Content :
- Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – Monthly Bulletin [April 2025]
- DRDO develops high-pressure polymeric membrane for sea water desalination
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – Monthly Bulletin [April 2025]
Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the first Monthly Bulletin (April 2025) of the revamped Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), providing high-frequency estimates of key labour market indicators such as LFPR, WPR, and UR for persons aged 15 years and above in rural and urban areas.
Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy)
Key Highlights
- Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) (15+ age, CWS basis):
- Overall: 55.6%
- Rural: 58.0% | Urban: 50.7%
- Males: Rural – 79.0%, Urban – 75.3%
- Females: Rural – 38.2%, Urban – 25.7%
- Worker Population Ratio (WPR) (15+ age, CWS basis):
- Overall: 52.8%
- Rural: 55.4% | Urban: 47.4%
- Female WPR: Rural – 36.8%, Urban – 23.5%
- Unemployment Rate (UR) (15+ age, CWS basis):
- Overall: 5.1%
- Male: 5.2% | Female: 5.0%
- Youth (15–29 yrs): Higher unemployment — 13.8% overall
Structural & Methodological Changes (From Jan 2025)
- Revamped Sample Design:
- Rotational Panel Scheme: Each household surveyed 4 times over 4 months
- FSUs matched 75% between two consecutive months
- Sample Size (April 2025):
- FSUs: 7,511 (4,140 rural + 3,371 urban)
- Households: 89,434
- Persons: 3,80,838
- Improved Sampling Rigour:
- Households per FSU increased: 8 → 12
- Revised stratification and selection methods for FSUs
- Changes in the Schedule of Inquiry implemented
Sectoral & Gender Insights
- Youth Unemployment (15–29 yrs):
- Rural: 12.3% | Urban: 17.2%
- Female UR (Urban): 23.7% — alarming indicator of urban female joblessness
- Gender Gaps:
- LFPR: Urban Female – 25.7%, Rural Female – 38.2%
- WPR: Urban Female – 23.5%, Rural Female – 36.8%
- Overall female participation remains low across sectors
Comparability Note
- Data from Jan 2025 onward not directly comparable with older PLFS due to:
- Revised sampling framework
- Rotational panel design
- Updated Schedule of Inquiry
Significance
- First Monthly PLFS Bulletin (April 2025) — start of high-frequency labour market data
- Boosts timeliness of labour statistics for policy interventions
- Helps track seasonal and gendered employment trends
DRDO develops high-pressure polymeric membrane for sea water desalination
Key Innovation
- DRDO has developed an indigenous nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane for high-pressure sea water desalination.
- Developed by DMSRDE, Kanpur (a DRDO lab), tailored for use in Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships.
Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology)
Purpose and Utility
- Designed to address the stability challenge posed by chloride ions in saline water — a major issue in marine environments.
- Meets the operational requirements of ICG vessels like Offshore Patrolling Vessels (OPVs).
Testing and Trials
- Initial technical trials successfully conducted on an existing desalination plant aboard an ICG OPV.
- Safety and performance results of the membrane were fully satisfactory.
- Final operational clearance pending after 500 hours of continuous operational testing.
Strategic Significance
- Development completed in a record time of 8 months, demonstrating DRDO’s agile innovation capability.
- Will significantly enhance self-reliance in critical marine technology — aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Civilian Potential
- With modifications, the membrane has potential for civilian use in coastal desalination plants, addressing water scarcity in coastal and island regions.
Key Themes
- Indigenization of critical technology
- Strengthening maritime capabilities
- Public-sector R&D efficiency
- Dual-use technology for defence and civil sectors
- Fast-tracked innovation under strategic needs
