- Indian Heritage
- Culture
Martyrdom Day Guru Teg Bahadur Ji
Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of Sikhs of Sikh religion. The day is celebrated as Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur across the country. It was on 24 November 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life for the sake of people who did not even belong to his community. to protect religion, human values, ideals and principles.About Guru Tegh Bahadur: • Guru Tegh Bahadur had resisted forced conversions of non-Muslims to Islam during Aurangzeb’s rule • He was publicly killed in 1675 on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Delhi. • Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi are the sites of his execution and cremation. • Guru Tegh Bahadur’s term as Guru ran from 1665 to 1675. • In the Guru Granth Sahib, there are one hundred and fifteen hymns of Guru Tegh Bahadur. • Guru Tegh Bahadur is remembered for his selfless service to people. He travelled across the country with the teachings of Guru Nanak – the first Sikh Guru. • Guru Tegh Bahadur had set up community kitchens and wells for the local people wherever he went. • Anandpur Sahib, the famous holy city and a global tourist attraction in the foothills of Himalayas, was founded by Guru Tegh Bahadur.
- 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
Unheeded advice
The time has come for the Governor’s role to be reconsidered
ngoing proceedings before the Supreme Court raise concerns about the conduct of some Governors. The key issue that has forced State governments to approach the court for redress is the perverse manner in which incumbents in Raj Bhavan have used the absence of a timeframe for granting assent to Bills to harass and frustrate elected regimes. When the court raised the question, “What was the Governor doing for three years?” with respect to the Tamil Nadu Governor, R.N. Ravi, it was underscoring the fact that he disposed of pending Bills only after the court’s observations about the delay in an earlier hearing. The Governor’s reluctance to act until an aggrieved government approached the court seems deliberate. The hearing was marked by some questions and answers about the implications of the Governor’s action in withholding his assent to 10 Bills, and the response of the State Assembly in passing the Bills for a second time. Preliminary observations by the court suggest that the scheme of Article 200 of the Constitution, which deals with the presentation of Bills passed by the legislature to the Governor for assent, will come under a good deal of scrutiny in this matter. With the court noting that the Governor cannot refuse assent to the reenacted Bills, the present legislative impasse can be given a quick resolution if Mr. Ravi acts on the observation. However, the matter should not end there.
The larger issue requires a clear enunciation of the law. The tenor of Constituent Assembly debates indicates that it intended to make the power of granting or withholding assent to Bills, or even returning them for reconsideration, exercisable solely on the advice of the Council of Ministers. However, in practice, many Governors have acted on their own, especially in reserving Bills for the President’s consideration. The Supreme Court must now come up with an authoritative decision so that uncooperative Governors do not use such grey areas to their advantage. It must also be clarified whether ‘withholding assent’ is a final act of rejection of a Bill or it needs a followup action in the form of returning the Bill with a message for reconsideration by the House, as stated in the first proviso to Article 200. The proviso bars Governors from withholding assent to any Bill they had returned for reconsideration and has been adopted again by the legislature. The issue has also highlighted constitutional ambiguities on the role of Governors. The ‘aid and advice’ clause that is at the core of parliamentary democracy is somewhat undermined by clauses that allow Governors to give themselves discretion they were never meant to have. Such provisions need wholesome reconsideration.
10. Governance
A. institutions
B. regulatory
National Conference on Public Administration and Citizen Centric Governance’
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today said that Prime Minister Shri Narendera Modi has successfully used technology to give citizen-centric governance. The overall impact of this in the last nearly ten years is the emergence of a new work culture which makes optimum use of latest technology, including Artificial Intelligence, to curb corruption, increase transparency, promptly address grievances and finally enable the citizen to become a core participant in governance, he said.
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, was addressing the ‘National Conference on Public Administration and Citizen Centric Governance: Priorities, Policies and Strategies’, organised by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), in New Delhi.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, PM Modi’s policy of ‘Maximum Governance – Minimum Government’ has been translated into reality by Digital Empowerment of citizens.
“If technology is now the hallmark of the entire governance process in the last 9-10 years under Prime Minister Modi, each of these components of Good Governance has been used for better functioning with use of technology,” he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, India was the first country to use Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to get rid of middlemen and check pilferage with the help of technology. DBT also ensured the farmers and poor people were not denied the benefits of social welfare schemes even during the peak of Covid pandemic.
“Governance reforms introduced by Prime Minister Modi are not confined to governance, they have a huge socio-economic implication as well,” he said.
PM Modi abolished Interviews for recruitment to lower posts within the first year of his tenure, eliminating human and administrative interface to the extent possible. Similarly, the practice of attestation of documents by Gazetted Officers was abolished.
“Besides, nearly 2,000 obsolete rules have been scrapped that were proving to be detrimental to the convenience of the citizens,” he said.
Referring to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Modi government amended it after 30 years in 2018 with an aim to punish bribe givers for the first time.
technology is an important tool in improving Services as deployed in the Integrated CPGRAMS portal and Face Recognition Technology being rolled out by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare
C. Government policies
D. role of NGOs
E. measures
11. Social Justice
A. Welfare schemes
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)
The Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Thawaarchand Gehlot launched the website for the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June 2021, which is observed worldwide to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving the goal of a sustainable world free of substance abuse. The entire world is facing the menace of drug addiction which has a devastating impact on the addict, individual, family and a large section of society. The launch of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) is for 272 Districts across 32 State/Union Territories that have been identified as the most vulnerable in terms of usage of drugs in the country. These vulnerable districts were identified on the basis of findings from the Comprehensive National Survey and the inputs provided by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). According to the National Comprehensive Survey conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, there are more than 60 million drug users in the country of which a large number of users are in the age group of 10-17 years.
OBJECTIVES
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan intends to reach out to the masses and spread awareness about substance abuse through various activities like: Awareness generation programmes Focus on higher educational Institutions, university campuses and schools Reaching out to the Community and identifying dependent population Focus on counselling and treatment facilities in hospitals and rehabilitation centres that have been geo-tagged Capacity building programmes for service providers
B Health
C. Education
D. Human Resources
E. poverty and hunger
12. International relations
A. India and its neighbourhood
B. groupings and agreements
India and Lithuania discuss Maritime relations
Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur and the Vice Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, Mr. Ejidijus Meilunas met in New Delhi today. The meeting focused upon strengthening the maritime bilateral relations between India and Lithuania. Both the Ministers expressed their appreciation for the strong and friendly relations between India and Lithuania.
During the meeting, Shri Shantanu Thakur expressed his happiness upon opening of India’s Resident Mission in Vilnius, Lithuania. He said, ‘This is another example of our commitment to strengthen bilateral relations. It is a matter of great satisfaction that bilateral trade between our two countries has shown steady growth in recent years’. As of 2022-23, the bilateral trade stood at US$ 472 million.
Both the ministers discussed the unique advantage of the Klaipėda port, being ice-free throughout the year. They highlighted the opportunity for mutual collaboration in this field, considering India’s expertise in port infrastructure development and Lithuania’s strategic location as a gateway to important industrial regions in Eastern Europe.
C.Indian diaspora
13. Economic Development
A. Government Budgeting
B. industrial
Commerce Ministry to collaborate with e-commerce companies to promote exports from districts
In a significant move to enable micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and boost e-commerce exports from the country, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India is collaborating with the various e-commerce players to leverage the Districts as Export Hubs initiative and promote e-commerce exports from the country. In first such collaboration with different e-commerce platforms, DGFT has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Amazon India.
As part of this MoU, Amazon and DGFT will co-create capacity building sessions, training and workshops for MSMEs in districts identified by the DGFT as part of the District as Exports Hub initiative outlined in the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, in a phased manner. The initiative seeks to link local producers even in rural and remote districts with global supply chains. The collaboration aims to enable exporters/MSMEs to sell their ‘Made in India’ products to customers internationally.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri. Santosh Sarangi (Additional Secretary and Director General, DGFT), Chetan Krishnaswamy (Vice President, Public Policy – Amazon) and Bhupen Wakankar (Director Global Trade – Amazon India).
The core objective of this collaboration is to leverage e-commerce platforms to support local exporters, manufacturers, and MSMEs in reaching potential international buyers. The partnership aligns with the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, which identifies e-commerce as a focus area for amplifying India’s exports.
Under the collaboration, Districts will be identified by various e-commerce platforms across India, to undertake various capacity-building and outreach activities in collaboration with DGFT- Regional Authorities. These activities will focus on educating MSMEs on e-commerce exports and enabling them to sell to customers across the world. In addition, the capacity building session will allow MSMEs to learn about imaging, digital cataloging of their products, tax advisory amongst others. With this, Indian entrepreneurs can build their e-commerce exports businesses and global brands. Under the MoU with Amazon India, 20 districts have been identified for such capacity building and handholding sessions.
DGFT is in discussion with various e-commerce platforms like Flipkart/Walmart, E-bay, Rivexa, Shopclues, Shiprocket, DHL Express etc. to have similar collaboration in other districts of the country under the Districts as Export Hubs initiative. This will supplement DGFT’s efforts to hand hold, promote new and first time exporters and other MSME producers to export from India, thereby making substantial strides towards the goal of $1 trillion goods exports by year 2030.
proposed International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP)
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal visited the site of the proposed International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP), at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island today and reviewed its progress with the senior officials. As envisaged in the Maritime India vision 2030 as well as one of the key projects in the Amrit kaal Vision 2047, the proposed International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP) project has reached significant milestones, solidifying its position as a transformative initiative with a total estimated cost of about ₹44,000 Crores. The project is strategically important for the country and crucial for the economic and infrastructural development of the entire region, has garnered key approvals and support from government bodies.
The development of this Mega Container Terminal is a part of the holistic development of Great Nicobar Island. The project focuses on three key drivers, which can result in making it a leading container transshipment port, i.e. strategic location in terms of proximity (40 nautical miles) with the International shipping trade route, availability of natural water depth of over 20m and carrying capacity of transshipment cargo from all the Ports in the proximity including Indian Ports.
E.issues
14. Technology
Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository and creation of a Social Impact Fund to advance Digital Public Infrastructure in Global South
he launch of two India-led initiatives: the Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository and a Social Impact Fund aimed at promoting the development of Social Impact Fund to advance Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the Global South during the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit on 22nd November 2023.
The G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG), chaired by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has led the advancement of the global DPI Agenda. The DEWG’s rigorous negotiation efforts have culminated in the first-ever multilateral consensus on DPI. The Digital Economy Ministers’ Meeting (DEMM) unanimously endorsed three DPI deliverables, which included: a Framework for building DPI, mobilizing finances for DPI development in Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), and the creation of a Global DPI Repository (GDPIR) for the exchange of information and best practices. This landmark consensus was also affirmed as a part of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD).
Towards delivering these outcomes, the MeitY has developed the GDPIR, which is a comprehensive resource hub, pooling essential lessons and expertise from G20 members and guest nations. Its primary aim is to bridge the knowledge gap in the choices and methodologies required for the design, construction, deployment, and governance of DPIs. The GDPIR showcases the information in a standardized format from countries and organizations that have developed DPIs at scale, incorporating elements such as maturity scales, source codes (where available), and governance frameworks. Currently, the GDPIR features 54 DPIs from 16 countries, and it can be accessed at https://www.dpi.global.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also announced the creation of a Social Impact Fund (SIF), to which India has pledged an initial commitment of 25 million USD. The SIF is envisioned as a government led, multistakeholder initiative to fast-track DPI implementation in the global south. This fund will offer financial support to provide upstream technical and non-technical assistance to countries in developing DPI systems. The SIF offers a platform for all relevant stakeholders, including other governments, international organizations, and philanthropic entities, to contribute to this fund and help accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) through DPIs.
15. Environment
CoP28 turns attention to potent methane emissions
Climate talks often revolve around reducing the most dangerous greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2).
But other powerful heattrapping emissions, namely methane, are also likely to be in the crosshairs of negotiators at the crucial CoP28 meeting in Dubai next week.
Potent but relatively shortlived methane is a key target for countries wanting to slash emissions quickly and slow climate change.
That is particularly because large amounts of methane are simply leaking into the atmosphere from fossil fuel infrastructure.
Atmospheric methane (CH4) occurs abundantly in nature as the primary component of natural gas.
It is the second largest contributor to climate change, accounting for around 16% of the warming effect.
Methane remains in the atmosphere for only about 10 years, but has a much more powerful warming impact than
CO2.
Its warming effect is 28times greater than CO2 over a 100year timescale.
Exactly how much methane is released in the atmosphere remains subject to “significant uncertainty”, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), despite progress in the monitoring of emissions through the use of satellites.
Scientists are also puzzling over a steady increase of methane in the atmosphere, with concentrations currently over twoandahalf times greater than preindustrial levels.
Around 60% of methane emissions are linked to human activity, the IEA says,
Methane remains in the atmosphere for only 10 years, but has a much more powerful warming impact than CO2. Its effect is 28times greater than CO2 over a 100year timescale
while most of the remainder is from wetlands.
Agriculture is the biggest culprit, responsible for roughly a quarter of emissions. Most of that is from livestock (cows and sheep release methane during digestion and in their manure) and rice cultivation, where flooded fields create ideal conditions for methaneemitting bacteria.
The energy sector coal, oil, and gas is the second largest source of human caused methane emissions. Methane leaks from energy infrastructure, such as gas pipelines, and from deliberate releases during maintenance.
Discarded household waste also releases large quantities of methane when it decomposes, if left to rot in landfills.
A recent IEA report estimates that rapid cuts in methane emissions linked to the fossil fuel sector could prevent up to 0.1 degrees Celsius of warming by midcentury.
That might sound like a modest reduction, but such a reduction would have an impact greater than “immediately taking all cars and trucks in the world off the road,” the report’s authors said.
It could be achieved by repairing leaky infrastructure and eliminating routine flaring and venting during maintenance.
In agriculture, it’s possible to modify animal diets by, for example, adding a compound to improve their health.
For rice fields, changes to water management are the “most promising” way to reduce emissions, according to a FAO report.
16. Security
INTER COMMAND OCEAN SAILING RACE FLAGGED OFF AT KOCHI
In a celebration of maritime skill and adventure, the Indian Navy flagged off the second edition of Inter Command Ocean Sailing Race 2023 from Kochi to Goa in a spectacular ceremony at Naval Base, Kochi on 22 Nov 23. The race is featuring four 40 footer Indian Naval Sailing Vessels (INSVs) Bulbul, Neelkanth, Kadalpur and Hariyal promising an adventurous journey in the Arabian sea. Each sailboat is crewed by eight personnel from three Naval commands and a combined team of Andaman & Nicobar Command and NHQ. The race is special from its previous edition as it includes a mixed crew comprising both men and women officers and sailors, symbolising gender neutrality and providing equal opportunity to one and all. 32 participants would endure the challenges at sea, each one vying for the coveted title, as their vessels navigate through the dynamic currents and strong winds of the Arabian Sea.
The Race was flagged off by RAdm Subir Mukherjee, Admiral Superintendent Yard, at Kochi. The sailing event is coordinated by Ocean Sailing Node, Goa in association with Offshore Sailing Club, Kochi. The sailing race is being organised by Southern Naval Command under the aegis of Indian Naval Sailing Association (INSA) based at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi. Set against the stunning backdrop of Kochi’s coastal beauty, the sailing extravaganza will showcase the seamanship and navigational prowess of seasoned sailors. The boats are expected to skilfully leverage the winds and proceed to Goa without the use of engines, covering a distance of 360 nm. Prior to the race, an Ocean Sailing Clinic was organised for the participating teams at Kochi from 14-19 Nov 23.
Indian Navy has made significant efforts to revitalise the sailing tradition, emphasising its commitment to preserve maritime heritage and promote seamanship skills. Through the pioneering efforts of Sail Training Ships INS Tarangini & INS Sudarshini and circumnavigation onboard INSVs Mhadei and Tarani, the Indian Navy has taken a centre stage in Ocean Sailing expeditions.
17. Disaster Management
Rescue Operations Intensify at Silkyara Tunnel Collapse Site
Uttarkashi, 23 November 2023: Continuing their unwavering commitment to saving lives, the government is actively engaged in ongoing rescue operations at the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi, where 41 workers remain trapped. The 2 km section of the tunnel, with completed concrete work ensuring the safety of the workers, is the focus of the rescue efforts.
In this secured portion of the tunnel, electricity and water supply are operational, and provisions, including food and medicines, are being delivered through a dedicated 4-inch compressor pipeline.
Various government agencies have been mobilized, each assigned specific tasks to ensure the safe evacuation of the workers. The government maintains constant communication to boost the morale of those trapped.
Key Updates on Rescue Operations:
1. NHIDCL Lifeline Efforts:
- A significant breakthrough was achieved on 20.11.2023 as NHIDCL completed the drilling of an additional lifeline—a 6-inch diameter pipeline—for the supply of essential items.
- Freshly cooked food and fresh fruits are being inserted inside the tunnel at regular intervals using 2nd life line service (150 mm dia pipe). 2nd service lifeline (food pipe, 150 mm) has been extended from the initial position to a distance of 12 m to ensure higher stability and safety.
- Video communication has been established by SDRF with the stranded workforce.
- Direct communication line connection has been established by NDRF.
2. Horizontal Boring by NHIDCL
- NHIDCL has resumed horizontal boring from the Silkyara end to rescue workers using an Augur boring machine. Auger drilling started at 0045 Hrs on 22.11.2023. A metallic object (Lattice girder rib) was encountered in the front of the pipe and the pipe could not be inserted further. Cutting of Metallic object (Lattice Girder rib) using Gas cutters has been completed at 0230 hrs. Trenchless team entered in to pipe manually twice to confirm the clearance of rescue pipe. Pushing of 9th pipe started at 1310 hrs and the pipe reached to additional 1.8 meter. Minor vibration was noted, so Auger is being pushed slightly back to re-assess the force to be applied. Augering will start shortly thereafter.
- Fabrication of a protective canopy for the drilling machine is underway
3. Vertical Drilling for Rescue by SJVNL:
- SJVNL’s machine for the vertical rescue tunnel construction has arrived at the site, and has been installed and drilling expected to start by evening on 22.11.2023.
4. Horizontal Drilling from Barkot Side by THDCL:
- THDC has initiated the construction of a rescue tunnel from the Barkot end, with four blasts already completed, resulting in a 9.10 meter drift. Efforts are being made to carry out three blasts per day.
- Shotcreting completed. Drilling for rock bolts and rib erection work in portal area in progress.
5. Perpendicular-Horizontal Drilling by RVNL:
- Equipment’s for micro tunneling required for horizontal drilling to recue labourers has reached site. Platform likely to be completed by 24.11.2023. Equipment to set up by 25.11.2023.
6. Vertical Drilling Toward Barkot End by ONGC
- Air drilling Rig machine from Indore has reached site. Submission of report by ONGC to be made after completion of field survey.
7. Drift Tunnel by Manual-Semi Mechanized Method by Joint Team of THDCL/Army/Coal India and NHIDCL:
- Work is underway to create a drift inside the tunnel. The Army is mobilizing box culverts for this purpose. Fabrication of frames has started.
8. Road Cutting and Supportive Work by BRO:
- BRO has completed construction of approach road for vertical drilling by SJVNL and RVNL. BRO is also building approach road for ONGC with geological surveys conducted by ONGC. BRO has made access road of 300 meter.
Background:
On 12th November 2023, a collapse occurred in the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot due to debris falling in a 60-meter stretch on the Silkyara side. Immediate mobilization of resources by the State and Central Governments ensued to rescue the 41 trapped labours.
Initially opting for a 900 mm pipe through the debris, safety concerns led to the exploration of multiple rescue options simultaneously. The area of entrapment, measuring 8.5 meters in height and 2 kilometres in length, is the built-up portion of the tunnel, offering safety to the labours with available electricity and water supply.
Five agencies—ONGC, SJVNL, RVNL, NHIDCL, and THDCL—have been assigned specific responsibilities, working collaboratively with occasional task adjustments for operational efficiency.