Consider the following languages: (2014)

[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical
Language/Languages’ by the Government?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

[Link]
Tamil was declared a classical language
by the Government of India in 2004. –
10 Years

[Link]
By which one of the following Acts was the Governor General of
Bengal designated as the Governor General of India? (UPSC 2023)

(a) The Regulating Act

(b) The Pitt’s India Act

(c) The Charter Act of 1793

(d) The Charter Act of 1833

[Link]
300 Years

[Link]
Religious Text:
•Guru Granth Sahib is the central religious scripture of
Sikhism, considered the eternal, living Guru.
•Declared as the final Guru by Guru Gobind Singh Ji
before his death in 1708.
2. Language and Script:
•Written in Gurmukhi script.
•Includes compositions in Punjabi, Sanskrit, Persian,
Prakrit, and other dialects.

[Link]
3. Composition and Compilation:
•Initially compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1604, known
as the Adi Granth.
•Includes writings of Sikh Gurus and Bhagats (saints)
from Hindu and Muslim traditions (e.g., Kabir, Ravidas,
Namdev, Sheikh Farid).
•Reflects social inclusivity, especially of lower-caste
Bhakti saints.
4. Location of First Installation:
•First installed in the Golden Temple (Harmandir
Sahib), Amritsar.
[Link]
 Establishment of the State of Hyderabad

❖ In 1724, Nizam-ul-Mulk established the Hyderabad state, independent from the

Mughal Empire.

❖ This was an important political event marking the beginning of the decline of
the Mughal Empire.

❖ Hyderabad was the largest princely state of the British period.

❖ This state included present-day northern Karnataka, Telangana and Marathwada

of Maharashtra.

[Link]
• Devi Ahilyabai Holkar
•Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar (31 May 1725 – 13 August
1795) was the Holkar Queen of the Maratha Malwa
kingdom, India.
•Under her rule Malwa enjoyed relative peace,
prosperity, and stability, and her capital, Maheshwar,
was turned into an oasis of literary, musical, artistic,
and industrial pursuits.
• Military contribution of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar
•She was military-trained under her father-in-
law Malhar Rao Holkar and personally led armies into
battle.
•She appointed Tukojirao Holkar as the Chief of Army. [Link]
Administration of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar
•She held daily public audiences to help redress the problems of
the common man.
•She earned a reputation for administering justice fairly during her
rule, without partiality or partisanship. Ex: She sentenced her only
son, found guilty of a capital offense, to death by being crushed by
an elephant.
•She also made some landmark decisions during her reign,
including the removal of traditional law confiscating the property
of childless widows.
•Promotion of craft: She established a textile industry in
Maheshwar, which today is very famous for its Maheshwari
sarees. [Link]
Cultural contribution of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar
•She welcomed stalwarts such as Marathi poet Moropant, Shahir
Ananta Gandhi, and Sanskrit scholar Khushali Ram into her
capital.
•She was a great pioneer and builder of Hindu temples.
•She built hundreds of temples and Dharmashalas throughout
India.
•Her most notable contribution was the renovation and repair of
the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple in 1780.
•She passed away on August 13, 1795, at the age of seventy.
•Titles: John Keay, the British historian, gave the queen the
title of ‘The Philosopher Queen’.
[Link]
•The 300th anniversary of the martyrdom of Baba Banda
Singh Bahadur was also celebrated.

[Link]
 Baba Banda Singh Bahadur
1. Birth and Transformation:
•Born as Lachman Dev, later became an ascetic named Madho Das
Bairagi.
•Became a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh, who gave him the name
Gurbaksh Singh and later Banda Singh Bahadur.
2. Role in Sikhism:
•First military commander of the Khalsa Army after Guru Gobind Singh.
•Played a crucial role in establishing Sikh rule in Punjab.
3. Major Battles and Conquests:
•Battle of Sonipat (1709) – First military success against the Mughals.
•Battle of Samana (1709) – Captured key Mughal town.
•Extended control into Cis-Sutlej regions.
•Established capital at Lohgarh (Mukhlisgarh).
[Link]
4. Socio-Economic Reforms:
•Abolished the Zamindari system; granted land rights to tillers.
•Issued Nanak Shahi coins, symbolizing sovereign Sikh rule.
•Introduced early signs of agrarian equality and economic justice.
5. Capture and Execution:
•Besieged and captured in 1715 by Mughal governor Abd al-Samad
Khan.
•Executed in 1716 under Emperor Farrukhsiyar along with 700
followers in Delhi.
•Eyewitness account by a British East India Company official.

[Link]
•Surajmal had built the impregnable Lohagarh Fort, which the British could
not penetrate even after attacking 13 times.

•This is the only fort in the country, which has always been impenetrable.

300 Years of Establishment of Lohgarh as Sikh Capital (1725)

•Capital by: Baba Banda Singh Bahadur
•Location: Mukhlisgarh, renamed Lohgarh ("Fortress of Steel")
•Importance:
• First sovereign Sikh state
• Early assertion of Sikh political power in Punjab
•Commemorated alongside Banda Bahadur’s legacy in 2025
[Link]
[Link]
 Regulating Act, 1773

❖ To ensure smooth functioning and control of the

company's administration in India, the British
Parliament passed the Regulating Act, 1773, which
came into full effect in 1774

❖ Main objective: To control the company's affairs in

both India and England
[Link]
❖ Creation of the post of Governor General of Bengal → Warren
Hastings as the first Governor General of Bengal

❖ Four member council to assist the Governor General of Bengal

→ Barwell, Clavering, Francis and Manson

❖ Decisions on the basis of majority by the Council including the

Governor General

[Link]
❖ The Governor-General has the right to exercise a casting vote in
the council only in case of equality of votes.

❖ The tenure of council members is fixed at 5 years.

❖ Restrictions on private business of employees of the company

❖ Prohibition on taking gifts and presents etc. by the employees of

the company

[Link]
 Establishment of the Supreme Court (1774)

❖ The Supreme Court was established in Calcutta by the Regulating Act of

1773.

❖ One Chief Justice (Lord Ellis Impey) + three other judges (Chambers,

Limaster, Hyde)

❖ The Supreme Court was expected to function as a court of equality

before law, court of common law, court of admiralty and court of

righteousness

[Link]
❖ The judicial process of the Supreme Court is as per the judicial laws

prevalent in Britain.

❖ All British and Indian citizens have the right to go to the Supreme
Court for justice.

❖ Supreme Court also has jurisdiction over company related activities

and matters.

[Link]
 Beginning of the First Anglo-Maratha War (1775)

❖ This war between the British East India Company and

the Maratha Empire lasted from 1775 to 1782 and
finally ended with the Treaty of Salbai (1782).

❖ In this war, the Marathas gave a tough fight to the

British and prevented them from interfering in their
empire.
[Link]
❖ After Narayanrao Peshwa was assassinated in 1772, his uncle Raghunathrao
(Raghoba) tried to become Peshwa, but the Maratha chieftains made Madhavrao II
the Peshwa.

❖ To become Peshwa, Raghunathrao sought help from the British East India
Company and signed the Surat Treaty in 1775. In return, he promised the British
some rights in the Maratha territories.

❖ The British wanted to increase their influence in India, so they tried to take
advantage of the internal conflicts of the Marathas.

[Link]
Major events of the war

❖ British defeat (1775-76) – The Maratha army defeated the British in the battles of
Adalat (1775) and Wadgaon (1779).

❖ Treaty of Wadgaon (1779) – The British accepted defeat and had to sign this treaty,
in which they had to withdraw from the Maratha territories.

❖ Treaty of Salbai (1782) – This treaty ended the war. It decided that the British would
stop supporting Raghunathrao, and the Marathas would accept some areas under
British control.

[Link]
 Muthuswami Dikshitar

Personal Background
•Born: 24 March 1776, Tiruvarur (present-day Tamil Nadu)
•Died: 21 October 1835, Ettayapuram
•Father: Ramaswami Dikshitar – a musician and Veena player
•Other names: Guruguha (used as a mudra or signature in compositions)
Legacy in Carnatic Music
•Part of the Trinity of Carnatic Music:
• Tyagaraja (Telugu compositions)
• Syama Sastri
• Muthuswami Dikshitar (Primarily composed in Sanskrit)

[Link]
•Estimated 450–500 compositions, mostly Kritis in
Sanskrit; some in Manipravalam (blend of Tamil & Sanskrit)
•Known for:
• Scholarly approach and philosophical depth (Advaita
Vedanta influence)
• Signature “Guruguha” used in all his works
• Emphasis on raga purity and use of gamaka
(ornamentation)
• Contribution to Asampurna Melakarta system (72
melakarta ragas)

[Link]
Key Compositional Works
•Navagraha Kritis – On 9 planets, rich in Mantra & Jyotisha Shastra
•Kamalamba Navavarna Kritis – Based on Sri Chakra worship, each
in different Sanskrit declensions
•Nilotpalamba Kritis – Revived rare ragas like Chayagaula, Purvagaula
•Vatapi Ganapatim Bhajeham – Popular Kriti in Raga Hamsadhwani
•Nottusvara Sahitya – 40+ compositions inspired by Western (European
folk) tunes, with Sanskrit lyrics

Instruments and Innovation

•Master of Veena
•Introduced violin into Carnatic music along with brother Balaswami
Dikshitar
•Exposure to Western orchestral music at Fort St. George

[Link]
 Spiritual Influence & Anecdotes
•Legend: Lord Murugan (Guruguha) appeared and gave
him sugar candy, leading to his first composition.
•Composed Kritis in all eight Sanskrit vibhaktis
(declensions)
Legacy and Lineage
•Brothers: Chinnaswami and Balaswami Dikshitar –
musicians and propagators of his works
•Disciple lineage includes:
• Tanjore Quartet (Vadivelu, Ponnayya, etc.)
• Subbarama Dikshitar (scholar, composed
Sangeeta Sampradaya Pradarshini)
[Link]
[Link]
 First Burmese War (1824–26)

❖ War caused by British greed for Burma's forest resources, market for British
manufactures in Burma

❖ In 1823 Burma tried to occupy an island near British territory Chittagong, which
the British claimed as their own. Border tensions increased thereafter.

❖ Peace established with the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826

❖ British forces occupied Rangoon. Burma lost a large part of its territorial
integrity and power.

[Link]
•Fifth Battalion, Rajput Regiment (Prachand Paanch)

• Raised in 1825 in Kanpur (Cawnpore).

• Completed 200 years of continuous service in 2025.
• Among the few Indian Army units with two centuries of legacy.
•Recent Recognitions:
• Received four consecutive citations for excellence in operations, both pre-
and post-Independence.
•Commemoration:
• Bicentenary celebrated in March 2025.
• Commemorative postal stamp released by Gen. (Retd) V.K. Singh,
Governor of Mizoram.
• New Colours presented by Lt Gen M.K. Katiyar, Western Command Chief.
•War Memorial Tributes:
• Veterans paid homage in Jammu & Kashmir.
•Battalion Values:
• Bravery, camaraderie, heritage, and commitment to duty.
[Link]
[Link]
 Establishment of Arya Samaj (1875)

•Founder: Swami Dayanand Saraswati (1875, Bombay).

•Slogan: “Go Back to the Vedas.”
•Nature: Socio-religious reform movement within Hinduism.
•Key Beliefs:
• Monotheism; rejection of idol worship & rituals.
• Emphasis on Vedic authority, rationality, and moral living.
•Educational Impact:
• Established Dayanand Anglo Vedic (DAV) institutions.
• Advocated co-education, modern curriculum, and Gurukul revival.
•Social Reforms:
• Abolition of untouchability, child marriage, and caste discrimination.
• Support for widow remarriage, inter-caste marriages, women’s education.
•Shuddhi Movement:
• Re-conversion of Hindus who converted under pressure.
• Aimed at social cohesion and casteless Hindu identity.
•Influential Followers: Lala Lajpat Rai, B.G. Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
[Link]
 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel

•Full Name: Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel

•Born: 31 October 1875, Nadiad, Gujarat
•Died: 15 December 1950
•Nicknames: Iron Man of India, Bismarck of India
Key Events:
•Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Led peasants against unjust taxation; earned the title
“Sardar”.
•Karachi Session (1931): As INC President, ratified Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
•Quit India Movement (1942): Mobilised masses; critical in AICC's approval of
Gandhi’s call.
•Post-Independence Role:
• Instrument of Accession: Integrated 560+ princely states.
• Worked with V.P. Menon; used diplomacy + force (e.g., Hyderabad,
Junagadh).

[Link]
 Ideology:
•Gandhian influence: Satyagraha, Non-violence
•Pragmatism in administration
•Social reformer: Against untouchability, casteism, alcoholism
•Strong democracy advocate: Believed in constitutional governance
Legacy:
•Statue of Unity, Gujarat – World’s tallest statue (182 m)
•National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas): Celebrated on 31 October

[Link]
 150th Anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda
Birsa Munda: Key Facts
•Born: 15 November 1875, Ulihatu, Khunti (now in Jharkhand)
•Tribe: Munda tribe (Chotanagpur Plateau)
•Title: Bhagwan (Lord), Tribal folk hero
•Religion: Founded Birsa Dharma (anti-missionary, tribal identity)
•Slogan: “Abua raj seter jana, Maharani raj tundu jana”
(End British rule, establish tribal self-rule)
Major Contributions:
•Religious Reformer: Opposed Christian conversion, alcoholism, animal sacrifice.
•Cultural Reviver: Emphasized cleanliness, sacred threads, tribal unity.
•Political Mobilizer: Led the Munda Rebellion (Ulgulan) against British and
Dikus (outsiders).
•Used Guerrilla tactics; symbolized by a white flag of Munda Raj.

[Link]
 Munda Rebellion (1895–1900):
•Triggered by:
• Displacement of Khuntkatti (tribal collective land rights)
system
• Zamindari system, moneylenders, traders grabbing tribal land
• Forced labour (Bandhua Majdoori) and high taxation
•Areas of operation: Chotanagpur, Bengal, Odisha
•Suppressed: Birsa arrested in 1900, died in Ranchi Jail (cholera).
Rebellion crushed by mid-1900.

[Link]
 Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (CNT), 1908:
•Impact of Rebellion
•Protected tribal land rights:
• Banned transfer of tribal land to non-tribals
• Recognized Mundari Khuntkattidar as original settlers
• Secured community rights over Jal, Jungle, Zameen
Legacy & Recognition:
•Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas: 15 Nov (since 2021)
•Jharkhand Formation Day: Same day (15 Nov 2000)
•Statue of Ulgulan: In Ranchi Jail (now museum)
•PM-JANMAN Scheme (2023): ₹24,000 Cr for PVTGs, launched on Birsa Jayanti
•Visksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra also launched in parallel

[Link]
[Link]
 Abolition of the Caliphate (1924)

❖ The word ‘Khilafat’ originally originated from the word ‘Khalifa’.

❖ The word ‘Khalifa’ in Arabic means ‘representative’ or ‘successor’.

❖ After the death of Prophet Muhammad on 8 June 632 AD, the Caliph was considered the
political-religious leader of the entire Muslim region. (According to Shariat)

❖ Khilafat Movement (1919-24) to maintain the dignity of this post in India

❖ In the year 1924, the post of Caliph was completely abolished. The last Caliph of Turkey was
Abdul Majid II (1922-24).

[Link]
 Release of Gandhiji (1924)

❖ On 4 February 1922, Indians set fire to a British police station in

Chauri Chaura in Gorakhpur district (Uttar Pradesh), in which 22
police personnel were burnt to death.

❖ This incident is known as the Chauri Chaura Revolution.

❖ As a result, Gandhiji said that the non-cooperation movement

was no longer appropriate due to the violence and withdrew it.

[Link]
❖ After the Chauri Chaura incident, Gandhiji was arrested for suspending the non-
cooperation movement.

❖ He was sentenced to six years imprisonment on the charge of treason, but was
released in February 1924 due to health reasons.

❖ Gandhiji fasted for 21 days in September 1924 at the house of Maulana Muhammad
Ali in Delhi.

[Link]
 Establishment of Swaraj Party

❖ Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru founded the Swaraj Party in

Allahabad in March 1923.

❖ In September 1923, a special session of the Congress was held in Delhi

under the chairmanship of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

❖ In this session, the program of Swaraj Party to enter the legislatures was

accepted, and the formation of this party was recognized by the

Congress.

[Link]
❖ In the Belgaum conference in December 1924, the objective of the

Swaraj Party was stated to be the attainment of Swaraj through just and
peaceful means.

❖ The main objective of the Swaraj Party was to enter the central and

provincial legislatures through elections and implement the policy of

obstruction or non-cooperation.

[Link]
 Alexander Muddiman Committee

❖ In the year 1924 the British Government appointed a

committee under the chairmanship of Alexander
Muddiman to investigate the Dyarchy introduced by
the Act of 1919.

[Link]
 Belgaum Session (1924) Gandhi’s Belgaum Session
(1924) – Key Facts
• Location: Belgaum (now in
Karnataka)
❖ 39th session of the Indian
National Congress
• Time: December 1924
• Unique Fact: Only
❖ The only session of the
session of Indian National
Congress which was presided
Congress presided over by
over by Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi.
❖ The first public singing of • Tenure as President: Dec
'Vande Mataram' in the session 1924 – April 1925
• First Visit to Belgaum: In
1916, invited by Deshpande.
[Link]
 Thematic Contributions from Belgaum Session
1. Focus on Social Change
•Untouchability: Strong emphasis on eradicating caste
discrimination.
•Promotion of Khadi:
• Spinning khadi was mandatory for Congress members.
• Members had to submit 2,000 yards of khadi monthly.
•Village Industries: Supported as pillars of self-reliant rural
economy.
•Congress Transformation: From a political body to a
socio-political reform movement.

[Link]
2. Congress Democratization
•Reduced membership fees by 90% to include common
masses.
•Criticized VIP-centric culture in Congress sessions.
•Called for equal treatment of all members at future events.
3. Hindu-Muslim Unity
•Advocated communal harmony as essential to India’s
freedom.
•Cow Protection:
• Urged economic use of cows for farmers.
• Opposed using cow protection as a religious or
violent tool.
[Link]
4. Social Upliftment
•Praised sanitation efforts, noting caste inclusion:
• 40 of 70 sanitation volunteers were Brahmins.
•Stressed:
• Town Planning
• Public Hygiene
• Role of social service over ritual hierarchy.
5. Cultural Significance
•Performance by Vishnu Digambar Paluskar (Hindustani classical maestro).
•Young Gangubai Hangal also performed.
•Kannada song: “Udayavagali Namma Chaluva Kannada Nadu” was
featured.
6. Legacy of the Session
•Pampa Sarovara well, dug for the session, still supplies water to parts of
South Belagavi.

[Link]
 Death of Chittaranjan Das Munshi (1925)

❖ He gained fame as a barrister by defending Aurobindo Ghosh in the Alipore Bomb

Case (1908), which resulted in the release of Aurobindo.

❖ Was part of a non-official committee to investigate the Jallianwala Bagh massacre

(1919) along with Gandhiji and Motilal Nehru.

❖ Served as the President of the Indian National Congress (INC) at the Gaya session

in the year 1922

❖ His biography, The Life and Times of C.R. Das, was written by Prithwish Chandra

Ray

[Link]
 Kakori incident (9 August 1925)

Kakori Conspiracy Case,

❖ On 9th August 1925, revolutionaries of Hindustan 1925
Background
Republican Association (HRA) attacked a train to
•Rising dissatisfaction with
loot the treasury of the British government. Gandhian non-violence by
early 1920s.
❖ This incident happened at a place called Kakori
•Led to resurgence of armed
in Uttar Pradesh, hence it is called "Kakori revolutionary movements.
Kand". •Hindustan Republican
Association (HRA) sought to
❖ Major Revolutionaries: Ram Prasad Bismil, target British symbols of
Ashfaqulla Khan, Chandrashekhar Azad, Roshan power and finances.
Singh, Rajendra Lahiri etc.

[Link]
 Communist Party of India (1925)

❖ Founded: 26 December 1925 in Kanpur

Founders
❖ Founder: Manvendra Nath Roy (original name M.N. Roy, Mohammad Shafiq,
Narendra Nath Bhattacharya) Mohammad Ali, Abani Mukherjee,
others
❖ President of the founding conference (1925):
Singaravelu Chettiar First President
❖ First General Secretary: Sachchidananda Vishnu M. Singaravelu Chettiar

Ghate

❖ Main leaders: Manvendra Nath Roy, Abani

Mukherjee, Mohammad Ali and Shafiq Siddiqui

[Link]
❖ The CPI was the first organisation to refuse
CPI Publications
membership to members of any communal •Ganavani (Bengali weekly)
organisation. •Mehnatkash (Urdu weekly – Lahore)
•Kranti (Marathi weekly – Bombay)
❖ The Communist Party of India-Marxist was
formed in 1964 due to ideological differences
over China and the Soviet Union.

❖ The CPI was originally a Soviet Union-inspired

party.

[Link]
 Major Trials Related to Communist Movement

Trial Name Year Description

Arrest of communists returning
Peshawar Conspiracy 1922
from USSR via Afghanistan
Attempt to link communists to
Kanpur Bolshevik Case 1924
seditious activities
Targeted prominent communists
(Dange, Spratt, Ghate);
Meerut Conspiracy Case 1929
showcased British fear of socialist
revolution
Communist leaders detained for
Deoli Conspiracy 1932
anti-colonial organizing

[Link]
 CPI's Role in Freedom Struggle
Mass Mobilization
•AITUC (1920) – trade union mobilization
•All India Kisan Sabha (1936) – peasant movements
•All India Students' Federation (1936)
•Participation in Non-Cooperation & Civil Disobedience Movements
Support to Social Reform
•Advocated Dalit rights, Hindu-Muslim unity, gender equality
•Kerala: Led Guruvayur Temple Entry Satyagraha (A.K. Gopalan, P. Krishna Pillai)
•Maharashtra: Supported Ambedkar’s Chavdar Lake Satyagraha (R.B. More)
Demand for Purna Swaraj
•Sent resolutions to INC sessions in 1921 (Ahmedabad) and 1922 (Gaya)
•First formal demand for complete independence, later adopted at Lahore (1929)
British Repression
•Declared illegal in 1934, ban lifted in 1942
•Leaders imprisoned and exiled in conspiracy cases

[Link]
The Indian government has officially removed restrictions on central
government employees participating in activities of the Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Department of Personnel and Training
(DoPT) issued this directive on July 9, 2024, revoking official
memorandums from 1966, 1970, and 1980 that classified the RSS as a
political organisation.
Key Legal and Administrative Aspects
Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 – Rule 5(1):
•Prohibits government employees from joining or supporting political
organisations.
•The recent DoPT directive clarifies that the RSS is no longer classified
as a political organisation, allowing central government employees to
engage in its activities.
•However, the restriction remains for Jamaat-e-Islami, which continues to
be considered a political entity.

[Link]
 Historical Context – Previous Official Memorandums (OMs):

Year Directive Key Details

Government employees were
prohibited from associating
1966 MHA circular
with RSS and Jamaat-e-Islami
under Rule 5.
Reiterated disciplinary action
1970 MHA directive for government employees
violating the 1966 order.
Stressed maintaining
secularism among government
1980 MHA circular
employees, warning against
communal bias.

[Link]
Pre-1966 Regulations:
•Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1949 already barred civil
servants from political activities (Rule 23).
•This was later incorporated into the Central Civil Services
(Conduct) Rules, 1964 and All India Services (Conduct) Rules,
1968 (for IAS, IPS, and IFS officers).
Consequences of Violations:
•Dismissal, suspension, or disciplinary action for violating Rule 5.
•The government retains the power to decide whether an
organisation is political or not if there is any ambiguity.

[Link]
 RSS – Bans in History:

Year Reason for Ban Duration

Lifted in 1949 after pledging
1948 Gandhi’s assassination
constitutional loyalty.
Emergency declared by Indira
1975-77 Revoked post-Emergency.
Gandhi
1992 Post-Babri Masjid demolition Lifted in 1993.

[Link]
Comparisons with Other Organisations
Jamaat-e-Islami
•Founded in 1941 by Abul A’la Maududi.
•Advocates for an Islamic state based on Sharia law.
•Banned in Jammu & Kashmir (2019) under UAPA due to alleged
militant links.
Ananda Marg
•Founded by Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar (1955) as a socio-spiritual
movement.
•Promotes Progressive Utilisation Theory (PROUT) for balanced
economic development.
•Banned during Emergency (1975-77) due to alleged extremism.

[Link]
[Link]
National Emergency

❖ In 1975, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi 9 March – Indira

declared a national emergency throughout India Gandhi became the first Prime
for 21 months, till March 1977, on narrow political
Minister of India to testify in a
court. She appeared
grounds.
before Allahabad High
❖ In fact, in the 1971 Lok Sabha elections, Mrs.
Court in State of Uttar Pradesh
v. Raj Narain case
Indira Gandhi defeated her main rival Raj Narain.

❖ But four years after the election results were

announced, Raj Narain challenged the election
results in the High Court.

[Link]
❖ On June 12, 1975, the Allahabad High Court
annulled Indira Gandhi's election and barred her
from contesting elections for six years.

❖ With this, Mrs. Indira Gandhi's rival Raj Narayan

Singh was declared the winner of the election.

[Link]
❖ According to Raj Narayan Singh, Indira Gandhi misused
the government machinery in the elections, spent more
money than the prescribed limit and used unfair means
to influence the voters.

❖ The court upheld these charges, although Mrs. Gandhi

refused to resign.

❖ At the same time, the opposition Janata Morcha won a

landslide victory against Chimanbhai Patel in Gujarat.

❖ Indira Gandhi was so uneasy with this double defeat that

she announced to appeal to the Supreme Court and
imposed emergency on 26 June.

[Link]
❖ Since Article 352 was implemented, it gave
extraordinary powers to the government, as a
result of which the government started
suppressing opposition leaders and agitating
citizens.

❖ The government took many controversial steps,

due to which the Emergency is called the dark
age in the history of Indian democracy.

[Link]
Article 352

❖ Three Grounds: War, External Aggression or

Armed Rebellion

❖ 44th Amendment (1978) → Armed rebellion

instead of internal disturbance

❖ Proclamation of emergency only on the written

recommendation of the cabinet

❖ Proclamation of emergency needs to be

supported by the Parliament by a special majority
within one month

❖ Emergency continues for 6 months at a time

[Link]
❖ the exercise of the executive powers of the state by the union

❖ Parliament has the power to make laws on the subjects of the

State List

❖ Financial relations between the Center and the States

suspended

❖ Extension of term of Lok Sabha/Vidhan Sabha for one year at

a time

❖ Fundamental rights given in Article 19 automatically

suspended (Article 358) While the President can suspend
other fundamental rights except Articles 20 and 21 (Article
359)
[Link]
38th Constitutional Amendment, 1975

❖ The proclamation of emergency made by the President under

Article 352 was taken out of the purview of judicial review.

44th Constitutional Amendment, 1978

❖ In Article 352, the word 'internal disturbance' was removed

and 'armed rebellion' was added.

❖ System of declaring national emergency by the President

only on the basis of written recommendation of the cabinet

❖ emergency under judicial review

[Link]
 33rd Constitutional Amendment, 1974

❖ Purpose: To empower the Presiding Officers to

accept the resignations of MPs and MLAs

❖ Amendment to Articles 101 and 190 → The

Speaker/Chairman can accept the resignation of
the members of Parliament and State Legislature
only when he is satisfied that the resignation is
genuine and is being given without any coercion.

[Link]
 35th Constitutional Amendment, 1975

10 April - State Council

(Sikkim) unanimously voted
to
❖ Purpose : Provisions in relation to Sikkim abolish Monarchy of Chogy
al and merge with India.
❖ Through the 35th amendment, Sikkim was given
the status of a protected state. 14 April - 1975 Sikkimese
monarchy referendum held
❖ Through the 36th amendment, Sikkim was given
and obtained
the status of a State.
97.75%approval

[Link]
 38th Constitutional Amendment, 1975

❖ Objective: Declaration of emergency and taking

the ordinance out of the purview of judicial
review

❖ The declaration of emergency made by the

President under Article 352 was excluded from
the scope of judicial review.

❖ The ordinance issued by the President under

Article 123 and the Governor under Article 213
were also excluded from the scope of judicial
review.

[Link]
❖ The CPI was the first organisation to refuse
membership to members of any communal
organisation.

❖ The Communist Party of India-Marxist was

formed in 1964 due to ideological differences
over China and the Soviet Union.

❖ The CPI was originally a Soviet Union-inspired

party.

[Link]
 39th Constitutional Amendment, 1975

❖ Objective: To remove electoral disputes from the

jurisdiction of the Supreme Court

❖ The disputes relating to the election of the

President, Vice President, Prime Minister and
Speaker of the Lok Sabha were left out of the
jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

❖ Provision for hearing of such disputes by a

committee established by parliamentary law

[Link]
 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976

❖ The biggest amendment of the constitution so far

Small constitution

❖ Purpose: update the constitution in a way

❖ The amendments are mainly based on the

recommendations of the Swaran Singh
Commission.

[Link]
❖ Three new words in the Preamble - Socialism,
Secularism and Integrity of the Nation

❖ Part IV Article 51 10 Fundamental Duties Added

❖ President bound to follow the advice of the

Council of Ministers

[Link]
❖ The subjects of education, forest, protection of
wildlife and birds, measurement, administration
of justice and constitution of all courts except the
Supreme and High Courts were transferred from
the State List to the Concurrent List.

❖ Constitution of Administrative and Other

Authorities: Article 323A

❖ Putting constitutional amendments out of the

purview of judicial review

[Link]
❖ Term of Lok Sabha and State Legislative
Assemblies increased from 5 years to 6 years

❖ No judicial review of laws violating fundamental

rights to implement Directive Principles

❖ The period of President's rule in the state was

increased from 6 months to one year at a time.

❖ Removal of quorum requirement from Parliament

and State Legislatures

[Link]
❖ Article 368 (4) → Constitutional amendment made
by the Parliament cannot be challenged in any
court

❖ Article 368 (5) → There shall be no restriction on

the power of the Parliament to amend the
Constitution

[Link]
The Chasnala mining disaster was a disaster that
happened on 27 December 1975 in a coal mine
in Chasnala near Dhanbad in the Indian state
of Jharkhand. An explosion in the mine followed
by flooding killed 375 miners.

[Link]
India won the Men's Hockey
World Cup first time. It was held
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

[Link]
 First Nuclear Test (Smiling Buddha, 1974)

❖ Date of nuclear test: 18 May 1974

❖ Place: Pokhran, Rajasthan (Thar Desert)

❖ Code name: "Smiling Buddha"

❖ Leadership: Government of India and Bhabha

Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

❖ Key scientists in development: Raja Ramanna,

Homi Sethna, P.K. Iyengar, K. Santhanam etc

❖ Power potential : about 8-12 kilotons (equivalent

to the Hiroshima bomb).
[Link]
Effects

❖ India became a nuclear power.

❖ It was declared a completely peaceful nuclear

explosion (PNE).

❖ Many sanctions were imposed on India at the

international level.

[Link]
 Chipko Movement, 1973-1974

❖ The Chipko movement was an environmental

protection movement that began in 1973-74 in
Uttarakhand (then Uttar Pradesh) under the
leadership of environmentalists like Gaura Devi,
Chandi Prasad Bhatt and Sunderlal Bahuguna.

❖ Its aim was to stop indiscriminate deforestation

and protect the forest rights of local
communities.

[Link]
Main protagonists

❖ Gaura Devi – Women led movement

❖ Sunderlal Bahuguna – Forest conservation and

message of “Save the Forest”

❖ Chandi Prasad Bhatt – Main organizer of the

movement

In 1980, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed a 15-

year ban on deforestation in the Himalayan regions.

[Link]
Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA, 1973) → Effective
→ 1974

❖ The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA),

1973 was enacted to regulate foreign exchange
and balance of payments in India.

❖ It came into effect on 1 January 1974.

❖ It was aimed at protecting the Indian economy

from foreign exchange shortages and controlling
foreign influence on the economy.

[Link]
❖ Strict control of foreign exchange – Prohibition
on holding, buying or selling foreign currency
without the permission of the government.

❖ Control on foreign investment – ​Strict rules on

foreign companies and individuals investing and
doing business in India.

❖ Licences and permissions – Any Indian company

had to get permission from the government for
foreign investment, trading or currency
exchange.

[Link]
❖ After the 1991 liberalisation, the stringent
policies of FERA proved to be a hindrance to
India's development.

❖ FERA was repealed in 1999 and replaced by the

Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA),
1999.

❖ FEMA was a more flexible, pro-business and

liberalisation-friendly law.

[Link]
 India's first satellite → Aryabhata, 1975

❖ Naming – The satellite was named after ancient

Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata.

❖ Launch Date – 19 April 1975

❖ Launch Site – Kapustin Yar, Soviet Union (now

Russia)

❖ Launch Vehicle – Soviet rocket Cosmos-3M

❖ Weight – 360 kg

[Link]
❖ Development – ​Developed by Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO)

❖ Main Objective – Space research, X-ray

astronomy, solar physics and atmospheric
studies

❖ Orbit – Low Earth Orbit

❖ Duration – 5 days (communication down due to

technical problem)

[Link]
❖ Development – ​Developed by Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO)

❖ Main Objective – Space research, X-ray astronomy, solar

physics and atmospheric studies

❖ Orbit – Low Earth Orbit

❖ Duration – 5 days (communication down due to technical

problem)

❖ Importance – Laid the foundation of India's space program.

ISRO scientists gained experience in satellite technology.

[Link]
 Indian Forest Policy (1976, Draft 1975)

❖ The first draft of the Indian Forest Policy was prepared in 1975
and implemented in 1976.

❖ This policy was related to forest conservation, environmental

balance and economic use of forests.

❖ Through this policy, forests were removed from the "State

List" and included in the "Concurrent List", giving
responsibility for forest management to both the central and
state governments.

❖ Forests were declared as national property.

[Link]
Forests are divided into four main categories:

1. Protected Forests – for wildlife and

environmental protection.

2. Production Forests – for commercial use.

3. Social Forests – for local needs.

4. Recreational Forests – for tourism and research.

[Link]
[Link]
Kargil Vijay Diwas
•Date Observed: July 26 annually.
•Commemorates: India's victory in the Kargil War of 1999 against Pakistan.
•First War Between Nuclear States in South Asia.
•Code-named Operations:
• Operation Vijay – Ground military operation by the Indian Army.
• Operation Safed Sagar – Indian Air Force support operation.
• Operation Talwar – Indian Navy's maritime deterrence.
•War Theatre: 170 km along LoC – From Mashkoh Valley to Turtuk, primarily Drass, Batalik, and Kargil
sectors.
•War Memorials:
• Kargil War Memorial (Dras) – Built in 2000, renovated in 2014.
• National War Memorial (Delhi) – Inaugurated in 2019.
•Review Committee: Kargil Review Committee (KRC) – Headed by K. Subrahmanyam.
•Reforms Post-Kargil War:
• Creation of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
• Establishment of Tri-Service Command (Andaman & Nicobar)
• Formation of Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), NTRO, TCG
• Indigenous Satellite Navigation System – IRNSS
•NSA’s Role: Became coordinator of all intelligence agencies.

[Link]
 81st Constitutional Amendment, 2000

❖ Under this amendment, the states were

authorized to consider the reserved seats lying
vacant in any year separately and make
arrangements to fill them in the next year.

❖ Such separately lying vacant seats should not be

equated with the seats to be filled in that year
That is, in this way, the 50% limit of reservation in
backlog posts has been abolished in this
amendment.

[Link]
 82nd Constitutional Amendment, 2000

❖ Through this amendment, states were allowed to

relax the minimum qualifying marks for
promotion to government jobs for candidates
belonging to reserved categories.

[Link]
 83rd Constitutional Amendment, 2000

❖ Under this amendment, the State of Arunachal

Pradesh was exempted from making any
provision for reservation for the Scheduled
Castes in Panchayati Raj Institutions as the State
did not have any Scheduled Caste population.

[Link]
 84th Constitutional Amendment, 2001

❖ Objective: Re-allocation of seats in Lok Sabha

and State Legislative Assemblies

❖ The re-fixation of seats in the Lok Sabha and

state legislatures has been extended till the year
2026.

❖ Objective: To encourage measures to limit

population

[Link]
 85th Constitutional Amendment, 2001

❖ Under this amendment, reservation in

promotions in government services was provided
for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe
candidates.

[Link]
 Information Technology Act, 2000

❖ उद्देश् य – डिजिटल लेन-देन, ई-कॉमर्स, र्ाइबर अपराध और

इलेक्ट्रॉननक गवनेंर् को कानूनी ढाांचा प्रदान करना।

❖ ई-कॉमर्स राांिेक्ट्शन, डिजिटल हस्ताक्षर और ई-अधधकार पत्रों

को वैध बनाया गया।

❖ ऑनलाइन दस्तावेिों, अनुबांधों और इलेक्ट्रॉननक र्ांचार को

मान्यता दी गई।

❖ र्ाइबर आतांकवाद (Cyber Terrorism) पर र्ख्त कानून

बनाए गए (धारा 66F)।

[Link]
 ां , र्ाइबर स्टॉफकांग, ऑनलाइन धोखाधडी
❖ र्ाइबर फ्रॉि, फिशशग
िैर्े अपराधों के शलए दांि ननधासररत फकया गया।

❖ र्ोशल मीडिया पर आपत्तििनक पोस्ट करने पर कारस वाई की

व्यवस्था (धारा 66A - हालाांफक, 2015 में र्प्र
ु ीम कोटस ने इर्े
अर्ांवैधाननक घोत्तित कर ददया)।

[Link]
❖ Unauthorized Access → Section : 43 → Fine up to ₹1 crore

❖ Hacking → Section : 66 → Punishment Up to 3 years

imprisonment + ₹5 lakh fine

❖ Theft → Section : 66C → Punishment 3 years imprisonment +

₹1 lakh fine

❖ Cyber Terrorism → Section : 66F → Punishment Life

imprisonment

❖ Child Pornography → Section : 67, 67A, 67B → Punishment

5-7 years imprisonment + ₹10 lakh fine

❖ Cyber Fraud → Section : 66D → 3 years imprisonment +

₹1 lakh fine

[Link]
10 Years

[Link]
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
Launch: May 2015
Ministry: Ministry of Finance
Objective: Provide pension to workers in the unorganised sector.
Prelims Pointers:
•Age limit: 18–40 years
•Minimum pension: ₹1000 to ₹5000/month after 60 years of age
•Central Government co-contributes 50% or ₹1000 (whichever is
lower) for 5 years for non-taxpayers
•Administered by: PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and
Development Authority)
Value Add for Mains:
Helps in financial inclusion and old-age security for unorganised
sector workers.
[Link]
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
(PMJJBY)
Launch: May 2015
Objective: Life insurance for low-premium
holders.
Prelims Pointers:
•Premium: ₹330/year
•Coverage: ₹2 lakh on death due to any
reason
•Age: 18–50 years
•Renewable annually
•Linked with savings bank account
[Link]
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
Launch: May 2015
Objective: Accidental insurance scheme.
Prelims Pointers:
•Premium: ₹12/year
•Coverage: ₹2 lakh for accidental death & disability
•Age: 18–70 years
•Renewable annually

[Link]
MUDRA Yojana (Micro Units Development and Refinance
Agency Ltd.)
Launch: April 2015
Objective: Financial support to micro and small enterprises.
Prelims Pointers:
•Three loan categories: Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishore
(₹50,000–₹5 lakh), Tarun (₹5–10 lakh)
•Focus: Non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises
•Part of: PMMY (Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana)
•Refinance agency under: SIDBI

[Link]
MGNREGA –
About the Scheme:
•Launched: 2005, under the Ministry of Rural Development.
•World's largest rights-based work guarantee programme.
•Objective: Legal guarantee of 100 days of wage
employment per year to adult members of rural households
willing to do unskilled manual labour.
•Statutory Backing: Enacted as an Act of Parliament in
2005.

[Link]
20 Years

[Link]
 Key Features:

Feature Details
First-ever legal guarantee of wage employment
Legal Right to Work
in India.
Workers must get work within 15 days of
Demand-Driven demand or are entitled to an unemployment
allowance.
Minimum 33% of beneficiaries must be
Women’s Participation
women.
Statutory minimum wages as per Minimum
Wage Payment
Wages Act, 1948.
Gram Sabhas recommend works; PRIs (esp.
Decentralised Implementation
Gram Panchayats) execute ≥50% of works.
Active Workers (2022-23) ~15.4 crore

[Link]