NEWSPAPER NOTES

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These articles were published in The Hindu.

1. 📰 India’s Caste Census: Objectives, Context, and the Road Ahead

• The Indian government has decided to include caste enumeration in the next national Census — the first such move in nearly 100 years.
• Last caste-based census data was published in 1931, listing 4,147 castes and sub-castes.
• Post-independence, censuses collected caste data, but the individual-level caste info was never released.
• Earlier attempts to collect caste and religious data faced resistance due to concerns about social fragmentation and classification biases.

• The upcoming Census will include caste data, although no formal notification has been issued yet.
• The move follows a trend by some states like Bihar and Karnataka, which have already conducted state-level caste surveys:
  • Bihar’s 2023 survey found over 63% of the population belonged to OBCs and EBCs.
  • Karnataka’s 2015 survey (released in 2024) revealed more than 70% of its population is OBC.
• These surveys have intensified political demands for reservation hikes and more representation in jobs and education.
• BJP’s announcement was surprising as it historically resisted caste-based politics, but is now being seen as an effort to regain support and counter the opposition’s narrative.

• Data Usage:
  • Enables targeted policymaking, program planning, and welfare distribution.
  • Could influence reservation ceilings (currently capped at 50% by the Supreme Court).
• Implementation Challenges:
  • No date notified for Census yet.
  • Technical difficulties include defining caste categories, public opposition, and political sensitivities.
• Concerns Remain:
  • Risk of further caste polarization.
  • May spark litigation over affirmative action and reservation limits.

2. "Boosting Naval Strength: India’s Rafale-M Deal to Enhance Aircraft Carrier Capabilities"

• India has signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement with France on April 28 for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine jets.
• The deal includes 22 single-seater Rafale-M fighters and four twin-seater trainers.
• These jets will replace aging MiG-29K fighters currently deployed on Indian aircraft carriers.
• Total cost of the deal is expected to be around ₹64,000 crore, though official confirmation is pending.
• The agreement includes training, simulators, weapons packages, maintenance support, and performance-based logistics (PBL).

• Delivery Timeline: The jets are scheduled to begin arriving in mid-2028 and be fully delivered by end of 2030.
• Both INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant will host these aircraft, requiring slight modifications for them to operate:
  • Adjustments to flight deck lifts
  • Modifications due to the Rafale’s ski-jump compatibility and overall weight.
• Rafale-Ms use the STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) method, compatible with Indian carriers equipped with ski-jumps and arrestor wires.
• The crew will be trained in both France and India.
• The deal’s urgency came from the Defence Ministry’s aim to utilise budgeted capital before it lapsed.

• India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, will soon achieve full operational fighter capability with these new additions.
• The Rafale-M will cooperate with other naval assets like the MH-60R helicopters, Ka-31 AEW helicopters, and future indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighters (TEDBF).
• This marks a shift towards greater self-reliance and modernization of naval aviation.
• The move demonstrates India's strategic push to strengthen maritime security and power projection in the Indo-Pacific region.

• India Cuts Trade, Postal, Port Links with Pakistan: Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has announced a freeze on all imports from Pakistan, suspended postal links, and barred Pakistani-flagged ships from Indian ports as a response to Pakistan-backed terrorism.
• 'Tourists Were Herded Towards the Attackers': Survivors of the Pahalgam terror attack recounted that terrorists herded other tourists towards them before segregating and killing them based on religion.
• Governor Urges Centre to Consider Constitutional Options for WB Law and Order: Fearing a spillover of Murshidabad violence, the West Bengal Governor suggested the Centre consider constitutional measures, including potential central intervention and BSF deployment, and recommended a Commission of Inquiry.
• Manipur Marks Two Years of Ethnic Violence, Remembers Victims: Manipur observed the second anniversary of the Kuki-Zo and Meitei conflict with shutdowns and remembrance events, highlighting the ongoing displacement and demands for separation.
• U.K., India Can Be Exemplars of How Culture Unites People: Lisa Nandy: The U.K. and India signed a cultural cooperation agreement, with the U.K. emphasizing their potential to demonstrate how culture can foster unity across borders and acknowledging India's influence on modern Britain.
• Start-up Unveils IIT Bombay's AC Filtration Technology: AIRTH launched an AC air purifier using Filtrix, a new filtration technology from IIT Bombay that captures fine particulate matter, allergens, and pathogens, and has been used to upgrade over 30,000 ACs in India.
• 'Development' at the Cost of Nicobar Islands: The article critiques large-scale development plans in the Nicobar Islands, raising concerns about ecological damage, impact on indigenous communities, lack of transparency, and the need for a sustainable approach.
• Do Public R&D Units Innovate Enough?: A report suggests that Indian public R&D institutions may not be innovating to their full potential due to weak industry links and a focus on publications. It recommends strategic alignment, enhanced collaboration, and better incentives for innovation.
• The Monk Who Defied the Mob: Chinmoy Krishna Das: This article profiles the imprisoned former ISKCON leader in Bangladesh, Chinmoy Krishna Das, detailing the allegations against him, his history of activism for minority rights, his legal battles, and his emergence as a significant figure in Bangladesh's political landscape.
• Iran Affirms Right to Enrich Uranium Amid Growing Concerns: Iran defended its right to enrich uranium under the NPT for civilian purposes, despite Western concerns about potential weaponization and delays in nuclear talks with the US.
• Ukraine Open to Full Truce, Dismisses Putin's Three-Day Ceasefire as Theatrical: Zelenskyy rejected Putin's proposed three-day truce as a performance and reiterated Ukraine's readiness for a full ceasefire, mentioning discussions with the US on a longer truce and sanctions.
• Bangladesh Islamist Rally: Thousands of Islamist supporters rallied in Dhaka against a government commission’s draft recommendations on women’s rights, deeming them contrary to Islamic faith, particularly regarding property rights.