Current Affairs - Economy

The unemployment rate in the country has reduced to 3.2% from the previous 6% in the last fiscal year during July 2023 – June 2024, as per the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). This decline is significant, especially among individuals aged 15 and above. The government has launched five employment schemes under the Prime Minister’s Package, aiming to create job opportunities and benefit over four crore youth in the next five years. These initiatives reflect the government’s focus on reducing unemployment and strengthening the job market through policy measures and economic reforms.

Digital payment transactions in India saw a remarkable growth of 44% in the last fiscal year, reaching ₹18,000 crore. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) played a crucial role in driving this expansion, alongside significant contributions from IMPS and the National Electronic Toll Collection system. To further boost digital payments, the government allocated ₹3,500 crore for RuPay and BHIM-UPI promotion incentives. Additionally, the RBI’s Payment Infrastructure Fund facilitated the installation of 4.08 crore digital payment touchpoints in remote areas, enhancing financial inclusion and accessibility across the country.

Canada has imposed a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of U.S. imports in response to U.S. tariff actions. The initial phase includes $30 billion worth of goods, with additional tariffs on another $125 billion set to follow in 21 days. This move is part of a broader trade conflict involving multiple countries, as China and Mexico are also considering countermeasures. The retaliatory tariffs highlight the ongoing tensions in global trade policies, particularly between Canada and the United States.

The Cabinet has approved a 3% increase in ethanol procurement prices for public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), effective from November 1, 2024, under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. This revision raises the price of ethanol derived from C Heavy Molasses from ₹56.58 to ₹57.97 per litre. The move is aimed at enhancing ethanol supply, supporting India’s ethanol blending targets, and providing economic benefits to ethanol producers and sugarcane farmers while also contributing to environmental sustainability.

India’s share of global consumption is expected to increase from 9% in 2023 to 16% by 2050, making it the second-largest contributor after North America, which stands at 17%. This growth is attributed to India’s youthful and expanding population, coupled with rising incomes. Meanwhile, advanced economies are seeing declining fertility rates, shifting global demographic attention to regions like India.