Learn Daily Newspaper analysis 1st May

• Caste Census: Historically, the last full caste count was in the 1931 census. Currently, the Union Cabinet has approved including caste data in the next census, making it mandatory. However, the date is yet to be announced. Future implications include using data for better governance, equitable resource allocation, delimitation, and women's reservation, but challenges like classification complexity and potential social division exist. (UPSC: Society, Governance, Social Justice).
• Digital Access to Welfare Schemes: Past issues involved difficulty in digital KYC for vulnerable groups. Presently, the Supreme Court has ruled digital access is part of the fundamental right to life and liberty (Article 21), stating difficult KYC for vulnerable groups violates rights, and has issued 20 guidelines. Future trends require the State to ensure accessible, inclusive, and responsive digital infrastructure for all. (UPSC: Polity, Governance, Social Justice, Fundamental Rights).
• FRP for Sugarcane: FRP is the minimum price set by the CCEA, governed by the 1966 order . Currently, the CCEA has approved an increase in FRP to ₹355 per quintal . Future implications include encouraging monocropping and concerns about delayed payments . (UPSC: Economy, Agriculture).
• National Security Advisory Board (NSAB): Established in 1998 as an advisory body of external experts . Presently, the NSAB has been reorganized and reconstituted with Alok Joshi as the new chairman and new members from security backgrounds, following events like the Pahelgam attack. Future suggests emphasis on leveraging external security expertise . (UPSC: Internal Security).
• India's Diplomatic Efforts/International Relations: Historically, India faced terrorism linked to Pakistan, with China protecting Pakistan at the UN . Presently, relations with Pakistan are strained . India engaged in international diplomatic efforts post-Pahelgam attack . The UNSC condemnation was significantly diluted, omitting specifics, with China and Pakistan identified as responsible . Future involves India continuing pressure via UN/FATF and advocating for CCIT . Concern is raised about India's IWT action setting a precedent China could use regarding the Brahmaputra . (UPSC: International Relations, Internal Security).
• Urban Challenges: Past witnessed rapid, unplanned urbanization . Presently, Indian cities face severe issues and are deemed grossly unprepared for current and future climate change challenges like heat islands and disasters, linked to politicisation and lack of holistic planning . Future demands holistic planning, building climate resilience, and empowering urban local bodies . (UPSC: Society, Governance, Environment, Disaster Management).
• Scientific Hiring: Public R&D institutions aim to advance science . A present trend indicates a slowdown in scientific hiring and increased contractual hiring over permanent staff, with unfilled posts noted . Future implications include hindering S&T ambitions like Quantum Computing/AI and potential brain drain; requiring sufficient permanent staff is crucial . (UPSC: Science & Technology, HRD).
• Bonded Labour: Legally banned in 1975, it persists . Presently, it exists in states/sectors like brick kilns and construction, driven by debt, emergencies, and vulnerabilities (discrimination, illiteracy) . A 2016 figure showed 1.84 crore needed rehabilitation, with only a small fraction rescued . Future