1. Indian Heritage

• Culture

first Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale 2023 on 8th December

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale (IAADB) 2023 being held at Red Fort on 8th December, 2023, at around 4 PM. During the programme, Prime Minister will also inaugurate Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design at Red Fort and the student Biennale- Samunnati.

It was Prime Minister’s vision to develop and institutionalise a flagship Global Cultural Initiative in the country like the International Biennales at Venice, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Sharjah, among others.  In line with this vision, a nationwide campaign to reinvent, rebrand, renovate and re-house museums was launched. Further, development of cultural spaces in five cities of India namely Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad & Varanasi was also announced. Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale (IAADB) will serve as an introduction to the Cultural Space at Delhi.

The IAADB is being organised from 9th to 15th December, 2023 at Red Fort, New Delhi. It also follows key initiatives like the International Museum Expo (May 2023) and Festival of Libraries (August 2023) that were organised recently. IAADB is designed to initiate a holistic conversation between artists, architects, designers, photographers, collectors, art professionals and the public to strengthen the cultural dialogue.  It will also provide avenues and opportunities to expand and collaborate with the creators of art, architecture and design as part of the evolving economy.

IAADB will showcase different theme based exhibitions on each day of the week:

• Day 1: Pravesh- Rite of Passage: Doors of India
• Day 2: Bagh e bahar: Gardens as Universe: Gardens of India
• Day 3: Sampravah: Confluence of Communities: Baolis of India
• Day 4: Sthapatya: Anti fragile algorithm: Temples of India
• Day 5: Vismaya: Creative Crossover: Architectural Wonders of Independent India
• Day 6: Deshaj Bharat Design: Indigenous Designs
• Day 7: Samatva: Shaping the Built:  Celebrating Women in Architecture

IAADB will include pavilions based on the above themes, panel discussions, art workshops, art bazaar, heritage walks and a parallel student biennale. The student biennale (Samunnati) at Lalit Kala Akademi will provide an opportunity for students to showcase their work, interact with peers & professionals, and gain valuable exposure within the architecture community through design competition, display of heritage, installation designs, workshops etc. IAADB 23 is set to be a watershed moment for the country as it will herald India entering the Biennale landscape.

In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of  ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design’ at Red Fort is being set up.  It will showcase the unique and indigenous crafts of India and provide a collaborative space between the karigars and the designers. Paving the way for a sustainable cultural economy, it will empower the artisan communities with new designs and innovations.

MONUMENT MITRA SCHEME

he Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has developed a framework for engaging with the private and public sector companies to develop and provide amenities at protected monuments through CSR funds. Revamped version of the “Adopt A Heritage program 2.0” was launched on 4^th September, 2023 by Union Minister of Culture to enhance visitor’s experience with a view to make them visitor friendly.

Several private and public sector companies have expressed interest in the scheme and deliberations were held with various stockholders; however, no proposal has been finalized as on date.

• 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

B. regulatory

C. Government policies

D. role of NGOs

E. measures

11. Social Justice

A. Welfare schemes

 

B Health

C. Education

D. Human Resources

Survey on labour population in the country

The data on Employment and Unemployment is collected through Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) which is conducted by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI). As per the latest available Annual PLFS Reports, the estimated Worker Population Ratio (WPR) on usual status for persons of age 15 years & above (State-wise) is annexed.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has launched eShram portal on 26.08.2021 for registration and creation of a comprehensive National Database of Unorganized Workers. It allows an unorganised worker to register himself or herself on the portal on self-declaration basis in about 400 occupations. As on 30th July, 2023, more than 28.98 crore unorganized workers have registered on eShram portal.

Employment generation coupled with improving employability is the priority of the Government. Accordingly, the Government of India has taken various steps for generating employment in the country.

Investments in Infrastructure and productive capacity have a large multiplier impact on growth and employment. The budget of 2023-24 proposed to increase capital investment outlay steeply for the third year in a row by 33 per cent to Rs 10 lakh crore, which would be 3.3 per cent of GDP. This substantial increase in recent years is central to the government’s efforts to enhance growth potential and job creation.

The Government of India has announced Aatmanirbhar Bharat package to provide stimulus to business and to mitigate the adverse impact of Covid 19. Under this package, the Government has provided fiscal stimulus of more than Rupees Twenty Seven lakh crore. This package comprises of various long term schemes/ programmes/ policies for making the country self-reliant and to create employment opportunities.

The Aatmanirbhar Bharat RojgarYojana (ABRY) was launched with effect from 1st October, 2020 to incentivize employers for creation of new employment and restoration of loss of employment during Covid-19 pandemic. The terminal date for registration of beneficiaries was 31.03.2022. Since inception of the scheme, till 18.07.2023, benefits have been provided to 60.44 lakhs beneficiaries under the scheme.

The Government is implementing Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbharNidhi (PM SVANidhi Scheme) since June 01, 2020 to facilitate collateral free working capital loan to street vendors to restart their businesses, which were adversely impacted during the Covid-19 pandemic. As on July 13, 2023, 38.30 lakh beneficiaries have availed loans under PM SVANidhi scheme.

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) was launched by the Government for facilitating self-employment. Under PMMY, collateral free loans upto Rs. 10 lakh, are extended to micro/small business enterprises and to individuals to enable them to setup or expand their business activities. As on 07.07.2023, more than 42.29 crore loan accounts have been sanctioned under the scheme.

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is being implemented by the Government with an outlay of Rs. 1.97 lakh crore, for a period of 5 years starting from 2021-22 which have potential for creating 60 lakh new jobs.

PM GatiShakti is a transformative approach for economic growth and sustainable development. The approach is driven by seven engines, namely, Roads, Railways, Airports, Ports, Mass Transport, Waterways and Logistics Infrastructure. This approach is powered by Clean Energy and SabkaPrayas leading to huge job and entrepreneurial opportunities for all.

The Government of India is encouraging various projects involving substantial investment and public expenditure on schemes like Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pt. DeenDayalUpadhyayaGrameenKaushalyaYojana (DDU-GKY) and DeenDayalAntodayaYojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) etc. for employment generation.

Further, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is implementing the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to enhance the employability of youth.

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

Agartala-Akhaura railway project

The Agartala-Akhaura railway project is the first railway project between the North Eastern States and Bangladesh.

Agartala–Akhaura railway link is a project of immense national importance.  Construction of its Indian portion is implemented by Ministry of Railways through M/s Indian Railway Construction Company Limited (IRCON) and funded by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).  Construction of Bangladesh portion is implemented by Bangladesh Railways and funded by Indian Ministry of External Affairs.  The link will provide additional connectivity between India and Bangladesh and encourage trade between the two nations.  The alignment of the project has a length of 5.46 km in India & 6.78 km in Bangladesh. Total cost project is Rs.972.52 crore for both the Indian and Bangladesh portion. The cost of the Indian portion is Rs. 580 crore as per initial sanction which has been revised to Rs. 708.73 crore and funds released so far by MDoNER is Rs. 708.73 crore.   The cost of the Bangladesh portion is Rs. 392.52 crore.  The rail link was inaugurated by Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh on 1^st November, 2023.

The North Eastern Council (NEC) was constituted as a statutory advisory body in 1971 by an Act of Parliament for rapid socio-economic development of North Eastern Region (NER) and functioned as an advisory body till 2002. The NEC (Amendment) Act, 2002 mandated NEC to function as a regional planning body for North Eastern Region. While formulating the regional plans for NER, the Council gives priority to schemes and projects, which benefit two or more States. 

Since its inception, the NEC has a significantly positive impact in the development of the region.  NEC has successfully created many iconic institutions such as Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) at Imphal, North East Police Academy (NEPA) at Shillong, North Eastern Electrical Power Corporation (NEEPCO) Ltd. at Shillong,North Eastern Region Agriculture Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) at Guwahati,  North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST) at Itanagar, Regional Dental College at Guwahati, to name a few.

National Tourism Policy

Ministry of Tourism drafted a National Tourism Policy based on various recent developments. The Policy aims at improving framework conditions for tourism development in the country, supporting tourism industries, strengthening tourism support functions and developing tourism sub sectors. The Key Strategic Objectives of the Policy are:

i.          To enhance the contribution of tourism in Indian economy by increasing the visitation, stay and spend and making India a year-round tourist destination,

ii.         To create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities in tourism sector and ensure supply of skilled work force,

iii.        To enhance the competitiveness of tourism sector and attract private sector investment,

iv.        To preserve and enhance the cultural and natural resources of the country,

v.         To ensure sustainable, responsible and inclusive development of tourism in the country.

The policy provides for a National Tourism Advisory Council (NTAC) chaired by the Union Minister for Tourism and comprising of all the Tourism Ministers of the States, Representatives of the relevant Line Ministries and Industry Stakeholder to provide overall vision, guidance and direction to the Development of Tourism Sector in the country.

E.issues

14. Technology

 

15. Environment

Measures taken to conserve forests

rotection and management of forests is primarily the responsibility of State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. There are strong legal frameworks for protection and management of forests under various acts and rules such as Indian Forest Act, 1927, Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the State Governments /UT Administrations take appropriate actions in accordance with the provisions made under these Acts/ Rules, including other State/UT Specific Acts and Rules.

The Ministry provides financial assistance to the States/UTs under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes namely Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme, Green India Mission, Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority and Development of Wildlife habitat (DWH). These schemes support in the conservation and restoration of forests including forest fire prevention and mitigation activities, ecological restoration of degraded forest areas through afforestation and reforestation activities, habitat improvement, soil and water conservation measures and protection etc.

Measures for curbing environmental pollution

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change administers the Control of Pollution Scheme Central Sector Scheme to curb environmental pollution. The main objective of the Control of Pollution scheme is to monitor air quality across the country and take appropriate air pollution mitigation measures, besides monitoring water quality and noise levels in the country The Control of Pollution scheme is operational since 2018, the component under the scheme are as mentioned below:

a. Assistance for Abatement of Pollution to weaker State Pollution Control Boards/ Pollution Control Committees (SPCBs/PCCs) and to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

b. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

c. Environmental Monitoring Network Programme:

i. Operation and Maintenance of National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) stations.

ii. Operation and Maintenance of Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS).

iii.National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN) – strengthening and establishment of New Stations in Million Plus Cities.

iv. National Water Monitoring Programme (NWMP).

d. Research and Outreach Programmes.

For Increase of forest and tree cover in the country various schemes are implemented by the Central and State Government/Union Territory Administration. These include the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) for regeneration of degraded forest and adjoining areas in the country and Green India Mission (GIM). Afforestation activities are also taken up under various programmes/funding sources such as Compensatory Afforestation Funds in lieu of deforestation due to development activities, afforestation activities under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), National Agroforestry Policy and Sub-mission on Agro-forestry (SMAF), National Bamboo Mission and National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture.

Government has taken several steps for mitigation of pollution which include ban on single use plastic, introduction of BS-VI norms for fuel and vehicles since April, 2020, promotion of E-vehicles, cleaner fuel such as PNG, zig-zag technology for brick kilns, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging, tyre waste, battery waste and e-waste management, real time monitoring of grossly polluting industries  etc. The Ministry has also notified various rules such as Hazardous and other waste Management (HWM) rules, E-waste rules and Bio Medical Waste rules. Emission and discharge standards for various sectors have also been notified. The CPCB and SPCBs/PCCs regularly monitor the compliance of industrial emission/effluent discharges and other operational activities according to the prescribed standards. Further, requirement of prior environment clearances to various projects and activities has been mandated as per the provisions of EIA Notification 2006. While according EC to development project(s), necessary conditions, environmental safeguard and measures are stipulated for their effective implementation during the construction and operation of the project. The safeguard measures are intended to minimize adverse impacts, inter alia, on (i) air quality, (ii) water quality, (iii) land degradation, (iv) bio-diversity, and (v)  wildlife habitat.

Balance between development and environment protection laws

The Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is the Nodal Agency in the Central Government for overseeing the implementation of India’s environmental and forest policies and programmes related to the country’s natural resources including lakes and rivers, its biodiversity, Coastal Regulatory Zone forest and wildlife, ensuring welfare of animals and prevention and abatement of pollution. While implementing these policies and programmes, the Ministry is guided by the principle of sustainability promoting sustainable development. The objectives of the Ministry are well supported by a set of legislative and regulatory measures, aimed at the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment and prevention, control and abatement of pollution. Several Acts have been enacted and Rules have been framed thereunder for the protection of the environment while also allowing the developmental activities in regulated manner. To maintain a balance between strict laws and development several steps have been taken by the Ministry which inter-alia include:

Ministry vide S.O. 1533 (E) dated 14.09.2006 published Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 to regulate various development projects in the country based on their potential environmental impacts. To maintain a balance between the development and the environment the said notification has been amended several times.

Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023 have been promulgated solely to implement the provisions of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 and it inter-alia prescribes the procedure for obtaining the approval of the Central Government under section 2 of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 (69 of 1980) for the proposals involving the dereservation of forest land, use of forest land for non-forest purposes or for the assignment of lease.

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 has provisions for regulation of developmental projects/activities within National Parks and Sanctuaries, including for Tiger Reserves and Tiger Corridors. Further, in the exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1), clauses (v) and (xiv) of subsection (2) and sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) read with sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 the Ministry notifies the area around the National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves as Eco-Sensitive Zone, to regulate the development activities.

Further, the Central Government in exercise of the powers conferred under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) published Coastal Regulation Zone Notifications 2011 and 2019. Through these notifications, the Government declared certain coastal stretches as Coastal Regulation Zone and restrictions were imposed on the setting up and expansion of industries, operations and processes in the said zone with a view to conserve and protect the unique environment of coastal stretches and marine areas, besides livelihood security to the fisher communities and other local communities in the coastal areas and to promote sustainable development.

The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023 was passed in the Lok Sabha on 25^th July 2023 and Rajya Sabha on 1^st August 2023, with the aim to reduce the pressure on wild medicinal plants by encouraging cultivation of medicinal plants; encourage Indian system of medicine; facilitate fast-tracking of research, patent application process, transfer of research results while utilizing the biological resources available in India without compromising the objectives of United Nation Convention on Biological Diversity and its Nagoya Protocol; decriminalize certain provisions; and to bring more foreign investments in the chain of biological resources, including research.

The Government through act of parliament has enacted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 for prevention and control of water pollution for protection of environment, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 for regulating air quality, prevention, control and protection of environment in (NCR) and Adjoining Areas.

Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA) several rules have also been framed to manage and regulate different kind of wastes and to maintain a balance between development and environment such as Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 (Amended in 2023); the Manufacturing, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 (Amended in 2022); Noise Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules, 2000; Ozone Depletion Substances (Regulations & Control) Rules, 2000; Battery Waste Management Rules, 2002; Plastic Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 (Amended in 2022); E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 (Amended in 2023); Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016; Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016;  Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 (Amended in 2023); Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016; Wetlands (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017 etc. Further, the waste management rules also promote circular economy and resource efficiency and effective and efficient management of waste streams in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner.

(The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has been established on 18.10.2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to the environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

National Mission for Clean Ganga

Under Namami Gange Programme, a comprehensive set of interventions such as wastewater treatment, solid waste management, river front management (ghats and crematoria development), e-flow, afforestation, biodiversity conservation and Public Participation etc. have been taken up for rejuvenation of river Ganga and its tributaries. So far, a total of 450 projects have been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 38,022.37 Crore, out of which 270 projects have been completed and made operational.

The steps taken by the government to bring reduction in matters under consideration and to promote cleanliness:

• For Nirmalta (Unpolluted flow) of River Ganga and its Tributaries a total of 195 sewerage infrastructure projects have been taken up with a cost of Rs. 31,344.13 crore for creation & rehabilitation of 6,173.12 Million Litres per Day (MLD) of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) capacity and laying of around 5,253.64 km sewerage network. Out of 195 projects, 109 sewerage projects have been completed resulting in creation & rehabilitation of 2664.05 MLD of STP capacity and laying of 4465.54 km sewerage network.
• NMCG for rejuvenation of Ganga and its tributaries took inter-alia measures for abatement of pollution due to domestic and industrial sources. Towards this objective NMCG has identified the industrial clusters for promoting abatement of pollution and support financially to sectors like tannery, textile effluent and others. NMCG till date has sanctioned 5 industrial projects of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) i.e. Jajmau CETP (20 MLD), Banther CETP (4.5 MLD), Unnao CETP (2.65 MLD), Mathura CETP (6.25 MLD) and Gorakhpur CETP (7.5 MLD). Out of this, Mathura CETP (6.5 MLD) project is completed and the plant is in operational stage with 50 % recycling to its member’s units. CETP Jajmau is nearly completed and with one module (10 MLD) is under testing. Other CETP projects are under progress.
• PRAYAG-Platform for Real-time Analysis of Yamuna, Ganga and their Tributaries, an online dashboard was setup on 20th April 2023 for continuous monitoring of river water quality, performance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETPs) and etc. on the Ganga and Yamuna river.
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has undertaken comprehensive public awareness campaigns to foster a sense of responsibility and engagement among the public in efforts to clean and conserve the Ganga River. Through educational materials, community outreach, school programs, mass media campaigns, and online engagement.
• Cadre of Ganga Doots(45,000 Nos), Ganga Praharis(2900 Nos) and Ganga Mitra (700 nos) involved in public participatory activities.
• To promote the cleanliness of the Ganga River at the district level, 139 District Ganga Committees (DGC) have been constituted under the chairmanship of District Magistrates. The performance is monitored by the Digital Dashboard for District Ganga Committees Performance Monitoring System (GDPMS). District Ganga Committees conduct 4M (Monthly, Mandated, Minuted, and Monitored) meetings, which were inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of Jal Shakti on April 6, 2022. As of October 2023, more than 2,070 meetings have been conducted.

16. Security

 

 

17. Disaster Management