State PCS - Uttarakhand (UKPSC)

• 02 Apr 2026

Pragyanam AI Chatbot Launched in Uttarakhand

Why in News?

The Governor of Uttarakhand, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.), launched the “Pragyanam” AI Chatbot developed by Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University at Lok Bhavan, Dehradun. 

Key Points 

• About: “Pragyanam” is an AI-based chatbot designed to integrate India’s ancient knowledge tradition with modern technology, providing authentic information.  
  • The platform draws from a wide range of Indian Knowledge Systems, including Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Ayurveda, philosophy, mathematics, and classical sciences. 
• Launch: The chatbot was launched on 25th March 2026 at Lok Bhavan, Dehradun.  
• Developed By: The chatbot has been developed by Sri Dev Suman Uttarakhand University as part of the “One University–One Research” initiative aimed at encouraging research and innovation in universities. 
• Objective: 
  • To provide easy access to India’s traditional knowledge for students, scholars, and the public. 
  • To connect the younger generation with India’s cultural and intellectual heritage through digital tools. 
• Technology Integration: The chatbot integrates Artificial Intelligence and digital databases to deliver accurate responses to user queries. 
• NEP Alignment: The initiative supports the objectives of National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into modern education. 

Read More:  Artificial Intelligence,  National Education Policy 2020 

India Begins First Fully Digital Census

Why in News? 

The Government of India has commenced Phase I of Census 2027 – Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO), marking the beginning of the world’s largest census exercise with the introduction of digital data capture and self-enumeration. 

Key Points 

• About: Census 2027 is India’s nationwide population enumeration exercise conducted to collect demographic, social, and economic data for policy planning and governance. 
  • The exercise marks the country’s 16th Census and the 8th to be conducted since Independence. 
• Digital Census: Census 2027 will be the first Indian census with digital data capture and an online self-enumeration facility. 
  • For the first time, enumerators will collect and submit data using a mobile application on smartphones. 
• Self-Enumeration Facility: 
  • Citizens can submit details through a secure web portal (se.census.gov.in). 
  • A Self-Enumeration ID (SE ID) will be generated after submission for verification during the enumerator’s visit. 
• Beginning : Droupadi Murmu, President of India, became the first citizen to complete the self-enumeration process for Census 2027. 
  • About 55,000 households from these States/UTs availed Self-Enumeration facility on the very first day. 
• Languages: The self-enumeration facility is available in 16 regional languages, making the process accessible to people across the country. 
• Initial Rollout Areas: The self-enumeration process initially started in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha, Sikkim, and areas under New Delhi Municipal Council and the Delhi Cantonment Board.  
• Phase I – Houselisting and Housing Census: 
  • Conducted between 1 April and 30 September 2026. 
  • Each state/UT will conduct 30 days of continuous field operations within this period. 
  • For the first time, an additional 15-day period for Self-Enumeration will be provided just before the commencement of the door-to-door survey. 
• Information Collected: During Phase I, details related to housing conditions, household amenities, and assets will be collected through 33 notified questions.  
• Legal Framework: The data collected during the census is protected under the Census Act, 1948, ensuring strict confidentiality of personal information. 

Read More: Census Act, 1948, Census 2027 Mascots