According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025, global macro trends, including technological advancements, demographic shifts, and the green transition, will create 170 million new jobs by 2030.
About the Future of Jobs Report, 2025
It is based on insights gathered from over 1,000 leading global companies, collectively representing 14 million workers across 22 industry sectors and 55 economies worldwide.
It provides critical insights into emerging and declining job roles, skills trends, and the overall impact of global changes on the labour market.
What are the key findings of the report?
The report projects 170 million new jobs globally by 2030, with a net increase of 78 million jobs after accounting for 92 million displaced roles.
Fast-growing roles include AI and machine learning specialists, big data experts, FinTech engineers, and farmworkers, driven by technological advancements and the green transition.
Clerical jobs like data entry clerks and cashiers are declining due to automation.
Employers anticipate 39% of skills will change by 2030, with growing demand for AI proficiency, creative thinking, and resilience.
Businesses are focusing on reskilling, with 85% investing in upskilling programs.
Collaboration among governments, academia, and industries is vital to bridge the skills gap and align with future job demands.
About World Economic Forum (WEF):
The WEF is an international NGO for Public-Private Cooperation.
It was established in January 1971 by German engineer and economist Klaus Schwab.
Important reports published by WEF include: Global Competitiveness Report, Global Risks Report, Global Gender Gap Report, Global Social Mobility Report, Energy Transition Index, and Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report, among others.
PYQ:
[2019] The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the:
(a) International Monetary Fund
(b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
The Supreme Court has criticized the Union government for its inaction in fully implementing the Dam Safety Act, 2021, nearly five years after its enactment.
What is the Dam Safety Act of 2021?
Details
Enacted to ensure the structural and operational safety of over 5,700 large dams in India.
Objectives (Section 3):
• Prevent dam-related disasters by ensuring dam safety.
• Establish institutions for monitoring, maintenance, and emergency preparedness.
Structural Mandate
National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) (Sections 5–6): Chaired by the Chairperson of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and reconstituted every three years to develop policies, guidelines, and standards.
National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) (Section 9): Implements NCDS guidelines, regulates dam safety standards, and resolves disputes between State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs) and dam owners.
State Committees on Dam Safety (SCDS) (Section 14): Provide state-level oversight.
State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs) (Section 15): Monitor and inspect dams at the state level, reporting to NDSA.
Other Provisions:
Responsibilities of Dam Owners (Section 38): Form Dam Safety Units, prepare and implement Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and conduct regular Comprehensive Safety Evaluations (CSEs).
Emergency Preparedness (Section 39): Mandatory EAPs for rapid response in emergencies.
Penalties for Non-Compliance (Section 45): Imprisonment up to two years, fines, or both for failing to comply with Act provisions.
Why is Dam Safety a priority concern in India?
Third-Highest Number of Dams Globally: India has over 4,407 large dams, following China and the USA.
Aging Dams: By 2025, over 1,115 dams will be more than 50 years old; By 2050, 4,250 dams will surpass 50 years of age, with 64 dams exceeding 150 years.
Decreasing Storage Capacity: Sedimentation reduces reservoir efficiency, affecting water availability for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower. Ex. Bhakra Dam has experienced 139.86% higher siltation rates than estimated, reducing its lifespan.
Structural Vulnerabilities: Poorly designed sedimentation management systems make many dams structurally weak over time. Extreme environmental events, such as floods, can exacerbate these vulnerabilities.
Lack of Data and Monitoring: Insufficient documentation of storage loss, sedimentation rates, and other critical metrics leads to a lack of preparedness.
PYQ:
[2018] Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bound by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies?
[2019] What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?
Ahead of the Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation has employed the Japanese Miyawaki technique to create dense “oxygen bank” forests, ensuring cleaner air and ecological balance for millions of devotees.
About Miyawaki Technique
The Miyawaki technique is a pioneering method for creating dense forestsin limited spaces, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s.
Known as the ‘pot plantation method’, this technique mimics natural forest ecosystems by using native species planted closely together, promoting rapid growth and biodiversity.
It was developed to restore degraded ecosystems and barren lands by replicating the processes found in natural forests.
It is widely used for urban afforestation projects globally.
Significant Features:
Dense Planting: Trees and shrubs are planted close together, enabling rapid growth—up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.
Native Species: Focuses on local plant varieties to replicate the natural ecosystem.
Improved Biodiversity: Enhances species richness, supporting more flora and fauna.
Carbon Absorption: Trees absorb more carbon, helping combat urban pollution.
PYQ:
[2022] The “Miyawaki method” is well known for the:
(a) Promotion of commercial farming in arid and semi-arid areas
(b) Development of gardens using genetically modified flora
(c) Creation of mini forests in urban areas
(d) Harvesting wind energy on coastal areas and on sea surfaces
Q) The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (UPSC CSE 2020)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Benefits of interlinking of rivers in (2020), and ‘Advantages and challenges of River water linking ’ in (2017).
On December 25, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the Ken-Betwa River Link Project to address water shortage in the Bundelkhand region, covering parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The project includes building a dam inside the Panna Tiger Reserve, causing worries about flooding the area. It plans to connect the Ken River, believed to have extra water, with the Betwa River to help the drought-hit Bundelkhand region, which had 58% forest cover back in 1938.
Today’s editorial talks about the challenges of the river linking project and what could the alternatives to address the water scarcity in India. This content can be used in GS mains paper III to substantiate the argument related to river water linking projects.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Political leaders need to understand that linking rivers causes significant environmental damage and harms rivers and deltas in the long run.
What are the environmental consequences of river interlinking projects?
Ecosystem Disruption: The construction of dams and canals can lead to the submergence of critical habitats, particularly in sensitive areas like the Panna Tiger Reserve. This threatens biodiversity and disrupts local ecosystems that depend on natural water flow patterns.
Altered Hydrology: Diverting rivers can change the natural hydrological cycle, affecting groundwater recharge and leading to increased salinity in deltaic regions.
This can have dire consequences for agriculture and local livelihoods, as seen in the case of the Indus Delta.
Loss of Eco-services: Rivers provide essential services such as sediment transport, nutrient cycling, and habitat support for various species. By treating river water as a mere resource for transfer, these projects overlook the ecological roles rivers play in sustaining biodiversity and maintaining soil fertility.
How do river interlinking initiatives affect local communities and socio-economic dynamics?
Displacement and Livelihood Loss: Projects like the Ken-Betwa initiative can displace communities living in affected areas, leading to the loss of homes and agricultural land. The Daudhan Dam alone is expected to submerge around 9,000 hectares of land, impacting numerous villages.
Water Access Disparities: While these projects aim to provide irrigation and drinking water to drought-prone areas, they may inadvertently prioritize certain regions over others, exacerbating existing inequalities.
Economic Dependency on Infrastructure: There is a risk that local economies become overly dependent on these large projects, which may not deliver sustainable benefits. The anticipated prosperity from such initiatives may not materialize if ecological degradation occurs or if the projects do not function as intended.
What alternatives exist to address water scarcity without compromising ecological integrity?
• Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): This approach emphasizes the need for holistic management of water resources by involving local communities in decision-making processes. It focuses on sustainable practices that balance human needs with ecological health. • Modern Irrigation Techniques: Implementing efficient irrigation methods such as drip irrigation can significantly reduce water usage while maintaining agricultural productivity. Israel’s success in this area demonstrates the potential for technology to enhance water efficiency without large-scale environmental disruption. • Rainwater Harvesting and Watershed Management: Encouraging local practices like rainwater harvesting can help communities manage their own water resources sustainably. This method enhances groundwater recharge and reduces dependence on external water transfers.
Way forward:
Promote Sustainable Water Management Practices: Implement Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) with community participation, modern irrigation techniques like drip irrigation, and local solutions such as rainwater harvesting to reduce dependence on large-scale projects.
Prioritize Ecological and Social Impact Studies: Conduct comprehensive studies on the environmental and social consequences of river interlinking projects to ensure sustainable development and protect biodiversity, livelihoods, and deltaic ecosystems.
Recently nine workers were trapped in an illegal coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district.
What is Rat Hole Mining?
Rat hole mining is a form of illegal mining prevalent in northeastern India, particularly in Assam. It involves creating small tunnels or “rat holes” to extract coal, typically done by hand without proper safety measures or regulations.
This method is dangerous due to its unregulated nature, leading to frequent accidents, including flooding and collapses.
The mines are often poorly ventilated and can be highly unstable.
What are the Current Laws and Regulations Related to Mining in India?
Constitutional Provisions: Mining and minerals are listed under both the Union List and State List in Schedule VII of the Constitution, granting regulatory powers to both the Central and State governments.
Key Legislations: Major laws governing mining include the MMDR Act, 1957 for regulation and development, the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 for coal management, the Environment Protection Act, 1986 for environmental clearances, and the Mines Act, 1952 for miners’ safety and welfare.
Regulatory Bodies: The Ministry of Coal formulates coal policies, the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) enforces safety standards, and State Mining Departments manage state-level operations.
Supreme Court Directives: The Supreme Court banned rat-hole mining in Meghalaya in 2014, emphasizing the need for environmental clearances and the adoption of scientific and sustainable mining practices.
What are the present Issues with Rat-Hole Mining?
Safety Concerns: The lack of safety measures in rat hole mining poses significant risks to miners. Accidents are common, as evidenced by the recent tragedy in Assam where miners were trapped due to flooding caused by inadequate infrastructure.
Environmental Impact: Rat hole mining contributes to severe environmental degradation, including deforestation and soil erosion. The unregulated extraction of minerals disrupts local ecosystems.
Regulatory Failures: There are systemic failures in enforcing mining laws. Opposition parties have criticized the government for allowing illegal mining activities to flourish, suggesting collusion between officials and miners. This has raised questions about accountability and governance in the region.
Way forward:
Strengthen Enforcement and Regulation: Ensure strict implementation of existing mining laws to conduct regular inspections, and establish accountability for illegal mining activities through penalties and prosecution of violators.
Promote Sustainable Livelihoods: Develop alternative livelihood opportunities for communities dependent on rat-hole mining, along with awareness campaigns on environmental and safety concerns, to reduce reliance on illegal mining practices.
Mains PYQ:
Q Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. (UPSC IAS/2019)
The United States is facing severe winter storms as the polar vortex is expanding southward from the Arctic and driving temperatures as low as -50°C (-60°F).
What is a Polar Vortex?
The polar vortex is a band of fast-moving air that traps cold Arctic air within the Polar Regions.
It is a natural atmospheric phenomenon, typically spinning in a counter-clockwise direction around the North Pole.
Wind speeds in the polar vortex can reach up to 250 km/h (155 mph).
Causes of a Polar Vortex:
Stable State: Under normal conditions, the polar vortex remains strong and well-contained within the Arctic Circle, keeping frigid air confined to the Polar Regions.
Weakened State:
The vortex weakens when rising warm air from the lower atmosphere disrupts its circular flow, allowing Arctic air to spill southward.
Factors contributing to a weakened state include: Significant weather patterns (e.g., powerful winds in mountainous regions); Changes in tropical climate systems or sea surface temperatures. Climate change causing uneven warming, especially at the poles..
What are its types?
Tropospheric Polar Vortex:
It occurs in the lowest atmospheric layer (troposphere) where most weather phenomena take place.
Typically results in milder weather across northern latitudes.
Stratospheric Polar Vortex:
Forms 16–48 km above the Earth’s surface in the Stratosphere.
Stronger and more stable but can weaken due to disruptions, leading to southward extensions of Arctic air.
It emerges in autumn and dissipates by spring each year.
Researchers at Columbia University found that cells can selectively switch off one parent’s copy of a gene. This may explain why some people with harmful mutations remain symptom-free, and it could lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for genetic disorders.
About the Selective Silencing Mechanism:
Selective gene silencing refers to the process where cells inactivate one parent’s copy of a gene (either maternal or paternal), resulting in an unequal contribution of the two gene copies to cellular function.
Previously thought to be rare, recent research reveals that this phenomenon is relatively common and plays a significant role in genetic variability, disease progression, and individual health outcomes.
Key Features:
Inactivation can vary between different cell types (e.g., immune cells and kidney cells).
The process is dynamic and may change over time, adding complexity to how genes function in the body.
Approximately 1 in 20 active genes in some immune cells exhibit this selective bias.
Implications for Health:
This mechanism helps explain why individuals carrying the same disease-causing mutation can have vastly different symptom severities.
It shifts the understanding of genetic diseases, emphasizing the importance of dynamic gene activity patterns alongside static genetic codes.
The discovery opens up opportunities for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches by focusing on gene expression rather than genetic sequences.
What are its significant applications?
Selective Gene Manipulation: Therapies could be developed to activate healthy gene copies while suppressing diseased ones, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional genetic editing.
Improved Understanding of Diseases: Selective gene silencing explains variability in conditions like lupus and cancer, revealing why some individuals remain symptom-free.
Precision Medicine: By identifying individual patterns of gene expression, personalized treatment options become possible, reducing the need for one-size-fits-all approaches.
Early Interventions: Recognizing at-risk but asymptomatic individuals allows healthcare providers to implement preventive measures and potentially delay disease onset.
Protein-Based Therapies: Focusing on selective gene activity aids in detecting and differentiating disease-related proteins from healthy ones, paving the way for targeted, protein-specific drugs.
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following techniques/phenomena:
Budding and grafting in fruit plants
Cytoplasmic male sterility
Gene silencing
Which of the above is/are used to create transgenic crops?
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’, marking a significant step in modernizing India’s Armed Forces.
Nine Broad Areas Listed for the ‘Year of Reforms’
Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs): Enhance jointness and resolve inter-service disagreements for effective ITC implementation.
Emerging Domains and Technologies: Prioritize cybersecurity, AI, ML, hypersonics, and robotics, and develop tactics for future warfare.
Operational Collaboration: Strengthen inter-service cooperation through shared training and joint operational capabilities.
Acquisition Reforms: Simplify procedures to expedite procurement and facilitate technology transfers via public-private partnerships.
Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the defence sector and industries to foster innovation.
Civil-Military Coordination: Break silos to eliminate inefficiencies and optimize resources.
Defence Exports: Position India as a global defence exporter, promoting R&D and partnerships with foreign OEMs.
Veterans’ Welfare: Optimize welfare measures for veterans and leverage their expertise.
Cultural Pride: Promote indigenous capabilities and instil pride in Indian culture alongside adopting modern military practices.
Key Initiatives for Defence Modernization in India
Acquisition of Advanced Weaponry: Rafale jets (36 inducted, 26 more planned) enhance air power; S-400 air defence systems provide long-range protection; Arjun Mk-1A tanks boost indigenous capability and firepower.
Indigenous Development: LCA Tejas replaces ageing fighter jets and supports air-to-air refuelling; INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, strengthens underwater deterrence.
Technological Advancements: Network-centric warfare improves situational awareness (e.g., Project Sanjay, E-Sitrep); AI and robotics enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; cyber warfare capabilities grow under the National Cyber Security Policy.
Defence Production and Export: Domestic production reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in 2023–24, emphasizing indigenisation; exports hit $2.63 billion, supplying markets like Vietnam and the Philippines.
Strategic Infrastructure: Border security efforts include the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System and Border Infrastructure Management, improving troop mobility and safeguarding boundaries.
PYQ:
[2014] Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized: What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Bharatpol, a groundbreaking portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
What is Bharatpol?
Bharatpol is a unified digital platform designed to enhance collaboration between Indian law enforcement agencies and Interpol, which connects police forces across 195 member countries.
It simplifies international police cooperation, replacing outdated modes of communication like letters and faxes with real-time digital tools.
Goal: Equip Indian law enforcement agencies with modern technology and techniques to track fugitives and address global crime challenges.
Why was it developed?
Rising transnational crimes necessitate real-time international assistance.
Facilitates faster investigations into crimes such as cybercrime, drug trafficking, organized crime, and online radicalization.
Features of Bharatpol:
Integrates CBI’s role as Interpol’s National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi)
Simplified Request Mechanism
Rapid Information Dissemination
Utilization of Interpol Notices
Capacity Building and Training
Modules of Bharatpol:
Connect: Acts as a digital extension of Interpol’s NCB-New Delhi, ensuring seamless and secure communication between Indian agencies and Interpol.
INTERPOL Notices: Simplifies the process of issuing and managing Interpol Notices, ensuring swift action on international alerts.
References: Streamlines the use of global criminal data, enabling faster investigations.
Broadcast: Allows real-time sharing of requests and updates from Interpol’s 195 member countries.
Resources: Facilitates the exchange of documents, training materials, and capacity-building resources.
How does Bharatpol enhance Interpol’s functionality?
Bharatpol extends Interpol’s reach in India, connecting local police to global law enforcement networks.
It allows instant transmission of critical information, enhancing the efficiency of investigations and international cooperation.
It simplifies the process for Indian agencies to access Interpol’s 19 databases on crimes, criminals, and stolen assets.
It ensures a structured approach to tracking fugitives and resolving international cases.
NITI Aayog, the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, celebrates a significant milestone as it completes 10 years since its establishment.
What are the roles and functions of NITI Aayog?
NITI Aayog, established in 2015, serves as the premier policy think tank of the Government of India. Its primary roles and functions include:
Policy Formulation: NITI Aayog is responsible for formulating strategic and long-term policies aimed at promoting sustainable development across various sectors.
Coordination: It coordinates the efforts of central ministries, state governments, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of government schemes and initiatives.
Monitoring and Evaluation: The organization monitors the progress of various developmental programs and evaluates their effectiveness, particularly in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Data Collection and Analysis: NITI Aayog collects and analyzes data to inform policy decisions, including the development of the SDG India Index which tracks progress across states.
What are the key differences between the Planning Commission and NITI Aayog?
Feature
Planning Commission
NITI Aayog
Formation
Established in 1950
Established in 2015
Mandate
Centralized planning and allocation of funds
Policy advisory and coordination
Approach
Top-down approach
Bottom-up approach
Funds Allocation
Had the power to allocate funds to states
No fund allocation powers
Federalism
Limited state participation
Emphasis on cooperative federalism
Focus
Five-year plans
Dynamic and flexible strategy formulation
Structure
Static, hierarchical
Dynamic, with active participation from stakeholders
Why did the Government replace the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog?
Need for a Modern Approach: The Planning Commission’s top-down, centralized model was considered outdated in the context of India’s diverse and evolving socio-economic landscape.
NITI Aayog was established to adopt a more flexible, bottom-up approach that encourages participation from states and local governments, reflecting the need for tailored solutions to regional challenges.
Cooperative Federalism: NITI Aayog aims to foster cooperative federalism by promoting collaboration between the central and state governments.
This contrasts with the Planning Commission, where states had limited input and were often treated as passive participants in the planning process.
Focus on Strategic Input: NITI Aayog is designed to serve as a think tank that provides strategic guidance and policy recommendations rather than merely allocating resources. This shift allows for a more dynamic response to economic needs and aspirations of the populace.
Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: The establishment of NITI Aayog followed extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including state governments, domain experts, and the public. This inclusive approach is intended to ensure that policies are relevant and effective.
Relevance in a Globalized Economy: With India’s integration into the global economy, there was a recognized need for an institution that could adapt to changing economic conditions and promote competitive federalism rather than a one-size-fits-all planning model.
What is the 2030 and 2035 NITI Aayog roadmap?
NITI Aayog has outlined a comprehensive roadmap aimed at achieving sustainable development goals by 2030 and establishing a long-term vision for 2035. This roadmap encompasses various sectors, including energy, health, and technology.
Goals for 2030
Energy Transition: NITI Aayog aims to ensure that India meets 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. This includes achieving a non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW and reducing carbon emissions by one billion tonnes during the same period.
Public Health Enhancement: The focus is on strengthening public health surveillance systems to be more inclusive, covering non-communicable diseases and environmental conditions.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): NITI Aayog is committed to aligning national policies with the SDGs, ensuring that developmental strategies are integrated with global sustainability targets, particularly in areas such as poverty alleviation, education, and gender equality.
Vision for 2035
Long-term Economic Growth: The Vision Document for 2035 emphasizes creating a roadmap that focuses on economic growth while ensuring social equity and environmental sustainability. This involves leveraging technology and innovation to drive inclusive growth across various sectors.
Energy Security: The 2035 vision includes comprehensive strategies for energy access, affordability, reliability, and security, addressing both current challenges and future needs in the energy sector.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: NITI Aayog plans to harness AI technologies across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and urban infrastructure to improve efficiency and service delivery.
What are the challenges?
Data Management: Effective implementation of the roadmap requires robust data collection and management systems to monitor progress accurately and inform policy decisions.
Inter-State Disparities: Addressing inequalities among states in terms of resource allocation and development outcomes is crucial for achieving national goals.
Funding and Resources: Securing adequate funding for ambitious projects aimed at renewable energy expansion, public health improvements, and technological advancements poses a significant challenge.
Capacity Building: Developing the necessary skills and expertise within the workforce to implement new technologies and strategies effectively is essential for success.
Way forward:
Strengthen Institutional Capacity: Enhance data infrastructure, governance frameworks, and inter-state coordination to address disparities and improve policy implementation.
Foster Public-Private Collaboration: Leverage partnerships with the private sector to secure funding, drive innovation, and scale renewable energy, public health, and technology initiatives.
Mains PYQ:
Q How are the principles followed by NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile planning commission in India? (UPSC IAS/2018)
