Indian Army

The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. Its primary mission is to ensure the national security and defense of the Republic of India from external aggression and threats, and maintaining peace and security within its borders. It also conducts humanitarian rescue operations during natural calamities and other disturbances.

The Indian Army came into being when India gained independence in 1947, and inherited most of the infrastructure of the British Indian Army that were located in post-partition India. It is a voluntary service and although a provision for military conscription exists in the Indian constitution, it has never been imposed.

Since independence, the Army has been involved in four wars with neighboring Pakistan and one with the People's Republic of China. Other major operations undertaken by the Army include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Cactus. Apart from conflicts, the Army has been an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

The President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Army. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), a General, is a four star commander and commands the Army. There is never more than one serving general at any given time in the Army. Two officers have been conferred the rank of Field Marshal, a 5-star rank and the officer serves as the ceremonial chief.

With about 1,414,000 soldiers in active service and about 1,800,000 reserve troops, the Indian Army is the world's second largest active standing army and the largest in terms of army populace. By 2020, the Indian Army plans to upgrade 4,000 T-72s, over 2,500 T-90s, and few thousand other tanks.

Law enforcement in India

Law enforcement in India is conducted by numerous law enforcement agencies. At the union (federal) level, the agencies are part of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and support the states in their duties. Since the federal nature of the Constitution of India mandates law and order as a subject of the state, the bulk of the policing lies with the respective states and territories. Larger cities also operate metropolitan police, also under the state government. All senior police officers in the state police forces, as well as those in the federal agencies, are members of the Indian Police Service (IPS).

Federal agencies

The federal police are controlled by the central Government of India. The majority of federal law enforcement agencies are controlled by the Ministry of Defence or the Ministry of Home Affairs. The head of each of the federal law enforcement agencies is always an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.

2010 Commonwealth Games

India is set to host the Commonwealth Games for the first time ever, from 3^rd to 14^th October, 2010. These Games are a multi sport event, in which countries that were once part of the former British Empire participate. The curtain raiser to the Commonwealth Games is the Queen's Baton Relay, which was launched from Buckingham Palace, London, on the 29^th of October, 2009. As the city of New Delhi gears up to present the main event next year, we bring you a closer look at the Queen's Baton Relay and other traditions of the Games.

The Mascot and Logo

Named 'Shera- , the mascot of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games is the National Animal of India - the tiger. Presented to the world at the closing ceremony of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Shera, embodies the values of majesty, courage, power and grace. This orange and black striped tiger personifies the spirit of India, while pushing athletes to come up with their best performances.

The logo of the Delhi Commonwealth Games is inspired by the Chakra, the national symbol of freedom, unity and power. Spiralling upwards, this rainbow Chakra in the shape of human figures, portrays the coming together of the diverse people of India to fuel the growth of a proud and vibrant nation.

The logo tagline is 'Come Out and Play'. It is an invitation to every person across all participating nationalities to let go of their inhibitions and participate in the Games according to their best capacity, in the true spirit of the Games. It is a call to set new records and an exhortation to the people of Delhi to play the perfect hosts for the entire duration of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Delhi, 2010 - Let The Games Begin

About 71 teams are expected to participate in the 19^th Commonwealth Games at New Delhi. These include the 53 members of the Commonwealth of Nations as well as separate teams for the constituent countries of the United Kingdom, British Crown dependencies and British overseas territories. India is the third developing country to host the event after Jamaica in 1966 and Malaysia in 1998.

Seventeen sports have been included in the Games schedule. They are Archery, Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby 7s, Shooting, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Elite Athletes with Disabilities (EAD) will compete in 15 events across 4 sports, namely, Athletics, Swimming, Powerlifting and Table Tennis. The government is currently renovating existing facilities and constructing new infrastructure for these sports. Here is some more information on the 2010 Commonwealth Games -

The Commonwealth Games presents a unique opportunity for young sportspersons from India and other Commonwealth countries to get together, live in the same environment, compete with each other and achieve superior levels of sporting excellence. As our sportspersons leave no stones unturned in their preparations for the Games, citizens need to support and cheer them on as they get ready for the big event. There is no dearth of sporting talent in our vast country and it is hoped that the 2010 Commonwealth Games sees our National Flag soaring high and our torch burning bright.

Parliament

Parliament is the supreme legislative body of India. The Indian Parliament comprises of the President and the two Houses-Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The President has the power to summon and prorogue either House of Parliament or to dissolve Lok Sabha.

The Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950. The first general elections under the new Constitution were held during the year 1951-52 and the first elected Parliament came into being in April, 1952, the Second Lok Sabha in April, 1957, the Third Lok Sabha in April, 1962, the Fourth Lok Sabha in March, 1967, the Fifth Lok Sabha in March, 1971, the Sixth Lok Sabha in March, 1977, the Seventh Lok Sabha in January, 1980, the Eighth Lok Sabha in December, 1984, the Ninth Lok Sabha in December, 1989, the Tenth Lok Sabha in June, 1991, the Eleventh Lok Sabha in May, 1996, the Twelfth Lok Sabha in March, 1998 and Thirteenth Lok Sabha in October, 1999.

Rajya Sabha

The origin of Rajya Sabha can be traced back to 1919, when in pursuance to the Government of India Act, 1919, a second chamber known as the Council of States was created. This Council of States, comprising of mostly nominated members was a deformed version of second chamber without reflecting true federal features. The Council continued to function till India became independent. The Rajya Sabha, its Hindi nomenclature was adopted in 23 August, 1954.

The Rajya Sabha is to consist of not more than 250 members - 238 members representing the States and Union Territories, and 12 members nominated by the President.

Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. However, one third of the members retire every second year, and are replaced by newly elected members. Each member is elected for a term of six years.

The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. The House also elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members. Besides, there is also a panel of "Vice Chairmen" in the Rajya Sabha. The senior most Minister, who is a member of Rajya Sabha, is appointed by the Prime Minister as Leader of the House.

Lok Sabha

Parliamentary institutions in India, with all their modern ramifications, owe their origin to India's British connections. Until 1853, there was no legislative body distinct from the Executive. The Charter Act of 1853, for the first time provided some sort of a legislature in the form of a 12 member Legislative Council. The Indian Independence Act, 1947 declared the Constituent Assembly of India to be a full sovereign body. Apart from being a Constitution drafting body, it also assumed full powers for the governance of the country. With the coming into force of the Constitution on 26 January, 1950, the Constituent Assembly functioned as the Provisional Parliament until the first Lok Sabha, then known as the House of People, and was constituted following General Elections in 1952. Lok Sabha, the Hindi nomenclature was adopted on 14 May, 1954.

The Lok Sabha is composed of representatives of people chosen by direct election on the basis of Universal Adult Suffrage. The Constitution provides that the maximum strength of the House be 552 members - 530 members to represent the States, 20 members to represent the Union Territories, and 2 members to be nominated by the President from the Anglo-Indian Community. At present, the strength of the House is 545 members.

The term of the Lok Sabha, unless dissolved, is five years from the date appointed for its first meeting. However, while a proclamation of emergency is in operation, this period may be extended by Parliament by law for a period not exceeding one year at a time and not extending in any case, beyond a period of six months after the proclamation has ceased to operate.

Difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

1. Members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the eligible voters. Members of Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote.
2. The normal life of every Lok Sabha is 5 years only while Rajya Sabha is a permanent body.
3. Lok Sabha is the House to which the Council of Ministers is responsible under the Constitution. Money Bills can only be introduced in Lok Sabha. Also it is Lok Sabha, which grants the money for running the administration of the country.
4. Rajya Sabha has special powers to declare that it is necessary and expedient in the national interest that Parliament may make laws with respect to a matter in the State List or to create by law one or more all-India services common to the Union and the States.

Functions and Powers

The cardinal functions of the Legislature include overseeing of administration, passing of budget, ventilation of public grievances, and discussing various subjects like development plans, international relations, and national policies. The Parliament can, under certain circumstances, assume legislative power with respect to a subject falling within the sphere, exclusively reserved for the states. The Parliament is also vested with powers to impeach the President, remove judges of Supreme and High Courts, the Chief Election Commissioner, and Comptroller and Auditor General in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Constitution. All legislation requires the consent of both Houses of Parliament. In the case of Money Bills, the will of the Lok Sabha prevails. The Parliament is also vested with the power to initiate amendments in the Constitution.

Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution

Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has two Departments, namely, the Department of Food and Public Distribution and the Department of Consumer Affairs.

The Department of Consumer Affairs under Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution is responsible for the formulation of policies for Monitoring Prices, availability of essential commodities, Consumer Movement in the country and Controlling of statutory bodies like Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)- External website that opens in a new window and Weights and Measures. The Department is entrusted with the following works:
• Internal Trade
• Inter-State Trade: The Spirituous Preparations (Inter-State Trade and Commerce) Control Act, 1955 (39 of 1955).
• Control of Futures Trading: the Forward Contracts (Regulations) Act, 1952 (74 of 1952).
• The Essential Commodities Act, 1955(External website that opens in a new window) (10 of 1955) (Supply Prices, and Distribution of Essential Commodities not dealt with specifically by any other Ministry/Department).
• Prevention of Black-marketing and Maintenance of Supply of Essential Commodities Act, 1980 (7 of 1980). Persons subjected to detention there under.
• Regulation of Packaged Commodities.
• Training in Legal Metrology.
• Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1952 (12 of 1952).
• Standards of Weights and Measures. The Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976 (60 of 1976).
• The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986(External website that opens in a new window) (63 of 1986).
• Consumer Cooperatives.
• All attached or subordinate offices or other organizations concerned with any of the subject specified in this list including Forward Markets Commission, Mumbai.
• Monitoring of Prices and Availability of essential commodities.
• The Consumer Protection Act, 1986(External website that opens in a new window) (68 of 1986).
• Consumer Welfare Fund. (CWF)

The Department of Public Distribution is charged with the prime responsibility of the management of the food economy of the country. The twin objectives of the Department are to ensure - Remunerate rates for our farmers and the supply of food grains at reasonable prices to the consumers through the public distribution system. The Department is concerned with the formulation of policies concerning the food grains sector - procurement, storage, movement and distribution. The Department implements the scheme of minimum support price to the producers of wheat, paddy and coarse grains and the distribution of food grains from the Central Pool. A close watch is kept on the stock and price levels of food grains and efforts are made to ensure their adequate availability at reasonable prices in different parts of the country.

Main activities
• Formulation and implementation of national policies on procurement, movement, storage and distribution of wheat, rice and coarse grains.
• Imports and export of wheat, rice and coarse grains.
• Policy and planning for Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
• Buffer stocking policy and matters relating to food security.
• Quality control of wheat, rice and coarse grains procured, stored and distributed by various public agencies in the country.
• Storage facilities for the maintenance of central reserves of wheat, rice and coarse grains.
• Research and dissemination of the techniques of scientific storage of wheat, rice and coarse grains.

Constitution of India

India, also known as Bharat, is a Union of States. It is a Sovereign Socialist Democratic Republic with a parliamentary system of government. The Republic is governed in terms of the Constitution of India which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949 and came into force on 26th January 1950.

The Constitution provides for a Parliamentary form of government which is federal in structure with certain unitary features. The constitutional head of the Executive of the Union is the President. As per Article 79 of the Constitution of India, the council of the Parliament of the Union consists of the President and two Houses known as the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and the House of the People (Lok Sabha). Article 74(1) of the Constitution provides that there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister as its head to aid and advise the President, who shall exercise his functions in accordance to the advice. The real executive power is thus vested in the Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister as its head.

The Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha). Every State has a Legislative Assembly. Certain States have an upper House also called State Legislative Council. There is a Governor for each state who is appointed by the President. Governor is the Head of the State and the executive power of the State is vested in him. The Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister as its head advises the Governor in the discharge of the executive functions. The Council of the Ministers of a state is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of the State.

The Constitution distributes legislative powers between Parliament and State legislatures as per the lists of entries in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution. The residuary powers vest in the Parliament. The centrally administered territories are called Union Territories.

Environment & Forests

The primary concerns of the Ministry of Environment & Forests(External website that opens in a new window) under the Government structure and Implementation of policies and programmes relating to conservation of the country’s natural resources including lakes and rivers, its biodiversity, forests and wildlife, ensuring the welfare of animals and prevention and abatement of pollution. While implementing these polices and programmes, the Ministry is guided by the principle of sustainable development and enhancement of human well-being. The Ministry also serves as the nodal agency in the country for the United Nations Environment Programme(External website that opens in a new window) (UNEP), south Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), International Centre for integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and for the follow-up of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The Ministry is also entrusted with the issues relating to multilateral bodies such as the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), Global Environment Facility (GEF) and of regional bodies like Economic and Social Council for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) and South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) on matters pertaining to environment.

The broad objectives of the Ministry are:
• Conservation and survey of flora, fauna, forests and wildlife.
• Prevention and control of pollution.
• Afforestation and regeneration of degraded areas.
• Protection of the environment and
• Ensuring the welfare of animals.

These objectives are well supported by a set of legislative and regulatory measures, aimed at the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment. Besides the legislative measures, a Natural Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment and Development, 1992, National Forest Policy. 1988, a Policy Statement on Abatement of Pollution, 1992 and a National Environment Policy 2006 have also been evolved.