Sociology
Current Affairs

Sadfishing: Emotional Clickbait and Its Sociological Impact

Sadfishing: Emotional Clickbait and Its Sociological Impact

20 Sep 2024 || Pranay Aggarwal

This article explores sadfishing, the act of using emotional problems to hook an audience on social media, with a focus on sociological analysis, studies, and its impact on mental health and social dynamics. ...read more
AISHE 2021-22 Report: Key Findings and Sociological Analysis

AISHE 2021-22 Report: Key Findings and Sociological Analysis

09 Aug 2024 || Pranay Aggarwal

The AISHE 2021-22 report highlights significant growth in higher education enrolment, increased female participation, and ongoing challenges within the system. This article explores key findings and provides a sociological analysis. ...read more
Philippine House of Representatives Approves Divorce Bill: A Landmark Move

Philippine House of Representatives Approves Divorce Bill: A Landmark Move

08 Aug 2024 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Philippine House of Representatives approved a bill legalizing divorce under specific circumstances, marking a significant shift in the country's legal and social landscape. This article explores the need for the bill, its key provisions, implications, and sociological analysis. ...read more
The Gender Pay Gap: Insights from the World Bank Group Report

The Gender Pay Gap: Insights from the World Bank Group Report

08 Aug 2024 || Pranay Aggarwal

The World Bank Group report highlights the global gender pay gap, where women earn 77 cents for every dollar paid to men. This article explores key findings and sociological implications. ...read more
Income and Wealth Inequality in India: Insights from the World Inequality Lab

Income and Wealth Inequality in India: Insights from the World Inequality Lab

09 Jul 2024 || Pranay Aggarwal

The World Inequality Lab's report "Income and Wealth Inequality in India, 1922-2023: The Rise of the Billionaire Raj" provides an in-depth analysis of economic inequality trends in India. This article explores key findings and sociological implications. ...read more
The India Employment Report 2024: Insights into Labour Market Trends and Challenges

The India Employment Report 2024: Insights into Labour Market Trends and Challenges

09 Jul 2024 || Pranay Aggarwal

The India Employment Report 2024, published by the Institute for Human Development (IHD) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), provides a comprehensive analysis of labour market trends, focusing particularly on youth employment, education, and skills. ...read more
Controversy Over NCERT Textbook Revisions: Societal Impact and Academic Concerns

Controversy Over NCERT Textbook Revisions: Societal Impact and Academic Concerns

08 Jul 2024 || Pranay Aggarwal

The recent revisions to NCERT textbooks have stirred significant controversy both nationally and internationally, raising concerns about historical narratives, scientific education, and political influence in education. ...read more
Mexico Elects First Female President: Sociological Implications and Future Directions

Mexico chooses its first female president

08 Jul 2024 || Pranay Aggarwal

The election of Mexico's first female president signifies a pivotal moment in the country's political landscape, highlighting strides towards gender equality and the challenges ahead. ...read more
NEET Scam and Its Sociological Implications

NEET Scam and Its Sociological Implications

08 Jul 2024 || Pranay Aggarwal

The NEET 2024 scam, marked by paper leaks and irregularities, raises significant concerns about the integrity of the examination system. This article explores the key points of the scandal, its social implications, and sociological opinions on necessary educational reforms. ...read more
Share of Religious Minorities: A Cross-Country Analysis (1950-2015) by PM-EAC

Share of Religious Minorities: A Cross-Country Analysis (1950-2015)

01 Jul 2024 || Pranay Aggarwal

The PM-EAC report highlights demographic shifts in India's religious populations between 1950 and 2015, with a decrease in the Hindu population share and an increase in the Muslim population share. The report also provides a sociological analysis of these trends. ...read more
Global Gender Gap Report 2024: Key Findings and Analysis for India

The World Economic forum released its Global gender gap report 2024.

01 Jul 2024 || World Economic Forum

India ranks 129th out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2024. Key areas of concern include economic parity and political empowerment, while showing strengths in secondary education enrolment and political empowerment. ...read more
India's Positive Impact on Women's Rights in STEM | IAS Gurukul

Women's Rights: India's Positive Impact

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Women in STEM represent a critical segment of the workforce that has the potential to drive innovation, research, and technological advancements. However, women continue to face barriers in pursuing STEM careers, limiting their participation in cutting-edge scientific research and technological innovations. This article delves into the sociological dimensions of women in STEM, exploring the terminologies, theories, and concepts used to understand the social implications, power dynamics, and challenges women encounter in these fields. ...read more
Jal Jeevan Mission: A Sociological Analysis of India's Water Revolution for Rural Communitie

Jal Jeevan Mission: A Sociological Analysis of India's Water Revolution for Rural Communities

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched by the Government of India in 2019, is a transformative initiative aimed at providing potable water to every rural household in the country. Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right and a crucial aspect of sustainable development. This article delves into the sociological dimensions of the Jal Jeevan Mission, exploring the terminologies, theories, and concepts used to understand the social implications, power dynamic ...read more
Cryptocurrency: A Sociological Exploration of Digital Currencies, Disruption, and Social Implications

Cryptocurrency: A Sociological Exploration of Digital Currencies, Disruption, and Social Implications

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that utilizes cryptography for security and operates on decentralized blockchain technology. Cryptocurrencies have disrupted traditional monetary systems and challenged established financial institutions. ...read more
Artificial Intelligence: Sociological Perspectives on Technology, Power, and Social Implications

Artificial Intelligence: Sociological Perspectives on Technology, Power, and Social Implications

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. AI technologies have the potential to revolutionize various aspects of life, but their widespread adoption raises sociological concerns about power dynamics, inequalities, and ethical implications. ...read more
Unmasking Gaslighting: A Sociological Exploration of Manipulation, Power, and Identity

Unmasking Gaslighting: A Sociological Exploration of Manipulation, Power, and Identity

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Gaslighting is a complex psychological phenomenon that involves undermining an individual's perception of reality through consistent denial, misrepresentation, or distortion of facts. Sociological theories such as power dynamics, identity formation, and emotional abuse theory offer insights into the social and psychological factors that enable gaslighting. ...read more
Urban Floods: Unraveling the Sociological Dimensions of Water, Infrastructure, and Vulnerabilities

Urban Floods: Unraveling the Sociological Dimensions of Water, Infrastructure, and Vulnerabilities

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Urban floods are a recurring phenomenon in many cities, caused by a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall, poor drainage, inadequate infrastructure, and rapid urbanization. They have severe consequences, affecting human lives, property, and disrupting critical services. ...read more
Unraveling the Complexities of Ethnic Conflict in Manipur: A Sociological Exploration

Unraveling the Complexities of Ethnic Conflict in Manipur: A Sociological Exploration

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Ethnic conflict in Manipur is rooted in historical tensions, identity politics, and structural inequalities. Sociological theories such as identity politics, structural violence, and resource mobilization theory provide insights into the underlying social and political dynamics that fuel these conflicts. ...read more
How Saleem Kidwai brought Indian history of same-sex love to light

How Saleem Kidwai brought Indian history of same-sex love to light

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Saleem Kidwai was a multifaceted individual whose contributions to LGBTQIA+ rights, historical research, and Urdu literature were immense. He was one of the first academics to openly identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, inspiring others to embrace their identities. His book "Same-Sex Love in India: Readings from Literature and History," co-authored with Ruth Vanita, provided compelling evidence of same-sex love throughout India's history. ...read more
Why a strong law against human trafficking is necessary in post-Covid times

Why a strong law against human trafficking is necessary in post-Covid times

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

India faces a pressing need to strengthen its legal framework to combat human trafficking, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated vulnerabilities and increased the risk of exploitation. The Trafficking in Persons Bill, 2021, represents a significant step forward, emphasizing victim-centricity and prioritizing rehabilitation. While the Bill introduces positive changes, it requires further enhancement in areas such as dedicated rehabilitation funding, ...read more
Falling sick together: Covid-19 pandemic has immensely boosted the case for Universal Healthcare | IAS Gurukul

Falling sick together: Covid-19 pandemic has immensely boosted the case for Universal Healthcare

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the issue of healthcare to the forefront, emphasizing the need for accessible and affordable healthcare for all. Privatized healthcare systems have proven inadequate in addressing public health crises, as evidenced by the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on marginalized communities. Universal healthcare, on the other hand, provides equitable access to quality healthcare regardless of one's ability to pay. The pandemic has served as a wake-up call, prompting a reassessment of healthcare priorities and a shift towards universal healthcare models. ...read more
Time Poverty: The Hidden Burden on Women Worldwide | IAS Gurukul

'Time Poverty' Is a Real Issue For Women Everywhere, Says Melinda Gates

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Time poverty, a term coined by Melinda Gates, refers to the disproportionate time women dedicate to unpaid work, including childcare, household chores, and eldercare. This gender disparity in unpaid labor has far-reaching consequences, limiting women's access to education, healthcare, and paid employment. It also contributes to higher rates of stress, depression, and sleep disorders among women. ...read more
India's Police Force: A Barrier to Justice for Women

Only 7% of India’s police force is women. This hurts investigations into gender violence

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

India's police force is dominated by men, with women making up only a small percentage. This gender imbalance has far-reaching consequences, making it difficult for women to report crimes, particularly sexual assault. Women in the police force face discrimination and are often relegated to administrative tasks. To improve women's access to justice, India needs to increase the number of women in the police force and address the patriarchal attitudes that perpetuate gender inequality within the institution. ...read more
Caste, social distancing, untouchability, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Hindu society | IAS Gurukul

Social Distancing and the Pandemic of Caste

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a renowned scholar and social reformer, compared the caste system to a virus, emphasizing its ability to spread and multiply. He pointed out how the Brahmins' practice of social distancing gave rise to the caste hierarchy, resulting in the segregation and discrimination faced by lower castes, particularly the untouchables. ...read more
Reasons Why Young Citizens Are Losing Faith in Democracy: A Cambridge University Report

Losing Faith in Democracy

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

A new report by Cambridge University finds that younger citizens are increasingly losing faith in democracy. The report cites several reasons for this trend, including the rise of authoritarian elements in democracies, the lack of representation for minority voices, the belief that one vote cannot change election results, and the increasing criminalization of politics. ...read more
Combating Fake News: How Sociology Can Help

Fake News

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Fake news is a serious problem that can have a negative impact on society. It can be used to spread misinformation, propaganda, and fear. Sociologists can help to combat fake news by analyzing its contents and intents, as well as by using their understanding of social structures and cultural norms to identify and debunk it. ...read more
Birsa Munda: A Revolutionary Icon Misappropriated by the Hindutva Narrative

Remembering Birsa Munda, the Social Reformer and Revolutionary Leader

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Birsa Munda was a tribal leader and revolutionary who fought against British colonial rule in India in the late 19th century. He is considered a hero by many tribal people and is often seen as a symbol of resistance against oppression. ...read more
Religious Fundamentalism | IAS Gurukul

Religious Fundamentalism

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan has brought the issue of religious fundamentalism back into the spotlight. Religious fundamentalism is characterized by an unwavering belief in the absolute truth and authority of religious texts or the teachings of a particular religious leader. This often leads to a rejection of secularism, tolerance for other religions, and progressive values. ...read more
Inclusion of LGBTQ and women in India’s new science policy | IAS Gurukul

Inclusion of LGBTQ and women in India’s new science policy

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The draft National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP) outlines a comprehensive framework to promote gender equity in science and technology. The policy recognizes the challenges faced by women and LGBTQ+ individuals in these fields and proposes specific measures to address them. ...read more
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Empowering Girls, Transforming India

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, has made substantial progress in addressing the declining child sex ratio and promoting girl child education in India. The scheme, a collaborative effort of the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, and Human Resource Development, targets districts with the lowest child sex ratio as per the 2011 census. ...read more
Caste-Based Census in India: A Debate on its Need, Benefits, and Drawbacks

Caste based census in India

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The recent incident at IIT Kharagpur, where a professor allegedly made casteist slurs towards SC/ST and disabled students, has sparked renewed attention to the pervasive caste discrimination within these esteemed institutions. Historical evidence suggests that IITs have long been a site of systematic marginalization of students from marginalized caste groups. ...read more
Unveiling the Casteist Underbelly of IITs: Beyond the Myth of Merit

How historical caste privilege became modern-day ‘merit’

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

While a public health crisis grips the nation, the recent incident at IIT Kharagpur where a professor named Seema Singh at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences allegedly made casteist slurs during a class meant for students from the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes and persons with disabilities must have raised eyebrows ...read more
Evolution of Surveillance: From Panopticon's Gaze to Pegasus' Intrusion

From panopticon to Pegasus, how ideas about surveillance have evolved

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The concept of surveillance has undergone significant transformations since its inception in the 18th century. Jeremy Bentham's Panopticon, a prison design that allowed constant observation of inmates, marked the beginning of systematic surveillance. ...read more
There is an urgent need for safeguards against unfair discontinuation of social benefits |IAS Gurukul

There is an urgent need for safeguards against unfair discontinuation of social benefits

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The article begins by highlighting the increased dependence of poor people on social security schemes, such as the public distribution system (PDS), during the Covid-19 crisis. It then discusses the findings of a recent survey that found that a significant proportion of people have been denied foodgrain rations due to Aadhaar-related problems. ...read more
The Prevalence of Dynastic Politics in India

One Above the Other

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Dynastic politics continues to be a prominent feature of Indian politics, with a significant proportion of Lok Sabha MPs coming from political families. The phenomenon is particularly prevalent in some states and among certain parties, such as the Congress and the BJP. While there have been calls to curb dynastic politics, it remains a persistent issue due to factors such as the perceived electability of dynasts and the influence of political families within parties. ...read more
Why Caste Matters in India: A Review of Suraj Yengde's The Life and Times of a Dalit in India

Explained: Why so many MPs are dynasts

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

In his book The Life and Times of a Dalit in India, Suraj Yengde provides a powerful and personal account of the caste system and its impact on Dalits. Yengde argues that caste is not just a historical relic but a living reality that continues to shape the lives of Dalits in India. ...read more
Lessons for India from China's Pro-Natalist Policy Reversal

Why China’s about-turn shows restrictive population policy doesn’t work

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

China's recent announcement to allow married couples to have up to three children marks a significant shift in its long-standing population control policies. This change comes amidst concerns about a rapidly aging population and declining fertility rates. However, the success of this pro-natalist policy remains uncertain, as evidenced by the limited impact of similar measures in other countries. ...read more
Reclaiming Public Spaces: Ensuring Women's Participation in the New Normal

Make room for women in the new normal

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The article highlights the limited access to public spaces that many women in India face, emphasizing the need to address this issue as we transition to a post-pandemic society. It cites statistics from the India Human Development Survey, revealing that a significant proportion of women are unable to visit markets, gram sabhas, or metropolitan cities. ...read more
Growing Affinity between Hindus and Hindutva Ideology: Pew Survey Insights

Pew survey reflects growing affinity between majority community and Hindutva

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

A recent Pew Research Center survey on religion in India reveals a growing affinity between the Hindu majority community and Hindutva ideology. The survey findings suggest that many Hindus view their religion as an integral part of their Indian identity, ...read more
India's Farm Crisis: Addressing the Root Causes for Sustainable Agriculture

What India’s farm crisis really needs

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The article delves into the complex factors underlying India's farm crisis, tracing its roots to the Green Revolution and its subsequent impact on land distribution, agricultural practices, and public investment. It highlights the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, particularly in terms of market access and price volatility. ...read more
WFH Unlikely to Boost Women's Labor Force Participation Without Addressing Gender Inequality

A normalisation of WFH is unlikely to raise women’s participation in the labour force

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The pandemic-induced shift to work from home (WFH) initially led to a rise in women's labor force participation in India. However, national-level data suggests that this increase was temporary, and the gender gap in employment has not narrowed. ...read more
Revisiting Jammu and Kashmir's Special Status in the Context of Democracy

By numbers alone

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Did the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status express India’s democratic wish, or did it violate basic democratic canons? The government’s claim is the former, critics say it is the latter. How do we judge? ...read more
Judicial Counter-Majoritarianism and the Marginalization of India's Muslim Minority

A temple on contested site of mosque’s destruction departs from judicial counter- majoritarianism

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Supreme Court's decision to hand over the site of the demolished Babri mosque to the Hindu community for the construction of a Ram temple has been widely criticized as a departure from the principle of judicial counter-majoritarianism. This principle holds that the judiciary should act as a check on the power of the majority and protect the rights of minority groups. ...read more
India's Identity Paradox: Can Religious Diversity Coexist with a Superordinate Civic Identity

What does it mean to be Indian?

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

India's identity is a complex tapestry of religious, linguistic, and caste-based diversities. While these diversities have historically coexisted alongside a broader civic identity, the rise of Hindu nationalism has raised concerns about the erosion of this civic identity and the promotion of a Hindu-centric view of Indianness. ...read more
Huge numbers may be pushed into dire poverty or starvation…we need to secure them | IAS Gurukul

Huge numbers may be pushed into dire poverty or starvation…we need to secure them

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

We in India worry a lot about the possible mis-steps that can happen in the implementation of large-scale transfers; the money (or the food ) may end up in the wrong hands, some intermediary may get rich at the expense of the taxpayer. In some ways, this is a welcome shift from the see-no-evil optimism that gave us government-run hotels and “luxury” river cruises ...read more
Kamla Bhasin, a Champion for Gender Equality, Passes Away

Kamla Bhasin dies after battling cancer

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Kamla Bhasin, a prominent figure in the women's rights movement, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout her life, Bhasin dedicated herself to advocating for gender equality and empowering women and girls across South Asia. She was the founder of several organizations, including Sangat and Jagori, ...read more
Revising Creamy Layer Definition and Sub-Categorization for OBCs in India

Proposal to revise creamy layer for OBCs and sub- categorization

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Indian government is considering two measures to enhance the effectiveness of reservation policies for Other Backward Classes (OBCs): revising the criteria for defining the 'creamy layer' and introducing sub-categorization within OBCs. The 'creamy layer' refers to the economically affluent sections of OBCs who have benefited disproportionately from reservation quotas. ...read more
Understanding the Incel Movement: A Threat to Law and Order

Incel Movement

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Incel Movement is a dangerous online subculture that promotes misogynistic views about women. The movement is characterized by the 'red pill' and 'black pill' mentality, which promotes the defeatist idea that one's sexual fate is sealed at birth. ...read more
Government Debates the Need for a Caste-Based Census in India

Government decision on non-caste-based census

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Indian government is considering conducting a caste-based census for the first time since 1931. Proponents of the census argue that it would provide valuable data for analyzing the effectiveness of reservation policies and understanding the complexities of India's caste system. However, opponents argue that such a census would reinforce caste divisions and hinder efforts to create a casteless society. ...read more
Anti-Conversion Laws: A Legal Assault on Freedom of Religion and Choice

Anti-Conversion Laws

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Anti-conversion laws have been gaining traction in India, with several states enacting legislation to restrict or prohibit religious conversions. These laws are often justified as protecting individuals from forced conversions, but they have been criticized for violating the right to freedom of religion and choice. ...read more
Implementing a Uniform Civil Code in India: A Sociological Analysis

Uniform Civil Code

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The concept of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India has been a subject of intense debate for several decades. Proponents of the UCC argue that it would promote national unity and gender equality by replacing the current system of personal laws, which vary based on religious affiliation. Opponents of the UCC express concerns about the potential erosion of minority rights and cultural identities. ...read more
New Cooperation Ministry Raises Questions of Federalism and Cooperatives' Future in India

Formation of new Cooperation Ministry and the Supreme Court judgment

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Indian government's creation of a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation has ignited a discussion on federalism and the future of cooperatives in India. Proponents of the ministry view it as a means to streamline processes and foster cooperative growth. However, critics contend that the ministry could erode state autonomy and impede the authentic development of the cooperative movement. ...read more
Critical Race Theory: A Debate over Race and Racism in American Society

Critical Race Theory

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Critical Race Theory (CRT) has become a contentious issue in recent years, with proponents and opponents clashing over its role in education and society. Proponents of CRT argue that it is an important tool for understanding and addressing racism, while opponents criticize it as divisive and harmful to race relations. ...read more
Black Lives Matter: A Movement for Racial Equality

Black Lives Matter

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Black Lives Matter movement is a significant force in addressing racial and social injustice in the US. The movement's decentralized nature and use of social media have been crucial in its growth and impact. However, the movement has also faced criticism regarding its funding and organizational structure. ...read more
Gail Omvedt: A Trailblazing Sociologist Championing Social Justice in India

Gail Omvedt died

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Gail Omvedt, a renowned Indian sociologist, dedicated her life to the pursuit of social justice and equality. She vehemently opposed the caste system, highlighting the plight of Dalit communities in her book "Seeking Begumpura." Her work "Understanding Caste: From Buddha to Ambedkar and Beyond" contextualized Dalit movements ...read more
Farmer Protests: A State of Disquiet in Indian Agriculture

State of Environment in Figures Report 2021: Farmer protests

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The State of Environment in figures Report 2021 by Delhi based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released data on farmer protests ...read more
Marriage Trends among Youth: A Shift in Attitudes and Practices

Lokniti-CSDS Youth studies: Marriage trends

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Marriage trends among Indian youth are undergoing significant changes. While the proportion of married youth has decreased compared to a decade ago, arranged marriages remain the preferred choice. However, there is an increasing acceptance of inter-caste marriage, and attitudes towards women's say in marriage are becoming more progressive. ...read more
UDISE+ Report 2019-20: Unveiling India's Educational Landscape and Reforms

Report on United Information system for education plus

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The UDISE+ Report 2019-20 presents a detailed picture of India's school education system. Key findings include increased enrolment at all levels, improved pupil-teacher ratios, and greater participation of Divyang students. Gender equality in education has also shown positive trends, with higher enrolment ratios for girls at all levels. ...read more
Religious Freedom in India: A Complex Tapestry of Tolerance and Diversity

Report on religious freedom in India

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

A nationwide survey by the Pew Research Center found that a majority of Indians across all religions feel they have the freedom to practice their religion. However, the survey also revealed significant divisions along religious lines regarding interfaith marriage, neighborhood integration, and the role of religion in Indian identity. ...read more
The Perils of Pushing India as a Civilizational State | IAS Gurukul

Perils of pushing India as a Civilizational State

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The idea of India as a civilizational state has gained traction in recent years, particularly among Hindu nationalists. This narrative portrays India as a unique civilization defined by Hinduism, and it seeks to establish a Hindu Rashtra, or a Hindu nation. ...read more
Shudra/OBC Conclave: A Call for Caste Census and Protection of State Properties

The Message From the Shudra/OBC Conclave

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The National Shudra/OBC conclave, held in Delhi on December 21, 2021, marked a significant gathering of Shudra/OBC activists, intellectuals, and political leaders to address the pressing issues confronting the community. The conclave resulted in the Delhi Declaration, a powerful statement outlining the community's demands for social justice. ...read more
Trust Capital: The New Currency of Political Success

Opinion: What wins votes today is ‘trust capital’

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Trust capital has emerged as a crucial factor in determining the success of political leaders and parties. It refers to the reservoir of trust earned by politicians through their consistent actions, commitments, and delivery on promises. Unlike charisma, which relies on personal magnetism, trust capital is built over time through meaningful engagement with the public. ...read more
Decoding the ‘Statue of Equality’: A Critique of Ramanuja’s Equality Claims

Statue Politics and the Myth of Ramanuja’s Equality

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The article challenges the perception of Ramanuja as a proponent of equality, arguing that his teachings and their practical application did not lead to significant improvements in the social status of Shudras, Dalits, and Adivasis. It highlights the continued prevalence of caste discrimination and untouchability in regions where Ramanuja's philosophy was prevalent, such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala. ...read more
Education and Empowerment: A Path Forward for Women in India

Education should be priority, not banning of hijab

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Sonalde Desai advocates for education and empowerment as the primary means of addressing gender norms and promoting women's rights in India. She opposes the Karnataka hijab ban, emphasizing that education should be accessible to all women, regardless of their attire choices. Desai stresses the importance of empowering women through education, employment, and public safety measures, allowing them to make their own decisions about their lives. ...read more
9 in 10 Indians think wife must always obey husband: study | IAS Gurukul

9 in 10 Indians think wife must always obey husband: study

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

While Indians accept women as political leaders, they mostly favour traditional gender roles in family life, says a report released by the Pew Research Center, a Washington DC-based non-profit. The study, titled ‘How Indians View Gender Roles in Families and Society’ and released on March 2, is based on a survey of 29,999 Indian adults conducted from November 2019 to March 2020 ...read more
Unveiling the Social Dimensions of Domestic Work in India: A Sociological Perspective

Invisible Labor: Sociological Perspectives on Domestic Workers in India

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The article examines the sociological aspects of domestic work, a significant yet underexplored sector in India. It explores the gendered division of labor, intersectionality, and social reproduction theory, crucial concepts for understanding the experiences of domestic workers. The article emphasizes the exploitation, abuse, and discrimination faced by domestic workers, particularly those from marginalized groups. ...read more
Upsurge affects poor the most, govt. must retool policy to ensure that inequalities do not deepen | IAS Gurukul

Upsurge affects poor the most, govt. must retool policy to ensure that inequalities do not deepen

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Inflation is back in India and it is hitting the poor the hardest. The authors propose a mixed approach to address inflation, which includes government intervention to control prices, providing subsidies to the poor, and making it easier for producers to access credit. ...read more
Drug Abuse: A Sociological Perspective on Addiction

Drug Abuse: Exploring the Sociological Dimensions of Addiction

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Union Ministry of Social Justice and empowerment has recommended changes to NDPS Act to ensure drug users and addicts are treated as ‘victims’ and exempt from a prison term ...read more
Delving into the Sociological Dimensions of Feminization of Agriculture: A Comprehensive Analysis

Feminization of Agriculture: Unraveling Gender Dynamics in Rural Farming Communities

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The phenomenon of feminization of agriculture has gained significant attention in recent years, shedding light on the increasing participation of women in agricultural activities worldwide. This article delves into the sociological dimensions of this trend, exploring the gender dynamics, socio-economic implications, and the experiences of women involved in agricultural work. By drawing upon the perspectives of Indian ...read more
Understanding the Sociological Dimensions of Same-Sex Marriages in India

Legalizing Same-Sex Marriages in India: A Sociological Perspective

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The legalization of same-sex marriages in India is a significant step towards achieving equality and dismantling heteronormative structures in society. It ensures access to benefits, social recognition, and the ability to form legally protected families for LGBTQ+ individuals. ...read more
Caste Discrimination in the USA: A Sociological Analysis

Caste Discrimination in the USA: An Examination of Social Hierarchies and Inequality

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Caste discrimination, often associated with the Indian social context, has also found its way to the United States, where it poses significant sociological challenges. This article aims to explore the phenomenon of caste discrimination in the USA, employing sociological terminologies, jargons, theories, and concepts to critically analyze the social hierarchies and inequalities that exist within ...read more
Decoding

Unveiling the Sociological Dimensions of "Love Jihad"

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The term "Love Jihad" has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly in India. It refers to a controversial concept that alleges a systematic campaign where Muslim men are accused of luring Hindu women into relationships for the purpose of religious conversion. This article aims to analyze the sociological ...read more
Understanding the Sociological Perspectives on Sex Workers' Rights

Unveiling the Sociological Dimensions of the Rights of Sex Workers

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The rights of sex workers have been a subject of extensive debate and discussion within the realms of sociology and human rights advocacy. This article aims to explore the sociological perspectives surrounding the rights of sex workers, shedding light on the viewpoints of Indian and Western sociologists and social scientists ...read more
The Care Economy: A Sociological Perspective

Understanding the Care Economy: A Sociological Perspective

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The concept of the care economy has gained significant attention in recent years as societies grapple with the challenges of caregiving, unpaid labor, and the recognition of care work's societal and economic value. This article delves into the sociological dimensions of the care economy ...read more
Exploring the Sociological Dimensions of Gender Self-Identification: Navigating a Complex Phenomenon

Gender Self-Identification: Exploring Identity, Autonomy, and Social Constructs

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The concept of gender self-identification has become a significant topic of sociological inquiry, as individuals assert their right to define and express their own gender identity. This article delves into the sociological dimensions of gender self-identification, drawing upon the perspectives of Indian and Western sociologists and social scientists ...read more
Advocating for Transgender Rights in India: A Sociological Perspective

Transgender Rights in India: A Sociological Exploration

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The fight for transgender rights has gained significant momentum in recent years, challenging societal norms and advocating for equality and social justice. This article delves into the sociological dimensions of transgender rights in India, examining the viewpoint ...read more
Chosen Pronouns: A Sociological Perspective

Chosen Pronouns: Exploring Identity, Language, and Social Change

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

In recent years, the concept of chosen pronouns has emerged as a significant aspect of language and identity. This article delves into the sociological dimensions of chosen pronouns, examining the viewpoints of Indian and Western sociologists and social scientists, and highlighting key theories ...read more
Deciphering India's Demographic Transformation: A Sociological Analysis of TFR 2.0

India Achieves Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.0: A Sociological Analysis

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

India's achievement of a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.0 holds significant sociological implications. Aspiring civil servants with a sociology optional must explore this demographic milestone from a sociological perspective, employing sociological terminologies, jargons, theories, and concepts. This article aims to provide a comprehensive sociological analysis of India achieving a TFR ...read more
India's Population Surpasses China's, Making India the World's Most Populous Nation

India's Population Surpasses China's, Making India the World's Most Populous Nation

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The recent announcement that India's population has surpassed China's, making it the world's most populous nation, has far-reaching sociological implications. As aspiring civil servants with a sociology optional, it is crucial to explore this demographic shift from a sociological perspective, employing terminologies, jargons, theories, and concepts ...read more
The Population Control Bill in India | IAS Gurukul

The Population Control Bill in India

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Population Control Bill in India has been a subject of considerable debate and discussion within the realm of sociological inquiry. Aspiring civil servants with a sociology optional must delve into this contentious issue, employing sociological terminologies, jargons, theories, and concepts to critically analyze the proposed legislation ...read more
Understanding Islamophobia | IAS Gurukul

Islamophobia

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a consensus Resolution declaring March 15 annually as the ‘International Day to Combat Islamophobia ...read more
Understanding the Glass Cliff Phenomenon | IAS Gurukul

Glass cliff

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The glass cliff is a relative of the “glass ceiling” — a metaphor for the invisible, societal barrier that keeps women from achieving the highest positions in business, politics, and organizations ...read more
Hijab Row | IAS Gurukul

Hijab Row

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Karnataka High Court upheld the ban that restricted students from wearing the hijab in classrooms. The Karnataka High Court made a decision to uphold a ban that restricts students from wearing the hijab in classrooms. The ruling implies that students who adhere to the Islamic faith and choose to wear the hijab as part of their religious observance will be prohibited from doing so within the school setting. This decision has generated discussions and debates regarding religious freedom, cultural diversity, and the rights of individuals to express their religious beliefs ...read more
Agnipath Scheme and Protests | IAS Gurukul

Agnipath scheme and protests

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Agnipath Scheme is a recruitment process announced by the Indian government in which youths between the ages of 17-and-a-half and 21 years would get an opportunity to work with the Indian armed forces. It will be a four-year commitment at the end of which 25 per cent of the recruits will be retained for regular service ...read more
Abortion Controversy in the USA | IAS Gurukul

Abortion Controversy in USA

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The United States Supreme Court has overturned its own 1973 ruling regarding women’s right to privacy as they seek abortion. The 1973 judgment in Roe vs. Wade was a landmark judgment in which the U.S. Supreme Court on January 22, 1973 ruled (7–2) that unduly restrictive ...read more
Kashmiri Pandits: History, Culture, and Resettlement | IAS Gurukul

Kashmiri Pandits

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s is in the spotlight following the release of The Kashmir Files. TN Madan calls ‘kashmiriyat’ as a pluralistic culture of tolerance and acceptance of the religious and cultural differences and not syncretism ...read more
Marital Rape: Causes, Consequences, and Legal Issues | IAS Gurukul

Marital Rape

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Delhi High Court delivered a split verdict on decriminalizing marital rape in the country. The debate revolved around the validity of the Exception 2 of Section 375 which states that “sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under fifteen years of age, is not rape” ...read more
Minimum Age of Marriage for Women | IAS Gurukul

Minimum age of marriage for women

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Jaya Jaitley parliamentary standing committee seeks to increase the marriageable age of women from 18 to 21 years of age ...read more
Work from Home Opportunities | IAS Gurukul

Work from Home

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Emile Durkheim defined “anomie” as a condition where society becomes unstable due to a breakdown in society. Covid 19 and the consequent lockdown qualify to be called an anomic condition in the society ...read more
Sociology of War | IAS Gurukul

Sociology of War

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War that began in 2014 ...read more
Masculinity | Understanding Gender and Identity | IAS Gurukul

Masculinity

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Hollywood actor Will Smith punched stand-up comedian Chris Rock for making fun of his wife's appearance in a joke. This has brought the issue of toxic masculinity prevalent in the society in limelight ...read more
Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana | IAS Gurukul

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is National Mission for Financial Inclusion to ensure access to financial services, namely, Banking/ Savings & Deposit Accounts, Remittance, Credit, Insurance, Pension in an affordable manner. It will complete its eight year of implementation in August 2022 ...read more
National Family Health Survey-V (NFHS-V) | IAS Gurukul

National Family Health Survey-V

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

National Report of the 2nd phase of fifth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) was released recently ...read more
Exploring Start-up Culture | IAS Gurukul

Start-up culture

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The success of Shark Tank India has brought the start-up culture prevalent in India into limelight ...read more
Temple Construction | IAS Gurukul

Temple Construction

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Kashi, Mathura, Delhi, Lucknow: Demands to rebuild temples claims gain momentum post ...read more
Sanitation Habits for a Healthy Lifestyle | IAS Gurukul

Sanitation Habit

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The findings indicate the need for reinforcing behavioural change in sanitation habits Over the years, the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) have evolved into a major source of data, producing a vast array of indicators on the demographic, health, nutrition and socio-economic status of people. The technical and resource support provided by national and international agencies enables NFHS ...read more
Post-lockdown Misery of India's Migrant Workers

Post-lockdown misery of India’s migrant workers

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

One year since the Covid-19 lockdown was imposed, there’s been little change in the hunger levels and unemployment rate among migrant workers, especially women ...read more
Call It What It Is: Rape | IAS Gurukul

Call it what it is: Rape

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Supreme Court’s statements in two recent cases invisibilise sexual violence in the institutions of family and marriage ...read more
Urban Disparities: How Caste Shapes Cities | IAS Gurukul

Urban Disparities: How Caste Shapes Cities

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Built environments are a reflection of the social order and dynamic ideals of society. Neighborhoods and cities are cultural relics shaped by diverse communities, some of whose voices are heard louder than others. In the past few decades, Indian metropolitans have been booming with urbanization ...read more
Caste doesn’t just exist in India or in Hinduism

Caste doesn’t just exist in India or in Hinduism – it is pervasive across many religions in South Asia and the diaspora

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The California State University system, America’s largest public higher education system, recently added caste, a birth-based social hierarchy system, to its anti-discrimination policy, allowing students, staff and faculty across its 23 campuses to report caste bias and discrimination ...read more
OBC Entrepreneurs and India's MSMEs | IAS Gurukul

OBC entrepreneurs own nearly 30% of India’s MSMEs

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Around 41% of OBC-owned units are located in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Other Backward Classes (OBC) own nearly 30% of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in the country ...read more
The Great Resignation | Impact and Trends | IAS Gurukul

Great Resignation

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The Great Resignation, also known as the Big Quit and the Great Reshuffle, is an ongoing economic trend in which employees have voluntarily resigned from their jobs en masse, beginning in early 2021. Possible causes include wage stagnation amid rising cost of living, long-lasting job dissatisfaction, safety ...read more
Critique of Work | IAS Gurukul

Critique of work

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Critique of work or critique of labour, or more informally antiwork, refers to the critique of, and wish to abolish work as such, and not only to critique of the worst forms of what the critics of works often deem wage slavery ...read more
Post-work society | IAS Gurukul

Post-Work Society

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

In futurology, political science, and science fiction, a post-work society is a society in which the nature of work has been radically transformed ...read more
Exploring the Many Verses of Metaverse | IAS Gurukul

Exploring the Many Verses of Metaverse

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

The rapid speed and scale of digitisation has suddenly landed us in a universe, verses of which are being ubiquitously heard. Don’t you overhear corporations pumping up war chests, to garner first movers’ advantage in a bid to compete in Metaverse ...read more
Non-Place Phenomenon | IAS Gurukul

Non-place

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

An anthropological concept, which is a marker of supermodernity and impersonality What do hotels, airports, and shopping malls have in common? These metropolitan motifs are inorganic spaces that confer a uniform identity on individuals based on their consumption patterns. One is always a ‘diner’, ‘passenger’ or ‘customer’ here. These artificial spaces are what French anthropologist Marc Augé refers to as ‘non-places’ ...read more
Raising Marriage Age and Women's Empowerment | IAS Gurukul

Raising marriage age won’t lead to women’s empowerment

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

That can only happen through affordable education, meaningful and decent employment opportunities. The announcement of a cabinet decision to raise the age at marriage for women from 18 to 21 years marks the fruition of a plan that was first revealed almost two years ago when a Task Force was set up for the purpose ...read more
Frances Haugen exposes Facebook:

Frances Haugen exposes Facebook: Effects of surveillance capitalism on social media users

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

Facebook is no stranger to controversy, but the past few weeks have been particularly disreputable for the tech giant. The turmoil began when Facebook former-employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen copied internal documents — including internal research and employee discussions — and leaked it to The Wall Street Journal, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Congress ...read more
On womens rights | IAS Gurukul

On Women’s Rights: India Leading the Way

04 Nov 2023 || Pranay Aggarwal

This article explores the underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields from a sociological perspective. It examines the terminologies, theories, and concepts used to understand the social implications, power dynamics, and challenges women encounter in these fields. ...read more