1. India’s First Digital Census 2027

The Government of India has officially commenced the preliminary stages of the Census of India 2027. This marks a historic transition as it will be the world's largest and first-ever digital census.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Methodology: For the first time, data collection is being conducted through a dedicated Mobile App and a self-enumeration portal, eliminating the traditional paper-based questionnaires.
• Language Scope: The digital platform supports data entry in 16 Indian languages, ensuring wide accessibility across the country.
• Nodal Office: The exercise is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Constitutional Basis: The Census is a Union Subject listed in the Seventh Schedule (Entry 69) of the Constitution of India and is governed by the Census Act, 1948.

2. New Director General of NDRF: Piyush Anand

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has officially appointed senior IPS officer Piyush Anand as the Director General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Profile: Piyush Anand is a 1991-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. Before this appointment, he served as the Special Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
• NDRF Background: Established in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the NDRF is a specialized force for "holistic, proactive, and technology-driven" disaster response.
• Structure: The force is organized into 16 battalions, each consisting of 1,149 personnel, distributed across the country to respond to natural and man-made disasters.
• Motto: The NDRF operates under the motto "Aapda Seva Sadaiv" (Sustained Service in Disaster).

3. Book Launch: 'Tides of Time' by Sudha Murty

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan officially released the book titled Tides of Time, authored by the acclaimed writer and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Sudha Murty.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Author Profile: Sudha Murty is a renowned philanthropist, former chairperson of the Infosys Foundation, and a recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2023). She was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in March 2024.
• Core Theme: The book is a collection of semi-autobiographical essays and stories that reflect on the changing social fabric of India over the last five decades, focusing on values, education, and rural empowerment.
• Key Message: During the launch, the Vice President highlighted the book’s emphasis on "simplicity and Indian values" as a guide for the modern youth.

4. Energy Statistics India 2026: Rajasthan Leads in Renewables

According to the Energy Statistics India 2026 report published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Rajasthan has secured the top position in India for total installed renewable energy capacity.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Leading State: Rajasthan has surpassed Gujarat and Tamil Nadu to become the leader in green energy, driven primarily by its massive Solar Power and Wind Energy projects.
• Key Projects: The state’s dominance is supported by the Bhadla Solar Park, currently one of the world's largest solar parks located in Jodhpur.
• National Target: India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, a goal to which Rajasthan is the largest contributor.
• Report Scope: The MoSPI report provides a comprehensive overview of the production, consumption, and stocks of various energy resources in the country.

5. Exercise 'Dweep Shakti 2026'

The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC)—India's only tri-service operational command—successfully conducted the joint military exercise Dweep Shakti 2026.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Tri-Service Integration: The exercise involved the coordinated deployment of assets from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the Indian Coast Guard.
• Objective: To validate amphibious assault capabilities, rapid troop induction, and "island defense" strategies in the strategic Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea regions.
• Geopolitical Significance: The exercise serves as a deterrent and a demonstration of India’s capability to safeguard its maritime interests and the Malacca Strait choke point.
• Key Assets: Featured the use of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), Su-30 MKI fighter jets, and specialized Para-Special Forces for simulated night-insertion operations.