GS2 – Social Sector Context India has achieved a milestone with a record-breaking 54 institutions making it to the QS World University Rankings 2026. About the Rankings: The QS World University Rankings are released annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based organization that focuses on global higher education and international …
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Sugar Boards in Schools
GS2 – Social Sector Context: CBSE, with support from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), is set to mandate ‘Sugar Boards’ in schools to raise awareness about sugar consumption and related health risks. About Sugar Boards Visual learning aids installed in schools to: Highlight sugar content in …
Read More »WHO Agreement on Traditional Medicine
GS2 – Social Sector Context: India collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote AYUSH globally through a significant agreement on traditional medicine practices. This agreement initiates the development of a dedicated Traditional Medicine section within the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI). The inclusion of this module will …
Read More »Antibiotic Access Disparities in LMICs
GS2 – Social Sector Context: A recent analysis by the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) has brought to light serious gaps in access to suitable antibiotics for treating drug-resistant infections in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India. Study Findings Scope of the Study: The research focused on …
Read More »Supreme Court Directives on Child Trafficking
GS2 – Vulnerable Groups Context: In the landmark Pinki vs. State of Uttar Pradesh case, the Supreme Court delivered extensive instructions aimed at curbing the issue of child trafficking in India. Understanding Child Trafficking: According to the United Nations, child trafficking involves the recruitment, transfer, or sheltering of minors for …
Read More »Child Trafficking in India
GS II-Vulnerable section Overview Child trafficking is a form of human trafficking that involves the illegal transportation, recruitment, or harboring of minors using coercion, force, fraud, or deception. This exploitative practice aims to subject children to inhumane conditions such as forced labor, prostitution, slavery, organ trade, and servitude. While child …
Read More »UGC’s New Norms on Foreign Degree Equivalence
GS2 – Social Sector – Education The University Grants Commission (Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2025 has been officially released. This initiative is in line with the vision of internationalising higher education as envisaged in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Applicability …
Read More »In-House Judicial Inquiry Mechanism
GS II-Judiciary Context The Chief Justice of India (CJI) recently initiated a three-member in-house inquiry into allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, leading to his transfer to the Allahabad High Court. This has reignited discussions on judicial transparency. Judicial Transfers in India Constitutional Basis: Article 222 of the Indian Constitution grants …
Read More »National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013
GS II-POVERTY Introduction The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, is a landmark social welfare legislation introduced by the Government of India. It aims to provide food security to the economically weaker sections of society by ensuring access to subsidized food grains. The Act covers 75% of the rural population …
Read More »Reassessing Tribal Classification in India
GS II-Vulnerable section Context Recent anthropological research challenges the outdated Lokur Committee criteria (1965) for identifying Scheduled Tribes (STs), advocating for a spectrum-based classification that better reflects India’s diverse tribal identities. Existing Tribal Classification System Lokur Committee (1965) defined STs based on five criteria: Primitive Traits Distinctive Culture Geographical Isolation …
Read More »INCLUSION IN PUBLIC SPACES — FROM FEAR TO FREEDOM
GS-1: Society (Gender Issues, Social Empowerment) GS-2: Governance (Public Infrastructure & Safety Policies) GS-3: Urban Development (Inclusive Public Spaces, Sustainable Cities) Key Highlights Gendered Spatial Control & Women’s Mobility: India ranked 128/177 countries in the Women, Peace & Security Index 2023, indicating gender disparity. NFHS-4 (2015-16): 54% of Indian …
Read More »UGC’S NEW DRAFT RULES ON CASTE DISCRIMINATION: KEY PROVISIONS & IMPACT ON HIGHER EDUCATION
GS2 SOCIETY: UGC Caste Discrimination Rules: Latest Updates The Union government has informed the Supreme Court that the new UGC regulations will grant it the authority to de-recognize higher education institutions (HEIs) that fail to prevent caste and religion-based discrimination. Caste-Based Discrimination in Indian Universities Caste discrimination in Indian …
Read More »SOCIAL DISPARITIES IN THE IT SECTOR
GS2- SOCIAL JUSTICE Why in News? A recent NSSO survey highlights significant caste-based inequalities in employment rates and wages within India’s IT sector. Key Findings on Social Disparities in the IT Sector The study draws on data from two NSSO surveys: NSS 78th round (2020-21) and NSS 68th round (2011-12). …
Read More »CUSTODIAL DEATHS IN INDIA
GS2 – SOCIAL JUSTICE CUSTODIAL DEATHS IN INDIA, referring to fatalities occurring while individuals are in police or judicial custody, remain a significant human rights concern. These incidents often highlight issues related to law enforcement practices, systemic challenges, and the need for comprehensive reforms. Statistics: Reported Cases: Between April 1, …
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