Relevance for UPSC: GS Paper II – Governance, Population and Social Statistics

India has begun testing the self-enumeration and mobile application modules for the upcoming Population Census 2027, marking a major technological leap in data collection. This will be India’s first-ever digital census and the first to include caste enumeration since Independence.

What Is Happening?

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RG&CCI) has initiated a trial run (pre-test) of the self-enumeration module from November 1–10, 2025.

• Citizens in selected areas will be assisted by enumerators to fill their household data using a dedicated online portal and mobile app.

• The Housing and Household Census (HLO phase) will take place first, followed by the Population Enumeration from April 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027.

• The test will assess the usability of the platform, efficiency of digital mapping, and integration with the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS).

New Digital Features

Census 2027 introduces several innovations:

• Online self-enumeration through secure login using Aadhaar or mobile number.

• Geo-referenced digital maps to link each enumeration block precisely.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tools for data analysis and validation.

• Mobile data collection to improve accuracy and reduce manual errors.

• Enumeration of caste, gender, occupation, and household facilities.

Significance

• This digital shift will reduce human error, cut costs, and enable real-time monitoring of data.

• It will also improve the speed and reliability of demographic insights used for policy planning, resource allocation, and governance reforms.

• The exercise aligns with Digital India and data-driven governance goals.

UPSC Prelims Question

With reference to India’s Population Census 2027, consider the following statements:

1. It will be India’s first fully digital census with provisions for self-enumeration.

2. The Census 2027 includes caste enumeration for the first time since Independence.

3. It is conducted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)

One-Line Wrap:

India’s first digital census begins its test phase — a step toward smarter, faster, and more inclusive population data collection.

APEC 2025 Summit: Charting a New Economic Landscape in the Asia-Pacific

Relevance for UPSC: GS Paper II – International Relations & Global Economic Groupings

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2025, held in Gyeongju, South Korea, from October 31 to November 1, brought together leaders from 21 member economies to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation amid slowing global trade and rising geopolitical challenges. The theme for this year’s summit was “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper.”

Key Outcomes

• Member economies reaffirmed their commitment to regional economic integration, supply chain resilience, and sustainable growth.

• Two major focus areas were identified — Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation and addressing demographic shifts, including aging populations.

• A significant side-meeting between the U.S. and China helped ease trade tensions, signaling a step toward restoring stability in global trade.

• The summit emphasized the need for innovation-driven growth, digital trade facilitation, and green transition in the Asia-Pacific region.

Why It Matters for India

• The APEC region accounts for around 50% of global trade and 61% of global GDP — making it central to global economic governance.

• Though India is not yet a member of APEC, it has been seeking membership since 1991. Participation as an observer could enhance India’s influence in Indo-Pacific trade, digital economy, and supply chain realignment.

• India’s focus on Digital India, Make in India, and Act East Policy aligns well with APEC’s goals of promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Challenges Ahead

• Translating commitments on technology cooperation and sustainable development into action remains a challenge.

• Balancing the interests of developed and developing economies is critical to ensuring equitable growth in the region.

• For India, future participation in APEC would require strong diplomatic engagement and policy readiness to integrate with the region’s dynamic trade systems.

About APEC

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was established in 1989 to promote free and open trade and investment across the Asia-Pacific region. It has 21 member economies, including the U.S., China, Japan, Australia, and ASEAN countries.

• Secretariat: Singapore

• Objective: Sustainable economic growth, regional integration, and policy cooperation.

• Nature: APEC is a non-binding and consensus-based forum, meaning its decisions are voluntary but influential in shaping trade norms.

UPSC Prelims Question

With reference to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), consider the following statements:

1. APEC was established in 1989 to promote free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.

2. India is one of the founding members of APEC.

3. The APEC Secretariat is located in Singapore.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)

One-Line Wrap:

APEC 2025 reaffirmed Asia-Pacific unity for sustainable and tech-driven growth — offering lessons and opportunities for India’s evolving Indo-Pacific strategy.