(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)
Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country.
History of the World will include events from 18th century such as Industrial Revolution, world wars, Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues, Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Effects of Globalization on Indian society.
Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.
Salient features of World’s Physical Geography.
Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
ART & CULTURE
Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
Indian Art FormsIndian PaintingsMural PaintingsMiniature PaintingsMughal, Rajput, Pahari PaintingsDances in IndiaClassical Dance FormsFolk Dance FormsModern DanceMusicClassical MusicFolk MusicPuppetryString PuppetsShadow PuppetsRod PuppetsGlove puppetsModern PuppetryTribal PuppetryPotteryOchre Coloured Pottery(OCP)Black and Red Ware (BRW)Painted Grey Ware (PGW)Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW)Glazed and Unglazed PotteryDrama/TheatreClassical Sanskrit TheatreRegional TheatreModern TheatreMartial ArtsThang TaGatkaKalaripayattuMallakhambSilambamOther Important Martial ArtsVisual ArtSculptures of Harappan CivilizationSculptures of the Mauryan AgePost-Mauryan PeriodJain SculpturesBuddhist SculptureGupta SculptureMedieval School of SculptureModern Indian Sculpture
Bhakti & Sufi MovementsSpread of Bhakti and Sufi MovementsWomen Poets of BhaktiLiteratureClassical Sanskrit LiteratureVedas, Upanishads, PuranasBooks written by Kalidasa, Vishakhadatta etcAncient Buddhist LiteratureAncient Jainism LiteratureEarly Dravidian Literature (eg Sangam Period)Medieval LiteratureTrends in Medieval LiteratureModern Indian LiteratureArchitectureHarappan ArchitectureMauryan ArchitecturePost-Mauryan Period Gupta PeriodTemple ArchitectureNagara StyleDravida StyleVesara StyleCave ArchitectureBuddhist CaveJaina CavesGupta Period CavesMedieval and Indo-Islamic ArchitectureImperial Style Delhi SultanateProvincial StyleMughal StyleSikh Style of ArchitectureRajput ArchitectureSalient featuresColonial Architecture & Modern ArchitectureEuropean InfluenceIndo-Saracenic ArchitecturePost-Independence PeriodContribution of Buddhism & Jainism to the Development of Indian ArchitectureRock Cut ArchitectureSouth IndianWestern IndianEastern Indian
ANCIENT HISTORY
Pre-HistoricStone Age Chalcolithic Age Iron Age Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) Town Planning Harappan Society Characteristics of Major Centers Harappan Art & Architecture Decline of Harappan Culture Vedic Society Original Home of Aryans Socio- Economic Characters of Vedic Society Vedic Literature Social Organization and Varna System Religion and Thought Pre-Mauryan Period Mahajanpadas Haryanka dynasty Shishunaga dynasty Nanda dynasty Jainism and Buddhism Gautam Buddha Mahavira Growth of Jainism and BuddhismMauryan Empire Chandragupta and Bindusara Arthasastra (Book by Kautilya) Megasthenes Asoka and His Successors Asoka’s Inscriptions and Sites Asoka’ a Dhamma Mauryan. Administration, Economy, Society and Art Decline of Maurya
Post-Mauryan India Arrival of Indo-Greeks, Shakas, Parthians & Kushana Satavahanas and Other Indigenous Dynasties Schools of Art: Gandhara; Mathura; Amravati Imperial Guptas Political history of Guptas Gupta Administration Development of Art & Culture Age of Golden age Economic Conditions Urban centres in Gupta period Harshavardana Sources for Harsha’s Period Early life of Harsha Harsha’s Administration Important Officials of the empire Economy under Harsha Huen Tsang Society Religion The Southern Dynasties Satavahanas (230 BC TO AD 225) Pallavas (AD 330–796) Chalukyas (AD 535–1190) Pandyas of Madurai (AD 590–1323) Chola Dynasty (AD 850–1310) Rashtrakutas (AD 753–973)
MEDIEVAL HISTORY
Delhi Sultanate Slave (Ghulam) or Mamluk Dynasty Khilji Dynasty Tughluq dynasty Sayyid Dynasty Lodi dynasty Struggle for Empire in North India (Afghans, Rajputs and Mughals) Mughals Babur Humayun Akbar Jahangir Shah Jahan Aurangzeb Later Mughals Decline of Mughal Empire
Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issuesThe Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country
Important Modern History Events Before 1857 Later Mughals Regional powers in 18th Century Carnatic Wars Battle of Plassey & Buxar Anglo-Mysore War Anglo Punjab War Socio-economic Condition of People European Penetration of India British Conquest of India British Policies & Their Impact – Economic, Administrative & Socio-cultural Socio-cultural Reform Movements Uprisings Against British Pre-1857 Revolt of 1857 Causes, Leaders, and Nature of revolt of 1857 Suppression of revolt of 1857 Consequences of Revolt of 1857 Act of Good Governance 1858 Growth of Nationalism in India (1858-1905) Political, Economic & Administrative Unification of the Country Role of Western Education Role of Press Rediscovery of India’s Past Early Political Movements Formation of INC Era of Moderates Growth of Militant Nationalism & Revolutionary Activities (1905-1918) Swadeshi & Boycott Movement Surat Split International Influence Morley – Minto Reforms Growth of Communalism
Beginning of Mass Nationalism (1919-1939) Mahatma Gandhi – His Ideas & Leadership Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms Rowlatt Act, Satyagrah and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Non-cooperation & Khilafat Movement Swarajists & No-Changers Emergence of New Forces – Socialistic Ideas, Youth & Trade Unionism Revolutionary Activity Simon Commission & Nehru Report Civil Disobedience Movement Round Table Conferences Communal Award & Poona Pact Participation in Elections to Central Legislature (1934) & Provincial Assemblies (1937) Government of India Act, 1935 Towards Freedom & Partition (1939-1947) National Movement During World War II August Offer Individual Satyagraha Growth of Communalism Peasant Movements State People’s Struggle Cripps Mission Quit India Movement Wavell Plan INA & Subhash Chandra Bose Cabinet Mission Nationalist Upsurge Post-World War II Independence with Partition
POST-INDEPENDENCE INDIA
Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country
Nation BuildingPartition and Its AftermathIntegration of Princely StatesLinguistic Regionalism in IndiaReorganisation of StatesIssue of Official LanguageTribal ConsolidationRegional AspirationsForeign PolicyNon-Aligned MovementPanchsheelWars with Pakistan & ChinaNuclear PolicyEconomyPlanned DevelopmentGreen Revolution, Operation Flood & CooperativesAgrarian & Land ReformsIndustrial ReformsLPG Reforms
PolityEra of One-Party DominanceEmergence of Opposition PartiesEmergency: Crisis of Democratic OrderRise of Regional PartiesCoalition EraSocialPopular MovementsCommunalismIndian Women Since IndependenceIssue of Women and Evolution of Women MovementNaxalismPost-Independence Policy of Science And TechnologyIndia’s Policy in the Field of the Science and TechnologyImpact of Economic Reform on the Science and Technology in India
WORLD HISTORY
History of the World will include events from 18th century such as Industrial Revolution, world wars, Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society
Beginning of the Modern WorldRenaissanceDiscovery of Sea RoutesReformationCounter ReformationIndustrial RevolutionEuropean Nations Settle North AmericaRise of Slave TradeAmerican War of IndependenceFoundation of American ColoniesThe Independence of United States of AmericaThe American Revolutionary WarWhat was the impact of American Revolution?US Civil WarImpact of Civil War on USAGlobal Impact of US Civil WarImpact on IndiaFrench RevolutionCausesThe revolution in FranceFrance under NapoleonImpact of revolutionSignificance of revolutionNationalism in EuropeRise of the nation- state systemUnification of ItalyUnification of GermanyRise of Capitalism, Colonialism & ImperialismColonialismThe age of Imperialism (1870-1914)Imperialism in AsiaAnalysis of ColonialismWorld War ICauses of the WarScope & Course of the WarRussian RevolutionMajor events in pre-revolution RussiaCausesCourse of revolutionConsequencesAftermath of the warPost-Lenin RussiaEnd of the War & Peace TreatiesConsequences of the WarLeague of Nations
World Between the Two WarsEurope After the War – Fascism & NazismThe Great DepressionEmergence of Soviet UnionNationalist Movements in Asia & AfricaUS as a Strong PowerWorld War IIFascist Aggression & Response of Western DemocraciesOutbreak of the WarTheatres of the WarUS Entry into the WarGlobal Nature of the WarThe HolocaustResistance MovementsAfter-effects of the WarDecolonialisation & Redrawal of National BoundariesEurope after World War IICold WarRise of Asia & AfricaDevelopments in West Asia & North AfricaSpread of CommunismKorean WarVietnam WarCuban CrisisCollapse of Soviet UnionConcept, Types & Social Impact of Political PhilosophiesCommunismCapitalismSocialism
INDIAN SOCIETY
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of IndiaFeatures of Indian societyDiversity (Types – caste, linguistic, social and religious, race, tribe and ethnicity, culture)Challenges posed by DiversityUnityPluralismUnity in DiversityInequality and ExclusionFamily SystemExamples of above.Role of Women and Women’s OrganizationWomen’s organizations in Indian historyTypes of women’s organizationsLevel of penetration19th Century Social Reform Movements and Early Women’s Organisations –Agrarian Struggles and RevoltParticipation in Freedom StruggleWomen’s organization (With Examples)Problems faced by women’s organizationsIs a larger vocal role possible and ways to achieve the sameRole of SHGs, Micro finance InstitutionPopulation and Associated IssuesBasic Demography of IndiaPopulation Trends in India and their ImplicationsCauses and Effects of Over PopulationChallenges of Population ExplosionChanging Age Structure of Indian PopulationDemogarphic Dividend: Boon or Bane for IndiaPopulation Aging in IndiaIndia’s Population Policy & InitiativesPoverty and Developmental IssuesConcept of Development and PovertyTypes of PovertyMeasurement of Poverty – Poverty LineCauses of PovertyPoverty as a Social ProblemSocio-economic Spread of PovertyConsequences of Poverty –InequalityContinuation of Vicious CycleWho is worst affected by poverty?Problem of Rising Urban PovertyPoverty Alleviation InitiativesPolicy shifts from “Trickle Down” Economics to Inclusive or Pro-poor Development to Reduce PovertyRelation between Poverty Reduction and Development: Poverty-Inequality-Development NexusUrbanization, their problems and their remediesUrbanisation Trends in India and Their Implications – Demographic and Social DimensionsFactors Driving UrbanisationState of Service Delivery and Challeges posed by UrbanisationProblems of Urban AreasSocial Consequences of UrbanisationImpact of Urbanisation in Rural AreasUrban Planning and Role of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)Reforms Required and Government Initiatives Taken So FarProblems of Slums
Effects of Globalization on Indian societyUnderstanding Globalisation – Its Different DimensionsGlobalisation & Culture – Homogenisation vs. GlocalisationFactors Driving GlobalisationGlobalisation & IndiaImpact of Globalisation on India – Socio-cultural, economic, on women, agrarian sector etc.Does Globalisation cause Poverty?Social EmpowermentWhich are the Socially Disadvantaged Groups?Meaning and concept of social empowermentDimensions of Social EmpowermentWhy do we need social empowerment?Government Initiatives to Aide Social EmpowermentEmpowerment in reality and India’s experienceCommunalismCommunalism – Its CharacteristicsCommunalism in India in the PastCommunalism in Contemporqary IndiaCauses of CommunalismConsequences of CommunalismMeasures to Control & Eradicate CommunalismSecularism as an Antidote to CommunalismRegionalismConcept of Region & RegionalismDifferent Forms of RegionalismRegionalism in IndiaCauses of RegionalismConcept of ‘Sons of Soil’Consequences of RegionalismFederalism & RegionalismRole of Regional PartiesMeasures to Contain RegionalismRegionalism in the International SphereSecularismConcept of SecularismIndian Model of SecularismSecularism in IndiaNature & Practice of Secularism in IndiaUniform Civil CodeChallenges faced by Secularism in IndiaMeasures to Make India Truly Secular
WORLD AND INDIAN GEOGRAPHY
Salient features of World’s Physical GeographyGeomorphologyOrigin & Evolution of EarthInterior of the EarthDistribution of Continents & OceansPlate Tectonic TheoryDistribution of Earthquakes & VolcanoesRocks & Rock CycleGeomorphic Processes – Endogenic & ExogenicLandforms & their EvolutionGeological Time ScaleOceanographyHydrological CycleSeafloor SpreadingOcean Floor ConfigurationTemperature & Salinity of OceansMovement of Oceans – Waves, Tides, CurrentsClimatologyEarth’s Atmosphere – Composition & StructureSolar Radiation, Heat Budget & TemperatureAtmospheric Circulation & Weather SystemsWorld Climate (examples)Soil GeographySoil & Soil ContentsProcess of Soil FormationSoil Forming FactorsTypes of Soils (examples)Soil Erosion & ConservationDistribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent)Types of ResourcesOn the Basis of Origin, Ownership, Exhaustability etc.Land ResourcesLand UtilisationLand Use PatternLand Degradation & ConservationForest ResourcesTypes & Distribution – Grasslands, Forests etc.Causes of DepletionConservation of ForestsWater ResourcesMarine & FreshwaterWater Scarcity & Need For ConservationIntegrated Water Resources ManagementAgricultural ResourcesTypes of FarmingCropping PatternsContribution to Economy, Employment & OutputFood SecurityMineral & Energy ResourcesClassification of Minerals – Ferrous & Non-FerrousOccurrence of MineralsConservation of MineralsClassification of Energy Resources – Conventional & Non-ConventionalOccurrence of Energy ResourcesConservation of Energy ResourcesFactors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)Classification of IndustriesLocation & Distribution of the Industries on the Basis ofRaw MaterialLabourMarketCapitalLandGrants & Financial IncentivesPowerTransportWaterCommunicationDistribution of Major Industries – Iron & Steel, IT, Cotton TextileAgglomeration & Footloose Industries
Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including Water-bodies and Ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changesEarthquakesWhy Does Earth Shake?Earthquake WavesShadow ZoneTypes of EarthquakeMeasuring EarthquakeEffects of EarthquakeTsunamiWhat Causes TsunamiEffect of TsunamiMitigating the Impact of TsunamiVolcanoesTypes of VolcanoesWhat Causes Volcanoes?Volcanic LandformsIntrusive volcanic LandformsExtrusive Volcanic LandformsDistribution of VolcanoesCycloneTropical CyclonesAnti-CycloneExtra Tropical CyclonesFactors Causing Changes in Critical Geographical FeaturesExamples of Changing Geographical Features – Melting of Ice Sheets, Desertification etc.Impact of Changing Geographical FeaturesPhysical Geography of IndiaPhysiography of IndiaDrainage SystemClimateSoils in IndiaNatural VegetationHuman GeographyDemographyUrbanizationCensusEconomic GeographyAgricultureMineral resourceEnergy resourcesIndustryTransport and Communication
GENERAL STUDIES II
(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)
Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.
Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure, Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein.
Separation of Powers between various organs Dispute Redressal Mechanisms and Institutions.
Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme with that of Other Countries.
Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these.
Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their Role in the Polity.
Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial Bodies.
Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. Development Processes and the Development Industry — the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters, Transparency & Accountability and institutional and other measures.
Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.
India and its Neighborhood- Relations.
Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
Important International Institutions, agencies and fora – their Structure, Mandate.
POLITY
Indian Constitution
Historical Underpinning & EvolutionRegulating Act (1773) to Independence Act (1947)Constituent AssemblyObjective ResolutionEnactment & Enforcement of ConstitutionFeaturesWrittenFlexible & RigidFederal & UnitaryParliamentary Form of Government (Presidential vs. Parliamentary Type of Government)AmendmentsList of Significant Amendments & Their ProvisionsProcedure for Amending Constitution
Significant ProvisionsFundamental RightsDirective Principles of State PolicyJudicial ReviewUniversal Adult FranchiseSingle CitizenshipSeparation of PowersBasic StructureThe DoctrineJudgments & Cases
Functions & Responsibilities of the Union and the States
Issues & Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure
Federal Structure in India – Is India truly Federal?Cooperative & Competitive FederalismCentre-State RelationsLegislative RelationsAdministrative RelationsFinancial RelationsTrends in Centre-State RelationsInter-State RelationsInter-state Water Disputes
Inter-State CouncilsPublic Acts, Records and Judicial ProceedingsInter-State Trade and CommerceZonal CouncilsEmergency ProvisionsRole of GovernorReports of Various Commissions2nd ARC, Punchhi, Sarkaria, etc.
Devolution of Powers & Finances to Local Levels & Challenges Therein
Role of State GovernmentRole of State Finance Commission11th & 12th Schedule
Reasons for Ineffective PerformancePanchayat Devolution Index ( NITI Aayog)Steps That Can Be Taken to Improve Their Performance
Separation of Powers Between Various Organs
Doctrine of Separation of PowerSeparation of Power in Indian ConstitutionDoctrine of Checks & Balances
Provisions for Checks & Balances in Indian ConstitutionRelated Judgments – Golaknath case, Kesavananda Bharati, Indira Gandhi Vs Raj Narain, Ram Jawaya vs Punjab
Dispute Redressal Mechanisms and Institutions
RTIPIL
Tribunals, etc.
Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme With That of Other Countries Parliament & State Legislatures
Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & PrivilegesWritten ConstitutionBlend of Rigidity and FlexibilityFederal System with Unitary BiasParliamentary Form of GovernmentSynthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Judicial SupremacyIntegrated and Independent JudiciaryFundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties
Secular StateUniversal Adult FranchiseSingle CitizenshipEmergency ProvisionsThree-tier GovernmentDue Process of Law vs. Procedure Established by LawImpeachment of President, etc.
Structure, Organization & Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
ExecutiveUnion:PresidentPrime MinisterCouncil of MinistersCabinet SecretariatState:GovernorChief MinisterCouncil of MinistersSecretariat
JudiciaryThree-Tier StructureChief Justice of IndiaSC & HC JudgesJurisdiction
Ministries and Departments of the Government
Cabinet MinistriesOther Ministries
Parliamentary Secretaries
Pressure Groups & Formal/informal Associations & Their Role in Polity
Characteristics of Pressure GroupsPressure Groups & Political PartiesPressure Groups & Interest GroupsTypes of Pressure Groups
Functions, Role & Importance of Pressure GroupsTechniques/Methods of Pressure GroupsPressure Groups in IndiaShortcomings of Pressure Groups
Salient Features of Representation of People’s Act
Appointment to Various Constitutional Posts
Appointment, Powers, Functions & Responsibilities of:Election CommissionUnion Public Service CommissionState Public Service CommissionFinance CommissionNational Commission for SCs
National Commission for STsSpecial Officer for Linguistic MinoritiesComptroller and Auditor General of IndiaAttorney General of IndiaAdvocate General of the State
Statutory, Regulatory & Quasi-Judicial Bodies
NITI AayogRBINational Human Rights CommissionState Human Rights CommissionCentral Information CommissionCentral Vigilance CommissionCentral Bureau of InvestigationLokpal and LokayuktasNational Commission for WomenNational Commission for Backward ClassesNational Commission for MinoritiesInsurance Regulatory and Development AuthoritySecurities and Exchange Board of IndiaCompetition Commission of IndiaTelecom Regulatory Authority of IndiaCentral Electricity Regulatory CommissionAtomic Energy Regulatory Board
Central Pollution Control BoardMedical Council of IndiaInland Waterways Authority of IndiaCentral Ground Water AuthorityDirectorate General of Civil AviationPension Fund Regulatory and Development AuthorityFood Safety and Standards Authority of IndiaBar Council of IndiaUniversity Grants CommissionFinancial Stability and Development CouncilAll India Council for Technical EducationNational Green TribunalCompetition Appellate TribunalIncome-Tax Appellate TribunalCyber Appellate TribunalIntellectual Property Appellate Board
GOVERNANCE
Government Policies & Interventions for Development
Government Policies & Interventions in Various SectorsHealth, Gender, Education, Poverty, Economic etcIssues Arising Out of Their Design & ImplementationConcerns/IssuesSuggestions for ImprovementCritical Assessment of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS)Rationalisation of CSS
Analysis of Main Schemes:Beti Bachao Beti PadhaoSmart CitySwachh Bharat AbhiyanMGNERGADigital IndiaMake in IndiaSkill IndiaPM Jan Dhan YojanaStart-up India etc.
Development Processes & the Development Industry
Role of Social Capital OrganisationsIndian ContextClassificationProvisions for the Third Sector in the Indian ConstitutionNational Policy on the Voluntary Sector 2007Non-Governmental OrganisationsRole and Impact of Non-governmental OrganizationsIssue Areas: Accreditation, Legitimacy & Accountability, Foreign Funding etc.Self Help Groups (SHGs)Need for SHGsBenefits of SHGsWeaknesses of SHGs
ChallengesMeasures to Make SHGs EffectiveCase Studies: Kudumbashree (Kerala), Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (Maharashtra)Societies, Trusts and CooperativesSocietiesTrustReligious EndowmentsCooperatives –Need for CooperativesConstitutional ProvisionsNational Policy on Co-operatives, 2002Issues and Challenges in the Cooperatives Sector
Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency & Accountability
GovernanceDimensions of GovernanceGood Governance (GG)Aspects of GGBarriers to GGNecessary Pre-conditions for GGHow to Ensure GGE-GovernanceApplicationsModelsSuccessesLimitationsPotentialRecent e-governance Initiatives by GovernmentCitizens Charters (CC)Components of CC
Features of CCSix Principles of CCShortcomings of CCMeasures to Make CC EffectiveSevottam ModelAspects of TransparencyElements & Types of AccountabilityMeans to ensure Transparency & AccountabilityRTISocial AuditWhistleblower Protection BillLokpal & Lokayuktas Act
Role of Civil Services in a Democracy
Relationship Between Civil Service And DemocracyRole Played By Civil ServicesAdvisory Role in Policy MakingInstitutionalise Socio-economic changeDischarge Delegated FunctionsAdminister Law of the LandWatchdogsContinuity in times of Political InstabilityRecord-KeepingChannel of CommunicationAilments/Issues Afflicting Indian Civil ServicesLack of Professionalism & Poor Capacity BuildingInefficient Incentive SystemsOutdated Rules & ProceduresSystemic Inconsistencies in PromotionLack of Adequate Transparency & Accountability Procedures
Arbitrary & Whimsical TransfersPolitical Interference & Administrative AcquiescenceGradual Erosion in Values & EthicsRedtapismElitist in NaturePoor PayTendency to Capture PowerReforming Bureaucracy to Strengthen DemocracySetting Right the Asymmetry of PowerInsulating Civil Servants from Undue Political InterferenceProfessionalisation with Stability of Tenure & CompetitionCitizen-Centric AdministrationAccountabilityOutcome OrientationPromoting Public Service Values & Ethics
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections
Schemes for the Following Vulnerable SectionsSCs & STsMinoritiesChildrenElderlyDisabledWomenTransgenderPerformance of These SchemesMechanisms, Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted for Protection & Betterment of These Vulnerable SectionsSCs:The Protection of Civil Rights ActThe Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) ActNational Commission for Scheduled CastesScheduled Castes Sub PlanDisabled:The Rehabilitation Council of India ActThe Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) ActMental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities ActThe National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities ActRights of the Persons with Disabilities Act
STs:National Commission for Scheduled TribesTribal Sub PlanTRIFEDScheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) ActMinorities:National Commission for MinoritiesNational Commission for Religious and Linguistic MinoritiesWomen & ChildrenThe Immoral Traffic (Prevention) ActThe Indecent Representation of Women (Prevention) ActThe Dowry Prohibition ActThe Commission of Sati (Prevention) ActThe Prohibition of Child Marriage ActProtection of Women from Domestic Violence ActJuvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) ActCentral Adoption Resource Agency (CARA)The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) ActSexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)Pre-Conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT) ActGender BudgetingNational Policy for WomenDomestic Violence ActMaternity Benefit (Amendment) ActElderlyMaintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act
Issues Relating to Development & Management of Social Sector/Services
HealthIndia’s Performance on Various Health IndicatorsWeaknesses of Indian Healthcare SystemHealth Infrastructure in IndiaUniversal Health Coverage12th FYP StrategyUniversal Health CoverageHealth InsuranceNational Family Health SurveyNational Health PolicyNational Health MissionMaternal & Adolescent HealthChild HealthAntimicrobial ResistanceDisease Burden in IndiaMeasures to Ensure Good Health OutcomesGovernment Initiatives
EducationStatus of Literacy in IndiaEducation Structure in IndiaChallenges Faced by Education Sector in IndiaReforms RequiredGovernment InitiativesASER ReportFinancing EducationSubramanian Panel ReportHuman ResourceNeed For Skill DevelopmentSkill Development InitiativesChallenges in Skilling Landscape in IndiaShortcomings of Current Skill Development InitiativesReforms RequiredSteps that can Be Taken
Issues Relating to Poverty & Hunger
Relation between Poverty & HungerDistribution of Poverty & HungerMagnitude & Trends of Poverty & HungerCauses of Poverty & HungerCost/Impact of Poverty & Malnutrition
MDGs & SDGsFood and nutrition insecurity – a consequence of structural inequitiesConstraints in Reducing Poverty & HungerMeasure to Reduce Poverty & Hunger – National Food Security Act, Mid-day Meal Scheme, MGNREGA etc.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
India and its Neighborhood – Relations
India’s Relations WithChinaPakistanMyanmarBhutan
BangladeshSri LankaAfghanistanNepalMaldives
Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests
BBIN & BCIMBIMSTECIBSAASEAN & RCEPIndia-Africa ForumSCOAshgabat AgreementFIPICIOR-ARCMekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC)Raisina DialogueHeart of Asia ConferenceEast Asia SummitG-20Asian Development BankNational Security SummitMultilateral Nuclear Export Regulatory Regimes: Wassenaar, MTCR, Australia GroupAsian Development BankAPEC, etc
BBIN & BCIMBIMSTECIBSAASEAN & RCEPIndia-Africa ForumSCOAshgabat AgreementFIPICIOR-ARCMekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC)Raisina DialogueHeart of Asia ConferenceEast Asia SummitG-20Asian Development BankNational Security SummitMultilateral Nuclear Export Regulatory Regimes: Wassenar, MTCR, Australia GroupAsian Development BankAPEC, etc
Effect of Policies & Politics of Developed & Developing Countries on India’s Interests
One Belt One RoadInternational North–South Transport CorridorGlobal Trade WarGlobal Currency WarSyrian CrisisUN Reforms
WTO ReformsSouth China Sea ConflictBrexitDeglobalisation & Protectionism – US Sanctions on Iran, US Pullout from Paris Agreement, H-1B Visa Issue etc.OPEC Oil Prices Manipulation, etc.
Indian Diaspora
Spread of Indian DiasporaIndia’s Diaspora Policy & Engagement InitiativesOCIPravasi Bharatiya DivasKnow India Programme, etc.
LM Singhvi High Level Committee on the DiasporaRole played by Indian DiasporaIssues Concerning the Diaspora:Dual NationalityRemittances, etc.
Important International Institutions
UN & its AgenciesWTOWorld Bank
IMFWorld Economic ForumCommonwealth of Nations, etc.
General Studies-III
(Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)
Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
Government Budgeting.
Major Crops – Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country, – Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems; Storage, Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System – Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping; Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security; Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing.
Food Processing and Related Industries in India- Scope’ and Significance, Location, Upstream and Downstream Requirements, Supply Chain Management.
Land Reforms in India.
Effects of Liberalization on the Economy, Changes in Industrial Policy and their Effects on Industrial Growth.
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Investment Models.
Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.
Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.
Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
Disaster and Disaster Management.
Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism.
Role of External State and Non-state Actors in creating challenges to Internal Security.
Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cyber Security; Money-Laundering and its prevention.
Security Challenges and their Management in Border Areas – Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism.
Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Indian Economy & Issues Relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development & Employment
PlanningMeaning of PlanningNeed for Planning in Economic DevelopmentImperative Vs. Indicative Vs. Structural PlanningObjectives of PlanningIndian Planning HistoryTechniques of Indian PlanningAchievements & Failures of Indian PlanningShortcomings of Planning in IndiaNITI Aayog Vs. Planning CommissionMobilisation of ResourcesTypes of Resources – Financial, Human, Natural etc.Need for Resource MobilisationRole of Savings & InvestmentGovernment Resources – Tax & Non-Tax ( or Fiscal & Monetary Policy)Banking Sector & NBFCsCapital MarketExternal Sources – FDI, ODA etc.Public Borrowing & Management of Public DebtChallenges in Mobilising Resources for DevelopmentSteps That Can Be TakenGrowth & DevelopmentMeaning of Development & GrowthDifference between Development & Growth
Determinants of Growth & DevelopmentImportance & Limitations of Economic GrowthJobless GrowthPro-Poor GrowthBalanced & Unbalanced GrowthDimensions of DevelopmentMeasurement & Indicators of DevelopmentApproaches to Development:Market-Based ApproachRole of State and Planned ApproachMixed Economy ApproachChallenges to Development & GrowthEmploymentNature – Rural vs. Urban, Formal Vs. InformalTerms Related to Employment – Labour Force Participation Rate, Employment Rate, Working Age Population etc.Sectoral Distribution of EmploymentQuality of EmploymentCauses of Lack of EmploymentRestructuring of WorkforceGovernment Initiatives for Generating Employment
Inclusive Growth & Issues Arising From It
What is Inclusive Growth?Elements of Inclusive GrowthNeed for Inclusive Growth
Indicators of Inclusive GrowthChallenges in Achieveing Inclusive Growth in India12th FYP & Inclusive Growth
Government Budgeting
Need for Government BudgetingComponents of the Government BudgetRevenue Account – Revenue Receipts & Revenue ExpenditureCapital Account – Capital Receipts & Capital ExpenditureChanges in Budgetary Process in 2017Measures of Government DeficitRevenue Deficit
Fiscal DeficitPrimary DeficitFiscal PolicyDeficit ReductionFRBM ActOther Types of Budgets – Outcome, Zero-Based, etc.
Land Reforms in India
Rationale for Land ReformsComponents of Land ReformsImpact of Land ReformsProblems in Implementaion of Land Reforms
Success of Land ReformsRecent Initiatives – Land Leasing, Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation & Resettlement Act, etc.
Effects of Liberalization on the Economy
Phase of Liberalisation
Impact on Different Sectors of the Economy
Changes In Industrial Policy & their Effects on Industrial Growth
Industrial Policy Before 1991Industrial Policy After 1991Phases of Industrial GrowthLinkage Between Economic Reforms and Economic Outcomes
Weaknesses and Failures of Industrial PoliciesNational Manufacturing PolicySEZsMake in India
Infrastructure
EnergyPortsRoads
AirportsRailways
Investment Models
Need for InvestmentSources of InvestmentTypes of Investment ModelsDomestic Investment ModelsPublic Investment ModelPrivate Investment ModelPublic Private Participation Investment Model
Foreign Investment Models:FDIFII, etc.Sector Specific Investment ModelsCluster Based Investment ModelsInvestment Models Followed by India
AGRICULTURE
Major Crops Cropping Patterns in Various Parts of the Country
Importance of Cropping PatternTypes of Cropping PatternReasons Why Cropping Pattern Differ
Factors Influencing Cropping PatternEmerging Trends in Cropping PatternLong-Run Effects of Current Trends in Cropping Pattern
Different Types of Irrigation & Irrigation Systems Storage
Modes of IrrigationSources of IrrigationChoosing an Irrigation SystemProblems Associated with Irrigation
Progress of Irrigation Under Five Year PlansEnvironmental Effects of IrrigationNeed for Systemic Irrigation ReformsNeed for a National Water Policy
Transport & Marketing of Agricultural Produce & Issues & Related Constraints
Process of Agricultural Marketing – Marketing Channels, Functionaries, Costs, etc.Role of FCIRegulated MarketsWarehousingCooperative MarketingShortcomings of Current Agricultural Marketing Process
E-Technology in the Aid of Farmers, Technology Missions
Issues Related to Direct & Indirect Farm Subsidies & Minimum Support Prices
Agricultural Pricing PolicyRationale for SubsidiesTypes of Subsidies
Effectiveness, Extent & Problems of SubsisiesClash with WTO Agreements
Public Distribution System Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping
Objectices/SignificanceFunctioning – Fair Price Shops, FCI, Ration Cards, Aadhar Linking, etc.Shortcomings or Problems Associated with PDS
Need to Improve the Working of PDSMeasures to Improve the Loopholes & Lacunaes Associated with PDSSteps Taken by Governement in this Regard
Issues of Buffer Stocks & Food Security
Buffer Stock – Objectives & Norms in IndiaImpact of Government Procurement & Distribution
Need for Food SecurityNFSM And othe Food Security Realted Government Initiatives
Economics of Animal-Rearing
Food Processing & Related Industries in India
Scope & Potential in IndiaSignificanceLocationConstraints and Challenges
Upstream & Downstream RequirementsSupply Chain ManagementGovernment Policies and Initiatives – SAMPADA, 12th FYP, etc.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life
Chemicals in FoodArtificial Sweetening AgentsFood PreservativesDrugsAntacidAntihistaminesNeurologically Active DrugsTranquilizersAnalgesicsAntimicrobialsAntibioticsAntiseptic and Disinfectant
A.P.J. Abdul KalamVikram SarabhaiMokshagundam VisvesvarayaHar Gobind KhoranaTessy ThomasC.N.R. Rao
Indigenization of Technology & Developing New Technology
IT & ComputersSpaceNanotechnologyBiotechnology
RoboticsDefenceNuclear
Awareness in Different Fields
IT & ComputersSpaceNanotechnologyBiotechnology
RoboticsDefenceNuclear
Issues Relating to Intellectual Property Rights
Need for Intellectual Property RightsTypes of IPRIPR Regime in India
International Agreements Related to IPRsGeographical IndicatorsRecent Issues – Evergreening, Compuslory Licensing, Prominent Cases etc.
BIODIVERSITY & ENVIRONMENT
Conservation
What is Biodiversity?Types of Biodiversity – Genetic, Species, Ecosystem, etc.Importance of Biodivesirty – Ecosystem Services, Bio Resources of Economic Importance, Social Benefits etc.Resasons for Loss of Biodiversity
Types of Pollution & PollutantsImpact of Pollution & DegradationOzone Layer Depletion and Ozone HoleGreenhouse Gas Effect & Global WarmingEutrophicationDesertificationAcid RainHazardous Waste, etc.
Causes/Sources of Pollution & DegradationPrevention & Control of Pollution & DegradationNational Environment Agencies, Legislations and PoliciesInternational Environment Agencies & Agreements
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
What is EIA?Indian Guidelines & LegislationsEIA Process
Need & Benefits of EIAShortcomings of EIA in IndiaMeasures to Make EIA Effective
Disaster Management
Types of DisastersManagement of Disasters
Community Level Disaster ManagementGovernement Initiatives on Disaster Management
SECURITY
Linkages Between Development & Spread of Extremism
Factors Responsible for Spread of ExtremismSteps that State can Taken to Reduce the Spread of Extremism due to Underdevelopment
Naxalism
Role of External State & Non-State Actors in Creating Challenges to Internal Security
Threats from Non-State ActorsJ&K SeparatismLeft Wing ExtremismNorth East InsurgencyTerrorism in Hinterland & Border AreasRight Wing TerrorismReasons for Spread of TerrorismState Sponsored Terrorism
Institutional Framework to Tackle Challenge of Internal SecurityNIANATGRIDMACUAPATADAPOTANCTC
Challenges to Internal Security Through Communication Networks
Role of Media & Social Networking Sites in Internal Security ChallengesChallenges in Managing Social Media
Steps That can be Taken
Basics of Cyber Security
Cyber SecurityThreats to Indian Cyber SecuritySteps taken by India
International Cooperation on Cyber SecurityCyber WarfareTerms Associated with Cyber Security
Money-Laundering & its Prevention
Process of Money LaunderingImpact of Money LaunderingChallenges to Tackle Money Laundering
Steps to Counter Money LaunderingTerms Related To Money Laundering
Security Challenges & their Management in Border Areas
Challenges in Managing Border Security – Coastal & TerrestrialLand Boundary Disputes with Neighbours
India’s Policy in Border Area Security Management
Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism
Types of Organised CrimeChallenges in Controlling Organised Crime
Indian Context – Link between Organised Crime & Terrorism
Various Security Forces & Agencies & Their Mandate
Central Armed Police ForcesCentral Paramilitary Forces
