- Indian Heritage
- Culture
- Modern Indian history
- The Freedom Struggle
- Post-independence
- Indian Society
A. population and associated issues
B. poverty and developmental issues
C.urbanization
7. Geographical features
8.Indian Constitution
9. Polity
10. Governance
A. institutions
70th Founders’ Day of IIPA
Democracy has to be defined in several facets. Some facets of democracy are potent, essential, and inalienable, and that is embedded in our Constitution. Preamble of the Constitution, particularly fundamental rights in Part 3 of the Constitution, fundamental duties Part 4 of the Constitution. And if we go further, we will find a structure has been designed but to fructify on the ground, to realise on the ground is public administration.
You may have good policies, great vision, but if it is not converted into action around reality, then people do not get benefit. Thereby, I had the good fortune to see it closely when I was elected to Lok Sabha in 1989. I had the privilege to serve the nation as a union minister. I can therefore, vividly recollect the scene then on the point of public order, on the point of economy, on the point of our image globally, on the point of hope and aspiration of our people, their frustration. I had occasion to see it.
It was collision governance of more than 20 parties. I have better memories of that. Our economy was cause of concern. Our foreign exchange reserve was dwindling. It was swinging between 1 billion dollars or 2 billion dollars.
We had to suffer that pain, never to be remembered, that our physical gold was airlifted to be placed in two banks in Switzerland to sustain our credibility. I was witness to it.
Back then, I had occasion to go to Jammu and Kashmir. I was part of the delegation. I saw the situation there. We had several aspects that were cause of concern. The world did not regard us even as a developing Nation. Our economy was cause of concern for them. Global entities were working as our disciplinary authority. I was witness to this.
I am fortunate now, after 30 years, in 2019, when I became governor to West Bengal, to witness the big change. During the 30 years, we traversed our Political journey through collision governance. A single-party regime eluded till 2014. So, if you take that span, the coalition governance turned out to be highly debilitating for our functioning, for our delivery system, and also our image globally. 2014 brought a big change, a single party came to power.
Let me clarify, because there are people waiting in the wings to misunderstand you for a drop of a hat: I am not a stakeholder in politics, I am a stakeholder in governance, I am a stakeholder in nationalism.
In 2014, beyond political landscaping, it was alarmingly worrisome. If we come to the economic part of it, our country was one of the fragile 5. That was the big challenge. We were being questioned by Global entities IMF World Bank, as our neighbors are being questioned now. From fragile 5, we have traversed a difficult terrain, faced strong headwinds, but we are lucky because of the contribution of visionary policies, affirmative governance, highly productive executive, and contribution of the people. That this nation became one of the top 5 global economies in the process, overtaking our erstwhile colonial ruler, also other countries like Canada, France. It is a matter of time, and everyone in the world acknowledges it. In the next 2 years, Bharat will be the third-largest global economy ahead of Japan and Germany.
In 1989, I could not even dream of it. Look at where we are. Those who used to advise us are seeking our advice. The World Bank president comes, shares talks about our digital penetration and says India has achieved in the field of 6 years what is not achievable in more than 40 years, advocating to the entire world to learn lessons from India. India will be able to help you in digital infrastructure.
50% of global digital transactions take place in this land. Further, our people have adaptability to technology, but that is not sufficient. You have technology at your door; internet access is now available in every nook and corner.
If we go by our per capita data consumption, our consumption is more than USA and China taken together. That’s a big change.
The world faced the pandemic COVID, and everyone was focusing on how India, then with 1.3 billion population, would face the challenge. They don’t have a vaccine of their own. The country is highly diversified, and there could be chaos.
At that time, we had visionary leadership. People understand now what is meant by lighting a lamp, what is meant by people curfew, what is meant by clapping for COVID warriors.
Not only did we take care of our own population, we assisted 100 other countries with Covaxin. This generated a very powerful cutting-edge 2 hours of soft diplomacy.
When I meet world leaders, they say we are grateful to India for giving us Covaxin. It was given to them as a gift.
Article 370 is the only article in the Indian Constitution that is temporary. For reasons I can’t figure out, it was taken as permanent. Those who took an oath under the constitution became members of parliament, contrary to their own assertion that you can’t remove it.
B. regulatory
C. Government policies
D. role of NGOs
E. measures
ECI’s C-Vigil app
The cVIGIL app of Election Commission of India has become an effective tool in the hands of people to flag election code violations. Since the announcement of General Elections 2024, over 79,000 complaints have been received as of today. Over 99% complaints have been resolved and close to 89% of these complaints have been resolved within 100 minutes. Speed and transparency are the cornerstones of cVIGIL app.
More than 58,500 complaints (73% of the total) received are against illegal hoardings and banners. More than 1400 complaints received pertain to money, gifts and liquor distribution. Close to 3% of the complaints (2454) pertain to defacement of property Out of the 535 complaints received for display of firearms and intimidation, 529 have already been resolved. 1000 complaints reported were for campaigning beyond the prohibited period including use of speakers beyond permitted time.
cVIGIL app marks a significant leap forward in electoral oversight and reducing campaign clutter. It may be recalled that in the press conference for the announcement of the General Elections 2024, Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar had urged citizens to be vigilant and use the app to report model code of conduct violations and distribution of any kind of inducements to voters.
11. Social Justice
A. Welfare schemes
B Health
C. Education
D. Human Resources
E. poverty and hunger
12. International relations
A. India and its neighbourhood
B. groupings and agreements
C.Indian diaspora
13. Economic Development
A. Government Budgeting
B. industrial
GeM crosses ₹ 4 Lakh Crore in GMV at the end of this Fiscal Year, doubles business in a year
Government e Marketplace has closed this financial year with ₹ 4 lakh crore in Gross Merchandise value (GMV) – doubling its GMV clocked at the end of previous Fiscal Year. This testifies to the portal’s unique digital capabilities and functionalities that have facilitated greater efficiency, transparency, and seamlessness in public procurement.
The procurement of Services through the GeM portal has proved to be a pivotal force behind this staggering GMV. Nearly 50% of this GMV has been attributed to the procurement of Services, displaying a remarkable surge of 205% in terms of Services procured on GeM last FY. By creating access to market, GeM has been exceptionally successful in breaking down the cartel of established and renowned service providers, paving way for small domestic entrepreneurs to participate in government tenders from anywhere at any time. The vast repository of Services on GeM has enabled States to procure innovative solutions that cater to all their dynamic needs.
Increased engagement from States has also mobilized this phenomenal growth in GMV. In this FY, highest procuring State like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, have helped States well surpass the earmarked public procurement target of this year. The contribution made by central entities including Ministries and CPSEs has also greatly spurred the GMV. These Government organization have contributed to nearly 85 % of this ₹ 4 lakh crore milestone. Notably, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Power and Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and their subsidiaries have emerged as the highest procuring entities at the central level.
Govt orders mandatory declaration of stock position of wheat
In order to manage the overall food security and to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation, the Government of India has decided that Traders/Wholesalers, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers and Processors in all States and Union Territories have to declare their Stock position of wheat on the portal (https://evegoils.nic.in/wheat/login.html) w.e.f. 01.04.2024 and then, on every Friday till further orders. All the respective legal entities to ensure that stock are regularly and correctly disclosed on the portal.
Further, Wheat Stock Limit is expiring on 31.03.2024 for all categories of entities in States and UTs. Thereafter, the entities have to disclose the wheat stock on portal. Rice stock declaration by all categories of entities is already in-place. Any entity which is not registered on the Portal, may register themselves and start disclosing the wheat and rice stock on every Friday. Now, all legal entities have to declare their Wheat and Rice stock on the portal regularly.
Brief on Auction of Critical and Strategic Minerals by Mines Ministry
Government of India through Designated Officer, Ministry of Mines issued the Notice Inviting Tender dated 29 November 2023 under Tranche I of e-auction by Central Government, in respect of 20 blocks of Critical & Strategic Minerals notified in Part D of the First Schedule of MMDR Act.
Further to launch of the first ever tranche, two roadshows in New Delhi and Bhubaneshwar, Odisha respectively on 19 December 2023 & 07 February 2024 and a Pre-bid conference were conducted on 22 December 2023. These events received a good response from the industry. The last date for submission of bids was 26 February 2024.
Total 56 physical bids and 56 online bids were received for 18 blocks out of 20 blocks. Further, the e-auction process for 13 mineral blocks was annulled vide notification dated 13 March 2024, wherein no bids were received for 2 blocks and less than 3 Technically Qualified Bidders (TQB) were there for 11 blocks.
Further, the second round of e-auction (forward ascending) was scheduled for 6 blocks vide notification dated 13 March 2024. The second round of e-auction for these blocks have been completed as per schedule. Decision on 1 block namely Kundol, Nickel and Chromium Block of Gujurat will be taken by Designated Officer in due course of time.
Out of the 11 blocks annulled, 7 blocks have been notified for e-auction under tranche III vide Notice Inviting Tender dated 14 March 2024. The last date for sale of Tender Document is 16 May 2024 on or before 17:00 hours (IST) and the last date for submission of the bid is 21 May 2024 on or before 17:00 hours (IST) for the third tranche of auction.
E.issues
14. Technology
15. Environment
16. Security
Defence Secretary visits Indian Coast Guard facilities in the North West Region
Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane visited the Indian Coast Guard facilities in the North West Region on 28-29 March 2024. During the visit, he inaugurated the infrastructure for the Hovercraft Maintenance Unit (HMU) at Okha on 28 Mar 24. Coast Guard OTM and Married Accommodation at Inaz Village Veraval was inaugurated by Mrs. Gayatri Aramane on 29 March 2024. The Defence Secretary was also briefed about the upcoming 200 mtr ICG Jetty Construction work at Okha. He appreciated the role played by ICG, in safeguarding national maritime interests in its area of responsibility.
The hovercrafts are based at Okha and Jakhau for maintaining surveillance in 50 Islands in the Area of Responsibility (AoR), Gulf of Kutch, in the shallow water and marshy terrain along the coast of Gujarat. The field facility for HMU will enable timely technical support, upkeep & maintenance of these hovercrafts which in turn will ensure optimum operational availability and keep them in ever ready state to meet any operational requirement.HMU facilities comprise of ACV parking for technical assistance, Office Building, Workshop and Maintenance Area.
The Coast Guard Residential Area (CGRA) at Inaz Village Veraval includes 60 Nos of Married Accommodations, an all-weather Helipad, living Accommodations for Subordinate Officers & Naviks, a Parade Ground, and a Mess. The presence of a helipad adds a strategic advantage to various operations in Veraval that includes addressing maritime emergencies, search & rescue missions, and surveillance activities.
METOC SEMINAR ‘MEGHAYAN 2024’
The World Meteorological Day is commemorated every year on 23rd March. It marks the origin of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on 23 Mar 1950 and signifies the invaluable contribution and essential role of the meteorologists in this field. As part of the World Meteorological Day celebrations, a METOC (Meteorological and Oceanographic) seminar _’Meghayan-24’_ was conducted by School of Naval Oceanology & Meteorology (SNOM) and Indian Naval Meteorological Analysis Centre (INMAC) at Southern Naval Command on 28 Mar 24. The seminar was based on the theme _*’At the Frontline of Climate Action’*_ as promulgated by WMO for the year 2024.
The inaugural address was delivered by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff through virtual mode. He highlighted the need for accurate and immediate focus on the pressing challenge of climate change and to work together in the collective pursuit of common goal of ‘Achieving a Climate Smart Society’ under the global framework for climate services of WMO. He reiterated Indian Navy’s commitment to adopting long term sustainable policies to address the environmental concerns and integrating climate change considerations in the security strategy. While laying importance on reliable METOC support for safe & optimal Naval operations, he complimented the dedicated efforts and contributions of the Naval met specialists in this field providing crucial support across all domains.
The seminar witnessed presentations by guest speakers Dr. TVS Uday Bhaskar, Scientist G, Indian Naval Centre for Ocean Information System (INCOIS), Hyderabad and Dr. Ragavendra Ashit, Scientist ‘G’, National Centre for Medium Range Forecasting (NCMRWF), New Delhi. They enlightened the audience on the latest techniques adopted by the scientific agencies and the climate data crunching undertaken to help the policy makers in decision making at national level. In addition, panel discussions were held on various topics of ‘Effect of Weather and Climate Change on Naval Operations’ by the specialist officers bringing out latest techniques adopted by the Indian Navy & Indian scientific organisations in providing METOC inputs/forecasts for operational evolutions.
INDIA – MOZAMBIQUE –TANZANIA TRILATERAL (IMT TRILAT 24) EXERCISE CONCLUDES AT NACALA, MOZAMBIQUE
The second edition of India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise concluded at Nacala, Mozambique on 28 Mar 24. The week-long exercise underscores the importance of enhanced maritime cooperation and interoperability between the Navies of India, Mozambique, and Tanzania. INS Tir and Sujata participated in IMT TRILAT 24 from 21 – 28 Mar 24 through a series of joint exercises, training sessions and collaborative activities, providing invaluable opportunities for all three Navies to exchange knowledge, enhance capabilities and bolster maritime security in the region.
The IMT TRILAT 24 Exercise unfolded in two phases. The initial harbour phase from 21 to 24 Mar 24 saw intensive training sessions concurrently held onboard INS Tir at Zanzibar and INS Sujata at Maputo. Activities included vital training on Visit, Board, Search and Seizure(VBSS), Damage Control and Firefighting Drills, communication procedures and medical lectures with CPR demonstration and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC).
The sea phase commenced on 24 Mar 24, wherein INS Tir and INS Sujata embarked sea riders from the Tanzanian and Mozambique Navies respectively. Joint operations with Mozambique Naval ship Namatili and Tanzanian naval ship Fatundu showcased significant synergy and sustained efforts with the regional Navies in line with the vision of SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region). The evolutions at sea involved simulated VBSS exercises and night manoeuvres. The sea riders were imparted training on bridge watch keeping, damage control and firefighting. The ships also undertook joint surveillance of EEZ off Tanzania and Mozambique in the area of operation.
17. Disaster Management