This past week brought significant news, from reports on women in the workforce to advancements in space technology, critical environmental updates, and important global events.
Understanding India’s Workforce Dynamics
A new report, ‘State of women in the blue-grey collar workforce 2025’ by Quess Corp and Udaiti Foundation, highlights a critical issue: low income is forcing women out of these sectors. The study reveals that 54% of women in these roles are unhappy with their pay, with 80% saving less than Rs 2,000 per month or nothing at all.
Women in blue- and grey-collar jobs earn only 70% of what men do. This wage gap, coupled with responsibilities like unpaid caregiving and commuting costs, makes it challenging for women to maintain formal employment.
Conservation Efforts Take Center Stage
Global Tiger Day and Growing Populations
Global Tiger Day was observed on July 29, emphasizing the urgent need for tiger conservation. The theme this year was “Securing the future of Tigers with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities at the heart.”
In promising news, the Kaziranga Tiger Reserve now boasts the world’s third-highest density of tigers. A recent survey counted 148 tigers, a significant jump from 104 in 2022. This impressive density stands at 18.65 tigers per 100 square kilometers.
Innovative Bird Census in Kaziranga
Kaziranga National Park also conducted its first-ever grassland bird census. Using new methods like passive acoustic recording monitoring and the ‘Birdnet’ tool, the survey identified 43 grassland bird species. Among these were one Critically Endangered, two Endangered, and six Vulnerable species according to the IUCN Red List.
Ramsar Wetlands Conference
At the 15th Conference of Parties of the Ramsar Convention in Zimbabwe, India’s resolution on ‘Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands’ was adopted. This encourages education and skills to foster sustainable practices for wetland conservation.
Technological Leaps in India
Private Sector Boosts Nuclear Program
For the first time, India’s nuclear establishment has engaged private players for a crucial process. Mumbai-based TEMA India will now test equipment for upgrading depleted heavy water, a task previously handled exclusively by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
Heavy water is vital for nuclear reactors, and this move supports India’s ambitious goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047. The country aims for 22.4 GW by 2032 and is developing Small Modular Reactors.
Hydrogen-Powered Train Trial
Indian Railways successfully tested its first hydrogen-powered coach in Chennai. This significant milestone puts India among a few nations exploring this green railway technology. The project, led by Northern Railway, aims for a full hydrogen-powered train, with design and testing by RDSO.
NISAR Satellite Takes Flight
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite successfully launched on July 30. Touted as the most powerful Earth observation satellite, NISAR carries two SARs (L-band and S-band) to create detailed images of Earth. It will map the entire globe every 12 days, aiding disaster prediction, rescue efforts, and understanding geological phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The satellite will operate for five years.
Key Developments in Defence
India successfully test-fired the Pralay missile, a short-range surface-to-surface tactical missile with a 150-500 km range, developed by DRDO. Meanwhile, INS Satpura participated in SIMBEX-25, the 32nd Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise, held in Singapore.
In another important update, India received the last of 16 Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft from Spain. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured within India, boosting indigenous defence capabilities.
Health Update: Lyme Disease
Singer Justin Timberlake recently shared his diagnosis with Lyme disease. This bacterial infection is transmitted to humans by infected black-legged ticks. It can cause flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and neurological issues, but is often treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early.
Global Hotspots and Natural Events
An 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering a tsunami across the northern Pacific. This region lies on the “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active belt prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to colliding tectonic plates. Indonesia also saw activity with Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, one of its most active volcanoes, erupting for a second day.
Sporting Triumphs and Recognitions
In chess, 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s World Cup, also earning the title of India’s 88th Grandmaster. In wrestling, Hardeep Singh secured India’s first-ever Under-17 world champion title in the 110kg Greco-Roman category at the U17 World Wrestling Championships in Greece.
Additionally, the 71st National Film Awards winners were announced in New Delhi, celebrating cinematic excellence in India.
- India’s private sector is now involved in upgrading heavy water for nuclear reactors.
- Kaziranga Tiger Reserve has the world’s third-highest tiger density.
- NISAR satellite, a joint NASA-ISRO effort, will map the globe every 12 days for disaster prediction and Earth observation.
- India successfully tested its first hydrogen-powered railway coach.
These diverse updates highlight India’s progress across various sectors, from environmental conservation and technological innovation to national security and global partnerships.
