub>, CO, O<sub>3</sub>, NH<sub>3</sub>, and Pb) for which short-term (upto 24-hours) National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/graded-response-action-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Graded Response Action Plan for Delhi and NCR</strong></a> has been prepared for implementation under different AQI categories.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A majority of health models which establish the relationship between air pollution and public health are based on western models due to a lack of health data available in Indian context.</li>
<li>When this data can be made available, it will give a true sense of the <strong>burden of respiratory diseases in the country by geographical distribution</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Performance on PM 2.5 level:</strong> A total of<strong> 59 of 122 cities</strong> had PM2.5 data available.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Noida ranked the worst</strong> with 119, followed by Agra, Delhi, Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Muzzaffarpur, Kanpur, Chandigarh, Howrah and Kolkata.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Performance on PM 10 level: Delhi ranked as the most polluted state</strong> on an average of 3 years&rsquo; PM10 monitoring data, followed by <strong>Jharkhand</strong> and <strong>Uttar Pradesh</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Maharashtra,</strong> which has the <strong>maximum number of non-attainment cities</strong> in the NCAP, has seen air quality worsen since 2016. State capital, Mumbai, for instance witnessed a year-on-year increase in PM10 levels from 119 in 2016, to 151 in 2017 and 165 in 2018.</li>
<li><strong>Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu</strong> has recorded <strong>progressive and substantial improvements in PM10 levels</strong> between 2016 and 2018 - by 24% in 2017, in comparison to 2016 levels, and another 23% in 2018 in comparison to the previous year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The dashboard can help identify the need for more monitoring stations and address data gaps. At a time when the Central government aspires to bring out a new law to address air pollution in the National Capital Region, it is important to evaluate the existing regulations as the first step towards effective crisis management.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/dashboard-to-monitor-air-quality-of-indian-cities-6907849/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'India in Support of France',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>India came out in support of France&rsquo;s President</strong> who has been criticised by Pakistan and Turkey for strongly defending the French people&rsquo;s right to freedom of expression.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603969644_image4.webp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603969644_image4.webp" width="634" height="377" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, a French schoolteacher was murdered for showing caricatures of the Prophet to his students.</li>
<li>Condemning the murder, French President defended the <strong>freedom of expression and secular values</strong>.</li>
<li>In response, Turkey and Pakistan accused French President of running an anti-Islamic agenda and provoking Muslims.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Iran and Saudi Arabia too condemned the cartoon. There was a call in the entire muslim world to boycott French products.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Support to France:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India condemned the criticism of Turkey and Pakistan</strong> on French President, by calling the criticism in violation of the <strong>most basic standards of international discourse</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India also condemned the murder of schoolteacher as brutal terrorist attack.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>While France has seen repeated violent incidents around caricatures and cartoons that are deemed offensive, <strong>it is unusual for India to wade into a controversy over religion in another country</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2015, after the attack on Charlie Hebdo journalists and cartoonists, India condemned the incident by calling that India was on the side of those who condemn this barbaric incident.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s support for French President could have been influenced by the fact that the charge against the French President has been led by <strong>Turkey and Pakistan, two countries that have <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-trade-diplomacy-with-malaysia-turkey" target="_blank" rel="noopener">repeatedly attacked India over Jammu and Kashmir and alleged human rights violations</a></strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India-France Ties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Strategic:</strong> India has close strategic ties with France, especially on issues of mutual interest from <strong>counter-terrorism to defence, and nuclear to space</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Terror:</strong> France backed the India&rsquo;s proposal for a global conference on terrorism. Both the countries also support organising a new <strong>&ldquo;No Money for Terror&rdquo;&nbsp;</strong>- anInternational Conference on Fighting Terrorist Financing.<br />
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li>Two countries agreed to enhance their operational cooperation and launch fresh efforts to fight radicalisation, especially <strong>Online <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/how-does-india-deal-with-radicalisation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Radicalisation</a></strong>.</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><strong>Defence:</strong> Both countries have a <strong>defence dialogue</strong> at the Ministerial level. <br />
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li>The three services have regular defence exercises; viz. <br />
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-roman;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-french-joint-exercise-shakti-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Exercise Shakti</strong></a> (Army)</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-18th-april-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Exercise Varuna</strong></a> (Navy)</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-france-joint-patrolling" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Exercise Garuda</strong></a> (Air Force)</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/induction-of-french-rafale-aircrafts-in-iaf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>received its first batch (5 out of 36) of French Rafale aviation</strong></a> combat aircraft at Ambala Air base (Haryana).</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li><strong>Space:</strong> Both have decided to deepen space cooperation to meet new challenges together, whether it concerns planetary exploration or human spaceflight.<br />
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li>France has agreed to be part of India's Venus mission, scheduled for 2025.</li>
<li>ISRO&rsquo;s Venus instrument, <strong>VIRAL (Venus Infrared Atmospheric Gases Linker)</strong> has been co-developed by Russian and French agencies.</li>
</ol>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multilateral Platform:</strong> France has been <strong>extremely supportive of India at the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UN Security Council</a></strong> on Kashmir and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, among other issues. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Prime Minister of India was a special invitee at the 45<sup>th</sup> <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g-7-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">G-7 Summit</a> in Biarritz, France</strong> where India was one of the <strong>"Goodwill" partners</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate:</strong> The two countries have a close cooperation on climate change, and have formed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/third-assembly-of-isa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s relations with France is built on a foundation of shared democratic values and are informed by a commonality of interest in issues such as sustainable development and climate change.</li>
<li>France also opens the pathway for deeper engagement with Europe on global issues, especially after uncertainty in the region due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/brexit-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Brexit</strong></a>.</li>
<li>The new partnerships with France, Germany and other like-minded countries like Japan would hopefully turn out to be far more consequential for India&rsquo;s influence on the global stage.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/emmanuel-macron-france-india-slams-turkey-pakistan-6907907/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'Amendment Related to Land in Jammu and Kashmir',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Centre notified <strong>&lsquo;Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Third Order, 2020'</strong>, which states that <strong>any Indian citizen can now buy land in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K)</strong> without being a domicile.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603969591_image1.webp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603969591_image1.webp" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The introduction of the UT of J&amp;K Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Third Order, 2020 has resulted in the <strong>repeal of at least 11 land laws in J&amp;K,</strong> including the J&amp;K Big Landed Estates Abolition Act that had resulted in famous &lsquo;Land to tiller&rsquo; rights.</li>
<li><strong>Features of Latest Order:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>No domicile or permanent resident certificate is required to purchase non-agricultural land</strong> in the UT. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>People as well as investors</strong> outside J&amp;K can now purchase land in the UT, ending the exclusive rights of locals over the land granted under Article 370 (now abrogated).</li>
<li>The Centre has been arguing that Article 370 hampered development in the U.T. as investors were unable to purchase land prior to 5th August 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Amended the Jammu &amp; Kashmir Land Revenue Act, 1996,</strong> under which only agriculturists of J&amp;K can purchase agricultural land. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However,<strong> it doesn't bar the agricultural land to be used for non-agricultural purposes</strong>. A District Collector can allow the agricultural land to be used for non-agricultural purposes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Centre also notified the<strong> Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016</strong>, which paves the way for the acquisition of land in J&amp;K by all Indian citizens.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Previously, <strong>Article 35-A</strong> of J&amp;K Constitution placed prohibitions on the sale of land to those who were not state subjects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Abolished the <strong>Big Land Estate Abolition Act, 1950</strong> &ndash; this provided for redistribution of land which paved the way for rural prosperity and ended landlordism in J&amp;K.</li>
<li>Empowers the Centre to declare any area in J&amp;K as &lsquo;strategic&rsquo; and intended for the direct operational and training requirement of the <strong>armed forces</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, this can be only done by an <strong>army officer of or above the rank of a corps commander</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Spouses</strong> of a J&amp;K domicile shall also be <strong>deemed as a domicile</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier, spouses of domiciles were not considered domiciles.</li>
<li>Children of central government officials posted for over ten years in J&amp;K will also continue to be considered domiciles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Involved:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>For more than two years now, J&amp;K has been without an elected government. All the changes being introduced in the UT have been steamrolled by the Centre rather than being legislated by elected representatives of the people.</li>
<li>This has created suspicions in the J&amp;K that the Centre is gradually disempowering the local population and consolidating control through executive power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Land Reforms in Kashmir</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Kashmir Valley had a history of cruel exploitation of tillers through the periods of Afghan, Sikh and Dogra rule.</li>
<li>The Sheikh Abdullah&rsquo;s government brought the <strong>Big Landed Estates Abolition Act, in 1950,</strong> through a slogan <strong>land to the tiller</strong>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act <strong>placed a ceiling on land ownership</strong> at 186 kanals (about 22 acres).</li>
<li>The rest of the <strong>land of a landlord was redistributed</strong> among share-croppers and landless labourers, without any compensation to the landlord.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This led to most <strong>radical land reform anywhere in the world outside the Communist bloc</strong>. It brought a <strong>social transformation</strong> that has few parallels. It <strong>ended landlordism in J&amp;K and paved the way for rural prosperity</strong>.</li>
<li>This land reform was so popular in Kashmir that it continued to be pushed for the next quarter-century. The ceiling was gradually decreased until the last of the reform Acts in 1975.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/now-outsiders-can-buy-land-in-jammu-and-kashmir/article32952629.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture: Groundwater Extraction Norms',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eTyaAyM3nbU" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>With around one-sixth of assessed ground water units in the country facing over-exploitation, the Centre Govt has issued revised <strong>guidelines for groundwater use</strong>. The new guidelines aim to ensure a more robust groundwater regulatory mechanism in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Earlier in December 2018, the <strong>CGWB (Central Ground Water Board)</strong> issued a draft notification that proposed a &lsquo;water conservation fee&rsquo; for industrial extraction and this was roundly criticised. The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal</strong></a> stayed the draft in January 2019 terming it &ldquo;unsustainable,&rdquo; and having &ldquo;serious shortcomings.&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The guidelines have <strong>pan-India applicability</strong> which was never there before.</li>
<li>Certain categories have been exempted from these guidelines under particular conditions.</li>
<li>The guidelines include the restoration and extraction charges for groundwater.</li>
<li>Saline groundwater is also exempted as it needs to be extracted as much as possible.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Guidelines</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Prohibition of industries:</strong> The new guidelines prohibit new industry and mining projects in over-exploited zones and makes it mandatory for existing industries, commercial units and big housing societies to take &lsquo;no objection certificate&rsquo; (NOC).</li>
<li><strong>Exemption:</strong> The domestic consumers, rural drinking water schemes, armed forces, farmers and micro &amp; small enterprises (that withdraw upto 10 m3 water per day) are exempted from the requirement of a no objection certificate from the CGWB.</li>
<li>The guidelines have also encouraged the use of recycled and treated sewage water by industries, mentioned a provision of action against polluting industries and mandated the requirement of digital flow meters, piezometers and digital water level recorders</li>
<li><strong>Compensation:</strong> The guidelines notified by the CGWB under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jal-shakti-mantralaya" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Jal Shakti Ministry</strong></a> prescribes a minimum environmental compensation of ₹1 lakh on industrial, mining and infrastructure users for extracting groundwater without a no objection certificate (NOC). This can rise, depending on the quantum of water extracted and the duration of the breach.</li>
<li><strong>Abstraction charges:</strong> All residential apartments/ group housing societies/ Government water supply agencies in urban areas would be required to pay ground water abstraction charges.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All industries/mining/ infrastructure projects drawing groundwater in safe, semi-critical and critical assessment units will have to pay groundwater abstraction charges based on the quantum of groundwater extraction and category of assessment unit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Central Ground Water Board</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a subordinate office of the <strong>Ministry of Water Resources</strong> and is the <strong>National Apex Agency</strong> entrusted with the responsibilities of providing scientific inputs for management, exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation and regulation of groundwater resources of the country.</li>
<li>It was <strong>established in 1970</strong> by renaming the Exploratory Tubewells Organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and later on <strong>merged</strong> with the Groundwater Wing of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-navy-signs-mou-with-geological-survey-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Geological Survey of India</strong></a> during 1972.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>India and Groundwater</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is the <strong>largest user of groundwater in the world,</strong> extracting groundwater to the tune of <strong>253 billion cubic meter (bcm)</strong> per year.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is about <strong>25%</strong> of the global groundwater extraction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Out of the total of <strong>6584</strong> assessment units, <strong>1034</strong> have been categorized as <strong>&lsquo;Over-exploited&rsquo;</strong>, <strong>253</strong> as <strong>&lsquo;Critical&rsquo;</strong>, <strong>681</strong> as <strong>&lsquo;Semi-Critical&rsquo;</strong> and <strong>4520</strong> as <strong>&lsquo;Safe&rsquo;</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The remaining <strong>96</strong> assessment units have been classified as <strong>&lsquo;Saline&rsquo;</strong> due to non-availability of fresh groundwater due to salinity problems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Availability of Water:</strong> India has about <strong>1123 billion m<sup>3</sup></strong> of water resources available, out of which <strong>690 bcm</strong> is surface water and rest <strong>433 bcm</strong> is groundwater. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Out of total groundwater available, <strong>90% of it is used for irrigation purposes</strong> which is mainly for agricultural purposes.</li>
<li>The remaining 10% accounts for domestic and industrial purposes combined.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Steps Taken</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atal-bhujal-yojana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Atal Bhujal Yojana</a>:</strong> It seeks to revive village-level Water User Associations (WUAs). The scheme will strengthen the financial state of the WUAs, including allowing these bodies to retain a significant portion of irrigation fees.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-aquifer-mapping-and-management-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Aquifer Mapping</a>:</strong> National Aquifer Mapping and Management program (NAQUIM) envisages mapping of aquifers (water bearing formations), their characterization and development of Aquifer Management Plans to facilitate <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/india-s-water-crisis-every-drop-counts" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>sustainable management of groundwater</strong></a> resources.</li>
<li><strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/selected-best-practices-In-water-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Selected Best Practices in Water Management</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues Involved</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Although the new rules exempt farmers from the need for obtaining an NOC from CGWA, it highlights a key factor that leads to excessive <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/depleting-groundwater" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>groundwater extraction</strong></a> in the agriculture sector. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Exempting the agricultural sector from the guidelines would not provide much improvement as the sector alone is responsible for 90% usage of groundwater.</li>
<li><strong>Water use efficiency</strong> is very low in the agricultural sector and water guzzling crops worsen the situation.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/power-subsidy-in-agriculture-and-related-issue" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>free electricity supply</strong></a> provided to the farmers also contributes to excessive groundwater extraction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>No consideration of incentive</strong> has been taken into account for those industrial sectors who use groundwater less than the defined limit.</li>
<li><strong>Impact on industries:</strong> Although industries are responsible for less than 10% of consumption, still it will be the highest affected sector by these guidelines.</li>
<li><strong>Use of money collected:</strong> Ensuring that the money collected from imposed charges is used for making reforms in the same field only is a possible challenge.</li>
<li><strong>Water is a state subject</strong>. The primary entry in the Constitution relating to water is indeed <strong>Entry 17</strong> in the <strong>State List</strong>. It brings water including water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and embankments, water storage and water power under state list.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>But it is explicitly made subject to the provisions of <strong>Entry 56 in the Union List</strong> which enables the Union to deal with inter-State rivers if Parliament legislates for the purpose.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Micro irrigation:</strong> or drip irrigation should be encouraged. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In drip irrigation, water is run through pipes (with holes in them) either buried or lying slightly above the ground next to the crops. Water slowly drips onto the crop roots and stems.</li>
<li>Unlike spray irrigation, very little is lost to evaporation and the water can be directed only to the plants that need it, cutting back on water waste.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Extraction charges:</strong> The extraction charges collected, should be used for restoration of groundwater.</li>
<li><strong>Water guzzling crops:</strong> Discouraging water guzzling crops such as sugar canes.</li>
<li><strong>Target specific areas:</strong> Although the guidelines are pan-India, they should certainly target the states that have exploited/ overexploited groundwater. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are some of the states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Artificial recharge of groundwater:</strong> It is the process of spreading or impounding water on the land to increase the infiltration through the soil and percolation to the aquifer or of injecting water by wells directly into the aquifer.</li>
<li><strong>Groundwater management plants:</strong> Installing groundwater management plants at local levels, will help the people in knowing the groundwater availability in their area making them use it wisely.</li>
</ul>',
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		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/groundwater-extraction-norms'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/the-delhi-dc-strategic-dance-ht-editorial/story-3StIXRnekFZN0vHDh76yvM.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The Delhi-DC strategic dance&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on 27/10/2020. It talks about the implications of signing the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA) agreement between India and US.</p>
</div>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-usa-2-2-dialogue-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indo-United States (US) 2+2 talks</strong> </a>were conducted. The most striking outcome from these talks was the formal signing of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA).</strong></a></p>
<p>BECA is the last of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> four foundational defence agreements</strong></a> between the two countries that allow a much higher level of military cooperation in technology, interoperability, and defence manufacturing.</p>
<p>The signing of the BECA marks the end of the prolonged phase of mutual trust-building and sets the stage for more expansive security cooperation.</p>
<h3>What is BECA?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement largely pertains to geospatial intelligence, and sharing information on maps and satellite images for defence.</li>
<li>BECA will provide Indian military systems with a high-quality GPS to navigate and missiles with real-time intelligence to precisely target the adversary.</li>
<li>It will give access to topographical and aeronautical data and products that will aid navigation and targeting.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Other Foundational Agreements</h3>
<p>The BECA follows three other agreements:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) was signed by the government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee back in 2002.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to protect the military information shared by the US.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) was signed a full 14 years later in 2016.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to provide mutual logistics support around the world.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Communication Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) was signed in 2018
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to facilitate communication between the weapons platforms of the two armed forces.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Significance of Signing of BECA</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Converging Indo-Pacific Strategies:</strong> Signing of BECA will fast-forward the integration of the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Indo-Pacific strategies</strong> </a>of their two countries.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, this is in sync with increasing formalization of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/quad-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>QUAD</strong></a>, which can be seen in the recent joining of Australia in the Malabar naval exercises.</li>
<li>India will be able to keep a close watch on the movements of Chinese warships in the Indian Ocean.</li>
<li>Moreover, its signing comes at a time when India is locked in one of its most hostile standoffs with China along their disputed border in the Himalayan region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deep Military Implications:</strong> While LEMOA means one partner trusts the other enough to expose its valuable assets, COMCASA means one is confident that it can rely on encrypted systems to connect the two militaries, and BECA means it can share highly classified information in real time without fear of being compromised.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All this signals the level of trust that has developed between the two countries and their militaries, faced with an increasingly aggressive China.</li>
<li>BECA allows more intensive engagement between the armed forces &mdash;from interoperability to intelligence-sharing and joint defence research to production of weapons.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Multi-Polar World Order:</strong> Substantive and institutionalised cooperation between the two defence establishments will serve the long-term interests of a rising India and an America that is restructuring its global security burden.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Associated Issues</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Aversion to Alliance System:</strong> Signing of these four foundational agreements would mean India getting strategically more close to US.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>From the perspective of the US, in order to counter China, it would want India to be getting close to an alliance system.</li>
<li>However, one aspect which remains unchanged is the Indian strategic establishment&rsquo;s aversion to the term alliance.</li>
<li>From the heyday of non-alignment to the present day possibilities of multi-alignment, this idea that alliances are inherently bad has been a constant in India&rsquo;s mainstream strategic thinking.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dependence on Russia:</strong> India is one of the world's biggest defence equipment buyers, but around 60-70% of its inventory is supplied by Russia.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the US wants India to move away from Russian equipment and platforms, as it feels this may expose its technology and information to Russia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Compromising Strategic Autonomy:</strong> Many foregin policy experts in India are of the view that, by synchronising its systems with those of the US, it will enable the US to enter its decision-making loop.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is something that no sovereign country would like.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Divergence of Foregin Policy Interest:</strong> There is divergence on foregien policy interests between US and India, especially relating to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>On account of Indian Ocean issues, the US would want India&rsquo;s cooperation in the South China Sea, but India&rsquo;s primary naval challenge is in the western and north-western Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Expanding Scope of Convergence:</strong> If both the US and India want India to become a genuine strategic balancer to China, they need to leapfrog economic and technological cooperation.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, the US and India are now in talks of an &ldquo;innovation partnership&rdquo; that must develop along with all the military-to-military bonhomie taking place.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Maintaining Strategic Autonomy:</strong> India must clarify to the US that, it can sign the civil nuclear pact, it can sign foundational defence agreements, it can converge on the Indo-Pacific but it won&rsquo;t lead to an alliance relationship.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, India should realise agreements are a scrap of paper, unless they are backed by a mutuality of interest at the given time. Therefore, must continue its efforts of strategic hedging with our global powers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Signing of BECA will allow India and the US to act together and get into a better position to shape the regional and global environment in favour of peace and stability. However, both countries must not glamourize this signing as these agreements are not an end in themselves they are a means to a larger end &ndash; security and prosperity of its citizens.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603885711_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603885711_image 0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" 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: #fffef7;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Signing of various defence agreements will allow India and the US to act together and get into a better position to shape the regional and global environment. Critically analyse.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N5yHKT0xjpI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/the-shade-of-grey-on-fatfs-mandated-tasks/article32947421.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The shade of grey&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on October 27<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/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-1'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Tectonically Active Zone of Himalayas',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, a group of scientists from the <strong>Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology</strong> (WIHG), Dehradun have found that the<strong> Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone (ITSZ) of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/re-measuring-mount-everest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Himalaya</a></strong>is<strong> tectonically active.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The suture zone of Himalaya was conventionally thought to be locked.</li>
<li>WIHG is an <strong>autonomous institute</strong> under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/50th-foundation-day-of-dst" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Department of Science and Technology</strong> </a>(DST), Government of India.</li>
<li><strong>Tectonics</strong> is the <strong>scientific study of the deformation of the rocks</strong> that make up the Earth&rsquo;s crust and the forces that produce such deformation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It deals with the <strong>folding and faulting</strong> associated with mountain building, the large-scale, <strong>gradual upward and downward movements</strong> of the crust and <strong>sudden horizontal displacements</strong> along faults.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Geological Features that Support the Finding:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Sedimentary beds are tilted and thrust broken.</li>
<li>Rivers are associated with uplifted terraces.</li>
<li>Bedrock shows brittle deformation at much shallower depths.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>These deformed geological features were <strong>dated using the technique of Optically Stimulated Luminescence</strong> (OSL) and data of <strong>seismicity</strong> and <strong>denudation rate</strong> was also reviewed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Optically-Stimulated Luminescence:</strong> It is a late <strong>quaternary</strong> (geological time period that encompasses the most recent 2.6 million years) dating technique used to date the last time quartz sediment was exposed to light. As sediment is transported by wind, water or ice, it is exposed to sunlight and zeroed of any previous luminescence signal.</li>
<li><strong>Seismicity:</strong> It is the worldwide or local distribution of<a href="/to-the-points/paper1/earthquake-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> earthquakes</strong></a> in space, time, and magnitude. More specifically, it refers to the measure of the frequency of earthquakes in a region.</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/50th-foundation-day-of-dst">Denudation:</a></strong> It is a long term process in which the wearing and tearing of the surface of the Earth take place. It includes all those processes that lower relief and acts both chemically <strong>(chemical weathering)</strong> and physically <strong>(mechanical weathering).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The region of the ITSZ has been neo-tectonically active since the last 78000-58000 years.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ITSZ is a suture zone in the <strong>Ladakh region</strong> and marks the limit of the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/seismicity-study-of-arunachal-himalaya" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian plate</a></strong> <strong>where it collides with the Eurasian plate</strong> and is subducted below the latter.</li>
<li>The ITSZ can be traced for<strong> more than 200 km</strong> and a wide variety of rock association along the ITSZ indicates that the collision at the plate boundary was of very <strong>complex nature.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The ITSZ was conventionally believed to be a locked zone till now.</li>
<li>This will have <strong>major implications</strong> in terms of earthquake study, prediction, understanding the seismic structure of the mountain chains well as its evolution.</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Suture Zones</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A suture zone is a<strong> linear belt of intense deformation,</strong> where distinct terranes, or tectonic units with different plate tectonic, metamorphic, and paleogeographic histories join together.</li>
<li>These zones also <strong>provide the only record of deep oceanic crust and of ancient seafloor processes</strong> for roughly the first 90% of Earth&rsquo;s history.</li>
<li>Their study provides a means to understand the end-product of<strong> plate tectonic processes</strong> in time and space. In plate tectonics, sutures are seen as the remains of subduction zones together with the terranes possibly representing fragments of different tectonic plates.</li>
<li>The suture zone is often <strong>represented on the surface by a mountain range comprising intensely deformed rocks.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Iapetus Suture from Great Britain,</strong> which is now concealed beneath younger rocks, and <strong>Indo-Tsangpo Suture</strong> well exposed in the Himalayas are some of the best examples of suture zones.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1667585" 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/tectonically-active-zone-of-himalayas'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'Computation Analysis of Indian Genes',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the results from the computation analysis of the 1029 sequenced genomes from India were published in the scientific journal, Nucleic Acid Research.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The analysis has found that out of<strong> 55,898,122 single nucleotide variants</strong> in India 18,016,257 <strong>(32.23%) variants are unique and found only in the samples sequenced from India.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This emphasizes the need for an India centric population genomic initiative.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>analysis was carried out by <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/council-of-scientific-and-industrial-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CSIR</a></strong> constituent labs, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi and Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad.</li>
</ul>
<h3>IndiGenomes Resource Database</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It encompasses the <strong>genomic data from over 1000 whole genome sequences sequenced</strong> from across India as part of the<strong> IndiGen programme</strong> and represents diverse geographies and ethnicities. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> IndiGen Programme</strong> was launched in <strong>April 2019,</strong> under which <strong>genome sequencing</strong> of 1029 self-declared healthy Indians drawn from across the country has been completed.</li>
<li>Its <strong>objective</strong> was to enable genetic epidemiology and develop public health technologies applications using population genome data.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The resource provides<strong> access to over 55 million genetic variants representing the contemporary Indian population</strong> with an objective to classify variants involved in <strong>mendelian disorders</strong> and <strong>improve precision medicine outcomes.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Mendelian disorder</strong> is a type of genetic disorder, resulting due to alterations in a gene or due to abnormalities in the genome.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It enables the<strong> identification of markers for carrier screening, variations causing genetic diseases, prevention of adverse events</strong> and provides better diagnosis and optimal therapy <strong>through mining data.</strong></li>
<li>This resource can provide useful insights for clinicians and researchers in comprehending genetics not only at the population level but at the individual level.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Despite having this rich genetic diversity, India has been under-represented in global genome studies. Further, the population architecture of India has resulted in high prevalence of recessive alleles.</li>
<li>In the absence of large-scale whole genome studies from India, the population-specific genetic variants are not adequately captured and catalogued in global medical literature.</li>
<li>In order to fill the gap of whole genome sequences from different populations in India, CSIR initiated the <strong>IndiGen Programme.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Genome</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A genome is all the <strong>genetic matter</strong> in an organism. It is defined as an organism&rsquo;s complete set of <strong>Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA),</strong> including all of its genes.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Every organism&rsquo;s genetic code is contained in its<strong> DNA,</strong> the building blocks of life.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Each genome contains all of the information needed to build and maintain that organism.</li>
<li>In humans, a copy of the entire genome contains more than 3 billion DNA base pairs.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Genome sequencing</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Genome sequencing is figuring out the <strong>order of DNA nucleotides, or bases,</strong> in a genome&mdash;the order of <strong>Adenine, Cytosine, Guanines, and Thymine</strong> that make up an organism's DNA.</li>
<li><strong>Application:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Genome sequencing can play a crucial role for <strong>new advancements in medical science</strong> (like predictive diagnosis and precision medicine, genomic information) and in <strong>disease management.</strong></li>
<li>Through genome sequencing methodology, researchers and clinicians can <strong>easily detect the disease related to genetic disorder.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of Genome Sequencing:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The study of entire genome sequences will help understand<strong> how the genome as a whole works&mdash;</strong>how genes work together to direct the growth, development and maintenance of an entire organism.</li>
<li>The genes account for less than 25% of the DNA in the genome, and so knowing the entire genome sequence will <strong>help scientists study the parts of the genome outside the genes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1667949" 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/computation-analysis-of-indian-genes'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'India-USA 2+2 Dialogue 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, India and the USA have concluded the <strong>3<sup>rd</sup> India-USA 2+2 dialogue</strong> in New Delhi.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> USA reiterated its support to India </strong>in<strong> defending its territorial sovereignty</strong> in the background of the ongoing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-china-conflict#:~:text=After%20the%20first%20round%20of,casualties%20on%20the%20Chinese%20side.&amp;text=India%20and%20China%20fought%20a%20war%20in%201962." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>standoff between India-China.</strong></a></li>
<li>It also referred to the greater <strong>threats posed by <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-indo-pacific-strategic-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China in the Indo-Pacific region</a></strong> and by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> in general.</li>
<li>The <strong>first two rounds</strong> of these dialogues between both the countries were held in <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-to-host-2-2-dialogue-mechanism" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018</a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-us-2-2-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India has signed the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/basic-exchange-and-cooperation-agreement-usa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement</strong></a> (BECA) with the USA.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>BECA will enable the<strong> exchange of geospatial data and information</strong> between the two countries and will <strong>improve the accuracy of India&rsquo;s missiles</strong> in precision strikes.</li>
<li>The geospatial maps and charts to be shared, will be <strong>acquired from multiple sources</strong> like satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), reconnaissance aircraft, aerostats among others.</li>
<li>As part of measures to enhance military to military cooperation, Liaison Officers at each other's establishments could be leveraged to enhance information sharing.</li>
<li>BECA is one of the<strong> four foundational military communication agreements between the two countries.</strong> The <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-us-mini-2-plus-2-talks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">other three</a></strong> are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>General Security Of Military Information Agreement.</li>
<li>Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement.</li>
<li>Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Both countries released a <strong>Joint Statement on shared Indo-USA goals in the Asia-Pacific region</strong> and emphasised that the <strong>Code of Conduct in the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/south-china-sea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South China Sea</a></strong> should not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of any nation in accordance with international law.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They also decided to <strong>expand joint capacity building activities</strong> with partner countries in the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indo-pacific-trilateral-dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indo-Pacific</a> region.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Steps Taken:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Memorandum of Understanding</strong> (MoU) on <strong>Technical Cooperation in Earth Observations and Earth Sciences.</strong></li>
<li>Agreement to <strong>extend the duration</strong> of the <strong>MoU on the Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Agreement on the electronic exchange of customs data.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Letter of intent regarding cooperation in traditional Indian medicines.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Discussions on the status of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-s-afghan-policy-and-taliban" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Afghanistan</a></strong> and support for its peace process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>&lsquo;2+2&rsquo; Dialogue</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>2+2 Ministerial is the <strong>highest-level institutional mechanism</strong> between the two countries.</li>
<li>It is a<strong> format of dialogue</strong> where the defence/foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country.</li>
<li>India holds such talks with <strong>Australia, Japan and the USA.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The signing of BECA is a significant achievement for India as it is a sign of the USA accepting the Indian request for cooperation in the advanced field of maritime domain awareness.</li>
<li>India-USA&rsquo;s national security convergences have grown closer in a more multipolar world and the meetings as well as the agreements not only advance their individual interests but also ensure that the bilateral cooperation between them makes a positive contribution in the world arena.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-us-22-dialogue-rajnath-singh-raises-chinas-action-in-ladakh/article32955117.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-usa-2-2-dialogue-2020'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Maritime Vision 2030',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Minister of State for Shipping has inaugurated the <strong>Direct Port Entry</strong> (DPE) facility of<strong> V O Chidambaranar Port Trust</strong> (VOCPT).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The state-of-the-art DPE facility is created inside the <strong>Truck Parking Terminal</strong> which was developed under the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/karwar-port" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;Sagarmala&rsquo;</strong> </a>for issuing customs clearance of export cargo.</li>
<li>The IT-enabled infrastructure at the ports will make Indian ports, world-class ports aligning with the <strong>&lsquo;Maritime Vision 2030&rsquo;</strong> of the <strong>Ministry of Shipping.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will <strong>reduce logistics cost</strong> and<strong> increase the velocity of the cargo.</strong></li>
<li>It would <strong>enable direct movement of containers from factories,</strong> without intermediate handling at any container freight stations (CFSs), on a <strong>24x7 basis.</strong></li>
<li>It will help in <strong>increasing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-doing-business-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ease of Doing Business</a></strong> for the exporters, as the facility will <strong>bring efficiency and reduce dwell time, lower tariff cost </strong>and<strong> improve the competitiveness of shippers</strong> in international trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Maritime India Vision 2030</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>ten-year blueprint for the maritime sector</strong> which <strong>will be released</strong> by the Prime Minister of India at the <strong>Maritime India Summit in November 2020.</strong></li>
<li>It will <strong>supersede the Sagarmala initiative</strong> and aims to boost waterways, give a <strong>fillip to the shipbuilding industry</strong> and <strong>encourage cruise tourism in India.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Policy Initiatives and Development Projects:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Maritime Development Fund:</strong> A Rs. <strong>25,000-crore fund,</strong> which will provide low cost, <strong>long-tenure financing to the sector</strong> with the Centre contributing Rs. 2,500 crore over seven years.</li>
<li><strong>Port Regulatory Authority: A pan-India</strong> port authority will be set up <strong>under the new Indian Ports Act</strong> (to replace the old <strong>Indian Ports Act 1908</strong>) for enabling oversight across major and non-major ports, enhance institutional coverage for ports and provide for structured growth of the ports sector to boost investor confidence.</li>
<li><strong>Eastern Waterways Connectivity Transport Grid project:</strong> It will aim to develop regional connectivity with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar.</li>
<li><strong>Riverine Development Fund:</strong> Calls for extending low cost, long-term financing for inland vessels with the support of a Riverine Development Fund (RDF) and for extending the coverage of the tonnage tax scheme (applicable to ocean-going ships and dredgers) to inland vessels also to enhance the availability of such vessels.</li>
<li><strong>Rationalisation of Port Charges:</strong> It will make them more competitive, besides doing away with all hidden charges levied by ship liners to bring in more transparency.</li>
<li><strong>Promotion of Water Transport:</strong> For decongestion of urban areas, and developing waterways as an alternative means of urban transport.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1667782" 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/maritime-vision-2030'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Superconductivity at Room Temperature',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>researchers have created a material that is superconducting</strong> at room temperature, however, it <strong>only works at a pressure of 267 Gigapascals</strong> (GPa), which is equivalent to <strong>about three-quarters of pressure at the centre of Earth</strong> (360 GPa).</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Material Used:</strong> A <strong>mixture of carbon, hydrogen and sulfur</strong> was put in a microscopic niche carved between the tips of two diamonds<strong> (diamond anvil)</strong> and laser light was used on them to<strong> trigger chemical reactions.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Process:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As the experimental<strong> temperature was lowered, resistance</strong> to a current passed through the material <strong>dropped</strong> to a vanishingly small value below the <strong>critical temperature</strong> (Tc).</li>
<li>The <strong>transition of the sample to become superconductive</strong> occurred the best at <strong>transition temperature of around 15&deg;C at 267 GPa.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Verification:</strong> To verify that this phase was indeed a superconductor, the group ascertained that the <strong>magnetic susceptibility</strong> of the superconductor was that of a <strong>diamagnet.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <strong>superconducting material kept in a magnetic field expels the magnetic flux out</strong> its body when cooled below the critical temperature and<strong> exhibits perfect diamagnetism.</strong></li>
<li>It is also called the <strong>Meissner effect</strong> which simply means that <strong>magnetic lines do not pass through superconductors</strong> in a magnetic field.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Superconductors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A superconductor is a material that can<strong> conduct electricity or transport electrons from one atom to another with no resistance.</strong></li>
<li>No heat, sound or any other form of energy would be released from the material when it has <strong>reached critical temperature</strong> (Tc), or the temperature at which the material becomes superconductive.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The critical temperature for superconductors is the <strong>temperature at which the electrical resistivity of metal drops to zero.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prominent examples</strong> include <strong>aluminium, niobium, magnesium diboride,</strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Applications:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>From magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, low-loss power lines, ultra powerful superconducting magnets to mobile-phone towers.</li>
<li>Researchers are also experimenting with them in high-performance generators for wind turbines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Limitations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Their usefulness is still<strong> limited by the need for bulky cryogenics</strong> (production of and behavior of materials at very low temperatures) as the common superconductors <strong>work at atmospheric pressures,</strong> but only if they are kept very cold.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Even the most sophisticated ones like <strong>copper oxide-based ceramic materials</strong> work only below &minus;140&deg;C.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of the Research:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If researchers can stabilise the material at ambient pressure,<strong> applications of superconductivity at room temperatures could be achieved</strong> and will be within reach.</li>
<li>Superconductors that work at room temperature could have a <strong>big technological impact, for example in electronics that run faster without overheating.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Diamagnetism</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a<strong> very weak form of magnetism</strong> that is <strong>induced by a change in the orbital motion of electrons</strong> due to an applied magnetic field.</li>
<li>This magnetism is <strong>non-permanent and persists only in the presence of an external field.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> magnitude of the induced magnetic moment is very small, </strong>and its<strong> direction is opposite to that of the applied field.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Meissner Effect</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>When a <strong>material makes the transition from the normal to the superconducting state,</strong> it<strong> actively excludes magnetic fields</strong> from its interior and this is called the Meissner effect.</li>
<li>This constraint to zero magnetic fields inside a superconductor is<strong> distinct from the perfect diamagnetism which would arise from its zero electrical resistance.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/room-temperature-superconductivity-possible-but-under-severe-pressure/article32937247.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/superconductivity-at-room-temperature-1'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'Electronic Exchange of Customs Data',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Department of Posts, Government of India (India Post) and United States Postal Service</strong> signed an<strong> agreement</strong> for <strong>electronic exchange of customs data</strong> related to postal shipments between the two countries.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Objective:</strong> The primary objective of this agreement is to facilitate <strong>&lsquo;ease of exports&rsquo;</strong> for small and large exporters through postal channels from different parts of the country.</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> The agreement will make it <strong>possible to transmit and receive electronic data of international postal items prior to their physical arrival at the destination</strong> and would<strong> enable customs clearance of postal items in advance</strong> in line with the evolving global postal framework.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Exchange of Electronic Advance Data (EAD)</strong> will be a key driver towards <strong>promoting mutual trade</strong> with emphasis on the exports.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>USA is the top export destination for India</strong> (~17%) which is also reflected in exchange of goods through postal channels.</li>
<li>In 2019, around 20% of international <strong>Express Mail Service (EMS)</strong> and 30% of Letters &amp; Small Packets transmitted by India Post were destined to the USA whereas 60% of the Parcels received by India Post were originated from the USA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefit:</strong> This will fulfill a major demand of the export industry to expedite customs clearances of export items and will contribute towards making India an Export Hub for the world.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The agreement will also improve the performance of postal services in terms of reliability, visibility and security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>India Post</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India Post is the <strong>trade name for the Department of Posts (DoP), a</strong> government-operated postal system in <strong>India under the Ministry of Communications.</strong></li>
<li>With 1, 55,531 Post Offices, the DoP has the most widely distributed postal network in the world.</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Delivering mails, accepting deposits under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-cuts-interest-rates-on-nsc-ppf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Small Savings Schemes</strong></a>, providing life insurance cover under Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) and providing retail services like bill collection, sale of forms, etc.</li>
<li>It also acts as an agent for the Government of India in discharging other services for citizens such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sub-group-of-chief-ministers-on-coordination-between-mgnrega-and-agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)</strong> </a>wage disbursement and old age pension payments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1667915" 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/electronic-exchange-of-customs-data'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'AWAKE: Main Examination 2020',
		'catname' => 'Online Courses',
		'desc' => '<section class="article-list">
<div class="feature-text" style="padding: 0px;">
<div class="online-pendrive-course online-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="content-block">
<div class="text-block">
<h2>'AWAKE' : UPSC Civil Service Mains Examination 2020 <br /><span style="font-size: 16px; color: #00008b;">(Answer Writing and Knowledge Enrichment Program)</span></h2>
<p>AWAKE is a special crash course designed for one single purpose &ndash; improving marks obtained in the CSE Mains Examination.</p>
<p>This program was launched in 2019 and more than 50% of aspirants who were successful in the Hindi medium for that year had been a part of the AWAKE program. Team Drishti, under the able guidance of Dr. Vikas Divyakirti, is now trying to recreate this success in the English medium as well.</p>
<p><strong>The AWAKE program has two primary components viz., identifying potential topics/questions that can be asked in the Mains Examination, and the developing of answer writing skills for every participating aspirant.</strong>Experienced teachers, as such, will be conducting classes where not only important topics will be discussed but also various answer writing methods, tips and tricks will be demonstrated.</p>
<p>The AWAKE program will cover all four GS papers and due to Covid related restrictions, will currently be conducted only in the online mode via the Drishti Learning App.</p>
</div>
<div class="red-block awake">Fees : <strong>₹ 5,000/-</strong><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: 500;">Registration Open</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 500;">Classes Start - From 1st November</span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: 500;"><strong>Mode</strong> - Online Classes (Drishti Learning App)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="btn-block"><a href="/awake-online-courses-buy" class="btn red" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Join Now</a>
<div class="notice"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.drishti.academy.app&amp;hl=en_IN" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download DRISHTI LEARNING APP</a><br /><i>*the AWAKE program is currently available only on Drishti Learning App.</i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- #end online pendrive course -->
<div class="why-pendrive-course">
<div class="wrapper">
<div class="image-block"><img src="/drishti/img/online-banner2.jpeg" alt="" /></div>
<div class="content-block">
<h2><span style="color: #00008b;">Key Features of AWAKE:</span></h2>
<ul style="display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2;">
<li>A total of 120 hours or 40 classes &ndash; class discussions are concise and to the point.</li>
<li>Classes are easy to watch and prepare from &ndash; all you need is an Android based phone and an internet connection.</li>
<li>Along with video lectures, model answers to most important questions discussed in class will be provided in the PDF format.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Please Note:</strong></p>
<ul style="display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2;">
<li>Due to the growing similarity in UPSC CSE and UPPCS Mains Examinations, this crash course can be attended by aspirants of either exams. For the same reason, the validity of this crash course will be until the CSE and UPPCS Main Exams are over. Also, each video lecture can be viewed upto three times.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px; padding-top: 20px;">Schedule for the 40 video lectures (approximate) included in this program is as follows:</p>
<ol style="display: block; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2;">
<li>History of India and the World, and Art &amp; Culture (6 classes)</li>
<li>Economy (4 classes)</li>
<li>Geography, Environment and Disaster Management (6 classes)</li>
<li>International Relations (3 classes)</li>
<li>Science &amp; Technology (5 classes)</li>
<li>Polity, Governance, and Internal Security (respectively: 4+2+2 = 8 classes)</li>
<li>Indian Society and Social Justice (2 classes)</li>
<li>Ethics (2 classes)</li>
<li>Current Affairs (4 Classes)</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
<div class="imporant-info">
<div class="wrapper">
<p style="text-align: center; padding: 15px; font-size: 22px;"><strong>For additional information related to this course, call <a href="tel:8010440440">8010440440</a> / <a href="tel:7669806814">7669806814</a></strong></p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="learning-program">
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<div class="wrapper">
<h2>Payment Options</h2>
<div class="row">
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Cash Deposit</h4>
<p>You can deposit cash at our Drishti office, Find our address below</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation,<br />13/15, Tashkand Marg, Civil Lines (Near Patrika Chauraha), Prayagraj, <br />UP-211001</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="tel:011-47532596">011-47532596</a> <br />+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end -->
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Bank Transfer/Account Deposit</h4>
<p>VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd. <br /><strong>Account No.</strong> 36726486454,<br /><strong>Bank </strong>State Bank of India,<br /><strong>IFSC Code</strong> SBIN0018166, <br /><strong>MICR Code</strong> 110002563, Branch Code 18166 , <br /><strong>Branch</strong> - Mukherjee Nagar New Delhi-110009</p>
<p><span>Contact Details:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="phone">+91 - 9319290700 <br />+91 - 9319290701 <br />+91 - 9319290702</li>
<li class="phone"><a href="/admin/articles/edit/1800-121-6260">1800-121-6260</a></li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end -->
<div class="column three"><address>
<h4>Demand Draft/Cheque</h4>
<p>Send your demand draft or local cheque of fee amount by registered post/courier at below address</p>
<p><span>Office Address</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="address">Drishti The Vision Foundation, <br />641, Ist Floor, Mukherjee Nagar, <br />Delhi-110009</li>
<li class="email"><a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></li>
</ul>
</address></div>
<!-- #end --></div>
<!-- end row --></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</section>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/online-classes/awake-mains-examination-2020'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Stubble Waste Management',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/wealth-from-stubble-burning-farmers-farmers-air-pollution-delhi-punjab-haryana-6884982/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Wealth from stubble&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 27/10/2020. It talks about the issue of stubble burning and suggests actionable programmes to address the same.</p>
</div>
<p>Every winter in northern India starts with the precarious news of dangerous levels of air pollution resulting from the Paddy <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/stubble-burning-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>stubble burning</strong></a>. This is because the quantity of the farm waste is humongous and the window for disposing of it is too small.</p>
<p>The regularity of air pollution from stubble burning led the state and central government to develop business models to discourage stubble burning and promote farm <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/waste-to-energy-plants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>waste to energy</strong> </a>projects.</p>
<p>However, despite these interventions the farmers have less incentive to collect the stubble and subsequently the stubble burning issue largely remains unsolved. Therefore, stubble management should be broadly focussed on-field management, alternate cropping, processing to biofuels and proper implementation of existing schemes.</p>
<h3>Reason For Stubble Burning</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Stubble burning is the act of setting fire to crop residue to remove them from the field to sow the next crop.</li>
<li>In order to plant next winter crop (Rabi crop), farmers in Northern India have to move in a very short interval and if they are late, due to short winters these days, they might face considerable losses.</li>
<li>Therefore, burning is the cheapest and fastest way to get rid of the stubble.</li>
<li>Further, if stubble is left in the field, pests like termites may attack the upcoming crop.</li>
<li>Also, the precarious economic condition of farmers doesn&rsquo;t allow them to use expensive mechanised methods to remove stubble.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues in Stubble Waste to Energy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lax Implementation:</strong> In 2019, the governments of Punjab and Haryana announced Rs 2,500/acre as a bonus to small farmers who avoid burning stubble but there has been the negligible implementation of this scheme.</li>
<li><strong>Adverse Impact of Laws:</strong> Implementation of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/punjab-water-law-responsible-for-air-pollution-in-delhi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act (2009)</strong> </a>made the time period of stubble burning coincident with the onset of winter in Northern India.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Late transplanting of paddy during Kharif season to prevent water loss as directed by PPSW Act (2009) had left farmers with little time between harvesting and preparing the field for the next crop and hence farmers are resorting to the burning of stubble.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Supply as Raw Material:</strong> The costs of establishing a year-round &ldquo;bankable&rdquo; supply chain for paddy straw bales is another deterrent.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Albeit with limitations related to offtake agreements, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/biofuel-day-2#:~:text=The%20Policy%20allows%20use%20of,of%20National%20Biofuel%20Coordination%20Committee.&amp;text=5000%20crore%20in%206%20years,as%20compared%20to%201G%20biofuels." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Policy on Biofuels</strong></a> was not able to achieve intended targets.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increasing Competition With Solar &amp; Wind Energy:</strong> The government has actively supported the biomass power sector by provisioning for a high feed-in tariff.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, tariff orders for biomass gasifier/biogas power became inconsequential with solar and wind power tariffs declining to 33% of that of biomass power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>On-field Management:</strong> It involves mulching the stubble into fields by customised machinery. In order to promote mulching there is a need for:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Providing subsidy for purchasing equipment.</li>
<li>Establishing Farm Machinery Banks for custom hiring of in-situ crop residue management machinery.</li>
<li>Furthermore, Co-operative societies of farmers, <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/self-help-groups-shgs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>self-help groups</strong></a>, registered farmers societies/farmers groups, private entrepreneurs for establishment of farm machinery banks or custom hiring centres.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Alternate Cropping:</strong> There is a need to promote alternatives to wheat and rice, which could be the cultivation of silage crops (hybrid sorghum, hybrid napier grass, maize).
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These alternatives have a high yield, enabling farmers to meet the feedstock needs of cattle, can also be used to produce biofuels plants and the cultivated area can be interspersed with horticulture.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ensuring Adequate Supply with Biomass Depots:</strong> It is essential to undertake on-field baling of stubble, aggregate bales in a depot and enter into &ldquo;bankable&rdquo; agreements for supplies to Bio-Energy Plants.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In order to establish a biomass depot, there should be fiscal incentives for enabling green entrepreneurship.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Turning Stubble to Advanced Biofuels:</strong> Stubble should be used for production of gaseous <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biofuels-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>biofuels</strong></a> like producer gas, biogas and green hydrogen.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/satat-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SATAT scheme</strong></a> is a step in the right direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Stubble burning poses a challenge to public health. However, by processing agriculture residues to biofuels and compost will benefit many more farmer households, with manifold collateral benefits that accrue from assured availability of sustainable energy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603801502_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603801502_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="550" height="515" /></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: #fefff2;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Effective stubble management can convert the crisis of public health into an opportunity of sustainable energy. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_mO76JsnMB0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/an-indian-spacex-policy-to-tap-private-sector-talent-for-space-taking-shape/2113451/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;An Indian SpaceX&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Financial Express on October 23<sup>th</sup>, 2020. Now watch this on our Youtube channel.</p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/stubble-waste-management'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Tsunami Early Warning System in India',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to experts from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/incois-launches-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian National Centre for Ocean Information System (INCOIS)</strong></a>, India is much safer against tsunami threats than it was in 2004, due to the establishment of a state-of-the-art tsunami early warning system at INCOIS.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Indian Tsunami Early Warning System:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Indian Tsunami Early Warning System (ITEWS) was <strong>established in 2007</strong> and is based at &amp; operated by INCOIS, Hyderabad.</li>
<li>It is an <strong>integrated effort</strong> of different organizations including the Department of Space (DOS), Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Survey of India (SOI) and National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).</li>
<li>ITEWS comprises a<strong> real-time network of seismic stations,</strong> tide gauges and a <strong>24X7 operational tsunami warning centre</strong> to detect tsunamigenic earthquakes, to monitor tsunamis and to provide timely advisories to vulnerable communities.</li>
<li>Indian scientists can detect large undersea earthquakes in Indian Ocean in real-time and provide a tsunami warning in 10-20 minutes after the earthquake occurs. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 2004, India didn&rsquo;t have any tsunami warning capability nor any public knowledge of tsunamis in the Indian Ocean.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is among the <strong>first few centres to introduce quantitative tsunami forecasts.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)</strong> of <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unesco-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UNESCO</strong></a> (also known as UNESCO-IOC) accredited<strong> Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre</strong> (ITEWC) as <strong>Tsunami Service Provider</strong> (TSP) for 28 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/19th-iora-council-of-ministers-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Ocean Rim</strong></a> <strong>(IOR) countries</strong>, along with Indonesia and Australia in 2011, for issuing regional warnings.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Recent Focus in Tsunami Warning Capability:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The focus in recent times has been on <strong>enhancing community awareness and response</strong> through several <strong>capacity building activities, biennial Indian Ocean wide tsunami drills</strong> and<strong> piloting of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/tsunami-ready-programme-unesco-ioc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready initiative.</a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Tsunami Ready is a community performance-based programme</strong> to promote tsunami preparedness through active collaboration of public, community leaders, and national and local emergency management agencies.</li>
<li>The <strong>main objective of this programme is to improve coastal community's preparedness for tsunami emergencies,</strong> to minimize the loss of life and property and to ensure a structural and systematic approach in building community preparedness through fulfilling the best-practice indicators.</li>
<li><strong>Two villages of Odisha-</strong> Venkatraipur in Ganjam district and Noliasahi in Jagatsinghpur district<strong> are now &lsquo;Tsunami Ready&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>INCOIS is <strong>establishing a network of 35 stations to estimate the tectonic plate&rsquo;s movements in real-time</strong> and measure the vertical displacements under the sea directly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>INCOIS</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>INCOIS was <strong>established in 1999</strong> as an <strong>autonomous body</strong> under the <strong>Ministry of Earth Sciences.</strong></li>
<li><strong>INCOIS</strong> through Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) is the <strong>nodal agency to provide tsunami advisories to India.</strong></li>
<li>It is coordinating with the Disaster Management Officials (DMOs) for implementation of <strong>Tsunami Ready</strong> programme in India.</li>
<li>It conducts <strong>IOWave Tsunami mock exercises biannually</strong> to strengthen the readiness to handle the emergency situations with stakeholders.</li>
<li>INCOIS also identifies the <strong>Potential Fishing Zones</strong> (PFZ) for the fishermen community.</li>
<li>It has also <strong>made improvement in overcoming the cloud cover</strong> through usage of geostationary satellites and numerical modelling.</li>
<li>INCOIS has also partnered with <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/indian-space-research-organisation-isro" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Space Research Organisation</strong></a> (ISRO) and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wings-india-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Airports Authority of India</strong></a> (AAI) to <strong>develop a satellite based message broadcasting services</strong> through the indigenous navigational satellite communication system <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/navic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>'NAVIC'</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Tsunamis</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>These are a series of waves usually <strong>generated by movement of the sea floor.</strong> These movements are <strong>caused by different types of geophysical phenomena</strong> such as <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/earthquake-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>earthquakes</strong></a>,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/international-conference-on-landslides-risk-reduction-and-resilience" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> landslides</strong> </a><strong>and volcanic eruptions.</strong></li>
<li>The word tsunami is a <strong>Japanese word,</strong> represented by two characters: tsu, meaning, "harbor", and nami meaning, "wave".</li>
<li>The tsunami waves behave very differently in deep water than in shallow water as their <strong>speed is related to the water depth.</strong></li>
<li>They <strong>frequently occur in the Pacific,</strong> where dense oceanic plates slide under the lighter continental plates. When these plates fracture they provide a vertical movement of the seafloor that allows a quick and efficient transfer of energy from the solid earth to the ocean.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Initiatives like Tsunami Ready has to be replicated in other vulnerable coastal communities as it enhances ability to respond to cyclones and storm surges too.</li>
<li>The best of warning systems could fail, if communities are not prepared, if they do not understand the official and natural warning signs of a tsunami, and if they do not take appropriate and timely response.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/india-much-safer-against-tsunami-threat-incois-director/article32947534.ece#:~:text=India%20is%20much%20safer%20against,Information%20System%20(INCOIS)%20here." 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/tsunami-early-warning-system-in-india'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Sudan and Israel to Normalise Relations',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, in a <strong>deal brokered by the USA, Sudan and Israel</strong> have agreed to <strong>normalise relations</strong> to end decades of hostility.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603787483_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603787483_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Sudan, which was<strong> technically at war with Israel since its foundation</strong> in <strong>1948,</strong> has now become the <strong>third country to forge diplomatic relations</strong> with it, in recent times.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Earlier, the USA brokered diplomatic pacts between<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/israel-uae-and-bahrain-abraham-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Israel and the UAE and Bahrain</a> as well,</strong> to normalise their relations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The deal would <strong>deepen Sudan&rsquo;s engagement with the West.</strong></li>
<li>The deal follows USA&rsquo;s conditional agreement to <strong>remove Sudan from its blacklist of countries accused of sponsoring terrorism.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Sudan was <strong>added to the list in 1993</strong> after it was accused of harbouring groups such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/beirut-explosion" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hezbollah</strong></a> and <strong>Palestinian militant outfits</strong> which the USA deems as terrorists.</li>
<li>As a result, Sudan was <strong>cut off from the global economy</strong> and was <strong>starved of foreign investment</strong> which faced another blow in <strong>2011</strong> when <strong>South Sudan was formed</strong> taking away its major oil resources.</li>
<li>With its name removed from the list, Sudan will no longer stay deprived of foreign investments.</li>
<li>Under the deal, <strong>Sudan has agreed to pay USD 335 million in compensation</strong> to victims of the<strong> Al-Qaeda bombings</strong> of USA embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It delivers a<strong> foreign policy achievement for Trump</strong> just days before the USA election.</li>
<li>It<strong> boosts Israel&rsquo;s motive</strong> which has made it a priority to <strong>forge ties with formerly hostile countries in Africa and the Arab</strong> world in the absence of any progress with the Palestinians.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the initial phase, there will be<strong> no exchange of ambassadors or a mutual establishment of embassies.</strong></li>
<li>After the<a href="/be-mains-ready-daily-answer-writing-practice-question/papers/six-day-war-reasons-war-shaped-history-of-the-modern-world#:~:text=The%20Six%2DDay%20War%20was,the%20severity%20of%20their%20defeat." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> six-day war of 1967 war</strong></a>, Arab powers met in <strong>Khartoum</strong> (Sudan&rsquo;s capital) to <strong>pledge three &ldquo;noes&rdquo;</strong> viz.<strong> no peace</strong> with Israel,<strong> no recognition</strong> of Israel, and<strong> no negotiations</strong> with Israel.&nbsp;Therefore, the deal holds a symbolic significance for Israel.</li>
<li>Unlike the UAE and Bahrain, which have never fought with Israel, <strong>Sudan sent forces to fight in the war around Israel&rsquo;s creation in 1948</strong> and during the<strong> war of 1967.</strong> In the <strong>1970s, Israel backed Sudanese insurgents</strong> fighting the Khartoum government.</li>
<li>With this agreement, <strong>Israel will complete the creation of a safety cordon in the Red Sea,</strong> which currently includes Egypt, Jordan, South Sudan and Saudi Arabia.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The deal is also<strong> aimed at unifying Arab countries against their common adversary, Iran.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Though Sudan has been largely marginal to Middle Eastern politics in recent decades, the normalisation has significant symbolic value.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Reaction:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Allies of the USA,</strong> including Germany, Egypt, the UAE, Bahrain, have<strong> welcomed the deal</strong> as a boost to stability in West Asia.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, <strong>Palestinian leaders have strongly condemned</strong> the deal, echoing their rejection of all of the Israel&rsquo;s normalisation accords.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-allies-welcome-israel-sudan-deal-iran-palestine-cry-foul/article32937621.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/sudan-and-israel-to-normalise-relations'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'India - Australia Circular Economy Hackathon',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aatmanirbhar-bharat-arise-atal-new-india-challenge" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Innovation Mission</strong> </a>(AIM- an initiative set up by NITI Aayog), in association with <strong>Australia&rsquo;s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation</strong> (CSIRO), will organise a two-day hackathon on circular economy, <strong>&lsquo;India-Australia Circular Economy Hackathon (I-ACE)&rsquo;,</strong> in December 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>idea of I-ACE was conceived during a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-australia-virtual-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">virtual summit</a> on 4th June, 2020,</strong> between the Indian and Australian prime ministers, exploring innovative ways to boost the circular economy in India and Australia.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Focus:</strong> I-ACE will focus on <strong>identification and development of innovative technology solutions</strong> by students, startups and MSMEs of both nations.</li>
<li><strong>Key Themes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Innovation in packaging, reducing packaging waste.</li>
<li>Innovation in food supply chains, avoiding waste.</li>
<li>Creating opportunities for plastic waste reduction.</li>
<li>Recycling critical energy metals and e-waste.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Selection of Winners:</strong> Shortlisted students and startups/MSMEs will be called for the hackathon, where two winners (one student and one startup/MSME) per theme from each country will be announced at an award ceremony.</li>
<li><strong>Cash Prize:</strong> Winning teams from both the countries will get cash prizes. The winning Indian student and startup/MSME will be awarded a prize of Rs. 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, respectively, coupled with post-hackathon product development opportunities.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Circular Economy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Meaning:</strong> It is an economy where products are designed for durability, reuse and recyclability and thus almost everything gets reused, remanufactured, and recycled into a raw material or used as a source of energy.</li>
<li><strong>Efficient Use of Resources:</strong> It includes <strong>3 R&rsquo;s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle),</strong> Refurbishment, Recover, and Repairing of materials.</li>
<li><strong>Example:</strong> If a person is planning to discard his/her mobile, it can be given to someone else (i.e. giving the mobile second life-Reuse), rather than throwing it just like that.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Once the mobile reaches its end of life, it can be ensured that everything embedded in it, aluminum, copper, plastic etc. should be brought back to production cycle so that the circle of the economy gets completed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Response to the Linear Process:</strong> Many countries follow a linear process in which raw materials are taken from the environment, turned into new products which are then disposed of after use.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603786065_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603786065_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>For Industry:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Fulfills the need for raw materials:</strong> The output produced by industries in a circular economy comes back to the industries in the form of input, for example, when parts of a mobile will be segregated, copper and aluminum will become raw materials for some industries.</li>
<li><strong>Efficient utilization of resources:</strong> This helps industries in earning cash profits equivalent to 3-5% of their turnover. Ultimately, QCDF (Quality, Cost, Delivery, and Flexibility) and sustainability level of industries get improved.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>For Environment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/a-better-way-of-waste-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Problem of disposal of waste</strong></a> <strong>gets solved</strong> as in a circular economy, waste is converted into raw materials.</li>
<li>Also <strong>solves the problem of air pollution, water pollution, and land pollution.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>For Consumers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Cost-Effective:</strong> The products in the circular economy are more cost effective for consumers as they tend to be more efficient, besides having a longer shelf life.</li>
<li><strong>Efficient Products:</strong> Increased Efficiency leads to a reduction in the cost of maintenance as well as that of disposal, which otherwise a consumer has to incur in a huge amount.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Response:</strong> Germany and Japan have used it as a binding principle for reorganizing its economy, whereas China even has a law on it (Circular Economy Promotion Law).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goals</strong></a>, adopted by the United Nations Member States in 2015, include many related ambitions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Circular Economy and India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India is already on its path to the circular economy. Initiatives of the National Productivity Council (NPC) and government show that. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>NPC</strong> is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Commerce &amp; Industry. <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-productivity-council" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Productivity Week 2019 Theme</strong></a> was &lsquo;Circular Economy for Productivity and Sustainability&rsquo;.</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-digital-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&lsquo;Digital India&rsquo;</strong></a> Program contains a significant component of the recycling of electronic wastes. <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/swachh-bharat-mission-urban#:~:text=Swachh%20Bharat%20Mission%2DUrban%20(SBM,certified%20through%20third%2Dparty%20verification." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Swachh Bharat Mission</strong></a> is also about making wealth out of wastes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has a <strong>huge potential for reuse and recycling</strong> as only around 20% of the total waste generated goes into the recycling process.</li>
<li>Manufacturing Sector, especially MSMEs can help a lot in transformation towards a circular economy. The sector should &lsquo;DECIDE&rsquo; i.e.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Designing processes for refurbishment and easy cycling.</li>
<li>Educating masses on Circular Economy and its benefits.</li>
<li>Collaborative Models for smooth implementation of Circular Economy.</li>
<li>Innovating Products for circularity.</li>
<li>Digitization for transparency, virtualization, dematerialization, and feedback driven intelligence for saving resources.</li>
<li>Energy-Efficient for environmental sustainability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India and Australia have had a strong and productive bilateral partnership since a decade and their collaborations across a broad range of areas have yielded significant results.</li>
<li>Circular Economy can lead to the emergence of<strong> more sustainable production and consumption patterns,</strong> thus providing opportunities for developed and developing countries to achieve economic growth and inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.</li>
<li>The transition towards a circular economy requires systematic innovations including new innovative financing models, partnerships, business models and close integration of <strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-industrial-revolution-4-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">industry 4.0</a> principles.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1667604" 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/india-australia-circular-economy-hackathon'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'Extension of ESI Scheme: Arunachal Pradesh',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the central government has<strong> extended the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme to Arunachal Pradesh,</strong> with effect from 1<sup>st</sup> November, 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The ESI Scheme <strong>stands implemented in 568 districts</strong> in all the States and Union Territories, except Lakshadweep.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Integrated Social Security Scheme:</strong> Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme provides social protection to workers and their dependants, in the organised sector, in contingencies, such as, sickness, maternity and death or disablement due to an employment injury or occupational hazard.</li>
<li><strong>Statutory Provisions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> ESI Act, 1948</strong> is applicable to factories and notified establishments in an implemented area employing 10 or more employees for wages.</li>
<li>The <strong>"appropriate Government"</strong> State or Central is empowered to extend the provisions of the ESI Act to various classes of establishments, industrial, commercial or agricultural or otherwise. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Most of the State Governments have extended the ESI Act to certain specific class of establishments, such as, shops, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, preview theatres, motors transport undertakings and newspaper establishments etc., employing 10 or more persons.</li>
<li>However, the threshold for Coverage of establishments is still<strong> 20 Employees in Maharashtra.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility for Employees:</strong> The existing wage limit for coverage under the Act is <strong>Rs. 21,000 per month</strong> (Rs. 25,000 per month in the case of <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/issues-related-to-persons-with-disability" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>persons with disability</strong></a>).</li>
<li><strong>Self-Financing Scheme:</strong> The ESI Scheme is <strong>financed by contributions from employers and employees.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In <strong>June 2020,</strong> the government had <strong>reduced the rate of contribution</strong> under the ESI Act <strong>from 6.5% to 4%</strong> (employers&rsquo; contribution reduced from 4.75% to 3.25% and employees&rsquo; contribution reduced from 1.75% to 0.75%).</li>
<li><strong>Employees, earning less than Rs. 137 a day</strong> as daily wages, are<strong> exempted</strong> from payment of their share of contribution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong> The <strong>covered employees and their dependants</strong> are eligible for a host of benefits including Cashless Medical Care Services, Sickness Benefit, Maternity Benefit, Employment Injury Benefit and Dependant Benefit in case of death due to employment injury, Unemployment Benefit etc. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The employees covered under ESI Scheme are also entitled to <strong>unemployment allowance.</strong> There are two unemployment allowance schemes namely <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atal-bimit-vyakti-kalyan-yojana-esic" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna (ABVKY)</strong></a> and <strong>Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojna (RGSKY).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Administration:</strong> It is administered by<strong> an apex corporate body called the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).</strong> The Corporation is <strong>headed by the Union Minister of Labour,</strong> as its Chairman.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1667020#:~:text=of%20India%20has%20now%20extended,from%201st%20November%2C%202020.&amp;text=All%20factories%20located%20in%20the,coverage%20under%20ESI%20Act%201948." 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/extension-of-esi-scheme-arunachal-pradesh'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Insurance Sector in India',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/editorial/keeping-it-saral/article32920441.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Keeping it Saral&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindu Businessline on 22/10/2020. It talks about the journey of the insurance sector in India and its associated issues.</p>
</div>
<p>Insurance is the main element in the operation of national economies throughout the world today. It protects health and assets of the people and stimulates business activities to operate in a cost-effective manner.</p>
<p>Citing this, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sandbox-for-fintech" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority</strong> </a>(IRDA) has released guidelines for the insurance sector i.e. <strong>Saral Jeevan Bima (SJB).</strong> Saral Jeewan Bima provides for broad contours of a standard individual term life insurance product which must be adhered by insurance companies.</p>
<p>While India&rsquo;s insurance sector has been growing dynamically in recent years, its share in the global insurance market remains abysmally low.</p>
<p>There are many underlying issues which affect the insurance sector in India such as low penetration and density rates, inadequate investment in insurance products, and the dominant position and deteriorating financial health of public-sector players.</p>
<p>Therefore, the goal of making insurance accessible to all will remain difficult to achieve, until the above mentioned issues are addressed.</p>
<h3>Background of Insurance Sector</h3>
<p>The insurance sector has witnessed many changes over the years including:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Nationalisation of life (LIC Act 1956) and non-life sectors (GIC Act 1972).</li>
<li>Constitution of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in 1999.</li>
<li>Opening up of the sector to both private and foreign players in 2000.</li>
<li>Increase in the foreign investment cap to 26% from 49% in 2015.</li>
<li>The recent notification of 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) for insurance intermediaries (announced in the Union Budget of 2019-20) has further liberalised the sector.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Saral Jeevan Bima</h3>
<p>With SJB, IRDA envisages to increase penetration of insurance in India. Under this scheme:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Standardisation:</strong> IRDA has come up with guidelines for a &ldquo;standard" product&mdash;Saral Jeevan Bima&mdash;specifying the terms and conditions, benefits, and features that life insurance companies must include. Thereby, making it simpler for individuals to buy a term insurance policy.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SJB will make it easier for the customers to make an informed choice, enhance the trust between the insurers and the insured, and reduce mis-selling as well as potential disputes at the time of claiming settlement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inclusive:</strong> The product guidelines mention that insurers should offer the product without restrictions on gender, place of residence, travel, occupation, or educational qualifications.</li>
<li><strong>Securing Interests of Insurers:</strong> Insurers will not be liable for a payout if the policyholder dies within 45 days of taking the policy except in case of accident.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges in India&rsquo;s Insurance sector</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Prevalence of Insurance Gap:</strong> The insurance penetration (ratio of total premium to GDP (gross domestic product)) and density (ratio of total premium to population) stood at 3.69% and US$ 73, respectively for FY18 (fiscal year 2017-18), which is low in comparison with global levels. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These low penetration and density rates reveal the uninsured nature of large sections of population in India, and the presence of an insurance gap.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Public Sector Dominated:</strong> The insurance sector has transitioned from being an exclusive State monopoly to a competitive market, but public-sector insurers hold a greater share of the insurance market even though they are fewer in number.</li>
<li><strong>Nascent Non-life Insurance:</strong> Life insurance dominates the sector with a huge share of 74.7%, with non-life insurance accounting for the remaining 25.3%. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the non-life insurance sector, motor, health, and crop insurance segments are driving growth. India&rsquo;s non-life insurance penetration is below 1%.</li>
<li>In addition, insurance products catering to speciality risks such as catastrophes and cyber security are at a nascent stage of development in the country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rural-Urban Divide:</strong> Low insurance penetration and density rates prevail in India. However, Rural participation of insurers remains deficient, and life insurers, especially private ones, gravitate towards the urban population.</li>
<li><strong>Capital Starved Insurers:</strong> Insurers in India lack sufficient capital, and their financial health, particularly that of the public-sector insurers, is in a precarious state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Further, investment in the insurance sector got dwindled due to the crisis in banks and NBFCs (non-banking financial companies) sector.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rural Centric Approach:</strong> Insurance companies in India will have to show long-term commitment to the rural sector as well, and will have to design products which are suitable for rural people.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In this context, government insurance schemes such as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/ayushmanbharat" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pradhan-mantri-fasal-bima-yojana-pmfby" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/financial-inclusion-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana</strong></a>, and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/financial-inclusion-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana</strong></a> are notable steps in right direction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need For Awareness Program:</strong> There is a need for complementary thrust to spread awareness and improve financial literacy, particularly the concept of insurance, and its importance.</li>
<li><strong>Technological Intervention:</strong> Another area that necessitates regulatory scrutiny is that of application of technology in insurance. An example is the emergence of &lsquo;InsurTech&rsquo;, designed to make the claim process simpler and more comprehensible.</li>
<li><strong>Enhanced Role of Regulator:</strong> The regulator needs to exercise vigilance on three other aspects. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It must ensure that insurance is not denied to lower-income people who make up the bulk of the population and have the most need for protection.</li>
<li>It should insist that insurers facilitate a simple online process for direct buying of insurance products, bypassing intermediaries.</li>
<li>It should ensure that players do not overcharge or add hidden costs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Demographic factors, coupled with increasing awareness and financial literacy, are likely to catalyse the growth of the sector. An enhanced regulatory regime that focuses on increasing insurance coverage is the need of the hour.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603712025_image0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603712025_image0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fafbff;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Discuss the significance of the insurance sector in Indian economy and its underlying issues.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/insurance-sector-in-india'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'Compound Interest Waiver on Moratorium Loans',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Government of India has announced the scheme for the<strong> waiver of compound interest</strong> that was payable by the borrower who had opted for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rbi-s-covid-19-economic-relief-package" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>loan moratorium</strong></a> between 1<sup>st</sup> March 2020, and 31<sup>st</sup> August 2020.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reserve Bank of India</a> (RBI)</strong> had in March 2020 offered a <strong>three-month moratorium on loans,</strong> enabling borrowers to defer repayments on EMIs and other loans. This was later <strong>extended by another three months,</strong> till 31<sup>st</sup> August 2020.</li>
<li>The loan moratorium, and waiver of compound interest, was aimed at providing borrowers relief amid the economic impact of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-and-medical-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603707042_image5.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1603707042_image5.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Compound Interest Waiver Scheme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under this, the government will grant <strong>eligible borrowers ex-gratia payment</strong> of the difference between the compound interest and simple interest for the six-month moratorium period.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Ex-gratia payment</strong> is the money which is paid due to moral obligation and not due to legal obligation.</li>
<li><strong>Simple interest</strong> is levied <strong>only on the principal amount</strong> of a loan or deposit. In contrast, <strong>compound interest is levied on the principal amount and the interest</strong> that accumulates on it in every period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eligibility:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The scheme shall be applicable for <strong>loans availed by <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises-msme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises</a> (MSMEs)</strong> as well as <strong>loans to retail customers</strong> for education, housing, consumer durables, automobiles, <strong>provided a borrower has an aggregate outstanding loan of Rs. 2 crore or less,</strong> from all such loans. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Credit card dues</strong> have also been included in the scheme&rsquo;s ambit.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> loan interest waiver payment</strong> shall be admissible, <strong>irrespective of whether the borrower had availed the moratorium partly, fully, or not at all.</strong></li>
<li>However, this would only be permitted for<strong> loan accounts that had not been reported</strong> as <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/lessons-from-npa-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Performing Assets (NPAs)</strong></a> as on 29<sup>th</sup> February 2020. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A loan is recorded as a non-performing asset or NPA, 90 days after repayments become overdue.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effect:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>amount saved</strong> through loan interest waiver <strong>will be very small.</strong> This is because only the<strong> interest that would have been charged on the interest of the original loan</strong> during the six months moratorium period is waived off.</li>
<li>In other words, the<strong> loan repayment will continue</strong> and one will still need to pay the <strong>simple interest</strong> that would have paid if not opted for the loan moratorium. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is only the compounding interest that goes off.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implementation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Lenders have been asked to set up a grievance redressal mechanism for eligible borrowers under the scheme by 30<sup>th</sup> October 2020.</li>
<li>A mechanism has also been put in place for lenders to claim the amount back from the government. Lenders have to submit claims for reimbursement by 15<sup>th</sup> December 2020 through a special cell set up in the State Bank of India (SBI).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/centre-lays-out-modalities-of-compound-interest-scheme-on-loans-up-to-2-crore/article32936609.ece?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=13650c84d0076c2e6d74730151c83ed7f698c58a-1603707270-0-AYYbU7AByQh6Sja8_6Nhyon2Vfo5irIk9yUc49zGFp5nV2aWkQ3xIqOztnFy0TIyBOYMgBwMQB0GD3QdtQCWpYF3zSYTtIarKolHnvi0cnbYzE_9Ide8P4lQ402OR2X_ZMwZDgsnOegC8Ene6PrLmCLvMBMSFsxYFcari5c1ZMG_gCGs4FO0EFDfyx-ynynphWuKqIaqj0eXbhNzvaXmo2d2MJtTdq3-B5Y936AyGolHwl7FbigmLeBoav1pXYa4s-1oP3w7J6LLCVh5OnEA526q0wWqtkSji0DEDUS0a_IjOeVG2EAmjBrEco-PEPSidLVhwdhMSLGl4ckIJwJahiphN6oxcF4BMU8dQiww7hpO0N7ZN2ujUXiPqufGlW1wyt9WoKRAp-BE3BE6zP1rPzSIETZMCg5HeMh9T77wN_vhF5_UD7-BbwJco_tAt7vHysBca0vFa49uatXLPqnEEy7zkjKfsN-cKP61WD6hDHuV-4EU14oAyoVHVaj-UdQsF-umOYxib8KGV6hTABQ6osY6zqy1c_R8h9Ih7X4hKFScqeC4_M0oa_-zTop9_pM9wCxovkcUm6vHQdzaQYrgfrBKPNRmxBDPNmAhjgu19kcUn9_JGlpkMgI8y2I3SJEWY1qKGgrKc6WCG65IciTxhtY" 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/compound-interest-waiver-on-moratorium-loans'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'New Abortion Laws in Poland',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently,<strong> women in Poland</strong> have been protesting a court ruling that drastically restricts their <strong>right to access safe and legal <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/abortions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">abortions</a>.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Poland&rsquo;s Abortion Laws:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The existing <strong>1993 abortion law permits the termination of pregnancy on the grounds of foetal defects.</strong></li>
<li>These are <strong>already considered some of the strictest laws in Europe</strong> and after the enactment of the court&rsquo;s decision, <strong>abortions will only be permitted in cases of rape, incest, or if there is a threat to the mother&rsquo;s life.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Poland&rsquo;s Constitutional Tribunal</strong> ruled that an <strong>existing law</strong> was <strong>unconstitutional</strong> because the<strong> Polish constitution assures a right to life</strong> and the abortion based on a foetal malfunction was a directly forbidden form of discrimination.</li>
<li>Tribunal held that <strong>permitting abortions</strong> in the case of foetal deformities <strong>legalised &ldquo;eugenic practices</strong> with regard to an unborn child, thus denying it the respect and protection of human dignity.&rdquo;<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Eugenics</strong> is the<strong> practice or advocacy of improving the human species</strong> by selectively mating people with specific desirable hereditary traits.</li>
<li>It <strong>aims to reduce human suffering</strong> by &ldquo;breeding out&rdquo; disease, disabilities and so-called undesirable characteristics from the human population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Similar Instances:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Earlier in 2016</strong> too, thousands of women went on strike in <strong>protest against a draft law for a complete ban on abortions.</strong></li>
<li>The draft law was<strong> proposed by an anti-abortion citizens&rsquo; group</strong> and was initially <strong>supported by the Catholic Church.</strong> It <strong>suggested stringent punishments</strong> like jail upto 5 years for the women and also the doctors performing the abortion.</li>
<li>However, the <strong>Church later backed out</strong> when bishops said they<strong> could not support the proposal to jail women who underwent an abortion.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implications of the Latest Ruling:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Fewer than 2,000 legal abortions are carried out in Poland each year, a <strong>majority of which are due to foetal defects.</strong> So the ruling <strong>essentially translates to a near complete ban</strong> on abortions in the country.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Abortions in cases of rape, incest or where there is a threat to the mother&rsquo;s life account for <strong>merely 2% of all legal terminations.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>An estimated <strong>80,000 to 1,20,000 Polish women either go abroad or seek illegal abortions every year</strong> due to the country&rsquo;s<strong> strict laws</strong> or the<strong> stigma</strong> assocoated with it.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is feared that the<strong> number could surge even further</strong> if terminations due to malformed foetuses are outlawed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Global Reactions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Regional and global organisations like the <strong>Council of Europe, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/suspension-of-amnesty-international-operations-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amnesty International</a>,</strong> the <strong>Center for Reproductive Rights and Human Rights Watch</strong> criticised the ruling.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Abortion</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is defined as the <strong>termination of pregnancy by various methods,</strong> including<strong> medical surgery</strong> before the fetus is able to sustain independent life.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Abortion Laws in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Abortions in India are regulated by the <strong>Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971.</strong></li>
<li>Under the law (<strong>section 3</strong> of the MTP Act 1971), the<strong> doctor can perform an abortion in the following conditions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If the pregnancy would be <strong>harmful to the life of the patient </strong>or <strong>affects her physical or mental health.</strong> The doctor will need to consider the circumstances of the patient to figure out if the pregnancy will harm her mental health, on a case to case basis.</li>
<li>If there is a good chance that the<strong> child would suffer from physical or mental abnormalities</strong> which would leave him or her seriously handicapped.</li>
<li>If pregnancy occurred as a <strong>result of a failure of contraception</strong> (only applicable to married women).</li>
<li>If pregnancy is a <strong>result of sexual assault or rape.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Termination of Pregnancy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If the pregnancy has <strong>not exceeded 12 weeks, only one doctor</strong> is needed to sign-off.</li>
<li>If the pregnancy <strong>has exceeded 12 weeks and is below 24 weeks, two doctors</strong> are needed.</li>
<li>The <strong>gestation period does not matter</strong> if a doctor feels that an immediate abortion must be conducted<strong> to save the life of the patient.</strong></li>
<li>The doctor who determines if it is necessary to perform an abortion and performs it <strong>needs to be a &lsquo;registered medical practitioner&rsquo; under the law.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In <strong>January 2020,</strong> the Union Cabinet approved <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-bill-to-raise-upper-limit-for-abortion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">amendments to the MTP Act</a></strong>, allowing women to seek abortions as part of the reproductive right and gender justice.</li>
<li>The amendment <strong>raised the upper limit of MTP from 20 weeks to 24 weeks</strong> for women including rape survivors, victims of incest, differently-abled women and minors.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-polish-women-are-protesting-a-recent-court-ruling-on-abortions-6883121/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
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$selected = ''
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include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp, line 100
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::_renderElement() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1554
Cake\View\View::element() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 668
include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/articlebox.ctp, line 5
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::_renderElement() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1554
Cake\View\View::element() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 668
include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Search/index.ctp, line 85
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 765
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