1 May 2025 Current Affairs

National News

PM Modi led CCEA approves FRP of Rs 355 per quintal for sugarcane

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the revised Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane during its meeting in New Delhi on 30 April 2025, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by key Cabinet Ministers.

Sugarcane Season in India: The sugarcane season runs from October to September.

New FRP for Sugar Season 2025-26

• For a basic recovery rate of 10.25%, sugar mills will pay Rs 355 per quintal, a 4.41% increase over the 2024-25 season.
• For every 0.1% increase in recovery above the base rate, a premium of Rs 3.46 per quintal will be paid.
• For every 0.1% decrease, a penalty of Rs 3.46 per quintal will be levied.
• If recovery falls below 9.5%, farmers will receive a flat rate of Rs 329.05 per quintal.

Role of CACP

• The Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, recommends the FRP.
• The government is not bound to accept CACP’s recommendations.

CACP considers the following before recommending FRP:

• Cost of production of sugarcane
• Returns from alternative crops
• Sugar demand-supply and price trends (domestic and global)
• Ensuring affordable sugar for consumers
• Sugar recovery rate
• Revenue from by-products
• Profit margins for farmers based on risk

Global Sugarcane and Sugar Production (FAO 2022)

• Top producers: Brazil, India, China, Thailand, Pakistan
• India’s global share in sugarcane: 22.9%
• Brazil’s share: 37.7%
• India recorded the highest yield: 84.9 tonnes per hectare

Sugar Industry

• India is the second-largest sugar producer after Brazil
• Brazil leads in raw sugar exports, followed by India, Thailand, Australia
• India is the largest exporter of refined sugar

Sugarcane and Sugar Production in India (2023-24)

• Sugarcane production:
  • Uttar Pradesh: 44.8%
  • Maharashtra: 25.5%
  • Karnataka: 11.7%
• Sugar production:
  • Maharashtra: 35% (largest)
  • Uttar Pradesh: 30.7%
  • Karnataka: 17.3%

Draft Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025

India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released the Draft GEI Target Rules, 2025, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy-intensive industries. These draft rules are crucial for implementing the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023, and support India’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.

Why is it in the News?

The MoEFCC notified the Draft GEI Target Rules on April 16, 2025, to regulate emissions and operationalize the CCTS. This is a key move toward India’s climate goal of cutting its GHG emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels).

 What is Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI)?

• GEI measures GHG emissions per unit of output (e.g., per tonne of cement).
• Expressed in tCO₂e (tonnes of CO₂ equivalent), covering all major GHGs.
• Includes CO₂, CH₄ (methane), N₂O (nitrous oxide), CFCs, HCFCs, etc.

Key Features of Draft GEI Target Rules, 2025

• Notified on: April 16, 2025
• Feedback period: 60 days from notification
• Integrated with: Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023
• Baseline Year: FY 2023–24
• Target Years: FY 2025–26 and 2026–27

Industries Covered (Total: 282 units)

• Cement: 186 units
• Aluminium: 13 units
• Pulp & Paper: 53 units
• Chlor-Alkali: 30 units

Major companies included: Vedanta, Hindalco, Ultratech, JSW Cement, Dalmia Cement, etc.

Compliance & Enforcement

• Industries must submit GEI reduction action plans.
• Penalties will be imposed for non-compliance.
• Oversight by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Centre Issues Guidelines for Bio-Resource Centres under NMNF

To promote natural farming and reduce farmers’ reliance on chemical inputs, the central government launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) in November 2024. A key component of this initiative is the establishment of 10,000 Bio-resource Centres (BRCs) at the cluster level. These centres will provide ready-to-use bio-inputs, training, and technical support to farmers. However, experts have raised concerns over the financial assistance of ₹1 lakh per centre, citing it as inadequate, particularly for infrastructure development.

Objective and Purpose

• Support local production and availability of natural bio-inputs.
• Assist farmers who are unable to produce bio-inputs themselves.
• Disseminate knowledge and share best practices for natural farming.

Financial Support

• ₹1 lakh assistance per centre, provided in two tranches of ₹50,000.
• The financial support does not cover infrastructure costs, such as shed construction or land rent.
• Entrepreneurs will need to arrange physical infrastructure independently.

Eligibility Criteria

• The entrepreneur group/entity must be practicing natural farming or have experienced members in this field.
• If such members are not available, state natural farming cells will help identify willing farmers.

Local Adaptability

• Inputs will be tailored according to local soil, land use patterns, and crop systems.
• Access to raw materials, such as livestock waste and biomass, is essential for these centres.

Affordability

• BRCs must ensure that inputs remain affordable for small and marginal farmers.
• District-level monitoring will be in place to ensure price regulation and quality control.

Scheme Convergence

The NMNF encourages alignment with other government schemes, including:

• 10,000 FPO Formation
• National Mission on Edible Oilseeds
• Other agri-linked welfare programmes

Supreme Court Proposes Minimum Vote Requirement for Unopposed Wins

In a move to uphold democratic integrity, the Supreme Court of India has questioned the practice of declaring candidates elected unopposed without a single vote being cast. The Court suggested that even in such cases, a minimum vote share—for example, 10% or 15% of total votes—should be required to ensure voter consent and legitimacy.

Why is it in the News?

During a hearing on the constitutionality of Section 53(2) of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951, the Supreme Court observed that a candidate should not be declared elected unopposed without public validation. This case highlights concerns over voter disenfranchisement, particularly the loss of the NOTA (None of the Above) option.

Background of the Case

• Petition Filed: August 2024
• Petitioner: Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy
• Core Challenge: Section 53(2) of RPA, 1951, which allows uncontested wins without polling
• Key Argument: Denying elections in such cases violates freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a)
• Legal Reference: PUCL vs. Union of India (2013) – where SC upheld NOTA as a constitutional right

Data on Uncontested Elections

• Total Lok Sabha Seats (1951–2024) Elected Uncontested: 26
• Voters Deprived: Over 82 lakh
• Year-wise Breakdown:
  • 1951 – 5
  • 1957 – 7
  • 1962 – 3
  • 1967 – 5
  • 1971 – 1
  • 1977 – 2
  • 1980 – 1
  • 1989 – 1
  • 2024 – 1 (Surat, Mukeshkumar Dalal, BJP)

 Election Commission of India (ECI) Response

• Only 9 uncontested wins in 20 Lok Sabha elections
• Since 1989, just one MP has been elected unopposed
• Argued that with increased voter awareness, such cases are rare
• Stated that NOTA is applicable only when polling occurs
• Noted that introducing changes would require amendments to RPA 1951 and Election Rules 1961

Supreme Court’s Key Observations

• Democracy demands active voter participation, even with a single candidate
• Suggested setting a minimum vote threshold (10%–15%) for unopposed wins
• Criticized “default victories” without voter engagement
• Urged the Parliament to consider legislative amendments

Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam’s Issued Certified Green Municipal Bond

Ghaziabad Issues India’s First Green Municipal Bond for Water Recycling

In a landmark step for sustainable urban development, Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam has become the first Urban Local Body in India to issue a Certified Green Municipal Bond. This innovative move aims to fund a high-tech Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant, showcasing the future of eco-conscious urban financing and infrastructure.

Why in the News

Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam made history by raising 150 crore rupees through India’s first certified Green Municipal Bond.
The funds will be used to build an advanced Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP) under the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban.
The initiative is supported by both the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Key Project – Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant

• Capacity: 40 million litres per day
• Technologies used:
  • Microfiltration
  • Ultrafiltration
  • Nanofiltration
  • Reverse Osmosis
• Pipeline: 95 kilometers to deliver treated water
• Industrial impact:
  • Supplies to more than 1400 industrial units
  • Contracts with over 800 firms for 9.5 million litres per day of treated water

Financial Innovation – PPP HAM Model

• Project developed under Public Private Partnership – Hybrid Annuity Model
• 40 percent of the funding provided by Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation
• The project reflects strong financial discipline and growing investor confidence

Awards and Recognition: The initiative received the Best Municipal Treated Water Reuse Award at the Water Digest World Water Awards 2024–25

Economy news

CSR Spending Witnessed 16% Rise in FY 23-2024

In a major step forward for corporate governance and social impact, CSR spending by listed Indian companies rose by 16 percent in FY 2023-24, reaching ₹17,967 crore. This increase follows years of stagnation and is linked to the significant rise in corporate profits. The development also renews calls for reviewing the CSR eligibility thresholds, considering the doubling of profits since the CSR law was enacted in 2014.

Why in the News

CSR spending increased to ₹17,967 crore in 2023-24, up from ₹15,524 crore in 2022-23. This rise was led by improved profits across sectors.
Top contributors included:

• HDFC Bank: ₹945.31 crore
• Reliance Industries: ₹900 crore
• TCS: ₹827 crore
• ONGC: ₹634.57 crore

Out of 1,394 eligible companies, 1,367 (98 percent) complied.
27 companies did not spend their mandated amount.
The required total was ₹18,309 crore, with a shortfall of ₹2,329 crore transferred to the Unspent CSR Account.

Overview of CSR Law

The CSR law came into effect in April 2014 and applies to companies meeting any of the following:

• Net worth of ₹500 crore or more
• Turnover of ₹1,000 crore or more
• Net profit of ₹5 crore or more

These companies must spend 2 percent of their average net profits (over the past 3 years) on CSR activities such as education, healthcare, environmental protection, etc.

Profit Trends and Policy Suggestions

• The average net profit of the 1,394 companies stood at ₹9.62 lakh crore.
• Pranav Haldea, MD of PRIME Database, has suggested that the CSR thresholds be revised upward to exclude smaller companies.
• He also emphasized aligning CSR rules with India’s improved ease of doing business and rising corporate profitability.

Sector-Wise Allocation of CSR Funds

• Education: ₹1,104 crore (highest share)
• Healthcare: ₹720 crore
• Environmental Sustainability: Spending increased by 54 percent
• National Heritage: Up by 5 percent
• Slum Development: Down by 72 percent
• Rural Development: Down by 59 percent
• Armed Forces Veterans: Down by 52 percent

Banking news

RBI Mandates Use of PRAVAAH Portal for Regulatory Applications from May 2025

In a move to promote digital governance and transparency, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made it mandatory for all regulated entities to use the PRAVAAH portal for submitting applications for licenses, authorizations, and approvals starting May 1, 2025. This step enhances efficiency and eliminates the need for manual submission processes.

Why in the News

The RBI has issued a directive requiring all banks, financial institutions, and regulated entities to compulsorily use the PRAVAAH portal for application submissions from May 1, 2025.
This covers applications for licenses, regulatory authorizations, and various approvals.

About PRAVAAH Portal

• Full Form: Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation, and Authorization
• Launch Date: May 28, 2024
• Purpose: Single-window online system for submitting applications to the RBI
• Type: Secure, web-based digital platform

New RBI Directive (Issued April 29, 2025)

• Effective Date: May 1, 2025
• All regulated entities must exclusively submit applications through PRAVAAH
• Applies to all forms currently hosted on the portal

Entities Covered

• Scheduled Commercial Banks (including Small Finance Banks, Local Area Banks, Regional Rural Banks)
• Urban Co-operative Banks
• State and Central Co-operative Banks
• All-India Financial Institutions
• Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) including Housing Finance Companies
• Primary Dealers
• Payment System Operators
• Credit Information Companies

Portal Features

• Includes User Manual, FAQs, and Video Tutorials
• Offers application tracking for real-time status updates
• Over 4,000 applications processed since launch
• Aims to reduce manual submissions, increase transparency, and speed up processing times

Appointment news

EX RAW chief Alok Joshi to head National Security Advisory Board

On 30 April 2025, the Central Government reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and appointed Alok Joshi, former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief, as its new head.
This move followed the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, including one Nepalese national.

Newly Constituted NSAB – Key Members

The revamped NSAB includes a mix of former armed forces officers and civil service veterans:

• Alok Joshi – Former RAW Chief, Head of NSAB
  • 1976 batch IPS officer from Haryana cadre
  • Former Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau
  • Appointed RAW Secretary in 2012

Other Prominent Members:

• Air Marshal PM Sinha – Former Western Air Commander
• Lt General AK Singh – Former Southern Army Commander
• Rear Admiral Monty Khanna – Former Indian Navy Officer
• Rajiv Ranjan Verma – Former IPS officer
• Manmohan Singh – Former IPS officer
• B Venkatesh Varma – Former Indian Foreign Service Officer

About the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)

• The NSAB is an executive body established through a Government of India order.
• It consists of eminent national security experts outside the government.
• Members are appointed by the Government of India.

Composition:

• Includes individuals from diverse fields:
  • Civilian and military backgrounds
  • Academia
  • Foreign affairs
  • Science and technology
  • Defence and internal security
  • Economic affairs

Functions of the NSAB

• Provide analysis on key national interest issues
• Offer inputs to the National Security Council (NSC)
• Recommend measures, policy options, and solutions on matters referred by the NSC

Justice B.R. Gavai Appointed as 52nd Chief Justice of India

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has been appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI). His oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for May 14, 2025. His appointment is historic as he becomes the second person from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community to occupy the highest judicial position in India, following Justice K.G. Balakrishnan.

Appointment and Tenure

• Appointed on: April 30, 2025
• Oath Date: May 14, 2025
• Tenure Ends: November 23, 2025 (upon reaching the retirement age of 65 years)

Community Representation

• Second CJI from Scheduled Caste (SC) community
• First SC CJI: Justice K.G. Balakrishnan

Notable Judgments and Legal Contributions

• Member of 5-judge bench that upheld the abrogation of Article 370
• Participated in the ruling that struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme
• Supported the 2016 Demonetisation decision in a 4:1 majority
• Member of 7-judge bench that allowed sub-classification within SCs for reservation
• Delivered key ruling mandating no demolition without show-cause notice and 15-day response period
• Heads the bench dealing with environmental matters, including forests and wildlife protection

Agreement news

India Post and SBI Mutual Fund Launch Doorstep KYC Services

To make mutual fund investments more accessible across India, especially in rural and remote areas, the Department of Posts (DoP) has partnered with SBI Funds Management Limited (SBIFM) to offer door-to-door KYC verification services. This collaboration aims to improve financial inclusion through India Post’s extensive reach and supports the Jan Nivesh and Digital India programs.

MoU Signing and Stakeholders

• Signed by Ms. Manisha Bansal Badal (General Manager, Business Development, DoP)
• Signed by Sh. Munish Sabharwal (Senior Vice President, SBI Funds Management Ltd.)
• Signing took place at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi

Role of India Post

• Utilizes 1.64 lakh-plus post offices across the country
• Offers doorstep collection of KYC documents
• Trained postal staff ensure data accuracy, privacy, and regulatory compliance
• Especially serves rural and underserved communities

Benefits to Investors

• Ideal for senior citizens, people with mobility challenges, and those in remote locations
• Allows KYC completion at home
• Eliminates the need to visit bank or mutual fund branches
• Promotes ease of access and convenient onboarding

Ranks and report news

World Social Report 2025 Released by United Nations

The World Social Report 2025, published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) in collaboration with UNU-WIDER, is the UN’s flagship publication that explores key trends in global social development. The report stresses the urgent need to address rising income inequality, economic insecurity, and declining trust in institutions, while offering strategies to steer progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Core Issues Highlighted

• 60 percent of the world’s population faces economic insecurity
• Over 690 million people continue to live in extreme poverty
• Income inequality is rising in two-thirds of countries
• The richest 1 percent owns more wealth than 95 percent of the global population

Employment and Livelihood Crisis

• Informal and insecure jobs dominate in Africa and South Asia
• Employment precarity leads to unstable incomes and weak social protection

Declining Trust in Institutions

• Over 50 percent of the global population reports low or no trust in their governments
• Factors include misinformation, digital echo chambers, and governance failures

Impact of Climate and Conflict

• In 2024, 1 in 5 people were affected by climate disasters
• 1 in 7 people lived in conflict zones, reversing past development gains

Achievements Noted

• Over 1 billion people lifted out of extreme poverty since 1995 (SDG 1)
• Gains in life expectancy, literacy, and healthcare access (SDGs 3, 4)
• Progress in social inclusion across ethnicity, location, and income groups (SDG 10)

Scheme news

Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme Launched By MNRE Minister

India is actively working to become a global leader in green hydrogen production. As part of this strategy, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) held a national workshop aimed at empowering Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and integrating them into the green hydrogen supply chain. A key highlight was the launch of the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) to ensure transparency, traceability, and market trust.

Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCI)

• Launched by: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi
• Purpose: Framework to certify green hydrogen production
• Goals: Ensure transparency, traceability, and credibility
• Supports: India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

National Workshop on MSME Role in Green Hydrogen

• Date and Location: 29 April 2025, New Delhi
• Organized by: MNRE
• Participants: Over 300 delegates including
  • MSMEs
  • Policymakers
  • Technology providers
  • Industry associations
  • International partners

Key Technical Sessions

• Technology collaboration for MSMEs
• Business opportunities in the hydrogen supply chain
• Decentralized hydrogen production from biomass
• Catalyzing investments

Risk Mitigation Tools Introduced

• Blended finance models
• Green credit lines for MSMEs

MSME Opportunities in Green Hydrogen Sector

• Involvement in component manufacturing, O&M services, and rural hydrogen generation
• Interest in developing Green Hydrogen Clusters to share infrastructure and scale operations
• Need for:
  • Standardized protocols
  • Shared R&D platforms
  • Stable long-term policies

Science and tech news

India’s Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Make Space History Aboard Axiom Mission 4

India is set to achieve a major space milestone as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an officer from the Indian Air Force and a Gaganyaan astronaut-designate, will become the first Indian astronaut to fly to the International Space Station (ISS). He will also be the first Indian to enter space in over 40 years, serving as the pilot of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)—a commercial spaceflight mission led by Axiom Space and launched via SpaceX.

Launch and Crew Details

• Launch Date: Scheduled for May 29, 2025 (no earlier than 1:03 p.m. EDT)
• Launch Site: NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
• Spacecraft: SpaceX Dragon
• Mission Duration: Up to 14 days aboard the ISS

Crew Members:

• Shubhanshu Shukla (India) – Pilot
• Peggy Whitson (USA) – Commander, former NASA astronaut
• Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) – ESA astronaut
• Tibor Kapu (Hungary) – Payload specialist

Scientific Research and Experiments

• Nearly 60 experiments from 31 countries
• Includes 7 Indian microgravity experiments selected by ISRO, such as:
  • Microalgae and cyanobacteria growth
  • Muscle regeneration studies
  • Sprouting of Indian food crops like moong and fenugreek
  • Tardigrade resilience in space
  • Human-computer interaction studies
• Conducted by national R&D labs and premier Indian academic institutions
• Focuses on India-centric space food sustainability

Importance for India

• First Indian to reach the ISS
• First Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma (1984)
• Supports India’s Gaganyaan mission goals
• Strengthens India’s global space collaboration and human spaceflight capabilities

Important days

Dadasaheb Phalke Birth Anniversary: Father of Indian Cinema

On April 30, 2025, India celebrates the 155th birth anniversary of Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, famously known as Dadasaheb Phalke, hailed as the Father of Indian Cinema. Phalke’s groundbreaking journey began at a time when filmmaking was virtually unknown in India. His visionary work led to the creation of India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913), establishing the foundation for what would become one of the world’s largest and most influential film industries.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born in 1870 in Trimbak, Maharashtra, Dadasaheb Phalke developed a deep interest in the arts and photography from an early age. He trained at the Sir J.J. School of Art in Bombay (now Mumbai) and explored various fields, including painting, printing, and theater.

Phalke’s turning point came in 1910 when he watched the silent film The Life of Christ. The powerful visuals inspired him profoundly, sparking his vision to bring Indian mythological stories to the screen through cinema. This vision set in motion what would become a historic milestone in Indian filmmaking.

A Risky Mission to Learn Filmmaking

At the time, cinema was dominated by the West, and the concept of filmmaking was virtually unknown to Indian audiences. Phalke, realizing the need for technical knowledge, traveled to London in 1912. This bold move was made despite his limited resources and lack of support.

In London, he met with film industry experts, studied film equipment, and purchased essential gear, including a camera and film reels. With both the tools and the knowledge, he returned to India, determined to embark on his pioneering filmmaking journey.

The Making of Raja Harishchandra: A Journey Against All Odds

The creation of Raja Harishchandra was filled with challenges. Phalke faced numerous social, financial, and logistical obstacles, but his passion and perseverance kept him on course. His efforts were instrumental in introducing Indian cinema to the world stage, making a lasting impact on the country’s film industry.

International Jazz Day: A Global Celebration of Music and Unity

Every year on April 30, the world unites to celebrate International Jazz Day, an initiative led by UNESCO that highlights jazz as more than just a musical genre. Jazz is recognized as a global language of peace, diversity, dialogue, and mutual understanding. Launched with the support of Herbie Hancock, a jazz legend, this day brings together musicians and communities worldwide through workshops, concerts, and discussions.

Background and Origin

• Started by: UNESCO in 2011
• Key supporter: Herbie Hancock, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and jazz icon
• Purpose: To promote jazz music as a tool for education, communication, and social change

Historical Context

• Origins: Early 20th century in the United States
• Roots: A fusion of African and European musical traditions
• Known for its improvisation, rhythm, emotion, and expression

Global Celebrations

• Date: Celebrated annually on April 30
• Events: Global concerts, workshops, and dialogues held in multiple countries
• Global Concert 2024: Held in Tangier, Morocco
• Live-streamed events ensure global participation

International Labour Day: A Global Recognition of Workers’ Rights

Every year on May 1, the world observes International Labour Day (also known as International Workers’ Day) to honour the contributions of workers across all sectors. This day not only celebrates workers but also emphasizes the importance of workers’ rights, fair labour practices, and the need for safe and equitable workplaces. In 2025, the observance is especially significant due to efforts to improve labour protections globally amidst modern challenges such as automation and informal employment.

Historical Background

• Origins: Rooted in the late 19th-century labour movement in the United States.
• Key Event: On May 1, 1886, workers initiated a nationwide strike demanding an eight-hour workday. The movement culminated in the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where a bomb blast led to the deaths of seven police officers and four civilians.
• 1889: The Second International declared May 1 as International Workers’ Day to commemorate this historic struggle.

Labour Day in India

• First Celebration: Celebrated for the first time in 1923 in Chennai (then Madras) by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan, led by Comrade Singaravelu Chettiar.
• Symbol: The red flag symbolizing labour rights was first used in this event.
• Co-occurrence: The day also marks Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day, celebrating the formation of these states in 1960.

Interesting Facts About Labour Day

• Although Labour Day originated in the US, it is not observed on May 1 there. The US and Canada celebrate it on the first Monday of September.
• Over 80 countries officially observe Labour Day on May 1.
• Canada’s first Labour Day celebration occurred in 1872, before the US observance.
• The colour red is widely associated with labour movements and is prominently used in rallies and events.

Labour Laws in India – Structure and Reforms

India’s labour law framework has undergone major consolidation, with the Four Labour Codes:

1. Code on Wages, 2019: Regulates minimum wages, payment of wages, bonus, and equal remuneration.
2. Industrial Relations Code, 2020: Deals with trade unions, strikes, and worker-employer dispute resolution.
3. Social Security Code, 2020: Covers PF, ESI, maternity benefits, gratuity, and gig worker welfare.
4. Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020: Ensures workplace safety, health standards, and working hours.

Constitutional and Legal Provisions for Labour Rights in India

• Article 23 & 24: Prohibit forced labour and child labour.
• Article 39: Advocates for equal pay for equal work.
• Article 41 & 43: Ensure right to work, secure employment, and a living wage.

India has ratified key ILO conventions:

• Convention 138 (Minimum Age)
• Convention 182 (Worst Forms of Child Labour)