Indian Society
Social Issues
Welcome to the comprehensive study hub for Social Issues, a critical component of the Indian Society syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. This section delves into
231 articles in this topic
Articles on Social Issues
Experiential Learning
Context The current education system needs to integrate experiential learning. About The Nature of Learning and the Changing Landscape: Humans are inherently learning beings, and today’s digital world has transformed access to information. With AI and bots capable of teaching concepts, traditional schools are at risk of becoming obsolete if their role is limited to content delivery.
Rising Overnutrition: India’s New Urban Worry
India is witnessing a paradoxical nutrition crisis, with undernutrition persisting in rural regions even as overnutrition sharply rises in urban centres.
Significance of Buddhist Teachings in Modern World
Context The reference to Buddhist philosophy—particularly the idea that the self is an illusion—is both potent and relevant in the modern world. About The world is increasingly focused on self-promotion as a pathway to peace and progress. Social media, particularly selfie culture, reinforces a curated, often artificial sense of identity.
Mizoram Declared India's First Fully Literate State
In News Mizoram has been declared India’s first fully literate state, marking a historic milestone in the state’s educational journey. Present Status Indias total literacy rate for individuals aged 7 and above, across both rural and urban areas, stands at 80.9% for the period 2023–24. Mizoram has achieved full literacy status, reaching 98.2%, surpassing the 95% threshold set by the Ministry of Education as per the 2023–24 PLFS survey.
Nearly 300 million people faced acute hunger in 2024: Report
Context The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2025 provides consensus-based analysis on acute food insecurity, acute malnutrition and population displacement in countries/territories identified as having food crises in 2024. UN Partner Recommendations Evidence-driven, impact-focused interventions. Invest in local food systems and integrated nutrition services to build long-term resilience.
Paradox of the Approach to the Manipur Issue
The ongoing Manipur crisis which has lasted for two years, has resulted in over deaths and the displacement that has not received the same level of national priority as other security concerns.
Birth Rates in Delhi, Kerala, and T.N. Declining at Twice the Rate of National Average
Context The annual crude birth rates for Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Kerala are declining at twice the rate of the national average. About The data from the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, was released by the Registrar General of India. The SRS is the largest demographic survey in the country, meant to provide annual estimates on fertility and mortality indicators such as birth rates, death rates, etc.
Road to Safety: Navigating India’s Mobility Transformation
India is at a crucial juncture in mobility transformation, where economic growth and urbanisation bring both opportunities and challenges to road safety.
Educational Landscape in India: Its Disconcerting Shift
Recent shifts in policy frameworks, institutional autonomy, and market-driven education models have raised concerns about the erosion of academic freedom and the increasing corporatization of learning.
Total Fertility Rate Remains Constant at 2.0 in 2021
Context The Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, released by the Registrar General of India (RGI), highlights that Indias Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has remained constant at 2.0 in 2021, the same as in 2020. Sample Registration System (SRS) The Sample Registration System (SRS) is a large-scale demographic survey in India used to collect data on births and deaths, providing annual estimates of vital rates like birth rate, death rate, and infant mortality rate. Key features of
India's latest MMR Shows a Declining Trend
In News Indias latest Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) data was released by the Registrar-General of India. Recent Findings Maternal Mortality Ratio in India dropped to 93 per 100,000 live births in 2019–21, down from 97 (2018–20) and 103 (2017–19). The highest MMR occurs in the 20-29 age group, and the second highest in the 30-34 age group.
Human Development Report 2025: UNDP
Context Recently, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released the Human Development Report (HDR) for 2025, highlighting Indias progress in life expectancy, education, and income levels. Human Development Index: Current Status Iceland (HDI value of 0.972), ranked at the top of the Index, followed by Norway and Switzerland. South Sudan was at the bottom at 193 with 0.388.
Disproportionate Burden on Women in Risk Society
Context In a risk society shaped by modern crises, women disproportionately bear the burden due to existing gender inequalities and caregiving roles. What is Risk Society? The term ‘risk society’ describes a shift from an industrial society to one increasingly shaped by uncertainty and hazards created by technological and environmental developments.
Call for Permanent Settlement for Tribals
The recent discussions on permanent settlement for displaced tribals highlight the need for a structured approach to ensure their land rights, livelihood security, and cultural preservation.
Indian Agriculture to 2047 Report
Context According to an analysis by ICAR-National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (ICAR-NIAP), India’s aggregate food demand is projected to exceed twice the current demand by 2047. Major Findings Increase in Population: By the 100th year of its independence in 2047, India aims to attain the status of a developed nation. By this time, of the projected 1.6 billion population, approximately half may reside in urban areas.
BR Ambedkar Jayanti
Context Recently, India celebrated the legacy of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on Ambedkar Jayanti, a towering figure in Indias fight against caste-based discrimination. BR Ambedkar ‘Annihilation of Caste’ Origins of Annihilation of Caste: Originally written as a speech for a 1936 meeting of progressive Hindus under the Jat-Pat Todak Mandal, the address was never delivered due to its provocative content.
Leveraging Legal Migration in India to Harness the Demographic Dividend
In order to solve labor shortages in high-income nations and support its own economic growth through remittances and skill development, India may use legal migration channels to establish itself as a global talent center.
Health and Sanitation: Pillars of a Healthy India
On World Health Day (7 April), India showcases a transformative approach, recognizing that health and sanitation are inseparable, with a nationwide revolution in sanitation and water access shaping a healthier future.
World Health Day 2025
Context World Health Day, observed annually on 7 April, highlights pressing global health issues and mobilises action to improve public health outcomes. About It was founded by WHO in 1950. The idea for World Health Day originated from the first World Health Assembly, held in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1948.
Tackling the Disinformation Threat in India
India, with its rapidly growing digital landscape, faces an escalating challenge of disinformation.