Jan 10 2025

The Prime Minister inaugurated the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention at Bhubaneswar, Odisha on January 9, 2025. The theme for this year was the “Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat”. 

About Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

  • Initiated: 2003 by the Government of India under PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
  • Frequency: Celebrated biennially on January 9th.
  • Significance of the Date:
    • Marks Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915.
    • Symbolizes the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s development and freedom struggle.
  • The primary goals of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas are:
    • To commemorate the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s development
    • To create a better understanding of India abroad
    • To support India’s causes and work for the welfare of local Indian communities worldwide
    • To provide a platform for overseas Indians to engage with the government and people of their ancestral land.  
  • Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award: An award called The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is given out as part of the programme. 
    • It is the highest honour conferred on a Non-Resident Indian, Person of Indian Origin; or an organisation or institution established and run by them.
  • Key Initiatives in 2025
    • Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana: Special trains for diaspora tourists to explore India’s heritage.
    • Diaspora Heritage Documentation: Efforts to preserve stories of migration (e.g., Mandvi to Muscat).
    • Thrust on Technology: Highlighting diaspora contributions in tech innovations.
    • Cultural Outreach: Emphasis on Ramayana, Odisha’s heritage, and Tamil cultural connections (e.g., Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centers).

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About Diaspora

  • The term “diaspora” is derived from the Greek words dia (meaning “through”) and speiro (meaning “to scatter”), signifying dispersion or scattering.
  • Initially, the term was used exclusively for the Jewish dispersion, but now it applies to any group maintaining cultural identity despite being scattered across different regions.
  • The key elements of a diaspora include collective memory, cultural retention, integration into host societies, and a persistent sense of connection to the homeland.

Historical Evolution of Indian Diaspora

Indian Diaspora

  • Ancient Migration: The first recorded migration from India was the movement of the Romani people from Rajasthan to Eastern Europe during the 1st century AD.
    • Around 500 AD, the Chola Empire facilitated migration to Southeast Asia, influencing regions such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
  • Colonial Era (19th–20th Century): The Old Diaspora began during the early 19th century, following the abolition of slavery in 1833, and lasted until the mid-20th century.
    • The indentured labor system transported Indians to work in sugar and rubber plantations in colonies like Mauritius, Trinidad, Fiji, and Suriname. This system was abolished in 1916, but by then over 1.5 million Indians had migrated.
  • New Diaspora (Post-1960s): The New Diaspora began after the 1960s and involved migration to developed countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, driven by demand for skilled professionals.
    • Policies such as the Hart-Celler Act (1965) in the US and the Points System (1968) in Canada facilitated skilled immigration.
  • Gulf Diaspora (Post-1970s): The Gulf Diaspora emerged during the 1970s oil boom, with semi-skilled and unskilled labor migrating to Gulf countries under temporary contractual schemes.
    • This group faced limited rights and no naturalization policies in host countries.
  • Modern Period: Globalization and advancements in technology spurred skilled migration.
    • India’s IT boom of the 1990s significantly contributed to Indian migration to countries like the USA.

Categories of Indian Diaspora

The Indian diaspora can also be categorized based on legal definitions and their connection to India, such as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)

  • Non-Resident Indian (NRI)

    • Definition: An Indian citizen who resides outside India for employment, business, or any other purpose for an uncertain duration.
    • Key Characteristics:
      • Holds an Indian passport.
      • Enjoys voting rights and the ability to purchase property in India (except agricultural land).
      • Tax liability depends on the duration of their stay in India (less than 182 days in a financial year to maintain NRI status).
  • Person of Indian Origin (PIO)

    • Definition: A foreign citizen (other than Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal) who:
      • At any time held an Indian passport, or
      • Is the child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of an Indian citizen, or
      • Is a spouse of an Indian citizen or a PIO.
    • Key Characteristics:
      • PIO status was merged with OCI in 2015; all PIO cardholders are now considered OCIs.
      • Earlier, PIOs had limited access to India-specific benefits compared to OCIs.

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  • Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)

    • Definition: A foreign national of Indian origin who is registered as an OCI cardholder under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
    • Key Characteristics:
      • OCI cardholders enjoy visa-free travel to India and other benefits such as property ownership (except agricultural land).
      • Cannot vote, hold public office, or take government jobs in India.
      • Merged with the PIO scheme in 2015 to streamline privileges.

Comparison of NRI, PIO, and OCI

Feature NRI PIO (Merged into OCI) OCI
Definition Indian citizens residing abroad. Foreign citizen of Indian origin. Foreign nationals registered as OCI.
Citizenship Indian passport holder. Held foreign citizenship and PIO card. Foreign citizenship; OCI cardholder.
Voting Rights Yes No No
Government Jobs Yes No No
Visa Requirement Not required Required earlier; now merged into OCI. Visa-free lifelong entry to India.
Eligibility for Citizenship Already an Indian citizen. 7 years’ residence in India. 5 years as OCI and 1 year residence.

Significance of the Indian Diaspora

The Indian diaspora, with over 35 million individuals spread across 125 countries, plays a crucial role in shaping India’s global influence, economy, and cultural heritage.

  • Economic Contributions

    • Remittances: India received $129.1 billion (14.3% of global remittances) in remittances in 2024, which was the highest ever for a country in a single year. 
      • Remittances from countries like the USA, UAE, and the UK help alleviate poverty, fund education, and support infrastructure in India, especially in states like Kerala and Punjab.
    • Trade and Investment: Diaspora members facilitate trade and promote investments in India.
      • Indian-American entrepreneurs, such as Sundar Pichai (Google) and Satya Nadella (Microsoft), contribute to India’s tech partnerships and global branding.
    • Labor Force and Foreign Exchange: Workers in the Gulf contribute significantly to India’s foreign exchange reserves.
      • Example: The Gulf diaspora, primarily from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, sends billions in remittances annually.

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  • Cultural Diplomacy

    • Promotion of Indian Culture: The diaspora actively preserves and promotes Indian traditions, languages, festivals, yoga, and Ayurveda worldwide.
      • Example: Ramlila performances in Indonesia, Diwali celebrations in the UK Parliament, and International Yoga Day events globally highlight India’s cultural heritage.
    • Global Recognition: Diaspora contributions have led to recognition of Indian practices.
      • Example: UNESCO’s inclusion of yoga as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
    • Representation in Arts and Literature: Indian-origin artists and writers enhance India’s cultural image.
      • Example: Writers like Salman Rushdie and Jhumpa Lahiri bring Indian narratives to the global stage.
  • Political Influence

    • Lobbying for India’s Interests: The diaspora lobbies host governments for policies favorable to India.
      • Example: Indian-American organizations advocated for the US-India nuclear deal in 2008.
    • Representation in Host Countries: Indian-origin leaders hold key political positions, showcasing India’s influence.
      • Example: Kamala Harris (USA), Rishi Sunak (UK), and António Costa (Portugal).
    • Diplomatic Bridges: The diaspora strengthens India’s bilateral relations with host countries.
      • Example: In Canada, the Indian diaspora contributes to robust trade and cultural ties.
  • Social and Knowledge Contributions

    • Human Capital and Expertise: Skilled Indian professionals enhance global industries while strengthening India’s reputation for talent.
      • Example: Indian doctors and nurses are integral to healthcare systems in the UK and USA.
    • Knowledge Transfer: Diaspora members share expertise and promote innovation in India.
      • Example: The Global Innovation and Technology Alliance facilitates knowledge sharing between Indian-origin professionals abroad and startups in India.
    • Philanthropy and Education: Diaspora organizations fund social welfare and educational initiatives in India.
      • Example: The American India Foundation (AIF) supports educational programs and disaster relief in India.
  • Global Image Building

    • Enhancing India’s Soft Power: Diaspora success stories highlight India’s potential as a global leader in innovation and culture.
      • Example: Indian-origin CEOs like Sundar Pichai and Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo) improve India’s global image.
    • Countering Stereotypes: The diaspora challenges outdated perceptions of India as a developing nation.
      • Example: The Indian community’s economic and social achievements in the USA and UK reinforce India’s modern identity.

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  • Strategic and Diplomatic Significance

    • Strengthening Global Alliances: The diaspora helps advance India’s foreign policy goals.
      • Example: Diaspora lobbying contributed to India’s support for the African Union’s G20 membership.
    • Crisis Support: Diaspora contributions during crises demonstrate solidarity with India.
      • Example: During COVID-19, Indian-origin communities abroad sent medical supplies, oxygen concentrators, and financial aid.
    • Strategic Presence: Large Indian communities in countries like the USA, UAE, and the UK serve as valuable assets in India’s global engagements.

Challenges Faced by the Indian Diaspora

  • Social Challenges

    • Discrimination and Racism: Many diaspora members face racial prejudice and xenophobia in host countries.
      • Example: Indian students in Australia experienced racially motivated attacks in 2009–2010.
    • Integration Issues: Cultural differences and stereotypes hinder integration into the host society.
      • Example: Diaspora communities in Europe often face barriers in blending with local cultures due to language and traditions.
    • Identity Crisis: Younger generations often struggle to balance their Indian heritage with the culture of their host country.
      • Example: Indian-origin youth in the USA sometimes experience identity conflicts between their Indian upbringing and American lifestyle.
  • Political and Legal Challenges

    • Lack of Political Representation: In many countries, Indians lack sufficient political voice to address community issues.
      • Example: In Gulf nations, Indian workers have no voting rights or political representation.
    • Restrictive Immigration Policies: Host countries periodically tighten visa and immigration laws.
      • Example: The USA has imposed restrictions on the H-1B visa program, affecting skilled Indian professionals.
    • Legal Restrictions: Indian-origin individuals in Gulf countries face limited rights to own property or attain citizenship.
      • Example: Migrants in Saudi Arabia cannot acquire citizenship, regardless of how long they reside there.
  • Geopolitical Challenges

    • Impact of Global Conflicts: Diaspora communities often face hostility in host countries during geopolitical crises.
      • Example: Indian students in Ukraine faced severe hardships during the Russia-Ukraine war, requiring evacuation.
    • Polarization in Host Countries: Rising nationalism and xenophobia in Western nations, as seen in Brexit-era UK or during the US-China trade war, have created challenges for Indian-origin communities.

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  • Economic Challenges

    • Exploitation in Employment: Migrant workers, particularly in the Gulf, face poor working conditions, low wages, and limited job security.
      • Example: Construction workers in Qatar have reported exploitative practices under the Kafala system.
    • Brain Drain: Skilled professionals migrating abroad lead to a loss of talent in critical sectors within India.
      • Example: India faces shortages of healthcare workers due to the emigration of doctors and nurses to developed countries.
  • Cultural Challenges

    • Erosion of Heritage: The younger diaspora generations often lose touch with Indian culture, language, and traditions.
      • Example: Indian-origin communities in Trinidad and Fiji report challenges in preserving Hindi and Tamil languages.
    • Cultural Conflicts: Host communities sometimes perceive Indian cultural practices as alien or outdated.
      • Example: Practices such as arranged marriages and vegetarianism can create misunderstandings in Western societies.
  • Challenges with India

    • Limited Government Support: Indian missions abroad are sometimes criticized for inadequate support to distressed diaspora members.
      • Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were delays in repatriating stranded Indian workers from Gulf countries.
    • Inconsistent Policy Frameworks: Lack of clear policies to address the needs of overseas Indians and streamline their investments or contributions.
      • Example: PIO and OCI schemes caused confusion before they were merged in 2015.
    • High Costs of Remittance Transfers: Transaction fees for sending remittances to India remain high, especially for low-income workers.

Key Initiatives of the Indian Government Related to the Indian Diaspora

  • Know India Program (KIP): Aims to connect diaspora youth (18–30 years) with their Indian roots through educational and cultural programs.
  • India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF-OI): Encourages philanthropic contributions from the diaspora for social and development projects in India.
  • E-Migrate Portal: Simplifies and regulates overseas employment for Indian workers, particularly in Gulf countries.
  • Vande Bharat Mission (VBM): A massive repatriation initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic to bring stranded Indians back from abroad.
  • Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana:
    • Organizes pilgrimage tours for older members of the diaspora to visit significant religious and cultural sites in India.
  • Inter-Governmental Labour Migration Agreements: These agreements provide an overarching framework for cooperation on labor and manpower issues. 
    • They also include provisions for implementation through a Joint Working Group, where worker-related issues are discussed in periodic meetings.
  • Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY): It is an insurance scheme available to all Indian workers emigrating from India, requiring a nominal premium payment made to insurance companies.

Way Forward for Strengthening Diaspora Engagement

  • Strengthen Consular Support: Enhance services through Indian embassies, especially for workers in Gulf countries, to address issues like exploitation and emergencies.
  • Promote Diaspora Investments: Create incentives and streamlined procedures for diaspora-led investments in India, particularly in infrastructure and startups.
  • Cultural and Educational Outreach: Expand programs like the Know India Program (KIP) and Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz to involve younger generations in Indian culture and heritage.
  • Policy Alignment: Develop a comprehensive diaspora policy to address their needs, simplify OCI-related issues, and ensure effective implementation.
  • Leveraging Soft Power: Utilize the diaspora’s achievements in fields like IT, healthcare, and politics to enhance India’s global influence and soft power.
  • Collaboration in Skill Development: Partner with host countries for skilling initiatives to ensure the diaspora remains competitive in global markets.

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Conclusion

The Indian diaspora is a vital bridge between India and the world, contributing to economic growth, cultural preservation, and global influence. In the context of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2025, celebrating the diaspora’s role in shaping a “Viksit Bharat” reinforces India’s commitment to engaging with its global community while acknowledging their invaluable contributions.

The much-awaited Flamingo Festival 2025′ will be conducted at Sullurpeta in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh from January 18 to 20.

Flamingo Festival

 

  • More than 200 varieties of birds are expected to fly to this region during this season. 
  • Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is flocked by grey pelicans, spoonbill storks, cormorants, open bill storks and others from the Southeast Asian region during this season. 

About Flamingo Distribution

  • It is found in tropical and subtropical areas.
  • In India, 2 species of flamingos are found. These are Greater flamingo and Lesser flamingo.

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Details about different Flamingo species, their conservation status and features

Species Distribution IUCN Status Distinctive Features
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) Africa, Europe, and Asia (India) Least Concern

CITES → Appendix II

Largest flamingo species, pale pink plumage
Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) South America Near Threatened Similar to Greater Flamingo but with a darker pink hue
American or Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) Caribbean, South America, and Florida Near Threatened Bright pink plumage, long, slender neck
Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) Africa and India Near Threatened

CITES → Appendix II

Smallest flamingo species, bright pink plumage
Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) Andes Mountains in South America Vulnerable Yellow legs and feet, red spot between nostrils
James’s or Puna Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi) Andes Mountains in South America Near Threatened All-black flight feathers, unique bill shape

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Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary

Introduction

  • Named after the village – ‘Nelapattu’, located just adjoining in the Sanctuary in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh is this wetland mainly for migratory water birds.
  • The farmers of Nelapattu and their bird visitors have a symbiotic relationship.
  • The bird ‘Guano’ (waste matter) acts as a natural fertilizer to the crops and the villagers in turn protect the birds.

Uniqueness

  • The largest breeding ground for the Grey pelicans in South East Asia, with approximately 1,500 pelicans breeding every year. 
  • The local people of Nelapattu, Muchalagunta, Mylangam, etc; protect the birds as “celestial birds”, as their arrival brings good rains and good crops.

Forest Type

  • Southern Dry Evergreen Scrub, Barringtonia swamp forests, Grassland and wetland.

Flora

  • Plants like Buchnania angustifolia, barringtonia actutangula, Acacia arabica, Albizzia amara, Borassus flabellifer, Euphorbia antiquorum, etc; are a few of the dominant species in this wetland Sanctuary.

Fauna

  • Scorpion fish, Cat fish, Fresh water silark; etc; account for the amazing fish fauna.
  • The birds also feed on prawns found in the water.
  • Spot billed pelican, Grey frigate bids, Black bittern, Lesser whistling teal, Black capped kingfisher, Whimbrel, Painted snipe, Spotted sand piper, Gull billed tern, Orange breasted green pigeon, Indian pitta, Loten’s sunbird, Ashy minivet, Shama, etc; are to name a few. 
  • The mammalian life is represented by Jackal, Black napped hare, Jungle cat, etc.

External Affairs Minister of India acknowledged the challenges of granting dual citizenship to Indians abroad.

What is Dual Citizenship?

  • Dual citizenship means an individual is legally recognized as a citizen of two or more countries simultaneously, based on the respective laws of those countries.
  • There is no global standard for determining citizenship, and laws governing citizenship vary from country to country, sometimes conflicting with one another.
  • Examples of countries allowing dual citizenship: The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia
  • Rights of Dual Citizens
    • A person with dual citizenship enjoys the rights associated with citizenship in both countries, including:
      • The right to hold a passport.
      • The right to reside, work, and own property in both countries.
      • The right to vote and participate in political processes.

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Benefits of Dual Citizenship Cons of Dual Citizenship
  • Ease of Global Mobility
    • Some passports restrict travel to specific countries, requiring additional visas.
    • A second passport increases travel flexibility and removes bureaucratic hurdles.
  • Business Opportunities
    • Dual citizenship simplifies business transactions and opens up economic opportunities in the second country.
  • Security
    • A second passport provides a backup plan in case of political, economic, or social instability in one’s home country.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life
    • Dual citizens may gain access to better healthcare, education, and overall lifestyle benefits in the second country.
  • Divided Loyalties: It can cause conflicting allegiance in times of international tension. 
  • Complex legal obligation: dual citizens are subject to laws and regulations of both the nations. 
    • It can comprise tax obligations and  military service requirements. 
  • Security concerns: There can be an issue of security concern if any individual from an enemy nation holds citizenship.  
  • Exploitation of resources:  Dual citizenship may give people the right to take economic benefits from both nations without full commitment.
    • It can lead to exploitation of resources. 
  • Diplomatic issues: Contradictory rules of disputes with respect to dual citizenship can create tension between the countries involved. 

India’s Stance on Dual Citizenship

  • Indian Context
    • The Indian Constitution does not allow dual citizenship.
    • Under the Passports Act of 1967:
      • Indian citizens must surrender their passports upon acquiring foreign nationality.
      • India then offers an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status to individuals of Indian origin who acquire foreign citizenship.
        • It provides various benefits but not full political rights.
        • OCI is mentioned in Section 7A of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
        • OCI Benefits
          • OCI cardholders enjoy benefits such as:
            • Visa-free travel to India.
            • Permission to work and reside in India.
            • Economic privileges similar to Indian citizens, except for voting and holding public office.

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Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

  • NRIs are Indian nationals holding Indian passports.
  • They have all rights of Indian citizens except the right to vote abroad. 
  • They retain Indian citizenship and are governed by Part II of the Constitution (Articles 5-11). 
  • NRIs can register to vote in India under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, but they must be physically present in their constituency to vote

People of Indian Origin (PIOs)

  • PIOs are not Indian nationals and do not have political rights in India.

Difference 

Feature NRI (Non-Resident Indian) PIO (Person of Indian Origin)
Citizenship Indian Citizen Citizen of another country
Residency Resides outside India for an extended period Foreign national of Indian origin
Legal Status Retains Indian citizenship Not an Indian citizen
Voting Rights Eligible to vote in Indian elections Not eligible to vote in Indian elections
Public Office Eligible to hold public office in India Not eligible to hold public office in India
Visa Requirements Generally requires a visa to visit India Can visit India visa-free for a certain period
Property Rights Can own and purchase property in India Can own and purchase most types of property in India
Investment Rights Can invest in India Can invest in India with some restrictions
Taxation Taxed on income earned in India Taxed according to their country of residence

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The World Economic Forum’s bi-annual Future of Jobs Report 2025 edition has been released recently.

About the Future of Jobs Report 2025

  • Aim: The report highlights evolving technological, societal and economic trends to understand occupational disruption and identify opportunities for workers to transition to the jobs of the future.
  • Future of JobsDataset: The Report is a result of an unique dataset derived from an extensive survey of 1,000 leading global employers, across 22 industry clusters and 55 economies
  • Key Highlights:
    • As per the report,170 million new jobs will be created by 2030 while 92 million are projected to be displaced.  
      • The  job disruption will equate to 22 per cent of jobs by 2030.
    • Drivers: The major drivers expected to shape and transform the global labour market by 2030 are,
      • Technological Change: AI and information processing technologies (81%) will have the biggest impact followed by Robots and autonomous systems (58%) and energy generation and storage technologies (41%) to transform their business by 2030
      • Geoeconomic Fragmentation: Increasing protectionist measures by governments globally like imposing trade and investment restrictions, increasing subsidies etc pose a medium-term risk to global economic growth reducing opportunities for open innovation and technology transfer
      • Economic Uncertainty: Easing inflation and looser monetary policy offers some optimism but slow growth and political volatility keep many countries at risk of economic shocks.
      • Demographic Shifts: The report indicates that 40% of employers worldwide, aging and declining working-age populations are driving transformation, while 25% are being transformed by growing working-age populations.
      • Green Transition: Industries such as Automotive and Aerospace, and Mining and Metals will undergo significant organizational transformation as workers will go for upskilling and reskilling to transition to alternative jobs as they move toward decarbonisation. 

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Top 10 Fastest Growing Jobs By 2030 

  • Big data specialists
  • FinTech engineers
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning specialists
  • Software and applications developers
  • Security management specialists
  • Data warehousing specialists
  • Autonomous and electric vehicle specialists
  • UI and UX designers
  • Light truck or delivery services drivers
  • Internet of things specialists

      • Trends in Skill Sets: The skill sets that will see a rise in the next few years between 2025 and 2030 are AI, big data, cybersecurity, creative thinking, multilingualism etc.
        • Creative thinking skill witnessed a net increase of 66 per cent along with the skill of “resilience, flexibility and agility”.
        • Least Growth: The skills of ‘dependability and attention to detail’ saw only 12 per cent growth
        • Negative Growth: The skill of ‘Reading, writing and mathematics’ saw negative growth at 4 per cent and ‘manual dexterity, endurance and precision’ at -24 per cent.
    • Fastest Growing Jobs: 
      • Percentage Terms: AI and machine learning, software and application developers, and FinTech engineers, technology and specialist roles will see a rise
      • Absolute Volume Terms: Frontline job roles like farmworkers, delivery drivers, construction workers, salesperson, food processing workers
        • Care Economy: Jobs like nursing professionals, social work, education roles, such as secondary school teachers etc
        • Essential Sectors: Demographic trends drive growth in demand across essential sectors like care and education for the highest job growth by 2030 in terms of volume.
    • Fastest Declining Jobs: The list was topped by postal service clerks, bank tellers and related clerks, data entry clerks, cashiers and ticket clerks, graphic designers.
      • Other Roles: It included printing and trades workers, accounting, bookkeeping and payroll clerks, material-recording and stock-keeping clerks, transportation attendants and conductors, legal secretaries and telemarketers.
    • Focus on India:
      • Drivers: The primary trends that are expected to shape the future of jobs by 2030 are, increased digital access, geopolitical tensions and climate-mitigation efforts.
      • Investments: There is an increased investment by companies in technologies like AI, robotics and autonomous systems, along with energy technologies.
      • Technology Adoption: India is expected to  outpace global adoption in certain technologies like semiconductors and computing technologies (35%) and 21 per cent expecting quantum and encryption to transform their operations
      • Fastest Growing Job Roles: Big data specialists, AI and machine learning specialists, and security management specialist

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The World Economic Forum

  • The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international not-for-profit organization that focuses on promoting cooperation between the public and private sectors.
  • Establishment: The WEF was established in 1971 as European Management Forum by German economist Klaus Schwab
    • The organisation changed its name to the World Economic Forum in the year 1987.
  • Headquarters: Cologny-Geneva.
  • Mandate: The main goal of the forum is to foster a spirit of collaborative entrepreneurship to address global issues and shape governmental, industry, and social agendas.
  • Funding: The WEF is funded by member companies that are global enterprises having more than five billion dollars in turnover. 
  • Major Reports: The Global Competitiveness Report, the Global Gender Gap Report, the Global Risk Report, the Energy Transition Index, Global Travel and Tourism Report etc.

The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog, launched EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan in partnership with New Shop. This is India’s convenience retail chain under its Award to Reward (ATR) program.

About EmpowHER Biz

  • Aim: To create a robust retail ecosystem that empowers women entrepreneurs and drives sustainable growth in the sector.
  • Under this initiative, 50 participants aged 18–35, will be selected through an online application process based on specific criteria.
  • Top twenty of these participants will receive a 100% waiver on New Shop franchise fees.
  • This will empower them to own and operate their retail businesses with significantly reduced barriers to entry.
  • It is launched for women from Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
  • Also, it will offer mentorship and comprehensive training, covering retail management, digital tools, financial literacy and business development to aspiring women entrepreneurs.

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About Women Entrepreneurship Platform

  • It is an initiative by the NITI Aayog to promote and support aspiring as well as established women entrepreneurs in India.
  • Its focus is on assisting them in their journey from starting up to scaling up and expanding their ventures.
  • In 2018, it was incubated in NITI Aayog as an aggregator platform and transitioned into a public-private partnership in 2022.
  • The platform works to strengthen industry linkages and increase awareness of the women entrepreneurs regarding the existing programmes and services.
  • Services are provided in 6 main focus areas:
    • Community and Networking
    • Funding and Financial Assistance
    • Incubation and Acceleration
    • Compliance and Tax Assistance
    • Entrepreneur Skilling
    • Mentorship and Marketing Assistance.

Since 2023, the ‘Award to Reward’ initiative under WEP also offers a plug and play framework for stakeholders to develop impactful programs.

The upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, 2025, is set to be one of the largest human gatherings on Earth, with an estimated 400 million participants

About Kumbh Mela

  • Celebrated four times in a 12-year span
  • This gathering takes place at 4 different places, namely: 
    • In Haridwar: On the banks of the Ganges. 
    • In Ujjain: On the banks of Shipra. 
    • In Nashik : On the banks of Godavari (Dakshin Ganga). 
    • In Prayagraj : At the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical invisible Saraswati
  • In 2017: Kumbh Mela was declared as India’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ by UNESCO
    • This list describes Kumbh Mela as “the festival of the sacred Pitcher” where pilgrims bathe or take a dip in a sacred river.

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Type of Kumbh Mela Frequency Locations Significance
Maha Kumbh Mela It comes every 144 years or after 12 Purna (Complete) Kumbh Mela. Prayagraj Largest and most significant of all.
Ardh Kumbh Mela Every 6 years Prayagraj &  Haridwar Midpoint gathering between Maha Kumbhs.
Magh Mela Annually Prayagraj Smaller version of Maha Kumbh, celebrated annually.

Cashless Treatment’ Scheme

Context: The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways has announced the launch of a nationwide  scheme for ‘Cashless Treatment’ to provide financial aid to road accident victims 

  • Pilot Programme: A pilot program was started last year in Chandigarh to provide cashless treatment to road accident victims, which was later expanded to six States.

About the Scheme

  • Applicability: The scheme will be applicable to all road accidents caused by the use of motor vehicles on any category of road.
  • Aim: The scheme is aimed at establishing an ecosystem for providing timely medical care to the victims of road accidents, including during the golden hour.
  • Nodal Agency: The National Health Authority (NHA) will be the implementing agency for the scheme.
  • Implementation: The programme will be implemented through an IT platform, combining the functionalities of the e-Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) application of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Transaction Management System of NHA.
  • Compensation: The government will cover treatment costs for upto seven days or till maximum amount of  ₹1.5 lakh provided the police are informed about the accident within 24 hours.
    • An Ex-Gratia Payment of ₹2 lakh for families of victims who lose their lives in hit-and-run cases.

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Road Accidents Statistics

  • The year 2023 saw 1.8 lakh fatalities occurring due to road accidents last year with 66% of these accidents involved individuals aged between 18 and 34.
    • 30,000 deaths attributed to not wearing helmets.

 

World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025

Context: The United Nations (UN) released its flagship report, World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025. 

Key highlights of Economic Growth Outlook 

  • The UN predicts India’s economy to grow by 6.6% in 2025 and 6.7% in 2026, driven by strong consumer spending, increased investment, and robust infrastructure development.
  • Key Drivers:
    • Government Investment: Significant public spending on infrastructure projects (roads, digital connectivity, etc.) is fueling economic growth.
    • Exports: Strong exports of services and goods like pharmaceuticals and electronics are boosting economic activity.
  • Inflation Outlook:
    • Inflation is expected to moderate: Consumer price inflation is projected to decrease from 4.8% in 2024 to 4.3% in 2025, remaining within the RBI’s target range.
  • Global Economic Growth:
    • South Asia: The region is expected to grow at 5.7% in 2025 and 6% in 2026, with India leading the performance.
    • Global Growth: The global economy is forecasted to grow at 2.8% in 2025, unchanged from 2024.

 

Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)

Context: The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA) have strengthened their collaboration by signing ISA’s Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF).

  • The MDTF aims to mobilize $100 million for high-impact solar energy projects in ISA member countries.
  • Objectives of the MDTF and Initiatives
    • Bridging financing gaps for clean energy projects.
    • Enhancing institutional capacity to manage energy transitions.
    • Delivering cost-efficient and scalable solutions for clean energy adoption.

About Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)

  • It is an international alliance of entrepreneurs, governments, technology, policy, and financing partners.
  • Founded by: IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Bezos Earth Fund
  • Mission:
    • To help emerging and developed countries shift to a clean energy model that supports economic growth and universal energy access.
    • Key Goals:
      • Reduce 4 gigatons of future carbon emissions.
      • Expand clean energy access to one billion people.
      • Create 150 million new jobs in clean energy sectors.
  • GEAPP announced two key initiatives(DUET and ENTICE 2.0 Initiatives) to support India’s clean energy goals:
    • DUET (Digitalization of Utilities for Energy Transition):
      • Focuses on digitalizing grid systems.
      • Integrates real-time data monitoring to reduce transmission losses.
    • ENTICE 2.0 (Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge):
      • Aims to nurture and scale innovative energy solutions.

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Sixth Generation Aero Engine

Context: The DRDO Chief in a speech, stressed upon the needs for India to pursue the development of Sixth Generation Aero Engines through co-development with a foreign manufacturer.

Highlights of the Speech

  • India will have to invest close to $4- 5 billion, that is ₹40,000 crore to 50,000 crore and increase the defence budget for research and development to 15% from the current 5%.
  • Technology Development: Technologies such as single-crystal blade powder metallurgy discs and ceramic matrix composites for static parts need to be developed.
  • Facilities: Testing facilities for each sub-system, a high-altitude test facility, flying test-bed, manufacturing facilities to make the disc including a forge press which can press 50,000 tonnes etc.

About Sixth Generation Aircrafts

  • The 6th generation fighters will be an improvement on the 5th generation fighters in aspects like, beyond-visual-range capabilities, stealth, computational power, and weaponry etc.
    • They are currently not in operation anywhere in the world
  • The development of 6th Generation Aircrafts have been announced by countries such as,
    • The USA, China, Russia, The UK-Japan-Italy, and France-Germany-Spain 
  • Sixth Generation Aero EngineExample: 
    • The Tempest: Jointly developed by the UK, Italy, and Japan
    • The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) by France and Germany
    • The US is working on a replacement for the F-35
    • China’s Prototype fighter Chengdu J-36.
  • Features: As per USA’s guidelines, certain requirements for a sixth-generation aircraft are,
  • Digital Engineering: To accelerate the construction and industrialization processes
    • Advanced Artificial Intelligence: To provide required targeting data in seconds, improvements in computation and networking fundamentally revolutionising aerial warfare.
    • New kinetic and non-kinetic precision weapons
    • Ability for Suborbital flights: To be able to operate in low space for brief periods, allowing them to escape anti-aircraft systems, and significantly improve survivability.
    • These aircraft may see the potential use of directed-energy weapons such as a laser.
    • New nanotechnologies applied to materials to reduce the radar and infrared signature
    • ‘Third Air Stream’ Engines: To provides an extra source of airflow to either improve propulsive efficiency and lower fuel burn or to deliver additional airflow through the core for higher thrust and cooling.

 

Classical language status to Marathi

Context: Months after granting classical language status to Marathi, the Union government issued an official notification to this effect.

  • Classical language status granted for five more languages i.e. Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit
  • Earlier classical languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Sanskrit, and Odia.

What are classical languages?

  • Indian classical languages, also known as Shastriya Bhasha, refer to languages with a deep historical background, rich literary traditions and a unique cultural heritage. 
  • These languages have significantly contributed to the intellectual and cultural development of the region, with their texts offering valuable insights into various domains like literature, philosophy and religion.

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Criteria For Classical Language Status: The Ministry of Culture has rules that must be followed in order to be classified as a classical language in India:

  • Ancient origin: The language should have high antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1,500-2,000 years.
  • Literary heritage: The language should contain a body of ancient literature or texts that is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
  • Originality: The literary tradition should be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
  • Discontinuity from modern avatars: The said language and literature should be distinct from its modern format with a marked discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
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