NSO
India’s manufacturing output dominated by large factories, while smaller units lag behind
India's manufacturing sector is highly fragmented, with large factories significantly outpacing small units in productivity and output. While large establishments employ most industrial workers and generate high GVA, smaller units remain burdened with debt. The productivity gap is exacerbated by limited access to technology and training for smaller factories. Additionally, women workers constitute a small fraction of the overall workforce in manufacturing.
Indian households shifting spending towards non-food items, services as consumption patterns evolve: Report
Indian household consumption is likely to become increasingly diversified, with spending gradually moving beyond food essentials towards non-food products and services, as changing dietary preferences and household structures reshape consumption patterns, according to an SBI Research report.
MoSPI to start annual unincorporated sector enterprises survey from April 2027
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation will conduct the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises from April 2027. New questions will address gender-specific constraints faced by female entrepreneurs for the first time. Additionally, the survey will capture the investment in fixed assets over an extended period. The survey period has shifted to align with the financial year for better data utility.
From field to market: The farmer without a title
UN has proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, shining a light on the importance of recognising female farmers. In India, women make up over 45% of the agricultural labour force, yet they encounter hurdles relating to land rights and income disparities. Maharashtra's recent laws aim to empower women in agriculture, but a nationwide application is critical.
India's manufacturing and services sectors are projected to generate more than 35 crore new jobs by 2030: Report
India's manufacturing and services sectors are projected to create more than 35 crore new jobs by 2030. The automotive sector alone is expected to add 20-25 lakh direct jobs during this period. Growing demands in logistics and clean energy will require significant numbers of skilled workers as well. There is an urgent need for collaboration between industry and education to meet these challenges.
PLFS set for fresh overhaul, govt seeks public & expert opinion on upcoming new things
The National Statistics Office (NSO), which has conducted the PLFS since 2017, plans to introduce the modifications from January 2027, when fresh samples for the 2027-2028 two-year period, designated Panel 6, will be drawn using an updated sampling frame.
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India’s labour survey to soon include platform workers and unpaid household work
India will update its Periodic Labour Force Survey starting January 2027 to enhance data collection. The modified sampling design aims to improve the identification of digital platform workers and unpaid household activities. Additionally, the updated sampling frame will reflect changes in urbanization and administrative boundaries. New questions will capture information on unpaid caregiving and volunteer work. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback before the new sampling period begins.
From free ration to school uniforms, in-kind welfare moves nearly 22 crore Indians to a higher consumption bracket
A recent study indicates that nearly 22 crore Indians benefit from free goods and services provided by the government. This includes foodgrains, laptops, bicycles, and school uniforms, which results in higher consumption levels. The analysis shows a significant rise in effective purchasing power among households across India. Notably, West Bengal has the highest percentage of its population moving up the consumption bracket.
India's unemployment rate stays steady at 5% in September
India's overall unemployment rate held steady at 5.0% in September 2026, compared to the previous month. The rural unemployment rate improved to 4.2%, while urban unemployment increased slightly to 6.9%. The gender-specific unemployment rates showed stability, although urban female unemployment rose to 9.2%. The Labour Force Participation Rate for September 2026 was reported at 55.5%, reflecting a year-on-year increase. Overall, the Worker Population Ratio also saw an increase, reaching 52.7%.
Govt not only 'stealing' votes but also savings: Congress on rise in inflation
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh pointed out that inflation is rising, impacting essential goods and public savings. Food inflation surged to 7.74 percent, with significant increases in prices of onions, garlic, and ginger. The Reserve Bank of India has raised the repo rate in response to these inflationary pressures. The party accuses the Modi government of failing to address the economic struggles faced by the people.
Rupee jumps 82 paise to 94.96 against US dollar in early trade
In early trading, the rupee appreciated by 82 paise against the US dollar, hitting 94.96, thanks to strategic moves by the Reserve Bank of India aimed at curbing dollar demand. Key actions included establishing a dedicated dollar window for oil firms and raising costs for hedging. Meanwhile, Brent crude prices fell to USD 105.47 per barrel, and retail inflation in India surged to 5.
Indian households shift spending towards discretionary goods, services
Household spending shows a shift towards non-essential goods and services. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco spending saw significant growth, outpacing other categories. Personal care and miscellaneous goods also experienced a notable increase in expenditure. Services sector spending rose, capturing a larger share of total consumption. Essential food item spending increased, with growth in specific product categories.
Former chief statistician Pronab Sen seeks two GDP series with old, new bases for five years
Advocating for dual GDP series, former chief statistician Pronab Sen argues that accurate double deflation is contingent upon extensive data on input and output prices. Following India's introduction of a new GDP series, unease surrounding the growth figures and protocols for the back series has surfaced, leading to an expected release from the NSO by December 2026.
Meta to take legal action against Israeli spyware firm NSO, foils phishing attacks
Meta has filed a federal court contempt order against NSO Group for violating a permanent injunction barring it from targeting WhatsApp. The spyware firm's new spear-phishing attempts, similar to previous "1-click" campaigns, were disrupted by WhatsApp.
US court bars NSO Group from installing spyware on WhatsApp
A US judge has banned Israeli spyware firm NSO Group from targeting WhatsApp users. The court also reduced a large damages award to a smaller sum. Evidence showed NSO Group used sophisticated methods to install spyware. This software was designed to bypass security measures. The lawsuit accused NSO Group of cyberespionage against various individuals.
Meta awarded $167 million in damages from Israeli cybersecurity firm
In March, Meta filed a brief seeking damages from NSO Group, and last week a jury heard arguments about potential penalties. The jury awarded the damages Tuesday after two days of deliberations. "The jury's verdict today to punish NSO is a critical deterrent to the spyware industry against their illegal acts aimed at American companies and our users worldwide," Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, said in a statement.
US jury awards WhatsApp $168 million in NSO Group cyberespionage suit
A US jury awarded WhatsApp $168 million in damages against Israeli firm NSO Group for using Pegasus spyware to hack users’ phones. The court found NSO guilty of targeting journalists and activists via WhatsApp. Meta hailed the verdict as a major step against surveillance-for-hire cyberespionage operations.
NSO begins process to empanel survey institutions
The National Statistics Office (NSO) has initiated a Request for Proposal (RFP) to empanel private survey institutions for conducting socioeconomic sample surveys. This effort aims to expand the NSO's outreach and improve data collection. Interested institutions must submit their proposals by January 06, 2025. The initiative will enhance survey capacity and support better decision-making.
US judge finds Israel's NSO Group liable for hacking in WhatsApp lawsuit
A U.S. judge ruled against NSO Group in a lawsuit filed by WhatsApp, accusing the Israeli spyware firm of exploiting a bug to install surveillance software. The judge found NSO liable for hacking and breach of contract, with the case now proceeding to trial to determine damages.
US Supreme Court lets Meta's WhatsApp pursue 'Pegasus' spyware suit
The justices turned away NSO's appeal of a lower court's decision that the lawsuit could move forward. NSO had argued that it is immune from being sued because it was acting as an agent for unidentified foreign governments when it installed the "Pegasus" spyware.
NSO sues Israeli paper after explosive articles on police
The NSO suit targets a specific article published earlier this month, which said the company allowed clients to delete traces of their use of the spyware, a claim it denies.
Apple files lawsuit against NSO Group, saying US citizens were targets
The iPhone maker said it is also seeking to ban NSO Group from using any Apple software, services or devices to prevent further abuse.
Facebook can pursue malware lawsuit against NSO Group: US Court
Facebook had in October 2019 sued NSO Group for an injunction and damages, accusing it of accessing WhatsApp servers without permission to install its Pegasus malware on victims’ mobile devices.
Scandal-hit NSO backs international spyware rules
In a letter to the United Nations, the NSO Group expressed "strong support for the creation of an international legal framework" to govern technology that allows for highly invasive snooping on people's mobile phones.
No transaction with NSO Group: Ministry of Defence on the company at the centre of snooping row
NSO Group, an Israeli surveillance software company, has been under increasing attack following allegations that its Pegasus software was used for surveillance of phones of people in several countries, including India.
Israel's NSO blocks some government clients from using its spyware over misuse claims: Report
Israeli cybersecurity company NSO Group, has temporarily blocked several government clients around the world from using its spyware technology as the firm probes its alleged abuses, according to a US media report. The suspensions are in response to an investigation by the Pegasus Project, a consortium of media outlets that reported the company's Pegasus spyware was linked to hacks and potential surveillance.
Israeli agencies raid NSO offices over Pegasus row
Though there is little clarity on the nature of the raids, Israeli news outlet Calcalist cited an anonymous source to term the move “more of a formal meeting than an in-depth audit of NSO’s documents and computer systems”.
'Enough is Enough': NSO Group says won't play along with a 'vicious' campaign
“NSO is a technology company. We do not operate the system, nor do we have access to the data of our customers, yet they are obligated to provide us with such information under investigations,” the spokesperson said.
Average medical expenditure at private hospitals seven-times higher than government ones: NSO Survey
"In government/public hospitals, the expenditure was about Rs 4,452 (about Rs 4,290 in rural and Rs 4,837 in urban areas). In private hospitals, the expenditure was about Rs 31,845 (about Rs 27,347 in rural and Rs 38,822 in urban areas)," stated NSO's 75th round of National Sample Survey on Household Social Consumption related to Health.
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