Assessment of Logistics Cost in India Report

What’s the News?

• The Government launched a report titled “Assessment of Logistics Cost in India” under the Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
• It provides a uniform, scientifically derived framework to measure logistics costs across transport modes, firm sizes, and product categories.
• The report estimates logistics costs at about 7.97% of India’s GDP, significantly lower than earlier figures of 13-14% drawn from partial or external studies.

Logistics Cost Assessment Report

• Objective: To establish a credible and scientific framework for measuring logistics costs, providing a baseline for monitoring progress and making data-driven policy decisions.
• Key Findings:
  • The aggregated logistics cost in India is estimated to be between 7.8% and 8.9% of GDP.
  • The cost as a percentage of GDP has shown a declining trend over the last decade, indicating improved efficiency.
• Methodology:
  • The report was developed by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) for the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
  • It uses a robust modeling approach based on secondary data from the Supply Use Tables and National Accounts Statistics.
• Significance: Lower logistics costs are crucial for making Indian goods more competitive in both domestic and international markets, boosting exports, and improving the ease of doing business.

Additional Info

• National Logistics Policy (NLP), 2022:
  • Aim: To reduce India’s logistics cost to be comparable with global benchmarks (under 8%) by 2030.
  • Targets:
    • To be among the top 25 countries in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking.
    • To create an efficient, data-driven logistics ecosystem.
  • Key Pillars:
    • Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP): A single digital window for all logistics and trade-related services.
    • Ease of Logistics Services (E-Logs): A digital platform for industry to directly raise operational issues with the government.
• PM GatiShakti National Master Plan:
  • A digital platform launched for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects.
  • It brings together 16 central government ministries on a single platform to avoid duplication of work, save costs, and ensure timely completion of projects.
• Logistics Performance Index (LPI):
  • A benchmarking tool published by the World Bank.
  • In the 2023 report, India was ranked 38th among 139 countries, a significant improvement of six places from its 44th rank in 2018.

Sources

• newsonair
• cnbctv18
• uniindia

India Secures Rights for Polymetallic Sulphide Exploration

What’s the News?

• India signed a 15-year contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to get exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides (PMS) in the Carlsberg Ridge of the Indian Ocean.
• Under this contract India becomes the first ISA member to have two PMS exploration contracts.

Exploring Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS)

• What are PMS?: Polymetallic Sulphides are mineral deposits formed by hydrothermal activity on the seafloor, commonly known as "black smokers." They are mounds of metallic sulphides precipitated from hot, mineral-rich fluids emanating from volcanic vents.
• Composition: These deposits are rich in valuable metals such as copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver.
• Strategic Importance:
  • The metals found in PMS are crucial for developing renewable energy technologies like batteries, wind turbines, and solar panels.
  • This exploration aligns with India's economic growth objectives and its transition towards a green energy future.
  • The initiative is a key component of India's ambitious Deep Ocean Mission.

Additional Info

• International Seabed Authority (ISA):
  • An autonomous international body established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982.
  • Headquarters: Kingston, Jamaica.
  • Mandate: To regulate and control all mineral-related activities in the international seabed area (the Area), which lies beyond national jurisdiction, for the benefit of all humanity.
• India's Deep-Sea Exploration Status:
  • India was the first country to be designated a "Pioneer Investor" in 1987, granting it exclusive rights to explore the seabed.
  • Besides PMS, India holds exploration rights for:
    • Polymetallic Nodules (PMN): In the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB).
    • Cobalt-rich Ferromanganese Crusts: In the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount region of the Indian Ocean.
• Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):
  • A mission mode project of the Ministry of Earth Sciences to explore deep ocean resources and develop deep-sea technologies.
  • It includes the Samudrayaan Mission, which aims to send a manned submersible, 'MATSYA 6000', to a depth of 6,000 metres for deep-sea exploration.

Sources

• newsonair
• news18
• news.abplive
• ddnews

India Re-elected to UPU Councils for 2025-28 Term

What’s the News?

• India has been re-elected to the Council of Administration (CA) and the Postal Operations Council (POC) of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) for the 2025-28 term.
• The re-election took place at the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai.

India's Role in UPU Governance

• Council of Administration (CA):
  • This council is the primary governing body of the UPU between Congresses and consists of 41 member countries.
  • It supervises UPU's activities and examines regulatory, administrative, and legal issues, ensuring the Union's policies are implemented effectively.
• Postal Operations Council (POC):
  • Comprising 48 member countries, the POC is the UPU's technical and operational arm.
  • It focuses on modernizing postal products and services, dealing with the economic and commercial aspects of the international postal system.
• Significance for India:
  • Membership in these councils allows India to actively participate in shaping the rules and standards for the international postal network.
  • It provides a platform to contribute to the modernization and digitalization of postal services worldwide, leveraging the experience of India Post.

Additional Info

• Universal Postal Union (UPU):
  • Establishment: Founded in 1874 through the Treaty of Bern.
  • UN Agency: It became a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) in 1948.
  • Headquarters: Bern, Switzerland.
  • Mandate: To coordinate postal policies among its 192 member countries and facilitate a universal postal territory for the reciprocal exchange of mail.
• Key Bodies of the UPU:
  • The Congress: The supreme authority that meets every four years to set the strategy for the global postal sector.
  • Council of Administration (CA): The governing body that ensures the continuity of work between Congresses.
  • Postal Operations Council (POC): The technical and operational council.
  • The International Bureau: The secretariat, providing logistical and technical support.

Sources

• newsonair

US H-1B Visa Fee Hike: India’s Response & Implications

What’s the News?

• The US government has imposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications.
• India has raised concerns about humanitarian consequences, especially for families of H-1B holders.
• The Indian government is studying the implications of this change across sectors including IT.

H-1B Visa Fee Hike: Overview and Impact

• Objective:
  • The US aims to curb alleged abuses of the H-1B system, where companies reportedly undercut American wages by hiring lower-cost foreign labor. The fee seeks to ensure only "extraordinary" talent is sponsored, with revenues intended to cut US taxes and debt.
• Key Changes:
  • Fee increased from $2,000–5,000 to $100,000 per new application, payable by employers.
  • Applies solely to new petitions filed after September 21, 2025, for beneficiaries outside the US. Current holders and in-country status changes/extensions are exempt.
• Immediate Reactions:
  • Tech companies (e.g., Microsoft, Amazon, JPMorgan) advised employees to avoid international travel or return to the US before the deadline, though clarifications later alleviated concerns for existing holders.
  • NASSCOM criticized the abrupt implementation, warning of business disruptions and reduced innovation due to limited talent mobility.

Additional Info

• H-1B Visa:
  • The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
  • Specialty occupations are fields that require a bachelor's degree or higher, such as science, engineering, and information technology.
  • The U.S. grants 85,000 new H-1B visas each year, with 20,000 of those reserved for applicants with a master's degree or higher from a U.S. university. The rest are subject to a lottery system.
• India's IT Sector:
  • The Indian IT and business process outsourcing (BPO) sector is a significant contributor to the Indian economy, with a large portion of its revenue coming from the U.S.
  • The sector has been reducing its reliance on H-1B visas in recent years through increased local hiring in the U.S. and a focus on offshore delivery models.
• Related U.S. Visa Categories:
  • L-1 Visa: This visa is for the intra-company transfer of employees from an overseas office to a U.S. office. It is often used by Indian IT companies.
  • H-4 Visa: This visa is issued to the spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of H-1B visa holders.

Sources

• newsonair
• indianexpress
• economictimes

Bima Sugam: Unified Insurance Marketplace by IRDAI

What’s the News?

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) unveiled Bima Sugam, a digital insurance marketplace intended to simplify buying, renewing, managing, and claiming insurance policies.
• The platform was launched via the Bima Sugam India Federation (BSIF) at IRDAI’s Hyderabad office, with key stakeholders including insurers, agents, brokers, banks, aggregators involved.

Bima Sugam and its Significance

The Bima Sugam portal is designed to act as a single, comprehensive digital public infrastructure (DPI) for the insurance sector, bringing together all stakeholders—customers, insurers, and intermediaries—onto a common platform.

• Key Objectives:
  • Democratize Insurance: Make insurance more accessible, affordable, and transparent for every Indian citizen, including those in rural areas.
  • Streamline Processes: Simplify policy buying, servicing, and claims by eliminating complex, paper-based procedures.
  • Reduce Costs: Lower operational costs for insurers and commissions for intermediaries, which may lead to more affordable premiums for consumers.
  • Enhance Transparency: Provide a centralized database for comparing products, ensuring consumers make informed decisions without the risk of mis-selling.
• How it Works:
  • Customers can create a single e-Bima Account to securely store all their policies in a dematerialized format, similar to a demat account for shares.
  • The platform allows for easy comparison of various life, health, motor, travel, and general insurance policies from all registered companies.
  • It facilitates a completely paperless process for buying policies, raising service requests, and settling claims.

Additional Info

• IRDAI:
  • The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is a statutory body established under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999.
  • It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance and is headquartered in Hyderabad.
  • The authority is a 10-member body, consisting of a chairman, five full-time members, and four part-time members, all appointed by the Government of India.
  • Ajay Seth is the current Chairman of IRDAI.
• Related Initiatives:
  • Bima Trinity: Bima Sugam is part of the "Bima Trinity" of reforms, which also includes:
    • Bima Vahak: A women-centric distribution channel aimed at increasing insurance penetration in rural areas.
    • Bima Vistaar: A comprehensive, simple-to-understand insurance product that combines life, health, personal accident, and property insurance into a single policy.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):
  • Bima Sugam is a significant addition to India's DPI, which includes other successful platforms like Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Aadhaar.
  • DPIs are digital systems that can be used by the public and private sectors to deliver a wide range of services.

Sources

• economictimes
• thehindubusinessline
• business-standard

Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025: A Passenger-First Initiative

What’s the News?

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the first-ever Yatri Sewa Diwas on September 17, 2025, a nationwide initiative aimed at prioritizing passenger satisfaction and enhancing the travel experience at airports across India.
• Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu launched the event from Hindon Airport, Ghaziabad, emphasizing the government's commitment to a "Passenger First" approach.
• The day's events focused on improving passenger services and fostering community engagement, with various activities held at different airports.

Objectives and Key Initiatives

The Yatri Sewa Diwas is a step towards the government's goal of making Indian airports more inclusive, efficient, and passenger-friendly. It is a part of the broader vision for a 'Viksit Bharat' built on the principles of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

• Improving Passenger Experience: The initiative focused on tangible improvements in service quality. Many airports implemented real-time passenger feedback systems to address issues like cleanliness, staff behavior, and waiting times.
• Health and Wellness: Free medical check-ups and health awareness campaigns were conducted at several airports, with a special focus on women travelers under the 'Swastha Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan'. Eye check-ups were also provided for taxi and cab drivers.
• Community Engagement: Airports organized various community-driven activities, including blood donation camps, tree plantation drives under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, and interactive sessions for students to provide them with career guidance in the aviation sector.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: The event served as a platform to announce future plans, such as the implementation of universal Wi-Fi at all airports under the Digital India Mission.

Additional Info

• Airports Authority of India (AAI):
  • AAI is a statutory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
  • It is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India, including the provision of Air Traffic Management (ATM) services.
• Related Government Schemes:
  • UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik): A regional connectivity scheme launched in 2016 to make air travel affordable and accessible to the common person. Since its launch, the number of air travelers has surged from 11 crore in 2014 to approximately 25 crore in 2025.
  • Digi Yatra: An initiative to provide a seamless and paperless travel experience using facial recognition technology.

Sources

• ddnews
• timesofindia

77th Primetime Emmy Awards 2025: Key Takeaways

What’s the News?

• The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards rewarded US television shows and talent for work between mid-2024 and mid-2025.
• Major wins: The Pitt won Outstanding Drama Series; The Studio won Outstanding Comedy Series; Adolescence won Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.
• Awards also given in acting, writing, directing and technical categories.

77th Primetime Emmy Awards

• Outstanding Talk Series: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
• Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: Dan Gilroy - Andor
• Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Frida Perez - The Studio
• Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Jack Thorne, Stephen Graham - Adolescence
• Outstanding Drama Series: The Pitt (HBO Max)
• Outstanding Comedy Series: The Studio (Apple TV+)
• Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: Adolescence (Netflix)
• Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle - The Pitt (HBO Max)
• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Britt Lower - Severance (Apple TV+)
• Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen - The Studio (Apple TV+)
• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart - Hacks (HBO Max)
• Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Stephen Graham - Adolescence (Netflix)
• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Cristin Milioti - The Penguin (HBO Max)
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Owen Cooper - Adolescence (Netflix)
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Erin Doherty - Adolescence (Netflix)
• Outstanding Reality Competition Programme: The Traitors (NBC)
• Outstanding Scripted Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO Max)
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tramell Tillman - Severance (Apple TV+)
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Katherine LaNasa - The Pitt (HBO Max)
• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeff Hiller - Somebody Somewhere (HBO Max)
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Einbinder - Hacks (HBO Max)
• Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Adam Randall - Slow Horses
• Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen - The Studio
• Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Philip Barantini - Adolescence
• Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
• Outstanding Variety Special (Live): SNL50: The Anniversary Special (NBC)

Emmy Awards:

• The Emmy Awards are presented by three distinct, yet related, organizations in the United States:
  • The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS), which administers the Primetime Emmy Awards.
  • The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), which oversees the Daytime, Sports, and News & Documentary Emmy Awards.
  • The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (IATAS), which administers the International Emmy Awards.
• The first Emmy Awards ceremony was held in 1949.
• The statuette, a winged woman holding an atom, represents the "muse of the arts" and the "electron of science."

Sources

• cbsnews
• nytimes