Type of Administration (Revenue, Military) followed during the Mughal’s rule. Example:Mansabdari System, Jagirdhari – its significance and impact.
The British rule. Example: Subsidiary alliance, Permanent Settlement, Mahalwari system etc. – its significance and impact.
Similarities and Differences between the Mughal and the British Administration
Consolidation of the British rule in India– through enactment of various Acts/Laws (Regulation Act, 1773 to Indian Independence Act, 1947). Atleast two to three important changes/provisions made under each Act and the Governor Generals involved should be noted down. And also the impact of the Act should be given importance.
Religious and Social Reform Movements (from 1800 AD to 1947 AD)
The Ideological base – rationalism, humanism and universalism
Reform Movements like BrahmoSamaj, Arya Samaj, Theosophical Society, Harijan Movement etc.-who started these movements; what was the objective and emphasis of these movements; how these movements were important in building a sense of nationalism among Indians.
Social reforms that had an impact on Education, Status of Women, Caste system of the society.
Colonial Rule in India
Colonial Rule in India: Political-Administrative organization, Policies of the British India.
Social, Economic setup like Agrarian Systems (Example: Permanent Settlement)
Important Reports, Sessions, Acts, Committees setup during the British period
Various revolts/movements/agitations (like 1857 revolt )
The Purpose of the movement[s]
The Reasons which led to the movement[s]
The Consequences of the movement[s]
The people who participated in this movement[s]
Famous Personalities involved in the movement[s] and their contribution
The role of Press and Literature
Note: Also note down the ‘chronology’ of the major Movements and Missions sent by the British to gain support of the Indians and extend their rule.
SOURCES TO REFER :
NCERT – Class 8th (New) – ‘Our Pasts – III’
NCERT-Class 12th ‘Modern India’ (OLD)
Tamil Nadu Edition- Class 12th
OR
Spectrum Modern India – Rajiv Ahir
Reference Books: India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipan Chandra; Plassey to Partition by SekharBandyopadhyay
Class 11th NCERT (Old)- Textbook on fine arts-Specific book on Art and Culture
New NCERT-Class 12th-Themes in Indian History
Tamil Nadu edition -11th and 12th
CCRT Website
NIOS material
The Hindu
NOTE: Most part of ‘Culture’ section overlaps with Ancient and Medieval History. Apart from the above mentioned books, you can refer the below link for more information on Culture.
Fiscal policy, Finance Commission (14th FC and its important provisions)
Fiscal Responsibility and Budgetary Management (FRBM) Act, other actions taken by the Finance Ministry (Government), Disinvestment of Public Sector Units (PSU’s) to improve the financial health of the Economy
What is Financial Stability? Steps taken by Government in this regard
Financial Sector Reforms brought about by the government in these sectors -Banking, Insurance, Provident Fund (PF).
Example: In 2015, Raising of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in defence to 49%, In Railway infrastructure to 100% etc.
Financial Regulators – Reserve Bank of India(RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India(SEBI), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) – powers, functions, jurisdiction issues between the regulators
Financial Stability and Development Council – objective and functions
Economic Reforms– concepts related to privatization and globalization, SEZ’s etc.
Sources of financial resources for Government – Tax and Non-tax revenue (Foreign aid, Disinvestment from PSU’s etc), Disinvestment, Borrowings (internal and external), User Charges.
B. Budget
Focus:
Components of Budget, Revenue and Capital receipts and expenditure
What constitutes Plan and Non plan expenditure? Difference between them.
Steps taken by the government to bring down the Fiscal Deficit
Example:FRBM Act.
C. Taxation
Focus:
Direct, Indirect tax and other Taxes like Pigovian tax, Ad Valorem tax, Tobin Tax, Difference between a Cess and a Surcharge
Direct Tax like Corporate Tax, Income Tax, Wealth Tax, Stock Market transactions
Indirect Tax like Excise Tax, Customs, VAT, Service tax
Taxation Reforms – Direct Tax Code (DTC), General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR), Goods and Service Tax (GST).
Example:With regard to GST – Purpose; advantages and disadvatages of GST; issues with regard to implementation of GST;
Understand the basic concepts like what is Tax Base, Progressive taxation,Tax Expenditure, Tax avoidance, Tax evasion, Tax Havens, Tax elasticity, Tax Buoyancy, Laffer curve, Crowding-out.
D. Planning
Institutions involved in Planning in India
A general idea on how planning has evolved over the years (since Independence)
How planning takes place at the State and National level
New institution – Niti Ayog
Its purpose
Why was Planning Commission dissolved?
Issues between Planning Commission and Finance Commission
Note: Make a note on the latest committees set-up with regard to Fiscal and Economic Reforms like Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC), Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC), Nachiket mor committee etc.
A general idea about Stock-exchanges in India – BSE, NSE; Nifty (Abroad); What is SENSEX- what does it indicate?
Regulatory Bodies – SEBI, IRDA , PFRDA – their power, functions in regulating Market, Mutual funds, Pension Fund etc.; reforms brought about by the Regulatory Bodies
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI’s) and Foreign Institutional Investors (FII’s)
On what basis are they classified as FDIs and FIIs?
Differences between them
Why are FII’s called ‘hot money’ or ‘Portfolio investment?
Which type of investment would be better for India?
Other investments such as Qualified Institutional Placement (QIPs) – Angel investors, Venture Capitals, Foreign institutional investors, Mutual Funds, Public Financial institutions
Have a Basic understanding of these terms– Primary market, Secondary market, Bull and Bear (what does it symbolize), Derivatives, Futures, Bonds, Debentures – partially and fully convertible , Participatory Notes, Hedge Funds, Blue chip shares, Market depth.
Mechanisms to raise money in the Capital Market in India by Foreign countries- Indian Depository Receipts (IDR’s); Similarly for an Indian company to raise money in the Foreign market –Global Depository Receipts (GDR’s) and in America it is known as American Depository Receipts (ADR’s)
SOURCES TO REFER :
Macroeconomics- Class 12th , NCERT
NCERT 11th – Indian Economic Development
NCERT- Class 9thand 10th (for basics)
Indian Economy – Ramesh Singh
Sriram’s IAS Economics Notes
22nd July 2015
SUBJECT &TOPIC :
General Science and Technology
FOCUS ON :
The questions from this section are based on your general understanding and awareness. It will be more of application oriented and latest developments on the lines of UPSC Standards.
SOURCES TO REFER:
NCERT– Class 6th to 10th and Biology- class 12th
Newspaper- The Hindu, Times of India, Down to Earth and Science Daily
23rd July 2015
SUBJECT &TOPIC :
Environment /Ecology– Ecological concepts and issues- Ecosystem, Biomes, Food Cycle etc.
FOCUS ON:
The questions from this section are based on your general understanding and awareness. It will be more of application oriented and latest developments on the lines of UPSC Standards.
SOURCES TO REFER:
ICSE books- class 9th and 10th
NCERT Class 11th– Environmental Geography and NCERT Biology-class 12th
NIOS- Environment Notes
Newspapers: Times of India, The Hindu and Down to Earth
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