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New Brucellosis Vaccine by ICAR

Why in News “Brucella abortus S19Δ per vaccine” is developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s -Indian...

24 Sep 2020 News Analysis
The Big Picture: National Digital Health Mission & Data Compliance

Why in News? Prime Minister of India, on August 15, 2020 announced plans to give every citizen a unique health ID as a part of the National...

24 Sep 2020 Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions
China’s Renewed Support for Paris Agreement

Why in News Recently, China has renewed its support for the Paris Agreement at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, while calling for a...

24 Sep 2020 News Analysis
CAG Survey Report on School Toilets

Why in News The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has flagged irregularities in the construction of toilets in schools by Central...

24 Sep 2020 News Analysis
World Risk Index 2020

Why in News According to the World Risk Index (WRI) 2020, India is ‘poorly prepared’ to deal with ‘climate reality’, due to...

24 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Whale Mass Strandings

Why in News Over 450 long-finned pilot whales have died in Australia's largest recorded mass-stranding event. The whales were beached at a remote...

24 Sep 2020 News Analysis
G4 Foreign Ministers Meeting

Why in News Recently, Foreign Ministers from the Group of 4 (G4), consisting of India, Brazil, Japan and Germany, participated in a virtual...

24 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Non-utilisation of Cesses & Levies

Why in News Recently, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) told Parliament that the Centre has only transferred 60% of the proceeds...

24 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Plastic Parks Scheme

Why in News The Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers has approved setting up of 10 Plastic Parks in the country. The Parks are being set up in...

24 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Genetic Engineering: Promises & Perils

This article is based on “The dangers of genetic engineering” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 23/09/2020. It talks about...

23 Sep 2020 News Editorials
EPCA on Early Burning of Crop Residue

Why in News The Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) raised concerns about early burning of crop...

23 Sep 2020 News Analysis
MedSpark in Kerala

Why in News Kerala is set to lay the foundation stone for MedSpark, one of the first medical device parks in the country, in...

23 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Jasmonate Hormone and Rice Productivity

Why in News A new study by a team of scientists at National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi suggested that targeting a...

23 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Autumnal Equinox in Northern Hemisphere

Why in News On 22nd September 2020, the day and night was almost equal in most locations marking the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere...

23 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Multi-stakeholder Body for Net Neutrality

Why in News Recently, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended the creation of a multi-stakeholder body (MSB) to ensure that...

23 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Guru Nanak Dev’s 481st Death Anniversary

Why in News Recently, the Jyoti Jot (death anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev (Founder of Sikhism) was observed at his final resting place Gurdwara...

23 Sep 2020 News Analysis
YuWaah Platform

Why in News Recently, the Government has launched YuWaah – a multi-stakeholder platform to make young people career ready. The Ministry of...

23 Sep 2020 News Analysis
Abhyas High-speed Expendable Aerial Target

Why in News Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted successful flight-tests of the indigenously-designed Abhyas...

23 Sep 2020 News Analysis
UN Reforms & India

This article is based on “UN and the new multilateralism” which was published in The Indian Express on 22/09/2020. It talks about the...

22 Sep 2020 News Editorials
African Elephant dying due to Cyanobacteria

Why in News Neuro-toxins in water produced by cyanobacteria killed more than 300 African elephants in the Okavango delta region, Botswana (country...

22 Sep 2020 News Analysis

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			'title' => 'New Brucellosis Vaccine by ICAR',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong><em>&ldquo;Brucella</em> abortus S19&Delta; per vaccine&rdquo;</strong> is developed by <strong>the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icar-to-set-up-farmers-innovation-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Council of Agricultural Research&rsquo;s</a> -Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI)</strong> for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/schemes-to-control-fmd-and-brucellosis#:~:text=Brucellosis%20is%20a%20bacterial%20disease,or%20by%20inhaling%20airborne%20agents." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>brucellosis</strong></a> prevention in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/crisis-in-the-dairy-sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>dairy sector.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Brucellosis:</strong> It is a<strong> bacterial disease</strong> caused by various <strong>Brucella species,</strong> which mainly infect cattle, swine, goats, sheep and dogs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is also known as <strong>Malta fever or Mediterranean fever.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Brucellosis</strong> is a <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/zoonotic-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>zoonotic disease</strong> </a>and<strong> endemic in India</strong> causing<strong> huge economic losses to dairy industry</strong> due to:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Infertility</li>
<li>Abortion</li>
<li>Birth of weak off springs</li>
<li>Reduced productivity</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Old Vaccine:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>B.<em> abortus</em> S19 strain:</strong> In India, calf-hood vaccination is practiced using live attenuated <strong><em>Brucella abortus</em> S19 strain</strong> for control of the disease.</li>
<li>B.<em> abortus</em> S19 strain is a very strong <strong>immunogen and provides lifelong immunity.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An immunogen refers to a molecule that is capable of eliciting an immune response by an organism's immune system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Drawbacks:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Residual virulence to humans and animals.</li>
<li>Not suitable for vaccination in adult animals.</li>
<li>Causes abortion when used in pregnant animals.</li>
<li>Interferes with sero-diagnosis of clinical infection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Vaccine: To overcome some of these drawbacks,</strong> a modified strain of B. abortus S19 has been developed at ICAR-IVRI. The newly developed strain is named as <strong><em>B. abortus</em> S19&Delta; per.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is developed under the <strong>Department of Biotechnology</strong> (DBT) funded <strong>&ldquo;Brucellosis network program&rdquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The programme <strong>aims at</strong> studying the epidemiological status of Brucella infections in India and to develop novel diagnostics and vaccines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the process of modifying the S19 strain,<strong> lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure</strong> of the organism was altered through <strong>deletion mutation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Lipopolysaccharide</strong> is the major component of the outer membrane of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aware#:~:text=an%20expensive%20affair.-,Gram%2DNegative%20Bacteria,bacteria%20appear%20pinkish%20or%20red." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gram-negative bacteria.</strong> </a></li>
<li>A <strong>deletion mutation</strong> occurs when part of a DNA molecule is not copied during DNA replication.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Vaccine potential of S19&Delta; per has been evaluated in experimental small animal models and also in buffalo calves.</li>
<li>The vaccine has<strong> great demand in India</strong> and will be of immense help in the national control programme on brucellosis.</li>
<li>The vaccine has <strong>DIVA capability.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>DIVA means</strong> differentiating infected from <strong>vaccinated</strong> animals. These <strong>vaccines,</strong> also termed as marker<strong> vaccines,</strong> can differentiate between naturally infected and vaccinated animals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Infection to Humans</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Brucellosis has infected over 3000 people in China.</li>
<li>Humans generally acquire the disease through:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Direct contact with infected animals or</strong></li>
<li>Eating, drinking <strong>contaminated</strong> animal products, unpasteurized milk or</li>
<li><strong>Inhaling airborne agents.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that person-to-person transmission of brucellosis is<strong> &ldquo;extremely rare&rdquo;</strong> but some symptoms may reoccur or never go away.</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms</strong> of Brucellosis include<strong> fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia</strong> (psychological disorder in which one eats less due to fear of weight gain),<strong> headache</strong> and <strong>muscle pain.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Treatment and prevention:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is usually treated with <strong>antibiotics,</strong> including<strong> rifampin and doxycycline.</strong></li>
<li>Avoiding unpasteurised dairy products and taking safety precautions such as wearing rubber gloves, gowns or aprons, when handling animals or working in a laboratory can help prevent or reduce the risk of getting brucellosis.</li>
<li>Other preventive measures include cooking meat properly, vaccinating domestic animals, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1658171" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		],
		(int) 1 => [
			'title' => 'The Big Picture: National Digital Health Mission & Data Compliance',
			'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
			'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HjOS_Wo0BY8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>Prime Minister of India, on August 15, 2020 announced plans to give every citizen a unique health ID as a part of the <strong>National Digital Health Mission (NDHM)</strong> which will digitise health records as well as provide a registry of doctors and health facilities</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>However, unlike Aadhar, the health ID is not mandatory and is only one of the components of the Mission.</li>
<li>The mission is reckoned by the government to go a long way in providing universal health coverage to over 1.3 billion people.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The aim of the mission is to address issues in the health sector through digital technology.</li>
<li>The NDHM has been rolled out on a pilot mode in six Union Territories: <strong>Chandigarh, Ladakh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Island.</strong></li>
<li>It comprises six areas, including:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Health ID</li>
<li>DigiDoctor</li>
<li>Health Facility Registry</li>
<li>Personal Health Records</li>
<li>E-pharmacy and Telemedicines at a later stage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Clubbing the NDHM with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ayushman-bharat" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ayushman Bharat</strong> </a>will do a huge advantage for the health sector.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The work on the National Digital Health Mission started with the <strong>National Health Policy, 2017.</strong></li>
<li>The policy had envisaged creation of a digital health technology eco-system aiming at developing an integrated health information system that serves the needs of all stakeholders and improves efficiency, transparency and citizens&rsquo; experience with linkage across public and private healthcare.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Digital Health ID was proposed to &ldquo;greatly reduce the risk of preventable medical errors and significantly increase quality of care&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Health Policy 2017</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Features:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The policy advocates a progressively incremental assurance-based approach.</li>
<li>It denotes an important change towards a comprehensive primary health care package which includes care for major NCDs (non-communicable diseases), mental health, geriatric health care, palliative care and rehabilitative care services.</li>
<li>It envisages providing a larger package of assured comprehensive primary health care through the &lsquo;Health and Wellness Centres&rsquo;.</li>
<li>The policy proposes free drugs, free diagnostics and free emergency and essential health care services in all public hospitals in a bid to provide access and financial protection.</li>
<li>It also envisages a <strong>three-dimensional integration of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ayush-wellness-centres-under-national-ayush-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AYUSH</a> systems</strong> encompassing cross referrals, co-location and integrative practices across systems of medicines.</li>
<li>It also seeks an <strong>effective grievance redressal mechanism.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Health Expenditure:</strong> The policy proposes raising public health expenditure to 2.5% of the GDP by 2025.</li>
<li><strong>Targets:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To increase life expectancy at birth from 67.5 to 70 by 2025 and reduce infant mortality rate to 28 by 2019.</li>
<li>To <strong>reduce mortality of children under-five</strong> years of age to 23 by the year 2025.</li>
<li>To allocate a major proportion of resources to primary care and intends to ensure availability <strong>of two beds per 1,000 population</strong> distributed in a manner to enable access <strong>within golden hour</strong> (the first hour after traumatic injury, when the victim is most likely to benefit from emergency treatment).</li>
<li>To achieve the<strong> global 2020 HIV target under 90-90-90 UNAIDS Target according to which by 2020,</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status.</li>
<li>90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy.</li>
<li>90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Reasons of Including Technology in the Health Sector</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The gaps/ loopholes observed in the delivery of healthcare services could be very well addressed by<strong> introducing technology</strong> into it.</li>
<li>In order to achieve universal health coverage, these technologies should be tested, standardised and integrated within the delivery system <strong>in a mission mode.</strong></li>
<li>The components of the digital health coverage says that it should be<strong> efficient, accessible, inclusive, affordable, safe and provided timely</strong> which is definitely not the condition at present.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Existing Condition of Health Sector in the Country</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Expenditure:</strong> The expenditure on the health sector in India is around 1.3% only whereas countries like Canada and Australia spent 8% and 6.3% of their GDP.</li>
<li><strong>Doctor to patient ratio:</strong> The doctor to patient ratio in India is 1: 1456 which means over 1,456 people within the country there is only one doctor available.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of infrastructure:</strong> The health sector is also lagging behind in terms of infrastructure and technology, especially in the rural areas where many small hospitals do not even have computers</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges for the Policy</h3>
<p>The decision has immense potential to change India&rsquo;s health infrastructure, while also raising concerns over privacy and efficient implementation.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There should be one unique ID linked to all the services; AADHAR.</li>
<li>Small hospitals do not have a very updated infrastructure:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>So there are chances that wrong medical data of a patient would be uploaded. This is still skeptical if the patient has the right to update his reports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Cyber security in terms of digital awareness is not moving as fast as we are moving towards digitisation in everything.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While the medical health data which is highly critically personal; the challenge is:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>How to create awareness among the end users (patients) and</li>
<li>How would the data aggregator (govt) ensure that private hospitals who are accessing a patient&rsquo;s personal health information are not misusing it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As the policy is not mandatory for all it is quite difficult to pursue a large section of the population to opt for it.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The policy could be a game changer; if taken into account the <strong>confidentiality and privacy of every individual,</strong> it could result in India having the most accessible and affordable health care system.</li>
<li>The policy should rather have a <strong>staggered launch and not a full fledged one;</strong> firstly the results of the 6 union territories should be taken into consideration, then probably some other villages and cities and gradually increasing the coverage areas.</li>
<li><strong>Awareness campaigns</strong> that also advertise the benefits of opting for the policy must be organised in order to encourage a larger section of population to opt for the policy.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The health ID will undoubtedly give a much-needed technological impetus to a sector that has long been found wanting, more so amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
<li>The digital technology during the pandemic has been fast tracked and has shown great results. Helped the front line workers carry out their work more efficiently.</li>
<li>Data is the new gold, hence it should be preserved and secured.</li>
</ul>',
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		(int) 2 => [
			'title' => 'China’s Renewed Support for Paris Agreement',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, China has renewed its support for the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-climate-change-act-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong> </a>at the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> (UN)<strong> General Assembly,</strong> while calling for a <strong>&lsquo;green focus&rsquo;</strong> as the world recovers from the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19</strong></a> crisis.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>China is the <strong>world's biggest polluter</strong> and <strong>accounts for a quarter of the planet's <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/greenhouse-gas-levels-reach-record-highs-un-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greenhouse gas </a></strong>(GHG)<strong> emissions.</strong></li>
<li>It now aims to reach <strong>carbon-dioxide emissions peak before 2030</strong> and <strong>achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 2060 objective is<strong> still a decade later than the date set by other small states as well as European powers</strong> but it has been appreciated by experts as a significant step to inject momentum into the Paris accord.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In addition to its embrace of global emissions-busting deals, China already feeds <strong>nearly 15% of its energy demands with non-fossil fuels </strong>and its <strong>installation of <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/renewable-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewable energy</a> stands at 30% of the world total.</strong></li>
<li>However, global experts have highlighted that there are <strong>massive investments continuing within China and overseas in coal and other fossil fuels.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China currently has <strong>135 gigawatts of coal-power capacity either permitted or under construction,</strong> according to <strong>Global Energy Monitor,</strong> a San Francisco-based environmental group.</li>
<li>This equates to about<strong> half the total coal-power capacity in the USA</strong> which is the <strong>second-largest polluter after China.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Against the USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China <strong>highlighted USA&rsquo;s demand for plastics and export of waste</strong> and <strong>criticised it for &ldquo;obstructing&rdquo; the global fight</strong> against emissions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier, the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cop24" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA had pulled out of the Paris agreement</strong></a>, calling it unfair and <strong>blamed China for the stalled momentum</strong> on tackling global emissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This move has opened a <strong>new divergence in<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-bill-to-put-sanction-on-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> US-China relations</a> which are already troubled</strong> over issues like<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/trade-war-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> trade</strong></a>, technology, defence and human rights.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Paris Agreement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Paris Agreement (also known as the <strong>Conference of Parties 21</strong> or <strong>COP 21</strong>) is a landmark environmental accord that was<strong> adopted in 2015 to address climate change and its negative impacts.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It replaced the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cop25-climate-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kyoto Protocol</strong></a> which was an earlier agreement to deal with climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aims:</strong> To reduce global GHG emissions in an effort to<strong> limit the global temperature increase in this century to well below 2&deg;C above pre-industrial levels,</strong> while pursuing means to<strong> limit the increase to 1.5&deg;C by 2100.</strong></li>
<li><strong>It includes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Addressing the financial losses vulnerable countries face</strong> from climate impacts such as extreme weather.</li>
<li><strong>Raising money to help developing countries</strong> adapt to climate change and transition to clean energy.</li>
<li>This part of the deal has been made <strong>non-legally binding on developed countries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Before the conference started, <strong>more than 180 countries had submitted pledges to cut their carbon emissions (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions</strong> or INDCs).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The INDCs were <strong>recognised under the agreement, but are not legally binding.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/conference-of-the-parties-cop-24" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India also reaffirmed its INDCs commitments</strong> </a>to meeting the goals under the Agreement in order to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/virtual-climate-action-ministerial" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>combat the climate change.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-vows-to-go-carbon-neutral-by-2060/article32680241.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/china-s-renewed-support-for-paris-agreement'
		],
		(int) 3 => [
			'title' => 'CAG Survey Report on School Toilets',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/comptroller-and-auditor-general-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)</a></strong> has flagged irregularities in the construction of toilets in schools by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in an audit report tabled before Parliament.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Physical survey:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are <strong>10.8 lakh</strong> government schools in the country. Overall, more than <strong>1.4 lakh toilets</strong> have been built by<strong> 53 CPSEs,</strong> with significant support coming from <strong>power, coal</strong> and<strong> oil companies</strong> as part of the <strong>Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan.</strong></li>
<li>The CAG audit conducted a physical survey of a sample of<strong> 2,695 toilets</strong> built by these companies in 15 States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Found:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>No functional toilets:</strong> Out of the<strong> 1,967 coeducational schools</strong> surveyed, 99 schools had no functional toilets while 436 had only one functional toilet, meaning that the <strong>objective of providing separate toilets for boys and girls was not fulfilled in 27% of the schools.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Maintenance and Sanitation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>75%</strong> of toilets did not follow the norm for daily cleaning at least once a day.</li>
<li>72% of constructed toilets had no running water facilities inside, and 55% had no hand washing facilities at all, an even greater necessity in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>affected times.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Construction Issues:</strong> Out of the sample of 2,695 toilets, CPSEs identified but did not construct 83. Another 200 toilets were reported to be constructed, but were non-existent, while 86 toilets were only partially constructed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Thus, almost 40% of toilets were <strong>non-existent, partially completed or unused.</strong></li>
<li>The audit also noticed cases of<strong> defective construction</strong> of toilets, non-provision of foundation, ramp/staircase and damaged or overflowed leach pit, which led to ineffective use of toilets.</li>
<li><strong>Prefabricated structures</strong> were used for constructing many toilets leading to <strong>extra expenditure, dilution in durability </strong>and<strong> non-compliance with direction.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was launched by the <strong>Ministry of Human Resource Development</strong> (now Ministry of Education) in September <strong>2014.</strong></li>
<li>The aim is to meet the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/right-to-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Education</strong></a> Act&rsquo;s<strong> mandate that all schools must have separate toilets for boys and girls.</strong></li>
<li>In order to <strong>effectively change the behaviour of students,</strong> the programme norms required the<strong> CPSEs</strong> to build toilets with running water and hand washing facilities, and to maintain the toilets for three to five years while charging the <strong>annual expenses to their <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/corporate-social-responsibility-csr-expenditure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</a> budgets.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of School Toilets:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Constitutional Promises:</strong> As mandated by the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/right-to-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Education Act</strong></a>, all children are required to spend<strong> six hours</strong> in school every day. During this period, they would want to use the toilets. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Act mandates that all schools must have <strong>separate toilets for boys and girls.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Health &amp; Nutrition:</strong> The provision of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in school secures a<strong> healthy school environment</strong> and protects children from<strong> illness and exclusion.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hygiene in school also <strong>supports school nutrition.</strong></li>
<li>The simple act of washing hands with soap before eating the school mid-day meal assists to break disease transmission routes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enrolments &amp; Dropouts:</strong> Lack of toilets for girls, is a reason for dropouts. A school latrine generally increased female enrolment more than male enrolment.</li>
<li><strong>Child as a Change Agent:</strong> Having a clean school fosters a child&rsquo;s pride in his or her school and community.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It enables every child to become an agent of change for improving water, sanitation and hygiene practices in their families and within their community.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The RTE Act aims to provide <strong>primary education to all children aged 6 to 14 years.</strong></li>
<li>It enforces <strong>Education as a Fundamental Right (Article 21-A).</strong></li>
<li>The act mandates <strong>25% reservation for disadvantaged sections</strong> of the society where disadvantaged groups include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SCs and STs</li>
<li>Socially Backward Class</li>
<li>Differently abled</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It also makes provisions for a non-admitted child to be admitted to an age appropriate class.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Regular monitoring is essential for the success of such a programme related to basic facilities.</li>
<li>In addition to an adequate provision of funds, cleaning, sanitation training, maintenance of toilets and other things, the issue of fixing accountability must be addressed. Else we will keep visiting the basic issues over and over again, reformulating strategies and recommissioning funds.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/40-of-toilets-surveyed-by-cag-in-govt-schools-non-existent-unused/article32680816.ece#:~:text=Public%20sector%20units%20claimed%20to,%2C%20partially%20constructed%2C%20or%20unused." 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/cag-survey-report-on-school-toilets'
		],
		(int) 4 => [
			'title' => 'World Risk Index 2020',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to the <strong>World Risk Index (WRI) 2020,</strong> India is &lsquo;poorly prepared&rsquo; to deal with<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-in-climate-change-negotiations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;climate reality&rsquo;,</strong> </a>due to which it is vulnerable to extreme natural disasters.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>World Risk Index:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is calculated on a<strong> country-by-country basis,</strong> through the multiplication of exposure and vulnerability and <strong>describes the disaster risk</strong> for various countries and regions.</li>
<li><strong>Released annually since 2011,</strong> it indicates which countries are in the greatest need to strengthen measures for coping with and adapting to extreme natural events.</li>
<li>It is <strong>part of the World Risk Report 2020</strong> released by the <strong>United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security</strong> (UNU-EHS), Bundnis Entwicklung Hilft and the University of Stuttgart in Germany.</li>
<li><strong>Among continents, Oceania is at the highest risk,</strong> followed by Africa and the Americas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Oceania:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600940450_image7.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600940450_image7.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Small island states, <strong>especially in the South Pacific and the Caribbean,</strong> are disproportionately represented among high-risk countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Vanuatu</strong> (South Pacific Ocean) is the country with the <strong>highest disaster risk worldwide.</strong> It is followed by Tonga (South Pacific Ocean) and Dominica (Caribbean Sea).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They are at a<strong> high exposure to extreme natural events</strong> which include the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/large-population-and-assets-to-be-affected-by-sea-level-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> rise in sea level</strong></a> as a result of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-warming-of-1-5-c-ipcc-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>global warming.</strong></a></li>
<li>The small island states have <strong>limited financial resources and have made small contributions to climate change,</strong> but are<strong> affected the most</strong> by its consequences.</li>
<li>They are <strong>needed to be compensated for the climate damage and losses</strong> already incurred and merely providing financial resources for adaptation to climate change is not sufficient.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Africa:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been identified as a hotspot of vulnerability<strong>. More than two-thirds of the most vulnerable countries in the world are located on the continent.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>size of semiarid regions in Africa is expected to increase,</strong> with over half of Africa&rsquo;s land area <strong>vulnerable to <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/desertification-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">desertification.</a></strong></li>
<li>Large areas of Africa are<strong> marginalized </strong>and<strong> already under significant financial stress.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Central African Republic is the most vulnerable</strong> country, followed by Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger and Guinea-Bissau.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>South Asia and India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India has ranked 89<sup>th</sup> among 181 countries</strong> on the WRI 2020 and is<strong> fourth-most-at-risk in South Asia,</strong> after Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan.</li>
<li><strong>Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives have fared better than India</strong> in their <strong>abilities to cope with extreme disasters. India also lags behind </strong>these three neighbours in terms of<strong> lack of adaptive capacities or the preparedness to deal </strong>with extreme events.</li>
<li>A comparison with the WRI 2019, shows tha<strong>t all south Asian countries have slipped</strong> on their <strong>ability to adapt</strong> to the reality of climate emergency.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Countries with a<strong> score above 52.73, are &lsquo;very poor&rsquo;</strong> in their <strong>adaptive capacities</strong> for extreme natural disasters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India has also slipped on strengthening adaptive capacities </strong>which is <strong>concerning as it highlights the inability of systems, institutions, and other organisms to adjust</strong> to potential damage, to take advantage of opportunities, or to respond to consequences.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It becomes more important given that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/assessment-of-climate-change-over-the-indian-region-moes#:~:text=Recently%2C%20the%20first%20Assessment%20of,subcontinent%20in%20the%20coming%20century." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India's first ever comprehensive climate change assessment report</strong></a> highlighted the impacts of the climate crisis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/how-ready-is-india-for-climate-change-not-much-says-this-report-73502" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-risk-index-2020'
		],
		(int) 5 => [
			'title' => 'Whale Mass Strandings',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Over <strong>450 long-finned pilot whales</strong> have died in <strong>Australia's largest recorded mass-stranding event.</strong> The whales were <strong>beached at a remote beach in Tasmania&rsquo;s west coast.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600939440_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600939440_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Beaching/Stranding Events:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Beaching refers to the<strong> phenomenon of dolphins and whales stranding themselves on beaches.</strong></li>
<li>There are <strong>around 2,000 strandings each year</strong> worldwide, with most <strong>resulting in the death of the animal.</strong></li>
<li>Whales strand themselves on beaches either <strong>singularly or in groups.</strong> While <strong>individual strandings</strong> are mostly attributed to <strong>injury or sickness,</strong> it is <strong>not clear why exactly whales beach themselves in groups.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Possible Reasons behind Whale Mass Strandings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some whales <strong>follow schooling fish or other prey</strong> into shallow waters, which causes the whales to become disoriented, as a result of which they get stranded.</li>
<li>Another reason could be <strong>panic from being trapped by a predator</strong> such as killer whales or sharks.</li>
<li>Another possibility is that <strong>whales might be drawn to land by prey-rich currents.</strong></li>
<li>Some scientists believe that<strong> sonar signals and other man-made loud underwater noises</strong> may contribute to beaching events.</li>
<li>Further, the <strong>shape of the beach</strong> and the <strong>coastline</strong> could also have a role to play.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection:</strong> Scientists and workers try to drag the whales away from the shore and guide them back into the water.</li>
<li><strong>Long-finned pilot whales:</strong> <a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600939478_image6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600939478_image6.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> Globicephala melas</li>
<li>These are <strong>one of two species of pilot whale,</strong> along with short-finned pilot whales.</li>
<li>These prefer <strong>deep temperate to subpolar oceanic waters,</strong> but they have been known to occur in coastal waters in some areas.</li>
<li>They have been documented near the <strong>Antarctic sea</strong> ice and associated with the colder<strong> Benguela and Humboldt Currents,</strong> which may extend their normal range.</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CITES</a>: Appendix II</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUCN</a>: Least Concern</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-have-hundreds-of-whales-died-in-australia-6607764/#:~:text=One%20reason%20could%20be%20that,as%20killer%20whales%20or%20sharks." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/whale-mass-strandings'
		],
		(int) 6 => [
			'title' => 'G4 Foreign Ministers Meeting',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Foreign Ministers from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet#:~:text=The%20foreign%20ministers%20of%20the,on%2027th%20September%202019." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Group of 4</strong></a> (G4), consisting of <strong>India, Brazil, Japan and Germany,</strong> participated in a virtual meeting.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>G4 is a group of countries that are seeking permanent membership of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1#:~:text=Its%20primary%20responsibility%20is%20to,China%20and%20the%20United%20Kingdom." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations Security Council</strong></a> (UNSC).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>G4 will seek concrete and time-bound outcomes during the 75<sup>th</sup> session of the UN General Assembly.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UN will celebrate its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-75-declaration" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>75<sup>th</sup> anniversary</strong></a> on 24<sup>th</sup> October 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Ministers reaffirmed their common resolve to finally take decisive steps towards the <strong>early and comprehensive<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g-4-foreign-minister-meeting-on-sidelines-of-unga" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> reform of the Security Council</a></strong> that was envisaged by Heads of State and Government in the<strong> 2005 World Summit.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 2005 World Summit was held at United Nations Headquarters in New York.</li>
<li>All governments expressed strong and unambiguous commitment to achieve the <strong>Millennium Development Goals</strong> by 2015.</li>
<li>It set up<strong> two new bodies,</strong> a <strong>Peacebuilding Commission</strong> to help countries in transition from war to peace, and a strengthened<a href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc#:~:text=The%20Mandate%20and%20Functioning,group%20basis%20from%205%20groups." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Human Rights Council.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>G4 on UNSC Reforms</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ensuring greater representation for Africa:</strong> Africa needs to be represented in <strong>both the permanent and non-permanent categories</strong> of UNSC <strong>to correct the historical injustice</strong> against this continent with regard to its under-representation in the Security Council.</li>
<li><strong>Enhanced role of developing countries and of major contributors to the UN:</strong> To make UNSC more<strong> legitimate, effective and representative,</strong> it is needed to increase the number of permanent (from 5 to 11) and non-permanent (from 10 to 14) seats. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The permanent seats shall be elected in the following manner: Two from African States; Two from Asian States; One from Latin American and Caribbean States ; One from Western European and Other States.</li>
<li>Non-permanent members shall be elected according to the following pattern : One from African States ; One from Asian States ; One from Eastern European States ; One from Latin American and Caribbean State</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The UNSC reforms proposed earlier had been opposed by the five permanent members (P5) of UNSC as they demanded veto power for new members as well <strong>(Rizali Plan).</strong> However, later the new countries decided to forego the veto power for new countries which was accepted by P5 countries <strong>(Rizali Reform Plan).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Text-Based Negotiations:</strong> The G4 will work with other reform-minded countries and groups to start<strong> text-based negotiations (TBN)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India is a proponent of TBN at the UN. Countries opposed to UNSC reform, including China, are hesitant to have TBN for intergovernmental negotiations on the grounds that the matter is<strong> too sensitive</strong> for text.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns over IGN:</strong> Two sessions in February and March 2020 of Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reform were adjourned due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>, which could have taken place virtually.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The countries expressed concern that IGN<strong> lacks the necessary openness and transparency</strong> and is constrained by <strong>flawed working methods.</strong></li>
<li>IGN should also have included a reflection of the <strong>Common African Position</strong> as enshrined in the<strong> Ezulwini Consensus</strong> and the<strong> Sirte Declaration.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Ezulwini Consensus (2005)</strong> is a position on international relations and reform of the United Nations, agreed by the African Union. It calls for a more representative and democratic Security council, in which Africa, like all other world regions, is represented.</li>
<li>The <strong>Sirte Declaration (1999)</strong> was the resolution adopted to establish the African Union.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Groups Opposed to UNSC Reforms:</strong> An informal <strong>"coffee club"</strong> or <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-un-security-council-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Uniting for Consensus Group</strong></a> has opposed UNSC reforms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most members of the club are middle-sized states who oppose bigger regional powers grabbing permanent seats in the UN Security Council.</li>
<li>While <strong>Italy and Spain are opposed to Germany's</strong> bid for UNSC&rsquo;s permanent membership, <strong>Pakistan is opposed to India's bid.</strong> Similarly, <strong>Argentina is against Brazil's </strong>bid and <strong>Australia opposes Japan's.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Position:</strong> India, will commence a two-year non-permanent term on the UNSC in January, 2021<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has long sought a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>permanent seat</strong></a> at the Council.</li>
<li>Four of the five permanent members of the Security Council &ndash; USA, UK, France and Russia support giving India a permanent seat at the Council. Only China is opposed to this.</li>
<li>India is also seeking reforms to democratize the UN, such as UNSC reforms and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-un-financial-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN peacekeeping reforms.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Intergovernmental Negotiations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IGN is a group of nation-states working within the United Nations to further reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</li>
<li>The IGN is composed of several different international organizations, namely:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/09-07-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>African Union</strong></a></li>
<li>G4 nations</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-un-security-council-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Uniting for Consensus Group (UfC)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/28-09-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>L.69 Group of Developing Countries</strong></a></li>
<li>Arab League</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-caricom" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Caribbean Community</strong></a> (CARICOM).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/g4-seeks-concrete-text-based-time-bound-reform-of-un-security-council/article32680212.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/g4-foreign-ministers-meeting'
		],
		(int) 7 => [
			'title' => 'Non-utilisation of Cesses & Levies ',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/comptroller-and-auditor-general-of-india-cag" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comptroller and Auditor General of India</strong></a> (CAG) told Parliament that the Centre has <strong>only transferred 60% of the proceeds from cess/levies</strong> in Fiscal Year 2018-19 to the <strong>relevant Reserve Funds</strong> and retained the balance in the <strong>Consolidated Fund of India (CFI).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Non-utilisation of Funds:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centre had collected Rs. 2.75 lakh crore from <strong>35 cesses/levies in FY19.</strong> However, it has only transferred Rs. 1.64 lakh crore and retained Rs. 1.1 lakh crore in the CFI.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Rs. 40,000 crore of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/centre-s-inability-to-pay-gst-dues" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GST Compensation Cess</strong> </a>was not credited to the related Reserve Fund.</li>
<li>Rs. 10,157 crore of the <strong>Road and Infrastructure Cess</strong> collected was neither transferred to the related Reserve Fund nor utilised for the purpose for which the cess was collected.</li>
<li>Rs. 2,123 crore of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/challenges-in-telecom-sector-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Universal Service levy</strong> </a>and Rs. 79 crore collected as <strong>National Mineral Trust levy</strong> was not transferred to the relevant Reserve Funds.</li>
<li><strong>Social Welfare Surcharge</strong> on <strong>Customs</strong> amounting to Rs. 8,871 crore was levied but no dedicated fund for the same was envisaged. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Non-creation/non operation of Reserve Funds makes it difficult to ensure that cesses and levies have been utilised for the specific purposes intended by the Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In addition, Rs. 1,24,399 crore, representing the <strong>Cess on crude</strong> oil collected between 2010-20, had not been transferred to the<strong> Oil Industry Development Board</strong> (designated Reserve Fund) and was retained in CFI.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mechanism of Utilisation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cesses and levies collected are required to be first<strong> transferred to designated Reserve Funds</strong> and <strong>utilised for the specific purposes</strong> intended by Parliament.</li>
<li>Funds collected through <strong>Central taxes</strong> along with cesses and other levies<strong> go to the CFI.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Taxes and surcharges in CFI are parked in a divisible pool and 42% of the total is given to States as devolution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Consolidated Fund of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was constituted under <strong>Article 266 (1)</strong> of the Constitution of India.</li>
<li>It is made up of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All <strong>revenues received</strong> by the Centre by way of <strong>taxes</strong> (Income Tax, Central Excise, Customs and other receipts) and all <strong>non-tax revenues.</strong></li>
<li>All <strong>loans raised by the Centre</strong> by issue of Public notifications, treasury bills (internal debt) and from foreign governments and international institutions (external debt).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>All government expenditures are incurred from this fund</strong> (except exceptional items which are met from the <strong>Contingency Fund</strong> or the<strong> Public Account</strong>) and no amount can be withdrawn from the Fund without <strong>authorization from the Parliament.</strong></li>
<li>The CAG audits the fund and reports to the relevant legislatures on the management.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Cess</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Cess is a <strong>form of tax</strong> levied over and above the base tax liability of a taxpayer.</li>
<li>Cess is resorted to only when there is a need to meet the<strong> particular expenditure for public welfare.</strong></li>
<li>Cess is not a permanent source of revenue for the government, and it is<strong> discontinued</strong> when the purpose of levying it is fulfilled.</li>
<li>It can be levied on <strong>both indirect and direct taxes.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Examples :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Swachh Bharat Cess:</strong> Introduced in 2015, a 0.5% Swachh Bharat cess was imposed to fund a national campaign for clearing the roads, streets and the infrastructure of India.</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure Cess:</strong> Announced in Union Budget 2016, this cess was charged on the production of vehicles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Surcharge</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A surcharge is an <strong>extra fee, charge, or tax</strong> that is added on to the cost of a good or service, beyond the initially quoted price.</li>
<li>It is <strong>added to an existing tax</strong> and is not included in the stated price of the good or service.</li>
<li>It is levied for extra services or to defray the cost of increased commodity pricing.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/centre-retained-11-lakh-cr-of-cess-receipts/article32680256.ece#:~:text=The%20Centre%20retained%20in%20the,Comptroller%20and%20Auditor%20General%20(CAG" 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/non-utilisation-of-cesses-levies'
		],
		(int) 8 => [
			'title' => 'Plastic Parks Scheme',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Chemicals &amp; Fertilizers</strong> has approved<strong> setting up of 10 Plastic Parks</strong> in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Parks are being set up in the states of Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh.</li>
<li>A <strong>Plastic Park is an industrial zone</strong> devoted to plastic enterprises and its allied industries.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The share of India in world trade of plastics is very low. <strong>India's share in the USD 1 trillion global plastic exports market </strong>is about<strong> 1%.</strong></li>
<li>The Indian Plastics industry is <strong>large but highly fragmented</strong> with dominance of tiny, small and medium units and thus lacks the capacity to tap this opportunity.</li>
<li>The <strong>Scheme for setting up of Plastic Parks</strong> has been formulated with a view to <strong>synergize and consolidate the capacities through cluster development.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features of the Scheme:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Demand-Driven:</strong> Supports setting up of a<strong> need based 'Plastic Parks&rsquo;</strong> - an ecosystem with requisite state of the art infrastructure and enabling common facilities to assist the plastic sector move up the value chain and contribute to the economy more effectively.</li>
<li><strong>Major Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Increase the competitiveness, polymer absorption capacity and value addition in the <strong>domestic downstream plastic processing industry</strong> through adaptation of modern, research and development led measurers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the <strong>petrochemical supply chain,</strong> the plastics industry can be classified into <strong>two categories.</strong></li>
<li>First, the <strong>manufacturing of polymers,</strong> which is called <strong>&lsquo;upstream&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The second one is <strong>conversion of processable polymers</strong> (plastic raw materials) into useful end products, which are classified as <strong>&lsquo;downstream&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Achieve<strong> environmentally sustainable growth</strong> through innovative methods of waste management, recycling, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Funding Pattern:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Central Government provides grant funding up to 50% of the project cost,</strong> subject to a <strong>ceiling of Rs. 40 crore per project.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>remaining project cost</strong> is funded by the State Government, beneficiary industries and by loan from financial institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implementation:</strong> A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) shall complete the setting up of the Plastic Park in a <strong>period of three years</strong> from the date of final approval.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The SPV is a <strong>distinct legal entity</strong> formed by the State Government or its agency.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET)</strong> has established a <strong>Centre for Skilling and Technical Support (CSTS) at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh</strong> which provides Diploma programmes and skill development training programmes in the field of Plastics Engineering &amp; Technology.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>CIPET is a premier government of India institute.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges for the Plastic Industry:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increased volume of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/plastic-waste-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plastic waste</a>.</strong> As per reports on the status of India, only 60% of this waste gets recycled. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The major challenge is segregation and re-aggregation of plastic waste streams such as packaging waste, including laminated plastic.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/plastic-marine-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pollution caused by plastic waste</strong> </a>is tormenting the environment including aquatic resources necessitating urgent action, that is why the plastic sector needs better management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A <strong>lack of upgrading quality and diversification</strong> in the product range.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India has committed to phase out the use of single-use plastic by 2022.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Plasticulture,</strong> i.e. the use of plastics in agriculture, horticulture, water-management, food grains storage and related areas should be promoted.<strong> Recycling of plastics</strong> is one of the foremost steps towards innovation and sustainability in this industry.</li>
<li>Further, the government needs to work on the<strong> draft 'National Plastic and Packaging Industry Development Policy 2019'.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1658057" 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/plastic-parks-scheme'
		],
		(int) 9 => [
			'title' => 'Genetic Engineering: Promises & Perils',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/the-dangers-of-genetic-engineering-opinion/story-i1syP6tiQAg16EQ5A7jLSL.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The dangers of genetic engineering&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 23/09/2020. It talks about the promises and perils associated with Genetic engineering.</p>
</div>
<p>Genetic engineering may be one of the greatest breakthroughs in recent history alongside the discovery of the atom and space flight. However, there are many disadvantages and plausible risks associated with it.</p>
<p>Although a research<strong> report in Nature Medicine</strong> contradicts the likelihood of intentional engineering of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sars-CoV-2</strong></a>, genetic engineering could well be the cause of the next pandemic.</p>
<p>Covid-19 have demonstrated how biological pathogens can be as destructive as nuclear missiles. Hence, the world should be cautious of the potential of genetic engineering to develop viruses that can be used for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/combating-bioterrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bio-terrorism.</strong></a></p>
<p>However, the technological advancement through Genetic engineering can also provide its cure and a strong defense against it. Thus, there should be efforts globally in developing bio-defences.</p>
<h3>What is Genetic Engineering?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Through genetic engineering, scientists are able to move desirable genes from one plant or animal to another or from a plant to an animal or vice versa.</li>
<li>In essence, genetic engineering is a technology wherein a specific gene can be selected and implanted into the recipient organism.</li>
<li>The process of genetic engineering involves splicing an area of a chromosome, a gene, that controls a certain characteristic of the body. For example:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This gene may be reprogrammed to produce an antiviral protein.</li>
<li>The enzyme endonuclease is used to split a DNA sequence as well as split the gene from the rest of the chromosome.</li>
<li>This gene is removed and can be placed into a bacterial cell where it can be sealed into the DNA chain using ligase.</li>
<li>When the chromosome is once again sealed the bacterial cell is now effectively re-programmed to replicate this new antiviral protein.</li>
<li>The bacterium can continue to live a healthy life while genetic engineering by human intervention has manipulated it to produce the protein.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Advantages of Genetic Engineering</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Genetically Modified (GM) Crops:</strong> Genetic engineering made it possible to create crop varieties regarded as &ldquo;more beneficial&rdquo; terms of coming up with crops with the desired traits. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Examples of genetically-engineered plants (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/bt-cotton-in-india-problems-and-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bt Cotton</strong></a>) with more desirable traits are drought-resistant plants, disease-resistant crops, plants that grow faster, and plants fortified with more nutrients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Treatment of Genetic Disorders and Other Diseases:</strong> Through genetic engineering, genetic disorders may also be fixed by replacing the faulty gene with a functional gene.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes, may be engineered into becoming sterile insects.</li>
<li>This will help in curbing the spread of certain diseases, e.g. malaria and dengue fever.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Therapeutic Cloning:</strong> It is a process whereby embryonic cells are cloned to obtain biological organs for transplantation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges of Genetic Engineering</h3>
<p>While genetic engineering is beneficial in many ways, it is also implicated in certain eventualities deemed as &ldquo;unpleasant&rdquo; or disadvantageous.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Irreversible Changes:</strong> Nature is an extremely complex interrelated chain. Some scientists believe that introducing genetically-modified genes may have an irreversible effect with consequences yet unknown.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>GMO that can cause harmful genetic effects, and genes moving from one species to another that is not genetically engineered.</li>
<li>It has been shown that GMO crop plants can pass the beneficial gene along to a wild population which may affect the biodiversity in the region. An example is the sunflowers genetically-engineered to fend off certain insects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Health Issues Related with GMO Crops:</strong> There are concerns over the inadvertent effects, such as the creation of food that can cause an allergic reaction.</li>
<li><strong>Bioethics:</strong> Genetic engineering borderlines on many moral and ethical issues. One of the major questions raised is if humans have the right to manipulate the laws and course of nature.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Dangers Associated With Genetic Engineering</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rapid Growth of Technology:</strong> Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chinas-gene-editing-rules" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(CRISPR) gene editing</strong></a>, developed only a few years ago, deploys the same natural mechanism that bacteria use to trim pieces of genetic information from one genome and insert it into another. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This mechanism, which bacteria developed over millennia to defend themselves from viruses, has been turned into a cheap, simple, quick way to edit the DNA of any organism in the lab.</li>
<li>CRISPR isn&rsquo;t the only genetic technology we need to worry about. A broader field, &ldquo;synthetic biology&rdquo;, is making the tools for genetic engineering widely available.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Democratisation of Biotechnology:</strong> As CRISPR is cheap and easy to use, thousands of scientists all over the world are experimenting with CRISPR-based gene editing projects with very little of this research being limited by regulations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The technologies have democratised to such a degree that any country can engineer viruses.</li>
<li>Further, the danger comes not only from governments: Non-state actors, rogue scientists and bio-hackers have access to the same tools.</li>
<li>Also, researchers have demonstrated that they can recreate deadly viruses such as that of smallpox, which took humanity decades to eradicate</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>As there have been no checks or balances, and it is too late to stop the global spread of these technologies.The only solution, now, is to accelerate the good side of these technologies and build defences. In this context:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Leveraging Artificial Intelligence &amp; Big Data:</strong> With <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI)</strong></a> and genomic data, scientists will decipher the complex relationships between DNA and biological processes and find treatments for diseases.</li>
<li><strong>Deploying 3D Printing:</strong> 3-D printing can help develop at home medicines, tissues, and bacteria custom-designed to suit our DNA and keep us healthy.</li>
<li><strong>Gathering of Genomic Data:</strong> There is a need to develop genomic blueprints of human and other species, this information can help immensely to defend and develop vaccines against pandemics like Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Technologies such as genomics, synthetic biology, sensors, 3D printing, and AI should be leveraged by India to analyse data and develop treatments. Through this, India can lead the world in research and innovation in genetic engineering and lay the foundation for a trillion-dollar medical industry.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600860944_Image0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600860944_Image0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7ffe6;">
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Genetic engineering may be one of the greatest breakthroughs in recent human evolution, but there are many plausible risks associated with it. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kP-Rx-l_K8w" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/the-vaccine-protocol-ht-editorial/story-4os8FgiFDAh4VrHiJtyGUP.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The vaccine protocol&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on September 21<sup>st</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/genetic-engineering-promises-perils'
		],
		(int) 10 => [
			'title' => 'EPCA on Early Burning of Crop Residue',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a>-appointed<strong> Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA)</strong> raised concerns about early <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/stubble-burning-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>burning of crop residue</strong></a> in Punjab and Haryana.</p>
<h3>Key Findings</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/safar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research)</strong> </a>under the Central government estimate which uses the<strong> INSAT-3, 3D</strong> and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)</strong></a> satellite, the fire counts have increased from zero to 42 in a few days.</li>
<li>In 2019, about 9.8 million tonnes of the total estimated crop residue of 20 million tonnes were burnt in Punjab. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Similarly, in Haryana, of the total 7 million tonnes, 1.24 million tonnes of stubble were burnt.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>EPCA was constituted under<strong> section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986</strong> for the <strong>National Capital Region</strong> in compliance with the <strong>Supreme Court order dated January 1998.</strong></li>
<li>It has the power to take action<strong> suo-moto,</strong> or on the <strong>basis of complaints</strong> made by any individual, representative body or organization functioning in the field of environment.</li>
<li>It takes all necessary steps for controlling vehicular pollution, ensuring compliance of fuel quality standards, monitoring and coordinating action for traffic planning and management.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>INSAT</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> Indian National Satellite (INSAT)</strong> system is a constellation of operational communication satellites placed in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/types-of-orbit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Geo-stationary orbit.</strong></a></li>
<li>Established in <strong>1983</strong> with commissioning of INSAT-1B.</li>
<li>The constellation of INSAT System consists of operational satellites, namely &ndash; INSAT-3A, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4CR, 3DR.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>SAFAR</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)</strong> is a national initiative introduced by the <strong>Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)</strong> to measure the air quality of a metropolitan city, by measuring the overall pollution level and the <strong>location-specific air quality</strong> of the city.</li>
<li>The system is<strong> indigenously</strong> developed by the <strong>Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM),</strong> Pune and is operationalized by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cyclone-fani" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India Meteorological Department (IMD).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Stubble Burning</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>traditional practice</strong> in <strong>Punjab and Haryana</strong> to clean off the rice chaff to prepare the fields for winter sowing.</li>
<li>It begins<strong> around October and peaks in November,</strong> coinciding with the withdrawal of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>southwest monsoon.</strong></a></li>
<li>The<strong> pollutants and the Particulate Matter (PM)</strong> from the chaff, along with other sources of pollution in Delhi, makes winter air quality worse in Delhi and proximity.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Increase in Rice Acreage: Subsidies and assured procurement</strong> of rice have led to a rise in the rice acreage.</li>
<li><strong>Delayed sowing</strong> of paddy to late June to discourage groundwater extraction as per 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></li>
<li>This led to a delayed harvesting, stubble burning coincides perfectly with the withdrawal of southwest monsoon.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This time the<strong> southward shift of subtropical jet stream</strong> happens causing a <strong>westward wind pattern in the northern part of India</strong> and thus spread of pollutants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technology:</strong> Increased and modernised <strong>farm mechanisation</strong> extract the rice grains only and leave large quantities of rice stubble behind. Earlier, this excess crop was used by farmers for cooking, as hay to keep their animals warm or even as extra insulation for homes.</li>
<li><strong>High Silica Content:</strong> Rice straw is considered useless as fodder in the case of non-basmati rice, because of its <strong>high silica content. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effects:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The stubble burning emits large amounts of toxic pollutants in the atmosphere which contain harmful gases like <strong>methane (CH<sup>4</sup>), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile organic compound (VOC) and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.</strong></li>
<li>The burning of wheat straw<strong> reduces the soil fertility,</strong> besides polluting the environment.</li>
<li>Additionally, the heat generated by stubble burning penetrates into the soil, leading to the loss of moisture and useful microbes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>centralized control room</strong> must be set up to issue directions both for ensuring that appropriate technology to tackle this issue is within the reach of farmers and also ensure enforcement of non-compliance.</li>
<li>The establishment of the <strong>Farm Machinery Banks (FMB)</strong> for custom hiring of in-situ crop residue management machinery.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The most efficient technology is the <strong>Turbo Happy Seeder (THS)</strong> machine. It not only cuts and uproots the stubble but can also drill wheat seeds in the soil that have just been cleared up. The straw is simultaneously thrown over the sown seeds to form a <strong>mulch cover.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Stopping crop residue burning will aid the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-lists-cities-with-no-clean-up-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Clean Air Programme</strong> </a>(NCAP), which aims to reduce pollution by 20-30% in annual PM concentration by 2024.</li>
<li>An expansion of schemes like the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fund-crunch-in-mgnrega" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)</strong></a> for harvesting and composting of stubble will help to resolve the dual problem of unemployment and stubble burning.</li>
<li>In the long-term,<strong> shifting the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cropping-patterns-and-major-crops-of-india-part-one" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cropping pattern</a></strong> away from paddy to maize, cotton, fruits or vegetables in Punjab, Haryana and UP is required.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/epca-chief-asks-punjab-haryana-to-act-against-stubble-burning/article32672708.ece#:~:text=The%20Supreme%20Court%2Dappointed%20Environment,address%20the%20issue%20%E2%80%9Curgently%E2%80%9D." 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/epca-on-early-burning-of-crop-residue'
		],
		(int) 11 => [
			'title' => 'MedSpark in Kerala',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Kerala</strong> is set to lay the foundation stone for <strong>MedSpark,</strong> one of the first <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/medical-devices-in-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>medical device</strong> </a>parks in the country, in <strong>Thiruvananthapuram.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Medical devices</strong> include <strong>surgical equipment, diagnostic equipment</strong> like Cardiac Imaging, CT scans, X-ray, Molecular Imaging, MRI and Ultrasound-imaging, <strong>life support equipment</strong> like ventilator, etc. as well as <strong>implants and disposables.</strong></li>
<li>Medical devices, unlike pharmaceuticals, are <strong>dependent on a mix of technologies such as engineering, electronics, material sciences and information technology</strong> (IT).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Established By:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Technical Research Centre for Biomedical Devices Programme</strong> of the <strong>Department of Science and Technology</strong> (DST), Government of India.</li>
<li><strong>Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology</strong> (SCTIMST), an <strong>autonomous institute of the DST.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>SCTIMST has made <strong>substantial contributions to the biomedical devices sector</strong> and is fully aligned with the vision of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharathttps://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat.</strong> </a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd.</strong> (KSIDC) which is the <strong>industrial and investment promotion agency</strong> of the Government of Kerala.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fundings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Funding from the state and central governments</strong> will meet the capital expenditure and deficit in income against expenses during the initial stages.</li>
<li>The business model for the MedSpark is <strong>self-sustaining</strong> in which its<strong> operational expenses will be generated from its revenue streams.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> It will<strong> focus on the high-risk medical device sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will provide a full range of services for the industry like<strong> research and development support, testing, </strong>and<strong> evaluation</strong> of medical devices.</li>
<li>Create an <strong>enabling support system for</strong> manufacturing support, technology innovation, and knowledge dissemination.</li>
<li><strong>High-risk medical device sector</strong> deals with the category of high-risk devices which include <strong>medical implants and extracorporeal devices</strong> (mechanical organs used in blood purification).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example, <strong>implantable cardioverter-defibrillator</strong> (a small battery-powered device placed in the chest to monitor heart rhythm and detect irregular heartbeats) <strong>pacemakers, coronary stents, artificial heart valves,</strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These services can be <strong>utilised by the medical device industries</strong> located<strong> within the MedSpark as well from other parts of India.</strong></li>
<li>It will <strong>benefit small and medium-sized medical devices industries,</strong> which dominate the medical devices sector.</li>
<li>It can<strong> leverage the existing advantage of Kerala in the high-risk medical device manufacture</strong> and develop it into the most sought after destination for setting up the medical device industry in India.</li>
<li>It is expected that it would <strong>provide direct employment to 1200 people</strong> and generate up to<strong> 4000-5000 jobs through the supporting industries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Medical Devices Sector in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The medical devices industry in India is <strong>valued at USD 5.2 billion,</strong> contributing about <strong>4-5% to the USD 96.7 billion Indian healthcare industry.</strong></li>
<li>Medical devices sector in India is <strong>very small in size as compared to the rest of the manufacturing industry,</strong> though<strong> India is one of the top twenty markets for medical devices</strong> in the world and is the<strong> 4<sup>th</sup> largest market in Asia</strong> after Japan, China, and South Korea.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s medical devices industry is<strong> poised for significant growth in the next five years</strong> and the market size is <strong>expected to reach USD 50 bn by 2025.</strong></li>
<li>India <strong>currently imports 80-90% of medical devices</strong> and the vast majority of which are <strong>unregulated for quality and safety.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>USA, Germany, China, Japan, and Singapore</strong> constitute the<strong> five largest exporters</strong> of high technology medical equipment to India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1657669#:~:text=Pinarayi%20Vijayan%2C%20Chief%20Minister%2C%20Government,a%20pioneer%20in%20this%20field." 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/medspark-in-kerala'
		],
		(int) 12 => [
			'title' => 'Jasmonate Hormone and Rice Productivity',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A new study by a team of scientists at <strong>National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR),</strong> New Delhi suggested that targeting a specific plant hormone <strong>Jasmonate (JA)</strong> would help rice plants have greater tolerance to potassium (K) deficiency and improve productivity.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Findings:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>overexpression</strong> of a <strong>gene</strong> called <strong>OsJAZ9</strong> helped make rice plants more tolerant of potassium deficiency.</li>
<li>There was an enhanced accumulation of <strong>JA-Ile &mdash;</strong> a<strong> bioactive</strong> form of the hormone <strong>Jasmonate (JA),</strong> in OsJAZ9 overexpressing rice, on potassium deficiency.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>JA-lle</strong> helps in modulating various K transporters and root system architecture.</li>
<li><strong>JA-Ile</strong> contributes to several aspects of plant growth and development and levels increase under stress conditions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The study suggests that targeting research towards<strong> JA</strong> could help achieve both, <strong>nutrient- efficient</strong> crops and <strong>protection against pests.</strong></li>
<li>JA is often associated with the plant&rsquo;s <strong>defence against biotic factors</strong> like insects, pests and other pathogens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Potassium.</strong> Potassium (K) is considered a <strong>macronutrient</strong> for plants and is the most abundant cation within plant cells.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Significance of Potassium:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Plants require, among other things, a <strong>high and stable concentration</strong> of potassium ion<strong> to activate many enzymes</strong> that are involved in <strong>respiration and photosynthesis.</strong></li>
<li>Potassium is also involved in key cellular processes such as <strong>energy production,</strong> and <strong>cell expansion.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Cell expansion</strong> is the process of taking cells extracted from tissue, culturing them in the lab and encouraging them to reproduce.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Potassium Deficiency:</strong> It affects plants by inhibiting the growth of the roots and the shoots. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Studies have shown that plants that are deficient in potassium are more susceptible to salt, drought, chilling and other abiotic and biotic stresses.</li>
<li>Potassium deficiency occurs frequently in plants grown on sandy soils resulting in a number of symptoms including curling of leaf tips and yellowing (chlorosis) of leaves, as well as <strong>reduced growth and fertility. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Potassium Availability to plant Roots:</strong> Despite being among the most abundant minerals in the soil, its availability to plants is limited. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is because most of the soil potassium (about 98%) is in<strong> bound forms</strong> and its release into the soil solution is far slower than the rate of its acquisition by the roots.</li>
<li>The availability of potassium in the soil solution or exchangeable form depends on <strong>multiple factors</strong> like <strong>soil acidity,</strong> presence of other<strong> monovalent cations</strong> like sodium and ammonium ions and the <strong>type of soil particles.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Macro and Micro-nutrients</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Macronutrients</strong> are divided into two groups:<strong> primary</strong> and <strong>secondary.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-approves-nutrient-based-subsidy-rates" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>primary macronutrients</strong></a> are those that are needed in the highest concentration: <strong>nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).</strong> In fact, these three primary nutrients are needed in higher concentrations than the rest of the macronutrients combined.</li>
<li><strong>Secondary</strong> macronutrients are also required for sustained plant health, but in lower quantities than the primary macronutrients. <strong>Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S)</strong> comprise the secondary macronutrients.</li>
<li><strong>Micronutrients</strong> are also essential to plant development and growth but are needed only in trace amounts, compared to their macro-counterparts. The seven critical micronutrients are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Boron (B)</li>
<li>Zinc (Zn)</li>
<li>Iron (Fe)</li>
<li>Manganese (Mn)</li>
<li>Copper (Cu)</li>
<li>Molybdenum (Mo)</li>
<li>Chlorine (Cl)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-97#:~:text=A%20large%20increase%20in%20crop,land%20using%20new%20farming%20techniques." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Green Revolution</strong> </a>of the 1960s was driven by another plant hormone called <strong>Gibberellins (GA).</strong> JA hormone can be the new focus.</li>
<li><strong>Future agriculture</strong> has to be <strong>input efficient</strong> rather than input intensive. The genetic resources for improving fertiliser use efficiency in rice which is of prime value for achieving sustainable agriculture must be stressed upon.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/science-technology/study-zeroes-in-on-target-plant-hormone-to-improve-potassium-deficiency-in-rice-73495#:~:text=Targeting%20a%20specific%20plant%20hormone,insects%2C%20pests%20and%20other%20pathogens." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source DTE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jasmonate-hormone-and-rice-productivity'
		],
		(int) 13 => [
			'title' => 'Autumnal Equinox in Northern Hemisphere',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>On <strong>22<sup>nd</sup> September 2020,</strong> the day and night was almost equal in most locations marking the<strong> start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere</strong> which lasts until the <strong>winter solstice (December 21 or 22).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Similarly, the <strong>Vernal equinox</strong> falls around <strong>March 21,</strong> marking the start of spring in the <strong>Northern Hemisphere.</strong></li>
<li>In the <strong>Southern Hemisphere</strong> the seasons are <strong>reversed (Christmas</strong> is celebrated in <strong>Australia and New Zealand</strong> in the summer season).</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600852757_Image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600852757_Image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="529" height="327" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The word equinox is derived from two<strong> Latin words - aequus (equal) and nox (night).</strong></li>
<li>There are only two times of the year when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in a <strong>nearly equal amount of daylight and darkness</strong> at all latitudes. These events are referred to as Equinoxes.</li>
<li>The equinoxes happen in <strong>March (about March 21)</strong> and<strong> September (about September 23).</strong> These are the days when the Sun is exactly above the Equator, which makes day and night of equal length.</li>
<li>It can be noted that the most places on Earth receive more than 12 hours of daylight on equinoxes. This is because of the <strong>atmospheric refraction of sunlight </strong>and<strong> how the length of the day is defined.</strong></li>
<li>The equinoxes are prime time for Northern Lights &ndash; geomagnetic activities are twice more likely to take place in the spring and fall time, than in the summer or winter.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Varying Dates:</strong> While the September equinox usually occurs on September 22 or 23, it can very rarely fall on September 21 or September 24. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is because of the difference between how the Gregorian calendar defines a year (365 days) and the time it actually takes for <strong>Earth to complete its orbit around the Sun (about 365 and 1/4 days).</strong></li>
<li>This means that each equinox occurs about 6 hours later than the previous year's Equinox. This eventually moves the date by a day.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Signals Changing of Seasons:</strong> The equinoxes along with solstices signals the changing of the seasons.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The seasons on Earth change because the planet is slightly tilted on its axis as it travels around the Sun. Earth&rsquo;s rotational axis makes an angle of <strong>23.5&deg; with the normal</strong> and angle of <strong>66.5&deg; with the orbital plane.</strong></li>
<li>If Earth were not tilted, the Sun would always appear to be directly above the Equator, the amount of light a given location receives would be fixed, and there would be no seasons. There also would be no need to mark equinoxes or solstices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Solstices:</strong> The<strong> two solstices happen in June (20 or 21) and December (21 or 22).</strong> These are the days when the Sun&rsquo;s path in the sky is the <strong>farthest north or south from the Equator.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the <strong>Northern Hemisphere,</strong> the <strong>June solstice</strong> marks the start of summer, this is when the North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun, and the Sun&rsquo;s rays are directly overhead at the <strong>Tropic of Cancer.</strong></li>
<li>In the <strong>Northern Hemisphere,</strong> the <strong>December solstice</strong> marks the start of winter, this is when the South Pole is tilted closest to the Sun, and the Sun&rsquo;s rays are directly overhead at the <strong>Tropic of Capricorn.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/enlih8M5DN0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/autumnal-equinox-in-northern-hemisphere'
		],
		(int) 14 => [
			'title' => 'Multi-stakeholder Body for Net Neutrality',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/interoperable-set-top-boxes-trai" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</strong></a> (TRAI) has recommended the creation of a <strong>multi-stakeholder body</strong> (MSB) to ensure that Internet access providers adhere to the provisions of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-approves-net-neutrality-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>net neutrality.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The MSB should be set up as a<strong> non-profit entity.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Roles and Responsibilities:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To provide <strong>advice and support to the Department of Telecommunications</strong> (DoT) in the monitoring and enforcement of net neutrality principles.</li>
<li>To<strong> investigate complaints</strong> regarding the violation of net neutrality.</li>
<li>To help DoT in the <strong>maintenance of a repository of reasonable traffic management</strong> practices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stakeholders:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It could include telecom service providers, Internet service providers, content providers, researchers, academic and technical community, civil society organisations, and the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Net Neutrality in India:</strong> The DoT accepts <strong>TRAI&rsquo;s recommendations in favour of net neutrality</strong> which:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bars telcos from discriminatory treatment</strong> on the web, based on content, sender, receiver, protocols or equipment.</li>
<li><strong>Penalises for violation of license rules</strong> on net neutrality.</li>
<li><strong>Includes exceptions for critical services</strong> such as remote healthcare diagnostics, self-driving cars, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Exempts content delivery networks,</strong> which do not use public Internet from open web rules.</li>
<li><strong>Applies equally to <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/fifth-generation-cellular-technology-5g" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5G technology</a></strong> as well because the principles are technology-neutral.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Net Neutrality</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Net neutrality has been defined as a principle that <strong>Internet Service Providers</strong> (ISP) also called <strong>Internet Access Providers</strong> (IAP) should<strong> enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, </strong>and<strong> without favouring or blocking particular products or websites.</strong></li>
<li>This means when the <strong>customers pay an ISP for a data plan,</strong> they <strong>should be able to access all content online</strong> (news, social media, videos, games, etc.) at the <strong>same broadband speed</strong> which they had opted for.</li>
<li><strong>Arguments in Favour:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>democratises the internet space</strong> as the telecom provider cannot charge differently for different websites and allows everyone on the internet to participate in it.</li>
<li>It<strong> does not let ISPs to act as &ldquo;gatekeepers&rdquo;</strong> and control, filter or block data according to their will without a court order.</li>
<li>It <strong>provides a level playing field</strong> to all the big and small companies in the Information Technology (IT) sector and does not let a handful of companies control the internet.</li>
<li>It <strong>ensures that all people and websites have equal access</strong> to each other, regardless of their ability to pay hence fosters the principle of freedom of speech.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arguments Against:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will <strong>stifle innovation</strong> on the internet as it will <strong>not be possible to explore consumer choices</strong> and create content accordingly.</li>
<li>ISPs will <strong>not be able to make an investment in Broadband</strong> services.</li>
<li>It will<strong> kill competition as every data packet will be treated the same</strong> and content providers will not get a chance to advance their data at a better rate by paying the telecom providers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600852460_Image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600852460_Image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="512" height="394" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/trai-recommends-body-to-monitor-net-neutrality/article32672224.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/multi-stakeholder-body-for-net-neutrality'
		],
		(int) 15 => [
			'title' => 'Guru Nanak Dev’s 481st Death Anniversary',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Jyoti Jot</strong> (death anniversary) of <strong>Guru Nanak Dev</strong> (Founder of <a href="/to-the-points/paper4/sikhism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sikhism</strong></a>) was observed at his final resting place <strong>Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur</strong> in Pakistan.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>On the occasion of the <strong>550<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary</strong> of Guru Nanak the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/kartarpur-milestone" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kartarpur Corridor</strong> </a>which connects India and Pakistan was opened to the public.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600845430_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600845430_image2.jpg" 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>Guru Nanak:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Guru Nanak, <strong>first of the ten Sikh Gurus</strong> in Sikhism, is believed to have died at <strong>Kartarpur</strong> on 22<sup>nd</sup> September 1539.</li>
<li>Guru Nanak was born in <strong>Talwandi Rai Bhoe,</strong> near Lahore, Pakistan which was renamed later as <strong>Nankana Sahib.</strong></li>
<li>He was a greatest <strong>thinker, philosopher, poet, traveller, political rebel, social leveller, mass communicator and spiritual master.</strong></li>
<li>His political, social and spiritual beliefs were<strong> based on love, equality, fraternity and virtue.</strong> He is also viewed as a <strong>symbol of peace and servicing.</strong></li>
<li>His followers came to be known as<strong> Sikhs,</strong> which means a <strong>learner</strong> or a <strong>disciple.</strong></li>
<li>He used the <strong>medium of music, poetry, song and speech</strong> to<strong> preach the love of God</strong> and to<strong> attack the socially oppressive practices of casteism</strong> of the orthodox Brahmanical Hindu religion.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>He also spoke in favour of an <strong>equitable social status for women.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Guru Nanak was also a<strong> great traveller.</strong> He went on long journeys (called Uddasian) to far off places along with his<strong> two companions Bhai Bala,</strong> a Hindu, and <strong>Bhai Mardana,</strong> a Muslim, to hold dialogues with many saints and Sufis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Teaching of Guru Nanak:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Guru Nanak declared that <strong>God is one &mdash; formless</strong> (Nirgun) and <strong>without birth and death.</strong> The <strong>whole world is God&rsquo;s creation</strong> i.e.<strong> Ik Onkar Satnam.</strong></li>
<li>According to him <strong>all are born equal.</strong> He also stood for<strong> karma</strong> as the basis of <strong>dharma.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Valued a simpler notion of truth</strong> that was the basis of honest living. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>He declared that truth has the highest value in life, but truthful living is higher still in value.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Created awareness related to the <strong>conservation of water,</strong> and the<strong> importance of a clean environment.</strong></li>
<li>Emphasised on three things: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Kirat Karni:</strong> It means to work hard, and earn good karma and an honest livelihood.</li>
<li><strong>Vand Chakna:</strong> It means to not be selfish, and share with others.</li>
<li><strong>Naam Japa:</strong> It means to meditate and remember the name of god.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Provided a practical demonstration of<strong> building a community</strong> based on<strong> strong egalitarian values</strong> of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Cooperative agricultural work</strong></li>
<li><strong>Langar</strong> (collective cooking and sharing of food)</li>
<li><strong>Pangat</strong> (partaking food without distinctions of high and low)</li>
<li><strong>Sangat</strong> (collective decision making)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>His teachings are mentioned in the <strong>Adi Granth</strong> compiled by <strong>Guru Arjan Dev</strong> (1563-1606), the fifth sikh guru.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/guru-nanak-devs-death-anniversary-jyoti-jot-prayers-culminate-at-kartarpur-with-nagar-kirtan-till-zero-line-6606723/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
			'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
			'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/guru-nanak-dev-s-481st-death-anniversary'
		],
		(int) 16 => [
			'title' => 'YuWaah Platform',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Government has launched YuWaah &ndash; a multi-stakeholder platform<strong> to make young people career ready.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports</strong> and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unicef-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)</strong> </a>had signed a 'Statement of Intent' to establish <strong>Generation Unlimited in India (YuWaah).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Generation Unlimited (GenU):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Founded in September <strong>2018,</strong> GenU aims to <strong>transform education, employment and entrepreneurial outcomes for young people</strong> around the world at a global and local level, by joining together partners from business and governments with the reach and network of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations (UN).</strong> </a></li>
<li>It was <strong>launched by UNICEF</strong> at the 73<sup>rd</sup> session of the UN General Assembly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives of YuWaah:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Providing <strong>career guidance support</strong> to young people through career portal as well as through job-readiness and self-exploration sessions to make young people career-ready.</li>
<li>Supporting young people by providing <strong>entrepreneurship classes</strong> with successful entrepreneurs and experts.</li>
<li>Creating <strong>linkages with aspirational economic opportunities</strong> to connect young people with jobs or self-employment. For this, innovative solutions and technology platforms will be engaged to maximize the scale and reach.</li>
<li><strong>Upskilling</strong> young people on 21<sup>st</sup> century skills, life skills, digital skills and supporting them through self-learning, for their productive lives and the future of work.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will help the youth in contributing towards <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.</strong></a></li>
<li>It will give a strong focus to India's existing policies, such as the <strong>National Youth Policy, 2014.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations Children's Fund</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>United Nations Children&rsquo;s Fund (UNICEF) is a <strong>special program of the United Nations (UN)</strong> devoted to aiding national efforts to improve the health, nutrition, education, and general welfare of children.</li>
<li>UNICEF was <strong>created in 1946</strong> as the International Children&rsquo;s Emergency Fund (ICEF) by the UN Relief Rehabilitation Administration to help children affected by World War II.</li>
<li>UNICEF became a <strong>permanent part of the United Nations in 1953.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The name was shortened to the United Nations Children's Fund but it is still referred to as UNICEF.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1657751" 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/yuwaah-platform'
		],
		(int) 17 => [
			'title' => 'Abhyas High-speed Expendable Aerial Target',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation</strong></a> (DRDO) conducted successful flight-tests of the indigenously-designed <strong>Abhyas High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT)</strong> in Balasore (Odisha).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Two demonstrator vehicles of Abhyas cleared all the evaluation parameters like 5 km flying altitude, vehicle speed of <strong>0.5 mach (half the speed of sound),</strong> endurance of 30 minutes etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600844098_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600844098_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Designed and developed by:</strong> Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is a key Aeronautical Systems Design Laboratory under DRDO.</li>
<li>It is involved in the design and development of the state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Aeronautical Systems and technologies to meet the requirements of the<strong> Indian Armed forces.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a<strong> drone (UAV)</strong> that will be used as a<strong> target for various missile systems.</strong></li>
<li>It is powered by a small gas turbine engine.</li>
<li>Navigation by <strong>Micro-electromechanical (MEMS)</strong> systems based <strong>Inertial Navigation System (INS)</strong> for navigation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>MEMS is a process technology used to create tiny integrated devices or systems that combine mechanical and electrical components.</li>
<li>It is lightweight and reliable, consumes less power and is cost-effective.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Programmed for<strong> fully autonomous flight. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Uses:</strong> As a<strong> target for evaluation of various Missile systems.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong> This is the second time that the target vehicle was flight-tested successfully. The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-14th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>first successful test was in May 2019.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Others:</strong> Recently, the DRDO successfully flight tested the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hypersonic-technology-demonstrator-vehicle-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle</strong></a> (HSTDV).</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1657786" 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/abhyas-high-speed-expendable-aerial-target'
		],
		(int) 18 => [
			'title' => 'UN Reforms & India',
			'catname' => 'News Editorials',
			'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-united-nations-security-council-unsc-tenure-6605320/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;UN and the new multilateralism&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 22/09/2020. It talks about the need for reforms in the United Nations (UN) system.</p>
</div>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations (UN)</strong></a> was set up, 75 years ago, with the principal aim of maintaining world peace and security. It has been successful in the decolonization process and preventing another World War. However, the 21<sup>st</sup> century world is very different from that 20<sup>th</sup> century and poses many new problems and realities.</p>
<p>The present humanitarian and economic losses associated with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> are comparable to that of major wars and unemployment is worse than at any time since the Great Depression 1929. This has highlighted the challenges pertaining to the multilateral UN system.</p>
<p>Furthermore, there has been a general trend of increasing the number of challenges that are Trans-national in character (for example, terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, pandemics, climate crisis, cyber-security, and poverty). UN being the epitome of multilateral world order will be much needed in dealing with global issues.</p>
<p>Therefore, reforms in the UN are necessary in order to strengthen the UN&rsquo;s effectiveness as a multilateral organization, bring more transparency to the institution and enhance its credibility.</p>
<h3>Challenges Against Multilateralism in Present Times</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rise of New Cold War:</strong> Conflict between the US on the one hand and China and Russia on the other has become a new reality in West-East Conflict.</li>
<li><strong>Divided West:</strong> Despite the enduring post-War alliances, there is a growing divergence between US and its European partners on many global issues.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some of the differences between the US and the other powers is very visible in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-reimposes-sanctions-on-iran" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Iran Nuclear Deal.</strong></a></li>
<li>Further, rejection of post-War multilateralism and post-Cold War globalism is at the heart of Trump&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-us-relations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;America First&rdquo; foreign policy.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ineffectiveness of UN:</strong> The UN has been unable to respond effectively to the once-in-a-century global crisis triggered by the coronavirus. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At the UN Security Council, China blocked a serious discussion on the origin and sources of the crisis. While the US walked out of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation</strong></a> on allegation of supporting China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Areas of UN Reform</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Defunct UNSC:</strong> The<strong> United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</strong> is the UN&rsquo;s main executive body with the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the veto powers possessed by the UNSC&rsquo;s five permanent members are used as an instrument to shore up their geopolitical interests, regardless of the disastrous consequences for the victims of armed conflict. As it can be seen in Syria, Iraq, etc.</li>
<li>Further, It does not reflect today&rsquo;s distribution of military and economic power, nor a geographical balance. Thus, the structure of the 15-member Security Council ought to be more democratic and representative.</li>
<li>This has been long overdue on the demand, especially from the so-called Group of 4 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet#:~:text=The%20foreign%20ministers%20of%20the,on%2027th%20September%202019." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(G4) countries</strong> </a>&mdash; Brazil, Germany, India and Japan &mdash; which advocate a permanent seat for all of them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>General Assembly Reforms:</strong> The UN General Assembly(UNGA) can only make non-binding recommendations, which is another reason for ineffectiveness of the UN and another important issue of UN reform.</li>
<li><strong>Undermining of Associated UN Bodies</strong> The Economic and Social Council has been criticized, as it has become overshadowed by institutions such as the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-monetary-fund-imf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IMF</strong> </a>and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a>, which are lacking democratic processes, transparency, and accountability.</li>
<li><strong>UN&rsquo;s Financial Crisis:</strong> It can be said that the UN has a lot to do but it has too little money, as it is in a permanent financial crisis due to the unwillingness of many members to pay their contributions on time.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As long as the UN&rsquo;s budget remains tightly constrained, it cannot be effective.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Toothless UN Peacekeeping Operation:</strong> While the vast number of international law treaties affecting international trade, economics and human rights has proved very effective, laws prohibiting the use of force have been less so.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, there is a need to include more personnel and carry out structural reforms for the UN Peacekeeping Operations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Role in Reforming UN System &amp; Way Forward</h3>
<p>While the UNSC was dysfunctional, India developed a multilateral agenda of its own &mdash; from decolonisation and disarmament to a new international economic order &mdash; and mobilised considerable political support for it. This underlines the possibilities for shaping the global discourse in the present.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reforming UNSC:</strong> As former UN secretary general noted that<strong> &ldquo;No reform of the UN would be complete without reform of the Security Council&rdquo;.</strong> Therefore, equitable representation as well as expansion of the UNSC is the desired reform that India envisages.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, this would be the most challenging aspect of UN reforms, as the most permanent five are generally opposed to strengthening the institution and use their power to stop any significant change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Engaging With Other Multilateral Forums For UN Reforms:</strong> Possible solutions to reform UN finances can be establishing a &lsquo;reserve fund&rsquo; or even a <strong>&lsquo;world tax&rsquo;.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, in order to make UNGA more effective, India can propose a bicameral parliamentary assembly framework for UNGA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Balancing National Interest and Multilateralism:</strong> The primary objective of India&rsquo;s present multilateralism should be to ensure its territorial integrity, especially at a time when China has adopted aggressive posture on the border.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Here, India can leverage multilateralism to serve India&rsquo;s interests. Like aligning with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet#:~:text=The%20foreign%20ministers%20of%20the,on%2027th%20September%202019." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad countries</strong></a> or working with mechanisms like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/financial-action-task-force-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FATF</strong></a> to mount pressure on Pakistan to stop supporting cross-border terrorism in India.</li>
<li>Further, while reclaiming its role in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/revival-of-non-alignment-movement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Aligned Movement</strong></a> (NAM), India must engage with other multilateral institutions as new rule-making as India is not at disadvantage if rule making takes place outside the UN.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>History teaches that the fact that crises catalyse states to rise above inertia, myopia, and narrow self-interest. This can be reflected in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, conferences at Bretton Woods and San Francisco in the 1940s. The present pandemic is similar to the crisis that can lead to tectonic shift in world affairs.</p>
<p>Further, given the global issues, today the world needs multilateralism more than ever. Thus, it is necessary to reform the UN. In this context, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/elections-for-non-permanent-members-of-the-unsc#:~:text=Selection%20of%20Non%2Dpermanent%20Members,for%20African%20and%20Asian%20countries." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India must utilize the next two years of its non-permanent member of UNSC</strong></a> for bringing much needed reforms in the system.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600773892_image%200.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600773892_image 0.jpg" 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: #e6e8ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Given the global issues, today the world needs multilateralism more than ever. Comment</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rnQYIfVVDBE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/bully-pulpit-farm-bills-parliament-monsoon-session-6603902/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Bully &amp; Pulpit&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on September 21<sup>st</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/un-reforms-india'
		],
		(int) 19 => [
			'title' => 'African Elephant dying due to Cyanobacteria',
			'catname' => 'News Analysis',
			'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Neuro-toxins</strong> in water <strong>produced by cyanobacteria</strong> killed more than 300 African elephants in the <strong>Okavango delta region, Botswana</strong> (country in Southern Africa).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Neuro-toxins</strong> are substances that damage, destroy, or impair the functioning of neural tissue.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Cyanobacteria:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/biofuel-from-microorganisms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cyanobacteria</strong></a>, also called <strong>blue-green algae</strong>, are microscopic organisms found naturally in soils and all types of water.</li>
<li>These <strong>single-celled</strong> organisms (bacteria) live in fresh, brackish (combined salt and freshwater), and marine water.</li>
<li>These organisms use sunlight to <strong>make their own food.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>warm, nutrient-rich (high in phosphorus and nitrogen) environments,</strong> cyanobacteria can <strong>multiply quickly.</strong></li>
<li>Not all produce toxins but scientists say toxic ones are occurring more frequently as <strong>climate change</strong> drives up global temperatures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate Change and Algal Bloom:</strong> An <strong>algal bloom</strong> is a rapid increase in the population of algae or cyanobacteria in an aquatic system.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600769436_image6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600769436_image6.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Warming water temperature:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Toxic blue-green algae thrive in warm, slow-moving water.</li>
<li>Warmer water due to climate change might favor harmful algae. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Warmer temperatures prevent water from mixing, allowing algae to grow thicker and faster.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Changes in salinity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Climate change might lead to more droughts, which make freshwater saltier. This can cause marine algae to invade freshwater ecosystems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Higher carbon dioxide levels:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Algae need carbon dioxide to survive. Higher levels of carbon dioxide in the air and water can lead to rapid growth of algae, especially toxic blue-green algae that can float to the surface of the water.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Changes in rainfall:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Climate change might affect rainfall patterns, leading to alternating periods of drought and intense storms. This can cause more nutrient runoff into water bodies, feeding more algal blooms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The African elephant:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the<strong> largest</strong> animal walking the Earth.</li>
<li>Their herds wander through 37 countries in Africa.</li>
<li>They are <strong>vulnerable</strong> as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(IUCN) Red List.</strong></a></li>
<li>African elephants in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora <strong>(<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CITES</a>) Appendix II.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Appendix II</strong> includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Two Subspecies:</strong> The <strong>Savanna (or bush) elephant</strong> and the<strong> Forest</strong> elephant.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Savanna elephants are larger than forest elephants, and their tusks curve outwards.</li>
<li>Forest elephants, a distinct subspecies of African elephants, are uniquely adapted to the forest habitat of the<strong> Congo Basin,</strong> but are in sharp decline due to poaching for the international <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-elephant-day-1#:~:text=The%20World%20Elephant%20Day%20is,of%20Asian%20and%20African%20elephants." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ivory trade.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-elephant-day-1#:~:text=The%20World%20Elephant%20Day%20is,of%20Asian%20and%20African%20elephants." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> World Elephant Day</strong> </a>is celebrated on <strong>12<sup>th</sup> August</strong> every year to spread awareness for the conservation and protection of the largest mammal on land.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The day was launched in 2012 to bring attention to the urgent plight of <strong>Asian and African elephants.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Botswana</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600769365_image8.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600769365_image8.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="371" height="411" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>landlocked</strong> country of southern Africa.</li>
<li>Botswana is <strong>mostly flat with a few hills,</strong> most of its highest points located along the south-east section of the country (the eastern edge of the Kalahari Basin).</li>
<li>The<strong> semi-arid Kalahari Desert</strong> covers about <strong>70%</strong> of Botswana's surface.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While Kalahari does receive about <strong>500 millimetres</strong> in the wettest parts per annum, the Kalahari is considered a desert because it has a vast surface area covered with sand.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Biodiversity:</strong> It is home to plants and animals, mostly different types of acacia trees, animals like lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, antelopes, meerkats, as well as many birds species and reptiles.</li>
<li><strong>Indegenous People:</strong> It is also home to the<strong> tribes</strong> like- San people (Bushmen), Tswana, Kgalakgadi, and Herero people.</li>
<li><strong>Okavango Delta:</strong> It is one of the world's largest <strong>inland</strong> deltas.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It spans about 15,000 square kilometres and is relatively flat topography.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bacteria-behind-deaths-of-330-botswana-elephants/article32663416.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		]
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	(int) 0 => [
		'title' => 'New Brucellosis Vaccine by ICAR',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong><em>&ldquo;Brucella</em> abortus S19&Delta; per vaccine&rdquo;</strong> is developed by <strong>the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/icar-to-set-up-farmers-innovation-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Council of Agricultural Research&rsquo;s</a> -Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI)</strong> for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/schemes-to-control-fmd-and-brucellosis#:~:text=Brucellosis%20is%20a%20bacterial%20disease,or%20by%20inhaling%20airborne%20agents." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>brucellosis</strong></a> prevention in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/crisis-in-the-dairy-sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>dairy sector.</strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Brucellosis:</strong> It is a<strong> bacterial disease</strong> caused by various <strong>Brucella species,</strong> which mainly infect cattle, swine, goats, sheep and dogs.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is also known as <strong>Malta fever or Mediterranean fever.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Brucellosis</strong> is a <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/zoonotic-diseases" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>zoonotic disease</strong> </a>and<strong> endemic in India</strong> causing<strong> huge economic losses to dairy industry</strong> due to:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Infertility</li>
<li>Abortion</li>
<li>Birth of weak off springs</li>
<li>Reduced productivity</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Old Vaccine:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>B.<em> abortus</em> S19 strain:</strong> In India, calf-hood vaccination is practiced using live attenuated <strong><em>Brucella abortus</em> S19 strain</strong> for control of the disease.</li>
<li>B.<em> abortus</em> S19 strain is a very strong <strong>immunogen and provides lifelong immunity.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An immunogen refers to a molecule that is capable of eliciting an immune response by an organism's immune system.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Drawbacks:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Residual virulence to humans and animals.</li>
<li>Not suitable for vaccination in adult animals.</li>
<li>Causes abortion when used in pregnant animals.</li>
<li>Interferes with sero-diagnosis of clinical infection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Vaccine: To overcome some of these drawbacks,</strong> a modified strain of B. abortus S19 has been developed at ICAR-IVRI. The newly developed strain is named as <strong><em>B. abortus</em> S19&Delta; per.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is developed under the <strong>Department of Biotechnology</strong> (DBT) funded <strong>&ldquo;Brucellosis network program&rdquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The programme <strong>aims at</strong> studying the epidemiological status of Brucella infections in India and to develop novel diagnostics and vaccines.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In the process of modifying the S19 strain,<strong> lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure</strong> of the organism was altered through <strong>deletion mutation.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Lipopolysaccharide</strong> is the major component of the outer membrane of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aware#:~:text=an%20expensive%20affair.-,Gram%2DNegative%20Bacteria,bacteria%20appear%20pinkish%20or%20red." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gram-negative bacteria.</strong> </a></li>
<li>A <strong>deletion mutation</strong> occurs when part of a DNA molecule is not copied during DNA replication.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Vaccine potential of S19&Delta; per has been evaluated in experimental small animal models and also in buffalo calves.</li>
<li>The vaccine has<strong> great demand in India</strong> and will be of immense help in the national control programme on brucellosis.</li>
<li>The vaccine has <strong>DIVA capability.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>DIVA means</strong> differentiating infected from <strong>vaccinated</strong> animals. These <strong>vaccines,</strong> also termed as marker<strong> vaccines,</strong> can differentiate between naturally infected and vaccinated animals.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Infection to Humans</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Brucellosis has infected over 3000 people in China.</li>
<li>Humans generally acquire the disease through:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Direct contact with infected animals or</strong></li>
<li>Eating, drinking <strong>contaminated</strong> animal products, unpasteurized milk or</li>
<li><strong>Inhaling airborne agents.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that person-to-person transmission of brucellosis is<strong> &ldquo;extremely rare&rdquo;</strong> but some symptoms may reoccur or never go away.</li>
<li><strong>Symptoms</strong> of Brucellosis include<strong> fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia</strong> (psychological disorder in which one eats less due to fear of weight gain),<strong> headache</strong> and <strong>muscle pain.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Treatment and prevention:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is usually treated with <strong>antibiotics,</strong> including<strong> rifampin and doxycycline.</strong></li>
<li>Avoiding unpasteurised dairy products and taking safety precautions such as wearing rubber gloves, gowns or aprons, when handling animals or working in a laboratory can help prevent or reduce the risk of getting brucellosis.</li>
<li>Other preventive measures include cooking meat properly, vaccinating domestic animals, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1658171" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-brucellosis-vaccine-by-icar'
	],
	(int) 1 => [
		'title' => 'The Big Picture: National Digital Health Mission & Data Compliance',
		'catname' => 'Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Discussions',
		'desc' => '<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HjOS_Wo0BY8" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h3>Why in News?</h3>
<p>Prime Minister of India, on August 15, 2020 announced plans to give every citizen a unique health ID as a part of the <strong>National Digital Health Mission (NDHM)</strong> which will digitise health records as well as provide a registry of doctors and health facilities</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>However, unlike Aadhar, the health ID is not mandatory and is only one of the components of the Mission.</li>
<li>The mission is reckoned by the government to go a long way in providing universal health coverage to over 1.3 billion people.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The aim of the mission is to address issues in the health sector through digital technology.</li>
<li>The NDHM has been rolled out on a pilot mode in six Union Territories: <strong>Chandigarh, Ladakh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Island.</strong></li>
<li>It comprises six areas, including:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Health ID</li>
<li>DigiDoctor</li>
<li>Health Facility Registry</li>
<li>Personal Health Records</li>
<li>E-pharmacy and Telemedicines at a later stage.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Clubbing the NDHM with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ayushman-bharat" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ayushman Bharat</strong> </a>will do a huge advantage for the health sector.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Background</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The work on the National Digital Health Mission started with the <strong>National Health Policy, 2017.</strong></li>
<li>The policy had envisaged creation of a digital health technology eco-system aiming at developing an integrated health information system that serves the needs of all stakeholders and improves efficiency, transparency and citizens&rsquo; experience with linkage across public and private healthcare.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A Digital Health ID was proposed to &ldquo;greatly reduce the risk of preventable medical errors and significantly increase quality of care&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Health Policy 2017</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Features:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The policy advocates a progressively incremental assurance-based approach.</li>
<li>It denotes an important change towards a comprehensive primary health care package which includes care for major NCDs (non-communicable diseases), mental health, geriatric health care, palliative care and rehabilitative care services.</li>
<li>It envisages providing a larger package of assured comprehensive primary health care through the &lsquo;Health and Wellness Centres&rsquo;.</li>
<li>The policy proposes free drugs, free diagnostics and free emergency and essential health care services in all public hospitals in a bid to provide access and financial protection.</li>
<li>It also envisages a <strong>three-dimensional integration of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ayush-wellness-centres-under-national-ayush-mission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AYUSH</a> systems</strong> encompassing cross referrals, co-location and integrative practices across systems of medicines.</li>
<li>It also seeks an <strong>effective grievance redressal mechanism.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Health Expenditure:</strong> The policy proposes raising public health expenditure to 2.5% of the GDP by 2025.</li>
<li><strong>Targets:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To increase life expectancy at birth from 67.5 to 70 by 2025 and reduce infant mortality rate to 28 by 2019.</li>
<li>To <strong>reduce mortality of children under-five</strong> years of age to 23 by the year 2025.</li>
<li>To allocate a major proportion of resources to primary care and intends to ensure availability <strong>of two beds per 1,000 population</strong> distributed in a manner to enable access <strong>within golden hour</strong> (the first hour after traumatic injury, when the victim is most likely to benefit from emergency treatment).</li>
<li>To achieve the<strong> global 2020 HIV target under 90-90-90 UNAIDS Target according to which by 2020,</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status.</li>
<li>90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy.</li>
<li>90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Reasons of Including Technology in the Health Sector</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The gaps/ loopholes observed in the delivery of healthcare services could be very well addressed by<strong> introducing technology</strong> into it.</li>
<li>In order to achieve universal health coverage, these technologies should be tested, standardised and integrated within the delivery system <strong>in a mission mode.</strong></li>
<li>The components of the digital health coverage says that it should be<strong> efficient, accessible, inclusive, affordable, safe and provided timely</strong> which is definitely not the condition at present.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Existing Condition of Health Sector in the Country</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Expenditure:</strong> The expenditure on the health sector in India is around 1.3% only whereas countries like Canada and Australia spent 8% and 6.3% of their GDP.</li>
<li><strong>Doctor to patient ratio:</strong> The doctor to patient ratio in India is 1: 1456 which means over 1,456 people within the country there is only one doctor available.</li>
<li><strong>Lack of infrastructure:</strong> The health sector is also lagging behind in terms of infrastructure and technology, especially in the rural areas where many small hospitals do not even have computers</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges for the Policy</h3>
<p>The decision has immense potential to change India&rsquo;s health infrastructure, while also raising concerns over privacy and efficient implementation.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>There should be one unique ID linked to all the services; AADHAR.</li>
<li>Small hospitals do not have a very updated infrastructure:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>So there are chances that wrong medical data of a patient would be uploaded. This is still skeptical if the patient has the right to update his reports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Cyber security in terms of digital awareness is not moving as fast as we are moving towards digitisation in everything.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While the medical health data which is highly critically personal; the challenge is:
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>How to create awareness among the end users (patients) and</li>
<li>How would the data aggregator (govt) ensure that private hospitals who are accessing a patient&rsquo;s personal health information are not misusing it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>As the policy is not mandatory for all it is quite difficult to pursue a large section of the population to opt for it.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The policy could be a game changer; if taken into account the <strong>confidentiality and privacy of every individual,</strong> it could result in India having the most accessible and affordable health care system.</li>
<li>The policy should rather have a <strong>staggered launch and not a full fledged one;</strong> firstly the results of the 6 union territories should be taken into consideration, then probably some other villages and cities and gradually increasing the coverage areas.</li>
<li><strong>Awareness campaigns</strong> that also advertise the benefits of opting for the policy must be organised in order to encourage a larger section of population to opt for the policy.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The health ID will undoubtedly give a much-needed technological impetus to a sector that has long been found wanting, more so amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.</li>
<li>The digital technology during the pandemic has been fast tracked and has shown great results. Helped the front line workers carry out their work more efficiently.</li>
<li>Data is the new gold, hence it should be preserved and secured.</li>
</ul>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-national-digital-health-mission-data-compliance'
	],
	(int) 2 => [
		'title' => 'China’s Renewed Support for Paris Agreement',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, China has renewed its support for the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-climate-change-act-now" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris Agreement</strong> </a>at the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations</strong></a> (UN)<strong> General Assembly,</strong> while calling for a <strong>&lsquo;green focus&rsquo;</strong> as the world recovers from the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Covid-19</strong></a> crisis.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>China is the <strong>world's biggest polluter</strong> and <strong>accounts for a quarter of the planet's <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/greenhouse-gas-levels-reach-record-highs-un-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">greenhouse gas </a></strong>(GHG)<strong> emissions.</strong></li>
<li>It now aims to reach <strong>carbon-dioxide emissions peak before 2030</strong> and <strong>achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 2060 objective is<strong> still a decade later than the date set by other small states as well as European powers</strong> but it has been appreciated by experts as a significant step to inject momentum into the Paris accord.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In addition to its embrace of global emissions-busting deals, China already feeds <strong>nearly 15% of its energy demands with non-fossil fuels </strong>and its <strong>installation of <a href="/infographics/info-paper3/renewable-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewable energy</a> stands at 30% of the world total.</strong></li>
<li>However, global experts have highlighted that there are <strong>massive investments continuing within China and overseas in coal and other fossil fuels.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China currently has <strong>135 gigawatts of coal-power capacity either permitted or under construction,</strong> according to <strong>Global Energy Monitor,</strong> a San Francisco-based environmental group.</li>
<li>This equates to about<strong> half the total coal-power capacity in the USA</strong> which is the <strong>second-largest polluter after China.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Against the USA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>China <strong>highlighted USA&rsquo;s demand for plastics and export of waste</strong> and <strong>criticised it for &ldquo;obstructing&rdquo; the global fight</strong> against emissions.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Earlier, the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cop24" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>USA had pulled out of the Paris agreement</strong></a>, calling it unfair and <strong>blamed China for the stalled momentum</strong> on tackling global emissions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This move has opened a <strong>new divergence in<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/usa-bill-to-put-sanction-on-china" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> US-China relations</a> which are already troubled</strong> over issues like<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/trade-war-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> trade</strong></a>, technology, defence and human rights.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Paris Agreement</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Paris Agreement (also known as the <strong>Conference of Parties 21</strong> or <strong>COP 21</strong>) is a landmark environmental accord that was<strong> adopted in 2015 to address climate change and its negative impacts.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It replaced the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cop25-climate-summit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kyoto Protocol</strong></a> which was an earlier agreement to deal with climate change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aims:</strong> To reduce global GHG emissions in an effort to<strong> limit the global temperature increase in this century to well below 2&deg;C above pre-industrial levels,</strong> while pursuing means to<strong> limit the increase to 1.5&deg;C by 2100.</strong></li>
<li><strong>It includes:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Addressing the financial losses vulnerable countries face</strong> from climate impacts such as extreme weather.</li>
<li><strong>Raising money to help developing countries</strong> adapt to climate change and transition to clean energy.</li>
<li>This part of the deal has been made <strong>non-legally binding on developed countries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Before the conference started, <strong>more than 180 countries had submitted pledges to cut their carbon emissions (Intended Nationally Determined Contributions</strong> or INDCs).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The INDCs were <strong>recognised under the agreement, but are not legally binding.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/conference-of-the-parties-cop-24" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India also reaffirmed its INDCs commitments</strong> </a>to meeting the goals under the Agreement in order to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/virtual-climate-action-ministerial" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>combat the climate change.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-vows-to-go-carbon-neutral-by-2060/article32680241.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/china-s-renewed-support-for-paris-agreement'
	],
	(int) 3 => [
		'title' => 'CAG Survey Report on School Toilets',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/comptroller-and-auditor-general-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG)</a></strong> has flagged irregularities in the construction of toilets in schools by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in an audit report tabled before Parliament.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Physical survey:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are <strong>10.8 lakh</strong> government schools in the country. Overall, more than <strong>1.4 lakh toilets</strong> have been built by<strong> 53 CPSEs,</strong> with significant support coming from <strong>power, coal</strong> and<strong> oil companies</strong> as part of the <strong>Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan.</strong></li>
<li>The CAG audit conducted a physical survey of a sample of<strong> 2,695 toilets</strong> built by these companies in 15 States.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Issues Found:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>No functional toilets:</strong> Out of the<strong> 1,967 coeducational schools</strong> surveyed, 99 schools had no functional toilets while 436 had only one functional toilet, meaning that the <strong>objective of providing separate toilets for boys and girls was not fulfilled in 27% of the schools.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Maintenance and Sanitation:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>75%</strong> of toilets did not follow the norm for daily cleaning at least once a day.</li>
<li>72% of constructed toilets had no running water facilities inside, and 55% had no hand washing facilities at all, an even greater necessity in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>affected times.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Construction Issues:</strong> Out of the sample of 2,695 toilets, CPSEs identified but did not construct 83. Another 200 toilets were reported to be constructed, but were non-existent, while 86 toilets were only partially constructed.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Thus, almost 40% of toilets were <strong>non-existent, partially completed or unused.</strong></li>
<li>The audit also noticed cases of<strong> defective construction</strong> of toilets, non-provision of foundation, ramp/staircase and damaged or overflowed leach pit, which led to ineffective use of toilets.</li>
<li><strong>Prefabricated structures</strong> were used for constructing many toilets leading to <strong>extra expenditure, dilution in durability </strong>and<strong> non-compliance with direction.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It was launched by the <strong>Ministry of Human Resource Development</strong> (now Ministry of Education) in September <strong>2014.</strong></li>
<li>The aim is to meet the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/right-to-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Education</strong></a> Act&rsquo;s<strong> mandate that all schools must have separate toilets for boys and girls.</strong></li>
<li>In order to <strong>effectively change the behaviour of students,</strong> the programme norms required the<strong> CPSEs</strong> to build toilets with running water and hand washing facilities, and to maintain the toilets for three to five years while charging the <strong>annual expenses to their <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/corporate-social-responsibility-csr-expenditure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)</a> budgets.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of School Toilets:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Constitutional Promises:</strong> As mandated by the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/right-to-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Education Act</strong></a>, all children are required to spend<strong> six hours</strong> in school every day. During this period, they would want to use the toilets. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Act mandates that all schools must have <strong>separate toilets for boys and girls.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Health &amp; Nutrition:</strong> The provision of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in school secures a<strong> healthy school environment</strong> and protects children from<strong> illness and exclusion.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hygiene in school also <strong>supports school nutrition.</strong></li>
<li>The simple act of washing hands with soap before eating the school mid-day meal assists to break disease transmission routes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Enrolments &amp; Dropouts:</strong> Lack of toilets for girls, is a reason for dropouts. A school latrine generally increased female enrolment more than male enrolment.</li>
<li><strong>Child as a Change Agent:</strong> Having a clean school fosters a child&rsquo;s pride in his or her school and community.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It enables every child to become an agent of change for improving water, sanitation and hygiene practices in their families and within their community.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The RTE Act aims to provide <strong>primary education to all children aged 6 to 14 years.</strong></li>
<li>It enforces <strong>Education as a Fundamental Right (Article 21-A).</strong></li>
<li>The act mandates <strong>25% reservation for disadvantaged sections</strong> of the society where disadvantaged groups include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>SCs and STs</li>
<li>Socially Backward Class</li>
<li>Differently abled</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It also makes provisions for a non-admitted child to be admitted to an age appropriate class.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Regular monitoring is essential for the success of such a programme related to basic facilities.</li>
<li>In addition to an adequate provision of funds, cleaning, sanitation training, maintenance of toilets and other things, the issue of fixing accountability must be addressed. Else we will keep visiting the basic issues over and over again, reformulating strategies and recommissioning funds.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/40-of-toilets-surveyed-by-cag-in-govt-schools-non-existent-unused/article32680816.ece#:~:text=Public%20sector%20units%20claimed%20to,%2C%20partially%20constructed%2C%20or%20unused." 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/cag-survey-report-on-school-toilets'
	],
	(int) 4 => [
		'title' => 'World Risk Index 2020',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to the <strong>World Risk Index (WRI) 2020,</strong> India is &lsquo;poorly prepared&rsquo; to deal with<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/challenges-in-climate-change-negotiations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;climate reality&rsquo;,</strong> </a>due to which it is vulnerable to extreme natural disasters.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>World Risk Index:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is calculated on a<strong> country-by-country basis,</strong> through the multiplication of exposure and vulnerability and <strong>describes the disaster risk</strong> for various countries and regions.</li>
<li><strong>Released annually since 2011,</strong> it indicates which countries are in the greatest need to strengthen measures for coping with and adapting to extreme natural events.</li>
<li>It is <strong>part of the World Risk Report 2020</strong> released by the <strong>United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security</strong> (UNU-EHS), Bundnis Entwicklung Hilft and the University of Stuttgart in Germany.</li>
<li><strong>Among continents, Oceania is at the highest risk,</strong> followed by Africa and the Americas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Oceania:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600940450_image7.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600940450_image7.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a></strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Small island states, <strong>especially in the South Pacific and the Caribbean,</strong> are disproportionately represented among high-risk countries.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Vanuatu</strong> (South Pacific Ocean) is the country with the <strong>highest disaster risk worldwide.</strong> It is followed by Tonga (South Pacific Ocean) and Dominica (Caribbean Sea).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They are at a<strong> high exposure to extreme natural events</strong> which include the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/large-population-and-assets-to-be-affected-by-sea-level-rise" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> rise in sea level</strong></a> as a result of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-warming-of-1-5-c-ipcc-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>global warming.</strong></a></li>
<li>The small island states have <strong>limited financial resources and have made small contributions to climate change,</strong> but are<strong> affected the most</strong> by its consequences.</li>
<li>They are <strong>needed to be compensated for the climate damage and losses</strong> already incurred and merely providing financial resources for adaptation to climate change is not sufficient.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Africa:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has been identified as a hotspot of vulnerability<strong>. More than two-thirds of the most vulnerable countries in the world are located on the continent.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>size of semiarid regions in Africa is expected to increase,</strong> with over half of Africa&rsquo;s land area <strong>vulnerable to <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/desertification-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">desertification.</a></strong></li>
<li>Large areas of Africa are<strong> marginalized </strong>and<strong> already under significant financial stress.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Central African Republic is the most vulnerable</strong> country, followed by Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger and Guinea-Bissau.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>South Asia and India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>India has ranked 89<sup>th</sup> among 181 countries</strong> on the WRI 2020 and is<strong> fourth-most-at-risk in South Asia,</strong> after Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan.</li>
<li><strong>Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives have fared better than India</strong> in their <strong>abilities to cope with extreme disasters. India also lags behind </strong>these three neighbours in terms of<strong> lack of adaptive capacities or the preparedness to deal </strong>with extreme events.</li>
<li>A comparison with the WRI 2019, shows tha<strong>t all south Asian countries have slipped</strong> on their <strong>ability to adapt</strong> to the reality of climate emergency.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Countries with a<strong> score above 52.73, are &lsquo;very poor&rsquo;</strong> in their <strong>adaptive capacities</strong> for extreme natural disasters.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India has also slipped on strengthening adaptive capacities </strong>which is <strong>concerning as it highlights the inability of systems, institutions, and other organisms to adjust</strong> to potential damage, to take advantage of opportunities, or to respond to consequences.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It becomes more important given that <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/assessment-of-climate-change-over-the-indian-region-moes#:~:text=Recently%2C%20the%20first%20Assessment%20of,subcontinent%20in%20the%20coming%20century." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India's first ever comprehensive climate change assessment report</strong></a> highlighted the impacts of the climate crisis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/how-ready-is-india-for-climate-change-not-much-says-this-report-73502" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-risk-index-2020'
	],
	(int) 5 => [
		'title' => 'Whale Mass Strandings',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Over <strong>450 long-finned pilot whales</strong> have died in <strong>Australia's largest recorded mass-stranding event.</strong> The whales were <strong>beached at a remote beach in Tasmania&rsquo;s west coast.</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600939440_image3.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600939440_image3.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Beaching/Stranding Events:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Beaching refers to the<strong> phenomenon of dolphins and whales stranding themselves on beaches.</strong></li>
<li>There are <strong>around 2,000 strandings each year</strong> worldwide, with most <strong>resulting in the death of the animal.</strong></li>
<li>Whales strand themselves on beaches either <strong>singularly or in groups.</strong> While <strong>individual strandings</strong> are mostly attributed to <strong>injury or sickness,</strong> it is <strong>not clear why exactly whales beach themselves in groups.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Possible Reasons behind Whale Mass Strandings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some whales <strong>follow schooling fish or other prey</strong> into shallow waters, which causes the whales to become disoriented, as a result of which they get stranded.</li>
<li>Another reason could be <strong>panic from being trapped by a predator</strong> such as killer whales or sharks.</li>
<li>Another possibility is that <strong>whales might be drawn to land by prey-rich currents.</strong></li>
<li>Some scientists believe that<strong> sonar signals and other man-made loud underwater noises</strong> may contribute to beaching events.</li>
<li>Further, the <strong>shape of the beach</strong> and the <strong>coastline</strong> could also have a role to play.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protection:</strong> Scientists and workers try to drag the whales away from the shore and guide them back into the water.</li>
<li><strong>Long-finned pilot whales:</strong> <a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600939478_image6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600939478_image6.jpg" style="float: right;" width="300" caption="false" /></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Scientific Name:</strong> Globicephala melas</li>
<li>These are <strong>one of two species of pilot whale,</strong> along with short-finned pilot whales.</li>
<li>These prefer <strong>deep temperate to subpolar oceanic waters,</strong> but they have been known to occur in coastal waters in some areas.</li>
<li>They have been documented near the <strong>Antarctic sea</strong> ice and associated with the colder<strong> Benguela and Humboldt Currents,</strong> which may extend their normal range.</li>
<li><strong>Protection Status:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CITES</a>: Appendix II</strong></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IUCN</a>: Least Concern</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-have-hundreds-of-whales-died-in-australia-6607764/#:~:text=One%20reason%20could%20be%20that,as%20killer%20whales%20or%20sharks." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/whale-mass-strandings'
	],
	(int) 6 => [
		'title' => 'G4 Foreign Ministers Meeting',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, Foreign Ministers from the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet#:~:text=The%20foreign%20ministers%20of%20the,on%2027th%20September%202019." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Group of 4</strong></a> (G4), consisting of <strong>India, Brazil, Japan and Germany,</strong> participated in a virtual meeting.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>G4 is a group of countries that are seeking permanent membership of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-security-council-1#:~:text=Its%20primary%20responsibility%20is%20to,China%20and%20the%20United%20Kingdom." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> United Nations Security Council</strong></a> (UNSC).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>G4 will seek concrete and time-bound outcomes during the 75<sup>th</sup> session of the UN General Assembly.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UN will celebrate its <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-75-declaration" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>75<sup>th</sup> anniversary</strong></a> on 24<sup>th</sup> October 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The Ministers reaffirmed their common resolve to finally take decisive steps towards the <strong>early and comprehensive<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/g-4-foreign-minister-meeting-on-sidelines-of-unga" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> reform of the Security Council</a></strong> that was envisaged by Heads of State and Government in the<strong> 2005 World Summit.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The 2005 World Summit was held at United Nations Headquarters in New York.</li>
<li>All governments expressed strong and unambiguous commitment to achieve the <strong>Millennium Development Goals</strong> by 2015.</li>
<li>It set up<strong> two new bodies,</strong> a <strong>Peacebuilding Commission</strong> to help countries in transition from war to peace, and a strengthened<a href="/daily-news-editorials/the-relevance-of-unhrc#:~:text=The%20Mandate%20and%20Functioning,group%20basis%20from%205%20groups." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Human Rights Council.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>G4 on UNSC Reforms</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Ensuring greater representation for Africa:</strong> Africa needs to be represented in <strong>both the permanent and non-permanent categories</strong> of UNSC <strong>to correct the historical injustice</strong> against this continent with regard to its under-representation in the Security Council.</li>
<li><strong>Enhanced role of developing countries and of major contributors to the UN:</strong> To make UNSC more<strong> legitimate, effective and representative,</strong> it is needed to increase the number of permanent (from 5 to 11) and non-permanent (from 10 to 14) seats. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The permanent seats shall be elected in the following manner: Two from African States; Two from Asian States; One from Latin American and Caribbean States ; One from Western European and Other States.</li>
<li>Non-permanent members shall be elected according to the following pattern : One from African States ; One from Asian States ; One from Eastern European States ; One from Latin American and Caribbean State</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The UNSC reforms proposed earlier had been opposed by the five permanent members (P5) of UNSC as they demanded veto power for new members as well <strong>(Rizali Plan).</strong> However, later the new countries decided to forego the veto power for new countries which was accepted by P5 countries <strong>(Rizali Reform Plan).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Text-Based Negotiations:</strong> The G4 will work with other reform-minded countries and groups to start<strong> text-based negotiations (TBN)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India is a proponent of TBN at the UN. Countries opposed to UNSC reform, including China, are hesitant to have TBN for intergovernmental negotiations on the grounds that the matter is<strong> too sensitive</strong> for text.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns over IGN:</strong> Two sessions in February and March 2020 of Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reform were adjourned due to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a>, which could have taken place virtually.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The countries expressed concern that IGN<strong> lacks the necessary openness and transparency</strong> and is constrained by <strong>flawed working methods.</strong></li>
<li>IGN should also have included a reflection of the <strong>Common African Position</strong> as enshrined in the<strong> Ezulwini Consensus</strong> and the<strong> Sirte Declaration.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Ezulwini Consensus (2005)</strong> is a position on international relations and reform of the United Nations, agreed by the African Union. It calls for a more representative and democratic Security council, in which Africa, like all other world regions, is represented.</li>
<li>The <strong>Sirte Declaration (1999)</strong> was the resolution adopted to establish the African Union.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Groups Opposed to UNSC Reforms:</strong> An informal <strong>"coffee club"</strong> or <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-un-security-council-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Uniting for Consensus Group</strong></a> has opposed UNSC reforms.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Most members of the club are middle-sized states who oppose bigger regional powers grabbing permanent seats in the UN Security Council.</li>
<li>While <strong>Italy and Spain are opposed to Germany's</strong> bid for UNSC&rsquo;s permanent membership, <strong>Pakistan is opposed to India's bid.</strong> Similarly, <strong>Argentina is against Brazil's </strong>bid and <strong>Australia opposes Japan's.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India&rsquo;s Position:</strong> India, will commence a two-year non-permanent term on the UNSC in January, 2021<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It has long sought a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-permanent-seat-in-unsc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>permanent seat</strong></a> at the Council.</li>
<li>Four of the five permanent members of the Security Council &ndash; USA, UK, France and Russia support giving India a permanent seat at the Council. Only China is opposed to this.</li>
<li>India is also seeking reforms to democratize the UN, such as UNSC reforms and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-un-financial-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UN peacekeeping reforms.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Intergovernmental Negotiations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>IGN is a group of nation-states working within the United Nations to further reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</li>
<li>The IGN is composed of several different international organizations, namely:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/09-07-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>African Union</strong></a></li>
<li>G4 nations</li>
<li><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-un-security-council-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Uniting for Consensus Group (UfC)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/28-09-2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>L.69 Group of Developing Countries</strong></a></li>
<li>Arab League</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-caricom" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Caribbean Community</strong></a> (CARICOM).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/g4-seeks-concrete-text-based-time-bound-reform-of-un-security-council/article32680212.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/g4-foreign-ministers-meeting'
	],
	(int) 7 => [
		'title' => 'Non-utilisation of Cesses & Levies ',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/comptroller-and-auditor-general-of-india-cag" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Comptroller and Auditor General of India</strong></a> (CAG) told Parliament that the Centre has <strong>only transferred 60% of the proceeds from cess/levies</strong> in Fiscal Year 2018-19 to the <strong>relevant Reserve Funds</strong> and retained the balance in the <strong>Consolidated Fund of India (CFI).</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Non-utilisation of Funds:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centre had collected Rs. 2.75 lakh crore from <strong>35 cesses/levies in FY19.</strong> However, it has only transferred Rs. 1.64 lakh crore and retained Rs. 1.1 lakh crore in the CFI.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Rs. 40,000 crore of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/centre-s-inability-to-pay-gst-dues" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>GST Compensation Cess</strong> </a>was not credited to the related Reserve Fund.</li>
<li>Rs. 10,157 crore of the <strong>Road and Infrastructure Cess</strong> collected was neither transferred to the related Reserve Fund nor utilised for the purpose for which the cess was collected.</li>
<li>Rs. 2,123 crore of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/challenges-in-telecom-sector-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Universal Service levy</strong> </a>and Rs. 79 crore collected as <strong>National Mineral Trust levy</strong> was not transferred to the relevant Reserve Funds.</li>
<li><strong>Social Welfare Surcharge</strong> on <strong>Customs</strong> amounting to Rs. 8,871 crore was levied but no dedicated fund for the same was envisaged. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Non-creation/non operation of Reserve Funds makes it difficult to ensure that cesses and levies have been utilised for the specific purposes intended by the Parliament.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In addition, Rs. 1,24,399 crore, representing the <strong>Cess on crude</strong> oil collected between 2010-20, had not been transferred to the<strong> Oil Industry Development Board</strong> (designated Reserve Fund) and was retained in CFI.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mechanism of Utilisation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cesses and levies collected are required to be first<strong> transferred to designated Reserve Funds</strong> and <strong>utilised for the specific purposes</strong> intended by Parliament.</li>
<li>Funds collected through <strong>Central taxes</strong> along with cesses and other levies<strong> go to the CFI.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Taxes and surcharges in CFI are parked in a divisible pool and 42% of the total is given to States as devolution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Consolidated Fund of India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was constituted under <strong>Article 266 (1)</strong> of the Constitution of India.</li>
<li>It is made up of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>All <strong>revenues received</strong> by the Centre by way of <strong>taxes</strong> (Income Tax, Central Excise, Customs and other receipts) and all <strong>non-tax revenues.</strong></li>
<li>All <strong>loans raised by the Centre</strong> by issue of Public notifications, treasury bills (internal debt) and from foreign governments and international institutions (external debt).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>All government expenditures are incurred from this fund</strong> (except exceptional items which are met from the <strong>Contingency Fund</strong> or the<strong> Public Account</strong>) and no amount can be withdrawn from the Fund without <strong>authorization from the Parliament.</strong></li>
<li>The CAG audits the fund and reports to the relevant legislatures on the management.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Cess</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Cess is a <strong>form of tax</strong> levied over and above the base tax liability of a taxpayer.</li>
<li>Cess is resorted to only when there is a need to meet the<strong> particular expenditure for public welfare.</strong></li>
<li>Cess is not a permanent source of revenue for the government, and it is<strong> discontinued</strong> when the purpose of levying it is fulfilled.</li>
<li>It can be levied on <strong>both indirect and direct taxes.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Examples :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Swachh Bharat Cess:</strong> Introduced in 2015, a 0.5% Swachh Bharat cess was imposed to fund a national campaign for clearing the roads, streets and the infrastructure of India.</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure Cess:</strong> Announced in Union Budget 2016, this cess was charged on the production of vehicles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Surcharge</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A surcharge is an <strong>extra fee, charge, or tax</strong> that is added on to the cost of a good or service, beyond the initially quoted price.</li>
<li>It is <strong>added to an existing tax</strong> and is not included in the stated price of the good or service.</li>
<li>It is levied for extra services or to defray the cost of increased commodity pricing.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/centre-retained-11-lakh-cr-of-cess-receipts/article32680256.ece#:~:text=The%20Centre%20retained%20in%20the,Comptroller%20and%20Auditor%20General%20(CAG" 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/non-utilisation-of-cesses-levies'
	],
	(int) 8 => [
		'title' => 'Plastic Parks Scheme',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Chemicals &amp; Fertilizers</strong> has approved<strong> setting up of 10 Plastic Parks</strong> in the country.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Parks are being set up in the states of Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh.</li>
<li>A <strong>Plastic Park is an industrial zone</strong> devoted to plastic enterprises and its allied industries.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The share of India in world trade of plastics is very low. <strong>India's share in the USD 1 trillion global plastic exports market </strong>is about<strong> 1%.</strong></li>
<li>The Indian Plastics industry is <strong>large but highly fragmented</strong> with dominance of tiny, small and medium units and thus lacks the capacity to tap this opportunity.</li>
<li>The <strong>Scheme for setting up of Plastic Parks</strong> has been formulated with a view to <strong>synergize and consolidate the capacities through cluster development.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features of the Scheme:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Demand-Driven:</strong> Supports setting up of a<strong> need based 'Plastic Parks&rsquo;</strong> - an ecosystem with requisite state of the art infrastructure and enabling common facilities to assist the plastic sector move up the value chain and contribute to the economy more effectively.</li>
<li><strong>Major Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Increase the competitiveness, polymer absorption capacity and value addition in the <strong>domestic downstream plastic processing industry</strong> through adaptation of modern, research and development led measurers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the <strong>petrochemical supply chain,</strong> the plastics industry can be classified into <strong>two categories.</strong></li>
<li>First, the <strong>manufacturing of polymers,</strong> which is called <strong>&lsquo;upstream&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The second one is <strong>conversion of processable polymers</strong> (plastic raw materials) into useful end products, which are classified as <strong>&lsquo;downstream&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Achieve<strong> environmentally sustainable growth</strong> through innovative methods of waste management, recycling, etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Funding Pattern:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>Central Government provides grant funding up to 50% of the project cost,</strong> subject to a <strong>ceiling of Rs. 40 crore per project.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>remaining project cost</strong> is funded by the State Government, beneficiary industries and by loan from financial institutions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Implementation:</strong> A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) shall complete the setting up of the Plastic Park in a <strong>period of three years</strong> from the date of final approval.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The SPV is a <strong>distinct legal entity</strong> formed by the State Government or its agency.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET)</strong> has established a <strong>Centre for Skilling and Technical Support (CSTS) at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh</strong> which provides Diploma programmes and skill development training programmes in the field of Plastics Engineering &amp; Technology.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>CIPET is a premier government of India institute.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges for the Plastic Industry:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increased volume of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/plastic-waste-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plastic waste</a>.</strong> As per reports on the status of India, only 60% of this waste gets recycled. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The major challenge is segregation and re-aggregation of plastic waste streams such as packaging waste, including laminated plastic.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/plastic-marine-pollution" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pollution caused by plastic waste</strong> </a>is tormenting the environment including aquatic resources necessitating urgent action, that is why the plastic sector needs better management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A <strong>lack of upgrading quality and diversification</strong> in the product range.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>India has committed to phase out the use of single-use plastic by 2022.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Plasticulture,</strong> i.e. the use of plastics in agriculture, horticulture, water-management, food grains storage and related areas should be promoted.<strong> Recycling of plastics</strong> is one of the foremost steps towards innovation and sustainability in this industry.</li>
<li>Further, the government needs to work on the<strong> draft 'National Plastic and Packaging Industry Development Policy 2019'.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1658057" 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/plastic-parks-scheme'
	],
	(int) 9 => [
		'title' => 'Genetic Engineering: Promises & Perils',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/analysis/the-dangers-of-genetic-engineering-opinion/story-i1syP6tiQAg16EQ5A7jLSL.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;The dangers of genetic engineering&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on 23/09/2020. It talks about the promises and perils associated with Genetic engineering.</p>
</div>
<p>Genetic engineering may be one of the greatest breakthroughs in recent history alongside the discovery of the atom and space flight. However, there are many disadvantages and plausible risks associated with it.</p>
<p>Although a research<strong> report in Nature Medicine</strong> contradicts the likelihood of intentional engineering of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sars-CoV-2</strong></a>, genetic engineering could well be the cause of the next pandemic.</p>
<p>Covid-19 have demonstrated how biological pathogens can be as destructive as nuclear missiles. Hence, the world should be cautious of the potential of genetic engineering to develop viruses that can be used for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/combating-bioterrorism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bio-terrorism.</strong></a></p>
<p>However, the technological advancement through Genetic engineering can also provide its cure and a strong defense against it. Thus, there should be efforts globally in developing bio-defences.</p>
<h3>What is Genetic Engineering?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Through genetic engineering, scientists are able to move desirable genes from one plant or animal to another or from a plant to an animal or vice versa.</li>
<li>In essence, genetic engineering is a technology wherein a specific gene can be selected and implanted into the recipient organism.</li>
<li>The process of genetic engineering involves splicing an area of a chromosome, a gene, that controls a certain characteristic of the body. For example:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This gene may be reprogrammed to produce an antiviral protein.</li>
<li>The enzyme endonuclease is used to split a DNA sequence as well as split the gene from the rest of the chromosome.</li>
<li>This gene is removed and can be placed into a bacterial cell where it can be sealed into the DNA chain using ligase.</li>
<li>When the chromosome is once again sealed the bacterial cell is now effectively re-programmed to replicate this new antiviral protein.</li>
<li>The bacterium can continue to live a healthy life while genetic engineering by human intervention has manipulated it to produce the protein.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Advantages of Genetic Engineering</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Genetically Modified (GM) Crops:</strong> Genetic engineering made it possible to create crop varieties regarded as &ldquo;more beneficial&rdquo; terms of coming up with crops with the desired traits. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Examples of genetically-engineered plants (<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/bt-cotton-in-india-problems-and-solutions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bt Cotton</strong></a>) with more desirable traits are drought-resistant plants, disease-resistant crops, plants that grow faster, and plants fortified with more nutrients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Treatment of Genetic Disorders and Other Diseases:</strong> Through genetic engineering, genetic disorders may also be fixed by replacing the faulty gene with a functional gene.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes, may be engineered into becoming sterile insects.</li>
<li>This will help in curbing the spread of certain diseases, e.g. malaria and dengue fever.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Therapeutic Cloning:</strong> It is a process whereby embryonic cells are cloned to obtain biological organs for transplantation.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Challenges of Genetic Engineering</h3>
<p>While genetic engineering is beneficial in many ways, it is also implicated in certain eventualities deemed as &ldquo;unpleasant&rdquo; or disadvantageous.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Irreversible Changes:</strong> Nature is an extremely complex interrelated chain. Some scientists believe that introducing genetically-modified genes may have an irreversible effect with consequences yet unknown.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>GMO that can cause harmful genetic effects, and genes moving from one species to another that is not genetically engineered.</li>
<li>It has been shown that GMO crop plants can pass the beneficial gene along to a wild population which may affect the biodiversity in the region. An example is the sunflowers genetically-engineered to fend off certain insects.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Health Issues Related with GMO Crops:</strong> There are concerns over the inadvertent effects, such as the creation of food that can cause an allergic reaction.</li>
<li><strong>Bioethics:</strong> Genetic engineering borderlines on many moral and ethical issues. One of the major questions raised is if humans have the right to manipulate the laws and course of nature.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Dangers Associated With Genetic Engineering</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rapid Growth of Technology:</strong> Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/chinas-gene-editing-rules" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(CRISPR) gene editing</strong></a>, developed only a few years ago, deploys the same natural mechanism that bacteria use to trim pieces of genetic information from one genome and insert it into another. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This mechanism, which bacteria developed over millennia to defend themselves from viruses, has been turned into a cheap, simple, quick way to edit the DNA of any organism in the lab.</li>
<li>CRISPR isn&rsquo;t the only genetic technology we need to worry about. A broader field, &ldquo;synthetic biology&rdquo;, is making the tools for genetic engineering widely available.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Democratisation of Biotechnology:</strong> As CRISPR is cheap and easy to use, thousands of scientists all over the world are experimenting with CRISPR-based gene editing projects with very little of this research being limited by regulations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The technologies have democratised to such a degree that any country can engineer viruses.</li>
<li>Further, the danger comes not only from governments: Non-state actors, rogue scientists and bio-hackers have access to the same tools.</li>
<li>Also, researchers have demonstrated that they can recreate deadly viruses such as that of smallpox, which took humanity decades to eradicate</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>As there have been no checks or balances, and it is too late to stop the global spread of these technologies.The only solution, now, is to accelerate the good side of these technologies and build defences. In this context:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Leveraging Artificial Intelligence &amp; Big Data:</strong> With <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence (AI)</strong></a> and genomic data, scientists will decipher the complex relationships between DNA and biological processes and find treatments for diseases.</li>
<li><strong>Deploying 3D Printing:</strong> 3-D printing can help develop at home medicines, tissues, and bacteria custom-designed to suit our DNA and keep us healthy.</li>
<li><strong>Gathering of Genomic Data:</strong> There is a need to develop genomic blueprints of human and other species, this information can help immensely to defend and develop vaccines against pandemics like Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Technologies such as genomics, synthetic biology, sensors, 3D printing, and AI should be leveraged by India to analyse data and develop treatments. Through this, India can lead the world in research and innovation in genetic engineering and lay the foundation for a trillion-dollar medical industry.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600860944_Image0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600860944_Image0.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="750" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f7ffe6;">
<p><span style="color: #0000ff;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Genetic engineering may be one of the greatest breakthroughs in recent human evolution, but there are many plausible risks associated with it. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kP-Rx-l_K8w" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/the-vaccine-protocol-ht-editorial/story-4os8FgiFDAh4VrHiJtyGUP.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The vaccine protocol&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Hindustan Times on September 21<sup>st</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/genetic-engineering-promises-perils'
	],
	(int) 10 => [
		'title' => 'EPCA on Early Burning of Crop Residue',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a>-appointed<strong> Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA)</strong> raised concerns about early <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/stubble-burning-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>burning of crop residue</strong></a> in Punjab and Haryana.</p>
<h3>Key Findings</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/safar" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research)</strong> </a>under the Central government estimate which uses the<strong> INSAT-3, 3D</strong> and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)</strong></a> satellite, the fire counts have increased from zero to 42 in a few days.</li>
<li>In 2019, about 9.8 million tonnes of the total estimated crop residue of 20 million tonnes were burnt in Punjab. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Similarly, in Haryana, of the total 7 million tonnes, 1.24 million tonnes of stubble were burnt.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>EPCA was constituted under<strong> section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986</strong> for the <strong>National Capital Region</strong> in compliance with the <strong>Supreme Court order dated January 1998.</strong></li>
<li>It has the power to take action<strong> suo-moto,</strong> or on the <strong>basis of complaints</strong> made by any individual, representative body or organization functioning in the field of environment.</li>
<li>It takes all necessary steps for controlling vehicular pollution, ensuring compliance of fuel quality standards, monitoring and coordinating action for traffic planning and management.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>INSAT</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The<strong> Indian National Satellite (INSAT)</strong> system is a constellation of operational communication satellites placed in <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/types-of-orbit" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Geo-stationary orbit.</strong></a></li>
<li>Established in <strong>1983</strong> with commissioning of INSAT-1B.</li>
<li>The constellation of INSAT System consists of operational satellites, namely &ndash; INSAT-3A, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4CR, 3DR.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>SAFAR</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)</strong> is a national initiative introduced by the <strong>Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)</strong> to measure the air quality of a metropolitan city, by measuring the overall pollution level and the <strong>location-specific air quality</strong> of the city.</li>
<li>The system is<strong> indigenously</strong> developed by the <strong>Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM),</strong> Pune and is operationalized by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cyclone-fani" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India Meteorological Department (IMD).</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Stubble Burning</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>traditional practice</strong> in <strong>Punjab and Haryana</strong> to clean off the rice chaff to prepare the fields for winter sowing.</li>
<li>It begins<strong> around October and peaks in November,</strong> coinciding with the withdrawal of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/monsoon-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>southwest monsoon.</strong></a></li>
<li>The<strong> pollutants and the Particulate Matter (PM)</strong> from the chaff, along with other sources of pollution in Delhi, makes winter air quality worse in Delhi and proximity.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Increase in Rice Acreage: Subsidies and assured procurement</strong> of rice have led to a rise in the rice acreage.</li>
<li><strong>Delayed sowing</strong> of paddy to late June to discourage groundwater extraction as per 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></li>
<li>This led to a delayed harvesting, stubble burning coincides perfectly with the withdrawal of southwest monsoon.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This time the<strong> southward shift of subtropical jet stream</strong> happens causing a <strong>westward wind pattern in the northern part of India</strong> and thus spread of pollutants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technology:</strong> Increased and modernised <strong>farm mechanisation</strong> extract the rice grains only and leave large quantities of rice stubble behind. Earlier, this excess crop was used by farmers for cooking, as hay to keep their animals warm or even as extra insulation for homes.</li>
<li><strong>High Silica Content:</strong> Rice straw is considered useless as fodder in the case of non-basmati rice, because of its <strong>high silica content. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effects:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The stubble burning emits large amounts of toxic pollutants in the atmosphere which contain harmful gases like <strong>methane (CH<sup>4</sup>), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile organic compound (VOC) and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.</strong></li>
<li>The burning of wheat straw<strong> reduces the soil fertility,</strong> besides polluting the environment.</li>
<li>Additionally, the heat generated by stubble burning penetrates into the soil, leading to the loss of moisture and useful microbes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A <strong>centralized control room</strong> must be set up to issue directions both for ensuring that appropriate technology to tackle this issue is within the reach of farmers and also ensure enforcement of non-compliance.</li>
<li>The establishment of the <strong>Farm Machinery Banks (FMB)</strong> for custom hiring of in-situ crop residue management machinery.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The most efficient technology is the <strong>Turbo Happy Seeder (THS)</strong> machine. It not only cuts and uproots the stubble but can also drill wheat seeds in the soil that have just been cleared up. The straw is simultaneously thrown over the sown seeds to form a <strong>mulch cover.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Stopping crop residue burning will aid the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cpcb-lists-cities-with-no-clean-up-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Clean Air Programme</strong> </a>(NCAP), which aims to reduce pollution by 20-30% in annual PM concentration by 2024.</li>
<li>An expansion of schemes like the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fund-crunch-in-mgnrega" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)</strong></a> for harvesting and composting of stubble will help to resolve the dual problem of unemployment and stubble burning.</li>
<li>In the long-term,<strong> shifting the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cropping-patterns-and-major-crops-of-india-part-one" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cropping pattern</a></strong> away from paddy to maize, cotton, fruits or vegetables in Punjab, Haryana and UP is required.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/epca-chief-asks-punjab-haryana-to-act-against-stubble-burning/article32672708.ece#:~:text=The%20Supreme%20Court%2Dappointed%20Environment,address%20the%20issue%20%E2%80%9Curgently%E2%80%9D." 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/epca-on-early-burning-of-crop-residue'
	],
	(int) 11 => [
		'title' => 'MedSpark in Kerala',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Kerala</strong> is set to lay the foundation stone for <strong>MedSpark,</strong> one of the first <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/medical-devices-in-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>medical device</strong> </a>parks in the country, in <strong>Thiruvananthapuram.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Medical devices</strong> include <strong>surgical equipment, diagnostic equipment</strong> like Cardiac Imaging, CT scans, X-ray, Molecular Imaging, MRI and Ultrasound-imaging, <strong>life support equipment</strong> like ventilator, etc. as well as <strong>implants and disposables.</strong></li>
<li>Medical devices, unlike pharmaceuticals, are <strong>dependent on a mix of technologies such as engineering, electronics, material sciences and information technology</strong> (IT).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Established By:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Technical Research Centre for Biomedical Devices Programme</strong> of the <strong>Department of Science and Technology</strong> (DST), Government of India.</li>
<li><strong>Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology</strong> (SCTIMST), an <strong>autonomous institute of the DST.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>SCTIMST has made <strong>substantial contributions to the biomedical devices sector</strong> and is fully aligned with the vision of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharathttps://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat.</strong> </a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd.</strong> (KSIDC) which is the <strong>industrial and investment promotion agency</strong> of the Government of Kerala.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Fundings:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Funding from the state and central governments</strong> will meet the capital expenditure and deficit in income against expenses during the initial stages.</li>
<li>The business model for the MedSpark is <strong>self-sustaining</strong> in which its<strong> operational expenses will be generated from its revenue streams.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions:</strong> It will<strong> focus on the high-risk medical device sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will provide a full range of services for the industry like<strong> research and development support, testing, </strong>and<strong> evaluation</strong> of medical devices.</li>
<li>Create an <strong>enabling support system for</strong> manufacturing support, technology innovation, and knowledge dissemination.</li>
<li><strong>High-risk medical device sector</strong> deals with the category of high-risk devices which include <strong>medical implants and extracorporeal devices</strong> (mechanical organs used in blood purification).<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For example, <strong>implantable cardioverter-defibrillator</strong> (a small battery-powered device placed in the chest to monitor heart rhythm and detect irregular heartbeats) <strong>pacemakers, coronary stents, artificial heart valves,</strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>These services can be <strong>utilised by the medical device industries</strong> located<strong> within the MedSpark as well from other parts of India.</strong></li>
<li>It will <strong>benefit small and medium-sized medical devices industries,</strong> which dominate the medical devices sector.</li>
<li>It can<strong> leverage the existing advantage of Kerala in the high-risk medical device manufacture</strong> and develop it into the most sought after destination for setting up the medical device industry in India.</li>
<li>It is expected that it would <strong>provide direct employment to 1200 people</strong> and generate up to<strong> 4000-5000 jobs through the supporting industries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Medical Devices Sector in India</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The medical devices industry in India is <strong>valued at USD 5.2 billion,</strong> contributing about <strong>4-5% to the USD 96.7 billion Indian healthcare industry.</strong></li>
<li>Medical devices sector in India is <strong>very small in size as compared to the rest of the manufacturing industry,</strong> though<strong> India is one of the top twenty markets for medical devices</strong> in the world and is the<strong> 4<sup>th</sup> largest market in Asia</strong> after Japan, China, and South Korea.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s medical devices industry is<strong> poised for significant growth in the next five years</strong> and the market size is <strong>expected to reach USD 50 bn by 2025.</strong></li>
<li>India <strong>currently imports 80-90% of medical devices</strong> and the vast majority of which are <strong>unregulated for quality and safety.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>USA, Germany, China, Japan, and Singapore</strong> constitute the<strong> five largest exporters</strong> of high technology medical equipment to India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1657669#:~:text=Pinarayi%20Vijayan%2C%20Chief%20Minister%2C%20Government,a%20pioneer%20in%20this%20field." 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/medspark-in-kerala'
	],
	(int) 12 => [
		'title' => 'Jasmonate Hormone and Rice Productivity',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A new study by a team of scientists at <strong>National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR),</strong> New Delhi suggested that targeting a specific plant hormone <strong>Jasmonate (JA)</strong> would help rice plants have greater tolerance to potassium (K) deficiency and improve productivity.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Findings:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>overexpression</strong> of a <strong>gene</strong> called <strong>OsJAZ9</strong> helped make rice plants more tolerant of potassium deficiency.</li>
<li>There was an enhanced accumulation of <strong>JA-Ile &mdash;</strong> a<strong> bioactive</strong> form of the hormone <strong>Jasmonate (JA),</strong> in OsJAZ9 overexpressing rice, on potassium deficiency.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>JA-lle</strong> helps in modulating various K transporters and root system architecture.</li>
<li><strong>JA-Ile</strong> contributes to several aspects of plant growth and development and levels increase under stress conditions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The study suggests that targeting research towards<strong> JA</strong> could help achieve both, <strong>nutrient- efficient</strong> crops and <strong>protection against pests.</strong></li>
<li>JA is often associated with the plant&rsquo;s <strong>defence against biotic factors</strong> like insects, pests and other pathogens.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Potassium.</strong> Potassium (K) is considered a <strong>macronutrient</strong> for plants and is the most abundant cation within plant cells.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Significance of Potassium:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Plants require, among other things, a <strong>high and stable concentration</strong> of potassium ion<strong> to activate many enzymes</strong> that are involved in <strong>respiration and photosynthesis.</strong></li>
<li>Potassium is also involved in key cellular processes such as <strong>energy production,</strong> and <strong>cell expansion.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Cell expansion</strong> is the process of taking cells extracted from tissue, culturing them in the lab and encouraging them to reproduce.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Potassium Deficiency:</strong> It affects plants by inhibiting the growth of the roots and the shoots. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Studies have shown that plants that are deficient in potassium are more susceptible to salt, drought, chilling and other abiotic and biotic stresses.</li>
<li>Potassium deficiency occurs frequently in plants grown on sandy soils resulting in a number of symptoms including curling of leaf tips and yellowing (chlorosis) of leaves, as well as <strong>reduced growth and fertility. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Potassium Availability to plant Roots:</strong> Despite being among the most abundant minerals in the soil, its availability to plants is limited. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is because most of the soil potassium (about 98%) is in<strong> bound forms</strong> and its release into the soil solution is far slower than the rate of its acquisition by the roots.</li>
<li>The availability of potassium in the soil solution or exchangeable form depends on <strong>multiple factors</strong> like <strong>soil acidity,</strong> presence of other<strong> monovalent cations</strong> like sodium and ammonium ions and the <strong>type of soil particles.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Macro and Micro-nutrients</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Macronutrients</strong> are divided into two groups:<strong> primary</strong> and <strong>secondary.</strong></li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cabinet-approves-nutrient-based-subsidy-rates" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>primary macronutrients</strong></a> are those that are needed in the highest concentration: <strong>nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).</strong> In fact, these three primary nutrients are needed in higher concentrations than the rest of the macronutrients combined.</li>
<li><strong>Secondary</strong> macronutrients are also required for sustained plant health, but in lower quantities than the primary macronutrients. <strong>Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S)</strong> comprise the secondary macronutrients.</li>
<li><strong>Micronutrients</strong> are also essential to plant development and growth but are needed only in trace amounts, compared to their macro-counterparts. The seven critical micronutrients are:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Boron (B)</li>
<li>Zinc (Zn)</li>
<li>Iron (Fe)</li>
<li>Manganese (Mn)</li>
<li>Copper (Cu)</li>
<li>Molybdenum (Mo)</li>
<li>Chlorine (Cl)</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-97#:~:text=A%20large%20increase%20in%20crop,land%20using%20new%20farming%20techniques." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Green Revolution</strong> </a>of the 1960s was driven by another plant hormone called <strong>Gibberellins (GA).</strong> JA hormone can be the new focus.</li>
<li><strong>Future agriculture</strong> has to be <strong>input efficient</strong> rather than input intensive. The genetic resources for improving fertiliser use efficiency in rice which is of prime value for achieving sustainable agriculture must be stressed upon.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/science-technology/study-zeroes-in-on-target-plant-hormone-to-improve-potassium-deficiency-in-rice-73495#:~:text=Targeting%20a%20specific%20plant%20hormone,insects%2C%20pests%20and%20other%20pathogens." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/jasmonate-hormone-and-rice-productivity'
	],
	(int) 13 => [
		'title' => 'Autumnal Equinox in Northern Hemisphere',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>On <strong>22<sup>nd</sup> September 2020,</strong> the day and night was almost equal in most locations marking the<strong> start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere</strong> which lasts until the <strong>winter solstice (December 21 or 22).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Similarly, the <strong>Vernal equinox</strong> falls around <strong>March 21,</strong> marking the start of spring in the <strong>Northern Hemisphere.</strong></li>
<li>In the <strong>Southern Hemisphere</strong> the seasons are <strong>reversed (Christmas</strong> is celebrated in <strong>Australia and New Zealand</strong> in the summer season).</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600852757_Image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600852757_Image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="529" height="327" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The word equinox is derived from two<strong> Latin words - aequus (equal) and nox (night).</strong></li>
<li>There are only two times of the year when the Earth's axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in a <strong>nearly equal amount of daylight and darkness</strong> at all latitudes. These events are referred to as Equinoxes.</li>
<li>The equinoxes happen in <strong>March (about March 21)</strong> and<strong> September (about September 23).</strong> These are the days when the Sun is exactly above the Equator, which makes day and night of equal length.</li>
<li>It can be noted that the most places on Earth receive more than 12 hours of daylight on equinoxes. This is because of the <strong>atmospheric refraction of sunlight </strong>and<strong> how the length of the day is defined.</strong></li>
<li>The equinoxes are prime time for Northern Lights &ndash; geomagnetic activities are twice more likely to take place in the spring and fall time, than in the summer or winter.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Varying Dates:</strong> While the September equinox usually occurs on September 22 or 23, it can very rarely fall on September 21 or September 24. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This is because of the difference between how the Gregorian calendar defines a year (365 days) and the time it actually takes for <strong>Earth to complete its orbit around the Sun (about 365 and 1/4 days).</strong></li>
<li>This means that each equinox occurs about 6 hours later than the previous year's Equinox. This eventually moves the date by a day.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Signals Changing of Seasons:</strong> The equinoxes along with solstices signals the changing of the seasons.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The seasons on Earth change because the planet is slightly tilted on its axis as it travels around the Sun. Earth&rsquo;s rotational axis makes an angle of <strong>23.5&deg; with the normal</strong> and angle of <strong>66.5&deg; with the orbital plane.</strong></li>
<li>If Earth were not tilted, the Sun would always appear to be directly above the Equator, the amount of light a given location receives would be fixed, and there would be no seasons. There also would be no need to mark equinoxes or solstices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Solstices:</strong> The<strong> two solstices happen in June (20 or 21) and December (21 or 22).</strong> These are the days when the Sun&rsquo;s path in the sky is the <strong>farthest north or south from the Equator.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the <strong>Northern Hemisphere,</strong> the <strong>June solstice</strong> marks the start of summer, this is when the North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun, and the Sun&rsquo;s rays are directly overhead at the <strong>Tropic of Cancer.</strong></li>
<li>In the <strong>Northern Hemisphere,</strong> the <strong>December solstice</strong> marks the start of winter, this is when the South Pole is tilted closest to the Sun, and the Sun&rsquo;s rays are directly overhead at the <strong>Tropic of Capricorn.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/enlih8M5DN0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/autumnal-equinox-in-northern-hemisphere'
	],
	(int) 14 => [
		'title' => 'Multi-stakeholder Body for Net Neutrality',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/interoperable-set-top-boxes-trai" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Telecom Regulatory Authority of India</strong></a> (TRAI) has recommended the creation of a <strong>multi-stakeholder body</strong> (MSB) to ensure that Internet access providers adhere to the provisions of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/government-approves-net-neutrality-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>net neutrality.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The MSB should be set up as a<strong> non-profit entity.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Roles and Responsibilities:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To provide <strong>advice and support to the Department of Telecommunications</strong> (DoT) in the monitoring and enforcement of net neutrality principles.</li>
<li>To<strong> investigate complaints</strong> regarding the violation of net neutrality.</li>
<li>To help DoT in the <strong>maintenance of a repository of reasonable traffic management</strong> practices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Stakeholders:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It could include telecom service providers, Internet service providers, content providers, researchers, academic and technical community, civil society organisations, and the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Net Neutrality in India:</strong> The DoT accepts <strong>TRAI&rsquo;s recommendations in favour of net neutrality</strong> which:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Bars telcos from discriminatory treatment</strong> on the web, based on content, sender, receiver, protocols or equipment.</li>
<li><strong>Penalises for violation of license rules</strong> on net neutrality.</li>
<li><strong>Includes exceptions for critical services</strong> such as remote healthcare diagnostics, self-driving cars, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Exempts content delivery networks,</strong> which do not use public Internet from open web rules.</li>
<li><strong>Applies equally to <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/fifth-generation-cellular-technology-5g" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5G technology</a></strong> as well because the principles are technology-neutral.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Net Neutrality</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Net neutrality has been defined as a principle that <strong>Internet Service Providers</strong> (ISP) also called <strong>Internet Access Providers</strong> (IAP) should<strong> enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, </strong>and<strong> without favouring or blocking particular products or websites.</strong></li>
<li>This means when the <strong>customers pay an ISP for a data plan,</strong> they <strong>should be able to access all content online</strong> (news, social media, videos, games, etc.) at the <strong>same broadband speed</strong> which they had opted for.</li>
<li><strong>Arguments in Favour:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It <strong>democratises the internet space</strong> as the telecom provider cannot charge differently for different websites and allows everyone on the internet to participate in it.</li>
<li>It<strong> does not let ISPs to act as &ldquo;gatekeepers&rdquo;</strong> and control, filter or block data according to their will without a court order.</li>
<li>It <strong>provides a level playing field</strong> to all the big and small companies in the Information Technology (IT) sector and does not let a handful of companies control the internet.</li>
<li>It <strong>ensures that all people and websites have equal access</strong> to each other, regardless of their ability to pay hence fosters the principle of freedom of speech.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Arguments Against:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will <strong>stifle innovation</strong> on the internet as it will <strong>not be possible to explore consumer choices</strong> and create content accordingly.</li>
<li>ISPs will <strong>not be able to make an investment in Broadband</strong> services.</li>
<li>It will<strong> kill competition as every data packet will be treated the same</strong> and content providers will not get a chance to advance their data at a better rate by paying the telecom providers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600852460_Image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600852460_Image4.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="512" height="394" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/trai-recommends-body-to-monitor-net-neutrality/article32672224.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/multi-stakeholder-body-for-net-neutrality'
	],
	(int) 15 => [
		'title' => 'Guru Nanak Dev’s 481st Death Anniversary',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Jyoti Jot</strong> (death anniversary) of <strong>Guru Nanak Dev</strong> (Founder of <a href="/to-the-points/paper4/sikhism" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sikhism</strong></a>) was observed at his final resting place <strong>Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur</strong> in Pakistan.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>On the occasion of the <strong>550<sup>th</sup> birth anniversary</strong> of Guru Nanak the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/kartarpur-milestone" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Kartarpur Corridor</strong> </a>which connects India and Pakistan was opened to the public.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600845430_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600845430_image2.jpg" 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>Guru Nanak:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Guru Nanak, <strong>first of the ten Sikh Gurus</strong> in Sikhism, is believed to have died at <strong>Kartarpur</strong> on 22<sup>nd</sup> September 1539.</li>
<li>Guru Nanak was born in <strong>Talwandi Rai Bhoe,</strong> near Lahore, Pakistan which was renamed later as <strong>Nankana Sahib.</strong></li>
<li>He was a greatest <strong>thinker, philosopher, poet, traveller, political rebel, social leveller, mass communicator and spiritual master.</strong></li>
<li>His political, social and spiritual beliefs were<strong> based on love, equality, fraternity and virtue.</strong> He is also viewed as a <strong>symbol of peace and servicing.</strong></li>
<li>His followers came to be known as<strong> Sikhs,</strong> which means a <strong>learner</strong> or a <strong>disciple.</strong></li>
<li>He used the <strong>medium of music, poetry, song and speech</strong> to<strong> preach the love of God</strong> and to<strong> attack the socially oppressive practices of casteism</strong> of the orthodox Brahmanical Hindu religion.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>He also spoke in favour of an <strong>equitable social status for women.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Guru Nanak was also a<strong> great traveller.</strong> He went on long journeys (called Uddasian) to far off places along with his<strong> two companions Bhai Bala,</strong> a Hindu, and <strong>Bhai Mardana,</strong> a Muslim, to hold dialogues with many saints and Sufis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Teaching of Guru Nanak:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Guru Nanak declared that <strong>God is one &mdash; formless</strong> (Nirgun) and <strong>without birth and death.</strong> The <strong>whole world is God&rsquo;s creation</strong> i.e.<strong> Ik Onkar Satnam.</strong></li>
<li>According to him <strong>all are born equal.</strong> He also stood for<strong> karma</strong> as the basis of <strong>dharma.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Valued a simpler notion of truth</strong> that was the basis of honest living. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>He declared that truth has the highest value in life, but truthful living is higher still in value.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Created awareness related to the <strong>conservation of water,</strong> and the<strong> importance of a clean environment.</strong></li>
<li>Emphasised on three things: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Kirat Karni:</strong> It means to work hard, and earn good karma and an honest livelihood.</li>
<li><strong>Vand Chakna:</strong> It means to not be selfish, and share with others.</li>
<li><strong>Naam Japa:</strong> It means to meditate and remember the name of god.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Provided a practical demonstration of<strong> building a community</strong> based on<strong> strong egalitarian values</strong> of:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Cooperative agricultural work</strong></li>
<li><strong>Langar</strong> (collective cooking and sharing of food)</li>
<li><strong>Pangat</strong> (partaking food without distinctions of high and low)</li>
<li><strong>Sangat</strong> (collective decision making)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>His teachings are mentioned in the <strong>Adi Granth</strong> compiled by <strong>Guru Arjan Dev</strong> (1563-1606), the fifth sikh guru.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/guru-nanak-devs-death-anniversary-jyoti-jot-prayers-culminate-at-kartarpur-with-nagar-kirtan-till-zero-line-6606723/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'postdate' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/guru-nanak-dev-s-481st-death-anniversary'
	],
	(int) 16 => [
		'title' => 'YuWaah Platform',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Government has launched YuWaah &ndash; a multi-stakeholder platform<strong> to make young people career ready.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Ministry of Youth Affairs &amp; Sports</strong> and <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unicef-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)</strong> </a>had signed a 'Statement of Intent' to establish <strong>Generation Unlimited in India (YuWaah).</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Generation Unlimited (GenU):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Founded in September <strong>2018,</strong> GenU aims to <strong>transform education, employment and entrepreneurial outcomes for young people</strong> around the world at a global and local level, by joining together partners from business and governments with the reach and network of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations (UN).</strong> </a></li>
<li>It was <strong>launched by UNICEF</strong> at the 73<sup>rd</sup> session of the UN General Assembly.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives of YuWaah:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Providing <strong>career guidance support</strong> to young people through career portal as well as through job-readiness and self-exploration sessions to make young people career-ready.</li>
<li>Supporting young people by providing <strong>entrepreneurship classes</strong> with successful entrepreneurs and experts.</li>
<li>Creating <strong>linkages with aspirational economic opportunities</strong> to connect young people with jobs or self-employment. For this, innovative solutions and technology platforms will be engaged to maximize the scale and reach.</li>
<li><strong>Upskilling</strong> young people on 21<sup>st</sup> century skills, life skills, digital skills and supporting them through self-learning, for their productive lives and the future of work.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will help the youth in contributing towards <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.</strong></a></li>
<li>It will give a strong focus to India's existing policies, such as the <strong>National Youth Policy, 2014.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>United Nations Children's Fund</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>United Nations Children&rsquo;s Fund (UNICEF) is a <strong>special program of the United Nations (UN)</strong> devoted to aiding national efforts to improve the health, nutrition, education, and general welfare of children.</li>
<li>UNICEF was <strong>created in 1946</strong> as the International Children&rsquo;s Emergency Fund (ICEF) by the UN Relief Rehabilitation Administration to help children affected by World War II.</li>
<li>UNICEF became a <strong>permanent part of the United Nations in 1953.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The name was shortened to the United Nations Children's Fund but it is still referred to as UNICEF.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1657751" 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/yuwaah-platform'
	],
	(int) 17 => [
		'title' => 'Abhyas High-speed Expendable Aerial Target',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Defence Research and Development Organisation</strong></a> (DRDO) conducted successful flight-tests of the indigenously-designed <strong>Abhyas High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT)</strong> in Balasore (Odisha).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Two demonstrator vehicles of Abhyas cleared all the evaluation parameters like 5 km flying altitude, vehicle speed of <strong>0.5 mach (half the speed of sound),</strong> endurance of 30 minutes etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600844098_image1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600844098_image1.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" caption="false" /></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Designed and developed by:</strong> Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is a key Aeronautical Systems Design Laboratory under DRDO.</li>
<li>It is involved in the design and development of the state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Aeronautical Systems and technologies to meet the requirements of the<strong> Indian Armed forces.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a<strong> drone (UAV)</strong> that will be used as a<strong> target for various missile systems.</strong></li>
<li>It is powered by a small gas turbine engine.</li>
<li>Navigation by <strong>Micro-electromechanical (MEMS)</strong> systems based <strong>Inertial Navigation System (INS)</strong> for navigation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>MEMS is a process technology used to create tiny integrated devices or systems that combine mechanical and electrical components.</li>
<li>It is lightweight and reliable, consumes less power and is cost-effective.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Programmed for<strong> fully autonomous flight. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Uses:</strong> As a<strong> target for evaluation of various Missile systems.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong> This is the second time that the target vehicle was flight-tested successfully. The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-14th-may-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>first successful test was in May 2019.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Others:</strong> Recently, the DRDO successfully flight tested the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hypersonic-technology-demonstrator-vehicle-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle</strong></a> (HSTDV).</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1657786" 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/abhyas-high-speed-expendable-aerial-target'
	],
	(int) 18 => [
		'title' => 'UN Reforms & India',
		'catname' => 'News Editorials',
		'desc' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on<a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-united-nations-security-council-unsc-tenure-6605320/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &ldquo;UN and the new multilateralism&rdquo;</strong> </a>which was published in The Indian Express on 22/09/2020. It talks about the need for reforms in the United Nations (UN) system.</p>
</div>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United Nations (UN)</strong></a> was set up, 75 years ago, with the principal aim of maintaining world peace and security. It has been successful in the decolonization process and preventing another World War. However, the 21<sup>st</sup> century world is very different from that 20<sup>th</sup> century and poses many new problems and realities.</p>
<p>The present humanitarian and economic losses associated with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/covid-19-and-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong></a> are comparable to that of major wars and unemployment is worse than at any time since the Great Depression 1929. This has highlighted the challenges pertaining to the multilateral UN system.</p>
<p>Furthermore, there has been a general trend of increasing the number of challenges that are Trans-national in character (for example, terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, pandemics, climate crisis, cyber-security, and poverty). UN being the epitome of multilateral world order will be much needed in dealing with global issues.</p>
<p>Therefore, reforms in the UN are necessary in order to strengthen the UN&rsquo;s effectiveness as a multilateral organization, bring more transparency to the institution and enhance its credibility.</p>
<h3>Challenges Against Multilateralism in Present Times</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Rise of New Cold War:</strong> Conflict between the US on the one hand and China and Russia on the other has become a new reality in West-East Conflict.</li>
<li><strong>Divided West:</strong> Despite the enduring post-War alliances, there is a growing divergence between US and its European partners on many global issues.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Some of the differences between the US and the other powers is very visible in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/us-reimposes-sanctions-on-iran" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Iran Nuclear Deal.</strong></a></li>
<li>Further, rejection of post-War multilateralism and post-Cold War globalism is at the heart of Trump&rsquo;s <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-us-relations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;America First&rdquo; foreign policy.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ineffectiveness of UN:</strong> The UN has been unable to respond effectively to the once-in-a-century global crisis triggered by the coronavirus. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>At the UN Security Council, China blocked a serious discussion on the origin and sources of the crisis. While the US walked out of the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Health Organisation</strong></a> on allegation of supporting China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Areas of UN Reform</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Defunct UNSC:</strong> The<strong> United Nations Security Council (UNSC)</strong> is the UN&rsquo;s main executive body with the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, the veto powers possessed by the UNSC&rsquo;s five permanent members are used as an instrument to shore up their geopolitical interests, regardless of the disastrous consequences for the victims of armed conflict. As it can be seen in Syria, Iraq, etc.</li>
<li>Further, It does not reflect today&rsquo;s distribution of military and economic power, nor a geographical balance. Thus, the structure of the 15-member Security Council ought to be more democratic and representative.</li>
<li>This has been long overdue on the demand, especially from the so-called Group of 4 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet#:~:text=The%20foreign%20ministers%20of%20the,on%2027th%20September%202019." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(G4) countries</strong> </a>&mdash; Brazil, Germany, India and Japan &mdash; which advocate a permanent seat for all of them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>General Assembly Reforms:</strong> The UN General Assembly(UNGA) can only make non-binding recommendations, which is another reason for ineffectiveness of the UN and another important issue of UN reform.</li>
<li><strong>Undermining of Associated UN Bodies</strong> The Economic and Social Council has been criticized, as it has become overshadowed by institutions such as the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/international-monetary-fund-imf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IMF</strong> </a>and the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a>, which are lacking democratic processes, transparency, and accountability.</li>
<li><strong>UN&rsquo;s Financial Crisis:</strong> It can be said that the UN has a lot to do but it has too little money, as it is in a permanent financial crisis due to the unwillingness of many members to pay their contributions on time.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As long as the UN&rsquo;s budget remains tightly constrained, it cannot be effective.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Toothless UN Peacekeeping Operation:</strong> While the vast number of international law treaties affecting international trade, economics and human rights has proved very effective, laws prohibiting the use of force have been less so.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Thus, there is a need to include more personnel and carry out structural reforms for the UN Peacekeeping Operations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Role in Reforming UN System &amp; Way Forward</h3>
<p>While the UNSC was dysfunctional, India developed a multilateral agenda of its own &mdash; from decolonisation and disarmament to a new international economic order &mdash; and mobilised considerable political support for it. This underlines the possibilities for shaping the global discourse in the present.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Reforming UNSC:</strong> As former UN secretary general noted that<strong> &ldquo;No reform of the UN would be complete without reform of the Security Council&rdquo;.</strong> Therefore, equitable representation as well as expansion of the UNSC is the desired reform that India envisages.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, this would be the most challenging aspect of UN reforms, as the most permanent five are generally opposed to strengthening the institution and use their power to stop any significant change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Engaging With Other Multilateral Forums For UN Reforms:</strong> Possible solutions to reform UN finances can be establishing a &lsquo;reserve fund&rsquo; or even a <strong>&lsquo;world tax&rsquo;.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Also, in order to make UNGA more effective, India can propose a bicameral parliamentary assembly framework for UNGA.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Balancing National Interest and Multilateralism:</strong> The primary objective of India&rsquo;s present multilateralism should be to ensure its territorial integrity, especially at a time when China has adopted aggressive posture on the border.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Here, India can leverage multilateralism to serve India&rsquo;s interests. Like aligning with <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/quad-and-g-4-meet#:~:text=The%20foreign%20ministers%20of%20the,on%2027th%20September%202019." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Quad countries</strong></a> or working with mechanisms like <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/financial-action-task-force-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FATF</strong></a> to mount pressure on Pakistan to stop supporting cross-border terrorism in India.</li>
<li>Further, while reclaiming its role in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/revival-of-non-alignment-movement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-Aligned Movement</strong></a> (NAM), India must engage with other multilateral institutions as new rule-making as India is not at disadvantage if rule making takes place outside the UN.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>History teaches that the fact that crises catalyse states to rise above inertia, myopia, and narrow self-interest. This can be reflected in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, conferences at Bretton Woods and San Francisco in the 1940s. The present pandemic is similar to the crisis that can lead to tectonic shift in world affairs.</p>
<p>Further, given the global issues, today the world needs multilateralism more than ever. Thus, it is necessary to reform the UN. In this context, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/elections-for-non-permanent-members-of-the-unsc#:~:text=Selection%20of%20Non%2Dpermanent%20Members,for%20African%20and%20Asian%20countries." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India must utilize the next two years of its non-permanent member of UNSC</strong></a> for bringing much needed reforms in the system.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600773892_image%200.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600773892_image 0.jpg" 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: #e6e8ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Given the global issues, today the world needs multilateralism more than ever. Comment</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rnQYIfVVDBE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p>This editorial is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/bully-pulpit-farm-bills-parliament-monsoon-session-6603902/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Bully &amp; Pulpit&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on September 21<sup>st</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/un-reforms-india'
	],
	(int) 19 => [
		'title' => 'African Elephant dying due to Cyanobacteria',
		'catname' => 'News Analysis',
		'desc' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p><strong>Neuro-toxins</strong> in water <strong>produced by cyanobacteria</strong> killed more than 300 African elephants in the <strong>Okavango delta region, Botswana</strong> (country in Southern Africa).</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Neuro-toxins</strong> are substances that damage, destroy, or impair the functioning of neural tissue.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Cyanobacteria:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/biofuel-from-microorganisms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cyanobacteria</strong></a>, also called <strong>blue-green algae</strong>, are microscopic organisms found naturally in soils and all types of water.</li>
<li>These <strong>single-celled</strong> organisms (bacteria) live in fresh, brackish (combined salt and freshwater), and marine water.</li>
<li>These organisms use sunlight to <strong>make their own food.</strong></li>
<li>In <strong>warm, nutrient-rich (high in phosphorus and nitrogen) environments,</strong> cyanobacteria can <strong>multiply quickly.</strong></li>
<li>Not all produce toxins but scientists say toxic ones are occurring more frequently as <strong>climate change</strong> drives up global temperatures.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate Change and Algal Bloom:</strong> An <strong>algal bloom</strong> is a rapid increase in the population of algae or cyanobacteria in an aquatic system.<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600769436_image6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600769436_image6.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="650" caption="false" /></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Warming water temperature:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Toxic blue-green algae thrive in warm, slow-moving water.</li>
<li>Warmer water due to climate change might favor harmful algae. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Warmer temperatures prevent water from mixing, allowing algae to grow thicker and faster.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Changes in salinity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Climate change might lead to more droughts, which make freshwater saltier. This can cause marine algae to invade freshwater ecosystems.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Higher carbon dioxide levels:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Algae need carbon dioxide to survive. Higher levels of carbon dioxide in the air and water can lead to rapid growth of algae, especially toxic blue-green algae that can float to the surface of the water.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Changes in rainfall:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Climate change might affect rainfall patterns, leading to alternating periods of drought and intense storms. This can cause more nutrient runoff into water bodies, feeding more algal blooms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The African elephant:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the<strong> largest</strong> animal walking the Earth.</li>
<li>Their herds wander through 37 countries in Africa.</li>
<li>They are <strong>vulnerable</strong> as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>(IUCN) Red List.</strong></a></li>
<li>African elephants in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora <strong>(<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/cites" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CITES</a>) Appendix II.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Appendix II</strong> includes species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but in which trade must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Two Subspecies:</strong> The <strong>Savanna (or bush) elephant</strong> and the<strong> Forest</strong> elephant.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Savanna elephants are larger than forest elephants, and their tusks curve outwards.</li>
<li>Forest elephants, a distinct subspecies of African elephants, are uniquely adapted to the forest habitat of the<strong> Congo Basin,</strong> but are in sharp decline due to poaching for the international <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-elephant-day-1#:~:text=The%20World%20Elephant%20Day%20is,of%20Asian%20and%20African%20elephants." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ivory trade.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-elephant-day-1#:~:text=The%20World%20Elephant%20Day%20is,of%20Asian%20and%20African%20elephants." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> World Elephant Day</strong> </a>is celebrated on <strong>12<sup>th</sup> August</strong> every year to spread awareness for the conservation and protection of the largest mammal on land.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The day was launched in 2012 to bring attention to the urgent plight of <strong>Asian and African elephants.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Botswana</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600769365_image8.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1600769365_image8.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="371" height="411" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a <strong>landlocked</strong> country of southern Africa.</li>
<li>Botswana is <strong>mostly flat with a few hills,</strong> most of its highest points located along the south-east section of the country (the eastern edge of the Kalahari Basin).</li>
<li>The<strong> semi-arid Kalahari Desert</strong> covers about <strong>70%</strong> of Botswana's surface.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>While Kalahari does receive about <strong>500 millimetres</strong> in the wettest parts per annum, the Kalahari is considered a desert because it has a vast surface area covered with sand.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Biodiversity:</strong> It is home to plants and animals, mostly different types of acacia trees, animals like lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, antelopes, meerkats, as well as many birds species and reptiles.</li>
<li><strong>Indegenous People:</strong> It is also home to the<strong> tribes</strong> like- San people (Bushmen), Tswana, Kgalakgadi, and Herero people.</li>
<li><strong>Okavango Delta:</strong> It is one of the world's largest <strong>inland</strong> deltas.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It spans about 15,000 square kilometres and is relatively flat topography.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/bacteria-behind-deaths-of-330-botswana-elephants/article32663416.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/african-elephant-dying-due-to-cyanobacteria'
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$updates = object(Cake\ORM\Query) {

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

}
$page = (int) 91
$search = 'class'
$totalPages = (float) 334
$title = 'Search'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
$month = 'December'

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

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