- 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
Registration of newspapers and periodicals goes online through Press Sewa Portal
The new Press & Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 comes into force; the old PRB Act, 1867 stands repealed.
The Government of India has notified the historic Press & Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act), 2023 and its Rules in its Gazette and consequently the Act has come into force from 1st March, 2024.
From now on, the registration of periodicals shall be governed by the provisions of the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act), 2023 and the Press and Registration of Periodicals Rules. As per the notification, the office of Press Registrar General of India – PRGI (erstwhile Registrar of Newspapers for India – RNI) shall be carrying out the purposes of the new Act.
In tune with the ethos of Digital India, the new Act provides for an online system for facilitating the registration of newspapers and other periodicals in the country. The new system replaces the existing manual, cumbersome processes involving multiple steps and approvals at various stages which were causing unnecessary hardships to the publishers.
Earlier, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, had launched the Press Sewa Portal (presssewa.prgi.gov.in), the online portal of the Press Registrar General, for receiving various applications as mandated by the new Act. All applications, including the intimation by the printer of a periodical, application for registration of facsimile edition of a foreign periodical, application by a publisher for obtaining a certificate of registration of a periodical, application for revision of certificate of registration, application for transfer of ownership of periodicals, furnishing annual statement by the publisher of a periodical, and procedure for desk audit for verification of circulation of a periodical will be online through the Press Sewa Portal.
The Press Sewa Portal ensures paperless processing and offers services with e-sign facility, digital payment gateway, QR code-based digital certificates for instant download, online system for providing intimation by printing presses, percentage of probability for title availability, online access to registration data for all publishers, filing of annual statements, among others. It also intends to put in place a chatbot-based interactive grievance resolution mechanism. The Press Sewa portal is accompanied by a new website (prgi.gov.in) with all the related information and a user-friendly interface.
The new PRP Act removes books and journals from the purview of registration necessitated by the old PRB Act; the new Act defines a periodical as “any publication including a newspaper which is published and printed at regular intervals containing public news or comments on public news but does not include a book or a journal of scientific, technical, and academic nature.” Therefore, “book, or a journal including a book or journal of scientific, technical and academic nature” does not require registration with PRGI.
As per the new Act, all applications for registration of periodicals shall be made in online mode through the Press Sewa Portal only. Accordingly, publishers intending to bring out periodicals need to register their title before publishing it. As the registration process will be online and guided through the software, the chances for discrepancies in the application will be drastically reduced resulting in faster processing of applications. The status of application will be updated at all stages and the same will be informed to the applicant through SMS and email ensuring transparency and eliminating delay due to miscommunication.
The steps involved in the registration of Periodicals through the new Press Sewa Portal are as follows:
- Signing up and Profile Creation by the Owner of a Periodical: To begin the registration process, the owner of the proposed periodical is required to sign up and create a profile on the Press Sewa Portal by furnishing relevant documents/details as required, along with 5 proposed Titles in the order of priority. These title options shall not be same or similar to a title already held by any other owner of a periodical either in the same language anywhere in India or in any other language in the same State, and these title options shall conform to the guidelines made by the Press Registrar General for this purpose.
- Simultaneous submission to Press Registrar General and the Specified Authority in the District: The Applications submitted through the Press Sewa Portal will be accessible/available to the Press Registrar General and the Specified Authority in the District simultaneously. Therefore, there is no need for any separate application to be submitted to any other office/portal.
- Invitation to the Publisher/s by the Owner: After creation of profile, the owner shall extend invitations to their designated publisher/s associated with their periodical/s, through the portal.
- Signing up and Online Intimation by the Printer (owner/keeper of Printing Press): The Printer (owner/ keeper of the printing press) is required to create an online account on the Press Sewa Portal by furnishing relevant details as required in the portal.
- Signing up and Profile Creation by the Publisher: The publisher/s so invited/appointed are required to create their profile on the portal by furnishing relevant documents/details.
- Selecting/Nominating the Printer by the Publisher: As part of the Registration process, the publishers are required to nominate/select their respective Printing Press from the Press Sewa database in instances where the Printing Press account is already available in the database. Otherwise, they may request the Printer to create an online profile in the Portal, and thereafter select them as Printer for the proposed periodical.
- Periodical Registration Application to be submitted by the Publisher: After creation of their profiles, the Publisher can submit the application for registration by filling/furnishing all relevant details/documents, e-signing the application, and by payment of prescribed fee through Bharatkosh.
- Correction Window after submission of Application: Subsequent to submission of applications, the publishers have 5 days (120-hour time-window) for making minor modifications in the application. No modifications in the application is possible after this period.
- Acknowledgement with a unique Application Reference Number: Upon successful uploading of the application, the Press Sewa Portal will generate an acknowledgement along with a unique ten-digit alphanumeric Application Reference Number (ARN), and the publisher and the Press Registrar General shall use the Applicant Reference Number for all future correspondences and references.
- Deficiencies in the Application and Timely Response: Following the initial scrutiny, the office of Press Registrar General of India (PRGI) will issue a deficiency communication, if warranted. The Publishers are required to submit their responses within a 30-day timeframe. Failure to adhere to this specified period will result in rejection of the application.
- Online Payment of Registration Fees through Bharatkosh: It is mandatory for all publishers to remit a registration fee of Rs.1000 (Rupees One Thousand Only) through the Bharatkosh digital payment system integrated into the Press Sewa Portal.
- Revision of Registration details: The Press Sewa Portal also provides online facility for revision of registration details. All applications for revising the registration vis-à-vis changes in particulars of the Periodicals are to be made through the Portal. These options will be available in the owner/ publisher profile.
The Press & Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 is an initiative to introduce a paradigm shift from the traditional approach to registration processes, and would create a more conducive environment for publishers ensuring ease of doing business. The enactment of the new Act also testifies the Government’s efforts to remove obsolete and archaic provisions from the existing statutes.
10. Governance
A. institutions
B. regulatory
National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission
he National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), India is a quasi-judicial commission in India which was set up in 1988 under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. Its head office is in New Delhi. The Commission is headed by a sitting or a retired Judge of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India or a sitting or a retired Chief Justice of an Hon’ble High Court, in terms of Rule 3(12)(a) of the Tribunal(Conditions of Service) Rules, 2021. The Commission is presently headed by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi, former Chief Justice of Patna and Madras High Courts.
Section 21 of Consumer Protection Act, 1986 posits that the National Commission shall have jurisdiction:- to entertain a complaint valued more than two crore and also have Appellate and Revisional jurisdiction from the orders of State Commissions or the District fora as the case may be.
Section 23 of Consumer Protection Act, 1986, provides that any person aggrieved by an order of NCDRC, may prefer an Appeal against such order to Supreme Court of India within a period of 30 days.
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 promulgates a three-tier quasi-judicial mechanism for redressal of consumer disputes namely district commissions, state commissions and national commission. The Act also stipulates the pecuniary jurisdiction of each tier of consumer commission. As per the existing provisions of the Act, District Commissions have jurisdiction to entertain complaints where value of the goods or services paid as consideration does not exceed one crore rupees. State Commissions have jurisdiction to entertain complaints where value of the goods or services paid as consideration, exceeds 1 crore rupees, but does not exceed 10 crore rupees and National Commission has jurisdiction to entertain complaints where value of goods or services paid as consideration exceeds 10 crore rupees.
After the Act came into force, it was observed that the existing provisions relating to pecuniary jurisdiction of consumer commissions were leading to cases which could earlier be filed in National Commission to be filed in State Commissions and cases which could earlier be filed in State Commissions to be filed in District Commissions. This caused a significant increase in the workload of District Commissions, leading to rise in pendency and delay in disposal of cases, defeating the very object of securing speedy redressal to consumers as envisaged under the Act.
With regard to revision of pecuniary jurisdiction, Central Government held wide consultation with States/UTs, consumer organizations, law chairs etc. and examined the issues that had created long pendency of cases in detail.
With notification of the aforementioned rules, the new pecuniary jurisdiction, subject to other provisions of the Act, shall be as under:
- District Commissions shall have jurisdiction to entertain complaints where value of the goods or services paid as consideration does not exceed 50 lakh rupees.
- State Commissions shall have jurisdiction to entertain complaints where value of the goods or services paid as consideration exceeds 50 lakh rupees but does not exceed 2 crore rupees.
- National Commission shall have jurisdiction to entertain complaints where value of the goods or services paid as consideration exceeds 2 crore rupees.
It may be mentioned that the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 stipulates that every complaint shall be disposed of as expeditiously as possible and endeavour shall be made to decide the complaint within a period of 3 months from the date of receipt of notice by opposite party where the complaint does not require analysis or testing of commodities and within 5 months if it requires analysis or testing of commodities.
C. Government policies
BEE suggests Model Electric Vehicle Policy
On the completion of 22 years of service to the nation, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power, Government of India invited stakeholders from government and industry, at the main event held in New Delhi on March 1, 2024. The 22nd Foundation Day was themed on “Energy Transition through Electrification and Decarbonization in lndia”, where the Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister Shri R. K. Singh commended BEE for its innovative and world-leading programmes. The Minister complimented BEE for its role in reducing the carbon load of the nation and said that it is primarily because of BEE that India could achieve its NDC target of reducing the emission intensity of the nation’s GDP 11 years ahead.
On the occasion, the Minister launched two of BEE’s Standards and Labelling Programs, one for Packaged Boilers and the other for Commercial Beverage Coolers, also known as Visi Cooler (or Beverage Cooler). He also released the inaugural edition of India EV Digest and the fifth edition of State Energy Efficiency Index. The celebration also featured an exhibition on Electric Mobility and Electric Cooking, to contribute to the aim of promoting electric vehicles on roads and efficient cooking in households. More details can be found here.
The 22nd Foundation Day celebration provided an opportunity to also engage in deliberations on two issues of topical significance for the BEE’s mission of reducing energy intensity of the Indian economy.
Accelerating Energy Transition in the Transport Sector through Electrification
In line with the government’s efforts towards energy transition, the first panel discussion explored ways and means of accelerating energy transition in the transport sector, through electric mobility. The panellists explored the policy and regulatory landscape which would best facilitate this transition in a manner which is affordable to the consumers.
D. role of NGOs
E. measures
11. Social Justice
A. Welfare schemes
B Health
C. Education
D. Human Resources
Production Linked Incentive Schemes for 14 key sectors aim to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports
Keeping in view India’s vision of becoming ‘Atmanirbhar’, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes for 14 key sectors have been announced with an outlay of Rs. 1.97 lakh crore (over US$26 billion) to enhance India’s Manufacturing capabilities and Exports.
The 14 sectors are: (i) Mobile Manufacturing and Specified Electronic Components, (ii) Critical Key Starting Materials/Drug Intermediaries & Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, (iii) Manufacturing of Medical Devices (iv) Automobiles and Auto Components, (v) Pharmaceuticals Drugs, (vi) Specialty Steel, (vii) Telecom & Networking Products, (viii) Electronic/Technology Products, (ix) White Goods (ACs and LEDs), (x) Food Products, (xi) Textile Products: MMF segment and technical textiles, (xii) High efficiency solar PV modules, (xiii) Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery, and (xiv) Drones and Drone Components.
The purpose of the PLI Schemes is to attract investments in key sectors and cutting-edge technology; ensure efficiency and bring economies of size and scale in the manufacturing sector and make Indian companies and manufacturers globally competitive.
These schemes have the potential of significantly boosting production, employment and economic growth over the next five years or so.
PLI Schemes for all 14 Sectors have been notified by the concerned Ministries/ Departments after due approval. These Schemes are in various stages of implementation by the implementing Ministries/ Departments.
The PLI scheme is expected to have a cascading effect on the country’s MSME ecosystem. The anchor units that will be built in every sector are likely to set a new supplier/vendor base in the entire value chain. Most of these ancillary units are expected to be built in the MSME sector. Out of the 733 applications selected under various PLI Schemes, 176 MSMEs are among the PLI beneficiaries in sectors such as Bulk Drugs, Medical Devices, Pharma, Telecom, White Goods, Food Processing, Textiles & Drones.
All the approved sectors identified under PLI Schemes follow the broad criteria of focusing on key technologies where India can leapfrog and multiply employment, exports and overall economic benefits for the economy. These sectors were approved after vetting by NITI Aayog and after detailed deliberations with concerned Ministries/ Departments. As on date, Union Cabinet has not approved any proposal to add any new sectors under PLI Schemes.
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
ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute
The journey of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), popularly known as Pusa Institute, began in 1905 at Pusa (Bihar) with the generous grant of 30,000 pounds from an American philanthropist, Mr. Henry Phipps. The institute was then known as Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) which functioned with five departments, namely Agriculture, Cattle Breeding, Chemistry, Economic Botany and Mycology. Bacteriology unit was added in 1907. The name of ARI was changed to Imperial Institute of Agricultural Research in 1911 and, in 1919 it was renamed as Imperial Agricultural Research Institute. Following a devastating earth quake on 15th January 1934, the institute was shifted to Delhi on 29th July 1936. Post independence, the institute has been renamed as Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
To explore new frontiers of science and develop human resources to provide the leadership in technology development and policy guidance for vibrant and resilient agriculture, which should be productive, eco-friendly, sustainable, economically profitable and socially equitable. In order to accomplish this mission, the Institute has adopted the following mandates:
- Basic, strategic and anticipatory research in field and horticultural crops for enhanced productivity and quality.
- Research in frontier areas to develop resource use efficient integrated crop management technologies for the sustainable agricultural production system.
- Serve as a centre for academic excellence in the areas of post-graduate education and human resources development in agricultural science.
- Provide national leadership in agricultural research, education, extension and technology assessment and transfer by developing new concepts and approaches and serving as a national reference point for quality and standards.
- Emphasize utilization of plant genetic resources, including conservation of agriculturally important microbial, cyano-bacterial and insect resources, to produce efficient, productive and stable genotypes of crops, especially hybrids, and improve bioenergetics.
- Generate knowledge related to the processes of production and productivity of agricultural crops leading to the development of research philosophies, concepts, methodologies, materials and technologies.
- Develop and use systems approach, crop modeling, bio-indicators, nuclear tools, remote sensing and GIS to achieve a greater understanding of the production systems and to modify them to reduce the environmental and human health risk to make them more sustainable in the context of holistic ecological and socio-economic aspects.
- Pay greater attention to the problems of agriculture under unfavourable conditions and to the orphan commodities.
- Foster excellence in agriculture-related to basic and social sciences, strengthen synergism between traditional knowledge and modern science, and harness management sciences and communication systems for improving the overall efficiency.
- Develop capabilities in post-harvest technology, agro-processing, product development, value addition and utilization research on agricultural commodities, by-products, agricultural wastes and renewable energy resources.
- Concentrate on new and emerging cutting edge technologies such as molecular biology and biotechnology and develop inter-disciplinary centers of excellence with modern instrumentation and foster system research.
E.issues
14. Technology
15. Environment
16. Security
INDIAN NAVY TO ENHANCE ITS OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY WITH COMMISSIONING OF INS JATAYU AT MINICOY ISLAND (LAKSHADWEEP)
Indian Navy will commission Naval Detachment Minicoy as INS Jatayu in the presence of Adm R Hari Kumar the, Chief of the Naval Staff on 06 Mar 2024. The event marks an important milestone in the Navy’s resolve to incrementally augment security infrastructure at the strategically important Lakshadweep Islands.
Naval Detachment Minicoy was set up in early 1980s under the operational command of Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep). Minicoy is the southernmost island of Lakshadweep which straddles the vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs). Basing of an independent Naval unit with requisite infrastructure and resources will enhance the overall operational capability of the Indian Navy in the islands. The base will enhance operational reach and facilitate Indian Navy’s operational effort towards Anti-Piracy and Anti-Narcotics Operations in Western Arabian Sea. It will also augment Indian Navy’s capability as the first responder in the region and augment connectivity with the mainland. The establishment of a Naval base is in line with the Govt of India’s focus towards comprehensive development of islands.
INS Jatayu is the second Naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti. With the commissioning of INS Jatayu, the Indian Navy will strengthen its foothold in the Lakshadweep islands and along with extending operational surveillance, reach and sustenance, it will usher in a new era of capacity building and comprehensive development of the island territories.
17. Disaster Management