- 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
india does not need any sermons from anyone on this planet on the point of equality– Vice President
B. regulatory
C. Government policies
D. role of NGOs
E. measures
11. Social Justice
A. Welfare schemes
B Health
5000 plus Yoga Enthusiasts to participate in 75 days countdown to IDY- 2024
In the ongoing journey of 100 days countdown of IDY 2024, more than 5000 Yoga Enthusiasts will be participating at 75th day countdown which is being held at Wadia College Sports Ground, Pune (Maharashtra) on 7th April, 2024.
Focusing on holistic health and wellness approach and taking note of the power of Yoga, the Mahotsav will witness active participation of Gram Pradhans, Anganwadi Workers & Asha Workers/Self Help Groups, Ayush Health & Wellness Centres, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Women Welfare Organisations, School Children, and more. The celebration will also witness the auspicious presence of eminent dignitaries, Yoga Gurus/ Masters and Experts of Yoga & Allied Science and Head of the Institutions. The basic motto of the Yoga Mahotsav is to give a wider promotion and publicity to Yoga for health and well-being so that maximum people get benefitted both at National and International levels. The day 75 count down to IDY 2024 event also coincides with the World Health Day which falls on April 7, 2024.
International Day of Yoga is celebrated every year on 21st June. This year too, to sensitise the populace about the benefits of Yoga and to spread the inherent message of holistic health, a 100 days countdown was rolled out on 13th March. As a part of countdown event series, the 75th day countdown is celebrated in the form of Yoga Mahotsav. It is being jointly organized by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Ministry of Ayush, Govt. of India with the gathering of thousands of participants as a gala event. All the participants will actively engage in the practice of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) starting at 6.00 AM on April 7th 2024. This remarkable display of enthusiasm and participation underscores the growing importance of yoga in fostering personal and societal betterment.The Indian Yoga Association is also supporting this 75th day countdown event IDY-2024 related celebration with their Maharashtra State Chapter.
Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) is at the centre stage of the event. CYP is designed by taking inputs from experts as it comprises day-to-day Yoga practice to reap all the benefits of Yoga. The protocol is intended to popularize Yoga practices like Pranayam, meditation etc. Each Yogic activity is a key to improving flexibility, strength, balance and attaining harmony.
Ministry of Ayush along with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga is organizing Mass Yoga Demonstrations/sessions encompassing ‘100 days, 100 cities, and 100 organizations’ campaign in collaboration with various Universities/Institutes/Colleges from 13th March 2024 to 21st June 2024 across the country, leading up to the 10th International Day of Yoga. The campaign includes Common Yoga Protocol, workshops and lectures to promote the practice of Yoga among the people for their improvement of health and well-being.
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
PM Gatishakti National Master Plan’
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, organised a pivotal Workshop on ‘Integration of Economic/User Ministries/Departments on PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP’ on 3rd April 2024 in New Delhi. The workshop was chaired by Additional Secretary (Logistics), DPIIT, Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur, aimed to sensitise the Economic/User Ministries/ Departments about onboarding of GIS Data Layers on the PM GatiShakti NMP, benefits of using the platform for planning and to review the progress made in this respect.
Additional Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur, highlighted PM GatiShakti principles to be adopted for integrated planning and holistic development of socio-economic infrastructure. He further emphasized PMGS-NMP as a comprehensive and sustainable strategy to reshape India’s infrastructure, by fostering integrated planning and harmonised project implementation involving all relevant Ministries and State Governments. This “whole-of-the-government” approach is embraced to enhance decision-making in project planning as well as ‘ease of doing’ and ‘ease of living’.
Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Dr. Surendra Kumar Ahirwar, mentioned that adoption of PM GatiShakti NMP by economic Ministries is important not only for efficient data driven planning of its own infra/schemes but also for planning of infra/schemes by infra/social Ministries as well as States/UTs. Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Shri E Srinivas, stated integration of Economic/User Ministries on the PMGS-NMP will ensure the efficient realisation of the core principles of GatiShakti—logistical efficiency, multimodality, and connectivity to economic hubs.
The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 32 officials representing 18 ministries/departments, including Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Fertilisers, Coal, Commerce, Food & Public Distribution, Defence Production, Electronics & Information Technology, Economic Affairs, Revenue, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Fisheries, Food Processing Industries, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Mines, Steel, Earth Sciences, and Pharmaceuticals. More than 20 officials from BISAG-N and Logistics Division, DPIIT were also present.
The event commenced with a thought-provoking video on PM GatiShakti, followed by a comprehensive presentation by the Logistics Division, DPIIT, highlighting the overview, progress, benefits, and the way forward for the ambitious program. BISAG-N, the technical partner, provided an insightful presentation on the technical architecture of PMGS-NMP and tools developed for various ministries enabling participants to gain a practical understanding of its features.
The core segment of the workshop involved presentations from the economic/user ministries/departments, showcasing their status of adoption of PM GatiShakti and the necessary steps taken in line with the provided pointers. This interactive session facilitated an exchange of best practices, challenges faced, and potential solutions, fostering a collaborative approach towards seamless implementation, leading to a conclusion that the Ministries/Departments should proactively identify and upload various data layers on the PMGS-NMP, develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for data management, and enhance capacity to independently plan projects and programs utilising PMGS-NMP and develop specific Planning Tools.
As a way forward, specific action points were highlighted, involving identification of interventions followed by analysis, leading to accelerated adoption of PM GatiShakti principles in planning of socio-economic infrastructures.
The use of the PMGS-NMP platform has generated successful use cases in the infrastructure sector such as urban transport, roadways, railways, etc., along with benefits to users. The use of PMGS-NMP has significantly de-risked infrastructure investments for the private sector, streamlined operations and decision-making for Ministries/Departments and States/UTs. The GatiShakti approach is also helping to plan disaster management, location of social sector assets, development of tourism circuits, etc., in a manner to give maximum connectivity for the users. Recognizing the significant progress made by Infrastructure and Social sector Ministries, the workshop focused on enabling Economic/User Ministries to effectively leverage the PMGS-NMP platform.
An all time record cargo handling in 2023-24 at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata since 1870
In its 154-year history, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata) including Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), achieved a milestone in the fiscal year 2023-24 by handling 66.4 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of Cargo, marking a 1.11% increase from the previous record of 65.66 million tonnes moved in 2022-23.
Chairman Shri Rathendra Raman attributed this unprecedented throughput to a series of strategic initiatives implemented by the port to enhance productivity, safety measures, business development, and overall capacity utilization.
Highlighting HDC’s significant contribution, Shri Raman noted that the complex handled 49.54 MMT in FY 2023-24, marking its highest cargo volume ever since its inception and surpassing the previous record of 48.608 MMT in FY 2022-23, representing an increase of 1.91%. Meanwhile, KDS managed 16.856 MMT of cargo in 2023-24 compared to 17.052 MMT in 2022-23.
The Chairperson emphasized the port’s robust financial performance in 2023-24, achieving a net surplus of Rs. 501.73 crores as well, a significant 65% growth over the previous year’s net surplus of Rs. 304.07 crores, marking a remarkable accomplishment.
To augment capacity of the port, SMP Kolkata is stressing on the PPP Projects in a big way.
A Major push for PPP Projects:
✓Concession awarded by SMPK for 2 PPP projects costing Rs 480 Crore for Rejuvenation of KPD-I West (Cost Rs. 181.81 crores) and Mechanization of Berth no. 2 at HDC (Cost 298.28 Crore) which could lead to Incremental Capacity Addition of 6.78 MMT (approx.)
✓ Three more projects (Berth No 5 for HDC, Strengthening & Mechanization of Berth no. 7 & 8 NSD and Floating Crane at Diamond Harbour at a cost of Rs 1160 crore, incremental capacity of 4.5 MMT) are likely to reach Award stage by 2024-25.
Major Projects awarded during FY 2023-24:
✓ Development of Drainage network (Phase-IIA) on eastern side of dock basin at Haldia dock complex, Haldia under master drainage plan (Cost Rs.26.79 Crore)
✓ Regarding Implementation of energy efficient/smart fittings and outdoor purpose along-with roof top solar power plant at KDS, Lol issued for Smart Light.
4 Major Projects costing Rs. 201.23 crore completed during FY 2023-24:
✔Procurement of 1 no. 40 Tonne Rail Mounted Quay Crane (RMQC) at HDC, (Cost Rs.52.82 Cr. and 0.25 MMTPA capacity addition).
✓ Augmentation of Fire Fighting system at HOJ-I&II including 2 nos. Barge Jetties including O&M for 10 years (Cost Rs.107.49 Cr.).
✔ Development of GCD Yard(Cost Rs.5.87 Cr.).
✔ Procurement, Supply installation, Testing & Commissioning of 1 Drive- Through X-Ray Container Scanning System with 2 year on-site Warranty and 8 year CAMC with spares/consumables for KDS (Cost Rs. 35.05 Cr)-Trial run completed and expected to commence shortly
HDC registered growth in respect of POL (Product), Other Liquid, Vegetable Oil, Iron Ore, Other Coal Coke, Finished Fertilizer, Container TEUs, etc. while KDS registered growth in respect of Finished Fertilizer, Timber, Other Coal / Coke, Pulses & Peas, Container (both TEUs and Tonnage) etc. during 2023-24 vis-à-vis 2022-23.
E.issues
14. Technology
Hydroelectric power projects with aggregate capacity of 15 GW under construction
Hydroelectric power projects with aggregate capacity of 15 GW are under construction in the country. The hydro capacity is likely to increase from 42 GW to 67 GW by 2031-32, marking an increase of more than half of present capacity.
The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted higher rainfall in the current financial year. Further, hydropower projects located in the Himalayan region get base flow from contribution of snowmelt, i.e., from surface runoff produced by melting snow; so, any rise in temperature will increase snowmelt contribution.
Moreover, given the ongoing energy transitions in the country, the development of Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) assumes importance for providing greater inertia and balancing power to the grid. PSPs are also known as ‘the Water Battery’, which is an ideal complement to modern clean energy systems.
Currently, PSPs with aggregate capacity of 2.7 GW are under construction in the county and another 50 GW is under various stages of development. It is projected that PSP capacity shall increase from 4.7 GW to around 55 GW by 2031-32.
Why the Fall in Hydro Power Generation in 2023-24
The fall in hydro power generation in 2023-24 as compared to 2022-23 cannot be attributed solely to less rainfall. In the southern region, which contributes approximately 22% of the total hydro energy generated, low rainfall has indeed played a role. However, the hydroelectric power projects in Northern and Eastern regions, comprising over 60% of total hydro energy generation, have been severely impacted by natural disasters in 2023-24. In July 2023, Himachal Pradesh experienced flash floods, disrupting the operation of many power stations in the area. Besides, flash floods in the Eastern region in October 2023 have further hindered the operation of several hydro power stations, thus affecting the generation severely.
Hydrology of any river basin is variable and follows some period of alternate wet and dry spells. Lower rainfall in the past does not mean that the same type of the rainfall will necessarily occur in the future as well.
Potential for Replenishment of Capacity in Water Reservoirs
While the lightest rainfall since 2018 resulted in reduced water levels in a few reservoirs, the government is reasonably optimistic about the future.
The prediction by the IMD of good monsoon in FY 2024-25 suggests a potential reversal of the trend. This anticipated increase in rainfall could contribute to replenishment of reservoir capacities which were lost during the scarce rainfall in the previous year.
Further, the current downturn may be temporary rather than indicative of a long-term decline.
Contribution of Hydro to Power System
It is important to recognize that the country is in the midst of an energy transition, marked by significant additions of solar and wind power to the current energy mix. Further, power from solar energy is available during the time of the day that does not coincide with the peak power demand.
Hydroelectric power has always played a significant role in the energy landscape of the country, providing essential peaking support to the electricity grid, thus enhancing the reliability and resilience of the power system.
Share of Hydro in Total Energy Mix and Pace of Addition of Hydro Capacity
The development of hydro power projects has been marred by various issues such as natural calamities, geological surprises and contractual disputes, which have resulted in slower hydro capacity addition in recent years.
Nevertheless, aligning with the ambitious targets set forth by India in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the COP Paris agreement, which are aimed at reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by the year 2030 and achieving 50% of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil-fuel sources by the year 2030, the government has adopted a proactive stance towards hydro power development, striving for accelerated progress.
Growth in India’s Renewable Energy Capacity
India’s renewable energy capacity has increased significantly in recent years. As on 30.11.2021, the installed Renewable Energy (RE) capacity of the country stood at 150.54 GW (solar: 48.55 GW, wind: 40.03 GW, Small hydro: 4.83 GW, Bio-power: 10.62 GW, Large Hydro: 46.51 GW) while its nuclear energy based installed capacity stood at 6.78 GW. This brings the total non-fossil-based installed energy capacity to 157.32 GW, which is 40.1% of the total installed electricity capacity of 392.01 GW at the time. Thus, India has overachieved its commitment made at COP 21 Paris Summit by achieving more than 40% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil fuels, almost nine years ahead of its commitment.
India is the only G20 country that has fulfilled all commitments it made in Paris on climate change.
Subsequent to this, India upgraded its commitments under Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in Glasgow COP26 and in August 2022 communicated its updated NDCs to UNFCCC, which includes:
- To put forward and further propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation, including through a mass movement for ‘LIFE’– ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ as a key to combating climate change.
- To reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level.
- To achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil-fuel-based energy resources by 2030, with the help of transfer of technology and low-cost international finance including from Green Climate Fund (GCF).
At the same time, India is targeting to achieve renewable energy capacity more than the committed capacity of 50% from non-fossil sources, by the year 2030. In order to meet 500 GW non-fossil fuel generation capacity, transmission plan has already been prepared and bids for renewable energy capacity have been finalized.
All-India Renewable Energy Generation (excluding Large Hydro) has increased steadily from 61.7 billion units in 2014-15 to 225.5 billion units in 2023-24 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.47%.
Similarly, the growth in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity (excluding Large Hydro) has increased from 38.96 GW as on 31.03.2015 to 136.57 GW as on 29.02.2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.94%.
Also, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of All India Solar Power Generation from 2014-15 to 2023-24 is 42.97%.
15. Environment
16. Security
CDS Gen Anil Chauhan underscores need for Military Leaders to adapt to changing character of War
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has highlighted the need for Military Leaders to adapt to the changing character of war and underscored the importance of inter services synergy. He was addressing Future Leaders of the Indian Armed Forces at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington on 05 April 2024.
In his address, the CDS dwelled on the transformative reforms undertaken in the Indian military in the backdrop of emerging security challenges. The CDS was briefed by the Commandant on the ongoing training activities at the College wherein due emphasis was laid on fostering jointmanship and inter services awareness, which was well appreciated.
The 79th Staff Course is presently underway at the College. The course is of 45 weeks duration. The present course comprises of 476 student officers to include 36 students from 26 Friendly Foreign Countries. For the first time, eight Women Officers are also participating in the course.
17. Disaster Management