Governance, Demographic Skilling & Data Transitions: UPSC Current Affairs Analysis & Study Strategy
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The Big Picture
The 2025-2027 window represents a 'Strategic Decadal Reset' for India. It is defined by the convergence of the delayed 2021 Census (now slated for 2027), the impending expiry of the seat-freeze under the 84th Amendment (2026), and the operationalization of the 106th Amendment (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam). This period marks a shift from 'quantitative coverage' (e.g., reaching 100% of a scheme's target) to 'qualitative integrity'—where the focus is on the precision of data (Caste enumeration demands), the reliability of institutions (NTA/NEET reforms), and the actual employability of a certified workforce.
Cross-Theme Insight
A 'Data-Federalism' conflict is emerging. While the Union government manages the delayed Census and national digital infrastructures (DPDP Act), states are increasingly conducting independent Socio-Economic and Caste Surveys (Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana) to justify reservation quotas and welfare targeting. This data fragmentation creates a friction point in federalism, where the 'top-down' statistical narrative of the NSO often clashes with 'bottom-up' socio-political realities captured by state-level surveys and the NCRB's reports on rural distress.
Textbook vs Reality Gap
Standard textbooks (Laxmikanth, p. 224) emphasize the 84th Amendment's freeze on seat allocation until the 'first census after 2026.' However, the current reality adds a critical layer: the 106th Amendment (Women's Reservation) is legally tied to this delimitation, making the 2027 Census the most politically sensitive data exercise in modern India. Similarly, while economic textbooks focus on the 'Demographic Dividend' peaking by 2041 (Vivek Singh, p. 259), the 2025-26 India Skills Report (ISR) highlights a 'Skilling Paradox'—where high certification rates under PMKVY (GS-3) are not translating into industrial employability, shifting the focus from 'Skill India' to 'Employable India'.
How This Theme Is Evolving
The governance narrative has evolved from 'Scheme Launching' (2014-2019) to 'Structural Auditing' (2024-2027). We are seeing a transition from generic skilling (PMKVY 1.0/2.0) to 'Targeted Capacity Building' (PM-JANMAN for PVTGs, DNT enumeration) and a move from expansion of digital services to the 'Forensic Governance' of data integrity (NTA reform committee, data protection compliance).
UPSC Exam Intelligence
Previous Year Question Pattern
Recent exams (CDS-II 2025, NID: 9902) have already begun testing the nuances of the 106th Amendment and its implementation timeline. UPSC is moving away from simple scheme-feature questions (like PMKVY in IAS 2018, NID: 5823) toward the 'intersection of laws.' Candidates should expect questions linking the Census, Delimitation (84th Amendment), and Women's Reservation as a single governance thread. Demographic dividend questions are also shifting from 'what is it?' (IAS 2013, NID: 15062) to 'why is it not working?'—targeting the employability gap.
Preparation Strategy
Key Connections
Sub-Themes and News Coverage (18 themes, 108 news items)
Yojana and Kurukshetra Magazine Archives (2025-2026)
Focus: Monthly summaries of the Government of India's development journals (Yojana and Kurukshetra) covering policy, governance, and socio-economic issues.
UPSC Value: Provides a consolidated timeline of official policy analysis and scheme updates essential for General Studies preparation.
20 news items in this theme:
- 2026-02-07 [Schemes & Programs] — Yojana and Kurukshetra Magazines, February 2026
The February 2026 issues of Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines focus on sports development in India and wellness matters. These official Government of India publications are useful resources for understanding government policies and are relevant for UPSC and other competitive exam aspirants. The Hindi edition of Yojana and Kurukshetra focuses on healthy living through public health policies and government initiatives.More details
UPSC Angle: Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines focus on sports and wellness.
Key Facts:
- Yojana February 2026 (English): Wellness Matters
- Kurukshetra February 2026 (English): From Mud Grounds to Sporting Glory
- Yojana and Kurukshetra February 2026 (Hindi): Behtar Swasthya Behtar Jiwan (importance of healthy living)
- 2026-01-26 [Polity & Governance] — Yojana and Kurukshetra Magazines, January 2026 Editions
The January 2026 editions of Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines focus on 'The Republic' and 'Startup India: Catalysing Entrepreneurship,' respectively. These magazines offer in-depth coverage of India's governance, democracy, startup ecosystem, and related policies, catering to aspirants of UPSC and other competitive exams.More details
UPSC Angle: Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines focus on Republic and Startups.
Key Facts:
- Yojana January 2026: The Republic Special Issue
- Kurukshetra January 2026: Startup India – Catalysing Entrepreneurship Special Issue
- Yojana: 46 pages
- Kurukshetra: 50 pages
- Both magazines are relevant for UPSC, State PSC, and other competitive exams
- Published in English medium
- Yojana Author: Team Yojana
- Kurukshetra Author: Team Kurukshetra
- Yojana Publication: Yojana
- Kurukshetra Publication: Kurukshetra
- 2026-01-04 [Polity & Governance] — Yojana Magazine January 2026: The Republic Special Issue
Yojana January 2026 English Monthly Magazine focuses on India's Republic, governance, democracy, and socio-economic developments. This 46-page special issue is designed for aspirants of UPSC, State PSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.More details
UPSC Angle: Yojana January 2026 focuses on India's Republic, governance, and socio-economic development.
Key Facts:
- Yojana January 2026 English Monthly Magazine - The Republic Special Issue.
- The magazine covers India's Republic, governance, democracy, and socio-economic developments.
- The magazine is useful for UPSC, State PSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
- The magazine is published by Yojana and has 46 pages.
- 2026-01-04 [Economy] — Kurukshetra January 2026: Startup India Special Issue
Kurukshetra January 2026 English Monthly Magazine highlights India's startup ecosystem, entrepreneurship policies, and innovation-driven growth. This 50-page special issue is designed for aspirants of UPSC, State PSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.More details
UPSC Angle: Kurukshetra January 2026 highlights India's startup ecosystem.
Key Facts:
- Kurukshetra January 2026 English Monthly Magazine – Startup India Catalysing Entrepreneurship Special Issue.
- The magazine covers India's startup ecosystem, entrepreneurship policies, and innovation-driven growth.
- The magazine is useful for UPSC, State PSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.
- Published by Kurukshetra, this special issue has 50 pages.
- 2025-12-22 [Schemes & Programs] — Yojana December 2025 Magazine: Champions 2025 Special Issue
The Yojana December 2025 Hindi Monthly Magazine is a special issue titled 'Champions 2025,' focusing on India's development champions, socio-economic initiatives, and policy insights. It is authored by Team Yojana and is designed for students, educators, policymakers interested in governance, rural development, and India’s growth stories in Hindi medium.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Magazine Title: Yojana December 2025 Hindi Monthly Magazine
- Special Issue: Champions 2025
- Language: Hindi
- Publisher: Team Yojana
- Focus: India's development, socio-economic initiatives, policy insights
- 2025-12-22 [Schemes & Programs] — Kurukshetra December 2025 Magazine: Khadi Weaving Futures
The Kurukshetra December 2025 English Monthly Magazine is a special issue titled 'Khadi Weaving Futures,' authored by Team Kurukshetra. This edition highlights Khadi's role in rural development, weaving traditions, and sustainable futures.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Magazine Title: Kurukshetra December 2025 English Monthly Magazine
- Special Issue: Khadi Weaving Futures
- Language: English
- Publisher: Team Kurukshetra
- Focus: Khadi's role in rural development, weaving traditions, and sustainable futures
- 2025-12-02 [Economy] — Kurukshetra December 2025: Khadi's role in rural development
The Kurukshetra December 2025 English Monthly Magazine – Khadi Weaving Futures is a special issue highlighting Khadi's role in rural development, weaving traditions, and sustainable futures. The edition is authored by Team Kurukshetra.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Kurukshetra December 2025 English Monthly Magazine – Khadi Weaving Futures is a special issue published by Kurukshetra.
- Authored by Team Kurukshetra.
- 2025-11-04 [Society & Culture] — Rural Tourism Potential Explored in Kurukshetra Magazine
The November 2025 edition of Kurukshetra magazine focuses on the rising potential of rural tourism in India, providing an in-depth analysis of rural India as an ecotourism frontier. The issue explores the future of Indian tourism through homestays and the Vibrant Villages Programme, offering insights into rural health and wellness tourism and the socio-economic impact of policies shaping India's countryside. This monthly magazine is useful for competitive exam aspirants.More details
UPSC Angle: Kurukshetra magazine focuses on the rising potential of rural tourism.
Key Facts:
- Kurukshetra November 2025 edition focuses on Rural Tourism
- Analysis of rural India as the next ecotourism frontier
- Explores homestays and the Vibrant Villages Programme
- Insights into rural health and wellness tourism
- Covers socio-economic impact of policies and trends
- Essential read for competitive exam aspirants
- 2025-11-04 [Society & Culture] — Yojana Magazine November 2025: Focus on Indian Cinema
The Yojana November 2025 edition focuses on Indian Cinema, discussing its evolution, impact, and cultural significance. This 50-page paperback, curated by Team Yojana, is intended for UPSC and State PCS aspirants and anyone interested in Indian film and cultural studies. The magazine offers analytical insights, policy perspectives, and historical context related to the Indian film industry.More details
UPSC Angle: Yojana November 2025 edition focuses on Indian Cinema.
Key Facts:
- Yojana November 2025 edition focuses on Indian Cinema
- 50-page paperback
- Curated by Team Yojana
- Ideal for UPSC and State PCS aspirants
- Analytical insights, policy perspectives, and historical context
- Covers Evolution of Indian Cinema, Cinema and Indian Society, Regulatory Framework, and Cinema's Role in Soft Power Diplomacy
- Discusses Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024
- 2025-09-09 [Schemes & Programs] — Yojana Magazine September 2025: Reimagining Water and Sanitation
The September 2025 issue of Yojana Magazine focuses on "Reimagining Water & Sanitation". It provides in-depth analysis and policy insights on water and sanitation policies, challenges, and innovative strategies for sustainable development. The issue covers topics such as the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), Jal Jeevan Mission, WASH for Women, and transforming rural India.More details
UPSC Angle: Yojana September 2025 focuses on Reimagining Water and Sanitation.
Key Facts:
- Yojana September 2025 theme: Reimagining Water and Sanitation
- Covers Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) and Jal Jeevan Mission
- Includes WASH for Women, WASH for the Nation
- Addresses transforming rural India and empowering women & nurturing children
- Jal Jeevan Mission extended to 2028
- JJM Achievements (July 2025): 15.67 crore functional household tap connections (over 80% coverage), all schools and Anganwadis covered with piped water supply
- 2025-09-09 [Schemes & Programs] — Kurukshetra Magazine September 2025: Skills, Employment & Social Security
The September 2025 issue of Kurukshetra Magazine is a special edition focused on Skills, Employment & Social Security. It offers in-depth analysis of government initiatives, policy frameworks, and socio-economic challenges. The magazine covers topics such as labor reforms, skilling programs, job creation strategies, and social protection schemes.More details
UPSC Angle: Kurukshetra September 2025 focuses on Skills, Employment & Social Security.
Key Facts:
- Kurukshetra September 2025 theme: Skills, Employment & Social Security
- Focuses on government initiatives, policy frameworks, and socio-economic challenges
- Covers labor reforms, skilling programs, job creation strategies, and social protection schemes
- Published by Team Kurukshetra
- 50-page edition
- 2025-08-25 [Polity & Governance] — Yojana Magazine August 2025: "New Frontiers of Freedom"
The Yojana August 2025 English Monthly Magazine focuses on "New Frontiers of Freedom", featuring essays and expert commentary on freedom in the digital age, socio-political liberties, and governance challenges. It covers digital and constitutional freedoms, expert opinions, and policy perspectives relevant for UPSC, PCS, and other civil services aspirants.More details
UPSC Angle: Yojana August 2025 focuses on freedom in the digital age.
Key Facts:
- The theme of the Yojana August 2025 is "New Frontiers of Freedom".
- 2025-08-17 [Agriculture] — Kurukshetra August 2025: Focus on Agri-Tech
The Kurukshetra magazine of August 2025 focuses on Agri-Tech, covering topics like Agriculture 4.0, gene editing, carbon farming, and agri startups in India. It emphasizes digital adoption, weather forecasting, blockchain-enabled supply chains, and digital platforms for market access to boost farmer incomes and strengthen food security.More details
UPSC Angle: Kurukshetra magazine focus on Agri-Tech and Agriculture 4.0.
Key Facts:
- Kurukshetra Magazine
- August 2025
- Agri-Tech
- Agriculture 4.0
- Gene editing
- Carbon farming
- Agri startups
- Digital adoption
- Blockchain-enabled supply chains
- PM-KISAN
- Digital India
- Soil Health Cards
- PMFBY
- Kisan Credit Card schemes
- FPOs (8,875)
- PACS (1,01,524)
- KVKs (731)
- 42.3% of India's workforce employed in agriculture
- 18.2% of national GDP from agriculture
- 2025-08-08 [Schemes & Programs] — Yojana Magazine, August 2025
The Yojana magazine August 2025, explores New Frontiers of Freedom and includes topics such as Freedom to Innovate, India's War Against Terrorism, Freedom of Good Health, and Empowering the Farmers. The magazine also highlights the constitutional ethos and freedom to innovate anchored in articles 14, 21, 21A and 51A(h).More details
UPSC Angle: Yojana Magazine August 2025 explores New Frontiers of Freedom.
Key Facts:
- Yojana August 2025 theme: New Frontiers of Freedom.
- Topics covered: Freedom to Innovate, India's War Against Terrorism, Freedom of Good Health, Empowering the Farmers.
- ₹20,000 crore for R&D (AI, quantum, biotech, clean energy, semiconductors).
- Deep-Tech Fund of Funds (SIDBI): ₹10,000 crore.
- 10,000 PM Research Fellowships (₹70–80k/month).
- Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): 70 cr ABHA IDs.
- PRIP: ₹5000 cr for pharma & MedTech R&D.
- 2025-07-20 [Economy] — Kurukshetra Magazine July 2025: Cooperatives
The Kurukshetra Magazine July 2025 edition focuses on the theme of cooperatives, highlighting their role in community-led growth and socio-economic development. It emphasizes the vision of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi" and the importance of cooperatives in achieving a $5 trillion economy. The magazine also discusses the Ministry of Cooperation's efforts to enhance the cooperative sector, including digitization of PACS and legislative strengthening.More details
UPSC Angle: Kurukshetra Magazine July 2025 focuses on cooperatives.
Key Facts:
- Kurukshetra July 2025 theme: Cooperatives.
- Focuses on "Sahkar Se Samriddhi".
- Discusses the role of cooperatives in achieving a $5 trillion economy.
- Highlights Ministry of Cooperation's efforts to enhance the cooperative sector.
- 2025-06-08 [Schemes & Programs] — Kurukshetra Magazine June 2025: Inclusive Rural Growth
The June 2025 issue of Kurukshetra magazine focuses on Inclusive Rural Growth, highlighting policies, initiatives, and frameworks for social equity and balanced development in India's villages. It emphasizes government schemes, grassroots innovation, and developmental challenges in rural sectors, and also discusses India's food security challenges and the role of cooperatives.More details
UPSC Angle: Kurukshetra magazine June 2025 focuses on Inclusive Rural Growth policies.
Key Facts:
- Theme: Inclusive Rural Growth
- Publication: Kurukshetra
- Edition: June 2025
- Pages: 46
- Ministry of Cooperation on 31st May 2023 launched World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan
- Investment Proposed: ₹1.25 lakh crore
- Storage Capacity Target: 700 Lakh Tonnes (70 MMT) in 5 years
- Implementation Partner: 67,000 functional PACS across India
- The Tribhuvan Sahkari University Act, 2025 transforms IRMA into India's first national cooperative university
- 2025-05-29 [Economy] — Kurukshetra Magazine May 2025: Focus on MSMEs
Kurukshetra May 2025 English Monthly Magazine focuses on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India. The issue explores the role of MSMEs in rural employment, economic growth, entrepreneurship, and industrialization. It is a resource for UPSC GS3, State PCS exams, and those interested in understanding the economic empowerment of India through the MSME sector.More details
UPSC Angle: Kurukshetra focuses on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Key Facts:
- Kurukshetra Magazine
- May 2025
- Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME)
- 50 pages
- MSMEs contribute to 30% of India's GDP
- MSMEs account for 48% of exports
- MSMEs are the second-largest employer after agriculture
- 2025-05-28 [Economy] — Yojana Magazine May 2025: Media and Entertainment Sector
Yojana's May 2025 issue focuses on India's Media and Entertainment Sector, covering government policies, digital media evolution, cinema, and the impact on society and the economy. The industry is projected to grow at 10% CAGR, reaching Rs. 3.08 trillion by 2026, driven by affordable internet and digital adoption.More details
UPSC Angle: Yojana focuses on India's Media and Entertainment Sector.
Key Facts:
- Publication: Yojana
- Edition: May 2025
- Theme: Media and Entertainment Sector
- Projected Industry Growth: 10% CAGR
- Projected Industry Size: Rs. 3.08 trillion by 2026
- Traditional Media Contribution: 57% of 2023 revenues
- Advertising Market: Projected at Rs. 330 billion in 2024
- OTT & Video Streaming CAGR: 14.1%
- OTT & Video Streaming Revenue: Expected to reach Rs. 21,032 crore by 2026
- 2025-05-03 [Economy] — Kurukshetra May 2025: MSMEs in India
Kurukshetra's May 2025 issue focuses on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India, exploring their role in rural employment, economic growth, entrepreneurship, and industrialization. The issue highlights initiatives for enhancing MSME competitiveness through technology incubation, digital transformation, and financing schemes. It emphasizes strategic partnerships and policy recommendations to foster innovation and integration into global value chains.More details
UPSC Angle: Kurukshetra May 2025 focuses on MSMEs in India.
Key Facts:
- Kurukshetra May 2025 theme: Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME)
- Digital MSME Scheme encourages adoption of cloud-based ERP, CRM, and cybersecurity tools
- Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) prevented 14.6 lakh MSME NPAs
- 2025-03-04 [Schemes & Programs] — Yojana Kurukshetra English magazine March 2025 – Budget Special Editions
Yojana Kurukshetra English magazine March 2025 – Budget Special Editions. It is published on 2025-03-04 with 120 pages.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Magazine: Yojana Kurukshetra English magazine
- Month: March
- Year: 2025
- Special Editions: Budget Special Editions
- Publishing Date: 2025-03-04
- Number of Pages: 120
Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) 2025 Issue Tracking
Focus: A collection of summaries and analyses specifically published in the Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) journal throughout the 2025 calendar year.
UPSC Value: Provides a comprehensive overview of academic and policy-oriented discourse on India's economy, governance, and social justice, which is vital for critical analysis in GS Paper II and III.
15 news items in this theme:
- 2026-02-14 [Schemes & Programs] — Piped Water Policy in Rural India
Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) analyzes the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide in-house piped water to all rural households, noting discrepancies in data.More details
UPSC Angle: Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide piped water to all rural households.
Key Facts:
- Jal Jeevan Mission
- piped water
- rural households
- 2026-02-14 [Society & Culture] — Classical Languages and Ideology of Class and Privilege
An article in Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) discusses how the creation of a “classical language” category privileges a few Indian languages, creating cultural marginalization, hierarchies, and inequalities. The article contends that the ideology within the classical language framework has class and caste as a material basis.More details
UPSC Angle: Classical language category privileges some languages, creating cultural marginalization.
Key Facts:
- classical language
- class
- caste
- cultural marginalisation
- 2026-02-14 [Polity & Governance] — Joint Parliamentary Committees in India
An article in Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) discusses the need to understand patterns and develop a framework for parliamentary committees in India, particularly joint parliamentary committees.More details
UPSC Angle: Need to understand patterns and develop framework for parliamentary committees.
Key Facts:
- joint parliamentary committees (JPCs)
- 2025-12-06 [Economy] — EPW Focuses on India's Growth, Anemia Data, and More
The Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) Vol. 60, Issue No. 49, dated December 6, 2025, features articles on India's Growth Prospects, the need for more data on Anemia, and the Gender Gap in Financial Well-being Measurement in India.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Economic and Political Weekly: Vol. 60, Issue No. 49
- 2025-11-08 [Economy] — EPW Vol. 60, Issue No. 45
The Economic & Political Weekly (EPW) released its Vol. 60, Issue No. 45 on November 8, 2025, featuring editorials, articles, and commentary on topics including coercive federalism, conditional welfare, trade, sovereignty, India's national interest after Trump's tariff, higher education in the age of AI, and the Indian financial sector. The issue also includes book reviews and current statistics.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- EPW Vol. 60, Issue No. 45 was released on November 8, 2025.
- The issue includes editorials on coercive federalism and conditional welfare.
- 2025-09-20 [Economy] — EPW Discusses Fiscal Space, Health Budgets, and IndusInd Bank Developments
The Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) Vol. 60, Issue No. 38, dated September 20, 2025, includes articles on states' fiscal space and health spending prioritization, and market reactions to IndusInd Bank's financial developments. It also contains a piece criticizing the Delhi High Court's denial of bail to individuals accused of offenses related to protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act–National Register of Citizens.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- EPW, Vol. 60, Issue No. 38
- September 20, 2025
- Fiscal Space and Prioritization of Health in Government Budget
- IndusInd Bank
- Citizenship (Amendment) Act–National Register of Citizens
- 2025-09-07 [Economy] — EPW Discusses Annual Survey of Industries
The Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) discusses the mixed signals sent by the Annual Survey of Industries.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
- 2025-09-07 [Society & Culture] — EPW Analysis: Caste and Functional Exclusion in Rural Infrastructure Development
The Economic and Political Weekly includes an analysis piece on caste and functional exclusion in rural infrastructure development.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
- 2025-09-07 [Environment & Ecology] — EPW Analysis: Electric Vehicles and Sustainability
The Economic and Political Weekly publishes an article discussing why electric vehicles are not the answer yet.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
- 2025-08-24 [Economy] — EPW Analysis: Consumer Price Increases Hit a New Low
The Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) discusses consumer price increases hitting a new low in its August 23, 2025 issue. The analysis likely delves into the implications of this trend for the Indian economy, potential policy responses, and impacts on various sectors and sections of society.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Consumer Price Increases Hit a New Low
- Issue Date: August 23, 2025
- Source: Economic and Political Weekly (EPW)
- 2025-08-17 [Polity & Governance] — EPW Discusses Electoral Omissions and Justice Reform
The Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) Vol. 60, Issue No. 33, dated August 16, 2025, features analysis on 'Evasion Commission, Electoral Omissions' and 'Justice Deferred: Reforming the Trial Judiciary'.More details
UPSC Angle: EPW analysis on electoral omissions and justice reform.
Key Facts:
- Economic and Political Weekly
- Vol. 60, Issue No. 33
- August 16, 2025
- Evasion Commission
- Electoral Omissions
- Justice Deferred
- Reforming the Trial Judiciary
- 2025-06-26 [Economy] — Discussion on Human Development and AI's Role in India
Economic and Political Weekly discussed human development in India and the role of AI, referring to the Human Development Report 2025. The discussion included the progress India is making, the important data in the report, and the concerns related to human development in India.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Focus on the Human Development Report 2025
- Addresses the role of AI in India's human development
- 2025-05-31 [Economy] — EPW Discusses Renewable Energy Gains
The Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) discusses renewable energy gains in its editorials.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- EPW Vol. 60, Issue No. 22
- Renewable Energy Gains
- 2025-05-10 [Economy] — EPW Discusses Corporate Investments, Inclusive Conservation, and Mass Incarceration
The Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) Volume 60, Issue No. 19, dated May 10, 2025, features editorials on private corporate investments. It includes articles on inclusive conservation, justice in entrance examinations, mass incarceration trends in the US, and book reviews on Ayurveda. The issue also contains special articles, notes, current statistics, and letters to the editor.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- EPW Vol. 60, Issue No. 19
- Date: May 10, 2025
- Features: Editorials on Private Corporate Investments
- Includes: Articles, commentary, book reviews, special articles, notes, current statistics, letters
- 2025-03-22 [Economy] — EPW discusses savings and investment constraints
The Economic and Political Weekly's Vol. 60, Issue No. 12, dated March 22, 2025, includes an editorial discussing unresolved savings and investment constraints. The issue also contains analysis pieces, commentaries, and book reviews.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Economic and Political Weekly
- Vol. 60, Issue No. 12
- March 22, 2025
NSO's 2025-2027 Statistical Survey Wave
Focus: A concerted push by the National Statistics Office (NSO) to conduct major socio-economic surveys (Migration, Debt, Income, Consumption) and modernize data collection infrastructure.
UPSC Value: Essential for understanding the source of critical data on poverty, employment, and migration that underpins government policy and economic planning.
8 news items in this theme:
- 2026-02-04 [Society & Culture] — NSO to Conduct Nationwide Survey on Migration from July 2026 to June 2027
The National Statistics Office (NSO) is planning a comprehensive survey on migration across India from July 2026 to June 2027. This survey aims to generate updated data on migration patterns, labor mobility, and socio-economic profiles of migrants.More details
UPSC Angle: NSO to conduct nationwide survey on migration from July 2026.
Key Facts:
- Survey period: July 2026 to June 2027
- Conducted by: National Statistics Office (NSO)
- Objective: Updated data on migration patterns, labor mobility, and socio-economic profiles of migrants.
- Announced by Union Minister of State (MoS) Rao Inderjit Singh
- 2025-11-06 [Economy] — Household Income Survey to Launch in 2026
India is preparing to launch its first-ever Household Income Survey (HIS) in 2026 to capture household incomes, expenditures, and socio-economic conditions across the country. The survey will collect data on household characteristics, assets, property details, and income components.More details
UPSC Angle: India to launch its first Household Income Survey in 2026.
Key Facts:
- Household Income Survey (HIS)
- Launch: 2026
- 2025-09-26 [Society & Culture] — MoSPI Survey: School Dropout Rates Halve
According to the MoSPI Comprehensive Modular Survey: Education 2025, school dropout rates in India have halved in just two years. The survey was conducted by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) during April–June 2025 as part of the 80th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS).More details
UPSC Angle: MoSPI survey: School dropout rates halved.
Key Facts:
- School dropout rates in India have halved in just two years
- Survey conducted April–June 2025
- Part of the 80th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS)
- 2025-09-12 [Economy] — National Statistics Office to conduct AIDIS & SAS
The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), will conduct the All India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS) and the Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Agricultural Households between July 2026 and June 2027. AIDIS is one of India's most significant surveys on household finance, shaping national accounts and informing policies. SAS assesses the economic conditions of farming communities.More details
UPSC Angle: NSO to conduct All India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS) and SAS.
Key Facts:
- Surveys: All India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS) and Situation Assessment Survey (SAS).
- Conducting Agency: National Statistics Office (NSO), under MoSPI.
- Survey Period: July 2026 – June 2027.
- 2025-08-20 [Economy] — PLFS Data Released
The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the Quarterly bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) (April – June 2025) and Monthly Bulletin – July 2025, indicating an unemployment rate at 5.4% and 5.2% respectively.More details
UPSC Angle: PLFS data indicates unemployment rate at 6.6% (April – June 2025).
Key Facts:
- Released by National Statistics Office (NSO)
- Quarterly unemployment rate (April – June 2025) at 5.4%
- Monthly unemployment rate (July 2025) at 5.2%
- 2025-07-16 [Schemes & Programs] — Statathon – A Data Journey Towards Viksit Bharat
The National Statistical Office (NSO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, has launched a national-level grand challenge titled “Statathon – A Data Journey Towards Viksit Bharat”. The challenge involves developing solutions for API Gateway for Survey Datasets, AI-Powered Smart Survey Tool, and AI-Enhanced Application for Automated Data Processing.More details
UPSC Angle: NSO launched 'Statathon' for Viksit Bharat.
Key Facts:
- Launched by NSO and Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell
- Challenge: “Statathon – A Data Journey Towards Viksit Bharat”
- Problem Statements: API Gateway for Survey Datasets, AI-Powered Smart Survey Tool, AI-Enhanced Application for Automated Data Processing
- 2025-06-30 [Polity & Governance] — GoIStats Mobile Application Launched
The National Sample Survey Office (NSO) launched the GoIStats mobile application on the occasion of 19th Statistics Day (June 29).More details
UPSC Angle: NSO launched the GoIStats mobile application on Statistics Day.
Key Facts:
- NSO launched the GoIStats mobile application
- Launched on 19th Statistics Day (June 29)
- 2025-03-11 [Economy] — Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24
The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the findings of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24, highlighting trends in household spending on food and non-food items. The data is expected to play a crucial role in policy formulation, inflation tracking, and poverty estimation.More details
UPSC Angle: NSO released the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24.
Key Facts:
- Conducted between August 2023 – July 2024 by NSO under MoSPI
- Digital data collection via Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) for accuracy and real-time validation
- Survey covered 405 items across food and non-food categories
- Rural sampling based on land possession
- Urban sampling considered car ownership as a classification criterion
2025 Performance Reviews and Milestones of Central Welfare Schemes
Focus: A collection of anniversary celebrations (10-year/9-year), progress reports, and performance audits (including irregularities) for major welfare schemes (Skill India, Ujjwala, Mudra, PMGSY) occurring in 2025.
UPSC Value: Provides a consolidated view of the maturity, beneficiary reach, and administrative challenges of flagship government schemes a decade after their launch.
7 news items in this theme:
- 2025-11-06 [Schemes & Programs] — PMKVY Irregularities Lead to Blacklisting of Training Centers
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) blacklisted 178 Training Partners (TPs) and Training Centres (TCs) due to significant irregularities in the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). Launched in 2015, PMKVY aims to provide skill training and certification to enhance youth employability, having trained over 1.64 crore youth until June 2025. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is the implementing agency.More details
UPSC Angle: Irregularities in PMKVY lead to blacklisting of training centers.
Key Facts:
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
- 178 Training Partners (TPs) and Training Centres (TCs) blacklisted
- Launched: 2015
- Implementing Agency: National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
- Beneficiaries (till June 2025): Over 1.64 crore youth trained
- 2025-09-15 [Schemes & Programs] — PMGSY Sanctions and Completion Status as of August 2025
As of August 2025, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has sanctioned 1,91,282 rural roads (8.38 lakh km) and 12,146 bridges, with 1,83,215 roads (7.83 lakh km) and 9,891 bridges completed. Over 1.66 lakh km of roads have been sanctioned using green technologies. The scheme, launched in 2000, aims to provide all-weather rural connectivity.More details
UPSC Angle: PMGSY: sanctioned and completed rural road and bridge statistics.
Key Facts:
- PMGSY Sanctioned Roads: 1,91,282 (8.38 lakh km)
- PMGSY Sanctioned Bridges: 12,146
- PMGSY Completed Roads: 1,83,215 (7.83 lakh km)
- PMGSY Completed Bridges: 9,891
- Roads sanctioned using green technologies: Over 1.66 lakh km
- PMGSY Launch Year: 2000
- PMGSY Objective: All-weather rural connectivity
- 2025-08-13 [Schemes & Programs] — Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) Update
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to rural and economically disadvantaged households. Under Ujjwala 2.0, migrant families can obtain LPG connections using self-declaration instead of requiring Proof of Address or Ration Cards.More details
UPSC Angle: PM Ujjwala Yojana provides clean cooking fuel to rural households.
Key Facts:
- Launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
- As of July 2025, PMUY has provided over 10.33 crore LPG connections
- ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 9 refills per year and Rs. 2200 government support per connection for the beneficiaries of the PMUY during Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26)
- 2025-07-26 [Schemes & Programs] — PM Mudra Yojana: A Decade of Progress
Launched in April 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has provided collateral-free loans to micro and small enterprises, addressing the credit gap in the informal sector. Over the past decade, the scheme has disbursed ₹33.32 lakh crore across 52.73 crore loan accounts as of March 2025. It aims to promote entrepreneurship, especially among women and SC/ST/OBC beneficiaries.More details
UPSC Angle: PM Mudra Yojana provided collateral-free loans to micro and small enterprises.
Key Facts:
- PMMY was launched in April 2015.
- Total disbursement: Rs 33.32 lakh crore.
- Loan Accounts: 52.73 crore.
- FY25 disbursement: Rs 5.09 lakh crore.
- Sanctions to new entrepreneurs: Rs 10.56 lakh crore across 10.97 crore new accounts (≈31%).
- Women beneficiaries: Rs 14.85 lakh crore (≈44% of cumulative sanctions).
- SC/ST/OBC beneficiaries: Rs 11.72 lakh crore (≈34.5%).
- Top states: Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal, Bihar (46.3% share).
- 2025-07-16 [Schemes & Programs] — 10 Years of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
India is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), the government's flagship skill development scheme. As of July 2025, over 1.63 crore youth have been trained under PMKVY. The scheme aims to provide industry-relevant job skills and improve employability.More details
UPSC Angle: 10th anniversary of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
Key Facts:
- 1.63 crore youth trained under PMKVY as of July 2025
- Over 6 crores trained under all MSDE skilling schemes since 2014
- 25+ lakh trained under PMKVY 4.0 (FY 2022–2025)
- 1.10 crore trained under PMKVY 2.0, linked with Make in India & Digital India
- 17 lakhs trained under DDU-GKY
- 56 lakhs trained under RSETIs (entrepreneurship focus)
- 2025-06-12 [Schemes & Programs] — Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) Anniversary
India marked the ninth anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, PMUY aims to provide LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. The scheme focuses on women's empowerment and reducing health risks associated with traditional cooking methods.More details
UPSC Angle: PMUY aims to provide LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line.
Key Facts:
- PMUY was launched in 2016.
- The scheme provides LPG connections to women from BPL households.
- The implementing ministry is the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
- 2025-04-08 [Schemes & Programs] — Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) celebrated its 10th anniversary in April 2025. Launched on April 8, 2015, the scheme provides collateral-free credit up to ₹10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm micro and small enterprises (MSEs). Loans now go up to ₹20 lakh under Tarun Plus category.More details
UPSC Angle: PMMY provides collateral-free credit up to ₹10 lakh to micro-enterprises.
Key Facts:
- Launched: April 8, 2015
- Ministry: Ministry of Finance
- Objective: To provide collateral-free credit up to ₹10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm micro and small enterprises (MSEs)
- Loans now go up to ₹20 lakh under Tarun Plus category
- Loan Types: Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishor (₹50,000–₹5 lakh), Tarun (₹5 lakh–₹10 lakh), Tarun Plus (₹10–₹20 lakh)
- Lending Institutions: SCBs, RRBs, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, Cooperative Banks
- Focus on underserved groups: Women, SC/ST/OBC, minorities
Competitive Exam-Oriented Editorial and Current Affairs Syntheses
Focus: Daily analytical summaries of major Indian newspapers and government press releases specifically curated to highlight syllabus-relevant concepts, vocabulary, and factual data for civil services aspirants.
UPSC Value: These items demonstrate the methodology of distilling complex daily news into actionable study points, focusing on analytical depth, vocabulary building, and multi-sectoral topic coverage required for the UPSC examination.
6 news items in this theme:
- 2025-09-20 [Polity & Governance] — The Hindu Editorial Analysis
The Hindu Editorial Analysis on September 20, 2025, discusses key editorials providing insights and summaries for UPSC and other competitive exams. It emphasizes that success is the result of hard work, and includes vocabulary discussions and phrases such as 'rocket science' and 'bear down on'.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Editorial Analysis for UPSC and other exams
- Emphasis on hard work for success
- Vocabulary: Examines words and phrases
- 2025-06-24 [Polity & Governance] — Discussion on challenges for the INDIA Bloc
An Indian Express editorial discusses challenges faced by the INDIA Bloc, including Rahul Gandhi's leadership, the NEET exam's impact, and India's ambiguous position on the Gaza crisis. It also addresses MSP for farmers, advancements in human genome mapping, and the implications for personalized medicine.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Challenges for INDIA Bloc discussed
- Discussion includes Rahul Gandhi's leadership and NEET exam concerns
- Addresses India's position on Gaza, MSP for farmers, and human genome mapping
- 2025-06-02 [Polity & Governance] — The Hindu: Editorials to Read
The Hindu newspaper suggests focusing on editorials such as 'The university under attack, universities undermined' and 'Regulating India's virtual digital assets revolution'.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Editorials: The university under attack, universities undermined
- Editorials: Regulating India's virtual digital assets revolution
- 2025-03-26 [Current Affairs] — Insights Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary
Insights IAS Academy provides daily current affairs and PIB summaries, with the March 26, 2025, edition including topics such as the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Baalpan ki Kavita initiative, the Third Report on the State of the World's Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the Dare2eraD TB Initiative.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- The Ministry of Education has launched the “Baalpan ki Kavita initiative” to restore and promote Indian rhymes and poems for young children.
- 2025-03-21 [Economy] — PIB Summary for UPSC
On March 21, 2025, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) released a summary for UPSC, addressing the challenge of policing digital giants. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a ₹213.14 crore fine on Meta on November 18, 2024.More details
UPSC Angle: CCI imposed a ₹213.14 crore penalty on Google.
Key Facts:
- CCI imposed a ₹213.14 crore fine on Meta on November 18, 2024.
- 2025-03-20 [Polity & Governance] — The Indian Express Analysis on 20th March 2025
The Indian Express analysis emphasizes the importance of important terms, concepts, and the ability to solve questions comprehensively for the UPSC exam. It also highlights that questions are often based on exceptions and factual information. The name of the person who is associated with the construction of the temple is important.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Important terms and concepts
- Exceptions
- Factual information
- Comprehensive question-solving
Turmoil in West Bengal's Education Sector (2025-2026)
Focus: A cluster of events detailing student unrest (SFI), the teacher recruitment scam, political fallout, and administrative changes within West Bengal's education department.
UPSC Value: Illustrates the intersection of student activism, judicial intervention in corruption scandals, and administrative governance in a state education system.
5 news items in this theme:
- 2026-01-09 [Polity & Governance] — West Bengal Govt: Key Appointments
The Government of West Bengal's Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department announced the appointment of Sri Binod Kumar, IAS, as Additional Chief Secretary, School Education Department with additional charge of Higher Education Department and State Editor, West Bengal District Gazetteeers, and Shri Chinmoy Dey, IAS, as Special Commissioner, GST, Durgapur on January 9, 2026.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Sri Binod Kumar, IAS (WB: 1996): Appointed as Additional Chief Secretary, School Education Department with additional charge of Higher Education Department and State Editor, West Bengal District Gazetteeers
- Shri Chinmoy Dey, IAS(WB:2014): Appointed as Special Commissioner, GST, Durgapur
- Date: January 9, 2026
- Government of West Bengal: Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department
- 2025-05-29 [Polity & Governance] — PM Modi Criticizes TMC over Violence and Corruption in West Bengal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, citing violence, corruption, and lawlessness, particularly mentioning communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda and the teacher recruitment scam. He asserted that the people of West Bengal are seeking change from the current government.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Narendra Modi
- Trinamool Congress (TMC)
- West Bengal
- Murshidabad
- Malda
- Alipurduar
- 2025-04-17 [Polity & Governance] — West Bengal Teachers to Retain Roles Pending Recruitment
The Supreme Court granted relief to the West Bengal government, allowing 'specifically' untainted teachers in government and aided schools to continue their services until a fresh recruitment process is completed by the end of 2025.More details
UPSC Angle: SC allows untainted teachers to continue until fresh recruitment.
Key Facts:
- West Bengal government
- Untainted teachers to retain roles
- Fresh recruitment by end of 2025
- 2025-04-05 [Polity & Governance] — Evidence of custodial torture of SFI leader, Calcutta HC says
The Calcutta High Court on April 3, 2025, stated that they have found evidence of custodial torture of a Students Federation of India (SFI) activist at the Medinipur Police station. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh's court raised questions about missing CCTV footage from the police station.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Calcutta High Court found evidence of custodial torture of an SFI activist on April 3, 2025.
- The incident occurred at the Medinipur Police station.
- 2025-03-02 [Polity & Governance] — SFI Calls for Strike Demanding WB Education Minister's Resignation
The CPI(M)'s student wing, SFI, has called for a strike in West Bengal colleges on March 3, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu following injuries to two protestors at Jadavpur University on March 1, 2025. The windscreen of the minister's car was damaged by protesters, and two agitators were injured when a vehicle in his convoy grazed them.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Organization: SFI (CPI(M)'s student wing)
- Demand: Resignation of Education Minister Bratya Basu
- Reason: Injuries to two protestors at Jadavpur University
- Date of strike: March 3
- Incident date: March 1, 2025
Assessments of India's Workforce Employability (2025-2026)
Focus: A collection of reports (ISR 2025/26, NCAER, Graduate Skills Index) and analyses specifically evaluating the employability, skills gap, and training outcomes of India's workforce.
UPSC Value: Provides critical data points and trends on the demographic dividend, employability ratios, and the efficacy of skilling schemes for GS-3 (Employment/Inclusive Growth).
5 news items in this theme:
- 2026-01-07 [Schemes & Programs] — India's Skilling Ecosystem: Challenges and Way Forward
Despite significant investment in skilling programs like PMKVY, India faces challenges in making skilling a preferred career path. The India Skills Report 2025 indicates that only 2% of graduates pursue additional skilling, and employability outcomes remain uneven, highlighting the need for reforms and industry engagement. Limited industry participation and weak linkages with formal education contribute to the skilling gap.More details
UPSC Angle: India Skills Report 2025 indicates low skilling preference among graduates.
Key Facts:
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) trained around 1.40 crore candidates between 2015 and 2025
- Only about 4.7% of India's workforce has formal vocational training
- India Skills Report 2025 shows graduates rarely pursue skilling after degrees
- Outlay of ₹8,800 crore supports PMKVY 4.0, NAPS, and Jan Shikshan Sansthan under one framework
- Skill India Programme continuation and restructuring approved until 2026
- Outlay of ₹8,800 crore to support PMKVY 4.0, NAPS, and Jan Shikshan Sansthan
- National Credit Framework allows credit portability between vocational and mainstream education
- PM-SETU focuses on upgrading ITIs
- India Skills Report 2025 shows only about 2% of graduates pursue additional skilling certifications.
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has trained and certified around 1.40 crore candidates between 2015 and 2025.
- Only about 4.1% of India's workforce has formal vocational training.
- Industries face high attrition (30–40%) in sectors like retail, logistics, hospitality, and manufacturing.
- Restructured Skill India Programme approved with an outlay of ₹8,800 crore until 2026.
- 2025-12-17 [Economy] — National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) Report
The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) released the report “India's Employment Prospects: Pathways to Jobs”, underlining the role of skilling and small enterprises as key drivers of job creation in the country. The report indicates that India's self-employment dominance is due to economic necessity rather than entrepreneurial dynamism, with most small enterprises functioning at a subsistence level. India's workforce could benefit greatly from upskilling, particularly with the advent of new technologies and AI.More details
UPSC Angle: NCAER report: Skilling, small enterprises drive India's employment.
Key Facts:
- NCAER released the report “India's Employment Prospects: Pathways to Jobs”.
- National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) released report: “India's Employment Prospects: Pathways to Jobs”
- India's self-employment dominance is due to economic necessity
- India's workforce could benefit greatly from upskilling, particularly with the advent of new technologies and AI.
- 2025-11-18 [Economy] — India Skills Report 2026: Employability on the Rise
The 13th edition of the India Skills Report 2026 indicates that India's employability rose to 56.35% in 2026 from 54.81% in 2025. The report, released by Educational Testing Service (ETS) in partnership with CII, AICTE, AIU, and Taggd, also projects India's gig and freelance workforce to reach 23.5 million by 2030.More details
UPSC Angle: India Skills Report 2026: Employability rose to 56.35%.
Key Facts:
- India's employability rose to 56.35% in 2026 from 54.81% in 2025.
- India's gig and freelance workforce is projected to reach 23.5 million by 2030.
- Project-based hiring is increasing by 38% compared to last year.
- Global labor shortages will reach 85 million by 2030.
- India is expected to supply a surplus of 45 skilled professionals, positioning it as the main talent hub at international level.
- 2025-09-07 [Economy] — The Analyst Discusses Declining Central Allocation for MGNREGA
The Analyst discusses the declining central allocation for MGNREGA, questioning the need for such a scheme when the government claims to be the fourth largest economy in the world and emphasizing upskilling. The discussion also questions why skilled population will agree to perform unskilled manual labor work in rural areas.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of work to every rural household
- India Skills Report 2025: 54% of graduates in India considered employable
- India Skills Report 2025: 47% of Indian graduates unfit for any type of industry job
- 83% of the total unemployed workforce is youth
- 65% of unemployed youth have education level up to secondary or higher education
- Economic Survey of India 2024 and annual periodic labor force survey data referenced
- Economic Survey 2025 says that we need to create 78.5 lakh jobs every single year by 2030
- 2025-09-02 [Economy] — Skilling India's Demographic Dividend
With over 800 million people under 35, India's youth is its biggest strength, but rising unemployment and a widening skills gap risk turning this dividend into a liability. Nearly 40-50% of engineering graduates remain unemployable, and only 43% of graduates are job-ready (Graduate Skills Index 2025). McKinsey estimates nearly 70% of Indian jobs could be impacted by automation by 2030, making reskilling critical.More details
UPSC Angle: India's skills gap risks turning demographic dividend into liability.
Key Facts:
- India's population under 35: Over 800 million
- Unemployable engineering graduates: 40-50%
- Job-ready graduates: 43% (Graduate Skills Index 2025)
- Indian jobs impacted by automation by 2030: ~70% (McKinsey estimate)
Medical Education Entrance and Seat Management Crisis
Focus: Administrative challenges, scheduling shifts, and seat allocation updates specifically concerning the Indian medical entrance exam ecosystem (NEET-UG/PG) in 2025.
UPSC Value: Critical for understanding the governance of professional education, the role of the National Medical Commission (NMC), and the impact of administrative irregularities on the right to education.
5 news items in this theme:
- 2025-12-24 [Polity & Governance] — National Medical Commission approves more seats
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 187 additional post-graduate medical seats for the academic year 2025-26 after reconsideration by the first appeal committee under section 285 of the NMC act 2019.More details
UPSC Angle: NMC approved 187 additional post-graduate medical seats for 2025-26.
Key Facts:
- The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 187 additional post-graduate medical seats for the academic year 2025-26.
- 2025-12-09 [Polity & Governance] — NTA Exam Irregularities
A committee observed that NTA delayed CUET results for multiple years, disrupting university admissions and academic calendars. Out of 14 exams conducted in 2024, at least five faced major issues, including paper leaks and postponements.More details
UPSC Angle: NTA exam irregularities disrupted university admissions.
Key Facts:
- NTA delayed CUET results for multiple years
- Out of 14 exams conducted in 2024, at least five faced major issues
- Major Issues: UGC-NET, CSIR-NET, NEET-PG were postponed; NEET-UG faced paper leaks; CUET results were delayed; JEE Main 2025 had 12 incorrect questions withdrawn after answer key errors.
- 2025-11-30 [Polity & Governance] — NMC: PG Seat Matrix Update
The National Medical Commission (NMC) announced an update to the PG (Broad Specialist) Seat Matrix as of November 27, 2025. This provides information on the availability of postgraduate seats in medical colleges/institutions for the academic year 2025-26.More details
UPSC Angle: NMC updated PG seat matrix; details not specified, so skip.
Key Facts:
- NMC
- PG (Broad Specialist) Seat Matrix
- As on 27-11-2025
- 2025-09-22 [Polity & Governance] — Health Bulletin: NEET-UG Exam Format Deliberations
The Ministry of Education is analyzing the feasibility of conducting the medical entrance exam NEET-UG in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, with ongoing discussions between the education and health ministries. The Supreme Court refused to interfere with medical syllabus decisions, clarifying that it's not the court's role to decide medical education content. The last date for joining the BDS Course for the academic session 2025-26 is 05.11.2025, and the date of commencement of the academic session will remain the same as 22.09.2025.More details
UPSC Angle: Ministry of Education considering CBT mode for NEET-UG exam.
Key Facts:
- The Ministry of Education is conducting data analysis on conducting NEET-UG in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
- The Supreme Court stated it cannot decide the medical syllabus.
- Last date for BDS course joining: 05.11.2025.
- Academic session commencement date: 22.09.2025.
- 2025-06-06 [Polity & Governance] — Supreme Court Allows NEET-PG 2025 in Single Shift
The Supreme Court permitted the National Board of Examination (NBE) in Medical Sciences to conduct the NEET-PG 2025 examination in a single shift on August 3; the exam was initially scheduled for June 15. The Court had directed on May 30 that the examination be held in a single shift.More details
UPSC Angle: SC allowed NEET-PG 2025 in single shift on August 3.
Key Facts:
- Supreme Court
- National Board of Examination (NBE) in Medical Sciences
- NEET-PG 2025
- August 3, 2025
- June 15, 2025
- May 30
- Supreme Court permitted NEET-PG 2025 in a single shift on August 3.
- Original exam date was June 15, 2025.
Incentivization and Capacity Building in Local Governance (2025)
Focus: Initiatives, awards, and campaigns launched in 2025 to assess and enhance the performance of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
UPSC Value: Useful for studying the multi-dimensional approach (awards, model villages, women's leadership) to strengthening the third tier of government.
5 news items in this theme:
- 2025-04-24 [Polity & Governance] — National Panchayati Raj Day Special Awards 2025
On National Panchayati Raj Day 2025, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj presented the Special Category National Panchayat Awards- 2025. The awards recognize Gram Panchayats and institutions for exemplary performance in climate resilience, fiscal self-reliance, and capacity building. Awards include the Climate Action Special Panchayat Award (CASPA), Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award (ANPSA), and Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (PKNSSP).More details
UPSC Angle: National Panchayati Raj Day Special Awards 2025 presented.
Key Facts:
- Special Category National Panchayat Awards- 2025 presented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj
- Awards recognize performance in climate resilience, fiscal self-reliance, and capacity building
- Awards include Climate Action Special Panchayat Award (CASPA)
- Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award (ANPSA)
- Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (PKNSSP)
- Event: National Panchayati Raj Day 2025
- Ministry: Panchayati Raj
- Awards: Climate Action Special Panchayat Award (CASPA), Atma Nirbhar Panchayat Special Award (ANPSA), Panchayat Kshamta Nirman Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (PKNSSP)
- 2025-04-24 [Polity & Governance] — Prime Minister's Visit to Bihar on National Panchayati Raj Day
On National Panchayati Raj Day, the Prime Minister visited Bihar, highlighting the importance of grassroots democracy and the role of Panchayati Raj institutions in promoting local development and governance. The visit included key announcements and discussions on strengthening local self-governance in rural areas.More details
UPSC Angle: PM's visit to Bihar on National Panchayati Raj Day.
Key Facts:
- National Panchayati Raj Day observed on April 24th
- Three-tier system: Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), Zila Parishad (district level)
- States devolve powers for planning, implementation, and resource management to local bodies
- Challenges include insufficient funds, limited capacity-building, lack of autonomy, and state interference
- Strengthening requires improved fiscal transfers, digital governance, and capacity-building for local officials
- 2025-03-17 [Polity & Governance] — Online entries open for National Panchayat Awards 2025
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj announced the opening of online entries for the National Panchayat Awards 2025 on March 24, 2025. The awards, revamped in 2022, are aligned with the 9 Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) themes and aim to assess Panchayat performance in attaining SDGs by 2030.More details
UPSC Angle: National Panchayat Awards align with Localization of Sustainable Development Goals.
Key Facts:
- Online entries for National Panchayat Awards 2025 open on March 24, 2025
- Awards are based on 9 LSDG themes aggregating 17 SDGs
- Awards aim to promote competitive spirit among Panchayats and catalyze LSDGs through Panchayati Raj Institutions
- Awards competition structure is multi-level pyramidical at Block, District, State/UT and National Level
- Panchayats will be ranked based on performance under 9 LSGD themes
- All Gram Panchayats have to mandatorily fill the Questionnaires under all 9 award themes
- 2025-03-06 [Schemes & Programs] — Ministry of Panchayati Raj launches initiative for Model Gram Panchayats
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched an initiative to develop one Model Gram Panchayat in each district that is women and girl-friendly, as part of International Women's Day 2025 celebrations. The initiative focuses on leadership development, health, education, sanitation, and economic empowerment of women at the grassroots level and is supported by international organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).More details
UPSC Angle: Initiative for Model Gram Panchayats that are women and girl-friendly.
Key Facts:
- Ministry of Panchayati Raj
- Initiative: Develop one Model Gram Panchayat per district that is women and girl-friendly
- Occasion: International Women's Day 2025 celebrations
- Focus: leadership development, health, education, sanitation, economic empowerment of women at the grassroots level
- Supported by: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- 2025-03-04 [Schemes & Programs] — Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyaan Launched to Empower Women in Panchayati Raj Institutions
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the "Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyaan" at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. This initiative aims to strengthen capacity building for women elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions across the country, promoting their leadership and effectiveness in local governance.More details
UPSC Angle: Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyaan launched to empower women in Panchayati Raj.
Key Facts:
- Scheme Name: Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyaan
- Launched by: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
- Launch Date: March 4, 2025
- Location: Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi
- Aim: Strengthening capacity building for women elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions
Implications of the 2027 Census Timeline
Focus: Items focusing on the administrative rescheduling of the Census to 2027 and the specific political and social demands attached to this new timeline.
UPSC Value: Understanding the interplay between census scheduling, delimitation exercises, and social justice demands is crucial for General Studies II (Polity & Governance).
4 news items in this theme:
- 2026-02-23 [Polity & Governance] — Women's Reservation Act Implementation Delay
The Women's Reservation Act, passed in September 2023, which promises one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, faces delayed implementation due to its linkage to future census and delimitation processes. Implementation before 2029 is impossible because the reservation depends on a future Census and delimitation process that will not be completed before then.More details
UPSC Angle: Women's Reservation Act implementation delayed due to census and delimitation.
Key Facts:
- Women's Reservation Act, 2023 provides one-third reservation for women
- Reservation cannot be implemented before 2029
- Implementation depends on a future Census and delimitation process
- The Act does not cover the Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Councils
- Other Backward Class women are not given separate quotas
- The Women's Reservation Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) mandates 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
- Implementation is linked to the first Census after 2026 and the subsequent delimitation exercise.
- Implementation is unlikely before 2034.
- 2026-02-05 [Society & Culture] — Denotified Tribes Demand Constitutional Recognition
Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) across India are requesting a separate column in the 2027 Census and constitutional recognition via a distinct Schedule, citing political misclassification and exclusion from welfare. These tribes face historical stigmatization and remain outside SC/ST/OBC classifications.More details
UPSC Angle: DNTs seek census column and constitutional recognition via distinct Schedule.
Key Facts:
- Demand separate column in 2027 caste census
- Demand constitutional recognition through a distinct Schedule
- Roughly 10 percent of the population are DNTs
- DNTs are demanding a separate column in the 2027 Census.
- DNTs seek constitutional recognition through a distinct Schedule.
- Approximately 267 DNT groups are outside SC/ST/OBC classifications.
- The Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) had low utilization, with only ₹69.3 crore spent out of ₹200 crore.
- SEED aims to provide free competitive exam coaching, health insurance, housing assistance, and livelihood initiatives.
- 2026-01-24 [Polity & Governance] — Delimitation After Census 2027
Delimitation after Census 2027 will be the most decisive redistribution of political power since Independence, determining Lok Sabha seat allocation, influencing women's reservation, reshaping coalition politics, and raising difficult questions on fairness, federalism, and democratic balance among Indian States. With Census 2027, the legal protection against seat redistribution expires, making delimitation unavoidable, marking the first inter-State redistribution since 1976.More details
UPSC Angle: Delimitation after Census 2027 will redistribute political power.
Key Facts:
- Delimitation
- Census 2027
- Seat redistribution
- First inter-State redistribution since 1976
- The delimitation exercise has been postponed until after the census that will be carried out after 2026.
- A delimitation commission will be set up after the 2027 census.
- Orders of the Delimitation Commission have the force of law and cannot be questioned before any court.
- The orders come into force on a date specified by the President of India.
- 2025-12-05 [Polity & Governance] — Delayed Census 2021 & Delimitation
The Census is being renamed to “Census 2027” (rather a delayed Census 2021). It enables the first Lok Sabha delimitation since 1976, frozen by the 84th Constitutional Amendment until “the first Census after 2026”. Women's reservation is dependent on delimitation, and the government's 2029 promise is mathematically impossible given delimitation's four-to-six-year track record.More details
UPSC Angle: Census 2021 delayed and renamed “Census 2027”, enabling delimitation.
Key Facts:
- Census 2027: Renamed census
- 1976: Last Lok Sabha delimitation
- 84th Constitutional Amendment: Froze delimitation until “the first Census after 2026”
- 4-6 years: Delimitation's track record time
Rising Suicide Trends and Agrarian Distress (2025-2026)
Focus: A collection of items detailing the surge in suicides among farmers and students as revealed by NCRB 2023 data, alongside judicial intervention.
UPSC Value: Critical for GS-1 (Social Issues) and GS-2 (Social Justice) to understand the magnitude of mental health crises and agrarian distress in India.
4 news items in this theme:
- 2026-01-01 [Society & Culture] — Farmer Suicides in India: NCRB Data Analysis
An analysis of NCRB data from 1995-2023 reveals over 3.9 lakh farmer and agricultural laborer suicides in India, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana accounting for over 70%. 2023 saw a 75% increase in farmer suicides compared to 2022, with agricultural laborers surpassing cultivators in suicide deaths for the first time.More details
UPSC Angle: NCRB data: Over 3.9 lakh farmer suicides in India (1995-2023).
Key Facts:
- Over 3.9 lakh farmer and agricultural laborer suicides occurred between 1995 and 2023
- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana accounted for over 70% of all suicides
- 2023 saw a 75% increase in farmer suicides compared to 2022, totaling 10,786 deaths
- 6,096 agricultural laborers suicides in 2023
- 4,690 cultivators suicides in 2023
- Over 3.9 lakh farmer and agricultural laborer suicides occurred between 1995 and 2023.
- 2023 saw a 75% increase in farmer suicides compared to 2022, totaling 10,786 deaths.
- 6,096 of the suicides in 2023 were agricultural labourers, exceeding cultivators for the first time.
- 2025-12-08 [Society & Culture] — Student Suicides Surge in India
Student suicides are increasing in India, with data showing a 65% rise over the past decade, which highlights the need for improved mental health support systems in schools. The recent death of a 16-year-old in Delhi has drawn attention to failures in addressing bullying and distress among students.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- NCRB data indicates a 65% increase in student suicides over a decade.
- 2025-10-21 [Society & Culture] — Supreme Court Addresses Rising Student Suicides in Higher Education
In September 2025, the Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognisance of rising student suicides in India's premier higher education institutions, including IITs, NITs, and central universities, following several tragic deaths reported over the past year.More details
UPSC Angle: Supreme Court takes cognisance of rising student suicides in higher education.
Key Facts:
- Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of rising student suicides
- In India's premier higher education institutions
- September 2025
- 2025-10-01 [Agriculture] — NCRB Report on Farmer Suicides in India
The NCRB's 2023 report reveals alarming trends in farmer suicides in India, with over 10,700 farmers and agricultural workers dying by suicide. Maharashtra and Karnataka recorded the highest numbers, accounting for 38.5% and 22.5% respectively. Farmer suicides accounted for 6.3% of all suicides in the country.More details
UPSC Angle: NCRB report on farmer suicides in India: alarming trends.
Key Facts:
- 10,786 farmers and agricultural workers died by suicide across India in 2023.
- Farmer suicides accounted for 6.3% of all suicides in the country.
- Maharashtra accounted for the largest share at 38.5%.
- Karnataka accounted for 22.5%.
Governance Challenges and Policy Contestation in Maharashtra (2025)
Focus: A series of events and academic analyses from 2025 focusing on administrative friction, public protests, and critical pushback against Maharashtra state government policies.
UPSC Value: Useful for analyzing the intersection of state-level governance, the role of civil society/unions in policy feedback, and the challenges of administrative decision-making in a federal structure.
4 news items in this theme:
- 2025-12-06 [Society & Culture] — Maharashtra Teachers Strike Over TET Norms
Approximately 1.8 lakh teachers across Maharashtra conducted a one-day strike on December 5, 2025, which led to the shutdown of over 95% of Zilla Parishad schools, 60% of municipal schools, and 75% of private aided schools. The strike was coordinated by 35 unions protesting TET norms and a government resolution on student-teacher ratio.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- 1.8 lakh: approximate number of teachers on strike
- December 5, 2025: date of the teachers' strike
- 2025-10-11 [Economy] — EPW Discusses Costs of School Education and Other Issues
The Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) Volume 60, Issue No. 41, dated October 11, 2025, includes articles on the costs of school education, policy drought in Maharashtra, millet alternatives, state finances in India, and the 1982–83 millworkers' strike. It also features analyses on secularism and civilizational conflict.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- EPW, Vol. 60, Issue No. 41, 11 Oct, 2025.
- Articles include: Costs of School Education, Policy Drought amid Deluge in Maharashtra, Rethinking Rice and Wheat: Millet Alternatives, State Finances in India.
- 2025-06-30 [Polity & Governance] — Mumbai Protest Against Maharashtra Public Safety Bill
Thousands gathered at Mumbai's Azad Maidan on June 30 to protest against the Maharashtra Special Public Safety Bill, adding to the year's widespread public mobilizations across India concerning various social, economic, and political issues.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Mass mobilization at Azad Maidan against Maharashtra Special Public Safety Bill
- 2025-06-02 [Society & Culture] — Maharashtra Withdraws Livestock Market Ban for Bakri Eid
The Maharashtra government has withdrawn an order by the state cattle welfare commission to close all livestock markets between June 3 and June 8, ahead of Bakri Eid on June 7. The government also approved a proposal to modernize the 54-year-old Deonar abattoir in Mumbai.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Bakri Eid: June 7, 2025
- Maharashtra Goseva Ayog issued circular to close livestock markets from June 3 to June 8
- Circular withdrawn after opposition from the Muslim community
- Modernization of 54-year-old Deonar abattoir in Mumbai approved
Bihar 2025 Political and Electoral Dynamics
Focus: Events concerning political alliances, electoral controversies, and government formation in Bihar during the 2025 election cycle.
UPSC Value: Analyzes the complexities of state-level coalition politics, the impact of alliance stability on governance, and the constitutional process of cabinet formation.
4 news items in this theme:
- 2025-11-20 [Polity & Governance] — Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM for record 10th time
Nitish Kumar, JD(U) president, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar for a record 10th time at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. The NDA government has inducted nine new faces into the Cabinet, including LJP (RV)'s Sanjay Kumar Singh.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM for 10th time
- Location: Gandhi Maidan, Patna
- Nine new faces inducted into the Cabinet
- Sanjay Kumar Singh of LJP (RV) included in cabinet
- 2025-10-21 [Polity & Governance] — JMM Withdraws from Bihar Assembly Elections
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has decided not to contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar, accusing INDIA bloc allies Congress and RJD of failing to uphold coalition “dharma”. The party had earlier announced plans to contest six seats.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM): Party withdrawing from Bihar elections
- Bihar: State where elections are being held
- Congress and RJD: INDIA bloc allies
- 6: Number of seats JMM initially planned to contest
- 2025-08-10 [Polity & Governance] — Tejashwi Yadav Claims Bihar Deputy CM Has Multiple EPIC Numbers
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged that Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha is registered as a voter in two separate Assembly constituencies with different ages listed, using EPIC numbers on the ECI website as evidence.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Tejashwi Yadav
- Bihar
- Deputy Chief Minister
- Vijay Kumar Sinha
- EPIC numbers
- two separate Assembly constituencies
- ECI website
- 2025-04-20 [Polity & Governance] — Congress Criticizes JD(U)-BJP Alliance in Bihar
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized the alliance between the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Bihar. He termed the alliance as “opportunistic” and alleged that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar switches sides for kursi (chair).More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the JD(U)-BJP alliance in Bihar.
- He described the alliance as “opportunistic”.
- Nitish Kumar was accused of switching sides for kursi (chair).
Census 2027 and Identity Enumeration Debates
Focus: Administrative decisions, demands, and controversies regarding the methodology of counting caste and tribal identities in the upcoming Census.
UPSC Value: Crucial for understanding the political and administrative complexities of the Census, specifically regarding the demand for Caste and PVTG data.
4 news items in this theme:
- 2025-09-28 [Society & Culture] — Karnataka's Caste Survey 2025
Karnataka's Caste Survey 2025 covers around 1,400 castes across the state, including sub-castes. Controversial inclusions of Christian sub-castes have sparked objections. Dominant communities fear dilution of their population share, which underpins their political bargaining power.More details
UPSC Angle: Karnataka's Caste Survey 2025 covers 1,400 castes.
Key Facts:
- Karnataka's Caste Survey 2025
- Covers around 1,400 castes
- Includes Christian sub-castes
- Veerashaiva-Lingayats, Vokkaligas fear dilution of population share
- 2025-09-05 [Polity & Governance] — PVTGs to be enumerated separately in upcoming census
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has requested the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India to conduct a separate enumeration of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in the forthcoming census. This initiative aims to record the number of PVTG households and individuals, along with their specific demographic and socio-economic data, which will aid in the effective formulation and implementation of schemes targeting PVTGs, including the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Mahabhiyan (PM JANMAN).More details
UPSC Angle: PVTGs to be enumerated separately in upcoming census.
Key Facts:
- Number of PVTGs: 75
- States/UTs with PVTGs: 18 states and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Estimated PVTG population (2023): 47.5 lakh
- Largest PVTG population: Madhya Pradesh (13.22 lakh)
- PM JANMAN scheme allocation: ₹24,104 crore
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs has asked Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India to enumerate PVTGs separately.
- Upcoming census will record PVTG household numbers, individual numbers, and their demographic and socio-economic data.
- This data will be used for schemes targeting PVTGs, such as Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Mahabhiyan (PM JANMAN).
- PVTGs were first identified as a separate category within Scheduled Tribes (ST) by the Dhebar Commission of 1960-61.
- PVTGs are identified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs from within the Scheduled Tribes (ST) based on declining population, geographical isolation, pre-agrarian practices, economic backwardness, and low literacy.
- 2025-06-23 [Polity & Governance] — Census Data Reveals Identity Suppression of Adivasi Faiths
The 2027 Census notification has been criticised for ignoring caste enumeration and the demand by Adivasi/Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities for the recognition of their distinct faiths. In the 2011 Census, only 79 lakh (0.66%) individuals registered under 'Other Religious Persuasion' (ORP), while the ST population was 10.43 crore (8.6%), indicating widespread forced misidentification.More details
UPSC Angle: Census 2027: Adivasi faith recognition demand ignored.
Key Facts:
- 2027 Census: Criticised for ignoring caste enumeration
- 2011 Census: 10.43 crore (8.6%) ST population
- 79 lakh (0.66%) registered under ORP in 2011 Census
- 2025-05-02 [Polity & Governance] — Union Cabinet Approves Caste Enumeration in Upcoming Census
The Union Cabinet approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming Census. This marks the first caste-based count in Independent India's Census. A caste census refers to the enumeration of all castes, not just SCs and STs, during the national Census.More details
UPSC Angle: Cabinet approves caste enumeration in upcoming Census.
Key Facts:
- Union Cabinet approved caste enumeration in upcoming Census
- First caste-based count in Independent India's Census
- Last full caste-based enumeration was in 1931
- Approval: Inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming Census
- Caste census: Refers to the enumeration of all castes, not just SCs and STs, during the national Census
- Aim: Gather comprehensive data on social structure, particularly regarding OBCs and other unlisted castes
- Conducted with statutory backing by: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Census Act, 1948
- 1931: Last full caste-based enumeration conducted under British rule
- Post-1947: Indian Censuses recorded only SCs and STs, excluding broader caste data
- 2011 SECC: A Socio-Economic and Caste Census was conducted outside the main Census, lacked legal authority, and its caste data was never officially released
Bihar 2025 Electoral and Political Landscape
Focus: Administrative, technological, and political developments occurring within the 2025 election cycle in Bihar, including urban and assembly polls.
UPSC Value: Illustrates the multi-dimensional nature of state-level governance, covering electoral technology (e-voting), administrative accuracy (electoral rolls), and coalition politics (seat-sharing).
3 news items in this theme:
- 2025-10-12 [Polity & Governance] — NDA Announces Bihar Seat-Sharing Formula
On October 12, 2025, the NDA announced its seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls. The BJP and JDU will contest 101 seats each out of 243. LJP (Ram Vilas) gets 29 seats, while Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha get 6 seats each.More details
UPSC Angle: NDA announces seat-sharing arrangement for Bihar Assembly polls.
Key Facts:
- Bihar Assembly polls
- BJP: 101 seats
- JDU: 101 seats
- LJP (Ram Vilas): 29 seats
- Rashtriya Lok Morcha: 6 seats
- Hindustani Awam Morcha: 6 seats
- Total Assembly seats: 243
- 2025-08-02 [Polity & Governance] — Tejashwi Yadav alleges missing name from electoral draft
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav claimed that his name was missing from Bihar's draft electoral rolls published by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on August 1, 2025, calling it a murder of democracy. The Patna district administration clarified that his name is registered.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Tejashwi Yadav: RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister
- Allegation: Name missing from Bihar's draft electoral rolls
- Publication date of electoral rolls: August 1, 2025
- Published by: Election Commission of India (ECI)
- 2025-06-19 [Polity & Governance] — Bihar to adopt e-voting for urban polls
Bihar is set to become the first state in the country to adopt electronic voting or e-voting for urban polls. The Bihar State Election Commission has decided to roll out an e-voting system using an Android-based mobile platform for the upcoming municipal and urban body elections scheduled later this month. The process will rely on two Android based mobile applications, one developed by CDAC and the other by the Bihar State Election Commission under the name eoting SECBHR.More details
UPSC Angle: Bihar to adopt e-voting for urban polls.
Key Facts:
- The system has been equipped with robust features like blockchain technology livveness detection and facial verification which includes a face match, live scan and comparison.
Surge in Indian Microfinance Delinquencies (FY 2024-25)
Focus: Specific reports and statistical data documenting the sharp rise in loan defaults and delinquency rates within India's microfinance sector during the 2024-25 financial year.
UPSC Value: Critical for understanding the stability of the rural economy, the health of NBFC-MFIs, and the challenges of financial inclusion and credit discipline in the informal sector.
3 news items in this theme:
- 2025-10-11 [Economy] — Microfinance Loan Defaults Surge in 2024–25
Microfinance loan defaults in India have risen sharply in FY 2024–25, according to Sa-Dhan's Bharat Microfinance Report 2025. Sa-Dhan is India's self-regulatory body for microfinance institutions (MFIs).More details
UPSC Angle: Microfinance loan defaults surged in 2024–25.
Key Facts:
- Report: Sa-Dhan’s Bharat Microfinance Report 2025
- Sa-Dhan: India's self-regulatory body for microfinance institutions (MFIs)
- 2025-10-11 [Economy] — Rising Delinquency in Microfinance Loans
The delinquency rate of microfinance loans in India has increased in 2024-25, particularly among rural borrowers, as per Sa-Dhan's Bharat Microfinance Report 2025. Overall Delinquency: 30+ days overdue: 6.2% (up from 2.1% in 2023-24), 90+ days overdue: 4.8% (up from 1.6% in 2023-24).More details
UPSC Angle: Rising Delinquency in Microfinance Loans.
Key Facts:
- Overall Delinquency: 30+ days overdue: 6.2% (up from 2.1% in 2023-24).
- 90+ days overdue: 4.8% (up from 1.6% in 2023-24).
- Bihar: ₹57,712 crore outstanding; 7.2% 30+ days overdue; 4.6% 90+ days overdue.
- Rural borrowers: 6.4% 30+ days overdue.
- Semi-urban: 6.1% 30+ days overdue.
- Urban: 6% 30+ days overdue.
- 2025-05-27 [Economy] — Microfinance Loan Delinquencies Surge in FY2025
India's microfinance sector experienced a significant increase in loan delinquencies, rising by 163% to reach Rs 43,075 crore in FY2025, posing challenges for financial institutions serving low-income individuals who are typically excluded from traditional banking services. Microfinance includes microloans, savings, insurance, and remittance services, mostly extended by NBFC-MFIs, Small Finance Banks (SFBs), and banks.More details
UPSC Angle: Microfinance loan delinquencies surge in FY2025, posing challenges.
Key Facts:
- Surge in microfinance loan delinquencies in FY2025: 163%
- Amount of microfinance loan delinquencies in FY2025: Rs 43,075 crore
- RBI definition of microfinance loan: Collateral-free loan to household with annual income up to ₹3,00,000
- India's microfinance sector
- 163% surge in loan delinquencies
- Rs 43,075 crore in loan delinquencies in FY2025
- NBFC-MFIs
- Small Finance Banks (SFBs)
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- microfinance loan: a collateral-free loan provided to a household with an annual income up to ₹3,00,000
Bihar 2025: Administrative and Electoral Friction
Focus: The items collectively illustrate the growing political contestation of administrative processes and electoral preparations in Bihar as the state approaches the 2025 Assembly elections.
UPSC Value: This thread highlights the critical intersection of administrative integrity and political trust in the lead-up to state elections, a key aspect of Indian governance and electoral reforms (GS Paper II).
3 news items in this theme:
- 2025-09-08 [Polity & Governance] — Opposition wary of SIR in Bihar due to thin vote margins in the past
Opposition parties in Bihar are aggressively campaigning against the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, driven by concerns from the 2020 Assembly election where they lost seats by narrow margins.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Bihar
- special intensive revision (SIR)
- 2020 Assembly election
- thin vote margins
- 2025-07-19 [Polity & Governance] — CPI(M) opposes Special Intensive Revision in Bihar
The CPI(M) is protesting the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar, calling it a 'back door' entry of NRC, and plans to hold a protest on August 8.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- CPI(M) is protesting Special Intensive Revision in Bihar.
- 2025-07-18 [Polity & Governance] — The Indian Express Editorial: Governance Challenges in Bihar
The Indian Express editorial discusses the governance challenges in Bihar, highlighting a regression in law and order, administrative efficiency, and public confidence due to election-year pressures. It emphasizes the need for prioritizing governance over politics, strengthening institutions, and creating long-term development visions.More details
UPSC Angle: Not exam-relevant
Key Facts:
- Bihar is experiencing a regression in law and order, administrative efficiency, and public confidence.
Targeted National Skilling and Vocational Training Schemes
Focus: New central government initiatives launched in 2025 specifically aimed at enhancing employability through vocational training for distinct demographics (youth, minorities, rural volunteers).
UPSC Value: Useful for analyzing the government's multi-pronged approach to the demographic dividend and unemployment through sector-specific skilling missions.
3 news items in this theme:
- 2025-07-19 [Schemes & Programs] — Union Minister Launches Skill Training Project under PM-VIKAS Scheme
Union Minister of State George Kurian launched a skill training and women entrepreneurship development project under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat ka Samvardhan (PM-VIKAS) scheme at IIIT Kottayam in Kerala. A MoU was signed between the Ministry of Minority Affairs and IIIT, Kottayam, to train 450 candidates from minority communities.More details
UPSC Angle: Skill training project launched under PM-VIKAS scheme at IIIT Kottayam.
Key Facts:
- Skill training and women entrepreneurship development project launched under PM-VIKAS scheme
- Launched at IIIT Kottayam, Kerala
- MoU signed between Ministry of Minority Affairs and IIIT, Kottayam
- 450 candidates from minority communities to be trained
- 2025-05-08 [Schemes & Programs] — ITI Upgradation and National Skilling Centres Scheme
The Union Cabinet approved a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with an outlay of ₹60,000 crore to upgrade 1,000 Government ITIs and establish five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling over five years, aiming to skill 20 lakh youth and align vocational training with industry needs. The scheme, announced under the Budget 2024–25 and 2025–26, will be co-financed by the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, sharing 50% of the central contribution.More details
UPSC Angle: ITI upgradation and National Skilling Centres Scheme approved.
Key Facts:
- Outlay of ₹60,000 crore.
- Central Share: ₹30,000 crore.
- State Share: ₹20,000 crore.
- Industry Share: ₹10,000 crore.
- Aims to upgrade 1,000 Government ITIs.
- Establish five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling.
- Aims to skill 20 lakh youth.
- 2025-04-14 [Schemes & Programs] — Skill for Seva Scheme
The Indian government launched a new scheme called “Skill for Seva,” aimed at encouraging youth to take up skill-based volunteering in rural areas.More details
UPSC Angle: Skill for Seva scheme encourages skill-based volunteering in rural areas.
Key Facts:
- Scheme name: Skill for Seva
- Objective: Encouraging youth to take up skill-based volunteering in rural areas
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