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
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.
Transgender Rights & Transforming Society
US President Donald Trump’s government now recognises only two genders, male and female excluding the Transgenders.
India Breaks into Top 100 in Global SDG Rankings
Context India has, for the first time, secured a position among the top 100 countries in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index. About The Sustainable Development Report (SDR) reviews progress made each year on the Sustainable Development Goals since their adoption by the 193 UN Member States in 2015. This edition also includes for the first time an assessment of which countries have made the most progress on the SDGs using a headline SDG Index (SDGi).
Need For Gender Equity in Urban Bureaucracy
The lack of gender equity in India’s municipal and urban administrative structures has a significant impact on India’s urban governance like urban planning, service delivery, and overall inclusivity.
Child Labour Rescues in 2024–25: C-LAB
Context Recently, the Centre for Legal Action and Behaviour Change (C-LAB), in partnership with the Just Rights for Children (JRC) network, released a report related to child labour rescues in 2024–25. Reasons Behind Child Labour in India Poverty and Economic Compulsion: According to the Ministry of Labour Employment, poverty remains the primary driver of child labour. Families struggling to meet basic needs often rely on children to supplement household income, especially in rural and informal
How Will Foreign Universities Impact Higher Education in India?
Context The entry of several foreign universities into India, enabled by the UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023, marks a major development in Indian higher education. Background Prominent foreign institutions are setting up branch campuses, mainly in GIFT City and Navi Mumbai. NYU Abu Dhabi and Yale-NUS in Singapore are notable successes—due to strong local partnerships, generous state support, and academic autonomy.
Rethinking Alcohol Control in India
In News India has recorded one of the highest rates of heavy episodic alcohol drinking, with lakhs needing clinical and social support. Present status Alcohol and alcoholic beverages contain ethanol, which is a psychoactive and toxic substance with dependence-producing properties. Alcohol has been widely used in many cultures for centuries, but it is associated with significant health risks and harms.
Global Gender Gap Index 2025: WEF
Context Recently, the World Economic Forum (WEF) released its 19th edition of Global Gender Gap Report 2025. Global Overview Overall Gender Parity: The world has closed 68.5% of the gender gap, a marginal improvement from the previous year. Top Performers:Iceland remains the most gender-equal country for the 16th consecutive year, achieving over 90% parity.
Urbanisation and the Challenge of Ideal Transit Solutions
As India is undergoing a rapid expansion of metro and tier-1 cities, the demand for efficient and sustainable transit solutions has become a critical challenge.
Social Protection Cover in India Rises to Over 64% in 2025: ILO
In News According to the latest data from International Labour Organization’s (ILO) ILOSTAT, India’s social security coverage in 2025 stood at 64.3 per cent, up from 19 per cent a decade ago. Key Initiatives in India for Social Protection Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-SYM): To provide old age protection and social security to unorganized sector workers (e.g., street vendors, rickshaw pullers, construction workers, domestic workers). Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana (PMJJBY): T