Topics
Renaissance in Europe and Development of Science
European Colonialism
India and European Colonialism
Colonialism and the Marathas
India: Social and Religious Reforms
Indian Struggle Against Colonialism
- Struggle before 1857
- Early Resistance to British Rule in India
- Background of Founding the Indian National Congress
- Foundation of the Indian National Congress
- 'Moderates' and 'Extremists'
- Armed Revolutionaries in India
- Mahatma Gandhi: Non-violent Resistance Movement
- Indian National Army (INA)
- 'Quit India' Movement of 1942
- Overview of Indian Struggle Against Colonialism
Decolonisation to Political Integration of India
World Wars and India
World : Decolonisation
Cold War
India Transformed - Part 1
India Transformed - Part 2
Key Points: Globalisation – GATT and WTO
|
Aspect |
GATT (1947) |
WTO (1995) |
Key Features |
Impact on India |
|
Establishment |
Signed in Geneva by 23 nations |
Established on 1 January 1995 by 123 nations |
Permanent international trade framework |
India became active member in global trade |
|
Objective |
Promote international trade and reduce tariffs |
Promote free trade and liberalisation |
Remove customs duties & trade restrictions |
Boost to economic reforms after 1990 |
|
Structure |
Annual meetings at Geneva; one vote per nation |
Global trade organisation with defined rules |
Common rules for international trade |
Simplified import/export policies |
|
Key Contribution |
First multilateral trade agreement |
Based on ‘Dunkel Draft’ by Arthur Dunkel |
Covered agriculture, services, technology, IPR |
Increased investments & trade growth |
|
Outcome |
Became part of WTO later |
Strong global trade body |
Liberalisation policy strengthened |
Growth rate rise, poverty ratio fall, global integration |
Key Points: Rural Development Plans (Post-1990 Transformation) Scheme/Programme Year Started Main Objective Key Features Outcome/Impact
|
Scheme/Programme |
Year Started |
Main Objective |
Key Features |
Outcome/Impact |
|
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Yojana |
1993 |
Generate employment for educated youth |
Financial assistance for self-employment and small enterprises |
Promoted private enterprise and job creation |
|
Jawahar Gram-Samruddhi Yojana |
1999 |
Provide employment in rural areas |
Rural infrastructure development and wage employment |
Strengthened village development works |
|
Sampoorna Gramin Rojgar Yojana |
2001 |
Ensure wage employment and food security |
Food-grains given in exchange for work |
Helped poor districts and reduced famine-like conditions |
|
Rashtriya Gramin Rojgar Hami Yojana |
2005 (expanded later) |
Provide guaranteed employment in rural areas |
100 days wage guarantee to rural families |
Reduced rural unemployment and poverty |
|
Kisan Credit Card Scheme |
1998 |
Financial support to farmers |
Easy credit for seeds, equipment and cultivation; insurance facility |
Improved agricultural productivity |
|
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana |
2016 (concept earlier crop insurance) |
Protect farmers from crop loss |
Insurance cover against natural calamities |
Financial security to farmers |
|
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana |
2000 |
Improve rural connectivity |
Construction of all-weather rural roads |
Boosted rural development and economic growth |
Key Points: Urban Development Plans
|
Plan/Scheme |
Year Launched |
Objective |
Key Features |
Impact/Result |
|
JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission) |
2005 |
Modernisation of cities |
Development of roads, public transport, wastewater and sewage systems, housing for poor |
Improved urban infrastructure and civic amenities |
|
Golden Quadrilateral (Suvarna Chatushkon Yojana) |
1998 |
Strengthen national highway network |
Connect Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata; 7300 km highways |
Faster transportation and boost to trade |
|
Metro Railway (Delhi Metro) |
2002 |
Improve urban public transport |
Underground and overground metro network |
Reduced traffic congestion; smooth and fast travel |
Key Points: Means of Communication (Postal Department)
|
Aspect/Service |
Year/Period |
Objective |
Key Features |
Impact/Result |
|
Establishment of Postal Department |
1766 |
Communication service |
Delivery of letters and parcels |
Over 250 years of service in India |
|
Banking Services by Post |
Modern reforms (especially 2018) |
Financial inclusion |
Postal Savings A/c, PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi, Core Banking Solutions, ATMs |
Expanded banking access in rural and urban areas |
|
Speed Post Service |
1986 |
Faster mail delivery |
Courier services, parcel tracking, mobile delivery updates |
Reliable and quick delivery system |
|
Modern and Additional Services |
2000s onward |
Service expansion |
Bill payments, logistics post, air freight, money transfer to NRIs |
Increased convenience and business growth |
|
Philately and Special Services |
Ongoing |
Cultural promotion and special services |
Special postage stamps, Post Shops, personalised stamps, delivery of Gangajal |
Promoted heritage awareness and public engagement |
Key Points: Economic Issues – Ministry of Disinvestment
|
Aspect |
Details |
Key Policy/Action |
Year/Period |
Impact/Result |
|
Establishment |
Separate ministry created for disinvestment |
Gradual withdrawal of government investment from public sector |
Established (before 2016) |
Promoted restructuring of public sector units |
|
Policy Focus |
Reduce investment in selected sectors |
Mining, petroleum refineries, roads, highways, port trusts, telecom |
Ongoing reform phase |
Encouraged private and foreign participation |
|
Economic Reforms |
Adopted Privatisation, Liberalisation and Globalisation (KHAAUJA) |
Opened Indian economy to global markets |
Post-1991 reforms |
Boosted investor confidence |
|
Global Expansion |
Indian companies expanded abroad |
Acquisition of foreign companies (steel, pharma, tea, automobiles) |
Reform period |
Strengthened India’s global presence |
|
Administrative Change |
Ministry renamed |
Renamed as Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) |
2016 |
Streamlined asset management and disinvestment process |
Key Points: BRICS
|
Aspect |
Details |
Objective |
Important Event |
Impact/Result |
|
Formation |
Established in 2006 |
Strengthen cooperation among member nations |
BRICS grouping formed |
Promoted economic collaboration |
|
Member Countries |
Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa |
Enhance trade relations |
Expansion to include South Africa |
Strengthened global representation |
|
Aim |
Economic and trade cooperation |
Mutual development and growth |
Regular BRICS Summits |
Increased economic partnerships |
|
11th Summit |
Held in Brazil (2019) |
Focus on future growth |
Theme: Economic Growth for an Innovative Future |
Emphasis on innovation and technology |
|
Key Areas of Discussion |
Technology, digital economy, international crime, financial scams |
Strengthen global coordination |
Summit discussions |
Broader cooperation in modern global issues |
Key Points: Science and Technology
|
Area/Sector |
Initiative/Development |
Year/Period |
Key Contribution |
Impact/Result |
|
Supercomputing |
PARAM Series (PARAM-8000, PARAM-10000, PARAM Padma) |
1990s–2003 |
Developed by C-DAC, Pune |
Placed India among leading nations in high-performance computing |
|
Information Technology |
Expansion of IT and Software Industry |
Post-1991 Liberalisation |
Growth of software exports; rise of IT hubs like Pune and Bengaluru |
India became major global IT service provider |
|
Space and Nuclear Science |
Pokhran Tests, INSAT, Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan |
1998 onwards |
Strengthened nuclear capability and space research |
Enhanced global scientific recognition |
|
Communication Technology |
Internet Services and BSNL |
1995 onwards |
Expansion of telecom, mobile and broadband services |
Rapid digital connectivity across India |
|
Electoral Technology |
VVPAT System |
2011 onwards |
Transparent verification of electronic voting |
Strengthened democratic process and voter confidence |
Key Points: Defence Affairs
|
Event/Initiative |
Year |
Key Focus |
Major Action/Development |
Impact/Result |
|
Kargil War (Operation Vijay) |
1999 |
Defence of Kashmir |
Indian Army fought Pakistan in Kargil-Drass sector |
India emerged victorious; military modernisation accelerated |
|
Strategic Strike Nuclear Submarine (Arihant Class) |
2009 |
Indigenous Defence Technology |
Built India’s first nuclear submarine with Russian cooperation |
India became 6th nation with indigenous nuclear submarine capability |
|
Make in India (Defence Sector) |
2000s onward |
Indigenous Production |
Promotion of Indian technology and private sector participation |
Strengthened self-reliance in defence manufacturing |
|
Joint Military Exercises |
2000s onward |
Tactical and Technological Exchange |
Exercises with Oman, Nepal, USA, Sri Lanka, Russia, Bangladesh, England |
Improved combat readiness and anti-terror capabilities |
|
Women in Armed Forces |
Recent Years |
Gender Inclusion |
Recruitment through UPSC and Short Service Commission |
Increased participation of women in defence services |
Key Points: Youth Related Policies
|
Scheme/Initiative |
Year/ Background |
Objective |
Key Features |
Impact/Result |
|
Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) |
1972 |
Skill development of youth |
Training in literacy, health, hygiene, environment, rural development |
Youth empowerment and self-employment promotion |
|
National Youth Empowerment Programme |
Merged later |
Overall youth development |
Focus on education, family welfare, social awareness |
Increased youth participation in nation-building |
|
National Youth Day and Youth Festival |
12 January (Swami Vivekananda Jayanti) |
Encourage youth talent |
Jointly organised by Central and State Governments |
Platform for artistic and cultural talents |
|
Youth Hostels Association of India |
Nationwide network |
Promote adventure and youth activities |
About 83 hostels; affordable accommodation |
Encourages adventure skills and youth mobility |
|
Youth Training through Scouts, NSS and NCC |
Ongoing |
Personality and leadership development |
Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Service Scheme, NCC training |
Discipline, leadership and national service spirit |
Key Points: Right to Information Act, 2005
|
Aspect |
Details |
Key Personalities/Events |
Important Features |
Significance |
|
Origin and Background |
First applied in Sweden (1776); declared fundamental human right by UN (1946) |
L.K. Kulwal, Aruna Roy, Harsh Mander |
Public demand for transparency in governance |
Strengthened democratic rights |
|
Public Movement |
‘Majdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan’ raised demand for RTI |
Aruna Roy (1990 movement) |
People demanded access to government records |
Increased awareness about citizens' rights |
|
Implementation in India |
Maharashtra implemented RTI on 12 Oct 2005 |
Anna Hazare played key role |
State-level implementation before national Act |
Led to nationwide adoption |
|
Meaning of ‘Information’ |
Includes records, documents, e-mails, memos, reports, tenders, electronic data |
— |
Covers data from public authorities and related institutions |
Ensures transparency in administration |
|
Rights of Citizens |
Citizens can apply to Information Officer |
— |
Right to inspect records, get copies, take notes, obtain data in electronic form |
Promotes accountability and reduces corruption |
Key Points: Reorganisation of States
|
State/Region |
Year of Formation/Change |
Background/Demand |
Key Development |
Present Status |
|
Chhattisgarh |
1 Nov 2000 |
Demand raised in pre-independence period; proposal approved in 1998 |
Separated from Madhya Pradesh |
Independent state |
|
Uttarakhand |
9 Nov 2000 |
Demand since 1930s; movement intensified in 1990s |
Carved out from Uttar Pradesh (earlier Uttaranchal) |
Independent state |
|
Jharkhand |
15 Nov 2000 |
Demand since 1929; Jharkhand Party formed in 1947 |
Bihar Reorganisation Act passed in 2000 |
Independent state |
|
Telangana |
2 June 2014 |
Telangana Rashtriya Samiti led movement |
Separated from Andhra Pradesh |
Independent state |
|
Jammu–Kashmir and Ladakh |
31 Oct 2019 |
Article 370 gave special status; demand for full integration |
Article 370 revoked (Aug 2019); state reorganised |
Two Union Territories – Jammu- Kashmir and Ladakh |
