1. 'Har Ghar Jal' Program highlights significant impact on Public Health - WHO report
Tags: Reports National News
A recently released report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the significant impacts of the 'Har Ghar Jal' program on public health and economic savings.
An overview of the news
Dr Richard Johnston and Dr Sophie Boisson of the WHO South East Asia presented the report titled ‘Health impact of Jal Jeevan Mission’.
Highlight of the report
The report pointed out that nearly four lakh diarrheal deaths could be prevented by ensuring safely managed drinking water for all households in the country.
Nearly 14 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to these diseases could be prevented.
This achievement alone will result in estimated cost savings of up to US$101 billion.
This report focuses on diarrheal diseases as water-borne diseases are a major reason for this.
The report shows that in 2018, 36 per cent of India's total population did not have access to improved drinking water sources in their premises.
Direct use of unsafe drinking water has serious health and social consequences.
The analysis indicates that in 2019, unsafe drinking water, along with inadequate sanitation and hygiene, contributed to 1.4 million deaths and 74 million DALYs globally.
'Har Ghar Jal' Program
Launched - By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019
Implementation - By the Jal Jeevan Mission under the Ministry of Jal Shakti
Aims - To provide every rural household with affordable and regular access to an adequate supply of safe drinking water through taps.
SDG 6.1 - Ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water
Achievement - 5 states (Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat and Punjab) and 3 union territories (Puducherry, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli) have reported 100% tap water coverage.
2. National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021-22
Tags: Reports Economy/Finance
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Dr. S. Chandrasekhar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, released the “National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021-22: Summary for Policymakers" on April 27, 2023.
Major Findings of the report
25.01% of the 8,074 firms surveyed were considered innovative.
The 25% of firms that reported innovation in the survey saw 83% increase in turnover and 80% opening up new opportunities in the market.
Only 15% of micro firms are innovative while it is 56% in large firms.
Over 45% of firms reported that lack of funding within the firm or group was the most common constraint, followed by high innovation costs (40.30%) and lack of finance from external sources (39.52%).
The most important constraints were the low demand for innovations in the market (71.23%).
What is the NMIS survey?
It is a joint study by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to evaluate the innovation performance of manufacturing firms in India.
The study is a follow-up to DST's first National Innovation Survey conducted in 2011.
The survey had two distinct components: the firm-level survey and the Sectoral Systems of Innovation (SSI) survey.
The study was not designed to assess the effectiveness of specific policies individually or collectively.
3. India ranks 38th in World Bank's Logistics Performance Index (LPI)
India secured 38th rank in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) released in 2023 by the World Bank.
An Overview of the News
India's improvement in ranking can be attributed to its significant investments in both hard and soft infrastructure, as well as technology.
India's current ranking shows a significant improvement from its 44th rank in 2018 and its 54th rank in 2014.
The Logistics Performance Index ranks 139 countries based on factors such as the efficiency of customs clearance processes, the quality of transportation infrastructure and the ease of arranging shipments.
Singapore and Finland have been identified as the most efficient and highest ranked countries in terms of logistics performance as per LPI 2023.
About the World Bank
It was established in 1944 and is headquartered in Washington, DC.
Itsprimary goal is to reduce poverty in developing countries by providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and other resources to support development projects.
The World Bank operates through two main institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).
The IBRD provides loans to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries, while the IDA provides grants and loans to the poorest countries.
The World Bank also works closely with other international organisations such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and regional development banks to coordinate development efforts and promote economic growth.
Founders -John Maynard Keynes, Harry Dexter White
President - David Malpass
4. Hurun's Global Unicorn Index 2023
Hurun's Global Unicorn Index 2023 released on 18th April.
India in the report
According to the report India continues to be the world's third-largest country with the highest number of unicorns, following the US and China.
Ed-tech BYJU'S worth $22 billion topped the list of Indian Unicorns, followed by on-demand delivery start-up Swiggy and fantasy sports platform travel- stay finder Dream11 ($8 billion each).
BYJU'S is the only Indian Unicorn among the list of the top 10 biggest rises in valuation since pre-Covid.
As per reports the number of Indian unicorns established outside India is more than the number of unicorns based within India.
India has a total of 138 unicorns, out of which 70 were established by Indian co-founders but have their headquarters located outside India, while 68 are based in India.
Global Status
The United States of America topped the index with 666 unicorns, up 179 compared to 2022, followed byChina in 2nd position with 316 unicorns (up 15).
In terms of unicorn investors, Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global Management, and SoftBank are the top three, having invested in 238, 179, and 168 unicorn startups, respectively.
Top 5 countries with most Unicorns
USA (666)
China (316)
India (68)
UK (49)
Germany (36)
Top 5 Cities with Most Unicorns
San Francisco (USA) - 181
New York (USA) - 126
Beijing (China) - 79
Shanghai (China) - 66
London (UK) - 42
5. Chennai ranks among top 5 in digital payment transactions
Tags: Reports Economy/Finance
Chennai has emerged as one of the top digital payment transaction cities in the country in 2022, according to a report by payment services firm Worldline India.
An overview of the news
In terms of volume, according to Worldline India, Chennai has done 14.3 million transactions with a value of USD 35.5 billion. It is at number five.
Bengaluru tops with 29 million transactions worth USD 65 billion, followed by New Delhi 19.6 million transactions worth USD 50 billion, Mumbai (18.7 million transactions worth USD 49.5 billion), Pune (15 million transactions worth USD 32.8 billion).
In 2022, frequently visited physical merchant categories like grocery stores, restaurants, clothing and apparel, pharmacy, household appliances together accounted for over 43 per cent in terms of volume and about 40 per cent in terms of value, across the country.
E-commerce space, gaming, utility and financial services contributed to over 85 per cent of transactions and 25 per cent in terms of value.
Education, travel and hospitality sector accounted for 15 per cent in volume and 75 per cent in terms of value.
What is a Digital Payment System?
A digital payment is sometimes called an electronic payment.
It is the transfer of value from one payment account to another using a digital device such as a mobile phone, POS (Point of Sales) or computer.
Modes of Digital Payments
Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM)
UPI 123PAY
UPI Lite
Cards (RuPay Debit Cards)
Immediate Payment Services (IMPS)
Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS)
6. India overtakes China to become the world's most populous country
Tags: Reports
India has overtaken China as the world's most populous country, according to United Nations data released on April 19.
An overview of the news
According to UN data India's population is 142.86 crore while China's population is 142.57 crores.
According to a new report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 25 per cent of India's population is between the age group of 0-14 years.
The population between the age group of 10-19 years is 18 percent
The population in the age group of 10-24 years is 26 percent.
The population in the age group of 15-64 years is 68 percent and the population above 65 years is 7 percent.
According to experts, the demographics of India differ from state to state.
Kerala and Punjab have a large elderly population, while Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have a large youth population.
According to several studies conducted by various agencies, India's population is expected to grow for about three decades before reaching a peak of 165 crores. After that it will start declining.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
A subsidiary organ of the UN General Assembly and works as a sexual and reproductive health agency.
Established - in 1967.
In 1987, it was officially renamed the United Nations Population Fund.
The original abbreviation, ‘UNFPA’ for the United Nations Fund for Population Activities was retained.
Report - State of World Population Report.
7. India ranked 77th in the world's 'Most Criminal Countries' ranking
World of Statistics released the ranking of the world's "most criminal countries" in which India is ranked 77th, while the US is at 55th and the UK at 65th.
An Overview of the News
- As per the ranking, Venezuela has been ranked first as the most criminal country, followed by Papua New Guinea in second place and South Africa in third place.
- Turkey, Germany and Japan are among the least criminal countries, ranked 92nd, 100th and 135th respectively.
- According to this report, Afghanistan ranks fourth with a crime rate of more than 76 crimes per 100,000 people.
- The overall crime rate is calculated by dividing the total number of reported crimes by the total population and multiplying by 100,000.
Countries with the ten highest crime rates
- Venezuela (83.76)
- Papua New Guinea (80.79)
- South Africa (76.86)
- Afghanistan (76.31)
- Honduras (74.54)
- Trinidad and Tobago (71.63)
- Guyana (68.74)
- El Salvador (67.79)
- Brazil (67.49)
- Jamaica (67.42)
8. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport enters the busiest airports club, ranks 9 in world
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) ranks ninth in the list of top ten busiest airports in the world, according to data from the Airports Council International (ACI).
An overview of the news
For the first time, an Indian airport has made it to the list of top ten airports in terms of traffic.
As per ACI report, Delhi airport is expected to handle more than 5.94 crore passengers in 2022.
As a result of this achievement, IGIA has jumped from 17th position in pre-Covid 2019 to 9th position, according to ACI data.
In terms of traffic, five of the top ten airports are from the US.
Apart from India, Dubai is the only other airport in Asia in the list.
No Chinese airport made it to the list considering the travel restrictions due to the Covid situation in the country.
Mumbai is India's second busiest airport.
Top 10 busiest airports in the world in 2022
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (93.7 million passengers)
Dallas Fort Worth Airport (73.4 million passengers)
Denver Airport (69.3 million passengers)
Chicago O'Hare Airport (68.3 million passengers)
Dubai Airport (66.1 million passengers)
Los Angeles Airport
Istanbul Airport (64.3 million passengers)
Heathrow Airport in London
IGI Airport in Delhi
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
9. World Energy Transitions Outlook report - 2023
Tags: Reports
Recently, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) released the World Energy Transitions Outlook report-2023.
Highlights of the report
The global energy transition is still not on track and well short of the 1.5°C pathway.
To survive 1.5°C, deployment levels must increase from 3,000 gigawatts (GW) at present to more than 10,000 GW in 2030, averaging 1,000 GW annually.
Equally, more investment towards countries requires public sector intervention.
Global investment in energy transformation technologies to reach a new record of $1.3 trillion in 2022.
Annual investments must more than quadruple to more than $5 trillion to stay on the 1.5°C path.
By 2030, cumulative investment should be US$44 trillion, with transition technologies representing 80 percent of total investment, or $35 trillion.
Current pledges and plans fall well short of IRENA's 1.5°C pathway and would result in an emissions gap of 16 gigatonnes (Gt) in 2050.
About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
It is an intergovernmental organisation.
Founded - in Bonn, Germany on 26 January 2009.
Headquarter - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Member Countries - 167 and the European Union.
India became a Member - In 2009 as 77th Founding Member.
Purpose - To support countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future.
10. Mukesh Ambani becomes richest sports owner in Forbes Billionaire 2023 list
Mukesh Ambani was named the richest sports owner in the Forbes Billionaires 2023 list and according to the list, he has a net worth of $83.4 billion, surpassing Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer who has a net worth of $80.7 billion.
An Overview of the News
Despite a 3% decline in Reliance Industries' share price over the past year, Ambani's net worth has still grown, reflecting the strength and diversity of his business interests.
Mukesh Ambani is the world's richest sports owner as of 10 March 2023.
Ambani-owned Reliance Industries has been expanding its presence in the sports industry in recent years.
The company bought a franchise in the inaugural Women's Premier League and owns cricket teams in South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
5 richest sports team owners
Mukesh Ambani: With a net worth of $83.4 billion, Mukesh Ambani is the owner of the world's richest sports team. He is a citizen of India and is the owner of the Mumbai Indians, a cricket team that competes in the Indian Premier League.
Steve Ballmer: The former CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer is an American citizen who owns the Los Angeles Clippers, a professional basketball team. His net worth has been estimated at $80.7 billion.
Rob Walton: Heir to the Walmart fortune, Rob Walton is an American citizen who owns the Denver Broncos, a professional football team. His net worth has been estimated at $57.6 billion.
François Pinault and Family: François Pinault is a French billionaire who owns Stade Rennais F.C., a professional football team in France. are the owners of. His net worth has been estimated at $40.1 billion.
Mark Mateschitz: is an Austrian businessman who owns several sports teams, including professional football and Formula One racing teams, the New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Racing, respectively. He is also the owner of the German professional football team RB Leipzig. His net worth has been estimated at $34.7 billion.
