Primus Civil Services Academy

Login / Register
Facebook Instagram Youtube Telegram X-twitter
  • +91 9364908441
  • reachout@primusias.com
Stay connected via Google News
Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.
Add as preferred source on Google

July 9th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – July 9th

Table of Contents

End to Truce: Renewed tensions in West Asia threaten regional stability and global energy security

Why is it in the News?

A temporary ceasefire (truce) between the United States and Iran-backed groups has effectively collapsed following fresh military strikes and retaliatory attacks. The renewed hostilities have once again heightened tensions in West Asia, raising concerns over regional peace, global oil supplies, maritime security, and economic stability.

What is the Issue?

The recent conflict in West Asia involved military exchanges between the United States and Iran-backed armed groups operating in countries such as Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

Following international diplomatic efforts, both sides had temporarily reduced military actions. However, fresh attacks have led to the end of the truce, increasing the risk of a wider regional conflict.

The deterioration of the security situation has revived concerns over disruptions in global trade routes and energy supplies.

Why is this Important for UPSC?

The news is not important because a ceasefire has ended, but because it affects India’s strategic, economic and diplomatic interests.

The issue can be linked to:

GS Paper II

      • India and its neighbourhood
      • Bilateral and regional groupings
      • Effect of international developments on India’s interests
      • India’s foreign policy

How does it affect India?

  1. Energy Security

India imports nearly 85% of its crude oil, and a significant portion comes from West Asia.

If the conflict escalates:

  • Crude oil prices may rise.
  • India’s import bill will increase.
  • Inflationary pressures may worsen.
  • Current Account Deficit (CAD) may widen.

2. Maritime Security

The conflict threatens shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil transit routes.

Any disruption may:

  • Delay oil supplies.
  • Increase shipping and insurance costs.
  • Affect global supply chains.

3. India’s Foreign Policy

India enjoys strong ties with:

  • The United States (strategic partner)
  • Iran (energy and connectivity partner)
  • Gulf countries (trade and diaspora)

Therefore, India follows a policy of Strategic Autonomy, maintaining balanced relations with all sides while advocating peaceful resolution.

4. Indian Diaspora      

More than 9 million Indians live in Gulf countries.

Escalation could:

  • Endanger Indian nationals.
  • Require evacuation operations.
  • Affect remittances received by India.

5. Global Economy

Conflict in West Asia may result in:

  • Higher crude oil prices.
  • Supply chain disruptions.
  • Increased inflation worldwide.
  • Slower global economic growth.

As a major importer of energy, India is particularly vulnerable to these developments.

India's Stand

India has consistently:

  • Called for immediate de-escalation.
  • Supported dialogue and diplomacy.
  • Emphasised respect for international law.
  • Stressed the importance of freedom of navigation.
  • Prioritised the safety of Indian citizens abroad.

Government notifies Census 2027; first nationwide Census in over 15 years to include caste enumeration

Why is it in the News?

The Union Government has announced the schedule for Census 2027, which will be India’s first population census since 2011, after the 2021 Census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming Census is significant because it will also include caste enumeration, making it the first such exercise after Independence to comprehensively collect caste data for all communities.

Background

The Census of India is the largest administrative exercise undertaken by the Government to collect demographic, social and economic information about the country’s population.

  • India has conducted a Census every 10 years since 1881.
  • The last Census was held in 2011.
  • The 2021 Census was postponed due to the pandemic.
  • Census 2027 will update population data after a gap of more than 15 years.

The new Census assumes greater importance as it will provide the basis for policy formulation, welfare schemes, delimitation of constituencies and future governance reforms.

Why is this Important for UPSC?

This topic is important because the Census forms the foundation of evidence-based governance.

It is relevant for:

GS Paper II

  • Government policies and interventions
  • Governance and public administration
  • Welfare schemes
  • Social justice

Prelims                         

  • Census Act, 1948
  • Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner
  • Constitutional provisions

Delimitation

Key Highlights of Census 2027

  1. Population Enumeration

The Census will collect updated information on:

  • Population size
  • Age structure
  • Literacy
  • Occupation
  • Migration
  • Housing
  • Disability
  • Religion
  • Language

This data forms the basis for planning government programmes.

  1. Caste Enumeration

For the first time after Independence, the Census will include comprehensive caste data.

Why is this significant?

  • Helps assess socio-economic status of different communities.
  • Enables evidence-based policymaking.
  • Assists in reviewing affirmative action policies.
  • Provides data for welfare targeting.

However, caste enumeration also raises concerns regarding:

  • Political mobilisation.
  • Demand for increased reservations.
  • Social divisions.
  • Data accuracy and privacy.
  1. Basis for Delimitation

Population figures from Census 2027 are expected to play a crucial role in the future delimitation of parliamentary and Assembly constituencies after the current freeze ends.

This has important implications for:

  • Political representation.
  • Federal balance.
  • Allocation of Lok Sabha seats among States.
  1. Welfare Planning

Census data helps governments identify:

  • Poverty levels.
  • Housing shortages.
  • Educational gaps.
  • Healthcare needs.
  • Urbanisation trends.

Most flagship schemes rely on Census data for planning and resource allocation.

Why is Census Important for India?

The Census provides reliable demographic data for:

  • Policy formulation.
  • Infrastructure planning.
  • Disaster management.
  • Public health planning.
  • Educational planning.
  • Urban development.
  • Fiscal transfers.
  • Electoral reforms.

Without updated Census data, many welfare schemes continue to rely on outdated population estimates.

Challenges

Delay in Census

  • Population estimates have become outdated.
  • Welfare targeting becomes less accurate.

Data Privacy

  • Ensuring confidentiality of personal information.

Digital Enumeration

  • Ensuring cybersecurity and data integrity.

Caste Enumeration Debate

  • Concerns over political misuse.
  • Demands for revision of reservation policies.

Balancing social justice with social cohesion.

India's Legal Framework

Census Act, 1948

  • Governs the conduct of Census in India.
  • Makes it mandatory for citizens to provide information.
  • Ensures confidentiality of individual data.

Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India (RGI)

  • Conducts the Census under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Prambanan Temple highlights India's enduring cultural and civilizational links with Southeast Asia

Why in News?

The Prambanan Temple in Indonesia was featured in the news in the context of India–Indonesia cultural relations and the shared Hindu-Buddhist heritage between the two countries. The temple symbolizes the spread of Indian culture, religion, architecture, and the Sanskrit tradition to Southeast Asia through peaceful cultural exchanges.

For UPSC, the focus is not on the event, but on the temple’s significance as an example of India’s cultural influence abroad.

What is Prambanan Temple?

  • Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia.

    It was built during the 9th century CE by the Sanjaya Dynasty of the ancient Mataram Kingdom and is dedicated to the Trimurti:

    • Shiva (Destroyer)
    • Vishnu (Preserver)
    • Brahma (Creator)

    The central and tallest shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, standing at approximately 47 metres.

Architectural Features

Temple Style

  • Built in the Hindu Nagara style of temple architecture.
  • The complex originally consisted of around 240 temples.
  • Features soaring shikharas (towering spires) similar to North Indian temples.

Main Shrines

The three principal temples are dedicated to:

  • Shiva
  • Vishnu
  • Brahma

Each deity also has a temple dedicated to their respective vahana (vehicle):

  • Nandi (Shiva)
  • Garuda (Vishnu)
  • Hamsa (Brahma)

Ramayana Connection

One of the most important features of Prambanan Temple is its beautiful bas-relief panels depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

Even today, the famous Ramayana Ballet is performed in the open-air theatre near the temple, reflecting the continued influence of Indian epics in Indonesian culture.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Prambanan Temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 due to its outstanding cultural and architectural significance.

Significance for India

The temple reflects India’s historical influence through:

  1. Cultural Exchange
  • Spread of Hinduism and Buddhism.
  • Use of Sanskrit inscriptions.
  • Transmission of Indian epics and philosophy.
  1. Maritime Trade

Ancient Indian merchants and scholars travelled across the Bay of Bengal, fostering trade and cultural exchange with Southeast Asia.

  1. Soft Power

Prambanan remains a symbol of India’s enduring civilizational connections and supports modern cultural diplomacy with ASEAN countries.

Pinaka Rocket System enhances India's indigenous long-range artillery capabilities

Why in News?

The Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) was in the news following its successful operational deployment and induction of upgraded variants into the Indian Army. The system continues to play a crucial role in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

What is the Pinaka Rocket System?

Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher is an indigenously developed artillery rocket system designed to provide rapid and heavy firepower against enemy positions.

It is named after Pinaka, the divine bow of Lord Shiva.

The system has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Indian defence industries.

Key Features of Pinaka

Type

  • Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL)

Developer

  • DRDO

Manufacturer

  • Produced by Indian defence companies in partnership with DRDO.

Purpose

  • Provides area saturation fire, destroying enemy troop concentrations, bunkers, logistics bases, and artillery positions over a large area.

Mobility

  • Mounted on a high-mobility vehicle, allowing quick deployment and relocation.

Operational Capabilities

  • Fires 12 rockets in a salvo within a short duration.
  • Capable of striking multiple targets simultaneously.
  • Highly mobile and suitable for rapid battlefield response.
  • Equipped with modern fire-control and navigation systems.

Variants

Pinaka Mk-I

  • Range: Approximately 40 km

Enhanced Pinaka

  • Range: Around 45–60 km

Pinaka Mk-II       

  • Range: Up to 75 km

Future long-range guided variants are under development to improve precision and strike capability.

Strategic Significance

  1. Strengthens Border Security

Provides effective fire support in high-intensity conflicts along India’s borders.

  1. Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Reduces dependence on imported artillery systems and promotes indigenous defence manufacturing.

  1. Force Multiplier

Enhances the Indian Army’s ability to deliver rapid, sustained, and accurate firepower.

  1. Export Potential

The success of Pinaka supports India’s ambition to become a major exporter of defence equipment.

Difference between Missile and Rocket

 

Rocket

Missile

Generally unguided (basic variants)

Guided throughout flight

Used mainly for area bombardment

Used for precision strikes

Comparatively cheaper

More expensive

Covers a wide target area

Targets specific objectives

AISHE 2021–22 shows rise in higher education enrolment, improved gender parity and increasing participation of SC/ST students.

Why in News?

The Union Ministry of Education released the latest All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021–22, highlighting improvements in enrolment, gender parity, and participation of socially disadvantaged groups in higher education across India.

What is AISHE?

The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) is an annual survey conducted by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.

Objectives

  • Collect data on India’s higher education system.
  • Assess access, equity and quality in higher education.
  • Help formulate evidence-based education policies.

Coverage

The survey includes:

    • Universities
    • Colleges
    • Stand-alone institutions
    • IITs
    • IIMs
    • NITs
    • Polytechnics
    • Teacher education institutions

Key Findings of AISHE 2021–22

Increase in Student Enrolment

  • Total enrolment reached 4.46 crore, the highest ever.
  • Increased by around 32 lakh compared to 2014–15.

Significance

  • Reflects expansion of higher education.
  • Indicates better accessibility.
  1. Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) Improved

Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER)

GER = Students enrolled in higher education (18–23 years) ÷ Total population in that age group ×100

  • GER increased to 28.4%
  • Female GER became slightly higher than male GER.

Fact

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to raise GER to 50% by 2035.

  1. Better Gender Parity

The Gender Parity Index (GPI) improved further.

Gender Parity Index (GPI)

  • Measures female participation relative to males.
  • GPI >1 means females outnumber males.

Women now constitute nearly half of India’s higher education enrolment.

  1. Increase in SC & ST Enrolment

The survey recorded:

  • Higher enrolment of Scheduled Castes.
  • Rising participation of Scheduled Tribes.
  • Better representation of Other Backward Classes.

Importance
Supports the constitutional goal of social justice and inclusive development.

  1. Rise in Female PhD Scholars

Women now account for a majority of PhD enrolments.

This indicates:

  • Better participation in research.
  • Improvement in gender equality in higher education.
  1. Expansion of Institutions

India now has:

    • More universities
    • More colleges
    • Better institutional access across states.

Challenges Highlighted

Despite improvements:

    • GER remains below developed countries.
    • Rural–urban disparities continue.
    • Regional imbalance among states.
    • Faculty shortages.
    • Infrastructure gaps.
    • Quality concerns in many colleges.
    • Employability issues among graduates.

Government Initiatives

  • National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
  • National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
  • National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation
  • Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)
  • Study in India Programme
  • Digital University initiative
  • Multidisciplinary education reforms under NEP

Way Forward

  • Improve quality alongside expansion.
  • Strengthen research and innovation.
  • Increase public investment in higher education.
  • Address regional disparities.
  • Improve faculty recruitment and training.
  • Enhance industry–academia collaboration for better employability.
  • Expand digital and multidisciplinary learning in line with NEP 2020.

Discover more from Primus Civil Services Academy

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top

Discover more from Primus Civil Services Academy

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading