Secrets of National Statistics Day & Mahalanobis Revealed

Why National Statistics Day is in the News
India celebrates National Statistics Day every June 29th to honor the birth anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, the pioneer of modern statistics. The 2025 theme – “75 Years of National Sample Survey” – highlights India’s journey in data-driven governance. With new statistical reports and apps launching, this topic is hot for 2025 exams!


Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
✅ National Statistics Day
Started in 2007 to mark Mahalanobis’ birth anniversary (June 29).
Aims to educate youth on how statistics shape policies, economics, and national growth.
2025 releases:
*Nutritional Intake in India 2022-24* report
SDG Progress Report 2025
GoIStat App – A new MoSPI tool for instant data access.
✅ Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis: Father of Indian Statistics
Born: June 29, 1893, in Kolkata. Founded the Indian Statistical Institute (1931).
Revolutionized data systems by creating:
National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)
Central Statistical Organisation (CSO)

Pioneered concepts:
Mahalanobis Distance – A statistical measure for multivariate analysis.
Pilot surveys & crop-yield estimation via sampling.
Key role: Architect of India’s Five-Year Plans; Padma Vibhushan awardee.
✅ National Sample Survey (NSS) & MoSPI
NSS conducts nationwide socio-economic surveys since 1950 (e.g., rural/urban prices, crop data).
Ministry of Statistics (MoSPI) manages:
Statistics Wing: CSO + NSSO
Programme Wing: Infrastructure monitoring, MP funds, and poverty schemes.
Oversees the National Statistical Commission (NSC) and Indian Statistical Institute (ISI).


Why This Matters for SSC, PSC, NIFT Exams
Current Affairs 2025: Themes like “75 Years of NSS” are high-yield for GK.
Polity & Governance: MoSPI’s structure and reports feature in UPSC/PSC mains.
Statistical Concepts: Mahalanobis Distance and sampling methods appear in quantitative sections.
Awards & Days: Padma Vibhushan recipients and national days are recurring SSC/CGL topics.


Sample Questions for Practice
Q: When is National Statistics Day observed?
A: June 29 (Mahalanobis’ birthday).
Q: What is the 2025 National Statistics Day theme?
A: “75 Years of National Sample Survey”.
Q: Which institution did Mahalanobis establish?
A: Indian Statistical Institute (1931).
Q: Which ministry launched the GoIStat app?
A: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Q: What does the Mahalanobis Distance measure?
A: Multivariate distance relative to a central mean point.


How to Smart Prepare for Exams in Less Time
Competitive exams demand speed + precision. Instead of drowning in books, try these hacks:
Last-Minute Current Affairs:
MyEntrance’s “Most Predicted Questions” covers 90% of recurring GK themes (like Statistics Day!).
Daily GK Doses:
Our “Current Affairs Capsules” simplify events, reports, and policies.
Mock Tests with Exam DNA:
Practice with MyEntrance’s topic-wise quizzes modeled on actual SSC/PSC papers.