- Indian Heritage
- Culture
- Modern Indian history
- The Freedom Struggle
- Post-independence
- Indian Society
A. population and associated issues
B. poverty and developmental issues
Urbanization
7. Geographical features
8.Indian Constitution
9. Polity
10. Governance
A. institutions
B. regulatory
C. Government policies
Foreign Direct Investment Policy on Space Sector
The Government of India has reviewed the extant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy on Space sector. Accordingly, the following amendments have been made under Para 5.2.12 of the Consolidated FDI Policy Circular of 2020, as amended from time to time (FDI Policy):
5.2.12 SPACE SECTOR
| Sector/Activity | Sectoral Cap | Entry Route |
| 5.2.12.1 (1) Satellites-Manufacturing & Operation | 100% | Up to 74%: Automatic Beyond 74%: Government route |
| (2) Satellite Data Products | ||
| (3) Ground Segment & User Segment | ||
| 5.2.12.2 (1) Launch Vehicles and associated systems or subsystems | 100% | Up to 49%: Automatic Beyond 49%: Government route |
| (2) Creation of Spaceports for launching and receiving Spacecraft | ||
| 5.2.12.3 Manufacturing of components and systems/ sub-systems for satellites, ground segment and user segment | 100% | Up to 100%: Automatic |
5.2.12.4 The investee entity shall be subject to sectoral guidelines as issued by Department of Space from time to time.
5.2.12.5 Definitions:
(1) Satellites — Manufacturing & Operation: End-to-end manufacturing and supply of satellite and/or payload, establishing the satellite systems including control of in-orbit operations of the satellite & payloads.
(2) Satellite Data Products: Reception, generation or dissemination of earth observation/remote sensing satellite data and data products including Application Interfaces (API).
(3) Ground Segment & User Segment:
(a) Ground Segment: Supply of satellite transmit/receive earth stations including earth observation data receive station, gateway, teleports, satellite Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) station, Satellite Control Centre (SCC), etc.
(b) User Segment: Supply of user ground terminals for communicating with the satellite, which are not covered under the ground segment.
(4) Launch Vehicles and Associated Systems or Subsystems: A vehicle and its stages or components that is designed to operate in or place spacecraft with payloads or persons, in a suborbital trajectory, earth orbit or outer space.
(5) Creation of Spaceports for launching and receiving Spacecraft: A spaceport (also referred as launch site) can be regarded as the base from which spacecraft are launched, and consisting of facilities involving devices for transportation to, from and via outer space.
(6) Manufacturing of Components and Systems/Subsystems for Satellites ground segment and user segment: Comprises the manufacturing and supply of the electrical, electronic and mechanical components systems/ subsystems for satellites, ground segment and user segment.
D. role of NGOs
E. measures
11. Social Justice
A. Welfare schemes
NARI SHAKTI: From Women Development to Women led Development
India’s development journey is closely interlinked with the empowerment of its women. Recognizing this critical connection, the central government has placed Nari Shakti at the forefront of its agenda over the past nine years. The government understands that women’s empowerment is not a one-time solution; it requires a comprehensive approach that addresses their needs throughout their lives. In this regard, welfare programs have been designed to support women at different stages, enabling them to overcome socio-economic barriers and achieve wholesome empowerment.
- Nari Shakti Adhiniyam passed giving 33% reservation to women
- National Sex Ratio improved to 1020 for the first time
- Paid maternity leave increased to 26 weeks
- Over 4.73 Crore pregnant women examined under PM Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan
- 3.2 Crore Sukanya Samruddhi Yojana accounts
- Around 10 crore smoke-free kitchens by providing LPG Gas cylinders
- 72% women ownership under PM Awas Yojana Gramin
- MMR to 97/lakh live births in 2018-20 from 130/lakh live births in 2014-16
- Abolition of Triple Talaq empowering Muslim women
- 69% of the loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs under PMMY and 84% of the beneficiaries under Stand-Up India are women.
- Permanent commission granted to Women Officers in 12 Arms and Services.
- Entry of women as Agniveers commenced in all the three Services
- 43% STEM graduates in India are women which is highest in the world
Nari Shakti Adhiniyam – Amrit Peedi’s Moment
A milestone in this journey has been achieved by the passing of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023) 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 was the first to be considered in the new parliament building setting the tone for India’s Amrit Kaal.
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao – A step towards gender empowerment
One of the key initiatives is the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, which has generated significant mass mobilization to combat gender discrimination and promote the value of the girl child. At every level, the scheme has worked diligently to raise awareness about the rights of girl children through community engagement. By advocating against sex selection at birth and encouraging positive action to support their educational growth, BBBP has brought about a positive change. Over the years, there has been a commendable improvement in the sex ratio at birth, with a rise of 19 points from 918 (2014-15) to 937 (2020-21). Additionally, the enrolment of girls in secondary education has increased from 75.51% in 2014-15 to 79.46% in 2020-21, marking significant progress. Further, for the first time in the country, the Sex Ratio of the total population (females per 1000 males) has reached 1020 (NFHS-5, 2019-21).
Celebrating motherhood
In the pursuit of a malnutrition-free India, the government launched the POSHAN Abhiyaan on March 8, 2018. This mission is a convergence platform for various stakeholders to address malnutrition comprehensively. With the aid of the POSHAN Tracker, a robust ICT-enabled platform, real-time monitoring of supplementary nutrition and prompt supervision and management of services are ensured. The engagement of over 14 lakh Anganwadis and the coverage of approximately 10 crore beneficiaries exemplify the scale of impact achieved through this initiative.
The paid maternity leave has been extended from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. The amendment to the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 was passed by the Indian government to provide better support and protection for working mothers. This significant policy change recognizes the importance of allowing new mothers sufficient time to recover from childbirth, bond with their infants, and ensure their overall well-being.
B Health
C. Education
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
Revolutionizing Agriculture
The strength and vitality of a nation’s farmers, often referred to as ‘Annadatas’, is closely linked to the overall empowerment and prosperity of the country. The sincere efforts of the Government of India to uplift this crucial segment of society warrant commendation and recognition. In a rapidly advancing economy like India, nurturing the agricultural sector holds equal importance alongside the transformation of industries and digital infrastructure.
- Showing the government’s farmer-centric focus, the budget set aside for agriculture increased 5 times from ₹1.37 lakh crore during 2007-14 to ₹7.27 lakh crore during 2014-25.
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) has become the largest crop insurance scheme in the world in terms of farmer enrolments as well as the third largest scheme in the world in terms of insurance premiums.
- Infrastructure near the farms is key to farmers’ welfare. Since the inception of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, Rs 35,262 Crores have been sanctioned for 48,352 projects. Major projects sanctioned under AIF include 11,165 warehouses, 10,307 primary processing units, 10,948 custom hiring centers, 2,420 sorting & grading units, 1,486 cold store projects, 169 assaying units and around 11,857 other kinds of post-harvest management projects and community farming assets.
- A historic MSP increase was announced where, for the first time, the minimum support price of all 22 crops was set at a minimum 50% more than the cost.
- Soil health cards provide farmers with the nutrient status of their soil and its composition. Till December 19, 2023, 23.58 crore soil health cards have been distributed to farmers.
- The introduction of 100% neem coated urea. In the last 10 years, urea production has risen to 310 lakh metric tonnes from 225 lakh metric tonnes in 2014.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana launched – Total fund released Rs 1980.88 Cr since 2015-16 (as on 31.01.2024). Under the scheme 37,364 clusters (20 ha each) have been formed, 8.13 lakh ha area covered (including LAC) and 16.19 lakh farmers have benefitted.
- Promotion of FPOs – As of January 31, 2024, 7,950 FPOs have been registered. Equity Grant of Rs 142.6 Crore has been released to 3,183 FPOs. Credit Guarantee Cover worth Rs 246.0 Crore issued to 1,101 FPOs.
- Agricultural mechanization – During the period from 2014-15 to December, 2023 an amount of Rs 6405.55 crore has been allocated for agricultural mechanization. From within the funds of Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), so far an amount of Rs 141.41 crores have been released towards Kisan drone promotion, which includes purchase of 317 Drones for their demonstration in 79070 hectares of land and supply of 527 drones to the farmers on subsidy.
- As of January 31, 2024, 1.77 crore farmers and 2.53 Lakh traders have been registered on e-NAM portal.
- Introduction of Kisan Rail – Till 28th February 2023, 2359 services on 167 routes have been operated.
Recognizing the invaluable role farmers play in driving the economy forward, the Government of India has extended a helping hand through numerous policies and schemes. These policies provide crucial financial support to farmers, alleviating their hardships and enabling them to sustain their families while contributing to the nation’s welfare.
Agriculture’s Economic Impact: Shaping the Nation
The agricultural sector, which is estimated to constitute 18 percent of India’s GVA in FY24, is the bedrock of the nation’s economy. Despite challenges posed by the global health crisis and variability in climate conditions, the sector has demonstrated remarkable tenacity and resilience, contributing significantly to India’s economic recovery and development.
The total food grains production for FY23 was 329.7 million tonnes, marking a rise of 14.1 million tonnes compared to the previous year. The average food grain production per year was 289 million tonnes in FY15 to FY23, compared to 233 million tonnes in FY05 to FY14. Rice, wheat, pulses, Nutri/coarse cereals, and oilseeds witnessed record increases in production. India’s global dominance extends across agricultural commodities, making it the largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices worldwide.
Additionally, India ranks second-largest producer of fruits, vegetables, tea, farmed fish, sugarcane, wheat, rice, cotton, and sugar. The horticulture production was 355.25 million tonnes which is the highest ever for Indian Horticulture (as per third advance estimates).
The improved performance is also reflected in a substantial surge in agriculture exports, reaching ₹4.2 lakh crore in FY23, surpassing the previous year’s records. Given opportunities and an appropriate policy setting, India’s farmers have demonstrated their capability to meet the food demands of the rest of the world. The potential is still huge.[1]
E.issues
14. Technology
Dak Karmayogi Project
The Department of Posts, Government of India, marked a significant milestone today with the release of a Special Cover commemorating successful journey of Dak Karmayogi Project. The ceremony, graced by Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusinh Chauhan, witnessed the launch of 25 new courses and the completion of the 2nd phase of the Dak Karmayogi Project.
India targets five-fold increase in its share of the global space economy
India targets a five-fold increase in its share of the global space economy, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said today.
“India’s Space economy today stands at a modest $8 billion, but our own projection is that by 2040 it will multiply manifold. But more interesting is that according to some international observers, for example the recent ADL (Arthur D Little) Report mentions that we could have the potential of $100 Billion by 2040,” he said.
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, was addressing the gathering after launching the Technical Centre of IN-SPACe in Ahmedabad.
15. Environment
16. Security
17. Disaster Management