Article Tags

You searched “Issues Relating to Development”. Your tag search matches the following results:

India’s Forest Cover & Wasteland

Why in News Recently, the Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) informed Rajya Sabha about the forest area in the...

27 Jul 2021 Issues Relating to Development
Green Energy Transition For Economic Growth

This article is based on India needs an economic stimulus that can also aid green energy transition which was published in The Indian Express on...

21 Jul 2021 Issues Relating to Development
Renewed Healthcare System

This article is based on India needs a renewed health-care system which was published in The Hindu on 19/07/2021. It talks about challenges of the...

19 Jul 2021 Issues Relating to Development
‘Joint Communication’ for Tribal Communities

Why in News A joint communication was signed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change which is...

10 Jul 2021 Issues Relating to Development
Anti-Dumping Duty

Why in News Recently, the government has decided not to impose Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD) on imports of certain copper products, from China, Thailand,...

06 Jul 2021 Issues Relating to Development
Ed-Tech

This article is based on “The future of learning in India is ed-tech” which was published in the Indian Express on 30/06/2021. It talks...

30 Jun 2021 Issues Relating to Development
Supreme Court’s Ruling on ONORC System for Migrant Workers

Why in News Recently, the Supreme Court directed all states and Union Territories (UT) to implement the One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) system...

30 Jun 2021 Issues Relating to Development
Right to Reservation in Promotions for PwDs

Why in News The Supreme Court of India has recently held that persons with physical disabilities have the right to reservation in promotions...

30 Jun 2021 Issues Relating to Development
Cyber Capabilities and National Power Report: IISS

Why in News According to a report by International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), an influential think tank, India’s offensive cyber...

28 Jun 2021 Issues Relating to Development
Nutrient Loss in Wheat & Rice

Why in News Recently, researchers from various institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Bidhan Chandra Krishi...

21 Jun 2021 Issues Relating to Development
MoU for Seaplane Services in India

Why in News The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Ministry of Civil Aviation signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for...

16 Jun 2021 Issues Relating to Development
Railways Gets 5 MHz Spectrum

Why in News Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the allotment of 5 MHz spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band to the Indian Railways for improving...

10 Jun 2021 Issues Relating to Development
Census 2021

This article is based on “Conduct the decadal Census of India, 2021” which was published in The Hindustan Times on 02/06/2021. It talks...

03 Jun 2021 Issues Relating to Development
BIS SDO Recognition Scheme

Why in News Recently, the Research Design & Standards Organization (RDSO) of Indian Railways has become the first Institution to be declared a...

02 Jun 2021 Issues Relating to Development
NGT Upholds Rights of Pastoralists in Banni Grasslands

Why in News The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered all encroachments to be removed from Gujarat's Banni grasslands within six months. The...

25 May 2021 Issues Relating to Development
India’s Brain Drain in Health Sector

Why in News India has been a major exporter of healthcare workers to developed nations particularly to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries,...

19 May 2021 Issues Relating to Development
New Approach for Post-Covid Education

Why in News Due to a surge in Covid-19 infections in the Second Wave of infections, the education of students in the entire nation is affected. Key...

15 May 2021 Issues Relating to Development
Maratha Reservation Struck Down: SC

Why in News Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) declared a Maharashtra law which provides reservation benefits to the Maratha community, taking the...

06 May 2021 Issues Relating to Development
Waiving Intellectual Property Protection for Covid-19 Vaccines

Why in News The United States has announced the support for waiving Intellectual Property (IP) protection for Covid-19 vaccines. The decision is...

06 May 2021 Issues Relating to Development
Resurge in Covid Cases and Economic Recovery

This Article is based upon “A Looming Economic Crisis” which was published in the Hindustan Times on 15 April, 2021. It talks about how...

16 Apr 2021 Issues Relating to Development

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

Code Context


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

$viewFile = '/var/www/drishtiias.com/public_html/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp'
$dataForView = [
	'progress' => [],
	'bookmarks' => [],
	'notes' => [],
	'mynote' => [],
	'topdata' => [
		(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {}
	],
	'searchdata' => [],
	'amonth' => 'July',
	'ayear' => '2021',
	'articles' => [
		(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 1 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 2 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 3 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 4 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 5 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 6 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 7 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 15 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 16 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 17 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 18 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {},
		(int) 19 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {}
	],
	'tags' => [
		(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {}
	],
	'title' => 'Article Tags'
]
$progress = []
$bookmarks = []
$notes = []
$mynote = []
$topdata = [
	(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'url' => 'https://www.drishtiias.com/careers',
		'title' => 'We are hiring Full Time Content Developers, to know more, please click here.',
		'type' => (int) 1,
		'date' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenDate) {},
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'news'
	
	}
]
$searchdata = []
$amonth = 'July'
$ayear = '2021'
$articles = [
	(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8991,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India’s Forest Cover & Wasteland',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) informed<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/role-of-rajya-sabha" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Rajya Sabha</strong></a> about the<strong> forest area in the country.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The data provided was as per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-state-of-forest-report-isfr-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India State of Forest Report, 2019</strong></a> that is the <a href="/summary-of-important-reports/india-state-of-forest-report-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>16<sup>th</sup> biennial assessment of India&rsquo;s forests</strong> </a>by <strong>Forest Survey of India,</strong> Dehradun an organisation under the MoEFCC.</li>
<li>Information about the <strong>Wasteland</strong> in the country was also provided as per the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/wasteland-atlas-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wasteland Atlas, 2019.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Definition of Forest:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The word<strong> &lsquo;forest&rsquo;</strong> is not defined in any Central Forest Act, namely the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/indian-forest-act-1927" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Forest Act (1927)</strong></a>, or the <strong>Forest Conservation Act (1980).</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Central government has <strong>not laid down any criterion to define forest.</strong></li>
<li>The Indian Forest Act, 1927 <strong>gives states the rights to notify Reserved Forests in their areas.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>States are responsible for determining their definition of forests; this prerogative stems from a <strong>Supreme Court</strong> order called the<strong><em> T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs the Union of India</em> 1996</strong> judgment.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the judgement, the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court</strong></a> interpreted that the word &ldquo;forest&rdquo; must be understood according to its <strong>&ldquo;dictionary meaning&rdquo;.</strong></li>
<li>This description <strong>covers all statutorily recognised forests, whether designated as reserved, protected or otherwise.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Total Forest Area:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The recorded forest area in the country is<strong> 7,67,419 sq km,</strong> however the ministry has so far <strong>not quantified the forest area that has been under dispute.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Category-Wise Forest:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Reserved Forests category:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is under<strong> direct supervision of the Government.</strong></li>
<li><strong>No public entry</strong> allowed for the commercial purpose of cattle grazing.</li>
<li>Total area under this category is<strong> 4,34,853 sq km.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Protected Forests category:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is <strong>looked after by the government.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Local people are allowed</strong> to collect forest produce and cattle grazing without causing any serious damage.</li>
<li>Total area under this category is<strong> 2,18,924 sq km.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Unprotected Forest Category:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>They are unclassified Forests.</li>
<li>No restriction on cutting trees or grazing cattle.</li>
<li>Total area under this category is<strong> 1,13,642 sq km.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Wasteland:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As per the<strong> Wasteland Atlas, 2019,</strong> published by the Ministry of Rural Development, the<strong> total wasteland in the country is 5,57,665.51 sq km.</strong></li>
<li>Wasteland is defined not as desertified land, but <strong>land that is not used for agriculture, commercial use or as forest land.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>For instance, it could use grasslands that are used by communities for grazing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Governments Initiatives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>National Mission for a Green India:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It is one of the eight Missions under the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).</strong></a></li>
<li>It was launched in February, 2014 with the objective <strong>to safeguard the biological resources of our nation and associated livelihoods against the peril of adverse <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/climate-change-and-development-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">climate change</a></strong> and to recognise the vital impact of forestry on ecological sustainability, biodiversity conservation and food-, water- and livelihood-security</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/desertification-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Afforestation Programme (NAP)</a>:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It has been implemented since 2000 for the afforestation of degraded forest lands.</li>
<li>It is being implemented by the MoEFCC.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/compensatory-afforestation-fund" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority, (CAMPA Funds)</a>:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Launched in 2016, <strong>90% of the fund is to be given to the states while 10% is to be retained by the Centre.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>funds can be used for</strong> treatment of catchment areas, assisted natural generation, forest management, wildlife protection and management, relocation of villages from protected areas, managing human-wildlife conflicts, training and awareness generation, supply of wood saving devices and allied activities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>National Action Programme to Combat Desertification:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It was <strong>prepared in 2001 to address issues of increasing <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/dialogue-on-desertification-land-degradation-and-drought" target="_blank" rel="noopener">desertification</a></strong> and to take appropriate actions.</li>
<li>It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Constitutional Provisions for Forests</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Forests are included in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sc-upheld-authority-of-delhi-s-peace-and-harmony-committee" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Concurrent List</strong></a> in the (Seventh Schedule) of the Constitution of India.</li>
<li>Through the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/major-constitutional-amendments-part-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>42<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act,</strong></a> 1976 Forests and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds were transferred from State to Concurrent List.</li>
<li><strong>Article 51 A (g)</strong> of the Constitution states that it shall be the <a href="/mains-practice-question/question-180" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>fundamental duty</strong></a> of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests and Wildlife.</li>
<li><strong>Article 48 A</strong> in the<a href="/mains-practice-question/question-180" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Directive Principles of State policy</strong></a>, mandates that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Legislations</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s forests are currently governed by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/review-of-national-forest-policy-1988" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Forest Policy, 1988</strong></a> which has environmental balance and livelihood at its centre.</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-rights-act-2006-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Scheduled Tribes And Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition Of Forest Rights) Act, 2006</strong></a> recognizes the rights of the forest dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources, on which these communities were dependent for a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other socio-cultural needs.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/over-7-lakh-sq-km-of-forest-land-in-country-rajya-sabha-informed-7423882/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'india-s-forest-cover-wasteland',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 1 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8934,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Green Energy Transition For Economic Growth',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-economic-stimulus-green-energy-transition-7414283/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India needs an economic stimulus that can also aid green energy transition</strong></a> which was published in The Indian Express on 21/07/2021. It talks about the greener ways to achieve faster economic growth.</p>
</div>
<p>The economic and social disruption caused by the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-covid-pandemic-management" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a><strong>pandemic</strong> is devastating. Millions of enterprises face an existential threat. Informal economy workers are particularly vulnerable because the majority lack social protection and access to quality health care and have lost access to productive assets and demand in the economy.</p>
<p>A large demand stimulus seems necessary in getting the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/shapes-of-economic-recovery" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> V-shaped economic recovery</strong></a> that India needs. In this context, a green stimulus can create demand, address air pollution and accelerate the green energy transition.</p>
<h3>Covid-19 Impact on Indian Economy</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>GDP Growth Rate:</strong> Due to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on business confidence, financial markets and the travel sector, including disruption to supply chains, economic growth rate suffered significantly.</li>
<li><strong>Pharmaceuticals:</strong> Given the pharmaceutical industry&rsquo;s deep linkages to China, the supply chain of raw materials of drugs has taken a hit.</li>
<li><strong>Automobile Industry:</strong> The coronavirus is expected to have an impact on the Indian automotive industry and therefore also on the automobile component and forging industries, which had already reduced their production rate due to the market conditions and on account of the impending change over to <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-bs-vi-emission-norms#:~:text=In%20BS%2DVI%20fuel%2C%20the,50%20ppm%20in%20BS%2DIV." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>BS-VI emission norms from BS-IV</strong> </a>from April 2020.</li>
<li><strong>Manufacturing and Other Sectors:</strong> While manufacturing may not be directly hit due to partial lockdowns, the impact on the contact services sectors like hospitality, travel, and tourism will have a multiplier effect, as these sectors have strong backward linkages with other sectors of the economy.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Focus on Green Energy For Boosting Economic Growth</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Crop Residue And Electricity Generation:</strong> Around Diwali, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/stubble-burning-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>burning of rice crop residue</strong></a> in northern India creates an air pollution crisis. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This can be avoided by procuring all the crop waste at a remunerative price.</li>
<li>The waste can be converted into briquettes, which can be substituted for coal in thermal power stations.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-solar-projects-ntpc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NTPC</strong> </a>has already done this successfully without adding to the cost of generation, as the cost of briquettes is comparable to that of coal in energy terms.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Boost Investment:</strong> The crop waste can be given for conversion into briquettes to private entrepreneurs. Dispersed private investment for conversion would take place, creating<strong> demand for the conversion equipment, labour and transport.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Alos, Air pollution would be reduced without any cost to the government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Electric vehicles (EVs): <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/electric-vehicles-evs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EVs</a></strong> Such as cars, three and two-wheelers are available in the market. They do not cause air pollution. They are also considerably cheaper to run on a life cycle per km basis. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>But demand is not rising because of the lack of charging infrastructure.</li>
<li>A national programme for building charging stations in all cities with a population of over a million is called for. It can be financed fully through a central government guaranteed debt.</li>
<li>This would provide a large demand stimulus across the country, generate a sustained surge in demand for EVs and their<strong> manufacturing supply chain.</strong> The purchase of electric buses for city bus services may also be fully financed through government guaranteed debt.</li>
<li>These measures, in addition to creating<strong> a demand stimulus,</strong> would also lead to substantial improvement in air quality in our highly polluted cities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Renewable Energy Infrastructure:</strong> India has shown admirable ambition in going well beyond its commitment under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/five-years-of-paris-climate-accord" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Paris agreement</strong></a> to aim for 450 GW of <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-s-renewable-energy-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>renewable energy capacity</strong></a> by 2030. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>An easy way of achieving progress is to have a national policy guidance for the states to get electricity distribution companies to announce a remunerative price (feed-in tariff) at which they would buy solar power in the kw range from the rural areas.</li>
<li>Solar power generated in a village would make it much easier to provide electricity in the day to farmers for irrigation.</li>
<li>This would also facilitate more <strong>efficient use of water.</strong> If generating 1 MW from a village is realistic, with 6 lakh villages, there is a potential of 600 GW capacity creation.</li>
<li>Such a programme would generate widely <strong>dispersed private investment and increased incomes.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Income Generation At Village:</strong> Now that all households are getting LPG stoves and cylinders and have already got electricity connections, cow dung is no longer required for cooking. It can be converted in small village-level plants to gas which can be used as a fuel for cooking and transport, or, to generate electricity. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A government-promoted system for procurement of this gas, or electricity generated from this gas, at a remunerative price would create the right incentives for private investment and income generation across all villages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Livestock Wealth:</strong> India has the largest cattle population in the world and the goal should be to convert all the cow dung into useful commercial energy. This would be a fit case for a bit of cross-subsidy. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Cross-subsidy was used to get the National Solar Mission going. Costs have since fallen dramatically.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>It is important to know that innovations around solar power, crop residue can create dispersed demand and jobs with large multiplier effects</p>
<p>Thus, these are some innovative and affordable pathways for a green stimulus which would create dispersed demand and jobs with large multiplier effects and clean and green energy.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffffa;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>India needs an economic stimulus that can also aid green energy transition. In the light of the statement discuss the greener ways to boost economic growth.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'posturl' => 'green-energy-transition-for-economic-growth',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 2 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8910,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Renewed Healthcare System',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/india-needs-a-renewed-health-care-system/article35372730.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>India needs a renewed health-care system</strong></a> which was published in The Hindu on 19/07/2021. It talks about challenges of the public health care system in India and the ways forward.</p>
</div>
<p>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19 pandemic</strong> </a>reiterates the importance of Public Health systems. The private health sector which accounts for 70% of healthcare services in India, is playing only a supporting role.</p>
<p>There is a need to address the constraints and revamp of the public health system in India which would not only enable improved handling of Covid-19, but would also have widespread positive impacts extending much beyond the Covid-19 situation.</p>
<h3>Covid-19 And Significance of Public Health Care</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>For Indian population, the availability of functional public health systems is literally a question of life and death.</li>
<li>A robust government health-care service is translated into a more effective outreach, timely testing, early case detection and more rational treatment for Covid patients. This is evident by comparing two States&mdash; Maharashtra and Kerala. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Their per capita gross <strong>State domestic product (GSDP)</strong> is similar. However, their Covid-19 case fatality rates are hugely different &mdash; this being 0.48% for Kerala and 2.04% for Maharashtra.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>A major reason for such critical divergence is likely to be the huge differences in the effectiveness of public health systems. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Kerala has<strong> per capita two and a half times more government doctors,</strong> and an equally<strong> higher proportion of government hospital beds</strong> when compared to Maharashtra, while allocating per capita over one and half times <strong>higher funds on public health</strong> every year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Despite Maharashtra having a large private health-care sector, its weak public health system has proved to be a critical deficiency.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Issues With Current Healthcare System</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lack of Primary Healthcare Services:</strong> The existing public primary health care model in the country is limited in scope.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Even where there is a well-functioning public primary health centre, only services related to pregnancy care, limited childcare and certain services related to national health programmes are provided.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Supply-Side Deficiencies:</strong> Poor health management skills and lack of appropriate training and supportive supervision for health workers prevent delivery of the desired quality of health services.</li>
<li><strong>Inadequate Funding:</strong> Expenditure on public health funding has been consistently low in India (approximately 1.3% of GDP). As per OECD, India's total out-of-pocket expenditure is around 2.3 % of GDP.</li>
<li><strong>Sub-optimal Public Health System:</strong> Due to this, it is challenging to tackle <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/non-communicable-diseases-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Non-communicable Diseases</strong></a>, which is all about prevention and early detection.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It diminishes preparedness and effective management for new and emerging threats such as pandemic like Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Focus On Public Health:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Need for a larger programme which requires the immediate attention is the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-health-mission-and-janani-suraksha-yojana#:~:text=National%20Health%20Mission%20(NHM)%20was,the%20National%20Urban%20Health%20Mission.&amp;text=The%20National%20Health%20Mission%20seeks,to%201%2F1000%20live%20births" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Health Mission (NHM)</strong></a>; since 2017-18, Union government allocations for the NHM have declined in real terms, resulting in inadequate support to States for core activities such as immunisation, while systemic gaps affect the delivery of Covid-19 vaccination.</li>
<li>The condition of the<strong> National Urban Health Mission (NUHM)</strong> also remains pathetic. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This year&rsquo;s Central allocation for the NUHM is ₹1,000 crore, which amounts to less than ₹2 per month per urban Indian.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Private Sector Regulation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Another clear priority that has been highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic is the need to regulate rates and standards of care in the private sector.</li>
<li>Massive hospital bills have caused untold distress even among the middle class.</li>
<li>Although various determinants have contributed to the Mucormycosis outbreak, irrational use of steroids in Covid-19 patients, especially diabetics, appears to be an important factor.</li>
<li>The central government should take necessary steps to promote the implementation of the<strong> Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act (CEA).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Passed in 2010 and presently applicable to 11 States across India, this Act is not effectively implemented due to a major delay in notification of central minimum standards, and failure to develop the central framework for regulation of rates.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>NITI Aayog Prescriptions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>NITI Aayog has recently published the document, <strong>&lsquo;Investment Opportunities in India&rsquo;s Healthcare Sector&rsquo;.</strong></li>
<li>The document states that &lsquo;in the hospital segment, the<strong> expansion of private players to Tier 2 and Tier 3</strong> locations, beyond metropolitan cities, offers an attractive investment opportunity&rsquo;.</li>
<li><strong>Manufacturing of medical devices and equipment,</strong> expansion of diagnostic and pathology centres and miniaturized diagnostics have high growth potential.</li>
<li>Technology advancements such as <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence</strong></a>, <strong>wearables and other mobile tech,</strong> along with the Internet of Things, also offer numerous avenues for investment.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Existing evidence from the Covid-19 pandemic provides a clear message that a neglect of public health systems can mean large-scale, avoidable losses of lives; hence, public health services must be upgraded rapidly and massively as a topmost priority.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1626693070_image%200.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1626693070_image 0.png" width="700" caption="false" /></a></p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fffffa;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The Covid-19 pandemic highlights issues and reiterates the importance of Public Health systems. Comment.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'posturl' => 'renewed-healthcare-system',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 3 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8830,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => '‘Joint Communication’ for Tribal Communities',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>A <strong>joint communication</strong> was signed by the <strong>Ministry of Tribal Affairs</strong> and the <strong>Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change</strong> which is aimed at giving <strong>more power to the tribal communities</strong> in managing the forest resources.</p>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Forest Resources</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Forests are not only home to trees and animals. They are also a vital source of resources. They give clean air, timber, fuel, wood, fruits, food, fodder, and more. These are known as forest resources upon which many depend for livelihood and survival.</li>
<li>Forests provide resources, which makes its conservation and protection further important. It is also because of these resources that forests are exploited.</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives for forest conservation and preservation:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/indian-forest-act-1927" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Forest Act, 1927</a>, Forest Conservation Act, 1980, National Forest Policy, 1988, <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/national-action-plan-on-climate-change" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Mission for Green India</a>, National Afforestation Program, <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/wildlife-protection-act-wpa-1972" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wildlife Protection Act, 1972</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Joint Communication:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It pertains to <strong>more effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006</strong> and for harnessing the potential for livelihood improvement of the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-rights-act-2006-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDSTs)</strong></a> and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs).</li>
<li>State forest departments <strong>will carry out verification of claims for forest rights, mapping of forest lands</strong> involved and provision of necessary evidence as required, authentication of records, joint field inspections, awareness generation etc.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The lack of recognition of forest rights has left tribal and forest dwelling communities across the country insecure of tenure and fear of eviction from their lands.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>State forest departments are to undertake projects for <strong>value chain addition</strong> including <strong>capacity building</strong> of primary collectors, new harvesting methods, storage, processing and marketing of <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/harvesting-season-covid-19-lockdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>A nodal agency to be designated for <strong>specific non-timber forest products</strong> as supply chain platforms in collaboration with <strong><a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/apeda-trifed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TRIFED</a>, Ministry of Ayush, MFP (Minor Forest Produce) Federations, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/van-dhan-internship-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Van Dhan Kendras</a></strong> etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Forest Dwellers and MFP:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Tribals and other forest dwellers can contribute significantly in efforts towards climate change through <strong>preservation of biodiversity, environmental conservation and enhancing forest cover.</strong></li>
<li>Forest dwellers are dependent on forests, not only for their livelihood but their traditions are also intertwined with forests.</li>
<li><strong>Non-Timber Forest Products or Minor Forest Produce (MFP):</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>MFP includes all <strong>non-timber forest produce</strong> of plant origin and includes bamboo, canes, fodder, leaves, gums, waxes, dyes, resins and many forms of food including nuts, wild fruits, honey, lac, tusser etc.</li>
<li>It provides both <strong>subsistence and cash income for people who live in or near forests.</strong></li>
<li>They<strong> also form a major portion of their food, fruits, medicines</strong> and other consumption items and also provide cash income through sales.</li>
<li>NTFP are <strong>also known as MFP or Non-Wood Forest Produce (NWFP).</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The NTFP can be further categorized into Medicinal And Aromatic Plants (MAP), oil seeds, fiber and floss, resins, edible plants, bamboo, reeds and grasses.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives for Forest Dwellers:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The government had enacted the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/forest-rights-act-2006" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006</strong></a>, commonly known as the Forest Rights Act and recognized the right to livelihood and occupation within the forest of these communities.</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/eklavya-model-residential-schools" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ekalavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/van-dhan-internship-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pradhan Manti Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY)</strong></a></li>
<li>Increasing the number of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/msp-hiked-for-minor-forest-produce" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Minor Forest Products (MFP)</strong></a> in the bracket of <strong>Minimum Support Price (MSP)</strong> from 10 to 86 in the last few years has supported tribes immensely in improving their incomes and livelihood prospects.</li>
<li>State tribal welfare departments along with forest departments are also to work out strategies to extend <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/mgnrega-and-migrant-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MGNREGA</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/day-nrlm-special-package-for-j-k-and-ladakh" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)</strong></a> to forest dwellers as well as initiate <strong>skill development programs</strong> and give impetus to <strong>agro-forestry and horticulture projects.</strong></li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/initiatives-for-tribal-communities" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Programme for Capacity Building of Scheduled Tribe Representatives in Local Self Governments.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Forest Rights Act, 2006</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Act<strong> recognizes the forest rights in Forest land for Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDST) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFD)</strong> who have been residing in such forests for generations.
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Forest rights can also be <strong>claimed</strong> by any member or community who has for at <strong>least three generations (75 years) prior</strong> to the 13<sup>th</sup> day of December, 2005 primarily resided in forest land for bona fide livelihood needs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It <strong>strengthens the conservation regime</strong> of the forests while <strong>ensuring livelihood and food security</strong> of the FDST and OTFD.</li>
<li><strong>The Gram Sabha</strong> is the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of <strong>Individual Forest Rights (IFR)</strong> or<strong> Community Forest Rights (CFR)</strong> or both that may be given to FDST and OTFD.</li>
<li>The Act identifies four<strong> types of rights:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Title rights:</strong> It gives FDST and OTFD the<strong> right to ownership to land</strong> farmed by tribals or forest dwellers subject to a maximum of 4 hectares. Ownership is only for land that is actually being cultivated by the concerned family and no new lands will be granted.</li>
<li><strong>Use rights:</strong> The rights of the dwellers extend to extracting <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/msp-hiked-for-minor-forest-produce" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Minor Forest Produce</a>,</strong> grazing areas etc.</li>
<li><strong>Relief and development rights:</strong> To rehabilitate in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and to basic amenities, subject to restrictions for forest protection.</li>
<li><strong>Forest management rights:</strong> It includes the right to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any community forest resource which they have been traditionally protecting and conserving for sustainable use.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/union-ministries-decide-to-give-more-powers-to-tribal-communities-in-managing-forest-resources-7390378/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'joint-communication-for-tribal-communities',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 4 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8790,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Anti-Dumping Duty',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the government has decided <strong>not to impose Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD) on imports of certain copper products, from China, Thailand, Korea and three other countries.</strong></p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>In April, <strong>Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR)</strong> recommended imposing the duty on <strong>&ldquo;copper and copper alloy flat-rolled products&rdquo;</strong> from China, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, after conducting a probe.</li>
<li>However, the <strong>Ministry of Finance takes the final call</strong> to impose these duties and issues notification for the same.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Anti Dumping Duty (Concept):</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Dumping:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Dumping is said to occur <strong>when the goods are exported by a country to another country at a price lower than the price it normally charges</strong> in its own home market.</li>
<li>This is <strong>an unfair trade practice</strong> which can have a distortive effect on international trade.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Imposition of Anti-dumping duty is <strong>a measure to rectify the situation arising out of the dumping of goods</strong> and its trade distortive effect.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In the long-term, anti-dumping duties <strong>can reduce the international competition of domestic companies</strong> producing similar goods.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It is <strong>a protectionist tariff</strong> that a domestic government imposes on foreign imports that it believes are priced below fair market value.</li>
<li>The use of anti-dumping measures as an instrument of fair competition is<strong> permitted by the<a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> World Trade Organisation</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Different from Countervailing Duties:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>ADD is a customs duty on imports providing a protection against the dumping of goods at prices substantially lower than the normal value whereas <strong>Countervailing duty is a customs duty on goods that have received government subsidies</strong> in the originating or exporting country.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>WTO's Provisions Related to Anti-Dumping Duty:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Validity:</strong> An anti-dumping duty <strong>is valid for a period of five years</strong> from the date of imposition unless revoked earlier.</li>
<li><strong>Sunset Review:</strong> It <strong>can be extended for a further period of five years</strong> through a sunset or expiry review investigation.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A Sunset review/ expiry review is an evaluation of the need for the continued existence of a program or an agency. It allows for an assessment of the effectiveness and performance of the program or agency.</li>
<li>Such a review can be initiated suo moto or on the basis of a duly substantiated request received from or on behalf of the domestic industry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Directorate General of Trade Remedies</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the <strong>apex national authority under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry</strong> for administering all trade remedial measures including anti-dumping, countervailing duties and safeguard measures.</li>
<li>It <strong>provides trade defence support to the domestic industry and exporters</strong> in dealing with increasing instances of trade remedy investigations instituted against them by other countries.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/business/commodities/government-not-to-impose-anti-dumping-duty-on-certain-copper-items-from-china-5-other-countries-7390075/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'anti-dumping-duty-4',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 5 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8744,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Ed-Tech',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-future-of-learning-in-india-is-ed-tech-pandemic-online-classes-7381782/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;The future of learning in India is ed-tech&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in the Indian Express on 30/06/2021. It talks about the need &amp; challenges associated with the use of technology in education or Ed-Tech.</p>
</div>
<p>India&rsquo;s school education landscape is facing<strong><a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-primary-education-challenges-and-opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> daunting challenges.</a></strong> The country was reeling under an acute learning crisis, even before the Covid-19 pandemic, as reflected by successive <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/aser-survey-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>ASER surveys.</strong></a></p>
<p>The pandemic threatens to exacerbate this crisis, especially because of the physical closure of 15.5 lakh schools that has affected more than 248 million students for over a year.</p>
<p>Combined with this learning crisis, the emergence of the<a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-industrial-revolution-4-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Fourth Industrial Revolution</strong></a> has made it imperative to reimagine education and align it with the unprecedented technological transformation.</p>
<h3>Need &amp; Opportunities For Ed-Tech</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Intended Benefits of Ed-Tech:</strong> Technology holds promise and has incredible potential in:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Enabling greater personalisation of education</li>
<li>Enhancing educational productivity by improving rates of learning,</li>
<li>Reducing costs of instructional material and service delivery at scale</li>
<li>Better utilisation of teacher/instructor time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need Induced By Pandemic:</strong> Further, as traditional brick-and-mortar service delivery models are being disrupted across sectors, the pandemic offers a critical, yet stark, reminder of the impending need to weave technology into education.</li>
<li><strong>National Education Policy 2020:</strong> India&rsquo;s new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is responsive to the clarion call to integrate technology at every level of instruction. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It envisions the establishment of an autonomous body, the National Education Technology Forum (NETF), to spearhead efforts towards providing a strategic thrust to the deployment and use of technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Promise of Ed-Tech:&nbsp;</strong>The Indian ed-tech ecosystem has a lot of potential for innovation. With over 4,500 start-ups and a current valuation of around $700 million, the market is geared for exponential growth &mdash; estimates project an astounding market size of $30 billion in the next 10 years</li>
<li><strong>Steps Taken by the Government:</strong> India is well-poised to take this leap forward with increasing access to tech-based infrastructure, electricity, and affordable internet connectivity, fueled by flagship programmes such as <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-digital-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Digital India</strong></a> and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/classes-in-distance-mode" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for School Education).</strong></a><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Government of<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/aspirational-districts-programme" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> India&rsquo;s Aspirational Districts Programme</strong></a> on tech-enabled monitoring and implementation that emphasises citizen engagement, partnerships and effective service delivery.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Several examples of grassroots innovation in Ed-Tech.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The Hamara Vidhyalaya in Namsai district, Arunachal Pradesh, is fostering tech-based performance assessments;</li>
<li>Assam&rsquo;s online career guidance portal is strengthening school-to-work and higher-education transition for students in grades 9 to 12;</li>
<li>Samarth in Gujarat is facilitating the online professional development of lakhs of teachers in collaboration with IIM-Ahmedabad;</li>
<li>Jharkhand&rsquo;s DigiSATH is spearheading behaviour change by establishing stronger parent-teacher-student linkages;</li>
<li>Himachal Pradesh&rsquo;s HarGhar Pathshala is providing digital education for children with special needs;</li>
<li>Uttarakhand&rsquo;s community radio is promoting early reading through byte-size broadcasts;</li>
<li>Madhya Pradesh&rsquo;s DigiLEP is delivering content for learning enhancement through a well-structured mechanism with over 50,000 WhatsApp groups covering all clusters and secondary schools;</li>
<li>Kerala&rsquo;s Aksharavriksham initiative is focusing on digital &ldquo;edutainment&rdquo; to support learning and skill development via games and activities.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Associated Issues With Ed-Tech</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Lack of Technology Access:</strong> Not everyone who can afford to go to school can afford to have phones, computers, or even a quality internet connection for attending classes online.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>According to National Sample Survey data for 2017-18, only 42 percent of urban and 15 percent of rural households had internet access.</li>
<li>In this case, Ed-tech can increase the already existing digital divide.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>In Contradiction with Right to Education:</strong> Technology is not affordable to all, shifting towards online education completely is like taking away the <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/right-to-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Right to Education</strong></a> of those who cannot access the technology.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, the National Education Policy 2020 that talks about the digitization of education is also in contradiction with the right to education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Comprehensive Ed-tech Policy:</strong> A comprehensive Ed-tech policy architecture must focus on four key elements-<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Providing access to learning, especially to disadvantaged groups;</li>
<li>Enabling processes of teaching, learning, and evaluation;</li>
<li>Facilitating teacher training and continuous professional development;</li>
<li>Improving governance systems including planning, management, and monitoring processes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technology is a Tool, Not a Panacea:</strong> Public educational institutions play an exemplary role in social inclusion and relative equality.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is the place where people of all genders, classes, castes, and communities can meet without one group being forced to bow to others.</li>
<li>Therefore, technology cannot substitute schools or replace teachers. Thus, it should not be &ldquo;teachers versus technology&rdquo; rather &ldquo;teachers and technology&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Providing Infrastructure for Ed-Tech:</strong> In the immediate term, there must be a mechanism to thoroughly map the ed-tech landscape, especially their scale, reach, and impact. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The focus should be on access, equity, infrastructure, governance, and quality-related outcomes and challenges for teachers and students.</li>
<li>Special attention must be paid to address the digital divide at two levels &mdash; access and skills to effectively use technology and leverage its benefits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cross-Platform Integration:</strong> In the short to medium-term, the policy formulation and planning process must strive to enable convergence across schemes (education, skills, digital governance, and finance)<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There is also a need to foster integration of solutions through public-private partnerships, factor in voices of all stakeholders, and bolster cooperative federalism across all levels of government.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Replicating Success Models:</strong> In the longer term, as policy translates to practice at local levels and technology-based solutions become ubiquitous, a repository of the best-in-class technology solutions, good practices and lessons from successful implementation must be curated. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/niti-aayog-national-institution-for-transforming-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>NITI Aayog&rsquo;s India Knowledge Hub</strong></a> and the Ministry of Education&rsquo;s DIKSHA and ShaGun platforms can facilitate and amplify such learning.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>The journey from a holistic strategy to its successful application will, no doubt, be a long one. It requires careful planning, sustained implementation, and calculated course corrections. With NEP 2020 having set the ball rolling, a transformative ed-tech policy architecture is the need of the hour to effectively maximise student learning.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fdfff5;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>The pandemic-induced learning crisis and the Fourth Industrial Revolution have made it necessary to reimagine education and align it with the unprecedented technological transformation. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'posturl' => 'ed-tech-1',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 6 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8741,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Supreme Court’s Ruling on ONORC System for Migrant Workers',
		'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</strong></a> directed all states and Union Territories (UT) to implement the <strong>One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) system</strong> by 31<sup>st</sup> July 2021.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The scheme allows migrant labourers covered under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/revising-national-food-security-act-2013-niti-aayog" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Food Security Act (NFSA)</strong></a> to access food at any fair price shop with his or her ration card in any part of the country.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Right to Food:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution</strong> may be interpreted to<strong> include the right to live with human dignity, having the right to food</strong> and other basic necessities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of Migrants:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>There are around <strong>38 crore workers</strong> engaged in the unorganized sectors (National Statistics Office (NSO) data of 2017-2018).</li>
<li>These unorganized workers <strong>did not have any permanent source of employment and have engaged themselves in small time vocations and occupations</strong> at various places away from their native places.</li>
<li><strong>Contributions</strong> of these labourers towards different projects, industries, make considerable <strong>additions in the economic development of the country.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Database:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Criticized the Labour Ministry for not completing the work of the Rs 45.39-crore <strong>National Database for Unorganised Workers (NDUW)</strong> <strong>portal</strong> to register and identify migrant workers.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Court had ordered the Ministry to finalise the NDUW module way back in 2018.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Directed the States/UTs to register establishments and license contractors under the<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/database-of-migrants" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979</strong></a> and ensure that they provide the authorities complete details of the workers employed with them.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Redetermination of Beneficiaries under NFSA:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Directed the Centre <strong>&ldquo;to undertake exercise under Section 9 of the National Food Security Act, 2013&rdquo;</strong> to re-determine the total number of persons to be covered under Rural and Urban areas of the State.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>ONORC System</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, about 81 crore people are entitled to buy subsidised food grains - rice at Rs 3/kg, wheat at Rs 2/kg, and coarse grains at Re 1/kg &ndash; from designated fair price shops.</li>
<li>However, <strong>NFSA beneficiaries were not able to access their <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/public-distribution-system-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PDS (Public Distribution System)</a> benefits outside the jurisdiction of the specific fair price shop</strong> to which they have been assigned.</li>
<li>By introducing ONORC, the idea was to reform the PDS, which has been historically marred by inefficiency and leakages.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Launch:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ONORC was launched in August, 2019.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Aim:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The ONORC scheme is <strong>aimed at enabling migrant workers and their family members</strong> to buy subsidised ration from any fair price shop anywhere in the country under the NFSA.</li>
<li>To promote this reform in the PDS, the government has provided <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/electronic-weighing-machines-at-fair-price-shops" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>incentives</strong></a> to states and also set <strong>a precondition for additional borrowing</strong> by states during the Covid-19 pandemic last year.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Technology Used:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>ONORC is based on technology that <strong>involves details of beneficiaries&rsquo; ration card, Aadhaar number, and electronic Points of Sale (ePoS).</strong> The system identifies a beneficiary through biometric authentication on ePoS devices at fair price shops.</li>
<li>The system runs with the support of two portals - <strong>Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS) </strong>and<strong> Annavitran.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>While the <strong>Annavitaran portal maintains a record of intra-state transactions</strong> - inter-district and intra-district - the <strong>IM-PDS portal records the inter-state transactions.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>ONORC Coverage:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Till date, 32 states and UTs have joined the ONORC, covering about 69 crore NFSA beneficiaries.</li>
<li>Four states are <strong>yet to join the scheme - Assam, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and West Bengal.</strong></li>
<li>While inter-state ration card portability is available in 32 states, the number of such transactions is much lower than that of intra-district and inter-district transactions.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under the ONORC, the beneficiaries from one state can get their share of rations in other states where the ration card was originally issued.</li>
<li>ONORC will also give the beneficiaries the opportunity to opt for the dealer of their choice.</li>
<li>It will be particularly beneficial for women and other disadvantaged groups, given how social identity (caste, class and gender) and other contextual factors (including power relations) provide a strong backdrop in accessing PDS.</li>
<li>This will help achieve the<strong> target set under</strong> <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/sustainable-development-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>SDG (Sustainable development Goals)</strong></a> <strong>2</strong> (Ending hunger by 2030). Also, it will address the poor state of hunger in India, as highlighted by the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/global-hunger-index-2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Global Hunger Index</strong></a>, where India has been ranked 94 out of 107 countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/one-nation-one-ration-card-benefits-implementation-supreme-court-modi-govt-7381857/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'supreme-court-s-ruling-on-onorc-system-for-migrant-workers',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 7 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8738,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Right to Reservation in Promotions for PwDs',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/supreme-court-of-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Supreme Court of India</strong></a> has recently held that <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/issues-related-to-persons-with-disability" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>persons with physical disabilities</strong></a> have the right to <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/supreme-court-directive-on-quota-in-promotions" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>reservation in promotions</strong> </a>also.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>A disabled particular person can avail the advantage of <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/reservation-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>reservation</strong></a> for promotion even when she or he was recruited within the common class or developed the incapacity after gaining employment.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About the Case:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The case was based on a claim under the <strong>Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This Act has been<strong> replaced with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> Kerala Administrative Tribunal rejected the plea</strong> of applicant stating that the <strong>rule of Recruitment in the State of Kerala, General Rules and other orders</strong> issued by the Government <strong>under Section 32 of the 1995 Act did not provide for any reservation in promotions.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Kerala High Court set aside the decision</strong> of the Kerala Administrative Tribunal.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of Judgement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The<strong> 1995 Act recognizes the right to reservation in promotion.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Identification of posts for reservation</strong> as per Section 32 of the 1995 Act is a <strong>prerequisite for appointment;</strong> but appointment cannot be frustrated by refusing to identify posts.</li>
<li>The<strong> absence of provision for reservation in the recruitment rules will not defeat the right of a PwD</strong> as such right flows from the legislation.</li>
<li>Reservation to promotion <strong>can be given to a PwD even if the person was not originally appointed in the PwD quota.</strong></li>
<li>Further, the <strong>responsibility to provide equal opportunities</strong> to disabled persons <strong>does not end with giving them reservation at the time of recruitment.</strong></li>
<li>Legislative mandate<strong> provides for equal opportunity for career progression, including promotion.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Thus, it would be negation of the legislative mandate if promotion is denied to PwD and such reservation is confined to the initial stage of induction in service.</li>
<li>This would in fact result in stagnation of the disabled in a consequential frustration.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Right of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It fulfills the obligations to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/status-on-implementation-of-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities-act-2016" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>United National Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)</strong></a>, to which <strong>India is a signatory.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Disability has been defined</strong> based on an evolving and dynamic concept.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The<strong> types of disabilities have been increased from 7 to 21.</strong></li>
<li>The Act added mental illness, autism, spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, chronic neurological conditions, speech and language disability, thalassemia, hemophilia, sickle cell disease, multiple disabilities including deaf blindness, acid attack victims and Parkinson&rsquo;s disease which were largely ignored in earlier act.</li>
<li>In addition, the Government has been authorized to notify any other category of specified disability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>It <strong>increases the quantum of reservation</strong> for people suffering from disabilities from 3% to 4% in government jobs and from 3% to 5% in higher education institutes.</li>
<li>Every child with benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years shall have the <strong>right to free education.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Government funded educational institutions as well as the government recognized institutions will have to provide inclusive education.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Stress has been given to ensure <strong>accessibility in public buildings</strong> in a prescribed time frame along with the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/accessible-india-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Accessible India Campaign.</strong></a></li>
<li>The <strong>Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities</strong> and the<strong> State Commissioners</strong> will act as <strong>regulatory bodies and Grievance Redressal agencies,</strong> monitoring implementation of the Act.</li>
<li>A<strong> separate National and State Fund</strong> will be created to provide financial support to the persons with disabilities.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Constitutional Framework for Disabled in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)</strong> states that State shall make effective provision for securing right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement, within the limits of its economic capacity and development.</li>
<li><strong>State Subject:</strong> The subject of <strong>&lsquo;relief of the disabled and unemployable&rsquo;</strong> is specified in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/federalism-and-emerging-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>state list of the Seventh Schedule</strong></a> of the constitution.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/mode-of-recruitment-no-bar-to-promotion-of-pwds-says-supreme-court/article35021407.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'right-to-reservation-in-promotions-for-pwds',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 8 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8719,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Cyber Capabilities and National Power Report: IISS',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>According to a report by <strong>International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS),</strong> an influential think tank, <strong>India&rsquo;s offensive<a href="/to-the-points/paper3/cyber-security" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> cyber capability</a>&nbsp;</strong>is<strong> &ldquo;Pakistan-focused&rdquo; </strong>and<strong> &ldquo;regionally effective&rdquo;,</strong> and not tuned towards China.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Countries Under Observation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The report has done a qualitative assessment of cyber power in <strong>15 countries.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Four members</strong> of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/un-75-declaration" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Five Eyes intelligence alliance</strong></a> &ndash; the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.</li>
<li>Three cyber-capable<strong> allies of the Five Eyes states &ndash;</strong> France, Israel and Japan.</li>
<li><strong>Four countries</strong> viewed by the Five Eyes and their allies as <strong>cyber threats &ndash;</strong> China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.</li>
<li>Four states at <strong>earlier stages in their cyber power</strong> development &ndash; India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Assessment Criteria:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The methodology analyses the cyber ecosystem of each state and how it intersects with international security, economic competition and military affairs. The countries are assessed in <strong>seven categories:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Strategy and doctrine</li>
<li>Governance, command and control</li>
<li>Core cyber-intelligence capability</li>
<li>Cyber empowerment and dependence</li>
<li>Cyber security and resilience</li>
<li>Global leadership in cyberspace affairs</li>
<li>Offensive cyber capability</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Key Observations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The report has <strong>divided the 15 states into three tiers of cyber power:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>First Tier:</strong> States with<strong> world-leading strengths across all the categories</strong> in the methodology. The<strong> United States of America</strong> is the only country in this tier.</li>
<li><strong>Second Tier:</strong> States that have <strong>world-leading strengths in some of the categories.</strong> Australia, Canada, China, France, Israel, Russia and the United Kingdom are in this tier.</li>
<li><strong>Third Tier:</strong> States that have strengths or <strong>potential strengths in some of the categories but significant weaknesses in others. India,</strong> Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, North Korea and Vietnam are in this tier.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This report provides confirmation of the <strong>likely durability of US digital-industrial superiority</strong> for at least the next ten years. There can be<strong> two reasons</strong> for this.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In advanced cyber technologies and their exploitation for economic and military power, the <strong>US is still ahead of China.</strong></li>
<li>Since 2018, the US and several of its leading allies have agreed to <strong>restrict China&rsquo;s access to some Western technologies.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>By doing so, these countries have endorsed a partial decoupling of the West and China that could potentially impede the latter&rsquo;s ability to develop its own advanced technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>India Specific Observations:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Despite the <strong>geo-strategic instability of its region</strong> and a keen awareness of the cyber threat it faces, India has made only <strong>&ldquo;modest progress&rdquo; in developing its policy and doctrine</strong> for cyberspace security.</li>
<li>India has <strong>some cyber-intelligence and offensive cyber capabilities</strong> but they are<strong> regionally focused, principally on Pakistan.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>However, the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/galwan-valley-clash" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>military confrontation with China</strong></a> in the disputed Ladakh border area in June 2020, followed by a sharp increase in Chinese activity against Indian networks, has heightened Indian concerns about cyber security, not least in systems supplied by China.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>India is currently aiming to compensate for its weaknesses by building <strong>new capability with the help of key international partners &ndash;</strong> including the US, the UK and France &ndash; and by looking to concerted international action to develop norms of restraint.</li>
<li>India&rsquo;s approach towards<strong> institutional reform of cyber governance </strong>has been<strong> &ldquo;slow and incremental&rdquo;,</strong> with key coordinating authorities for cyber security in the civil and military domains established only as late as 2018 and 2019 respectively.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The key authorities work closely with the main cyber-intelligence agency, the <strong>National Technical Research Organisation.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The strengths of the Indian digital economy include a <strong>vibrant start-up culture and a very large talent pool.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The private sector has moved more quickly than the government in promoting national cyber security.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The country is <strong>active and visible in cyber diplomacy</strong> but <strong>has not been among the leaders on global norms,</strong> preferring instead to make productive practical arrangements with key states.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Technical Research Organisation</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), established in 2004, is under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-nsa-visit-to-afghanistan" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Security Advisor</strong></a> in the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office and focuses on intelligence gathering.</li>
<li>The agency specializes in <strong>multiple disciplines,</strong> which include remote sensing, data gathering and processing, cyber security, geospatial information gathering, cryptology, strategic hardware and software development and strategic monitoring.</li>
<li>The <strong>National Critical information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC),</strong> an agency under the control of <strong>National Technical Research Organisation,</strong> aims to monitor, intercept and assess threats to critical infrastructure and other vital installations from intelligence gathered using sensors and platforms which include satellites, underwater buoys, drones, VSAT-terminal locators and fiber-optic cable nodal tap points.</li>
<li>NTRO has the same <strong>&ldquo;norms of conduct&rdquo; as the Intelligence Bureau (IB)</strong> and the <strong>Research and Analysis Wing (R&amp;AW).</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>According to the report, India is a third-tier cyber power whose best chance of progressing to the second tier is by <strong>harnessing its great digital-industrial potential</strong> and <strong>adopting a whole-of-society approach</strong> to improving its cyber security.</li>
<li>Also, the key is <strong>&ldquo;political will&rdquo; and &ldquo;how India organises its intelligence agencies.&rdquo;</strong> One of the <strong>&ldquo;leapfrog opportunities&rdquo;</strong> for governments to be more effective in cyberpower is &ldquo;how they align themselves with other governments&rdquo;.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/focused-on-pakistan-rather-than-china-india-in-tier-3-as-cyberpower-report-7378610/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'cyber-capabilities-and-national-power-report-iiss',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 9 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8654,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Nutrient Loss in Wheat & Rice',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, researchers from various institutes under the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/indian-council-of-agricultural-research" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)</strong> </a>and Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya <strong>found depleting trends in grain density of zinc and iron in rice and wheat</strong> cultivated in India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The researchers collected seeds of<strong> rice (16 varieties)</strong> and<strong> wheat (18 varieties)</strong> from the gene bank maintained at the <strong>ICAR&rsquo;s Cultivar repositories.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Indian Council of Agricultural Research</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is an <strong>autonomous organisation</strong> under the <strong>Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE),</strong> Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.</li>
<li>It is the <strong>apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture</strong> including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country.</li>
<li>It was <strong>established on 16<sup>th</sup> July 1929</strong> as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.</li>
<li>It is <strong>headquartered at New Delhi.</strong> With<strong> 102 ICAR institutes and 71 agricultural universities</strong> spread across the country this is one of the largest national agricultural systems in the world.</li>
<li><strong>Cultivar repositories</strong> are nodal institutes that preserve and archive the old cultivars or varieties from our country.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Observation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Concentrations in Rice:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Zinc and iron concentrations in grains of rice cultivars released within the <strong>1960s were 27.1 mg/kg and 59.8 mg/kg. </strong>This<strong> depleted to 20.6 mg/kg and 43.1 mg/kg, respectively within the 2000s. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concentrations in Wheat:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The concentrations of zinc and iron were <strong>33.3 mg/kg and 57.6 mg/kg in cultivars of the 1960s, </strong>dropped to<strong> 23.5 mg/kg and 46.4 mg/kg, respectively in cultivars released during the 2010s.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reason for the Decrease:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Dilution effect'</strong> that is caused by<strong> decreased nutrient concentration in response to higher grain yield.</strong></li>
<li>This means the<strong> rate of yield increase is not compensated by the rate of nutrient take-up by the plants.</strong> Also, the soils supporting plants could be low in plant-available nutrients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Suggestions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Growing <strong>newer-released (1990s and later) cultivars of rice and wheat cannot be a sustainable option</strong> to alleviate zinc and iron malnutrition in Indian population. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Zinc and iron deficiency affects billions of people globally and the countries with this deficiency have diets composed mainly of rice, wheat, corn, and barley.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> negative effects need to be circumvented by improving the grain ionome (that is, nutritional make-up)</strong> while releasing cultivars in future breeding programmes.</li>
<li>There is a <strong>need to concentrate on other options like biofortification,</strong> where we breed food crops that are rich in micronutrients.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Biofortification</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/an-innovative-method-for-boosting-nutrition" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Biofortification</strong></a> is the process by which the <strong>nutritional quality of food crops is improved</strong> through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/biotechnology-and-its-applications" target="_blank" rel="noopener">biotechnology</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Initiatives Taken by India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Recently, the Prime Minister <strong>dedicated 17 biofortified varieties of 8 crops</strong> to the nation. Some <strong>examples:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Rice-</strong> CR DHAN 315 has excess zinc.</li>
<li><strong>Wheat-</strong> HI 1633 rich in protein, iron and zinc.</li>
<li><strong>Maize-</strong> Hybrid varieties 1, 2 and 3 are enriched with<strong> lysine and tryptophan.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/madhuban-gajar-biofortified-variety" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Madhuban Gajar</strong></a>, a biofortified carrot variety, is benefitting more than 150 local farmers in Junagadh, Gujarat. It has higher<strong> &beta;-carotene and iron</strong> content.</li>
<li>ICAR has started <strong>Nutri-Sensitive Agricultural Resources and Innovations (NARI) programme</strong> for promoting family farming linking agriculture to nutrition, <strong>nutri-smart villages</strong> for enhancing nutritional security and <strong>location specific nutrition garden models</strong> are being developed to ensure access to locally available, healthy and diversified diet with adequate macro and micronutrients.</li>
<li>The production of bio-fortified crop varieties will be upscaled and<strong> linked with government programmes </strong>of&nbsp;<strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/midday-meal-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mid-day meal</a>, <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/anganwadi-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anganwadi</a></strong> etc. to reduce <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/malnutrition-in-india-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>malnutrition.</strong></a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance of Biofortification:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Improved Health:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Biofortified staple crops, when consumed regularly, will <strong>generate measurable improvements in human health and nutrition. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Higher Resilience:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Biofortified crops are also often <strong>more resilient to pests, diseases, higher temperatures, drought</strong> and provide a high yield.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Greater Reach:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Biofortification fills an important gap as<strong> it provides a food-based, sustainable and low-dose alternative to iron supplementation.</strong> It does not require behavior change, <strong>can reach the poorest sections of the society, and supports local farmers.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cost Effective:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>After the initial investment to develop the biofortified seed, it can be replicated and distributed without any reduction in the micronutrient concentration. This makes it <strong>highly cost-effective and sustainable.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Challenges for Biofortification in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Lack of Acceptance:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Lack of consumer acceptance due to color changes (e.g. golden rice) and <strong>last mile reach of fortified food remains a big challenge.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Cost:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Adoption by farmers and <strong>cost involved in the process of fortification.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Slow Process:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Though biofortification can be done using non-genetically-modified methods it is a <strong>slower process than genetic modification.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Because of the prevalence of diverse food practices in the country, <strong>biofortification will need to achieve high rates of adoption and consumption</strong> in geographically distinct areas.</li>
<li>Strategies for delivery of biofortified crops must be<strong> tailored to the local context for each crop&ndash;nutrient pair.</strong></li>
<li>The<strong> government should facilitate public-private partnerships.</strong> Private sector engagement can leverage technological solutions for scaling up food fortification initiatives, and complement the government&rsquo;s outreach efforts through mass awareness and education campaigns in communities.</li>
<li>The lack of nutrition is not only a denial of a fundamental human right, but it is also poor economics. Biofortification is a partial solution, which must <strong>go hand in hand with efforts to reduce poverty, food insecurity, disease, poor sanitation, social and gender inequality.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/agriculture/are-your-staple-rice-and-wheat-losing-their-nutrients/article34860539.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: TH</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'nutrient-loss-in-wheat-rice',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 10 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8618,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'MoU for Seaplane Services in India',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways</strong> and the <strong>Ministry of Civil Aviation</strong> signed <strong>Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)</strong> for <strong>Development of Seaplane Services</strong> in India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>India&rsquo;s<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-s-first-seaplane-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> first seaplane service started</strong></a> operation between Kevadia and Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad in October 2020, under <strong>Sagarmala Seaplane Services.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About MoU:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This MoU envisages <strong>developing non-scheduled and scheduled operation of seaplane services</strong> within territorial jurisdiction of India.</li>
<li>Seaplane services will be<strong> developed as a part of the RCS-UDAN</strong> (Regional Connectivity Scheme-Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik)<strong> initiative of the Civil Aviation Ministry.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Shipping Ministry</strong> would <strong>identify and develop waterfront aerodromes and other required infrastructure.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>Civil Aviation Ministry will select potential airline operators</strong> through a bidding process. It will <strong>also incorporate the location and routes</strong> as identified by the Shipping Ministry.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>This MoU will help in<strong> expediting the development of new water aerodromes</strong> and also <strong>operationalisation of new seaplane routes</strong> in India.</li>
<li>It will not only<strong> enhance seamless connectivity</strong> across the nation by promoting eco-friendly transportation through seaplanes but also give a boost to the tourism industry.</li>
<li>It will<strong> lead to an increase in tourism and hotel business</strong> at the local level. It will also serve <strong>employment to local people.</strong></li>
<li>Establishment of water airports will contribute to an increase in the level of current <strong>social infrastructural facilities</strong> (healthcare, education, community housing, etc.) at the proposed sites.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About UDAN Scheme:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/udan-4-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN)</strong></a> was launched as a regional connectivity scheme under the <strong>Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>objective of the scheme</strong> 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 <strong>scheme envisages providing</strong> connectivity to <strong>un-served and underserved</strong> airports of the country through the revival of existing air-strips and airports. The scheme is operational for <strong>a period of 10 years.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Under-served airports are those <strong>which do not have more than one flight</strong> a day, while unserved airports are those where there are no operations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Financial incentives</strong> 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>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>About UDAN 4.1:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The UDAN 4.1 focuses on connecting <strong>smaller airports, along with special helicopter and seaplane routes.</strong></li>
<li>Some new routes have been proposed under the<strong> Sagarmala Seaplane services.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Sagarmala Seaplane Services:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is<strong> an <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/sagarmala-seaplane-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ambitious project</a> under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.</strong></li>
<li>The project is being initiated under a<strong> Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)</strong> framework through <strong>prospective airline operators.</strong></li>
<li>The project execution and implementation would be through <strong>Sagarmala Development Company Ltd (SDCL),</strong> which is under the administrative control of the Ministry.</li>
<li>To provide connectivity and easier accessibility to remote locations, SDCL is exploring plans to <strong>leverage the potential of the vast coastline and numerous water bodies/rivers</strong> across India by commencing seaplane operations. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Several destinations are envisaged for seaplane operations. Seaplanes will utilise the nearby water bodies for take-off and landing and thus connect those places in an economical way as conventional airport infrastructure like a runway and terminal buildings are not required for seaplane operations.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The<strong> routes</strong> may be operated under the <strong>government&rsquo;s subsidised UDAN scheme.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID%3D1727237&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1623842402241000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0zs5BzTwUsKsKTOlXqWqJH" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'mou-for-seaplane-services-in-india',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 11 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8570,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Railways Gets 5 MHz Spectrum',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the allotment of <strong>5 MHz spectrum in the 700 MHz frequency band</strong> to the Indian Railways for <strong>improving its communication and signalling systems.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Railways has also approved a indigenously developed <strong>Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).</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>The <strong>project, targeted to be completed in five years</strong>, is estimated to <strong>cost over Rs. 25,000 crore.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/spectrum-auctions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spectrum</a> charges</strong> will be levied based on formula as prescribed by Department of Telecommunications for Royalty Charges and License Fee for captive use as recommended by the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/telecom-firms-oppose-trai%E2%80%99s-public-wi-fi-model" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>With this spectrum, the <strong>railways will introduce Long-Term Evolution (LTE)-based Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC)</strong> on its routes.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Railways <strong>currently relies on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/new-technique-for-monitoring-of-power-transmission-cables" target="_blank" rel="noopener">optical fibre</a></strong> for its communication network but with the allocation of fresh spectrum, it<strong> will be able to use high-speed radio on a real-time basis.</strong></li>
<li><strong>LTE</strong> is a <strong><a href="/to-the-points/paper3/fifth-generation-cellular-technology-5g" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fourth-generation (4G)</a> wireless standard</strong> that provides increased network capacity and speed for cellphones and other cellular devices compared with third-generation (3G) technology.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Seamless Connection:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will be used for modern signalling and train protection systems and ensure seamless communication between loco pilots and guards.</li>
<li>The purpose of the LTE for Indian Railways is to <strong>provide secure and reliable voice</strong>, video and data communication services for operational, safety and security applications.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reduced Accidents &amp; Delays:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will help <strong>prevent train accidents and reduce delays</strong> by enabling real-time interaction between the Loco Pilot, Station Master and the Control Centre.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Internet of Things:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will also enable the railways to undertake <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/india-must-get-on-the-iot-highway-fast#:~:text=Internet%20Of%20Things%20(IoT)%20is%20a%20computing%20concept%20that%20describes,than%20the%20object%20by%20itself." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Internet of Things (IoT)</strong></a> based remote asset monitoring, particularly of coaches, wagons and locos, and monitor live video feed of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/cctv-in-police-stations-sc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>CCTV</strong></a> cameras in the coaches to ensure efficient, safer and faster train operations.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>IoT</strong> is a<strong> computing concept that describes the idea of everyday physical objects being connected to the internet</strong> and being able to identify themselves to other devices.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It is a microprocessor based control system, which <strong>continuously monitors the speed, direction of travel, distance travelled</strong>, aspect of the signal passed and alertness of the motorman and thus increases the safety of the railway system.</li>
<li>It will help in <strong>improving the safety and increasing the line capacity to accommodate more trains using the existing infrastructure.</strong> The modern rail network will result in <strong>reduced transportation cost and higher efficiency.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Radio Spectrum</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The radio spectrum (also known as Radio Frequency or RF) is a part of the <strong>electromagnetic spectrum</strong>, electromagnetic waves in this frequency range are called radio frequency bands or simply &lsquo;<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/ham-radio" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>radio waves</strong></a>&rsquo;. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Radio waves</strong> have the longest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum. These were discovered by Heinrich Hertz in the late 1880s.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>RF bands spread in the range between <strong>30 kHz and 300 GHz</strong> (alternative point of view offers coverage 3 KHz &ndash; 300 GHz).</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1623315257_pasted%20image 0.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1623315257_pasted image 0.png" width="500" caption="false" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>To prevent interference between different users, the <strong>generation and transmission of radio frequency bands is strictly regulated by national laws</strong>, coordinated by an international body, the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/important-facts-for-prelims-12th-march-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Telecommunication Union (ITU)</a>.</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet-approves-allocation-of-5mhz-spectrum-for-railways/article34769380.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'railways-gets-5-mhz-spectrum',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 12 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8519,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Census 2021',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p>This article is based on <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/hold-the-decadal-census-of-india-2021-101622631785057.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>&ldquo;Conduct the decadal Census of India, 2021&rdquo;</strong></a> which was published in The Hindustan Times on 02/06/2021. It talks about the importance of census and why the 2021 census should not be delayed.</p>
</div>
<p>Many legacies of the colonial raj continued after 1947. The <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-census-challenges-importance" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census of India</strong></a> is one of the many. The term census is derived from the latin term from censere, which means to assess.</p>
<p>Population censuses, typically with a semi-decadal (five-year) or decadal frequency are recognised as indispensable to national resource planning. In India, a census is conducted every decade and <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/census-2021" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Census 2021</strong></a> will be the 16th national census of the country.</p>
<p>However, owing to Covid-19 pandemic, we are midway into 2021 and there is no sign of the Census. As the census shapes political structures, economic decisions, development goals, delaying it will have its costs.</p>
<h3>Census in India: Background &amp; Importance</h3>
<p>In 1858, the Government of India Act 1858 was passed in the British parliament, the company was liquidated, and its authorities were transferred to the British Crown. By this time, the British Crown had taken near-absolute control of India.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Intention:</strong> In order to administer the dominion, the British government needed detailed, reliable data on the people and where they lived. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The British government sought to conduct Census in India, as they had been doing it at home since 1801.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Origin:</strong> The newly established office of the registrar general and census commissioner launched and completed the first Census of India in 1881.</li>
<li><strong>Positive Feedback Loop:</strong> While the intended objective of the Census was to exploit Indian resources and Indians to the maximum, once the data became available, it found traction among a diverse range of user groups. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Education departments used the data to plan for primary education.</li>
<li>Public works departments used it to plan road networks.</li>
<li>Planners used it to locate electric power plants, trunk lines &amp; railways.</li>
<li>As the data began to impact infrastructure, it facilitated large-scale population movements and rapid growth of port cities like Bombay, Calcutta and Madras.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Importance:</strong> India is recognised for its 'Unity in diversity' and the Census gives the citizens a chance to study this diversity and associated facets of their nation through its society, demography, economics, anthropology, sociology, statistics, etc.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It provides valuable information for planning and formulation policies for Central and the State Governments and is widely used by National and International Agencies, Scholars, business people, industrialists, and many more.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why should we care about the Census in 2021?</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Delimitation Exercise:</strong> The political balance in the Lok Sabha is about to transform when the next delimitation exercise concludes in 2026. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>If census 2021 doesn&rsquo;t happen, the states with the poorest record of population management, largely in northern India, will increase their relative presence massively.</li>
<li>On the contrary, South and West India will be disadvantaged.</li>
<li>Thus, there is a need for a wider palette of demographic variables to inform the exercise.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Distribution of Proceeds:</strong> Finance commissions provide guidance on the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the states. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>As the Goods and Services Tax makes deciding the basis of distribution more controversial, the population plays a key role in routing revenue and like in delimitation, disadvantages success and rewards failure.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Checking the Polarised Discourse:</strong> Many arguments made by majoritarian politicians are about what they allege to be a shrinking majority and explosive growth of minorities. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Census is the objective, all-India process for determining the situation on the ground.</li>
<li>Not only does this give us population data, we can also use various statistical measures such as birth and death rates, fertility rates, gross and net birth rates, and thereby bringing facts to a polarised discourse.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Targeted Investments:</strong> There are talks of large-scale investments in infrastructure to restart the economic cycle in Post-Covid-19 period. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Census helps target the investments, by giving planners a sense of who benefits, how much, and at what cost.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<p>Hence, given the importance of Census the decadel exercise of 2021 must be conducted keeing in the mind the following measures:</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Strengthening the Data Quality:</strong> This can be done by minimising the coverage error and content error (through increased list of questions in the survey). <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It will help in changing the discourse of the government&rsquo;s programme implementation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strenthenging the System:</strong> Proper training of enumerators (data collectors) and organizers should be organised. Also, enumerators should be well paid to keep them motivated, as they are the focal point of data collection and ensuring data accuracy. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>A safe, transparent, unbiased environment should be provided to the interviewers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Strengthening the Campaigns:</strong> Launching massive publicity campaigns in order to make people aware about the importance of Census in their life should be organized.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Relevant community political &amp; religious leaders, college students (conducting flash mobs) should be involved in order to spread awareness and educate people.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Census is the basis for reviewing the country's progress in the past decade, monitoring the ongoing Schemes of the Goverment and most importantly, planning for the future. That is why the Slogan is "Our Census - Our Future''.</p>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 100%; border-style: dotted; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #fce6ff;">
<p><span style="color: #000080;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question</strong></em></span></p>
<p>As the census shapes political structures, economic decisions, development goals, delaying the 2021 census will have its costs. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>',
		'posturl' => 'census-2021-2',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 13 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8507,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'BIS SDO Recognition Scheme',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Recently, the<strong> Research Design &amp; Standards Organization (RDSO)</strong> of Indian Railways has become the<strong> first Institution</strong> to be declared a <strong>Standard Developing Organization (SDO)</strong> under <strong>One Nation One Standard mission</strong> of<strong> Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>RDSO took the initiative to seek recognition as a Standard Developing Organization (SDO) under the <strong>BIS SDO Recognition Scheme.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Research Designs &amp; Standards Organization</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is the <strong>sole R&amp;D Wing of the Ministry of Railways,</strong> is one of India&rsquo;s leading Standard formulating bodies undertaking standardization work for the railway sector situated in<strong> Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.</strong></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>The idea of <strong>One Nation One Standard Mission was first conceived in 2019,</strong> it was envisioned <strong>on the line of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/one-nation-one-ration-card-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one nation, one ration card scheme</a></strong> in order to ensure quality products in the country.</li>
<li>To attain the One Nation One Standard vision of the Government of India, BIS launched a scheme which provides for <strong>Recognition of SDO.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The recognition is<strong> valid for 3 years</strong> and will require renewal after completion of the validity period.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Objectives:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Aggregating and integrating the existing capabilities</strong> and dedicated domain specific expertise available with various organizations in the country engaged in standards development in their specific sectors.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The idea is<strong> to develop one template of standard for one given product instead of having multiple agencies set it.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Enable <strong>convergence of all standard development activities</strong> in the country resulting in <strong>One National Standard for One Subject.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will help in<strong> establishing in the long run Brand India.</strong> This will also ensure <strong>market relevance for the Indian standards.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Other Initiatives of BIS:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bis-care" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BIS-Care App</a>:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>With this app, consumers can <strong>check the authenticity</strong> of the <strong>ISI-marked and hallmarked products</strong> and lodge complaints.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Covid-19 Standards:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>BIS developed <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong> </a>standards for Cover-all and Ventilators and issued norms for grant of<strong> licence for N95 Masks, surgical masks and eye protectors</strong> which has resulted in an increased production of ISI-marked <strong>Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) items.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Quality Control Orders:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>BIS has been playing an important role in the <strong>formulation of Quality Control Orders (QCO) to make the standards mandatory.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Portal for Consumer Engagement:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>BIS is developing a portal on Consumer Engagement, which <strong>will facilitate the online registration of Consumer Groups, submission of proposals and approval thereof and complaint management.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>Bureau of Indian Standards</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It has been established for the harmonious <strong>development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods</strong> and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.</li>
<li>It was <strong>established by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986</strong> which came into effect in December 1986. It works under the aegis of the <strong>Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food &amp; Public Distribution.</strong></li>
<li>A new <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/bureau-of-indian-standards-bis-act-2016" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Bureau of Indian standard (BIS) Act 2016</strong></a> has been brought into force with effect from October 2017.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Act establishes the<strong> Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) as the National Standards Body of India.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1723360" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: PIB</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'bis-sdo-recognition-scheme',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 14 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8442,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'NGT Upholds Rights of Pastoralists in Banni Grasslands',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-green-tribunal-ngt#:~:text=What%20is%20National%20Green%20Tribunal,forests%20and%20other%20natural%20resources." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Green Tribunal (NGT)</strong></a> ordered all encroachments to be removed from <strong>Gujarat's Banni grasslands</strong> within six months.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The court also said the<strong> Maldharis (Pastoralists)</strong> will continue to hold the <strong>right to conserve the community forests</strong> in the area, granted to them as per the provisions in <strong>Section 3 of Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>National Green Tribunal</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It is a specialised body set up under the <strong>National Green Tribunal Act (2010)</strong> for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.</li>
<li>NGT is <strong>mandated to make disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months</strong> of filing the same.</li>
<li>The NGT has five places of sittings, <strong>New Delhi</strong> is the Principal place of sitting and <strong>Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata</strong> and <strong>Chennai</strong> are the<strong> other four.</strong></li>
<li>Being a<strong> statutory adjudicatory body</strong> like Courts, apart from original jurisdiction on filing of an application, NGT also has<strong> appellate jurisdiction</strong> to hear appeal as a <strong>Court (Tribunal).</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Banni Grassland:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Location:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Banni is the <strong>largest grassland of Asia</strong> situated <strong>near the Great Rann of Kutch</strong> in<strong> Gujarat.</strong></li>
<li>It is spread <strong>over 2,618 kilometres</strong> and accounts for almost <strong>45% of the pastures</strong> in Gujarat.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Ecosystem and Vegetation:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Two ecosystems, wetlands and grasslands,</strong> are mixed side by side in Banni.</li>
<li>Vegetation in Banni is sparse and highly dependent on rainfall.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Banni grasslands, traditionally, were managed following a system of rotational grazing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Banni is dominated by low-growing plants, forbs and graminoids, many of which are halophiles (salt tolerant), as well as scattered tree cover and scrub.</li>
<li>The area is <strong>rich in flora and fauna,</strong> with 192 species of plants, 262 species of birds, several species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reserve Forest:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In 1955, the court <strong>notified that the grassland will be a reserve forest</strong> (the most restricted forests classified according to <a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/indian-forest-act-1927" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Forest Act 1927</strong></a>).</li>
<li>In 2019, the <strong>tribunal ordered</strong> to demarcate the boundaries of the Banni grassland and restricted non-forest activities.</li>
<li><a href="/printpdf/rhinos-to-be-re-introduced-in-uttarakhand" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Wildlife Institute of India (WII)</strong> </a>has identified this grassland reserve as <strong>one of the last remaining habitats of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/introduction-of-african-cheetah-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cheetah</a> in India</strong> and a possible reintroduction site for the species.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621935493_image3.png" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img class="content-img" src="http://www.drishtiias.com/images/uploads/1621935493_image3.png" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="600" caption="false" /></a></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About Maldharis:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Maldharis are<strong> a tribal herdsmen community inhabiting Banni.</strong></li>
<li>Originally nomads, they came to be known as Maldharis after settling in Junagarh (mainly Gir Forest).</li>
<li>The literal meaning of Maldhari <strong>is keeper (dhari)</strong> of the animal stock (mal).
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The livestock include <strong>sheep, goats, cows, buffalo, and camels.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/gir-national-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gir Forest National Park</strong></a> is home to around 8,400 Maldharis.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Provisions of the Forest Rights Act 2006:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Under the provisions of <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/forest-rights-act-2006-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>the Act</strong></a>, <strong>forest dwellers cannot be displaced unless the rights settlement process</strong> has been completed.</li>
<li>Moreover, the Act has a special provision for setting <strong>up &lsquo;Critical Wildlife Habitats (CWH)&rsquo;,</strong> for the conservation of the species.</li>
<li>It strengthens the <strong>conservation regime</strong> of the forests while ensuring livelihood and food security of the FDST (Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes) and OTFD (Other Traditional Forest Dwellers).</li>
<li>The Act identifies four <strong>types of rights:</strong>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Title rights:</strong> It gives FDST and OTFD the right to ownership to land farmed by tribals or forest dwellers subject to a maximum of 4 hectares.</li>
<li><strong>Use rights:</strong> The rights of the dwellers extend to extracting<a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/msp-hiked-for-minor-forest-produce" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> Minor Forest Produce</strong></a>, grazing areas etc.</li>
<li><strong>Relief and development rights:</strong> To rehabilitate in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and to basic amenities, subject to restrictions for forest protection.</li>
<li><strong>Forest management rights:</strong> It includes the right to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any community forest resource which they have been traditionally protecting.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/ngt-upholds-rights-of-pastoralists-in-banni-grasslands-wants-encroachments-removed-77075" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: DTE</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'ngt-upholds-rights-of-pastoralists-in-banni-grasslands',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 15 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8401,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'India’s Brain Drain in Health Sector',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>India has been a <strong>major exporter of healthcare workers</strong> to developed nations particularly to the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/solidarity-and-stability-deal-gulf-countries#:~:text=Members%20of%20the%20GCC%20signed,are%20the%20members%20of%20GCC." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)</strong></a> countries, Europe and other English-speaking countries.</p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>This<strong> Brain Drain</strong> in the health sector is part of the reason for the <strong>current shortage in nurses and doctors.</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Brain Drain:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Brain drain is a term <strong>indicating substantial emigration or migration of individuals.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A brain drain can <strong>result from turmoil within a nation</strong>, the existence of <strong>favorable professional opportunities</strong> in other countries, or from a desire to seek a <strong>higher standard of living.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The <strong>majority of migration is from developing to developed countries.</strong> This is of <strong>growing concern worldwide</strong> because of its impact on the health systems in developing countries.</li>
<li>As per the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/oecds-forecast-for-global-economy-in-2060" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)</a> data</strong>, around <strong>69,000 Indian trained doctors worked in the UK, US, Canada and Australia in 2017.</strong> In these four countries, 56,000 Indian-trained nurses were working in the same year.</li>
<li>There is also large-scale <strong>migration of health workers to the GCC countries</strong> but there is a <strong>lack of credible data</strong> on the stock of such workers in these nations. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There is no real-time data on high-skilled migration from India as in the case of low-skilled and semi-skilled migration.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reasons:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Need in the Pandemic:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>With the onset of the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/covid-19-now-pandemic-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>pandemic</strong></a>, there has been a <strong>greater demand for healthcare workers across the world</strong>, especially in developed nations.</li>
<li>Countries in dire need of retaining their healthcare workers have <strong>adopted migrant-friendly policies.</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>UK has granted free one-year visa extensions to eligible overseas healthcare workers</strong> and their dependents whose visas were due to expire before October 2021.</li>
<li><strong>France has offered citizenship</strong> to frontline immigrant healthcare workers during the pandemic.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Higher Pay and Better Opportunities:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There are <strong>strong pull factors</strong> associated with the migration of healthcare workers, in terms of <strong>higher pay and better opportunities in the destination countries.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Low Wages and Lack of Investment in India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There are<strong> strong push factors</strong> that often drive these workers to migrate abroad.</li>
<li>In case of nurses in India the <strong>low wages in private sector outfits along with reduced opportunities in the public sector</strong> plays a big role in them seeking employment opportunities outside the country.</li>
<li>The <strong>lack of government investment in healthcare and delayed appointments</strong> to public health institutions act as a catalyst for such migration.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Policies of the Indian Government :</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The government&rsquo;s policies to check brain drain are restrictive in nature and do not give a real long-term solution to the problem.</li>
<li>In 2014, it stopped issuing <strong>No Objection to Return to India (NORI)</strong> certificates to doctors migrating to the US.
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <strong>NORI certificate is a US government requirement</strong> for doctors who migrate to America on a J1 visa and seek to extend their stay beyond three years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The government has <strong>included nurses in the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category.</strong> This move was taken to bring about transparency in nursing recruitment and reduce exploitation of nurses in the destination countries.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Concerns in India&rsquo;s Health Sector:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Lack of Human Resource:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>India has <strong>1.7 nurses per 1,000 population</strong> and a <strong>doctor to patient ratio of 1:1,404</strong> &mdash; this is well <strong>below the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-health-organization-who" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Health Organization (WHO)</a> norm</strong> of three nurses per 1,000 population and a doctor to patient ratio of 1:1,100.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Skewed Distribution:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The distribution of <strong>doctors and nurses is heavily skewed against some regions.</strong> Moreover, there is <strong>high concentration in some urban pockets.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Poor Infrastructure:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/human-development-index-undp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>2020 Human Development Report</strong> </a>shows that India has <strong>five hospital beds per 10,000 people &mdash; one of the lowest in the world.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Increased investment in healthcare</strong>, especially in the public sector, is thus the <strong>need of the hour.</strong> This would, in turn, increase employment opportunities for health workers.</li>
<li>India <strong>needs systematic changes to building an overall environment</strong> that could <strong>prove to be beneficial for them and motivate them to stay in the country.</strong></li>
<li>The <strong>government should focus on framing policies that promote circular migration and return migration</strong>&mdash;policies that <strong>incentivise healthcare workers to return home</strong> after the completion of their training or studies.</li>
<li>India could also work towards framing <strong>bilateral agreements</strong> that could help shape a policy of <strong>&ldquo;brain-share&rdquo;</strong> between the <strong>sending and receiving countries.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/cornavirus-health-workers-safety-healthcare-sector-brain-drain-investment-in-health-infrastructure-7320591/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'india-s-brain-drain-in-health-sector',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 16 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8378,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'New Approach for Post-Covid Education',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>Due to a <strong>surge in <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19 infections</a></strong> in the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/reasons-for-rising-covid-19-infections-second-wave" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Second Wave</strong></a> of infections, the education of students in the entire nation is affected.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Concerns:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Availability of Online Education:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Online education was envisioned as an alternative means of spreading education, but it too fails, given the Indian students&rsquo; conditions.</li>
<li>The <strong>availability and affordability of this system poses a barrier. </strong></li>
<li><strong>While e-education is a privilege for the students from an upper and middle class</strong>, it has proved to be a <strong>nuisance for students from the lower middle class</strong> and people living <strong>below the poverty line.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Long-Term Exposure to Internet:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There are also implications of longer exposure to the internet for these young kids.</li>
<li>This may create <strong>impediments to the development of the thinking process</strong> in the younger generation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Decreasing Analytical Thinking:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The other important question is about the <strong>learning outcomes of online education.</strong></li>
<li>Google is the prominent and only platform to all queries, and as a result of that, <strong>students are not thinking on their own.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Scientific outlook was the key parameter stressed upon since the inception of modern education in India.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Increasing Student Isolation:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Due to the pandemic and lack of physical classroom teaching, a peculiar <strong>feeling of isolation is developing in the minds of students.</strong> That&rsquo;s a very serious issue. The trauma of the second wave will put a deep imprint on the student&rsquo;s mind.</li>
<li><strong>Physical interaction and activities have been entirely absent</strong>, and that may also be contributing to <strong>new problems.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Possible Solutions:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Use of Infrastructure:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The whole <strong>infrastructure should be fully utilised</strong>, and if necessary, many <strong>more facilities should be invested in</strong> (and created) to impart education. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>As classroom teaching gives us the opportunity to impart many more things apart from information.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Content:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Institutions should <strong>contemplate new content generation for each subject</strong> to overcome the absence of classroom teaching within the framework of the existing syllabus.</li>
<li>This content would be of a <strong>new type, self-explanatory, and considering the lowest IQ of the class</strong>, it has to be attractive.</li>
<li>The content <strong>should produce the same effect on the minds of the students that the best book imparts</strong> on the thinking faculty.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Personal Supervision:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The teachers and non-teaching staff should <strong>visit the locality of the students (in and around the school area) on a weekly basis</strong> to supervise the whole work.</li>
<li>They should <strong>take notes on the problems faced by students</strong> in understanding the reading material and also whether things are reaching them on time.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>New Evaluation System:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The evaluation should be<strong> based on the capacity of analysis, and the questions</strong> should be framed in such a way that <strong>students need to apply their minds</strong> to answer the questions on each subject.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Prioritizing Vaccination:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>In addition, the <strong>government should take the responsibility to <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-india-and-the-vaccination-drive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vaccinate</a> the whole teaching community</strong> as fast as possible to advance this learning process.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Related Government Initiatives for E-Learning:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>E-PG Pathshala:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>An initiative of the Ministry of Human Resource Development to provide e-content for studies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/swayam-and-swayam-prabha" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SWAYAM</a>:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It provides for an integrated platform for online courses.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/national-educational-alliance-for-technology-neat-scheme" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NEAT</a>:</strong> <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It aims to use <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/in-depth-artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Artificial Intelligence</strong></a> to make learning more personalized and customized as per the requirements of the learner</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/pragyata-guidelines-on-digital-education" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PRAGYATA</a>:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) released guidelines on <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/education-in-post-covid-era" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>digital education</strong></a> titled PRAGYATA.</li>
<li>Under the PRAGYATA guidelines, only 30 minutes of screen time per day for interacting with parents is recommended for kindergarten, nursery and pre-school.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/digital-education-learning-amid-the-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning</a>:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The NPTEL is a project of MHRD initiated by seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), along with the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore.</li>
<li>It was started in 2003 and its aim was to have <strong>web and video courses in engineering, sciences, and management.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Covid-19</strong> has shown the extent to which the Indian system of education exploits inequalities.</li>
<li>Thus, there is a <strong>need for renewed commitments to the synergy between the private and public education sector.</strong> In this context, there is a <strong>need to make education a common good and digital innovation can help in achieving the feat.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/how-schooling-during-the-pandemic-can-be-transformed-7315318/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:IE</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'new-approach-for-post-covid-education',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 17 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8313,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Maratha Reservation Struck Down: SC',
		'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> declared a <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/maharashtra-assembly-passes-bill-for-reservation-for-marathas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Maharashtra law</strong></a> which provides <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/maratha-quota" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>reservation benefits to the Maratha</strong></a> community, taking the quota limit in the State in excess of 50%, as unconstitutional.</p>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Background:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>2017:</strong> A 11-member <strong>commission headed by Retired Justice N G Gaikwad</strong> recommended <strong>Marathas should be given reservation</strong> under <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/extension-to-obc-sub-categorisation-commission" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC)</a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong>2018:</strong> Maharashtra Assembly passed a Bill proposing <strong>16% reservation for Maratha community.</strong></li>
<li><strong>2018:</strong> The Bombay High Court while upholding the reservation pointed out that instead of 16% it should be <strong>reduced to 12% in education and 13%in jobs.</strong></li>
<li><strong>2020:</strong> The SC stayed its implementation and <strong>referred the case to Chief Justice of India for a larger bench.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Current Ruling:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Violation of Fundamental Rights:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A separate reservation for the Maratha community violates <strong><a href="/to-the-points/Paper2/fundamental-rights-part-1#:~:text=Equality%20Before%20Law%3A%20Article%2014,within%20the%20territory%20of%20India." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (due process of law)</a>.</strong></li>
<li>Reservation breaching the 50% limit <strong>will create a society based on &ldquo;caste rule&rdquo;.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>The Maratha reservation of 12% and 13% (in education and jobs) had <strong>increased the overall reservation ceiling to 64% and 65%, respectively.</strong></li>
<li>In the <strong><a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/creamy-layer-for-sc-s-st-s" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Indira Sawhney judgment</em></a> 1992</strong>, SC had categorically said <strong>50% shall be the rule</strong>, only in certain <strong>exceptional and extraordinary situations</strong> for bringing far-flung and remote areas' population into mainstream said 50% rule can be relaxed.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>No Further Benefits:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li><strong>Appointments made under the Maratha quota</strong> following the Bombay High Court judgment endorsing the State law <strong>would hold</strong>, but <strong>they would get no further benefits.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Deprived States of the Power to Identify SEBCs:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>There will <strong>only be a single list of SEBC with respect to each State and Union Territory notified by the President</strong> of India, and that <strong>States can only make recommendations</strong> for inclusion or exclusion, with any subsequent change to be made only by Parliament.</li>
<li>The Bench unanimously <strong>upheld the constitutional validity</strong> of the <a href="/loksabha-rajyasabha-discussions/the-big-picture-reviewing-50-cap-of-reservation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>102<sup>nd</sup> Constitution Amendment</strong></a> but differed on the question whether it affected the power of states to identify SEBCs.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Direction to NCBC:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Asked the <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-national-institutions/national-commission-for-backward-classes-ncbc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)</strong></a> to expedite the <strong>recommendation of SEBCs</strong> so that the President can publish the notification containing the list of SEBCs in relation to States and Union Territories expeditiously.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="border-bg">
<p><strong>102<sup>nd</sup> Amendment Act of 2018</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>It introduced <strong>Articles 338B and 342A in the Constitution.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Article 338B</strong> deals with the newly established National Commission for Backward Classes.</li>
<li><strong>Article 342A</strong> empowers the President to specify the socially and educationally backward communities in a State. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>It says that it is for the Parliament to include a community in the Central List for socially and backward classes for grant of reservation benefits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-declares-maratha-quota-law-unconstitutional/article34487043.ece" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source:TH</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'maratha-reservation-struck-down-sc',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 18 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8312,
		'category_id' => (int) 21,
		'title' => 'Waiving Intellectual Property Protection for Covid-19 Vaccines',
		'description' => '<h3>Why in News</h3>
<p>The <strong>United States</strong> has announced the <strong>support for waiving <a href="/to-the-points/paper3/intellectual-property-rights" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Intellectual Property (IP)</a> protection for <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/coronavirus-disease-named-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid-19</a> vaccines.</strong></p>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>The decision is a breakthrough in India and South Africa's attempts to get <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>World Trade Organisation (WTO)</strong></a> member countries to agree to such a waiver to fight the pandemic equitably.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Points</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>About:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The <strong>1995 agreement on <a href="/important-institutions/drishti-specials-important-institutions-international-institution/world-trade-organisation-wto" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)</a></strong> requires ratifying countries to adopt a minimum standard of intellectual property rights to protect creators and promote innovation.</li>
<li><strong>India and South Africa have proposed a waiver from the implementation</strong> and application<strong> of certain provisions of the TRIPS Agreement</strong> (waiving IP rights like patents, copyright, and trademarks) <strong>for prevention, containment or treatment of Covid-19.</strong></li>
<li><strong>If the waiver is granted</strong>, WTO member countries will not be under an obligation, for a temporary period, to either grant or enforce patents and other IP-related rights to Covid-19 drugs, vaccines, and other treatments. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will immunise the measures adopted by countries to vaccinate their populations from claims of illegality under WTO law.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Need to Waive Patents on Covid Vaccines:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Monopoly of Drug Companies:</strong> At present, only drug companies which own patents are authorised to manufacture Covid vaccines. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>A lifting of patents will allow the formula to be shared with other companies.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Vaccine Cost:</strong> Once the formula is shared, any company which possesses the required technology and infrastructure can produce vaccines. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This will lead to <strong>cheaper and more generic versions</strong> of Covid vaccines and will be <strong>a big step in overcoming vaccine shortage.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Inequitable Distribution of Vaccines:</strong> This has opened up a glaring gap between developing and wealthier countries now. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The countries having surplus doses of vaccines have already vaccinated a considerable percentage of their population and are returning to normalcy.</li>
<li>Whereas, the poorer nations continue to face shortages, have overburdened healthcare systems and hundreds dying daily.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Against the Interests of the World:</strong> The longer Covid circulates in developing nations, there is a greater chance of more vaccine-resistant, deadly mutations of the virus emerging.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Significance for India:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Help in Increasing Production:</strong> The bulk of the vaccine doses produced in India are taken up by foreign countries which <strong>could pay more for the doses.</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>This move can help <strong>scale up production to meet demand</strong> besides making the vaccines <strong>more affordable for everyone.</strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Preparation for the Third Wave:</strong> Indian authorities have stated that the third wave of the pandemic is inevitable. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Once the number of cases and deaths plateau, addressing shortages and making more affordable vaccines readily accessible could be the best way to prepare for the surge once again.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Counter Arguments:</strong><br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><strong>Vaccine Quality and Safety may get Compromised:</strong> Lifting of patents would be a compromise on control of safety and quality standards for vaccine manufacturing.</li>
<li><strong>Disincentive Pharmaceutical Companies:</strong> Lifting of patents would be a huge deterrent to investing heavily on vaccine development during pandemics in the future.</li>
<li><strong>Can Lead to Confusion:</strong> Eliminating those protections would undermine the global response to the pandemic, including ongoing effort to tackle new variants.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>It will create confusion that could potentially undermine public confidence in vaccine safety, and create a barrier to information sharing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>Waiving IP protections alone isn't enough to make vaccines available around the world. The countries must work with each other to expand manufacturing capabilities and support international vaccines.</li>
<li>It&rsquo;s important for both Indian manufacturers and the government to address concerns of patent holders to make sure that India&rsquo;s vaccination drive is not compromised in any way.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/coronavirus-vaccine-patent-waiver-debate-explained-india-south-africa-joe-biden-7303799/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Source: IE</strong></a></p>',
		'posturl' => 'waiving-intellectual-property-protection-for-covid-19-vaccines',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	},
	(int) 19 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'article_id' => (int) 8168,
		'category_id' => (int) 22,
		'title' => 'Resurge in Covid Cases and Economic Recovery ',
		'description' => '<div class="border">
<p><em><strong>This Article is based upon &ldquo;<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/editorials/bracing-for-economic-disruption-101618492329640.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Looming Economic Crisis</a>&rdquo; which was published in the Hindustan Times on 15 April, 2021. It talks about how the drastic increase in the number of Covid-19 cases is acting as a barrier in India&rsquo;s slowly recovering economy, once again.</strong></em></p>
</div>
<p>The last fiscal year, FY 2020-21 was no less than a roller coaster ride for India&rsquo;s economy, witnessing nationwide partial and complete lockdowns, curfews and increase in unemployment with no projections of the economy returning to the 2019-20 levels of GDP even in FY 2021-22.</p>
<p>However, with the easing of lockdown restrictions, these projections were revised favourably in late 2020.</p>
<p>Just when there was growing optimism over India&rsquo;s economic rebound, when the <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-economic-outlook-imf-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>IMF upgraded India&rsquo;s GDP forecast for FY 21-22 to 12.5%</strong></a>, the second <a href="/daily-updates/daily-news-editorials/comprehensive-action-plan-for-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Covid-19</strong></a> wave has come as a rude shock to businesses and consumers alike.</p>
<p>India&rsquo;s daily new cases have been hitting higher peaks every day, with the country contributing almost 20% to the global tally of fresh daily cases. The situation is worse than last year&rsquo;s peak situation where the only sigh of relief is India now has access to vaccines.</p>
<h3>India&rsquo;s Economic Recovery</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Factors Facilitating the Growth:</strong>The gross tax collections are estimated to have touched ₹20.16 lakh crore (₹20.16 Trillion), up ₹1.2 lakh crore from the revised estimates detailed in the Union Budget a few months ago.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The Centre&rsquo;s indirect tax collections have touched ₹10.71 lakh crore in 2020-21, even higher than the collections in 2019-20.</li>
<li>Indicators like the Purchasing Managers&rsquo; Index (PMI), tractor &amp; two-wheeler sales, Goods and Services Tax collection, E-way bills, and rail freight traffic showed sustained growth in 2021.</li>
<li>The exports figures have also seen a huge jump standing at 31 billion dollar</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Impacts of Resurging Covid Cases and Consequent Lockdowns</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Highest Week-on-Week Decline as per NIBRI:</strong> The <strong>Nomura India Business Resumption Index (NIBRI)</strong>, is a weekly tracker of the pace of normalisation of economic activity.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The index reached 99 points in February, 2021 but slipped down to 90.5 in the month of April, registering its biggest week-on-week fall.</li>
<li>The reason for this downfall is mainly the second wave of Covid-19.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>City-wise Impact:</strong> States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Chhattisgarh, which are witnessing the highest surge in COVID-19 cases, account for over 30% of India&rsquo;s GDP. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Even partial lockdowns and curbs in these states will impact economic activity majorly and if the lockdowns are extended further due to uncontrolled infections, the damage will be even more extensive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Contraction in Industrial Output:</strong> The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) has witnessed the sharpest contraction in the month of February 2021 (since August 2020), at the rate of 3.6%. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The recent spike in Covid-19 cases has raised concerns over the economic recovery, especially with the imposition of harsher restrictions on activities now being a possibility.</li>
<li>The restrictions currently being imposed such as night curfews and weekend lockdowns are economically less painful. However, if the situation worsens, harsher measures cannot be ruled out.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Manufacturing and Other Sectors:</strong> While manufacturing may not be directly hit due to partial lockdowns, the impact on the contact services sectors like hospitality, travel, and tourism will have a multiplier effect, as these sectors have strong backward linkages with other sectors of the economy.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Way Forward</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><strong>Significant Role of Vaccines:</strong> The only effective way to safeguard the economy from another massive disruption is to relax both demand and supply for vaccines.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>More than 10 crore shots have been administered so far, however, it accounts for only 8% of the country&rsquo;s population that has received at least one shot, the US and the UK, in contrast, have vaccinated close to 50% of their total population.</li>
<li>Vaccination is a key element in controlling the second wave of Covid-19, but a shortage of vaccines could slow the progress of vaccine rollout.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>Therefore, the government shall now increase the reach of the vaccines and make the eligibility criteria for vaccination more expansive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Reducing the Tax Levies:</strong> The RBI, which has been stridently seeking a reduction in the tax levies, foresees inflation averaging 5.2% in the April-June quarter. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The price pressures are unlikely to ease significantly in the near term, unless the Centre and the States bite the bullet by agreeing to forego some near-term revenue from petroproducts and reduce fuel taxes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Role of Policy Makers:</strong> More efforts and better policies are needed on the part of Policymakers, to nurse back demand and this must be done without letting quickening inflation undermine purchasing power and overall economic stability.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, policymakers should not lose sight of the fact that India is better equipped to fight the virus compared to last year. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li>At this juncture, the primary objective of governments, both at the Centre and states, should be to ramp up the vaccination drive.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><strong>Expenditures as Proposed in the Union Budget:</strong> The support from the rebound in global growth and implementation of the Union Budget&rsquo;s proposed capital expenditures will reinforce India&rsquo;s economic revival.<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Moreover, the agricultural growth and rural demand have been quite robust until now, which is also expected to support growth.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li>If the choice between flattening the Covid-19 curve and economic hardship was difficult last year, it will be even more difficult this year, as businesses and workers are still nursing the wounds of the first lockdown. <br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>The second wave has coincided with the beginning of the new fiscal year which means that even the conservative revenue targets in the Budget could be jeopardised.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In all these difficult circumstances, the only silver lining that India has is the availability of the Vaccines and its ongoing Vaccination Drive. It must be taken advantage to the fullest.</li>
</ul>
<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 92px;">
<td style="width: 100%; height: 92px; border-color: #ff0000; background-color: #f5fcff; border-style: dotted;">
<p><span style="color: #333399;"><em><strong>Drishti Mains Question:</strong></em></span></p>
<p>&ldquo;Flattening the Covid-19 curve or dealing with the economic hardships. Choosing sides between these two is not exactly a wise decision to make, maintaining a balance is the need of the hour&rdquo;. Discuss.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
<p></p>',
		'posturl' => 'resurge-in-covid-cases-and-economic-recovery',
		'publishon' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'articles'
	
	}
]
$tags = [
	(int) 0 => object(Cake\ORM\Entity) {

		'id' => (int) 323,
		'tag' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'colorcode' => 'FFFFFF',
		'posturl' => 'issues-relating-to-development',
		'status' => (int) 1,
		'sort_order' => (int) 5,
		'type' => (int) 0,
		'relivant' => (float) 1,
		'metatitle' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'metakeyword' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'metadescription' => 'Issues Relating to Development',
		'addedby' => (int) 9,
		'updatedby' => (int) 9,
		'added' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'modified' => object(Cake\I18n\FrozenTime) {},
		'[new]' => false,
		'[accessible]' => [
			[maximum depth reached]
		],
		'[dirty]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[original]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[virtual]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[errors]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[invalid]' => [[maximum depth reached]],
		'[repository]' => 'tags'
	
	}
]
$title = 'Article Tags'
$lastyear = (int) 2018
$year = '2021'
$i = (int) 2017
$selected = ''
$m = (int) 13
$month = 'December'

include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/rightsection.ctp, line 100
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::_renderElement() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1554
Cake\View\View::element() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 668
include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Element/articlebox.ctp, line 5
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::_renderElement() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1554
Cake\View\View::element() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 668
include - ROOT/plugins/Drishti/src/Template/Articles/tags.ctp, line 61
Cake\View\View::_evaluate() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1196
Cake\View\View::_render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 1157
Cake\View\View::render() - CORE/src/View/View.php, line 765
Cake\Controller\Controller::render() - CORE/src/Controller/Controller.php, line 623
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 125
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 93

Achievers Corner

Prelims

Mains & Interview

Current Affairs

Drishti Specials

Free Downloads

Test Series

Videos

Tag Search Results

You searched “Issues Relating to Development”. Your tag search matches the following results: