General Studies-I

(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.

History

Indian Heritage & Culture

Indian Art Forms Medieval Literature
Women Poets of Bhakti
Trends in Medieval Literature
Indian Paintings Modern Indian Literature
Classical Dance Forms
Folk Dance Forms Architecture
Classical Music
Puppetry Harappan Architecture
Pottery Temple Architecture
Drama/Theatre Cave Architecture
Martial Arts Indo-Islamic Architecture
Medieval Architecture
Literature Modern Architecture
Contribution of Buddhism & Jainism to the
Ancient Indian Literature Development of Indian Architecture
 Classical Sanskrit Literature
Literature in Pali and Prakrit
Early Dravidian Literature
Modern Indian History
Middle of the Eighteenth Century Until The
Present
Socio-economic Condition of People
European Penetration of India
British Conquest of India
The Freedom Struggle
Revolt of 1857
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
Post-independence Consolidation
Nation Building
Partition and Its Aftermath
Integration of Princely States
Reorganisation of States
Issue of Official Language
Tribal Consolidation
Regional Aspirations
Foreign Policy
Rock Cut Architecture
Colonial Architecture & the Modern Period
British Policies & Their Impact – Economic,
Administrative & Socio-cultural
Socio-cultural Reform Movements
Uprisings Against British Pre-1857
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
Agrarian & Land Reforms
Industrial Reforms
LPG Reforms
Polity
Era of One-Party Dominance
Emergence of Opposition Parties
Emergency: Crisis of Democratic Order
Rise of Regional Parties
Coalition Era
 Non-Aligned Movement Social
Panchsheel
Wars with Pakistan & China Popular Movements
Nuclear Policy Communalism
Indian Women Since Independence
Economy Naxalism

Planned Development
Green Revolution, Operation Flood &
Cooperatives

History of the World

Industrial Revolution World War II

Renaissance Fascist Aggression & Response of

Discovery of Sea Routes Western Democracies
Reformation Outbreak of the War
Counter Reformation Theatres of the War
European Nations Settle North America US Entry into the War
Rise of Slave Trade Global Nature of the War
American War of Independence The Holocaust
French Revolution Resistance Movements
Nationalism in Europe After-effects of the War
Rise of Capitalism, Colonialism &
Imperialism Decolonialisation & Redrawal of National
Boundaries
World War I
Europe after World War II
Causes of the War Cold War
Scope & Course of the War Rise of Asia & Africa
Russian Revolution Developments in West Asia & North
End of the War & Peace Treaties Africa
Consequences of the War Spread of Communism
League of Nations Korean War
Vietnam War
World Between the Two Wars Cuban Crisis
Collapse of Soviet Union
Europe After the War – Fascism & Nazism
The Great Depression Concept, Types & Social Impact of Political
Emergence of Soviet Union Philosophies
Nationalist Movements in Asia & Africa
US as a Strong Power Communism
Capitalism
Socialism
 Indian Society

Salient Features of Indian Society

Diversity (Types – caste, linguistic,
social and religious, race, tribe and
ethnicity, culture)
Challenges posed by Diversity
Unity
Pluralism
Role of Women and Women's Organization
Women's Organisations –
Empowerment through Action
19th Century Social Reform
Movements and Early Women's
Organisations – (1) Agrarian
Struggles and Revolt, (2)
Participation in Freedom Struggle
Women's Organisations Post – 1947
Population and Associated Issues
Basic Demography of India
Population Trends in India and their
Implications
Causes and Effects of Over
Population
Challenges of Population Explosion
Poverty and Developmental Issues
Concept of Development and Poverty
Types of Poverty
Measurement of Poverty – Poverty
Line
Causes of Poverty
Poverty as a Social Problem
Socio-economic Spread of Poverty
Consequences of Poverty –
Inequality
Continuation of Vicious Cycle
Who are worst affected by
poverty?
Unity in Diversity
Inequality and Exclusion
Family System
Examples of above.
Resurgence of Women's Movement in the 70s:
(1) Emergence of New Organisations, (2)
Approaches and Issues
Contemporary Women's Issues & Organisation
Response
Women's Organisations and SHGs
Challenges faced by Women's Organisations
Changing Age Structure of Indian Population
Demogarphic Dividend: Boon or Bane for India
Population Aging in India
India's Population Policy & Initiatives
Problem of Rising Urban Poverty
Poverty Alleviation Initiatives
Policy shift from “Trickle Down” Economics to
Inclusive or Pro-poor Development to Reduce
Poverty
Relation between Poverty Reduction and
Development: Poverty-Inequality-Development
Nexus

Urbanization
Urbanisation Trends in India and Social Consequences of Urbanisation
Their Implications - Demographic and Impact of Urbanisation in Rural Areas
Social Dimensions Urban Planning and Role of Urban Local Bodies
Factors Driving Urbanisation (ULBs)
State of Service Delivery and Reforms Required and Government Initiatives
Challeges posed by Urbanisation Taken So Far
Problems of Urban Areas Problems of Slums
Effects of Globalization on Indian Society
Understanding Globalisation – Its Globalisation & India
Different Dimensions Impact of Globalisation on India - Socio-cultural,
 Globalisation & Culture - economic, on women, agrarian sector etc.
Homogenisation vs. Glocalisation Does Globalisation cause Poverty?
Factors Driving Globalisation

Social Empowerment
Which are the Socially Disadvantaged Government Initiatives to Aide Social
Groups? Empowerment
Dimensions of Social Empowerment
Communalism
Communalism – Its Characteristics Consequences of Communalism
Communalism in India in the Past Measures to Control & Eradicate Communalism
Communalism in Contemporqary Secularism as an Antidote to Communalism
India
Causes of Communalism
Regionalism
Concept of Region & Regionalism Consequences of Regionalism
Different Forms of Regionalism Federalism & Regionalism
Regionalism in India Role of Regional Parties
Causes of Regionalism Measures to Contain Regionalism
Concept of 'Sons of Soil' Regionalism in the International Sphere

Secularism
Concept of Secularism Uniform Civil Code
Indian Model of Secularism Challenges faced by Secularism in India
Secularism in India Measures to Make India Truly Secular
Nature & Practice of Secularism in
India

Geography

Salient Features of World's Physical Geography

Geomorphology Temperature & Salinity of Oceans
Movement of Oceans – Waves, Tides, Currents
Origin & Evolution of Earth
Interior of the Earth Climatology
Distribution of Continents & Oceans
Plate Tectonic Theory Earth’s Atmosphere – Composition & Structure
Distribution of Earthquakes & Solar Radiation, Heat Budget & Temperature
Volcanoes Atmospheric Circulation & Weather Systems
Rocks & Rock Cycle World Climate (examples)
Geomorphic Processes – Endogenic &
Exogenic Soil Geography
Landforms & their Evolution
Soil & Soil Contents
Oceanography Process of Soil Formation
Soil Forming Factors
Hydrological Cycle Types of Soils (examples)
Seafloor Spreading Soil Erosion & Conservation
Ocean Floor Configuration
Distribution of Key Natural Resources Across the World
Types of Resources Integrated Water Resources Management

On the Basis of Origin, Ownership, Agricultural Resources

 Exhaustability etc. Types of Farming
Cropping Patterns
Land Resources Contribution to Economy, Employment & Output
Food Security
Land Utilisation
Land Use Pattern Mineral & Energy Resources
Land Degradation & Conservation
Classification of Minerals – Ferrous & Non-Ferrous
Forest Resources Occurrence of Minerals
Conservation of Minerals
Types & Distribution – Grasslands, Classification of Energy Resources – Conventional
Forests etc. & Non-Conventional
Causes of Depletion Occurrence of Energy Resources
Conservation of Forests Conservation of Energy Resources

Water Resources

Marine & Freshwater

Water Scarcity & Need For
Conservation

Factors Responsible for the Location of Industries

Classification of Industries Power
Transport
Location & Distribution of the Industries Water
on the Basis of Communication

Raw Material Distribution of Major Industries – Iron & Steel, IT,

Labour Cotton Textile
Market
Capital Agglomeration & Footloose Industries
Land
Grants & Financial Incentives

Important Geophysical Phenomena

Earthquakes Volcanoes

Why Does Earth Shake? Types of Volcanoes

Earthquake Waves What Causes Volcanoes?
Shadow Zone Volcanic Landforms
Types of Earthquake
Measuring Earthquake Cyclone
Effects of Earthquake
Tropical Cyclones
Tsunami Anti-Cyclone
Extra Tropical Cyclones
What Causes Tsunami
Effect of Tsunami
Mitigating the Impact of Tsunami

Geographical Features and their Location

 Factors Causing Changes in Critical Impact of Changing Geographical Features
Geographical Features
Examples of Changing Geographicl
Features - Mealting of Ice Sheets,
Desertification etc.

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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 & Evolution Significant Provisions
 Regulating Act (1773) to Independence Act (1947) Fundamental Rights
Constituent Assembly Directive Principles of State Policy
Objective Resolution Judicial Review
Enactment & Enforcement of Constitution Universal Adult Franchise
Single Citizenship
Features Separation of Powers

Written Basic Structure

Flexible & Rigid
Federal & Unitary The Doctrine
Parliamentary Form of Government (Presidential Judgments & Cases
vs. Parliamentary Type of Government)

Amendments

List of Significant Amendments & Their Provisions

Procedure for Amending Constitution

Functions & Responsibilities of the Union and the States

7th Schedule Financial Functions
Legislative Functions Administrative & Quasi-Judicial Functions

Issues & Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure

Federal Structure in India - Is India truly Inter-State Councils
Federal? Public Acts, Records and Judicial
Proceedings
Cooperative & Competitive Federalism Inter-State Trade and Commerce
Zonal Councils
Centre-State Relations
Emergency Provisions
Legislative Relations
Administrative Relations Role of Governor
Financial Relations
Trends in Centre-State Relations Reports of Various Commissions

Inter-State Relations 2nd ARC, Punchhi, Sarkaria, etc.

Inter-state Water Disputes

Devolution of Powers & Finances to Local
Levels & Challenges Therein
Role of State Government Reasons for Ineffective Performance
Role of State Finance Commission Panchayat Devolution Index ( NITI Aayog)
11th & 12th Schedule Steps That Can Be Taken to Improve Their
Performance
Separation of Powers Between Various Organs
Doctrine of Separation of Power Provisions for Checks & Balances in Indian
Separation of Power in Indian Constitution Constitution
Doctrine of Checks & Balances Related Judgments - Golaknath case,
Kesavananda Bharati, Indira Gandhi Vs Raj
Narain, Ram Jawaya vs Punjab
Dispute Redressal Mechanisms and Institutions
RTI Tribunals, etc.
 PIL
Comparison of the Indian Constitutional Scheme With That of Other Countries Parliament &
State Legislatures
Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Secular State
Powers & Privileges Universal Adult Franchise
Single Citizenship
Written Constitution Emergency Provisions
Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility Three-tier Government
Federal System with Unitary Bias Due Process of Law vs. Procedure
Parliamentary Form of Government Established by Law
Synthesis of Parliamentary Sovereignty and Impeachment of President, etc.
Judicial Supremacy
Integrated and Independent Judiciary
Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of
State Policy, Fundamental Duties
Structure, Organization & Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
Executive Judiciary

Union: Three-Tier Structure

President Chief Justice of India
Prime Minister SC & HC Judges
Council of Ministers Jurisdiction
Cabinet Secretariat
State:
Governor
Chief Minister
Council of Ministers
Secretariat
Ministries and Departments of the Government
Cabinet Ministries Parliamentary Secretaries
Other Ministries
Pressure Groups & Formal/informal Associations & Their Role in Polity
Characteristics of Pressure Groups Functions, Role & Importance of Pressure
Pressure Groups & Political Parties Groups
Pressure Groups & Interest Groups Techniques/Methods of Pressure Groups
Types of Pressure Groups Pressure Groups in India
Shortcomings of Pressure Groups
Salient Features of Representation of People's Act

Appointment to Various Constitutional Posts

Appointment, Powers, Functions &
Responsibilities of:
Election Commission
Union Public Service Commission
State Public Service Commission
Finance Commission
National Commission for SCs
Statutory, Regulatory & Quasi-Judicial Bodies
NITI Aayog
RBI
National Human Rights Commission
State Human Rights Commission
Central Information Commission
Central Vigilance Commission
Central Bureau of Investigation
Lokpal and Lokayuktas
National Commission for Women
National Commission for STs
Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities
Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Attorney General of India
Advocate General of the State
Central Pollution Control Board
Medical Council of India
Inland Waterways Authority of India
Central Ground Water Authority
Directorate General of Civil Aviation
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development
Authority
Food Safety and Standards Authority of
India
 National Commission for Backward Classes
National Commission for Minorities
Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority
Securities and Exchange Board of India
Competition Commission of India
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
Central Electricity Regulatory Commission
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
Bar Council of India
University Grants Commission
Financial Stability and Development Council
All India Council for Technical Education
National Green Tribunal
Competition Appellate Tribunal
Income-Tax Appellate Tribunal
Cyber Appellate Tribunal
Intellectual Property Appellate Board

Governance

Government Policies & Interventions for Development

Government Policies & Interventions in Analysis of Main Schemes:
Various Sectors Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Smart City
Health, Gender, Education, Poverty, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Economic etc MGNERGA
Digital India
Issues Arising Out of Their Design & Make in India
Implementation Skill India
PM Jan Dhan Yojana
Concerns/Issues Start-up India etc.
Suggestions for Improvement
Critical Assessment of Centrally Sponsored
Schemes (CSS)
Rationalisation of CSS

Development Processes & the Development Industry

Role of Social Capital Organisations Challenges
Indian Context Measures to Make SHGs Effective
Classification Case Studies: Kudumbashree (Kerala),
Provisions for the Third Sector in the Indian Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal
Constitution (Maharashtra)
National Policy on the Voluntary Sector 2007
Societies, Trusts and Cooperatives
Non-Governmental Organisations
Societies
Role and Impact of Non-governmental Trust
Organizations Religious Endowments
Issue Areas: Accreditation, Legitimacy & Cooperatives –
Accountability, Foreign Funding etc. Need for Cooperatives
Constitutional Provisions
Self Help Groups (SHGs) National Policy on Co-operatives,
2002
Need for SHGs Issues and Challenges in the
Benefits of SHGs Cooperatives Sector
Weaknesses of SHGs

Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency & Accountability

Governance Features of CC
 Dimensions of Governance Six Principles of CC
Good Governance (GG) Shortcomings of CC
Aspects of GG Measures to Make CC Effective
Barriers to GG Sevottam Model
Necessary Pre-conditions for GG
How to Ensure GG Aspects of Transparency

E-Governance Elements & Types of Accountability

Applications Means to ensure Transparency &

Models Accountability
Successes
Limitations RTI
Potential Social Audit
Recent e-governance Initiatives by Whistleblower Protection Bill
Government Lokpal & Lokayuktas Act

Citizens Charters (CC)

Components of CC

Role of Civil Services in a Democracy

Relationship Between Civil Service And
Democracy
Role Played By Civil Services
Advisory Role in Policy Making
Institutionalise Socio-economic change
Discharge Delegated Functions
Administer Law of the Land
Watchdogs
Continuity in times of Political Instability
Record-Keeping
Channel of Communication
Ailments/Issues Afflicting Indian Civil Services
Lack of Professionalism & Poor Capacity
Building
Inefficient Incentive Systems
Outdated Rules & Procedures
Systemic Inconsistencies in Promotion
Lack of Adequate Transparency &
Accountability Procedures
Arbitrary & Whimsical Transfers
Political Interference & Administrative
Acquiescence
Gradual Erosion in Values & Ethics
Redtapism
Elitist in Nature
Poor Pay
Tendency to Capture Power
Reforming Bureaucracy to Strengthen
Democracy
Setting Right the Asymmetry of Power
Insulating Civil Servants from Undue Political
Interference
Professionalisation with Stability of Tenure &
Competition
Citizen-Centric Administration
Accountability
Outcome Orientation
Promoting Public Service Values & Ethics

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections

Schemes for the Following Vulnerable STs:
Sections
SCs & STs
Minorities
Children
Elderly
Disabled
Women
Transgender
Performance of These Schemes
Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions & Bodies
Constituted for Protection & Betterment of
These Vulnerable Sections
SCs:
The Protection of Civil Rights Act
The Scheduled Castes and the
Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of
Atrocities) Act
National Commission for Scheduled
Castes
Scheduled Castes Sub Plan
Disabled:
The Rehabilitation Council of India
Act
The Persons with Disabilities (Equal
Opportunities, Protection of Rights
and Full Participation) Act
Mental Retardation and Multiple
Disabilities Act
The National Trust for Welfare of
Persons with
Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental
Retardation and Multiple Disabilities
Act
Rights of the Persons with
Disabilities Act
Issues Relating to Development & Management of Social Sector/Services
Health
India’s Performance on Various Health
Indicators
Weaknesses of Indian Healthcare System
Health Infrastructure in India
Universal Health Coverage
12th FYP Strategy
Universal Health Coverage
Health Insurance
National Family Health Survey
National Health Policy
National Health Mission
Maternal & Adolescent Health
Child Health
National Commission for Scheduled
Tribes
Tribal Sub Plan
TRIFED
Scheduled Tribes and Other
Traditional Forest Dwellers
(Recognition of Forest Rights) Act
Minorities:
National Commission for Minorities
National Commission for Religious
and Linguistic Minorities
Women & Children
The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act
The Indecent Representation of Women
(Prevention) Act
The Dowry Prohibition Act
The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act
Protection of Women from Domestic
Violence Act
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of
Children) Act
Central Adoption Resource Agency (CARA)
The Protection of Children from Sexual
Offences (POCSO) Act
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)
Pre-Conception and Pre Natal Diagnostic
Techniques (PC&PNDT) Act
Gender Budgeting
National Policy for Women
Domestic Violence Act
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act
Elderly
Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and
Senior Citizens Act
Education
Status of Literacy in India
Education Structure in India
Challenges Faced by Education Sector in
India
Reforms Required
Government Initiatives
ASER Report
Financing Education
Subramanian Panel Report
Human Resource
 Antimicrobial Resistance Need For Skill Development
Disease Burden in India Skill Development Initiatives
Measures to Ensure Good Health Outcomes Challenges in Skilling Landscape in India
Government Initiatives Shortcomings of Current Skill Development
Initiatives
Reforms Required
Steps that can Be Taken

Issues Relating to Poverty & Hunger

Relation between Poverty & Hunger
Distribution of Poverty & Hunger
Magnitude & Trends of Poverty & Hunger
Causes of Poverty & Hunger
Cost/Impact of Poverty & Malnutrition
MDGs & SDGs
Food and nutrition insecurity - a
consequence of structural inequities
Constraints in Reducing Poverty & Hunger
Measure to Reduce Poverty & Hunger –
National Food Security Act, Mid-day Meal
Scheme, MGNREGA etc.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

India and its Neighborhood – Relations

India’s Relations With Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
China Afghanistan
Pakistan Nepal
Myanmar Maldives
Bhutan

Bilateral, Regional & Global Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India's
Interests
India’s Major Foreign Policy Doctrines Since BBIN & BCIM
1947 BIMSTEC
IBSA
Non-aligned Movement (NAM) ASEAN & RCEP
Nuclear Doctrine India-Africa Forum
Gujral Doctrine SCO
Look East to Act East Ashgabat Agreement
Think West, etc. FIPIC
IOR-ARC
Bilateral Relations With Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC)
Raisina Dialogue
Major Powers Like – USA, Russia, Japan Heart of Asia Conference
Central Asian Countries East Asia Summit
West Asian Countries G-20
African Countries Asian Development Bank
Australia & New Zealand National Security Summit
EU & European Countries Multilateral Nuclear Export Regulatory
Latin American Countries Regimes: Wassenar, MTCR, Australia Group
Pacific Countries Asian Development Bank
APEC, etc
Regional & Global Groupings
 SAARC
BRICS

Effect of Policies & Politics of Developed &

Developing Countries on India's Interests
One Belt One Road WTO Reforms
International North–South Transport Corridor South China Sea Conflict
Global Trade War Brexit
Global Currency War Deglobalisation & Protectionism – US
Syrian Crisis Sanctions on Iran, US Pullout from Paris
UN Reforms Agreement, H-1B Visa Issue etc.
OPEC Oil Prices Manipulation, etc.
Indian Diaspora
Spread of Indian Diaspora LM Singhvi High Level Committee on the
India’s Diaspora Policy & Engagement Diaspora
Initiatives Role played by Indian Diaspora
OCI Issues Concerning the Diaspora:
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Dual Nationality
Know India Programme, etc. Remittances, etc.
Important International Institutions
UN & its Agencies IMF
WTO World Economic Forum
World Bank Commonwealth of Nations, etc.

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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
Planning Determinants of Growth & Development
Importance & Limitations of Economic
Meaning of Planning Growth
 Need for Planning in Economic Development
Imperative Vs. Indicative Vs. Structural
Planning
Objectives of Planning
Indian Planning History
Techniques of Indian Planning
Achievements & Failures of Indian Planning
Shortcomings of Planning in India
NITI Aayog Vs. Planning Commission
Mobilisation of Resources
Types of Resources – Financial, Human,
Natural etc.
Need for Resource Mobilisation
Role of Savings & Investment
Government Resources – Tax & Non-Tax ( or
Fiscal & Monetary Policy)
Banking Sector & NBFCs
Capital Market
External Sources – FDI, ODA etc.
Public Borrowing & Management of Public
Debt
Challenges in Mobilising Resources for
Development
Steps That Can Be Taken
Growth & Development
Meaning of Development & Growth
Difference between Development & Growth
Inclusive Growth & Issues Arising From It
What is Inclusive Growth?
Elements of Inclusive Growth
Need for Inclusive Growth
Government Budgeting
Need for Government Budgeting
Components of the Government Budget
Revenue Account – Revenue Receipts &
Revenue Expenditure
Capital Account – Capital Receipts & Capital
Expenditure
Changes in Budgetary Process in 2017
Measures of Government Deficit
Revenue Deficit
Land Reforms in India
Rationale for Land Reforms
Jobless Growth
Pro-Poor Growth
Balanced & Unbalanced Growth
Dimensions of Development
Measurement & Indicators of Development
Approaches to Development:
Market-Based Approach
Role of State and Planned Approach
Mixed Economy Approach
Challenges to Development & Growth
Employment
Nature – Rural vs. Urban, Formal Vs.
Informal
Terms Related to Employment – Labour
Force Participation Rate, Employment Rate,
Working Age Population etc.
Sectoral Distribution of Employment
Quality of Employment
Causes of Lack of Employment
Restructuring of Workforce
Government Initiatives for Generating
Employment
Indicators of Inclusive Growth
Challenges in Achieveing Inclusive Growth in
India
12th FYP & Inclusive Growth
Fiscal Deficit
Primary Deficit
Fiscal Policy
Deficit Reduction
FRBM Act
Other Types of Budgets – Outcome, Zero-
Based, etc.
Success of Land Reforms
 Components of Land Reforms Recent Initiatives - Land Leasing, Land
Impact of Land Reforms Acquisition, Rehabilitation & Resettlement
Problems in Implementaion of Land Reforms 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 1991 Weaknesses and Failures of Industrial
Industrial Policy After 1991 Policies
Phases of Industrial Growth National Manufacturing Policy
Linkage Between Economic Reforms and SEZs
Economic Outcomes Make in India

Infrastructure
Energy Airports
Ports Railways
Roads
Investment Models
Need for Investment Foreign Investment Models:
FDI
Sources of Investment FII, etc.
Sector Specific Investment Models
Types of Investment Models Cluster Based Investment Models

Domestic Investment Models Investment Models Followed by India

Public Investment Model
Private Investment Model
Public Private Participation
Investment Model

AGRICULTURE

Major Crops Cropping Patterns in Various Parts of the Country

Importance of Cropping Pattern Factors Influencing Cropping Pattern
Types of Cropping Pattern Emerging Trends in Cropping Pattern
Reasons Why Cropping Pattern Differ Long-Run Effects of Current Trends in
Cropping Pattern
Different Types of Irrigation & Irrigation Systems Storage
Modes of Irrigation Progress of Irrigation Under Five Year Plans
Sources of Irrigation Environmental Effects of Irrigation
Choosing an Irrigation System Need for Systemic Irrigation Reforms
Problems Associated with Irrigation Need for a National Water Policy

Transport & Marketing of Agricultural Produce & Issues & Related Constraints
Process of Agricultural Marketing - APMCs
Marketing Channels, Functionaries, Costs, National Agricultutral Market (NAM)
etc. Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO)
Role of FCI Contract Farming
 Regulated Markets Futures Trading in Agricultural Commodities
Warehousing
Cooperative Marketing
Shortcomings 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 Policy Effectiveness, Extent & Problems of
Rationale for Subsidies Subsisies
Types of Subsidies Clash with WTO Agreements

Public Distribution System Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping

Objectices/Significance Need to Improve the Working of PDS
Functioning - Fair Price Shops, FCI, Ration Measures to Improve the Loopholes &
Cards, Aadhar Linking, etc. Lacunaes Associated with PDS
Shortcomings or Problems Associated with Steps Taken by Governement in this Regard
PDS
Issues of Buffer Stocks & Food Security
Buffer Stock – Objectives & Norms in India Need for Food Security
Impact of Government Procurement & NFSM And othe Food Security Realted
Distribution Government Initiatives
Economics of Animal-Rearing

Food Processing & Related Industries in India

Scope & Potential in India Upstream & Downstream Requirements
Significance Supply Chain Management
Location Government Policies and Initiatives –
Constraints and Challenges SAMPADA, 12th FYP, etc.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Developments & their Applications & Effects in Everyday Life

Chemicals in Food Anti-Fertility Drugs, etc.

Artificial Sweetening Agents Cleansing Agents

Food Preservatives
Soaps
Drugs Synthetic detergents

Antacid Glass
Antihistamines
Neurologically Active Drugs Water Softener
Tranquilizers
Analgesics Water Purification/Disinfection
Antimicrobials
Antibiotics Microwave Oven, etc.
Antiseptic and Disinfectant
Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Vikram Sarabhai
Satyendra Nath Bose Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya
Meghnad Saha Har Gobind Khorana
 Homi Jehangir Bhabha Tessy Thomas
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar C.N.R. Rao

Indigenization of Technology & Developing New Technology

IT & Computers Robotics
Space Defence
Nanotechnology Nuclear
Biotechnology
Awareness in Different Fields
IT & Computers Robotics
Space Defence
Nanotechnology Nuclear
Biotechnology

Issues Relating to Intellectual Property Rights

Need for Intellectual Property Rights International Agreements Related to IPRs
Types of IPR Geographical Indicators
IPR Regime in India Recent Issues - Evergreening, Compuslory
Licensing, Prominent Cases etc.

BIODIVERSITY & ENVIRONMENT

Conservation
What is Biodiversity? Conservation

Types of Biodiversity – Genetic, Species, In-situ & Ex-Situ

Ecosystem, etc. Eco-Sensitive Areas
Ecological Hotspots
Importance of Biodivesirty – Ecosystem National Guidelines, Legislations & Other
Services, Bio Resources of Economic Programmes.
Importance, Social Benefits etc. International Agreements & Groupings

Resasons for Loss of Biodiversity

Environmental Pollution & Degradation
Types of Pollution & Pollutants Causes/Sources of Pollution & Degradation

Impact of Pollution & Degradation Prevention & Control of Pollution &

Degradation
Ozone Layer Depletion and Ozone Hole
Greenhouse Gas Effect & Global Warming National Environment Agencies, Legislations
Eutrophication and Policies
Desertification
Acid Rain International Environment Agencies &
Hazardous Waste, etc. Agreements
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
What is EIA? Need & Benefits of EIA
Indian Guidelines & Legislations Shortcomings of EIA in India
EIA Process Measures to Make EIA Effective

Disaster Management
Types of Disasters Community Level Disaster Management
Management of Disasters Governement Initiatives on Disaster
Management
 SECURITY

Linkages Between Development & Spread of Extremism

Factors Responsible for Spread of Naxalism
Extremism
Steps that State can Taken to Reduce the
Spread of Extremism due to
Underdevelopment
Role of External State & Non-State Actors in Creating Challenges to Internal Security
Threats from Non-State Actors Institutional Framework to Tackle Challenge
of Internal Security
J&K Separatism
Left Wing Extremism NIA
North East Insurgency NATGRID
Terrorism in Hinterland & Border Areas MAC
Right Wing Terrorism UAPA
TADA
Reasons for Spread of Terrorism POTA
NCTC
State Sponsored Terrorism
Challenges to Internal Security Through Communication Networks
Role of Media & Social Networking Sites in Steps That can be Taken
Internal Security Challenges
Challenges in Managing Social Media
Basics of Cyber Security
Cyber Security International Cooperation on Cyber Security
Threats to Indian Cyber Security Cyber Warfare
Steps taken by India Terms Associated with Cyber Security
Money-Laundering & its Prevention
Process of Money Laundering Steps to Counter Money Laundering
Impact of Money Laundering Terms Related To Money Laundering
Challenges to Tackle Money Laundering

Security Challenges & their Management in Border Areas

Challenges in Managing Border Security – India's Policy in Border Area Security
Coastal & Terrestrial Management
Land Boundary Disputes with Neighbours
Linkages of Organized Crime with Terrorism
Types of Organised Crime Indian Context – Link between Organised
Challenges in Controlling Organised Crime Crime & Terrorism

Various Security Forces & Agencies & Their Mandate

Central Armed Police Forces Security & Intelligence Agencies – IB. R&WA,
Central Paramilitary Forces etc.
General Studies-IV
drishtiias.com/printpdf/upsc-ias-general-studies-iv-ethics-morality-paper-4

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating
to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts
faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine
these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered:

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in -

Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics - in Private and Public Relationships.
Human Values - Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers
and Administrators; Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating
Values.
Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and
Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity, Impartiality and Non-
partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance and
Compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Emotional Intelligence-Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration
and Governance.
Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India and World.
Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration: Status and Problems;
Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions; Laws, Rules,
Regulations and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability and Ethical
Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance; Ethical Issues
in International Relations and Funding; Corporate Governance.
Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance
and Probity; Information Sharing and Transparency in Government, Right to
Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture,
Quality of Service Delivery, Utilization of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption.
Case Studies on above issues.
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 Prelims Syllabus
• Syllabus for GS Paper (Prelims Paper I)
o Current events of national and international importance.
o History of India and Indian National Movement.
o Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the
World.
o Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public
Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
o Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion,
Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.
o General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not
require subject specialisation.
o General Science

• Syllabus for CSAT Paper (Prelims Paper II)

o Comprehension
o Interpersonal skills including communication skills
o Logical reasoning and analytical ability
o Decision-making and problem solving
o General mental ability
o Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level),
Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. – Class X level)