UPSC Indian Society Current Affairs 2026: Schemes, Poverty, Health, Social Issues

Indian Society is a crucial component of UPSC preparation, especially for GS Paper I and Essay. UPSC Indian Society Current Affairs 2026 brings together the most relevant developments from 2025–26, including government schemes, social justice issues, health indicators, poverty trends, and global reports. 

From minority welfare initiatives and tribal challenges to women empowerment and digital inclusion, this compilation helps aspirants build analytical perspectives for Mains while strengthening factual clarity for Prelims.

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UPSC Indian Society Current Affairs 2026 Revision for Prelims

Indian Society Current Affairs 2026 highlights major themes shaping India’s socio-economic landscape, including social justice, health, education, poverty, gender equality, and inclusion. It covers important government schemes like PMJVK, PM-JAY, PAHAL, and MY Bharat, along with issues related to Denotified Tribes, maternal health, and youth development.

Check Indian Society Current Affairs 2026 for UPSC Mains and Prelims in detail:

Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)

The National Commission for Minorities Act grants minority status to six communities: Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Parsis (Zoroastrians), and Jains. The Ministry of Minority Affairs oversees their welfare. 

A key initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), focused on developing minority-concentrated areas.

Key Features:

• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme providing infrastructure and basic amenities in minority-dominated regions.
• The scheme aligns with Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, promoting inclusive development.
• History: It succeeded the Multi-sectoral Development Program (2008-09) and was launched in 2018-19.
• Implementation: State Governments and Union Territories are crucial for its execution.
• Activities: Focuses on establishing schools, health centers, and skill development facilities.
• Special Provision: At least 33% of funds are allocated for asset creation and spent on women and girls from minority communities to foster their development.

Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes

These communities, collectively known as Vimukta Jatis, are among India’s most marginalized.

Definitions:

• Denotified Tribes (DNTs): During the British era, they were labeled “born criminals” under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. Post-independence, the Act was repealed, and they were “denotified.”
• Nomadic Tribes: Constantly move without permanent settlement, engaging in livelihoods like salt trading, fortune-telling, or pastoral activities (e.g., Gujjars).
• Semi-Nomadic Tribes: Primarily nomadic but settle seasonally (e.g., Lamadas).

Challenges Faced:

• Lack of Land Ownership.
• Exclusion: Often not classified under SC, ST, or OBC, limiting access to benefits.
• Lack of Documentation.
• Limited Access: Poor access to education, healthcare, and welfare schemes.
• Population: Approximately 10 crore people (2001 Census).

Government Initiatives:

• Dr. Ambedkar Pre-matric and Post-matric Scholarship.
• Nanaji Deshmukh Horstel Scheme.
• Free Coaching for competitive exams.
• Development and Welfare Board for Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes: Established in 2019 under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

PAHAL (Pratyaksh Hastantarit Labh) DBT-L Scheme

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas focuses on enhancing the PAHAL scheme.

• Context: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provides free LPG connections to women. While PMUY covers initial costs, PAHAL ensures continued affordability.
• Objective: To directly transfer LPG subsidy to eligible beneficiaries’ bank accounts, preventing misuse and ensuring targeted delivery.
• Implementing Agencies: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
• Subsidy Amount: ₹300 for a 14 kg cylinder, for 12 refills per year, transferred after purchase.

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Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

Universal Health Coverage means all people can access the quality health services they need without experiencing financial hardship. This prevents impoverishment due to expensive medical treatments.

• Global Context: United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) aims to achieve UHC by 2030, promoting the Right to Health and equity.

WHO and World Bank Global Monitoring Report Findings:

• Positive Trends:
  • Service Coverage Index improved from 54 (2000) to 71.
  • Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) decreased from 34% to 26%, indicating increased government health spending.
• Challenges:
  • 200 crore people globally still face financial hardship due to health expenses.
  • Disproportionate Impact: 3 out of 4 (75%) of the poorest households bear financial strain, compared to 4% of wealthier households.
  • Projected Shortfall: Service Coverage Index will only reach 74 by 2030, missing the target.
  • Future Financial Hardship: 25% of the global population is projected to lack financial protection by 2030.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) – Insurance Beneficiaries

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government launched an insurance scheme under the PMGKY for frontline healthcare workers.

• Objective: Provide a safety net for healthcare professionals on COVID-19 duties.
• Benefit: ₹50 lakh compensation to the family of healthcare professionals who died due to COVID-19 while treating patients.
• Premium Payment: Government covered the premium.
• Covered Workers (approx. 22 lakh): Doctors, Nurses, ASHA workers, Paramedics, Technicians, Ward staff, Sanitation workers, and Community Health Workers.
• Coverage: Initially for 90 days, extended as needed. Part of the ₹1.7 lakh crore Atmanirbhar Bharat relief package.

Shakti Scholars Young Research Fellowship

The National Commission for Women (NCW) launched the Shakti Scholars Young Research Fellowship.

• Objective: Promote high-quality, data-based research on women’s rights, safety, empowerment, and women-centric challenges to inform policy and foster gender-responsive governance.

Eligibility:

• Indian citizens aged 21 to 30 years.
• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree.
• Preference for Post-graduate or higher degrees/prior research experience.

Fellowship Details:

• Grant: Up to ₹1 lakh.
• Duration: 6 months.
• Focus Areas: Gender-based violence, effectiveness of the Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (POSH Act), cyber safety, women’s leadership, and other relevant issues.

Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan

The Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan (Healthy Women, Empowered Family Campaign) was a nationwide initiative focused on women’s health.

• Campaign Name: Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan.
• Timeline: Launched between September 17 and October 2.
• Achievement: Created three Guinness World Records.
• Objectives: Generate health awareness among women nationwide, enable early detection, focus on preventive healthcare, improve digital health access, and foster community engagement. It provides guidance on nutrition, menstrual hygiene, and cervical cancer awareness, emphasizing early detection and preventive screening.
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Impact: Involved 5 lakh Panchayati Raj representatives, over 1 crore students, ~94 lakh Self-Help Group members, and >5 lakh community stakeholders. Over 3 crore individuals registered on the digital health platform – the largest number globally. Over 10 lakh women registered for online breast cancer screenings within a week, marking the highest number of online breast cancer screenings worldwide.

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Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (GMPI)

The Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (GMPI) measures poverty beyond income, considering deprivations across multiple aspects.

• Dimensions and Indicators: Three equal-weighted dimensions (Health, Education, Standard of Living) and ten indicators.
• Measurement Components: Head Count Ratio (number of poor) and Intensity of Poverty (depth of poverty).
• Defining Multidimensional Poverty: Deprived in at least one-third (1/3) of weighted indicators.
• Publishing Bodies: UNDP and Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI).
• Key Findings (Global): 1.1 billion people in acute multidimensional poverty; 887 million also face climate hazards. Children have double the poverty rate of adults. Rural areas account for 83.5% of poor people. Highest concentrations in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
• India’s Performance: Multidimensional poverty decreased from 55.1% (2005-06) to 16.4% (2019-21), lifting ~410 million people out of poverty.

Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)

Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is the number of maternal deaths per 1 lakh live births.

• Definition of Maternal Death: Death during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination, from causes related to pregnancy or its management.
• India’s Target: Reduce MMR to below 70 by 2030 (SDGs).
• Current MMR (India): Approximately 90-93 (reduced from ~130).
• States achieving target (<70): Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Karnataka.
• Puducherry’s Achievement: First UT to achieve zero maternal mortality (2024-25), receiving a Platinum Certificate.
  • Initiatives: Strengthened PHCs, regular health camps, anemia screening, Chief Minister Girl Child Trust Fund, promotion of higher education for women.
    (Memory Tip: MMR is calculated per 1 lakh live births, a common trap in exams).

National Anubhav Awards

The National Anubhav Awards program acknowledges and incentivizes retiring/retired government employees to share experiences and insights for governance improvement.

• Concept: “Anubhav” means “experience.”
• Objective: Recognize employees who share experiences/suggestions.
• Launch: 2015 by Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare, under Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.
• Eligibility: Retirees within 3 years or due to retire within 8 months.
• Process: Submit “write-ups” published on the Anubhav portal.
• Expansion: Extended to PSBs and CPSEs. Uses a marking system for objectivity.

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MY Bharat Portal

MY Bharat (“Mera Yuva Bharat”) is a portal by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

• Target Age Group: Youth (15-29 years), including adolescents (10-19 years).
• Vision: Align youth with Viksit Bharat 2047.
• Philosophy: Transform youth from passive recipients to active drivers of national development.
• Objective: Foster Youth-led Development through experiential learning, volunteering, skill development.
• Features: Phygital approach, multilingual support (~15 Indian languages). Developed by Digital India Corporation.

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Gyan Post

Gyan Post facilitates delivery of educational materials at reduced postal costs.

• Objective: Make educational books/materials accessible by lowering postal charges.
• Postal Rates: ₹20 (up to 300g), ₹100 (up to 5kg).
• Conditions: Only non-commercial educational material. Must state printer/publisher. No commercial advertisements (beyond incidental).
• Mechanism: Leverages India Post’s network.

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