Forest ServicesIndian 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
223 articles in this topic
Articles on Social Issues
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.
House Panel Suggests Raising Creamy Layer Limit From ₹8 lakh
A parliamentary committee on the welfare of Other Backward Classes recommended raising the ₹8 lakh income limit for “creamy layer” within OBCs.
New Study Differs from NCRB on the Issue of Child Labour in India
A study on child labour by by Enfold and CivicDataLab, based on judicial data from the e-Courts platform differs from NCRB and revealed more child labour cases in six states.
Dark Side of Digital Gambling in India
Online gambling is claiming young lives across India, with devastating stories like that of 21-year-old Sai Kiran, who died by suicide after being overwhelmed by debts incurred through online gambling.
Concerns of Rising of 1 Person, 1 Family' Culture: SC
Recently, the Supreme Court of India has expressed deep concern over the erosion of traditional family values, highlighting the emergence of a ‘1 person, 1 family’ culture, a stark contrast to Indias cultural philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—’the world is one family’.
Expansion of India’s Social Security Net
Recently, the Union Labour Minister highlighted that India has made remarkable strides in expanding its social security net, ensuring that a larger segment of the population benefits from welfare programs.
Inclusive Development
President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of inclusive development for all regions, including those affected by Maoist extremism in Chhattisgarh.
TB Champions
The Meghalaya government is pushing for a TB-free State by re-skilling TB survivors and bringing them back into control programmes as ‘TB champions’.
Sub-categorisation of SCs in Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved the one-member commission’s recommendations on the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs) to ensure equitable distribution of benefits.
Contradiction Between High Per Capita Income vs Poverty Levels in Indian States: SC
Recently, the Supreme Court of India Bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, raised concerns over contradiction in some states claims of high per capita income while a significant portion of their population continues to live below the poverty line (BPL).