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
Tamil Nadu’s Transgender Policy & Hindu Succession Act, 1956
Context Recently, the State of Tamil Nadu has unveiled the State Policy for Transgender Persons, 2025, which includes a bold proposal of amending the Hindu Succession Act to ensure transgender and intersex persons have equal rights to inheritance. Why the Hindu Succession Act Needs Reform? Binary in Nature: The Hindu Succession Act, 1956, governs inheritance among Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
Girl Child Trafficking in India
Context Girl child trafficking remains one of the gravest human rights violations in India, and Bihar’s persistent struggle with poverty, migration, and porous borders has tragically made it a hotspot. Bihar’s Trafficking Crisis Bihar has become a trafficking hub due to poverty and social vulnerability, porous borders with Nepal, railway links to trafficking-prone States, and cultural exploitation (orchestra belt), especially in regions like Saran and Muzaffarpur. Bihar Police rescued 271 girls,
India Has the Highest Number of Slum Clusters
In News According to a 2024 study, over 158 million people live in slums located in floodplains in South Asia, with India having the maximum share. Growth of Slums Slums are densely populated urban areas characterised by poor-quality housing, the lack of adequate living space, public services, and accommodating large numbers of informal residents with insecure tenure. According to UN-Habitat (2021), slum dwellers across the globe have increased from 980 million in 2010 to 1,059 million in 2020,
India’s Healthcare Paradox: Balancing Domestic Needs and Global Engagement
India has long held the reputation of being a global supplier of skilled medical professionals, however, struggles to meet its own healthcare demands.
Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India Report of World Bank
In News The report titled Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India recently released by the World Bank. About the report It is prepared by the World Bank in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It studied 24 Indian cities, with a special focus on Chennai, Indore, New Delhi, Lucknow, Surat and Thiruvananthapuram.
Manual Scavenging and Sewer Deaths in India
Context A recent Social Audit (2022–23) by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment revealed that over 90% of sewer deaths occurred without safety gear or or personalised protective equipment (PPE) kits. Why Manual scavenging continues to exist in India? Lack of Alternatives: Limited access to education and job opportunities keeps people in manual scavenging.
Suicides Cases Among Student
Context Recently, the Union Minister of State for Education presented in response to a written question in Parliament, highlighting student suicides in India. Factors Responsible For Student Suicide Individual vulnerabilities: Low self-esteem, impulsivity, trauma histories, history of physical or sexual abuse, and learning and intellectual disability. Family Pressures: Over-anxious and over-ambitious parents, dysfunctional family, criticisms, comparisons with peers and lack of support in the fam
CARA Issues Directions to States for Strengthening Counselling Support
In News The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has issued directions to all State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs) under powers conferred by Section 70(1)(a) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2021), and as per the Adoption Regulations, 2022. Key Provisions of the Directives Designation of Qualified Counsellors: SARAs are mandated to designate or empanel qualified counsellors at district and state levels, ideally with backgrounds in child
10 Years of Skill India Mission
Context Skill India Mission completed ten years. About Skill India Mission (SIM) Launched on 15 July 2015, World Youth Skills Day, the Skill India Mission provides skill, re-skill, and up-skill training through an extensive network of skill development centres and institutes under various schemes. In February 2025, the restructured ‘Skill India Programme’ was approved for 2022-23 to 2025-26, merging Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0), the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship P
Dowry Deaths in India: Long Investigations, Rare Convictions
Context Despite decades of legislation and activism, dowry continues to claim lives, particularly among young married women. About Dowry The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 defines dowry as ‘any property or valued security given or agreed to be given, directly or indirectly, to either partner in a marriage, to the other party’s parents, to any other person, is referred to as dowry’. Dowry-related violence and deaths are symptoms of deep-rooted patriarchy, and remains one of the most persistent forms
Bombay High Court Flags Misuse of Matrimonial Laws
Context The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court quashed a criminal case of cruelty, unnatural sex, and dowry harassment, stating that marriage is a sacred institution and should not be turned into prolonged, unproductive legal battles. How Matrimonial Laws Are Being Misused? Section 498A of the IPC (Cruelty by husband or his relatives): Often used to implicate multiple family members, sometimes even distant relatives, without solid evidence.
Women, STEM Careers, and a More Receptive Industry
Over the last decades, the presence of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers has grown steadily.
India's Population at Crossroads, not a Crisis: Population Foundation of India
In Context On 2025 World Population Day (July 11), the Population Foundation of India emphasized that India’s real challenge lies not in population size, but in justice, gender equity, and investing in human potential. Key Takeaways Shift the focus to reproductive rights, gender equality, and inclusive growth. Empower youth, especially young women, to make informed choices about their lives and families.
View India’s Gender Gap Report Ranking as a Warning
Despite its emergence as a global economic force and digital innovator, India continues to face serious challenges in gender equality, as highlighted by the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report (2025).
Parakh Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024
Context Recently, the Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development Rashtriya Sarvekshan (PARAKH RS), formerly known as the National Achievement Survey (NAS), released its 2025 findings. Concerns Arising from the Survey Declining Competency with Advancing Grades: There is a notable drop in learning outcomes from Grade 3 to Grade 9, especially in conceptual understanding and application. Urban-Rural and Regional Inequities: Northeastern states like Meghalaya a
Practice of Witchcraft in India
Context Five members of a family were killed on suspicion of practising witchcraft in Purnea district of Bihar. Causes of Witch-Hunting in India Superstition and Illiteracy: Especially in tribal and rural belts, unexplained diseases or deaths are attributed to ‘witches’. Gender and Patriarchy: Over 75% of victims are women, particularly widows, old, mentally ill, or childless women.
India Ranks 4th among the World’s Most Equal Societies
Context According to the World Bank, India’s Gini Index stands at 25.5, making it the fourth most equal country in the world. Major Highlights India was placed after the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Belarus. India’s score is much lower than China’s 35.7 and far lower than the United States, which stands at 41.8.
Studying in Mother Tongue Instils Strong Values: CJI
Context Recently, the Chief Justice of India underscored the enduring value of education in one’s mother tongue, calling it a cornerstone of personal growth and ethical grounding. About A language is an umbrella term which contains many mother tongues. India is a linguistically diverse country, and one of the richest in the world — with over 1,300 rationalized mother tongues and 122 major languages spoken by more than 10,000 people each.
Gig workers seek minimum wages, social security
In News The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU)urged the State government to ensure minimum wages, legal recognition, and comprehensive welfare schemes, for gig and platform workers. Who are gig workers? The World Economic Forum defines the gig economy as short-term, task-based work facilitated by digital platforms connecting workers with customers.
Using Tech to Empower Women and Children
The editorial highlights the significant role of technology in integrating and empowering various initiatives under the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) in India.