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📝 Revision Notes
Key takeaways from today’s quiz to strengthen your preparation
Governance
‘Say No To Proxy Sarpanch’ Campaign
Launched by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) to combat the ‘Sarpanch Pati’ practice — where male relatives exercise power in place of elected women sarpanches. The campaign ran from March 8 to March 18, 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
National Census
Census 2027 – Key Facts
India’s 16th census and its first fully digital census. Mascots ‘Pragati’ and ‘Vikas’ unveiled by Home Minister Amit Shah. Digital tools developed by C-DAC. Total outlay: Rs 11,718 crore. Phases: Houselisting (April–September 2026) and Population Enumeration (February 2027).
National Census
Caste Enumeration Returns After 1931
Census 2027 will include caste data for the first time since 1931 — a gap of nearly a century. Over 30 lakh personnel will be deployed for the exercise. This marks a historic shift in India’s demographic data collection approach.
Social Security
EPFO Auto-Settlement Pilot
EPFO’s CBT approved a pilot to auto-settle inoperative EPF accounts with balances up to Rs 1,000, crediting funds directly to Aadhaar-seeded accounts. First phase covers 1.33 lakh accounts worth Rs 5.68 crore. EPF interest rate maintained at 8.25% for FY 2025-26 — the third consecutive year at this rate.
Banking & Finance
SBI’s USD 500 Million Gender-Themed Social Loan
Coordinated by MUFG (Japan) as Mandated Lead Arranger, Underwriter, Bookrunner, and sole loan coordinator. It is the world’s largest gender-themed loan by an Indian financial institution, aligned with UN SDG-5 (Gender Equality).
State Budget
Maharashtra Budget FY 2026-27
Presented by CM Devendra Fadnavis with a total outlay of Rs 7,69,467 crore. Dedicated to late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Key highlights: farm loan waiver up to Rs 2 lakh, continuation of Ladki Bahin Yojana, and a vision for Maharashtra to become a USD 5 trillion economy by 2047.
Defence
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth – Next VCOAS
Appointed next Vice Chief of Army Staff from April 1, 2026. Previously GOC-in-C, Southern Command (HQ: Pune). Commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986; commanded the XXI Strike Corps at Mathura. Succeeds Lt Gen P. P. Singh.
Public Sector
Deepak Gupta – New CMD of GAIL
Took charge on March 1, 2026, succeeding Sandeep Kumar Gupta. Previously served as Director (Projects) at GAIL since February 2022. A mechanical engineer from Delhi College of Engineering with 35+ years of experience. Tenure runs until February 28, 2029.
Science & Technology
Sunlight-Powered Plastic-to-Acetic Acid Conversion
Researchers at the University of Waterloo, Canada developed a photocatalytic process to convert plastic waste into acetic acid (main component of vinegar) using only sunlight. This offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic disposal methods.
Infrastructure & Aviation
Mangaluru Airport – ACI ASQ Award 2025
Won the ACI Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award in the Arrivals category for the second consecutive year. Managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited. The category assesses immigration efficiency, baggage delivery, cleanliness, and comfort. Award ceremony in Istanbul, September 2, 2026.
🎴 Revision Flashcards
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Tap to Reveal
Which ministry launched the ‘Say No To Proxy Sarpanch’ campaign?
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Addresses the ‘Sarpanch Pati’ practice; ran March 8–18, 2026
Tap to Reveal
What are the mascots of Census 2027 and who developed the digital tools?
‘Pragati’ & ‘Vikas’; C-DAC
India’s 16th census; first fully digital; outlay Rs 11,718 crore
Tap to Reveal
When was caste data last included in India’s census before Census 2027?
1931
A gap of nearly a century; 30 lakh+ personnel to be deployed
Tap to Reveal
What is the maximum balance for EPFO’s auto-settlement pilot (Phase 1)?
Rs 1,000
Covers 1.33 lakh accounts worth Rs 5.68 crore; EPF rate: 8.25%
Tap to Reveal
Which institution coordinated SBI’s USD 500 million gender-themed social loan?
MUFG, Japan
World’s largest gender-themed loan by an Indian FI; aligned with UN SDG-5
Tap to Reveal
What is the total outlay of the Maharashtra Budget FY 2026-27?
Rs 7,69,467 crore
Presented by CM Fadnavis; dedicated to late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
Tap to Reveal
Which university developed a sunlight-powered method to convert plastic waste into acetic acid?
University of Waterloo, Canada
Uses photocatalysis; acetic acid is the main component of vinegar
Tap to Reveal
Which airport won the ACI ASQ Award 2025 in the Arrivals category?
Mangaluru International Airport
Second consecutive year; managed by Adani Airport Holdings
Think & Discuss
Census 2027 and Caste Enumeration: Data for Development or a Political Pandora’s Box?
Context from today’s quiz: India’s Census 2027 will be the country’s first fully digital census and will reintroduce caste enumeration for the first time since 1931 — a gap of nearly a century. With an outlay of Rs 11,718 crore and over 30 lakh personnel, this exercise is unprecedented in scale. The decision to include caste data has been a long-standing demand of several political and social groups, but it also raises complex questions about how this data will be used, interpreted, and acted upon.
🤔 Your Perspective Matters
Proponents argue that comprehensive caste data is essential for evidence-based policymaking, better-targeted welfare programmes, and a more accurate understanding of India’s social landscape. Critics worry that caste enumeration could deepen identity politics, harden social divisions, and be weaponised for electoral gain rather than genuine social reform.
Will Census 2027’s caste data become a tool for more equitable governance, or will it entrench caste-based politics further?
Will Census 2027’s caste data become a tool for more equitable governance, or will it entrench caste-based politics further?
- How can the government ensure that caste data collected in Census 2027 is used transparently for policy formulation rather than for political maneuvering? What institutional safeguards are needed?
- Given the 95-year gap since the last caste census, how reliable will self-reported caste data be? What methodological challenges might arise in a digital-first enumeration of this nature?
- Should caste-based affirmative action policies be recalibrated based on the new data, and if so, how can this be done without triggering social unrest or legal challenges?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your perspective in the comments.
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