Current Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national population census, marking the first comprehensive caste data collection since 1931.

About the Decision:

• Cabinet Approval: The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the 2025 Census to gather detailed caste data.
• Judicial Requirement: The Supreme Court, in the Indra Sawhney case (1992), emphasized that caste data must be reviewed periodically to assess “backwardness” of groups and ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits.
• Social Justice: Caste census data will help in devising a ‘quota-within-quota’ system to ensure more equitable distribution of reservation benefits.
• Policy Impact: The data will enable more evidence-based policy making to cater to the needs of underprivileged and marginalized communities.
• Political Implications: The decision is expected to influence electoral strategies, particularly in caste-sensitive states such as Bihar and Karnataka

About the Census:

• Census is a Union subject under Article 246, Entry 69 of the Constitution, with the Census Act of 1948 providing a framework for conducting population censuses.
• Significance of Data: Accurate caste data will provide a basis for informed policy decisions, ensuring that marginalized groups receive adequate support and representation.

History of Caste Enumeration:

• 1881-1931: British census enumerated caste for administrative purposes.
• 1951: Post-independence, general caste enumeration was discontinued.
• 1961: States authorized to survey OBCs.
• 2011: Socio-Economic Caste Census conducted for socio-economic data.

Current Context: Recently, Mexico and the U.S. reached a deal to resolve a treaty shortfall in water deliveries from the Rio Grande, after tensions escalated due to drought and political pressure from U.S. leadership.

About the Agreement:

• Treaty Basis: 1944 Water Treaty requires Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. over 5 years.
• 2025 Deal: Mexico agreed to transfer water from international reservoirs and allow increased U.S. shares from six tributaries until October 2025.
• Diplomatic Importance: Avoided U.S. sanctions and reinforced treaty commitment without renegotiation.
• Purpose: Ensure water availability for over 2.1 million acres of cropland in Texas and Mexico.

About Rio Grande Basin:

• Length: ~1,900 miles; 5th longest river in North America.
• Origin: Rocky Mountains; flows through Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico to Gulf of Mexico.
• Peak Flow: May–June (snowmelt), June–September (monsoon rains).
• Major Tributaries:
• USA: Pecos, Devils, Chama, Puerco Rivers.
• Mexico: Conchos, Salado, San Juan Rivers.
• Major Reservoirs: Falcon, Elephant Butte, Marte Gómez, Venustiano Carranza, and Amistad (built via 1969 U.S.–Mexico agreement).

Current Context: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched India’s official Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCS), alongside new research from Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali enhancing hydrogen production efficiency.

About GHCS:

• Launched By: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Nodal Agency: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
• Objective: To certify green hydrogen based on transparent, measurable carbon intensity limits.
• Certification Types: Concept Certificate (voluntary); Facility-Level Certificate (mandatory).
• Emission Limit: Green hydrogen must meet ≤ 2 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg H₂.
• Coverage Scope: Production to compression and purification; excludes transport and use.
• Exemption: Exporting entities not using govt incentives may be exempt but must report emissions.
• Non-Transferability: Certificates are non-tradable and ineligible for emission reduction credits.

Current Context: Recently, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) reported a record addition of 117 GW in wind energy capacity in 2024, bringing the total global capacity to 1,136 GW. However, challenges such as policy instability, permitting delays, and inadequate grid infrastructure threaten future growth.

Key Highlights:

• Record Installations: 117 GW added globally in 2024, marking the highest annual increase to date.
• Total Capacity: Global wind energy capacity reached 1,136 GW by the end of 2024.
• Top Contributor: China (79.8 GW); USA, Germany, and Brazil also performed strongly.
• Regional Growth: Africa (107%), Asia-Pacific (7%); decline in North America, Latin America, Europe.
• Offshore Wind: 56.3 GW awarded; Europe led with 23.2 GW; South Korea, Taiwan emerging.
• Future Projections:
  • GWEC forecasts nearly 1 TW of additional installations by 2030.
  • To meet climate targets, annual installations need to reach approximately 320 GW by the end of the decade.

Celebrated on first Sunday of May; in 2025, it falls on May 4.

• Aim : To promote world peace, friendship, and unity through laughter.
• Established: 1998 by Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the Laughter Yoga movement .
• Significance: Emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of laughter, including stress reduction and improved well-being.

Observed annually on 4 May.

• Objective : To honor the bravery and sacrifices of firefighters worldwide and to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
• Established: 1999, after the tragic loss of five firefighters in a bushfire in Linton, Australia .
• Significance: Highlights the critical role of firefighters in protecting communities and the environment.

Observed annually on 4 May.

• Aim : To honor the contributions and sacrifices of coal miners, who work in hazardous conditions to extract coal, a vital resource for energy and industry.
• Observed Since: 1952, following the enactment of the Mines Act, which aimed to improve the working conditions of miners .
• Significance: Raises awareness about the health and safety challenges faced by miners and the importance of implementing effective safety regulations.

Current Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India, in the Amar Jain v. Union of India case, declared that inclusive digital access to e-governance and welfare delivery systems is a fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).

About the Judgment:

• Digital Access as a Fundamental Right: The Court emphasized that digital access is an essential component of the right to life and liberty under Article 21.
• e-KYC Revision: The Court directed the revision of digital Know-Your-Customer (KYC) norms to facilitate access for persons with disabilities, such as those with facial disfigurement or visual impairments.
• Principle of Substantive Equality: The Court stressed that digital transformation must be inclusive and equitable, enabling marginalized groups to access banking and e-governance services.
• State Obligation: The State is required to ensure digital infrastructure for vulnerable and marginalized populations under Articles 21, 14, 15, and 38 of the Constitution.
• Significance: The judgment aims to reduce the rural-urban divide, promote access to online learning, and foster financial inclusion.

About Digital Access:

• Inclusivity Focus: Access to digital services is crucial for enabling marginalized groups to avail themselves of government schemes, educational opportunities, and financial services.
• Impact on Governance: Digital access helps integrate marginalized communities into the development process and reduces social inequalities.

Other SC Judgments:

• Sabu Mathew George v. Union of India (2017): Clarified no curtailment of right to access information despite blocking of certain advertisements.
• Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020): Right to Internet access protected under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g).

Current Context: The Maharashtra government successfully reclaimed the historic sword of Raghuji Bhosale I at a Sotheby’s auction in London. This marks the first time Maharashtra has retrieved a historical artifact from an international auction.

Features of the Sword:

• European-style single-edged blade with a slight curve and two fullers (grooves).
• Gold inlay on the spine with an inscription in Devanagari script reading “Shrimant Raghuji Bhosale Sena Saheb Subah,” indicating its ceremonial significance.

Historical Significance:

• Raghuji Bhosale I was a prominent Maratha leader in the 18th century, instrumental in expanding Maratha influence in central and eastern India.
• The sword symbolizes the Maratha heritage and their military prowess during that era.

Current Context: Recently, India issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), closing its airspace to all Pakistan-registered, operated, or leased aircraft, including military flights, until May 23, 2025.

About Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM):

• A NOTAM is an official notice issued by aviation authorities to alert pilots and airlines about potential hazards or changes in flight operations.
• It provides information on changes in aeronautical facilities, services, procedures, or hazards essential for flight operations.

Implications:

• Indian airlines, such as Air India and IndiGo, are experiencing increased flight durations by up to 4 hours on routes to Europe and North America, leading to higher fuel consumption and operational costs.
• The closure signifies heightened diplomatic and military tensions between India and Pakistan, with both nations imposing reciprocal airspace restrictions.