GIST of India Year Book 2024

Unit-1 : LAND, PEOPLE & JURISPRUDENCE

Important concepts

Finance Commission:
- Established by the President of India (Article 280)
- Recommends distribution of tax revenue between center and states
- Addresses imbalances between tax powers and expenditure responsibilities
- Works towards equalization of public services across states
World Heritage Sites:
- Cultural or natural sites of outstanding universal value
- Important across countries and generations
Anand Karaj: Sikh marriage ceremony meaning “Blissful Union”
Supreme Court Jurisdiction:
- Original jurisdiction (exclusive):
  - Disputes between government of India and states
  - Between two or more states
- Appellate jurisdiction: Appeals from High Courts involving substantial questions of law regarding the Constitution (civil and criminal cases)
- Advisory jurisdiction: Advice provided to the President on specific referrals (Article 143)
Directive Principles of State Policy: Guidelines in constitutions for promoting welfare, social justice, and economic development
Phytogeographical region: Area with uniform climate and distinct vegetation type

A Land of Rich History and Diversity: India

Diverse Physical Features of India

India’s landscape is incredibly diverse, with four main regions:
The Himalayas: Towering peaks and fertile valleys form India’s northern boundary. This majestic mountain range resulted from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates millions of years ago.
The Indo-Gangetic Plains: These fertile plains, formed by the rivers Ganges and Indus, are among the most densely populated areas in the world.
The Thar Desert: This desert region, located in northwest India, is divided into the “great desert” and the “little desert.”
The Deccan Peninsula: This southern region is marked by plateaus, hills, and coastal plains.

Geological Formation

Himalayas:Formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
Peninsula:Composed of ancient rock formations dating back billions of years, along with volcanic activity and sedimentary deposits.

River Systems

Four Groups:
- Himalayan rivers (e.g., Ganges, Indus) – originate from snow and glaciers, with continuous flow and swelling during monsoons.
- Deccan rivers (e.g., Godavari, Krishna) – rainfed and fluctuate in volume.
- Coastal rivers – shorter with limited catchment areas.
- Inland drainage basin rivers (e.g., Luni River) – few and far between.

Climate

Influenced by:Oceans, Himalayas, Thar Desert
Four Seasons:Winter, pre-monsoon/summer, southwest monsoon, post-monsoon/northeast monsoon
Monsoon:Brings heavy rainfall from June to September, crucial for agriculture and hydrology.

Cyclones

North Indian Ocean:Prone to cyclones, especially during the post-monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons.
Impact:Large-scale destruction upon landfall.

India’s Rich Tapestry: Flora, Fauna, and Demographics

Flora:
- Diverse plant life due to varied climate and geography.
- 11 phytogeographical zones with unique vegetation.
Fauna:
- High biodiversity with over 2,800 protected species.
- Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) studies animal life.
- Significant contributor to global fauna diversity.
Demographics:
- Population over 1.2 billion and projected to grow.
- Challenges: population density, sex ratio, literacy, migration.
- Kerala – highest literacy rate, Bihar – lowest.
- Migration driven by socio-economic factors.
- Fertility, mortality, and growth rates closely monitored.
Diversity Defines India: Geographical, geological, climatic, and demographic factors create a unique nation with both challenges and opportunities for development.