Union Cabinet extended the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) until the fiscal year 2030β31. This move aims to ensure long-term social security for India’s unorganized workforce.
About Scheme:
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)Β is a government-backed pension scheme in India primarily targeted at workers in the unorganised sector. Launched in 2015, it provides aΒ guaranteed minimum monthly pensionΒ of βΉ1,000 to βΉ5,000 after the age of 60, depending on the subscriber’s contribution and age of joining
Age: Must be betweenΒ 18 and 40 years.
Citizenship: Must be anΒ Indian citizen.
Regulatory Body: The scheme is administered and regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
The Government of India has officially issued the notification for the 16th National Census, originally delayed from 2021 due to the pandemic. This exercise is critical as it marks a historic shift in Indiaβs demographic data collection, introducing digital-first methodology and the first nationwide caste count since 1931.
Key Highlights of Census 2027:
The Census will be executed in two distinct phases to ensure comprehensive data accuracy
Phase I: House-listing & Housing Census (April β September 2026): Each State and Union Territory will designate a 30-day window within this period to identify and list residential structures across the country.
Phase II: Population Enumeration (February 2027): The actual counting of individuals and collection of socio-economic data will occur during this month.
Major Policy Shifts:
Digital Transformation: This is India’s first “Paperless Census.” Data will be collected via mobile applications.
Caste-Based Enumeration: In a landmark decision, the 2027 Census will include a specific count of castes. While the 1931 Census was the last to do this nationwide, this is the first time in Independent India that such data will be collected during the general census
Static General Knowledge Link: Key Facts
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
Governed by the Census Act, 1948
1872: The first non-synchronous census was conducted under Lord Mayo.
1881: The first synchronous (complete and simultaneous) census was held under Lord Ripon.
2027 Edition: This will be the 16th Census of India overall and the 8th Census since Independence.
Seventh Schedule: The Census is a Union Subject listed under Entry 69 of List I.
