Articles on 4 May 2025

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Caste Census Latest News
• Introduction
• Historical Background of Caste-Based Enumeration
• Objectives of the Caste Census
• Political Significance and Reversal of Stance
• Potential Impacts on Reservation Policies
• Implementation Challenges
• Way Ahead
• Caste Census FAQs

Caste Census Latest News

• The Union Cabinet has decided that the next Census will include questions on caste to its enumeration of India’s population, for the first time in almost a century.

Introduction

• In a landmark shift, the Union Cabinet has approved the inclusion of caste-based data in India’s next Census. 
• This marks the first time in nearly a century that caste information, beyond the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), will be collected in a national enumeration exercise. 
• The decision comes at a politically sensitive time, ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections and following growing demands from opposition parties for updated caste-based demographic data to inform welfare and reservation policies.

Historical Background of Caste-Based Enumeration

• Caste data was first collected in India in the 1881 Census under British rule and continued until the 1931 Census, which remains the last official dataset providing a detailed caste breakdown. 
• The 1941 Census did collect caste data, but the findings were never published due to the Second World War. Post-Independence, India officially discontinued this practice, choosing only to count SC and ST populations for administrative purposes. 
• However, the 1931 data later formed the basis for the Mandal Commission recommendations, which proposed a 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) based on the finding that OBCs comprised 52% of the population.
• In 2011, the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted but failed to deliver a reliable caste breakdown, partly due to its open-ended format which recorded over 46 lakh caste entries, making the data unusable for policy purposes.

Objectives of the Caste Census

• The key goals behind including caste in the upcoming Census are:
  • Informed Policy-Making: Updated caste data will help refine the allocation of welfare benefits and development programs based on actual demographics.
  • Reservation Reassessment: Current reservation percentages are based on outdated or projected data. The caste census will enable a fresh evaluation of the need and extent of quotas for various communities.
  • Social Justice: It is expected to support more inclusive governance by bringing visibility to marginalized and underrepresented communities within the OBC, SC, and ST categories.
  • Evidence-Based Governance: Reliable caste data will aid academic research and enable evidence-backed political and economic interventions.

Political Significance and Reversal of Stance

• The inclusion of caste data comes as a surprise given the BJP’s earlier resistance to such measures. 
• The party has historically criticized caste-based politics as divisive. Yet, after the Bihar government conducted its own caste survey in 2023, followed by similar exercises in Telangana and Karnataka, the national discourse began to shift. 
• These state-level surveys revealed that backward classes make up over 60% of the population in many regions, fuelling demands for increased representation.
• In this context, the Centre’s announcement appears aimed at regaining political ground, particularly as opposition parties campaign on themes of social justice and demand enhanced reservation caps.

Potential Impacts on Reservation Policies

• One of the most significant implications of the caste census is its potential to alter existing affirmative action policies. 
• The current cap on reservations is set at 50% by the Supreme Court. However, data from recent state surveys suggest that OBCs and other backward groups may warrant a higher quota, pushing political parties to demand an increase.
• In Karnataka, for example, the caste census revealed an OBC population of nearly 70%, prompting calls to raise their reservation from 32% to 51%. Similar demands are likely to emerge across other states, challenging the legal limit on quotas.

Implementation Challenges

• The decision to include caste in the Census presents several operational and political challenges:
  • Caste Classification: Preparing a national-level caste code directory is a complex task, given the regional, linguistic, and sub-group variations in caste identities.
  • Overlap and Disputes: Different states maintain their own OBC lists, leading to discrepancies. There is also contention over classifications of certain castes as SC, ST, or OBC.
  • Political Sensitivities: Any inclusion or exclusion in caste lists is likely to spark political controversy, especially in election-bound states.
  • Delayed Timeline: Although the announcement has been made, the actual Census has not been scheduled. The 2021 Census was indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and no new date has been announced.

Way Ahead

• The inclusion of caste enumeration in the national Census marks a major step toward data-driven governance and equitable policymaking. 
• While it is likely to provide much-needed clarity on the actual demographic composition of India’s various caste groups, the process will require careful planning to ensure accuracy and avoid further social fragmentation.
• Given the political sensitivities and legal implications, the implementation of caste-based policies based on this data may take time. 
• However, this decision represents a turning point in India's journey toward a more inclusive governance framework.

Caste Census FAQs

Q1. When was the last time caste was officially counted in the Indian Census?

Ans. The last caste enumeration was conducted in the 1931 Census.

Q2. What is the main goal of the caste census?

Ans. To gather accurate data to inform policies on welfare, reservations, and inclusive development.

Q3. Which states have already conducted caste surveys?

Ans. Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka have completed caste-based surveys recently.

Q4. How could the caste census affect reservation policies?

Ans. It may lead to demands for increasing quotas beyond the 50% Supreme Court limit.

Q5. What are the key challenges in implementing the caste census?

Ans. Creating a standardized caste code list, managing state-centre discrepancies, and addressing political sensitivities.

Source : TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Role of Public-Funded R&D Institutions in India Latest News
• Scope of the Study
• Objective of the Study
• Methodology of the Study
• Key Findings of the Study
• Recommendations of the Report
• Conclusion
• Role of Public-Funded R&D Institutions in India FAQs

Role of Public-Funded R&D Institutions in India Latest News

• A detailed report titled ‘Evaluation of Innovation Excellence Indicators of Public Funded R&D Organizations’ was released by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, CII, and the Centre for Technology, Innovation, and Economic Research. 
• It aimed to assess the innovation outcomes and national contributions of public-funded R&D institutions in India.

Scope of the Study

• Institutions covered: 244 public-funded R&D organisations affiliated to various ministries.
• Excluded: Scientific institutions such as those belonging to - 
  • Defence research and development, space research, and atomic energy research - these make up the dominant share of India’s overall R&D spend.
  • Academic institutions and universities.
• Rationale for exclusions:
  • Sensitive nature of work in defence, atomic, and space domains.
  • Academic institutions not included due to differing mandates.

Objective of the Study

• Core purpose: To examine whether public-funded labs are:
  • Engaged in academic (curiosity-driven) science,
  • Or aligned with industry-driven innovations and product development.
• Broader goals:
  • Contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Align with National Missions (e.g., Deep Ocean Mission, National Quantum Mission).
  • Support women scientists, skilling, and employment generation.
  • Guide labs to address socio-economic challenges.

Methodology of the Study

• Survey format:
  • Online questionnaire with 62 parameters.
  • Labs/institutes self-select themselves as ‘Basic, Applied or Services’ or as ‘hybrid’ (if their research falls into more than one of the first three categories). 
  • All the data submitted by the labs/institutes was signed off by each lab director to ensure authenticity.
• Key parameters measured:
  • Annual R&D expenditure.
  • Share of young scientists.
  • Number of patents and technologies developed.
  • Participation of women scientists.
  • Contributions to national missions.
  • Collaboration with industry (domestic and international).
  • Incubation support to startups.

Key Findings of the Study

• Limited industry and startup engagement:
  • Only 25% of the labs surveyed gave incubation support to startups.
  • Merely 16% provided support to ‘deep tech’ startups. 
  • Just 15% collaborated with industry overseas.
• Access and openness: About 50% opened facilities to external researchers/students.
• Contribution to national missions:
  • 50% contributed to ‘Make in India’.
  • 35% aligned with Skill India.
  • 30% targeting the Swachh Bharat.
• Human resource trends:
  • Decline in permanent staff.
  • Rise in contractual staff from 17,234 to 19,625.
  • Young researchers' share increased from 54% to 58%.
  • Women scientists' representation remained stagnant.
• Budget growth: The combined budget of 155 labs/institutes increased from ₹9,924 crore in 2017-18 to ₹13,162 crore in 2022-23. 

Recommendations of the Report

• Mandate realignment:
  • All labs to review and align mandates with ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.
  • Prioritise critical technologies on a war footing.
• Strategic collaboration and capacity building: Strengthen partnerships with:
  • Industry
  • Startups
  • Other R&D labs
  • Higher Education Institutions
• Institutional reforms: Promote establishment of Section 8 Companies (nonprofit organisations established under the Companies Act, 2013) to - 
  • Provide support to startups, 
  • Open research and testing facilities, and,
  • Improve cross-linkages with higher educational institutes.

Conclusion

• Strengthening public-funded R&D institutions through targeted innovation, industry collaboration, and alignment with national missions is essential to propel India towards its vision of Viksit Bharat.
• With strategic reforms and inclusive participation, these institutions can become powerful engines driving sustainable development, technological self-reliance, and global scientific leadership.

Role of Public-Funded R&D Institutions in India FAQs

Q1. What was the main objective of the study titled ‘Evaluation of Innovation Excellence Indicators of Public Funded R&D Organizations’?

Ans. The study aimed to assess whether public-funded R&D labs in India are contributing meaningfully to innovation and national development goals or are primarily engaged in academic science.

Q2. Why were institutions under defence, space, and atomic energy excluded from the study?

Ans. These institutions were excluded due to the sensitive and strategic nature of their research activities.

Q3. What key recommendation did the report make regarding alignment with national goals?

Ans. The report recommended that all public-funded R&D organisations must realign their mandates to support the vision of Viksit Bharat and focus on critical technologies.

Q4. What was a significant finding regarding industry and startup collaboration?

Ans. Only a small fraction of labs (25%) supported startup incubation and even fewer (16%) supported deep-tech startups, indicating limited industry engagement.

Q5. What human resource trend was observed in public-funded R&D institutions in recent years?

Ans. There was a decline in permanent staff and an increase in contractual staff, alongside a modest rise in the share of young researchers.

Source: TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Latest News
• Alarming Global Vaccination Crisis
• Importance of Vaccination
• India’s Progress through Immunisation
• Way Forward: Strengthening Global Immunisation Efforts
• Vaccine-preventable diseases FAQ’s

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Latest News

• Diseases preventable by vaccines, like measles, meningitis, and yellow fever, are resurging as millions of children miss vaccinations due to funding cuts and disrupted immunisation efforts. 
• WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi warn that misinformation, population growth, and humanitarian crises are further threatening progress. 
• They urge global leaders to prioritise and strengthen vaccination programmes with urgent and sustained political commitment. 

Alarming Global Vaccination Crisis

• A WHO rapid review across 108 low- and lower-middle-income countries revealed that nearly half face moderate to severe disruptions in vaccination campaigns and access to supplies due to reduced donor funding.

Rising Number of Unvaccinated Children

• Routine immunisation coverage is declining. 
• In 2023, 14.5 million children missed all routine vaccines — an increase from 13.9 million in 2022 and 12.9 million in 2019. 
• Over half of these children live in fragile or conflict-affected regions.

Impact on Disease Surveillance

• More than half of the surveyed countries reported disruptions in disease surveillance, increasing the risk of unchecked outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Resurgence of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

• Even countries with strong healthcare systems are affected. 
• The U.S. has reported 935 measles cases as of May 1, 2025 — more than triple the 2024 count — despite the disease being declared eliminated there in 2000.

Alarm from Global Health Leaders

• WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell warned that funding cuts are threatening global health gains. 
• They emphasized the cost-effectiveness and life-saving impact of vaccines.

Call for Urgent Investment

• Leaders stressed the importance of sustained political and financial commitment to initiatives like the ‘Big Catch-Up’, which aims to vaccinate children who missed routine doses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Importance of Vaccination

• High Return on Investment and Life-Saving Impact
  • WHO describes immunisation as a top health investment, yielding a return of $54 for every $1 spent. 
  • Over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives — approximately six lives every minute. 
  • Measles vaccine alone accounts for 60% of these lives saved.
• Major Role in Reducing Infant Mortality
  • Vaccination has contributed to 40% of the global improvement in infant survival. 
  • More children today survive past their first birthday than ever before in human history.
• Eradication and Control of Deadly Diseases
  • Vaccines have eradicated smallpox and nearly eradicated polio. 
  • Annually, they prevent nearly 4.2 million deaths from 14 major diseases.
• Building Herd Immunity and Protecting Public Health
  • Vaccines not only protect individuals but also reduce disease spread by building herd immunity, crucial in preventing outbreaks.

India’s Progress through Immunisation

• India has achieved major health milestones due to widespread immunisation — including being declared polio-free in 2014 and eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015. 
• New vaccines like Measles-Rubella, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV) have been added to its immunisation programme.

Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)

• UIP is one of India’s largest public health efforts, targeting 26 million newborns and 34 million pregnant women annually. 
• Over 13 million immunisation sessions are conducted nationwide.

Gaps in Coverage Remain

• Despite significant progress, 23.9% of Indian children still miss out on full immunisation, as reported in the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21).

Way Forward: Strengthening Global Immunisation Efforts

• WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi urge parents, the public, and political leaders to reinforce their support for immunisation. 
• They call for sustained investment in vaccines and adherence to the Immunisation Agenda 2030. 
• A key milestone will be Gavi’s pledging summit, to be held in June 2025, which aims to raise at least $9 billion to protect 500 million children and save over eight million lives between 2026 and 2030.

Vaccine-preventable diseases FAQ’s

Q1. Why are vaccine-preventable diseases resurging globally?

Ans. Due to funding cuts, missed vaccinations, misinformation, and weakened immunisation efforts, many children remain unprotected against deadly diseases.

Q2. How many children missed routine vaccines in 2023?

Ans. In 2023, 14.5 million children globally missed all routine vaccinations, up from 13.9 million in 2022.

Q3. What role does vaccination play in infant survival?

Ans. Vaccination has driven 40% of the global improvement in infant survival, saving millions of lives over decades.

Q4. How is India addressing immunisation gaps?

Ans. India expanded UIP, introduced new vaccines, but still 23.9% of children missed full immunisation (NFHS-5 data).

Q5. What is the goal of Gavi’s June 2025 summit?

Ans. To raise $9 billion, protect 500 million children, and save 8 million lives between 2026 and 2030.

Source: TH | WHO

What’s in Today’s Article?

• India-Pakistan Relations Latest News
• India Restricts Water Flow from Baglihar Dam
• India Imposes Total Trade Ban on Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack
• India Bans Maritime Link with Pakistan Following Pahalgam Attack
• India Suspends Postal Services with Pakistan
• India-Pakistan Relations FAQ’s

India-Pakistan Relations Latest News

• Just over 10 days after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, India has intensified its diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. 
• Key steps include curbing water flow through the Baglihar dam, halting imports from Pakistan, banning Pakistani ships from docking, and suspending all mail and parcel exchanges. 
• These measures come alongside India’s strong condemnation of Pakistan’s recent ballistic missile test and signal a move towards suspending the Indus Water Treaty. 

India Restricts Water Flow from Baglihar Dam

• India has temporarily restricted the flow of water from the Baglihar dam on the Chenab River, targeting Pakistan’s Punjab region. 
  • The Chenab River plays a critical role in irrigating Pakistani farmlands.
• The move is intended as a short-term punitive measure in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
  • Even a brief choke in water flow serves as a signal that India is prepared to take coercive steps. 

Treaty-Compliant Yet Strategic

• Though the Baglihar dam is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric project permitted under the Indus Water Treaty, India’s action highlights its ability to use treaty-compliant infrastructure strategically in response to cross-border terrorism.

Possible Action on Kishanganga Dam

• As per analysts, similar measures could soon be implemented at the Kishanganga dam on the Jhelum River, indicating a broader strategy to pressure Pakistan using water resources.

India Imposes Total Trade Ban on Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

• In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, India has banned all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan with immediate effect. 
• The move is aimed at safeguarding national security and public policy.
• With this, India-Pakistan trade, once valued at over $2.4 billion annually, has now come to a complete standstill.

Foreign Trade Policy Updated

• A new provision has been inserted in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, explicitly prohibiting the import or transit of any goods originating in or exported from Pakistan. 
• Exceptions, if any, will require special government approval.

Trade Already at a Historic Low

• Due to strained bilateral ties, trade between the two nations was already minimal. 
• In April-January 2024–25, India’s exports to Pakistan stood at $447.65 million, while imports were just $0.42 million. 
  • The two-way trade had significantly declined post the 2019 Pulwama attack.

India’s Major Exports to Pakistan

• Exports included pharmaceutical products ($110.06 million), organic chemicals ($129.55 million), auto components, sugar, petroleum products, and food items like cereals and spices.

Previous Trade Measures & MFN Status Withdrawal

• Post-Pulwama, India had imposed a 200% import duty on Pakistani goods and revoked Pakistan’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status under WTO rules. 
• Pakistan never reciprocated India’s 1996 MFN gesture and retracted its 2012 NDMA promise due to domestic opposition.

Pakistan’s Countermove

• In retaliation, Pakistan has also suspended all trade with India, including indirect trade via third countries.

India Bans Maritime Link with Pakistan Following Pahalgam Attack

• India has banned all Pakistani-flagged vessels from docking at Indian ports. The ban is effective immediately and will remain in force until further notice.

Indian Vessels Also Restricted from Pakistani Ports

• The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has also prohibited Indian-flagged ships from visiting Pakistani ports.
• It invoked Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, in the interest of national security and public infrastructure safety.

Limited Scope, Exemptions Possible

• The order applies only to ships flying the Indian or Pakistani flags. 
• Vessels flagged under third countries are not covered by the directive. 
• Exemptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially for ships already en route.

Minimal Impact Due to Low Trade Volume

• Maritime trade between the two countries has been negligible, with only about 14 ship visits in 2024. 
• Most trade has traditionally occurred via land borders or through third countries. Hence, the ban is expected to have limited economic impact.

India Suspends Postal Services with Pakistan

• India has suspended the exchange of all categories of mail and parcels with Pakistan via both air and surface routes. 
• The directive was issued by the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communication, effectively halting all postal communication between the two countries.

India-Pakistan Relations FAQ’s

Q1. Why has India restricted water flow from the Baglihar dam?

Ans. To signal a punitive response to the Pahalgam terror attack while remaining compliant with the Indus Water Treaty.

Q2. What trade action has India taken against Pakistan?

Ans. India has imposed a total ban on all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan under the updated Foreign Trade Policy 2023.

Q3. What maritime restrictions has India placed on Pakistan?

Ans. India banned Pakistani-flagged ships from Indian ports and restricted Indian vessels from visiting Pakistan, citing national security.

Q4. How has India affected postal communication with Pakistan?

Ans. India has suspended all categories of mail and parcel exchanges with Pakistan via both air and land routes.

Q5. What is the expected impact of these measures on India-Pakistan trade?

Ans. The impact is minimal due to already low bilateral trade volumes post-2019 Pulwama attack and previous sanctions.

Source: IE | TH | IT | IE