For UPSC Civil Services aspirants, staying on top of General Knowledge (GK) and Current Affairs is paramount. The year 2019 was no exception, brimming with significant national and international events that shaped the polity, economy, environment, and society. This comprehensive "Year in Review" aims to provide a focused look at the key GK and Current Affairs of 2019, specifically tailored for your UPSC preparation.
Why is GK 2019 still relevant for UPSC?
While we are in 2025, understanding the foundational events of previous years, especially recent ones like 2019, is crucial. UPSC often draws connections between past and present events, and questions can stem from the long-term implications or historical context of events that unfolded in a particular year. Moreover, the analytical skills developed by studying past current affairs remain invaluable.
I. Polity & Governance: The Democratic Fabric in Focus
2019 was a landmark year for Indian politics, witnessing the 17th Lok Sabha elections.
Lok Sabha Elections 2019: The general elections, held from April 11 to May 19, saw the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) secure a resounding victory, forming the government for a second consecutive term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key aspects to remember include:
Voter turnout and demographics: Analyze the trends in voter participation and any significant shifts in voting patterns across different states or demographics.
Key electoral issues: Understand the major themes that dominated the election discourse, such as national security, economic development, social welfare schemes, and identity politics.
Role of Election Commission: Review the Election Commission of India's role in conducting free and fair elections, including challenges faced and measures taken.
Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019: This pivotal legislation, passed in August 2019, abrogated Article 370 and Article 35A, revoking the special status of Jammu & Kashmir and reorganizing the state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Constitutional implications: Understand the legal and constitutional arguments surrounding the abrogation of Article 370.
Impact on governance and security: Analyze the immediate and long-term implications of this reorganization on the region's administration, security, and socio-economic landscape.
Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019: Passed in December 2019, this act aimed to provide a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities (excluding Muslims) who had fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
Debate and criticism: Familiarize yourself with the arguments for and against the CAA, including concerns about secularism and discrimination.
Protests and their significance: Understand the nationwide protests that erupted against the CAA and their impact on the political discourse.
Judicial Pronouncements: Several significant judgments by the Supreme Court of India in 2019 hold relevance:
Ayodhya Verdict: The Supreme Court's verdict on the Ayodhya land dispute paved the way for the construction of a Ram Temple. Understand the historical context, legal arguments, and the implications of this judgment.
Sabarimala Review Petitions: Review the Supreme Court's decision to refer review petitions against its 2018 judgment on the entry of women into Sabarimala temple to a larger bench.
Electoral Bonds Case: Analyze the arguments and implications of the case challenging the anonymity of electoral bonds.
II. Economy & Development: Navigating Growth and Challenges
The Indian economy in 2019 faced both opportunities and challenges.
Economic Slowdown: India's GDP growth rate experienced a slowdown in 2019.
Causes and consequences: Understand the factors contributing to the slowdown (e.g., declining consumption, investment, global headwinds) and its impact on various sectors.
Government measures: Analyze the policy interventions undertaken by the government and RBI to revive the economy, such as corporate tax cuts, bank recapitalization, and repo rate reductions.
Union Budget 2019-20: Key highlights and policy thrusts of the budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Focus areas: Identify the major allocations and schemes for agriculture, infrastructure, social sectors, and digital economy.
Fiscal deficit and revenue targets: Understand the government's approach to fiscal consolidation.
Banking Sector Reforms: Measures taken to address the Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) crisis and strengthen the banking system.
Mergers of Public Sector Banks: Analyze the rationale and implications of the mega-mergers of public sector banks.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC): Review the progress and impact of IBC in resolving corporate insolvencies.
Agriculture Sector: Challenges faced by the agricultural sector and government initiatives.
PM-KISAN scheme: Understand the direct income support scheme for farmers.
Challenges of farm distress: Analyze issues like agrarian crisis, climate change impact, and market access for farmers.
III. Science & Technology: Innovations and Milestones
2019 was a year of notable advancements in India's scientific and technological landscape.
Chandrayaan-2 Mission: ISRO's ambitious lunar mission to explore the Moon's South Pole.
Objectives and significance: Understand the scientific goals of the mission, including the orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan).
Achievements and setbacks: Discuss the successful launch and orbiting, as well as the partial failure of the lander.
RISAT-2B Satellite: ISRO successfully launched this radar imaging earth observation satellite in May 2019, crucial for surveillance and disaster management.
Defence Technology: Developments in indigenous defence capabilities.
Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile Test (Mission Shakti): India successfully conducted an ASAT missile test, demonstrating its capability to shoot down a live satellite in low Earth orbit. Understand its strategic implications.
Digital India Initiatives: Progress in digital infrastructure and services.
National Digital Health Blueprint: Aimed at creating a comprehensive digital health ecosystem in India.
Payment and Settlement Systems in India: Vision 2019-2021: RBI's vision document for a safe, secure, quick, and affordable e-payment system.
IV. Environment & Ecology: Climate Concerns and Conservation Efforts
Environmental issues gained increasing prominence in 2019.
Climate Change and Pollution: Growing concerns over air pollution in Indian cities and government initiatives to combat it.
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): A long-term, time-bound national-level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country.
Forest Cover Report 2019: Key findings of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2019, highlighting changes in forest and tree cover.
Wildlife Conservation: Efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats.
Tiger Census 2018 (released in 2019): India released the results of its fourth tiger census, showing a significant increase in the tiger population.
Disaster Management: Preparedness and response to natural disasters.
Cyclone Fani: Understanding the impact and relief efforts related to Cyclone Fani, which hit Odisha.
V. International Relations: India's Global Footprint
India actively engaged on the global stage in 2019.
India-Pakistan Tensions: Escalation of tensions following the Pulwama attack and the Balakot airstrike.
Implications for regional security: Understand the diplomatic and military responses and their impact on bilateral relations.
India and the Quad: Growing cooperation with the US, Japan, and Australia to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
BRICS and G20 Summits: India's participation and key outcomes from these multilateral forums.
Bilateral Engagements: Significant visits and agreements with key countries.
India-Russia relations: Focus on defense cooperation and energy partnerships.
India-US strategic partnership: Developments in trade, defense, and technology cooperation.
VI. Social Issues & Schemes: Towards Inclusive Development
Government initiatives and societal challenges in 2019.
Health Sector: Government schemes and policy changes.
Ayushman Bharat: Progress and challenges in implementing the world's largest government-funded healthcare program.
Malaria Vaccine: Malawi became the first country to launch the world's first malaria vaccine, highlighting global health efforts.
Education: Efforts to improve access and quality of education.
New Education Policy (NEP) draft: The Kasturirangan Committee submitted its draft National Education Policy in 2019.
Women's Empowerment: Initiatives for gender equality and safety.
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019: Stricter punishments for child sexual abuse.
Social Justice: Addressing inequalities and promoting inclusivity.
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Quota: Implementation of the 10% reservation for EWS in government jobs and educational institutions.
VII. Culture & Awards: Recognizing Excellence
Prestigious Awards:
Bharat Ratna 2019: Awarded to Pranab Mukherjee, Bhupen Hazarika, and Nanaji Deshmukh.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2019: Presented to Amitabh Bachchan.
Cultural Events and Milestones: Any significant cultural events, festivals, or archaeological discoveries.
