Are You Mains Ready? With the UPSC CSE Mains 2025 beginning on August 22, Social Issues — often a neglected area in preparation—can be very rewarding if covered comprehensively and applied wisely in answers. Current affairs play a big role in shaping the content for social issues. And since there is no clearly defined syllabus—only broad themes mentioned by UPSC—the number of potential topics is quite large. Nevertheless, for revision purposes, you must have some general themes prepared beforehand to serve as solid fodder for your answers. Here are 15 topics or themes that must be a part of your UPSC Mains Revision Checklist this year: # 1 Stampedes at mass gatherings Stampedes are in news quite often. At least 18 people were killed in a stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station, which happened following a surge in the crowd of passengers waiting to board trains for Prayagraj, which is hosting the Maha Kumbh festival. Earlier, a stampede occurred at the Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Very recently, Bengaluru stampedes at the M Chinnaswamy stadium on June 4 during a celebration of RCB’s first IPL crown hit the headlines. These incidents have highlighted the critical importance of crowd management and the need to address the issue of stampedes. Since, it directly involves administration and crowd control management, aspirants must prepare this theme for the upcoming exam. Points to ponder: What are the factors leading to stampedes? What are the NDMA guidelines for crowd management in India? What should be done for effective crowd management and preventing stampedes? Refer: How to prevent stampedes at mass gatherings — 4 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains # 2 Social Media, the double-edged sword Last year, Australia approved a Bill to restrict social media for children under the age of 16, termed a “world-first” set of measures. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 puts the onus on social media companies to prevent children from accessing their platforms. It says companies can be fined up to $32 million if they fail to do so. Social media has become a daily habit in our lives, especially among young people. Individuals from various age groups use social media platforms for communication and networking, indicating a growing dependency on these platforms. Thus, knowing about the social media and its impact becomes significant. Additionally, awareness in the field of information technology is mentioned in the UPSC CSE syllabus, and previously UPSC has asked questions on this topic. This topic is also relevant for essay writing and current affairs, making it important for candidates preparing for their personality tests. Points to ponder: Why social media is a double-edged sword? What is the regulatory framework for social media in India? What measures should be taken for better regulation of social Media? Refer: Social Media, the double-edged sword: 4 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains Beyond scrolling, texting and posting # 3 India’s Linguistic Landscape Language has been at the centre of political and cultural debate in India. Keeping politics aside, India’s multilingual landscape is the epitome of the country’s diversity and heritage, having evolved into its present form after millennia of migrations and cultural mixing. It has been, in many ways, our greatest source of strength and yet, at times, the cause behind some bitter political skirmishes. In this context, it is importnat to look at India’s linguistic landscape through constitutional mandate, classical languages and the challenge of extinction faced by various languages. Points to ponder: India speaks in many languages — But what does the Constitution say about it? What makes a language ‘classical’ in India—and why does it matter? What are the endangered languages? Can endangered languages be saved? What initiatives are in place to protect such languages? Refer: India’s Linguistic Landscape - From constitutional safeguards to endangered languages # 4 Population and associated issues India overtook China in terms of the size of its population, to become the most populous country in the world. Some of the factors which have contributed to overpopulation in India include poverty, illiteracy, ignorance about family planning and low contraceptive usage. Socio-cultural factors such as early marriage, near universality of marriage and strong male child preference also lead to more births. Patriarchy and the resultant lack of female sexual and reproductive autonomy too have significantly contributed towards a higher fertility rate. Culturally, children, particularly sons, are considered an asset and a gift of God. Till date, a popular blessing elders shower on a young woman is ‘Doodho nahao, Pooto phalo’ (May you be blessed with riches and many children!) Interestingly, our decadal population growth rate is modest. The problem of overpopulation can then be explained by the fact that we had a large population base to begin with. In other words, we are the largest population in the world because we have always been one of the largest populations in the world! Also, the reduction in death rate due to better nutrition and medical facilities and improved life expectancy since independence has also added to the overall size of the population. It is an important theme in GS I. Aspirants will find it relevant for Essays as well. With India becoming the most populous country, this topic becomes essential for UPSC preparation. Administration plays a vital role in societal transformation and in managing social change. Right now, major shifts are taking place in demographic patterns. Future bureaucrats will be change managers in that sense. Points to ponder: What are the major causes of overpopulation in India? What opportunities does a large population provide a nation? Is poverty the cause of population growth in India, or vice versa? What has been India’s population policy since independence? What are some government schemes addressing the population growth challenge? How to critically assess India’s population control policy? Is empowering women key to population control? Refer: Population and associated issues # 5 Literacy and associated issues Illiteracy continues to pose a substantial burden on the nation despite several years of independence due to its multifaceted impact on various aspects of society. The literacy rate in the country is overall 74.04 per cent, 82.14 for males and 65.46 for females, as per the 2011 census. While the country has made significant progress in improving literacy over the years, it continues to be home to 313 million illiterate people; 59 per cent of whom are women. It is heartbreaking that 17.8 per cent of males and a staggering 34.5 per cent of females do not have basic literacy even after 75 years of independence. While literacy and education are related concepts, they are distinct from each other. Literacy focuses specifically on the ability to read, write, and communicate through written language. It is a fundamental skill that enables individuals to access, understand, and convey information. On the other hand, education is a broader concept encompassing a wide range of learning experiences and knowledge acquisition. Education includes formal schooling, but it extends beyond the classroom to encompass the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes through informal learning processes. Education, thus, encompasses a broader range of cognitive, social, and intellectual development. Points to ponder: How adult illiteracy and child illiteracy differ in terms of challenges? What is the impact of this digital divide on education in India? What are India’s various initiatives towards increasing literacy rate, including education policies? Refer: Society and Social Justice — Literacy and associated issues # 6 Manual Scavenging in India According to 2024 data, over the past 15 years, a total of 94 people have died while cleaning sewers in Delhi. However, among the 75 cases for which records are available, only one has led to a conviction in court, as revealed by an investigation conducted by The Indian Express using data obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. In this context, it is important to understand the broader issue of manual scavenging in India. It highlights critical concerns such as caste discrimination, human rights, sanitation, and government policies. Understanding this issue is essential for addressing contemporary challenges related to inclusive development and social justice. This topic is also relevant for essay writing and current affairs, making it important for candidates preparing for their personality tests. Points to ponder: What is manual scavenging? What are the legislative and policy measures taken by the government to eradicate manual scavenging? Why is manual scavenging still prevalent in India? What measures should be taken to eliminate manual scavenging in India? Refer: Manual Scavenging in India # 7 Unemployment and associated issues The issue of employment has been at the heart of economic policy discussions, especially in recent decades when the link between economic growth and employment generation has social dimension too. This topic has various dimensions: factual – reflected through surveys, government reports and think tank data and analytical- based on experts’ analysis and debates revolving around them. One may have to make a note of important definitions and terminologies, data and changing trends along with connecting the dots with other related issues. Points to ponder: What is unemployment or who is an unemployed person? Is unemployment synonymous with joblessness? What are its causes? How is unemployment measured? What are the different types of unemployment, and why is it important to know about different forms? Why is youth unemployment seen as a major problem today? What are the various consequences of unemployment? What have been some of the measures or policy initiatives taken to control unemployment? Is AI going to be the new age cause of unemployment? How does the global economy affect national employment? ‘Wages are the worry, not just unemployment.’ Discuss. Refer: Unemployment and associated issues # 8 Uniform Civil Code Dileep P Chandran writes: "The Uttarakhand government implements the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on Monday, becoming the first state in independent India to put into effect such a law. The UCC has been debated since the inception of the Indian Constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has justified his government’s efforts to formulate a “secular civil code” by quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and K.M. Munshi’s statements made in the Constituent Assembly on November 23, 1948. Let’s revisit how the Constituent Assembly debated the UCC, and what was the stance of noted figures on it. Reflecting on the extensive process of creating one of the world’s largest written Constitutions, particularly on the Constituent Assembly debate on the UCC, allows us to appreciate how the framers of the Constitution built consensus despite political, cultural, religious, ideological, and other differences." Point to ponder: How did the Constituent Assembly address the potential conflict between the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and religious freedom? Refer: How Constituent Assembly debated Uniform Civil Code # 9 Caste The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) on April 30 approved the inclusion of caste data in the upcoming population census. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement, underscoring the constitutional framework that makes Census a Union subject. The move revives a long-standing debate over caste-based enumeration and its use in governance, policy, and politics. In this context, it becomes essential for aspirants to understand caste and census from a broader perspective relevant for their upcoming exams. Irfanullah Farooqi writes: "Following its social, economic, educational, employment, and political caste survey, the Telangana government is considering extending to the 14 Muslim groups similar benefits and schemes that it is planning for the BCs, SCs, and STs in the state. However, the BJP objects to it, saying the reservation is being proposed based on religion. These issues bring the spotlight back not only to the caste system but also to caste identity and caste-based politics. It calls for a deeper examination of India’s caste system, specifically exploring how caste identity today is framed around the newer aspirational economic and political landscapes." Point to ponder: Various features of the caste system in India, such as endogamy, hierarchy, and segmental division of society, operate along purity-pollution binary. Evaluate. What does caste identity mean in our times? What new theoretical frameworks do we have at our disposal to document shifts in that respect? Refer: A look at caste through Sanskritisation, politics, and identity From Caste to its Census: What you must know for UPSC Exam # 10 Gender Gender is one of the most critical issues today, with wide-ranging implications across society. In India, empowering women in the startup ecosystem means tackling entrenched gender norms that often limit their autonomy—even in elected roles. Despite government initiatives like Startup India and milestones such as the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, gaps persist in education, leadership, agriculture, nutrition, and reproductive rights. The feminisation of agriculture, for instance, hasn’t yet translated into greater decision-making power. Meanwhile, women continue to face inequality in access to nutrition and maternity benefits, highlighting the need for urgent, systemic reforms to close the gender gap. Points to ponder: Does the nature of a woman’s business venture influence her societal and familial status? What factors contribute to the low female labor force participation rate in India, and how can entrepreneurship help address this issue? There are noted variations in state-level performance with regard to women’s nutritional status. What does this say about the role of governance and socio-cultural context in improving gendered nutrition outcomes? Refer: Maternity benefits integral to right to life, health and equality What gender gap lens reveals about declining fertility rate For women, nutrition is not just about food but a socio-cultural construct How to ensure women empowerment in India’s startup ecosystem How can feminisation of agriculture empower women? # 11 Urbanisation and related issues Urbanisation is the shift of populations from rural to urban areas, transforming not just landscapes but also social, economic, and cultural dynamics. It involves city expansion, rising population density, and increased demand for jobs, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Urban areas, defined by their developed infrastructure and non-agricultural economies, contrast sharply with rural regions. As cities grow, managing the challenges of urbanisation calls for coordinated efforts from governments, NGOs, and citizens alike. Expect questions revolving around challenges and solutions. Points to ponder: How has urbanisation effected family, caste, women, village life and other social institutions? What is the way forward for city management and urban governance? Often seen in academic papers is the term ‘Rurbanisation’. What is it and why is it being discussed? Refer: Society & Social Justice - Urbanisation and associated issues # 12 Gig workers Ritwika Patgiri writes: "The Union government has for the first time allowed the use of bike taxis through aggregators, subject to state government approval. The move is seen as bringing some relief to bike taxi operators, especially in states like Karnataka where a recent ban on bike taxis had reportedly stripped thousands of gig workers of their primary source of income. A significant number of bike taxi riders come from economically weaker backgrounds such as students, former daily-wage workers, and women who have returned to work post-pandemic. Riders claim that the flexibility and accessibility of the profession have made it a viable source of income in regions where formal employment opportunities are limited." Point to ponder: What distinguishes gig work from traditional employment in terms of labour rights and protections? The classification of gig workers as “self-employed” is considered problematic. Why? How have states like Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Telangana responded differently to the challenges faced by gig workers? Gig work is seen as especially significant for women in India and across the Global South. Do you agree? Support your answers with examples. Refer: How gig workers struggle between flexibility and insecurity # 13 Regionalism Dileep P Chandran writes: "Regionalism is an ambiguous concept that has both positive and negative connotations. In a positive sense, it denotes people’s appreciation for their culture, language, region, etc. with a view to maintain an independent identity. In a negative sense, it implies excessive attachment to one’s region, which may pose a threat to unity and integrity of the nation. In both cases, regionalism reflects a shared sense of identity among people in a specific geographical area. It often originates among groups in particular areas due to distinct ethnic, linguistic, economic and cultural consciousness." Point to ponder: How do cultural, ethnic, religious, or linguistic identities influence regionalist aspirations in India? How did the concept of regionalism evolve in India following independence, particularly in relation to linguistic identity? Refer: Understanding regionalism - India’s approach to managing diverse identities # 14 Rural distress in India Ritwika Patgiri writes: "The year 2025 marks two decades since the implementation of MGNREGS, which aimed to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to one member of every Indian rural household. The scheme was implemented against the backdrop of declining real agricultural wages after the 1991 economic liberalisation. MGNREGS (based on MGNREG Act, 2005) also came against the backdrop of rural development policies shaped for poverty reduction and capital formation. The scheme sustained over the years, and notably during Covid-19 lockdown absorbed a large number of returning migrant workers. However, in recent years, the scheme faced issues such as inadequate budget allocation and delayed wage disbursement. As of 2018-19, only 7.4 per cent of rural households, on average, availed of 100 days of work. In 2023-24, an average MGNREGS household worked only for 52 days." Point to ponder: Examine the impact of the recent cap 60 per cent on MGNREGS spending on rural employment and livelihoods. What do you think could be the possible implications of spending cap on the scheme? Despite growth in agriculture, rural workers continue to face employment challenges. Discuss the structural issues underlying this paradox. Refer: What is driving rural distress in India? # 15 Migration Ritwika Patgiri writes: "Migration is seen as an important component of socio-economic development. The 2011 Census estimates that 37% of India’s population comprises internal migrants, an increase from 31% in 2001. The National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) has also reported a rise in the migration rate from 25% in 1993 to 29% in 2007-08. In the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2020-21, the migration rate was estimated at 28.9%. While this indicates an overall increase in the migration rate, defined as the percentage of migrants in the population, understanding India’s migration story requires a deeper engagement with data that captures its various dimensions." Irfanullah Farooqi writes: "One of the most talked about features of globalisation is movement. However, to study movement not merely as a feature but as a consequence of globalisation, it is better to use the term migration. While migration has been part and parcel of human civilisation for as long as one can remember, its reasons have varied across time and space. People migrated for food, livelihood, a more assuring sense of community, prosperity, or to escape persecution, among other reasons." Points to ponder: What factors have contributed to the increase in India’s internal migration rate over the past two decades? How does the rise in internal migration impact socio-economic development at the national and regional levels? What challenges do migrants face after moving to urban areas, and how can these be addressed? Refer: Internal migrants drive development but ‘better life’ remains elusive for them How urban migration is redefining womanhood and kinship PREVIOUS CHECKLISTS & MAINS STRATEGY ARTICLES UPSC Mains 2025 Revision: Top 15 Polity and Governance topics UPSC Mains 2025 Revision Checklist: Top 15 International Relations topics UPSC Mains 2025 Revision Checklist: Top 15 Science and technology topics UPSC Mains 2025 Revision Checklist: Top 15 Economy topics aspirants shouldn’t miss UPSC CSE Mains 2025 Revision Checklist: Top 15 Environment and Geography topics What are ‘directive words’ in a UPSC Mains question paper and how do they help in scoring well? How to write effective answers for UPSC Mains Exam : 3 steps and 5 FAQsUPSC Mains UPSC Mains 2025 Ethics Paper Revision Checklist: Top 15 ethical issues aspirants shouldn’t miss for theory and case studies Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. 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