- 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
ZONAL COUNCIL
he idea of creation of Zonal Councils was mooted by the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1956 when during the course of debate on the report of the States Re-organisation Commission, he suggested that the States proposed to be reorganised may be grouped into four or five zones having an Advisory Council ‘to develop the habit of cooperative workingâ among these States. This suggestion was made by Pandit Nehru at a time when linguistic hostilities and bitterness as a result of re-organisation of the States on linguistic pattern were threatening the very fabric of our nation. As an antidote to this situation, it was suggested that a high level advisory forum should be set up to minimise the impact of these hostilities and to create healthy inter-State and Centre-State environment with a view to solving inter-State problems and fostering balanced socio economic development of the respective zones.
In the light of the vision of Pandit Nehru, five Zonal Councils were set up vide Part-III of the States Re-organisation Act, 1956. The present composition of each of these Zonal Councils is as under:
- The Northern Zonal Council, comprising the States of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, National Capital Territory of Delhi and Union Territory of Chandigarh;
- The Central Zonal Council, comprising the States of Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh;
- The Eastern Zonal Council, comprising the States of Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Sikkim and West Bengal;
- The Western Zonal Council, comprising the States of Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli;
- The Southern Zonal Council, comprising the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
The North Eastern States i.e. (i) Assam (ii) Arunachal Pradesh (iii) Manipur (iv) Tripura (v) Mizoram (vi) Meghalaya and (vii) Nagaland are not included in the Zonal Councils and their special problems are looked after by the North Eastern Council, set up under the North Eastern Council Act, 1972. The State of Sikkim has also been included in the North Eastern Council vide North Eastern Council (Amendment) Act, 2002 notified on 23rd December 2002. Consequently, action for exclusion of Sikkim as member of Eastern Zonal Council has been initiated by Ministry of Home Affairs.
Each Zonal Council has set up a Standing Committee consisting of Chief Secretaries of the member States of their respective Zonal Councils. These Standing Committees meet from time to time to resolve the issues or to do necessary ground work for further meetings of the Zonal Councils. Senior Officers of the Planning Commission and other Central Ministries are also associated with the meetings depending upon necessity. :
- Chairman – The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of each of these Councils.
- Vice Chairman – The Chief Ministers of the States included in each zone act as Vice-Chairman of the Zonal Council for that zone by rotation, each holding office for a period of one year at a time.
- Members- Chief Minister and two other Ministers as nominated by the Governor from each of the States and two members from Union Territories included in the zone.
- Advisers- One person nominated by the Planning Commission for each of the Zonal Councils, Chief Secretaries and another officer/Development Commissioner nominated by each of the States included in the Zone
Union Ministers are also invited to participate in the meetings of Zonal Councils depending upon necessity.
The Zonal Councils provide an excellent forum where irritants between Centre and States and amongst States can be resolved through free and frank discussions and consultations. Being advisory bodies, there is full scope for free and frank exchange of views in their meetings. Though there are a large number of other fora like the National Development Council, Inter State Council, Governorâs/Chief Ministerâs Conferences and other periodical high level conferences held under the auspices of the Union Government, the Zonal Councils are different, both in content and character. They are regional fora of cooperative endeavour for States linked with each other economically, politically and culturally. Being compact high level bodies, specially meant for looking after the interests of respective zones, they are capable of focusing attention on specific issues taking into account regional factors, while keeping the national perspective in view.
The main objectives of setting up of Zonal Councils are as under :
- Bringing out national integration;
- Arresting the growth of acute State consciousness, regionalism, linguism and particularistic tendencies;
- Enabling the Centre and the States to co-operate and exchange ideas and experiences;
- Establishing a climate of co-operation amongst the States for successful and speedy execution of development projects.
Each Zonal Council is an advisory body and may discuss any matter in which some or all of the States represented in that Council, or the Union and one or more of the States represented in that Council, have a common interest and advise the Central Government and the Government of each State concerned as to the action to be taken on any such matter.
In particular, a Zonal Council may discuss, and make recommendations with regard to:
- any matter of common interest in the field of economic and social planning;
- any matter concerning border disputes, linguistic minorities or inter-State transport;
- any matter connected with or arising out of, the re-organization of the States under the States Reorganisation Act.
As per Section 17(1) of States Re-organisation Act, each Zonal Council shall meet at such time as the Chairman of the Council may appoint in this behalf. Since their inception in 1957, the Zonal Councils have met 106 times. The last meetings of the Zonal Councils were held as under:
MEETINGS OF ZONAL COUNCILS
| MEETINGS OF ZONAL COUNCILS | |||
| Sl.no | Name of the Council | Place of meeting | Date of Meeting |
| 1. | Eastern Zonal Council | Ranchi | 30.5.2005 |
| 2. | Western Zonal Council | Panaji | 29.09.2006 |
| 3. | Northern Zonal Council | Shimla | 25.10.2005 |
| 4. | Southern Zonal Council | Hyderabad | 12.2.2007 |
| 5. | Central Zonal Council | Bhopal | 24.5.2005 |
Deliberations at Zonal Councils have led to important initiatives in regard to Internal Security, Coastal Security, Mega City Policing, Sharing of information on crime and criminals by the concerned states, Jail Reforms, Communal Harmony and the resolution of the socio-economic problems like trafficking in women and children, National Disaster Management and strengthening the preparedness for disaster management, implementation of Right to information Act, Implementation of National Employment Guarantee Bill, Coastal Secretary and Good Governance etc.
10. Governance
A. institutions
Central Administrative Tribunal
Central Administrative Tribunal was established under Article 323-A of the Indian Constitution. It was formed in 1985 to resolve disputes and complaints about the recruitment and terms of employment of people assigned to public services and posts in connection with the business of the Union or other authorities under the jurisdiction of the Government. The Central Administrative Tribunal has 18 Benches and 21 Circuit Benches spread over India.
- In 1985, the Administrative Tribunals Act was approved by Parliament in accordance with Article 323-A.
- The act grants the Central Government the authority to create a Central Administrative Tribunal as well as state administrative tribunals.
- This Act marked the beginning of a new era in the provision of prompt and low-cost justice to disgruntled public employees.
- Purpose: Arbitration of disputes and complaints concerning the recruitment and terms of service of people assigned to public services and posts in connection with the business of the Union or other authorities under the jurisdiction of the Government.
- The Central Administrative Tribunal has original jurisdiction over recruiting and other service problems involving public servants.
Central Administrative Tribunal – Jurisdiction
- The CAT exercises original jurisdiction in relation to recruitment and all service matters of public servants covered by it.
- Its jurisdiction extends to the all-India services, the Central civil services, civil posts under the Centre and civilian employees of defence services.
- However, the members of the defence forces, officers and servants of the Supreme Court and the secretarial staff of the Parliament are not covered by it.
- Initially, appeals against CAT orders could only be filed in the Supreme Court, not the lower courts.
- However, in the Chandra Kumar case (1997), the Supreme Court determined this restriction on the high courts’ power to be unconstitutional, saying that judicial review is a basic feature of the Constitution.
- It stipulated that appeals against CAT orders would be heard by the division bench of the relevant high court.
- Consequently, now it is not possible for an aggrieved public servant to approach the Supreme Court directly against an order of the CAT, without first going to the concerned high court.
Functioning
Functioning of Central Administrative Tribunal
The following are the characteristics of the Central Administrative Tribunal’s operation.
- The Central Administrative Tribunal is a specialised body made up of Administrative Members and Judicial Members who, due to their specialised knowledge, are better suited to provide swift and effective justice
- In the country, the Central Administrative Tribunal has 18 benches and 21 circuit benches.
- The Central Administrative Tribunal Principal Bench hears cases involving the National Capital Territory of Delhi’s government.
- The Central Administrative Tribunal has been given the same authority and jurisdiction for contempt of court as a High Court.
- A petitioner can appear before the Central Administrative Tribunal in person or with the assistance of a legal practitioner.
- The Central Administrative Tribunal has the authority to establish its own procedural and operational norms.
B. regulatory
C. Government policies
D. role of NGOs
E. measures
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
Infinity Forum 2.0
âIndia a country with deep democratic values and historical tradition of trade and commerceâ
2nd Edition of Infinity Forum is being jointly organized by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), and GIFT City, under the aegis of the Government of India, as a precursor event to Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024. The theme of the 2nd edition of Infinity Forum is âGIFT-IFSC: Nerve Centre for New Age Global Financial Servicesâ
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister recalled the pandemic-affected world marred by the uncertainty of the global economic situation during the organization of the first edition of the Infinity Forum in December 2021. Underlining that the worrisome situation has not yet passed completely, and mentioning the challenges of geopolitical tensions, high inflation and rising debt levels, the Prime Minister highlighted Indiaâs emergence as a symbol of resilience and progress. In such a situation, the Prime Minister stated that the organization of such an event in the GIFT City is taking the pride of Gujarat to new heights. The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to congratulate the people of Gujarat on the inclusion of âGarbaâ under the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage tag. âGujaratâs success is nation’s successâ, he remarked.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated that Indiaâs growth story is based on the governmentâs top priority to policy, good governance and the welfare of the citizens. He informed that Indiaâs growth rate during the first six months of the Fiscal Year has been 7.7 percent. As mentioned by the IMF in September 2023, the Prime Minister highlighted Indiaâs contribution to the global growth rate of 16 percent in the year 2023. He also quoted the World Bank and said, âAmid the global challenges, there are high hopes with the Indian Economy.â Shri Modi also acknowledged the Australian Prime Ministerâs statement about India being primed to lead the Global South. He highlighted the World Economic Forumâs observation about the reduction of red tapeism in India creating better investment opportunities. The Prime Minister underlined that India being a ray of hope for the world is a result of its strengthening economy and the transformative reforms of the past 10 years. He credited Indiaâs focus on long-term growth and economic capacity expansion at a time when the rest of the world focused on fiscal and monetary relief.
Emphasizing the goal of increasing integration with the global economy, the Prime Minister listed down the achievements of flexible FDI policy in many sectors, reduction in compliance burden, and mentioned the signing of 3 FTAs today. He said that GIFT IFSCA is part of a larger reform to integrate Indian and global financial markets. âGIFT City is envisioned as a dynamic ecosystem that will redefine the landscape of international financeâ, Shri Modi remarked as he underlined that it will set new benchmarks of innovation, efficiency and global collaboration. He noted the important landmark of the establishment of the International Financial Services Centers Authority as a Unified Regulator in 2020. He informed that IFSCA has created 27 regulations and more than 10 frameworks opening up new avenues of investment during this period of economic turmoil. PM Modi expressed delight in mentioning that the suggestions received during the first edition of Infinity Forum have been initiated giving the example of Comprehensive Framework to Govern Fund Management Activities as notified by IFSCA in April 2022. The Prime Minister informed that 80 fund management entities are registered with IFSCA today which have set up funds worth more than 24 billion dollars, and 2 leading international universities have received approval to start their courses in GIFT IFSC in 2024. He also touched upon the Framework for Aircraft Leasing released by IFSCA in May 2022, where 26 units have started operations as of today.
27th WAIPA World Investment Conference in New Delhi
nvest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India, and the current President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is set to host the 27th World Investment Conference (WIC) from December 11-14, 2023, at the India International Convention & Expo Centre – Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. This yearâs conference is themed “Empowering Investors: IPAs Pioneering Future Growth”.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal on the main day of the conference on December 13, 2023, will deliver the keynote address on the Role of Trade and Investment in the Decade of Action. The Minister will also chair a closed-room roundtable of Private Equity.
Shri Goyal will also launch the Experience India Centre (EIC), showcasing the best of Indiaâs offerings across services, technology, and products through a variety of technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive touch screens, and projection mapping. EIC will provide delegates and participants from around the world an opportunity to engage and interact with some of Indiaâs leading startups, and learn about India’s rich products, services and tourism offerings, experience its vibrant culture through an immersive experience like Touch/Feel, Taste, Smell, Vision, Sound, and other self-exploratory means. The startups represent Indiaâs emerging indigenous capabilities and its emerging global leadership. The wall Bharat Today and the Living Traditions will exhibit traditions like Madhubani, Katha, Warli, Mata ni pachedi etc.
WIC, an annual flagship event of WAIPA, serves as a platform for global investment promotion and innovation stakeholders. This year, the conference brings together Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), international organisations, academia, and the private sector, including startups, to discuss investment policies and trends, providing a unique opportunity for collaboration, trade, investments and knowledge sharing.
Spanning over four days, the WIC is set to be the largest WIC ever, with participation from more than 1000 attendees, over 50 IPAs and various multilateral agencies. Some of the marquee sessions include a Meeting of âIPAs of G20 Nationsâ and IPAs of G20 Compendium on Sustainable FDI, Meeting of World Investment for Development Alliance (WIDA), a coalition of 13 multilateral organisations including UNCTAD, WEF, WBG, UNESCAP and WAIPA, and a roundtable on âThe India Opportunity: Investing in an Emerging Economy Poised for a Fast-Track Growth. Invest India may also release white papers on key topics such as E-Commerce, Electronics, Sustainable textiles and Responsible AI.
Apart from hosting international speakers, WIC will also host speakers such as Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh; Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri Sunil Barthwal; Director General, International Solar Alliance, Dr. Ajay Mathur; CEO, 3rdiTech, Ms. Vrinda Kapoor; Founder and CEO, Paytm, Shri Vijay Shekhar Sharma; and Founder and Executive Vice Chairman, Info Edge, Shri Sanjay Bikhchandani, among others. Representatives from MNCs like DP World, IKEA, Wipro, Equinor, and Arduino will also attend the Conference. Trade and investment ministers from Saudi Arabia, Armenia and Togo are also expected to address the conference. The Conference will also host âThe Startup-Investor Connect programâ, which is designed to offer Venture capital funds and International Startups from various sectors a platform to connect on the following one or multiple opportunities with the aim of facilitating funding and showcasing cutting-edge innovation.
Aligned with the overarching theme, the WIC will feature parallel sessions focusing on Agri-Food Processing, Energy/Infrastructure, Tourism, Automotive & Machinery, ICT/Technology, and Life Sciences. These sessions will provide a detailed exploration of investment opportunities and trends within each sector across participating countries and select Indian States. During this Conference, India will also showcase key initiatives like Make in India, PM Gati Shakti, and other steps taken towards ensuring ease of doing business.
E.issues
14. Technology
15. Environment
As fireworks light up night sky, air pollution spikes to 120 times WHO limit
16. Security
ITALY WINS ADMIRALâS CUP 2023 HELD AT INDIAN NAVAL ACADEMY
The 12th edition of âAdmiralâs Cupâ Sailing Regatta concluded on 08 Dec 23 with a glittering closing ceremony at Ettikulam Beach at Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala. Team Italy represented by Midshipman Avallone Antonio & Midshipman Creati Carlo Leonardo won the Admiral’s Cup 23. Team India represented by Midshipman PPK Reddy and Cadet GY Reddy was the Runners-Up and Team United Kingdom & Germany represented by Officer Cadet Lucy Bell and Midshipman Aaron Middleton from United Kingdom and Cadet Beckman Carl & Cadet Hinz Anton from Germany shared the third position. Seaman Gorkunov Petr from Russia stood first in the individual position in the menâs category followed by Midshipman Avallone Antonio from Italy and Midshipman PPK Reddy from India at second and third positions respectively. Officer Cadet Lucy Bell from United Kingdom stood first in the individual position in womenâs category followed by Cadet Sangla Elma Salsadila from Indonesia and Cadet Jhanvi Singh from India at second and third positions respectively.
Vice Admiral Puneet K Bahl, Commandant, INA the Chief Guest for the closing ceremony presented the âAdmiralâs Cupâ, Runners Up trophy and individual prizes to the winners. The Admiralâs Cup witnessed competitive sailing races in Laser Radials boats during race days scheduled from 05 to 08 Dec 23. 43 participants, including 08 female participants displayed their sailing skills in the Laser Radials in challenging wind and weather conditions as they squeezed every knot out of their boats over the past four days of the races. The event has become very popular since its inception in 2010. This edition of the Admiralâs Cup Sailing Regatta 2023, saw participation from 20 countries and Indian teams from Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala and National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla.
During the last five days, the visiting foreign teams and accompanying officials were involved in various activities apart from competitive racing which included visit to training and sporting facilities located at Indian Naval Academy, fitness trek to Mount Dilli and cultural package showcasing India’s rich traditions, languages, culture, dance and art forms. The event culminated in a grand finale with the closing ceremony held in the evening on 08 Dec 23 at Ettikulam Beach, Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala.
17. Disaster Management