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  • MoSPI to integrate 8th Economic Census with 16th Population Census

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is preparing for India’s 8th Economic Census by integrating it with the upcoming 16th Population Census.

    About the Economic Census:

    • Conducting Body: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
    • Purpose: Creates a detailed database of non-agricultural economic establishments in India.
    • Key Data Captured: Covers location, clustering, ownership, employment size, and type of economic activity.
    • Unorganised Sector Inclusion: Includes informal units, vital for understanding employment dynamics.
    • Historical Background:
      • Economic Enquiry Committee: Proposed by Visvesvaraya Committee (1925); Setup by Bowley-Robertson Committee (1934).
      • Outcome: Led to the creation of the Central Statistical Office (CSO) in 1951 and national statistical systems.
      • First Census: Conducted in 1977 (excluding Lakshadweep), targeting non-agricultural units with at least one hired worker.
    • Timeline of Economic Censuses:
      • Years Conducted: 1980, 1990, 1998, 2005, 2013, and 2019–21 (7th Census).
      • Integration with Population Census: 2nd and 3rd rounds were aligned with the 1981 and 1991 Population Censuses.
      • 7th Census Status: Completed in 2021, but results pending due to COVID-related data quality issues.
      • Execution Support: MoSPI partnered with the CSC (Common Service Centre) network for grassroots-level implementation.

    Integration with the 16th Population Census:

    • Objective: Improve efficiency and reduce costs by leveraging shared field operations.
    • Data Collection: Enumerators will note household-based economic activity for MoSPI processing.
    • Census Schedule:
      • Oct 1, 2026: Snow-bound and remote regions (e.g., Ladakh, J&K, HP, Uttarakhand).
      • Mar 1, 2027: Rest of the country.
    • Preparatory Work: State and district committees have been formed to plan the 8th Census.
    [UPSC 2018] As per the NSSO 70th Round “Situation Assessment Survey of Agriculture Households”, consider the following statements:

    1.Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agriculture households among its rural households.

    2.Out of the total households in the country, a little over 60 percent being to OBCs.

    3.In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agriculture households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agriculture activities.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • PARAKH Survey reveals deficits in Student Learning

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Education recently released the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan (RS) Report, an extensive nationwide student performance assessment for Grades 3, 6, and 9.

    About PARAKH:

    • Full Form: PARAKH stands for Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development.
    • Establishment: It was established in 2023 as an autonomous institution under the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
    • Vision and Role: PARAKH functions as India’s national assessment regulator, aiming to standardize school-level assessments across states and boards.
    • Policy Alignment: The initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes competency-based, equitable, and inclusive learning.
    • Core Objective: Its main objective is to develop norms, standards, and guidelines for assessing learning outcomes at the national level.
    • Key Functions:
      • Standardization of Boards: PARAKH seeks to ensure equivalence in academic standards across various state and central school boards.
      • Assessment Focus: It designs and implements competency-based assessments, moving away from rote learning.
      • Progress Tracking: The unit is responsible for developing Holistic Progress Cards across the Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary stages.
      • Survey Execution: It conducts Large-Scale Achievement Surveys, such as the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan (RS) (formerly known as the National Achievement Survey (NAS) launched in 2021) to track student learning outcomes at scale.

    Key Highlights of the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan (RS) Report – 2024:

    • Scale of the Survey: Assessed over 21.15 lakh students from Grades 3, 6, and 9, across 74,229 schools in 781 districts.
    • Top performers: Punjab, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu; low-performing districts were concentrated in Meghalaya, Jharkhand, and Arunachal Pradesh.
      • In Grade 3, around 60–70% of students demonstrated basic reading, vocabulary, and early math skills, though many struggled with geometry and spatial reasoning.
      • In Grade 6, fewer than 40% could solve real-life arithmetic problems or understand fractions, indicating gaps in conceptual understanding and application.
      • In Grade 9, only 28–31% applied percentages or understood number systems; less than half grasped core civic and scientific concepts such as the Constitution, biodiversity, or electricity.
    [UPSC 2017]  With reference to ‘National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)’, which of the statements given below is/are correct?

    1. Under NSQF, a learner can acquire the certification for competency only through formal learning. 2. An outcome expected from the implementation of NSQF is the mobility between vocational and general education.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • ZSI records 683 faunal discoveries in its 110th year

    Why in the News?

    The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) released Version 2.0 of the Checklist of Fauna of India, documenting 105,244 species and subspecies.

    Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India

    • The ZSI was set up by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale in 1916.
    • It is the premier taxonomic research organisation in India, based in Kolkata.
    • It was established to promote surveys, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge of various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of India.
    • The ZSI had its genesis as the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
    • Since its inception, the ZSI has been documenting the diversity and distribution of the fauna of India towards carrying out its mandate of conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programmes.
    • The ZSI has published an extremely large amount of information on all animal taxa, from Protozoa to Mammalia.

    Key Findings About ZSI’s Work and Discoveries (2024–25):

    • Significant Animal Discoveries:
      • New Genus: Dravidoseps gouensis – a new genus of skink (lizard) from Western Ghats
      • New Species of Snakes: Anguiculus dicaprioi – named after actor Leonardo DiCaprio, belongs to the Colubridae family
      • Other Reptiles: 2 new genera and 37 new species of reptiles discovered
      • Amphibians: 5 new amphibian species, including frogs from northeastern and southern India
      • Other Invertebrates: Multiple new insect species, particularly among beetles, moths, flies, and bees
    • Highest representation among newly discovered species were insects, especially:
      • Coleoptera (beetles)
      • Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies)
      • Diptera (flies)
      • Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps)
    [2020] With reference to India’s Biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Primates

    (c) Reptiles

    (d) Amphibians

     

  • [pib] EnviStats India Report, 2025

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 8th edition of EnviStats India: Environment Statistics Report.

    About EnviStats India Report:

    • Launch: It is an annual report released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), first launched in 2018.
    • Global Framework: It follows the UN’s Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES) 2013.
    • Data Compilation: The report consolidates environmental data from multiple ministries and departments of the Indian government.
    • Policymaking Support: It helps in evidence-based policymaking by identifying environmental challenges, resource needs, and trends.

    Key Highlights of EnviStats India, 2025:

    • Energy and Fisheries:
      • Thermal power generation rose from 7.92 lakh GWh (2013–14) to 13.26 lakh GWh (2023–24).
      • Renewable energy generation increased from 65,520 GWh to 2.26 lakh GWh over the same period.
      • Inland fish production jumped from 61.36 lakh tonnes to 139.07 lakh tonnes.
      • Marine fish production grew from 34.43 lakh tonnes to 44.95 lakh tonnes.
    • Climate and Weather Trends:
      • Annual mean temperature increased from 25.05°C (2001) to 25.74°C (2024).
      • Minimum temperature rose from 19.32°C to 20.24°C; maximum temperature from 30.78°C to 31.25°C.
      • Rainfall patterns showed year-to-year variability, but no clear long-term trend.
    • Biodiversity Statistics:
      • India’s faunal diversity includes 1,04,561 species, contributing to the global count of 16,73,627 species.
      • It includes 20,613 marine, 9,436 freshwater, and 22,404 soil species.
      • Mangrove and estuarine ecosystems show high biodiversity richness.
    • Expenditure Trends:
      • The Environment Sustainability sector had the highest allocation: ₹2,433.24 crore in 2021–22.
      • Spending on Conservation of Natural Resources showed a rising trend.
      • Agro-forestry received the lowest funding among the three major environmental sectors.
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).

    2. CGWA was’ formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.

    3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only * (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only

     

  • Rising ‘Black Carbon’ heating Himalayan Snow: Study

    Why in the News?

    A recent study by the think-tank Climate Trends has revealed that levels of black carbon in the Himalayas have been rising steadily over the past two decades.

    About Black Carbon (BC):

    • What is it: Black carbon is a fine particulate pollutant formed from the incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels.
    • Impact: It is a short-lived climate pollutant and the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide.
    • Lifespan: Unlike CO₂, black carbon stays in the atmosphere for short periods and can be quickly reduced if emissions stop.
    • Warming Mechanism: As an aerosol, it absorbs sunlight, heats the atmosphere, and reduces albedo when deposited on snow and ice, leading to faster melting.
    • Health Effects: Exposure increases the risk of heart disease, birth complications, and premature death.
    • Major Sources in India:
      • Residential Biomass Burning: Accounts for 47% of BC emissions, including cow dung and straw burning.
      • Industries and Vehicles: Industries contribute 22%, while diesel vehicles add 17%.
      • Other Sources: Open burning contributes 12%, and other minor sources 2%.
      • High-Emission States: Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra are major emitters due to agricultural and forest fires.
      • Biofuel Usage: Alone contributes nearly 42% of India’s total BC emissions.

    Key Findings from the Study (2000–2023):

    • Snow Temperature Rise: Himalayan snow surface temperature rose from -11.27°C to -7.13°C over two decades.
    • Regional Trends: The Eastern Himalayas were warmest, followed by the Central and Western regions.
    • BC Influence: Deposits of black carbon lower snow reflectivity, increase heat absorption, and accelerate glacier melt.
    • Population Risk: Glacier loss threatens the freshwater supply for nearly 2 billion people downstream.
    • Increase in Snow Depth: Despite warming, average snow depth rose from 0.059 m to 0.117 m.
    • Reasons: This is due to more snowfall, changing precipitation, and wind redistribution.
    • Regional Comparison: The Western Himalayas showed highest snow depth, linked to elevation and winter storms, while the Eastern and Central Himalayas had less snow due to proximity to BC sources.
    [UPSC 2017] Consider the following statements:

    1. Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of G20 group of countries;

    2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon and hydrofluorocarbons.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Govt. releases Provisional GDP Estimates

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released two important data sets on May 30, 2025 — one for India’s GDP growth in Q4 (January–March) FY25, and another for the provisional estimates for the entire FY25 (2024–25).

    How is Economic Growth measured?

    • Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures economic growth by adding all expenditures in the economy — including private, government, and business spending. It shows demand-side performance.
    • Gross Value Added (GVA) measures the supply-side. It calculates how much value is added by each sector of the economy.
    • GDP and GVA are related:
      GDP = GVA + (Taxes) – (Subsidies)
    • MoSPI reports both in:
      • Nominal terms: Includes current prices.
      • Real terms: Adjusted for inflation to reflect true growth.

    Why are these Estimates called “Provisional”?

    • GDP estimates are revised in stages:
      • January: First Advance Estimates (FAE)
      • February: Second Advance Estimates (SAE)
      • May: Provisional Estimates (PE)
    • Final figures come later:
      • First Revised Estimate: After 1 year
      • Final Estimate: After 2 years
    • FY25’s final numbers will come in 2026 and 2027.

    Key Takeaways from FY25 Data

    • India’s Economy Size:
      • India’s economy is now worth ₹330.7 lakh crore or $3.87 trillion.
      • GDP grew by 9.8%, which is slower than in previous years.
    • Real GDP Growth:
      • After removing inflation, real GDP grew by 6.5%.
      • This is slower than the 9.2% growth seen last year (as mentioned in the Provisional Estimates). (Disputed: India’s real GDP growth rate was 8.2% in FY 2023-24 as per Economic Survey.)
    • Sector Performance:
      • Agriculture grew well at 4.6%.
      • Manufacturing grew only 4.5%, which is a concern.
      • Construction was strong with 9.4% growth.
      • Services grew by 7.2%.
    • Manufacturing Worry:
      • Manufacturing is growing slower than agriculture.
      • This is affecting urban jobs, especially for youth.
    • Best Growth in Jan–Mar 2025 (Q4):
      • GDP growth was 7.4% in Q4 — the highest for the year.
      • Construction grew fastest at 10.8%.
      • Agriculture and Services also did well.
    • Spending Trends:
      • People spent more — household spending rose 7.2%.
      • Investment in assets grew 7.1%, slower than last year.

     

    [UPSC 2015] With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements:

    (1) The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic product has steadily increased in the last decade. (2) The Gross Domestic product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • [pib] Changes in Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) from 2025

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced major changes to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).

    About Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS):

    • Purpose: To measure employment and unemployment nationwide.
    • Conducted by: National Statistical Office (NSO) under the MoSPI, it has been active since 2017.
    • Estimate 3 core indicators: Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR).
    • Frequency: It provides Quarterly estimates for Urban areas and Annual estimates for both Rural and Urban areas.
    • Methodology: Employment is measured using 2 reference periods — Usual Status (activity in the last 365 days) and Current Weekly Status (activity in the last 7 days).
    Note:

    • Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): It is defined as the percentage of persons in labour force (i.e. working or seeking or available for work) in the population.
    • Worker Population Ratio (WPR): It is defined as the percentage of employed persons in the population.
    • Unemployment Rate (UR): It is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force.
    [UPSC 2022] In India, which one of the following compiles information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments and lay-offs in factories employing workers?

    Options: (a) Central Statistics Office (b) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (c) Labour Bureau * (d) National Technical Manpower Information System

     

  • Highlights of the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021 Report

    Why in the News?

    According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021 report, the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India remains unchanged at 2.0 children per woman, the same as in 2020.

    Also, the annual crude birth rates for Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Kerala are declining at 2x the rate of the national average.

    About Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021 Report:

    • The SRS survey is released by the Registrar General of India (RGI).
    • It covered 8,842 sample units and a population of 84 lakh across all states.
    • Despite the delay in the national Census (last held in 2011), the SRS remains India’s primary source for annual fertility and mortality statistics.

    Important Highlights of the SRS, 2021:

    [A] Birth Rate Trends :

    • India’s crude birth rate in 2021 was 3, declining at 1.12% annually between 2016 and 2021.
    • Fastest declines were seen in Tamil Nadu (2.35%), Delhi (2.23%), and Kerala (2.05%).
    • Other states with above-average decline: Maharashtra (1.57%), Gujarat (1.24%), Odisha (1.34%), Himachal Pradesh (1.29%), Haryana (1.21%), J&K (1.47%).
    • Slowest declines: Rajasthan (0.48%), Bihar (0.86%), Chhattisgarh & Jharkhand (0.98%), Assam & MP (1.05%), West Bengal (1.08%), UP (1.09%).
    • Rise in registered births noted in 11 regions, including Bihar, Rajasthan, UP, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, J&K, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland.

    [B] Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and Demographic Shifts:

    • India’s TFR in 2021 stayed at 0, unchanged from 2020.
    • Highest TFR: Bihar (3.0); Lowest TFR: Delhi and West Bengal (1.4).
    • States below or at replacement level:
      • TFR 1.5: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, J&K, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab
      • TFR 1.6: Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka
      • TFR 1.8: Odisha, Uttarakhand
      • TFR 2.0: Gujarat, Haryana
      • TFR 2.1: Assam
    • Age Structure Shift (1971–2021):
      • Children (0–14): declined from 41.2% to 24.8%
      • Working-age (15–59): rose from 53.4% to 66.2%
      • Elderly (60+): increased from 6.0% to 9.0%
      • Aged 65+: grew from 5.3% to 5.9%
    • Highest elderly population: Kerala (14.4%), Tamil Nadu (12.9%), Himachal Pradesh (12.3%)
    • Lowest elderly population: Bihar (6.9%), Assam (7.0%), Delhi (7.1%)
    • Mean female marriage age rose from 3 years (1990) to 22.5 years (2021).
    [UPSC 2024] The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as:

    (a) the number of children born per 1000 people in the population in a year.

    (b) the number of children born to a couple in their lifetime in a given population.

    (c) the birth rate minus death rate.

    (d) the average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age. *

     

  • Kerala, MH, TN attain SDGs in MMR, U5MR, NMR

    Why in the News?

    According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have successfully achieved the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR), and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR).

    About SDGs (related to MMR, U5MR, NMR):

    • Under SDG 3, the goals focus on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
    • Target 3.1 aims to reduce MMR to below 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030, with no country exceeding 140.
    • Target 3.2 sets the goal to reduce U5MR to 25 or fewer per 1,000 live births and NMR to 12 or fewer per 1,000 live births.

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • States meeting MMR target (≤70):
      • Kerala (20), Maharashtra (38), Tamil Nadu (49), plus Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
    • States/UTs meeting U5MR target (≤25):
      • Includes Kerala (8), Tamil Nadu (14), Delhi, Maharashtra, J&K, West Bengal, Karnataka, Punjab, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.
    • States/UTs meeting NMR target (≤12):
      • Includes Kerala (4), Tamil Nadu (9), Delhi, Maharashtra, J&K, and Himachal Pradesh.
    • National improvements:
      • MMR dropped from 130 (2014–16) to 93 (2019–21).
      • U5MR declined from 45 (2014) to 31 (2021).
      • NMR dropped from 26 (2014) to 19 (2021).
      • IMR declined from 39 (2014) to 27 (2021).
      • Sex Ratio at Birth improved from 899 to 913 (2014–2021).
      • Total Fertility Rate reached replacement level of 2.0 in 2021.
    • Compared globally (1990–2023), India achieved an 86% reduction in MMR (vs 48% globally), 78% in U5MR (vs 61%), 70% in NMR (vs 54%), and 71% in IMR (vs 58%).
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojna:

    1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.

    2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.

    3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.

    4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) Only three (d) All four

     

  • [pib] Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), 2024

    Why in the News?

    The latest Annual Report of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for the year 2024, covering the period from January to December, was released on April 8, 2025.

    About the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS):

    • Launched by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in April 2017, the PLFS provides frequent data on labour force indicators to track employment trends.
    • It estimates employment and unemployment indicators in rural and urban areas quarterly and annually, using Current Weekly Status (CWS) and Usual Status (ps+ss).
    • The PLFS Annual Reports offer national estimates on employment and unemployment, broken down by rural and urban areas.
    • The survey tracks indicators like Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR), helping policymakers understand employment dynamics.

    Key Terminologies Used:

    • Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): LFPR is the percentage of the population that is either working or actively seeking work. It measures the active engagement of the population in the labour market.
    • Worker Population Ratio (WPR): WPR is the percentage of the population that is employed. It indicates the proportion of the population that is engaged in productive work.
    • Unemployment Rate (UR): UR is the percentage of individuals in the labour force who are unemployed. It provides insights into the efficiency of the labour market and the availability of employment opportunities.
    • Usual Status (ps+ss): This approach calculates a person’s employment status based on the activities they pursued over the past 365 days. It includes both their principal and subsidiary economic activities.
    1. Principal Status (ps): The main activity a person engaged in during the reference period.
    2. Subsidiary Status (ss): Any additional economic activities undertaken by a person for at least 30 days during the reference period.
    • Current Weekly Status (CWS): CWS measures a person’s employment status based on the activities they pursued in the past 7 days. It focuses on short-term employment fluctuations.

    Key Highlights of the Recent Report (2024):

    Details

    Sample Size and Survey Coverage Surveyed 12,749 Field Survey Units (FSUs) across 6,982 villages and 5,767 urban blocks with 1,01,957 households and 4,15,549 individuals.

    Labour Force Indicators (CWS)

    LFPR (Urban)
    • Urban male LFPR increased from 74.3% to 75.6%, and female LFPR from 25.5% to 25.8%, resulting in an overall increase from 50.3% to 51.0%.
    • Shows gradual improvement in workforce participation, especially among males.
    WPR (Urban)
    • Urban WPR increased from 47.0% to 47.6%, while national WPR remained stable at 53.4% to 53.5%.
    • Indicates a slight improvement in the share of employed people in urban areas.
    Unemployment Rate (UR)
    • Rural unemployment decreased from 4.3% to 4.2%, and urban female unemployment decreased from 8.9% to 8.2%.
    • Indicates small improvements in employment opportunities, especially in rural and female urban sectors.
    Decline in Unpaid Helpers
    • Reduced number of unpaid helpers in rural households led to a decline in WPR and LFPR for rural females.
    • Fewer women are engaged in unpaid family work, which may indicate an increase in formal employment.

    Labour Force Indicators (PS+SS)

    LFPR (National)
    • National LFPR slightly decreased from 59.8% in 2023 to 59.6% in 2024.
    • Shows a slight decrease in overall workforce participation at the national level.
    WPR (National)
    • National WPR slightly decreased from 58.0% to 57.7%, indicating a small drop in employment despite stable participation rates.
    • Reflects a slight decline in the proportion of the population employed.
    Unemployment Rate (UR)
    • National UR slightly increased from 3.1% to 3.2%, reflecting a small rise in unemployment.
    • A minor increase in unemployment, suggests potential challenges in creating enough jobs for the growing population.

     

    [UPSC 2013] Disguised unemployment generally means:

    (a) large number of people remain unemployed (b) alternative employment is not available (c) marginal productivity of labour is zero (d) productivity of workers is low