PM Modi’s Cyprus Visit: Strategic Boost to India–Cyprus Ties

PM Modi Cyprus Visit

PM Modi Cyprus Visit Latest News

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a state visit to Cyprus. During this visit, he held talks with President Nikos Christodoulides.
  • PM Modi’s visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus in over two decades. It underscores the strategic depth and enduring friendship between the two democracies.

Key Highlights of the Visit

  • PM Modi Conferred Cyprus's Highest Honour
    • Cyprus President awarded PM Modi the "Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III", the country’s highest civilian honour.
  • Focus on implementing the 2024 Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration
    • The leaders committed to enhancing coordination within international bodies like the UN and the Commonwealth, with a focus on implementing the 2024 Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration.
      • This Declaration emphasizes sustainable ocean governance, climate resilience, marine biodiversity protection, and capacity-building among member states 
      • The inaugural Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting was held in Cyprus in April 2024.
      • This led to the creation of the Blue Charter Centre of Excellence to promote sustainable ocean practices and build capacity among Commonwealth nations.
  • Strengthening Political Dialogue
    • The two countries agreed to hold regular high-level political dialogue and activate institutional mechanisms through their foreign ministries to monitor and implement an upcoming bilateral Action Plan.
  • Support for Cyprus Sovereignty and UN-Led Peace
    • India reiterated support for Cyprus’ sovereignty and UN-backed efforts for a bizonal, bicommunal federation. 
      • Bizonal: The territory is divided into two zones, reflecting the geographical separation of the two communities.
      • Bicommunal: The federation is structured to accommodate and represent the interests of both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
    • Both opposed unilateral actions that hinder negotiations.
  • Enhanced Defence and Security Cooperation
    • Cyprus and India condemned terrorism, including recent attacks in Kashmir. 
    • They pledged joint action on counter-terrorism, cyber security, defence production, maritime security, and crisis response coordination.
  • Connectivity and Regional Integration
    • Both sides endorsed the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a game-changer for connectivity. 
    • Cyprus offered to serve as a logistics hub and gateway for Indian trade into Europe.
  • EU–India Strategic Engagement
    • Cyprus pledged to support India-EU ties during its 2026 EU Council Presidency. 
      • Cyprus will assume Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026.
    • Both nations welcomed progress in key areas like trade, defence, energy, and space, and committed to concluding the EU–India Free Trade Agreement by year-end. 
    • Both sides also supported continued collaboration through the EU–India Trade and Technology Council and extending the 2025 Strategic Roadmap.
  • Trade, Innovation, and Economic Partnerships
    • India and Cyprus agreed to expand trade and investment. 
    • A Cyprus–India Business Forum and potential MoU on innovation and technology (AI, digital infrastructure, research) are planned.
  • Mobility, Tourism, and Cultural Ties
    • A Mobility Pilot Program will be finalized by end-2025. 
    • Both leaders called for boosting tourism, cultural ties, and exploring direct air connectivity between the two nations.
  • Action Plan 2025–2029
    • A detailed five-year Action Plan will guide bilateral cooperation, monitored jointly by the respective foreign ministries, to ensure sustained progress in strategic areas.

India’s Supports to Cyprus’s Sovereignty: A Strong Message To Turkey

  • During this visit, India reiterated its support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. 
  • This strong diplomatic message comes at a time when India–Turkey relations are tense, particularly due to Turkey’s vocal criticism of India on Kashmir and its support for Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.
  • PM Modi’s symbolic visit to the Historic Centre of Nicosia, overlooking Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus, further highlighted India’s solidarity with Cyprus.

Turkey–Cyprus Conflict

  • The Turkey–Cyprus conflict stems from the island’s division between Greek and Turkish Cypriots
  • After gaining independence from Britain in 1960, tensions rose due to Greek Cypriot demands for union with Greece and Turkish Cypriot fears. 
  • A 1974 Greek-backed coup triggered a Turkish invasion, resulting in the north being controlled by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), recognized only by Turkey. 
  • The island remains divided, with the UN maintaining a buffer zone. 
  • Repeated UN-led negotiations have failed to resolve issues like territorial return and political equality. 
  • Recent disputes over natural gas exploration have further deepened tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Source: TH | News18 | MEA

PM Modi Cyprus Visit FAQs

Q1: Why did PM Modi visit Cyprus in 2024?

Ans: To deepen strategic ties, boost trade, defend Cyprus sovereignty, and support global cooperation on ocean governance.

Q2: What honour did Cyprus bestow on PM Modi?

Ans: He was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, Cyprus's highest civilian honour.

Q3: What is the India–Cyprus stance on Turkey?

Ans: India reaffirmed support for Cyprus, opposing Turkey’s interference and unilateral actions in the region.

Q4: What economic initiatives were discussed?

Ans: Plans include a business forum, innovation MoU, and Cyprus as a logistics hub for Indian trade into Europe.

Q5: What is the Apia Ocean Declaration?

Ans: It’s a 2024 pact promoting sustainable ocean governance and biodiversity, backed strongly by India and Cyprus.

India’s 2027 Census: First Digital and Caste-Based Count

India 2027 Census

India 2027 Census Latest News

  • The government has officially announced that India’s 16th Census will be conducted in two phases, with reference dates of October 1, 2026, for snow-bound areas and March 1, 2027, for the rest of the country. 
  • This will be the first nationwide caste-based enumeration since 1931. 
  • A Gazette notification under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948, was issued, initiating house-listing and housing surveys ahead of the population count.

How the Census is Conducted: Process and Timeline

  • Two-Phase Structure
    • The Census is conducted in two main phases:
      • House-listing and Housing Census: Records details about buildings and households.
      • Population Enumeration: Captures individual-level demographic and socio-economic data.
  • Preparatory Steps
    • Before enumeration, states freeze administrative boundaries, conduct mapping exercises, and train enumerators.
  • House-listing Phase (Expected in 2026)
    • Enumerators collect data on: Household composition and building usage; Construction material, rooms, ownership; Access to water, electricity, sanitation; Cooking fuel and ownership of assets (TV, phone, vehicle, etc.).
    • This phase offers insight into housing quality and amenities across India.
  • Population Enumeration (February 2027)
    • Covers individual details such as:
      • Name, age, sex, relationship to household head
      • Marital status, education, occupation, religion
      • Caste/tribe status, disability, and migration history
      • Even homeless individuals are included.

How the 2027 Census Will Be Conducted: A Digital Leap

  • First Digital Census in India
    • The 2027 Census marks India’s transition to a digital framework, using mobile apps, cloud systems, and real-time monitoring tools to conduct and manage the enumeration process.
  • Introduction of Self-Enumeration
    • For the first time, households will have the option to self-enumerate via a government portal or mobile app. 
    • After submitting their data, they receive a unique ID to show the enumerator during verification.
  • Digital Tools for Enumerators
    • Enumerators will use smartphones or handheld devices with a preloaded Census app. 
    • Though paper-based forms are still allowed, most are expected to adopt the digital mode due to better remuneration and widespread smartphone access.
  • Advanced Monitoring and Supervision
    • The Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) will enable:
      • Real-time dashboards
      • Field issue resolution
      • Progress tracking and data quality control
  • Historic Inclusion of Caste Data
    • This Census will be the first since 1931 to collect caste data for all communities, adding a significant new dimension to the dataset.

How Census 2027 Will Differ from the 2011 Census

  • Digital First Approach
    • Census 2027 will be India’s first fully digital Census, unlike the paper-based 2011 Census. 
    • It allows self-enumeration, mobile-based data entry, and real-time supervision.
  • GPS and Geofencing Integration
    • While 2011 relied on physical maps, the 2027 Census will feature GPS tagging of households and geofencing to ensure complete and accurate coverage.
  • Real-Time Error Detection
    • Enumerators will receive mobile alerts for data inconsistencies, such as unrealistic household sizes or age errors—features absent in 2011.
  • Standardised Digital Coding System
    • Unlike 2011, where descriptive handwritten entries often led to inconsistencies and delays, the 2027 Census introduces:
      • Pre-loaded drop-down menus (code directories) for caste, language, occupation, etc.
      • Uniform coding across the country to ensure fast, computerised processing.
  • Enhanced Data Quality and Timeliness
    • With tech-enabled checks and uniform input methods, Census 2027 aims for higher accuracy and quicker data dissemination compared to the lengthy timelines of 2011.

Challenges in the 2027 Census and How They’re Being Addressed

  • Digital Literacy Among Enumerators
    • Challenge: Many enumerators may lack experience with digital tools.
    • Solution: Extensive training modules, simulations, and multilingual interfaces have been introduced.
  • Connectivity Issues in Remote Areas
    • Challenge: Poor internet access in rural or remote locations.
    • Solution: The app works offline and auto-syncs data once connectivity returns, ensuring uninterrupted data collection.
  • Technical Glitches and App Updates
    • Challenge: Software bugs or technical failures during fieldwork.
    • Solution: Enumerators will be equipped with field support tools and real-time diagnostics to troubleshoot problems quickly.
  • GPS Drift and Location Errors
    • Challenge: Inaccurate GPS tagging of households.
    • Solution: Supervisors will verify and manually adjust coordinates when needed to ensure accuracy.
  • Respondent Reluctance or Fear
    • Challenge: Some individuals may resist or fear sharing personal information.
    • Solution: Enumerators are trained in soft skills and legal protocols. The system includes mobile alerts to log refusals or delays for supervisory review.
  • Quality Control and Error Detection
    • Challenge: Risk of incorrect or duplicate data entries.
    • Solution: Supervisors will review flagged forms; automated checks identify errors like unrealistic ages or duplicate entries before final submission. Periodic audits ensure data reliability.

Source: IE

India 2027 Census FAQs

Q1: What is new in India’s 2027 Census?

Ans: It includes caste enumeration, digital tools, GPS tracking, and online self-enumeration for the first time in history.

Q2: When will the 2027 Census be conducted?

Ans: House-listing starts in 2026; population count will be conducted in February 2027 across the country.

Q3: How is self-enumeration introduced?

Ans: People can fill data online or via app and share a generated ID with enumerators for verification.

Q4: Why is caste data being collected?

Ans: It’s the first all-community caste count since 1931, aimed at better policy planning and resource distribution.

Q5: What challenges does digital enumeration face?

Ans: Enumerators need training; offline sync, real-time support, and quality checks help address digital and connectivity issues.

Rise of AI and Influencers in India’s News Landscape: Insights from 2025 Digital News Report

AI in Indian News Consumption

Artificial Intelligence Latest News

  • Influencers and generative AI are “supercharging a fragmented alternative media environment” for news, says the 2025 Reuters Digital News Report.

Digital Media Landscape in Transition

  • India’s news consumption patterns are undergoing a radical transformation, driven by the convergence of generative AI tools and the growing influence of social media personalities. 
  • According to the 2025 Digital News Report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, video-led content, AI-powered summarisation tools, and non-traditional news voices are redefining how Indians, particularly the youth, access and engage with news.
  • The report, based on an annual survey across 48 countries, including India, highlights a rising preference for personalised, bite-sized, and video-driven news formats, often delivered by influencers or through AI interfaces. This evolution signals a significant shift away from traditional platforms like print, TV, and news websites.

Generative AI Becomes a Popular News Tool

  • Generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Perplexity AI have emerged as prominent tools for news consumption in India. 
  • These tools are increasingly being used to simplify complex topics and generate personalised summaries for users.
  • The report found that India leads in adopting generative AI for news access, with 44% of Indian respondents expressing comfort with AI tools. 
  • Nearly one-fifth of them use chatbots weekly for news, making it the most popular option among the surveyed countries.
  • AI-driven news consumption offers several advantages: it condenses lengthy reports, avoids ideological bias (to an extent), and allows users to seek specific clarifications interactively. 
  • However, this also raises concerns about the authenticity and editorial integrity of AI-generated content, especially when used as a primary source.

Social Media Influencers as Emerging News Voices

  • Parallel to AI adoption is the rise of news influencers, personalities who use platforms like YouTube and Instagram to deliver commentary, satire, and educational content. 
  • These influencers often command follower counts in the millions and wield considerable sway over public opinion.
  • These creators blur the lines between journalism, commentary, and entertainment, often connecting with audiences more deeply than traditional media can.

Video Emerges as the Preferred Medium

  • Across countries like India, Thailand, the Philippines, and Kenya, more people now prefer watching the news rather than reading it. 
  • This has further pushed both influencers and news organisations to adopt video-first strategies.
  • In India, YouTube has become a dominant hub for political talk shows, explainer content, and ideological debates. 
  • This shift toward video content reflects broader generational changes, particularly among Indians aged 18-34, who overwhelmingly turn to social media and platforms like YouTube over news websites for daily information.

Traditional Media Faces Sharp Decline

  • The report confirms that legacy formats such as television broadcasts, newspapers, and even standalone news websites are witnessing waning user engagement. 
  • Only 24% of respondents aged 18-34 consider news websites as their main news source, compared to 41% who prefer social media and video platforms.
  • This trend has profound implications for journalistic sustainability, credibility, and the economics of news production in India. 
  • Legacy organisations are now being forced to diversify digitally and engage audiences through short-form video, social media interactions, and even AI-generated news formats.

Misinformation and the Challenge of Trust

  • Trust in news globally remains stagnant at 40%, as per the 2025 survey. In India, while platforms like WhatsApp are not broadly seen as high-risk vectors of misinformation due to their closed-group nature, they remain an exception. 
  • India, being WhatsApp’s largest market, has faced several incidents where fake news videos circulating in large groups have incited mob violence and even fatalities.
  • Interestingly, 11% of Indian respondents believe that their own friends and family also contribute to spreading misinformation, pointing to a trust deficit even within personal networks.

The Future of News Consumption in India

  • The blending of AI tools and influencer-led journalism reflects an ongoing democratisation of news access, personalised, on-demand, and vernacular in spirit. 
  • However, it also necessitates critical thinking, digital literacy, and regulatory oversight to ensure that the public discourse remains constructive and accurate.
  • Traditional media outlets, while still relevant, are being challenged to adapt faster than ever. 
  • The onus now lies on institutions to harness these new technologies responsibly and find synergies with emerging voices without compromising journalistic ethics.

Source: TH

AI in Indian News Consumption FAQs

Q1: What is the Digital News Report 2025?

Ans: It is an annual global survey by the Reuters Institute assessing news consumption trends across 48 countries, including India.

Q2: How are Indians using AI for news?

Ans: Indians are increasingly using generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to simplify and summarise news content.

Q3: Who are some popular news influencers in India?

Ans: Influencers like Dhruv Rathee, Ravish Kumar, Akash Banerjee, and Ranveer Allahbadia are leading new-age news commentary on YouTube.

Q4: What is the preferred medium of news for young Indians?

Ans: Most young Indians prefer video-based news via platforms like YouTube and Instagram over traditional websites or print.

Q5: What concerns exist around misinformation in India?

Ans: India faces significant challenges with misinformation, especially through WhatsApp groups, which have at times incited violence.

Enquire Now