1. Indian Heritage
2. Culture 3. Modern Indian history 4. The Freedom Struggle 5. Post-independence 6. Indian SocietyA. population and associated issues
B. poverty and developmental issues
C.urbanization
7. Geographical features8.Indian Constitution
9. Polity
10. Governance
A. institutions
The National Legal Services Authority of India
Towards fulfilling the Preambular promise of securing to all the citizens, Justice – social, economic and political, Article 39 A of the Constitution of India provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of the society, to promote justice on the basis of equal opportunity. Articles 14 and 22(1) of the Constitution also make it obligatory for the State to ensure equality before law. In 1987, the Legal Services Authorities Act was enacted by the Parliament, which came into force on 9th November, 1995 to establish a nationwide uniform network for providing free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society.
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has been constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free Legal Services to the weaker sections of the society. The Chief Justice of India is the Patron-in-Chief and the Senior most Hon’ble Judge, Supreme Court of India is the Executive Chairman of the Authority. Presently, NALSA is housed at 12/11, Jam Nagar House, New Delhi-110011.
Public awareness, equal opportunity and deliverable justice are the cornerstones on which the edifice of NALSA is based. The principal objective of NALSA is to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society and to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities, and to organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes. Apart from the abovementioned, functions of NALSA include spreading legal literacy and awareness, undertaking social justice litigations etc.
With the aim of reaching out to the diverse milieu of people belonging to different socio-economic, cultural and political backgrounds, NALSA identifies specific categories of the marginalized and excluded groups from the diverse populace of the country and formulates various schemes for the implementation of preventive and strategic legal service programmes to be undertaken and implemented by the Legal Services Authorities at the various levels. In carrying out all these responsibilities, NALSA works in close coordination with the various State Legal Services Authorities, District Legal Services Authorities and other agencies for a regular exchange of relevant information, monitoring and updating on the implementation and progress of the various schemes in vogue and fostering a strategic and coordinated approach to ensure smooth and streamlined functioning of the various agencies and stakeholders.
Functioning of NALSA :
NALSA lays down policies, principles, guidelines and frames effective and economical schemes for the State Legal Services Authorities to implement the Legal Services Programmes throughout the country. Primarily, the State Legal Services Authorities, District Legal Services Authorities, Taluk Legal Services Committees, etc. have been asked to discharge the following main functions on regular basis: To Provide Free and Competent Legal Services to the eligible persons; To organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes and To organize legal awareness camps in the rural areas.
B. regulatory
National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET)
The National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) was established by the Government of India vide Gazette Notification G.S.R.633(E) of 14th August 2015, in pursuance of subsection(1) of Section 9C of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, with the objective to expedite mineral exploration in the country.
The Rules governing NMET were made vide Gazette Notification G.S.R.632 (E) dated 14th August 2015. These Rules are effective from 12th of January 2015, the date MMDR Amendment Act, 2015 came into force.
The office of the Trust is situated in the Ministry of Mines, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.
NMET has a two tier structure. The apex body is the Governing Body, chaired by the Hon’ble Minister of Mines. It holds the overall control of the Trust. The Executive Committee, chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Mines, administer and manage its activities. To implement mandated activities an NMET Fund has been established. The NMET Fund receives money from holders of mining lease or a prospecting licence-cum-mining lease, an amount equivalent to two percent of royalty paid in terms of the Second Schedule of the MMDR Act.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) emphasizes the principle of universality and inviolability of child rights and recognizes the tone of urgency in all the child related policies of the country. For the Commission, protection of all children in the 0 to 18 years age group is of equal importance. Thus, policies define priority actions for the most vulnerable children. This includes focus on regions that are backward or on communities or children under certain circumstances, and so on. The NCPCR believes that while in addressing only some children, there could be a fallacy of exclusion of many vulnerable children who may not fall under the defined or targeted categories. In its translation into practice, the task of reaching out to all children gets compromised and a societal tolerance of violation of child rights continues. This would in fact have an impact on the program for the targeted population as well. Therefore, it considers that it is only in building a larger atmosphere in favour of protection of children’s rights, that children who are targeted become visible and gain confidence to access their entitlements.
Likewise, for the Commission, every right the child enjoys is seen as mutually-reinforcing and interdependent. Therefore the issue of gradation of rights does not arise. A child enjoying all her rights at her 18th year is dependent on the access to all her entitlements from the time she is born. Thus policies interventions assume significance at all stages. For the Commission, all the rights of children are of equal importance.
The Functions of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights as laid out in the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act,2005 are as follow:
1. Examine and review the safeguards provided by or under any law for the time being in force for the protection of child rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation;
2. Present to be central government, annually and at such other intervals, as the commission may deem fit, reports upon working of those safeguards;
3. Inquire into violation of child rights and recommend initiation of proceedings in such cases;
4. Examine all factors that inhibit the enjoyment of rights of children affected by terrorism, communal violence, riots, natural disaster, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, trafficking, maltreatment, torture and exploitation, pornography and prostitution and recommend appropriate remedial measures;
5. Look into the matters relating to the children in need of special care and protection including children in distress, marginalized and disadvantaged children, children in conflict with law, juveniles children without family and children of prisoners and recommend appropriate remedial measures;
6. Study treaties and other international instruments and undertake periodical review of existing policies, programmes and other activities on child rights and make recommendations for their effective implementation in the best interest of children;
7. Undertake and promote research in the field of child rights;
8. Spread child rights literacy among various section of society and promote awareness of the safeguards available for protection of these rights through publications, the media, seminar and other available means;
9. Inspect or cause to be inspected any juveniles custodial home, or any other place of residence or institution meant for children, under the control of the Central Government or any State Government or any other authority, including any institution run by a social organization; Where children are detained or lodged for the purpose of treatment, reformation or protection and take up with these authorities for remedial action, if found necessary;
10. Inquire into complaints and take suo motu notice of matter relating to :
o Deprivation and violation of child rights;
o Non implementation of laws providing for protection and development of children;
o Non compliance of policy decisions, guidelines or instructions aimed at mitigating hardships to and ensuring welfare of the children and provide relief to such children;
o Or take up the issues rising out of such matters with appropriate authorities.
11. Such other functions as it may consider necessary for the promotion of Child Rights and any other matter incidental to the above function. A state commission or any other commission duly constituted under any law for the time being in force.
12. The Commission shall not enquire into any matter which is pending before a State Commission or any other Commission duly constituted under any law for the time being in force.
13. Analyse existing law, policy and practice to assess compliance with Convention on the rights of the Child, undertake inquiries and produce reports on any aspects of policy or practice affecting childrenand comment on proposed new legislation related to child rights.
14. Present to the Central Government annually and at such other intervals as the Commission may deem fit, reports upon the working of those safeguards.
15. Undertake formal investigation where concern has been expressed either by children themselved or by concerned person on their behalf.
16. Promote, respect and serious consideration of the views of children in its work and in that of all Government Departments and Organisations dealing with Child.
17. Produce and disseminate information about child rights.
18. Compile and analyse data on children.
19. Promote the incorporation of child rights into the school curriculum, training of teachers or personnel dealing with children.
C. Government policies
D. role of NGOs
E. measures
11. Social JusticeA. Welfare schemes
B Health
C. Education
D. Human Resources
E. poverty and hunger
12. International relationsA. India and its neighbourhood
B. groupings and agreements
C.Indian diaspora
13. Economic DevelopmentA. Government Budgeting
B. industrial
PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES BOITA BANDANA CEREMONY AT PARADIP
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the Boita Bandana ceremony, being organized by the Paradip Port Authority, at Paradip today (November 27, 2023). She also virtually inaugurated a Multi Model Logistic Park as well as laid the foundation stones for new reservoir and water treatment plant for Port Township and next-gen Vessel Traffic Management and Information System.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that remembering the historical memories of Baliyatra – a symbolic boat trip of merchants to the islands of Java, Sumatra, Bali etc every year is appreciable. Baliyatra is a unique festival celebrated in the memory of its glorious past. Celebrated since time immemorial, this festival is a symbol of the prosperity of maritime trade of Odisha. It also highlights the rich cultural consciousness of the people of Odisha.
The President said that the sea has been a major means of strengthening India’s trade, commerce and international relations. Literature based on the sea has also enriched Indian culture. Odisha and other coastal states had a long and prosperous tradition of naval commerce. Apart from trade and commerce, those merchants also played an important role in spreading Indian art and culture abroad.
The President said that maritime trade has been playing an important role in the trade and economic development of our country. She noted that 95 percent of India’s total trade in terms of volume and 65 percent in terms of value are done through sea transport. She stated that India’s ports need to function with greater efficiency in line with the global standards. That is why, there is a need to further strengthen the infrastructure of Indian ports and increase their efficiency. She said that the Sagarmala program is a commendable step in this direction. She stated that the Government of India is working to realize the vision of ‘Ports for Prosperity’ and ‘Ports for Progress’.
The President was happy to note that Paradip Port’s cargo handling capacity has doubled in the last decade. It is poised to become the largest port on the east coast. It also got the ‘Port of Operational Excellence Award’ at the Global Maritime India Summit – 2023. She expressed confidence that today inaugurated Multi-Modal Logistics Park will give a new direction to the transparent development of trade. She said that Vessel Traffic Management and Information System (VTMIS) enabled new modern signal stations will make navigation through this port more safe and orderly.
E.issues
14. Technology
National Quantum Mission (NQM)
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) on 19th April 2023 at a total cost of Rs.6003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31, aiming to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT). This will accelerate QT led economic growth, nurture the ecosystem in the country and make India one of the leading nations in the development of Quantum Technologies & Applications (QTA).
The Mission objectives include developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years in various platforms like superconducting and photonic technology. Satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000 kilometers within India, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km as well as multi-node Quantum networks with quantum memories are also some of the deliverables of the Mission.
The National Quantum Mission will focus on developing magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation. It will also support the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for the fabrication of quantum devices. Single photon sources/detectors, and entangled photon sources will also be developed for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications.
Mission Implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and National R&D institutes in the domains – Quantum Computing, Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing & Metrology and Quantum Materials & Devices. The hubs which will focus on generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them.
NQM has the potential to elevate the country’s Technology Development ecosystem to a level of global competitiveness. The Mission would greatly benefit various sectors including communication, health, financial, energy with applications in drug design, space, banking, security etc. The Mission will also provide a huge boost to National priorities like Digital India, Make in India, Skill India and Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
National Green Hydrogen Mission
· Making India a leading producer and supplier of Green Hydrogen in the world
· Creation of export opportunities for Green Hydrogen and its derivatives
· Reduction in dependence on imported fossil fuels and feedstock
· Development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities
· Attracting investment and business opportunities for the industry
· Creating opportunities for employment and economic development
· Supporting R&D projects
MISSION OUTCOMES
The mission outcomes projected by 2030 are:
· Development of green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country
· Over Rs. Eight lakh crore in total investments
· Creation of over Six lakh jobs
· Cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports over Rs. One lakh crore
· Abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions
TYPES OF HYDROGEN BASED ON EXTRACTION METHODS
Depending on the nature of the method of its extraction, hydrogen is categorised into three categories, namely, Grey, Blue and Green.
· Grey Hydrogen: It is produced via coal or lignite gasification (black or brown), or via a process called steam methane reformation (SMR) of natural gas or methane (grey). These tend to be mostly carbon-intensive processes.
· Blue Hydrogen: It is produced via natural gas or coal gasification combined with carbon capture storage (CCS) or carbon capture use (CCU) technologies to reduce carbon emissions.
· Green Hydrogen: It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy. The carbon intensity ultimately depends on the carbon neutrality of the source of electricity (i.e., the more renewable energy there is in the electricity fuel mix, the “greener” the hydrogen produced). 15. Environment
As fireworks light up night sky, air pollution spikes to 120 times WHO limit
16. Security
CREST UNVEILING: Y – 12706 (IMPHAL)
The crest of Yard 12706 (Imphal), the third amongst the four Project 15B guided missile stealth destroyers being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), is scheduled to be unveiled in New Delhi on 28 Nov 23.
The ship, which was named Imphal in Apr 2019 (at the time of its launching), was delivered by MDL to the Indian Navy on 20 Oct 23. As part of its pre-commissioning trials, the ship recently carried out successful firing of an Extended Range BrahMos missile – making it an ideal milestone for conducting the Crest Unveiling Event for the ship. The event is scheduled to be conducted in the presence of the Raksha Mantri, Chief Minister of Manipur, and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and State of Manipur.
As per the maritime traditions and naval customs, Indian Naval ships and submarines are named after prominent cities, mountain ranges, rivers, ports and islands. Indian Navy is immensely proud of its latest and technologically advanced warship named after the historic city of Imphal. This is also the first capital warship to be named after a city in the North-Eastern region of India, the approval for which was accorded by the President of India on 16 Apr 2019.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by MDL, this ship is a hallmark of indigenous shipbuilding and is amongst the most technologically advanced warships in the world. The ship boasts a high indigenous content of approximately 75%, including MR SAM, BrahMos SSM, Indigenous Torpedo Tube Launchers, Anti-Submarine Indigenous Rocket Launchers, and 76 mm SRGM.
Imphal is also the first indigenous destroyer to have the shortest time taken to build and complete its sea trials. The ship is scheduled to be commissioned into the Indian Navy in Dec 23.
17. Disaster Management