THE HINDU 01.05.2025 (Only UPSC syllabus topics)

THE Hindu 01.05.2025

🟡 GS Paper 1: Indian Society

🔹 Caste Census and Social Dynamics

Context: Union Cabinet’s decision to include caste enumeration in the decadal Census.

UPSC Themes:

• Salient features of Indian society
• Social empowerment
• Role of caste in development and governance

Details & Analysis:

• The move revives the long-standing demand for an accurate caste census, last comprehensively done in 1931.
• Past efforts like SECC (2011) were criticized for inaccuracies (e.g., 46 lakh caste names recorded due to open-ended input).
• Political leaders like Rahul Gandhi argue for quota expansion (removal of 50% cap on reservations under Article 15(5)) and inclusion in private education.
• The data is expected to shape policy targeting OBC, SC, ST communities by quantifying their actual population and needs.
• Political scientist Badri Narayan sees this as a step toward new social identities and power sharing​

🔵 GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice

🔹 1. Digital Access as a Fundamental Right

Context: SC ruling that digital access is a component of the right to life and liberty.

Themes:

• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections
• Right to life under Article 21
• Issues relating to development and management of social sector services

Details & Analysis:

• SC held that inaccessible KYC and digital welfare services marginalize PwDs and rural citizens.
• Emphasized substantive equality, urging inclusive digital ecosystems (accessibility features, regional content).
• Suggests the State must proactively ensure equity in digital governance​

Relevance:

• Highly significant for governance, e-governance, and rights-based service delivery.
• Enriches GS2 answers on inclusive policies and digital divide.

🔹 2. Corruption in Public Office

Context: FIR against AAP leaders over ₹2,000 crore classroom construction scam.

Themes:

• Government policies and interventions
• Transparency and accountability
• Role of CVC and other anti-corruption bodies

Details & Analysis:

• Classroom cost inflated to ₹28 lakh per unit; alleged favoritism in contract awards.
• 2020 report by CVC’s technical examiner was suppressed until recently.
• Demonstrates misuse of power, lack of transparency, and breakdown in audit/accountability mechanisms​

Relevance:

• Use as a case study in governance failures or public service delivery questions.
• Precedent for discussing institutional mechanisms (CVC, ACB, judiciary role).

🔹 3. India-Pakistan Relations & Diplomatic Outreach

Context: Airspace ban following Pahalgam terror attack and diplomatic calls with Gulf nations.

Themes:

• India and its neighbourhood
• Bilateral relations
• Role of regional organizations and global diplomacy

Details & Analysis:

• Escalation post-terror attack led to India banning Pakistani aircraft from airspace.
• India engaged with Kuwait, UAE, and Saudi Arabia—highlighting multilateral support and diplomatic crisis management.
• PM gave full operational freedom to the armed forces, indicating assertive defense posture​

Relevance:

• Illustrates current foreign policy approach under crisis.
• Use in answers on India’s strategic autonomy, diplomacy, and security policy.

GS Paper 3: Economy, Disaster Management, Environment, Security

🔹 1. Disaster Management: Temple Wall Collapse

Context: Seven devotees died at Simhachalam temple due to wall collapse during a festival.

Themes:

• Disaster and disaster management
• Infrastructure safety
• Issues relating to planning and execution of public works

Details & Analysis:

• Wall was constructed under the PRASHAD scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive).
• Poor construction, lack of curing, no girder support, and hasty completion before Chandanotsavam festival cited.
• Collector ordered probe; highlights negligence in public construction projects​

Relevance:

• Strong example for urban/structural disaster case study.
• Can be used in GS3 and Essay on sustainable development, urban safety, or failure of public works.