- Indian Heritage
Natural Water Heritage Structures
There is no provision under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 to declare a site as a “Water Heritage Site” under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). However, the Ministry of Jal Shakti had constituted a Committee to identify 75 Water Heritage Structure (WHS) in reference to 75 years of India’s Independence.
A total of 421 nominations were received through States/UTs, Central Agencies, NGOs and general public and out of which Committee has recommended 75 water heritage structures, which includes 5 Water Heritage Structure from Gujarat and 4 Water Heritage Structure from Andhra Pradesh respectively. In this connection, “Jal-Itihas” sub-portal under India-WRIS portal, showcasing the 75 WHS, was launched (https://indiawris.gov.in/wris/) on 5th January, 2023 at the 1st All India State Ministers Conference on Water at Bhopal. State/UT wise details of these WHS are at Annexure. At present there is no central fund allocated/disbursed for maintenance of these sites.
| Details of Water Heritage Structures | ||
| S.No. | States/UTs | Number of Water Heritage Structures |
| 1 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | 1 |
| 2 | Andhra Pradesh | 4 |
| 3 | Assam | 4 |
| 4 | Bihar | 2 |
| 5 | Chhattisgarh | 1 |
| 6 | Delhi | 1 |
| 7 | Gujarat | 5 |
| 8 | Haryana | 3 |
| 9 | Himachal Pradesh | 1 |
| 10 | Jammu and Kashmir | 1 |
| 11 | Jharkhand | 1 |
| 12 | Karnataka | 5 |
| 13 | Kerala | 2 |
| 14 | Ladakh | 1 |
| 15 | Madhya Pradesh | 6 |
| 16 | Maharashtra | 4 |
| 17 | Manipur | 1 |
| 18 | Meghalaya | 1 |
| 19 | Mizoram | 1 |
| 20 | Odisha | 2 |
| 21 | Punjab | 1 |
| 22 | Puducherry | 1 |
| 23 | Rajasthan | 7 |
| 24 | Tamil Nadu | 7 |
| 25 | Telangana | 4 |
| 26 | Tripura | 1 |
| 27 | Uttar Pradesh | 4 |
| 28 | Uttarakhand | 2 |
| 29 | West Bengal | 1 |
- 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
- PM greets beneficiary farmer with ‘Jai Jagannath’
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacted with beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra via video conferencing today. He also launched Pradhan Mantri Mahila Kisan Drone Kendra. During the program, the Prime Minister dedicated the landmark 10,000th Jan Aushadi Kendra at AIIMS, Deoghar. Further, Shri Modi also launched the program to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the country from 10,000 to 25,000. The Prime Minister announced both these initiatives, providing drones to women SHGs and increasing the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras from 10,000 to 25,000 during his Independence Day speech earlier this year. The program marks the fulfilment of these promises.
Purna Chand Benia, a farmer, from Raigarha Odisha was greeted with ‘Jai Jagganath’ by the Prime Minister. Shri Benia ji beneficiary of multiple government schemes. The beneficiary recounted how his life changed with schemes like Ujjwala. He informed the Prime Minister that now he feels confident to dream of a bright future for his children. The Prime Minister asked him to make inquiries from the officers accompanying the Yatra about what further schemes are available for his benefi
B Health
C. Education
D. Human Resources
Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (2016=100) – October, 2023
TheLabour Bureau, an attached office of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, has been compiling Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers every month on the basis of retail prices collected from 317 markets spread over 88 industrially important centres in the country. The index is compiled for 88 centres and All-India and is released on the last working day of succeeding month. The index for the month of October, 2023is being released in this press release.
The All-India CPI-IW for October, 2023increased by 0.9 points and stood at 138.4 (one hundred thirty eight point four). On 1-month percentage change, it increased by 0.65 per cent with respect to previous month compared to increase of 0.91 per cent recorded between corresponding months a year ago.
The maximum upward pressure in current index came from Food & Beverages group contributing 0.68 percentage points to the total change. At item level, Wheat, Wheat Atta, Arhar Dal/Tur Dal, Cow milk, Egg Hen, Papaya, Pomegranate/Anar, Arum/Arbi, Brinjal, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, French beans, Garlic, Lady’s Finger, Onion, Peas, Radish, Sugar White, Cumin seed/Jira, Mixed Spices, Cooked Meals, Vada/Idli/Dosa, Bidi, School uniform (Girls/Boys), Leather Sandle, Rubber Chappal, Bus fare, Toilet Soap, Medicine allopathic, etc. are responsible for the rise in index. However, this increase was largely checked by Rice, Fish Fresh, Poultry/Chicken, Mustard oil, Soyabean oil, Apple, Chillies Green, Ginger, Tomato, Cooking Gas (LPG), etc. putting downward pressure on the index.
At centre level, Biswanath-Chariali recorded a maximum increase of 4.8 points. Among others, 4 centres recorded increase between 3 to 3.9 points, 4 centres between 2 to 2.9 points, 19 centres between 1 to 1.9 points and 42 centres between 0.1 to 0.9 points. On the contrary, Chennai recorded a maximum decrease of 1.3 point followed by Coonoor and Kolkata with 1.1 points each. Among others, 13 centres recorded decrease between 0.1 to 0.9 points. Rest of two centers index remained stationary.
Year-on-year inflation for the month stood at 4.45 per cent compared to 4.72 per cent for the previous month and 6.08 per cent during the corresponding month a year before. Similarly, Food inflation stood at 6.27 per cent against 6.52 per cent of the previous month and 6.52 per cent during the corresponding month a year ago.
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
INDEX OF EIGHT CORE INDUSTRIES (BASE: 2011-12=100) FOR OCTOBER, 2023
The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) increased by 12.1per cent (provisional) in October 2023 as compared to the Index of October 2022. The production of all eight core industries (namely; Cement, Coal, Crude Oil, Electricity, Fertilizers, Natural Gas, Refinery Products and Steel)recorded positive growth in October 2023 over the corresponding month of last year. Details of annual and monthly indices and growth rates are provided at Annex I & II respectively.
2. The ICI measures combined and individual performance of production of eight core industries viz. Cement,Coal, Crude Oil, Electricity,Fertilizers, Natural Gas, Refinery Products and Steel.The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 percent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
3. The final growth rate of Index of Eight Core Industries for July2023 is revised to 8.5per cent. The cumulativegrowth rate of ICI during April to October, 2023-24is 8.6per cent(provisional) as compared to the corresponding period of lastyear.
4. The summary of the Index of Eight Core Industries is given below:
Cement – Cement production (weight: 5.37 per cent) increased by 17.1 per cent in October, 2023 over October, 2022. Its cumulative index increased by 12.2 per cent during April to October, 2023-24 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Coal – Coal production (weight: 10.33 per cent) increased by 18.4 per cent in October, 2023 over October, 2022. Its cumulative index increased by 13.1 per cent during April to October, 2023-24 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Crude Oil – Crude Oil production (weight: 8.98 per cent) increased by 1.3 per cent in October, 2023 over October, 2022. Its cumulative index declined by 0.1 per cent during April to October, 2023-24 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Electricity – Electricity generation (weight: 19.85 per cent) increased by 20.3 per cent in October, 2023 over October, 2022. Its cumulative index increased by 7.9 per cent during April to October, 2023-24 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Fertilizers – Fertilizer production (weight: 2.63 per cent) increased by 5.3 per cent in October, 2023 over October, 2022. Its cumulative index increased by 6.7 per cent during April to October, 2023-24 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Natural Gas – Natural Gas production (weight: 6.88 per cent) increased by 9.9 per cent in October, 2023 over October, 2022. Its cumulative index increased by 5.1 per cent during April to October, 2023-24 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Petroleum Refinery Products – Petroleum Refinery production (weight: 28.04 per cent) increased by 4.2 per cent in October, 2023 over October, 2022. Its cumulative index increased by 4.0 per cent during April to October, 2023-24 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Steel – Steel production (weight: 17.92 per cent) increased by 11.0 per cent in October, 2023 over October, 2022. Its cumulative index increased by 14.5 per cent during April to October, 2023-24 over corresponding period of the previous year.
Monthly review of accounts of Union Government of India upto October, 2023 for the Financial Year 2023-24
The Monthly Account of the Union Government of India upto the month of October 2023 has been consolidated and reports published. The highlights are given below:-
The Government of India has received ₹15,90,712 crore (58.6% of corresponding BE 2023-24 of Total Receipts) upto October 2023 comprising ₹13,01,957 crore Tax Revenue (Net to Centre), ₹2,65,765 crore of Non-Tax Revenue and ₹22,990 crore of Non-Debt Capital Receipts. Non-Debt Capital Receipts consists of Recovery of Loans ₹14,990 crore and Miscellaneous Capital Receipts of ₹8,000 crore.
The Government of India has transferred ₹5,28,405 crore to State Governments as Devolution of Share of Taxes upto this period which is ₹93,966 crore higher than the previous year.
Total Expenditure incurred by Government of India is ₹23,94,412 crore (53% of corresponding BE 2023-24), out of which ₹18,47,488 crore is on Revenue Account and ₹5,46,924 crore is on Capital Account. Out of the Total Revenue Expenditure, ₹5,45,086 crore is on account of Interest Payments and ₹2,31,694 crore is on account of Major Subsidies.
ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR THE SECOND QUARTER (JULY-SEPTEMBER) OF 2023-24
The National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is releasing in this Press Note the estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the July-September quarter (Q2) of 2023-24, both at Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices.
2. Quarterly and Half-yearly estimates of Gross Value Added (GVA) at Basic Prices by kind of economic activity and expenditure components of GDP for the years 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices are given in Statements 1 to 8.
3. Real GDP or GDP at Constant (2011-12) Prices in Q2 2023-24 is estimated to attain a level of ₹41.74 lakh crore, as against ₹38.78 lakh crore in Q2 2022-23, showing a growth of 7.6 percent as compared to 6.2 percent in Q2 2022-23.
4. Nominal GDP or GDP at Current Prices in Q2 2023-24 is estimated at ₹71.66 lakh crore, as against ₹65.67 lakh crore in Q2 2022-23, showing a growth of 9.1 percent as compared to 17.2 percent in Q2 2022-23.
5. GDP at Constant (2011-12) Prices in April-September 2023-24 (H1 2023-24) is estimated at ₹82.11 lakh crore as against ₹76.22 lakh crore during the corresponding period of previous year, showing a growth of 7.7 percent in H1 2023-24 as against 9.5 percent in H1 2022-23. GDP at Current Prices in H1 2023-24 is estimated at ₹142.33 lakh crore as against ₹131.09 lakh crore during the corresponding period of previous year, showing a growth of 8.6 percent in H1 2023-24 as against 22.2 in H1 2022-23.
6. Quarterly Estimates of GDP are indicator based and are compiled using the benchmark-indicator method, i.e., quarterly estimates available for the previous year referred to as the benchmark year are extrapolated using the relevant indicators reflecting the performance of sectors. Data sourced from various Ministries/ Departments/ Private Agencies serve as valuable inputs in the compilation of these estimates. The sector-wise estimates have been compiled using indicators like (i) Index of Industrial Production (IIP), (ii) Financial performance of listed companies in the Private Corporate Sector based on available quarterly financial results for these companies, (iii) First Advance Estimates of Crop Production for 2023-24, (iv) Production estimates of Major Livestock Products for summer season for 2023-24, (v) Fish Production, (vi) Production/ Consumption of Cement and Steel, (vii) Net Tonne Kilometres and Passenger Kilometres for Railways, (viii) Passenger and Cargo traffic handled by Civil Aviation, (ix) Cargo traffic handled at Major and Minor Sea Ports, (x) Sales of Commercial Vehicles, (xi) Bank Deposits and Credits, (xii) Accounts of Central and State Governments, etc., available for Q2 2023-24. Percentage changes in the main indicators used in the estimation are given in the Annexure.
7. Total tax revenue used for GDP compilation includes Non-GST Revenue as well as GST Revenue. The latest information available on the website of Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) have been used for estimating taxes on products and subsidies on products at Current Prices. For obtaining Taxes on Products at Constant Prices, volume extrapolation is done using volume growth of taxed goods and services and aggregated to get the total volume of taxes. Latest available data on the CGA and CAG websites for Revenue Expenditure, Interest Payments, Subsidies etc., have been used for estimating Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE).
8. Improved data coverage and revision in input data made by source agencies would have a bearing on subsequent revisions of these estimates. Estimates are, therefore, likely to undergo revisions for the aforesaid causes in due course, as per the release calendar. Users should take these into consideration while interpreting the figures.
9. The next release of quarterly GDP estimates for the quarter October-December, 2023 (Q3 2023-24) will be on 29.02.2024.
B. industrial
E.issues
14. Technology
15. Environment
UAE for World Climate Action Summit
At the invitation of my brother H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, I am travelling to Dubai to attend the World Climate Action Summit of the COP-28 on 1 December 2023. I am happy to see that this significant event is being held under the Presidency of the UAE, who has been an important partner for India in the field of climate action.
In keeping with our civilizational ethos, India has always laid emphasis on climate action even as we pursue social and economic development.
During our G20 Presidency, climate was high on our priority. The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration includes numerous concrete steps on climate action and sustainable development. I look forward to the COP-28 taking forward the consensus on these issues.
COP28 will also provide an opportunity to review progress made under the Paris Agreement, and chart a path for future course on climate action. At the Voice of Global South Summit convened by India, the Global South spoke for the need for climate action based on the principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities, as well as a greater focus on adaptation. It is important that efforts of the developing world be supported with adequate climate financing and technology transfer. They must have access to equitable carbon and development space to achieve sustainable development.
India has walked the talk when it comes to climate action. Our achievements in different sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, energy conservation, Mission LiFE are testament to the commitment of our people towards mother Earth.
I look forward to joining special events including on climate finance, Green Credit initiative and LeadIT.
I also look forward to the opportunity to meet some of the other Leaders present at Dubai, and discuss ways to accelerate global climate action.
Daily average air quality in Delhi, for the 11-month period between January – November, 2023, registers its best index as compared to the corresponding period during the last 6 years (barring the COVID affected 2020)
AQI levels are greatly impacted by the levels of rainfall/ precipitation, direction of wind and its speed, which are prime facilitators for dispersal of the pollutants/ emissions. Effective dispersal is a must for a good air quality, while also controlling the quantum of emissions from all the primary sources in the region.
The average wind speed over Delhi and out of Delhi during the month of November, 2023 was also relatively slower for long spells with an average speed of only about 4 kmph and “still” conditions were also witnessed during the month on multiple occasions. An average wind speed of at least 10 kmph and above is desirable for effective dispersion of pollutants.
Low-speed North-Westerly winds flowing in to Delhi were however observed during the month, leading to pollutant in-flow from such areas.
Paddy sowing was disturbed and delayed in many parts of Punjab and Haryana owing to incessant rains which also resulted in delayed harvesting in such areas.
Relatively low temperature scenario as observed in November, 2023, led to frequent “inversions”, thus reducing the mixing height which is vital for vertical dispersion of the pollutants.
Paddy farm fires emanating from Punjab and Haryana in November, 2023, while being much lower than in the last 3 years, owing to highly unfavourable climatic and meteorological conditions as above, contributed significantly to the PM2.5 load in Delhi-NCR.
The peak of the paddy harvesting activity in Punjab / Haryana coincided with the festival of Deepawali this year, further aggravating the air pollution scenario in Delhi-NCR.
All the factors listed above led to a higher daily average AQI of about 372 as against 320 for 2022. Similar meteorological and climatic conditions also prevailed in November 2021 wherein the daily average AQI was recorded as 377.
Despite the above scenario, the daily average air quality in Delhi, for the 11-month period between January – November, 2023, registers its best index as compared to the corresponding period during the last 6 years (barring the COVID affected 2020).
The daily avg. AQI for Delhi during the above noted period during the current year has been recorded as 190 against 199 in 2022, 196 in 2021, 172 in 2020, 203 in 2019 and 213 in 2018 respectively, during the corresponding period.
This period in 2023 has also witnessed a reduction in daily avg. PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations over the last 6 years.
The period during January-November in 2023 recorded a daily average PM2.5 concentration of about 88 µgm/m3 as against ranging from 90-105 µgm/m3 during the corresponding periods from 2018 to 2022 (barring the COVID affected 2020).
Likewise, the daily average PM10 concentration in Delhi has been about 192 µgm/m3, which is much lower than a range of 200-230 µgm/m3 during the corresponding periods from 2018 to 2022 (barring the COVID affected 2020).
In wake of prevailing highly unfavourable meteorological and climatic conditions, measures under GRAP Stage-III were invoked proactively on 02.11.2023 so as to intensify the preventive measures and adopt some restrictive measures to prevent further degradation of air quality. GRAP Stage-IV was also required to be invoked on 05.11.2023 in wake of likely rise in the AQI levels close to 450.
Enforcement and monitoring of all the envisaged actions under GRAP Stage-III and IV respectively was closely monitored by the Commission.
16. Security
MAHASAGAR
‘Indian Navy’s outreach initiative between Maritime Heads’
MAHASAGAR also another word for vast ocean, is the Indian Navy’s outreach initiative for a high level virtual interaction between Maritime Heads for Active Security And Growth for All in the Region.
The maiden edition of the high level virtual interaction MAHASAGAR was hosted by the Indian Navy on 29 November 2023, during which Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff interacted with Heads of Navies/ Maritime Agencies and Senior Leadership from IOR littorals, viz., Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. The interaction’s theme was ‘Collective Maritime Approach towards Countering Common Challenges’, which highlights the present and necessary imperative for harmonising and collaborating capacities and capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which is in consonance with the Government of India’s vision of SAGAR ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’.
During the interaction, the Principals from participating nations exchanged candid views on common maritime challenges and the need to address them in a collective and cooperative manner. Adm R Hari Kumar, CNS, emphasised the need to find ‘Regional Solutions to Regional Problems’.
17. Disaster Management