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.
