India slipped down with 3 ranks to 59th position from its previous year
ranking in the Global Competitiveness Report 2012-2013 released on 5
September 2012 by the World Economic Forum. The identified reason for
this downfall is India’s disappointing performance in satisfying
competitiveness for the basic factors.
Previously, India was far
ahead to the nations like South Africa and Brazil has trailed down by
10 ranks and is 30 ranks behind the China. As per the details released
by the forum, India still is strong in term of competitiveness on many
other sections of comparison.
Switzerland managed to be on top
of the list for consecutive four years followed by Singapore that ranked
second and Finland was placed at third position. Among the members of
BRICKS Nations, Russia was placed at 67th Position, South Africa got
52nd position and Brazil remained to be the 48th Nation.
Showing posts with label REPORTS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label REPORTS. Show all posts
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board Releases the Annual Report for the Year 2011-12
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has released
its Annual Report for the year 2011-2012, which brings out the safety
status of the nuclear and radiation facilities regulated by it. The
Report highlights the outcome of the post Fukushima-Comprehensive safety
review that was carried out to verify the existing safety margins of
Indian Nuclear Power Plants and Projects (NPPs) against the extreme
external hazards, including special focused inspections. The safety
review recognized the inherent strengths of design, operating practices
and regulations followed in India, which have resulted in robust systems
capable of withstanding challenges arising from external events.
To further augment the existing safety features of NPPs, safety enhancements as recommended by AERB-High Level Committee, have been accepted by AERB for time-bound implementation. These measures include among others, enhancing the reliability of cooling through external hook up points, training and mock-up exercises of operating personnel, strengthening backup power supply, strengthening provision for monitoring of critical parameter under prolonged loss of power, enhancing Severe Accident Management programme, creation of an emergency response facility capable of withstanding severe flood, cyclone & earthquake, etc. AERB will be rigorously monitoring the implementation of all the requirements.
The Annual Report also focuses on the safety status of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), Fuel Cycle Facilities (FCFs) and Radiation Facilities monitored by AERB. The safety statistics of NPPs and FCFs for 2011-12 brings out the following salient information.
• No event in the operating nuclear power plants has been categorized as an ‘accident’ as per International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES).
• The radiation doses of occupational workers of nuclear facilities were well within the annual dose limit, with an exception of 3 cases of over exposure at KAPS-1&2. These doses are too small to cause any detectable impact on the health of the workers.
• The liquid and gaseous wastes discharged to the environment from the operating units were only a small fraction of the prescribed Technical Specification limits.
• The estimated radiation dose to members of the public near the operating plants is much less than the annual limit of 1mSv as prescribed by AERB, the maximum being less than 4% for old plant sites and less than 0.2% for new plant sites.
• Over the years, with constant efforts from AERB and dedicated commitment from utilities, the industrial safety performance of DAE units has improved appreciably.
AERB adopted several measures for strengthening its regulatory control over radiation facilities, which include computerization of inventory of legacy sources, initiation of steps to implement state of the art e-licensing of radiation applications, establishing regional regulatory centres, conducting awareness programmes, increasing the number of inspections in the radiation facilities etc.
AERB continued its process of development of regulatory documents and issued seven new documents.
In the field of International Co-operation, as a Contracting Party to the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS), India is participating and contributing in the review meetings of CNS. AERB presented the national report of India during the 5th review meeting of the contracting parties of CNS at Vienna. AERB also became a full member of Multi-national Design Evaluation Programme (MDEP) through which participating regulatory bodies of various countries evolve common approaches for harmonization of regulatory and safety practices.
Apart from the mandated activities, AERB was keenly involved in carrying out safety related studies and various safety promotional activities, which have been elaborated in the annual report.
To further augment the existing safety features of NPPs, safety enhancements as recommended by AERB-High Level Committee, have been accepted by AERB for time-bound implementation. These measures include among others, enhancing the reliability of cooling through external hook up points, training and mock-up exercises of operating personnel, strengthening backup power supply, strengthening provision for monitoring of critical parameter under prolonged loss of power, enhancing Severe Accident Management programme, creation of an emergency response facility capable of withstanding severe flood, cyclone & earthquake, etc. AERB will be rigorously monitoring the implementation of all the requirements.
The Annual Report also focuses on the safety status of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), Fuel Cycle Facilities (FCFs) and Radiation Facilities monitored by AERB. The safety statistics of NPPs and FCFs for 2011-12 brings out the following salient information.
• No event in the operating nuclear power plants has been categorized as an ‘accident’ as per International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES).
• The radiation doses of occupational workers of nuclear facilities were well within the annual dose limit, with an exception of 3 cases of over exposure at KAPS-1&2. These doses are too small to cause any detectable impact on the health of the workers.
• The liquid and gaseous wastes discharged to the environment from the operating units were only a small fraction of the prescribed Technical Specification limits.
• The estimated radiation dose to members of the public near the operating plants is much less than the annual limit of 1mSv as prescribed by AERB, the maximum being less than 4% for old plant sites and less than 0.2% for new plant sites.
• Over the years, with constant efforts from AERB and dedicated commitment from utilities, the industrial safety performance of DAE units has improved appreciably.
AERB adopted several measures for strengthening its regulatory control over radiation facilities, which include computerization of inventory of legacy sources, initiation of steps to implement state of the art e-licensing of radiation applications, establishing regional regulatory centres, conducting awareness programmes, increasing the number of inspections in the radiation facilities etc.
AERB continued its process of development of regulatory documents and issued seven new documents.
In the field of International Co-operation, as a Contracting Party to the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS), India is participating and contributing in the review meetings of CNS. AERB presented the national report of India during the 5th review meeting of the contracting parties of CNS at Vienna. AERB also became a full member of Multi-national Design Evaluation Programme (MDEP) through which participating regulatory bodies of various countries evolve common approaches for harmonization of regulatory and safety practices.
Apart from the mandated activities, AERB was keenly involved in carrying out safety related studies and various safety promotional activities, which have been elaborated in the annual report.
Saturday, 28 July 2012
Sectoral Innovation Council Report
In
order to drive innovative strategies in key sectors and create multiple
roadmaps the National Innovation Council has created multiple Sectoral
Innovation Councils aligned to Union Government Ministries which would
enhance innovation capabilities in respective sectors.
The Sectoral Innovation Council of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, under the Chairpersonship of Smt. Asha Swarup, Retd Secretary has issued guidelines for designing a policy ecosystem in which new ideas would be integrated into the mainstream and get converted into policy initiatives by the Government. The Council in its Report has analyzed the growth potential of the Media & Entertainment Industry by recommending changes in critical areas such as broadcasting, print media, animation, gaming and VFX, Media education and films. Some of the key recommendations are: a) A comprehensive policy media policy, that integrates all existing media segments and addresses the emergent issues. The council has recommended to frame a National Media Policy that addresses the new media landscape. b) The Government may look into the existing licensing procedures and requirements to ensure further liberalization and reforms in the broadcasting sector. c) Content innovation is required in the radio segment which would be possible only if the Government comes up with a separate licensing model for niche channels. d) Ministry of I&B, as the policy head of public service broadcasting and community radio service could come out with a formal arrangement by which CRS could provide community based programme content to AIR and AIR could provide capacity building and training to CRS workers in content creation, management and operation of stations. e) The process of digitalization in DD and AIR was likely to release airwaves which after due utilization in house could be used for creating a public service broadcasting fund in line with USO fund of telecom sector. This fund could be utilized exclusively for public service broadcasting. f) In view of the potential in the films sector, the Council has recommended a National Film Policy that will address the role of the Government vis-à-vis the private sector. g) Film Institutes in the country may be upgraded to Centre of Excellence. In the long term, these Centres of Excellence could become part of a Central University of Films, Broadcasting and Animation by an appropriate legislation. h) The Government must have a National Policy for Animation, Gaming and VFX. i) The Government should go for co-production treaties in the animation sector to ensure flow of international projects to India. Ministry could also consider giving responsibility to the Children’s Film Society and Doordarshan to produce animated content and create Indian IP. j) Reliable Single Source Data on all mediums of advertising should be made available by the Government so that advertisers are able to take decisions on reliable data. k) Government should interact with key stakeholders and expedite a consensus on developing an alternative to TAM so that an appropriate mechanism is developed with industry participation to study audience viewing and listening behaviour and bring out reports on weekly basis. l) Government should regulate media education to ensure orderly growth of the discipline as part of higher education. m) Like medical education and technical education, Media Education should be regulated by a new organization known as Media Education Council, to be a part of I&B. The academic course for media education should be in line with UK/ US Universities and Vocational courses as part of requirement of the industry. The Media Education Council should be assigned the task of setting up curriculum for all levels so that standardized curriculum with national accreditation becomes a possibility. n) There is a need to make IIMC, FTII and SRFTI into real centres of excellence. o) The Government should reform the course curriculum, improve faculty of the institutes. These institutions could either be separate universities or become a part of one central university. p) National Awards for Innovation in different segments of M&E Sector be instituted by the ministry. q) New Media should be utilized for media campaigns by the Government. r) E-mode transactions should be a priority for the functions of DAVP, RNI, CBFC and licensing activities of the Government for ensuring transparency. |
Thursday, 19 July 2012
Cases of New HIV Infections among Children declined: UNAIDS Report
According to UNAIDS Report released on 18 July 2012, new HIV
infections among children are declining at a steady rate. The report
noted that about 330000 children were newly infected in 2011, which
indicated a 24 percent drop in the new HIV case among children since
2009.
Report asserted that nearly 60 percent of the 1.5 million pregnant women living with HIV in poor countries received effective anti-AIDS medications last year, which lowered the chances of passing on the virus to their babies.
As per the report about 34.2 million people worldwide were living with the AIDS virus at the end of 2011, while, a record eight million people in low- and middle-income countries received the antiretrovirals treatment in 2011.
UNAIDS (United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, is an innovative partnership that leads and inspires the world in achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. Member of United Nations Development Group, UNAIDS came into existence in 1994 by a resolution of the UN Economic and Social Council and launched in January 1996. UNAIDS has its headquarter in Geneva, Switzerland. Michel Sidibe is the Executive Chairman of UNAIDS.
Report asserted that nearly 60 percent of the 1.5 million pregnant women living with HIV in poor countries received effective anti-AIDS medications last year, which lowered the chances of passing on the virus to their babies.
As per the report about 34.2 million people worldwide were living with the AIDS virus at the end of 2011, while, a record eight million people in low- and middle-income countries received the antiretrovirals treatment in 2011.
UNAIDS (United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, is an innovative partnership that leads and inspires the world in achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. Member of United Nations Development Group, UNAIDS came into existence in 1994 by a resolution of the UN Economic and Social Council and launched in January 1996. UNAIDS has its headquarter in Geneva, Switzerland. Michel Sidibe is the Executive Chairman of UNAIDS.
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Indian cities to house nearly 85 crore people by 2050: Study
With growing urbanisation in India, nearly 85 crore people are estimated
to live in cities across the country by 2050, a latest report by
industry chamber CII and realty consultant Jones Lang LaSalle said.
According to the report, urbanisation in India is growing at the fastest rate among the BRIC nations, putting a pressure on the cities.
"India is witnessing urbanisation on an unprecedented scale with the share of the urban population increasing from 28 per cent in 2001 to 31 per cent in 2011," said the report, Indian Realty -- Through the Looking Glass.
The study said that as per United Nations estimates, India has the highest urban population rate of change among the BRIC nations.
"At this rate, an estimated 843 million people will live in Indian cities by 2050, a figure which is the combined population of present day USA, Brazil, Russia, Japan and Germany," it added.
Due to the extreme rate of urbanisation, the country's face is changing with the fast evolving skylines, mainly in the cities, filling with skyscrapers and different types of architectures.
"Meanwhile, the smaller towns and cities are witnessing a metamorphosis through the expansion of roads and flyovers, real estate development and open areas," the report said.
The report, prepared by JLL for CII, also said the rapid urbanisation is expected to offer large-scale opportunities for real estate and infrastructure development in the cities as well as access to a large skilled workforce.
In this light of rapid urbanisation, the report also highlighted another fact of gradually decreasing the average age of Indian population.
"It is estimated that in 2020, the average age in India will be only 29 years compared with 37 in China and the United States, 45 in Western Europe and 48 in Japan, providing immense opportunities for growth and development across industries wanting to reap this demographic dividend," it added.
Currently, nearly 64 per cent of the Indian population is in the 15-64 working age-group and 35 per cent is in the 15-34 years age-group.
The growth in opportunities due to this rising young population will increase employment, leading to a rise in disposable incomes and consumption expenditure.
"Increases in consumption will further drive the growth of the manufacturing, retail, residential and commercial sectors," it added.
According to the report, urbanisation in India is growing at the fastest rate among the BRIC nations, putting a pressure on the cities.
"India is witnessing urbanisation on an unprecedented scale with the share of the urban population increasing from 28 per cent in 2001 to 31 per cent in 2011," said the report, Indian Realty -- Through the Looking Glass.
The study said that as per United Nations estimates, India has the highest urban population rate of change among the BRIC nations.
"At this rate, an estimated 843 million people will live in Indian cities by 2050, a figure which is the combined population of present day USA, Brazil, Russia, Japan and Germany," it added.
Due to the extreme rate of urbanisation, the country's face is changing with the fast evolving skylines, mainly in the cities, filling with skyscrapers and different types of architectures.
"Meanwhile, the smaller towns and cities are witnessing a metamorphosis through the expansion of roads and flyovers, real estate development and open areas," the report said.
The report, prepared by JLL for CII, also said the rapid urbanisation is expected to offer large-scale opportunities for real estate and infrastructure development in the cities as well as access to a large skilled workforce.
In this light of rapid urbanisation, the report also highlighted another fact of gradually decreasing the average age of Indian population.
"It is estimated that in 2020, the average age in India will be only 29 years compared with 37 in China and the United States, 45 in Western Europe and 48 in Japan, providing immense opportunities for growth and development across industries wanting to reap this demographic dividend," it added.
Currently, nearly 64 per cent of the Indian population is in the 15-64 working age-group and 35 per cent is in the 15-34 years age-group.
The growth in opportunities due to this rising young population will increase employment, leading to a rise in disposable incomes and consumption expenditure.
"Increases in consumption will further drive the growth of the manufacturing, retail, residential and commercial sectors," it added.
Sunday, 17 June 2012
The Nuclear Threat Initiative
THE Economist Intelligence Unit, our sister organisation, and the Nuclear Threat Initiative, an NGO, have produced an index
that ranks countries by the security of their nuclear materials. The
chart below shows the 32 countries that possess over one kilogram of
nuclear material suitable for use in weapons by their ability to keep
the stuff safely locked up. (The index does not assess low-enriched
uranium or materials for making "dirty bombs".) Britain is ranked best
out of countries with nuclear weapons; nuclear-armed nations tend to
have lower scores mainly because they have big stocks of nuclear
materials held in many locations. So far 19 countries, plus Taiwan,
have given up weapons-grade materials.
The NTI Nuclear Materials Security Index is meant to be a measure of how vulnerable those stocks are to theft by terrorists or criminal groups. It is also intended to provide a baseline for assessing progress in locking those stockpiles up, ahead of the next Nuclear Security Summit, due in Seoul at the end of March.
The authors insist this is about establishing an objective view of the work still to be done to meet Barack Obama's ambitious goal to secure the global stockpiles by 2014. This is not about "naming and shaming" they insist. But if you publish a list comparisons are going to be made.
The project ranks the 32 states which possess more than a kilogram of highly enriched uranium (HEU) or plutonium, according to some weighed criteria: how much stuff they have and in how many places; the security and control measures in place; to what extent they stick to global norms and agreements on nuclear security; the domestic political will and capacity to enforce those norms, and the fragility of their societies including the level of corruption.
No surprises about the bottom three when it comes to the overall score. North Korea is worse, then Pakistan and Iran (which has about 7 kg of spent HEU fuel stored at the Tehran Research Reactor). Vietnam, which also has research reactor fuel and a shaky infrastructure to protect it, is next.
The next group from the bottom is more noteworthy. India is 28th out of the 32 nuclear material states, China is 27th and Israel is 25th, below Russia and other former Soviet republics previously thought to be the worst threats in terms of nuclear security.
It seems that while Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Ukraine have taken significant steps in improving security at their nuclear sites, India, China and Israel have all been marked down for their lack of transparency when it comes to their nuclear holdings (which in Israel's case, reflects the official policy of ambiguity) and their failure to sign up to international agreements governing nuclear security.
On the top end of the scale, Australia is the winner for having very little material and for running a tight ship. The UK scores top for 'global norms' and ranks highly for general stewardship, but is ranked bottom for 'quantities and sites' because it not only has an arsenal but is also in the fuel reprocessing business, which is boosting the country's plutonium stocks. Overall Britain comes tenth, tied with Germany and Canada.
The NTI Nuclear Materials Security Index is meant to be a measure of how vulnerable those stocks are to theft by terrorists or criminal groups. It is also intended to provide a baseline for assessing progress in locking those stockpiles up, ahead of the next Nuclear Security Summit, due in Seoul at the end of March.
The authors insist this is about establishing an objective view of the work still to be done to meet Barack Obama's ambitious goal to secure the global stockpiles by 2014. This is not about "naming and shaming" they insist. But if you publish a list comparisons are going to be made.
The project ranks the 32 states which possess more than a kilogram of highly enriched uranium (HEU) or plutonium, according to some weighed criteria: how much stuff they have and in how many places; the security and control measures in place; to what extent they stick to global norms and agreements on nuclear security; the domestic political will and capacity to enforce those norms, and the fragility of their societies including the level of corruption.
No surprises about the bottom three when it comes to the overall score. North Korea is worse, then Pakistan and Iran (which has about 7 kg of spent HEU fuel stored at the Tehran Research Reactor). Vietnam, which also has research reactor fuel and a shaky infrastructure to protect it, is next.
The next group from the bottom is more noteworthy. India is 28th out of the 32 nuclear material states, China is 27th and Israel is 25th, below Russia and other former Soviet republics previously thought to be the worst threats in terms of nuclear security.
It seems that while Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Ukraine have taken significant steps in improving security at their nuclear sites, India, China and Israel have all been marked down for their lack of transparency when it comes to their nuclear holdings (which in Israel's case, reflects the official policy of ambiguity) and their failure to sign up to international agreements governing nuclear security.
On the top end of the scale, Australia is the winner for having very little material and for running a tight ship. The UK scores top for 'global norms' and ranks highly for general stewardship, but is ranked bottom for 'quantities and sites' because it not only has an arsenal but is also in the fuel reprocessing business, which is boosting the country's plutonium stocks. Overall Britain comes tenth, tied with Germany and Canada.
India ranks 55th on foreign money in Swiss banks
Indians' money in Swiss banks may have risen for the first time in five
years, but they account for a meagre 0.14 percent of total foreign
wealth deposited there -- putting India at 55th place globally for such
funds.
The total overseas funds in Switzerland's banking system stood at 1.53 trillion Swiss francs (about Rs 90 trillion) at the end of 2011, which included 2.18 billion Swiss francs (Rs 12,700 crore) belonging to Indian individuals and entities.
While India accounted for only 0.14 percent of total foreign money in Swiss banks, the UK accounted for the largest share of little over 20 percent, followed closely by the US with about 18 percent.
As per the latest data disclosed by Swiss National Bank (SNB), Switzerland's central bank, India is now ranked 55th in terms of funds belonging to overseas clients in Swiss banks.
Among the top-ranked jurisdictions, the UK and the US were followed by West Indies, Jersey, Germany, Bahamas, Guernsey, Luxembourg, Panama and France, Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Saudi Arabia and United Arab of Emirates.
The SNB data shows that the quantum of money held by Indians in the Swiss banking system rose for the first time in five years during 2011.
These official figures, described by SNB as 'liabilities' of Swiss banks towards their clients from various countries, do not indicate towards the quantum of the much-debated alleged black money held by Indians or other nationals in the safe havens of Switzerland.
Also, SNB's figures do not include the money that Indians or other nationals might have in Swiss banks in others' names.
The total funds held by Indian individuals and entities include 2.025 billion Swiss francs held directly by them and 158 million held through 'fiduciaries' or wealth managers.
Fiduciaries are essentially wealth fund managers who hold the money of Indian private holders and families in the so-called numbered accounts.
The Swiss banks' direct liabilities towards clients from India include funds held in savings and deposit accounts by Indian individuals, financial institutions and corporates.
India is ranked 55th in terms of only direct deposits as well, while it is placed much lower at 76th rank for fiduciary funds, where the top-ranked jurisdictions include West Indies, Panama, UK, Saudi Arabia, Bahamas, Liberia, Cayman Islands, UAE, Turkey, Russia, Germany and the US.
Pakistan is ranked higher than India at 52nd place in terms of fiduciary funds (355 million (rpt) million Swiss francs), but lower at 60th for total money (2.12 billion Swiss francs).
While the funds belonging to Indians rose by about Rs 3,500 crore last year, the total foreign money there rose by about Rs two lakh crore (more than 36 billion Swiss francs).
The quantum of funds held by Indians in Swiss banks had last increased in 2006 by about one billion Swiss francs to 6.5 billion Swiss francs (over Rs 40,000 crore), but fell to less than one-third by the end of 2010.
In a White Paper on black money tabled in Parliament last month, the government had also said that Swiss banks' total liabilities towards Indians have been coming down and fell by more than Rs 14,000 crore between 2006 and 2010.
Amid allegations of Indians stashing huge amounts of illicit wealth abroad, including in Swiss banks, the government says it is making various efforts to bring back the unaccounted money.
As per SNB data, funds held by Indians directly in the Swiss banks increased by about 370 million Swiss francs to 2.025 billion Swiss francs (Rs 11,800 crore) in 2011.
On the other hand, the funds held through 'fiduciaries' nearly halved to 158 million Swiss francs (about Rs 900 crore) in 2011 -- marking the fifth straight year of decline.
The experts have been saying that there has been a "perceptible flight of funds" of Indian holders from Swiss banks to other places in the recent years.
The foreign capital-friendly regulations in places like Mauritius and Dubai were possibly being exploited by those seeking to move their funds away from Swiss banks, which have come under strict scrutiny of late.
At the same time, the global pressure has been rising on Switzerland to ask its banks to share information about their clients with foreign governments.
It is suspected that Indians having illicit wealth in Swiss banks may be moving their funds in fear of being exposed due to growing scrutiny. At the same time, even those having legitimate funds in Swiss banks may be moving away, due to a growing level of negativity attached to them.
The countries placed above India in terms of total funds in Swiss banks also include Ireland, Spain, Israel, Canada, Brazil, Greece, China, Egypt, Thailand, Philippines, South Korea and New Zealand. Those ranked below India include Qatar, South Africa, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kenya, Nigeria and Iran.
The total overseas funds in Switzerland's banking system stood at 1.53 trillion Swiss francs (about Rs 90 trillion) at the end of 2011, which included 2.18 billion Swiss francs (Rs 12,700 crore) belonging to Indian individuals and entities.
While India accounted for only 0.14 percent of total foreign money in Swiss banks, the UK accounted for the largest share of little over 20 percent, followed closely by the US with about 18 percent.
As per the latest data disclosed by Swiss National Bank (SNB), Switzerland's central bank, India is now ranked 55th in terms of funds belonging to overseas clients in Swiss banks.
Among the top-ranked jurisdictions, the UK and the US were followed by West Indies, Jersey, Germany, Bahamas, Guernsey, Luxembourg, Panama and France, Hong Kong, Cayman Islands, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Saudi Arabia and United Arab of Emirates.
The SNB data shows that the quantum of money held by Indians in the Swiss banking system rose for the first time in five years during 2011.
These official figures, described by SNB as 'liabilities' of Swiss banks towards their clients from various countries, do not indicate towards the quantum of the much-debated alleged black money held by Indians or other nationals in the safe havens of Switzerland.
Also, SNB's figures do not include the money that Indians or other nationals might have in Swiss banks in others' names.
The total funds held by Indian individuals and entities include 2.025 billion Swiss francs held directly by them and 158 million held through 'fiduciaries' or wealth managers.
Fiduciaries are essentially wealth fund managers who hold the money of Indian private holders and families in the so-called numbered accounts.
The Swiss banks' direct liabilities towards clients from India include funds held in savings and deposit accounts by Indian individuals, financial institutions and corporates.
India is ranked 55th in terms of only direct deposits as well, while it is placed much lower at 76th rank for fiduciary funds, where the top-ranked jurisdictions include West Indies, Panama, UK, Saudi Arabia, Bahamas, Liberia, Cayman Islands, UAE, Turkey, Russia, Germany and the US.
Pakistan is ranked higher than India at 52nd place in terms of fiduciary funds (355 million (rpt) million Swiss francs), but lower at 60th for total money (2.12 billion Swiss francs).
While the funds belonging to Indians rose by about Rs 3,500 crore last year, the total foreign money there rose by about Rs two lakh crore (more than 36 billion Swiss francs).
The quantum of funds held by Indians in Swiss banks had last increased in 2006 by about one billion Swiss francs to 6.5 billion Swiss francs (over Rs 40,000 crore), but fell to less than one-third by the end of 2010.
In a White Paper on black money tabled in Parliament last month, the government had also said that Swiss banks' total liabilities towards Indians have been coming down and fell by more than Rs 14,000 crore between 2006 and 2010.
Amid allegations of Indians stashing huge amounts of illicit wealth abroad, including in Swiss banks, the government says it is making various efforts to bring back the unaccounted money.
As per SNB data, funds held by Indians directly in the Swiss banks increased by about 370 million Swiss francs to 2.025 billion Swiss francs (Rs 11,800 crore) in 2011.
On the other hand, the funds held through 'fiduciaries' nearly halved to 158 million Swiss francs (about Rs 900 crore) in 2011 -- marking the fifth straight year of decline.
The experts have been saying that there has been a "perceptible flight of funds" of Indian holders from Swiss banks to other places in the recent years.
The foreign capital-friendly regulations in places like Mauritius and Dubai were possibly being exploited by those seeking to move their funds away from Swiss banks, which have come under strict scrutiny of late.
At the same time, the global pressure has been rising on Switzerland to ask its banks to share information about their clients with foreign governments.
It is suspected that Indians having illicit wealth in Swiss banks may be moving their funds in fear of being exposed due to growing scrutiny. At the same time, even those having legitimate funds in Swiss banks may be moving away, due to a growing level of negativity attached to them.
The countries placed above India in terms of total funds in Swiss banks also include Ireland, Spain, Israel, Canada, Brazil, Greece, China, Egypt, Thailand, Philippines, South Korea and New Zealand. Those ranked below India include Qatar, South Africa, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kenya, Nigeria and Iran.
India is world's sixth most innovative country: Survey
India has been ranked the sixth most "innovative" country in the world
in multinational conglomerate GE's Annual Global Innovation Barometer,
driven by financial support from public authorities and long-term
support from investors.
The report, based on a survey of 2,800 senior business executives in 22 countries, including 200 respondents in India, identifies the top enablers for innovation in the country as talent ('creative' talent and people with technical expertise), financial support from public authorities and long-term support from investors.
When asked to identify the three countries they consider "innovation champions", 65 percent of the global respondents identified the US, followed by Germany (48 percent), Japan (45 percent), China (38 percent), Korea (13 percent) and India (12 percent).
"Creating conditions for meaningful innovation requires the right blend of internal and external factors that can readily be adapted to meet individual market and customer needs," GE Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer Beth Comstock said.
Only 12 percent of the global respondents identified India as one of the top three innovation champions, compared to 23 percent of Indian respondents.
The report indicates a 'balanced' perception of the environment for innovation in the country, with respondents more satisfied with private investment and government support for innovation.
However, intellectual property protection and research and development partnerships with academic universities were cited as the key challenges to creating an innovation-friendly environment in the country.
The report said that 36 percent of the Indian respondents in the survey expected 'large business' to drive most of the innovation over the next decade -- compared to 27 percent in an earlier survey -- while 35 percent believed small and medium enterprises would be the most innovative.
In terms of sectors, energy, followed by healthcare, telecommunication and FMCG, were the areas with the most innovation-driven growth potential, according to the survey.
A resounding 83 percent of the Indian respondents believed that innovation must meet local market requirements.
While India respondents to the survey shared their global peers' view that "great" innovation would address human needs -- rather than reaping profits -- only 78 percent of them said that great innovation brings value to society as a whole, compared to 84 percent globally.
Furthermore, only 17 percent of the Indian respondents agreed that a combination of players partnering together would drive innovation in the next decade, against the global average of 38 percent.
The report, based on a survey of 2,800 senior business executives in 22 countries, including 200 respondents in India, identifies the top enablers for innovation in the country as talent ('creative' talent and people with technical expertise), financial support from public authorities and long-term support from investors.
When asked to identify the three countries they consider "innovation champions", 65 percent of the global respondents identified the US, followed by Germany (48 percent), Japan (45 percent), China (38 percent), Korea (13 percent) and India (12 percent).
"Creating conditions for meaningful innovation requires the right blend of internal and external factors that can readily be adapted to meet individual market and customer needs," GE Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer Beth Comstock said.
Only 12 percent of the global respondents identified India as one of the top three innovation champions, compared to 23 percent of Indian respondents.
The report indicates a 'balanced' perception of the environment for innovation in the country, with respondents more satisfied with private investment and government support for innovation.
However, intellectual property protection and research and development partnerships with academic universities were cited as the key challenges to creating an innovation-friendly environment in the country.
The report said that 36 percent of the Indian respondents in the survey expected 'large business' to drive most of the innovation over the next decade -- compared to 27 percent in an earlier survey -- while 35 percent believed small and medium enterprises would be the most innovative.
In terms of sectors, energy, followed by healthcare, telecommunication and FMCG, were the areas with the most innovation-driven growth potential, according to the survey.
A resounding 83 percent of the Indian respondents believed that innovation must meet local market requirements.
While India respondents to the survey shared their global peers' view that "great" innovation would address human needs -- rather than reaping profits -- only 78 percent of them said that great innovation brings value to society as a whole, compared to 84 percent globally.
Furthermore, only 17 percent of the Indian respondents agreed that a combination of players partnering together would drive innovation in the next decade, against the global average of 38 percent.
India ranks 125th in Environment Performance Index
India ranks a low 125 in the Environment Performance report of the
prestigious Yale University, which should be a wake-up call to Indian
political leaders at all level, its officials said.
"India's low rank on the 2012 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) should be a wake-up call to Indian political leaders at all levels," said Daniel C Esty, Director of the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy.
"India's low rank on the 2012 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) should be a wake-up call to Indian political leaders at all levels," said Daniel C Esty, Director of the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Illiteracy costs India $53 billion every year
A report titled, “The Economic and
Social Cost of Illiteracy: A Snapshot of Illiteracy in A Global
Context”, published by the World Literacy Foundation and released to
coincide with the World Literacy Summit, has revealed that illiteracy is
costing the world economy a massive $1.19 trillion each year. Of this,
the Indian economy alone is losing $53.56 billion annually, lesser only
to China, which is losing $ 135.60 billion.
The report assesses functional illiterates which UNESCO defines as “people who can read and write simple words but can’t apply these skills to tasks such as reading a medicine label, balancing a cheque book or filling a job application”.
The research highlights the social and economic impact of a person’s inability to read and write. It reveals that more than 796 million people globally cannot read and write. About 67 million children don’t have access to primary school education and another 72 million miss out on secondary education.
It calculates the cost of illiteracy to a developed nation at 2 per cent of its GDP, while the loss to an emerging economy like India and China would be around 1.2 per cent of the GDP, and to a developing country 0.5 per cent of the GDP.
Calling for ways to bring children to schools and retain them, the Report says that illiterates earn 30 to 42 per cent less than their literate counterparts as they don’t have the literacy skills required to undertake further vocational education training to improve their earning capacity.
The report also establishes a link between illiteracy and crime saying majority of prison inmates across the world have poor literacy skills. Also amongst juvenile delinquents, up to 85 per cent are functionally illiterate.
The report assesses functional illiterates which UNESCO defines as “people who can read and write simple words but can’t apply these skills to tasks such as reading a medicine label, balancing a cheque book or filling a job application”.
The research highlights the social and economic impact of a person’s inability to read and write. It reveals that more than 796 million people globally cannot read and write. About 67 million children don’t have access to primary school education and another 72 million miss out on secondary education.
It calculates the cost of illiteracy to a developed nation at 2 per cent of its GDP, while the loss to an emerging economy like India and China would be around 1.2 per cent of the GDP, and to a developing country 0.5 per cent of the GDP.
Calling for ways to bring children to schools and retain them, the Report says that illiterates earn 30 to 42 per cent less than their literate counterparts as they don’t have the literacy skills required to undertake further vocational education training to improve their earning capacity.
The report also establishes a link between illiteracy and crime saying majority of prison inmates across the world have poor literacy skills. Also amongst juvenile delinquents, up to 85 per cent are functionally illiterate.
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
SIPRL Report: India emerged as the Largest Importer of Arms in the World
As per the report released by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRL) on 19 March 2012, India emerged as the world’s largest importer of arms in 2007-2011. In fact, India accounted for 10 percent of global arms imports between 2007 to 2011. The report stated that India took several measures to modernize its armed forces and signed many deals to procure military hardware. The major deals included 10 C-17 strategic lift aircraft, additional Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets and six C-130 Super Hercules Special Operations aircraft.
The report mentioned that in 2002-2006, China was the largest importer of arms. It is now placed at fourth position. Chinese arms industry showed improvements, which resulted in the decline of Chinese imports. The report further added that the top five global arms importer were from the Asia and Oceania.
The report mentioned that in 2002-2006, China was the largest importer of arms. It is now placed at fourth position. Chinese arms industry showed improvements, which resulted in the decline of Chinese imports. The report further added that the top five global arms importer were from the Asia and Oceania.
Monday, 5 December 2011
China overtakes India as ‘Diabetes Capital'
China has overtaken India to wrest the title of the ‘Diabetes Capital of the World', going by the latest figures revealed by the 5th edition of Diabetes Atlas.
At 90.0 million, China today has the largest number of people with diabetes. India follows with about 61.3 million, and the third on the list is far behind – United States at 23.7 million.
These figures revealed by the Diabetes Atlas, an effort of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in mid-November have once again stressed the rampant progress of the epidemic in a world that seems largely under-prepared to tackle the growing numbers.
The current figures are a huge variance from the statistics presented during the last edition of the Diabetes Atlas. In 2009, the fourth edition put India at the top of the list of nations with diabetics. At 50.7 million, India was the country with the highest number of people, and China followed with 42.3 million. However, things changed in 2010, when China produced results of a nation-wide study, pegging the country's diabetic population at 92.4 million.
The revised statistic was accepted, and further validated globally when the 5th edition arrived at a figure of 90 million people.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
First National Forestry Congress
Jayanthi Natarajan appealed for more scientific analysis of the issues relating to forest management in the country in the midst of ever increasing pressure on the forests and climate change threat. Inaugurating the first Indian Forest Congress on November 22, Smt. Natarajan, Minister of State for Environment & Forests (Independent charge) said that in India agro and farm forestry has been promoted in recent years through various schemes and Externally Aided Projects to bridge the gap between demand and supply for timber and fuel wood and also as an alternative livelihood option to enhance the income farmers. This has potential to divert pressure on natural forests and it is one of the important activities under Green India Mission, one of the eight missions under India’s National Action Plan for Climate Change. This programme focuses on increasing quality of our forests, and proposes to a take a holistic view of greening through a landscape approach.
Referring to Man-animal conflict and bio-piracy, the Minister asked to address appropriately. Regarding Forest certification mechanism she said it is yet to take firm roots in our country but ways and means should be designed to build up a system for its effective implementation for overall betterment of our forest development. Stating importance of ecotourism she informed that its development has shown great potential for employment generation for local youth. This opportunity must be factored into sustainable management of our forests. She asked the experts to evolve innovative solutions for human-wildlife conflict, development of forest certification in the country and to assess the tangible and non-tangible benefits from the forests. She stressed the need for second generation reforms in the Joint Forest Management Programme (JFM) and recognition of the rights of the local people and their capacity building. She praised the community of foresters for doing commendable work in protecting the forests in the midst of increasing population pressure and stressed that current investment in forest management be increased for ensuring food and water security. She urged the need for strengthening the forest bureaucracy in order to meet the increasing pressure on the forests.
Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Member of Rajya Sabha in his Presidential Address welcomed the initiatives of the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE) to organize the First Forest Congress. Prof. Swaminathan lamented the fact that political commitment for forest conservation as shown by late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi is lacking today. He stressed the need for the ICFRE to conduct focused research on Coastal, Mangroves, Hills and Dry Zones of the country. Many Van Vigyan Kendra need to be established in the country to promote Agro forestry, he added. He asked the DG, ICFRE to start projects on developing technologies for the mining rehabilitation as these areas need immediate interventions. Local heritage sites need to be given special attention in protecting the sacred groves, he further added.
Ms. Caitilin Wiesen, Country Director of UNDP–India stated that UNDP is supporting the efforts of mainstreaming the biodiversity conservation and forest based livelihoods. She welcomed the theme areas selected for the congress and pledged the support of UNDP to ICFRE. Mr. Maharaj Muthoo, President of Roman Forum, FAO in his introductory remarks informed the delegates about the international trends in forest management. Mr. A.K. Mukherjee, Former Director General of Forests, Government of India in his key note address proposed policy changes in the forestry programmes of the country. He stressed the need to bring more and more science in JFM and on tribal land issues.
The Minister released books entitled “Voices from the Field”, “Forestry in the Service of Nation - ICFRE Technologies” and “Status of JFM in India” all published by ICFRE. Addressing the gathering , Director General of Forests & Special Secretary to Government of India, Dr. P.J. Dilip Kumar stressed the need for capacity building of the JFM Committee members. Earlier, Dr. V.K. Bahuguna, Director General of the ICFRE & Chancellor of FRI University in his welcome address outlined the issues of the themes of the Seminar and said that for food and water security investment in forests need to be stepped up. Vote of Thanks was given by the Director of FRI and Vice Chancellor of the FRI University, Dr. S.S. Negi who is also Chairman of the Organizing Committee.
The 4-Day congress is being attended by the invited National & International Experts, Officers from the Government of India, Forest Department Officers, Scientists, Farmers, NGOs and others. There are 28 sub themes running parallel at NASC Complex. Special JFM conclave is also stated for 24th November 2011. The United Nations has declared the year 2011 as International Year of Forests and organization of First Indian Congress is most appropriate in showcasing the year long efforts of the country in celebrating various events during the International Year of Forests. Thirty six events have been organized during the year.
Referring to Man-animal conflict and bio-piracy, the Minister asked to address appropriately. Regarding Forest certification mechanism she said it is yet to take firm roots in our country but ways and means should be designed to build up a system for its effective implementation for overall betterment of our forest development. Stating importance of ecotourism she informed that its development has shown great potential for employment generation for local youth. This opportunity must be factored into sustainable management of our forests. She asked the experts to evolve innovative solutions for human-wildlife conflict, development of forest certification in the country and to assess the tangible and non-tangible benefits from the forests. She stressed the need for second generation reforms in the Joint Forest Management Programme (JFM) and recognition of the rights of the local people and their capacity building. She praised the community of foresters for doing commendable work in protecting the forests in the midst of increasing population pressure and stressed that current investment in forest management be increased for ensuring food and water security. She urged the need for strengthening the forest bureaucracy in order to meet the increasing pressure on the forests.
Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Member of Rajya Sabha in his Presidential Address welcomed the initiatives of the Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE) to organize the First Forest Congress. Prof. Swaminathan lamented the fact that political commitment for forest conservation as shown by late Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi is lacking today. He stressed the need for the ICFRE to conduct focused research on Coastal, Mangroves, Hills and Dry Zones of the country. Many Van Vigyan Kendra need to be established in the country to promote Agro forestry, he added. He asked the DG, ICFRE to start projects on developing technologies for the mining rehabilitation as these areas need immediate interventions. Local heritage sites need to be given special attention in protecting the sacred groves, he further added.
Ms. Caitilin Wiesen, Country Director of UNDP–India stated that UNDP is supporting the efforts of mainstreaming the biodiversity conservation and forest based livelihoods. She welcomed the theme areas selected for the congress and pledged the support of UNDP to ICFRE. Mr. Maharaj Muthoo, President of Roman Forum, FAO in his introductory remarks informed the delegates about the international trends in forest management. Mr. A.K. Mukherjee, Former Director General of Forests, Government of India in his key note address proposed policy changes in the forestry programmes of the country. He stressed the need to bring more and more science in JFM and on tribal land issues.
The Minister released books entitled “Voices from the Field”, “Forestry in the Service of Nation - ICFRE Technologies” and “Status of JFM in India” all published by ICFRE. Addressing the gathering , Director General of Forests & Special Secretary to Government of India, Dr. P.J. Dilip Kumar stressed the need for capacity building of the JFM Committee members. Earlier, Dr. V.K. Bahuguna, Director General of the ICFRE & Chancellor of FRI University in his welcome address outlined the issues of the themes of the Seminar and said that for food and water security investment in forests need to be stepped up. Vote of Thanks was given by the Director of FRI and Vice Chancellor of the FRI University, Dr. S.S. Negi who is also Chairman of the Organizing Committee.
The 4-Day congress is being attended by the invited National & International Experts, Officers from the Government of India, Forest Department Officers, Scientists, Farmers, NGOs and others. There are 28 sub themes running parallel at NASC Complex. Special JFM conclave is also stated for 24th November 2011. The United Nations has declared the year 2011 as International Year of Forests and organization of First Indian Congress is most appropriate in showcasing the year long efforts of the country in celebrating various events during the International Year of Forests. Thirty six events have been organized during the year.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
FIRST INDIAN FOREST CONGRESS- Sustainable Solutions for Development and Environmental Challenges
The UN General Assembly has proclaimed the year 2011 as the International Year of Forests. Consequent to the UN General Assembly's adoption of the 'Millennium Development Goals', the global community has come together in a collective search for sustainable solutions to address the world's development challenges. The multiple roles of the forest sector present unique opportunities and challenges. The foresters, no longer confined within forests; they have to march out to meet the international commitments as well as to negotiate the democratic aspirations of all the stakeholders of forests. In order to have the synergetic effect of all the efforts presently undertaken by different stakeholders in our country, the Ministry of Environment and Forests is organizing the ‘First Indian Forest Congress, 2011’ from 22nd to 25th of this month here. The central theme of this 4-Day Congress is ‘Forests in a Changing World’.
This Congress will work for a collective search for sustainable solutions to address development and environmental challenges and discuss advances on various aspects related to forestry. For effective organization and conduction of discussion on each theme, Pre Congress workshop were held in the different institutes of the ICFRE for each theme with the aim to assemble the main contributors to present their papers for peer review. During the Congress, each theme will be introduced by two eminent speakers who will cover the National Perspective highlighting different aspects of the theme.
The main themes are Forests in Society, Forestry in an Expanding Economy, Expanding Frontiers of Forestry Sciences, Forest Biodiversity and Landscapes and Forests and Climate Change. Under these themes, papers will be presented, discussions will be held and poster presentations will be made.
Subjects like Forests and land use policy, Forests in urban landscape, Forest governance and institutional reforms, Forests and community: forging partnerships, Forests and traditional knowledge, Assessment Managing the forests: old and new paradigms B. Reconciling growth with conservation towards sustainable development, Forest certification: opportunities and challenges, Agro forestry: production, opportunities and institutional framework, Forest products: management for livelihood, Forest products in industry, Geometrics: applications and opportunities, Forest genetics and biotechnology, Forest survey and inventory, Information technology as a tool in forestry management, Forests ecosystem and biodiversity management, Protected areas management: new paradigms, Man - animal interface, Ecosystem goods and services and forest resource accounting, Eco – tourism, Wildlife crime control and enforcement of CITES, Green India Mission: opportunities and challenges, Mitigation/adaptation and challenges, Ecosystem resilience and forest biodiversity, Climate change models/forests and Carbon fluxes, Carbon balances: policy instruments, India and REDD+ etc.
The Congress will be attended by the officials of Ministry of Environment and Forests, Forest officers from various states, officers and scientists from ICFRE and its institutes, NGO’s, farmers, forest based Industries. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) have organized the Congress.
This Congress will work for a collective search for sustainable solutions to address development and environmental challenges and discuss advances on various aspects related to forestry. For effective organization and conduction of discussion on each theme, Pre Congress workshop were held in the different institutes of the ICFRE for each theme with the aim to assemble the main contributors to present their papers for peer review. During the Congress, each theme will be introduced by two eminent speakers who will cover the National Perspective highlighting different aspects of the theme.
The main themes are Forests in Society, Forestry in an Expanding Economy, Expanding Frontiers of Forestry Sciences, Forest Biodiversity and Landscapes and Forests and Climate Change. Under these themes, papers will be presented, discussions will be held and poster presentations will be made.
Subjects like Forests and land use policy, Forests in urban landscape, Forest governance and institutional reforms, Forests and community: forging partnerships, Forests and traditional knowledge, Assessment Managing the forests: old and new paradigms B. Reconciling growth with conservation towards sustainable development, Forest certification: opportunities and challenges, Agro forestry: production, opportunities and institutional framework, Forest products: management for livelihood, Forest products in industry, Geometrics: applications and opportunities, Forest genetics and biotechnology, Forest survey and inventory, Information technology as a tool in forestry management, Forests ecosystem and biodiversity management, Protected areas management: new paradigms, Man - animal interface, Ecosystem goods and services and forest resource accounting, Eco – tourism, Wildlife crime control and enforcement of CITES, Green India Mission: opportunities and challenges, Mitigation/adaptation and challenges, Ecosystem resilience and forest biodiversity, Climate change models/forests and Carbon fluxes, Carbon balances: policy instruments, India and REDD+ etc.
The Congress will be attended by the officials of Ministry of Environment and Forests, Forest officers from various states, officers and scientists from ICFRE and its institutes, NGO’s, farmers, forest based Industries. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) have organized the Congress.
Saturday, 12 November 2011
World population to hit 10 billion, but 15 billion possible: UN
The world's population of seven billion is set to rise to at least 10 billion by 2100, but could top 15 billion if birth rates are just slightly higher than expected, the United Nations.
In a report ahead of ceremonies on October 31 to mark the seven billionth human alive today, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) warned demographic pressure posed mighty challenges for easing poverty and conserving the environment.
New estimates see a global human tally of 9.3 billion at 2050, an increase over earlier figures, and more than 10 billion by century's end, UNFPA said.
But, it added, "with only a small variation in fertility, particularly in the most populous countries, the total could be higher: 10.6 billion people could be living on Earth by 2050 and more than 15 billion in 2100."
The 126-page document, "The State of the World Population 2011", highlights a surge that began with the post-World War II baby boom -- a numbers "bulge" that shows up in following generations as they in turn grow up and have children.
In contrast, prosperity, better education and access to contraception have slashed the global fertility rate to the point that some rich countries have to address a looming population fall.
Over the past six decades, fertility has declined from a statistical average of 6.0 children per women to about 2.5 today, varying from 1.7 in the most advanced economies to 4.2 in the least developed nations.
Even so, 80 million people each year are added to the world's population. People under 25 comprise 43 percent of the total.
"Our record population can be viewed in many ways as a success for humanity -- people are living longer, healthier lives," said Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA's executive director.
"How did we become so many? How large a number can our Earth sustain?" he asked.
"These are important questions, but perhaps not the right ones for our times. When we look only at the big number, we risk being overwhelmed and losing sight of new opportunities to make life better for everyone in the future."
The report highlighted these challenges:
Helping youth:
Having large numbers of young adults offers many poor countries the hope of rising from poverty.
But, warns the UNFPA, "this opportunity of a 'demographic dividend' is a fleeting moment that must be claimed quickly or lost." Finding jobs for this swelling sea of youngsters is essential.
The report notably quotes from a report by the UN's International Labour Organisation (ILO) which suggests the 23.4-percent youth unemployment in the Arab world was a major contributor to the uprisings there.
Green worries:
The report cites environmental problems that are already pressing and set to intensify as demand grows for food, energy and homes.
Referring to a yardstick of sustainability used by the environmental thinktank Global Footprint Network, the report said it now takes the Earth 18 months to regenerate the natural resources that we use in a year.
"Climate change and rapid population growth are among the many factors contributing to the current drought and famine in the Horn of Africa, which has affected more than 12 million people," it says.
Future concerns focus especially on water stress. "Analysis suggests that the world will face a 40-percent global shortfall (in water) between forecast demand and available supply by 2030," says the report, citing Egypt -- hugely dependent on the Nile -- as a particular example.
City Futures:
The balance between rural and urban populations "has tipped irreversibly" towards cities in today's world of seven billion. The biggest urban agglomeration, as defined by the UNFPA, is Tokyo, with 36.7 million people, followed by Delhi, with 22 million, Sao Paulo, 20 million and Mumbai, with 20 million.
As the world's population expands, better urban planning, with closer involvement of residents, will be essential. Adequate housing, sanitation and green spaces should be incorporated in the shaping of cities rather than ad-hoc growth that leads to shanty towns.
Immigration:
In rich countries where populations are becoming top-heavy with the elderly, the task will be to meet growing demands for labour. Immigration, one of the options, needs to be orderly and managed so that migrants are better integrated and protected.
Family planning:
Dozens of countries are lagging in achieving the UN's Millennium Development Goal of providing universal access to reproductive health, said the report.
"A stable population is a sine qua non for accelerated, planned economic growth and development," said Osotimehin.
In a report ahead of ceremonies on October 31 to mark the seven billionth human alive today, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) warned demographic pressure posed mighty challenges for easing poverty and conserving the environment.
New estimates see a global human tally of 9.3 billion at 2050, an increase over earlier figures, and more than 10 billion by century's end, UNFPA said.
But, it added, "with only a small variation in fertility, particularly in the most populous countries, the total could be higher: 10.6 billion people could be living on Earth by 2050 and more than 15 billion in 2100."
The 126-page document, "The State of the World Population 2011", highlights a surge that began with the post-World War II baby boom -- a numbers "bulge" that shows up in following generations as they in turn grow up and have children.
In contrast, prosperity, better education and access to contraception have slashed the global fertility rate to the point that some rich countries have to address a looming population fall.
Over the past six decades, fertility has declined from a statistical average of 6.0 children per women to about 2.5 today, varying from 1.7 in the most advanced economies to 4.2 in the least developed nations.
Even so, 80 million people each year are added to the world's population. People under 25 comprise 43 percent of the total.
"Our record population can be viewed in many ways as a success for humanity -- people are living longer, healthier lives," said Babatunde Osotimehin, UNFPA's executive director.
"How did we become so many? How large a number can our Earth sustain?" he asked.
"These are important questions, but perhaps not the right ones for our times. When we look only at the big number, we risk being overwhelmed and losing sight of new opportunities to make life better for everyone in the future."
The report highlighted these challenges:
Helping youth:
Having large numbers of young adults offers many poor countries the hope of rising from poverty.
But, warns the UNFPA, "this opportunity of a 'demographic dividend' is a fleeting moment that must be claimed quickly or lost." Finding jobs for this swelling sea of youngsters is essential.
The report notably quotes from a report by the UN's International Labour Organisation (ILO) which suggests the 23.4-percent youth unemployment in the Arab world was a major contributor to the uprisings there.
Green worries:
The report cites environmental problems that are already pressing and set to intensify as demand grows for food, energy and homes.
Referring to a yardstick of sustainability used by the environmental thinktank Global Footprint Network, the report said it now takes the Earth 18 months to regenerate the natural resources that we use in a year.
"Climate change and rapid population growth are among the many factors contributing to the current drought and famine in the Horn of Africa, which has affected more than 12 million people," it says.
Future concerns focus especially on water stress. "Analysis suggests that the world will face a 40-percent global shortfall (in water) between forecast demand and available supply by 2030," says the report, citing Egypt -- hugely dependent on the Nile -- as a particular example.
City Futures:
The balance between rural and urban populations "has tipped irreversibly" towards cities in today's world of seven billion. The biggest urban agglomeration, as defined by the UNFPA, is Tokyo, with 36.7 million people, followed by Delhi, with 22 million, Sao Paulo, 20 million and Mumbai, with 20 million.
As the world's population expands, better urban planning, with closer involvement of residents, will be essential. Adequate housing, sanitation and green spaces should be incorporated in the shaping of cities rather than ad-hoc growth that leads to shanty towns.
Immigration:
In rich countries where populations are becoming top-heavy with the elderly, the task will be to meet growing demands for labour. Immigration, one of the options, needs to be orderly and managed so that migrants are better integrated and protected.
Family planning:
Dozens of countries are lagging in achieving the UN's Millennium Development Goal of providing universal access to reproductive health, said the report.
"A stable population is a sine qua non for accelerated, planned economic growth and development," said Osotimehin.
PM to Release National Innovation Council’s Report
The National Innovation Council’s (NInC) First Report to the People 2011 is being released by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on 15th November 2011. The Report will be released in the presence of Ministers from key Ministries collaborating with NInC. These include Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Minister for Human resource Development Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Srhi Virbhandra Singh, and Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia.
The National Innovation Council was established in the wake of the Government of India declaring 2010-2020 as the Decade of Innovation. This declaration recognizes the potential of innovation to bridge unmet needs and access gaps in vital sectors such as agriculture, education, energy, health, skills, urban and rural development, and others; and to drive growth, competitiveness, employment, and opportunity for the country. India’s challenges in these areas are unique, and require innovative approaches and solutions. The Council has been tasked with formulating and implementing an Indian model of inclusive innovation that can deliver these, and with preparing a roadmap for innovation in the country.
The Report to the People captures the first year of NInC’s activity. It highlights key NInC initiatives across a wide range of areas: financing, productivity and competitiveness, education, connectivity, communication and advocacy, government frameworks, collaboration, and others. NInC looks forward to informing the Indian people about its first year’s progress.
The National Innovation Council was established in the wake of the Government of India declaring 2010-2020 as the Decade of Innovation. This declaration recognizes the potential of innovation to bridge unmet needs and access gaps in vital sectors such as agriculture, education, energy, health, skills, urban and rural development, and others; and to drive growth, competitiveness, employment, and opportunity for the country. India’s challenges in these areas are unique, and require innovative approaches and solutions. The Council has been tasked with formulating and implementing an Indian model of inclusive innovation that can deliver these, and with preparing a roadmap for innovation in the country.
The Report to the People captures the first year of NInC’s activity. It highlights key NInC initiatives across a wide range of areas: financing, productivity and competitiveness, education, connectivity, communication and advocacy, government frameworks, collaboration, and others. NInC looks forward to informing the Indian people about its first year’s progress.
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Digitalisation to be game changer in India from 2014
With India accounting for nearly $1.4 billion loss of revenue due to piracy, experts and participants at the CASBAA conference are of the opinion that digitisation of cable services from 2014 in India will be a game changer for the entire industry as it will help in reducing the piracy and will also provide the identity of the subscriber which is using the services.
“Digitalisation will be a big game changer. Till now if one was to invest in any Multiple System Operators (MSO)'s or an operator one could never know how many subscribers are because of analog systems on which you cant keep a tab essentially. Digitalisation will mandate the encryption of feed both free-to-air and pay that ensures one piracy and subscriber activated system will give you the identity of the last mile subscriber which is using the services,” Star India executive vice president and general counsel Legal Deepak Jacob said on the sidelines of CASBAA Convention-2011.
As per CASBAA report-2011 released in Hong Kong, Piracy in India will reach to the whooping figure of $ 1.44 billion by end of 2011 from $ 1.33 billion last year.
Recently, President Prathibha Patil has given her nod to an ordinance, which would make digitisation of cable services mandatory by 2014. The shift would mean all customers must have a set top box whether they want to receive free-to-air or pay channels. They will be able to watch high quality channels of their choice on an a la carte basis and are likely to have access to Internet and telephone through the same digital cable.
To a question that whether it will increase the cost of the service, Mr. Jacob said, "Consumers have to pay marginally more from current lowest level of Rs 85 which they are giving for the service, that will go up to in the range of Rs 100-125. But if you want premium services than consumers have to pay or else they have an option to go to government owned service of DD Direct DTH."
The ordinance aims at complete digitalisation of cable television in the four metros by March 31, 2012. The target date for completely digitising cable sector in cities with population of more than 10 lakh is September 2014, while nation wide digitisation is expected to be achieved by December 2014.
Further, he said the biggest thing in the digitalisation ordinance from the investor point of view is that finally if he does decide to invest in a cable business at least he will get to know the subscriber base. "If you get to know your subscriber base then you can actually make a business plan based on subscriber base into ARPU, you have revenue, return on investment also," he remarked.
CASBAA is the Association for digital multichannel television, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across Asia. The objective of CASBAA is to promote the growth of pay TV and video content through industry information, networking exchanges and events while promoting global best practices.
India India ranks 134 in human development index 2011
India ranks a low 134 among 187 countries in terms of the human development index (HDI), which assesses long-term progress in health, education and income indicators, said a UN report released on Wednesday. Although placed in the "medium" category, India's standing is way behind scores of economically less developed countries, including war-torn Iraq as well as the Philippines.
India's ranking in 2010 was 119 out of 169 countries.
Sri Lanka has been ranked 97, China 101 and the Maldives 109. Bhutan, otherwise respected for its qulity of life, has been placed at 141, behind India.
Pakistan and Bangladesh are ranked 145 and 146 in the list of countries that is headed by Norway and in which the Democratic Republic of Congo is at the very bottom.
The other two countries in South Asia, Nepal and Afghanistan, occupy ranks 157 and 172.
According to the "UN Human Development Report 2011: Sustainability and Inequality", India's HDI is 0.5 compared to 0.3 in 2010.
Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said year-on-year comparisons were not practical. "Any change in development indicators should be measured over a longer period of time," he said.
UN official Seeta Prabhu said: "The HDI for 2011 would be the same if the 2010 methodology was adopted and the sample size was the same. As many as 18 new countries were included in the survey this time."
She said India's gender inequality index was 0.6, the highest in South Asia.
But stating that India had made "significant progress" on HDI, UNDP Country Director Caitlin Wiesen said: "This trajectory may be threatened by environmental risks and inequality."
The UN report said that India had the world's largest number of multidimensionally poor, more than half of the population, at 612 million.
However, the report appreciated India's progress in improving forest cover and protecting biodiversity.
"India is one of the seven developing countries like Bhutan, China, Costa Rica, Chile, El Salvador and Vietnam which have recently transitioned from deforesting to reforesting," said the report.
India increased its reforestation rate from 0.2% a year between 1990 and 2000 to 0.5% percent a year between 2000 and 2010.
Sri Lanka has been ranked 97, China 101 and the Maldives 109. Bhutan, otherwise respected for its qulity of life, has been placed at 141, behind India.
Pakistan and Bangladesh are ranked 145 and 146 in the list of countries that is headed by Norway and in which the Democratic Republic of Congo is at the very bottom.
The other two countries in South Asia, Nepal and Afghanistan, occupy ranks 157 and 172.
According to the "UN Human Development Report 2011: Sustainability and Inequality", India's HDI is 0.5 compared to 0.3 in 2010.
Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said year-on-year comparisons were not practical. "Any change in development indicators should be measured over a longer period of time," he said.
UN official Seeta Prabhu said: "The HDI for 2011 would be the same if the 2010 methodology was adopted and the sample size was the same. As many as 18 new countries were included in the survey this time."
She said India's gender inequality index was 0.6, the highest in South Asia.
But stating that India had made "significant progress" on HDI, UNDP Country Director Caitlin Wiesen said: "This trajectory may be threatened by environmental risks and inequality."
The UN report said that India had the world's largest number of multidimensionally poor, more than half of the population, at 612 million.
However, the report appreciated India's progress in improving forest cover and protecting biodiversity.
"India is one of the seven developing countries like Bhutan, China, Costa Rica, Chile, El Salvador and Vietnam which have recently transitioned from deforesting to reforesting," said the report.
India increased its reforestation rate from 0.2% a year between 1990 and 2000 to 0.5% percent a year between 2000 and 2010.
Saturday, 22 October 2011
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2011
The Human Development Index (HDI) in the country rose by 21% says a report while cautioning that health, nutrition and sanitation remained key challenges for India. India Human Development Report, 2011, prepared by Institute of Applied Manpower Research, placed Kerala on top of the index for achieving highest literacy rate, quality health services and consumption expenditure of people. Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Goa were placed at second, third and fourth position respectively.
The report was released on October 21 by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia in the presence of Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh. It said, as on today, two-thirds of the households in the country reside in pucca (cemented) houses and three-fourth of families have access to electricity for domestic use. According to the report, India's HDI has registered an impressive gains in the last decade as the index increased by 21 per cent to 0.467 in 2007-08, from 0.387 in 1999-2000.
However, it noted that Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Assam are those states which continue to lag behind in HDI and remain below the national average of 0.467. At the same time, the quantum of improvement in HDI in some of the poor states was higher than the national average, the report said, citing the cases of Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Assam. The overall improvement in the index was largely attributed to the 28.5 per cent increase in education index across the country.
It ranges from 0.92 for Kerala to 0.41 in the case of Bihar. The improvement in the education index was the "greatest" in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to name a few, the report said. The analysis also indicates that improvement in the health index, as compared to education, has been lower. It ranges from 0.82 in Kerala to 0.41 in Assam. It observed that despite the Right to Education Act, school education faces challenges of quality and employability. The report also said that despite improvements, health, nutrition and sanitation challenges are most serious.
Stating that open defecation was posing a serious threat to health and nutritional status, the report said even though half of the population had access to sanitation in 2008-09, there was still wide inter-state variation. It said 75% households in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and Uttarakhand do not have toilet facilities. The report revealed even in Nirmal Gram Puraskar winning villages, toilets are often being used for storing, bathing and washing purposes. On the issue of right to food and nutrition, the Human Index Report revealed that calorie consumption has been declining and the intake of calories by poor are way below the recommended norm.
The report said Gujarat fares the worst in terms of overall hunger and nutrition among the industrial high per capita income states. The report also noted that "India is the worst performer in terms of low birth weight, underweight and wasting among children in BRIC and SAARC countries”. Reacting to the findings, Ramesh said increased focus should be laid on health and nutrition during the 12th Plan period even as he lauded the growth in the education sector. "On nutrition, I am puzzled as to why high rate of malnutrition continue to persist even in pockets of high economic growth," he said referring to findings of Gujarat. The minister said total expenditure on sanitation has been only one-tenth of the resources allocated for the water sector.
Ramesh attributed the positive growth in education to Central "interventions" like Sarva Sikshya Abhiyan and RTE. The report said between 2002-03 and 2008-09, there has been an improvement in condition of people's housing with 66% population residing in pucca housing. In rural areas, share of household in pucca houses has increased from 36% to 55%. It said a greater proportion of Muslims than the SCs and STs live in pucca houses due to their urban concentration. The report revealed that three-fourths of all households had access to electricity, with 75% households having access to electricity for domestic use. Insofar as tele-density was concerned, the report said it increased at an "impressive pace" over time from 22% in 2008 to 66% till December 2010, largely led by growth in urban tele-density.
It said good governance and social mobilisation by state governments was reflected by the fact that SCs and OBCs in Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala were better off than even the upper castes in Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh in terms of various health outcome indicators. The report also highlighted the fact that 60% of the poor were concentrated in states like Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It said though incidence of poverty declined over the years across states, the above said states performed much worse than others in terms of poverty reduction. Further, asset ownership both in urban and rural areas continued to be highly unequal and concentrated among top five per cent of households.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Global Hunger Index 2011
India ranked way below its South Asian neighbours Pakistan, Sri Lanka and China in the global hunger index 2011 released by the International Food Policy and Research Institute. South Asia fared worse than Sub-Saharan Africa netting a score of 22.6 on the global hunger index, or GHI, the report said. While, India stood 67th amongst 81 countries, Pakistan ranked 59, China ranked fourth, Vietnam ranked 25 and Sri Lanka ranked 36 in the GHI. The report blamed high volatility in food prices for rising hunger levels worldwide.
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