01 May 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Cabinet Decides to Include Caste Count in Next Census

Source: Page 1, The Hindu International Edition (May 01, 2025)

Topic: GS2 – Governance, Polity, Social Justice

Context

The Union Cabinet has made a significant decision to include caste enumeration in the next Census, marking the first such inclusion since pre-Independence India. This decision comes after years of political debates and promises to provide a more accurate picture of caste-based social structures and promote inclusion.

Content:

• Caste Enumeration in Census: The Union Cabinet has announced that caste data will be included in the upcoming Census, which is expected to take place digitally. This decision marks a historic shift as the last caste count in India occurred in 1931.
• Legal Backing and Digital Mode: Unlike previous socio-economic censuses, this will be part of the statutory census with legal backing. The government has indicated that caste will be enumerated in the second phase of the Census.
• Government’s Stance on Inclusivity: The government argues that the caste enumeration will assist in better policymaking, targeting welfare schemes, and providing data for social justice initiatives.
• Political Reactions: Various political figures, including Amit Shah, have welcomed the move as a step towards inclusion, while opposition parties have raised concerns about potential political implications in states like Bihar where elections are around the corner.

Practice Question:

Examine the implications of including caste enumeration in the upcoming Census on social justice policies in India. Discuss both the potential benefits and challenges. (250 words)

2. U.S. Calls for De-escalation Between India and Pakistan

Source: Page 1, The Hindu International Edition (May 01, 2025)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

In the aftermath of a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, the United States has intervened, urging both India and Pakistan to avoid escalation. The U.S. has engaged both countries diplomatically, calling for restraint.

Content:

• Pahalgam Terror Attack: The terror attack has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, prompting international concerns about the stability in the region.
• U.S. Diplomatic Intervention: The U.S. State Department has called for both nations to refrain from escalation. Diplomatic conversations have ensued with the U.S. urging India to act responsibly and Pakistan to avoid provocative actions.
• Impact on Bilateral Relations: The current situation highlights the ongoing volatility in bilateral ties, exacerbated by historical issues over Kashmir. The U.S. is focused on preventing further military confrontations.

Practice Question:

Analyze the role of international diplomacy in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan, especially in the context of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. (250 words)

3. Delhi Government’s Push for Sewer Connections in Unauthorized Colonies by 2028

Source: Page 1, The Hindu International Edition (May 01, 2025)

Topic: GS2 – Governance, Urbanization

Context

The Delhi government has announced an ambitious plan to connect all unauthorized colonies in Delhi to the sewer system by 2028, a move aimed at improving sanitation and reducing pollution in the Yamuna River.

Content:

• Infrastructure Development: The government has already laid sewer lines in over 1,200 unauthorized colonies and aims to connect the remaining colonies by 2028. This is part of a broader initiative to improve sanitation and reduce pollution in the Yamuna River.
• Impact on Public Health and Environment: The project will likely have significant benefits for public health by improving sanitation in marginalized areas and preventing untreated sewage from flowing into the Yamuna.
• Political Implications: The project is also being seen as a move by the ruling BJP to address pollution issues, which is a key concern for Delhiites.

Practice Question:

Discuss the potential social and environmental impacts of the Delhi government’s initiative to provide sewer connections to unauthorized colonies. What challenges might the government face in implementing this project? (250 words)

4. NIA Seeks Rana Voice, Handwriting Samples

Source: Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 13

Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations, GS Paper 3 – Security Issues

Context

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has requested the collection of voice and handwriting samples of an individual, Rana, in connection with an ongoing investigation regarding alleged unlawful activities compromising national security.

Why the Request for Samples?

• The NIA’s request aims to match the suspect’s voice and handwriting with communications and documents recovered during the investigation.
• The procedure follows legal and forensic practices to confirm the identity and involvement of the individual in national security threats.

Legal and Ethical Implications

• The request raises ethical concerns about privacy rights versus national security imperatives.
• It also reflects challenges in balancing evidence collection while ensuring the protection of individual civil liberties.

Strategic and Security Implications

• This development showcases India’s evolving counterterrorism framework, particularly with NIA’s increasing role in tackling internal threats.
• The request also emphasizes the need for efficient international cooperation to combat cross-border terrorism.

Practice Question: Discuss the legal and ethical challenges involved in the NIA’s request for Rana’s voice and handwriting samples. How does this case reflect India’s approach to internal security and counterterrorism? (250 words, Mains GS2 and GS3)

 

5. Potential Presence of Primitive Lunar Mantle Material at Landing Site

Source: Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 13

Topic: GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology, GS Paper 2 – International Relations (Space Diplomacy)

Context

The discovery of primitive lunar mantle material at a specific landing site on the Moon marks a breakthrough in lunar exploration and our understanding of planetary geology. This material could provide crucial insights into the early formation of the Moon and planetary systems, with implications for both space exploration and Earth’s geological history.

Importance of the Discovery:

• The discovery offers insight into the Moon’s early geological processes and planetary formation.
• It provides clues about the processes that shaped both the Moon and other terrestrial planets, including Earth.

Method of Discovery:

• Advanced analytical techniques, such as spectrometers, were used by space missions to analyze samples collected from the lunar surface.
• These samples revealed the presence of elements that were thought to be deep within the Moon’s interior.

International Collaboration:

• NASA, ISRO, and ESA have been instrumental in these lunar missions, highlighting the collaborative nature of modern space exploration.
• The findings contribute to the ongoing Artemis Program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon.

Geological Insights and Technological Advancements:

• The discovery contributes to understanding the differentiation of the Moon’s crust and mantle.
• It showcases the role of advancements in space technology, including robotics and remote sensing, which are crucial for future lunar missions.

Strategic Implications for India:

• India’s involvement through ISRO is a significant aspect of international space diplomacy and solidifies India’s growing influence in global space exploration.
• This discovery enhances India’s standing in the international space community, particularly with its collaboration in lunar exploration missions.

Practice Question: Discuss the scientific significance of discovering primitive lunar mantle material at a landing site on the Moon. How does this discovery contribute to our understanding of planetary formation and the future of lunar exploration? (250 words, Mains GS3)

check more – 30 April 2025 : Daily Current Affairs