Content :

1. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – Monthly Bulletin [April 2025]
2. 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