Learn Daily Newspaper analysis 2nd May 2025

Economically, India's GST collection reached a record gross of ₹2.37 lakh crore in April 2025, representing a 12.6% increase year-on-year. This reflects robust economic activity, with the data based on March transactions. Domestic transactions rose by 10.7%, and collections from imported goods increased by 20%. Net GST collection after refunds was ₹2.09 lakh crore, growing 9.1%. IGST is the highest component.

On India-Pakistan relations, discussions focused on the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). India has stated it is keeping the treaty in abeyance (pausing commitments) due to concerns like climate change affecting water flow and Pakistan's lack of response to renegotiation requests. India has also cited Pakistan's sponsorship of terrorism as a reason for putting it in abeyance. While the treaty lacks an explicit exit clause, international law like the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties 1969 allows for suspension under certain conditions, such as "fundamental changes". India currently lacks the infrastructure for an immediate, complete stoppage of water on the Western rivers. India is also undertaking diplomatic efforts to isolate Pakistan internationally, particularly after recent terror attacks. This involves using platforms like UNSC, FATF, and Quad and engaging countries traditionally allied with Pakistan, such as Saudi Arabia and the Afghan Taliban. Relations with Saudi Arabia have shifted significantly since 2008, moving towards a strategic partnership and counter-terrorism cooperation.

In international relations, a US-Ukraine deal grants the US access to Ukraine's mineral resources (rare earth, critical minerals, oil, gas, agriculture) via a US-managed reinvestment fund, in exchange for military aid. The US also notified a potential $131 million sale of maritime surveillance technology (Sea Vision software) to India. This is part of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) initiative, launched by the Quad (US, India, Australia, Japan) to track vessels like dark shipping in the Indo-Pacific. Separately, China's foreign policy is shifting towards strengthening ties with Southeast Asian countries to counter US containment strategy.

Domestically, the proposed caste census is a significant topic. India plans to include caste in the upcoming census (likely 2026), which would be the first full enumeration since 1931. This decision is driven by demands from political parties. Proponents argue it aids policy-making and targeted welfare schemes, while concerns exist about potential political misuse. The upcoming census data is crucial for policymaking, including potentially for sub-categorisation within reservations, and is linked to the future delimitation exercise and women's reservation bill.

The role of Private Member Bills (PMBs) in Parliament was discussed as an underutilised legislative tool. Introduced by non-minister MPs, very few are debated or passed into law. Challenges include limited time on Fridays and constraints from the anti-defection law and party whips. Only 14 PMBs have become law since independence, with none passed since 1970. Suggestions for improvement include mandatory time slots for discussion.

On energy, Natural Hydrogen was presented as a promising, potentially cheap, and clean source that could help India achieve its net-zero target by 2070. India is estimated to have significant potential reserves, with recent findings in the Andaman region. Challenges include exploration costs and technical complexities related to hydrogen's properties.

Other topics included the traditional sport of Jallikattu in