PM inaugurates Chenab Railway Bridge

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Why in the News?

Prime Minister inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.

About the Chenab Rail Bridge:

Location: The Chenab Rail Bridge is the world’s highest railway bridge, situated over the Chenab River in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir. It is part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL).
Height: The bridge rises to a height of 359 metres, which is 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.
Structure and Length: It has a total length of 1,315 metres, comprising a 530-metre approach bridge and a 785-metre steel arch bridge.
Project Execution: Constructed by Konkan Railway Corporation, with contributions from Afcons Infrastructure, Ultra Construction & Engineering (South Korea), and VSL India.
Design and Engineering:
- IISc Bengaluru designed the foundation.
- IIT Delhi and IIT Roorkee conducted seismic analysis.
- DRDO ensured it is blast-proof.
Durability and Safety: The bridge can withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes, blasts up to 40 tonnes of TNT, temperatures as low as -20°C, and wind speeds of 266 km/h.
Speed and Lifespan: It supports train speeds up to 100 km/h and has a lifespan of 120 years.
Key Milestones: The arch closure was completed in April 2021, and the Golden Joint Ceremony was held on August 13, 2022.

PM also inaugurated Anji Bridge:

About: The Anji Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, built over the Anji River, a tributary of the Chenab.
Ranking: It is the second-highest railway bridge in India, after the Chenab Bridge.
Design: Originally planned as an arch bridge, the design was changed to cable-stayed due to geological challenges.
Structure Details: The total length is 725 metres, comprising an ancillary viaduct, approach bridge, and central embankment.
Features: It is supported by 96 cables ranging from 82 to 295 metres, with a deck width of 15 metres.
Resilience: The bridge is engineered to withstand seismic activity, unstable terrain, strong winds, heavy storms, and explosions.

[UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028. II. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany. III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.

Which of the statements given above are not correct?

Options: (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III*

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RBI Notifications

RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Decisions

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

Why in the News?

The RBI, in its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, cut the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 1% to release ₹2.5 lakh crore into the banking system by November 2025.

Key Changes Announced:

Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) reduced by 1% in four tranches, bringing it down to 3% by November 29, 2025.
This CRR cut will release ₹2.5 lakh crore liquidity into the banking system by December 2025.
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) remains unchanged at 18% of Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL).

Key terms related to the MPC instruments:

	Explanation
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)	CRR is the percentage of a bank’s total deposits that must be maintained as liquid cash with the RBI. Banks cannot use this amount for lending or investment. No interest is earned on CRR. It is used to control liquidity and inflation in the economy. Increasing CRR reduces bank lending capacity; decreasing it increases liquidity. Current CRR is 4.5% of Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL).
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)	SLR is the minimum percentage of NDTL that banks must maintain in liquid form. It includes cash, gold, or approved government securities, kept with the bank itself. It helps ensure bank solvency and restricts excessive credit growth. Raising SLR reduces funds available for lending; lowering it boosts credit and growth. It also helps the government ensure demand for its securities.
Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL)	It includes public deposits and balances held with other banks. It excludes deposits the bank itself has with other banks. Demand liabilities include current accounts and demand drafts. Time liabilities include fixed deposits and recurring deposits. CRR and SLR are calculated as a percentage of NDTL.
Repo Rate	The repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends short-term funds to commercial banks against government securities. Banks sell securities to RBI with an agreement to repurchase them later. Lower repo rate makes borrowing cheaper and boosts liquidity. Higher repo rate makes borrowing costlier, reducing liquidity. It is a key monetary policy tool to regulate inflation and money supply.
Variable Rate Repo (VRR) Auction	VRR auction is a method where RBI conducts repo operations at variable interest rates. Interest rate is determined through competitive bidding by banks. It reflects real-time demand and supply of liquidity. Enables more flexible and efficient liquidity management by RBI.
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)	SDF allows banks to deposit surplus funds with the RBI without providing any collateral. Banks earn interest at a rate set by the RBI. It is used to absorb excess liquidity from the system. Part of RBI’s liquidity management framework.
Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR)	WACR is the weighted average interest rate at which banks borrow and lend overnight funds in the interbank call money market. It is an important indicator of short-term liquidity conditions. RBI monitors WACR to guide monetary policy decisions.

[UPSC 2020] If the RBI decides to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, which of the following would it not do?

1. Cut and optimise the Statutory Liquidity Ratio.

2. Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate.

3. Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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Land Reforms

UMEED Portal for Waqf Properties

Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: E-Governance
Why in the News?

Union Minister for Minority Affairs has launched the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal—a centralised digital platform to manage Waqf properties across India.

Tap to read more about the Waqf and the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

About the UMEED Portal
- Launch: It was launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs on June 6, 2025.
- Core Purpose: It ensures real-time registration, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties across India.
- Legal Alignment: The portal is aligned with the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which received presidential assent in April 2025.
- Governance Shift: UMEED aims to promote transparency, accountability, and public participation by making Waqf data digitally traceable.
Key Features:
- Centralized Registration: All Waqf properties must be registered on a single digital platform.
- Documentation: Each property receives a 17-digit ID and must include ownership papers, exact measurements, and geotagged location data.
- User-Friendly Design: Features include dropdown-based input, GIS mapping, and a grievance redressal system.
- 3-Tier Verification:
  - Maker: Mutawalli enters the property data.
  - Checker: District official verifies the entry.
  - Approver: CEO or authorised Waqf Board officer grants approval.
- Transparency and Privacy: Public access to basic property details is allowed, while data privacy is ensured.
- Eligibility Rule: Properties registered in women’s names are not eligible as Waqf properties, though women and vulnerable groups remain priority beneficiaries.
- Support System: A toll-free helpline is available for technical assistance.
Registration Process:
- Responsible Authority: State Waqf Boards are in charge of registering properties.
- Deadline: All registrations must be completed within 6 months of the portal’s launch.
- Required Data: Includes property size, ownership documents, geotagging, and whether the land is government-owned.
- Extension Policy: A 1–2 month extension may be granted upon valid request.
- Non-Compliance: Unregistered properties will be marked as “disputed” and referred to the Waqf Tribunal.
- Missing Documents: In such cases, the mutawalli must approach the Tribunal for validation.
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Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

Global Energy Investment Report, 2025

IOCR Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Why in the News?

China will lead global energy investments in 2025, making up over a quarter of total spending, says the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 10th edition Global Energy Investment Report, 2025.

Back2Basics: International Energy Agency (IEA)

Establishment: The IEA was formed in 1974 under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in response to the 1973 oil crisis, with headquarters in Paris, France.
Membership: It has 31 member countries (e.g., US, UK, France, Japan) and 11 association countries like India, China, and Brazil.
India’s Role: India joined as an Association Country in 2017, gaining access to data-sharing, policy support, and technical cooperation.
Expanded Mission: The IEA now supports energy security, clean energy transitions, emissions tracking, and policy development.
Global Influence: Its major reports—World Energy Outlook, Net Zero by 2050, and Energy Technology Perspectives—guide governments and investors worldwide.

About the Global Energy Investment Report:

Origin and Purpose: Officially titled World Energy Investment Report, is the IEA’s flagship annual publication.
Published since 2016: To assess investment flows across the global energy system.
Scope of Coverage: It tracks investments in fossil fuels, renewables, electricity supply, critical minerals, energy efficiency, R&D, and innovation financing.
Strategic Value: The report helps determine if current investments support climate goals and universal energy access.

Global Energy Investment Report, 2025

Key Highlights from the 2025 Report:

China’s Role: China will account for over 25% of global energy investment, with over $625 billion in clean energy, though it also approved 100 GW of new coal plants in 2024.
Global Trends: Clean energy investment will hit $2.2 trillion, over twice the amount spent on fossil fuels, yet still falls short of COP28 targets.
Africa’s Investment Gap: Africa’s fossil fuel investment dropped from $125 billion to $54 billion, and it still receives only 2% of global clean energy funds, mainly due to debt burdens.
India’s Position: India’s renewables investment rose from $13 billion (2015) to $37 billion (2025), while fossil fuel investment also increased. However, grid and storage spending declined to $25 billion.
Financing Barriers: India’s high cost of capital—80% above advanced economies—limits clean energy growth. The “Baku to Belem Roadmap” seeks to mobilize $1.3 trillion by 2035 for such regions.
Global Mismatch: While $1 trillion is spent annually on power generation, only $400 billion goes to grid infrastructure, affecting distribution capacity.

[UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements:

1. The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organisation that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.

2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with The Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.

3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.

4.Some Indian companies are members of EP100.

5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Options: (a) 1,2,4 and 5 (b) 1,3 and 4 only* (c) 2,3 and 5 only (d) 1,2,3,4 and 5

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

[pib] EnviStats India Report, 2025

DOMR Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 8th edition of EnviStats India: Environment Statistics Report.

About EnviStats India Report:

Launch: It is an annual report released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), first launched in 2018.
Global Framework: It follows the UN’s Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES) 2013.
Data Compilation: The report consolidates environmental data from multiple ministries and departments of the Indian government.
Policymaking Support: It helps in evidence-based policymaking by identifying environmental challenges, resource needs, and trends.

Key Highlights of EnviStats India, 2025:

Energy and Fisheries:

- Thermal power generation rose from 7.92 lakh GWh (2013–14) to 13.26 lakh GWh (2023–24).
- Renewable energy generation increased from 65,520 GWh to 2.26 lakh GWh over the same period.
- Inland fish production jumped from 61.36 lakh tonnes to 139.07 lakh tonnes.
- Marine fish production grew from 34.43 lakh tonnes to 44.95 lakh tonnes.

Climate and Weather Trends:

- Annual mean temperature increased from 25.05°C (2001) to 25.74°C (2024).
- Minimum temperature rose from 19.32°C to 20.24°C; maximum temperature from 30.78°C to 31.25°C.
- Rainfall patterns showed year-to-year variability, but no clear long-term trend.

Biodiversity Statistics:

- India’s faunal diversity includes 1,04,561 species, contributing to the global count of 16,73,627 species.
- It includes 20,613 marine, 9,436 freshwater, and 22,404 soil species.
- Mangrove and estuarine ecosystems show high biodiversity richness.

Expenditure Trends:

- The Environment Sustainability sector had the highest allocation: ₹2,433.24 crore in 2021–22.
- Spending on Conservation of Natural Resources showed a rising trend.
- Agro-forestry received the lowest funding among the three major environmental sectors.

[UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:

1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).

2. CGWA was’ formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.

3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only * (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only

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Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

State of Tigers Prey in India

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

For the first time, India has conducted a detailed assessment of ungulate species (mammals with hoofs on their foot, like deer, pigs, antelopes, and bison), which are vital prey for tigers and important for forest ecosystems.

About Status of Tiger Prey in India:

The report titled “Status of Ungulates in Tiger Habitats of India” was released by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), using data from the 2022 All-India Tiger Estimation.
This is the first national-level assessment of ungulates, the hoofed mammals like chital, sambar, gaur, wild pig, nilgai, which form the core prey base of tigers.
Ungulates are essential not only for tiger survival but also for maintaining healthy forest ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and promoting soil and vegetation health.
The study stresses that tiger numbers alone are not enough; prey density and habitat quality must also be monitored to assess ecosystem health.
It establishes that 30 ungulates per sq km are needed to support 4 tigers per 100 sq km, but growth is constrained by territoriality, interspecies competition, and habitat fragmentation.

Key Highlights:

Prey Decline in East-Central India: Significant decline in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh due to habitat loss, deforestation, urbanization, mining, subsistence hunting, civil unrest, and Left Wing Extremism.
Thriving Regions: Healthier prey populations in the Shivalik-Gangetic Plains (Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar), Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, the Western Ghats, and Northeast India.
Species Trends:
- Chital is the most widespread and adaptable species.
- Sambar and gaur remain stable in central and southern forests.
- Hog deer and barasingha show sharp decline due to wetland degradation and habitat isolation.
Human-Wildlife Conflict:
- In low-prey areas like Tadoba and Ratapani, tigers prey on livestock, increasing conflict.
- Wild pigs and nilgai damage crops, leading to retaliatory killings and local resentment.
Conservation Measures:
- On-site prey breeding in predator-proof enclosures
- Forest restoration and better habitat connectivity
- Focused protection of sanctuaries and buffer zones
- Reducing habitat fragmentation caused by roads, railways, and power lines

About Tiger Conservation in India

Declared National Animal of India in 1972 by the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL).
Largest population in India; also found in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. India harbours 75% of the world’s wild tigers.
Occupies habitats such as high mountains, mangrove swamps, grasslands, deciduous forests, evergreen, and shola forests.
Ecological Significance:
- Flagship species: Essential for conservation efforts.
- Umbrella species: Protecting tigers helps conserve other species.
Key driver of ecotourism and related industries.
Cultural & Spiritual Significance: Symbolizes power and strength.
Protection Status:
- Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
- IUCN Red List: Endangered.
- CITES: Listed in Appendix I.
Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation initiative in India that was launched in 1973.
Tigers are also flagship species listed among the 7 big cats under the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).

[UPSC 2001] A pesticide which is a chlorinated hydrocarbon is sprayed on a food crop. The food chain is: Food crop – Rat -Snake – Hawk.

In this food chain, the highest concentration of the pesticide would accumulate in which one of the following?

Options: (a) Food crop (b) Rat (c) Snake (d) Hawk*

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

Massive eruption of Italy’s Mount Etna

Prelims Only World Mapping | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

Why in the News?

Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, has erupted sending ash, smoke, and rock fragments several kilometres into the sky.

Why do Volcanoes Erupt?

Magma Formation: Deep within Earth, high temperature and pressure melt rocks into magma.
Gas Expansion: Magma contains gases like water vapor, CO₂, and SO₂. As magma rises, the pressure drops, allowing these gases to form bubbles, increasing internal pressure.
Crustal Weaknesses: At tectonic boundaries or mantle plumes, cracks and faults in Earth’s crust provide pathways for magma to escape.
Eruption Mechanism:
- As pressure builds, magma is pushed upwards.
- If blocked, the gas expansion can explode through the crust, ejecting lava, ash, and gases.
Signals: If magma flow is suddenly stopped by solid rock, it may create low-frequency seismic waves (pre-eruption tremors).

Next Census to conclude by March 2027

About Mount Etna:

Location: Situated on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, near the city of Catania.
Type: Mount Etna is a stratovolcano (also called a composite volcano), which is formed from layers of hardened lava, volcanic ash, and rocks.
Height: It stands at approximately 3,300 meters, making it the tallest volcano in Europe south of the Alps.
Recognition: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, with documented volcanic activity for at least 2,700 years.
Eruption Record: Etna is almost constantly active. Notable eruptions have occurred in 1400 B.C., 1669, 2001, 2018, 2021, 2024, and 2025.
Volcanic Activity Style: Known for Strombolian and effusive eruptions, with occasional Plinian eruptions (rare and more explosive).

Reasons Behind the June 2025 Eruption:

Nature of Eruption: The eruption is classified as either Strombolian or possibly Plinian, depending on interpretation:
- Strombolian Eruption: Characterized by moderate explosive bursts, caused by gas bubbles in magma suddenly bursting at the surface.
- Plinian Eruption: Some volcanologists suggest this classification due to the large ash column that may have reached the stratosphere.
Eruption Trigger: The eruption likely began due to pressure buildup from gas within the magma chamber, leading to collapse of the southeast crater and lava flows.

[UPSC 2024] Consider the following:

1. Pyroclastic debris

2. Ash and dust

3. Nitrogen compounds

4. Sulphur compounds

How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?

Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) Only four*

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Air Pollution

Rising ‘Black Carbon’ heating Himalayan Snow: Study

DOMR Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

A recent study by the think-tank Climate Trends has revealed that levels of black carbon in the Himalayas have been rising steadily over the past two decades.

About Black Carbon (BC):

What is it: Black carbon is a fine particulate pollutant formed from the incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels.
Impact: It is a short-lived climate pollutant and the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide.
Lifespan: Unlike CO₂, black carbon stays in the atmosphere for short periods and can be quickly reduced if emissions stop.
Warming Mechanism: As an aerosol, it absorbs sunlight, heats the atmosphere, and reduces albedo when deposited on snow and ice, leading to faster melting.
Health Effects: Exposure increases the risk of heart disease, birth complications, and premature death.

Major Sources in India:

- Residential Biomass Burning: Accounts for 47% of BC emissions, including cow dung and straw burning.
- Industries and Vehicles: Industries contribute 22%, while diesel vehicles add 17%.
- Other Sources: Open burning contributes 12%, and other minor sources 2%.
- High-Emission States: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are major emitters due to agricultural and forest fires.
- Biofuel Usage: Alone contributes nearly 42% of India’s total BC emissions.

Key Findings from the Study (2000–2023):

Snow Temperature Rise: Himalayan snow surface temperature rose from -11.27°C to -7.13°C over two decades.
Regional Trends: The Eastern Himalayas were warmest, followed by the Central and Western regions.
BC Influence: Deposits of black carbon lower snow reflectivity, increase heat absorption, and accelerate glacier melt.
Population Risk: Glacier loss threatens the freshwater supply for nearly 2 billion people downstream.
Increase in Snow Depth: Despite warming, average snow depth rose from 0.059 m to 0.117 m.
Reasons: This is due to more snowfall, changing precipitation, and wind redistribution.
Regional Comparison: The Western Himalayas showed highest snow depth, linked to elevation and winter storms, while the Eastern and Central Himalayas had less snow due to proximity to BC sources.

[UPSC 2017] Consider the following statements:

1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries;

2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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International Monetary Fund,World Bank,AIIB, ADB and India

India opposed to ADB’s funding to Pakistan

IOCR Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Why in the News?

India has strongly objected to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) decision to provide an $800 million loan to Pakistan under its Resource Mobilisation Reform Programme.

About the Asian Development Bank (ADB):

Established: 1966, following a UN-led conference on Asian Economic Cooperation.
Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
Status: Official Observer at the United Nations
Objectives:
- To reduce poverty in Asia and the Pacific.
- To promote inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth and regional economic integration.
Functions:
- Provides loans (hard and soft), grants, and technical assistance.
- Offers direct funding to private sector projects with social benefits.
- Supports countries through policy dialogues, co-financing, and advisory services.
Funding Sources:
- Issues bonds on global capital markets.
- Receives member contributions, loan repayments, and retained earnings.
Membership and Shareholding:
- 67 members: 48 from Asia-Pacific.
- Major shareholders: Japan and USA (each 15.607%), China (6.444%), India (6.331%), Australia (5.786%).
Climate Goals:
- Aims to mobilize $100 billion for climate finance between 2019 and 2030.
- Promotes sustainable development initiatives such as green fuel projects, including one in Pakistan funded partly by ADB.

India’s concerns over ADB Funding:

India emphasized that Pakistan’s defense spending has risen significantly even as its tax-to-GDP ratio fell from 13% in 2017-18 to 9.2% in 2022-23.
This tax ratio is significantly below the Asia-Pacific average of 19%, suggesting poor revenue collection and financial mismanagement.
India stressed to ADB that it expects strict oversight mechanisms to be implemented to avoid diversion of funds.
India has previously opposed financial aid to Pakistan at other fora like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and is reportedly preparing a dossier to request Pakistan’s re-entry into the FATF grey list.

[UPSC 2024] Which one of the following launched the ‘Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’?

(a) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) * (b) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) (c) The New Development Bank (NDB) (d) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

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Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

Next Census to conclude by March 2027

Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Population & Associated Issues

Why in the News?

The Government of India will conduct its next population census by March 1, 2027, after an unprecedented 16-year gap.

About the Census of India:

Definition: The Census of India is a nationwide decadal exercise that gathers demographic, social, economic, and cultural data from every resident, regardless of citizenship.
Authority: It is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General (Ministry of Home Affairs) and Census Commissioner under the Census Act, 1948.
Utility: Data from the census is used to formulate policies, redraw electoral boundaries, and implement welfare schemes.

Significance of the Upcoming Census:

Reference Dates: Most of India will use March 1, 2027, while Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will use October 1, 2026.
Two-Phase Format: It will be conducted in two stages — House Listing and Housing Schedule, followed by Population Enumeration, which will include caste data.
Digital Firsts: This will be India’s first digital census, using a mobile app and offering self-enumeration via an online portal (for NPR-updated households).
Preparation: The 24 lakh enumeration blocks identified for the 2021 census will be reused.
Delimitation Link: The 84th Constitutional Amendment (2001) mandates that delimitation of constituencies be based on the first census after 2026.
Women’s Reservation: The 33% women’s reservation law (128th Amendment) also depends on data from this census.
New Inclusion: The upcoming census will include caste enumeration, likely as a plain list, without grouping under OBC.
NPR Update: No official announcement has been made regarding an update to the National Population Register (NPR), though it holds data for 119 crore residents.

History of Census in India:

Ancient Mentions: Rig Veda (800–600 BCE) and Arthashastra (321–296 BCE) mentioned population counting for taxation and governance.
Early Colonial Efforts:
- Partial censuses conducted in Allahabad (1824), Banaras (1827–28), and Dacca (1830).
- Fort St. George conducted returns in 1836–37; quinquennial returns started in Madras (1851–67).
First Attempted Pan-India Census:
- 1872: Non-synchronous census; not all British territories covered.
- 17 questions were asked via a house register.
First Modern Census:
- 1881: Conducted under W.C. Plowden; considered the first synchronous and scientific census of India.
- Covered most of British India except Kashmir, French & Portuguese territories.
Subsequent Censuses (1891–1941):
- Held every 10 years: 1891, 1901, 1911, 1921, 1931, and 1941.
- Introduced and refined questions on caste, religion, language, literacy, occupation, disability, etc.
1941 Census:
- Conducted during World War II under difficult conditions.
- Introduced sampling, and used individual slips for detailed data.

Caste Enumeration to Begin:

Caste data was last collected in 1931, excluding SC/ST information.
Post-1951 Trend: From 1951 to 2011, only Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes data were recorded.
SECC 2011: The 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census included caste data, but it was never released.
Data Entry Field: A new drop box for caste will be added beside the existing SC/ST section.

[UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:

1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.

2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 *

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About the Chenab Rail Bridge:

PM also inaugurated Anji Bridge:

Why in the News?

Key Changes Announced:

Key terms related to the MPC instruments:

Why in the News?

About the UMEED Portal

Key Features:

Registration Process:

Why in the News?

Back2Basics: International Energy Agency (IEA)

About the Global Energy Investment Report:

Key Highlights from the 2025 Report:

Why in the News?

About EnviStats India Report:

Key Highlights of EnviStats India, 2025:

Why in the News?

About Status of Tiger Prey in India:

Key Highlights:

About Tiger Conservation in India

Why in the News?

Why do Volcanoes Erupt?

About Mount Etna:

Reasons Behind the June 2025 Eruption:

Why in the News?

About Black Carbon (BC):

Key Findings from the Study (2000–2023):

Why in the News?

About the Asian Development Bank (ADB):

India’s concerns over ADB Funding:

Why in the News?

About the Census of India:

Significance of the Upcoming Census:

History of Census in India:

Caste Enumeration to Begin: