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

To commemorate Samvidhan Diwas (Constitution Day)

9. Polity

 

 

10. Governance

A. institutions

NeGD organizes Digital Government Senior Leaders program under Digital India

A Digital Government Senior Leaders program is being conducted in collaboration with IIM-Bangalore from November 20-25, 2023, with the participation of 21 officials from Central government and eight State/UT departments. The six days intensive workshop is intended to equip the participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and navigate the complexities of digital transformation in the government sector.

This program is organized by National e-Governance Division, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, under its Capacity Building scheme, and is designed to provide exposure to the concept of digital government – its benefits, and potential impact on public service delivery, citizen engagement, and organizational effectiveness; contemporary issues in managing large e-Governance projects, successful implementations of projects and the challenges faced.

About National E-Governance Division

n 2009, National e-Governance Division was created by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology as an Independent Business Division under the Digital India Corporation {erstwhile Media Lab Asia}. Since 2009, NeGD has been playing a pivotal role in supporting MeitY in Programme Management and implementation of the e-Governance Projects; provide technical and advisory support to Ministries/ Departments, both at Central and State levels along with other Government organisations. NeGD’s major operational areas include programme management, project development, technology management, capacity building, awareness and communications related activities under the flagship Digital India Programme. NeGD has developed and is managing several National Public Digital Platforms such as DigiLocker, UMANG, Rapid Assessment System, OpenForge, API Setu, Poshan Tracker, Academic Bank of Credits, National Academic Depositories, National AI Portal, MyScheme, India Stack Global, Meri Pehchaan, etc.

The envisioned roles and responsibilities of NeGD are as follows:

1. Providing strategic direction in terms of framing policies and implementation strategy for the Digital India Programme in different domains of e-Governance
2. Proactive support to Central and State Governments for Mission Mode Projects and other e-Governance projects
3. Acting as a facilitator and catalyst for implementation of Digital India Program by various Ministries and State Governments
4. Providing technical assistance to Central Ministries/ State Line Departments in their e-Governance projects either directly or in collaboration with professional consultants
5. Undertaking technical appraisal of e-Governance projects for examining issues like overall technology, architecture, framework standards, security policy, service delivery mechanism, sharing of common infrastructure, etc
6. Developing generic / model Expression of Interest, Request for Proposal, Standard Contracts, PPP Models and other related documents for various stages and requirements of projects for use by the States
7. Ensuring effective citizen engagement and communication with all stakeholders using offline and Social Media channels
8. Impact assessment and e-Readiness measurement of e-Governance projects of all States / UTs
9. Recruitment, deployment and HR management of specialised resources in the State e-Governance Mission Teams in all States and UTs
10. Training and development initiatives, including-
    1. Development of competency frameworks, training guidelines, case studies, etc
    1. Developing Online and Web based Training and set up Learning Management System
    1. Knowledge management and sharing through workshops, development of case studies, sharing best practises and creation of knowledge repositories, etc

B. regulatory

C. Government policies

D. role of NGOs

E. measures

11. Social Justice

A. Welfare schemes

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The Ministry of Tourism launched  its  flagship scheme of  ‘Swadesh Darshan’ in 2014-15 and provided  financial assistance to the State Governments/ UTs Administration/Central Agencies for development of tourism infrastructure at various destinations, subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable Detailed Project Reports, Adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier etc. During the period 2014-15 to 2018-19, a total number of 76 projects were sanctioned under identified thematic circuits in 31 States/UTs of the country for Rs. 5292.57 Crore.

The Ministry of Tourism has now revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as SD2.0 with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible destinations following a tourist & destination centric approach.

PRASHAD Scheme

The Government of India launched the PRASAD scheme in the year 2014-2015 under the Ministry of Tourism. The full form of the PRASAD scheme is ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive’.

This scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India for enriching the religious tourism experience. It aims to integrate pilgrimage destinations in a prioritised, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience. The growth of domestic tourism hugely depends on pilgrimage tourism. 

For tapping the potential of pilgrimage tourism, there is a need for holistic development of the selected pilgrimage destinations by the government along with the cooperation of other stakeholders.

The PRASAD scheme aims at paving the way for the development and promotion of religious tourism in India.

 

B Health

C. Education

Union Health Ministry solicits comments from general public on the proposed National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023

The Union Health Ministry has sought comments from the general public on the proposed National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023. A draft Bill was prepared and uploaded on the website of the Ministry of …
The ministry put up the draft bill on its website on November 14 seeking comments from the public.

The proposed bill aims to provide for a pharmacy education system that improves access to quality and affordable pharmacy or pharmaceutical education, ensures availability of adequate and high-quality pharmacy professionals in all parts of the country, promotes equitable and universal healthcare, and makes services of pharmacy professionals accessible to all citizens.

The draft bill calls for a periodic and transparent assessment of pharmacy institutions, facilitating maintenance of a pharmacy register for India, and enforcing high ethical standards in all aspects of pharmacy services.

D. Human Resources

All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural and Rural Labourers – October, 2023

he All India Consumer Price Index Number for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) (Base: 1986-87=100) for the month of October, 2023 increased by 15 points and 14 points respectively to stand at 1241 (one thousand two hundred and forty-one) and 1251 (one thousand two hundred and fifty-one) points respectively. The major contribution towards the rise in general index of Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers came from food group to the extent of 13.20 and 12.48 points respectively mainly due to increase in prices of rice, wheat atta, pulses, vegetables, milk, onion, chillies (green), mixed spices etc,.

There has been an upward trend in the index across all the states. In the case of Agricultural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 1 to 10 points in 5 States, 11 to 20 points in 13 states and an increase of more than 20 points in 2 states. Tamil Nadu with 1427 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with 960 points stood at the bottom.

In the case of Rural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 1 to 10 points in 5 states, 11 to 20 points in 13 states and an increase of more than 20 points in 2 states. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with 1415 points each topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with 1011 points stood at the bottom.

Amongst states, the maximum increase was experienced by Jammu & Kashmir for both CPI-AL and CPI-RL (32 and 29 points respectively) mainly due to rise in the prices of rice, wheat atta, onion, kadam saag/spinach, etc. The minimum increase in both the indexes was experienced by Kerala (1 point each).

Point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 7.08% and 6.92% in October, 2023 compared to 6.70% and 6.55% respectively in September, 2023 and 7.22% and 7.34% respectively during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, food inflation stood at 8.42% and 8.18% in October, 2023 compared to 8.06% and 7.73% respectively in September, 2023 and 7.05% & 7.00% respectively during the corresponding month of the previous year.

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

Construction of Vertical Rescue Tunnel at Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse site

Rescue operations continue in full swing to save the 41 trapped workers at Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi. Committed to saving precious lives of all the workers, the Government is keeping constant communication and making all efforts to keep up the morale of the workers trapped in the 2 km-built tunnel portion.  This 2 km portion of tunnel is complete including concrete work that provides safety to the workers.

Electricity and water are available in this portion of the tunnel and workers are provided food items and medicines etc. through 4-inch compressor pipeline. Today, a major breakthrough has been achieved when NHIDCL has completed drilling of another 6 inches diameter pipeline for supply of food, medicines and other essential items. Further, RVNL is working on another vertical pipeline for supply of essential items

Various government agencies have been involved in the rescue operation and have been assigned specific tasks. These agencies are working tirelessly for the safe evacuation of the workers. Below are the updates for the construction of the Vertical Rescue Tunnel:

Operations for rescue of labourers :

• Horizontal boring by NHIDCL from Silkyara end for rescue of workers through Augur boring machine is scheduled to recommence today evening. 
• The first machine of SJVNL for the construction of the Vertical rescue Tunnel has already reached the tunnel site and operations are being commenced post completion of access road by BRO. Movement of two other machines for the vertical tunnel construction started from Gujarat and Odisha through road.
• Work on construction of a rescue tunnel of 480 mtrs from Barkot end by THDC has commenced.
• Machinery for micro-tunneling by RVNL through horizontal drilling for rescue of labourers is being transported from Nashik and Delhi.
• Machinery for vertical boring are being mobilized by ONGC from USA, Mumbai & Ghaziabad.
• BRO has done a commendable work when approach road for vertical drilling of RVNL and SJVNL has been constructed within 48 hours. Further, now work is continuing for approach road for ONGC also.

Background:

• On 12.11.2023, it was reported that collapse occurred in under construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barko.t due to muck fallen in 60-meter stretch in Silkyara side of tunnel. After the incident, the State Government, and the Government of India mobilised resources immediately for rescue of the 41 trapped labourers.
• It was decided to lay a 900 mm pipe through the muck as it was the best and fastest possible solution as per the experts’ advice.
• However, on 17.11.2023, because of ground movement it became unsafe to continue with this option without securing the structure. Considering the lives involved, it was decided to move on all possible fronts together so that the workers can be rescued as early as possible.
• The area in which the workers are trapped is 8.5 metres high and 2 kms long. This is the built up portion of the tunnel where concreting work has been done providing safety to the labourers. Electricity and water are also available in this portion of the tunnel. 
• Five options were decided and five different agencies were detailed to carry out these options. 5 agencies namely Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Sutluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL), Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDCL) have been assigned responsibilities.
• NHIDCL is creating another 6-inch pipeline for food and drilling of 39 mtr out of 60 metre is completed. Once this tunnel is ready, it will facilitate delivery of more food items.
• RVNL is working on another vertical pipeline for supply for essential items after the Border Roads Organization completed building an approach road in just one day.
• NHIDCL will continue to drill from Silkyara end after working safety arrangements. To facilitate this Army has prepared the box culvert. A canopy framework is being made to ensure workers’ safety.
• Further, Tehri Hydroelectric Development Corporation (THDC) has undertaken work of micro tunnelling from Barkot end for which heavy machinery has already been mobilised. 
• Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) is implementing vertical drilling to rescue the trapped labourers. Accordingly, equipment has been mobilized from Gujarat and Odisha through Railways as being 75-tonne equipment it could not be airlifted.
• ONGC, having expertise in deep drilling, had also started initial work for vertical drilling from Barkot end.

            global Fisheries Conference India 2023

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala will inaugurate Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 at Gujarat Science City, Ahmedabad on 21^st November 2023. The concept has thus taken shape of a two-day conference from 21^st to 22^nd November 2023 on the occasion of World Fisheries Day being celebrated globally. The Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 was conceptualised by the Department of Fisheries with the aim of devising a way forward for the Indian Fisheries and Aquaculture sector in conjunction with the stakeholders from the fisheries’ value chain.

The event will kick-start with the inauguration of the Exhibition by Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala and followed by the Inaugural session, Press Conference, International Round table and parallel Technical Sessions, Industry Connect Sessions and G2G/G2B and B2B Bilaterals. The exhibition stalls and food mela will be accessible to all visitors and participants throughout the two days, post inaugural ceremony.

One of the key event will be the International Roundtable led by Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala with the foreign missions of France, New Zealand, Norway, Australia, Russia, Spain, Zimbabwe, Angola, Brazil and Greece, International organisations namely Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN-FAO), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Bay of Bengal Program (BoBP), Marine Stewardship Council India (MSC India) among others, Ministers from the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himanchal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Goa and Andhra Pradesh along with senior officials from Department of Fisheries (GoI), National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), State/UT Fisheries Departments and Fisheries institutes. The objective of the International Roundtable will be to discuss collaborations with international organizations, Ministries, research institutions among others on sustainable fishing practices, aquaculture technologies and resource management.

Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 is a unique opportunity that is expected to bring together varied stakeholders at one place platform. More than 5000 participants will be hosted during the two days for multiple sessions and engaged in thought provoking discussions and deliberations. In total a series of ten sessions have been planned for the Technical Sessions and the Industry Connect Sessions. Whilst open forums for Government-to-Government (G2G)/Government-to-Business (G2B) and Business-to-Business (B2B) Bilaterals will be simultaneously held.

The Technical Sessions have been planned with the objectives of fostering deeper understanding of trending topics in Fisheries sector pertaining to challenges and opportunities in Inland Aquaculture, Coastal Aquaculture and Mariculture, Deep Sea Fishing, sustainable aqua feed, fish health management, innovations & best practices, New and Emerging Technologies etc.

The Industry Connect Sessions are also planned during event with focus on bringing together business and industrial organisations in the fisheries sector to share market insights, trends, opportunities and challenges while networking and foster collaborations/partnerships.

The G2G/G2B/B2B bilaterals are also being facilitated to entail discussion and dialogues between policy makers, experts and industry for knowledge sharing, networking etc. This is an open format forum for stakeholders to freely explore opportunities for bilateral discussion and deliberations.

The exhibition is also organized that hosts more than 200+ exhibitors, who are demonstrating a wide range of products, services and innovations by the start-ups, associations, co-operatives, SHGs, and small-medium enterprises from the sector. A special pavilion has been set up that exhibits chosen start-ups RAS, Artificial Reef, Seaweeds, Transponders, Raceways, Deep Sea Fishing Harbours etc.

At a macro level, all activities planned during the Global Fisheries Conference 2023 are expected to yield views and thought process of national and international stakeholders for identifying focus areas, gaps, opportunities, solutions and partnerships for the development of the Indian Fisheries sector.

E.issues

14. Technology

 “Nano Quest 

 specialized Teacher Training Workshop convened at CSIR-CSIO in Chandigarh on November 20^th, 2023 marked a significant milestone in the realm of science education. The workshop, organized as part of Knowledge and Awareness Mapping Platform (KAMP)’s third Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program for educators in collaboration with the CSIR – Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIO) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), brought together over 40 enthusiastic teachers from diverse schools.

The central theme of the workshop, “Nano Quest – A Journey of Exploration through Nanoworld,” underscored the commitment of educators to enhance their knowledge and teaching skills in the field of science education. The diverse training modules covered various facets of science education, providing a unique opportunity for educators to learn from esteemed scientists and experts associated with CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh.

The workshop served as a platform for educators and administrators to gain fresh perspectives on science education, exchange ideas on effective teaching strategies, and align with the latest developments in the field. The collective knowledge and experience shared by the scientists promise to leave a lasting impact on the future of science education.

Continuous Professional Development programs of this nature play a vital role in equipping teachers with the latest tools and knowledge to enrich the learning experiences of their students. Beyond enhancing educators’ understanding of scientific concepts, these initiatives aim to spark a profound enthusiasm for scientific exploration in students.

About CSIR-CSIO:

CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) is a premier national laboratory dedicated to the research, design, and development of scientific and industrial instruments. As a multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional apex industrial research & development organization, CSIO stimulates the growth of the Instrument Industry in India.

About CBSE (Training/Capacity Building Programmes):

CBSE is committed to addressing quality concerns in school education, prioritizing the development of teachers and principals. The Board provides various training programs to enhance their understanding of curriculum, delivery mechanisms, and other professional qualities.

 

15. Environment

As fireworks light up night sky, air pollution spikes to 120 times WHO limit

16. Security

LAUNCH OF MISSILE CUM AMMUNITION (MCA) BARGE, LSAM 10 (YARD 78)

The launch of ‘Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 10 (Yard 78)’,the fourth   Barge of 08 x Missile Cum Ammunition Barge project, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd (SEPPL), Visakhapatnam for Indian Navy, was undertaken on 20 Nov 23 at Guttenadeevi, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh (launch site of M/s SEPPL). The launching Ceremony was presided over by Cmde Shanmugam Sabesan, CRO (East). 

The contract for building 08 x Missile Cum Ammunition Barge was signed between MoD and M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam on 19 Feb 21. The availability of these Barges would provide impetus to operational commitments of IN by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to IN Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.

These Barges are indigenously designed and built under relevant Naval Rules and Regulation of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). The model testing of the Barge during design stage were undertaken at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. These Barges are proud flag bearers of Make in India initiative of Government of India (GoI).

 

 

17. Disaster Management