- 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
Enactment of Women’s Reservation Bill
A milestone in this journey has been achieved by the passing of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam which seeks to reserve one-third of the total number of seats for women in Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and Delhi Assembly.
Another notable feature was that the Women’s Reservation Bill, called Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was the first to be considered in the new parliament building setting the tone for India’s Amrit Kaal.
In his remarks in the Rajya Sabha over this bill, the Prime Minister said that this will lead to a new confidence in the people of the country, and it also shows the positive thinking of all the political parties which will give a new energy to women’s empowerment.
Highlights of the Bill:
- Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam seeks to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies. The allocation of reserved seats shall be determined by such authority as prescribed by Parliament.
- One-third of the total number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes shall be reserved for women of those groups in the Lok Sabha and the legislative assemblies.
- Reserved seats may be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in the state or union territory.
- Reservation of seats for women shall cease to exist 15 years after the commencement of this Amendment Act.
The implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill is contingent on specific steps. As outlined, the reservation is set to be enforced following the publication of a new census and the completion of the delimitation exercise. Furthermore, it’s important to note that for the bill to be fully ratified, it necessitates approval from a minimum of 50% of the states.
10. Governance
A. institutions
B. regulatory
C. Government policies
D. role of NGOs
E. measures
11. Social Justice
A. Welfare schemes
EMPOWERING AND NURTURING THE YUVA SHAKTI
Empowering the youth involves providing them with the necessary resources, opportunities, and support to realize their full potential and contribute positively to society. In the realm of youth development, education serves as the foundation for intellectual growth and critical thinking, while sports foster holistic development, instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Skill development equips youth with the practical competencies needed to thrive in today’s dynamic world. Employment opportunities offer avenues for economic independence and self-sufficiency, Together, these pillars form the cornerstone of empowering and nurturing the Yuva Shakti towards a brighter future.
PM SHRI (Schools for Rising India) To ensure quality education and holistic growth at the grassroots level, the Government has embarked on the establishment of over 14,500 PM SHRI Schools, out of which more than 6000 schools have started functioning.1 These schools will be qualitatively strengthened to showcase the various aspects of the National Education Policy, 2020 and to emerge as exemplar schools in their regions, which will further mentor schools in a given region with an aim to amplify the excellence of these schools and develop the quality standards of the PM SHRI Schools within these schools.2
B Health
C. Education
D. Human Resources
E. poverty and hunger
The theme for World Water Day 2024 is “Water for Peace” a
Status of Water Resources
The status of the world’s water resources reflects a growing demand driven by socio-economic development and shifting consumption patterns. Freshwater use has been increasing by nearly 1% annually, with agriculture, industry, and domestic sectors being primary drivers. As economies industrialize and populations urbanize, water demand rises alongside the expansion of water supply and sanitation systems. Interestingly, while population growth contributes, regions with the fastest-growing populations often have lower per capita water usage. However, severe water scarcity affects approximately half of the global population for part of the year, with a quarter facing extremely high levels of water stress, utilizing over 80% of their annual renewable freshwater supply.
Water for a Sustainable Economy and a Peaceful World
The role of water in the economy is multifaceted and intricate, with its availability influencing various sectors in different ways. Despite the complexity, there exists a crucial relationship between a country’s per capita GDP and its water resources, albeit not directly correlated due to diverse economic and trade dynamics.
In low- and lower-middle-income nations, where agriculture and water-intensive industries are primary sources of employment, the availability of water holds significant importance for economic stability and growth. Investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene services not only yield substantial positive returns but also have far-reaching impacts on health, education, and employment opportunities, particularly in these regions.
Agriculture, being a cornerstone of sustainable development, heavily relies on water, making it vulnerable to climate-related risks that can adversely affect production, especially for smallholder farmers. Therefore, strategic investments in irrigation infrastructure and responsible water governance are imperative to ensure equitable access and mitigate vulnerabilities.
Additionally, water availability and quality significantly influence industrial prosperity, with disruptions in supply chains due to water-related problems posing economic risks. Embracing technologies for water efficiency and reuse not only fosters industrial growth but also promotes environmental sustainability. In sum, recognizing the intricate interplay between water and the economy is essential for fostering sustainable development and ensuring equitable access to this vital resource.
Moreover, disparities in access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services, particularly in conflict areas, exacerbate challenges, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups like women and girls. Effective disaster risk reduction policies can help alleviate these disparities and enhance resilience.
Water scarcity can be a source of tension, but cooperation is the key to resolving disputes and promoting regional stability. International law, water diplomacy, and inclusive governance involving local communities can help manage shared water resources like rivers and aquifers effectively.
12. International relations
A. India and its neighbourhood
B. groupings and agreements
C.Indian diaspora
13. Economic Development
A. Government Budgeting
B. industrial
E.issues
14. Technology
15. Environment
Wetlands in India
Wetlands hold significant cultural and traditional importance in India, with revered sites like Loktak Lake and Khecheopalri Lake. The country’s diverse wetlands attract tourists and find mention in ancient texts like Chanakya’s Arthashastra. India has made strides in wetland conservation, boasting the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia, covering 1.33 million hectares. These sites contribute significantly to biodiversity, hosting 6200 species across various faunal groups. India’s wetlands serve as crucial stopovers for millions of migratory birds, playing a vital role in maintaining waterbird populations globally. Despite global threats, India is reversing the trend of shrinking wetlands through legal protections and conservation efforts.
India’s commitment to wetland conservation continues to strengthen with recent milestones marking significant progress. In January 2024, India proudly expanded its Ramsar Site count to 80 by designating five new sites in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, showcasing its dedication to preserving invaluable ecosystems.
This achievement builds upon the momentum set in August 2022 when India added 11 wetlands to its roster, a poignant gesture commemorating the nation’s 75th year of Independence. Additionally, the Wetlands of India Portal serves as a knowledge hub for wetland managers and stakeholders, providing comprehensive information and resources.
Recent Developments
- Recognition of New Ramsar Sites: As of January 31, 2024, India proudly boasts a total of 80 Ramsar Wetlands, solidifying its position as the country with the highest number of wetlands in South Asia. This achievement was bolstered by the addition of five new sites, including the Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest in Tamil Nadu, along with the Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, and Aghanashini Estuary in Karnataka. These designations signify India’s unwavering commitment to preserving its invaluable wetland ecosystems.
· Earlier, on August 14, 2021, India celebrated the recognition of four additional wetlands as Ramsar sites by the Ramsar Secretariat. Notably, Haryana gained two new Ramsar sites, while Gujarat expanded its count by three, following the initial designation of Nalsarovar in 2012.
- Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Gujarat and situated on the Central Asian Flyway, Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of bird species, with over 320 species recorded within its boundaries. Notably, the sanctuary provides crucial habitat for more than 30 threatened waterbird species, including the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture and Sociable Lapwing, as well as the vulnerable Sarus Crane, Common Pochard, and Lesser White-fronted Goose.
- Wadhvana Wetland: Also located in Gujarat, the Wadhvana Wetland serves as a vital wintering ground for migratory waterbirds, hosting over 80 species that traverse the Central Asian Flyway. Among these avian visitors are several threatened or near-threatened species, including the endangered Pallas’s Fish-Eagle and vulnerable Common Pochard, along with the near-threatened Dalmatian Pelican, Grey-headed Fish-eagle, and Ferruginous Duck.
- National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas: The National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas, crafted by the Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, offers valuable insights into the dynamic changes occurring in wetlands across the country over the past decade. This comprehensive resource serves as a vital tool for policymakers, researchers, and conservationists in understanding and addressing the evolving challenges faced by these critical ecosystems.
These recent developments underscore India’s proactive efforts in wetland conservation, reaffirming its role as a global leader in safeguarding these ecologically significant habitats for present and future generations.
Government’s Initiatives for Wetland Conservation:
- Amrit Dharohar Scheme: Launched during the presentation of the Union Budget 2023-24, the Amrit Dharohar Scheme represents a pivotal step towards promoting optimal utilization of wetlands over the next three years. This initiative aims to enhance biodiversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism opportunities, and local community income generation, aligning with the government’s vision for sustainable development.
- National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems: In 2013, the National Wetlands Conservation Programme merged with the National Lake Conservation Plan, giving rise to the comprehensive National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems. This amalgamation reflects the government’s holistic approach towards safeguarding these vital ecosystems.
- Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules: Enacted in 2017 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules established state wetlands authorities. These rules serve as a pivotal legal framework for the protection and sustainable management of wetlands across the nation.
- Coastal Protection: Coastal wetlands are safeguarded under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification (2018) and the Island Protection Zone Notification 2011. These regulations ensure the preservation of coastal ecosystems, vital for biodiversity conservation and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
- MoEFCC’s Wetlands Rejuvenation Programme: Initiated in 2020, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) embarked on a transformative journey towards wetlands rejuvenation. This program employs a multifaceted approach encompassing baseline information development, rapid assessment through wetland health cards, establishment of stakeholder platforms, and comprehensive management planning. With over 500 wetlands covered, this initiative stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to conserving these critical habitats.
- Integration with Namami Gange: On World Wetlands Day 2021, the Ministry of Jal Shakti underscored the integration of wetland conservation with the Namami Gange program. Through innovative efforts linked to river rejuvenation, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has spearheaded initiatives serving as a model for wetland conservation nationwide. The development of health cards and management plans for 10 wetlands in each of the 50-plus Ganga districts exemplifies this integrated approach, blending scientific expertise with community participation.
- National Wildlife Action Plan: India’s National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031) prioritizes the conservation of inland aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands. It advocates for a national wetlands mission, emphasizing the importance of preserving these habitats for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services.
These concerted efforts underscore the government’s proactive stance towards wetland conservation, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
16. Security
17. Disaster Management