For every UPSC Civil Services aspirant, mastering General Knowledge (GK) and Current Affairs is the cornerstone of success. While we are in 2025, understanding the foundational events of previous years, especially recent and impactful ones like 2021, remains critically important. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) frequently weaves questions around the long-term implications, historical context, and evolving narratives stemming from events that unfolded in preceding years. Moreover, a thorough review of past current affairs sharpens your analytical acumen, a vital skill for both Prelims and Mains.
The year 2021 was undeniably a pivotal period, marked by a dynamic interplay of global challenges and India's strategic responses. From the lingering shadows of the pandemic to significant policy shifts, environmental commitments, and evolving geopolitical alignments, 2021 laid the groundwork for many contemporary issues. This detailed "Year in Review" is meticulously crafted to offer UPSC aspirants a comprehensive yet focused understanding of the key GK and Current Affairs from 2021, directly relevant to your examination preparation.
I. Polity & Governance: Resilience and Reforms in the Face of Adversity
The year 2021 saw the Indian polity grappling with the severe second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic while simultaneously pushing forward with significant legislative and administrative reforms.
COVID-19 Second Wave and its Governance Challenges:
Health Infrastructure Strain: The unprecedented surge in cases exposed critical gaps in India's healthcare infrastructure, leading to shortages of oxygen, beds, and essential medicines. Analyze the government's response, including the rollout of emergency measures, establishment of oxygen plants, and deployment of medical personnel.
Vaccination Drive: India launched one of the world's largest vaccination drives in 2021. Understand the phases, challenges (vaccine hesitancy, supply chain issues), and the policy decisions behind it (e.g., vaccine procurement, pricing, and distribution).
Impact on Federalism: Examine the Centre-State relations during the crisis, including the role of states in managing the pandemic and the coordination mechanisms employed.
Judicial Intervention: The role of the Supreme Court and High Courts in addressing issues like oxygen supply, migrant worker welfare, and vaccine policy.
Farm Laws Repeal:
Background and Protests: Recall the context of the three contentious farm laws enacted in 2020 and the prolonged farmers' protests that continued into 2021. Understand the key demands of the protesting farmers.
Repeal Decision: Analyze the government's decision to repeal the laws in November 2021, its political and economic implications, and the concept of "Minimum Support Price (MSP)" in this context.
Legislative Developments:
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2021: This bill aimed to decriminalize minor offences across various laws to reduce the burden on the justice system. Understand its objectives and potential impact.
Tribunal Reforms (Rationalisation of Conditions of Service) Ordinance/Bill, 2021: This legislation aimed to dissolve certain existing appellate bodies and transfer their functions to other existing judicial bodies. Analyze the rationale and debates surrounding this reform.
GNCTD (Amendment) Act, 2021: This act amended the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, to further define the responsibilities of the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Understand the power dynamics and constitutional implications.
Judicial Pronouncements:
Right to Recall: Discussions around the concept of the right to recall elected representatives in the context of local body elections in some states.
Sedation Law: Ongoing debates and judicial scrutiny over the sedition law (Section 124A of IPC).
Pegasus Spyware Controversy: Allegations of the use of Pegasus spyware against Indian citizens led to significant public and parliamentary debate, prompting Supreme Court intervention and the formation of an expert committee. Understand the implications for privacy and national security.
Key Appointments and Changes: Note significant appointments in constitutional bodies, judiciary, and administrative positions.
II. Economy & Development: Revival, Reforms, and Resilience
The Indian economy in 2021 showed signs of recovery from the pandemic-induced slowdown, aided by government stimulus and policy reforms.
Union Budget 2021-22:
Growth-Oriented Budget: Analyze the key thrust areas of the budget, including increased capital expenditure on infrastructure, focus on health and well-being, inclusive development, and human capital.
Disinvestment and Privatization: Understand the government's aggressive disinvestment targets and the privatization roadmap for public sector undertakings (PSUs) and banks.
Vehicle Scrappage Policy: A new policy aimed at phasing out old and polluting vehicles was introduced. Understand its environmental and economic objectives.
Economic Recovery and Challenges:
GDP Growth: India recorded strong GDP growth figures in 2021-22, indicating economic revival.
Inflation Concerns: Rising inflation, particularly in fuel and food prices, posed challenges. Understand the factors contributing to inflation and RBI's monetary policy stance.
Unemployment: Persistent concerns about unemployment, especially in the informal sector, remained a key issue.
Digital Economy and Fintech:
UPI Growth: India continued to witness exponential growth in digital payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Emerging Fintech Landscape: Understand the growth of fintech companies and their impact on financial inclusion.
Agriculture Sector:
MSP and Procurement: Continuation of debates around MSP and government procurement policies following the farm law protests.
Food Security: Challenges and strategies related to ensuring food security amidst economic disruptions.
Infrastructure Push:
National Monetization Pipeline (NMP): Launched in 2021, the NMP aimed to unlock value from brownfield infrastructure assets across various sectors. Understand its objectives and potential impact on infrastructure development.
III. Science & Technology: Battling the Pandemic and Reaching for the Stars
Science and technology played a crucial role in India's response to the pandemic and saw significant advancements in space and defense.
COVID-19 Related Innovations:
Vaccine Development and Production: India's role as a global vaccine manufacturer (Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech) and the development of indigenous vaccines like Covaxin.
Diagnostic Kits and Medical Devices: Innovations in testing kits, oxygen concentrators, and other medical equipment.
Digital Platforms: CoWIN platform for vaccine registration and certificate generation.
Space Technology (ISRO):
EOS-03 Satellite: The failure of the GSLV-F10 mission carrying the EOS-03 (GISAT-1) earth observation satellite. Analyze the reasons for failure and ISRO's resilience.
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV): Continued development of SSLV for cost-effective launch of small satellites.
Gaganyaan Mission: Progress on India's human spaceflight mission, including tests and astronaut training.
Defense Technology (DRDO):
Missile Systems: Successful tests of various missile systems, including Akash-NG (New Generation), BrahMos, and Agni-P. Understand their strategic importance.
Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant: Continued progress on India's first indigenous aircraft carrier.
Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk III: Induction of indigenously built ALH Mk III into the Indian Coast Guard.
Emerging Technologies:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Growing adoption and policy discussions around AI in various sectors.
Quantum Technology: India's focus on developing quantum computing and communication capabilities.
Cybersecurity: Increasing emphasis on cybersecurity in the wake of rising cyber threats.
IV. Environment & Ecology: Climate Action and Conservation Challenges
2021 was a critical year for global climate action, with India playing a significant role.
COP26 Glasgow Summit:
India's Commitments: Understand India's revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and new targets announced by PM Modi, including the "Panchamrit" (five nectar elements) goals (e.g., net-zero emissions by 2070, increasing non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, etc.).
International Solar Alliance (ISA): Continued growth and initiatives of the ISA.
Green Grids Initiative – One Sun One World One Grid (GGI-OSOWOG): India's proposal for a global solar power grid.
Biodiversity and Conservation:
International Tiger Day: Celebrated in July 2021, with renewed focus on tiger conservation efforts.
Ramappa Temple and Dholavira: These two Indian sites were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2021, highlighting India's rich cultural and archaeological heritage, often intertwined with environmental conservation.
Wetlands: Importance of Ramsar sites and efforts for wetland conservation.
Pollution and Environmental Challenges:
Air Pollution: Persistent problem of air pollution in major Indian cities and measures taken under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2021: Aimed at strengthening the regulation of plastic waste.
Climate Extremes: Incidences of extreme weather events (floods, cyclones) and their impact on different regions.
Lead Poisoning: Studies highlighting the widespread issue of lead poisoning in India.
V. International Relations: Navigating a Complex Global Landscape
India's foreign policy in 2021 was characterized by active engagement in multilateral forums, strengthening bilateral ties, and responding to regional challenges.
Multilateralism and Global Governance:
India's UNSC Membership: India began its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in January 2021. Understand its priorities and key interventions.
BRICS and G20 Summits: India's participation and contributions to these influential groupings.
SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation): India's role in regional security and connectivity within SCO.
Indo-Pacific Strategy:
Quad Summit: The first in-person Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) Leaders' Summit was held in Washington D.C. in September 2021, emphasizing cooperation on vaccines, critical technologies, and regional security.
AUKUS Pact: The formation of the AUKUS (Australia, UK, US) security pact and its implications for the Indo-Pacific region.
Afghanistan Crisis:
Taliban Takeover: The rapid takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban in August 2021 posed significant challenges for India's regional interests and security. Analyze India's diplomatic response, evacuation efforts, and humanitarian aid.
Implications for Regional Security: The potential for increased terrorism and radicalization.
Bilateral Relations:
India-US Relations: Strengthening of strategic partnership, including cooperation on defense, trade, and technology.
India-Russia Relations: Continued strong ties, particularly in defense and energy.
India-China Border Standoff: Lingering tensions and military disengagement efforts along the LAC.
India-Bangladesh Relations: Commemoration of 50 years of liberation and diplomatic ties.
India-Sri Lanka: Economic and strategic cooperation, including the Trincomalee oil tank farm deal.
VI. Social Issues & Schemes: Towards Inclusivity and Well-being
Government initiatives continued to focus on social welfare and addressing various societal challenges.
Health and Nutrition:
PM POSHAN Scheme: Replaced the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, aimed at providing hot cooked meals to schoolchildren.
National Digital Health Mission (Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission): Aimed at creating a digital health ecosystem.
Malnutrition and Anaemia: Continued efforts to combat malnutrition, especially among women and children.
Education:
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Implementation: Initial steps towards implementing the NEP, including curriculum reforms and technological integration.
Digital Divide: Challenges of digital divide in education, particularly during the pandemic.
Women's Empowerment:
One Stop Centres: Continued expansion and effectiveness of One Stop Centres for supporting women affected by violence.
Marriageable Age for Women: Discussions around raising the legal marriageable age for women to 21.
Social Justice and Welfare:
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 (notified in 2021): Rules for the implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: Continued focus on various components of the Atmanirbhar Bharat package to boost economic self-reliance.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Extension of the free food grain scheme during the pandemic.
Labour Reforms:
Four Labour Codes: Continued debates and discussions around the implementation of the four new labour codes.
VII. Culture & Awards: Preserving Heritage and Celebrating Achievements
2021 saw the recognition of India's cultural richness and the celebration of achievements in various fields.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Ramappa Temple (Kakatiya Rudreshwara Temple): Telangana's 13th-century Ramappa Temple became India's 39th UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dholavira: The Harappan city of Dholavira in Gujarat became India's 40th UNESCO World Heritage Site.
GI Tags: Various products from different regions received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, promoting local heritage and craftsmanship.
Major Awards:
Nobel Prizes: Familiarize yourself with the Nobel laureates of 2021, particularly those with an Indian connection or whose work has global significance relevant to UPSC themes (e.g., economics, peace, medicine).
National Film Awards: Important awards in Indian cinema.
Sporting Achievements:
Tokyo Olympics 2020 (held in 2021): India's best-ever Olympic performance, including Neeraj Chopra's historic gold in Javelin. Understand key medal winners and their significance.
Tokyo Paralympics 2020 (held in 2021): India's remarkable performance at the Paralympics.
Significant Anniversaries:
75 Years of India's Independence (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav): The beginning of celebrations leading up to 2022.
50 Years of Bangladesh Liberation War: India's role and continued strong ties with Bangladesh.
Note to Aspirants: While this review provides a comprehensive overview, it is essential to supplement your preparation with daily newspaper reading, monthly current affairs magazines, and in-depth analysis of these topics. The UPSC exam tests not just recall, but also understanding, analysis, and critical thinking.
