1. Changes in Periodic Labour Force Survey 2025 | Key Updates & Coverage

Context

• The National Statistical Office (NSO) has revamped the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) methodology from January 2025 to improve frequency, coverage, and accuracy of labour market estimates.

About PLFS

• It is a survey conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to estimate key employment and unemployment indicators in India. PLFS releases both monthly and annual data.
• Monthly bulletins provide estimates of labor market indicators like Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR) in Current Weekly Status (CWS) separately for males and females. 
• Annual report providing estimates in both usual status and CWS. 

Key Changes

Monthly Estimate Introduced

• It will enable the generation of the monthly estimates of key labour market indicators viz. LFPR, WPR, and UR at the all-India level following the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach. 

Quarterly Estimates Extended to Rural Areas

• Upto December 2024, PLFS provided quarterly labour market indicators for the urban areas only. 
• Now available for the entire country, improving rural employment data.

Enhanced Sample Size & Coverage

• First Stage Units (FSUs) increased from 12,800 to 22,692 annually.  
• The number of households to be surveyed within a selected geographical unit (FSU) has been increased from 8 to 12 households. 

About First Stage Unit

• First Stage Units (FSUs) are the basic geographical units used for sample selection. 
• In rural areas, the FSU is typically the 2011 census village (or Panchayat ward in Kerala). In urban areas, it’s the Urban Frame Survey (UFS) block. 
• The FSUs are the initial units from which households are then selected for the survey. 

Conceptual Framework

• Activity status of a person is determined on the basis of the activities pursued by the person during the specified reference period. 
• Current weekly status (CWS): Activity status determined on the basis of a reference period of last 7 days preceding the date of survey.
• Usual activity status: Activity status determined on the basis of the reference period of last 365 days preceding the date of survey
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): LFPR is defined as the percentage of persons in the labour force (i.e. working or seeking or available for work) in the population.
• Worker Population Ratio (WPR): WPR is defined as the percentage of employed persons in the population. 
• Unemployment Rate (UR): UR is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force.

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2. Groundwater Contamination in India: Public Health Crisis & Solutions

Context

• India’s worsening groundwater contamination crisis has emerged as a major public health threat, with toxic pollutants linked to chronic illnesses across several states.

About

• Groundwater is the lifeline of India, meeting over 85% of rural drinking water and 65% of irrigation needs. 
• Once considered pure, it is now increasingly tainted by nitrates, heavy metals, industrial pollutants, and pathogenic microbes. 
• The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has revealed alarming contamination levels across the country, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reform. 
• This crisis is no longer limited to environmental concerns; it is a nationwide public health emergency.

Scale and Nature of Groundwater Contamination

Groundwater samples from over 440 districts show dangerous levels of contaminants

• Nitrates: Found in more than 20% of samples, mainly due to excessive fertiliser use and septic tank leakage.
• Fluoride: Excess levels in over 9% of samples, causing dental and skeletal fluorosis in states like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Arsenic: Detected at unsafe levels in parts of Punjab, Bihar, and the Gangetic belt, posing severe cancer and neurological risks.
• Uranium: Recorded above 100 ppb in districts of Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan, linked to phosphate fertilisers and over-extraction.
• Iron and Heavy Metals: Over 13% of samples exceeded safe iron limits; lead, cadmium, and mercury have been traced to industrial discharges..

Causes of Groundwater Contamination

• Industrial Discharges: Rapid industrialisation has led to the unregulated disposal of hazardous waste into water bodies. Industries such as textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals often release toxic substances seeping into groundwater.
• Agricultural Practices: The excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides in agriculture contributes significantly to groundwater contamination. Nutrients like nitrates and phosphates leach into the soil, eventually reaching the water table. Additionally, improper irrigation and over-extraction of water further exacerbate the issue.
• Urbanisation: The rapid growth of urban areas often results in inadequate waste management systems. Sewage and solid waste are frequently dumped untreated, leading to leachate contaminating groundwater.
• Deforestation and Land Use Changes: Deforestation and changes in land use disrupt the soil’s natural filtration processes. This can lead to increased runoff and the subsequent entry of pollutants into groundwater systems.
• Mining Activities: Mining operations can introduce heavy metals and other harmful substances into the environment. When these contaminants reach groundwater sources, they pose serious health risks.

Health Impacts

• Fluorosis: Affecting over 66 million people in 230 districts; leads to joint pain, deformities, and stunted growth in children.
• Arsenicosis: Causes skin lesions, cancers, gangrene, and respiratory illnesses; prevalent in West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Nitrate Poisoning: Responsible for “blue baby syndrome” in infants; 56% of districts exceed safe nitrate limits.
• Uranium Toxicity: Causes chronic organ damage and kidney disorders; children are particularly at risk.
• Waterborne Diseases: Outbreaks of cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis due to sewage infiltration into aquifers.

Solution to the Crisis

• Regulatory Framework: Strengthening laws and regulations related to industrial discharges, agricultural practices, and waste management is essential. Implementing stricter penalties for non-compliance can deter polluters.
• Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Promoting organic farming and integrated pest management can reduce the reliance on harmful chemicals. Training farmers in sustainable practices can help minimise the leaching of pollutants into groundwater.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: It is vital to educate communities about the importance of groundwater conservation and contamination prevention. Awareness programs can encourage responsible water use and pollution prevention practices.
• Research and Monitoring: Investing in research to understand the extent and nature of groundwater contamination can inform effective policy-making. Regular monitoring of groundwater quality can help in the early detection of contaminants and prompt remediation actions.
• Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in groundwater management can enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Community-led initiatives can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards protecting water resources.

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3. India's Soft Power Diplomacy: Challenges, Opportunities & Global Influence

Context

• With India's gradual rise in the international system, the issue of influence, perception and cultural diplomacy have gained significant attention amongst policymakers.

More Facets

• Beginning with the liberalisation of the economy, opening to foreign investments and the growth of modern media and communication technologies, soft power moved from being an academic concept to a political buzzword. 
• Moreover, active use of public diplomacy by other rising powers such as China's "charm offensive" also drove India to up its ante further.

Key Elements of India's Soft Power Arsenal

Cultural Exports

• Bollywood & Regional Cinema: Massive global reach, especially in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the diaspora. Shapes perceptions of India and builds cultural familiarity.
• Yoga & Ayurveda: Universally recognized symbols of wellness and ancient Indian knowledge. Yoga Day celebrations are a major soft power success.
• Cuisine: Indian food is globally popular, serving as an accessible entry point to Indian culture. 
• Dance, Music & Arts: Classical and folk traditions attract global interest and foster cultural exchange. 
• Spiritual Traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism (as an export), Sikhism, and others attract seekers and promote values of peace and tolerance

Indian Diaspora

• Highly successful professionals (tech, academia, business, politics) in the West enhance India's image and act as informal ambassadors. 
• Remittances and knowledge transfer contribute significantly. 

Development Partnership & Humanitarian Aid

• Provides assistance to neighbours and developing nations (e.g. vaccines during COVID - "Vaccine Maitri"), building goodwill. 

India's Soft Power Diplomacy in Action

• Historical Context: The article traces India's soft power roots to its non-aligned movement during the Cold War, which positioned it as a leader of the Global South. This legacy continues through India's advocacy for developing nations.
• Modern Initiatives: Programs like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and cultural exchanges through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) promote India's influence. For example, ITEC has trained over 200,000 professionals from developing countries. 
• Global Leadership: India's role in forums like BRICS, SCO, and the Quad, as well as its push for reforms in global institutions like the UN Security Council, enhances its soft power by projecting leadership and inclusivity.
• Vaccine Diplomacy: India's supply of affordable vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly to African and South Asian nations, earned goodwill and strengthened bilateral ties.

Major Challenges

• Tourism: Potential hampered by poor sanitation, transportation, safety concerns (especially for women), bureaucratic hassles (visas), and inadequate tourist infrastructure despite incredible heritage sites.
• Cultural Institutes: Underfunding and lack of strategic focus for institutions like the ICCR compared to competitors (e.g.,China's Confucius Institutes).
• Limited Global Media Presence: India's international media outreach (e.g.,through platforms like DD India) is weak compared to global giants like BBC or Al Jazeera.
• Inconsistent Branding: Unlike countries like the U.S. or Japan, India lacks a cohesive soft power strategy. 

Way Forward

• Strengthening Cultural Diplomacy: Expanding ICCR's network of cultural centers and promoting Indian languages (e.g., Hindi, Sanskrit) can deepen global engagement. 
• Leveraging the Diaspora Engaging the diaspora more strategically, through events like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, can amplify India's influence.
• Digital Diplomacy: Investing in digital platforms and social media to promote India's culture and achievements can counter negative narratives and reach younger audiences.
• Educational Exchanges: Expanding scholarships for foreign students and promoting Indian universities as global education hubs can build long-term goodwill.

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4. India’s NSA Ajit Doval Visit to Russia Amid US Trade Tensions: Defence & Strategic Ties

Context

• Amid tensions with the United States, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval headed to Moscow in a bid to expand defence and industrial ties between India and Russia.

About the Visit

• The visit will focus on strengthening Defence as well as Industrial Ties.
• NSA Ajit Doval’s visit would also focus on the purchase of additional S-400 missile defence systems and dialogue on Su-57 fighter jets.
• As per reports, the two sides would discuss the possibility of the purchase of additional S-400 missile systems and the talks could include setting up S-400 MRO facilities in India.
• NSA Ajit Doval also thanked Russia for its Support for Operation Sindoor and condemning of Pahalgam Terrorist Attack

Current Geopolitical Ties Demands Greater Cooperation

• It is also pertinent to note that the Russian S-400 System played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor that targeted nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. 
• At the same time Brahmos Missile, a joint venture between India and Russia played a significant role during operation Sindoor.

Importance of the Visit

• NSA Ajit Doval also confirmed the upcoming Visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India at End of the Year.
• The Visit comes amid escalating trade relations between the USA and India.
• The visit comes at a crucial time, as Russian President Vladimir Putin and American President Donald Trump can meet in UAE for the Russian-Ukraine War.

About India - Russia Relations

• Historical Overview:
  • 1947: India and the USSR established diplomatic relations just months before India gained independence in August 1947.
  • Cold War Period (1947-1991): The USSR emerged as a reliable ally for India, especially during times of Western hostility.
    • Both signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation (1971) that laid the foundation for a strategic partnership.
    • 1991: India recognised the Russian Federation after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
  • 1993: Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation
  • 2000: Declaration of Strategic Partnership
• Multi-Dimensional Cooperation Framework: India and Russia are bound by a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership (2010).
  • Over the years, it has expanded far beyond traditional military ties, integrating economic, energy, space, and educational cooperation.

Trade and Economic Relations

• Bilateral Trade: Over US$60 Billion in 2024-25; ($50 Billion in 2023–24).
• Main Imports from Russia: Crude oil, coal, fertilizers, and defense equipment.
• Main Exports to Russia: Pharmaceuticals, electronics, iron & steel, tea, and coffee.
• Strategic and Defense Cooperation: It includes INS TUSHIL, S-400 Triumf missile systems, INS Vikramaditya, production of AK-203 Rifle, BrahMos Missile, submarines, tanks, and aircraft.
• India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC): It continues to coordinate procurement, servicing, and joint R&D programs.

Political and Multilateral forums

• Support on Global Platforms: Russia reiterated its support for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
• Both countries coordinate in BRICS, SCO, and G20 to push for a multipolar global order.
• Russia is supportive of India’s Act Far East Policy and Indo-Pacific engagement.

Challenges in Relations

• Geopolitical Pressures: Russia’s growing alignment with China, India’s regional rival, has raised concerns in India.
• India’s strategic partnerships with Western nations, particularly the US, have added layers of complexity to its ties with Russia.
• Payment mechanisms are a challenge due to Western sanctions on Russia, which restrict banking channels.
• Delay in Defense Equipment: Russia’s delayed delivery of the S-400 Triumf air defense system, largely due to the Ukraine conflict and related sanctions, has raised concerns in Indian defence circles.
• India’s efforts to diversify its defense procurement sources could impact its reliance on Russian arms.
• Ukraine Conflict: India’s neutral stance on the Ukraine war has been criticized by Western allies, while Russia expects stronger support from India.
• The conflict has also disrupted global supply chains, affecting bilateral trade.

Conclusion

• As India and Russia mark 78 years of diplomatic engagement, their relationship stands as a resilient example of strategic pragmatism. 
• From being Cold War-era allies to 21st-century strategic partners, the journey reflects adaptability, trust, and mutual benefit. 
• Despite shifting global dynamics, India-Russia ties are poised to remain strong, with new frontiers in trade, technology, and defense cooperation.

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5. Ectopic Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Rare Intrahepatic Case in India

Context

• Recently, in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, doctors identified an extremely rare case of intrahepatic ectopic pregnancy, where a foetus was growing in a woman’s liver.

About Ectopic Pregnancy

• Occurs when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube (tubal pregnancy).
• It can also occur in other locations such as: Ovary, Abdominal cavity and Cervix (lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina)
• In such cases, the fertilised egg attaches to a structure other than the uterus, making it non-viable.

Causes

Blockage in the movement of the fertilised egg towards the uterus due to :

• Inflammation or scarring of the fallopian tubes.
• Damage to the fallopian tubes from previous surgeries or infections.
• Irregular shape or structural abnormalities of the fallopian tube.

Symptoms

Missed period, Nausea and Breast tenderness

• Later or Severe Symptoms: Vaginal bleeding, Lower abdominal pain, Pelvic and back pain, Dizziness or fainting, Shoulder pain, Discomfort during bowel movements and Low blood pressure (in severe cases)

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6. Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN): Boosting Rural Telecom & 5G Connectivity in India

Context

•  Recently, the Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development stated that the government is actively strengthening telecom infrastructure in rural and semi-urban India under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) initiative.

Key Initiatives Funded by DBN

• Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP) – Mobile connectivity in the North Eastern Region, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.
• Mobile Services Expansion – Coverage in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)–affected areas and Aspirational Districts.
• 4G Saturation Campaign – High-speed 4G in uncovered villages.
• Revamped BharatNet Project – Broadband to Gram Panchayats and villages.
• 5G & Infrastructure Push – Spectrum auctions for 5G services.

About DBN

Established under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 to fund telecom projects in underserved rural/remote areas at affordable rates.

• Replaced the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) set up under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

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7. Vegetable Oil Products Regulation Order 2011 | Key Amendments & Benefits

Context

• Recently, the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution notified amendments to the Vegetable Oil Products, Production and Availability (Regulation) Order, 2011 (VOPPA Regulation Order, 2011).

Key Highlights

• Legal Basis: Order originally framed under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 after repeal of older regulations by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Key Objectives

• Align provisions with institutional changes after the 2014 merger of two key directorates. Strengthen edible oil data collection using the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008.

Benefits

Better visibility on domestic production, imports, and stock levels.

• Timely policy interventions (e.g., import duty changes, facilitating imports) to balance supply-demand.
• Improved interface, simplified return submission forms for ease of compliance.

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8. Notary Portal India | Digital Services for Notaries Under Notaries Act 1952

Context

• Recently, the Government of India launched the Notary Portal — a dedicated online platform aimed at streamlining services under the Notaries Act, 1952 and the Notaries Rules, 1956.

About Notary Portal

• The portal aims to provide a faceless, paperless, and transparent system, reducing manual processes and enhancing efficiency in notarial work.

Key Features

• The portal serves as an online interface between Notaries appointed by the Central Government and the Ministry of Law and Justice. It offers multiple digital services, including:
• Submission of applications for appointment as a Notary
• Eligibility verification for new appointments
• Issuance of digitally signed Certificates of Practice
• Renewal of Certificates of Practice
• Request for change of practice area
• Submission of annual returns
• As of July, 2025, more than 34,900 digitally signed Certificates of Practice have been issued to newly appointed Notaries across various States and Union Territories through the portal.

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9. IUCN and TRAFFIC Report: India-Nepal Success in Rhino Conservation 2025

Context

• Recently, a report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and TRAFFIC praised India and Nepal for strengthening monitoring and surveillance measures, which have significantly reduced poaching of the greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis).

Key Findings

India and Nepal’s strengthened anti-poaching measures have significantly curbed rhino poaching.

• Effective field monitoring, patrolling, and intelligence gathering credited for success.
• Total estimated population (March 2025): 4,075 (India: 3,323; Nepal: 752).
• Increase of 61 rhinos since CoP19 report (2022).
• Steady rise since 2007: India: 2,150 (2007) → 3,323 (2024) and Nepal: 413 (2007) → 752 (2024).

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10. TRISO Nuclear Fuel: US Advances Next-Gen Safe & Efficient Reactor Fuel

Context

• Recently, the US Department of Energy (DOE) named Standard Nuclear as the first company to develop next-generation TRISO nuclear fuel, a move intended to cut dependence on Russian uranium and enhance domestic supply chains.

About TRISO Nuclear Fuel

Stands for TRi-structural ISOtropic Particle Fuel

• A high-performance nuclear fuel designed for advanced reactors, offering greater safety and efficiency.
• Developed through collaboration between the US Department of Energy (DOE) and private companies such as BWX Technologies.

How it is Formed

Core fuel kernel made of uranium, carbon, and oxygen.

• Encased in three protective carbon–ceramic layers to prevent radiation leakage.
• Particles are seed-sized but can be shaped into pellets or pebbles for reactor use.

Key Features

Extreme Durability – Resistant to neutron irradiation, corrosion, oxidation, and very high temperatures.

• Self-Contained Safety – Each particle acts as its own containment, reducing radiation risk.
• Versatile Application – Suitable for molten salt and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors.

Significance

Supports next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs) and Gen-IV reactors.

• Reduces US reliance on Russian uranium.
• Boosts clean energy security and promotes nuclear innovation.

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11. SheLeads II: Empowering Women Leaders for Inclusive Political Leadership

Context

• Recently, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development launched the second edition of SheLeads II: Workshop for Women Leaders, the flagship capacity-building initiative of UN Women.
• About SheLeads Programme: Organiser: UN Women India Country Office

Objective

• To promote gender equality in public and political leadership by empowering women to contest upcoming Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.

Approach

• Providing women with the platforms, skills, and networks needed for impactful leadership.
• Preparing them to take up roles in policy-making and governance that reflect the aspirations of all citizens.

Significance

• Strengthens women’s capacity to lead from the front in political and public spheres.
• Contributes to making the development agenda more inclusive and representative.

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12. Haemophilia Care Advances: From Bleed Management to Proactive Prevention

Context

• Recently, haemophilia care has been transforming — moving from reactive bleed management to proactive prevention through prophylaxis, with new therapies aiming to not only rebalance the body’s clotting system but also restore it, bringing the long-sought goal of “zero bleeds” closer to reality.

About Haemophilia

A rare inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of clotting factors, most commonly Factor VIII in Haemophilia A.

• Leads to severely reduced blood clotting ability, where even minor injuries can result in excessive bleeding.
• Can cause spontaneous internal bleeding into joints and muscles, leading to pain, disability, and potentially life-threatening complications such as brain bleeds.
• Caused by a mutation in genes responsible for producing clotting factor proteins; these genes are located on the X chromosome, making men more vulnerable.
• Prevalence: Around 1 in 10,000 births

• India’s Diagnosis Gap: Estimated cases: 1–1.5 lakh (based on global prevalence).
• Diagnosed cases: ~29,000 (only about 20% identified).
• Key barriers to diagnosis: Low public and medical awareness.
• Limited diagnostic facilities.
• Socio-economic constraints restricting access to testing and treatment.

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13. Rare Albino Indian Flapshell Turtle Spotted in Gujarat | Vulnerable Species

Context

• Recently, a rare albino Indian flapshell turtle, distinguished by its bright yellow shell and skin, was spotted in a freshwater lake at Chikodra village, Gujarat.

About

Scientific Name: Lissemys punctata

• Type: Freshwater turtle, common in tropical South Asia.
• Distribution: Found in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

Habitat

• Prefers shallow, quiet, often stagnant waters such as rivers, streams, marshes, ponds, lakes, irrigation canals, and tanks.
• Favors sand or mud-bottom waters due to burrowing habits.

Key Features

 Possesses femoral flaps extending from the shell to cover limbs when withdrawn.

• Oval soft shell shows evolutionary link to hardshell turtles.
• Size: Can grow up to 370 mm in length.
• Lifespan: Around 20 years.
• Diet: Omnivorous.
• Behaviour: Generally solitary, active during the day.
• Adaptability: Can survive extreme droughts for 120–160 days.
• Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • Albinism: A rare genetic condition affecting melanin production, influencing pigmentation in skin, hair, and eyes across species.Caused by a mutation inherited from both parents (recessive trait)

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