Census of India 2027
1. Policy Decision & Financial Commitment
- The Union Cabinet has approved the Census of India 2027 with a total outlay of ₹11,718.24 crore, reflecting strong fiscal and administrative commitment.
- It will be the 16th Census of India and the 8th since Independence, reaffirming Census as a constitutionally significant national exercise.
- The decision comes after a prolonged gap since Census 2011, making Census 2027 crucial for updated demographic and socio-economic data.
2. Scope & Scale of the Exercise
- Census 2027 will cover the entire population of India, making it the largest administrative and statistical exercise globally.
- Approximately 30 lakh field functionaries will be deployed, highlighting the massive logistical and coordination requirements.
- Field staff will largely comprise government teachers and officials, undertaking Census work in addition to regular duties.
3. Phased Implementation Strategy
- Two-phase approach ensures systematic data collection:
- Houselisting & Housing Census (April–September 2026):
- Focuses on housing conditions, assets, and amenities.
- Population Enumeration (February 2027):
- Captures demographic, social, and economic characteristics.
- Conducted earlier (September 2026) in snow-bound and non-synchronous regions to account for climatic constraints.
- Houselisting & Housing Census (April–September 2026):
- This staggered approach improves operational feasibility and data accuracy.
4. Digital Transformation & Technological Innovations
- Census 2027 will be India’s first fully digital Census, marking a paradigm shift from paper-based enumeration.
- Mobile applications (Android & iOS) will be used for real-time data collection, reducing manual errors and processing delays.
- A dedicated Census Management & Monitoring System (CMMS) portal enables:
- Real-time monitoring
- Improved accountability
- Faster decision-making during operations
- Introduction of Houselisting Block (HLB) Creator web map application improves spatial accuracy and administrative control.
- Self-enumeration option empowers citizens and reduces field workload.
5. Data Quality, Security & Dissemination
- Strong data security measures are built into the digital architecture to protect sensitive personal information.
- Data dissemination will be:
- Faster
- User-friendly
- Customizable through advanced visualization tools
- Introduction of Census-as-a-Service (CaaS) ensures:
- Machine-readable
- Clean and actionable datasets
- Seamless data sharing with Ministries and policymakers
- Data availability down to village/ward level enhances grassroots planning and governance.
6. Inclusion of Caste Enumeration
- As per the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs decision (30 April 2025), caste data will be included in Census 2027.
- Caste enumeration will be conducted digitally during the Population Enumeration phase.
- This marks a significant policy shift with implications for:
- Social justice
- Welfare targeting
- Evidence-based policymaking
- The move acknowledges India’s complex social diversity and long-standing data gaps.
7. Public Outreach & Awareness Strategy
- A focused and wide-ranging publicity campaign will be undertaken to:
- Ensure nationwide awareness
- Promote inclusive participation
- Support last-mile engagement
- Emphasis on dissemination of accurate, authentic, and timely information to counter misinformation and build public trust.
8. Employment Generation & Capacity Building
- Census operations will generate approximately 1.02 crore man-days of employment.
- Around 18,600 technical personnel will be engaged for nearly 550 days at local levels.
- Engagement will strengthen:
- Digital literacy
- Data handling capabilities
- Administrative coordination skills
- These skills contribute to long-term capacity building and future employment prospects.
9. Governance & Policy Impact
- Census 2027 will be the primary source of granular data on:
- Demography
- Housing and amenities
- Religion, SC/ST, caste
- Language and literacy
- Education, economic activity, migration, and fertility
- Updated data is critical for:
- Welfare scheme design
- Resource allocation
- Delimitation and planning
- Evidence-based policymaking at all administrative levels
10. Legal Framework
- The Census will be conducted under:
- Census Act, 1948
- Census Rules, 1990
- These provide statutory backing, confidentiality assurances, and operational authority.
Overall Assessment
- Census 2027 represents a transformational shift in India’s data ecosystem through digitalization, inclusivity, and enhanced accessibility.
- The inclusion of caste data, digital-first approach, and faster dissemination mechanisms significantly enhance its policy relevance.
- The Census is positioned not only as a statistical exercise but as a foundational pillar for governance, social equity, and economic planning in the coming decade.
CoalSETU
1. Policy Overview:
- The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the CoalSETU Policy for seamless, efficient, and transparent utilization of coal in the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS).
- CoalSETU window is created as part of the NRS Linkage Auction Policy of 2016 to allow allocation of coal linkages for any industrial use and export, except for coking coal.
2. Key Features of CoalSETU:
- Auction-based Allocation:
- Coal linkages will be allocated through a long-term auction process.
- These linkages will be for any industrial use and for export purposes.
- Coking coal will not be included in this window.
- Linkage Policy Reforms:
- The new policy is designed to address market dynamics and enhance ease of doing business by offering flexibility in coal utilization.
- The policy aims to accelerate the use of existing coal reserves and reduce dependence on imported coal.
- Existing NRS Policy:
- The existing NRS Linkage Policy (2016) focused on specific end-user sectors such as Cement, Steel (Coking), Sponge Iron, Aluminium, and Captive Power Plants (CPPs), but with end-use restrictions.
- The new CoalSETU window removes end-use restrictions, allowing any domestic buyer to participate in the auction.
3. Allocation Under CoalSETU:
- Eligible Coal Consumers:
- Domestic coal buyers (industries and exporters) can now obtain coal linkages under this window for any industrial use, including coal washing.
- Traders are not allowed to participate in the auction.
- Flexibility in Usage:
- The coal linkage holders can use coal for own consumption, export, or other purposes (including coal washing) but cannot resell it within India.
- 50% export limit: Linkage holders are permitted to export up to 50% of the coal they receive under this linkage.
- Group company flexibility: Coal obtained under this window can be flexibly utilized across the Group companies of the linkage holders.
4. Benefits & Impact:
- Reduced Dependence on Imported Coal:
- By allowing more flexible coal utilization, the policy aims to reduce India’s reliance on imported coal to meet its energy requirements.
- Increase in Availability of Washed Coal:
- The policy encourages the supply of washed coal (through linkage to coal washeries), meeting growing demand and potentially reducing coal imports.
- Washed coal may also be exported, contributing to foreign exchange earnings.
- Boost to Industrial Growth:
- The auction-based allocation will promote competition, transparency, and efficient utilization of coal for industries and exports.
- By eliminating restrictions, industries will have more freedom to use coal based on their specific needs.
5. Future Outlook:
- The policy aligns with the broader coal sector reforms initiated by the government, including the opening of coal mining for commercial purposes without end-use restrictions.
- It is expected that the CoalSETU Policy will lead to an increase in domestic coal production and greater export opportunities for Indian industries.
Policy Objectives:
- Efficiency in coal allocation
- Flexibility in coal utilization across various industries
- Transparent auctioning for better access to coal resources
- Reduction in coal imports through increased domestic utilization
- Promotion of washed coal production for both domestic and export markets
Conclusion:
The CoalSETU Policy is a progressive step towards modernizing India’s coal linkage system, focusing on transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. It aims to foster industrial growth, reduce dependence on coal imports, and support the export potential of coal, particularly washed coal, while encouraging domestic producers to maximize utilization of existing coal reserves.
National Makhana Board
- Meeting Overview:
- The first board meeting of the National Makhana Board was chaired by Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- The meeting took place at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
- The primary agenda was to kickstart the implementation process for both the Board and the Central Sector Scheme.
- Review of Annual Action Plans:
- The Board reviewed the Annual Action Plans submitted by states and research institutions.
- Budgets for various components related to sectoral development were allocated.
- Focus Areas Discussed:
- Seed Requirement Consolidation: The Board emphasized the need to consolidate the seed requirement of states, which will be supplied by SAU Sabour and CAU Samastipur, both located in Bihar, for the current and next year.
- Training and Capacity Building:
- State Agriculture University (SAU), Central Agriculture University (CAU), and NRC Makhana Dharbhanga will train trainers from various states on the latest technologies related to the makhana value chain.
- This is aimed at facilitating the cultivation of makhana in both traditional and non-traditional areas.
- Research & Technology Development:
- The Board emphasized need-based research for the development of technologies to improve cultivation, processing, and value addition.
- Focus areas include grading, drying, popping, and packaging of makhana.
- Promotion of Modern Practices: The importance of promoting modern cultivation practices, value addition, and market linkages to boost the industry’s competitiveness, branding, and export readiness was highlighted.
- Roadmap for Sectoral Development:
- The meeting outlined a coordinated, scientific, and market-oriented growth strategy for the makhana sector.
- The goal is to enhance both production and market access for makhana farmers across India.
Background & Institutional Support:
- National Makhana Board:
- Established as part of the Union Budget 2025-26 to bolster India’s makhana sector.
- The Board was officially launched by Prime Minister Modi in Bihar on 15th September 2025, marking a significant step toward modernizing and strengthening the sector.
- Central Sector Scheme for Makhana Development:
- The Central Sector Scheme for Makhana Development has been approved with a total outlay of ₹476.03 crore for the period 2025-26 to 2030-31.
- The scheme’s focus areas include:
- Research & Innovation
- Quality Seed Production
- Farmer Capacity Building
- Improved Harvesting and Post-harvest Practices
- Value Addition & Branding
- Marketing and Export Promotion
- Quality Control
- The scheme aims to bring sustainable growth to the makhana sector and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Significance of the National Makhana Board’s Initiatives:
- Empowering Farmers:
- The initiative focuses on capacity building through training of trainers, enabling farmers to adopt scientific techniques for better yields and quality production.
- Improved Market Access:
- By developing market linkages and focusing on branding and export readiness, the Board aims to ensure wider market access for makhana producers, benefiting the entire supply chain from cultivation to the end consumer.
- Technological Advancements:
- The emphasis on research and technological development will likely lead to innovations in cultivation and processing techniques, improving efficiency and quality.
- Sustainability & Growth:
- The Central Sector Scheme supports sustainable growth, reducing dependency on traditional methods and promoting modern and value-added practices. It is a long-term strategy for sectoral transformation.
Conclusion:
The National Makhana Board’s first meeting marks a pivotal step toward the holistic development of India’s makhana sector. By focusing on research, training, quality improvement, and market expansion, the initiatives aim to elevate makhana as a globally competitive commodity, benefiting farmers, industries, and the economy as a whole. The government’s investment in the Central Sector Scheme underscores its commitment to fostering a sustainable and modern makhana industry that meets both domestic and international demand.
Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires
Context and Adoption
- India’s resolution was adopted at the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya.
- The resolution received wide support from UN Member States, reflecting global recognition of the rising threat of wildfires.
- India highlighted wildfires as a pressing global environmental challenge, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and coordinated action.
Current Scenario of Wildfires
- Wildfires are increasing in frequency, scale, and intensity, no longer limited to seasonal events.
- Major drivers of wildfires include:
- Climate change and rising temperatures
- Extended droughts
- Human activities
- Annual impacts of wildfires:
- Millions of hectares of land affected
- Destruction of forests, biodiversity, water resources, and soil health
- Reduced air quality
- Significant greenhouse gas emissions and weakened carbon sinks
- Adverse effects on forest-dependent communities and national economies
India’s Concerns & UNEP Report
- India referred to UNEP’s report “Spreading Like Wildfire”, projecting wildfire increases:
- 14% by 2030
- 30% by 2050
- 50% by 2100
- Highlighted the urgent need for a long-term, climate-driven, coordinated global response.
- Called for a shift from reactive firefighting to proactive prevention, including:
- Early-warning systems
- Risk reduction measures
- Integrated planning
Key Focus Areas of the Resolution
- Integrated Fire Management (IFM):
- Combines early-warning systems, risk mapping, satellite-based monitoring, and community involvement.
- Encourages local communities and frontline personnel participation.
- Strengthened International Cooperation:
- Development of early-warning systems, risk assessment tools, and ecosystem monitoring.
- Promotion of community-based alert mechanisms.
- Enhanced Regional and Global Collaboration:
- Support for prevention, post-fire recovery, and ecosystem restoration.
- Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building:
- Creation of platforms to share best practices.
- Training and capacity-building programs for stakeholders.
- Support for National and Regional Action Plans:
- Assistance to member states for integrated fire management and wildfire resilience strategies.
- Facilitating Access to International Finance:
- Support for member states to prepare project proposals and access funding through multilateral and results-based mechanisms.
Global Mechanisms Highlighted
- Global Fire Management Hub (2023):
- Established jointly by FAO and UNEP.
- Serves as a key international platform to strengthen wildfire preparedness, adaptation, and ecosystem restoration.
- UNEP’s Role:
- Helps countries develop integrated wildfire management strategies.
- Supports ecosystem restoration and resilience-building.
India’s Commitment
- India reaffirmed its commitment to:
- Collaborate with UNEP, Member States, and international partners.
- Strengthen global preparedness, prevention, and resilience against escalating wildfire risks.
- Promote science-based, coordinated approaches and capacity building for wildfire management.
Significance of the Resolution
- Highlights wildfires as a climate-driven global risk requiring urgent action.
- Promotes a proactive, prevention-focused global approach rather than reactive measures.
- Encourages international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and finance access for wildfire mitigation.
- Supports sustainable ecosystem management, community protection, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Vertical Air Motion over the Himalayas and Its Impact on the Indian Monsoon
Context and Importance
- Indian monsoons are the lifeline of South Asia, critical for agriculture, water management, and livelihoods.
- Accurate monsoon predictions are vital for disaster preparedness, air quality assessment, and climate modeling.
- Vertical air motion over the Himalayas plays a key role in shaping the monsoon but has been poorly understood due to complex terrain and limited direct measurements.
Research Institutions Involved
- Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital – Autonomous DST institute.
- Space Physics Laboratory (SPL), ISRO, Thiruvananthapuram – Collaborating partner.
Methodology
- First direct, high-resolution measurements of vertical air motion during Asian Summer Monsoon (ASM) months over the central Himalayas.
- Utilized indigenously developed Stratosphere-Troposphere (ST) radar at ARIES, capable of detecting faint vertical air motions as low as 5 cm/s, in all weather conditions.
- Continuous monitoring over two years, collecting thousands of hours of radar data.
- Focused on airflow within the Asian Summer Monsoon Anticyclone (ASMA) – a large, swirling atmospheric system over South Asia during the monsoon.
Key Findings
- New Feature Discovered:
- Persistent downward-moving air detected 10–11 km above Earth.
- Reveals a distinct descending region in the upper troposphere during monsoon months.
- Complex Vertical Circulation:
- Alternating rising and sinking air regions inside the ASMA.
- Steady upward airflow above 12 km remains mostly unchanged.
- Lower and middle troposphere show clear variations in vertical motion.
- “Two-Step” Vertical Transport:
- The study provides insights into how air moves from lower troposphere to stratosphere in a two-step process.
Significance and Implications
- Weather and Climate Modeling:
- Improves accuracy of weather forecasts and early warning systems.
- Enhances climate models for agriculture, water resource management, and human health protection.
- Air Quality and Pollution Management:
- Helps understand transport of pollutants and greenhouse gases.
- Contributes to climate change mitigation strategies and better air quality assessments.
- Scientific Advancement:
- Provides the first continuous, precise high-resolution dataset of vertical air motion over the Himalayas.
- Fills a critical knowledge gap in understanding monsoon dynamics.
Publication
- Research published in “Earth and Space Science” by the American Geophysical Union (AGU).
Conclusion
This study provides a breakthrough in understanding vertical airflow over the Himalayas, revealing complex vertical circulation patterns within the Asian Summer Monsoon Anticyclone. The findings will improve monsoon forecasting, climate modeling, and pollution transport understanding, with significant benefits for agriculture, disaster preparedness, and air quality management in South Asia.
Chaupal Program
Context
- Part of the National Handicrafts Week celebrations.
- Organized by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles in New Delhi.
- Chief Guest: Ms. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary (Textiles).
- Attended by senior Ministry officials, nodal officers from various states, and handicraft stakeholders.
Objective of the Chaupal Program
- Promote awareness of handicraft traditions.
- Build entrepreneurship among artisans.
- Facilitate formation of sustainable handicraft clusters.
- Aligns with the National Handicrafts Development Program (NHDP).
Key Features
- District-Level Engagements:
- Permanent Chaupals to be established in 100 handicraft aspirational districts.
- Focus on artisan enrolment, scheme awareness, skill development, and entrepreneurship promotion.
- Mantra of the Program:
- Reform, Perform, Transform, and Inform – guiding framework for implementation.
- Capacity-Building Tools:
- Distribution of Chaupal Kits containing audio-visual materials and essential equipment.
- To facilitate:
- Demonstrations
- Awareness sessions
- Workshops
- Digital onboarding of artisans
Significance
- Enhances craft awareness and youth participation in the handicraft sector.
- Promotes entrepreneurship opportunities among artisans.
- Supports sustainable livelihoods and strengthens handicraft clusters.
- Demonstrates Government commitment to empowering grassroots artisans and fostering a vibrant handicrafts ecosystem.
Implementation
- First phase focuses on 100 handicraft aspirational districts.
- Involves nodal officers from states and engagement with local artisans.
- Acts as a transformative platform for artisan empowerment and entrepreneurship promotion.
Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB)
Event Overview
- The sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), regarded as India’s largest contemporary art festival, opens on Friday.
- The opening includes:
- Hoisting of the Biennale flag at Aspinwall House, Fort Kochi, at noon.
- Formal inauguration by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the Parade Ground in the evening.
Duration and Scale
- The biennale will run for 110 days, concluding on March 31, 2026.
- Organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF).
- Spread across 22 venues, along with seven collateral events, marking one of its most expansive editions.
Curatorial Leadership and Theme
- Curated by Goa-based artist Nikhil Chopra, in collaboration with his collective HH Art Spaces.
- The curatorial theme is “For the Time Being.”
- The theme focuses on:
- The body as a repository of memory and materiality.
- A metaphorical extension of the body into Kochi’s physical, cultural, human and non-human landscapes.
- Movement, temporality and lived experience as central artistic concerns.
Artists and International Participation
- Features works by 66 artists and collectives.
- Participants come from 25 countries, reinforcing the biennale’s global scope and international relevance.
Shift in Exhibition Format
- This edition consciously moves away from the idea of a single central venue.
- Emphasises a decentralised and city-wide exhibition model, integrating art more deeply into Kochi’s urban and geographic fabric.
New and Expanded Venues
- Alongside established venues like Durbar Hall Gallery, Ernakulam, new spaces have been introduced.
- Notably, the Island Warehouse on Willingdon Island is included for the first time.
- The island venue is accessible via:
- Water Metro
- Ferry services
- Road transport
- This expansion highlights Kochi’s waterways and alternative modes of public access.
Community and Public Engagement
- KMB President Bose Krishnamachari emphasised the biennale’s identity as a community-rooted celebration of contemporary art.
- The expanded venues, new formats and partnerships reflect:
- A commitment to artistic freedom
- Greater public engagement
- Stronger connections between art, place and people
Overall Significance
- The sixth KMB positions itself as:
- More inclusive and spatially diverse
- Conceptually grounded in embodiment, memory and temporality
- Aligned with broader cultural, ecological and social narratives of Kochi
- Reinforces the biennale’s role as a major cultural platform in India and the Global South.
Gold Card
- Announcement of the Gold Card
- U.S. President Donald Trump introduced the “Gold Card” visa, which offers a pathway to U.S. citizenship for individuals who can contribute substantially to the country.
- The announcement took place during a roundtable at the White House on Wednesday.
- Key Features of the Gold Card
- The Gold Card is designed for individuals who can benefit the U.S. substantially—focused on attracting highly skilled people who would not otherwise be allowed to stay in the country.
- Trump referred to the Gold Card as “a gift,” aimed at allowing talented individuals to remain in the U.S. rather than being forced to return to their home countries.
- Trump expressed frustration that students from countries like India, China, and France have to leave the U.S. after graduation, calling it a “shame.”
- Cost and Requirements
- The Gold Card will cost $1 million for individuals and $2 million for corporations.
- It will require full vetting to ensure that applicants meet the qualifications to live and work in the U.S.
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized the rigorous vetting process to ensure applicants “absolutely qualify” for U.S. residence.
- Purpose and Goals
- The visa is aimed at attracting people with the potential to make significant contributions to the U.S. economy, likely in industries like technology, healthcare, and innovation.
- It provides an alternative to traditional immigration pathways, targeting those who can provide substantial economic value to the country.
- Implications for International Students
- Trump highlighted the challenges faced by international students, particularly from countries like India and China, who have to return home after completing their studies in the U.S., despite their contributions to the academic and economic landscape.
- Political and Economic Context
- The announcement is part of the Trump administration’s broader approach to restricting immigration while simultaneously aiming to attract skilled labor and foreign investment.
- The Gold Card’s high cost may appeal to wealthy individuals or corporations looking to bring talent into the U.S., though the price point raises questions about accessibility for average students or workers.
Analysis:
This proposal reflects President Trump’s stance on immigration: trying to limit low-skilled immigration while attracting high-value individuals. By attaching a steep financial requirement, the Gold Card seems designed to appeal to the wealthy and corporations, focusing on economic and innovation-driven contributions. However, its high cost and exclusive nature may limit its effectiveness as a comprehensive immigration solution, particularly for the average international student or skilled worker.