Important Dates in Indian History

The Right to Information Act came into force in 2005. Link it with transparency and citizens' rights.

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was passed in 2005. Link it with rural employment and social security.

Goods and Services Tax was implemented in 2017. In exams link it with indirect tax reform and a unified market.

The decision to remove the special provisions related to Article 370 was taken in 2019. Link it with the constitutional change in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) was founded in 1883. It is one of India’s oldest and leading institutions associated with natural history and wildlife conservation. Although 1878 is a nearby and plausible distractor, the correct founding year is 1883. Exam tip: Remember BNHS with the year 1883.

The Indian Forest Act, 1927 was enacted during British rule. It provided a legal framework for classifying forests and regulating forest produce and forest use. 1952 refers to the National Forest Policy, not to the enactment of this Act. Exam tip: remember 1927 for the Indian Forest Act and 1952 for the National Forest Policy.

The Government of India established the Department of Environment in 1980. In 1985, it was expanded into the Ministry of Environment and Forests, so 1985 is a close but incorrect option. For exams, remember the difference between the year the department was created and the year the ministry was formed.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests was created in 1985. The Department of Environment was set up in 1980, making it a close but incorrect option. The year 1986 is associated with the Environment (Protection) Act, not the creation of the ministry. Exam tip: Remember 1980 for the Department of Environment and 1985 for the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

The Bishnoi Khejarli sacrifice took place in 1730 at Khejarli village in Rajasthan. Amrita Devi Bishnoi and other villagers sacrificed their lives to stop the felling of khejri trees. Although 1973 may seem close, it is associated with the Chipko Movement, not the Khejarli sacrifice. Exam tip: Remember Khejarli sacrifice—1730; Chipko Movement—1973.

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year on 2 October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was born on 2 October 1869. 15 August is India’s Independence Day, so it is not the correct date. Exam tip: link Gandhi Jayanti with Gandhi’s birth date, 2 October.