POLITY

Next Census to conclude by March 2027- THE Hindu 

The Government of India will conduct the next population census by March 1, 2027, marking an unprecedented 16-year interval since the last census.

Key Points

• Timeline: Census to be completed by March 1, 2027; reference date March 1, 2027 (Oct 1, 2026 for Ladakh and some Himalayan regions).
• Phases: Two phases — house listing/housing, then population enumeration with caste data collection.
• Digital Census: First-ever digital Census in India using mobile applications for data collection.
• Enumeration: About 30 lakh enumerators, including government school teachers, to be trained.
• Caste Enumeration: New drop-down for caste data in addition to SC/ST.
• Delimitation: Basis for future Lok Sabha and Assembly constituency boundary revisions.
• Impact: Will affect political reservations and potentially the 33% women reservation bill.
• NPR Link: NPR update not yet confirmed but related; NPR is linked to National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC/NRC).
• Self-enumeration: Possible online self-reporting for those with updated NPR records.

About the Census of India:

• Definition: The Census of India is a nationwide exercise conducted every ten years to collect detailed demographic, social, economic, and cultural information about every resident, irrespective of their citizenship.
• Authority: It is carried out by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, which operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, as per the provisions of the Census Act, 1948.
• Utility: The data collected through the Census is essential for policy formulation, delimitation of electoral constituencies, and the effective implementation of various welfare programs.

Economics 

Prime Minister inaugurate Chenab bridge and Anji bridge -PIB

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 6, 2025, to inaugurate the Chenab Bridge (world’s highest railway arch bridge) and the Anji Bridge (India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge). He will also flag off Vande Bharat trains and lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth over Rs 46,000 crore at Katra, aimed at enhancing connectivity and infrastructure in the region.

About Chenab and Anji Rail Bridges

• Chenab Rail Bridge:
  • World’s highest railway arch bridge, standing 359 meters above the Chenab river.
  • Length: 1,315 meters, made of steel arch designed to withstand seismic and wind forces.
  • Will significantly improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.
    Travel time between Katra and Srinagar will reduce to about 3 hours via Vande Bharat trains crossing this bridge, saving 2-3 hours.
     
• Anji Bridge:
  • India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge.
  • Constructed in challenging terrain to further boost rail infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister on other Connectivity Projects and Development Initiatives

• Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL):
  • A 272 km long rail link project worth approx. Rs 43,780 crore.
  • Includes 36 tunnels (119 km) and 943 bridges.
  • Provides all-weather, seamless rail connectivity between Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
  • Aims to transform regional mobility and socio-economic integration.
• Vande Bharat Express:
  • Two trains flagged off between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar.
  • Offers fast, comfortable, and reliable travel for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.
• Road and Infrastructure Projects:
  • Foundation stone laid for road widening from Rafiabad to Kupwara on NH-701 and Shopian bypass road on NH-444 (worth Rs 1,952 crore).
  • Inauguration of flyovers at Sangrama Junction (NH-1) and Bemina Junction (NH-44) to ease traffic congestion.
• Healthcare Infrastructure:
  • Foundation stone for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra (Rs 350 crore), the first medical college in Reasi district, improving regional healthcare facilities.

Environment 

Sulphur-cleaning device in coal plants not necessary: Central scientific committee- The Hindu

A high-powered expert committee, chaired by Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Sood, has recommended ending the mandatory installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units in all coal-fired thermal power plants.

Committee’s Key Findings :

• Low SO₂ Levels: Ambient SO₂ concentrations in India range between 10–20 µg/m³, well below the permissible limit of 80 µg/m³.
• Natural Dispersion: Tall chimneys and favourable climatic conditions help naturally disperse SO₂ emissions, reducing local air quality impact.
• Low-Sulphur Coal:Indian coal contains low sulphur, resulting in comparatively less SO₂ emissions.
• Minimal Impact of FGDs: Cities near TPPs with FGDs show no significant SO₂ difference from those without FGDs, indicating limited effectiveness.
• Major Recommendation:Advocate for a targeted FGD approach, making it mandatory only for high-risk (Category A) plants, while exempting others, especially older and low-impact units.

What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)?
FGD is a pollution control technology used to remove sulphur compounds, particularly sulphur dioxide (SO₂), from the exhaust emissions of thermal power plants and other industrial sources.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) mandated the installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units in all thermal power plants through a 2015 notification.

FGD Process:

• The process involves introducing absorbents into the flue gas stream, capable of eliminating up to 95% of SO₂.
• Common absorbents include ammonia, sodium sulphite, and most widely, limestone or lime slurry (used in wet limestone scrubbing).
• In this method, the untreated flue gas is passed through a scrubber tower (absorber tower), where it is sprayed with a water-limestone mixture.
• This results in a chemical reaction that binds the sulphur dioxide, significantly reducing SO₂ emissions.

How air pollution can increase the risk of premature birth - Indian Express

A study by Emory University has uncovered the biological mechanism linking PM2.5 air pollution exposure during pregnancy to a higher risk of premature births.

Key Takeaways 

• Blood samples from 330 pregnant African American women in Atlanta were analyzed, especially those living in high-pollution urban areas like downtown and midtown.
• Two key molecules—cortisol-like cortexo1one and lysoPE(20:3)—were identified as biomarkers connecting air pollution to early births:
  • Cortexo1one: A steroid involved in placental and immune functions.
  • LysoPE(20:3): A lipid critical for cell health and function.
     
• The study found that air pollution disrupts protein digestion and absorption, which are essential for fetal growth and immunity.
• These biological changes can increase the risk of preterm delivery and other negative birth outcomes.
• The research strengthens the evidence linking urban air pollution with adverse reproductive health outcomes.

Prime Minister hails addition of two New Ramsar Sites in Rajasthan- PIB 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded India's ongoing efforts in environmental conservation as two new wetlands—Khichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur) in Rajasthan—were designated as Ramsar Sites, bringing India’s total to 91.

• Khichan Wetland (Phalodi District):
  Renowned globally for attracting thousands of migratory Demoiselle cranes, Khichan is a key birdwatching site. It plays a vital ecological role by supporting rich biodiversity and serving as an important habitat for migratory birds.
• Menar Wetland (near Udaipur):
  Popularly known as Rajasthan’s “Bird Village”, Menar stands out for its community-driven conservation efforts. It is home to several rare bird species, including the cinereous vulture, Himalayan griffon, Dalmatian pelican, and black-tailed godwit.

What are Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar Sites are wetlands designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. These sites are recognized for their ecological significance, especially as habitats for waterfowl and biodiversity.

Importance of Ramsar Sites

• Biodiversity Conservation: They protect diverse species of plants, birds, fish, and other wildlife, including many endangered and migratory species.
• Water Resource Management: Wetlands act as natural water filters, improving water quality by trapping pollutants.
• Flood Control: They help in flood mitigation by absorbing excess rainwater and reducing the impact of floods downstream.
• Groundwater Recharge: Wetlands contribute to replenishing underground water tables.
• Climate Regulation: They store carbon and help in controlling greenhouse gases.
• Livelihood Support: Many local communities depend on wetlands for fishing, agriculture, and tourism.
• International Cooperation: Ramsar designation strengthens global commitment to wetland conservation.