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These articles were published in The Hindu.
🏷️ Navigating Caste Census in India: Challenges and Opportunities
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Background- Caste details will be recorded for the first time since 1931 in the upcoming Indian census.
- Previously, censuses only recorded social identity by Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and religion, excluding detailed caste data.
- The move aims to inform affirmative action and development planning, but also brings complex issues.
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The Situation Now- Supreme Court in August allowed sub-categorisation within SCs and STs to ensure better representation.
- The Justice G. Rohini Commission (2023) completed a report on sub-categorisation among Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
- The government has not disclosed the commission’s findings due to political sensitivity.
- The lack of clarity over caste definitions, such as distinguishing between a caste, sub-caste, and tribe, remains unresolved.
- The SECC 2011 showed over 46 lakh distinct caste names, highlighting how regional variations complicate data classification.
- Numerous litigations and petitions exist for inclusion or exclusion of groups, further complicating enumeration.
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Way Forward- The Centre must aim for consensus across parties and communities before releasing caste data.
- Classification frameworks need to be refined to deal with linguistic and regional diversity in caste names.
- A well-planned approach can turn this into an opportunity to improve policy targeting, if it ensures accuracy, transparency, and agreement.
- Care must be taken to avoid political friction while improving affirmative action efficiency.
NEWS IN SHORTS
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This article analyzes India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 in response to Pakistan’s support for terrorism. The term "abeyance" lacks clear legal grounding but serves as a strategic signal. The move is viewed as both a symbolic and practical step, enabling India to delay cooperation without breaching international law. The article also discusses the legal, diplomatic, and environmental implications of this decision, highlighting potential risks and the importance of consistency with India’s democratic and constitutional principles.
Civil Defence Drills Planned Amid Border Tensions
The Union Home Ministry has directed states to conduct civil defence drills in 244 districts, focusing on air-raid warnings, evacuations, and first aid, amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. The exercise will run until Friday.
India Opens Chenab Dams Ahead of Schedule
Over the weekend, India unexpectedly released water from dams on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, marking the first such action since the Indus Waters Treaty announcement, reportedly due to low water levels.
Putin Backs India in Fight Against Terror After Attack
Russian President Putin called PM Modi, offering full support to India in combating terrorism following the Pahalgam attack. He conveyed condolences and emphasized bringing perpetrators to justice, highlighting the strong strategic ties between both nations.
Israel Approves Gaza 'Conquest' Plan, Expands Military Presence
Israel's security cabinet has approved expanding military operations in Gaza, described as a "conquest," and the army has called up thousands of reservists. The plan aims to defeat Hamas and secure hostages, despite UN warnings of a humanitarian catastrophe.
Punjab Assembly Refuses to Share Water with Haryana
Amid a dispute over water sharing, the Punjab Assembly passed a resolution refusing to give "a single drop of water" to Haryana. The resolution criticizes the central government and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), asserting Punjab's rights over its river waters.
AI's Growing Energy Footprint and Sustainable Solutions
The article discusses the increasing energy consumption of AI technologies like ChatGPT, raising concerns about their environmental impact. It explores potential solutions such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for cleaner energy and emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks and energy-efficient AI development practices.
Vizhinjam Port: Emerging Maritime Hub with Economic Promise
The newly commissioned Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deepwater Port is poised to become a major maritime hub, offering significant economic benefits for India by handling large-scale transhipment cargo and reducing reliance on foreign ports. Its strategic location and modern facilities are key advantages.
Hydrogen vs. Battery: The Cost of Clean Public Transport
The article compares hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric vehicles for public transport. While hydrogen offers longer range and faster refueling, current costs are significantly higher. Battery-electric vehicles are cheaper now, but technological advancements are expected to make hydrogen more competitive in the long term.
Moody's Warns Increased India-Pakistan Tensions Could Hurt Pakistan's Finances
Moody's suggests that persistent tensions with India will negatively impact Pakistan's access to external financing and strain its foreign exchange reserves, needed for debt payments. While not expecting major economic disruption for India, increased defence spending could weigh on its fiscal strength.
India Protests to Canada Over Pro-Khalistan Rally in Toronto
India has strongly protested to Canada regarding a pro-Khalistan rally in Toronto that featured objectionable imagery and slogans targeting Indian leaders and citizens. India conveyed its concerns to the Canadian High Commission, marking the first such communication since the new Canadian Prime Minister took office.
Parachutes for Uncrewed ISRO Mission Flagged Off
A set of indigenously developed parachutes for the safe return of astronauts in India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight program has been shipped from Agra. These parachutes, created by the ADRDE, will be tested in an upcoming uncrewed mission by ISRO. The Gaganyaan program aims to send astronauts to low Earth orbit.
Trump Threatens 100% Tariff on Films Made Outside the U.S.
The US President has proposed a 100% tariff on all movies made in foreign countries, alleging unfair incentives draw filmmakers away from the US and deeming it a national security threat. The Motion Picture Association has not yet responded to the suggestion.
Bangladesh Court Orders Arrest of Detained Hindu Monk in Murder Case
A Bangladesh court has ordered the arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, already detained on sedition charges, in connection with the murder of a lawyer in Chattogram. Das's previous bail order in the sedition case was stayed following protests over his initial arrest.
Pakistan Conducts Another Missile Test Amid Kashmir Tensions
The Pakistan military has conducted its second missile test since the recent escalation of tensions with India over Kashmir. This latest test involved a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 120 km, following a test of a 450 km range missile on Saturday.
Sri Lankans Vote in Local Government Elections Amid Economic Crisis
Over 17 million Sri Lankans will vote in local government elections on Tuesday, the first election in three years. The ruling SLPP coalition faces a tough contest against the NPP amid a severe economic crisis and public discontent over the government's handling of it.
