In News:

Recently, theUnion Minister Jayant Chaudhary (MoS, Independent Charge – Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and MoS – Ministry of Education) unveiled the report "Skills for the Future: Transforming India’s Workforce Landscape", prepared by the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC). This data-driven report critically analyses India’s skilling ecosystem using PLFS 2023–24 and other datasets.

Significance of Skilling for India’s Development

• Demographic Dividend: India has one of the world’s youngest populations. Skilling is crucial to leverage this before population ageing sets in (by 2047).
• Economic Growth: A 1% rise in Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the tertiary level increases GDP by 0.511% (Parika, 2020).
• Employment Creation: India needs to create 5 lakh non-farm jobs annually till 2030 (Economic Survey 2023–24).
• Global Competitiveness: Leadership in EVs, AI, biotechnology, and green energy demands a future-ready workforce.

Key Findings from the Report (PLFS 2023–24 Based)

1. Skill Distribution

• 88% of India’s workforce is in low-competency jobs (Skill Levels 1 & 2).
• Only 10–12% are employed in high-skill roles (Skill Levels 3 & 4).
• Only 4.5% of the workforce has received formal vocational training.

2. Education-Skill Mismatch

• Only 8.25% of graduates are in roles matching their skill level.
• Over 50% of graduates are employed in lower-skill jobs.
• Severe case of overqualification and underutilization of educational capital.

3. TVET and Sectoral Gaps

• Top 5 Sectors (66% of vocational enrolment):
  1. Electronics
  2. IT & ITeS
  3. Textiles & Apparel
  4. Healthcare & Life Sciences
  5. Beauty & Wellness
• Skill Deficits are critical in high-growth sectors like green tech, AI, biotech, and EVs.

4. Wage Inequality by Skill Level

Skill Level          Avg. Annual Wage

Level 1               Rs.98,835

Level 2              Rs.1.26 lakh

Level 3              Rs.2.81 lakh

Level 4              Rs.3.94 lakh

46% of the workforce earns less than ?1 lakh/year, highlighting a major economic disparity.

5. Regional Disparities

• Low-Skilled States: Bihar, Assam (95% in Skill Levels 1 & 2)
• Higher-Skill States: Kerala, Chandigarh
• Migration and brain drain observed in low-skill, low-growth regions

Challenges Identified

• Skill-Education Mismatch: Graduates in low-skill jobs; vocational roles filled by underqualified informal workers.
• Weak TVET-Industry Linkage: Existing courses not aligned with Industry 4.0 or green economy needs.
• Low GER and Transition Dropout: Higher secondary GER at 57.56%, tertiary GER still below 30%.
• Gender & Social Exclusion: Low skilling access for women, SC/STs, rural youth.
• Data & Outcome Gaps: No central skill repository or real-time job-skill tracking.

Recommendations from the Report

• Institutional Reforms
  • Launch a National Skill Gap Survey
  • Establish a Central Skill Data Repository for real-time, evidence-based policymaking
• Curriculum & TVET Overhaul
  • Update NCO codes (National Classification of Occupations)
  • Integrate vocational training in schools
  • Scale up PMKVY, NAPS, and credit-linked certifications
• Industry & Market Linkages
  • Incentivise hiring of certified skilled labour
  • Link industry wage structures to skill certifications
  • Encourage industry-led training programs
• Targeted Inclusion & Regional Empowerment
  • Empower State Skill Missions
  • Prioritise high-potential regions and sectors
  • Target women, SC/STs, informal sector workers
• Education Pipeline Strengthening
  • Raise GER at higher secondary and tertiary levels
  • Promote flexible, modular skilling programs for working populations and school dropouts

In News:

Recently, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, launched a series of digital and sustainability-driven initiatives aimed at modernising India’s maritime sector. These reforms are aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Major Digital and Policy Initiatives Launched

1. Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE)

• MoU signed between: MoPSW and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC)
• Objective: Accelerate digital transformation across Indian ports
• Key Features:
  • Application of AI, IoT, Blockchain to optimize maritime logistics
  • Drive real-time operational upgrades
  • Support green and sustainable port operations
• Strategic Alignment: Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat @2047

2. SAGAR SETU Platform

• Type: Unified digital interface for maritime trade and EXIM operations
• Go-Live Date: 26th June 2025
• Integration: Connects 80+ ports and 40+ stakeholders
• Objective:
  • Streamline cargo and vessel documentation
  • Enable paperless, seamless, and transparent logistics
  • Improve Ease of Doing Business (EoDB)
• Linked with: PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan

3. DRISHTI Framework

• Full Form: Data-driven Review Institutional System for Tracking Implementation
• Purpose: Real-time monitoring of projects under Maritime India Vision 2030
• Key Pillars:
  • KPI Monitoring
  • Progress & Achievements Tracking
  • Organisational Oversight
  • Functional Cell Coordination
• Strategic Value: Informed decision-making, faster project delivery

4. Standardised Scale of Rates (SOR) Template for Major Ports

• Objective: Standardise port tariffs to remove inconsistencies and improve transparency
• Features:
  • Uniform structure for port tariffs
  • Digitally comparable rates across ports
  • Ports retain flexibility for local economic conditions
• Expected Impact:
  • Enhances investor confidence
  • Improves user experience
  • Aligns with global maritime practices

Sustainability & Clean Energy: Hydrogen Transition Roadmap

Gateway to Green Report

Title: Gateway to Green — Assessing Port Readiness for Green Hydrogen Transition in India

• Released by: Ministry of Ports in collaboration with the Indian Ports Association (IPA)
• Objective: Transform Indian ports into green hydrogen hubs by 2030
• Strategic Goals:
  • Produce 5 million tonnes of Green Hydrogen by 2030
  • Develop infrastructure for production, storage, and export
  • Leverage India’s maritime geography for clean energy leadership
• Targeted Ports for Hydrogen Transition:

• V.O. Chidambaranar Port
• Paradip Port
• Deendayal Port
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port
• Mumbai Port
• Cochin Port

• Key Action Areas:
  • Land allocation for hydrogen projects
  • Demand stimulation and investor facilitation
  • International collaborations for knowledge and finance
  • Shared infrastructure models

Strategic Relevance for India

• Economic Impact:
  • Enhances trade competitiveness and reduces logistics cost
  • Modernises infrastructure to global benchmarks
  • Boosts Make in India and port-led development
• Digital Governance:
  • Promotes data-driven decision-making
  • Enables real-time monitoring and performance tracking
• Environmental Sustainability:
  • Aligns with India’s National Hydrogen Mission
  • Ports act as catalysts for clean energy transition

In News:

• On June 25, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the CIP-South Asia Regional Center (CSARC) in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
• The center will function as a regional wing of the International Potato Center (CIP) headquartered in Lima, Peru.

About CIP

• Founded: 1971
• Headquarters: Lima, Peru
• Focus Crops: Potato, Sweet Potato, and Andean roots & tubers
• Global Presence: South America, Africa, Asia
• India Operations: Since 1975, through partnership with ICAR

About CIP-South Asia Regional Center (CSARC)

• Location: Singna, Agra district, Uttar Pradesh
• Land Provided: 10 hectares (by UP Government)
• Total Project Cost: ?171 crore
  • Indian Contribution: ?111.5 crore
  • CIP Contribution: ?60 crore
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare

Objectives of the Center

• Improve productivity of potato and sweet potato
• Promote climate-resilient, disease-free varieties
• Enhance post-harvest management and value addition
• Boost domestic seed production
• Support exports and food processing industries
• Increase farmer income, employment, and nutritional security

Why is this Significant?

• Potato is the 3rd most consumed crop globally (after rice and wheat)
• Sweet potato ranks 6th globally (after maize and cassava)
• India is the 2nd largest producer and consumer of potato
• Current average yield in India:
  • Potato: ~25 tonnes/ha (Potential: >50 tonnes/ha)
  • Sweet Potato: ~11.5 tonnes/ha (Potential: ~30 tonnes/ha)
• Establishment of CSARC will:
  • Reduce dependency on seed imports
  • Improve access to global germplasm
  • Help bridge the yield gap

Global and National Context

• China is the largest potato producer (78.24 million tonnes, 2020)
• India is second (51.3 million tonnes, 2020)
• Top Potato-Producing States in India (2020–21):
  • Uttar Pradesh (~15 million tonnes)
  • West Bengal (~15 million tonnes)
  • Bihar (~9 million tonnes)

Related Agricultural Research Institutions in India

• ICAR-CPRI, Shimla – Potato research
• ICAR-CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram – Sweet potato and tuber crops
• IRRI-SARC, Varanasi – Regional center of International Rice Research Institute

CIP Centers Outside Peru

• China Center for Asia-Pacific (CCCAP) – Established in 2017 in Beijing, China
• India's CSARC (Agra) will be the second major CIP center outside Peru

In News:

A Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist was neutralized and three others were cornered in Operation Bihali, a high-risk counter-terror operation conducted in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, Jammu & Kashmir.

About Operation Bihali

Aspect                                                Details

Type of Operation                     Counter-terrorism

Objective                                          Neutralize a group of 4 JeM terrorists and prevent cross-border attacks

Location                                             Basantgarh region, Udhampur district, J&K

Launched by                                   Jointly by Indian Army Para Commandos and J&K Police

Operational Command          Under the White Knight Corps

Intelligence Basis                        Based on 12 months of surveillance identifying the terrorist group

Key Significance

• Neutralization of JeM Threat: Thwarted potential attacks and ensured regional stability.
• Intelligence-Led Operation: Reflects enhanced surveillance and coordination between civil and military forces.
• Strategic Impact:
  • Disrupted terror infiltration routes along sensitive zones.
  • Reinforced India's proactive counter-insurgency posture in Jammu & Kashmir.
  • Strengthened local security infrastructure in vulnerable border districts.

In News:

MoSPI celebrates 19th Statistics Day honouring Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis and 75 years of National Sample Survey.

Key Highlights:

June 29 is observed as National Statistics Day in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (1893–1972), widely regarded as the Father of Indian Statistics. The 2025 theme is "75 Years of National Sample Survey (NSS)".

The day is dedicated to promoting the role of statistics in nation-building and policy formulation, especially among the youth.

Key Contributions of P.C. Mahalanobis

1. Architect of India’s National Sample Survey (NSS)

• In 1950, Prof. Mahalanobis pioneered the National Sample Survey, India's first scientific and large-scale household data collection system.
• NSS is a large-scale, nationwide socio-economic data collection initiative conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Key Objectives of the NSS: Generate high-quality data to inform public policy, planning, and developmental programs.Conduct household surveys on:

• Consumption expenditure
• Employment & unemployment
• Health and education
• Migration and the informal sector
• Undertake the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) to evaluate industrial performance.
• Support the agricultural sector by supervising crop area and yield estimation.
• Provide price statistics for rural and urban India to monitor inflation and cost-of-living changes.

• Key Features of the NSS
  • All-India Scientific Coverage: Surveys conducted in both rural and urban areas using stratified multi-stage sampling methods.
• Organizational Structure – Four Major Divisions

Division                                                                                              Function

Survey Design & Research Division (SDRD)            Survey planning, design, and methodology (HQ: Kolkata)

Field Operations Division (FOD)                                        Data collection via 170+ regional offices (HQ: Delhi/Faridabad)

Data Processing Division (DPD)                                        Data validation, tabulation, processing for surveys like PLFS & ASI

Survey Coordination Division (SCD)                             Coordinates survey activities and publishes Sarvekshana journal

• Multi-Thematic and Integrated Surveys

• Consumption patterns
• Employment trends (via Periodic Labour Force Survey - PLFS)
• Health and morbidity
• Education, migration, and social welfare indicators

• Support for Agriculture and Industry: Strengthens crop statistics and supports the ASI Web Portal for industrial data validation.
• Digital Integration & Real-Time Processing:Modernization efforts include urban sampling frame maintenance, tablet-based data collection, and real-time monitoring tools.

2. Mahalanobis Distance (1936)

• A multivariate statistical measure used to identify outliers and data anomalies.
• It quantifies the distance of a data point from a distribution, factoring in correlations between variables.
• Widely applied in fields such as public health, market research, and machine learning.

3. Flood Control and Environmental Planning

• In the 1920s, Mahalanobis used historical data to guide flood mitigation in Bengal and Odisha.
• His studies disproved incorrect assumptions (e.g., rising river beds) and recommended drainage improvements and dam construction.
• His early estimates contributed to the Hirakud Hydroelectric Project, inaugurated in 1957.

4. Institution Building: Founder of ISI & Sankhya Journal

• Founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata in 1931, a premier research institute for statistics and mathematics.
• Launched ‘Sankhya’, India’s first statistical journal, fostering academic and applied research.

5. Role in National Planning & Technology Advocacy

• Chief architect of the Second Five-Year Plan, which introduced the Mahalanobis Model — emphasizing heavy industries and public sector-led growth.
• Advocated for digital computing in India. However, during the Cold War, the U.S. denied India access to the UNIVAC computer, fearing Mahalanobis’s pro-Soviet leanings.

Biographical Snapshot

Attribute                                            Details

Born                                                      29 June 1893, Kolkata (then Calcutta)

Education                                          Presidency College; King's College, Cambridge

Field                                                       Statistics, Economic Planning, Data Science

Key Institutions                             Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), NSS, Planning Commission

Died                                                        28 June 1972