Next Census to Conclude by March 2027
Context
- India is set to conduct its next Census after an unprecedented 16-year gap, concluding by March 2027. This will be India’s first digital Census and the first in Independent India to include caste enumeration.
- The exercise, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will have major implications for delimitation, reservation policies, and resource planning.
Key Highlights
- Census to conclude by March 1, 2027.
- For snow-bound areas (Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand): Reference date – October 1, 2026.
- Two phases:
- House Listing & Housing Schedule
- Population Enumeration (includes caste data)
- Phase dates to be gazetted on June 16, 2025.
Digital Census Features
- First fully digital Census using a mobile application.
- 30 lakh enumerators to be trained; many will be government teachers.
- Provision for self-enumeration online for NPR-updated households.
Caste Enumeration
- First-ever caste data collection in a post-Independence national Census.
- New data fields to be added beyond SC/ST categories.
- Enumerators will receive special training on caste data collection.
Legal Framework
- Census governed by Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990.
- Managed by the Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI).
- 24 lakh enumeration blocks from 2021 to be reused.
NPR & Citizenship Link
- No official announcement on updating NPR during this Census.
- NPR is linked to NRIC/NRC as per Citizenship Rules, 2003.
- NPR was initially scheduled during Census 2021’s first phase.
Political & Constitutional Significance
- Data from this Census to be used for delimitation of Lok Sabha & Assembly seats.
- Will inform the 33% women’s reservation implementation in legislatures.
- Critical for resource distribution, electoral mapping, and policy design.
Background
- The Last Census was conducted in 2011.
- Census 2021 delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Cabinet approved the inclusion of caste data on April 30, 2024.
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
Context:
- To combat worsening air pollution, especially in Delhi-NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has mandated that no new petrol or diesel vehicles can be added to e-commerce, delivery, and aggregator fleets in the region starting January 1, 2026.
- This is part of a broader push toward zero-emission and clean mobility solutions.
Key Highlights:
Ban on Fossil Fuel Vehicles
- From January 1, 2026, no new diesel or petrol vehicles can be added to fleets by:
- E-commerce platforms
- Delivery service providers
- Vehicle aggregators
- Applies to 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, and 4-wheelers in Delhi-NCR.
Shift to Clean Mobility
- Only Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles can be newly added to these fleets post-2025.
- The CAQM stressed the urgency of adopting zero-emission vehicles, especially Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
Pollution Control Objective
- The transport sector is a major contributor to NCR’s air pollution, especially during winter months.
- Transitioning fleets is expected to have a significant impact on improving air quality.
Regional Impact & Recommendations
- Directive currently applies only to Delhi-NCR.
- CAQM has urged Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to adopt similar policies, especially in:
- Gurugram
- Faridabad
- Sonipat
- Noida
- Greater Noida
- Ghaziabad
Policy Push
- CAQM called for comprehensive mobility policies by state governments.
- Focus is on sustainable inter-city and intra-city transport solutions in high-traffic regions.
Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies
Context
- New research suggests that the anticipated collision between the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies may not be inevitable after all.
- Contrary to previous predictions, there’s now only a 50% chance of such an event occurring over the next 10 billion years, according to a study published in Nature Astronomy.
Key Highlights
Revised Collision Forecast
- Earlier models predicted a certain collision within 5 billion years.
- New simulation suggests 50-50 chance of collision in the next 10 billion years.
Based on the Latest Data
- Research used observations from:
- NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope
- ESA’s Gaia spacecraft
- Simulations considered gravitational effects from nearby galaxies like:
- Triangulum Galaxy (increases merger chances)
- Large Magellanic Cloud (decreases merger chances)
Implications for Humanity
- Even if a collision does occur, humans won’t witness it:
- The Sun will die in ~5 billion years, possibly consuming Earth.
- Earth would be a lifeless, scorched planet long before any galactic merger.
Scientific Significance
- Study highlights uncertainties in mass, motion, and positions of nearby galaxies.
- More precise data could improve predictions for Milky Way’s future and similar galaxies.
- Even a harmless flyby may occur instead of a destructive merger.
Expert Comments
- Raja GuhaThakurta (UC Santa Cruz): A collision could transform the Milky Way into a blob-like elliptical galaxy.
- Lead author Till Sawala: Humanity is likely to self-destruct long before any galactic collision occurs.
Trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping
Context
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called it “extremely hard” to reach a trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping, even as he doubled tariffs on steel and aluminium.
- The remarks come amid growing global economic tensions and ongoing discussions among OECD countries on the future of world trade.
Key Highlights
Trump’s Trade Tensions Escalate
- Steel and aluminium tariffs increased from 25% to 50%.
- Aimed primarily at China, which was also hit with 145% tariffs on certain goods in April.
- China retaliated with 125% tariffs on U.S. imports.
U.S.-China Negotiations
- Trump: “Xi is very tough… extremely hard to make a deal with.”
- A potential meeting between Trump and Xi is expected this week.
- China responded that its stance on Sino-U.S. relations remains consistent.
Global Reactions
- Trump’s tariff approach has rattled global markets and strained ties with allies.
- The EU is progressing in its own trade negotiations with the U.S.
- OECD ministers convened in Paris to assess the impact of U.S. tariffs on the world economy.
Temporary De-escalation
- Some tariffs were delayed until July 9 as part of a temporary pause in May.
- Britain is exempted from the new steel and aluminium hikes.
Interim government of Bangladesh
Context
- In a major political development, the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Mohammed Yunus, has removed the title of ‘Father of the Nation’ for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from a 2022 Act, signaling a shift in the state’s official narrative about the 1971 Liberation War and national identity.
Key Highlights
Change in Official Legislation
- A 2022 Act that repeatedly referred to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as “Jatir Pita” (Father of the Nation) has been amended on June 3, 2025.
- The new notification omits any such reference while discussing the 1971 war and freedom fighters.
Currency Redesign Controversy
- The interim government also introduced new currency notes.
- These notes omit Mujibur Rahman’s image, which had prominently featured in existing currency designs.
- The redesign aims to reflect the “pluralistic heritage” of Bangladesh, according to the government.
Revised Definition of Freedom Fighters
- Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is now officially referred to as a “freedom fighter”, not as Father of the Nation.
- The updated list includes:
- Tajuddin Ahmed
- Mansur Ali
- AHM Quamruzzaman
- The new definition includes anyone who supported the independence movement through advocacy, campaigning, or direct action, either inside or outside the country.
Political Implications
- The move reflects a departure from Awami League-led narratives, which have historically upheld Mujibur Rahman’s foundational role in Bangladesh.
- Likely to spark political debate and public reaction, especially among supporters of Sheikh Mujib and his legacy.
West Asia crisis
Context
- A senior Indian External Affairs Ministry official, Dammu Ravi, has indicated that the West Asia crisis could significantly delay the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
- The project, launched at the G20 Summit 2023, faces geopolitical, logistical, and regulatory challenges, alongside competition from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Key Highlights
Geopolitical Roadblocks
- The ongoing conflict in West Asia may hamper progress on IMEC.
- While not scrapped, the project risks delays due to regional instability.
Competition from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
- The China-led BRI poses a major rival, offering similar connectivity benefits.
- IMEC must differentiate itself in terms of efficiency, speed, and economic value.
Need for Harmonisation
- A key challenge is the harmonisation of:
- Technical and phytosanitary regulations
- Customs and taxation systems
- Transportation standards
- Differences between countries could nullify time and cost benefits of IMEC.
Call for Institutional Setup
- Mr. Ravi recommends a dedicated IMEC Secretariat to coordinate planning, policy, and implementation.
- Without a central authority, the corridor could lose momentum.
Private Investment Needed
- IMEC would need a dedicated fund, ideally supported by private companies that would gain from enhanced trade efficiency.
Operational Insights
- Vice Admiral Anil Chawla (Retd.) warned that even if transit time reduces, customs delays at ports could negate the advantage.
HSBC India Services PMI report
Context: India’s services sector activity rose slightly in May 2025 to a 3-month high, driven by robust export orders and strong international demand, as per the HSBC India Services PMI report.
Key Highlights
Services PMI at 3-Month High
- The HSBC India Services PMI stood at 58.8 in May, up from 58.7 in April.
- A PMI above 50 indicates expansion in business activity.
Exports Power Growth
- May saw one of the strongest improvements in export demand in the last 19.5 years of survey history.
- Export strength was a key growth driver for the services sector.
Record Job Creation
- The survey recorded a record surge in employment.
- Firms expanded their workforce to meet increasing sales and demand.
Positive Outlook
- The data reflects continued growth momentum in the services economy.
- Firms are scaling operations to align with sustained order inflows.
Capgemini World Wealth Report 2025
Context: A Capgemini World Wealth Report 2025 reveals that nearly all of India’s next-generation High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) plan to increase their offshore assets by over 10% by 2030, signaling a shift in wealth strategies.
Key Highlights:
Next-Gen HNWIs Going Global
- 98% of next-gen Indian HNWIs aim to increase offshore asset allocation by 10% or more by 2030.
- Offshore assets include foreign real estate, bank accounts, insurance, and investments.
Drivers for Offshore Investments
- Better wealth management services (65%)
- Improved investment opportunities (55%)
- Greater market connectivity (54%)
- Favorable tax regimes & economic-political stability abroad (49%)
India’s Millionaire Growth
- India saw a 5.6% rise in HNWIs in 2024, adding 20,000 new millionaires.
- Total number of Indian HNWIs stood at 3,33,340 by the end of 2024.
Regional Comparison
- India and Japan led the Asia-Pacific HNWI growth in 2024.
- Japan added 2.1 lakh HNWIs, matching India’s 5.6% growth rate.
New national policy on senior citizens
Context
- The Government of India is preparing a new national policy on senior citizens to address the changing demographic realities as the country’s elderly population grows rapidly.
- The policy draft was discussed in a recent meeting of the National Council for Senior Citizens chaired by the Social Justice Minister.
Key Highlights
Growing Senior Population
- Senior citizens accounted for 8.23% of India’s population in 2011 (Census).
- Estimated to rise to 12.16% by 2026 and projected to reach 20% by 2047.
- The next Census reference period for population count is March 2027.
Policy Draft and Discussions
- The policy aims to reflect demographic changes and prepare for a growing elderly population.
- Stakeholders have already given suggestions; more inputs discussed in the 4th National Council meeting.
Digital Inclusion & Community Engagement
- Focus on digital inclusion of senior citizens for better access to services.
- Institutionalising NGOs and senior citizen associations in policy processes.
- Promoting community engagement and intergenerational bonding.
Elder Care and Protection
- Plans to establish a grievance redressal mechanism for elder abuse and neglect.
- Setting minimum standards for old age homes and senior care institutions.
Existing Initiatives Reviewed
- Progress reviewed under Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) and Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC).
- Over 5 lakh senior citizens received free assisted living devices under RVY.
Fifth anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Context: India and Australia celebrated the fifth anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with renewed commitments to deepen cooperation, especially in combating terrorism and strengthening defence ties.
Key Highlights
Strategic Partnership Anniversary
- Marks 5 years of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Both countries reaffirmed their shared vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Joint Fight Against Terrorism
- Agreement to work together to combat terrorism in all its forms.
- Condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, with Australia expressing strong support for India’s response.
Defence Cooperation
- Discussions on intensifying and diversifying defence industry collaboration between India and Australia.
- Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles (also Defence Minister) met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Statements from Leaders
- PM Modi highlighted the productive discussion and shared vision via social media.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh thanked Australia for its unequivocal support against terrorism.
Modi to Attend BRICS Summit in Brazil
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the BRICS summit scheduled in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next month. This summit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and global economic shifts.
Key Points:
- BRICS Summit Attendance: PM Modi will join leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and heads of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Indonesia.
- Geopolitical Importance: The summit is under close watch by the U.S. government (under Donald Trump’s administration), viewing BRICS as a counterweight to the G-7 grouping of developed economies.
- Terrorism and Security Focus: Modi’s attendance follows recent conflict escalation with Pakistan. Any BRICS statement addressing cross-border terrorism will be significant for India’s diplomatic positioning.
- India-China Dynamics: A potential Modi-Xi meeting at the summit is highly anticipated, especially after their last encounter at the 2024 Kazan BRICS summit. This is set against the backdrop of China’s support for Pakistan during recent tensions and India’s attempts at reviving people-to-people ties via the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
- Economic Shifts – Currency Discussions: BRICS may push for increased trade in alternative or national currencies, challenging U.S. dollar dominance (“de-dollarisation”). This move has triggered warnings from U.S. officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who criticized India’s role in BRICS and its military deals with Russia.
- BRICS vs. G-7: BRICS-11 now accounts for roughly 50% of the world’s population and 39% of global GDP, while the G-7 covers about 30% of global GDP.
- “The Rio Reset”: Think tanks call this year’s summit a “Rio Reset,” expected to challenge Western-led economic governance. The Brazilian presidency’s theme emphasizes “Strengthening Cooperation in the Global South for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”
Why This Matters:
- Global Power Dynamics: BRICS is evolving into a significant geopolitical and economic bloc, positioning itself as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions.
- India’s Balancing Act: Modi’s participation highlights India’s strategic balancing between Western ties (especially with the U.S.) and strengthening South-South cooperation.
- Economic Independence: The currency discussions may herald moves towards reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar, reshaping international trade.
- Regional Security: The summit could influence how BRICS collectively responds to terrorism and regional conflicts, impacting India-Pakistan and India-China relations.
Monsoon Session of Parliament
Key Developments:
- Session Dates: The Monsoon Session is expected to be held from July 21 to August 12, as recommended by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs and approved by President Droupadi Murmu.
- Government’s Stand: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized that “every session is a special session”, and all important issues can be raised during the Monsoon Session. He downplayed the Opposition’s call for a separate special session to discuss Operation Sindoor.
- Impeachment Motion Against Justice Yashwant Varma:
The government has begun outreach to Opposition parties (Congress, TMC, DMK, SP) to build a unified response on moving an impeachment motion against Justice Varma, accused of corruption. - According to the Constitution, once an impeachment motion is admitted, a committee with a Supreme Court judge, a High Court Chief Justice, and an eminent jurist must be set up to investigate and submit a report within three months.
- However, there is debate on whether a new committee is needed, as a Supreme Court-mandated committee has already examined the issue.
India Vehemently Opposed’ Asian Development Bank
- India’s Opposition: The Indian government has strongly objected to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) approval of an $800 million funding package for Pakistan under the Resource Mobilisation Reform Programme.
- Reasons for Opposition: India expressed concerns that Pakistan’s increased military spending is inconsistent with its low domestic resource mobilisation and poor tax collection.
- Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio fell from 13% in 2017-18 to 9.2% in 2022-23, much lower than the Asia-Pacific average of about 19%.
- Despite this, Pakistan’s defence expenditure has significantly increased, raising doubts about the use of international funds.
- Call for Safeguards: India demanded that the ADB ensure strict safeguards to prevent the misuse of funds for military or other non-developmental purposes.
- Wider Diplomatic Efforts: India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has also lobbied the IMF and other international bodies to halt further financial aid to Pakistan.
- Additionally, India plans to submit evidence to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to push for Pakistan’s re-inclusion on the FATF ‘grey list’, citing unsatisfactory progress on tackling terrorist financing and prosecuting terror groups.
India to Assume the Presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) for 2025-28
- India’s Win: India has been elected President of the IIAS for the 2025-2028 term. This was announced by the government following elections held on June 3, 2025.
- About IIAS: The International Institute of Administrative Sciences is a global federation with 31 member countries, 20 national sections, and 15 academic research centers. It focuses on scientific research and collaboration in public administration worldwide.
- Although not formally part of the United Nations, IIAS collaborates closely with the UN’s public administration initiatives.
- India’s Role: India has been a member of IIAS since 1998, represented by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.
For the Presidency term, India’s nominee was V. Srinivas, Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances. - Election Details: Four countries — India, South Africa, Austria, and Bahrain — submitted nominations. The final round was between India and Austria, with India emerging victorious.
- Key Member Countries: Include Japan, China, Germany, Italy, Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, Mexico, Spain, Qatar, Morocco, and Indonesia.
UMEED Portal for Waqf Property Digitisation
Context:
- The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 involves reforms aimed at improving the management and oversight of Waqf properties, which are religious endowments under Muslim personal law.
- The UMEED portal is part of the government’s digitisation efforts to enhance transparency and streamline Waqf property registrations.
- The opposition reflects concerns over the timing of the portal launch and the possible implications for Waqf property management amidst ongoing legal scrutiny.
Government Initiative:
- The Union government plans to launch the UMEED portal aimed at digitising the registration process for Waqf properties across India.
- Opposition from Muslim Bodies: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly criticized this move. The Board argues that launching the portal while petitions against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, are pending before the Supreme Court is inappropriate and amounts to contempt of court.
- Legal Background: The Supreme Court has been hearing several petitions challenging the Waqf Amendment Act and reserved its judgment during the final hearing held last month.
- Board’s Action: The AIMPLB plans to challenge the government’s move regarding the UMEED portal in the Supreme Court.