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Independence
Under the leadership of Ghandi, India launched a countrywide independence movement. Power was transferred from British imperialism to The Consituent Assembly. India gained liberty and became a free country under the first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharal Nehru. -
War with Pakistan
India first goes to war with Pakistan. It was the beginning of long history of disputes over the border and territories. Tensions between India and Pakistan have been recurrent throughout their history and have led to much fighting. -
Mahatma Gandhi Assassinated
Gandhi was shot by a Hindu extremist after the revolution that led to India's independece. -
Framing of Constitution
Written by Dr. Babasaheb, the constitution was framed to make India the world's biggest democracy. The country was united under this constitution despite diversity in culture and religions. -
Institute of Technology
India's first Institute of technology was established in Kharagpur. This was their first major university and was set up with plans to build 6 more in the future. In order to get in, students had to pass a very tough entrance exam. -
Second War with Pakistan
This war was a dispute in over the Kashmiri province and territorial boundaries. It was resolved yet tensions between Pakistan and India continued. -
Third War with Pakistan
Pakistan launched air strikes on 11 Indian airbases. This war was only 13 days, and considered one of the shortest wars in India history. Pakistan signed the Instrument of Surrender ending the war. -
India Closed Its Economy to World
In 1980 India stopped trying to liberalize the economy and any progress towards an open economy after independence was stopped. Instead they closed their economy and did not participate in the global market.This caused their economy to suffer greatly. -
Steps Towards an Open Market
Finance Minister Manmohan Singh began to take steps towards opening up India's market to foreign investment and thereby introducing competition to businesses and individuals in the global market. -
Nuclear Testing
India tests nuclear weapons causing tensions with foreign countries and condemnation internationally. One reaction was that the US placed sanctions on the county. -
First Woman President
Pratibha Patil was elected as the first woman president of India. This showed a large step towards ending sexism and gender inequality. -
India Accounts for 6.3% of Global Income
India's economy was at about $4.002 trillion dollars, making it account for 6.3% of the global income, and the third largest in terms of actual GDP. -
Changes in Education
Educational system divided into different levels (pre-primary, primary, elementary, secondary, undergraduate, and post-graduate). Education made free for children between ages of 6 and 14. Indian higher education system is now third largest in world.
