Sociology current affairs

Sociology Current Affairs - 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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' 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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 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

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

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 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

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

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

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