Course Content
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All topics given below
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Exactly as per official UPSC syllabus
1. Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
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Overview
A. Visual Art
A.1. Indian Paintings from ancient to modern times
i. Prehistoric Paintings
ii. Mural & Cave Paintings
iii. Medieval Indian Paintings
iv. List of Folk Paintings
v. Modern and Contemporary Art
vi. Folk and Tribal Art
A.2. Pottery
i. Early Pottery Traditions
ii. Evolution of Pottery in Ancient India
iii. Medieval Pottery Traditions
iv. Types of Indian Pottery
v. Famous Pottery Styles and Centers in India
vi. Techniques of Pottery Making in India
vii. Significance and Role of Pottery in Indian Society
viii. Challenges Faced by the Pottery Industry in India
ix. Current Trends and Future of Pottery in India
A.3. Architecture
i. Evolution of Indian Architecture
ii. Indus Valley Architecture
iii. Rock Cut Architecture
iv. Temple Architecture
v. Indo-Islamic Architecture
vi. Types of Architecture
vii. Modern Architecture
viii. Significance of Architecture
ix. Recent developments of Architecture
A.4. Sculpture
i. Features of Indian Sculpture
ii. Indus Valley Civilization Sculpture
iii. Mauryan Empire Sculptures
iv. Post Mauryan Empire Sculptures
v. Sculptures of Medieval India
vi. Modern Indian Sculptures
B. Performing Arts
B.1. Dance
i. Classical Dances of India
ii. Folk Dances of India
B.2. Music
i. Classical Music of India
ii. Comparison of Hindustani Classical Music and Carnatic Classical Music
B.3. Puppetry
B.4. Indian Puppetry in Broader way
i. Origin of Indian Puppetry
ii. Classification of Indian puppetry
iii. String Puppet
iv. Shadow Puppetry
v. Rod Puppetry
vi. Glove Puppetry
B.5. Theatre
B.6. Indian Theatre Forms
i. Classical Sanskrit Theatre
ii. Prominent Sanskrit plays of the ancient period
iii. Main Features of Sankrit plays
iv. Reasons for the decline of Sanskrit Theatre
v. Folk Theatre
B.7. Martial Arts
i. Martial Arts Origin and Evolution
ii. Martial Arts Major Forms in India
iii. Other forms of Martial Arts
iv. Martial Arts Government Initiatives
C. Literary Arts
i. Literature
ii. Ancient Indian Literature
iii. All About Medieval Literature
2. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
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A. India on the Eve of British Conquest
A.1. Development of the Mughal Empire
i. Development of the Mughal Empire
ii. Later Mughals
iii. Foreign Invasions
iv. Causes of Decline of Mughal Empire
A.2. Rise of Regional Powers
i. Successor States
ii. The New States (Insurgent States)
iii. Independent Kingdoms
iv. Conclusion
A.3. Nadir Shah’s Invasion
i. Nadir Shah
ii. Nadir Shah’s Invasion
iii. Damage on Mughal Empire
A.4. Ahmad Shah Abdali’s Invasions
B. Modern History
B.1. Social and Economic Conditions in 18th Century
B.2. British Conquest of India
i. Emergence of Capitalism and Imperialism in Europe
ii. Advent of Europeans in India
iii. The Carnatic Wars: Anglo-French Struggle for Supremacy
iv. British Conquest of Bengal – Plassey to Buxar (1757-65)
v. Anglo-Mysore Wars: British Conquest of Mysore
vi. Anglo-Maratha Wars: First, Second & Third Anglo Maratha War
vii. British Conquest of Sindh (1843)
viii. British Conquest of Punjab (1849)
ix. Doctrine of Lapse Policy
B.3. British Expansion beyond Indian Frontiers
i. Reasons for British Expansion Beyond Indian Frontiers
ii. Anglo-Nepalese War/Gorkha War (1814-16)
iii. Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1885)
iv. Anglo-Afghan Wars (1839-1919)
v. British Relations with Bhutan, Sikkim, and Tibet
C. Indian Renaissance and Reform Movements
C.1. Social and Religious Reform Movements
i. Introduction
ii. Classification of Reform Movements
iii. Brahmo Samaj and Raja Ram Mohan Roy
iv. Swami Vivekananda
v. Theosophical Movement
vi. Sikh Reform Movements
vii. Reform Movement Among the Parsis
viii. Other Reform Movements
ix. Prominent Reformers of the 19th Century
x. Caste Movements and Organisation
xi. Socio-Religious Reform Movements and Organisations
xii. Muslim Socio-Religious Movements and Organisation
C.2. Civil Uprisings: Peasant Resistance Against British Rule Before 1857
i. Introduction
ii. Civil Uprisings
iii. Other Civil Uprisings
iv. Important Peasant Movements
v. Conclusion
C.3. Revolt of 1857, Causes, Leaders, Consequences, Reasons of Failure
i. Revolt of 1857 Causes
ii. Revolt of 1857 Events
iii. Revolt of 1857 Leaders
iv. Reasons of Failure of the Revolt of 1857
v. Revolt of 1857 Consequences
D. India’s Struggle for Independence: Indian Freedom Movement
E. Modern Indian History Books and Authors
E.1. Growth of modern Indian history books
E.2. Modern Indian History Books and Authors
E.3. Conclusion
F. Conclusion
3. The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors/ contributions from different parts of the country.
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Overview
A. Early Resistance To British Rule (1757-1857)
B. The First War Of Independence (1857)
C. Formative Phase (1885-1905)
D. Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911)
E. The Gandhian Era (1869-1948): Chronological Overview
E.1. Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948): Chronological Overview
E.2. Facts About Gandhi
E.3. 11 Principles Of Mahatma Gandhi – Gandhiji’s Vows
E.4. Main Events During The Gandhian Era
F. Subaltern Contributions To The Indian Freedom Struggle
G. Revolutionary Movements In The Indian Freedom Struggle
H. The Indian Freedom Struggle: Conclusion
4. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
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A. Integration Of Princely States Of India, Reasons, Issues
A.1. Princely States During Independence
A.2. What Were The Problems Of Integration?
A.3. Accession Process
i. Fast-track Integration
ii. Integration of Major States
A.4. Post-Integration Issues
B. Reorganisation Of States: Background, Rationale, Debate
B.1. Background Of State Reorganisation In India
B.2. Rationale Behind The Reorganisation Of The Indian States
B.3. Commissions Related To State Reorganisation
B.4. New States And Union Territories Created After 1956
i. Current Statehood Demands
5. History of the world will include events from the 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.
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A. Industrial Revolution: Origin, Impact And Timeline
A.1. Modern Industrialisation
A.2. First Industrial Revolution: 1765
A.3. Second Industrial Revolution: 1870
A.4. Third Industrial Revolution: 1969
A.5. Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0): Present
A.6. Industry 4.0 And India
A.7. Conclusion
B. World Wars
B.1. World War – I
i. Introduction
ii. Timeline
iii. WW1: Causes
iv. World War 1: A Glimpse
v. WW1: Consequences
vi. WW1 and India
B.2. World War – II
ii. WW2: Timeline
iii. WW2: Causes
iv. WW2: A Glimpse
v. WW2: Aftermath
vi. WW2: Outcomes
vii. World War 2 and India
C. Redrawal Of National Boundaries
C.1. Redrawal Of National Boundaries
C.2. The Congress Of Vienna (1814-15)
C.3. Major Events Before The First World War
C.4. Europe In 1914
i. How WWI changed the map
C.5. World War II And Redrawal Of National Boundaries
C.6. Major Events After WW II
C.7. The Emergence Of New Nations
i. Asia
ii. Middle east
iii. Israel -Palestine conflict
iv. Africa
v. Decolonization of Africa
C.8. Other Important Events
D. Colonization
D.1. Types Of Colonization
D.2. Reasons For Colonization
D.3. Merits Of Colonialism
D.4. Impact Of Colonialism
D.5. Establishment Of Colonies In Asia
D.6. Social And Economic Impact Of Colonialism On India
D.7. Conclusion
E. Decolonization
E.1. Introduction
E.2. Decolonisation: Stages
E.3. Reasons For Decolonisation
E.4. Aspects Of Decolonisation In Various Regions Of The World
E.5. Challenges Associated With Decolonisation
i. Post-colonial organizations
F. Political Philosophies Like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism Etc.- Their Forms And Effect On The Society.
F.1. Political Philosophies: Capitalism
F.2. Political Philosophies: Socialism
F.3. Political Philosophies: Communism
F.4. Conclusion
6. Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
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A. Salient Features Of Indian Society
A.1. What Is a ‘Society’?
A.2. What Are The General Traits Of Indian Society?
A.3. What Are The Salient Features Of Indian Society?
i. Multi-ethnicity
ii. Multilingualism
iii. Multi-religious
iv. Caste system
v. Family, Marriage, and Kinship
vi. Tribalism
vii. Co-existence of traditionalism and modernity
viii. Balance between individualism and collectivism
ix. Balance between spiritualism and materialism
A.4. What Factors Threaten Peace And Harmony In Indian Society?
B. Diversity Of India
B.1. What Is Diversity?
B.2. What Are The Various Manifestations Of Diversity In India?
B.3. What Are The Elements Of Unity In India?
B.4. What Does India Gain Through Its Unity And Diversity?
B.5. What Are The Factors That Threaten India’s Diversity?
B.6. What Are The Existing Mechanisms To Promote Unity And Diversity In India?
B.7. How To Strike A Balance Between Unity And Diversity In India?
7. Role of women and women’s organizations, Population and associated issues, Poverty and developmental issues, Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
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A. Role Of Women And Women’s Organizations
A.1. Role Of Women In India
i. How has the role and status of women in India evolved over time?
ii. What is the role of women in Indian society in general?
iii. What is the role of women in Indian politics?
iv. What is the role of women in India’s Economic growth story?
v. What is the role of women in environmental conservation and sustainable development?
vi. What measures could help enhance the role of women?
A.2. Women Organizations In India
i. How did women organizations and feminist movements evolve in India?
ii. What are some of the important women’s organizations in India?
iii. What are the challenges faced by women’s organizations in India?
iv. How can the role of women organizations be enhanced in India?
B. Population And Associated Issues
B.1. Recent Context
B.2. Factors Influencing The Distribution Of Population
B.3. India’s Demographic Dividend
B.4. India-Demographic Data
B.5. Consequences Of Overpopulation
B.6. Current Context Regarding Overpopulation
B.7. Planning In India Associated With Population
B.8. Ethical Consideration For Population Control
B.9. Steps Being Taken By The Government For Population Control:
B.10. International Focus On Population
B.11. Conclusion
C. Poverty And Developmental Issues
C.1. What Is Poverty?
C.2. What Is The Status Of Poverty In India?
C.3. What Are The Distinct Characteristics Of Poverty In India?
C.4. What Are The Factors Contributing To Poverty In India?
C.5. What Are The Developmental Issues Which arise Due To Poverty In India?
C.6. How Is Poverty In India Related To Its Demography?
C.7. What Measures Can Help To Alleviate Poverty In India?
D. Urbanization: Problems And Remedies.
D.1. What Leads To Urbanization?
D.2. Urbanization In India
D.3. Global Scenario
D.4. Significance Of Urbanization
D.5. Drawbacks Of Urbanization
D.6. Government Schemes To Manage Urbanization
D.7. Way Forward
8. Effects of globalization on Indian society.
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Overview
A. Globalisation In India Factors And Causes
B. Globalisation Positive Impact On Indian Society
C. Globalisation Adverse Effects In India
D. Globalisation Measures For Indian Society
9. Social empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.
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Overview
A. Social Empowerment: From Communalism, Regionalism, To Secularism
A.1. Social Empowerment
A.2. Social Empowerment And Communalism
A.3. Social Empowerment And Regionalism
A.4. Social Empowerment And Secularism
A.5. Secularism in India
A.6. Summary
10. Salient features of the world’s physical geography.
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Overview
A. Physical Geography
B. Geomorphology
B.1. The Earth And Its Evolution
B.2. Origin Of Earth
B.3. Evolution Of Earth
B.4. Interior Of The Earth
B.5. Structure Of The Earth
B.6. Distribution Of Oceans And Continents
B.7. Continental Drift Theory
B.8. Conventional Current Theory
B.9. Concept Of Seafloor Spreading
B.10. Plate Tectonics
B.11. Minerals And Rocks
B.12. Rocks
B.13. Geomorphic Process
B.14. Endogenic Forces
B.15. Exogenic Process
B.16. Landforms
i. Landforms Made By Running Water
ii. Landforms Made By Glaciers
iii. Landforms Made By Groundwater
iv. Landforms Made By Waves And Currents
v. Landforms Made By Winds
C. Climatology
C.1. Atmosphere
C.2. Structure Of The Atmosphere
C.3. Solar Radiation And Heat Budget
C.4. Temperature
C.5. Air Masses
C.6. Fronts
C.7. Extra-Tropical Cyclones
C.8. Tropical Cyclones
C.9. Jet Streams
D. Water In The Atmosphere
D.1. Evaporation And Condensation
D.2. Clouds
D.3. Precipitation
D.4. Types Of Rainfall
D.5. World Climate And Climate Change
E. Oceanography
E.1. Hydrological Cycle
E.2. Relief Of Ocean Floor
E.3. Divisions Of The Ocean Floors
E.4. Other Relief
E.5. The Temperature Of Ocean Waters
i. Salinity In The Ocean Water
E.6. Horizontal And Vertical Distribution Of Salinity
E.7. Movements Of Ocean Water
E.8. Islands And Coral Reefs
i. Types of Islands
ii. Coral reefs
F. Soil Formation
G. Salient Features Of The World’s Physical Geography: Examples
10.1. Physical Geography & Their Features
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A. Geography As A Discipline
B. The Origin & Evolution Of The Earth
B.1. Early Theories
B.2. Modern Theories
C. Interior Of The Earth
C.1. Sources Of Information About The Interior
C.2. Structure Of The Earth
C.3. Volcanoes And Volcanic Landforms
i. Types of volcanoes
ii. Volcanic Landforms
D. Distribution Of Oceans & Continents
D.1. Continental Drift
D.2. Concept Of Seafloor Spreading
D.3. Plate Tectonics
D.4. Movement Of The Indian Plate
E. Minerals And Rocks
E.1. Minerals
E.2. Rocks
F. Geomorphic Processes
F.1. Endogenic Processes
F.2. Exogenic Processes
F.3. Weathering
F.4. Mass Movements
F.5. Soil Formation
G. Landforms And Their Evolution
H. Composition And Structure Of Atmosphere
H.1. Composition Of Atmosphere
H.2. Structure Of The Atmosphere
I. Solar Radiation, Heat Balance And Temperature
I.1. Solar Radiation
I.2. Heat Balance
I.3. Temperature
J. Atmospheric Circulation And Weather Systems
K. Water In The Atmosphere
L. World Climate And Climate Change
L.1. Koeppe N ’s Scheme Of Classification Of Climate
M. Water (Oceans)
M.1. Relief Of The Ocean Floor
N. Movements Of Ocean Water
O. Life On The Earth
P. Biodiversity And Conservation
10.2. Introduction to Maps
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A. Maps
11. 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).
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A. Distribution Of Key Natural Resources Across The World (Including South Asia And The Indian Sub-Continent)
A.1. Natural Resources
A.2. Distribution Of Key Natural Resources
i. Minerals and metals
ii. Energy Resources/Fossil Fuels
iii. Nuclear Energy Resources
iv. Renewable Energy Resources
v. Other Natural Resources
B. Factors Responsible For The Location Of Primary, Secondary And Tertiary Sector Industries In Various Parts Of The World (Including India)
B.1. Factors Responsible For The Location Of Industries
B.2. Primary Sector Industries
B.3. Secondary Sector Industries
B.4. Tertiary Sector Industries
B.5. Geographical Factors
B.6. Non-Geographical Factors
B.7. Industrial System
B.8. Industrialization And Urbanization
B.9. Agglomeration Economies
B.10. Factors Responsible For The Location Of Industries In India
11.1. Geography (India, People and Economy)
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A. Population: Distribution, Density, Growth And Composition
A.1. Population Composition
B. Migration : Types, Causes And Consequences
C. Human Development
D. Human Settlements
D.1. Functional Classification of Towns
E. Land Resources And Agriculture
E.1. Land Use Categories
E.2. Land-Use Changes In India
E.3. Agricultural Land Use In India
E.4. Common Property Resources
E.5. Cropping Seasons In India
F. Water Resources
G. Minerals
G.1. Mineral And Energy Resources
H. Manufacturing Industries
H.1. Types Of Industries
H.2. Location Of Industries
H.3. Industrial Regions And Districts
H.4.Major Industries
H.5. Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization (LPG) And Industrial Development
I. Planning And Sustainable Development In Indian Context
J. Transport And Communication
K. International Trade
L. Geographical Perspective On Selected Issues And Problems
12. Important Geophysical phenomena such as Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, Cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including Waterbodies and Ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
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A. Important Geophysical Phenomena Such As Earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic Activity
A.1. Earthquakes
i. Seismic waves come in different types
A.2. Tsunami
A.3. Cyclone
i. The key elements and processes involved in the concept of a cyclone
ii. Types of Cyclones
B. Geographical Features And Their Location
B.1. Mountain Ranges Of The World
B.2. River Systems
B.3. Oceans Of The World And Associated Features
B.4. Plateaus Of The World
B.5. Major Plains Of The World
B.6. Major Straits Of The World
B.7. Other Geographical Features
B.8. Conclusion
C. Changes In Critical Geographical Features (Including Waterbodies And Ice-Caps) And In Flora And Fauna And The Effects Of Such Changes.
C.1. Critical Geographical Features And Changes
i. Mountains
ii. Water bodies
iii. Groundwater
iv. Ocean
C.2. Glaciers And Ice-Caps
C.3. Flora And Fauna
C.4. Changes In Flora
i. Grasslands
ii. Forest
iii. Mangrove
C.5. Changes In Fauna
12.1. India: Physical Environment
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A. India– Location
B. Structure And Physiography
B.1. Physiography
C. Drainage System
C.1. The Himalayan Drainage
C.2. The Peninsular Drainage System
D. Climate
D.1. Factors Determining The Climate Of India
D.2. The Rhythm Of Seasons
E. Natural Vegetation
E.1. Types Of Forests
E.2. Forest Cover In India
E.3. Forest Conservation
E.4. Wildlife Conservation In India
E.5. Biosphere Reserves
F. Soils
G. Natural Hazards And Disasters
G.1. Natural Disasters And Hazards In India
G.2. Disaster Management
12.2. Human Geography
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A. Human Geography (Nature And Scope)
B. The World Population Distribution, Density And Growth
B.1. Factors Influencing The Distribution Of Population
B.2. Patterns Of Population Distribution In The World
B.3. Density Of Population
B.4. Population Growth
C. Population Composition
D. Human Development
E. Primary Activities
F. Secondary Activities
F.1. Manufacturing
F.2. Classification Of Manufacturing Industries
G. Tertiary And Quaternary Activities
G.1. Tertiary Activities
G.2. People Engaged In Tertiary Activities
G.3. Quaternary Activities
H. International Trade
H.1. History Of International Trade
H.2. Gateways Of International Trade
I. Human Settlements
I.1. Types And Patterns Of Settlements
i. Rural Settlements
ii. Urban Settlements
I.2. Classification Of Towns On The Basis Of Forms
GS2
All Updates topics given below
6. 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.
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iv. Appointment of High Court Judges
8. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies
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Overview
A. President of India
B. Vice President of India
C. Prime Minister
D. Council of Ministers
E. Governor of States
F. Chief Justice of India (CJI) and Judges of the Supreme Court
G. Election Commission of India
H. Union Public Service Commission
I. State Public Service Commission
I.1. Powers
J. Finance Commission
K. Goods and Services Tax Council
L. Attorney General for India
M. Comptroller and Auditor General of India
N. National Commission for Scheduled Castes
O. National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
P. National Commission for Backward Classes
Q. Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities
R. Advocate General
10. Government Policies and Interventions for Development in Various Sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
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B. Government Policies and Interventions for Development in Recent Years
B.2. Major Governmental Interventions in the Social Sector in Recent Years
12. 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.
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A.2. Welfare schemes for Vulnerable Sections
13. Issues relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
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i. ASER Report
ii. The Subramanian Panel report
B.3. Government Initiatives to Boost the Education Sector in India
14. Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.
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A.2. Status of poverty in India
16. Role of Civil Services in a Democracy
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K. Recent Reforms
19. Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s Interests, Indian Diaspora.
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A.1. The Current Situation in the International Arena
A.2. Effect of Policies and Politics of the World on India
A.3. China and India’s Development Strategies
A.5. India’s Foreign Policy towards China and Pakistan
GS3
1. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
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A. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning
A.1. Definition of the term Economy
A.2. Indian Economy in different phases
A.3. Economic Planning
A.4. Objectives of Economic Planning
A.5. Issues Related to Economic Planning
B. Indian Economy issues relating to mobilization of resources
B.1. Mobilization of Resources
B.2. Types of Resources of India
B.3. Mobilization of Natural Resources
B.4. Mobilization of Human Resources
B.5. Mobilization of Financial Resources
B.6. State Finance Concerns
B.7. Important Issues with mobilization of resources in the Indian Economy
C. Indian Economy and issues relating to Growth
D. Indian Economy and issues relating to development
E. Indian Economy and Issues Relating to Employment
F. Conclusion
2. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
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A.3. Challenges
A.6. Concept of Green Growth
3. Government Budgeting.
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C. Union Budget of India
D. Key Facts about the Union Budget of India
G.1. Revenue Budget
i. Revenue Receipts
ii. Revenue Expenditure
G.2. Capital Budget
4. 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.
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D.2. Government Initiatives to aid farmers
i. Other State level Initiatives
5. 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.
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A.7. Issues related to farm subsidies in general
E.2. What are the different components of economics of animal rearing in India?
E.3. What is the significance of animal rearing in India?
6. Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
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A.9. Government Initiatives
A.10. Major Schemes by the Government
A.12. The Present Status and Future of Food Processing Industries in India
9. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
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A. Infrastructure
A.1. Types of Infrastructure
A.2. Significance of Infrastructure
B. Infrastructure Energy
B.1. Recent Initiatives
11. Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
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D. Developments in Science and Technology in Modern India
12. Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
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A. Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology
13. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
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ii. Few Space missions by foreign agencies
ii. Recent Developments
14. Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
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A.2. Wildlife Conservation Projects
C.6. Current EIA Reports – India
i. Environmental Impact Assessment In India
ii. Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006
iii. Some of the major changes over the years are
16. Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
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A.7. Government initiatives for regions affected by extremism
19. Security challenges and their management in border areas; -linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
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ii. Schemes launched for improved border management
GS3: ENVIRONMENT
1. Environment
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C.8. State Of The World’s Forests (SOFO)
C.2. Forest Ecosystem
UPSC Full Course [English]
About Lesson

A.1. Natural Resources

Resources that are drawn from Nature and used without much modification are called Natural Resources. The air we breathe, the water in our rivers and lakes, the soils, and the minerals are all natural resources. Many of these resources are gifts of nature and can be used directly.

  • Renewable resources are those which get renewed or replenished quickly. Some of these are unlimited and are not affected by human activities, such as solar and wind energy.
  • Non-renewable resources are those which have limited stock. Once the stocks are exhausted it may take thousands of years to be renewed or replenished. The majority of resources in this category tend to be minerals such as Coal, petroleum, and natural gas is some examples.

Renewable Resources
  • Water: Freshwater from rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers is essential for drinking, agriculture, industry, and hydropower generation.
  • Air: While not traditionally considered a natural resource, clean air is crucial for human health, agriculture, and industrial processes.
  • Soil: Fertile soil is vital for agriculture and supports the growth of crops and forests.
  • Biomass: Biomass resources include plants, trees, and organic matter that can be used for energy production, such as wood, crop residues, and biofuels.
  • Wind Energy: Wind is harnessed to generate electricity through wind turbines, providing a renewable energy source.
  • Solar Energy: Solar panels capture energy from the sun to generate electricity and heat for various applications.
  • Geothermal Energy: Geothermal resources utilize heat from the Earth’s interior for electricity generation and heating.
  • Tidal and Wave Energy: These renewable resources harness the movement of tides and ocean waves to generate electricity.

Non-renewable resources
  • Fossil Fuels: These include coal, oil, and natural gas, which are burned for electricity generation, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Minerals and Metals: These resources encompass a wide range of elements, including iron ore, copper, gold, and rare earth metals, used in manufacturing, construction, and electronics.
  • Non-Metallic Minerals: This category includes resources like limestone, gypsum, and salt, used in construction, agriculture, and industry.
  • Nuclear Fuels: Uranium and thorium are used in nuclear reactors to generate electricity.
  • Fossil Water: Non-renewable groundwater resources can become depleted if over-extracted.
  • Fossilized Carbon: Peat, a precursor to coal, is a type of fossilized carbon used in some regions for heating and cooking.
  • Phosphates: Used in agriculture for fertilizers, phosphates are sourced from phosphate rock.
  • Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs): These include resources like ethane, propane, and butane, which are used as feedstocks in petrochemical industries.
  • Rare Earth Elements: These are essential for various technologies, including electronics and renewable energy systems.
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