Scientists identify pheromone that triggers locust swarming and a way to block it
UPSC Relevance: GS-3 Science and Technology
Context: New studies on locust swarming and pheromone
Why in News
A new study demonstrates how manipulating locust pheromones, specifically 4-vinylanisole (4VA), can offer an eco-friendly and targeted alternative to conventional pesticide-based locust control.
Introduction
- Human societies have battled locust infestations for millennia, with these insects often leaving behind vast trails of destruction.
- Swarms of locusts can devour thousands of hectares of crops within days, posing a serious threat to food security and economic stability.
- Despite years of attempts to curb this menace through synthetic pesticides, these chemical solutions often cause significant environmental degradation.
- A new scientific breakthrough, however, points toward a more sustainable and targeted approach—by disrupting the very biological mechanism that causes locusts to swarm.
Locust Infestations: A Persistent Agricultural Crisis
- Locust outbreaks, although sporadic, are severe in impact. The most recent and one of the most devastating infestations occurred during 2019–2020, starting in East Africa and stretching through Pakistan and into India.
- This was the worst such event in the region in over 25 years. The unusual weather conditions—including heavy rainfall and flooding—allowed dormant locust eggs to hatch in large numbers, triggering an 8,000-fold increase in their population.
- In response, governments deployed aerial spraying of insecticides to control the infestation.
- However, the environmental and health hazards posed by widespread pesticide use underscored the urgent need for more precise and eco-friendly alternatives.
A New Scientific Approach: Disrupting Swarming at the Molecular Level
- A study published in Nature on June 25, 2025, by a team from the Institute of Zoology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, presents a novel, pollution-free method of controlling locust swarms by targeting their chemical communication system.
- The researchers focused on pheromones, the chemical signals that drive the shift from solitary to swarming behaviour in locusts.
Gregariousness: The Key to Locust Swarms
- Locusts exhibit gregariousness, a social behaviour where individual locusts aggregate and behave collectively, especially while feeding. In their solitary phase, locusts avoid one another.
- However, upon certain triggers—primarily food availability—they enter a gregarious phase, characterized by coordinated movement and feeding.
- Previous studies by the same team had identified a crucial aggregation pheromone called 4-vinylanisole (4VA). Locusts release this pheromone from their hind legs after consuming food, attracting others and initiating mass gathering. This aggregation leads to serotonin release, reinforcing swarming behaviour.
Phenylalanine and the Swarming Cascade
- In the recent study, researchers identified that a compound called phenylalanine, found in plants consumed by locusts, acts as a precursor in the production of 4VA. When locusts ingest phenylalanine, two enzymes—4VPMT1 and 4VPMT2—help convert a non-aggregating compound (4VP) into 4VA.
- By disabling the 4VPMT1 gene using genetic engineering, the researchers successfully halted the behavioural transition to swarming.
- The modified locusts remained solitary even when environmental conditions were favourable for aggregation.
Chemical Inhibition: Role of 4-Nitrophenol (4NP)
Further analysis led to the identification of 4-nitrophenol (4NP), a compound capable of binding to 4VPMT1 and inhibiting the enzyme’s function.- When 4NP occupies the enzyme’s active site, it blocks the conversion of 4VP into 4VA, effectively preventing the swarming signal.
- The molecular structure of 4NP allows it to bind more strongly than 4VP itself, giving it a competitive advantage in blocking the enzyme.
- However, 4NP has known environmental risks: it is widely used in industrial applications and is a recognized pollutant, with the potential to irritate human skin, eyes, and respiratory tracts.
Sustainable Alternatives and the Role of RNAi
- Given the toxicity of 4NP, the researchers also suggested the development of RNA interference (RNAi)-based insecticides.
- These work by introducing RNA molecules that silence specific genes—in this case, the genes responsible for 4VPMT enzyme production.
- Such a strategy would prevent the synthesis of 4VA without introducing harmful chemicals into the environment.
Proposed Five-Step Strategy for Locust Control
To translate this research into practical field-level applications, the study proposes a multi-pronged locust management strategy:
- Trapping via 4VA Mimics: Use synthetic pheromones to lure locusts into trap zones where fungal pathogens or small-scale pesticides can be applied.
- Spraying 4VA Derivatives: Artificially release 4VA in non-crop zones to disrupt aggregation in farmlands.
- Monitoring through Chemical Signatures: Track swarming trends by detecting airborne 4VA.
- Genetically Modified Locusts: Release lab-bred non-gregarious locusts to dilute swarming behaviour in the population.
- Combination Approach: Use RNAi or enzyme inhibitors along with biopesticides for an integrated pest management system.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
- This research represents one of the first significant steps toward non-toxic, targeted control of locust swarms.
- While large-scale field deployment remains to be tested, the findings hold promise for sustainable agriculture, especially in countries frequently plagued by locust invasions.
- It also emphasizes the growing role of behavioural ecology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering in pest control strategies.
- With further research and careful assessment of environmental impacts, such approaches may soon complement or replace conventional chemical pesticides in locust management.
Conclusion
- Locust swarms continue to pose a formidable threat to food security across several regions, especially in Asia and Africa.
- While traditional chemical control methods have provided only partial relief and raised environmental concerns, the study by Guo and colleagues offers a science-backed, eco-friendly alternative that targets the locusts’ behavioural triggers.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q1. With reference to the recent developments in locust control research, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? |
Q. With reference to polyethylene terephthalate, the use of which is so widespread in our daily lives, consider the following statements: 2022
Which of the statements given above are correct? A 1 and 3 only B 2 and 4 only C 1 and 4 only D 2 and 3 only Ans: (a) |
| Answer 1- B
Explanation
|
India joins bilateral military exercise in Australia
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS3 Defence
Context: Talisman Sabre 2025 Military Exercise
Why in News
India is participating in Talisman Sabre 2025, a major multilateral military exercise hosted by Australia with over 35,000 troops from 19 nations.
Introduction
- India is one of 19 nations participating in Talisman Sabre 2025, a large-scale, complex military exercise being conducted under the leadership of Australia.
- The exercise commenced on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and will continue for three weeks, marking the 11th iteration of this biennial event.
- The drill is recognized as Australia’s largest and most sophisticated warfighting exercise, bringing together more than 35,000 military personnel across multiple terrains and domains of warfare.
Participating Nations:
A total of 19 nations is actively participating, while 2 nations (Malaysia and Vietnam) are attending as observers.
Participating countries:
- Australia (Host)
- United States, Canada, Fiji, France
- Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand
- Norway, Papua New Guinea, Philippines
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, United Kingdom
Observer nations:
- Malaysia, Vietnam
Exercise Locations and Scope:
The military operations will take place across multiple locations in Australia, including:
- Queensland
- Northern Territory
- Western Australia
- New South Wales
- Christmas Island
For the first time, activities will also extend outside Australian territory into Papua New Guinea, expanding the regional outreach of the exercise and reflecting broader Indo-Pacific engagement.
Key Features of Talisman Sabre 2025:
- Live-Fire Exercises: The drill will include actual use of weapons systems to simulate real combat situations.
- Field Training Activities: Troops will engage in combat simulations that test coordination, maneuverability, and logistical operations under combat-like conditions.
- Force Preparation Activities: Troops will undergo readiness checks and logistical preparations before entering joint field operations.
- Amphibious Landings: Naval forces will demonstrate their capability to land troops and equipment on hostile or contested shores.
- Ground Force Manoeuvres: Ground forces will participate in strategic movement and deployment exercises.
- Air Combat and Maritime Operations: Simulated aerial dogfights and joint naval missions will be conducted, including anti-submarine and fleet protection drills.
- Introduction of New Defence Capabilities:
- UH-60M Black Hawks: A new generation of utility helicopters with improved avionics and performance.
- Precision Strike Missile (PrSM): A long-range missile system intended to enhance strike capabilities and strategic deterrence.
Significance of India’s Participation:
India’s involvement in Talisman Sabre 2025 is reflective of its growing commitment to regional security architecture and multilateral defence cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise aligns with India’s strategic interests in:
- Enhancing interoperability with friendly foreign forces.
- Strengthening defence diplomacy.
- Supporting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Leadership and Command Presence:
The official opening ceremony was conducted at Garden Island, Sydney, with:
- Vice-Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations, Royal Australian Navy, and
- Lieutenant General Joel B. Vowell, Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific, jointly presiding over the inauguration.
Conclusion:
- Talisman Sabre 2025 represents an important multinational defence initiative, promoting military cooperation, regional stability, and preparedness against emerging security challenges.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q2. With reference to the Talisman Sabre 2025 military exercise, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 3 only |
Q. Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct? (2024)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 Answer: d |
| Answer 2- A
Explanation
|
Australia Launches 2025 Maitri Grants to Boost Cross-Sector Ties and Research
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Why in News
Australia has announced the 2025 Maitri Grants to strengthen its bilateral ties with India across sectors like innovation, education, culture, and maritime security.
Introduction
- In a significant move to bolster the growing strategic and people-to-people partnership between Australia and India, the Australian Government has announced the recipients of the 2025 Maitri Grants, Fellowships, and Scholarships.
- The announcement was made by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, as per a press release issued by the Australian High Commission in New Delhi on Sunday.
- These initiatives are a part of Australia’s broader engagement strategy with India, reflecting the deepening bilateral relationship across diverse sectors including innovation, education, culture, strategic affairs, and maritime security.
What are Maitri Grants?
The Maitri Grants are administered by the Centre for Australia-India Relations and are designed to support innovative, long-term collaborative projects that strengthen the Australia-India bilateral relationship. They aim to:
- Encourage people-to-people linkages
- Promote joint research and innovation
- Enhance mutual understanding through cultural and academic exchange
- Address shared regional and global challenges
The grants reflect the increasing importance both nations place on their partnership in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Key Sectors Covered in 2025 Maitri Grants
According to the official statement, the 2025 Maitri Grants will support cooperation in a wide range of fields:
- Innovation and Enterprise
- Funding joint research in areas such as clean energy solutions and biomanufacturing
- Encouraging start-up linkages and technology exchange between Indian and Australian entrepreneurs
- Education and Scholarship
- Promoting academic collaboration through fellowships and joint study programs
- Enhancing mutual learning about governance, policy, and development
- Culture and Arts
- Organising a world-class exhibition in Australia showcasing rare artworks by Raja Ravi Varma, one of India’s most iconic painters
- Supporting cultural storytelling and diaspora contributions
- Leadership and Strategic Dialogue
- Launching annual leadership dialogues to cultivate the next generation of Australia-India thought leaders
- Enhancing strategic thinking around bilateral and regional issues
- Maritime Security and Indo-Pacific Cooperation
- Supporting a research project examining India-Australia cooperation in the Western Indian Ocean
- Highlighting shared strategic interests in a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific
- Diaspora Engagement
- Elevating stories of Australians of Indian origin to reflect the contribution of the Indian diaspora in shaping Australia’s multicultural society
Establishment of India Chair at the Lowy Institute
One of the most notable components of this year’s Maitri Grants is funding for the Lowy Institute—a leading Australian think tank—to appoint a distinguished scholar as the inaugural India Chair.
- This chair will lead a new program of world-class research on India’s strategic trajectory, foreign policy, and its role in shaping the Indo-Pacific order.
- The initiative marks a significant elevation of India’s presence in Australia’s policy and research agenda.
- It aims to generate informed analysis to guide Australia’s engagement with India amidst shifting global dynamics.
Broader Significance of the Maitri Grants
- Strengthening People-to-People Ties
- The Maitri initiative builds on the vibrant and growing Indian diaspora in Australia and the deep educational linkages between the two countries.
- Contributing to Strategic Convergence in Indo-Pacific
- India and Australia are both committed to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, and the grants support policy research and collaboration aligned with this shared vision.
- Promoting Soft Power Diplomacy
- Through art exhibitions, cultural exchanges, and leadership dialogues, the grants foster soft power and mutual goodwill, crucial for long-term bilateral cooperation.
- Enhancing Economic and Technological Partnerships
- By investing in innovation, biomanufacturing, and clean energy, both nations signal their intent to build future-ready economic linkages.
Conclusion
- The 2025 Maitri Grants, Fellowships, and Scholarships represent a landmark step in consolidating the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Australia.
- By supporting collaborative research, cultural initiatives, leadership development, and strategic policy engagement, these grants are laying the foundation for a robust, multidimensional relationship that can address 21st-century challenges collectively.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q3. With reference to the Maitri Grants announced by Australia, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |
Q. Consider the following countries: (2018)
Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN? (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 Ans: (c) |
| Answer 3- B
Explanation
|
The importance of India and Europe walking in step
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2 International Relations
Context: India Europe relations
Why in News
India and Europe are deepening their strategic, economic, and technological partnership to jointly shape a multipolar, rules-based global order amidst shifting geopolitical alignments.
Introduction
- In an era increasingly shaped by global disorder, shifting alliances, and geopolitical fragmentation, the India-Europe relationship offers a unique opportunity for diplomatic reinvention.
- Rooted in shared civilisational legacies and strengthened by evolving contemporary interests, this partnership has the potential to shape a new multipolar global order grounded in equity, rule of law, and shared values.
Historical Distance, Contemporary Urgency
- Historically, India and Europe remained peripheral to each other’s core strategic frameworks.
- However, recent geopolitical churn—marked by disruptions in traditional transatlantic alliances and the rise of China—has brought both into closer alignment.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s active participation in G-7 diplomacy and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s engagements in European capitals signify India’s deliberate pivot toward Europe.
- This shift is not only a reflection of Europe’s economic relevance but also an astute recognition of a reordering global system, where the past certainties of alliance politics are giving way to fluid alignments and emerging middle power coalitions.
Global Disorder and European Reinvention
- The traditional anchor of the Western alliance—the U.S.—is showing signs of unpredictability, especially during the Trump presidency, which undermined long-standing institutions like NATO and alienated key allies.
- As a result, countries like Canada, the U.K., France, and Germany are looking eastward toward more stable and meaningful engagements.
- Europe is now actively seeking strategic autonomy, a concept that once seemed largely rhetorical. From France’s efforts to assert independent nuclear capability to Germany’s constitutional reforms for increasing defence spending, and the activism of the Weimar Triangle (France, Germany, and Poland), Europe is attempting to evolve into an independent strategic pole.
Converging Worldviews: Multipolarity and Multi-Alignment
- India’s traditional policy of non-alignment is being reconfigured into one of multi-alignment—strategically engaging with multiple powers without becoming beholden to any one bloc.
- Similarly, Europe is transitioning from being a dependent transatlantic partner to asserting its own geopolitical identity.
- This creates natural convergence between India and Europe.
- Both aspire to shape a multipolar world order—a global system that accommodates diverse power centres and prioritizes pluralism, rules-based international norms, and equitable global governance.
- Both oppose hegemonic models of power and seek to strengthen inclusive multilateralism.
Institutional and Bilateral Dimensions
The India-EU relationship now unfolds at two interconnected levels:
- Institutional Engagement: Covering areas such as trade, digital cooperation, climate action, connectivity, and security.
- Bilateral Engagement: Deepening strategic partnerships with individual member states like France, Germany, Italy, and Nordic/Eastern European countries.
- This dual approach allows India to tap into both the EU’s collective influence and the strategic depth of its major member states.
Economic Relations: A Rising Corridor of Opportunity
- The rise in bilateral trade and investment reflects the growing economic synergy between India and Europe:
- Between 2015 and 2022, EU foreign direct investment (FDI) in India increased by 70%.
- France alone witnessed a 373% surge in investment.
- EU imports from India doubled in the last three years.
- This momentum can be furthered by fast-tracking the India-EU Free Trade and Investment Agreements, particularly by ensuring provisions that support India’s green transition and accommodate climate equity.
- The European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) must be implemented in a way that avoids becoming an instrument of climate protectionism.
- Projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) represent future-forward connectivity—supporting trade, infrastructure, innovation, and energy transitions across regions.
Technology Cooperation: A Shared Digital Vision
India and Europe share a common belief that digital infrastructure should be a public good, not a domain controlled by Big Tech monopolies. This opens avenues for cooperation in:
- Artificial intelligence governance
- Digital public goods (like India’s Aadhaar stack)
- Semiconductor manufacturing
- Biotechnology
- Clean energy innovation
- Ocean sustainability
- Health care systems
- This alignment of India’s software dynamism with Europe’s deep tech and manufacturing expertise offers a powerful partnership model for emerging technologies.
Human Mobility and Talent Exchange
To maximize this cooperation, both sides must prioritize human mobility. A comprehensive mobility agreement for students, researchers, and professionals can:
- Strengthen bilateral innovation ecosystems
- Address India’s employment challenges
- Promote cross-border knowledge transfer
- In the global knowledge economy, people-to-people exchanges are as critical as financial flows.
Defence, Counter-terrorism, and Strategic Convergence
Strategic ties now extend into critical areas:
- Defence cooperation: With Europe being a key source of defence hardware, there is significant scope for joint development and technology transfer under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Europe’s ReArm 2025 initiatives.
- Maritime cooperation, especially in the Indo-Pacific, cybersecurity, space technology, and counter-terrorism are emerging areas of convergence.
- Europe must also acknowledge and act against Pakistan’s support for terrorism, a concern both regions share.
- These moves deepen strategic trust beyond mere transactional engagement.
Upholding a Rules-Based Order: Realist Multilateralism
- India and Europe both position themselves as custodians of a rules-based international order, not as ideological idealists, but as realists working to stabilize the global system through coalitions rather than coercion.
- They support:
- Reforming global institutions like the United Nations, WTO, and World Bank
- Empowering the Global South
- Participating in frameworks like the Quad, G-20, and AI governance forums
- Their mutual belief in plural values, democratic norms, and inclusive global governance stands in contrast to authoritarian models of development.
Changing Perceptions: Beyond Stereotypes
Diplomatic progress must be accompanied by public awareness and political engagement. Strategic cooperation must be supported by:
- Positive media narratives
- Cultural exchanges
Academic collaborations- Empathetic understanding of each other’s domestic transitions
- Initiatives like the Raisina Dialogue in Marseille and President von der Leyen’s symbolic visit to Delhi demonstrate this commitment.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q4. With reference to recent developments in India-Europe relations, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only |
Q. Consider the following statements: (2023)
The ‘Stability and Growth Pact’ of the European Union is a treaty that
How many of the above statements are correct (a) Only one Exp: (a) |
| Answer – 4 – A
Explanation –
|
Women, STEM careers and a more receptive industry
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2 Social Justice
Context: Women and STEM
Why in News?
On World Youth Skills Day 2025, the gender gap in India’s STEM workforce is under focus, with 43% of STEM graduates being women, but only 27% forming part of the actual workforce.
Introduction
- World Youth Skills Day, observed every year on July 15, serves as a global reminder of the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
- In the Indian context, it also highlights a major paradox: while women account for a significant share of STEM graduates, their presence in the workforce remains disproportionately low.
- Addressing this disconnect is vital for inclusive development, gender equality, and economic growth.
The STEM Paradox: Education vs. Employment
- India boasts the highest percentage of women STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates among major economies—43%.
- However, only 27% of the STEM workforce is composed of women. This disparity indicates that while access to STEM education has improved, structural and social barriers prevent women from entering or remaining in the STEM job market.
- Globally, according to UNESCO Institute for Statistics (2021), only 31.5% of researchers are women. This trend is replicated in India, despite significant progress in women’s educational attainment.
Labour Force Participation Trends
- The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 reflects a significant improvement in Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in India, now standing at 41.7%. Notably:
- Rural women: 47.6%
- Urban women: 25.4%
- While this increase suggests progress, the disparity between rural and urban areas indicates persistent barriers in formal employment, workplace safety, and social expectations, especially in urban India.
- In STEM, these barriers are amplified due to entrenched gender biases in technical and scientific roles.
The Economic Cost of Gender Disparity in STEM
The economic benefits of bridging the gender gap in employment are substantial:
- McKinsey Global Institute estimates that if 68 million more women were added to India’s workforce, the GDP could rise by up to $700 billion by 2025.
- The World Bank suggests that achieving a 50% female workforce participation rate could increase India’s GDP growth rate by 1%.
This makes the issue not just a matter of gender justice but also an economic imperative.
Government Initiatives: Education and Skilling Reforms
1. New Education Policy (NEP) 2020
- Emphasises interdisciplinary learning, digital literacy, and life skills training.
- Promotes integration of vocational education at all levels, especially in rural and under-served regions.
2. Skill Development Infrastructure
- Expansion and modernisation of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
- Focus on high-quality technical training accessible to rural youth.
3. Union Budget 2025–26 Provisions
- Increase in Gender Budget allocation from 6.8% (2024–25) to 8.8% (2025–26), totalling ₹4.49 lakh crore.
- Introduction of:
- Term loans for women entrepreneurs.
- New National Skill Training Institutes.
- Investments in technology-driven skilling.
4. Other Supportive Policies
- Skill India, Digital India, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and PM Vishwakarma Yojana aim to enhance women’s capabilities, particularly in STEM.
However, while these policy frameworks are robust, government efforts alone are insufficient. The missing link remains industry engagement in translating skills into employment.
Industry’s Critical Role in Bridging the Gap
1. Challenging Gender Stereotypes
- Deep-rooted societal norms like “mechanical is masculine” or “coding is not for girls” discourage women from pursuing or sustaining careers in STEM.
- Studies by World Bank and UNESCO confirm that gendered perceptions are a major barrier to women’s entry and retention in technical fields.
2. Workplace Barriers
Women often exit STEM careers not due to a lack of skills, but because of:
- Unwelcoming workplace cultures
- Lack of family support and career awareness
- Inflexible policies around marriage, motherhood, and caregiving responsibilities
- Concerns regarding safety and wage disparity
Emerging Corporate Initiatives
Private sector participation is on the rise through:
- Mentorship programmes
- Industry-linked skilling and internships
- Collaborations with educational institutions
Example:
The UN Women’s WeSTEM programme, supported by the Micron Foundation and implemented in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, offers:
- Skill-building and technical training
- Community and family engagement
- Exposure to female role models
- Workplace safety sensitisation
Such efforts acknowledge that mindset shifts, alongside skill acquisition, are vital for women’s successful integration into the workforce.
Blueprint for Industry Leadership
To bridge the education-employment gap for women in STEM, industry must:
- Forge partnerships with universities and training institutes
- Institutionalise mentorship between professionals and students
- Develop gender-sensitive HR policies that support:
- Work-life balance
- Flexible work arrangements
- Career re-entry opportunities
- Safe and inclusive work environments
Conclusion:
- India’s ambition of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) cannot be realised without fully leveraging the potential of its women, especially in STEM.
- The path ahead requires collaborative action—government framing enabling policies and industry creating inclusive career pathways.
- By transforming from passive employers to active enablers, industries can dismantle systemic barriers, empower women, and unlock a demographic dividend that fuels economic and social transformation.
- As we commemorate World Youth Skills Day 2025, the message is clear: Equipping young women with skills is not just an act of inclusion—it is a strategic investment in India’s future.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q5. With reference to the gender gap in STEM education and employment in India, consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? |
Q. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (2012)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 2 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Ans- (d) |
| Answer – 5 – A
Explanation –
|
The changing landscape of employment
Source: The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-changing-landscape-of-employment/article69808005.ece
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Economy
Context: Youth employment and skilling in India
Why in News
Despite rising EPFO enrolments, India faces a crisis of youth unemployability, as the majority of educated youth lack essential skills for a transforming job market.
Introduction
- Each year, lakhs of students graduate from universities, colleges, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), and various skill development programmes across India.
- However, the higher education and skilling ecosystem continues to face persistent challenges—not merely in accommodating the growing number of students, but more importantly, in integrating them into meaningful and stable employment.
- The problem lies not only in unemployment but also in unemployability—a structural gap between the skills possessed by graduates and those demanded by a rapidly evolving job market.
The Role of EPFO and Insights into Formal Employment Trends
- The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) serves as a vital indicator of formal sector employment in India.
- Managing retirement savings for over 7 crore workers, it remains one of the largest social security organisations in the world. Post-2019, EPFO data reflected the contraction in formal employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- However, a gradual recovery is underway. The March 2025 data reveals a positive trend—an increase in new enrolments, especially among young professionals aged 18–25, with the 18–21 subgroup alone accounting for 18%–22% of new subscribers in recent months.
- While this trend signals a move toward formalisation, it raises deeper concerns regarding job stability, income security, and long-term career progression.
- Mere enrolment in the formal sector does not guarantee a sustainable livelihood without addressing issues related to skills, technological disruption, and structural informality in the job market.
Youth Unemployment and Unemployability: A Worsening Crisis
- The India Employment Report 2024, jointly published by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Institute for Human Development, paints a concerning picture.
- Youth account for 83% of India’s unemployed population. Alarmingly, the unemployment rate is higher among those with secondary or higher education, highlighting a mismatch between educational qualifications and labour market needs.
- The Economic Survey 2023–24 echoes similar concerns. It observes that only about 50% of youth graduating from higher education are job-ready. One in two young individuals lacks essential digital and professional skills, which are critical in a technology-driven economy.
- The risk is further compounded by the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), which threatens to automate traditional roles in sectors like information technology, customer service, and even accounting.
The Predominance of Informal Employment
- Despite India’s economic advancement, the nature of employment remains largely informal.
- According to the India Employment Report 2024, around 90% of India’s workforce is still engaged in informal employment, with regular salaried jobs declining since 2018.
- Although contractual jobs have increased, they come with limited job security, negligible social protection, and no long-term financial safety nets.
Digital Skill Deficit: A Barrier to Employment
A significant share of Indian youth face difficulties with even basic digital operations. The report highlights that:
- 75% cannot send an email with an attachment
- Over 60% struggle with simple file operations like copy-paste
- 90% lack basic spreadsheet skills such as using formulas
Such statistics are alarming, especially given the increasing reliance on digital tools across all sectors of the economy. This lack of digital fluency restricts access to both local and global employment opportunities.
The Future of Jobs: Opportunities and Displacement
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 estimates that by 2030:
- 170 million new jobs (14% of total employment) will be created globally.
- However, 92 million existing jobs (8% of total employment) will be displaced.
- The net gain will be around 78 million jobs, signifying a 7% rise in total employment.
While this outlook provides cautious optimism, it highlights an urgent need for reskilling and upskilling initiatives to prepare India’s workforce for this transformation. Without adequate interventions, millions will remain unemployable despite job availability.
The Way Forward: Policy Measures and Structural Reforms
India stands at a crucial crossroads. To harness its demographic dividend and avoid a demographic disaster, the following reforms are necessary:
1. Stronger Industry-Academia Linkages
- There must be legally mandated collaborations between industries and educational institutions.
- Every higher education institute should have at least one formal industry partner to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with job market demands.
- This partnership can facilitate internships, on-the-job training, and real-time project exposure.
2. Accountability of Educational Institutions
- Institutes should be made accountable not only for academic degrees but also for employment outcomes.
- Accreditation systems must incorporate placement records as a core metric.
- Educational rankings should reflect employability outcomes, not just infrastructure or faculty ratios.
3. Mandatory Integration of Innovation and Skill Labs
- Establishing Idea Labs and Tinker Labs across all high schools and higher education institutions should be a national priority.
- These labs can encourage practical learning, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking from an early age.
4. Holistic Curriculum Reform
The educational curriculum must be broadened to include:
- Humanities and liberal arts for critical thinking
- Foreign languages to aid international employment
- Soft skills including communication, problem-solving, and teamwork
Such a holistic approach will create well-rounded professionals who are adaptive to multiple job markets.
5. Global Skilling for International Markets
- India must design global-standard skilling and certification programmes, especially for countries facing demographic decline and skill shortages, such as Japan, Germany, and Canada.
- Programmes like the EU’s Link4Skills, in which India is already participating, can be scaled up.
- Migration corridor frameworks can help assess skill demands in other countries and facilitate the mobility of Indian workers.
6. Establishment of Indian Education Services (IES)
- Like the Indian Administrative Services, an Indian Education Services cadre should be formed to attract the brightest minds into education policy, implementation, and administration.
- This could professionalise and standardise the delivery of quality education across states.
7. Inclusion of Industry Professionals in Teaching
- Professionals from various industries should be formally integrated into teaching roles, particularly in technical and management institutes.
- This would bridge the gap between academic theory and practical industry application, ensuring that students gain real-world insights alongside classroom learning.
Conclusion
- India’s youth represent its greatest asset, but they are increasingly becoming its most underutilised resource.
- The solution to youth unemployment and underemployment lies not merely in job creation, but in making the youth employable and future-ready.
- This requires bold and urgent action across multiple domains—education, skilling, policy, and global integration.
- Investing in the right skills, aligning education with employment, and enabling global mobility can transform India’s youth from passive job seekers to active contributors in both national and international economies. The time to act is now.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q6. With reference to the recent trends in youth employment and skilling in India, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 3 only |
Q. Disguised unemployment generally means (2013)
(a) large number of people remain unemployed Ans: (c) |
| Answer – 6 – B
Explanation –
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