BUSINESS
Weekly Numerics | Increasing child fatalities in Gaza, the link between diabetes and air pollution, and the rise of women-led startups
As Indian cities grapple with air pollution, a new study shines light on its link with diabetes. Meanwhile, startups are leading the way in reducing the gender gap with data showing that they have a significantly higher share of women in the workforce and leadership positions, compared to traditional Indian companies.
INDIA
Despite feeling the heat, Indians optimistic about avoiding climate disaster
Nearly 60 percent of Indians believe that climate change is the biggest threat facing the globe today. However, only over 10 percent of them think that a climate disaster could happen during their lifetime, shows data from Epson Climate Reality Barometer 2023.
INDIA
No clear view yet on roadmap, benefits of proposed National Turmeric Board
While some industry insiders say the board could deliver on its aims to promote new product developments and value additions and create awareness of the benefits of turmeric in global markets, others are sceptical, calling it a political gimmick.
BUSINESS
Weekly Numerics | Russia’s rising share in India’s oil basket, fall in net FDI, and more
The share of Russia in India’s oil imports has gone up 204 percent on an annual basis in the first five months of this fiscal, while imports from OPEC countries have declined. Also, during this period, net FDI saw a sharp fall amid the high interest rates in advanced economies.
ASSEMBLY-ELECTIONS
In Charts | KCR battled high inflation, unemployment in Telangana, but scored in FDI and fiscal discipline
A graphical snapshot of the economy of Telangana as it gears up for its third assembly election shows the ruling BRS battling anti-incumbency amid high inflation and unemployment. However, the state has done well comparatively when it comes to reining in its fiscal deficit, attracting foreign investments and improving its digital penetration
ASSEMBLY-ELECTIONS
Unemployment, poverty, low income per capita - Gehlot had more than just factionalism to tackle
A graphical snapshot of the economy of Rajasthan, India’s largest state, India, as it gears up for elections next month. Notably, Both the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP are dealing with factionalism within their parties as the state grapples with unemployment, poverty and the digital divide.
BUSINESS
In Charts | How Shivraj Singh Chouhan was marred by inflation, slowed growth, but scored in employment
A graphical snapshot of Madhya Pradesh, which has more than 20 percent of the population living under multidimensional poverty
BUSINESS
Weekly Numerics | Rising toll in Israel-Hamas war, limited impact of Canada row on student loans, and lack of quality service jobs
The number of those killed or wounded is rapidly rising as the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies. Meanwhile, the ongoing diplomatic row between Canada and India is unlikely to affect overseas student loans given out by NBFCs
ASSEMBLY-ELECTIONS
In Charts: Chhattisgarh's low fiscal deficit, falling poverty marred by digital divide, entrepreneurship woes
A graphical snapshot of the state’s economy, which has had a balanced performance in recent years, lifting an estimated 4 million out of poverty in five years. However, the state government has also had to face accusations of impropriety in implementing central government schemes.
BUSINESS
Cashew nut prices not going up despite higher Diwali demand
Surplus availability of the nut is the prime reason. Increased production of cashews and almonds in the world, removal of additional tariffs on walnuts and almonds imported from the US and processors shifting from exports to domestic sales are the reasons.
ASSEMBLY-ELECTIONS
High debt, lower per capita income, inflation— Mizoram has more than a poll battle at hand
A graphical snapshot of the service sector-led economy of the election-bound state, which has struggled to meet its fiscal deficit targets.
BUSINESS
Weekly Numerics | A million coal jobs under threat, compliance cost burden, and the persistent issue of hunger
Latest estimates show that more than a million coal mine workers could be laid off by 2050, and most of them will be from India and China. Meanwhile, despite a marginal improvement, hunger remains a serious issue in India.
BUSINESS
Indian seafood industry worried as US takes aim at shrimp import from India
Curtailed access to the biggest market for Indian shrimp would add to the woes of a sector that is already facing depressed demand and prices globally
TRENDS
In Charts | The link between a country’s economy and its sporting performance
The top four medal-winning countries in the Asian Games 2023 also have the biggest economies in the continent. An analysis of historical data shows that this isn’t merely a coincidence.
BUSINESS
Of cocoa and cocoa nuts: Ivory Coast eyeing the Indian market to boost earnings from its prized export
At present, the African nation sells cocoa to the large chocolate companies of Europe and the US through middlemen, which deprives its farmers of fair earnings. The country is now looking to sell cocoa and products made from it directly to India.
BUSINESS
Weekly Numerics | Investment project completions dip, internet freedom shrinks, but 5G adoption marches forward
India’s Internet Freedom Score for 2023 shows a decline from last year. However, 31 million users in the country are estimated to adopt 5G this year. Meanwhile, PM SVANidhi now covers 50 lakh street vendors.
BUSINESS
IPO fundraising dips 26% in H1 FY24, but retail investor confidence remains high, shows data
Of the 31 IPOs that hit the market in H1 FY24, as many as 21 were rolled out in August and September, according to data from PRIME Database
BUSINESS
International Cocoa Organisation sees major potential in Indian market
As cocoa consumption reaches a saturation point in the west, India is seeing a rising consumption of the commodity, not in the chocolate industry, but in the rising use of cocoa in dairy products and biscuits.
BUSINESS
Weekly Numerics | India’s population is ageing while its youth is finding it hard to get jobs
According to latest estimates, the number of elderly people in India will surpass that of that of the younger cohorts by 2046. Meanwhile, youth unemployment rate is on the rise in the country.
BUSINESS
Rubber prices may drop further on rising imports and poor demand in peak season
Big consumers of rubber, like the tyre industry, are relying on cheaper imports from the Ivory Coast, impacting margins of domestic growers. Traders say that even domestically, industry is looking to the North-East for cheaper varieties rather than to Kerala, the highest producer.
BUSINESS
Weekly Numerics | Platform workers struggle as expenses outpace income; high unemployment among educated youth; and more
Between 2019 and 2022, the average income of long-shift platform workers climbed by only 4.09 percent, while their overall expenses went up by 31.87 percent.
BUSINESS
Women remain a minority in fund management; industry apathetic
With just seven percent of its portfolio managers being female, India ranks 19th among the 24 financial destinations analysed for presence of women in fund management.
BUSINESS
India’s sugar exports may fall by half on output decline in 2023-24
Although the sugar export policy for 2023-24 will be announced only by January, traders and the industry already expect a further drop in outbound shipments.
ECONOMY
Weekly Numerics | Fiscal deficit widens, talent scarcity hits India Inc., long timelines for debt recovery
Four out of five employers in India report facing difficulty in finding the talent they need. Meanwhile, 52 million additions were made to the payrolls over the past four years.
