Centre notifies four new Labour Codes Four Labour Codes Notified: Code on Wages (2019) Industrial Relations Code (2020) Code on Social Security (2020) Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSHWC) Code (2020) Replaces 29 fragmented labour laws, many dating back to 1930s–1950s (pre- and early post-Independence). The Codes have defined gig work, platform work, and aggregators for the first time. Additional systemic reforms include: Inspector-cum-facilitator model for supportive compliance Faster dispute resolution through two-member tribunals A National Occupational Safety, Health (OSH) Board to harmonise safety standards. Key Reforms Introduced: Universal social security coverage for gig workers. Gender pay parity. Expanded rights and safety for women workers. Statutory backing for minimum wages. Introduction of fixed-term employment. Free annual medical check-up for workers above 40 years of age. Geological Survey of India (GSI) The Union Minister of Coal & Mines inaugurated GSI’s International Seminar in Jaipur to mark 175 years of the Geological Survey of India (GSI). About Geological Survey of India (GSI) GSI is India’s premier national geoscientific organisation, responsible for geological surveys, mineral exploration, and creation of national geoscience databases. It functions as an attached office under the Ministry of Mines. Established In: Formally established in 1851. Founded primarily to locate coal resources for expanding Indian Railways during British rule. Historical Evolution: Early 1800s: Initial geological work done by Survey of India and Army officers like W. Voysey (first geological map of Hyderabad, 1818–23). 1837: Committee for “Investigation of Coal and Mineral Resources” created; John McClelland used the term “Geological Survey of India” in 1848. 1851: Under Sir Thomas Oldham, continuous institutional geological work started, marking the true beginning of GSI. Over 175 years, it evolved into a national repository of geological and mineral data and a globally respected scientific institution.
