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India Energy Dashboards Version 2.0

Why in News Recently, the government think tank NITI Aayog has launched India Energy Dashboards (IED) Version 2.0. NITI Aayog launched the...

14 Apr 2021 Infrastructure
Chenab Bridge

Why in News Recently, Indian Railways completed the arch closure of the iconic Chenab Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir. Key Points About Chenab...

07 Apr 2021 Infrastructure
National Maritime Day 2021

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways celebrated the 58th National Maritime Day (5th April). Maritime India...

06 Apr 2021 Infrastructure
National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Bill, 2021

Why in News Recently, the Rajya Sabha cleared the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NBFID) Bill, 2021. The Bill seeks...

26 Mar 2021 Infrastructure
Vehicle Scrapping Policy

Why in News Recently, the Union Road and Transport Minister announced the Vehicle Scrapping Policy in the Lok Sabha. It was first announced in...

19 Mar 2021 Infrastructure
UDAN 4.1

Why in News On the commencement of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav ([email protected])’, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has proposed about...

18 Mar 2021 Infrastructure
Mullaperiyar Dam

Why in News Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the Mullaperiyar Dam Supervisory Committee to issue directions on issues concerning the...

17 Mar 2021 Infrastructure
Dams and Destruction

Introduction About: A dam is a structure built across a river or stream to hold back water. Over the centuries dams have been built using...

16 Mar 2021 Infrastructure
Energy Efficiency Enterprise (E3) Certifications Programme

Why in News The Ministry of Power has launched "Energy Efficiency Enterprise (E3) Certifications Programme for the Brick Manufacturing...

13 Mar 2021 Infrastructure
India’s Biggest Floating Solar Power Plant

Why in News India’s biggest floating solar power plant by generation capacity (100MW) is being developed by the National Thermal Power...

12 Mar 2021 Infrastructure
Rationalisation of Railway Fares

Why in News The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways has suggested rationalisation of both freight and passenger fares. Key...

10 Mar 2021 Infrastructure
Ease of Living & Municipal Performance Index 2020

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs released the final rankings of Ease of Living Index (EoLI) 2020 and the Municipal...

05 Mar 2021 Infrastructure
Maritime India Summit 2021

Why in News ‘Maritime India Summit 2021’ is being organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Key Points Focus Area:...

03 Mar 2021 Infrastructure
Report on Road Accidents: World Bank

Why in News Recently, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways released the World Bank Report titled “Traffic Crash Injuries And...

16 Feb 2021 Infrastructure
National Coal Index

Why in News Recently, the Ministry of Coal has started commercial auction of coal mines on a revenue share basis using the National Coal Index...

12 Feb 2021 Infrastructure
Vaghai-Bilimora Heritage Line

Why in News The Western Railway has decided to not stop the services of three trains, including the 107-year-old narrow gauge heritage train between...

02 Feb 2021 Infrastructure
Transit Oriented Development

Why in News The redevelopment of New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) has become the first project to be undertaken on the Transit-Oriented Development...

27 Jan 2021 Infrastructure
Premium for Traffic Violation

Why in News A Working Group set up by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for Traffic Management has recently...

23 Jan 2021 Infrastructure
Environment vs Development Debate

Why in News Recently, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in the Karnataka High Court claimed that the Environment Protection Act, 1986...

23 Jan 2021 Infrastructure
Ratle Hydro Electric Project

Why in News The Union Cabinet has given its approval for 850 MegaWatt (MW) Ratle hydropower project on Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir. Key...

22 Jan 2021 Infrastructure

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		'article_id' => (int) 8140,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India Energy Dashboards Version 2.0',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the government think tank <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog</strong></a> has launched <strong>India Energy Dashboards (IED) Version 2.0.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NITI Aayog <strong>launched the Version 1.0 in May 2017.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India Energy Dashboards (IED) is an endeavour <strong>to provide single-window access to the energy data for the country.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is <strong>an initial step towards building a comprehensive, open, and freely accessible energy data portal for India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Energy data published/provided by<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/prakash-portal" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Central Electricity Authority</strong></a>, <strong>Coal Controller&rsquo;s Organisation, </strong>and<strong> Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas</strong> is compiled in the Dashboards.</li>
<li>The IED Provides<strong> time series data from FY 2005-06 until FY 2019-20.</strong></li>
<li>IED<strong> provides data at sub-yearly frequencies</strong> as well. This includes<strong> monthly data and API (Application Programming Interface) linked data</strong> from some portals maintained by the government agencies.</li>
<li>API linked data from<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/saubhagya-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Saubhagya</strong></a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/6-yearsof-ujala-and-slnp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>UJALA</strong></a>, <strong>PRAAPTI, and Vidyut PRAVAH</strong> has been incorporated in the dashboards.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Saubhagya Scheme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana &ndash;</strong> &lsquo;Saubhagya&rsquo; was launched in September, 2017 with a target to electrify all households by December 2018.</li>
<li>All the states had declared on Saubhagya portal that all the willing un-electrified households had been electrified as on 31<sup>st</sup> March 2019, except 18,734 households in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/left-wing-extremism-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>LWE (left wing extremist)</strong> </a>affected areas of Chhattisgarh.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>UJALA Scheme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All)</strong> is a <strong>zero-subsidy scheme</strong> launched by the Government in 2015.</li>
<li>It is touted as the <strong>world&rsquo;s largest domestic lighting project.</strong></li>
<li>Every domestic household having a metered connection from their respective Electricity Distribution Company is eligible to get the LED bulbs under the Scheme.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>PRAAPTI</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a web portal<strong> launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Power.</strong></li>
<li>&lsquo;PRAAPTI&rsquo; stands for Payment Ratification and Analysis in Power Procurement <strong>for bringing transparency in invoicing of generators.</strong></li>
<li>The power distribution companies are able to clear the invoices and reply to claims raised by the generators on this portal.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Vidyut PRAVAH</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Mobile/Web App <strong>provides real-time information of current demand met, shortages if any, surplus power available</strong> and the prices in Power Exchange.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1711204" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 8095,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Chenab Bridge',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, <strong>Indian Railways</strong> completed the<strong> arch closure of the iconic Chenab Bridge in Jammu &amp; Kashmir.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Chenab Bridge:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the <strong>world's highest railway bridge</strong> and is part of the<strong> Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project (USBRL).</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Project was <strong>declared as a Project of National Importance in March 2002.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This bridge is <strong>1,315-metre long</strong> and is the highest railway bridge in the world being <strong>359 metres above the river bed level.</strong></li>
<li>The completion of the steel arch is a major leap towards the completion of the <strong>111 km long winding stretch from Katra to Banihal.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is arguably the <strong>biggest civil-engineering challenge</strong> faced by any railway project in India in recent history.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1617781847_image2.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1617781847_image2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" caption="false" width="512" height="288" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Unique Features of this Bridge:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Bridge designed to <strong>withstand high wind speed up to 266 Km/Hour.</strong></li>
<li>Bridge designed for<strong> blast load in consultation with <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/defence-research-and-development-organisation-drdo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DRDO</a></strong> for the first time in India.</li>
<li>Bridge designed to <strong>bear earthquake forces of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/seismometers-defunct-in-earthquake-prone-zones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highest intensity zone-V</a></strong> in India.</li>
<li>First time on Indian Railways, <strong>Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing machine</strong> used for testing of welds.</li>
<li>First time on Indian Railways, <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/star-rating-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)</a> accredited lab established at site for weld testing.</strong></li>
<li>Extensive <strong>health monitoring and warning systems planned</strong> through state of art instrumentation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Chenab River</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Source:</strong> It rises in the upper Himalayas in the<strong> Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh</strong> state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The river is <strong>formed by the confluence of two rivers, Chandra and Bhaga,</strong> at Tandi, 8 km southwest of Keylong, in the Lahaul and Spiti district.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Bhaga river originates from Surya taal lake,</strong> which is situated a few kilometers west of the Bara-lacha la pass in Himachal Pradesh.</li>
<li>The <strong>Chandra river originates from glaciers east of the same pass</strong> (near Chandra Taal).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flows Through:</strong> It flows through the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir into the plains of Punjab, Pakistan, before flowing into the Indus River.</li>
<li>Some of the<strong> important projects/dams on Chenab:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ratle-hydro-electric-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ratle Hydro Electric Project</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Salal Dam- hydroelectric power project</strong> near Reasi</li>
<li><strong>Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Plant-</strong> power project in Kishtwar District</li>
<li><strong>Pakal Dul Dam (under construction)</strong>- on a tributary <strong>Marusadar River</strong> in Kishtwar District.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1617782071_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1617782071_image1.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1709652" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 8086,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'National Maritime Day 2021',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping &amp; Waterways celebrated the <strong>58<sup>th</sup> National Maritime Day (5<sup>th</sup> April).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/maritime-vision-2030" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Maritime India Vision-2030</strong></a>, was also discussed at the occasion.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>National Maritime Day is celebrated <strong>every year on</strong> <strong>5<sup>th&nbsp;</sup>April</strong> to commemorate the maiden voyage of the<strong> first Indian flag merchant vessel 'S.S LOYALTY'</strong> from Mumbai to London, on <strong>April 5<sup>th</sup>, 1919.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>2021 Theme:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>&lsquo;Sustainable Shipping beyond Covid-19&rsquo;.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is celebrated <strong>to encourage the merchant shipping industry of India.</strong> Shipping contributes a lot to the country&rsquo;s economy.</li>
<li>At present, <strong>90% of India&rsquo;s international trade in terms of volume </strong>and<strong> 77% in terms of value is moved by sea.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Sagarmala Initiative:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sagarmala-seaplane-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sagarmala Programme</strong></a> was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2015 which <strong>aims at holistic port infrastructure development along the 7,516-km long coastline </strong>through <strong>modernisation, mechanisation and computerisation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Project Unnati:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The shipping ministry launched Project Unnati in 2014 under which efficiency of equipment was studied and every activity was scrutinised to identify excesses/mistakes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Blue Economy Policy:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The policy document highlights the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/draft-blue-economy-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>blue economy</strong></a> as one of the ten core dimensions for national growth and It <strong>emphasizes policies across several key sectors to achieve holistic growth of India&rsquo;s economy.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Joined International Maritime Organization:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India is also a member of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/international-maritime-organization-and-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Maritime Organization (IMO).</strong></a></li>
<li>IMO is a specialized agency 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> It is a global standard-setting authority with responsibility to improve the safety and security of international shipping and prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Waterways:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/use-of-waterways-for-reducing-transportation-cost#:~:text=It%20came%20into%20existence%20on,from%20the%20Ministry%20of%20Shipping." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Waterways Act 2016,</strong></a> 111 waterways have been declared as National Waterways (NWs).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Sagar-Manthan:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Mercantile Marine Domain Awareness Centre has been launched.</li>
<li>It is an information system <strong>for enhancing maritime safety, search and rescue capabilities, security and marine environment protection.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ship Repair Clusters:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They will be developed along both coasts by <strong>2022.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ship Recycling:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Domestic ship recycling industry will also be promoted to create <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/waste-to-energy-plants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>'Wealth from Waste'.</strong></a>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has enacted<strong> Recycling of Ships Act, 2019</strong> and agreed to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hong-kong-convention-for-ship-recycling" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hong Kong Convention for Ship Recycling.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Maritime India Vision 2030</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a<strong> ten-year blueprint for the maritime sector</strong> which was released by the Prime Minister of India at the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/maritime-india-summit-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maritime India Summit</a> 2021.</strong></li>
<li>It will supersede the <strong>Sagarmala initiative</strong> and aims to boost <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/use-of-waterways-for-reducing-transportation-cost#:~:text=It%20came%20into%20existence%20on,from%20the%20Ministry%20of%20Shipping." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>waterways</strong></a>, give a fillip to the shipbuilding industry and encourage cruise tourism in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Policy Initiatives and Development Projects:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Maritime Development Fund:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A <strong>Rs. 25,000-crore fund,</strong> which will provide low cost, long-tenure financing to the sector with the Centre contributing Rs. 2,500 crore over seven years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Port Regulatory Authority:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A<strong> pan-India port authority</strong> will be set up under the new Indian Ports Act (to replace the old Indian Ports Act 1908) for enabling oversight across major and non-major ports, enhance institutional coverage for ports and provide for structured growth of the ports sector to boost investor confidence.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Eastern Waterways Connectivity Transport Grid Project:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It aims to <strong>develop regional connectivity</strong> with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Riverine Development Fund:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Calls for extending low cost, long-term financing for inland vessels with the support of a<strong> Riverine Development Fund (RDF)</strong> and for extending the coverage of the <strong>tonnage tax scheme</strong> (applicable to ocean-going ships and dredgers) to inland vessels to enhance the availability of such vessels.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rationalisation of Port Charges:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It <strong>will make them more competitive,</strong> besides doing away with all hidden charges levied by ship liners to bring in more transparency.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promotion of Water Transport:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For decongestion of urban areas, and <strong>developing waterways as an alternative means of urban transport.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1709706" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 8022,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Bill, 2021',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Rajya Sabha cleared the<strong> National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NBFID) Bill, 2021.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Bill seeks to establish the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NBFID) as the principal <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/development-finance-institution-to-fund-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Development Financial Institution (DFIs)</strong></a> for infrastructure financing.</li>
<li>NBFID was announced in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/budget-2021-highlights-infrastructure" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Budget 2021.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Development Financial Institution</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>DFIs are set up for <strong>providing long-term finance for such segments of the economy where the risks involved are beyond the acceptable limits of commercial banks</strong> and other ordinary financial institutions. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Unlike banks, <strong>DFIs do not accept deposits</strong> from people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>They<strong> source funds from the market, government, as well as multilateral institutions,</strong> and are often supported through government guarantees.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NBFID will be set up<strong> as a corporate body</strong> with authorised <strong>share capital of one lakh crore rupees.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Financial Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To directly or indirectly <strong>lend, invest, or attract investments for infrastructure projects</strong> located entirely or partly in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Developmental Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Includes <strong>facilitating the development of the market for bonds, loans, and derivatives</strong> for infrastructure financing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Functions of NBFID:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Extending <strong>loans and advances for infrastructure projects.</strong></li>
<li>Taking over or <strong>refinancing</strong> such existing loans.</li>
<li><strong>Attracting investment</strong> from private sector investors and institutional investors for infrastructure projects.</li>
<li>Organising and <strong>facilitating foreign participation</strong> in infrastructure projects.</li>
<li>Facilitating <strong>negotiations with various government authorities</strong> for <strong>dispute resolution</strong> in the field of infrastructure financing.</li>
<li>Providing<strong> consultancy services</strong> in infrastructure financing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Source of Funds:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It may raise money in the form of loans or otherwise both in Indian rupees and foreign currencies, or secure money by the issue and<strong> sale of various financial instruments</strong> including <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/special-zero-coupon-recapitalisation-bonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>bonds</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/debenture-redemption-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>debentures.</strong></a></li>
<li>It may borrow money from the central government, <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/important-institutions-national-institution-reserve-bank-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Reserve Bank of India (RBI)</strong></a>, scheduled commercial banks, mutual funds, and multilateral institutions such as the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/4-contraction-in-growth-adb" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Asian Development Bank.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>Initially, the central government will own 100% shares</strong> of the institution which may <strong>subsequently be reduced up to 26%.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Management of NBFID:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NBFID will be governed by a <strong>Board of Directors.</strong> The Chairperson will be appointed by the central government in consultation with RBI.</li>
<li>A body constituted by the central government will recommend candidates for the post of the Managing Director and Deputy Managing Directors.</li>
<li>The Board will appoint independent directors based on the recommendation of an internal committee.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Support from the Central Government:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The central government will provide grants worth Rs. 5,000 crore to NBFID by the end of the first <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/03-02-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>financial year.</strong></a></li>
<li>The government will also provide guarantee at a concessional rate of up to 0.1% for borrowing from multilateral institutions, sovereign wealth funds, and other foreign funds.</li>
<li>Costs towards insulation from fluctuations in foreign exchange (in connection with borrowing in foreign currency) may be reimbursed by the government in part or full.</li>
<li>Upon request by NBFID, the government may guarantee the bonds, debentures, and loans issued by NBFID.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prior Sanction For Investigation And Prosecution:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>No investigation can be initiated against employees of NBFID without the prior sanction of the central government in case of the chairperson or other directors, and the managing director in case of other employees.</li>
<li><strong>Courts will also require prior sanction</strong> for taking cognisance of offences in matters involving employees of NBFID.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Development Financial Institutions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Bill also provides for any person to set up a DFI by applying to RBI.</li>
<li>RBI may grant a licence for DFI in consultation with the central government.</li>
<li>RBI will also prescribe regulations for these DFIs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/parliament-passes-bill-to-set-up-national-bank-for-financing-infrastructure-and-development/article34160785.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 4 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7971,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Vehicle Scrapping Policy',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Road and Transport Minister announced the<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vehicle-scrapping-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Vehicle Scrapping</a> Policy</strong> in the Lok Sabha.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It was first announced in the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/budget-2021-highlights-health-and-wellbeing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Union Budget for 2021-22.</strong></a></li>
<li>The policy is <strong>estimated to cover 51 lakh Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs)</strong> that are <strong>above 20 years of age</strong> and another <strong>34 lakh LMVs</strong> above <strong>15 years of age.</strong></li>
<li>India will also implement a <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-visual-positioning-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Positioning System (GPS)</strong></a>-<strong>based toll collection system </strong>and<strong> do away with all toll booths within a year.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616150327_image6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1616150327_image6.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Reducing the population of old and defective vehicles, bringing down vehicular air pollutants, improving <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/road-safety-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>road and vehicular safety.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Fitness Test:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Old vehicles will have to <strong>pass a fitness test before re-registration</strong> and as per the policy <strong>government commercial vehicles more than 15 years old</strong> and <strong>private vehicles which are over 20 years old </strong>will be scrapped.</li>
<li>Old vehicles will be tested at the <strong>Automated Fitness Center</strong> and the fitness test of the vehicles will be conducted according to international standards. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Emission test, braking system, safety components will be tested and the vehicles which fail in the fitness test will be scraped.</li>
<li>The Ministry has also <strong>issued rules for registration procedure for scrapping facilities, </strong>their powers, and scrapping procedure to be followed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Road Tax Rebate:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The state governments may be advised to offer a <strong>road-tax rebate</strong> of up to <strong>25% for personal vehicles</strong> and up to <strong>15% for commercial vehicles</strong> to provide <strong>incentive to owners</strong> of old vehicles to scrap old and unfit vehicles</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vehicle Discount:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Vehicle manufacturers will also give a <strong>discount of 5%</strong> to people who will produce the<strong> 'Scrapping Certificate'</strong> and registration fees will be waived off on the purchase of a new vehicle.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Disincentive:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As a disincentive, <strong>increased re-registration fees</strong> would be applicable for <strong>vehicles 15 years or older</strong> from the initial date registration.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Creation of Scrap yards:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will lead to creation for more scrap yards in the country and effective recovery of waste from old vehicles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Employment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the new fitness centers, <strong>35 thousand people will get employment</strong> and an investment of Rs 10,000 crores will be pumped in.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Improved Revenue:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will <strong>boost sales of heavy and medium commercial vehicles</strong> that had been in the contraction zone as a result of economic slowdown triggered by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-yes-bank-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> bankruptcy of IL&amp;FS</strong></a> (Infrastructure Leasing &amp; Financial Services) and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19#:~:text=This%20article%20is%20based%20on,on%2022%2F06%2F2020.&amp;text=Covid%2D19%20pandemic%20is%20a,than%20merely%20a%20biomedical%20one." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic.</strong></a></li>
<li>The government treasury is<strong> expected to get around Rs 30,000 to 40,000 crores</strong> of money through <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/goods-and-services-tax-gst-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Goods and Services Tax (GST)</strong> </a>from this policy.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduction in Prices:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Prices of auto components would fall substantially with the <strong>recycling of metal and plastic parts.</strong></li>
<li>As scrapped materials will get cheaper the <strong>production cost of the vehicle manufacturers will also reduce.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduce Pollution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will help <strong>improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollution.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As older vehicles pollute the environment 10 to 12 times more, and estimated that 17 lakh medium and heavy commercial vehicles are more than 15 years old.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives to Curb Vehicular Pollution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/go-electric-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Go Electric Campaign</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/fame-india-scheme-phase-ii" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FAME India Scheme Phase II.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/electric-vehicles-policy-2020-delhi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy 2020</a> for Delhi.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hydrogen-fuel-cell-based-bus-and-car-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hydrogen Fuel Cell Based Bus and Car Project.</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-electric-mobility-mission-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Electric Mobility Mission 2020.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-vehicle-scrapping-policy-nitin-gadkari-7233975/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 5 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7962,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'UDAN 4.1',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>On the commencement of the &lsquo;Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav ([email protected])&rsquo;, the<strong> Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)</strong> has proposed about <strong>392 routes under UDAN 4.1 bidding process.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About UDAN 4.1:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UDAN 4.1 focuses on connecting smaller airports, along with special helicopter and seaplane routes.</li>
<li>Some new routes have been proposed under the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sagarmala-seaplane-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Sagarmala Seaplane services</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Sagarmala Seaplane Services</strong> is an ambitious project under the <strong>Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways</strong> with potential airline operators.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>One such seaplane service is already in operation between Kevadia and Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, which was started in October 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About UDAN Scheme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) was<strong> launched as a regional connectivity scheme</strong> under the Ministry of Civil Aviation<strong> in 2016.</strong></li>
<li>It is an innovative scheme to<strong> develop the regional Aviation market.</strong></li>
<li>The objective of the scheme is to create affordable yet economically viable and profitable flights on regional routes so that flying becomes affordable to the common man even in small towns.</li>
<li>The scheme envisages providing connectivity to un-served and underserved airports of the country through the revival of existing air-strips and airports. The scheme is <strong>operational for a period of 10 years.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under-served airports are those which do not have more than one flight a day, while unserved airports are those where there are no operations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Financial incentives from the Centre, state governments and airport operators are extended to selected airlines to encourage operations from unserved and under-served airports, and keep airfares affordable.</li>
<li>Till date, 325 routes and 56 airports including 5 heliports and 2 water aerodromes have been operationalised under the scheme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UDAN 1.0:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under this phase, 5 airlines companies were awarded 128 flight routes to 70 airports (including 36 newly made operational airports).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UDAN 2.0:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2018, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced 73 underserved and unserved airports.</li>
<li>For the first time, helipads were also connected under phase 2 of the UDAN scheme.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UDAN 3.0:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Inclusion of Tourism Routes under UDAN 3 in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism.</li>
<li>Inclusion of Seaplanes for connecting Water Aerodromes.</li>
<li>Bringing in a number of routes in the North-East Region under the ambit of UDAN.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UDAN 4.0:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2020, 78 new routes were approved under the 4<sup>th</sup> round of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UdeDeshKaAamNagrik (UDAN) to further enhance the connectivity to remote &amp; regional areas of the country.</li>
<li>Kavaratti, Agatti, and Minicoy islands of Lakshadweep will be connected by the new routes of UDAN 4.0.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID%3D1704655&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1616068136638000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0lxpa3ksbR0mrvspp_rV8H" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 6 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7953,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Mullaperiyar Dam',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court (SC)</strong></a> has ordered the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mullaperiyar-dam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mullaperiyar Dam</a> Supervisory Committee</strong> to issue directions on issues concerning the <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/dams-and-destruction" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>dam's safety.</strong></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The SC constituted a <strong>permanent Supervisory Committee</strong> in<strong> 2014</strong> to<strong> oversee all the issues concerning Mullaperiyar dam.</strong> The dam is <strong>a source of friction between Tamil Nadu and Kerala.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <strong>petition</strong> was filed by a resident of Idukki district of Kerala to <strong>lower the water level of Mullaperiyar dam to 130 feet</strong> saying there is a <strong>danger of <a href="/to-the-points/paper1/earthquake-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">earthquakes</a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/flood-management-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">floods</a></strong> in the area as monsoon progresses in the State.</li>
<li>The petitioner contended that the <strong>Supervisory Committee had become &ldquo;lethargical&rdquo;</strong> about the safety inspection and survey of the dam. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It had <strong>delegated its duties to a sub-committee of local officials.</strong></li>
<li>The instrumentation scheme, safety mechanism, etc, have not been finalised for the past six years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Blamed Kerala for delaying the finalisation of the <strong>rule curve</strong> for the dam.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Rule curve</strong> in a dam decides the fluctuating storage levels in a reservoir. The gate opening schedule of a dam is based on the rule curve.</li>
<li>It is<strong> part of the &ldquo;core safety&rdquo;</strong> mechanism in a dam.</li>
<li>The <strong>rule curve level is fixed to avoid emergency opening of dam shutters</strong> in case of a flood-like situation. It helps in controlling the water level in the dam during peak monsoon.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Kerala has made consistent efforts to obstruct Tamil Nadu from operating the dam.</li>
<li>Tamil Nadu is <strong>not able to access data</strong> which is in Kerala&rsquo;s terrain. There is <strong>no road built,</strong> the<strong> power supply has not been restored</strong> although Tamil Nadu has paid for it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Kerala&rsquo;s Stand:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Accused Tamil Nadu of adopting an <strong>&ldquo;obsolete&rdquo;</strong> gate operation schedule dating back to 1939.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>SC&rsquo;s Ruling:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Chief Secretary</strong> shall be<strong> &ldquo;personally responsible&rdquo;</strong> and <strong>&ldquo;appropriate action&rdquo;</strong> will be taken on failure to give information on the <strong>rule curve for Mullaperiyar dam</strong> to the SC -appointed <strong>Supervisory Committee.</strong></li>
<li>Directed the Supervisory Committee to<strong> issue directions or take steps to address the three core safety issues</strong> and submit a compliance report in four weeks.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Core Issues:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Monitoring and performance of the <strong>instrumentation</strong> of the dam.</li>
<li>Finalising the<strong> rule curve.</strong></li>
<li>Fixing the gate <strong>operating schedule.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The three core issues are <strong>directly concerned with the safety of the dam</strong> and will have a cascading effect on persons residing in the nearby areas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Mullaperiyar Dam</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Mullaperiyar, a <strong>123-year-old</strong> dam, is<strong> located on the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers</strong> in <strong>Kerala&rsquo;s Idukki district.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The dam stands at the <strong>height of 53.66 metres</strong> and <strong>365.85 metres in length.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is <strong>operated and maintained by the Tamil Nadu</strong> for meeting the drinking water and irrigation requirements of five of its southern districts.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to a 999-year <strong>lease agreement</strong> made during the British rule the operational rights were handed over to Tamil Nadu.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>dam intends to divert the waters of the west-flowing river Periyar eastward</strong> to the arid rain shadow regions of the Tamil Nadu.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Periyar River</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Periyar River is the longest river in the state of Kerala</strong> with a length of 244 km.</li>
<li>It is also known as<strong> &lsquo;Lifeline of Kerala&rsquo;</strong> as it is one of the few perennial rivers in the state.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A<strong> perennial river is a channel that has continuous flow</strong> in parts of its stream bed all year round.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Periyar River <strong>originates from Sivagiri hills</strong> of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ecologically-sensitive-areas-in-western-ghats" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Western Ghats</strong></a> and flows through the <strong>Periyar National Park.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>main tributaries</strong> of Periyar are Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni, Perinjankutti.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615975332_image7.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615975332_image7.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" caption="false" /></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/come-out-with-rule-curve-for-mullaperiyar-sc/article34085574.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7942,
		'category_id' => (int) 26,
		'title' => 'Dams and Destruction',
		'description' => '<h3>Introduction</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A dam is a structure built across a river or stream to hold back water. Over the centuries dams have been built using different materials.</li>
<li>Ancient dam builders used natural materials such as rocks or clay while today most dams are built using concrete.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dams in India:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has 4,407 large dams, the third highest number in the world after China (23,841) and the USA (9,263). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dobra-chanti-bridge" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tehri Dam</strong></a> in Uttarakhand is the <strong>highest dam in India</strong> built on Bhagirathi river.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/nhrc-issues-notice-in-hirakud-displacement-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hirakud Dam</strong></a> in Odisha built on river Mahanadi is the <strong>longest dam of India.</strong></li>
<li>Kallanai Dam in Tamil Nadu is the <strong>oldest dam of India.</strong> It is built on the Kaveri river and is about 2000 years old.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance of Dams:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Source of Clean Energy:</strong> Dams are the sources of clean power. Many countries have embraced dams as a way to reduce reliance on expensive fossil fuels.</li>
<li><strong>Irrigation:</strong> Dams and waterways store and provide water for irrigation so farmers can use the water for growing crops. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In areas where water and rain are not abundant (like the desert), irrigation canals from rivers and dams are used to carry water.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prevent Flooding:</strong> Dams, if planned well, help in preventing floods. They catch extra water so that it doesn&rsquo;t run wild downstream.</li>
<li><strong>Source of Drinking Water:</strong> Since the water stored in dams is freshwater, it can also be used as drinking water.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615887794_Image4.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1615887794_Image4.jpg" width="700" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<h3>Dams and Destruction</h3>
<p>While dams can benefit the society in many ways, they are also one of the biggest menaces to river ecology, wildlife, aquatic habitat of fish and ultimately humans.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Affect the Aquatic Life:</strong> Dams prevent fish migration and limit their ability to access spawning habitat, seek out food resources, and escape predation. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Aquatic organisms depend on steady flows to guide them while stagnant reservoir pools disorient migrating fish and can significantly increase the duration of their migration.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dams block Rivers:</strong> Dams and reservoirs are physical barriers to the flow of water bodies as they fragment them and reservoirs, which impact their seasonal flow. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>They also change the way rivers function and trap sediment, burying rock riverbeds where fish spawn.</li>
<li>Gravel, logs, and other important food and habitat features can also become trapped behind dams. This negatively affects the creation and maintenance of more complex habitat downstream.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>A Hazardous Infrastructure:</strong> Large dams, even if structurally sound, are regarded as &ldquo;high hazard&rdquo; infrastructure because of the potential for a massive loss of human lives, livelihoods and destruction in the event of failure.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In the most recent <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/uttarakhand-flash-flood#:~:text=Recently%2C%20a%20glacial%20break%20in,out%20settlements%20and%20took%20lives." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Uttarakhand flash floods</a></strong>, experts say the incident was induced by the effect of global warming on melting glaciers but the effect was worsened by construction of infrastructure (Hydroelectric Power Projects, HEPs). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>HEPs which use large-scale blasting, tree felling and tunneling, most certainly added to the proportion of the impact. They became a force multiplier in the destruction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The construction was against the recommendation of the Chopra Committee which submitted a detailed report warning that a glacial retreat in the state of Uttarakhand, coupled with structures built for hydroelectricity generation and dams, could lead to large-scale disasters downstream.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reservoir Induced Seismicity:</strong> There is a strong relation between the earthquakes and loading and unloading of water from the dam. The Koyna and Warna region is possibly the best example of <strong>reservoir-induced-seismicity (RIS).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Koyna and Warna reservoirs are responsible for the earthquakes in the south Maharashtra region which has experienced many earthquakes in five decades.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This series of earthquakes have occurred post the construction of dams in the region.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Displacement of People:</strong> The land submergence and large scale displacement of people due to construction of large dams is one prevailing issue which is often overlooked by the authorities. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Construction of dams such as Hirakud, Bhakra Nangal and Tehri had displaced a number of families many of which were not rehabilitated at all. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Even after rehabilitation, lack of livelihood opportunities and poor living conditions are still observed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gujarat-madhya-pradesh-tussle-over-the-narmada#:~:text=The%20Sardar%20Sarovar%20Project%20(SSP,increase%20irrigation%20and%20produce%20hydroelectricity." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sardar Sarovar dam</a></strong>, the largest structure on Narmada river, has displaced over 3 lakh families.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Older Dams are Greater Hazard:</strong> <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ageing-dams-of-india-un-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Older dams</a></strong> pose greater safety risks, cost higher in terms of maintenance and have declining functionality due to sedimentation, stated <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Globally, over 1,115 large dams will be about 50 years old by 2025.</li>
<li>China, the US and India top the list of countries with a significant number of large dams. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>China alone hosts 40% of the world&rsquo;s large dams (numbering 23,841), their average age being 45 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India has 4,407 large dams of which more than 1,000 would be 50 years or older by 2025, a new study has shown.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has 209 dams that are over 100-year-old, built when design practices and safety were far below current norms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>GreenHouse Gas Emissions:</strong> Particularly in tropical regions, hydropower reservoirs emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The water gathers behind the dam, creates an unnatural, stagnant lake that often kills off a lot of the existing ecosystem. Bacteria in the water decompose these plants and generate carbon dioxide and methane (potent greenhouse gas).</li>
<li>Methane from reservoirs accounts for more than 4% of all human-caused climate change comparable to the climate impact of the aviation sector.</li>
<li>In some cases, hydropower projects are producing higher emissions than coal-fired power generating the same amount of electricity plants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>The Chopra committee</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The committee was appointed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (now Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change, MoEFCC) in October 2013, following the <strong>Supreme Court&rsquo;s suo motto order</strong> of August 13 2013.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The committee suggested that no hydroelectric power projects (HEPs) should be built in the paraglacial region as it has loose glacial debris which when carried downstream can be disastrous.</li>
<li>It also raised objections to the construction of HEPs in regions 2200-2500 metres above the sea level.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Preferring Viable Alternatives:</strong> Prioritizing <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/solar-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>solar</strong></a> and <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/policy-watch-indias-wind-energy-potential" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>wind</strong></a> projects are viable and sustainable alternatives to hydroelectric power projects.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>However, improving dam operations and finding more suitable locations for such infrastructure should also be part of the solution.</li>
<li>India should instead focus on technologies such as pumped storage, batteries and hydrogen for balancing the grid, Mishra said. As these technologies become economically viable, it will further weaken the case for large dams.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Timely Inspection of Dams:</strong> It is evident that instead of focusing on building new dams, there is a need to look at the underperformance of existing projects.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India must conduct a cost-benefit analysis of its ageing dams, and conduct timely safety reviews in order to ensure their operational and ecological safety, as well as the safety of those who inhabit the areas downstream.</li>
<li>Fifty years is not a defining age for all dams because the design life also depends on factors such as construction and maintenance.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A well constructed and well-maintained dam can go up to 100 years.</li>
<li>However, 50 years is roughly the age when a dam may begin to show signs of ageing.</li>
<li>In some cases, dam components such as gates and motors may need to be replaced after 30 years to 50 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Steps Recommended by WCD:</strong> The World Commission on Dams (WCD) lists seven steps as a remedy to issues arising from dams. These include:
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Gaining wide public acceptance for construction of any dam.</li>
<li>Exploration of alternatives to dams.</li>
<li>Optimal usage of existing structures.</li>
<li>Protection and restoration of ecosystems at river basin level.</li>
<li>Recognising entitlements of the affected people.</li>
<li>Compliance with applicable regulations.</li>
<li>Regional cooperation on trans-boundary rivers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>World Commission on Dams (WCD)</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The WCD is a global multi-stakeholder body established by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/iucn-red-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Union for Conservation of Nature</strong></a> <strong>(IUCN)</strong> in 1998 to investigate the effectiveness and performance of large dams around the world.</li>
<li>The WCD released its landmark report in November 2000 on the enormous financial, environmental and human costs and the dismal performance of large dams.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It found that while the construction of large dams had brought some economic benefits, they had also forcibly displaced an estimated 40-80 million people in the 20th century alone.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These people lost their lands and homes to dams and often with no compensation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The Case of Mullaperiyar Dam</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/mullaperiyar-dam" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mullaperiyar dam</strong></a>, a <strong>gravity dam</strong> in Kerala is a <strong>126-year-old</strong> barrage that has dangerously outlived its 50 years of life.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The dam is located in the <strong>Western Ghats</strong>, adjacent to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/periyar-tiger-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Periyar wildlife sanctuary</strong></a>, built during the British colonial period.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A gravity dam is one which is designed to withstand water by its own weight and resistance.</li>
<li>The weight and width of the base prevent the dam from overturning when subjected to the force of impounded water.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The dam is considered hazardous, not only because of its age but also for its location in an acknowledged seismic zone (zone-III).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Decommission of the Dam:</strong> The government of Kerala carried out hydrological review studies between 2006 and 2011 that concluded that the Mullaperiyar Dam is unsafe for passing the estimated probable maximum flood limit.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Both IIT-Roorkee and IIT-Delhi have deemed the dam to be fit to be decommissioned.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, decommissioning Mullaperiyar is strongly opposed by Tamil Nadu state, which inherited a lease agreement between the former princely state of Travancore (now Kerala) and the British government.</li>
<li>The lease allows Tamil Nadu to operate the dam and divert 640 million cubic metres of water annually for irrigation and power generation through a tunnel bored into the Western Ghat mountains that form a wall between the two states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
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	(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7928,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Energy Efficiency Enterprise (E3) Certifications Programme',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Ministry of Power has launched <strong>"Energy Efficiency Enterprise (E3) Certifications Programme for the Brick Manufacturing Sector".</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The E3 Certification Scheme is aimed at tapping huge energy efficiency potential in this sector.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Energy Efficiency Enterprise (E3) Certifications Programme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>E3 certification is an accreditation process focused on the Brick industry. The certification will be provided by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bee-star-rating-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)</strong></a>.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is an initiative to recognise burnt clay brick manufacturers who adopt energy-efficient manufacturing and encourage customers to source bricks from such E3 certified manufacturing units.</li>
<li>It will be awarded to Brick Manufacturing Enterprises that meet the minimum Specific Energy Consumption (SECVol) performance criteria specified in the Scheme.</li>
<li>It is a <strong>shift from conventional to efficient technologies and product shift</strong> towards low density bricks with better thermal insulation.</li>
<li>The adoption of the <strong>E3 Certification is currently voluntary</strong> for the Brick industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Brick Manufacturing Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Contribution in GDP:</strong> The brick sector contributes nearly 0.7% to the country's GDP, offers seasonal employment generation to over 1 crore workers, and has a strong influence on other economic sectors such as transportation and construction.</li>
<li><strong>Market Size:</strong> India is the <strong>world's second largest producer of bricks</strong> and this demand is expected to multiply three to four times over the next 20 years, through the E3 Certification program.</li>
<li><strong>Energy Consumption:</strong> The brick manufacturing industry consumes about 45-50 million tonnes of coal equivalent annually, amounting to 5-15% of the total energy consumption in the country. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The brick sector has the second largest potential for energy efficiency amongst the Indian industrial sector after steel and more than cement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages of E3 Certification:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The implementation of E3 Certification will lead to multiple benefits:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Energy savings in the brick manufacturing process. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Improved quality of bricks. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Cost savings to builders.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Energy savings to occupiers of buildings</strong> due to better thermal comfort and improved insulation properties.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Energy saving of 7 Million Tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE) per year and CO, savings of about 25 Million Tonnes by 2030 are estimated through adoption of E3 Certification by 7500 Bricks manufacturing units.</li>
<li><strong>Modernization of Sector:</strong> The Scheme seeks to accelerate brick sector modernization, using market incentives to create customer demand to fulfil the vision for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/measures-on-atmanirbhar-bharat-3-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Aatmanirbhar Bharat.</strong></a></li>
<li><strong>ECBC Compliance:</strong> Energy efficient bricks will be useful in complying with the requirements of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-energy-conservation-day-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Energy Conservation Buildings Code (ECBC).</a></strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Bureau of Energy Efficiency</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)</strong> is a<strong> statutory body</strong> under the Ministry of Power which was setup in 2002 under the provisions of the<strong> Energy Conservation Act, 2001.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is mandated to implement policy and programmes in the area of energy efficiency and conservation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It assists in developing policies and strategies with the primary objective of reducing energy intensity of the Indian economy.</li>
<li><strong>Major Programmes:</strong> State Energy Efficiency Index, Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, The Standards &amp; Labeling Programme, Energy Conservation Building Code, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Energy Conservation Building Code</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <strong>Bureau of Energy Efficiency</strong> had launched <strong>Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2007</strong> to establish minimum energy performance standards for buildings in India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Buildings consume a significant proportion of our energy resources and the ECBC is an essential regulatory tool to curb their energy footprint.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>ECBC sets minimum energy standards for new commercial buildings having a connected load of 100kW (kilowatt) or contract demand of 120 KVA (kilovolt-ampere) and above.</li>
<li>BEE has<strong> also developed a voluntary Star Rating Programme for buildings</strong> which is based on the actual performance of a building, in terms of energy usage in the building over its area expressed in kWh/sq. m/year.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID%3D1704417&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1615636021409000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1vW__qd4Rp5pNuJHSkGVrj" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7911,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India’s Biggest Floating Solar Power Plant',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India&rsquo;s <strong>biggest floating <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/solar-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">solar power</a> plant</strong> by generation capacity (100MW) is being developed by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-thermal-power-corporation-limited" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC)</strong></a> at <strong>Ramagundam in Peddapalli district of Telangana.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The project is in line with India's commitment to attain the target of 175 GW of installed <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/curtailment-issue-in-renewable-energy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>renewable energy</strong></a> capacity by 2022 including 100 GW of solar installed capacity.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Floating Solar Plants:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It refers to the <strong>deployment of photovoltaic panels on the surface of water bodies.</strong> They are <strong>a viable alternative to land-based solar arrays</strong> with applications in India. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There are <strong>a large number of major reservoirs in the Southern Region</strong> which provides a huge opportunity to go for renewable energy in the floating solar method.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Projects Coming up in India:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The thermal plant at<strong> Ramagundam</strong> would be one of the renewable (solar) energy plants being developed by NTPC with an installed capacity of 447MW in the Southern Region and the entire capacity would be commissioned by March 2023.</li>
<li>The renewable energy plants that are likely to be commissioned in the next three months are 25MW floating solar plant at <strong>Simhadri thermal power plant</strong> near <strong>Visakhapatnam</strong> and 92MW floating solar plant at <strong>Kayamkulam</strong> in<strong> Kerala.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Advantages:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Address Land Acquisition Issues:</strong> The key challenges that face renewable energy plant owners are land acquisition, grid connectivity, regulations and off-take. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Floating solar plants balance high population density and competing uses for available land. The land can be used for other purposes, such as farming or construction.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cooling Effect:</strong> The bodies of water exert a <strong>cooling effect,</strong> which improves the performance of solar photovoltaic panels by 5-10%. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Over time, this translates into <strong>significant cost savings.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Advantages:</strong> Reduced grid interconnection costs, reduced water evaporation, improved water quality, and reduced <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/incois-launches-products#:~:text=An%20algal%20bloom%20or%20marine,algae%20in%20an%20aquatic%20system.&amp;text=Harmful%20Algal%20Blooms%20can%3A,or%20kill%20people%20and%20animals." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>algal blooming</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Increased Cost:</strong> Engineering and construction costs are usually higher than those of a ground-mounted solar farm.</li>
<li><strong>Safety Issues:</strong> Since floating solar involves water and electricity, more consideration must be given to cable management and insulation testing than on land, especially when cables are in contact with water.</li>
<li><strong>Degradation and Corrosion:</strong> A floating solar plant has moving parts that are subject to constant friction and mechanical stress. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Systems that are poorly designed and maintained could suffer from catastrophic failures.</li>
<li>The installation is at risk of degradation and corrosion due to moisture, especially in more aggressive coastal environments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Understanding of Water-bed Topography:</strong> Developing floating solar projects requires a thorough understanding of water-bed topography and its suitability for setting up anchors for floats.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Solar Energy Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>National Solar Mission :</strong> Solar energy has taken a central place in India's <a href="/mind-map/gs-paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change-mind-map" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Action Plan on Climate Change</strong></a> with the <strong>National Solar Mission</strong> as one of the key Missions.</li>
<li><strong>INDCs target:</strong> It targets installing 100 GW grid-connected solar power plants by the year 2022. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is in line with India&rsquo;s<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/virtual-climate-action-ministerial" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs)</strong></a> target to achieve about 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources and to reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35% from 2005 level by 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Launch of ISA:</strong> The launch of the <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-analysis/18-08-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>International Solar Alliance (ISA)</strong></a> was announced by the Prime Minister of India and the President of France in 2015, at the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/unfccc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>21<sup>st</sup> session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-21)</strong></a> in Paris, France.</li>
<li><strong>Government Schemes:</strong> Such as <strong>Solar Park Scheme, Canal bank &amp; Canal top Scheme,</strong> Bundling Scheme,<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rooftop-solar-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Scheme</strong> </a>etc.</li>
<li><strong>One Sun One World One Grid:</strong> India has an ambitious cross-border power grid plan<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/one-sun-one-world-one-grid-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> &lsquo;One Sun One World One Grid&rsquo;</strong></a> that seeks to transfer solar power generated in one region to feed the electricity demands of others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Thermal Power Corporation Limited</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NTPC Ltd. is a<strong> central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU)</strong> under the Ministry of Power.</li>
<li>It is India&rsquo;s largest energy conglomerate with roots planted way back in 1975 to accelerate power development in India.</li>
<li>It aims to provide reliable power and related solutions in an economical, efficient and environment-friendly manner, driven by innovation and agility.</li>
<li>It became a <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sectors-of-indian-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Maharatna company</strong></a> in May 2010.</li>
<li>It is located in New Delhi.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/indias-biggest-floating-solar-plant-to-be-commissioned-in-next-three-months/article34036031.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7889,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Rationalisation of Railway Fares',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extension-of-tenure-of-standing-committees" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Parliamentary Standing Committee</strong></a> on Railways has suggested <strong>rationalisation of both freight and passenger fares.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Committee&rsquo;s Observation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Social Service Obligations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>losses incurred by the railways in passenger services purportedly due to the social service obligations</strong> which include pricing tickets at fares lower than costs and passenger concessions.</li>
<li>The railways incur losses to the tune of <strong>Rs. 35,000-38,000 crore a year</strong> in the passenger segment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Effect of Covid:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Revenues from passenger services further deteriorated due to suspension of operations during <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Operating Ratio:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Noted the regular deterioration in Railways <strong>Operating Ratio (OR).</strong></li>
<li><strong>OR</strong> indicates how much the Railways spend to earn a rupee. It helps determine the financial health of the Railways.</li>
<li>For example, an operating ratio of <strong>98.36% for 2019-20</strong>, indicates that to earn Rs. 100, the Railways will have to spend Rs. 98.36.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For <strong>2020-21</strong>, it is estimated to be <strong>131.4%</strong>.</li>
<li>For <strong>2021-22</strong>, Railways is targeting OR of <strong>96.15%</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges in the Functioning of Railways:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Indian Railways&rsquo; ills are as multifarious as they are well-known: <strong>bureaucratic,</strong> <strong>obese structure</strong> with a<strong> misconceived perception of</strong> <strong>public-service-obligation, warped investment priorities, capacity crunch on arterial routes</strong>, strained terminals, <strong>irrational fare &amp; freight structures.</strong></li>
<li>It has <strong>one of the highest rail freight charges in the world</strong>. This has also <strong>resulted in consumers moving to roadways</strong> for freight transportation, which is more convenient for them.</li>
<li>The predicament of the railways is that the <strong>profits earned from freight business are utilised to compensate for the losses incurred on passenger and other coaching services</strong>, thereby adversely affecting both freight and passenger business.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Committee&rsquo;s Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Revisiting social service obligations</strong> and resuming services suspended during covid.</li>
<li><strong>Adjust Passengers Fares:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Undertake <strong>&ldquo;prudent adjustment&rdquo;</strong> of passenger fares <strong>to reduce the burden on freight segments.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Make Fares Demand-cum-Market Driven:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Both passenger fares and freight rates have to be <strong>demand-cum-market driven</strong> and fixed differently for different segments.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Retain Customers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As the demand for transport is elastic in a competitive market the Railways should be mindful of the fact that <strong>any increase in fares should be confined to a certain limit depending upon the competition from other transport modes.</strong></li>
<li>The operational efficiencies of the railways in both freight and passenger business have to be leveraged to a greater extent so as to <strong>retain the customer base and enhance revenues.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthen Planning and Management:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The railways should <strong>strengthen their planning, management and monetary mechanisms</strong> to earn substantial non-fare revenues through various methods/sources, already intended and put in place.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>For example:</strong> Dividends from its public sector undertakings, land lease, parking, sale of scrap, advertisements and publicity etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Railway <strong>finances should be managed prudently</strong> so that the <strong>OR may reach at acceptable level</strong> in the near future.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Recent Steps</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Draft National Rail Plan:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In December 2020 in an endeavour to address the inadequacies of capacity constraints and improve its modal share in the total freight ecosystem of the country, Indian Railways has come up with a Draft National Rail Plan.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dedicated Freight Corridors:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dedicated-freight-corridor-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>a high speed and high capacity railway corridor</strong></a> that is exclusively meant for the transportation of freight, or in other words, goods and commodities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Introduction of Policy for Private Passenger Trains Operations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In July 2020, Indian Railways initiated the process to allow <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/privatizing-indian-railways#:~:text=Recently%2C%20the%20Indian%20Railways%20initiated,participation%20in%20passenger%20train%20operations." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>private firms to operate passenger trains on its network through 151 new trains.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Adarsh Station Scheme:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It aims to upgrade the suburban stations of India to <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/adarsh-station-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adarsh stations</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Restructuring of the Railway Board and Merger of Different Railway Officer Cadres:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In 2019-20, the government <a href="/current-affairs-news-analysis-editorials/news-editorials/16-01-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>approved the restructuring of the Indian Railways</strong></a>, including a reduction in the Board strength as well as the merger of the different cadres into a central service called the <strong>Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS).</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Subsidising the daily or frequent user can be done in the form of a <strong>direct-to-bank account</strong>, as is done in the case of several other government schemes. This will ensure the passengers pay a full price and<strong> the government&rsquo;s subsidy burden is reduced to only those classes who need it the most.</strong></li>
<li>As the country&rsquo;s growing transport market changes in character, the <strong>key demands would be an integrated multi-modal &lsquo;whole journey&rsquo; service.</strong> Railways&rsquo; passenger business strategy needs to aggressively target inter-city travel segments as its core business currently served by some 4,000 trains daily, addressing the acute shortage in supply of such services, substantially upgrading and accelerating them with modern pre-board and on-board services.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/panel-for-tweak-in-rail-passenger-fares/article34024102.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7856,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Ease of Living & Municipal Performance Index 2020',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs released the <strong>final rankings of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ease-of-living-index#:~:text=Andhra%20Pradesh%20topped%20the%20%27Ease,and%20Urban%20Affairs%20(%20MoHUA)." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ease of Living Index</a> (EoLI) 2020 </strong>and the<strong> Municipal Performance Index (MPI) 2020.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Municipal Performance Index: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has been launched as an<strong> accompaniment to the Ease of Living Index.</strong></li>
<li>It seeks to<strong> examine local government practices</strong> in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/municipal-bonds" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>municipalities</strong> </a>across areas of services, finance, policy, technology and governance.</li>
<li>It also seeks to <strong>simplify and evaluate</strong> the <strong>complexities in local governance</strong> practice and promote the ethos of transparency and accountability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Coverage:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The MPI <strong>examined the sectoral performance of 111 municipalities</strong> (with Delhi being assessed separately for NDMC, and the three Municipal Corporations).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Parameters Used:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The five verticals under MPI are <strong>Services, Finance, Policy, Technology and Governance.</strong> These five verticals comprise 20 sectors and 100 indicators in all totality.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Categories:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The assessment framework under MPI 2020 has<strong> classified municipalities based on their population:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Million+</strong> (municipalities having over a million population) and</li>
<li><strong>Less than a Million</strong> Population.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>MPI 2020 Performance</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Million+ category:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Indore has emerged as the highest ranked</strong> municipality, followed by Surat and Bhopal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Less than Million category:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>New Delhi Municipal Council topped,</strong> followed by Tirupati and Gandhinagar.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ease of Living Index</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>About:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>It is an assessment tool</strong> that evaluates the quality of life and the impact of various initiatives for urban development.</li>
<li>It <strong>provides a comprehensive understanding</strong> of participating cities across India based on quality of life, economic-ability of a city, and its sustainability and resilience.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It aims to<strong> enable cities to systematically assess themselves</strong> against global and national benchmarks and encourage them to shift towards an <strong>&lsquo;outcome-based&rsquo; approach</strong> to urban planning and management.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Parameters: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Citizen Perception:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The EoLI 2020 strengthens its scope by consolidating the framework with the addition of a <strong>Citizen Perception Survey</strong> in the index, holding a <strong>weightage of 30%.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Citizen Perception Survey:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was undertaken to help <strong>validate citizens' experience of their city</strong> in terms of service delivery.</li>
<li><strong>Bhubaneswar had the highest CPS score,</strong> followed by Silvassa, Davangere, Kakinada, Bilaspur and Bhagalpur.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Existing Living Conditions:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It also examines the <strong>outcomes that lead to existing living conditions.</strong></li>
<li>Across<strong> 13 categories</strong> such as Education, Health, Housing and Shelter, Buildings, Energy Consumption, and City Resilience, that <strong>account for 70% of the overall outcome.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>EoLI Performance 2020 </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Million+ Category:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614948956_ELI_drishti_ias.jpeg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1614948956_ELI_drishti_ias.jpeg" width="409" height="515" style="float: right;" caption="false" /> </a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Top Performers:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Bengaluru followed by Pune and Ahmedabad.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Worst Performers:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Amritsar, Guwahati, Bareilly, Dhanbad and Srinagar.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Less than Million Category:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Top Performers:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Shimla followed by Bhubaneshwar and Silvassa.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Worst Performers:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Aligarh, Rampur, Namchi, Satna and Muzaffarpur.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Provide Holistic Assessment:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These indices provide a <strong>holistic assessment of cities</strong> based on their efforts to cultivate better quality of life, create infrastructure, and address challenges of <strong><a href="/mains-practice-question/question-740" target="_blank" rel="noopener">urbanization</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Help In Overcoming Deficiencies:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Learnings gathered from these indices can <strong>help the government identify gaps, tap into potential opportunities,</strong> and increase efficiency in local governance to improve the lives of citizens and fulfil broader development outcomes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Complement SDG Goals:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These indicators are also linked with the majority of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development</strong> </a>Goals (SDGs), specially to the SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities And Communities).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bengaluru-most-liveable-city-in-india-srinagar-least-reveals-survey-7214324/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7832,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Maritime India Summit 2021',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>&lsquo;Maritime India Summit 2021&rsquo; is being organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Focus Area:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>To further the port-led development along the 7,516-km long coastline.</li>
<li>India will invest <strong>USD 82 billion</strong> in port projects <strong>by 2035 (under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sagarmala-seaplane-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sagarmala Programme</a>)</strong>, raise the share of <strong>clean <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-renewable-energy-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewable energy</a> sources</strong> in the maritime sector, <strong>develop <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/use-of-waterways-for-reducing-transportation-cost#:~:text=About%2055%20million%20tonnes%20of,longest%20National%20waterway%20in%20India." target="_blank" rel="noopener">waterways</a></strong> and <strong>boost tourism</strong> around lighthouses.</li>
<li>India aims to operationalise 23 waterways by 2030.</li>
<li>Through the focus areas of <strong>upgradation of infrastructure,</strong> India aims to strengthen the vision of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/atmanirbhar-bharat-and-economic-stimulus" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Current Status of Indian Ports:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>India has 12 <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/major-port-authorities-bill-2020#:~:text=India%20has%2012%20major%20ports,and%20Kolkata%20(including%20Haldia)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>major ports</strong></a> and several minor ports along its West and East coast.</li>
<li>Capacity of major ports have increased from <strong>870 million tonnes in 2014 to 1550 million tonnes</strong> in 2021.</li>
<li>Indian ports have measures such as: <strong>Direct port Delivery, Direct Port Entry</strong> and an upgraded <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/port-community-system-pcs-1x" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Port Community System (PCS)</strong></a> for easy data flow that has helped in reduced waiting time for inbound and outbound cargo.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will help in growth of the maritime sector and promote India as a leading<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/blue-economy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Blue Economy</strong> </a>of the world.</li>
<li>Further the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/maritime-vision-2030" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Maritime India Vision 2030.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives for Port Development:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>The Sagar-Manthan:</strong> Mercantile Marine Domain Awareness Centre has also been launched. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is an information system for enhancing maritime safety, search and rescue capabilities, security and marine environment protection.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ship repair clusters</strong> will be developed along both coasts by 2022.</li>
<li><strong>Domestic ship recycling industry</strong> will also be promoted to create <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/waste-to-energy-plants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>'Wealth from Waste'.</strong></a> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has enacted <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/hong-kong-convention-for-ship-recycling" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Recycling of Ships Act, 2019</strong></a> and agreed to the <strong>Hong Kong International Convention.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India aims to increase usage of<strong> renewable energy</strong> to more than 60% of total energy by 2030 across Indian ports.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Sagarmala Programme</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Sagarmala Programme was <strong>approved by the Union Cabinet in 2015</strong> which aims at holistic port infrastructure development along the 7,516-km long coastline through modernisation, mechanisation and computerisation.</li>
<li>Under this port-led development framework, the government hopes to increase its cargo traffic three-fold.</li>
<li>It also includes the establishment of rail/road linkages with the port terminals, thus providing last-mile connectivity to ports; development of linkages with new regions, enhanced multi-modal connectivity including rail, inland water, coastal and road services.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1701886" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7696,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Report on Road Accidents: World Bank',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways released the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> Report titled<strong> &ldquo;Traffic Crash Injuries And Disabilities: The Burden on India Society&rdquo;.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Report has been prepared in collaboration with the <strong>NGO-Save Life Foundation.</strong></li>
<li>The survey data was collected from four Indian states i.e. <strong>Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Global Fatalities due to Road Accidents:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) - <strong>Eighth leading cause of death.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Road Crash Fatality Rate -</strong> Three times higher in low-income countries compared to high-income countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Road Accidents and Related Deaths in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Accounts for 11% of the global death</strong> in road accidents, the <strong>highest in the world.</strong></li>
<li>Accounts for about <strong>4.5 lakh road crashes per annum,</strong> in which 1.5 lakh people die.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Economic Impacts of Road Accidents:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Estimated Economic Loss -</strong> 3.14% of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gdp-decreases-to-11-year-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Gross Domestic Product (GDP)</strong></a>, indicating <strong>underreporting phenomenon</strong> in the country.</li>
<li><strong>Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Estimates -</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Socio-economic cost of Road Crashes is equivalent to<strong> 0.77% of the GDP.</strong></li>
<li><strong>76.2% of people</strong> who are killed in road crashes are in their prime working-age, <strong>18-45 years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Social Impact:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Burden on Households:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>At the individual level, road crash injuries and deaths<strong> impose a severe financial burden and push entire (non-poor) households</strong> into poverty and the already poor into debt.</li>
<li>Every road accident death causes <strong>depletion of nearly seven months&rsquo; household income in poor families,</strong> and pushes the kin of victims in a cycle of poverty and debt.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>VRUs bear a disproportionately large burden of road crashes</strong> and account for more than half of all road crash deaths and serious injuries in the country.</li>
<li>It is often the<strong> poor, especially male road-users</strong> of working age, that constitute the category of <strong>VRUs.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Daily wage workers and workers employed as casual labourers in informal activities are more prone to be defined as vulnerable compared to workers engaged in regular activities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In India, where <strong>VRUs</strong> are forced to share space with other less vulnerable road users,<strong> the income level of an individual has a direct bearing on the mode of transport used.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Gender Specific Impact:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Women in the families of victims <strong>bore the burden across poor and rich</strong> households, often taking up extra work, assuming greater responsibilities, and performing caregiving activities.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>About<strong> 50% of women were severely affected by the decline in their household income</strong> after a crash.</li>
<li>About<strong> 40% of women reported a change in their working patterns</strong> post-accident, while around <strong>11% reported taking up extra work</strong> to deal with the financial crisis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Rural-Urban Divide:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>income decline</strong> for low-income <strong>rural households (56%) was the most severe</strong> compared to low-income urban (29.5%) and high-income rural households (39.5%).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Steps Taken at Global Level:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety (2015):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-status-report-on-road-safety-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>declaration</strong> </a>was signed at the second Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety held in Brazil.<strong> India is a signatory</strong> to the Declaration.</li>
<li>The countries plan to achieve the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-indias-sustainable-development-goals" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sustainable Development Goal 3.6</strong></a> i.e. to half the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2030.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Decade for Road Safety:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The United Nations (UN) declared <strong>2011-2020</strong> as the decade of action for Road Safety.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>UN Global Road Safety Week:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is <strong>celebrated every two years,</strong> the fifth edition (held from 6-12 May 2019) highlighted the need for strong leadership for road safety.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a registered charity dedicated to saving lives through safer roads.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Steps Taken by Indian Government</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-motor-vehicles-bill-for-road-safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Act</strong></a> hikes the penalties for traffic violations, defective vehicles, juvenile driving, etc.</li>
<li>It provides for a<strong> Motor Vehicle Accident Fund,</strong> which would provide compulsory insurance cover to all road users in India for certain types of accidents.</li>
<li>It also provides for a <strong>National Road Safety Board,</strong> to be created by the Central Government through a notification.</li>
<li>It also provides for the protection of good samaritans.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Policy-oriented approaches are needed</strong> for saving lives and improving the ability of victims and their families to get back on their feet, including providing immediate financial, medical and legal aid.</li>
<li>Areas that require immediate improvements include <strong>post-crash emergency care and protocols, insurance and compensation systems.</strong></li>
<li>There is a need for development agencies, policymakers and respective state governments to <strong>prioritize a complete policy overhaul</strong> of the existing system and <strong>implement sustainable solution-oriented, inclusive measures</strong> to improve their performance on road safety.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1697771#:~:text=Gadkari%20says%20vehicle%20manufacturers%20should,cost%2Deffective%20road%20safety%20interventions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7677,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'National Coal Index',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <strong>Ministry of Coal</strong> has started <strong>commercial auction of <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/coal-sector-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coal</a> mines </strong>on<strong> a revenue share basis </strong>using the<strong> National Coal Index (NCI).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>NCI was <strong>rolled out in June 2020.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a price index which <strong>reflects the change of price level of coal in a particular month relative to the fixed base year.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The base year for the NCI is <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/government-budgeting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Financial Year</a> 2017-18. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Compilation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Prices of coal from all the sales channels of coal,</strong> including import, as existing today are taken into account for compiling the NCI.</li>
<li>The <strong>amount of revenue share</strong> per tonne of coal produced from auctioned blocks would be arrived at using the NCI by means of defined formula.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sub-Indices:</strong> NCI is composed of a set of<strong> five</strong> sub-indices: <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Three for <strong>Non Coking Coal</strong> and two for <strong>Coking Coal.</strong></li>
<li>The three sub-indices for Non Coking Coal are combined to arrive at the Index for Non Coking Coal and the two sub-indices for Coking Coal are combined to arrive at the Index for Coking Coal.</li>
<li>Thus,<strong> indices are separate for Non Coking and Coking Coal.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the grade of coal pertaining to a mine, the appropriate sub-index is used to arrive at the revenue share.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Coal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel which <strong>holds 55% of India's energy need.</strong></li>
<li>Based on the <strong>uses,</strong> coal is divided into <strong>two types:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Coking Coal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This type of coal when subjected to high temperature carbonisation i.e. heating in the absence of air to a temperature above 600 degree Celsius, <strong>forms a solid porous residue called coke.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Coke</strong> is fed into a blast furnace along with iron ore and limestone to produce steel in steel plants.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Coking coal is desired to be of<strong> low ash percentage.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Use:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Mainly used in steel making and metallurgical industries.</li>
<li>Also used for hard coke manufacturing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Non Coking Coal:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>These are coals without coking properties.</li>
<li><strong>Use:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This is the coal used in thermal power plants to generate electricity, so it is also known as <strong>steam coal or thermal coal.</strong></li>
<li>Also used for cement, fertilizer, glass, ceramic, paper, chemical and brick manufacturing, and for other heating purposes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Coal is <strong>also classified into four ranks: anthracite, bituminous, subbituminous, and lignite.</strong> The ranking <strong>depends on the types and amounts of carbon the coal contains </strong>and<strong> on the amount of heat energy</strong> the coal can produce.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1697033" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 15 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7595,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Vaghai-Bilimora Heritage Line',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The<strong> Western Railway</strong> has decided to <strong>not stop the services of three trains,</strong> including the <strong>107-year-old narrow gauge heritage train between Vaghai and Bilimora,</strong> in Gujarat permanently.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Other <strong>two narrow gauge</strong> trains run between <strong>Miyagam, Choranda and Malsar,</strong> and <strong>Choranda junction and Moti Karal</strong>.</li>
<li>In rail transport, track gauge or track gage is the <strong>spacing of the rails</strong> on a railway track.</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 <strong>Ministry of Railways,</strong> previously issued a letter to the Western Railway ordering permanent closure of 11<strong> "uneconomic branch lines"</strong> and<strong> narrow gauge sections</strong> of the Western Railway, including <strong>three from Gujarat</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About the Vaghai-Billimora Train:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It started in 1913, was a remnant of <strong>Gaekwad dynasty</strong> who ruled the <strong>princely state of Baroda</strong>. <strong>Tribal people</strong> from the interior commute by this train regularly. The train covers a distance of <strong>63 kilometres</strong>.</li>
<li>At the instance of Gaekwad rulers, the British laid railway tracks and it <strong>was operated by Gaekwad Baroda State Railway (GBSR) owned by Sayajirao Gaekwad III</strong>. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Gaekwad jurisdiction was spread across</strong> parts of Saurashtra, Mehsana in north Gujarat, and Bilimora in South Gujarat.</li>
<li>The <strong>founder of the dynasty was Damaji I</strong> who had risen to power by 1740. The <strong>last Gaekwar, Sayaji Rao III,</strong> died in 1939.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>For about 24 years the train<strong> was run by a steam engine,</strong> which was replaced by a diesel engine in 1937. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 1994, the <strong>original steam engine was put on the display </strong>at <strong>Churchgate Heritage Gallery in Mumbai</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This was much before the Western Railway came into existence in 1951 with the merger of the Bombay, Baroda &amp; Central India Railway, the Saurashtra, Rajputana and Jaipur state Railways.</li>
<li>The 63-km Billimora-Vaghai and the 19-km Choranda-Moti Karal routes are<strong> among those five routes the Indian Railways had proposed to be preserved as "industrial heritage"</strong> in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat-vaghai-billimora-heritage-train-to-chug-on-as-western-railway-revokes-decision-to-scrap-its-services-7167053/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
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	(int) 16 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 7555,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Transit Oriented Development',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The redevelopment of <strong>New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS)</strong> has become the first project to be undertaken on the <strong>Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) concept in the NCR</strong>.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Approving Authority:</strong> The project has been approved by the <strong>Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA)</strong> which is a <strong>statutory body</strong> under the <strong>Ministry of Railways</strong> responsible for the development of vacant railway land.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Currently, the Indian Railways has approximately 43,000 hectares of vacant land across the country.</li>
<li>The Government, in recent times, has been promoting <strong>&lsquo;transit-oriented development&rsquo;</strong> where public transport is the backbone of cities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About:<a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1611737136_image1.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1611737136_image1.png" style="float: right; margin: 5px;" width="428" height="407" caption="false" /></a></strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)</strong> integrates land use and transport planning and aims to develop planned sustainable urban growth centers, having walkable and livable communes with high density mixed land-use.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Plan of TOD:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A TOD typically includes a <strong>central transit stop</strong> (such as a train station, or light rail or bus stop) surrounded by a <strong>high-density mixed-use area,</strong> with <strong>lower-density areas spreading out from this center</strong>.</li>
<li>A TOD is also typically designed to be <strong>more walkable</strong> than other built-up areas, through using smaller block sizes and reducing the land area dedicated to automobiles.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Need of TOD:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Factors such as <strong>rapidly growing population,<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-transforming-indian-cities" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Urbanization</a>, migration to cities, and traffic congestion etc</strong>.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Higher quality of life with better places to live, work, and play, greater mobility with ease of moving around, reduced traffic congestion, car accidents and injuries, reduced household spending on transportation, resulting in more affordable housing etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>TOD &amp; Policy Initiatives in India: It is based on three pillars:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Enable Transformation (From Private to Public Transportation):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To assist in transformation of cities from private vehicle dependent city to public transport oriented development</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Accessible Public Transport (Promote Green Mobility):</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To promote the usage of public transport by making it accessible, encourage green mobility by encouraging people to walk and cycle and at the same time curb pollution and other negative impacts of motorization.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Compact Walkable Communities:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To create livable and affordable communities, which are compact and walkable.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives of TOD Policy:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Public Transport:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To promote the use of public transport and reduction in private owned vehicles by developing high density zones in the influence area, which would increase the share of transit and walk trips and also result in <strong>reduction in pollution and congestion</strong> in the influence area.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduction in Travel:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To provide all the basic needs of work/ job, shopping, public amenities, entertainment in the influence zone with mixed land-use development which would reduce the need for travel.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Road Network:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To establish a dense road network within the development area for safe and easy movement.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inclusivity:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To <strong>develop inclusive habitat</strong> in the influence area so that the people dependent on public transport can live in the livable communities within the walkable distance of transit stations.</li>
<li>To integrate the <strong>Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and affordable housing</strong> in the influence zone by allocating a prescribed proportion of built-up area for them in the total housing supply.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Safety to Vulnerable Section:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To ensure development of a safe society with special attention to safety of women, children, senior citizens and differently abled by making necessary amendments to the building bye laws.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Planned Urbanization:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To prevent urban sprawl by accommodating the growing population in a compact area with access to the transit corridor, which would also consolidate investments and bring down the infrastructure cost for development.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Climate Friendly:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>To reduce carbon footprints by shifting towards environmentally friendly travel options for the line haul as well as for access and egress trips.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/rlda-e-roadshows-showcase-ndls-redevelopment-work/article33639515.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7542,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Premium for Traffic Violation',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A Working Group set up by the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sandbox-for-fintech" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India</strong> </a>(IRDAI) for Traffic Management has recently proposed to add <strong>&ldquo;traffic violation premium&rdquo;</strong> to the vehicle insurance policy.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Previously in <strong>September 2019,</strong> the IRDAI constituted the Working Group to examine the establishment of a system of Linking Motor Insurance Premium with Traffic Violations.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Premium:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Vehicle owners may have to pay<strong> insurance premium</strong> depending on the <strong>traffic violations involving the vehicle.</strong></li>
<li>The working group has recommended inserting a <strong>fifth section to motor insurance</strong> called <strong>&ldquo;traffic violation premium&rdquo;</strong> in addition to <strong>motor own damage insurance, basic <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/vehicle-insurance-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">third-party insurance</a>, additional third party insurance and compulsory personal accident premium. </strong></li>
<li><strong>Calculation of Premium:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A system of calculating <strong>traffic violation points basis frequency and severity of different traffic offences.</strong></li>
<li>The amount of traffic violation premium will depend upon <strong>driving habits</strong> which will be determined by the <strong>number and types of challans.</strong></li>
<li>Traffic violation premium shall be payable by the<strong> registered owner of the vehicle,</strong> whether an individual or an entity.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Calculation of Points:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As per the table of offences provided by the working group, drinking driving will attract the highest penalty of<strong> 100 points,</strong> while wrong parking will have<strong> 10 points penalty.</strong> The <strong>amount of premium</strong> will be <strong>linked to these penalty points.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Data Storage:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The data of traffic challans will be stored by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/rojgaar-sangi" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Informatics Centre</strong></a> (NIC) and shared with the<strong> Insurance Information Bureau of India</strong> (IIB) on a daily basis.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>IIB aims to provide <strong>information support in a Complete, Consistent, and Concise manner,</strong> to all <strong>stakeholders associated</strong> either directly or indirectly with the <strong>Insurance Sector,</strong> including Insurers, Regulator and Government Agencies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Mechanism:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>premium is on the vehicle and not on the driver.</strong> This means when a<strong> new vehicle is bought,</strong> it will start with a <strong>clean traffic violation history and its owner,</strong> when buying motor insurance, will <strong>not need to pay any traffic violation premium,</strong> even if he has a past traffic violation history, either as a driver of a vehicle owned by another person or his own vehicle of similar or a different category.</li>
<li><strong>However,</strong> if a person <strong>renews motor insurance,</strong> s/he will be <strong>assessed for her/his traffic violation points and traffic violation premium</strong> s/he needs to pay.</li>
<li>In case of <strong>transfer of insurance</strong> of a vehicle after sale, the traffic violation premium<strong> would start from ground zero</strong> from the date of vehicle ownership transfer and build depending upon the traffic violations caused by vehicle after ownership transfer.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Use of technology:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Insurance Information Bureau of India (IIB) will coordinate with <strong>various States Traffic Police and National Informatics Centre</strong> to capture the<strong> traffic violation data,</strong> calculate violation points of each violating vehicle and make this information available to all general insurers through IT system integration with insurers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Road Accidents in India:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to the <strong>Ministry of Road Transport, Road Accidents Report issued in 2018,</strong> India witnessed <strong>4.67 lakh road accidents</strong> that killed<strong> 1.51 lakh citizens.</strong></li>
<li>India ranks<strong> first in the number of road accident deaths</strong> across the <strong>199 countries</strong> reported in the <strong>World Road Statistics, 2018</strong> followed by China and US.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Government Measures:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government has already introduced heavy penalties on different types of traffic violations in the amended <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/the-motor-vehicles-bill-for-road-safety#:~:text=The%20Motor%20Vehicles%20(Amendment)%20Bill%2C%202019%20is%20based%20on,while%20dealing%20with%20transport%20departments." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Motor Vehicles Act 2019</strong></a>. In addition, the Government of India is also focusing on <strong>Intelligent Traffic Management System</strong> in the Metropolitan and smart cities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/irdai-committee-proposes-traffic-violation-premium-7154959/#:~:text=While%20a%20committee%20set%20up,of%20Delhi%20has%20recommended%20this" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7536,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Environment vs Development Debate',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-highways-authority-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)</strong></a> in the Karnataka High Court claimed that the <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/environmental-impact-assessment-1#:~:text=On%2027%20January%201994%2C%20the,Schedule%201%20of%20the%20notification." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Environment Protection Act, 1986</strong></a> was passed by Parliament not only for protection of environment but also at the instance of foreign powers.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/constitutional-rights-judicial-review-and-parliamentary-democracy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">writ</a> petition filed by the NGO, United Conservation Movement,</strong> against a 2013 notification of the Union Environment Ministry doing away with environment impact assessment reports for <strong>widening national highways of over 100 km by more than 40 metres.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>The United Conservation Movement</strong> is a conglomeration of environmental groups, and has over the last couple of years challenged NHAI projects in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ecologically-sensitive-areas-in-western-ghats" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Western Ghats</strong></a>, a tiger reserve as well as construction activity in a wildlife reserve.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NHAI&rsquo;s Claim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NHAI also alleged that many <strong>NGOs file petitions</strong> for upholding the norms of the Act<strong> at the instance of foreign powers.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Foreign entities such as <strong>Amnesty International</strong> and <strong>Peoples Union for Civil liberties</strong> through its Indian counterparts have filed <strong>Writ</strong> Petitions under <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/article-32-of-the-constitution#:~:text=Article%2032%20of%20the%20Constitution%20(Right%20to%20Constitutional%20Remedies)%3A,rights%20recognised%20by%20the%20Constitution." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Article 32</strong> </a>of the Constitution of India.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Article 32 of the Constitution (Right to Constitutional Remedies):</strong> It is a fundamental right, which states that individuals have the right to approach <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Supreme Court (SC)</a></strong> seeking enforcement of other fundamental rights recognised by the Constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The submission alleges that<strong> many organisations in India,</strong> which function as environmental action and human rights, <strong>are actively involved in attacking development projects, and challenging the government. policies &amp; notifications and doing anti national activities.</strong></li>
<li>The Environment Protection Act, 1986 is an Act that was <strong>influenced by the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/united-nations-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">United Nations</a> Conference on the Human Environment held at Stockholm in June, 1972 (<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stockholm Conference</a>)</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Hence, the Act has been passed by Parliament not only for protection of the environment but also at the instance of foreign powers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Court&rsquo;s Ruling:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The High Court has <strong>directed the NHAI chairman to nominate a very senior officer to look into and inquire into the manner</strong> in which the statement of objections was filed.</li>
<li>The High Court has also <strong>asked the NGO, United Conservation Movement, to provide details of its constitution and activities carried out in environment and conservation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Development vs Environment</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Importance of Environment:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The economic significance of the environment is evident with the range of <strong>ecosystem services</strong> that it offers. These include:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Provisioning services</strong> (food, irrigation, drinking water).</li>
<li><strong>Regulating services</strong> (climate regulation, water quality regulation).</li>
<li><strong>Cultural services</strong> (recreational and religious services).</li>
<li><strong>Supporting services</strong> (nutrient recycling, soil formation).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Millions of households and <strong>developmental activities utilise these ecosystem services</strong> for production and consumption.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Relation of Environment with Development:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Rapid <strong>industrialisation and urbanisation</strong> are<strong> inevitable</strong> to bring in desired levels of economic development.</li>
<li>This is also believed to be<strong> essential to substantially increase the per capita income.</strong></li>
<li>However, these income-generating activities are sure to have <strong>negative environmental consequences such as pollution.</strong></li>
<li>Noticeably, <strong>environmental quality is being compromised</strong> for the goals of mass employment generation and poverty reduction.</li>
<li>It is believed that<strong> with gradual increase in income levels</strong> along with growth in financial and technological capabilities, <strong>environmental quality could be restored.</strong></li>
<li>But the reality is that the continued <strong>growth generating activities only increasingly deteriorates the environmental quality.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Developmental Factors Affecting Environmental Sustainability:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Lack of Environmental Compliance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Neglect of environmental principles is a key reason why <strong>natural hazards</strong> end up causing a significant number of avoidable casualties.</li>
<li>Any exercise to scientifically ascertain the risk from natural hazards to a region are barely implemented in the right spirit.</li>
<li><strong>Unregulated quarrying and the unscientific cutting of slopes</strong> into hills aggravates the risk of soil erosion and subsequently increases the risk of landslides.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ill-effects of Subsidies:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In pursuit of providing welfare to vulnerable sections of society, the government has provided a <strong>bulk of subsidies.</strong></li>
<li>However, <strong>subsidised nature of services</strong> like energy and electricity <strong>leads to their overuse and undermines environmental sustainability.</strong></li>
<li>Further, subsidies also undermine the revenue base and limit the government&rsquo;s capacity to invest in new, cleaner technologies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>No Cost to Environmental Resources: </strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Access to natural resources is entirely open</strong> and no individual user bears the full cost of environmental degradation and <strong>resources are consequently overused.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Complexity of Population Dynamics:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Increasing population tends to<strong> exacerbate the linkages between underdevelopment and environmental degradation.</strong></li>
<li>Further, <strong>poverty generates significant incentives to raise large families</strong> and stimulate migrations, which<strong> makes urban areas environmentally unsustainable.</strong></li>
<li>Both outcomes increase pressure on resources and consequently worsen environmental quality, diminish productivity and reinforce poverty.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Development remains the greatest pursuit as well as a challenge, faced by humanity. However, <strong>despite the unprecedented economic and social progress that has been made over the last century, poverty, famine and environmental degradation still persist</strong> on a global scale.</li>
<li>Moreover, <strong>environmental deterioration and climate change have started to show irrevocable damages to the developmental progress</strong> made so far.</li>
<li>Thus, development goals must be pursued without breaching environment regulations.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/green-laws-passed-at-instance-of-foreign-powers-nhai-in-karnataka-hc-7157994/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
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		'article_id' => (int) 7525,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Ratle Hydro Electric Project',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The Union Cabinet has given its approval for <strong>850 MegaWatt</strong> (MW)<strong> Ratle hydropower project</strong> on <strong>Chenab river</strong> in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Ratle Hydroelectric Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong> It is a<strong> run-of-the-river hydroelectric</strong> power station <strong>on the Chenab River, Kishtwar district</strong> of the Indian Union Territory of <strong>Jammu and Kashmir.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Features:</strong> It includes<strong> a 133 m tall gravity dam</strong> and <strong>two power stations</strong> adjacent to one another. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The installed capacity of both power stations will be <strong>850 MW.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Background:</strong> In June 2013, the then Indian Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the dam. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Pakistan has frequently alleged</strong> that it violates the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/60-years-of-indus-water-treaty" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indus Water Treaty, 1960.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>The Latest Approval:</strong> It <strong>envisages an investment of about Rs. 5282 crore</strong> and the project shall be <strong>commissioned within a span of 60 months. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pakistan&rsquo;s Objections and Indus Water Treaty:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Pakistan government in 2013 had objected to the construction of the dam, claiming that it was not in conformity with the <strong>Indus Water Treaty.</strong></li>
<li>In<strong> August 2017,</strong> the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-bank-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Bank</strong></a> <strong>allowed India to construct the dam.</strong></li>
<li>Pakistan has approached the World Bank <strong>with fresh protests,</strong> but the Centre has now <strong>decided to go ahead with the construction.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Indus Waters Treaty</strong> was signed in 1960 after<strong> nine years of negotiations</strong> between India and Pakistan <strong>with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory.</strong></li>
<li>The Treaty <strong>provides India an absolute control of all the waters of Eastern Rivers</strong> while <strong>Pakistan shall receive for unrestricted use all those waters of the Western Rivers</strong> which <strong>India</strong> is under obligation to let flow beyond the <strong>permitted uses.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Ravi, the Beas and the Sutlej</strong> are together called as<strong> Eastern Rivers</strong> while the <strong>Chenab, the Jhelum and the Indus main</strong> are called as <strong>Western Rivers. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Strategic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This comes in the backdrop of India&rsquo;s<strong> plan to expedite strategically important hydropower projects</strong> in the union territory post its reorganization, as the government <strong>plans to fully utilize its share of water under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960.</strong></li>
<li>The task is seen as strategically vital in the context of China developing the controversial <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/viability-of-bri-and-cpec" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</strong></a> (CPEC), part of its<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/italy-joins-belt-road-initiative" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> One Belt One Road</strong></a> (OBOR) infrastructure initiative.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Socio-Economic Development:</strong> The construction activities of the Project will result in<strong> direct</strong> and <strong>indirect employment</strong> to around 4000 persons. Increase in <strong>disposable income</strong> will in turn lead to <strong>socio-economic development</strong> of the region.</li>
<li><strong>Power at Cheaper Rates:</strong> Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be benefitted by getting <strong>free power</strong> worth Rs. 5289 crore.</li>
<li><strong>Surplus Power:</strong> The Power generated from the Project will help in providing <strong>balancing of Grid</strong> and will improve the <strong>power supply position.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Grid balancing involves increasing existing power generating infrastructure to smooth out the supply of power.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Government Revenue:</strong> Through levy of <strong>Water Usage Charges</strong> from Ratle Hydro Electric Project, during project life cycle of <strong>40 years.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Projects on Chenab Basin:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Kiru Hydro Electric (HE) Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Kiru HE Project of 624 MW installed capacity is proposed on river Chenab (Kishtwar district).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Pakal Dul (Drangdhuran) Hydroelectric Project:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a reservoir based scheme proposed on river<strong> Marusudar,</strong> the main <strong>right bank tributary of river Chenab</strong> in Kishtwar Tehsil of Doda District in Jammu &amp; Kashmir.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Dulhasti Power Station:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is run-of-the-river with an installed capacity of 390 MW to harness the hydropower potential of<strong> river Chenab</strong> (Kishtwar district).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Salal Power Station:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is a run-of-the-river scheme with an installed capacity of 690 MW to harness the Hydropower potential of <strong>river Chenab.</strong> It is located in <strong>Reasi district of Jammu &amp; Kashmir.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Chenab River</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Source:</strong> It rises in the upper Himalayas in the <strong>Lahaul and Spiti district </strong>of<strong> Himachal Pradesh state.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The river is formed by the confluence of two rivers, <strong>Chandra and Bhaga, at Tandi, 8 km southwest of Keylong,</strong> in the <strong>Lahaul and Spiti district.</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>Bhaga river</strong> originates from <strong>Surya taal lake,</strong> which is situated a few kilometers west of the<strong> Bara-lacha la pass</strong> in Himachal Pradesh.</li>
<li>The <strong>Chandra river</strong> originates from <strong>glaciers east of the same pass</strong> (near Chandra Taal).</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Flows Through:</strong> It flows through the <strong>Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir into the plains of Punjab, Pakistan, before flowing into the Indus River.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1611302190_image6.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1611302190_image6.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="550" caption="false" /></strong></a></p>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1690419" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:PIB</strong></a></p>',
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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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