TITBITS:
1. Two
characteristics OF India's labour force are striking - the low rate of
participation of the working-age population in the workforce and the almost
stagnant structure of labour force participation. India has a much larger share
of workers who are self-employed and a smaller proportion of wage and salaried
workers than most other middle-income economies.
2. The
China-led Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement has gained
the support of 128 countries at the World Trade Organization (WTO) but India,
along with South Africa, Namibia, and Turkey, will continue to oppose the
initiative due to its potential to undermine the policy space of weaker
nations, a central government official said on Tuesday ahead of the WTO General
Council meeting in Geneva on December 16-17.
3. Ecologist Madhav Gadgil, who led the Western Ghats
Ecology Expert Panel, has been honoured with the United Nations' Champions
of the Earth award for his contributions to environmental conservation.
This prestigious accolade, presented by UNEP, recognizes outstanding efforts in
areas like biodiversity protection and sustainable development. Gadgil is the
sole Indian recipient of this highest environmental honour.
4. The India Skills Report 2025 highlights a 55%
employability rate among Indian graduates, with Kerala ranked among the top
states for employability. Management (78%) and engineering (71.5%) graduates
lead, while Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, and Kerala emerge as key talent
hubs. However, a gender gap in employability persists, requiring focused
efforts.