indian society

Minority Status in India, Eligibility Criteria and Conditions

Legal Basis for Minority Status in India Article 30(1) of the Indian Constitution: Guarantees "all minorities, whether based on religion or language, the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice." National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI)...

Rise of Religious Nationalism In South Asian Countries

There has been a rise of religious nationalism in the South Asian countries resulting in the destruction of both democracy and decency in their societies. There is a growing sentiment to revisit the settlement of 1947, not to promote freedom...

Secularism, Articles and Constitutional Amendment, Challenges

The court made the oral observation while hearing a batch of petitions filed by former Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy and others challenging the inclusion of the words “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble to the Constitution. What is Meant...

Diversity of India, Types, Constitutional Provisions, Associated Challenges

India is renowned for its rich diversity, encompassing a vast array of cultural, linguistic, religious, and social variations. This diversity enhances the lives of its citizens and forms an integral part of Indian society. For UPSC aspirants, understanding this diversity...

Sub-Categorization of SCs, Background and Recent Supreme Court Verdict

What was the Recent Supreme Court Verdict? Sub-Classification Permitted: The Court has authorised states to create sub-classifications within SCs and STs to better target support for the most disadvantaged. This enables separate quotas within the existing 15% SC reservation to...

New Marriage Age Law in Himachal Pradesh, Raising Women’s age from 18 to 21

Context Recently the Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed a Bill to raise the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years. The Bill amended the Prohibition of Child Marriage (PCM) Act, which was passed by Parliament in 2006....

Exploitation of Women, Challenges, Implications, Judicial Interventions

Context: The release of the Hema committee report has sparked a wider discussion on gender inequality and the need for improved workplace conditions for women. Key Issues Addressed in the Hema Committee Report Sexual Exploitation and Assault: The report reveals...

Why the tribal demand for ‘Bhil Pradesh’?

Context: The Bhil tribal community in Rajasthan demanded a separate state, Bhil Pradesh. Background of tribal demand for Bhil Pradesh Bhil Pradesh is proposed to include 49 districts spanning across four states: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The British...

Mascho Piro Tribe in Peruvian Amazon

Context: Survival International (an NGO advocating for indigenous rights) has released pictures of the Mashco Piro tribes. About Mascho Piro Tribe Status: The Mashco Piro are one of the world’s 100-odd uncontacted tribes. Population: Estimated to number more than 750...

Caste Census in India, Need, Significance and Concern

Context: The caste census is crucial to informed policy-making and inclusive development. Caste Census in India Background British India enumerated all castes in censuses from 1881 to 1931. Post-independence, the 1951 Census excluded caste enumeration except for SCs and STs,...