For every dedicated UPSC Civil Services aspirant, staying abreast of General Knowledge (GK) and Current Affairs is not just a habit, but a strategic imperative. As we navigate 2025, a thorough understanding of significant past events, particularly from a recent and impactful year like 2022, remains highly relevant. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) consistently frames questions that delve into the long-term implications, historical antecedents, and evolving dynamics of events that unfolded in preceding years. Moreover, meticulously reviewing past current affairs hones the analytical and critical thinking skills essential for both the Prelims and Mains examinations.
The year 2022 emerged as a period of significant global flux and strategic recalibration for India. From geopolitical realignments to crucial domestic policy shifts, technological strides, and continued efforts in environmental conservation, 2022 left an indelible mark on the nation's trajectory. This meticulously curated "Year in Review" aims to equip UPSC aspirants with a comprehensive and focused understanding of the pivotal GK and Current Affairs from 2022, directly aligning with your examination preparation.
I. Polity & Governance: Navigating a Shifting Landscape
2022 witnessed a dynamic political landscape in India, marked by significant legislative actions, judicial developments, and electoral processes.
Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections:
Droupadi Murmu as 15th President: Understand the significance of Droupadi Murmu, a tribal leader from Odisha, becoming the first tribal and second woman President of India. Analyze the electoral process for the President and Vice-President as per the Constitution.
Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice-President: Note the election of Jagdeep Dhankhar as the 14th Vice-President, and his background as former Governor of West Bengal.
Key Legislations and Policy Initiatives:
The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022: This act replaced the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920, and empowered police and prison authorities to collect, store, and analyze measurements (biometric data) of convicts and arrested persons. Discuss the privacy concerns and debates surrounding this act.
The Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Amendment Bill, 2022: This bill aimed to prevent financing of prohibited activities related to WMDs. Understand its implications for India's commitment to non-proliferation.
Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022: These rules modified the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, concerning the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. Analyze the environmental concerns and debates surrounding these new rules.
Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (introduced): This bill aimed to introduce competition in the power sector by allowing consumers to choose their power suppliers. Understand its potential impact on the power distribution sector and implications for state discoms.
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2022 (introduced): Building on the 2021 bill, this further aimed to decriminalize minor offences across various laws to reduce the burden on the justice system.
Judicial Developments:
Sedition Law Review: The Supreme Court put the sedition law (Section 124A of IPC) in abeyance, urging the government to re-examine its provisions. Understand the historical context and arguments for and against this law.
EWS Reservation upheld: The Supreme Court, in a 3:2 majority, upheld the constitutional validity of the 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Analyze the arguments presented and the implications of this judgment for affirmative action.
Agnipath Scheme Petitions: The Supreme Court transferred all petitions challenging the Agnipath recruitment scheme to the Delhi High Court. Understand the scheme's provisions and the reasons for protests.
Abolition of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) License for some NGOs: Understand the government's stance on foreign funding and its implications for civil society organizations.
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) – Supreme Court upheld key provisions: The SC upheld the wide powers of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under PMLA, including the power to arrest and attach property. Understand the implications for financial investigations.
II. Economy & Development: Navigating Global Headwinds and Domestic Growth
The Indian economy in 2022 demonstrated resilience amidst global inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties.
Union Budget 2022-23:
Focus on Capital Expenditure: The budget significantly increased capital expenditure to boost infrastructure and spur economic growth. Analyze the sectors that received major allocations.
Digital India Push: Continued emphasis on digital payments, digital education, and the rollout of digital currency by RBI (Digital Rupee pilot in late 2022).
PLI Scheme Expansion: Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes were further expanded to encourage domestic manufacturing and exports.
Gati Shakti Master Plan: The focus on multimodal connectivity and infrastructure development under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Inflation and Monetary Policy:
RBI's Stance: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) adopted a hawkish monetary policy stance, raising interest rates multiple times to curb inflation. Understand the concept of inflation targeting and the role of the Monetary Policy Committee.
Wholesale Price Index (WPI) & Consumer Price Index (CPI): Analyze the trends in both indices and the factors driving them.
Trade and Investment:
India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA): A significant trade deal signed in April 2022, aimed at boosting bilateral trade.
India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): Another major trade agreement signed to enhance economic ties.
FDI Inflows: Trends in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India and key sectors attracting investment.
Start-up Ecosystem: India continued to witness a booming start-up ecosystem, with a significant number of unicorns emerging. Understand the government's role in fostering this environment.
Global Economic Context: Understand the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, rising global energy prices, and supply chain disruptions on the Indian economy.
III. Science & Technology: Indigenous Prowess and Pandemic Response
2022 showcased India's growing capabilities in space, defense, and health technology.
Space Technology (ISRO):
SSLV-D1 Mission (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle): The maiden flight of SSLV, though encountering a sensor anomaly, marked a crucial step towards low-cost access to space for small satellites. Understand its significance.
OneWeb India Launch (LVM3): ISRO's heaviest rocket, LVM3 (formerly GSLV Mk-III), successfully launched 36 satellites of the UK-based OneWeb constellation, signifying ISRO's increasing commercial role.
Mangalyaan (MOM) Mission Concludes: India's Mars Orbiter Mission concluded its long and successful journey, exceeding its planned lifespan. Review its key achievements.
Future Missions: Updates on Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission preparations.
Defense Technology (DRDO and Indigenous Development):
INS Vikrant Commissioning: India's first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, was commissioned into the Indian Navy, a significant boost to naval capabilities.
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas: Continued advancements and orders for the indigenous Tejas aircraft.
Missile Technology: Successful tests of various missile systems, including the Agni-P ballistic missile, and advancements in anti-tank guided missiles.
Drone Technology and Counter-Drone Systems: Growing focus on indigenous drone development and counter-drone technologies for border security.
Biotechnology and Health:
India's First Nasal COVID-19 Vaccine (iNCOVACC): Bharat Biotech's development of the world's first intranasal vaccine for COVID-19. Understand its advantages.
Genomic Sequencing and Surveillance: Continued efforts in genomic surveillance of COVID-19 variants.
Monkeypox Outbreak: India's response to the global monkeypox outbreak and public health measures.
Emerging Technologies:
5G Rollout: India officially launched 5G services in select cities in October 2022, marking a major leap in telecommunications. Understand the technology and its potential impact.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Growing adoption of AI in governance, healthcare, and defense.
Quantum Computing: India's progress in quantum computing research and development.
IV. Environment & Ecology: Climate Action and Sustainable Development
2022 continued to highlight India's commitment to environmental protection and climate action, alongside facing significant ecological challenges.
International Engagements and Commitments:
COP27 Sharm El Sheikh: India's active participation in the 27th Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC. Discuss India's stance on "loss and damage," climate finance, and continued emphasis on "Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)" movement.
India's Green Hydrogen Mission (launched in 2023 but conceptualized/discussed in 2022): Understand the push for green hydrogen as a clean energy source.
Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment): Launched by PM Modi at COP26, gaining momentum in 2022 as a global mass movement for sustainable lifestyles.
Biodiversity and Conservation:
Cheetah Reintroduction Project: Eight cheetahs were reintroduced to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh from Namibia, a landmark conservation effort. Understand the objectives and challenges of this project.
Global Tiger Day: Continued focus on tiger conservation with reports indicating an increase in tiger population.
Wetlands and Ramsar Sites: Addition of new Ramsar sites in India, emphasizing wetland conservation.
Pollution and Environmental Governance:
Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022: Further strengthening the ban on single-use plastics and promoting circular economy.
Air Quality Management: Continued efforts under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to improve air quality in non-attainment cities.
Climate Change Impacts: Increasing frequency of extreme weather events (heatwaves, heavy rainfall, cyclones) and their socio-economic impacts.
Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022: New rules for environmentally sound management of waste batteries.
Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA): Continued discussions and implementation challenges related to the FRA, particularly for tribal communities.
V. International Relations: Navigating a Multipolar World
India's foreign policy in 2022 was characterized by balancing complex geopolitical realities, strengthening strategic partnerships, and active multilateral engagement.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict and India's Stance:
Strategic Autonomy: India maintained a neutral but nuanced stance, calling for dialogue and diplomacy, while continuing economic ties with Russia. Analyze the concept of India's strategic autonomy in this context.
Impact on Global Order: Understand the broader implications of the conflict on energy security, food security, and international relations.
Quad and Indo-Pacific:
Strengthening Quad Cooperation: The Quad leaders met in Tokyo in May 2022, reaffirming commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and discussing cooperation on health, infrastructure, and maritime security.
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF): India joined the IPEF launched by the US, focusing on pillars like supply chain resilience, clean energy, and trade facilitation.
G20 Presidency and Global Leadership:
India's G20 Presidency (began Dec 2022): India assumed the G20 Presidency, with the theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future" (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam). Understand the priorities set by India, including climate finance, sustainable development, and digital public infrastructure.
India and the Neighbourhood:
Sri Lanka Crisis: India provided significant economic and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka during its severe economic crisis. Understand the concept of "Neighbourhood First" policy.
Bangladesh Relations: Continued strengthening of bilateral ties, especially in connectivity and economic cooperation.
China Border Standoff: Ongoing military and diplomatic talks to resolve the standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including clashes in Tawang.
Bilateral Engagements:
India-Germany Bilateral Summit: Discussions on green energy and trade.
India-UK Trade Talks: Continued negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
SCO Summit in Samarkand: PM Modi's participation and bilateral meetings.
COP27: India's significant presence and announcements.
VI. Social Issues & Schemes: Towards Inclusive Growth and Human Development
Government policies in 2022 continued to focus on social welfare, health, education, and addressing inequalities.
Health Sector:
PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission: Continued implementation to strengthen public health infrastructure across the country.
TB Eradication Mission: Continued efforts towards achieving the target of TB elimination by 2025.
Mental Health Initiatives: Growing focus on mental health awareness and support, including the National Tele-Mental Health Programme.
Education:
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Implementation: Further steps towards implementing NEP, including curriculum development and teacher training.
Digital Education Initiatives: Expansion of digital learning platforms and efforts to bridge the digital divide.
Women and Child Development:
Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, and Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0: Umbrella schemes focusing on women's safety, empowerment, child protection, and nutrition.
Raising Marriageable Age for Women Bill (introduced): Continued discussions on the proposed legislation to increase the marriageable age of women to 21.
Social Justice and Empowerment:
Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED): Launched in 2022 for the welfare of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Communities.
PM-DevINE Scheme: New scheme for infrastructure development and social development in the North-Eastern Region.
Aspirational Districts Programme: Continued progress in improving socio-economic indicators in identified districts.
Urban Development:
Swachh Survekshan 2022: Awards for cleanest cities, promoting urban sanitation.
Amrit Sarovar Mission: Launched to develop and rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district across the country as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
VII. Culture & Awards: Celebrating Heritage and Excellence
2022 was a year of cultural recognition and sporting triumphs for India.
UNESCO Recognition:
Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya (UNESCO Tentative List): Highlight the cultural and natural heritage significance.
Garba Dance (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage): The popular Gujarati folk dance was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Continued celebrations marking 75 years of India's independence, with various cultural events and initiatives.
Major Awards:
Nobel Prizes 2022: Familiarize yourself with the laureates, especially those whose work relates to UPSC syllabus topics (e.g., economics, physics, chemistry, peace).
Commonwealth Games 2022 (Birmingham): India's strong performance and medal tally in various sporting disciplines. Key athletes and their achievements.
National Sports Awards: Major sporting awards and their recipients.
Archaeological Discoveries and Cultural Revitalization: Any significant archaeological finds or efforts to revive traditional arts and crafts.
Crucial Note for UPSC Aspirants: This review provides a structured overview. For comprehensive preparation, supplement this with daily newspaper analysis, in-depth monthly current affairs digests, and detailed study of the sources mentioned. The UPSC examination demands a multi-faceted approach, emphasizing not just recall but also analytical depth and critical evaluation of events.
