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
219 articles in this topic
Articles on Social Issues
International Mother Language Day
Context International Mother Language Day is observed on February 21, under the theme “Youth voices on multilingual education”. About International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999, it was the initiative of Bangladesh. The UN General Assembly welcomed the proclamation of the day in its resolution of 2002.
SC Asks Govt. to Consider Plea to Treat ‘racial slur’ as a Hate Crime
Context The Chief Justice of India was hearing a petition seeking comprehensive guidelines to recognise ‘racial slur’ as a separate category of hate crime. What are Hate Crimes? Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards that person’s disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity etc.
A Separate Classification for Denotified Tribes
In News The Union government assured leaders of Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) that they will be enumerated in the second phase of the 2027 Census, but details of the process remain unclear. Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) Denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic tribes were once labeled “criminal” by colonial authorities under the Criminal Tribes Act (CTA) of 1871, which described certain communities as inherently predisposed to crime due to caste-based her
Safeguarding Women at Work
Context The Government highlighted that it remains committed to effective enforcement of the SH Act and to empowering every woman with a harassment-free work environment. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 Aim: To provide a safe and secure working environment for women. Definition of Sexual Harassment includes physical contact, demands for sexual favors, making sexually colored remarks, showing pornography, and any other unwelcome physical,
Mental Health Crisis in India
Context The Economic Survey 2025-26 flagged the alarming rise of digital addiction and screen-related mental health problems, particularly among children and adolescents. About The Budget announced measures to strengthen mental health infrastructure. Key highlights include the proposed establishment of a second National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in north India and the upgrading of premier institutions in Ranchi and Tezpur to improve regional access.
Denotified Tribes Demand Constitutional Recognition and Separate Census Enumeration
Context Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs) across India are demanding a separate column in the 2027 caste census and constitutional recognition through a distinct Schedule, citing long-standing political misclassification, and exclusion from welfare benefits. Nomadic, Semi Nomadic, and Denotified Tribes (NTs, SNTs, and DNTs) Nomadic and semi-nomadic communities are defined as those who move from one place to another rather than living at one place all
DAY NRLM: Next Phase of Rural Women’s Empowerment
Context The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY NRLM) is transitioning into a new phase, often referred to as NRLM 2.0, and prepares for the next five-year cycle (2026–27 to 2030–31). About DAY NRLM It is a flagship poverty alleviation and women empowerment programme, launched in 2011 by the Union Ministry of Rural Development. It aims to reduce rural poverty by enabling poor households, especially women to access sustainable livelihoods through strong, community-b
Rising Digital Addiction & Mental Health Issues
Context The Economic Survey 2025-26, has flagged the rapid rise of digital addiction and screen-related mental health problems as a major healthcare issue, particularly among children and adolescents. Digital Addiction as an Emerging Public Health Issue The Survey recognises excessive screen time and social media usage as contributors to anxiety, depression, attention disorders, sleep disruption, obesity, and lifestyle diseases. Children and adolescents are identified as neurologically and psych
New UGC Rules on Caste-Based Discrimination
Context The University Grants Commission (UGC) notified new regulations aimed at addressing discrimination, particularly caste-based discrimination, in higher education institutions. Background As per Regulation 3(c) of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, “caste-based discrimination” means “discrimination only on the basis of caste or tribe against the members of the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other backward classes”. It aims to curb cas
Congestion Index
Context According to the latest 2025 TomTom Traffic Index, ranked India as the fifth most traffic-congested country globally and second in Asia. About The index evaluates cities worldwide based on average travel time, congestion levels and vehicle speeds. The index is widely used to track changes in urban mobility and compare congestion trends across regions and countries.
National Girl Child Day
Context National Girl Child Day is celebrated annually on January 24. About National Girl Child Day has been observed annually on January 24 since 2008. Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
Trial by Social Media
Published on: 24 January, 2026 Recently, the Kerala Police have arrested a woman in connection with the suicide of a man she had accused of sexual harassment on a bus.
Periyar’s Contributions to the Anti-caste Struggle and Vaikom Satyagraha
Context Periyar and other reformist leaders like him played a pivotal role in the struggle against untouchability. About Periyar E. Ramasamy Periyar E.
Child Trafficking in India
Context Child trafficking continues to be a grave human rights challenge in India, despite a robust constitutional framework and multiple statutory protections. What is Child Trafficking? The Palermo Protocol (UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children), 2000 defines child trafficking as ‘the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of a child for the purpose of exploitation.’ Section 143 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
China's Declining Birthrate and Impacts
In News The Chinese population has been consistently declining since 2022 Status of China’s Population China’s population fell for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, dropping by 3.39 million to 1.405 billion. Births fell to 7.92 million in 2025, down 17% from 9.54 million in 2024. Crude Birth Rate declined to 5.63 per 1,000 people, the lowest in decades.
Report on Severity of Road Accident Fatalities
Context The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the NGO SaveLIFE Foundation released the joint report on India’s top 100 districts in terms of severity of road accident fatalities. Major Findings Uttar Pradesh accounted for most of the top 20 districts in fatalities. Tamil Nadu has 19 “severe” districts in terms of fatalities, followed by 11 districts in Maharashtra, nine districts in Karnataka and eight in Rajasthan.
UGC Brings out New Rules Against Caste Discrimination
Context The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified new regulations to address caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions across the country. Evolution from Draft to Final Regulations A draft version released in February 2024 invited public criticism for: Excluding Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from the ambit of caste-based discrimination. Proposing penalties to “discourage” false complaints, potentially deterring genuine grievances.
National Youth Day 2026
In News Recently, National Youth Day was observed to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. National Youth Day or Rashtriya Yuva Divas It is celebrated on 12th January every year in commemoration of the great spiritual leader, philosopher and thinker Swami Vivekananda, whose unwavering belief in the potential of youth continues to resonate deeply with young citizens of the country. His inspiring life and empowering message urge the youth to nurture their dreams, unleash their energies,
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)
Context The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated once in two years on 9th January. About It is a significant event that honors the contributions of the Indian diaspora to their homeland. January 9th commemorates the day in 1915 when Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa to lead the countrys freedom struggle.
Women’s Labour & Issues of Recognition
Published on: 06 January, 2026 Women’s labour remains vastly undercounted and undervalued, especially in unpaid care and domestic work.