Census 2027 to Collect Caste Data, Reveal Key Trends: MMR at 88, Child Sex Ratio 929, Literacy Gap 14.4%

RGI Adopts Open-Ended Caste Query for Census 2027, Raising Caste Data Concerns

RGI has chosen an open-ended caste question for Census 2027, which critics say will make the caste census unclassifiable and delay publication. For aspirants, this is a live example of how procedural choices affect social-justice data, and a direct link to the 2011 SECC failure and state-level alternatives.

SC Seeks Replies on NRC ID Cards: 3.11 Crore Await Documents, 19 Lakh Excluded

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre and Assam government to respond to pleas seeking issuance of identity cards to 3.11 crore people included in the National Register of Citizens (NRC) 2019, while another 19 lakh excluded persons await the appeal process. This case is critical for exam aspirants as it tests knowledge of the Citizenship Act, NRC process, and Assam Accord provisions.

Ladakh to Lead Independent India's First Caste Enumeration in Census 2027

Ladakh will pilot the first-ever caste enumeration in Independent India during the second phase of Census 2027 starting August 17. This open-ended caste data collection on 40 parameters could reshape reservation policies and social justice debates. Critical for understanding how census data informs governance and affirmative action.

Madras HC Rules Child Can Claim Reservation Through Mother, Rejects Patrilineal Caste Tracing

The Madras High Court has ruled that a child can claim Scheduled Caste (SC), Most Backward Class (MBC), or Other Backward Class (OBC) reservation benefits through their mother's nativity if the child is born and brought up in that community, rejecting the 'patriarchal society' argument. This landmark judgment links the core of reservation to social disadvantage, not lineage, and has direct implications for the interpretation of equality under Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution.

RGI Adopts Open-Ended Caste Census Format; 46.7 Lakh Names Expected as in 2011

The Registrar General of India has decided to use an open-ended question for the caste census, avoiding a drop-down menu. This mirrors the 2011 SECC format that produced 46.7 lakh unverified caste names, raising concerns about data quality. The decision comes amid political pressure and RSS opposition to using state lists.

Census 2027: 40 Questions Cleared for Enumeration, Including Caste and Aadhaar Details

The Centre has formally cleared 40 specified items for the Census 2027 Household Schedule, including politically sensitive questions on caste and Aadhaar details. This is not just a data exercise — it will shape demographic planning, welfare targeting, and social policy, making it a high-yield current affairs topic for exams.

RG&CCI Notifies 40 Questions for Census 2027 Population Enumeration with 13 New Data Fields

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RG&CCI) has notified 40 questions for the Population Enumeration phase of Census 2027, including 13 new data fields compared to 2011. This update is crucial for aspirants as census data directly impacts policy formulation, reservation quotas, and electoral delimitation – a hot topic for Prelims and Mains.

SC Reviews UGC Equity Regulations 2026: Caste Discrimination Definition in Question

The Centre is reconsidering the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 after the Supreme Court stayed them, citing ambiguities in the definition of 'caste-based discrimination'. This has political and constitutional implications, especially with upcoming UP elections, making it a high-yield topic for both Prelims and Mains.