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
Ninth Anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
In News India marked the ninth anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). About PMUY Launched: In 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum Natural Gas. Objective: To provide LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households to reduce the health risks associated with traditional cooking methods.
Rise in Violent Crimes by Juveniles
Context Recent global and domestic incidents, have sparked concern over the sharp rise in violent crimes committed by juveniles in India. Rising Trend in Juvenile Violent Crimes in India Overall decline but growing violence: The total number of juveniles in conflict with the law declined from 37,402 in 2017 to 33,261 in 2022. However the share involved in violent crimes surged from 32.5% in 2016 to 49.5% in 2022 (NCRB, 2023).
UNFPA State of World Population 2025
Context India’s population has reached an estimated 146.39 crore by April 2025, according to the United Nations report titled “State of the World Population 2025: The Real Fertility Crisis.” India’s Status as per the 2025 Report Current Population Status: India is the world’s most populous country with 146.39 crore people, surpassing China (141.61 crore). The population is expected to peak at 170 crore before beginning to decline in approximately 40 years. Decline in Fertility Rate: TFR is now 1
Empowering Women in Agriculture For Food Security
The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, supporting the essential role of women in global agriculture while raising awareness of their challenges, primarily property rights and market access.
Mental Healthcare & Bridging Health Cover in India
Mental health is now covered at par with physical illnesses across health insurance plans in India, following the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and IRDAI directive.
Government to Bring New National Policy on Senior Citizens
In News The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is drafting a new national policy for senior citizens, considering India’s changing demographics. Various Schemes The Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) provides grant-in-aid to NGOs for running senior citizen homes offering free shelter, food, healthcare, and entertainment. Elderline: The National Helpline on Toll free number 14567 namely Elderline was launched in 2021 for grievance redressal of Senior Citizens and to ge
Pharma Freebies Under Scrutiny
Context The Centre has asked pharma companies for details of expenditure on marketing in the last one year. About The Union government is keeping a close watch on the marketing practice of pharmaceutical companies amid reports of these companies continuing to offer a range of freebies to doctors. The Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) is being implemented to check unethical marketing practices.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Philosophy of ‘Integral Humanism’
In Context 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s philosophy of ‘Integral Humanism’. About In the post-colonial search for an indigenous philosophy of governance, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (1916–1968) introduced the doctrine of Integral Humanism (Ekatma Manav Darshan) in 1965. This ideology aimed to balance material progress with spiritual upliftment and redefine development from an Indian civilisational perspective.
Bonded Labourer in India
In Context The recent death of nine-year-old Venkatesh, taken as ‘collateral’ for his mother’s unpaid debt vividly illustrates the harsh realities and enduring challenges of bonded labor in India, despite its legal prohibition. Current Landscape and Statistics Prevalence: As of 2021, an estimated 11 million people in India were living in modern slavery, the highest number globally. Rescue and Rehabilitation Efforts: Between April 2024 and January 2025, approximately 250 bonded labourers were res
Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025
In News Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C R Patil launched Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025. Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) 2025 It is a nationwide rural sanitation survey by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti. It is India’s largest sanitation survey and The first Swachh Survekshan was conducted in 2016, in which 73 cities were evaluated and Mysuru was ranked first in the country.
Addressing Gender Inequities in Care Work
Care work is often undervalued and disproportionately carried by women, reinforcing long-standing gender inequities, despite remaining a cornerstone of social and economic well-being.
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.