- Indian Heritage
- Culture
Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
India’s freedom struggle was strengthened by several movements by tribal communities such as Santhals, Tamars, Kols, Bhils, Khasis and Mizos to name a few. The revolutionary movements and struggles organized by the tribal communities were marked by their immense courage and supreme sacrifice. Tribal movements in different regions of the country against the British colonial rule got linked with the national freedom struggle and inspired Indians all over the country. However, the public at large is not much aware about these tribal heroes.
To make the coming generations aware about their sacrifices to the country, Government has declared 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
The date is the birth anniversary of Sri Birsa Munda who is revered as Bhagwan by tribal communities across the country. Birsa Munda fought bravely against the country against the exploitative system of the British colonial system and spearheaded movement against British oppression giving a call for ‘Ulgulan’ (Revolution). The declaration acknowledges the glorious history and cultural heritage of tribal communities. The day will be celebrated every year and would recognize the efforts of the tribals for preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of valour, hospitality and national pride.
Born on 15th November 1875, in Ulihatu village of a present-day Jharkhand, Birsa spent his childhood in abject poverty in a tribal Munda family. This was the time when exploitative British Raj started penetrating into the deep jungles of Central and Eastern India, disrupting the tribals who had been living in harmony with nature and natural resources. The Britishers introduced a feudal Jamindari system in Chhota Nagpur region, destroying tribal Khuntkatti agrarian system. The Raj brought in the outsiders – moneylenders and contractors, as well as feudal landlords, which aided the British in exploitation of tribals.
It all culminated into Birsa Munda taking up the cause of Adivasis. He worked for refining and reforming the religious practices, discouraged many superstitious rites, brought in new tenets, new prayers, reformed many habits, and worked for restoring and reviving the tribal pride. Birsa impressed upon the adiwasis about “Sirmare firun raja jai” or ‘victory to the ancestral king’ thus invoking sovereignty of the tribals’ ancestral autonomous control over the land. Birsa became a mass leader, and began to be considered as a Bhagwan and Dharati Aba by his followers.
Birsa Munda had clearly identified that the British colonial rule was the root cause of all the problems and oppressions. It was amply clear to him that “Abua raj setar jana, maharani raj tundu jana (meaning: Let the Kingdom of the Queen be ended and our kingdom be established). Bhagwan Birsa ignited the spark in the minds of the masses. The Mundas, Oraons, other adivasis and non-adivasis responded to his call and joined ‘Ulgulan’ against the colonial masters and the exploitative dikus under the leadership of Birsa, for their social, economic, political and cultural emancipation. Soon he was captured by British police and lodged in jail, where he died in captivity on 09 June 1900.
But Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s spirited struggle did not go in vain. It compelled the British Raj to take cognisance of plight and exploitation of tribals, and brought in ‘Chhota Nagpur Tenancy Act of 1908’ for protection of Adiwasis. This important act restricted the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals, giving huge relief for the tribals, and became a landmark legislation for protection of tribal rights.
- 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
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
National Highways Authority of India was set up by an act of the Parliament, NHAI Act, 1988 “An Act to provide for the constitution of an Authority for the development, maintenance and management of national highways and for matter connected therewith or incidental thereto”. It has been entrusted with National Highways Development Project, which alongwith other minor projects, has vested in it 50329 kms of National Highways for development, maintenance and management. Our objective is to ensure that all contract awards and procurements conform to the best industry practices with regard to transparency of process, adoption of bid criteria to ensure healthy competition in award of contracts, implementation of projects conform to best quality requirements and the highway system is maintained to ensure best user comfort and convenience.C. Government policies
ational Highways are the arterial roads of the country for inter-state movement of passengers and goods. They traverse the length and width of the country connecting the National and State capitals, major ports and rail junctions and link up with border roads and foreign highways. The total length of NH (including expressways) in the country at present is 1,32,499 kms. While Highways/Expressways constitute only about 1.7% of the length of all roads, they carry about 40% of the road traffic
Mission
To develop, maintain and manage National Highways vested in it by the Government. To collect fees on National Highways, regulate and control the plying of vehicles on National Highways for its proper management. To develop and provide consultancy and construction services in India and abroad and carry on research activities in relation to the development, maintenance and management of highways or any other facilities there at. To advise the Central Government on matters relating to highways. To assist on such terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed upon, any State Government in the formulation and implementation of schemes for highway development.
D. role of NGOs
E. measures
11. Social Justice
A. Welfare schemes
B Health
C. Education
AGNI – ‘Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative’
- CCRAS will document and publish the reported medical practices and therapeutic regimens for education and academic purposes in consultation with NCISM (National Commission for Indian System of Medicine).
- AGNI aims to provide a platform to Ayurveda practitioners for reporting their innovative practices & and experiences in various disease conditions.
- To promote the culture of reporting evidence-based practice among Ayurveda Practitioners.
- To document the reported successful therapeutic regimens for various disease conditions involving Single drug/ Formulation/ Procedures for the purpose of education and academics.
- To identify the interested Ayurveda practitioners for collaboration in the creation of a database through applications and capacity building through training in research methods and good clinical practices.
- To undertake research for mainstreaming pragmatic practices through scientific validation and evidence-based appraisal
Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, in its new endeavour to promote research for mainstreaming the pragmatic Ayurveda practices through scientific validation and evidence-based appraisal, has launched “Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative” (AGNI) for physicians practicing in the field of Ayurveda.
Prof Rabinarayanan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS listed out the AGNI project’s aims as; to provide a platform for Ayurveda practitioners to report their innovative practices & and experiences in various disease conditions along with promoting the culture of evidence-based practice among Ayurveda Practitioners. The initiative also aims to undertake research for mainstreaming pragmatic practices through scientific validation and evidence-based appraisal.
CCRAS will document and publish the reported medical practices and therapeutic regimens for education and academic purposes in consultation with NCISM. Further research studies may be taken up by CCRAS on the reported medical practices for mainstreaming and scientific validation by developing research proposals in collaboration with Ayurveda Practitioners and other relevant institutes/ organizations.
There are over 500,000 registered Ayurveda practitioners who are mainly practicing in India.CCRAS, under Ministry of Ayush is an apex research organization committed to undertaking, coordinating, formulating, development and promotion of research on scientific lines in Ayurveda. In the recent past, to boost scientific research through Ayurveda colleges and hospitals, CCRAS has initiated the Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken (SPARK) for Undergraduate Scholars, Scheme for Training in Ayurveda Research for PG Scholars (PG-STAR) for PG Scholars and Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research in Teaching Professionals (SMART) program for teachers.
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
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
The scheme “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)” was launched by the Department of Fisheries; Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying; to bring about ecologically healthy, economically viable, and socially inclusive development of the fisheries sector of India.
PMMSY shall bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India at a total investment of ₹ 20,050 crore for holistic development of the fisheries sector including the welfare of fishers. PMMSY is implemented in all the States and Union Territories for a period of five years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25. In the Union Budget 2023-24, a new sub-scheme under the PMMSY has been announced with an investment of Rs.6,000 crore to enable activities of fish vendors, fishermen, and micro and small enterprises for improving value chain efficiencies and expanding the market.
Objectives of PMMSY
1. Harness the potential of the fisheries sector in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive, and equitable manner.
2. Enhance fish production and productivity through expansion, intensification, diversification, and productive utilization of land and water.
3. Modernize and strengthen the value chain including post-harvest management and quality improvement.
4. Double fishers and fish farmers’ incomes and generate meaningful employment.
5. Enhance the contribution of the fisheries sector to Agricultural GVA and exports.
6. Ensure social, physical, and economic security for fishers and fish farmers.
7. Build a robust fisheries management and regulatory framework.
India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) in New Delhi
The theme of IWIS 2023 is ‘Development vis-à-vis Land, Water and Rivers,’ aimed at uniting scientific experts, stakeholders, and government representatives to address dynamic challenges and opportunities in India’s water sector.
The Union Minister of Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, delivered a compelling address highlighting three pivotal pillars of society—ethics, ecology and environment, and economics—underscoring their integral role in shaping a sustainable future. He emphasized the importance of ecological initiatives, stressing that good experiments and technology are readily available. He outlined two significant philosophies for the future—conversion of knowledge into wealth through innovation, entrepreneurship, science, technology, research skills, and successful management practices, and the conversion of waste into wealth, promoting the idea that no material or person is waste. Addressing scientists, Union Minister urged them to focus on proven technologies, economic viability, availability of raw materials, and marketability of finished products. He provided examples, such as the potential development of the Zuari river in Goa, where a large gallery is being constructed that will boost tourism and generate revenue.
Igor Papič, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation from the Republic of Slovenia, advocated for a holistic approach to technology development for societal benefit. He highlighted the critical need to incorporate social science and humanities to address potential misuse cases, advocating for the active participation of the entire society in tech development. Recognizing water management as a complex problem demanding new technological innovation, he underscored the significance of water as a fundamental natural resource. He emphasized its pivotal role in the sustainable management of society, influencing both environmental and social aspects. Shri Papič drew attention to the global challenges facing the world—climate change, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.
In addressing the complex challenges of water security in India, Ms Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary -Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, highlighted key issues and strategies within water security and management. She said that the government has made substantial investments in drinking water and sanitation through flagship programs like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission. “However, sustaining these investments poses a significant challenge, especially given that 60% of the drinking water systems established by the Jal Jeevan Mission rely on groundwater”, she added. Climate change exacerbates these issues, impacting the water cycle with extreme precipitation and prolonged dry spells in various regions. To address these challenges, Ms Mukherjee outlined three key areas of focus. Firstly, efforts to improve river health to ensure rivers can sustain riverine systems, provide water for irrigation and drinking, and support the economy. Secondly, there is a focus on enhancing water use efficiency in agriculture. Thirdly, managing storage involves not only dams and reservoirs but also sedimentation management and local-level storage, such as ponds, pokhars, and groundwater.
Addressing the distinguished audience at the annual summit, Shri G. Asok Kumar, the Director General -National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), reiterated Namami Gange’s unwavering commitment to its mandate over the years. He said that NMCG has steadfastly delivered on its mandate, focusing on cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga and its tributaries. Shri G. Asok Kumar emphasized the invaluable lessons learned from NMCG’s implementation strategies, which are now becoming guiding principles for other cities facing similar challenges.
E.issues
14. Technology
Global Partnership on AI Summit 2023
The 2023 summit of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) will be held on 12–14 December 2023, in New Delhi, India. A Ministerial Council will be hosted as part of the summit, on 13 December.
The GPAI Summit brings together experts from governments, international organisations, industry, academia, and civil society to foster international cooperation on various AI issues. GPAI working groups will also showcase their work around the themes of responsible AI, data governance, future of work, and innovation and commercialisation.
GPAI was created in 2020 with the mission to ‘bring countries and experts together to support and guide the responsible adoption of AI grounded in human rights, inclusion, diversity, gender equality, innovation, economic growth, and environmental and societal benefit, while seeking to contribute concretely to the 2030 Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals’.
geospatial technologies
Geospatial technologies is a term used to describe the range of modern tools contributing to the geographic mapping and analysis of the Earth and human societies. These technologies have been evolving in some form since the first maps were drawn in prehistoric times. In the 19th century, the long important schools of cartography and mapmaking were joined by aerial photography as early cameras were sent aloft on balloons and pigeons, and then on airplanes during the 20th century. The science and art of photographic interpretation and map making was accelerated during the Second World War and during the Cold War it took on new dimensions with the advent of satellites and computers. Satellites allowed images of the Earth’s surface and human activities therein with certain limitations. Computers allowed storage and transfer of imagery together with the development of associated digital software, maps, and data sets on socioeconomic and environmental phenomena, collectively called geographic information systems (GIS). An important aspect of a GIS is its ability to assemble the range of geospatial data into a layered set of maps which allow complex themes to be analyzed and then communicated to wider audiences. This ‘layering’ is enabled by the fact that all such data includes information on its precise location on the surface of the Earth, hence the term ‘geospatial’.
Especially in the last decade, these technologies have evolved into a network of national security, scientific, and commercially operated satellites complemented by powerful desktop GIS. In addition, aerial remote sensing platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles (e.g. the GlobalHawk reconnaissance drone), are seeing increased non-military use as well. High quality hardware and data is now available to new audiences such as universities, corporations, and non-governmental organizations. The fields and sectors deploying these technologies are currently growing at a rapid pace, informing decision makers on topics such as industrial engineering, biodiversity conservation, forest fire suppression, agricultural monitoring, humanitarian relief, and much more.
There are now a variety of types of geospatial technologies potentially applicable to human rights, including the following:
- Remote Sensing: imagery and data collected from space- or airborne camera and sensor platforms. Some commercial satellite image providers now offer images showing details of one-meter or smaller, making these images appropriate for monitoring humanitarian needs and human rights abuses.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): a suite of software tools for mapping and analyzing data which is georeferenced (assigned a specific location on the surface of the Earth, otherwise known as geospatial data). GIS can be used to detect geographic patterns in other data, such as disease clusters resulting from toxins, sub-optimal water access, etc.
- Global Positioning System (GPS): a network of U.S. Department of Defense satellites which can give precise coordinate locations to civilian and military users with proper receiving equipment (note: a similar European system called Galileo will be operational within the next several years while a Russian system is functioning but restricted).
- Internet Mapping Technologies: software programs like Google Earth and web features like Microsoft Virtual Earth are changing the way geospatial data is viewed and shared. The developments in user interface are also making such technologies available to a wider audience whereas traditional GIS has been reserved for specialists and those who invest time in learning complex software programs.
Scientists fabricate 2D protein monolayer that can help to study diseases like Amyloidosis
A 2D protein monolayer was fabricated by scientists by assembling lysozyme molecules — model protein in studying diseases like Amyloidosis.
Amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs when a protein called amyloid builds up in organs.
This amyloid buildup can affect the working of organs like heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and digestive tract.
Lysozyme, a protein present in mucosal secretions and a principal component of airway fluid can be regarded as a model protein in studying diseases like Amyloidosis which ultimately leads to multi-organ dysfunction.
Scientists from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati (IASST), an autonomous institute of North-East India under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have assembled lysozyme molecules as a 2D monolayer at the interface of pure aqueous subphase. The research group, led by Dr. Sarathi Kundu, Associate Professor, along with Himadri Nath, a junior Research Fellow used the 2D protein monolayer to understand the behaviour of lysozyme molecules at air-water as well as at air-solid interface with the help of a technique called Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique.
The physical properties of lysozyme molecules at air-water interface were investigated under the variation of surface pressure and subphase pH conditions in the study recently published in the RSC Advances under the reputed RSC publishers. The compressible behaviour of lysozyme monolayers were correlated to the stripe-like domains formed with increase in surface pressure.
Lysozyme molecules at the air-water interface and their structural or conformational changes in variable pH conditions can be considered as a model system to study Amyloidosis disease, which occurs because of the misfolding and agglomeration of lysozyme molecules.
15. Environment
COP28
COP28 (28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) will be the final key climate moment of 2023 and action is needed now, more than ever. The conference will need to move beyond reassessing past commitments and deliver bolder action to keep 1.5 degrees in sight, avoid even greater losses and damages and accelerate a just transition to an economy that works for people and the planet. For decades we have worked together with communities, governments, civil society, and the private sector to take change from a local level to a national scale and to the world stage. As official observers we will aim to put the people we work with on the frontlines of climate change at the heart of the negotiations, to demonstrate the solutions that are available and bring together the right mix of stakeholders to take these to scale.
With global temperatures hitting record highs, and extreme weather events affecting people around the globe, this year’s UN climate change conference, COP28, is a pivotal opportunity to correct course and accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis. COP28 is where the world will take stock of progress on the Paris Agreement – the landmark climate treaty concluded in 2015 – and chart a course of action to dramatically reduce emissions and protect lives and livelihoods. The science is clear: to preserve a livable climate, the production of coal, oil, and gas must rapidly decline, and global renewable power capacity – including wind, solar, hydro and geothermal energy – needs to triple by 2030. At the same time, financing for adaptation and investments in climate resilience need a quantum leap. COP28 brings together leaders from governments, businesses, NGOs and civil society to find concrete solutions to the defining issue of our time.
Recognising the impact of climate change on health
India gets ready for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), it is important to examine how climate change affects the country’s health. India’s inadequate health systems make our population particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate risks on health. Climate change affects health directly, causing more sickness and death. In more indirect ways, it affects nutrition, reduces working hours, and increases climateinduced stress.
The precipitating factors continue to be unrelenting. One estimate suggests that if global temperature were to rise by 2°C, many parts of India would become uninhabitable. All nations during the Paris Agreement agreed to cap the rise in temperature at 1.5°C. Clearly, we have failed. The year 2023 saw the highest temperatures and heat waves in recorded history. The situation is likely to worsen for the planet. Climate emergencies — extreme heat, cyclones, floods — are expected to occur with increasing regularity. These will interfere with food security and livelihoods and sharpen health challenges.
The OECD report on climate finance
new report, published by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), showed that economically developed countries fell short of their promise to jointly mobilise $100 billion a year towards climate mitigation and adaptation needs of developing countries in 2021 — one year past the 2020 deadline. The report said that developed countries mobilised $89.6 billion in 2021 and that finances for adaptation fell by 14% in 2021 compared to 2020.
AWhy is the OECD report important?
The OECD is largely a group of rich countries including the U.S., the U.K., Germany, France, Switzerland, Canada, and others. The report, as such, offers a peek into their idea of climate finance ahead of the COP28 climate talks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next week, where the topic is expected to be a key bone of contention.
The report also comes against the backdrop of a pledge by the bloc of developed nations at the COP26 talks in Glasgow, in 2020, to double adaptation finance. Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) had also said at Glasgow, “with deep regret”, that the developed nations bloc hadn’t met the $100 billion climate finance goal in due time in 2020. The failure to mobilise adequate climate finance lowers capacity in developing countries to address climate mitigation (like emissions reduction with renewable energy) and adaptation needs (like developing and incentivising climateresilient agriculture), and reduces trust among the world’s poorer countries that the developed world is serious about tackling the climate crisis.
How is climate finance accounted for?
The OECD report showed that of the $73.1 billion mobilised in 2021 by the public sector via bilateral and multilateral channels, $49.6 billion was provided as loans. While the report doesn’t classify them in terms of the rates at which they’re provided, data available elsewhere sheds light on the extent to which rich countries rely on loans at commercial rates to fulfil their climate finance obligations. For example, an assessment by the American nonprofit research group Climate Policy Initiative of global climate finance flows between 2011 and 2020 found that 61% of climate finance was provided as loans, of which only 12% was at concessional interest rates.
So, when the OECD report states that twothirds of public climate financing was provided as loans, it means the conditions attached to such financing could further exacerbate debt stress in poorer countries. This is also a critique of the OECD report as it considers loans at face value, not the grant equivalent, when arriving at total climate finance figures. This means that while poorer countries shell out money towards repayment and interest, the loan is still counted as climate finance provided by the developed world.
What is additionality?
Another issue in the OECD report pertains to additionality. The UNFCCC states that developed countries “shall provide new and additional financial resources to meet the agreed full costs incurred by developing country Parties in complying with their obligations under
16. Security
MISSILE CUM AMMUNITION (MCA) BARGE, LSAM 9 (YARD 77)
The delivery of ‘Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 9 (Yard 77)’, the third Barge of 08 x Missile Cum Ammunition Barge project, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam for Indian Navy, was undertaken on 22 Nov 23 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai for INS Tunir. The induction ceremony was presided over by Cmde Ashish Sehgal Command Refit Officer, Western Naval Command.
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. Induction 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 Regulations of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). The model testing of the Barge during design stage was 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).
INDIAN ARMED FORCES CONTINGENT DEPARTS FOR JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE “AUSTRAHIND-23”
The Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising of 81 personnel departed for Australia today to take part in the second edition of Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND-23. The exercise will be conducted at Perth, Australia from 22nd November to 06th December 2023.
Indian Army contingent comprises 60 personnel from a Battalion of the GORKHA Rifles. The Australian Army contingent comprising 60 personnel will be from the 13th Brigade. One officer from Indian Navy and 20 personnel from Indian Air Force will also participate from the Indian side. The Australian contingent will include 20 personnel each from the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force.
Exercise AUSTRAHIND was instituted in 2022 and the first edition was conducted in Mahajan, Rajasthan. It is planned to be an annual training event to be conducted alternatively in India and Australia.
Aim of the exercise is to foster collaborative partnership and share best practices between the two sides. The exercise will also promote inter- operability while undertaking multi-domain operations in Urban and Semi- Urban terrain under Chapter VII of United Nations on peace keeping operations.
The joint exercise will promote exchange of ideas and jointly rehearse tactics, technique and procedures for conducting tactical operations. Training curriculum also includes sniper firing, and jointly operating surveillance and communication equipment to achieve a high degree of situational awareness. Casualty management and evacuation will also be rehearsed besides tactical actions at Company/ Battalion level.
17. Disaster Management