"Enhancing Competitiveness of MSMEs in India" Report

 

Introduction to the Report

• The "Enhancing MSMEs Competitiveness in India" report was released by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC).
• The aim of the report is to provide a strategy for the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in India through proposed policy reforms.
• The key areas of reform highlighted include improved access to credit, enhanced skilling strategies, fostering innovation and developing market linkages.

 

Report's Key Findings

• From 2020 to 2024, the report states an increase in the share of micro and small enterprises accessing formal credit from 14% to 20%.
• Medium establishments also saw an increase in credit access from 4% to 9%. However, it reported that only 19% of the total MSME credit demand was met.
• There emerged a considerable skill and technological challenge, given the lack of formal vocational training, low investment in Research & Development, and outdated technology.
• The report recommends robust support for digital marketing, branding, clusterbased technology adoption and an increased focus on policy awareness amongst MSMEs. 
• It also suggests the need for better data integration, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring at the state level.
• The report calls for increased support for MSMEs in Northeast and Eastern India through targeted incentives and logistics partnerships.

 

About NITI Aayog

• The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) was established on 1st January 2015 as India’s apex public policy advisory body.
• It replaced the Planning Commission with the objective to promote cooperative and competitive federalism.
• Its mandate involves fostering evidencebased policymaking, encouraging innovation, and promoting sustainable development.
• The chairperson of NITI Aayog is the Prime Minister of India, while the Vice Chairperson is appointed by the Government.
• The structure includes a Governing Council with Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, and Union Ministers, as well as fulltime and parttime members from various spheres like academia, industry, and administration.

 

Other Notable Reports by NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog has released other significant reports, including the Strategy for New India @75, India Innovation Index, SDG India Index, Export Preparedness Index, School Education Quality Index (SEQI), Ease of Doing Business: State Rankings, and National Multidimensional Poverty Index.

 

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Detailed Overview of India’s Performance in the Human Development Index 2023

 

Introduction to Human Development Index (HDI) 

• The HDI is a statistical measure assessing a country's performance in three major dimensions — Health, Education, and Standard of Living. 
• The Health aspect is measured by life expectancy at birth; Education by mean years of schooling and expected years of schooling; and Standard of Living by Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). 
• First introduced in 1990, the HDI was established in the maiden Human Development Report by Mahbub ul Haq and Amartya Sen. 
• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) undertakes the publication of the HDI. 

 

India's Progress in HDI 2023

• India's HDI Rank in 2023 stood at 130 out of 193, showing an improvement from the 133rd position in 2022, as per the 2025 Human Development Report.
• The HDI Value for 2023 was 0.685, up from 0.676 in 2022. India continues to be categorised under Medium Human Development, inching closer to the High Development threshold of 0.700. 
• The country presents the same HDI value as Bangladesh while showing improved indicators as compared to Pakistan (Rank 168th, HDI 0.544) and Nepal (Rank 145th, HDI 0.622). 

 

India's Noteworthy Achievements 

• An improved life expectancy to 72 years in 2023 from 67.7 years in 2022. 
• Expected years of schooling rose to 13 years from 12.6 years. 
• Mean years of schooling also saw an improvement to 9 years from 6.57 years. 
• GNI per capita rose to $9,046.76 in 2023, an improvement from $6,951 in 2022. 
• 135 million Indians exited poverty between the years 201516 to 2019 21.

 

Persisting Inequalities in India

• India experiences a 30.7% loss due to inequality in HDI, marking one of the highest rates in Asia.
• Female labour force participation and political representation continue to be low, with India ranking 102nd with a score of 403.
• India's rank in GNI per Capita stands seven ranks below its HDI rank, indicating income disparity remains a challenge.

 

Global Trends in HDI 2023 

• Top performers of the HDI 2023 included Iceland (0.972), Norway (0.970), and Switzerland (0.970) while the least successful countries were South Sudan, Somalia, and the Central African Republic. 
• BRICS nations including Brazil (Rank 89), Russia (Rank 59), China (Rank 75), and South Africa (Rank 110) stood ahead of India in the HDI 2023.
• The pace of global HDI growth in 2023 has been the slowest since 1990. 
• Inequality between low and high HDI countries saw an increase for the fourth consecutive year.

 

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World Economic Outlook Report 2025

 

Introduction and About

• The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) biannual World Economic Outlook (WEO) for April 2025 projects India overtaking Japan as the world's fourthlargest economy in 2025.
• Highlights of the World Economic Outlook Report 2025
• Global Growth Forecast: The IMF revised the global growth rate downwards to 2.8% for 2025, with a projected increase to 3.0% for 2026.
• US Growth: Anticipated U.S. economic growth is curbed by policy uncertainty and trade tensions, leading to only 1.8% growth projection for 2025.
• Emerging Markets: A slow growth rate is projected for developing economies and emerging markets, with a 3.7% growth rate forecast for 2025, still superior to the global average.
• Global Inflation: Global inflation rates are anticipated to descend but at a slower pace, due to trade tensions and unstable financial markets.
• Aging Economies: As fertility rates decline and life expectancy increases, economies are aging fast. This demographic shift presents challenges for economic growth with the world's average age expected to rise by 11 years from 2020 to 2100. Health improvements in old age will however add 0.4% to global GDP growth from 2025 to 2050.

 

Indian Economy Overview

• Notwithstanding a slight revision down to 6.2% for 2025, India's growth forecast remains relatively impressive on the global stage.
• The IMF envisions India's nominal GDP to reach USD 4.187 trillion in 2025.
• Despite a slight downturn in growth, India continues to surpass most regional and global competitors, including China.
• Private consumption, particularly in rural areas, contributes significantly to India's growth, expected to remain robust amid global economic uncertainties.

 

India's Economic Resilience

• Private Consumption: Heavy reliance on private consumption, especially in rural areas, ensures consistent domestic demand amid global economic challenges.
• Macroeconomic Fundamentals: Reduced debttoGDP ratio and implementation of structural reforms contribute to India's economic stability.
• Infrastructure Development: Investments in infrastructure and digitalization are instrumental in increasing productivity and generating jobs.
• Government Reforms: Various government initiatives promote financial inclusion and boost manufacturing, fueling India's economic powerhouse.
• Demographics and Labour Force: The country profits from a youthful, expanding workforce, striving to increase female labor participation and tackling global aging workforce challenges.
• Technological Innovation: Rapid adoption of digital technologies bolsters productivity and resilience in economic activities, forecasting the creation of 50 million new jobs and a trilliondollar addition to the economy by 202930.
• External Demand and Trade Diversification: India's integration into global value chains and trade agreements present growth opportunities and buffers against global volatility.

 

 IMF’s World Economic Outlook Report

• The World Economic Outlook report is a biannual publication by the IMF in April and October.
• Its aim is to evaluate global and individual countries' economic developments, identify trends, and propose policy recommendations.
• The report includes forecasts for global and regional economic performance and offers insights into inflation trends.
• The WEO serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, researchers, and investors to understand and navigate the economic landscape.

 

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The State of the World’s Nursing 2025 Report

 

Introduction 

• The World Health Organization (WHO) released the State of the World’s Nursing 2025 report on International Nurses Day.
•  Key Findings of the SoWN 2025 Report
• The report reveals that the global nursing workforce grew from 27.9 million in 2018 to 29.8 million in 2023. 
• However, there is a concentration noted with 78% of nurses being in countries that represent just 49% of the global population. 
• The global nurse-to-population ratio is 37.1 per 10,000, with Europe having five times more nurses than Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. 
• The workforce is projected to reach 36 million by 2030, reducing the shortage from 5.8 million in 2023 to 4.1 million. 
• About 70% of shortages are concentrated in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. 
• The report also backs regulations  92% of countries have regulatory bodies for nurses, and 94% have minimum wage laws, but only 42% provide mental health support. 

 

Nurse Scenario in India

• The nurse-to-population ratio in India is only 1.9 nurses per 1,000 people, which is below the WHO's recommended ratio. 
• With over 3.3 million nurses registered with the Indian Nursing Council, this is insufficient for India’s large population. 
• India is planning to add more nursing colleges by mid2025, adding 15,700 Bachelor of Science in Nursing seats across the country.

 

Challenges Facing India’s Nursing Sector 

• Due to a shortage of nurses, the existing professionals are overworked, which further impacts on the quality of care and leads to burnout.
• There is also an imbalance in the representation of nurses across urban and rural locations. 
• Many nurses lack access to specialised education, and are also underpaid compared to global standards. 
• Nurses in India face social stigmas, harassment, and a high rate of migration due to better opportunities abroad. 

 

International Nurses Day 

• International Nurses Day is observed on 12th May by the International Council of Nurses. 
• This day is significant because it's the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. 
• Florence Nightingale was renowned for her work in the Crimean War and her contributions to nursing and societal reforms. 
• The theme of the year 2025 is: "Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies."

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Topic: The 58th Jnanpith Award 2023

 

Introduction

• The 58th iteration of the esteemed Jnanpith Award has been conferred by the President for the year 2023.
• Noted Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and illustrious poetlyricist Gulzar are the proud recipients.

 

Jagadguru Rambhadracharya 

• Recognised for his vast knowledge and devotion in the area of Sanskrit, Rambhadracharya has held the revered title of 'Jagadguru Ramanandacharya' since 1982.
• A spiritual leader of Hinduism, his contributions extend beyond academia to encompass religious service, witnessed by his leadership of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh.
• The author of over 240 works, four of which are Sanskrit epics, he was honoured with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2015.

 

Gulzar (Sampooran Singh Kalra)

• Gulzar, the pseudonym of Sampooran Singh Kalra, is a highly regarded figure in Urdu literature and poetry, making his mark in cinema as a filmmaker and lyricist. 
• He is the inventive mind behind the Triveni poetic form and responsible for timeless cinematographic contributions such as Maachis, Aandhi, and Koshish.
• His expertise has been recognised with the Padma Bhushan (2004), Sahitya Akademi Award (2002), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2013), an Oscar (2009), a Grammy (2010), and five National Film Awards.

 

About the Jnanpith Award

• Established in 1961 and first presented in 1965, the Jnanpith Award is regarded as India’s highest and oldest literary honour.
• Annually presented by Bharatiya Jnanpith, the prestigious award celebrates outstanding contributions in Indian literature in English and various Indian languages.
• It is important to note that only Indian citizens are eligible for this nonposthumous award.
• Awardees receive a generous cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, a statue of Vagdevi/Saraswati symbolising wisdom and knowledge, and a citation acknowledging their literary prowess.

 

Future Projection

Subsequent to the 58th Jnanpith Award, Vinod Kumar Shukla has been announced as the recipient of the 59th Jnanpith Award (2024), making him the first writer from Chhattisgarh to be bestowed with this honour.

 

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The Gallantry Awards 2025: Honouring Bravery

 

Introduction

• The Gallantry Awards are presented to acknowledge and commend the extraordinary bravery shown by servicemen in the face of adversary.
• The President of India handed out the Gallantry Awards 2025 on the eve of the 76th Republic Day.
• These awards encompassed 6 Kirti Chakras (4 posthumous) and 33 Shaurya Chakras (7 posthumous) to officers from the Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State/UT Police.

 

About Gallantry Awards

• Gallantry Awards are rewards given to individuals who have demonstrated immense courage, outstanding bravery, and complete disregard for personal safety while performing their duty. 
• They are announced biannually on Republic Day and Independence Day.

 

The Types of Gallantry Awards

Gallantry Awards are divided into two categories: those awarded in the face of the enemy, and those given for bravery outside of combat.

 

Gallantry Awards in the Face of the Enemy

• Param Vir Chakra (PVC) for most conspicuous daring or an exceptional act of gallantry or selfsacrifice in the presence of the enemy. The decoration features a  "Indra's Vajra" embossed in the middle.
• Mahavir Chakra (MVC) is awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy. The medal showcases a gilded State Emblem in the centre of a heraldic star.
• Vir Chakra is honoured for acts of bravery when confronting the enemy either on land, at sea, or in the air. The medal features a Chakra at its centre with a gilded State Emblem.

 

Gallantry Awards Other than in the Face of the Enemy

These awards include the Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. All these medals feature a replica of their respective Chakra in the centre surrounded by a lotus wreath.

 

Additional Information

• For recognising service personnel who demonstrate courage and bravery in similar acts more than once, they are honoured with a Bar to the Chakra.
• Both the Chakra and the Bar to the Chakra may be awarded posthumously, serving as an enduring recognition of the recipient's bravery and sacrifice.

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Heart Lamp Sweeps 2025 International Booker Prize

 

Introduction and Synopsis

• "Heart Lamp," a collection of short stories by Indian author Banu Mushtaq, has broken ground as the first Kannada work to win the prestigious International Booker Prize 2025.
• This collection, translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, represents a landmark achievement for regional literature from India.
• The stories within Heart Lamp spotlight the struggles endured by women under the strong hand of patriarchy.
• It artistically mirrors the essence of the Bandaya Sahitya movement, widely echoing the global issues of gender discrimination.

 

Literature and Social Movement

• The Bandaya movement, launched in the 1970s, fuelled both literary and social activism focussed on women's rights and Dalit issues.
• This movement significantly impacted politics and literature across Karnataka, India's hightech hub and the home of Heart Lamp's author, inculcating powerful dialogue about women's struggles and inequalities.
• Heart Lamp effectively captures the spirit of this movement, highlighting the author's ability to blend compelling narratives with prevailing sociopolitical themes.

 

International Booker Prize Overview

• Formerly acknowledged as the Man Booker International Prize, the International Booker Prize is a revered annual award given to translated works of fiction.
• It honours the finest longform works or short story collections that have been published in the UK or Ireland.
• Administered by the Booker Prize Foundation in the UK, this award celebrates not only the authors but also the translators who bring these stories to the Englishspeaking world.
• The award comes with a hefty prize money of 50,000 GBP, distributed equally between the author and the translator. In addition, each shortlisted author and translator receives a further prize of 2,500 GBP.

 

Significance and Impact

• Heart Lamp's triumph at the International Booker Prize 2025 reflects the rising global recognition for Indian regional literature.
• Its keynote themes offer insights into the ongoing struggles of women under patriarchal structures, making it a pertinent read for today’s global audience.
• This win not only puts the spotlight on Kannada literature but also stands as a tribute to the Bandaya Sahitya movement, showcasing its influential role in shaping literature and politics across India.
• Furthermore, it signifies the increasing inclusivity in the world of literature honouring translated works, allowing nonEnglish speaking narratives to gain global attention.

 

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Global Report on Food Crises 2025: Deepening Global Food Insecurity 

 

Introduction and About 

• The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2025 reveals an increase in acute hunger, affecting 295 million people across 53 countries.
• The report is compiled by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC) and the Food Security Information Network (FSIN). 
• It offers comprehensive analysis of acute food insecurity and nutrition crisis (malnutrition) worldwide.

 

Drivers of Food Insecurity as per GRFC 2025 Report

• The report identifies conflicts and displacement as key drivers of food insecurity, affecting 139.8 million people in 20 countries significantly.
• Economic disruptions and severe climate events also contribute to food crises and displacement of populations.
• Flawed governance, funding cuts, and economic instability exacerbate hunger and malnutrition, hindering the fight against acute hunger.

 

Socio Economic Implications

• The report highlights the negative implications of food crises on global development, especially in developing countries, increasing poverty and leading to the loss of human capital.
• Food shortages often lead to social instability whilst disproportionately affecting women and children.
• The educational systems are also impaired due to high dropout rates caused by hunger and the need to support household incomes.

 

Addressing Food Insecurity and Nutrition Crises

• The report outlines various strategies to address this growing issue:
• Establishing strong nutrition information systems to anticipate and address needs.
• Developing integrated food security and nutrition systems at country and regional levels.
• Increasing investment in emergency agricultural aid.
• Adopting climateresilient farming practices and linking food security with peace building.
• Transforming Agrifood systems by investing in agriculture to improve diet affordability, food availability, and supply chains.

 

Conclusion 

• The GFRS 2025 report depicts a severe global hunger crisis fuelled by several factors like conflict, climate change, and economic instability.
• With millions of people experiencing acute food insecurity and funding cuts threatening aid, urgent actions like the promotion of climate resilient agriculture and strengthening nutrition programmes are necessary to mitigate the crisis.

 

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16th Asiatic Lion Census 2025 and its Key Findings

 

Introduction and Overview

• The 16th Asiatic Lion Census 2025 reveals an impressive increase in the population of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) in Gujarat, surging from 674 to 891 in five years. 
• The increase is attributed to the various conservation initiatives conducted under Project Lion, a scheme introduced in 2020 aimed at securing the future of Asiatic lions. 

 

 Key Findings of the Census

• The total population recorded is 891, indicating a 32.2% rise as compared to the 674 lions recorded in the 15th census of 2020. 
• 384 lions live inside protected forests and sanctuary areas while the count of lions in nonforested areas stands at 507, rising from 340 in 2020. 
• 44.22% of the lion population now live outside the traditional protected habitats.
•  Gir National Park, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pania Wildlife Sanctuary are home to 394 lions. 
• Amreli district counts the most lions at 257, while the population at Mityala Wildlife Sanctuary doubled to 32.
• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary near Porbandar recorded its first lion population of 17 since 1879. 
• New satellite populations have been identified around Jetpur and BabraJasdan. 
• Female Lion Population and Project Lion
• A total of 330 adult female lions were recorded, representing a 27% rise from the last census, which implies a robust potential for continued population growth. 
• Project Lion, announced in 2020, has been pivotal in restoring habitats, fortifying the prey base, and reducing conflicts, all in support of the conservation of the Asiatic lion. 

 

Census Methodology & Technologies Used

• The 2025 census was conducted using direct beat verification. The area was split into regions, zones, and subzones with designated officials and volunteers for a systematic survey.
• Advanced technologies such as Global Positioning Systembased tracking, automated sensor grid and Geographic Information System (GIS)based realtime monitoring have greatly aided in lion conservation. 

 

 IUCN Green Status Assessment

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released its first Green Status Assessment for lions in 2025 to provide a global standard for species recovery and conservation impact.
• Unlike the IUCN Red List that emphasises on extinction risk, the Green Status focuses on recovery potential and required conservation efforts. Lions have been placed in the category of 'Largely Depleted'.

 

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WMO Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update 20252029 Overview and Impact 

 

Introduction and Summary 

• This global report has been released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). 
• The report warns that Earth’s average temperature is likely to exceed 1.5°C above preindustrial levels between 2025 and 2029. 
• The significant content of the report focuses on the annual global average temperature, regional climate projections, and the Paris Agreement Threshold.

 

 Key Findings from WMO Report 

• WMO projects a high probability of the Earth’s annual global average temperature during 20252029 being well within the 1.2°C to 1.9°C range above the 1850–1900 preindustrial average. 
• A 70% chance exists for this fiveyear average temperature to exceed the critical 1.5°C threshold. 
• An 86% likelihood remains for at least one year within 20252029 to surpass the 1.5°C limit, with an 80% chance for one of these years to beat 2024, currently the hottest year on record.

 

Regional Climate Projections

• South Asia: Conditions may remain wetter than average. 
• Amazon: Likely to face drierthanaverage conditions. 
• Arctic: Expected to get warmer – 2.4°C above normal, 3.5 times the global average.

 

 Paris Agreement Threshold and Policy Implications 

• The year 2024 marked the first time temperatures exceeded 1.5°C, albeit temporarily. 
• A long term (20–30 years) exceedance would mean failure to meet the Paris Agreement. 
• As of now, 180 out of 195 UNFCCC countries have not submitted their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the period 2031–2035. 
• The WMO emphasises the importance of continuous climate monitoring to guide decisionmaking and enhance adaptation efforts.

 

 About the World Meteorological Organization 

• The WMO, including India, consists of 192 member states and territories. 
• Its origin lays in the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), established after the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress. 
• In 1950, the IMO formally transitioned to the WMO, becoming a United Nations’ specialised agency for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology, and connected geophysical sciences. 

 

Key International Conventions to Limit Global Warming 

• Kyoto Protocol (1997): Aimed to curtail the emission of greenhouse gases.
• Paris Agreement (2015): Sought to cap global temperature rise to well under 2°C above preindustrial levels, striving to keep the increase to 1.5°C. 
• Glasgow Climate Pact (COP26) (2021): Advocated global netzero emissions by midcentury to maintain 1.5°C of warming within reach. 
• Sharm ElSheikh Plan (COP27) (2022): Promoted climate justice, emphasised adaptation, and resolidified the 1.5°C goal.
• Global Stocktake (COP28) (2023): Governments pledged to enhance their 2025 climate commitments to align with the approved 1.5°C goal, covering all sectors and greenhouse gases.