Topics
The World since 1991
Key Concepts and Issues since 1991: Globalisation
Key Concepts and Issues since 1991: Humanitarian Issues
Contemporary India: Challenges to Peace, Stability and National Integration
Contemporary India: Good Governance
India and the World
- Objectives of Indian Foreign Policy
- Principles of Indian Foreign Policy
- Concept of Non-Alignment Movement
- Factors Influencing Indian Foreign Policy
- India’s Relations with the World
- Major Powers in the World
- India as Emerging Power
- Neighbourhood of India
- Africa in the Indian World View
- Indian Ocean Region
- Overview of India and the World
Estimated time: 20 minutes
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Points: Environment and Sustainability
- Environment includes all living and non-living things around us like air, water, soil, plants, animals, and climate.
- Natural environment is formed by nature, while human environment is created by human activities like cities and farming.
- Economic development often leads to environmental degradation if not managed properly.
- Environmental issues gained global attention at the 1972 UN Conference in Stockholm.
- The Brundtland Commission (1987) introduced the concept of sustainable development.
- The Rio Earth Summit (1992) promoted global cooperation on environment and development.
- Sustainable development aims to balance development with environmental protection.
- Environmental sustainability ensures present needs are met without harming future generations.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Points: Some of the Important Environmental Concerns
- Climate Change
- Pollution
- Deforestation
- Water Scarcity
- Loss of Biodiversity
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Points: Poverty and Development
- Meaning of poverty: Lack of basic needs like food, shelter, sanitation and income.
- Traditional view of poverty: Poverty is mainly seen as low income and lack of resources.
- Role of the State: The State should provide basic necessities and welfare.
- Alternative view of poverty: Poverty also means lack of dignity, security, choices and participation.
- Development and values: Development includes social and political values, not only economic growth.
- Approaches to development: Development can be State-led or market-led.
- Non-traditional approach: Focuses on equity, empowerment, participation and sustainability.
- UN view on poverty: Poverty is a denial of dignity, education, health and opportunities.
- Good governance: Democracy, rights protection and public participation help reduce poverty.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Points: Millennium Development Goals
- United Nations adopted the Millennium Declaration in 2000.
- Declaration set international development goals to be achieved by 2015.
- These goals are known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
- Key aims included eradicating extreme poverty and hunger and promoting sustainable development.
- In 2016, MDGs were replaced by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Points: Poverty and Development in India
- Modernisation of the Economy.
- Self-reliance.
- Socialist pattern of society with equity and social justice.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Points: Poverty and Women
- Women are more affected by poverty due to unequal access to property, resources, and power.
- Women face discrimination in education, employment, wages, health care, and decision-making.
- Women and girls carry a heavy burden of unpaid domestic responsibilities.
- Feminist movements since the 19th and 20th centuries promoted gender equality and women empowerment.
- Empowerment means giving women control over their lives and ensuring equal rights and opportunities.
- The UN declared 1975 as the start of the ‘Decade for Women’ to promote equal rights and address women’s issues globally.
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
Key Points: Status of Women in India
- Constitutional Equality: The Indian Constitution guarantees equality for women and permits affirmative action in their favor.
- Economic Inequality: Significant gender wage gap and low female labour force participation persist.
- Trafficking and Exploitation: Women face trafficking, forced marriage, domestic abuse, and denial of basic rights.
- Low Literacy Rate: Female literacy remains lower than male literacy in India.
- Political Under-representation: Women have limited representation in Parliament and State Assemblies.
- Shift in Approach: Focus moved from welfare (1950s) to development (1970s) to empowerment (1990s).
- Legal and Policy Support: Laws like the Domestic Violence Act (2005) and Workplace Harassment Act (2013) safeguard women’s rights.
- Reservation in Local Bodies: 73rd and 74th Amendments ensure reservation for women in Panchayats and Municipalities.
