Contemporary Issues in Social Justice — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

For Prelims, the strategy for 'Contemporary Issues in Social Justice' must focus on factual accuracy, conceptual clarity, and recent developments.

1
Constitutional Articles & Keywords: — Memorize the core articles (14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 21A, 23, 24, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 46, 47) and their specific provisions. Understand how they are linked to contemporary issues (e.g., Article 21 with privacy, internet access, clean environment).
2
Landmark Judgments: — Focus on judgments from 2014-2024. For each, know the case name, year, the specific issue it addressed, and its key outcome/significance. For example, Puttaswamy (privacy), Navtej Singh Johar (Section 377), Anuradha Bhasin (internet access).
3
Key Legislation & Policies: — Identify major Acts and schemes (e.g., DPDP Act 2023, Mental Healthcare Act 2017, Transgender Persons Act 2019, Labour Codes 2020, PMAY). Know their primary objectives, key provisions, and target beneficiaries.
4
Definitions & Concepts: — Be clear on terms like equality vs. equity, distributive vs. recognition justice, substantive vs. formal equality, intersectionality, digital divide, climate justice, gig economy. Prelims often test conceptual understanding through definitions or application.
5
Current Affairs Integration: — Regularly follow news related to social justice. Pay attention to government reports, NITI Aayog documents, and Supreme Court pronouncements. Note down specific initiatives, committees, or international comparisons.
6
Comparison Tables: — Use comparison tables (e.g., formal vs. gig economy workers) to differentiate key aspects, as these are often tested in 'which of the following statements is/are correct' type questions.
7
Practice MCQs: — Solve a wide range of MCQs, including those that test application of concepts and recent facts. Pay attention to trap options, especially those that misattribute judgments or provisions.