The UPSC exams are just around the corner. If you're like most aspirants, you're busy mugging up on everything under the sun. But what about current affairs?
It's no secret that current affairs form a critical component of the UPSC syllabus, and with good reason. The questions are created to test your ability to think on your feet and connect the dots. That's why we've put together a list of some of the most important current affairs stories of the last 2+ years.
So whether you're looking for a quick refresher or are just starting out on your journey to UPSC glory. We've got you covered.
Top Current Affairs From 2018-2020
UPSC aspirants need to stay updated with the current affairs of not just the last year or so, but of the last 2-3 years. This will help them in two ways. First, they will be aware of the latest developments that are important from an examination point of view. Second, they will be better equipped to analyze and form opinions on these latest events.
This is why we have compiled a list of some of the most important current affairs from 2018-2020. Read on to know more.
Social and Political Developments
When it comes to the UPSC exams, being aware of the latest social and political developments is essential. In the past 2+ years, there have been several key changes and events that you need to know about. Let's take a look at some of the most important ones.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in July 2017. This is a tax that is levied on the sale of goods and services. And it has replaced several other taxes that were previously in place. The GST is a complex tax, and it has taken some time for businesses to get used to it. However, it is hoped that it will be more efficient in the long run.
In November 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India would be withdrawing 500 and 1000 rupee notes from circulation. This was an effort to tackle corruption and black money. There was a lot of confusion among the general public when this announcement was made, and it took some time for people to get used to using new currency notes.
In February 2016, India launched a surgical strike against Pakistan in retaliation for a terrorist attack that had taken place earlier in the month. This was the first time that India had carried out such an attack since 1971. The strike was successful, and it resulted in the death of many militants.
These are just a few of the key social and political developments from the past 2+ years. If you're preparing for the UPSC exams, make sure you are aware of all of them!
International Relations and Trade Agreements
The developments in international relations and trade agreements are a key focus area in the UPSC exams. You need to be aware of the recent happenings and their implications. Here are some of the most important ones:
- In March 2018, China and Pakistan signed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Agreement. The CPEC is a multibillion-dollar project that will connect China's western province of Xinjiang with Pakistan's Gwadar Port. It is seen as a major Chinese investment in Pakistan and will help boost bilateral trade between the two countries.
- In May 2018, the United States announced its decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. The Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was an agreement reached between Iran and the P5+1 countries in 2015. Under the agreement, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. The US withdrawal from the deal has been met with criticism from other signatory countries and could lead to increased tensions in the region.
- In November 2018, India and Japan signed a bilateral agreement to cooperate in areas such as defense, security and economic development. The agreement was signed during Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India. It is seen as a move by India and Japan to counter China's growing influence in the region.
Economic Reforms and Achievements
One of the most important arenas for current affairs is economic reforms and achievements. These are some of the major high points in India's recent economic history that you need to be aware of:
- The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, a landmark reform passed in 2017. Is an umbrella law for addressing insolvency among corporations and individuals.
- In 2019, India became the fifth largest economy in the world when it overtook France.
- India has opened up foreign direct investment (FDI) in several sectors such as aviation and defense manufacturing to attract more global players.
- India has implemented GST reforms which unified different taxes into one tax regime.
- In 2020, the Indian Government announced a historic stimulus package worth Rs 20 trillion to revive the economy during COVID-19.
These are just some of the major developments that have taken place in India's recent economic history that you need to be aware of while preparing for your exam.
Technological Advancements and Infrastructure Development
Let's look at some of the important technological advancements and infrastructure development over the last two years. In 2018, India launched its first indigenously developed mission to explore Mars called Mangalyaan. This was a major milestone for the country's space exploration program and a testimony to India's technical prowess.
The government has also been involved in massive infrastructure development initiatives such as the Bharatmala project, which will build highways and freight corridors across the nation. In addition, India has been making great strides towards a digital society with various initiatives such as Aadhaar, UPI, and Digital India among others.
The country has also invested in renewable energy sources like solar energy, which is helping reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based energy sources like coal and petroleum. This will not only help reduce emissions, but also help keep energy costs down in the long run and make it more accessible to everyone.
Environmental Changes Affecting India
Things don't stay the same in India – or anywhere else for that matter. In the last two plus years, India has seen a number of environmental changes which have had a direct bearing on its population, with different areas experiencing different effects.
In the North-West region, irregular and often extreme rain patterns have led to extensive flooding and droughts, while in other areas like the Himalayas, there's been an increase in glacial melting leading to rising water levels on rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna.
In addition to this, deforestation has become a major issue due to increased cutting down of trees for fuelwood as well as land use changes. This in turn has had an adverse effect on air quality levels as well as soil quality leading to agricultural losses and health hazards.
Finally, air pollution levels have skyrocketed in cities like Delhi and Mumbai due to rapid growth and urbanization. These are all issues that require immediate attention for us to mitigate their effects and protect our environment from further damage in the future.
Conclusion
While it is impossible to predict everything that will happen in the two years leading up to your UPSC exams, it is important to be as prepared as possible. That is why we have compiled this list of the top-picked current affairs from the last two years.
We hope that this list will help you to brush up on the important events and issues that have taken place in the last few years, and that you will feel more confident and prepared as you approach your UPSC exams.
Author Bio
Bhavishya Singh Bisht comes from a diverse background. Professionally a Web Developer, working in a web development company in Delhi formerly known as Think Web. He is from a technical background. He likes to write content in related fields like technology, education and research.
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