India is preparing for Census 2027 with a major shift toward digital data collection, making the exercise an important development for governance, planning and demographic policy. What is changingThe upcoming census is designed around digital tools, including mobile-based enumeration and online self-enumeration. The exercise is being conducted after the decennial census scheduled for 2021 was delayed. The government has also announced that caste enumeration will form part of

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026, bringing the expanded grouping into focus at a time of major geopolitical and economic uncertainty. What is happeningIndia assumed the BRICS chairship on 1 January 2026 for the fourth time. The summit is being held at Bharat Mandapam and is built around the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.’ BRICS now includes 11 full members: Brazil, Russia, India,

The Bharat Innovates Exposition being held alongside the 18th BRICS Summit is showcasing Indian deep-tech innovations and linking universities, startups, investors and global partners. What is being showcasedThe exposition features 37 Indian deep-tech innovators working across areas such as AI-enabled health screening, floating solar systems, marine robotics, advanced mobility and other emerging technologies. The programme is designed to connect India’s higher-education innov

India's cultural diversity can be seen in its languages, festivals, cuisines, music, architecture, crafts and performing arts. Its traditions have developed through geography, migration, trade and centuries of interaction. Many cultures within one countryIndia's cultural landscape differs greatly from region to region. Geography, historical migration, trade, religion, local communities and political history have all contributed to distinctive traditions as well as shared cult

India's physical geography ranges from high mountains and fertile plains to plateaus, deserts, coasts and islands. Geography helps explain differences in climate, agriculture, settlement and economic activity across the country. A geographically diverse countryIndia contains mountains, plains, plateaus, deserts, coastal regions, islands, forests and river systems. These landscapes influence where people live, what crops are grown, how transport networks develop and which econ

UPI has become a major part of everyday digital payments in India. Here is how the system works, why it became widely adopted and what users should know about safe digital transactions. What is UPI?Unified Payments Interface is a real-time payment system that enables bank-account-to-bank-account transfers through participating banks and payment apps. It allows users to make payments using convenient identifiers and authentication instead of repeatedly sharing traditional bank

Indian history spans thousands of years and includes urban civilisations, empires, regional kingdoms, cultural exchange, social reform and a long freedom movement. This overview provides a clear chronological framework. Early urban civilisationThe Indus or Harappan civilisation is known for planned settlements, drainage systems, craft production and long-distance trade. Archaeological evidence provides important insights into early urban life in the subcontinent. Early histor

India's Parliament is central to national law-making and democratic accountability. This guide explains the two Houses, parliamentary debate and the broad process through which bills become laws. The two HousesParliament consists of the President and two Houses: the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha represents citizens through directly elected members, while the Rajya Sabha provides representation to the states and union territories within the constitutional system

The Constitution of India is the foundation of the country's democratic system. It defines how public power is organised, protects important rights and establishes the framework within which institutions function. What is the Constitution?The Constitution is the supreme legal framework of India. It sets out the powers and responsibilities of major institutions, establishes relationships between the Union and the states, and provides principles for protecting liberty, equality

Rivers shape India's agriculture, settlements, ecosystems and history. This guide explains the broad differences between Himalayan and Peninsular river systems and why conservation is essential. Why rivers matterRivers provide water for households, agriculture and industry, support ecosystems and influence settlement. River valleys have also been important corridors for trade, farming and cultural development. Himalayan riversMajor Himalayan rivers are fed by combinations of

India's space programme has developed capabilities in satellites, launch vehicles, Earth observation, communication, navigation and planetary exploration. These capabilities serve both practical and scientific goals. Why space technology mattersSpace systems support communication, weather forecasting, navigation, agriculture, disaster management, mapping and scientific research. India's programme has historically placed strong emphasis on applications that support national de

India contains forests, wetlands, grasslands, deserts, mountains, mangroves, coasts and islands. This ecological variety supports wildlife and human livelihoods but faces multiple pressures. A diverse natural landscapeDifferences in altitude, rainfall, temperature and geology create many ecosystems across India. These habitats support distinct plant and animal communities and provide resources and services for people. Why biodiversity mattersBiodiversity supports pollination,

Infrastructure connects India's people, markets and regions. Physical and digital networks influence productivity, logistics, investment and access to services. Why infrastructure mattersInfrastructure reduces the time and cost of moving people, goods, energy and information. Better connectivity can improve access to markets, education, healthcare and employment. Roads and highwaysRoad transport is essential for short- and medium-distance movement and last-mile connectivity.

GDP, inflation, growth and employment dominate economic headlines. This beginner-friendly guide explains what these terms mean and how they fit together in the Indian economy. What is economic growth?Economic growth generally refers to an increase in the value of goods and services produced by an economy over time. Growth can be supported by investment, productivity improvements, consumption, exports and expansion of productive capacity. GDP in simple languageGross Domestic P

India's education system serves one of the world's largest student populations. This guide explains its broad structure and the issues that shape educational quality and access. The broad structureEducation in India includes school education, vocational learning, colleges, universities and research institutions. Responsibilities are shared across levels of government, and the system includes public and private institutions. School educationSchooling includes foundational lear