General Studies-2; Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Introduction Launched on January 22, 2015, the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme sought to address gender-biased sex selection, …
Topic: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Q3. “Reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions has widened political representation but not necessarily empowerment”. Critically examine. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: InsightsIAS Why the …
Topic: Salient features of Indian Society Q2. “Access alone does not guarantee empowerment.” Discuss its relevance for women in India with reference to economic participation, decision-making, and social influence. (15M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question: The question seeks to assess understanding of the distinction between access and actual empowerment, highlighting how resources …
Context: In September 2025, Jiya Rai, a 17-year-old para swimmer with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), became the first autistic female to successfully swim across the 34 km Catalina Channel in the US, completing the feat in 15 hours despite freezing waters, jellyfish stings, treacherous currents, and the darkness of night. She dedicated her achievement to …
Syllabus: Role of Women and Women’s Organization Source: TH Context: A recent article highlights that maternity reintegration—not just maternity leave—is the real test of inclusion in Indian workplaces. About Maternity Reintegration in India: What it is? Reintegration refers to the seamless transition of women employees from maternity leave back into the workforce. It goes beyond …
Context: Surajpur district in Chhattisgarh has declared 75 village panchayats as “Child Marriage-Free”, marking a major milestone in the fight against child marriage. About Surajpur – Model for Child Marriage Eradication: What It Is? A district-level social reform initiative aimed at eliminating child marriage through awareness, community participation, and strict monitoring. Recognized as a model …
Continue reading “Surajpur – Model for Child Marriage Eradication”
Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger Q3. “Closing gender gaps could lift millions out of poverty, yet progress remains stalled”. Explain the factors behind persistent female poverty. Suggest institutional reforms to accelerate gender equality. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question Global reports like UN Gender Snapshot 2025 highlight stalled progress …
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment Q5. “Employment is not empowerment when jobs lack dignity, scope, and opportunities”. Evaluate the structural causes of women’s underemployment in India. Examine its economic and social consequences. Suggest comprehensive strategies for reversal. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why …
Context: The Labour Ministry reported that women’s employment rate in India nearly doubled from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, while female unemployment fell from 5.6% to 3.2%. About Women’s Employment Rate in India: What it is? Women’s Workforce Participation Rate (WPR) as measured by PLFS, reflecting the share of women engaged in economic …
Syllabus: Role of Women and Women’s Organization Source: The Hindu Context: The recent case of a domestic help in Karnataka who stood firm against a powerful politician highlights how true empowerment goes beyond applause — it requires systemic support for survivors of abuse. About Women Empowerment What is Women Empowerment? Definition: The process of enabling …
Context: Nüshu, a 400-year-old “women’s script” from Jiangyong, Hunan province, is witnessing a revival among Gen Z Chinese women, who see it as a cultural symbol of sisterhood and empowerment. About Nüshu Script Conservation: What it is? Nüshu is a 17th-century phonetic script created by women in Jiangyong, China, as a private communication system when …
Context: A wedding in Malappuram gained national attention after the groom offered Sharia-compliant company shares as mehr instead of gold or cash, sparking a wider social, religious, and financial conversation on ethical investments. About Modernisation of Marriage: The Malappuram Case What is it? Modernisation of marriage refers to evolving matrimonial customs to align with contemporary …
Continue reading “Modernisation of Marriage: The Malappuram Case”
Context: The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has launched and is actively implementing Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojna and Nandini Sahakar to promote financial inclusion and entrepreneurship among women-led cooperatives. About Schemes for Women Cooperatives: Swayamshakti Sahakar Yojna: Aim: To provide affordable and accessible credit to women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives for collective socio-economic activities and …
Topic: Population and associated issues Q2. Assess the gender dimensions of India’s declining sex ratio at birth. Analyse how son-preference persists despite welfare schemes targeting girl children. Suggest multi-sectoral interventions to address this demographic concern. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Easy Reference: TH Why the question India’s continuously declining sex ratio at birth despite long-running welfare …
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Q5. While educational attainment for Indian women nears parity, labour force participation remains stagnant. Examine the reasons behind this paradox. Discuss its implications for inclusive growth. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question India’s rising educational parity for women as per Global Gender Gap …
Syllabus: Women Source: TH Context: The recent passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023 in India has reignited debates on gender equity in politics. However, feminist discourse today faces challenges in addressing structural and interpersonal inequalities without deepening societal polarisation. About Feminism and Its Waves: First Wave (1848–1920s): Focused on suffrage and legal rights. Key figures: Elizabeth …
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Q5. How does the digital gender divide limit women’s participation in India’s workforce? Analyse its implications for the future of work. Suggest targeted interventions to close this gap. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium …
Topic: Role of women and women’s organization Q2. Examine the role of education in shaping gender equality outcomes in India. Analyse the challenges to sustaining gender parity across different stages of education. Suggest reforms to achieve sustained gender parity in education. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: PIB Why the question: The recent release of …
Topic: Population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues Q1. The burden of unpaid care work is both a reflection and cause of structural inequality. Analyse time poverty as a gendered phenomenon. What role can social infrastructure play in alleviating it? (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TOI Why the question: The Time Use in …
Syllabus: Women Source: TH Context: The increasing voter turnout among women in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has sparked discussions on their political participation, agency, and the factors shaping their electoral choices, as highlighted by study using National Election Studies (NES) data. Data on Women’s Participation in the Electoral Process: Rising Voter Turnout: In 2024, …
Continue reading “Women’s Participation in the Electoral Process”
