- 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
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
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
The Government of India is working towards transforming the country’s infrastructure to boost economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. This includes modernizing transportation networks, upgrading urban amenities, and expanding digital infrastructure through various initiatives. India has made significant progress in infrastructure development, such as building the world’s longest highway tunnel, the Atal Tunnel, and the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge. Other projects like the Statue of Unity and the Zojila Tunnel are also examples of India’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. The country is reaching new heights in infrastructure development with iconic landmarks and innovative projects across the nation.
The progress of national highways in India has been remarkable in the last 10 years, reflecting a significant increase in budget allocation and construction pace. Since 2014, there has been a 500% increase in the road transport and highway budget allocation, leading to a substantial enhancement in infrastructure development. The speed of highway construction reached an impressive 37 km/day in 2020-21, marking a record for the fastest highway construction in India.
Moreover, the National Highway (NH) network has expanded by 60% from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,145 km by the year 2023. The length of 4-laned NH has increased by 2.5 times, from 18,387 km in 2014 to 46,179 km, as of November 2023. The average pace of NH construction has also seen a remarkable increase, rising by 143% to 28.3 km/day from the baseline 12.1 km/day in 2014.
BHARATMALA: EXTENSIVE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
The Bharatmala Pariyojana was launched with the primary focus on optimizing the efficiency of the movement of goods and people across the country. The key components of the Pariyojana are Economic corridor development, Inter-corridor and feeder routes development, National Corridors Efficiency Improvement, Border, and International Connectivity Roads, Coastal and Port Connectivity Roads and Expressways. 25 Greenfield high-speed corridors have been envisaged for development under Bharatmala Pariyojana. Out of which, 20 are completed or under various stages of implementation.[3] 34,800 km of National Highway length was planned for development under Phase-I of Bharatmala Pariyojana. As of Dec-2023, 26,418 km (i.e., 76% of 34,800 km) have been awarded for construction with completion of about 15,549 km
E.issues
14. Technology
15. Environment
16. Security
INDIAN NAVY’S ONGOING MARITIME SECURITY OPERATIONS (‘OP SANKALP’
The Indian Navy has responded to the Israel-Hamas conflict in the maritime domain by enhancing its ongoing maritime security operations since mid-December 2023. They took proactive actions during the hijacking of the Malta Flagged Bulk Carrier MV Ruen on 14 December 2023. Today, 23 March 2024, marks the completion of 100 days of the maritime security operations under ‘Op Sankalp’. The Indian Navy has responded to 18 incidents and played a key role as the ‘First Responder’ and ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region.
During these 100 days, naval ships, aircraft, and Special Forces have worked to secure the seas and protect the maritime community from non-traditional threats in areas including the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and off the East Coast of Somalia. Over 5000 personnel have been deployed at sea, with over 450 ship days and 900 hours of flying by maritime surveillance aircraft.
The Indian Navy has saved over 110 lives, including 45 Indian seafarers, escorted critical commodities, conducted boarding operations, seized narcotics, and assured the presence of over 450 vessels. The ongoing maritime security operations have showcased the Indian Navy’s capability as a strong and responsible force in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram has played a crucial role in information exchange in the region. Coordinated missions with the Indian Air Force and national agencies have highlighted synergy and interoperability among the services.
The Indian Navy’s response during ‘Op Sankalp’ has received international acclaim for safeguarding India’s maritime interests, countering threats, combating piracy, and reducing narcotics trade in the region. The Navy’s commitment to the safety of life at sea remains a top priority regardless of the nationality of seafarers.
17. Disaster Management
As temperatures escalate, Union Health Ministry and NDMA Issue Joint-Advisory to States on measures to prevent Hospital Fires during Summer months
During the summer months when temperatures rise, the risk of hospital fires increases significantly. To address this issue, the Union Health Ministry and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have issued a joint advisory to all States and Union Territories (UTs) emphasizing the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent such incidents.
The advisory instructs State Health Departments and State Disaster Management Authorities to collaborate closely to ensure that all accredited hospitals in their jurisdictions take immediate action on several key areas:
- Conduct thorough fire safety audits and on-site inspections of hospitals to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
- Address electrical load capacity issues by conducting regular audits and rectifying any discrepancies.
- Ensure hospitals obtain valid fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from state fire departments and adhere to regulatory requirements.
Detailed instructions have been provided to Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs, outlining steps hospitals should take to ensure fire safety compliance. These include:
- Regular inspection and maintenance of fire-fighting equipment.
- Establishing maintenance schedules for fire safety equipment.
- Conducting regular electrical load audits.
- Implementing oxygen safety measures.
- Installing smoke detectors and fire alarms.
- Controlling combustible materials.
- Inspecting electrical ducts for fire safety.
- Avoiding overloading power sources.
- Installing water sprinklers and hosepipes.
- Adhering to the National Building Code for fire safety.
- Obtaining Fire Safety NOCs.
- Providing staff training and conducting drills.
- Developing comprehensive evacuation plans.
States/UTs are urged to conduct follow-up reviews to ensure the implementation of these safety measures in hospitals and healthcare facilities.