GK One-Liners

What: The Cabinet approved India’s first fully digital Census of India 2027 with a ₹11,718 crore allocation. The census will include caste enumeration for the first time since 1931, self-enumeration option, mobile apps, and a Census Monitoring and Management System (CMMS) portal.

How: The digital census will use handheld devices, geo-tagging, and real-time data upload. Citizens can self-enumerate through a dedicated portal/app. The caste enumeration will provide data for policy targeting and reservation reviews. The 2021 census was postponed due to COVID-19, making 2027 the first census after 2011.

Why: Census operations, population data, and caste enumeration are important for UPSC GS-I (Society) and GS-II (Governance). Understanding census methodology, data use in policymaking, and digital governance initiatives helps in demographic and administrative questions.

What: The Cabinet approved the Atomic Energy Bill allowing private sector participation in civil nuclear power generation for the first time. The bill eases liability norms and supports India’s target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047, up from current ~8 GW.

How: Currently, only government entities (NPCIL, BHAVINI) can operate nuclear plants under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. The new bill allows private investment in reactor construction, fuel supply, and operations while keeping regulatory oversight with AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board). This opens access to private capital and global technology partnerships.

Why: Nuclear energy, Atomic Energy Act reforms, and energy security are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy, Science & Tech). Understanding India’s nuclear power programme, liability issues (Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act), and clean energy targets helps in energy policy questions.

What: The Cabinet approved 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector through amendments to key laws. This aims to attract foreign capital, enhance competition, boost insurance penetration, and modernise the sector. Previously, FDI cap was 74%.

How: The Insurance (Amendment) Bill will modify the Insurance Act, 1938 and related regulations. Foreign insurers can now wholly own Indian subsidiaries. India’s insurance penetration (~4.2% of GDP) remains below global average (~7%), indicating growth potential. Increased competition is expected to improve products, pricing, and distribution.

Why: FDI policy, insurance sector reforms, and financial sector liberalisation are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding FDI routes (automatic vs. approval), sector caps, and insurance penetration metrics helps in economic policy questions.

What: MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) has been renamed “Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojana” with guaranteed employment increased from 100 to 125 days per household per financial year, strengthening rural income security.

How: The scheme, enacted through MGNREGA 2005, provides legal guarantee of wage employment. The 25-day increase addresses seasonal unemployment and distress migration. Works include water conservation, rural infrastructure, and land development. Wages are paid through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Jan Dhan accounts.

Why: MGNREGA, rural employment, and social security are important for UPSC GS-II (Governance) and GS-III (Economy). Understanding scheme implementation, asset creation, and livelihood security helps in poverty alleviation questions.

What: Kopra Reservoir in Bilaspur has been designated as Chhattisgarh’s first Ramsar Site, boosting wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience. India now has 85+ Ramsar Sites, the highest in South Asia.

How: The Ramsar Convention (1971) identifies wetlands of international importance based on ecological, botanical, zoological, or hydrological criteria. Kopra Reservoir supports migratory birds, fish diversity, and local livelihoods. Ramsar designation brings international attention, funding opportunities, and mandatory conservation measures.

Why: Ramsar Sites, wetland conservation, and biodiversity are important for UPSC GS-III (Environment). Understanding Ramsar Convention, India’s wetland distribution, and state-wise Ramsar Sites helps in environmental governance questions.

What: Department of Posts and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) signed an MoU to distribute mutual funds through India Post’s extensive network. This enhances last-mile financial inclusion and investor awareness in rural and semi-urban areas.

How: India Post operates 1.5+ lakh post offices, the world’s largest postal network. Post office agents will be trained as AMFI-certified distributors to sell mutual fund schemes. This leverages trust in postal services and physical presence in areas lacking banking infrastructure. BSE’s Star MF platform will process transactions.

Why: Financial inclusion, mutual fund penetration, and postal services reforms are important for UPSC GS-III (Economy). Understanding India Post’s diversification, financial literacy campaigns, and capital market deepening helps in financial sector questions.