1. 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

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

 GoI and ADB sign $400 million loan to support urban services by creating high quality urban infrastructure, improving service delivery, and promoting efficient governance systems

The Government of India today signed a $400 million policy-based loan with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support its urban reform agenda for creating high quality urban infrastructure, improving service delivery, and promoting efficient governance systems.

The signatories to the loan agreement for the Sub-programme 2 of the Sustainable Urban Development and Service Delivery Programme were Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, signing for the Government of India, and Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, signing for the ADB.

While Sub-programme 1 approved in 2021 with a financing of $350 million established national-level policies and guidelines to improve urban services, Sub-programme 2 is supporting investment planning and reform actions at the state and urban local body (ULB) levels.

After signing the loan agreement, Ms. Mukherjee stated that the programme supports the Government of India’s urban sector strategy with a focus on urban reforms aimed at making cities livable and centres of economic growth through provisioning of inclusive, resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

“Sub-programme 2 supports the reforms initiated by the states and the ULBs in operationalising the national flagship programme of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 targeted for universal access of water supply and sanitation,” said Mr. Konishi. “The sub-programme also supports other mission objectives for ensuring urban water security through reducing water losses, recycling treated sewage for non-domestic use, rejuvenation of water bodies, and maintaining sustainable ground water level.”

The programme also envisages integrated urban planning reforms to control urban sprawls and foster systemic and planned urbanisation through enhancing the entire ecosystem of legal, regulatory, and institutional reforms along with capacity building of ULBs and community awareness. Specifically, ULBs will promote modernisation of building bylaws, land pooling, urban agglomeration, and comprehensive urban mobility planning through transit-oriented development to help cities become well-planned centres of economic growth. Such integrated planning processes will incorporate climate and disaster resilience, promote nature-based solutions, improve urban environment, and improve cities’ financial sustainability through generation of additional revenues.

India-OPEC Energy Dialogue

The 6th High-Level Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue took place on 9 November 2023, at the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna, Austria

The Meeting was co-chaired by HE Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC and HE Hardeep Singh Puri, Honourable Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs of the Republic of India.

The open and candid discussions at the Meeting focused on key issues related to oil and energy markets with a specific emphasis on ensuring availability, affordability and sustainability, which are necessary in ensuring the stability of energy markets. The two sides discussed the short, medium and long-term outlooks for the industry and recognized the important role of India in global economic growth and energy demand.

The sides noted the World Oil Outlook 2023, which forecasted that India would be the fastest-growing major developing economy, averaging long-term growth of 6.1% between 2022-2045 and to account for over 28% of incremental global energy demand during the same period. The sides also noted the need for continued cooperation and dialogue in the interest of both producers and consumers while also exploring further areas for future cooperation.

In his remarks, HE Haitham Al Ghais said: “The excellent state of the OPEC-India Dialogue also extends to the development of positive relationships between OPEC, its Member Countries and major Indian oil companies,” noting that “OPEC’s relationship with India has continued to go from strength to strength.” He appreciated India’s balanced, realistic and pragmatic approach towards energy issues.

“The relationship between India and OPEC will be pivotal in the years to come, as the world seeks to foster global energy security, deliver energy affordability and reduce emissions,” the Secretary General added.

HE Haitham Al Ghais also praised India’s G20 Presidency, the remarkable Chandrayan mission, and highlighted its leadership role in addressing global issues of great importance. “India’s heading of the G20 was impressive, with India’s able leadership steering this year’s G20 discussions to a successful outcome, including on key energy issues,” the Secretary General stated.

HE Hardeep S. Puri highlighted that, as the third-largest energy consumer, crude oil importer and the fourth-largest global refiner, close ties between India and OPEC are not only essential but also natural. He added that as India remains on a trajectory of stable and robust economic growth, fostering deeper collaboration for the mutual benefit of both parties has the potential to contribute significantly to the long-term prosperity and stability of the global oil markets. In this context, he called on OPEC to continue playing its key role in maintaining and ensuring market stability for the benefits of consumers, producers and global economy.

The Meeting noted the remarkable progress achieved to date in the framework of the dialogue, including at the technical and research levels. Last month, experts from both India and OPEC met under the umbrella of the 5th Technical Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue on 27 October 2023 via videoconference.

The 6th High-Level Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue concluded with both parties underscoring the importance of fostering enhanced cooperation between India and OPEC moving forward.

 

C.Indian diaspora

13. Economic Development

A. Government Budgeting

B. industrial

GeM (Government E Marketplace)

GeM is a short form of one stop Government e-Market Place hosted by DGS&D where common user goods and services can be procured. GeM is dynamic, self sustaining and user friendly portal for making procurement by Government officers.

Public procurement forms a very important part of Government activity and reform in Public Procurement is one of the top priorities of the present Government. Government e-Marketplace (GeM – gem.gov.in) is a very bold step of the Government with the aim to transform the way in which procurement of goods and services is done by the Government Ministries and Departments, Public Sector Undertakings and other apex autonomous bodies of the Central Government.

Government e-Marketplace owes its genesis to the recommendations of two Groups of Secretaries made to the Prime Minister in January 2016. They recommended setting up of a dedicated e-market for different goods & services procured or sold by Government/PSUs besides reforming DGS&D. Subsequently, the Finance Minister in his Budget speech for FY 2016-17, announced setting up of a technology driven platform to facilitate procurement of goods and services by various Ministries and agencies of the Government.

DGS&D with technical support of National eGovernance Division (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) has developed GeM portal for procurement of both Products & Services. The portal was launched on 9^th August 2016 by the Commerce & Industry Minister. Procurement on GeM has been authorized by General Financial Rules by making necessary changes in government rules. Presently more than 7400 products in about 150 product categories and hiring of transport service are available on GeM POC portal. Transactions for more than Rs 140 Crore have already been processed through GeM.

GeM is a completely paperless, cashless and system driven e-market place that enables procurement of common use goods and services with minimal human interface.

C. Infrastructure

D. Investment models

Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs

The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) is an institution established by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India as an autonomous body to act as a think-tank and a center of excellence to support the growth of the corporate sector in India through an integrated and multi-disciplinary approach.

About Lean Campus Startups

Lean Campus Startups is a brand of Mission Catalyst, a pioneering trust dedicated to shaping the future of India through transformative initiatives in education, skill development, and entrepreneurship. Established in the year 2014 with a vision to inspire and empower the youth, Mission Catalyst operates pan India, touching lives and fostering positive change with help of Startups, Corporates & Government.

E.issues

14. Technology

 

15. Environment

The 77^th meeting of the Standing Committee of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES)

The 77^th meeting of the Standing Committee of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES) was held in Geneva, Switzerland from 6^th to 10^th November 2023.India is a Party to the CITES since 1976. A delegation led by Dr. S.P. Yadav, Additional Director General of Forests (PT) & CITES Management Authority-India, participated in the 77^th Standing Committee meeting.

During the five day meeting, the Committee, chaired by Ms. Naimah Aziz, United States of America,  had discussed  various issues, mainly CITES compliance matters, many of which were relevant to India.

The Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is a high market value tree, endemic to few districts in Andhra Pradesh. The species is listed as Appendix II under CITES since 1994. The species has been subjected to threats of illegal harvesting and smuggling leading to their depletion from natural forest. However, red sanders wood sourced from artificially propagation (plantations) comprise a major part of legal export. The Red sanders species was listed for Review of Significant Trade (RST) process more or less since 2004. The CITES RST process enables disciplinary action in the form of trade suspensions directed at countries that do not meet their obligations. This is a process through which the CITES Standing Committee places increased scrutiny on the exports of a species from a country to determine if the Convention is being properly implemented. In the past, it has even led to a recommendation to suspend trade with India.

 India had been updating the CITES Secretariat on the status of export of red sanders from India. India had also conducted Non Detrimental Finding for the species and had finalized a zero quota for export of Red sanders from wild. Continuous  pursuance on the matter with the CITES Secretariat, Standing Committee and Plants Committee has led the Standing Committee in this (77^th) meeting to decide on removing Red sanders from the RST process. The removal of Pterocarpus santalinus from RST process from India was unconditional. This action will help the farmers growing Red sanders to increase their income through cultivation and export of Red Sanders from the plantations.  It would also help in motivating farmers to grow more red sanders trees as a source of sustainable income.

The CITES provides that every Party align its national legislation to accommodate CITES provisions. India was listed in Category 2 for CITES National Legislation programme. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was, therefore, amended in the year 2022, wherein the provisions of CITES was incorporated in the Act. The CITES Standing Committee has in its 77^th meeting decided to place India in Category 1 as it had fully complied with the requirements of CITES National Legislation programme.

Besides, India had also made interventions for the need for according stringent measures for conservation of Big Cats, and especially, the Asian Big Cats. India in its intervention also  appealed to range countries and other stakeholders to join International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 9^th April 2023 for conservation of seven Big Cat specie

16. Security

 Army Medical Corps Officer Lt Col Sanjeev Malik creates history, clinches five gold medals in World Medicine and Health Games in Colombia

rmy Medical Corps officer Lt Col Sanjeev Malik has made history by winning Five Gold Medals in 42nd World Medicine and Health Games in Colombia. He is presently posted in  the President’s Body Guards, Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.

His victories in the 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, and cross-country events make him the only athlete to achieve this feat in 2023 and one of a select few since the Games began in 1978. The DGAFMS Lt Gen Daljit Singh has congratulated Lt Col Malik for his spectacular performance and wished him more laurels in the future.

The World Medicine and Health Games, often regarded as the Olympic Games for Health Professionals, has evolved into the most prestigious global sporting event within the medical community. With a legacy dating back to 1978, the Games annually attract over 2,500 participants from more than 50 different nations. These healthcare professionals engage in approximately twenty sports disciplines, both individually and collectively, all while upholding the core values of Olympism. Lt Col Sanjeev’s success not only highlights his personal excellence but also showcases the dedication of healthcare professionals globally, blending their medical expertise with athletic achievements. As the 42nd edition concludes, Lt Col Sanjeev stands as a symbol of inspiration in the world of health sports.

INS SUMEDHA MISSION DEPLOYED AT WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA

NS Sumedha in continuation with Indian Navy’s mission-based deployment to West Africa and Atlantic made a port call at Walvis Bay, Namibia from 10-13 November 23. This port call is a manifestation of India’s warm ties with Namibia, its commitment to enhance maritime security and demonstrate solidarity with friendly nations.

During the visit, the Commanding Officer paid courtesy calls on Namibian dignitaries and senior defence officers, including Navy Commander, Namibia Navy. Professional interactions aimed at exchanging best practices, cross deck visits and social engagements were also conducted with Namibia Navy during the ship’s stay in harbour.

India and Namibia have enjoyed warm and friendly bilateral relations sharing common values of democracy, development and secularism. A number of bilateral arrangements for co-operation and military exchange exist between the two countries. As part of its defence cooperation, India, over the years, has extended training to a large number of Namibian military officers at various military institutions in India.

Indian Navy ships are regularly deployed as part of Indian Navy’s mission of building ‘Bridges of Friendship’ and strengthening international cooperation with friendly countries as well as to address maritime concerns across the globe. The current visit seeks to accentuate India’s solidarity with friendly countries and, in particular, strengthen existing bonds of friendship with Namibia. 

INS Sumedha is the third of the indigenously developed Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) of Saryu class deployed for multiple roles independently and in support of Fleet Operations. The ship is equipped with several weapon systems, sensors, state-of-art-the-navigation and communication systems and Electronic Warfare system. Sumedha has undertaken various Fleet support operations, coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance and HADR missions in the past including the recently conducted Op Kaveri for evacuation of Indian diaspora from war hit Sudan in April 23.

17. Disaster Management