India's Maitri II Station is set to become the country’s newest research facility in Antarctica, and the Finance Ministry has recently approved the project. This station will be an expansion of India’s polar research capabilities, especially in eastern Antarctica.
Location and Size:
Maitri II will be established in eastern Antarctica and will be larger than the existing Maitri I station.
The station will be designed as a green research base, focusing on sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
Renewable Energy Use:
The station will primarily use renewable energy to power its operations.
Solar power will be utilized during the summer months.
Wind energy will be harnessed to take advantage of the strong Antarctic winds.
Automation and Data Collection:
Automated instruments will be deployed at Maitri II to continuously collect data and transmit it back to India, ensuring that research continues even if the station is unmanned for extended periods. This is particularly important for the harsh winter months when human presence will be limited.
Construction Timeline:
The construction of Maitri II is expected to be completed by January 2029.
Nodal Agency:
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), is the nodal agency responsible for managing operations and organizing missions to both Antarctica and the Arctic.
Maitri I, India’s first major research station in Antarctica, has been operational since 1989.
The station is located in the Schirmacher Oasis, a 20 km-long ice-free landmass in East Antarctica.
It includes facilities such as:
A main building
Fuel farm and fuel station
Lake water pump house
Summer camp and several smaller containerized modules
Accommodation: The station can accommodate between 25 to 40 scientists, depending on seasonal requirements.
Other Indian Bases in Antarctica:
Dakshin Gangotri: India’s first base in Antarctica, which operated for several years.
Bharati: Currently operational since 2012.
Scientific Contribution: The new station will enhance India's research capabilities in the polar region, contributing to global research on climate change, glaciology, and environmental studies.
Sustainability: By focusing on renewable energy, Maitri II represents a commitment to green technology even in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
Technological Advancements: With the use of automated instruments, the station will be able to continue gathering valuable data, even when human researchers are not present, which is critical for long-term environmental monitoring.
Strategic Importance: India’s enhanced presence in Antarctica strengthens its scientific and geopolitical role in the polar region, which has increasing importance in global climate discussions.
India has established a strong scientific presence in Antarctica through its India Antarctica Programme, operating multiple research stations.
Dakshin Gangotri (1983):
First permanent research station in Antarctica, established in 1983.
Located in Queen Maud Land, the station was operational until it was abandoned due to a combination of ice sheet movement and weather-related challenges. It marked India’s entry into Antarctic scientific research.
Maitri (1988):
Second permanent research station, operational since 1988.
Located in the Schirmacher Oasis in East Antarctica, it’s a region of ice-free land, making it conducive for scientific research.
Lake Priyadarshini, a freshwater lake, was also developed by India around Maitri for research purposes.
Maitri supports research in fields like glaciology, meteorology, and environmental science.
Bharati (2012):
India’s third research station, operational since 2012.
It is located about 3,000 km east of Maitri in the Larsen C Ice Shelf area, providing a unique location for various scientific investigations.
Bharati focuses on diverse studies, including oceanography, marine biology, and climate change.
The India Antarctica Programme is a scientific research and exploration initiative run by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), which is based in Goa.
India’s first expedition to Antarctica took place in 1981, marking the beginning of India’s polar research journey.
The India Antarctica Act, 2022 was enacted to align India's Antarctic activities with international standards, ensuring sustainable and responsible research while adhering to global norms.
Key Objectives:
Compliance with the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection.
Establishes a Central Committee on Antarctica Governance and Environmental Protection, which will operate under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
Includes provisions for the creation of an Antarctica Fund aimed at supporting research and environmental protection efforts in Antarctica.
Provides penalties for violations, such as 20-year imprisonment for conducting nuclear explosions in Antarctica.
Prohibited Activities:
Nuclear explosions and radioactive waste disposal.
Introduction of non-sterile soil or other harmful substances.
Discharge of garbage, plastic, or other harmful substances into the Antarctic marine environment.
Damage or removal of historic sites or monuments.
Permits:
Required for any Indian expedition to enter or remain in Antarctica, as well as for activities like mineral extraction, drilling, or waste disposal.
Foundation: The Antarctic Treaty was signed on 1st December 1959 and came into force in 1961. It remains the only treaty that governs the whole of a continent, excluding the high seas, which are governed by international law.
Membership: Initially signed by 12 countries, it now has 54 member parties. India became a party in 1983.
Core Provisions:
Peaceful Use: Antarctica is designated as a zone of peace where military activities are forbidden, and only scientific research is permitted.
Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone: The continent is the world’s first nuclear-weapon-free zone, and no military activities or nuclear tests are allowed.
Territorial Neutrality: The treaty neutralizes territorial claims. No new claims can be made, and existing claims cannot be expanded.
Scientific Freedom: The treaty promotes scientific research, and freedom of scientific investigation is a key component.
Dispute Resolution: Disputes among parties are to be resolved through peaceful negotiations or, failing that, arbitration or adjudication by the International Court of Justice.
Provisions:
Environmental Protection: Introduced in 1991 and enforced in 1998, this protocol designates Antarctica as a natural reserve dedicated to peace and science.
Prohibition on Mining: The protocol explicitly prohibits mining activities in Antarctica.
Environmental Impact Assessments: Before new activities are undertaken, they must undergo environmental impact assessments.
This agreement focuses on protecting marine life in Antarctica, with an emphasis on preserving marine ecosystems and their sustainability.
Its main objective is to prevent overfishing and safeguard the delicate marine environment around Antarctica.
Location: Antarctica is the world’s southernmost continent, situated almost entirely south of the 60°S latitude.
Division: The continent is divided into two regions:
East Antarctica: The larger portion, characterized by the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.
West Antarctica: Smaller but includes the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and key regions like the Larsen Ice Shelf.
Climate: It is the coldest, windiest, driest, and ** iciest** continent on Earth. Average temperatures range from -20°C to -60°C during winter.
Ice and Water: Antarctica contains approximately 90% of the world’s ice and 80% of its fresh water. The Ross Sea and Weddell Sea are major geographical features surrounding the continent.
No Permanent Population: Antarctica does not have a native population and is governed as a Global Common, free from territorial claims.
India's Antarctica Programme reflects a commitment to scientific research in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. India’s Maitri, Bharati, and Dakshin Gangotri research stations serve as pillars of this program, while the India Antarctica Act, 2022 ensures that all activities are conducted responsibly and in compliance with international environmental protections.
An Indian Army contingent of 120 personnel has recently departed for Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia to participate in the fourth edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025. This annual exercise between India and Australia plays a crucial role in strengthening military ties and improving operational capabilities.
Joint Military Exercise:
Exercise AUSTRAHIND is an annual joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Australian Army.
It is designed to enhance military cooperation and interoperability between the two nations.
Indian Army Contingent:
The Indian Army contingent is being led by a Battalion of the Gorkha Rifles, with additional troops from other arms and services.
The exercise will focus on joint company-level operations and tactical drills to improve coordination between the forces.
Focus Areas:
The exercise will primarily concentrate on sub-conventional warfare in urban and semi-urban terrain, which are complex environments for modern military operations.
The troops will engage in missions ranging from joint planning, tactical drills, and special arms skills training.
Open and semi-desert terrain will be the focus for the joint operations, simulating various combat scenarios to enhance operational readiness.
Objectives:
The goal of the exercise is to improve the interoperability of both armies, provide a platform for the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures.
It offers a valuable opportunity to hone operational capabilities, integrate emerging technologies, and practice operations in a joint combat environment.
Other Joint Exercises:
Apart from AUSTRAHIND, India and Australia also conduct other joint military exercises like AUSINDEX (naval exercises) and PITCHBLACK (air force exercises), strengthening their overall defense cooperation.
Strategic Cooperation: This exercise highlights the growing defense ties between India and Australia, both of which are key players in the Indo-Pacific region. It supports regional security and strategic stability.
Operational Readiness: Conducting exercises in semi-desert terrain and other challenging environments prepares both armies for real-world contingencies, improving their combat readiness and response time to potential threats.
Technological Integration: The focus on emerging technologies in joint operations will help both forces stay ahead of evolving military tactics and capabilities in modern warfare.
Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025 will continue to build on the strong defense relationship between India and Australia, enhancing mutual understanding and operational effectiveness. As both countries grow their defense cooperation, these exercises provide a critical platform for sharing expertise, strengthening joint capabilities, and responding effectively to security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command recently hosted a two-day seminar on long-range maritime reconnaissance (LRMR) at INS Rajali, Arakkonam, in Tamil Nadu. This seminar highlighted India's growing maritime responsibilities and its advanced surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
INS Rajali is a premier Naval Air Station located in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, and plays a vital role in India's naval operations and training activities.
Commissioned: March 11, 1992.
Location: Situated 80 km west of Chennai, near the coastal town of Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu. It spans 2,200 acres of land.
Name: The air station is named "Rajali," after an aggressive bird from the Hawk family, which is common in the Tamil Nadu coastal belt.
Modern and Largest Naval Air Station:
INS Rajali is the largest and most modern naval air station in India.
It is the home base for several critical aviation operations of the Indian Navy.
The base is equipped with the longest military runway in Asia, enabling it to host a wide variety of aircraft and drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions.
Operational and Training Roles:
INS Rajali serves two main functions: Operations and Training.
As a crucial operational base, it contributes significantly to maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and surveillance missions in the Indian Ocean.
It also serves as a hub for helicopter and drone training for the Indian Navy.
Home to Key Squadrons:
INAS 312 Squadron: This squadron, stationed at INS Rajali, plays a pivotal role in maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare operations. The squadron operates P-8I aircraft, an advanced platform used for surveillance and tracking in the vast Indian Ocean region.
Advanced Surveillance Technology:
MQ-9B Sea Guardian Drones: INS Rajali also operates MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones, a state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which enhances surveillance capabilities, especially for high-endurance operations over long distances.
These drones provide real-time intelligence, high-definition imagery, and oceanic surveillance, making them crucial for maritime domain awareness.
Helicopter Training:
INS Rajali is also home to the Helicopter Training School of the Indian Navy, which trains personnel on various helicopter operations, including naval reconnaissance and combat operations.
INS Rajali is a vital air base for India's Eastern Naval Command, involved in both operational missions and training.
It is equipped with the longest military runway in Asia, making it a key strategic asset for maritime surveillance and anti-submarine operations.
The base operates cutting-edge technologies, such as the P-8I aircraft and MQ-9B drones, providing a technological edge for high-endurance maritime operations.
Hosting seminars on maritime reconnaissance at INS Rajali reflects India’s expanding naval capabilities and growing responsibilities in securing the Indian Ocean region.
INS Rajali remains one of the cornerstones of India's naval operations and strategic efforts to bolster maritime security, not just within the Indian Ocean, but also as a crucial player in the broader Indo-Pacific security framework.
There has been a dispute regarding Indonesia's delayed notification of aflatoxins found in groundnut shipments from India. Exporters are raising concerns about the timing of this notification, which has led to trade tensions between the two countries.
Aflatoxins are toxic chemicals (mycotoxins) produced by certain fungi, specifically from the Aspergillus species. These toxins pose serious health risks and are a major concern in food safety.
Fungi Responsible:
Aflatoxins are primarily produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.
These fungi are common in agricultural crops but can also thrive in soils, rotting food, and compost.
Conditions for Contamination:
Warm, humid conditions are ideal for the growth of Aspergillus species, which can lead to aflatoxin contamination in crops.
Groundnuts (peanuts) are particularly vulnerable to contamination by these fungi, as are other agricultural products like maize, rice, tree nuts, spices, and cocoa beans.
Aflatoxin can contaminate crops before and after harvest, during storage, or while being processed.
Health Impacts:
Aflatoxins are genotoxic (damaging to genetic material) and carcinogenic (linked to cancer development).
Chronic exposure to aflatoxins can lead to liver damage, immune system suppression, and may even contribute to cancer and acute poisoning in extreme cases.
Animals that consume contaminated feed may also carry aflatoxins in meat and dairy products, posing a further risk to humans.
How Are People Exposed?
Consumption of contaminated food such as groundnuts (peanuts) and dried foods is a common source of exposure.
Dairy products and meat from animals that ate contaminated feed can also carry aflatoxins.
Agricultural workers or anyone handling contaminated crops may be exposed through inhalation of dust during crop handling and processing.
Aflatoxins remain a critical concern in agricultural trade, especially for exporters of groundnuts and other susceptible crops. Both producers and importers must remain vigilant in monitoring aflatoxin levels to ensure food safety and prevent trade disruptions. The India-Indonesia dispute highlights the importance of timely communication in international trade, particularly in the context of food safety standards.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2023-24, showcasing the performance and trends in India's industrial sector.
GVA grew by 11.89%, higher than both output (5.80%) and input (4.71%), indicating that the industrial sector is becoming more efficient, with a greater value generated from the inputs used.
The industries contributing most to GVA include:
Basic Metals
Motor Vehicles
Chemicals
Food Products
Pharmaceuticals
These sectors are export-oriented and labor-intensive, contributing nearly 48% of total industrial output.
Employment in the industrial sector grew by 5.92% year-on-year, reflecting that industrial growth is driving job creation.
Over the last decade (2014-15 to 2023-24), the sector has added 57 lakh (5.7 million) jobs.
Average emoluments (wages and salaries) rose by 5.6%, although wages still lag behind GVA growth.
The top 5 states by employment are:
Tamil Nadu
Gujarat
Maharashtra
Uttar Pradesh
Karnataka
Maharashtra (16%), Gujarat (14%), and Tamil Nadu (10%) are the leading contributors to industrial GVA.
Industrial Growth & GDP: Manufacturing accounts for 17% of India’s GDP, creating opportunities to boost economic growth and global competitiveness.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): India attracted USD 81.04 billion in FDI in FY 2024-25, with manufacturing FDI rising 18%, positioning India as a global investment hub.
Modernization: Rapid modernization in key sectors like electronics, pharma, automotive, and textiles offers opportunities for higher value addition and global leadership.
Policy Support: Initiatives like PLI, GST reforms, and the National Manufacturing Mission create favorable conditions for scaling operations and attracting investments.
Green Manufacturing: There is significant opportunity in renewable energy and net-zero targets, driving innovation in green manufacturing and positioning India for global alignment.
Workforce & Skill Development: Programs like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) are promoting inclusive job creation and workforce upskilling.
Infrastructure Gaps: India still faces logistics, power, water, and warehousing deficiencies, which hinder industrial efficiency despite reductions in logistics costs.
MSME Credit Gaps: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) face credit gaps and high borrowing costs, which limit their growth potential.
Global Competition: Low-cost producers like China and Vietnam continue to challenge Indian manufacturers. India faces issues like limited R&D and weak design capabilities, restricting its global competitiveness.
Adoption of Industry 4.0: Uneven adoption of Industry 4.0 and concerns over job displacement from automation limit the growth of MSMEs.
Non-Tariff Barriers & Trade Issues: Non-tariff barriers, rising tariffs (e.g., 50% tariffs on Indian exports to the US), and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) cautions hinder India’s competitiveness in the global market.
Expanding the National Industrial Corridor Programme with Smart Cities will enhance connectivity, lower logistics costs, and attract investment for balanced regional industrial growth.
Initiatives like Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the National Manufacturing Mission (NMM) can drive growth in priority sectors such as electronics, EV batteries, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.
Programs such as PMKVY and Skill India are bridging the gap in technical expertise and preparing the workforce for advanced manufacturing, fostering growth in industrial capabilities.
Enhanced access to credit, faster GST refunds, and startup incentives will support MSMEs in scaling operations, driving innovation, and integrating into global value chains.
Promoting renewable energy adoption, circular economy practices, and compliance with global standards (e.g., EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)) will strengthen India's position as an eco-conscious manufacturer, boosting exports.
Improving Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), reducing non-tariff barriers, and drawing lessons from countries like Japan can help India improve its export competitiveness and better integrate into global value chains.
The Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) is the primary source of industrial statistics in India and plays a key role in understanding the performance and structure of the industrial sector.
The ASI is conducted under the Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Act, 2017, which provides the legal framework for collecting industrial statistics.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), specifically the NSSO’s Industrial Statistics Wing, is responsible for compiling and releasing the ASI data.
The ASI aims to provide crucial data for:
Output: The total value of goods and services produced in the industrial sector.
Value Added: Gross value added (GVA) which indicates the economic contribution of industries.
Employment: Data on the workforce engaged in industrial activities.
Capital Formation: Information related to investments in machinery, infrastructure, and other capital assets.
Structural Changes in Industries: Monitoring changes in industry composition, performance, and structure over time.
Factories under the Factories Act, 1948: This includes all industrial establishments that meet the legal definition of a factory.
Section 2m(i) and 2m(ii) of the Factories Act provides the definitions.
Bidi & Cigar Manufacturing Establishments: Covered under the Bidi & Cigar Workers Act, 1966.
Electricity Undertakings: Factories and units related to electricity generation and distribution that are not registered with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
Large Establishments with ≥100 Workers: These are included based on the Business Register of Establishments (BRE) maintained by state governments.
Defence Establishments: Factories and units that are part of the defence sector are not included.
Oil Storage and Distribution Depots: These are outside the purview of the ASI.
Departmental Units: Includes facilities like railway workshops, telecommunication units, etc., that are not considered industrial establishments.
Gas Storage Units: Not included in the survey as they do not fall under the industrial classification.
As India sets its sights on becoming a USD 35 trillion economy by 2047, the industrial sector will play a crucial role in driving this growth. With reforms such as PLI, the National Manufacturing Mission, and skill development initiatives, India's industrial sector is poised for strong momentum. By capitalizing on favorable global realignments and resilient supply chains, India is positioned to become not just the “factory of the world”, but a global hub for innovation and industrial leadership
The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) has been evaluated separately by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for the first time, marking an important step towards understanding and conserving this unique subspecies.
Species: The Indian wolf is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf (Canis lupus) and is found primarily across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southwest Asia.
Indian wolves prefer scrublands, semi-arid grasslands, and pastoral agro-ecosystems. These habitats provide the conditions needed for hunting and shelter.
Indian wolves live in smaller packs, typically ranging from 6-8 individuals. They are territorial and tend to hunt during the night.
Unlike other wolf subspecies, they are less vocal and do not howl as frequently.
Indian wolves are of intermediate size—larger than the Arabian wolves but smaller than the Tibetan wolves. They lack a thick winter coat due to their adaptation to warmer climates.
Geographic Range: The Indian wolf is found in parts of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Israel, Turkey, Iran, and Syria.
IUCN: The Indian wolf is currently classified as Vulnerable.
CITES: It is listed under Appendix I, which includes species that are threatened with extinction and are prohibited from international trade.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: The Indian wolf is listed under Schedule I, providing it with the highest level of protection.
Habitat Loss: Expansion of human settlements, agriculture, and infrastructure development have significantly reduced the wolf’s natural habitat.
Shrinking Prey Base: The decline in prey species such as wild ungulates affects the wolf’s ability to hunt and sustain itself.
Human Persecution: Indian wolves face direct threats from humans, including poaching, retaliatory killings, and conflict with livestock owners who consider wolves a threat to their animals.
Recently, Armenia became the newest State Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), joining a global community committed to conserving nature and promoting sustainable development.
About Armenia
Landlocked Country: Armenia is nestled in the southern part of the Caucasus Mountain Range.
Bordering Countries: It shares borders with Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Iran to the southeast, and Turkey to the west.
The Lesser Caucasus Mountains dominate Armenia's landscape, creating a rugged terrain that influences its climate and agricultural practices.
The country’s soil is highly fertile due to volcanic residue, rich in nitrogen, potash, and phosphates, making it ideal for agriculture.
Mount Aragats is the highest point in Armenia at 4,090 meters (13,420 feet). It is an extinct volcanic peak, contributing to the country’s dramatic landscape.
Armenia has a highland continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters, making it suitable for a variety of crops, though agriculture can be affected by seasonal temperature extremes.
Key rivers like the Aras, Hrazdan, Arpa, and Vorotan not only serve as vital sources of water but also provide opportunities for hydropower generation and irrigation.
Armenia has small deposits of minerals, including gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, and bauxite, which contribute to its economy.
Lake Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia and an important feature in the country’s geography, offering both ecological and economic benefits.
Official Language: The primary language spoken in Armenia is Armenian.
Capital: Yerevan, the largest city, serves as the cultural, political, and economic hub of the country.
Unemployment is a critical economic indicator that measures the percentage of people actively seeking work but unable to find employment.In India, the labour force includes both employed and unemployed individuals, with people who are not working or seeking work (e.g., students) excluded.
Overall Unemployment:
As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), India’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.1% in 2023.
However, the unemployment rate among youth (ages 15–29) remains alarmingly high at 14.6%.
According to the India Employment Report 2024 by the International Labour Organization (ILO), one in every three unemployed individuals in India is a youth.
Youth Unemployment:
Asia’s youth unemployment is at 16%, much higher than the US at 10.5%, with countries like India, China, and Indonesia facing the toughest youth job challenges.
Demographic Pressure:
India has a young population, but the economy is not creating enough jobs. The World Bank points out that employment grew by only 1.7% annually (2000–2023) compared to a 1.9% rise in the working-age population. This has widened the employment gap.
Skill Mismatch:
Only 4.7% of India’s labour force has received formal skills training, leading to an underutilized workforce.
There's a paradox: high unemployment exists alongside talent shortages because of a disconnect between educational outcomes and industry needs.
Jobless Growth:
India’s economic growth of 6.5-7.8% is not creating enough jobs. The manufacturing sector contributes only a small share to employment, partly because India's global export share is just 1.8%.
Gender Disparity:
Urban female unemployment (ages 15–29) is 25.7%, significantly higher than male unemployment at 15.6%. This reflects societal and structural barriers to female workforce participation.
Technological Disruption:
The rise of automation and AI threatens up to 69% of jobs in India, especially in sectors like manufacturing, data entry, and customer service, necessitating large-scale reskilling.
Seasonal Employment & Agriculture:
About 45.76% of India’s workforce is engaged in agriculture and allied sectors, which typically offer seasonal and low-paid jobs. Rural areas suffer from underemployment and migration pressures due to limited non-farm job opportunities.
Economic Stagnation:
Unemployment leads to lost GDP, as there’s less consumer spending, which affects businesses and deepens the economic slowdown.
Poverty & Inequality:
Joblessness contributes directly to poverty and exacerbates income inequality as families without stable incomes face hardship.
Social Instability:
High youth unemployment can fuel social unrest, crime, and political instability due to frustration and disillusionment among young people.
Mental Health and Skill Crisis:
Prolonged unemployment causes psychological distress and results in deskilling, reducing future employability and self-esteem.
Fiscal Burden:
Unemployment increases the government's fiscal burden through higher welfare spending while reducing tax revenues, which worsens the fiscal deficit.
PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi):
A skill development program focusing on the training and empowerment of marginalized communities.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA):
Provides guaranteed employment in rural areas, focusing on infrastructure and rural development.
Start-Up India Scheme:
Promotes start-ups and entrepreneurship, creating jobs through new businesses.
PM SVANidhi Scheme:
Provides collateral-free loans to street vendors, helping revive businesses affected by COVID-19.
PM Vishwakarma Scheme:
Supports traditional artisans, promoting traditional crafts and entrepreneurship.
National Education Policy 2020:
Introduces vocational education in schools to enhance youth employability.
Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM):
Focuses on empowering rural women through Self-Help Groups, promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY):
Focuses on industry-relevant skills, aiming to improve youth employability.
Boost Labor-Intensive Manufacturing:
Focus on high-employment sectors like textiles, leather, food processing, and electronics assembly. Enhancing export competitiveness via trade agreements can also help create jobs.
Bridge the Skill Gap:
Education reforms should emphasize vocational training and practical skills aligned with market demands, such as AI, data analytics, and IoT.
Support MSMEs:
Easier access to credit and reduced compliance burdens can help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) thrive, generating more employment.
Address Underemployment in Agriculture:
Diversifying the rural economy with agro-based industries and promoting alternative livelihoods like animal husbandry and fisheries will help reduce migration pressures.
Strategic Government Investment:
Continued public investment in infrastructure (roads, railways, housing) and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes can boost manufacturing and create jobs.
India's unemployment crisis, especially among youth and urban females, is primarily due to jobless growth, skill mismatches, underemployment, and technological disruptions
At the ongoing G20 Ministerial Meeting in Durban, India highlighted its disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts, with a key focus on SACHET, India's Integrated Alert System. The Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister emphasized India’s multi-agency approach integrating various meteorological, hydrological, seismic, and oceanographic institutions through a Common Alert Protocol (CAP)-compliant system.
Overview:
SACHET is a disaster early warning system developed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to deliver real-time geo-targeted alerts to citizens in case of natural disasters.
It was created by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), which is the R&D arm of the Department of Telecom.
Common Alert Protocol (CAP):
The system is based on CAP, an international standard for emergency alerts recommended by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). CAP helps streamline alerting systems across various platforms and stakeholders.
Multi-Technology Integration:
SACHET uses a wide array of technologies to ensure alerts are disseminated effectively. These technologies include:
SMS
Cell Broadcast
Mobile Apps
TV & Radio Broadcasts
Social Media
RSS Feeds
Browser Notifications
Satellite-based Alerts
Geo-Targeted Alerts:
The platform provides geo-targeted alerts, meaning that people in specific areas can receive alerts that directly affect their location. Users can opt to receive alerts based on their current location or subscribe to alerts from any state or district across India.
SACHET Mobile App:
The SACHET app is a key component of the system, allowing users to receive:
Disaster warnings from authorized government authorities.
Weather forecasts and real-time updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Alerts related to emergency situations like floods, earthquakes, or severe weather.
State and Union Territory Coverage:
The system is fully operational across all states and union territories of India, ensuring that no region is left without access to timely alerts.
Alerts are targeted specifically to regions based on disaster type and severity, offering critical information to citizens in need.
Timely Disaster Alerts: Citizens receive alerts as soon as a potential disaster is detected, including storms, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters.
Inclusive Communication: The system ensures that information is accessible to all, even in remote areas, through multiple communication channels.
Empowering Citizens: By allowing users to receive alerts for their specific areas, the platform empowers citizens to take appropriate actions for their safety.
Collaboration Across Agencies: The system integrates data and efforts from multiple institutions and stakeholders, ensuring a well-coordinated response in case of disasters.
Enhanced Early Warning Capability:
By using real-time, geo-targeted alerts, the system improves disaster preparedness and response times, reducing casualties and damages during natural calamities.
Multi-Agency Coordination:
The integration of various agencies (meteorological, hydrological, seismic, etc.) ensures that accurate, cross-sector information is available for timely alerts and interventions.
Increased Public Awareness:
By providing regular weather updates, warnings, and emergency alerts, SACHET helps build a well-informed and resilient population capable of responding to disasters effectively.
Global Standards Compliance:
Adhering to CAP and other international protocols ensures that India’s disaster warning system is compatible with global systems, improving interoperability in cross-border disaster management.
According to the Vital Statistics of India based on the Civil Registration System (CRS) report for 2023, the country recorded 2.52 crore births and 86.6 lakh deaths.
Number of Births:
2.52 crore births were registered in 2023, which is around 2.32 lakh fewer than in 2022.
Number of Deaths:
86.6 lakh deaths were recorded in 2023, marking a marginal increase from 86.5 lakh in 2022.
Despite the high number of deaths reported during the COVID-19 pandemic, the data did not show a major spike in the years 2022 and 2023, even though the Health Ministry's COVID-19 dashboard reported 533,665 pandemic-induced deaths as of May 2025.
A significant rise in deaths occurred in 2021, which saw 21 lakh more deaths compared to 2020 due to COVID-19.
Sex Ratio at Birth:
The lowest sex ratio at birth was reported by Jharkhand at 899, followed by Bihar (900), Telangana (906), Maharashtra (909), and others.
Arunachal Pradesh recorded the highest sex ratio at 1,085, followed by Nagaland (1,007), Goa (973), Ladakh and Tripura (972), and Kerala (967).
Institutional Births:
The proportion of institutional births (births in hospitals or clinics) was 74% in 2023, showing a significant shift towards formal medical assistance during childbirth.
Registration of Births:
The overall registration of births for 2023 stood at 98.4%.
11 States/UTs achieved more than 90% registration of births within the prescribed 21-day limit. These States/UTs include:
Gujarat, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, and Punjab.
States like Odisha, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh reported a registration rate of 80-90%.
However, 14 States/UTs recorded 50-80% birth registration, including Assam, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Uttar Pradesh.
Decline in Births: The decrease in the number of births from the previous year suggests a continuing trend of lower fertility rates, which aligns with demographic trends in many countries.
COVID-19 Impact: The marginal increase in deaths during 2022-2023 compared to the earlier pandemic years shows a recovery in mortality rates post-pandemic, with the large excess deaths in 2021 still significantly influencing the data.
Sex Ratio Concerns: The skewed sex ratios in certain states indicate ongoing challenges related to gender preference, which could have long-term socio-economic and demographic consequences.
Improvement in Birth Registration: The high registration rates (especially in some states) reflect improvements in administrative efficiency and health sector access, although challenges remain in certain states where the registration rate is lower.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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