INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):
Why in news?
India elected to UN ECOSOC for 2 years
About this Economic and social Council:
- India has been elected to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations for the period from 2026-28.
- The ECOSOC is considered a key organ that plays an important role in recommending policies related to economic and social issues.
NATIONAL NEWS
2. India’s first caste-based digital census:
Why in news?
India’s first caste-based digital census to begin on March 1, 2027
Aim of conducting this Caste based Census:
- In the snow bound areas of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and the whole of the Union Territory of Ladakh, the census will commence from 1st October 2026.
- For the rest of the country, the census will start on 1st March 2027.
Census and its historical background:
- Important Points: The first Census in India was conducted in 1872 during Governor General Lord Mayo’s tenure.
- In 1931, the British conducted the last caste census in the country.
- The last nationwide decennial census was conducted in 2011.
- The 2021 census could not be started due to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020.
- The 2027 census will be the eighteenth census since 1872 and the eighth since independence.
- The Census is done by the Office of the Registrar General and the Census Commissioner.
- It comes under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Registrar General and Census Commissioner: Mritunjay Kumar Narayan
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
3. ‘Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana’:
Why in news?
Himachal Pradesh launches ‘Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana’
Aim of Initiating this Yojana:
- The scheme aims to increase the state’s green cover by planting fruit-bearing trees on degraded forest land
- It will also be promoting employment generation and community involvement through Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals, and self-help groups (SHGs).
AWARDS & HONOURS
4. Global Leadership Award:
Why in news?
Kumar Mangalam Birla conferred with the Global Leadership Award by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF)
About the award and its importance:
- The award was presented at 8th annual Leadership Summit of USISPF, held in Washington, D.C.
- He was recognised for his leadership and commitment to strengthening U.S.-India economic ties
- Mr. Birla was awarded alongside Arvind Krishna (IBM) and Toshiaki Higashihara (Hitachi).
- Note: Aditya Birla Group, led by Kumar Mangalam Birla, has invested over $15 billion in the U.S., generating significant employment and impact.
ECONOMIC NEWS
5. Non Banking Finance Company(NBFC):
Why in news?
Flipkart secures NBFC licence from RBI
About this license and criteria to obtain it:
- Walmart’s Flipkart has secured an NBFC licence from RBI, becoming the first major e-commerce platform in India to offer direct lending to customers and sellers.
- Currently, Flipkart partners with financial institutions like Axis Bank, and IDFC First Bank for consumer loans.
- With this NBFC license, Flipkart can now operate independently in the lending space.
SPORTS NEWS
6. Ulaanbaatar Open 2025:
Why in news?
Indian wrestlers win 21 medals at the Ulaanbaatar Open 2025
About the Ulaanbaatar Open 2025 in detail:
- India won 21 medals including six golds, seven silvers, and eight bronzes.
- The event was held in the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, from 29 May to 1 June 2025.
- It was the third-ranking series orgainsed by the United World Wrestling (UWW) in 2025.
- The first ranking series for the senior wrestler was held in Zagreb, Croatia in February 2025, and the second was held in Tirana, Albania in February & March 2025.
- The fourth and last Ranking series of 2025 will be held in Budapest, Hungary in July 2025.