Employment and Unemployment — Current Affairs 2026

Current Affairs Connections

Recent developments and news linked to Employment and Unemployment.

Government's Focus on PLI Schemes to Boost Manufacturing Employment

2024-03-15

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, initially launched for 14 key sectors, have gained renewed focus in 2024 as a strategy to boost domestic manufacturing and create jobs. Recent government statements and industry reports indicate that sectors like electronics, automobiles, textiles, and pharmaceuticals are seeing increased investment and production capacity, directly leading to formal employment generation. This initiative aims to address the 'jobless growth' concern by making India a global manufacturing hub, thereby absorbing a significant portion of the young workforce entering the labour market annually. The success of PLI schemes is crucial for India's demographic dividend.

UPSC Angle: Analyze the effectiveness of PLI schemes in generating formal employment, their impact on different sectors, and challenges in implementation. Compare with past industrial policies. Evaluate their role in achieving 'Make in India' and reducing structural unemployment.

Debate on Universal Basic Income (UBI) for Gig Workers Gains Momentum

2024-06-20

With the rapid expansion of India's gig economy, discussions around providing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) or similar social security net for platform workers have intensified. Recent reports from think tanks and parliamentary discussions highlight the precarious nature of gig work, lack of traditional employee benefits, and income volatility. While the Code on Social Security, 2020, attempts to cover gig workers, its implementation details and funding mechanisms are still evolving. A UBI for this segment is being debated as a potential solution to ensure a minimum standard of living and reduce vulnerability, especially in the face of economic shocks or algorithmic changes affecting work availability.

UPSC Angle: Examine the pros and cons of implementing UBI for gig workers in India. Discuss the challenges of defining and identifying gig workers, funding mechanisms for UBI, and its potential impact on labour force participation and the informal economy. Connect to the broader debate on social security and the future of work.