Caste Census in India

Context:

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) has approved caste enumeration census as part of the upcoming Population Census, reversing its 2021 stance.

About the Caste Census in India:

What is a Caste Census ?

It is the systematic collection of data on caste identities of individuals during a national census.

It provides socio-demographic insights essential for affirmative action and social justice planning.

Legal/Constitutional Backing:

No specific constitutional provision mandates caste census, but it is permitted under Article 340 for identifying backward classes.

As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, Census is a union subject listed at 69 in the Union List in the Seventh Schedule.

Historical Context & Origin:

First conducted in British India from 1881 to 1931.

Independent India (1951 onwards) excluded caste enumeration except for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Last Caste Census Held:

1931 Census was the last full caste enumeration.

SECC 2011 attempted caste data collection but data remains unpublished.

Need for Caste Census in India:

Data-Driven Affirmative Action: Accurate OBC population data is lacking; Mandal Commission estimated 52% OBCs, but no empirical backing.

E.g.: Bihar’s 2023 caste survey revealed OBC+EBC population at 63%.

Reservation Rationalisation: Helps in quota restructuring and possible sub-categorisation within OBCs for equitable benefit distribution.

Social Justice Planning: Enables targeted health, education, and livelihood schemes for marginalized caste groups.

Women’s Political Reservation: Census data is needed for delimitation, which will operationalize women’s reservation in legislatures.

Constitutional Mandate under Article 15(4): Allows state to make special provisions for backward classes – which needs clear identification.

Challenges to Conducting Caste Census:

Enumeration Complexity: Multiple castes/sub-castes, overlapping categories (e.g., SC-OBC status) make classification difficult.

Lack of Standardised Caste Lists: Centre and states have different OBC lists, making aggregation inconsistent.

Political Manipulation: Caste data can fuel vote bank politics, leading to social polarization.

Data Sensitivity & Accuracy: Self-declaration may result in false reporting or exaggeration, leading to flawed conclusions.

Risk of Deepening Caste Identities: Critics argue it may perpetuate caste consciousness instead of reducing inequalities.

Way Ahead:

Scientific Categorisation: Build consensus on standardised classification of castes and sub-castes.

Transparent Methodology: Use digital tools and trained enumerators to improve accuracy and security of caste data.

Safeguard Against Misuse: Ensure data privacy and restrict caste data usage to policy and welfare only.

Post-Census Action Plan: Publish findings, consult stakeholders, and integrate caste data into policy design.

Constitutional Validation: Any quota revision/sub-categorisation based on caste census must undergo judicial and parliamentary scrutiny.

Conclusion:

The caste census marks a major policy shift aimed at correcting historical data gaps. While it promises greater social justice, the success will depend on methodological integrity and non-political usage. If executed transparently, it can redefine India’s affirmative action roadmap for the next generation.

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Amrit Bharat Railway Stations

Context:

Prime Minister inaugurated 103 Amrit Bharat railway stations across 86 districts in 18 States/UTs via video conference from Deshnoke, Rajasthan.

About Amrit Bharat Railway Stations:

What It Is?

A centrally sponsored initiative to redevelop and modernize 1,275 railway stations across India with a long-term, phased vision.

Launched In: 2022 by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.

Objectives:

Enhance passenger experience through improved infrastructure.

Promote heritage preservation, tourism, and regional economic development.

Integrate stations into multimodal urban mobility hubs.

Key Features of Amrit Bharat Railway Stations:

Master Plan Approach: Development carried out in phases based on future needs.

Passenger Amenities:

Improved accessibility, waiting halls, executive lounges, toilets, lifts, escalators.

Free Wi-Fi, better signage, digital passenger information systems.

Business lounges, retail kiosks (under One Station One Product), and roof plazas.

Architectural Integration: Reflects local art, culture, and heritage in station design.

Green Infrastructure: Focus on eco-friendly buildings, sustainable materials, and Divyangjan-friendly facilities.

Multimodal Connectivity: Seamless links with metro, bus terminals, and city transport systems.

Economic Boost: Expected to generate employment, enhance tourism, and promote local handicrafts.

Significance of the Scheme:

Cultural Preservation: Protects and showcases India’s regional heritage and traditions.

Tourism Promotion: Station aesthetics attract tourists, especially in heritage zones.

Urban Transformation: Converts railway premises into vibrant public spaces and city centres.

Digital & Physical Modernization: Bridges the gap between traditional rail infrastructure and future-ready smart transport hubs.

Inclusive Development: Special focus on facilities for persons with disabilities, women, and senior citizens.

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Quality Council of India (QCI)

Context:

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry inaugurated the new unified headquarters of the Quality Council of India (QCI) at the World Trade Centre, New Delhi.

About Quality Council of India (QCI):

What is QCI?

QCI is an autonomous national accreditation body responsible for ensuring quality assurance in products, services, and processes across sectors, through independent third-party assessments.

Established In: 1996, based on recommendations from an EU Expert Mission and inter-ministerial consultations.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade – DPIIT)

Headquarters: Now located at World Trade Centre (WTC), New Delhi

Objectives of QCI:

Promote quality standards across public and private sectors.

Provide independent accreditation and third-party assessment.

Enhance quality of life and public service delivery through better governance standards.

Act as a nodal body to implement National Quality Campaigns aligned with global benchmarks.

Structure and Governance

Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model involving the government and industry associations — CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM.

Registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Governing Council of 39 members with equal representation from government, industry, and stakeholders.

The Chairperson is nominated by the Prime Minister of India.

Key Functions of QCI:

Accreditation Services: Through bodies like NABL, NABH, NABET, NBQP, ensuring quality in labs, healthcare, environment, etc.

Third-party Assessments: Independent evaluation of services, infrastructure, and government programs.

Policy Implementation: Supports quality mandates under schemes like Swachh Bharat, Ayushman Bharat, etc.

Capacity Building: Trains personnel for quality audits and quality improvement across sectors.

Global Collaboration: Aligns India’s quality ecosystem with international benchmarks and WTO standards.

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Three-Year Judicial Practice Mandate

Context:

The Supreme Court reinstated the rule mandating a minimum of three years of legal practice as a prerequisite for applying to the Civil Judge (Junior Division) posts.

What Is the Three-Year Judicial Practice Mandate?

As per the latest ruling in All India Judges Association v. Union of India, a candidate must now have at least three years of courtroom experience before appearing for judicial service exams.

The mandate applies to entry-level judges, reinstating the condition removed in 2002 to broaden access to judicial posts.

Need for the Practice Requirement

Improves Judicial Preparedness: Early exposure to real courtroom scenarios builds decision-making skills and legal maturity.

E.g. The Bar Council of India (2021) stated that judges without practice were often “inept and incapable” in handling matters.

Reflects High Court Consensus: 23 out of 25 High Courts reported unsatisfactory outcomes from recruiting fresh graduates into the judiciary.

Addresses Training Gaps: Judicial academies often lack individual mentoring capacity and cannot simulate litigation complexities.

Fosters Professional Maturity: Advocates gain better emotional intelligence and legal intuition through active litigation.

Challenges Associated with the Mandate

Exclusion of Marginalized Aspirants: Women and first-generation lawyers may struggle to sustain three years in litigation due to socio-economic or familial constraints.

E.g. NFHS data shows average female marriage age is 19.2, creating early-career conflicts for female law graduates.

Litigation Is Not a Level Field: Early-stage advocates, especially women, often face hostile work conditions, harassment, and lack of mentorship in court corridors.

Tokenistic Practice Risk: Without verification norms, the mandate may become a formality rather than a meaningful experience.

Reduced Diversity in Judiciary: The added hurdle may deter young, capable women and others from marginalized communities from even attempting judicial entry.

Judicial Overreach Concerns: The mandate, as per Article 234, should be determined by State executives in consultation with High Courts, not by the Supreme Court.

Significance of the Move:

Enhances Quality of Judgments: Judges with courtroom experience are more adept at managing procedural complexities and ensuring fair trials.

Bridges Theory-Practice Divide: The move attempts to build a professionally competent Bench, not just a theoretically sound one.

Aligns with Global Best Practices: Most developed judicial systems expect prior legal experience before assuming judicial office.

Conclusion:

The three-year practice mandate reflects a desire to build a judiciary with practical legal insight and emotional maturity. However, without addressing socio-economic barriers and structural inequalities, it risks narrowing entry for many deserving candidates. Judicial reform must strike a balance between quality and inclusivity, rigour and representation.

Gomti River

Context:

The Gomti River in Lucknow is at risk of becoming ecologically dead due to rising untreated sewage, declining oxygen levels, and increasing faecal coliform levels.

About Gomti River:

Origin:

Arises from Gomat Taal (Fulhaar Jheel) near Madho Tanda, Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh.

Course:

Flows entirely through Uttar Pradesh, traversing districts like Lucknow, Sitapur, Sultanpur, Jaunpur, Faizabad, and others.

Joins the Ganga River at Kaithi in Ghazipur district.

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Chagos Islands

Context:

The United Kingdom has officially agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ending decades of British control.

About Chagos Islands:

Location:

The Chagos Archipelago consists of over 60 small islands located in the central Indian Ocean, south of the Maldives, and east of Seychelles.

The largest island, Diego Garcia, hosts a key US-UK military base.

Strategic Significance:

Diego Garcia has served as a critical logistics and intelligence base for US military operations in West Asia, South Asia, and East Africa.

It has hosted over 2,500 personnel, nuclear-capable aircraft, and surveillance systems.

About UK–Mauritius Chagos Sovereignty Deal (2025):

After a UK High Court ruling, England Prime Minister signed a treaty handing sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

The deal includes a 99-year lease of Diego Garcia to the UK and US for continued military use.

The UK will pay Mauritius approximately £101 million/year, totalling billions over the lease period.

Significance:

Marks the completion of Mauritius’s decolonisation process.

Balances sovereignty claims with strategic military requirements of Western allies.

Seen as a “win-win”—recognising Mauritian control while maintaining UK-US security presence.

India’s Official Stance: India has consistently supported Mauritius’s claim over Chagos in line with its principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and international law.

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Ghatampur Thermal Power Project

Context:

Prime Minister of India dedicated Unit-1 (660 MW) of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project in Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in India’s thermal energy expansion and infrastructure development.

About Ghatampur Thermal Power Project:

Location: The power plant is located in Ghatampur, in Kanpur Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.

Implementing Agency:

The project is managed by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd (NUPPL) — a joint venture between: NLC India Ltd (owns 51%) and UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL) (owns 49%).

Power Capacity:

The project has 3 power units, each of 660 MW.

Total capacity is 1,980 MW.

Total Cost: The project cost is ₹21,780.94 crore.

Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)

Context:

The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) played a key role in triggering the early onset of the southwest monsoon in Kerala and Mumbai.

About Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO):

What is MJO?

The MJO is an eastward-moving tropical atmospheric disturbance involving clouds, rainfall, winds, and pressure patterns.

Discovered in 1971 by Roland Madden and Paul Julian, it typically completes a global circuit every 30–60 days.

It features two alternating phases:

Enhanced Convective Phase: Characterized by increased rainfall and greater cloud formation due to rising air and moisture convergence.

Suppressed Convective Phase: Marked by reduced rainfall and clearer skies, as sinking dry air inhibits cloud development.

How is MJO Formed?

Surface convergence of winds initiates rising air motion in the tropics.

This leads to condensation and cloud formation, supported by upper-level divergence.

The entire dipole system moves from west to east across the equator, especially between 30°N and 30°S latitude.

Factors Influencing MJO:

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) anomalies, particularly in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Atmospheric moisture content and zonal wind anomalies.

Seasonal conditions like El Niño, which can amplify or suppress MJO activity.

Impacts of MJO:

On Indian Monsoon:

MJO in its active phase over the Indian Ocean can:

Trigger early monsoon onset, as seen in 2024 and 2025.

Boost cyclogenesis and increase rainfall intensity during its passage.

Improve intra-seasonal rainfall variability and monsoon breaks.

Global Influence:

Modulates cyclone frequency and strength across ocean basins.

Alters jet streams, influencing weather extremes in the U.S., Europe, and Australia.

Can cause cold surges, heatwaves, and floods in mid-latitude regions.

Acts as a short-term climate modulator unlike ENSO, which has seasonal effects.

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Bioluminescent Waves

Context:

After Chennai faced heavy rains, a remarkable natural phenomenon took place at the East Coast Road (ECR) beach, as rare bioluminescent waves lit up the night sky, mesmerizing the city’s residents.

Location:

Chennai East coast road beach.

About Bioluminescence:

Definition: Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms, primarily due to chemical reactions within marine life.

Organism Responsible: Noctiluca scintillans, also known as “sea sparkle,” is a bioluminescent phytoplankton that creates mesmerizing blue waves when disturbed.

Marine species: Common bioluminescent organisms include certain fish, bacteria, and jellyfish.

Purpose: It is believed that bioluminescence serves multiple functions for marine life, including:

Defense Mechanism: Used to escape predators.

Communication: Helps species communicate with each other.

Attraction: Assists in attracting prey or mates.

Location: Bioluminescence can appear in various marine environments, depending on the type of organism and habitat.

Cyclone Dana

Context:

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the formation of Cyclone “Dana,” expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday, October 23, 2024. The cyclone is set to affect Odisha and West Bengal with wind speeds of up to 120 km/h.

Cyclones and their features:

Definition: A cyclone is a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure.

Formation: Cyclones develop over warm ocean waters (above 26.5°C) due to the rapid upward movement of warm air, which condenses to form clouds and releases energy, fueling the system.

Wind Speed: Cyclonic storms are categorized based on wind speeds, with severe cyclonic storms typically reaching wind speeds between 89 and 117 kmph.

Impact: Cyclones bring torrential rain, high-speed winds, and storm surges, leading to flooding, destruction of infrastructure, and displacement of communities.

About naming cyclones:

Origin: The naming of cyclones in the Indian Ocean region was initiated by WMO/ESCAP in 2000, comprising countries like Bangladesh, India, and others, with 169 names released in 2020.

Member countries: Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

In 2018, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Yemen were added.

Purpose: Naming cyclones simplifies communication, making it easier for the public, media, and authorities to track storms and prepare for them.

Guidelines:

Must be short, easy to pronounce, and neutral to politics, religion, and culture.

No name can be repeated or offensive.

Each country provides 13 names, which are used sequentially.

Naming process: Each member country suggests 13 names, and the list rotates when a new cyclone forms. The names must be short, easy to pronounce, neutral (politically, culturally, and religiously), and not offensive.

Recent cyclone and nations which gave name:

Bihar Flood

Context:

Bihar, India, is severely affected by annual floods, with millions displaced and livelihoods disrupted. The region’s geographic vulnerability, coupled with ineffective flood control measures, continues to exacerbate the problem.

Geographic Conditions Contributing to Flooding in Bihar:

Proximity to the Himalayas: North Bihar is located downstream from Nepal, with rivers originating from the Himalayas flowing into Bihar.

These rivers, including Kosi, Gandak, and Bagmati, carry large amounts of sediment, making the state flood-prone.

River sedimentation: The young Himalayan rivers are sediment-heavy due to loose soil, causing them to overflow when rainwater increases the volume.

Flat terrain: Bihar’s flat plains make it difficult for floodwaters to drain quickly, leading to prolonged waterlogging, especially during the monsoon.

Permanent waterlogged areas: Low-lying areas, known as Chaurs, further complicate drainage, causing long-term waterlogging in certain regions.

Impact of embankments: Embankments built along rivers like the Kosi have narrowed their channels, leading to sediment buildup and shallower riverbeds, increasing the risk of overflow.

Causes of Flooding in Bihar:

Heavy rainfall in Nepal: Flash floods are often triggered by heavy rainfall in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, which drains into Bihar’s rivers.

Overflowing rivers: During monsoons, snow-fed and rain-fed rivers breach their banks, flooding large areas.

Embankment failures: Structural issues with embankments have led to breaches, worsening flood damage.

Waterlogging from small rivers: Encroachment on drainage channels and silted rivers cause further water stagnation.

Release of water from barrages: The release of water from Nepal’s barrages, such as the Kosi barrage, contributes to increased water levels.

Way ahead to handle floods:

Integrated Flood Management: Building additional barrages, dams, and improving embankments must be accompanied by policies for early warnings and quick responses.

Collaboration with Nepal: The long-pending proposal to build a dam on the Kosi requires diplomatic collaboration with Nepal to address upstream water management.

Strengthening embankments: Regular maintenance and modernization of embankments, along with widening river channels to manage sediment, can mitigate flood impacts.

Non-structural solutions: Improved flood forecasting, risk reduction policies, disaster management training, and community awareness programs are essential for flood preparedness.

Rehabilitation of affected populations: Providing sustainable resettlement options for communities trapped within flood-prone embankments can prevent annual displacement.

Best Practice:

Chennai: Stormwater Drainage System

Chennai has enhanced its stormwater drainage system post-2015 floods by redesigning and expanding it. The city increased the number of stormwater drains and connected them to natural water bodies for efficient water flow and drainage during heavy rainfall.

Surat: Flood Early Warning System (FEWS)

Surat, a flood-prone city, uses a Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) to predict and monitor floods, especially in the Tapi River basin. This system allows for timely evacuations and preparation, minimizing flood damage.

Galathea Bay

Context:

The Centre has designated Galathea Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a ‘Major Port,’ marking the start of a 44,000 crore project.

The Great Nicobar Island International Container Transshipment Terminal (GNIICTT) at Galathea Bay, with a depth of 20 meters, is a $9 billion project in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It will be India’s second deep-water container transhipment terminal, following Vizhinjam International Seaport. This international transhipment hub will be developed through a public-private partnership and aims to capture cargo currently handled abroad.

India has 12 major ports and 200 non-major ports, with major ports regulated by the Major Ports Authority Act, 2021, and non-major ports managed by State Maritime Boards.

Flying Rivers

Context

The warming of the Indian Ocean is giving rise to flying or atmospheric rivers which are causing devastating floods in India

About

Flying Rivers are the storms that travel as huge, invisible ribbons of water vapor and dump heavy rains.

An average atmospheric river is about 2,000 km long, 500 km wide and nearly 3 km deep.

These “rivers in the sky” carry some 90% of the total water vapor that moves across the Earth’s mid-latitudes.

The water vapor forms a band or a column in the lower part of the atmosphere which moves from the tropics to the cooler latitudes and comes down as rain or snow, devastating enough to cause floods or deadly avalanches.

As the earth warms up faster, scientists say these atmospheric rivers have become longer, wider and more intense, putting hundreds of millions of people worldwide at risk from flying rivers.

Pyrocumulonimbus Clouds

In News

Wildfires in the U.S. and Canada have become so intense that they are generating ‘pyrocumulonimbus’ clouds, which can produce thunderstorms and ignite additional fires.

Pyrocumulonimbus Clouds

They are formed from extremely hot wildfires or volcanic eruptions.

Rising global temperatures may lead to more intense and frequent wildfires, which could increase the occurrence of pyrocumulonimbus clouds.

Process:  Intense heat from the fire warms surrounding air, which then rises, expands, and cools. Water vapour condenses on ash to form a pyrocumulus cloud.

With enough water vapor and intense upward movement, these clouds can develop into pyrocumulonimbus clouds, reaching up to 50,000 feet and creating their own thunderstorms.

Impact: They  can produce lighting, they do not generate much rain.

They can spark new wildfires far from the main blaze and trigger strong winds that spread fires quickly.

Data: Before 2023, about 102 pyrocumulonimbus clouds were recorded globally per year, with 50 in Canada.

In 2023, 140 pyrocumulonimbus clouds were recorded in Canada alone.

A23  ‘spinning’

Context

A23, the world’s largest iceberg, is stuck in a vortex over a seamount.

About

The iceberg is spinning near the South Orkney Islands, about 375 miles northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula.

A23 was one of three icebergs that broke off, or calved, from the Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986.

At the time of the calving, A23 was home to a Soviet Union research center and researchers eventually had to abandon the base.

Jumping Genes and RNA Bridges

Context

Scientists at the Carnegie Institution found that some genes were able to move around within the genome. These genes were called Jumping genes or transposons.

About

Transposons influence the effects of genes and are called the tools of evolution, for their ability to rearrange the genome and introduce changes.

More than 45% of the human genome consists of transposable elements.

They create mutations in genes and lead to diseases.

However, most of the transposons have themselves inherited mutations and have become inactive, and thus can’t move around within the gnome.

Jumping genes (Transposons)

The name of the jumping gene is IS110, which stands for Insertion Sequence, and such sequences are found in an array of life-forms, including bacteriophages, bacteria, plants, worms, fruit flies, mosquitos, mice, and humans.

They roam around the body, cutting and pasting themselves, repairing DNA and modifying it daily.

What is Bridge RNA?

Bridge RNA refers to a type of RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) molecule that plays a crucial role in the process of DNA rearrangement in certain organisms.

Bridge RNAs act as molecular bridges between different DNA segments during this intricate process of DNA rearrangement.

Kallakkadal Phenomenon

Context

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), sounded alert, as the coastal areas of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are likely to experience the ‘kallakkadal’ phenomenon.

Kallakkadal phenomenon

Kallakkadal is a term used for the flooding events caused by Swell Waves.

UNESCO formally accepted term “Kallakkadal” for scientific use in 2012.

Swell Waves

They are high sea waves that are formed by an ocean swell. Ocean swells occur due to distant storms like hurricanes and not due to the local winds.

During such storms, huge energy transfer takes place from the air into the water, leading to the formation of very high waves.

Such waves can travel thousands of kilometers from the storm cent

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