On May 2, 2025, the Indian government launched the “Agri-Tech for All” scheme to help farmers use AI and satellite data to improve crop productivity. The Ministry of Education introduced a new fellowship program for civil service aspirants from rural areas to support equitable access to competitive exams. India also signed a green energy agreement with Germany to expand solar and wind power collaborations. In addition, a nationwide water conservation drive was initiated under the Jal Shakti Ministry to address drought-prone areas ahead of monsoon season.

Awareness regarding daily UPSC current affairs is crucial for cracking the UPSC Prelims, excelling in UPSC Mains. It helps perform well in the UPSC personality test, thus becoming an informed and effective UPSC civil servant.

Below are the current affairs and headlines of the day taken from The Hindu, Indian Express, Press Information Bureau & All India Radio as required for UPSC preparation:

Caste Census

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Polity & Governance)

In News:

• The Union Cabinet approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming Census.

• This marks the first caste-based count in Independent India’s Census.

Arguments in Favour of Caste Census

• Better Policy Making: Accurate data on OBCs and other backward groups enables targeted welfare policies.
• Social Justice: It helps rationalise reservations based on actual population data, enabling quota within quota (sub-categorisation).
• Correct Representation: Enables correction of underrepresentation of OBCs and other groups in government jobs and institutions.
• Evidence-Based Governance: Enhances transparency and accountability in resource allocation.

Arguments Against Caste Census

• Social Fragmentation: Risk of intensifying caste identities and social divisions.
• Data Complexity: Managing and categorizing potentially millions of caste names is logistically difficult.
• Political Misuse: Potential for vote bank politics and manipulation of caste data.
• Past Experience: The 2011 SECC became controversial due to inconsistencies and lack of validation.
• Legal and Constitutional Questions: The move could trigger litigation over classification, OBC sub-categorisation, and reservation limits.

Digital access, a part of the Fundamental Rights

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Polity & Governance)

In News:

• The Supreme Court of India ruled that inclusive and meaningful digital access to e-governance and welfare delivery systems is a part of the fundamental right to life and liberty under Article 21.

• The ruling is based on petitions by acid attack survivors and a visually challenged citizen, who were excluded due to inaccessible digital KYC processes.

Key observations by the Supreme Court

• Digital Access as Fundamental Right: The Court ruled that the right to digital access is inherent in the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• Inclusive Digital Ecosystem: The state has an affirmative obligation to create a truly inclusive digital ecosystem for the marginalised, disabled, and underprivileged.
• Substantive Equality Principle: The judgment invoked the principle of substantive equality, emphasizing that equal access cannot be guaranteed unless structural disadvantages faced by Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and others are addressed.
• Exclusionary Digital Infrastructure: The current inaccessible digital KYC processes, especially those involving visual tasks, were deemed to further marginalize vulnerable groups rather than help integrate them into mainstream society.
• Equity in Digital Transformation: The Court emphasized that digital progress in India must not leave behind rural citizens, non-English speakers, and those with limited connectivity or assistive tools.
• State’s Role: The ruling stressed that the government must proactively design and implement inclusive and accessible platforms, not merely for the privileged but for all.

National Security Advisory Board Reconstituted

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: GS Paper II (Polity & Governance) 

In News:

• The Union Government has reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) amid rising tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025.

• Alok Joshi, former R&AW (Research and Analysis Wing) chief and ex-IPS officer, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the restructured 16-member NSAB.

Hydrogen

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: GS Paper III (Science & Technology)

In News:

• Natural hydrogen is gaining attention as a potential clean, low-cost, and abundant fuel.

• Scientific and industrial interest has surged due to recent discoveries in France, Australia, and the U.S., indicating vast untapped reserves.

Does India have Natural Hydrogen Reserves?

• India is geologically promising, with potential reserves in:
  • Ophiolite belts (Andaman, Himalayas)
  • Cratonic regions (Dharwar, Singhbhum)
  • Volcanic-sedimentary belts (Vindhyan, Cuddapah, Gondwana, Chhattisgarh)
  • Hot springs, fractured basement rocks, and ultramafic/mafic Formations.
• However, no major exploration has been carried out so far.