- 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
Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issues 20 notices to IAS coaching institutes for misleading advertisements
The Department of Consumer Affairs is continuously working for consumer protection and empowerment of consumers by enactment of progressive legislations. With a view to modernize the framework governing the consumer protection in the new era of globalization, technologies, e-commerce markets etc Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was repealed and Consumer Protection Act 2019 was enacted.
Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, misleading advertisement in relation to any product or service is defined as an advertisement, which— (i) falsely describes such product or service; or (ii) gives a false guarantee to, or is likely to mislead the consumers as to the nature, substance, quantity or quality of such product or service; or (iii) conveys an express or implied representation which, if made by the manufacturer or seller or service provider thereof, would constitute an unfair trade practice; or (iv) deliberately conceals important information.
Under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has been established w.e.f 24.07.2020 to regulate matters relating to violation of rights of consumers, unfair trade practices and false or misleading advertisements which are prejudicial to the interests of public and consumers as a class.
The CCPA has notified the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022 on 9th June, 2022. These guidelines inter-alia provide for; (a) conditions for an advertisement to be non-misleading and valid; (b) certain stipulations in respect of bait advertisements and free claim advertisements; and, (c) duties of manufacturer, service provider, advertiser and advertising agency.
The CCPA has issued “Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023” on 30th November, 2023 for prevention and regulation of dark patterns listing 13 specified dark patterns.
The CCPA has issued 20 notices to IAS coaching institutes for misleading advertisements and imposed penalties on 8 such IAS coaching institutes.
11. Social Justice
A. Welfare schemes
ATAL VAYO ABHYUDAY YOJANA
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens(IPSrC), a component of the scheme of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana(AVYAY), under which grant-in-aid is provided to Non-Governmental/Voluntary Organizations for running and maintenance of Senior Citizens’ Homes, Continuous Care Homes, etc., for providing facilities, like, shelter, nutrition, medicare and entertainments free of cost to indigent senior citizens. Under IPSrC, there is no provision for construction/building of Senior Citizens’ Homes. New Senior Citizens’ Homes run by the Non-Governmental/Voluntary Organizations are included for supporting with grant-in-aid under the IPSrC for running and maintenance, on the basis of request of the respective State/Union Territory for including the concerned district as a Gap District and, thereafter, recommendation of the same State/Union Territory.
POSHAN ABHIYAAN
POSHAN Abhiyaan is the Government of India’s flagship programme that was launched on 8th March 2018 to improve nutritional outcomes in the country in a phased manner, by adopting a synergized and result oriented approach. For maximizing the nutritional outcomes, Government launched ‘Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0’ (Mission Poshan 2.0), which inter-alia, subsumes POSHAN Abhiyaan, Supplementary Nutrition Programme under Anganwadi Services and Scheme for Adolescent Girls.
POSHAN Abhiyaan progress report released by NITI Aayog on December 2018 has also emphasized on including Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) at scale as one of the important components of POSHAN Abhiyaan in the fight against malnutrition.
For ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in delivery of Supplementary Nutrition Government issued the Streamlined Guidelines on 13th January 2021, for all States/UTs. The District Magistrate (DM) is the nodal officer in the district for monitoring nutritional status and quality standards. The DM supervises and monitors the activities of the District Nutrition Committee. Under the guidelines, districts, inter alia, are also required to conduct Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND), community-based events, Jan Andolan activities etc. to motivate field functionaries and beneficiaries for improved nutrition outcomes. Through these Jan Andolans, large scale and continuous behaviour change interventions are being carried out.
Social & Behavioural Changes have been inculcated through conducting Community Based Events, Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwada in convergence with various Ministries/ Departments and other stakeholders. So far, more than 90 crore sensitisation activities have been reported by States/ UTs under community engagements programmes through 11 Poshan Maahs and Poshan Pakwadas celebrated in the months of September and March-April respectively. Additionally, more than 3.70 crore CBEs have also been organized since the launch of the Abhiyaan.
More than 10 lakh field functionaries/ Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) have been trained on key aspects of the scheme, including nutritional counseling. Regular trainings are being imparted to AWWs for smooth functioning.
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
E.issues
14. Technology
Nutraceutical ‘AKTOCYTE’ by the Department of Atomic Energy Set to Transform Cancer Care
In a breakthrough towards enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, scientists from Department of Atomic Energy and M/s. IDRS Labs Pvt. Ltd. Bengaluru have joined hands to develop AKTOCYTE tablets. Experts from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai; Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai; Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai collaborated with the IDRS Labs with a primary aim of minimizing the side effects of radiotherapy.
The AKTOCYTE tablets have shown remarkable results, particularly in pelvic cancer patients suffering from radiotherapy-induced Cystitis (Blood in urine). Patients treated with AKTOCYTE tablets demonstrated an extraordinary recovery, eliminating the need for surgical removal of the urinary bladder. The tablets, designed as an adjuvant to cancer radiotherapy, regenerative nutraceutical, immunomodulator, and antioxidant, mark a significant advancement in cancer care.
AKTOCYTE has received approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), operating under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. This regulatory clearance emphasizes the safety and compliance of AKTOCYTE tablets, providing assurance to both healthcare professionals and patients about its efficacy and quality.
Remarkable Recovery in Pelvic Cancer Patients: AKTOCYTE tablets have demonstrated exceptional efficacy in pelvic cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, showcasing significant recovery and eliminating the need for surgical interventions.
Versatile Applications: The tablets serve as more than just a supplement. AKTOCYTE is positioned as an adjuvant to cancer radiotherapy, a regenerative nutraceutical, an immunomodulator, and an antioxidant, showcasing its versatility in cancer care.
Regulatory Approval: The approval by FSSAI underscores the commitment to safety and quality standards, providing healthcare professionals and patient’s confidence in the reliability of AKTOCYTE tablets.
Market Availability: Anticipated to hit the market in January 2024, AKTOCYTE tablets are poised to become a transformative addition to cancer treatment protocols.
15. Environment
As fireworks light up night sky, air pollution spikes to 120 times WHO limit
16. Security
COMMISSIONING OF INS TARMUGLI
The Indian Navy will be inducting a Fast Attack Craft, INS Tarmugli on 14 Dec 23 in a ceremonial commissioning ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam . The ship has a unique distinction of having served under the flag of two nations with three names during her distinguished service till date. Commissioned in the Indian Navy as INS Tillanchang, a Trinkat Class ship, she was in active service till 2006, and thereafter gifted to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) by the Govt of India, as part of diplomatic outreach in the IOR.
The ship was commissioned into MNDF as MCGS Huravee on 16 April 2006, and served there till its decommissioning in May 2023. The ship was returned to the Indian Navy, which also provided an in-service Waterjet Fast Attack Craft, INS Tarmugli, to MNDF as the new MCGS Huravee. After detailed examination of the returned ship, a decision was taken to refurbish, repair and re-induct her into the force levels of the Indian Navy. The ship has undergone extensive repair and upgradation by the Indian Navy at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, over the last six months, and is scheduled to be commissioned as ‘INS Tarmugli’ on 14 Dec 2023 at Visakhapatnam. VAdm Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel will be the Chief Guest for the commissioning ceremony.
SECURITY VACUUM IN LEFT WING EXTREMISM (LWE) AFFECTED AREAS
As per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, subjects of ‘Police and Public Order’ are with the State Governments. However, to address the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) menace holistically, Government of India (GoI) launched National Policy and Action Plan in 2015 to address LWE.
The Policy envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security related measures, development interventions, ensuring rights and entitlements of local communities, etc. Steadfast implementation of this policy has resulted in consistent and sharp decline in LWE violence and vast improvement in the security scenario.
Among the major contributors towards improvement in security situation have been filling up of the security vacuum in LWE affected areas by setting up of new camps by security forces, building of roads in core areas of LWE influence, provision for critical infrastructure, building Fortified Police Stations (FPS), augmenting capacity of state police forces etc.
704 FPSs have been sanctioned for LWE affected states with an estimated cost of Rs. 1554 crore (approx.), of which 603 have been constructed. Under Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), works of Rs. 969.80 crore have been sanctioned for Strengthening of the Special Forces (SFs)/ Special Intelligence Branches (SIBs) and District Police in LWE affected states since 2017-18. Further, critical infrastructure gaps in most LWE affected districts are being filled through the Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme for which an amount of Rs. 3249.78 crore has been released since 2018-19. Under SRE scheme Rs. 2606 crore has been released to states as reimbursement of expenditure incurred for operational requirements of Security Forces during the period 2014-15 to 2022-23.
With a view to ensure reach of security, governance and development to the interior parts of the LWE affected areas, 10476 km roads have been constructed in LWE specific schemes since May-2014.
As part of well-planned strategy, a large number of forward operating bases have been opened since 2019 in core areas of LWE influence to fill the security vacuum. Consequently, Security vacuum has been completely filled in strongholds of left wing extremists such as Burha Pahad, tri- junction of Khunti – Saraikela Kahrsawan – West Sinhbhum, Kolhan forest area in Jharkhand, Bheem Bandh and Chakarbandha in Bihar, cutoff area of Malkangiri in Odisha.
Due to resolute implementation of the National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE security and resultant drastic reduction in security vacuum, the number of LWE related violent incidents have come down by 76% in 2022 in comparison of high of 2010. The number of resultant deaths (Security Forces + Civilians) have also reduced by 90 % from all time high of 1005 in 2010 to 98 in 2022. Geographical spread of violence has also reduced significantly. Only 176 Police Stations of 45 districts reported LWE violence in 2022 as compared to high of 465 Police Stations of 96 districts in 2010. Decline in geographical spread is also reflected in the fact that of the total 45 districts reporting LWE violence in 2022, only 10 districts reported 72% of the total violence. Similarly, of the 176 Police Stations reporting LWE violence, 30 Police Stations reported 50% of the total violence.
17. Disaster Management
NDIGENOUS CLIMATE FORECASTING SYSTEM
A state-of-the-art Earth System Model (ESM) known as the IITM-ESM has been indigenously developed at Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. This is the first Earth System Model from India and the climate change assessment carried out using IITM-ESM, was used in the latest Sixth Assessment Report prepared by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The National Climate Change Assessment report documenting the regional climate change projections, has been released to benefit students, researchers, and policymakers.