• 29 Dec 2025

Palamu Census Cell for Digital Operations

Why in News?

Palamu district in Jharkhand has set up a dedicated Census Cell to strengthen digital census operations.

Key Points

• Nodal Officer: The Census cell is led by an additional collector as nodal officer.
• Two-Phase Operation: Census work will be executed in two stages — house listing and enumeration, both in digital mode to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Digital Tools Usage: The cell will facilitate use of mobile and web-based applications for real-time data entry, monitoring and management of census operations. 
• Model District: Palamu’s step toward a dedicated digital-mode census cell serves as a model for other districts in Jharkhand and beyond. 
• Census: It is the official, periodic enumeration of population, collecting data on demographic, social and economic characteristics, conducted by the Government of India under the Census Act, 1948.
• First Digital Census: The upcoming Census of India will be the first Digital Census, conducted using mobile applications and online platforms.

MP Cancels Ujjain Land Pooling Scheme

Why in News?

The Madhya Pradesh government has revoked the land pooling scheme in the Ujjain Simhastha (Kumbh) area after sustained protests and agitation threats from farmers’ organisations.

Key Points

• Background: The state government had introduced a land pooling policy for the Simhastha region in Ujjain to acquire agricultural land for the permanent construction of infrastructure in preparation for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
• Nature of Land Pooling: Under the scheme, agricultural land was to be pooled and redistributed after development, instead of direct land acquisition.
• Legal Framework: The proposed development plans were notified under the Madhya Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act, 1973.
• Simhastha Kumbh Mela: It is a major Hindu religious congregation held in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of the Shipra River.

NGT Plea on Dust Pollution in Gurgaon

Why in News?

Environmental concerns have been raised before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) over unchecked dust accumulation in Gurgaon, Haryana.

Key Points

• Dust Pollution: Large amounts of dust have accumulated on roads, footpaths, and public spaces in Gurgaon.
  • Dust pollution mainly consists of PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ particles, significantly contributing to urban air quality deterioration.
• Environmental Risk: Excessive dust contributes to deterioration of ambient air quality, increasing the concentration of particulate matter.
• Regulation Mechanism: Dust pollution in India is regulated primarily under the Air Act, 1981, EPA, 1986, and NAAQS, with special focus on PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ control.
• Role of Pollution Boards: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) will monitor and enforce dust control measures.
• CPCB: It is a statutory organisation, was constituted in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
• NGT: It is a statutory body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection.

Boat Ride Facility Opened at Kharagpur Lake

Why in News?

The Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary inaugurated a boat ride facility at Kharagpur Lake in Munger district of Bihar.

Key Points

• Tourism Development: The initiative aims to establish the lake as a key tourist destination in the region.
• Economic and Employment Impact: The facility is expected to boost local employment and support the regional economy.
• Natural Attraction: Kharagpur Lake is known for its natural resources, hot springs, dense forest and rich biodiversity, making it a potential eco-tourism and recreational site.
  • Lakes also play a key role in local ecology, groundwater recharge, and recreation.
• Hotspring in Munger: Bhimbandh,Rishikund,Laxman Kund, Rameshwar Kund, Sita Kund, Bharari Kund, Panchtar Kund etc.

President Takes Submarine Sortie in Karnataka

Why in News?

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a historic submarine sortie onboard the Indian Navy’s indigenous submarine INS Vaghsheer at the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka.

Key Points

• Second President: She became the second Indian President to undertake such a submarine sortie (first was Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2006).
• Indigenous Submarine: INS Vaghsheer is part of the Project‑75 Scorpene programme and is one of the Indian Navy’s indigenously built diesel‑electric submarines. 
• Accompanied by Naval Chief: The President was accompanied by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.
• Maritime Security Focus: The sortie reflects India’s emphasis on maritime defence preparedness and the importance of submarines in securing the Indian Ocean Region.