- 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
10. Governance
A. institutions
B. regulatory
C. Government policies
D. role of NGOs
E. measures
11. Social Justice
A. Welfare schemes
Purple Fest’
After the success of the ‘International Purple Fest, 2024’ at Goa from 8th to 13th January, 2024, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is organizing a fun filled day long ‘Purple Fest’ at Amrit Udyaan in the Rashtrapati Bhawan on 26th February, 2024.
President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the Purple Fest event. The Ministers of Social Justice & Empowerment and Secretary, DEPwD will be present on this occasion. More than 10 thousand Divyangjan, accompanied by their escorts, will also converge at this majestic venue. Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities is the nodal agency for this Fest.
The ‘Purple Fest’ will have fully inclusive and interactive stalls of organizations working in the field of accessibility, inclusion and disability rights. The key activities at ‘Purple Fest’ will be Amrit Udyaan visit, Know your disabilities, Purple Cafe, Purple Kaleidoscope, Purple Live Experience Zone, Purple Sports etc.
Beyond the festivities, visitors are also invited to embark on a journey of discovery through the Rashtrapati Bhavan museum, enriching their minds while embracing the ethos of inclusivity.
MoAyush for Nutritional Improvement in Adolescent Girls
Nutrition solutions rooted in traditional wisdom and practices are an important component of Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 (POSHAN 2.0), the umbrella program of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Interventions and strategies under this program seek to combat malnutrition through a multi-sectoral approach, collaborating with key Ministries and Departments and with States/Union Territories. To reduce stunting, wasting, anemia and low birth weight, the Common Core of POSHAN 2.0 focuses on Wellness through AYUSH which aims towards not only malnutrition deficiencies but also focuses on maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding norms and treatment of MAM/SAM children. Important activities for behavior change communication are also conducted under national community events such as Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwada.
B Health
NISARG GRAM
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Moditoday, inaugurated virtually two institutes of Ministry of Ayush which will further promote holistic healthcare scenario in the country. The ‘Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy’ (CRIYN) at Jhajjar, Haryana, and the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) titled ‘NISARG GRAM’ in Pune, Maharashtra were inaugurated.
While inaugurating PrimeMinister Shri Narendra Modi said “Our government’s priority is to increase the immunity and the ability to fight the disease. We have laid emphasis on nutrition. Focus has been on Yoga, Ayurveda and hygiene to prevent diseases. We have promoted both traditional Indian systems of medicine and modern medicine. Today, two big hospitals and research centres related to Yoga and Naturopathy have also been inaugurated in Maharashtra and Haryana. A centre of WHO related to traditional medicine is also being set up in Gujarat. Our government is constantly trying to ensure that every person, whether poor or middle class, gets better treatment with savings.
Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, joined the event virtually from Kalyani, West Bengal, where AIIMS was inaugurated by Prime Minister. Shri Eknath Shinde, CM Maharastra joined the event virtually and Union Minister of State for Ayush and Women and Child development Dr.Munjpara Mahendra Bhai joined the event in Gujarat.
At the inaugural event on site of ‘Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy, Jhajjar (Haryana) the Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar along with other dignitaries participated in the event.He said that in Devarkhana village a golden opportunity for this institution has come that our Prime Minister himself is inaugurating this Naturopathy Centre.He added that the Prime Minister has made Yoga to get recognized all over the world and the strength of Indian traditional systems of medicine is now being spread all over the world.
Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy, Jhajjar (Haryana) built under the aegis of Ministry of Ayush. This is an Apex level Yoga and Naturopathy Research and education facility. Through this project, tertiary level Yoga and Naturopathy health care infrastructure will be created. The Institute includes a 200 bedded Hospital with OPD, Treatment Block, Academic block, Hostel and Residential Block apart from Yoga Block and Diet Block. The 19 Acre Project has been built with a cost of INR 63.88 CR.
NISARG GRAM is a 250 bedded hospital with Multi-disciplinary Research and Extension Service Centre along with a Naturopathy Medical College for Under Graduate (UG)/Post Graduate (PG) /Para Medical Courses. The college is also having residential & non-residential facilities comprising Boys & Girls Hostel, Auditorium, Yoga Hall, Cottages, and the famous Gandhi Memorial Hall is also an integral part of the campus. The 25 acre project costs total of INR 213.55 Crore.
C. Education
D. Human Resources
E. poverty and hunger
12. International relations
A. India and its neighbourhood
B. groupings and agreements
G-33 Ministerial Statement on Agriculture Trade Negotiations at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference G-33 Ministerial Meeting,
he following statement, dated 25 February 2024, is being circulated at the request of the delegation of Indonesia on behalf of the G-33:
1. We, Ministers and Representatives of the G-33 Members, met in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on 25 February 2024, on the sideline of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference, to exchange views on the state of play of the WTO agriculture trade negotiations, and to deliberate the Group’s priorities on the outcome and the way forward.
2. We recognize the collective responsibility of all WTO Members to address contemporary challenges facing the multilateral trading system.
3. We believe the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference provides an important opportunity to reinforce a rules-based, non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable, and transparent multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and thank the United Arab Emirates for hosting the Conference.
4. We, therefore, call on all WTO Members to engage constructively to achieve a meaningful outcome on agriculture at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference.
5. We are deeply concerned that almost 600 million people will be chronically undernourished in 2030, and hunger will increase significantly in Africa by 2030, as recently projected by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
6. We also regret serious lack of progress in agriculture trade negotiations, including to fulfil the outstanding mandates of previous Ministerial Conferences. Progress is key to restore trust between Members and preserve the credibility of the WTO.
7. The vast majority of the G-33 Members recognize the critical importance of public stockholding for food security purposes for developing country Members, including LDCs and NFIDCs, in meeting our food and livelihood security, as well as our rural development imperative, including supporting low income or resource poor producers.
8. The G-33 co-sponsoring Members of the Proposal JOB/AG/229, therefore, urge all Members to make all concerted efforts to agree and adopt a permanent solution on the issue. The G-33 co-sponsoring Members reiterate the importance of the Proposal JOB/AG/229 submitted with the African Group and the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group, and invite other Members to engage constructively with the elements contained therein, as a basis to achieve outcome on public stockholding for food security purposes in the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference.
9. We also reiterate developing country Members’ right to the Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) as an important instrument against major import surges or sudden price declines, and urge Members to agree and adopt a decision on SSM by the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference.
10. We stand ready to consider the submission by the African Group on the issue of SSM, which covers most of the interests of developing country Members in a fair and balanced manner, and engage in enhanced technical discussions.
C.Indian diaspora
13. Economic Development
A. Government Budgeting
B. industrial
SME Defence Expo 2024
To enhance cooperation and synergy with the industry, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organised a DRDO-Industry Meet on February25, 2024 during the Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo 2024 at Pune.The meet was intended to apprise and update industries, especially the MSMEs & start-ups about various industry-friendly initiatives and policies of DRDO as well asaddress the concerns of the industry.
During the meet, DRDO handed over 23 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LATOT) to 22 industries in presence of Secretary Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamatand other dignitaries. The technologies transferred cover the domains of electronics, laser technology, armaments, life sciences, materials science, combat vehicles, naval systems and aeronautics. These include Manufacturing of Carbon/Carbon Aircraft brakes for LCA Tejas, 100 m Infantry Foot Bridge Floating, 40 mm High Explosive Anti-Personnel (HEAP) Grenade for UBGL, Full Trailer of 70t Tank Transporter for MBT Arjun Mk – 1A, Expendable Mobile Shelter Solar Heated Shelter, NMR-Supercapacitor, Weaponisation of Hand-Held Thermal Imager with LRF (WHHTI) and High Pressure Water Mist Fire Suppression System (HP WMFSS). The products based on these DRDO technologies will further boost the defence manufacturing sector and self-reliance in defence.
The DRDO handed over SAMAR (System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating) assessment certificates to nine Industry Partners. SAMAR is a benchmark to measure the competency of defence manufacturing enterprises. A brief and overview on SAMAR was also provided during the function.
Addressing Industry partners, Dr Kamat iterated DRDO’s commitment to provide all technology support towards the development of Indian defence industries for realisation of Aatmanirbhar Bharat as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He elaborated that the recent success of DRDO products have not only made the country more self-reliant in defence technology but also provided immense opportunities to the industries in defence manufacturing sector. He further stressed that the industries are invaluable partners and it is an apt time for an Indian industry to take advantage of the latest initiatives and policies of the Government and make the country a hub of defence manufacturing.
E.issues
14. Technology
15. Environment
INDIA-JAPAN JOINT EXERCISE ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’
The 5th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self Defence Force commenced today at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 25th February to 9th March 2024.
Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ is an annual exercise and conducted alternatively in India and Japan. The contingent of both sides comprises of 40 personnel each. The Japanese contingent is being represented by troops from the 34th Infantry Regiment and Indian Army contingent is being represented by a Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles.
Aim of the Exercise is to foster Military Cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. The Exercise would focus on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills and basics of special arms skills.
Tactical drills to be practiced during the Exercise will include establishing of Temporary Operating Base, creating an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Grid, setting up Mobile Vehicle Check Post, executing Cordon and Search Operations in a hostile village, Heliborne operations and House Intervention Drills. A Weapon and Equipment Display will also be organised showcasing ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and the growing defence industrial capability of the country.
Lieutenant General TOGASHI Yuichi, Commanding General, Eastern Army, Japan Ground Self Defence Force is also scheduled to visit India on the sidelines of “Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN”. The General officer will visit Mahajan Field Firing Ranges on 3rd March 2024 and witness Combat Shooting demonstration, Special Heliborne Operation (SHBO) & House Intervention Drills.
Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ will enable the two sides to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting tactical operations. The Exercise will also facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops of both the sides. This will enhance the level of defence cooperation, further fostering bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
16. Security
17. Disaster Management
Island On The Air (IOTA) Expedition
About Islands on the Air (IOTA)
IOTA, or Islands On The Air, is a pioneering programme that connects radio amateurs worldwide with stations on islands. Established in 1964, it’s managed by IOTA Ltd in collaboration with the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), categorizing islands into groups for communication. For the latest updates, enthusiasts can visit DX information providers like 425 DX News, DX-World, Les Nouvelles DX, The Daily DX, and DX News.
Advocating last mile connectivity and a HAM in every village, alongside the readiness of HAMs to aid in communication failures, a dedicated team of amateur radio operators (HAMs) embarked on a significant journey from the cyclone shelters of Nachugunta Island, Andhra Pradesh, to participate in the Island on the Air (IOTA) expedition. It aimed atintegrating HAM education in primary and secondary schools for widespread adoption and enhanced disaster response across the country. Despite facing the challenges of a very difficult and remote location, these enthusiasts showcased the spirit of innovation and resilience that truly embodies the ‘Make in India’ ethos in the communication sector.
About DX
DXing, taken from DX, the telegraphic shorthand for “distance” or “distant”, is the hobby of receiving and identifying distant radio signals, or making two-way radio contact with distant stations in amateur radio bands.