 A very good evening friends. I welcome you all to the Daily Hindu Newspaper Analysis brought to you by the Shankara A.S. Academy. Today's date is 29th January. Today we are going to discuss articles which appeared in the yesterday's and today's newspaper. Here are the list of articles which we are going to discuss today. In this, we are having four articles which are related to our preliminary preparation and one main-spacer article. Okay, now let us get into discussion. This science-page article from yesterday's newspaper talks about how a non-invasive species can lead to ecosystem shifts and changes. Here, the article quotes the example of mutualism between native ants and Achesia trees in Kenya. While the native ants protects the tree from grazers by building their colony, in exchange, the trees provides the hands a place to live. Imagine, what happens if the native ants are not present? The trees would become vulnerable to overgrazing by elephants, leading to a more open landscape. This not only affects the trees, but also leaves no hiding places for the lion while they strike for their prey. See, this is how a non-invasive species can lead to ecosystem shifts. This is the crux of the article. In this context, let us quickly understand about an important prelims-oriented concept which you would have witnessed in your test series and previous equations. That is, symbiotic relationship between various organisms. See, firstly know that mutualism, commensialism and parasitism are the three types of behaviors seen in symbiotic interactions. Apart from this, there are other popular interactions like competition, predation and amensialism. Now, let us see them one by one. See the example that we saw in the intro part that is talking about mutualism. See, mutualism can be precisely defined as an interaction between various species or individuals that results in positive or beneficial effects on the interacting population. Here note that both the species benefit from mutualism. The most common example is the partnership between nitrogen-fixing bacteria and digimonous plants. A closely related but different concept is competition. Don't confuse the competition with mutualism. Here, in this competitive association, both the species lose. Have a look at the table. Here, plus symbolizes gain and minus means loss. Now, similarly in both parasitism and predation, only one species benefits. That is, parasite and predator respectively. This interaction is detrimental to the other species which is host and prey respectively. Classic examples for parasitism includes interaction between the vertebrate hosts and typeworms, flukes, malaria-causing plasmodium species and fleas. The interaction where one species is benefited and the other is neither benefited nor harmed is called commensalism. For example, hermit crabs use gastropod shells to protect their bodies. In commensalism on the other hand, one species is harmed whereas other one is got unaffected. Here, importantly note that predation, parasitism and commensalism share a common characteristics. That is, the interacting species live closely together whereas mutualism does not require that. Okay, that's all regarding this discussion. In this discussion, we saw various examples of symbiotic relationship between various organisms. So, with this learned points, let us conclude this and take up the next news article for our analysis. Look at this news article. This news article talks about bringing reforms in the special economic zone or SEZ. See, this will allow the SEZ to aid in the movement of goods between domestic tariff area or TTAs. See, this is the crux of the article. So, in this discussion, let us understand about SEZ from a preliminary perspective. A special economic zone or SEZ is a geographical region that is designed to generate positive economic growth in the country. This particular region has more liberal economic laws vis-a-vis other areas. In other words, SEZ has more favorable economic regulations compared to other regions in the same country or states. For example, the government provides tax incentives or opportunity to pay lower tariffs in such areas. Now, coming to objectives. The main objective of SEZ includes the generation of additional economic activity, promotion of exports of goods and services, promotion of investment from domestic sources and creation of employment opportunities along with the development of infrastructural facilities. Apart from all these, SEZ also promote foreign direct investment or FTA in the country. Now, with these basics, let us understand the types of SEZ in the economy. There are many types of SEZ in the economy. Now, let us see the important types of SEZ. They are free trade zone, export processing zone, industrial parks and specialized zones. Now, first let us take free trade zones. See, these zones are also called as commercial free or foreign trade zones. These foreign trade zones are specially secured areas where they have special customs procedures and duty free treatment. They are also generally designated for the processing of imported or exported goods. Now, coming to export processing zone. See, these are generally used for commercial and industrial exports. The main goal of creating EPZ is to increase the economic growth through foreign investment in the processing sector. See, EPZ offers certain benefits such as tax and import duty exceptions. Now, coming to industrial parks. See, the industrial parks are designed to be used for industrial purposes rather than commercial or residential purposes. These areas offer certain tax separated incentives for people who intend to use the industrial parks. Finally, let us talk about specialized zones. See, the specialized zones are used to develop technology hubs, airport-based zones and logistics parks. All these will help in faster processing and faster exports of the goods. See, this is all regarding the discussion. In this discussion, firstly we saw about SEZ and the various objective of it. And in the second part, we saw about the various types of SEZ in the country. With these learned points, let us conclude this and take up the next news article for our analysis. Look at this news article. Viplak Kumar Dev, a Rajasabha member and former Tripura Chief Minister, requests assistance from the Tamil Nadu government for the effective implementation of Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma scheme. See, this is the crux of the article. In our discussion, we will discuss about PM Vishwakarma scheme. Let us start with the objective. See, the PM Vishwakarma scheme aims to provide economic support to the traditional craft person and artisans. The scheme aims to provide economic support by providing them affordable credit. Through the scheme, it aims to improve their economic viability. Now, let us see the important provisos of the scheme. See, the scheme offers loans up to 3 lakhs in two times to eligible individuals. These eligible individuals include people who are practicing 18 traits like cobblers, toy makers, laundrymen, barbers, masons and coin weavers. See, this loans comes with a constitutional interest rate of 5%. To make sure this is implemented without any constraints, the scheme has a budgetary outlay of 13,000 crores. See, the government aims to cover 5 lakh families in the first year of implementation. Over a span of 5 years, the scheme is expected to reach 30 lakh families. See, the scheme also has a component for skill enhancement. The scheme includes skilling programs that offer a nominal stipend. It also provides financial assistance to help artisans purchase modern tools aiming to enhance their skills and capabilities. See, these are the important provisos of the scheme. Now, what are the advantages of the scheme? The first main advantage is access to credit. See, currently, traditional artisans face the challenge of access to formal credit. The scheme addresses this issue by providing them affordable loans. By accessing these loans, the artisans can make investments in their trade and improve their livelihoods. The second main advantage is affordable credit. See, the scheme provides credit at a constitutional interest rate of 5%. This makes the loan more affordable for the artisans. This intern will help them avoid the burden of high interest depth from informal money lenders. The next advantage is skill development. As I mentioned that the scheme has a provision of skill development. This provision will enhance the artisan skill and enable them to produce higher quality goods and adapt to changing market demands. The last advantage is that the scheme will help the artisans to increase the market for their goods. By offering financial assistance to purchase modern tools, the scheme can help the artisans to tap in new markets. This intern will broaden their customer base for their products and services. These are also some of the important advantages of the scheme. So, in essence, PM Vishwakarma scheme has the potential to provide crucial financial assistance and skill development to traditional artisans. But the scheme's success in creating actual positive impact depends on addressing the deeper challenges beyond the credit availability like increasing the market access, valuation and economic viability. See, this is all regarding this discussion. In this discussion, we saw about the futures of Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma scheme and at the second part, we saw about the various advantages of the scheme. So, these are the learned points. Let us come to this discussion and take up the next news article for our analysis. Look at this news article. On January 1, the Rural Development Ministry mandated the use of Aadhaar-based payment system in the MG Narega scheme. Despite workers' protest and multiple deadline extensions, the union government implemented this ABPS, that is, Aadhaar-based payment system. Now that MG Narega has two wage payment modes. One is account-based and other one is ABPS-based. Here, account-based transfers use the workers' name, bank account number and IFSC code. Whereas ABPS records linking of Aadhaar to the job card and bank accounts. To use ABPS, workers must authenticate their job card details with the Aadhaar database. Now that Aadhaar must also be linked to the workers' bank account. See, if any of these steps is incorrect, workers may be denied their work or they may face wage delays or not receiving any payments in their preferred account. See, fixing of ABPS glitches requires workers to spend money and lose several days of their livelihood. So, the article explores the challenges in implementing this move by central government. See, this is all the crux of the news article. In our discussion, we understand the digitalization process in India through our mains answer-writing approach. Before entering our discussion, let us take a look at the syllabus. In mains, it comes under GS paper 2 for the topic of government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Now, look at the question. Unequal access to digitalization creates and reproduces inequality. So, in the light of the above statement, discuss about the governmental steps for digitalization and explain its shortcomings. See, it is a straight forward question. We have to mention the various schemes taken by government regarding the digitalization. We have to list out the few challenges in the digitalization process and in conclusion, we can suggest some steps to be taken to improve the digitalization in India. See, this is how we are going to approach this question. Let us start with the introduction. Digitalization means the increased use of digital technologies to transform traditional economic activities, process, enhancing their efficiency, productivity and the overall growth. In this regard, Government of India has launched a digital India program which aims to facilitate the delivery of the government services through digital means and also to promote digital literacy. See, this can be a valid intro for your question. Now, moving on to the body part of the answer, we are going to divide the body part into two parts. In the first part, we are going to explain the steps for digitalization in India. In the second part, we are going to explore the problems in the digitalization process. Firstly, let us see the schemes of digitalization in Indian economy. Firstly, digital India campaign. See, this has empowered citizens through digital technologies. For example, Digilocker has simplified the document access and sharing contributing to greater digital inclusion. It has over 15 crore registered users and 60 million monthly active engagements. See, access to this information is crucial for making informed decisions that can lead to socio-economic upliftment. Secondly, Aadhar system. It is the world's largest biometric ID platform with over 1.3 billion enrollments. See, Aadhar also helps to provide services like DBT, etc. This can contribute to reducing economic inequality by providing avenues for savings, investments and access to credit. Thirdly, unified payment interface. See, UPI has revolutionized the digital payments in India, enabling seamless and real-time monetary transfers. The historic milestone of 10 billion monthly transactions in August 2023 emphasized the widespread adoption of digital payment solutions in India. Fourthly, skill development and employment opportunities. See, the digital literacy and skill development programs under digital India can empower people with the necessary skills for digital economy. This in turn can create employment opportunities and reduce the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not have. So, thereby reduces the digital divide. Fifthly, telemedicine and healthcare services. See, Digital India program includes initiatives to improve healthcare services through telemedicine and other online health platforms. See, this can be particularly beneficial for individuals in remote areas who have limited access to healthcare facilities. Improved healthcare accessibility can contribute to the reducing of health-related inequalities. Lastly, smart city mission. See, this mission envisages the development of 100 cities with advanced digital solutions. For example, Pune Smart City project focuses on enhancing the urban mobility and solid waste management system. See, this will improve the quality of life in urban areas. These developments imply India's commitment to digital transformation and it has the positive impact of digitalization on various sectors. See, this can be the first part of the body part. Now, moving forward, you can see the challenges in that digital transformation. Firstly, digital divide. See, there is still a big gap between rural and urban side when it comes to digital infrastructure and access. See, only 50% of population has internet subscription, indicating that a substantial portion of population still lack access to digital economy. Currently, over 55,000 villages deprive of mobile connectivity. Secondly, cyber security issues. See, the increased reliance on digital platforms has elevated the risk of cyber attacks. In 2020, India faced the second highest number of cyber attacks in the Asia Pacific region. Thirdly, regulatory challenges. See, recent issues with the treaty and Indian government over various regulatory compliances shows the lack of proper regulatory mechanisms in dealing with the digital platforms. Fourthly, with respect to infrastructure challenges. See, poor digital infrastructure including slow internet speeds and inconsistent connectivity in various spots affects the full potential of using digitalization process. See, these are all some of the problems faced in the digitalization of Indian economy. Now, we have effectively addressed the body part of the answer. Now, let us go to the conclusion part. Here, we are going to suggest some steps to improve the digitalization process. Firstly, government should increase the investment in India's digital infrastructure. Secondly, there should be an active collaboration between government, private sector and academia in promoting the digital services. In addition to this, the government first create policies to address the issues like data privacy and other security issues. And finally, steps to be taken to boost the digital literacy especially in rural areas. This can be achieved by creating some awareness campaigns. See, in summary, India's digital transformation has majorly contributed to its economic growth. We must address digital illiteracy, infrastructure and data privacy to ensure the complete digitalization of Indian economy and Indian society. See, this is all regarding the discussion. In this discussion, we saw about the potentialities and the schemes of the digitalization process. And in the second part, we saw about the various challenges which are impinging the digitalization process of India. See, with this learned outcomes, we shall conclude this topic and take up the next news article for our analysis. Look at this news article. This news article talks about the potential electoral impact of issues relating to the implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006. See, technically this act is called Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers Recognition of Forest Rights Act 2006. See, this is the crux of the article. In this discussion, let's talk about the Forest Rights Act in prelims perspective. See, this particular act organizes the rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources. Because, as we know that these communities depend on forest resources for variety of needs like livelihood, habitation, and other socio-cultural needs. In addition to this, the act also grants several other rights to ensure their control over the forest resources. And these include right to ownership, access to collect and use and dispose of minor forest produce and community rights. It also provides further diversion of forest land for public utility facilities like schools, fair-priced shops, etc. that are being managed by the government. Thirdly, note that the act instructs upon the Gram Sabha and right-holders the responsibility of conserving and protecting the biodiversity of forest, wildlife, and surrounding environment. Moreover, they are given responsibility to stop any district practices that affects the resources or cultural or natural heritage of the tribals. Now, on talking about the people who have got the right to climb these rights. See, all those members are community of the scheduled tribes who primarily reside here and who depend upon the forest or forest land for genuine livelihood needs or being eligible for the rights. And in addition to this, the rights can also be climbed by any community or members who are resided in the forest land mainly for genuine livelihood reason for at least three generations that is 75 years per year to the 13th day of December 2005. This is the cut-off date for this act. Now, coming on to the benefits associated with the implementation of this act. As we have discussed, during the past years, there were growing cases of tribals being evicted from the forest land in parts of Kashmir Valley and Jammu region since the government has termed them the illegal encroachers. See, despite tribal people having close ties with the forest, sadly there was no legal framework to recognize this. And on that line, this move is expected to address the prolonged suffering of tribal people and to ensure their forest conservation. And more importantly the implementation upholds the basic spirit of social equality and harmony which is being guided by the constitution. See, this is all regarding the discussion. In this discussion, we saw about the forest rights act from the prelims perspective. This is all regarding the discussion. Now, let us move on to the next part of a video that is to discuss the preliminary practice questions. Today, I am having four questions. I will solve three of them and one will be the quiz question for you to solve. Now, let us see the first question. Which of the following species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms? See, there are four species are given. We have to check whether they can form symbiotic relationship. First one, Nidarians. See, this is correct because Nidarians are radially symmetrical soft world animals found in aquatic habitats. So, they can also form. Second one, fungi, protozoa, crustaceans. See, we know that fungi are known for forming various symbiotic relationship with both plants and legend formation. So, fungi are correct. Statement 3 protozoas are also correct. See the statement 4 crustaceans. See, they are also can establish symbiotic relationship. For example, certain species of cleaner shrimp engage in mutually relationship with larger organism by cleaning the parasites and debris from their host. See, all the four statements given here can form symbiotic relationship. So, the correct option is option C. See the second question. SC is at our setup under SCZ Act 2005 as a duty-free enclave in India. Which of the following statements about SCZ is not correct? Here, we have to find which is not correct. See the four statements. First one, it shall be deemed to be a foreign territory for the purpose of trade operations and duties and tariffs in India. See, statement 1 is correct as we have seen in our discussion. See, the second statement, goods and services are treated as imports into India. See, this is correct because goods and services which are going into SCZ area shall be treated as exports and goods coming from SCZ shall be treated as imports. So, second statement is obviously correct. See, the third one, accepted from sales tax and other lilies which are extended by the respective state governments. See, this is also correct as we can easily say that SCZ or ADAS which are often given various exceptions from tax benefits. See, the final statement. 100% income tax exceptions on export income under section 10A of the IT Act for lifetime operations. See, this looks fishy, right? Because we know that 100% of the profit is entitled to tax deduction for the first five consecutive years. 50% export profit is being entitled to deduction for the next five years. So, here life long operations is not correct. So, the correct option is option D. See, the third question of the day. How many of the trades mentioned below are covered under PM Vishwakarma scheme? See, locksmith, goldsmith, water, sculpture, stonebreaker and barber. See, all the six trades which are given here will fall under PM Vishwakarma scheme. So, the correct option is option D. See, the question of the day is being given here. Interested aspirants, please answer it in the comment section and I will post it also in the community section. So, you can go and answer there also. See, if you like today's video, like, comment and share with your friends. For more updates regarding UPC preparation, subscribe to Shankar IAS Academy. Thank you.