The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued orders to five Big Tech companies, including Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL), requiring them to provide information regarding recent investments and partnerships involving generative AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic.The agency will scrutinise corporate partnerships and investments with AI providers to build a better internal understanding of these relationships and their impact on the competitive landscape.
The compulsory orders were sent to Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Anthropic, Microsoft and OpenAI.
Google and Amazon invested in Anthropic, while Microsoft has invested close to $10 billion in Sam Altman-run ChatGPT creator OpenAI.
“As companies race to develop and monetise AI, we must guard against tactics that foreclose this opportunity, “said FTC Chair Lina Khan. “Our study will shed light on whether investments and partnerships pursued by dominant companies risk distorting innovation and undermining fair competition,” she said in a statement.
The FTC’s inquiry will help the agency deepen enforcers’ understanding of the investments and partnerships formed between generative AI developers and cloud service providers.
The companies will have 45 days from the date they receive the order to respond.
The FTC is seeking information on the specific investment agreements between the companies and how the partnerships influence product releases and oversight rights.
The agency also wants an analysis of how these investments impact the market share, competition, and potential for sales growth in the sector; if there is competition for resources to develop AI products; and any information each company may have given to other government entities. A Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge that they “look forward to providing the FTC with the information it needs to complete its study.”
Month: January 2024
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Lina Khan-led FTC probing Microsoft, Google investments into GenAI companies
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Six awarded Kirti Chakra, 16 Shaurya Chakra
New Delhi (TIP)- On the eve of 75th Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, January 25, approved gallantry awards for 80 personnel, including 74 from the three services, one from the Central Armed Police Forces, four from the Jammu and Kashmir Police and one civilian. Twelve of these awards are posthumous.
There are six Kirti Chakras awardees, including three posthumous, and 16 Shaurya Chakras awardees, including two posthumous. Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra are the second and the third highest peacetime gallantry awards, respectively.
The President also approved 53 Sena Medals, including seven posthumous, one Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) and four Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry).
The President has also approved 84 Mention-in-Despatches for personnel of the armed forces, including 10 posthumous. These include 16 from the IAF and 68 from the Army (34 for Operation Rakshak, 16 for Operation Snow Leopard along the Line of Actual Control, and seven for Operation Meghdoot at Siachen Glacier).
Those awarded Kirti Chakra are Maj Digvijay Singh Rawat of 21 Parachute, Maj Deependra Vikram Basnet of 4 Sikh, Capt Anshuman Singh of the Army Medical Corps attached with 26 Punjab (posthumous), Havildar Pawan Kumar Yadav of 21 Mahar, Havildar Abdul Majid of 9 Parachute (posthumous), and Sepoy Pawan Kumar of Grenadiers posted to 55 Rashtriya Rifles (posthumous). Those awarded Shaurya Chakra are Maj Maneo Francis of 21 Parachute Regiment; Maj Amandeep Jakhar of 4 Sikh; Capt MV Pranjal of 63 Corps of Signals attached to 63 Rashtriya Rifles (posthumous); Capt Akshat Upadhyay of 20 Jat Regiment; Naib Subedar Baria Sanjay Kumar Bhamar Sinh of 21 Mahar; Havildar Sanjay Kumar of 9 Assam Rifles; Rifleman Alok Rao of 18 Assam Rifles (posthumous); Parshotam Kumar, civilian attached to 63 Rashtriya Rifles; Lieutenant Bimal Ranjan Behera from the Navy; Wing Commander Shailesh Singh; Flight Lieutenant Hrishikesh Jayan Karutgedath of the IAF; Assistant Commandant Bibhor Kumar Singh of 205 Cobra, CRPF; and DSP Mohal Lal, ASI Amit Raina, Sub Inspector Faroz Ahmad Dar and Constable Varun Singh of the J&K Police.
The President also approved 311 defence decorations to the armed forces and other personnel. These include 31 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, two Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 59 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals; 10 Yudh Seva Medals; eight Bar to Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty); 38 Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty); 10 Nao Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty); 14 Vayu Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty); five Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal and 130 Vishisht Seva Medals.
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel have been bestowed on with 66 gallantry medals on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day, which include one Shaurya Chakra and 65 medal for gallantry. Sixty were awarded for gallantry in 14 operations conducted in Jammu and Kashmir, while six were conferred upon the warriors for displaying gallant action in three operations in Left-wing extremism-infested areas. Source: TNS -
Top Padma honors for Venkaiah Naidu, Vyjayanthimala, Chiranjeevi
New Delhi (TIP) – Former vice-president Venkaiah Naidu, Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, yesteryear stalwart Vyjayanthimala, Sulabh founder Bindheshwar Pathak, and Bharatnatyam exponent Padma Subrahmanyam are the five people awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, the government announced on Thursday, January 25.
For 2024, the President approved 132 Padma awards, including 17 Padma Bhushan honours, and 110 Padma Shri awards. Thirty of the awardees are women and the list also includes eight people who are foreigners, non-resident Indians, people of Indian origin or those who hold overseas citizenship of India. Four of the five Padma Vibhushan laureates hailed from south India. Nine awardees were posthumously honoured — including Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijaykanth and India’s first woman Supreme Court judge, M Fathima Beevi who were both awarded the Padma Bhushan.
Among the 17 Padma Bhushan awardees were actor Mithun Chakraborty, singer Usha Uthup, industrialist Sitaram Jindal, Taiwan based Foxconn chairman Young Liu, politicians Ram Naik and O Rajagopal, and journalist Hormusji Cama.
At least four French citizens from different fields were given the Padma Shri award this year, including Charlotte Chopin (Yoga), Pierre Sylvain Filliozat (literature and education), Fred Negrit (literature and education), and Kiran Vyas (Yoga). French President Emmanuel Macron is the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations this year.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to the change makers of our society who have been selected for the Padma Awards for their distinguished contributions to different fields. PM Shri @narendramodi Ji has rationalised the Padma Awards ceremony to make it a platform to appreciate individuals setting pioneering examples for social change. The individuals conferred with the Padma Awards have not only created brilliant examples for others to follow but also have elevated the pride of the nation with their service,” Union home minister Amit Shah tweeted soon after the list was released.
The government flagged 34 of the Padma Shri winners separately as “unsung heroes”. These, to name a few, included Jankilal, a third-generation performer from Bhilwara who is a master in the fading Behrupiya art; Badrappan M, an 87-year-old Valli Oyil Kummi folk dance guru from Coimbatore; Chami Murmu, a tribal environmentalist and women empowerment champion; Omprakash Sharma, a Mach theatre artist from Malwa who has devoted seven decades to this traditional dance drama; Gopinath Swain, a centenarian from Ganjam who has been performing Krishna Leela for over nine decades; Uma Maheshwari D, the first woman Harikatha exponent who has performed globally in different ragas; and Parbati Baruah, India’s first woman mahout from Assam who started taming wild tuskers at the age of 14.
The prestigious Padma awards are conferred in three categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri – and given in various disciplines ranging from art to social work, science to industry, medicine to literature, and sport to public service. The awards, announced on the eve of Republic Day, are conferred by the President at ceremonial event held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in March or April every year. Source: HT -
Apple announces changes to iOS, Safari, App Store ahead of EU DMA Act
Apple has announced changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store in the European Union in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) coming into force in March.
For users, the changes include new controls and disclosures, and expanded protections to reduce privacy and security risks the DMA creates, the company said in a statement. The key news is that third-party app stores will be allowed on iOS for the first time. The changes will arrive with iOS 17.4 in March.
The changes include more than 600 new APIs, expanded app analytics, functionality for alternative browser engines, and options for processing app payments and distributing iOS apps. Across every change, Apple is introducing new safeguards that reduce – but don’t eliminate – new risks the DMA poses to EU users.
With these steps, Apple will continue to deliver the best, most secure experience possible for EU users. “The changes we’re announcing comply with the Digital Markets Act’s requirements in the European Union, while helping to protect EU users from the unavoidable increased privacy and security threats this regulation brings,” said Phil Schiller, Apple Fellow.
“Developers can now learn about the new tools and terms available for alternative app distribution and alternative payment processing, new capabilities for alternative browser engines and contactless payments, and more. Importantly, developers can choose to remain on the same business terms in place today if they prefer,” he added.
The new options for processing payments and downloading apps on iOS open new avenues for malware, fraud and scams, illicit and harmful content, and other privacy and security threats. The new capabilities will become available to users in the 27 EU countries beginning in March 2024.
In March, Apple will share new resources to help EU users understand the changes they can expect. That includes guidance to help EU users navigate complexities the DMA’s changes bring – including a less intuitive user experience – and best practices for approaching new risks associated with downloading apps and processing payments outside of the App Store.
Available for developers’ apps around the world, Apple also announced new options for streaming games, along with more than 50 forthcoming reports in areas like engagement, commerce, app usage, and more.
Source: IANS -
EU’s zero-emission goal remains elusive as new report says cars emit same CO2 levels as 12 years ago
Brussels (TIP)- Most passenger cars in the European Union still emit the same quantity of carbon dioxide as 12 years ago, the European Union’s auditing agency warned on Wednesday.
The European Court of Auditors said the 27-nation bloc must “shift up gear” to come close to a zero-emissions car fleet, with electric vehicles playing a crucial role.
“The EU’s green revolution can only happen if there are far fewer polluting vehicles, but the challenge is huge”, said Pietro Russo, the ECA member who led the audit. “A true and tangible reduction in cars’ CO2 emissions will not occur as long as the combustion engine prevails, but at the same time, electrifying the EU’s car fleet is a major undertaking.”
According to the auditors’ report, real emissions from conventional cars, which still account for nearly three-quarters of new vehicle registrations, have not dropped.
“Over the last decade, emissions have remained constant for diesel cars, while they have marginally decreased (-4.6 per cent) for petrol cars,” the auditors said in a statement. “Technological progress in terms of engine efficiency is outweighed by increased vehicle mass (about +10 per cent on average) and more powerful engines (+25 per cent on average).”
The EU aims to reach a zero-emissions target for new passenger cars by 2035.
According to the audit body, carbon dioxide from the transport sector has continued to grow over the past 30 years. In 2021, it accounted for 23 per cent of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with passenger cars responsible for more than half of it.“Only electric vehicles (which jumped from 1 in every 100 new car registrations in 2018 to almost 1 in 7 in 2022) have driven the reduction in average on-the-road CO2 emissions witnessed in recent years,” the auditors’ statement said. Carbon dioxide is released when fossil fuels are burned to power cars, planes, homes and factories. When the gas enters the atmosphere, it traps heat and contributes to climate warming.
Source: AP -
NASA regains contact with mini-helicopter on Mars
NASA has re-established contact with its tiny helicopter on Mars, the US space agency said Saturday, after an unexpected outage prompted fears that the hard-working craft had finally met its end. Ingenuity, a drone about 1.6 feet (0.5 meters) tall, arrived on Mars in 2021 aboard the rover Perseverance and became the first motorized craft to fly autonomously on another planet. Data from the helicopter are transmitted via Perseverance back to Earth, but communications were suddenly lost during a test flight on Thursday, Ingenuity’s 72nd lift-off on Mars. “Good news today,” NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The agency said that contact had finally been made with the helicopter by commanding Perseverance to “perform long-duration listening sessions for Ingenuity’s signal.” “The team is reviewing the new data to better understand the unexpected comms dropout during Flight 72,” it added.
NASA previously said that Ingenuity had attained an altitude of 40 feet (12 meters) on Flight 72, which was a “quick pop-up vertical flight to check out the helicopter’s systems, following an unplanned early landing during its previous flight.”
But during its descent, “communications between the helicopter and rover terminated early, prior to touchdown,” the agency said.
JPL had noted on Friday that Perseverance was temporarily “out of line-of-sight with Ingenuity, but the team could consider driving closer for a visual inspection.”
In a response to a post on X asking if Ingenuity would be able to fly again, JPL said Saturday that “the team needs to assess the new data before that can be determined.” Source: AFP -
The 75th Republic Day of India
Indian Republic Day is a national festival of India that commemorates the enactment of the Constitution of India, which occurred on January 26, 1950. It is celebrated annually on 26th January and marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect, making India a sovereign republic. While India gained independence from the British in 1947, but it wasn’t until 26 January 1950 that the Indian Constitution came into effect and India became a sovereign state, declaring it a republic. This day is celebrated with much pomp and fervour all over India, and in India’s capital Delhi, parades, tableaus and spectacular displays by the defense forces are showcased at Rajpath. The Indian flag is also hoisted all over the country.
The historical context of Republic Day of India goes back to India’s struggle for independence. Though India gained independence on 15th August 1947, it did not yet have its own constitution. Instead, its laws and governance system continued to be based on a modified version of the Government of India Act of 1935. On 29th August 1947, a resolution was moved in the Constituent Assembly for the appointment of a Drafting Committee to draft a permanent constitution of India. Accordingly, the Drafting Committee was appointed under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The Committee introduced the final draft of the Constitution in the Constituent Assembly on 4th November 1948.
After many deliberations and some modifications, the Draft Constitution was declared as passed by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949. A few provisions of the Constitution came into force on 26th November 1949 itself. However, the major part of the Constitution came into force on 26th January 1950. It was on that date that India truly became a sovereign republic.
The occasion on 26th January 1950 was marked by a salute of 21 guns and the unfurling of the Indian National Flag by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Thereafter, 26th January was recognized as the Republic Day of India.
26th January was specifically chosen as the ‘date of commencement’ of the Constitution because it was on this day in 1930 that Purna Swaraj Day was celebrated, following the resolution of the Lahore Session (December 1929) of the INC.
Though Indian Republic Day is celebrated across the country, the main event takes place in the national capital – New Delhi. A series of events unfold as the celebrations proceed. These events are listed below chronologically:
Pre-Parade Events
Beginning The Republic Day Celebrations begin on 23rd January (Parakram Divas or the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose). Prior to 2022, the Indian Republic Day Celebrations used to begin on 24th January. However, in the year 2022, the government changed the start date to 23rd January to include the birth anniversary of Netaji as part of the Republic Day Celebrations.
Republic Day Speech: Just one day preceding the Republic Day, the President of India addresses the nation. This address, usually known as the 26 January Republic Day Speech, outlines the nation’s achievements, challenges, and vision for the future.
Wreath-Laying at the Amar Jawan Jyoti: Early morning on Republic Day, the Prime Minister pays homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti war memorial. This marks a symbolic start to the day’s official commemorations.
The Unfurling of the National Flag: The President arrives at the Kartavya Path (formerly known as Rajpath) and unfurls the national flag. This is followed by the playing of the National Anthem a 21-Gun Salute.
The Republic Day Parade commences after the unfurling of the national flag and forms the main part of the Republic Day Celebrations. Some of the major highlights of the parade include:
– Marching contingents from the Indian Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces.
– Motorcycle stunts by ‘Dare Devils’
– Vibrant tableaux representing different States/UTs of India as well as departments/ministries of the government.
– Folk dance troupes from various states.
– Mesmerizing fly-past by various aircraft of the Indian Air Force conclude the parade.
Post-Parade Events
Bestowing of Padma Awards and Gallantry Awards: On the evening of the Republic Day, the President of India confers prestigious Padma Awards and Gallantry Awards to the respective awardees.
Beating Retreat Ceremony and Conclusion: The Beating Retreat Ceremony is held on 29th January and marks the conclusion of the Republic Day Celebrations.
Themes of Republic Day Celebrations 2024
The themes of the 75th Republic Day 2024 are: ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’.
These themes have been selected in line with the honorable PM Narendra Modi’s views that ‘India is truly a mother of democracy’.
These themes will be reflected in the tableaux presented by various states and government departments, showcasing India’s progress in various sectors like technology, infrastructure, and cultural heritage.
Chief Guest of the Republic Day 2024
The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, is the chief guest at India’s Republic Day Celebrations 2024. This is the 6th time that a French leader will be the chief guest on the Indian Republic Day.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was the chief guest at the Republic Day last year. -
The Constitution of India
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It frames fundamental political principles, procedures, practices, rights, powers, and duties of the government. It imparts constitutional supremacy and not parliamentary supremacy, as it is not created by the Parliament but, by a constituent assembly, and adopted by its people, with a declaration in its preamble. Parliament cannot override it.
The world’s longest constitution is the Indian’s constitution. At its commencement, it had 395 articles in 22 parts and 8 schedules. It consists of approximately 145,000 words, making it the second largest active constitution in the world. Currently, it has a preamble, 25 parts with 12 schedules, 5 appendices, 448 articles, and 101 amendments.
History
The constitution of India was adopted on the 26th of November, in the year 1949. However, it came to effect on the 26th of January, 1950. 26th of January is celebrated as the Republic Day of India.
It was adopted by the Constitution Assembly. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the chairman of the Drafting Committee, is widely considered to be the architect of the Constitution of India. After, the adoption of the constitution, The Union of India became the contemporary and modern Republic of India.
Before 1947, India was divided into two main entities – British India which consisted of 11 provinces and the Princely states ruled by Indian princes under a subsidiary alliance policy.
The two entities merged to form the Indian Union, but many of the legacy systems in British India are followed even now. The historical underpinnings and evolution of the Indian Constitution can be traced to many regulations and acts passed before Indian Independence.
Indian democracy is a Parliamentary form of democracy where the executive is responsible to the Parliament. The Parliament has two houses – Loksabha and Rajyasabha. Also, the type of governance is Federal, ie there is a separate executive and legislature at the Center and States. We also have self-governance at local government levels.
All these systems owe their legacy to the British administration. Let us see the historical background of the Indian Constitution and its development through the years.
Regulating Act of 1773
The first step was taken by the British Parliament to control and regulate the affairs of the East India Company in India.
It designated the Governor of Bengal (Fort William) as the Governor-General (of Bengal).
Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General of Bengal. Executive Council of the Governor-General was established (Four members). There was no separate legislative council.
It subordinated the Governors of Bombay and Madras to the Governor-General of Bengal.
The Supreme Court was established at Fort William (Calcutta) as the Apex Court in 1774.
It prohibited servants of the company from engaging in any private trade or accepting bribes from the natives. The Court of Directors ( the governing body of the company) should report its revenue.
Pitt’s India Act of 1784
Distinguished between commercial and political functions of the company.
Court of Directors for Commercial functions and Board of Control for political affairs.
Reduced the strength of the Governor General’s council to three members.
Placed the Indian affairs under the direct control of the British Government.
The company’s territories in India were called “the British possession of India”.
Governor’s councils were established in Madras and Bombay.
Charter Act of 1813
The Company’s monopoly over Indian trade was terminated; Trade with India was open to all British subjects.
Charter Act of 1833
Governor-General (of Bengal) became the Governor-General of India.
The First Governor-General of India was Lord William Bentick.
This was the final step towards centralization in British India.
The beginning of a Central legislature for India as the act also took away legislative powers of Bombay and Madras provinces.
The Act ended the activities of the East India Company as a commercial body and it became a purely administrative body.
Charter Act of 1853
The legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General’s Council were separated.
6 members in the Central Legislative Council. Four out of six members were appointed by the provisional governments of Madras, Bombay, Bengal, and Agra.
It introduced a system of open competition as the basis for the recruitment of civil servants of the Company (Indian Civil Service open for all).
Government of India Act of 1858
The rule of the Company was replaced by the rule of the Crown in India.
The powers of the British Crown were to be exercised by the Secretary of State for India
He was assisted by the Council of India, having 15 members
He was vested with complete authority and control over the Indian administration through the Viceroy as his agent
The Governor-General was made the Viceroy of India.
Lord Canning was the first Viceroy of India.
Abolished Board of Control and Court of Directors.
Indian Councils Act of 1861
It introduced Indian representation in institutions like the Viceroy’s executive and legislative council (non-official). 3 Indians entered the Legislative Council.
Legislative councils were established in centers and provinces.
It provided that the Viceroy’s Executive Council should have some Indians as non-official members while transacting the legislative businesses.
It accorded statutory recognition to the portfolio system.
Initiated the process of decentralization by restoring the legislative powers to the Bombay and the Madras Provinces.
India Council Act of 1892
Introduced indirect elections (nomination).
Enlarged the size of the legislative councils.
Enlarged the functions of the Legislative Councils and gave them the power to discuss the Budget and address questions to the Executive.
Indian Councils Act of 1909
This Act is also known as the Morley- Minto Reforms.
Direct elections to legislative councils; first attempt at introducing a representative and popular element.
It changed the name of the Central Legislative Council to the Imperial Legislative Council.
The member of the Central Legislative Council was increased to 60 from 16.
Introduced a system of communal representation for Muslims by accepting the concept of a ‘separate electorate’.
Indians for the first time in the Viceroy’s executive council. (Satyendra Prasanna Sinha, as the law member)
Government of India Act of 1919
This Act is also known as the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms.
The Central subjects were demarcated and separated from those of the Provincial subjects.
The scheme of dual governance, ‘Dyarchy’, was introduced in the Provincial subjects.
Under the dyarchy system, the provincial subjects were divided into two parts – transferred and reserved. On reserved subjects, the Governor was not responsible to the Legislative council.
The Act introduced, for the first time, bicameralism at the center.
Legislative Assembly with 140 members and Legislative Council with 60 members.
Direct elections.
The Act also required that three of the six members of the Viceroy’s Executive Council (other than Commander-in-Chief) were to be Indians.
Provided for the establishment of the Public Service Commission.
Government of India Act of 1935
The GoI Act of 1935 provided for the establishment of an All-India Federation consisting of the Provinces and the Princely States as units, though the envisaged federation never came into being.
Three Lists: The Act divided the powers between the Centre and the units into items of three lists, namely the Federal List, the Provincial List, and the Concurrent List.
The Federal List for the Centre consisted of 59 items, the Provincial List for the provinces consisted of 54 items and the Concurrent List for both consisted of 36 items
The residuary powers were vested with the Governor-General.
The Act abolished the Dyarchy in the Provinces and introduced ‘Provincial Autonomy’.
It provided for the adoption of Dyarchy at the Centre.
Introduced bicameralism in 6 out of 11 Provinces.
These six Provinces were Assam, Bengal, Bombay, Bihar, Madras, and the United Province.
Provided for the establishment of the Federal Court.
Abolished the Council of India.
Indian Independence Act of 1947
It declared India as an Independent and Sovereign State.
Established responsible Governments at both the Centre and the Provinces.
Designated the Viceroy India and the provincial Governors as the Constitutional (normal heads).
It assigned dual functions (Constituent and Legislative) to the Constituent Assembly and declared this dominion legislature as a sovereign body.
Salient features of Constitution
Indian constitution, one of the utmost admired constitutions in the world was enacted after ‘ransacking’ all the known constitutions of the world at that time. This constitution that we have enacted has stood the test of times. Though provisions were borrowed from other constitutions, the constitution of India has several salient features that distinguish it from constitution of other countries
Some of its salient features are discussed below:
Lengthiest written constitution
Constitution can be classified into written constitution such as that of America or unwritten constitution such as that UK.
The constitution of India is a written constitution which happens to be the lengthiest written constitution in the world.
It is comprehensive, elaborate and a detailed document
The factors that have contributed to this phenomenon are: geographical factors (vastness of country and diversity), Historical factors (Influence of GoI, 1935), Single constitution for both centre and state and dominance of legal luminaries
Drawn from various sources
It has borrowed most of its provisions from the constitution of various other countries as well as from the Government of India act, 1935. Ex: structural part from GoI, 1935, independence of judiciary from USA, Fundamental Rights from USA etc
Though it is borrowed, the Indian constitution-makers made sure the borrowed features were made suitable to Indian conditions. Ex: Though we borrowed cabinet form of governance from UK, the cabinet is not all-supreme as in the case of UK.
Preamble of the constitution
The Preamble consists of the ideals, objectives and basic principles of the Constitution.
The salient features of the Constitution have developed directly and indirectly from these objectives which flow from the Preamble
It asserts India to be a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and a welfare state committed to secure justice, liberty and equality for the people and for promoting fraternity, dignity the individual, and unity and integrity of the nation.
The Preamble is the nature of Indian state and the objectives it is committed to secure for the people.
Democratic system
The authority of the government rests upon the sovereignty of the people. The people enjoy equal political rights.
Free fair and regular elections are held for electing governments
India is a republic
The Preamble declares India to be a Republic.
India is not ruled by a monarch or a nominated head of state. India has an elected head of state (President of India) who wields power for a fixed term of 5 years.
After every 5 years, the people of India indirectly elect their President.
Union of states
Article I of the Constitution declares, that “India that is Bharat is a Union of States.”
Fundamental Rights and duties
The Constitution of India grants and guarantees Fundamental Rights to its citizens.
The constitution of India confirms the basic principle that every individual is permitted to enjoy certain basic rights and part III of the Constitution deals with those rights which are known as fundamental right.The Six FR include- Right to Equality; Right to Freedom; Right Against Exploitation; Right to Freedom of Religion; Cultural and Educational Rights and Right to Constitutional Remedies (Art. 32).
The fundamental rights are justiciable and are not absolute. Reasonable constraints can be imposed keeping in view the security-requirements of the state.A new part IV (A) after the Directive Principles of State Policy was combined in the constitution by the 42nd Amendment, 1976 for fundamental duties.
Directive Principles of State Policy
A unique aspect of the Constitution is that it comprises of a chapter in the Directive Principles of State Policy.
These principles are in the nature of directives to the government to implement them to maintain social and economic democracy in the country.
Parliamentary System:
The Constituent Assembly decided to espouse Parliamentary form of government both for the Centre and the states. In Indian parliamentary system, distinction is made between nominal and real executive head.
The Council of Ministers is responsible before the Lok Sabha, The lower house of union parliament. There are close relations between executive and legislature.
Federal structure of government
A federal state is a state where a country is divided into smaller regions and the government is functioning at two levels
The Indian Constitution has envisaged a federal structure for India considering the geographical vastness and the diversity of languages, region, religions, castes, etc.
Written Constitution, supremacy of the Constitution, division of powers between Union and States, bicameral Legislature, independent Judiciary, etc. are the features of Indian federation.
Scholars describe India as a ‘Quasi-Federation’ (K.C. Wheare) or as ‘a federation with a unitary bias, or even as ‘a Unitarian federation.’
Universal adult franchise
All men and women enjoy an equal right to vote. Each adult man and woman above the age of 18 years has the right to vote.
All registered voters get the opportunity to vote in elections.
Single integrated State with Single Citizenship:
India is the single Independent and Sovereign integrated state.
All citizens enjoy a common uniform citizenship.
They are entitled to equal rights and freedoms, and equal protection of the state.
Integrated Judicial system
The Constitution provides for a single integrated judicial system common for the Union and the states.
The Supreme Court of India works at the apex level, High Courts at the state level and other courts work under the High Courts.
Independent Judiciary
It is necessary to secure the philosophical foundations of the rule of law and democracy
Firstly, the Constitution makers created a separate Judiciary independent of Legislature and Executive.
Secondly, the Constitution has ensured complete independence of Judiciary in the matters of administration and finances.
Amending the Constitution of India
Amending the Constitution of India is the procedure of making modifications to the nation’s fundamental law or supreme law.
The procedure of amendment in the constitution is laid down in Part XX (Article 368) of the Constitution of India.
This procedure guarantees the sanctity of the Constitution of India and keeps a check on uninformed power of the Parliament of India.
Judicial Review
The judiciary has significant position in Indian Constitution and it is also made independent of the legislature and the executive.
The Supreme Court of India stands at the peak of single integrated judicial system
It operates as defender of fundamental rights of Indian citizens and guardian of the Constitution.
Basic Structure doctrine
The basic structure doctrine is an Indian judicial norm that the Constitution of India has certain basic features that cannot be changed or destroyed through amendments by the parliament.
The basic features of the Constitution have not been openly defined by the Judiciary.
At least, 20 features have been described as “basic” or “essential” by the Courts in numerous cases, and have been incorporated in the basic structure.
In Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narayan case and also in the Minerva Mills case, it was witnessed that the claim of any particular feature of the Constitution to be a “basic” feature would be determined by the Court in each case that comes before it.
Secularism
In no other country of the world so many religions co-exist as in India. In view of such diversity the Constitution guarantees complete freedom of religion to all.
The citizens of our country are free to follow any religion and they enjoy equal rights without any distinction of caste, creed, religion or sex. -
People who helped draft the Constitution of India
- Dr. BR Ambedkar
A man who needs no introduction, Chairman of the Drafting Committee Dr. BR Ambedkar was arguably the greatest champion of socio-economic reform the country has ever seen. Ambedkar was a scholar, having received degrees from reputed universities in India and abroad. After his return to India having being called to Gray’s Inn as a Barrister, Ambedkar did not have enough money to register with the Bombay High Court. With a little help from his friends, he was able to pay the Rs 500 and begin practicing in Bombay in 1923.
As a result of his strong opinions on caste and class, Ambedkar’s law practice suffered. Despite this, he would go on to prove his worth in a number of cases involving issues regarded controversial at the time. Writer Raghunath Karve was charged with spreading vulgarity through his magazine Samajaswasthya, which frequently discussed taboo topics like birth control. Ambedkar would succesfully defend his right to spread awareness on sex-related issues.
Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer
During his practice as a lawyer, Iyer was held in high regard by judges and fellow advocates alike. Dewan Bahadur Sir Alladi Krishnaswani Lyer was one of the main members of the drafting committee of the Constitution of India – an important member of the Constituent Assembly of India. Ayyar also served as an Advocate General of Madras State from 1929 to 1944.
Alladi Krishnaswami lyer was born in 1883 in the small village of Pudur in Madras State (now the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh). He was born to Ekamra Sastry, who was a priest. He passed his matriculation examination in 1899 and entered the Madras Christian College to study History. Ayyar used his spare time to attend classes in law and passed the B.L exam and become one of the leading members of the bar. He was renowned as Dewan Bahadur in 1930.
KM Munshi
Kanhaiyalal Maneklal Munshi also known as K.M Munshi, or by his pen name, Ghanshyam Vyas, was an brilliant Indian independence movement activist, politician, writer and educationist from Gujarat. He was a lawyer by profession, he later became an author and politician. He was a well-known name in Gujarati literature. He founded Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan an educational trust in 1938. Before the independence of India he was a part of Indian National Congress and after independence, he joined the Swatantra Party and Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
Mohammad Saadulla
Sir Syed Muhammad Saadulla, was the Prime Minister of Assam (British India). He was also a Chairman of Gauhati Municipality in 1919 and minister in charge of education and agriculture for Assam from 1924 to 1934.
He got his education from the Cotton College, Guwahati and Presidency College, Calcutta. He was born on 21 May 1885 in Gawahati to an orthodox Assamese Muslim family.
The Assam Legislative Assembly elected Syed Muhammad Saadulla to the Constituent Assembly of India in 1947 and later he was elected in the drafting committee as well. He was also an integral part in preparing the Constitution of the Republic of India. Saadulla was the only member from the North East to be elected into the Drafting Committee.
B. L. Mitter:
B.L Mitter worked with the Dewan of Baroda. Mitter is said to have made significant contributions to integration of the Princely States with India. He was later replaced by Madhav Rao on the drafting committee, who was the legal advisor to the Maharaja of Vadodara.
D. P. Khaitan
D.P Khaitan, also known as Debi Prasad Khaitan, was the owner of Khaitan & co – one of the oldest working law firms in India. It had 530 fee earners and consultants including 115 partners and directors. Debi found this company in 1911 with the assistance of his brothers. He was a proficient member of the drafting committee including 6 others. -
India’s evolution in health sector
The trajectory of India’s development in health and well-being from 1947 to 2023 showcases a remarkable evolution. The nation’s endeavours to tackle some of the deadliest diseases and enhance the quality of life for its citizens reflect a story of transformation and growth.
A triumph in death rate reduction
One of the most remarkable accomplishments India has achieved post-independence is the substantial reduction in death rate. In 1947, the average life expectancy for an Indian citizen was a mere 32 years. Fast forward to 2023, and this figure has risen significantly to an impressive 70.19 years. This transformation, endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores the progress in human development.
Infant mortality and child health: A
striking improvement
The United Nations’ data sheds light on India’s commendable strides in child health. The infant mortality rate, which stood at 145.6 per 1000 live births in 1947, has seen a remarkable improvement and dropped to 27.695 per 1000 live births in 2023. This splendid improvement underscores the nation’s commitment to ensuring a healthier start for its youngest citizens.
National initiatives and disease eradication
India’s post-independence journey has been punctuated by the initiation of numerous national-level campaigns aimed at combatting various diseases. From AIDS to tuberculosis and malaria, the Indian government has championed initiatives that have not only saved lives but also demonstrated the nation’s proactive approach to public health challenges.
Empowering health through
national schemes
The launch of transformative schemes such as the National Health Mission and the National Rural Health Mission has bolstered India’s commitment to enhancing child and maternal health. These initiatives have played a pivotal role in ensuring accessible healthcare services and reducing health disparities across different regions of the country.
India’s progress in the field of medical education is another testament to its journey of transformation. There were mere 28 medical colleges in the 1950s but the current count of 612 medical colleges speaks volumes about the nation’s dedication to nurturing a skilled healthcare workforce.
India’s evolution in the realm of health and development over the years serves as an inspiring example for developing nations across the globe.
Public healthcare
Public healthcare is free for every Indian resident.
The Indian public health sector encompasses 18% of total outpatient care and 44% of total inpatient care. Middle and upper class individuals living in India tend to use public healthcare less than those with a lower standard of living. Additionally, women and the elderly are more likely to use public services. The public health care system was originally developed in order to provide a means to healthcare access regardless of socioeconomic status or caste. However, reliance on public and private healthcare sectors varies significantly between states. Several reasons are cited for relying on the private rather than public sector; the main reason at the national level is poor quality of care in the public sector, with more than 57% of households pointing to this as the reason for a preference for private health care. Much of the public healthcare sector caters to the rural areas, and the poor quality arises from the reluctance of experienced healthcare providers to visit the rural areas. Consequently, the majority of the public healthcare system catering to the rural and remote areas relies on inexperienced and unmotivated interns who are mandated to spend time in public healthcare clinics as part of their curricular requirement. Other major reasons are long distances between public hospitals and residential areas, long wait times, and inconvenient hours of operation.
National Health Policy
The National Health Policy was endorsed by the Parliament of India in 1983 and updated in 2002, and then again updated in 2017. The recent four main updates in 2017 mention the need to focus on the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, the emergence of the robust healthcare industry, growing incidences of unsustainable expenditure due to healthcare costs, and rising economic growth enabling enhanced fiscal capacity. Furthermore, in the long-term, the policy aims to set up India’s goal to reform its current system to achieve universal health care. In practice however, the private healthcare sector is responsible for the majority of healthcare in India, and a lot of healthcare expenses are paid directly out of pocket by patients and their families, rather than through health insurance due to incomplete coverage.
Government health policy has thus far largely encouraged private-sector expansion in conjunction with well designed but limited public health programs.
Shortage of doctors in rural areas
Rural areas in India have a shortage of medical professionals. 74% of doctors are in urban areas that serve the other 28% of the population, leaving many with unmet medical needs.
This is a major issue for rural access to healthcare. The lack of human resources causes citizens to resort to fraudulent or ignorant providers. Doctors tend not to work in rural areas due to insufficient housing, healthcare, education for children, drinking water, electricity, roads and transportation.
Additionally, there exists a shortage of infrastructure for health services in rural areas. In fact, urban public hospitals have twice as many beds as rural hospitals, which are lacking in supplies. Studies have indicated that the mortality risks before the age of five are greater for children living in certain rural areas compared to urban communities. Due to these geographic barriers, limited healthcare infrastructure, and a shortage of healthcare professions, rural areas face unique challenges. Scholars believe that if healthcare providers are able to understand these cultural nuances, they may be able to provide culturally-sensitive services specifically tailored to the needs and preferences of these communities. Children face a myriad of health risks in relation to the healthcare challenges those in rural areas encounter. Across three different measuring points from 1992 through 2006, more developed states in India had a lower proportion of households with an underweight boy or girl than less developed states, which tend to contain more rural communities.
Full immunization coverage also varies between rural and urban India, with 39% completely immunized in rural communities and 58% in urban areas across India. Vaccine illiteracy remains a significant obstacle in the path towards greater immunization coverage, often due to misinformation, unreliable healthcare, a lack of awareness among parents, and other social factors. Inequalities in healthcare can result from factors such as socioeconomic status and caste, with caste serving as a social determinant of healthcare in India. One study showed more health disparities arise when comparing urban versus rural homes rather than between castes; using three rounds of the National Family Health Surveys, researchers calculated the Multidimensional Poverty Index, which is aimed at further elucidating the indicators and social determinants of health. Between urban and rural households, the headcount ratio difference was found to be 20-30% in 2005-2006, while between scheduled castes/scheduled tribes and other households the difference was only 10-15%. Other critical social determinants of health in India include sanitation/hygiene, environmental pollution, nutrition, and more. Across all states, less than 50% (and in some less than 25%) of urban homes had unimproved sanitation, compared to over 50% (and in some over 75%) of rural homes, according to the 2007-2009 District Level Household Survey. Sanitation and hygiene are directly linked to disease and overall rural health outcomes.
Similar with many other countries, often those in rural India rely on informal providers to deliver necessary medical care. Utilizing modern and traditional medical practices, such as allopathic medicines and herbal remedies, informal providers have varying degrees of skills and education, but usually no formal medical qualifications. Yet, they far outnumber the quantity of medical providers in India; a study from Madhya Pradesh found there to be 24,807 qualified medical doctors, compared to 89,090 informal providers. They are also the most common first call for those in rural areas requiring medical services. Due to the lack of accessible healthcare in rural India, informal providers respond to much of the resulting unmet medical needs, proving them integral to rural health infrastructure. -
Education in India: The challenges facing the system
Over the course of over seven decades, the education system of India has evolved gradually yet phenomenally. From a literacy rate of 18% in 1951, we have moved up to 73% as of 2011. Currently, the education system in India is the strongest and largest in the world hosting more than 315 million students.
The modern education system was introduced to India in 1830 during the British rule by Lord Thomas Babington, who brought English language syllabus to the country. The syllabus was then limited to common subjects like language, science and maths. Classroom teaching became prominent and the relation between a teacher and student evolved.
In the following years, the education system started getting influenced by various institutions. During the late nineteenth century, the Theosophical Society of India and Rama Krishna Mission started to merge the western ideals of education with the Indian roots to inspire the students and make them accepted universally. Intellectuals of various nationalities came together and helped shape the education system.
Post India gained its independence from the British colonial rule, the Indian education system, previously accessible only to the elite, became available for the entire society. The government’s Central Advisory Board established two committees – one for higher education and one for secondary education – to address the challenges of education, formulate comprehensive education policies and improve the overall education landscape of the country. Currently, Indian School System consists of four levels – pre-primary, primary, secondary and higher secondary.
As of 2019, India has the most number of students in a country. Compared to the tragic situation of 1947 when the country had merely 400 schools, 19 universities with a little over 5000 students, we have come a long way. Currently, India boasts of 1.5 million plus schools, 751 universities and 35 thousand plus colleges.
The Modern Learning Approach
To modernise the knowledge delivery ways according to the needs of the 21st century generation, schools and universities are adopting various unique practices. These methodologies and innovative pedagogies enable educational institutions to develop the skills of the learners in such a manner that they are able to become self-dependent and ambitious achievers. Some of these new age methods are:
– Experiential Learning: As it is evident by the name, experiential learning is the process of learning through doing or experience, and is more specifically defined as “learning through reflection on doing. Learning only produces good results when learners have the desire to absorb the knowledge. Therefore, experiential learning comprises a hands-on approach to education that goes beyond the theoretical aspect and a classroom and strives to bring a more involved way of learning.
– Peer Learning: Peer learning has become a part of an active learning strategy in a lot of Universities and B-Schools. This form of pedagogy encourages students to interact with their classmates/peers and learn from each other beyond classroom without any supervising authority. This creates an environment of open communication which is highly crucial for learning. Research has shown that students, who engage in an environment of free communication, perform better academically.
– The Rise of Ed-Tech: Starting from the past decade, the new generation of learner is looking for courses which are experiential and interactive in nature and facilitate authentic skill development. This is where the Edtech is making its mark. According to a report by Google & KPMG, Online education has the potential to touch $1.96 billion by 2021 as everyone, from school going students to MBA aspirants to CXOs of multinational corporations and entrepreneurs, is a potential learner.
Challenges facing the education system
The successes listed above are not only numerical but point to the narrowness of the base of beneficiaries in India. Of the 27 crore people who have registered on the e-Shram portal, 94% mention that they earn less than Rs 10,000 per month. The desperation among youngsters can be gauged when a person having a PhD, MTech and MCom degree applies for a peon’s job in Uttar Pradesh. No doubt a government job is preferable but one does not do an MTech to become a peon.
Clearly, a large number of people don’t get a job appropriate to their degree or skill acquired. It is reported that substance abuse has grown among youngsters and so has violence within families. Suicides by daily workers and self-employed have increased while they are still high among farmers. This reflects hopelessness.
While the number of educational institutions has increased, facilities by and large are inadequate due to a shortage of funds and corruption. This is mostly true of the private institutions also because of the managements’ desire to maximise their profits. No wonder, ASER reports since 2005 show that 50% of children in Class 5 in rural schools cannot read or write or do arithmetic of Class 2 level. So, effectively they have not acquired the basic skills, and drop out. Worse, they can only get menial jobs that pay little, and they will remain poor during their lifetime.
A degree has become a passport to a scarce job. So, the emphasis has shifted from learning to getting marks to get admissions and jobs. Cheating is the easiest way for this and it has become rampant in our public examinations. Fake degrees are another device to get this passport. It has also spawned the culture of coaching and tuition, which is narrowly focused on imparting the skill to do well by beating the system. Regular classroom teaching is mostly indifferent, so students are forced to opt for tuition. More importantly, this kills students’ interest in learning.
There is also growing commercialisation and privatisation of education on the ground of failure of the public systems and that is increasing the divide between the well-off and the poor. The democratising influence of education is on the wane. Consequently, the insensitivity towards the marginalised sections or the differently abled has aggravated.
In order to attract students, many private institutions promote malpractices – question paper leakage, fake degrees, etc. It has fostered paying courses in public institutions and children gravitating to applied courses away from the basic courses. The downgrading of the basic courses in educational institutions will pose challenges for research in the coming years. With education becoming a mass market and weakening teacher-student relationship, testing in public examinations is largely based on multiple choice questions (MCQ). CUET introduced for Central University entrance is a recent example. Not only does MCQ not test the child’s capacity to express and logically formulate answers, but it also lends itself to cheating and coaching. -
India: Extreme inequality in numbers
While India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it is also one of the most unequal countries. Inequality has been rising sharply for the last three decades. The richest have cornered a huge part of the wealth created through crony capitalism and inheritance. They are getting richer at a much faster pace while the poor are still struggling to earn a minimum wage and access quality education and healthcare services, which continue to suffer from chronic under-investment. These widening gaps and rising inequalities affect women and children the most.
Let’s look at the numbers
– The top 10% of the Indian population holds 77% of the total national wealth. 73% of the wealth generated in 2017 went to the richest 1%, while 670 million Indians who comprise the poorest half of the population saw only a 1% increase in their wealth.
– There are 119 billionaires in India. Their number has increased from only 9 in 2000 to 101 in 2017. Between 2018 and 2022, India is estimated to produce 70 new millionaires every day.
– Billionaires’ fortunes increased by almost 10 times over a decade and their total wealth is higher than the entire Union budget of India for the fiscal year 2018-19, which was at INR 24422 billion.
– Many ordinary Indians are not able to access the health care they need. 63 million of them are pushed into poverty because of healthcare costs every year – almost two people every second.
– It would take 941 years for a minimum wage worker in rural India to earn what the top paid executive at a leading Indian garment company earns in a year.
Healthcare as a luxury good
While the Indian government barely taxes its wealthiest citizens, its spending on public healthcare ranks among the lowest in the world. In the place of a well-funded health service, it has promoted an increasingly powerful commercial health sector. As a result, decent healthcare is a luxury only available to those who have the money to pay for it. While the country is a top destination for medical tourism, the poorest Indian states have infant mortality rates higher than those in sub-Saharan Africa. India accounts for 17% of global maternal deaths, and 21% of deaths among children below five years.
Extreme wealth and extreme poverty
India is a country of extreme contrasts: there are booming centres like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, with a growing number of enormously rich families, but there are also millions of people living in extreme poverty. Some 15 per cent of Indians are undernourished. One in three children under the age of five is stunted as a result of chronic undernutrition. Child mortality is higher in India than in its neighbours Nepal and Bangladesh, both of which are counted among the least developed countries (LDCs) in the world. The 2022 Global Hunger Index describes the situation in India as “serious”.
Public spending on education and health is still insufficient to meet the needs of the entire population. The quality of the services offered is often still inadequate. There are also shortcomings in the country’s infrastructure. A large proportion of the population have no or only inadequate access to basic services like water and sanitation, decent housing, waste disposal and transport. For example, about 30 per cent of India’s people do not have their own toilet.
India’s population has almost doubled over a period of 40 years. About a quarter of Indians are younger than 15 and nearly 45 per cent are younger than 25 years of age. This demographic development offers huge opportunities for economic growth and increased incomes – but only if India manages to actually make use of this potential by providing more education and more employment.
Right now almost 90 per cent of workers are employed in the informal sector, which means that they are not able to get occupational health insurance or any kind of wage compensation when they fall ill. Only a very small percentage of them are able to afford treatment by doctors outside the at times patchy basic health services provided by the public health system. There is also a lack of high-quality vocational training programmes that are accessible for all population groups and also have social recognition.
India among top countries with high income, wealth inequality: UNDP report
India has emerged among top countries with high income and wealth inequality but the share of the population living in multidimensional poverty fell from 25 to 15 per cent between 2015-16 and 2019-21, the UNDP said in a report.
The 2024 Asia-Pacific Human Development Report, launched on Monday, paints a qualified picture of long-term progress but also persistent disparity and widespread disruption, foreseeing a turbulent development landscape and urgently calling for new directions to boost human development.
This persistent wealth divide is driven by various factors. Globalization and technological advances have, for example, created new opportunities for some groups while leaving others behind. This typically results in the owners of capital getting a greater share of national income.
ILO data show, for example, that in Asia and the Pacific labour has a lower income share than the world average.13 As a result, workers have less income to save and invest, further worsening inequality. The most vulnerable in this vicious feedback loop include those working in the informal sector, particularly women. Inequality is further exacerbated by corruption, and weak tax policy and administration, as well as by the lack of effective social safety nets.
In India, between 2000 and 2022, per capita income soared from $442 to $2,389. And between 2004 and 2019, poverty rates (based on the international poverty measure of $2.15 per day) plummeted from 40 to 10 percent. Moreover, between 2015-16 and 2019-21, the share of the population living in multidimensional poverty fell from 25 to 15 percent.
Despite these successes, poverty remains persistently concentrated in states that are home to 45 percent of the country’s population but contain 62 percent of its poor. In addition, many other people are very vulnerable, hovering just above the poverty line. The groups at greater risk of falling back into poverty include women, informal workers, and inter-state migrants. Women are only 23 percent of the labour force.
Amidst rapid growth but persistent disparity, the income distribution has become more skewed. The top 10 percent of the population get 57 percent of national income and the top 1 percent get 22 percent – one of the most unequal income distributions. There are similar gaps in wealth: the top 10 percent of the population controls 65 percent of the nation’s total wealth. There is growing evidence of a strong rise in wealth inequality, mainly in the post-2000 period.
Titled ‘Making our Future: New Directions for Human Development in Asia and the Pacific’, the new report argues that unmet aspirations, heightened human insecurity, and a potentially more turbulent future create an urgent need for change.
Moreover, between 2015-16 and 2019-21, the share of the population living in multidimensional poverty fell from 25 to 15 per cent.
Despite these successes, poverty remains persistently concentrated in states that are home to 45 per cent of the country’s population but contain 62 per cent of its poor, the report pointed out. “In addition, many other people are very vulnerable, hovering just above the poverty line. The groups at greater risk of falling back into poverty include women, informal workers, and inter-state migrants,” the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said in its report.
Noting that women are only 23 per cent of the labour force, the report said that amidst rapid growth but persistent disparity, the income distribution has become more skewed.
“There is growing evidence of a strong rise in wealth inequality, mainly in the post-2000 period,” it said.
The report also pointed out that India is contributing significantly to the growth in the global middle class-encompassing those living between USD 12 and USD 120 a day. India is expected to contribute 24 per cent to the global middle-class growth (192 million people), it said.
While the Asia-Pacific region will account for two-thirds of global economic growth this year, income and wealth disparities are worsening, particularly in South Asia, where the wealthiest 10 per cent control over half of total income, the report said. -
India to remain fastest-growing major economy
India will remain the fastest-growing major economy this year and next, boosted by continued strong government spending, according to a Reuters poll of economists who also said inflation was unlikely to surge again. The world’s most populous country performed better than expected in the first two quarters of this fiscal year to end-March, as the government steps up already-strong spending to bolster growth momentum running into a national election due in May. Much of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government spending in recent years has gone into building infrastructure. Private investment and job creation have lagged, suggesting New Delhi will continue to play an outsized role in India’s economic growth.
The Jan. 10-23 Reuters poll of 54 economists predicted the economy will grow 6.9% this fiscal year, a small upgrade from 6.7% in a December poll. It was then forecast to expand 6.3% next fiscal year, the same as in the previous poll.
While inflation rose to the fastest pace in four months in December to 5.69%, driven by pressures from food prices, economists expect that to fade soon.
“We expect inflation to subside quite drastically in the short run, catching up to the downside with already-subdued core inflation,” said Miguel Chanco, chief emerging Asia economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. “At the same time, though, these trends also reflect an enduring sluggishness taking hold in the economy, particularly with regards to private consumption, the most important aspect of growth.”
The survey showed consumer price inflation averaging 5.4% and 4.7% this fiscal year and next, with a majority of economists, 23 of 32, of the view the risk of a significant resurgence over the coming six months was low.
Consumer spending, which makes up 60% of Asia’s third-largest economy, has slowed. But a strong majority of economists, 25 of 28, said employment will improve in the next six months. Still, with job growth not matching the overall economic growth rate or the pace of millions of young people joining the workforce every year, the dip in consumption will likely take a toll.
“While the Indian economy is on a strong momentum…there are signs of a moderation on account of a weakness in private consumption demand,” said Suman Chowdhury, chief economist at Acuite Ratings and Research.
“But this will depend on the measures taken by the government to generate more employment and enhance the disposable incomes of a larger section of the population.”
The economy of India has transitioned from a mixed planned economy to a mixed middle-income developing social market economy with notable public sector in strategic sectors. It is the world’s fifth-largest economy by nominal GDP and the third-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP); on a per capita income basis, India ranked 139th by GDP (nominal) and 127th by GDP (PPP). From independence in 1947 until 1991, successive governments followed Soviet model and promoted protectionist economic policies, with extensive Sovietization, state intervention, demand-side economics, natural resources, bureaucrat driven enterprises and economic regulation. This is characterized as dirigism, in the form of the License Raj. The end of the Cold War and an acute balance of payments crisis in 1991 led to the adoption of a broad economic liberalization in India and indicative planning. Since the start of the 21st century, annual average GDP growth has been 6% to 7%. The economy of the Indian subcontinent was the largest in the world for most of recorded history up until the onset of colonialism in early 19th century.[54][55][56]
Nearly 70% of India’s GDP is driven by domestic consumption; country remains the world’s sixth-largest consumer market. Apart from private consumption, India’s GDP is also fueled by government spending, investments, and exports.
In 2022, India was the world’s 6th-largest importer and the 9th-largest exporter. India has been a member of the World Trade Organization since 1 January 1995. It ranks 63rd on the Ease of doing business index and 40th on the Global Competitiveness Index. With 476 million workers, the Indian labor force is the world’s second-largest. India has one of the world’s highest number of billionaires and extreme income inequality.
During the 2008 global financial crisis, the economy faced a mild slowdown. India endorsed Keynesian policy and initiated stimulus measures (both fiscal and monetary) to boost growth and generate demand. In subsequent years, economic growth revived. The period between 2004 and 2014 is referred to as India’s lost decade as India fell behind other BRIC economies.
In 2021-22, the foreign direct investment (FDI) in India was $82 billion. The leading sectors for FDI inflows were the service sector, the computer industry, and the telecom industry. India has free trade agreements with several nations and blocs, including ASEAN, SAFTA, Mercosur, South Korea, Japan, Australia, UAE, and several others which are in effect or under negotiating stage. The service sector makes up more than 50% of GDP and remains the fastest growing sector, while the industrial sector and the agricultural sector employs a majority of the labor force. The Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange are some of the world’s largest stock exchanges by market capitalization.
India is the world’s sixth-largest manufacturer, representing 2.6% of global manufacturing output. Nearly 65% of India’s population is rural, and contributes about 50% of India’s GDP. India faces high unemployment, rising income inequality, and a drop in aggregate demand. India’s gross domestic savings rate stood at 29.3% of GDP in 2022. In recent years, independent economists and financial institutions have accused the government of manipulating various economic data, especially GDP growth. India’s overall social spending as a share of GDP in 2021-22 will be 8.6%, which is much lower than the average for OECD nations.
India could be $5 trillion economy by 2025
The Indian economy is poised to touch USD 5 trillion next financial year – 2024-25 – and capitalise to double to USD 10 trillion by the end of this decade, said Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri. At present, the Indian economy is estimated to be about USD 3.7 trillion.
“I was somewhere told that we would be a USD 5 trillion economy by 2028. I told him that there is no need to wait until 2028; it will happen by 2024-25. We will then be a 10 trillion dollar economy by 2030,” Puri, who is also Urban and Housing Affairs Minister, said.
Global interest in India, he added, is increasing by the day, be it in digital infrastructure, the automobile market, energy or biofuels. “So, it (the Indian economy) is looking very good,” the minister said.
India’s Challenges
Prime Minister Modi is a Hindu nationalist leader. Many blame him for the violence against Muslims while he was governor of India’s Western region of Gujarat.
Modi is up against India’s bloated government bureaucracy. That makes the execution of any fiscal or monetary policy difficult. In August 2015, he was blocked from passing a bill to acquire land to promote infrastructure.
U.S. monetary policy has hurt India’s economy. For example, when the Federal Reserve began its quantitative easing program, the value of India’s rupee fell. The resulting inflation forced India’s central bank to raise its interest rates. This action slowed India’s economic growth, eventually resulting in what some called mild stagflation in 2013. India had 10.9% inflation for the year and a growth rate of 6.4%. Slow growth came from contractionary monetary policy to stem inflation. By 2017, inflation had slowed to 3.6%.
Investors backed off from India and other emerging markets when the U.S. Federal Reserve began tapering its quantitative easing program. When the dollar surged in 2014, it forced the value of the rupee and other emerging market currencies down.
Climate change threatens India’s attempts to improve its citizens’ standard of living. More than 600 million Indians face acute water shortages. Bangalore and New Delhi are two of the 21 cities that could deplete their groundwater in 2020. In July 2019, the city of Chennai ran out of groundwater. Over 200,000 people die from contaminated water. By 2030, 40% of the population will have no access to drinking water.
Most of India’s rainwater falls during the four-month monsoon season. It isn’t captured efficiently. Climate change will increase flooding from these monsoons.
The Indus River depends on water from the Hindu Kush-Himalaya glaciers. If nothing is done to reduce greenhouse gases, studies estimate that anywhere from 35% to 94% will melt by 2100. Sea level rise threatens India’s 4,660 miles of coastline. It threatens megalopolises like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, which are home to over 48 million people. Many of these cities are built on landfill. In Mumbai, seawater spills onto the main oceanside promenade during high tide. -
Perinatal depression linked to higher risk of death
Women who experience depression during or after pregnancy are more likely to die from both natural and unnatural causes, according to a recent study of childbirth in Sweden published in The British Medical Journal. The increased risk peaks in the month following diagnosis and remains raised for up to 18 years. Women who develop perinatal depression, which is to say depression during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth, are generally twice as likely to die of natural or, as in most cases, unnatural causes. They are six times more likely to commit than women without this form of depression. The increase in risk peaks in the 30 days following diagnosis but remains elevated for up to 18 years later.These are the results of a large cohort study that used data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register, which effectively contains all births in Sweden since 1973.
Basing their study on women who had live births between 2001 and 2018, the researchers compared over 86,500 women diagnosed with perinatal depression, during pregnancy or up to one year after childbirth, with over 865,500 matched controls of the same age who had given birth the same year.
“This is a cohort study, and although it can’t prove any causality, it’s the largest and most comprehensive study in its field,” says Qing Shen, affiliated researcher at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and one of the principal authors of the study. “I believe that our study clearly shows that these women have an elevated mortality risk and that this is an extremely important issue.”
The risk was highest for the women diagnosed with postpartum depression (depression after childbirth), corroborating the findings of previous smaller studies. Women diagnosed with antepartum depression (depression during pregnancy) have not been studied as much, so the knowledge base there is smaller. Dr Shen and her colleagues can now show that women with antepartum depression also have an elevated mortality risk, albeit not as high.
On comparing the mortality risk among women with perinatal depression who had had psychiatric problems even before pregnancy with women who had not had such issues, the researchers found that it was the same for both groups. “Our recommendation is therefore not to discontinue effective psychiatric treatment during pregnancy,” says Dr Shen.
The women who were diagnosed with perinatal depression tended to have been born in the Nordic region and have a shorter education history and lower incomes than women without such a diagnosis.
“One hypothesis is that these women seek help differently or were offered screening service postpartum not to the same extent, which means that their depression develops and is worse once it has been detected,” says last author Donghao Lu, assistant professor at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet. “Our view is that these women are particularly vulnerable and should be the focus of future interventions.” Source: ANI -
Women who take diets rich in plant protein likely to stay healthy as they age: Study
Women who consume higher amounts of protein, particularly from plant-based sources, are less likely to develop chronic diseases and more likely to maintain good health as they age, a new study has said.
In the study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers analysed self-reported data from over 48,000 women and noted less heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and cognitive and mental health decline, in those who included more protein in their diets from sources such as fruits, vegetables, bread, beans, legumes, and pasta, compared to those who ate less.
“Consuming protein in midlife was linked to promoting good health in older adulthood,” said Andres Ardisson Korat, a scientist at the US-based Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) and lead author of the study.
“We also found that the source of protein matters. Getting the majority of your protein from plant sources at midlife, plus a small amount of animal protein seems to be conducive to good health and good survival to older ages,” he added.
Women who consume higher amounts of protein, particularly from plant-based sources, are less likely to develop chronic diseases and more likely to maintain good health as they age, a new study has said. In the study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers analysed self-reported data from over 48,000 women and noted less heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and cognitive and mental health decline, in those who included more protein in their diets from sources such as fruits, vegetables, bread, beans, legumes, and pasta, compared to those who ate less. “Consuming protein in midlife was linked to promoting good health in older adulthood,” said Andres Ardisson Korat, a scientist at the US-based Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) and lead author of the study. Source: IANS -
New smart insulin pill with sugar-free chocolate to manage diabetes
Researchers have developed a new way to supply the body with smart insulin, providing millions of people with diabetes worldwide new alternatives to syringes or insulin pumps. There are approximately 425 million people worldwide with diabetes and approximately 75 million of these inject themselves with insulin daily.
The new insulin can be eaten by taking a capsule or, even better, within a piece of chocolate, said the researchers from UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
In the research, published in Nature Nanotechnology, the team revealed when prescribed to 20 baboons, the smart pill lowered blood sugar.
The baboons were normal, healthy baboons, but the oral insulin has also been tested on mice and rats that actually have diabetes.
The mice and rats did not have low blood sugar events (hypoglycemia), gain weight, or fat accumulation in the liver, overcoming current challenges with injectables and other oral insulins, the researchers said.
Inside the pills are tiny nano-carriers in which the insulin is encapsulated. The particles are 1/10,000th the width of a human hair and so small that you cannot even see them under a normal microscope.
“This way of taking insulin is more precise because it delivers the insulin rapidly to the areas of the body that need it most. When you take insulin with a syringe, it is spread throughout the body where it can cause unwanted side effects,” said Professor Peter McCourt at UiT Norway’s Arctic University.
“We have created a coating to protect the insulin from being broken down by stomach acid and digestive enzymes on its way through the digestive system, keeping it safe until it reaches its destination, namely the liver,” added McCourt, who is a liver biologist.
The oral insulin has been tested on nematodes, mice, and rats and on baboons in the National Baboon Colony in Australia. -
Chickpea Curry
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 onions, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons fresh ginger root, finely chopped 6 whole cloves 2 (2 inch) sticks cinnamon, crushed 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander salt 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 2 (15 ounce) cans garbanzo beans 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
Method
– Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, and fry onions until tender.
– Stir in garlic, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, salt, cayenne, and turmeric.
– Cook for 1 minute over medium heat, stirring constantly. Mix in garbanzo beans and their liquid.
– Continue to cook and stir until all ingredients are well blended and heated through.
– Remove from heat.
– Stir in cilantro just before serving, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish. -
Nuts that are a must for healthy and glowing skin
Nuts are the crunchy treats we all love to eat. They’re great sources of protein for vegetarians and vegans and are just delicious on their own. They are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals like zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, copper, and essential fats. All of these compounds are necessary to give your skin that healthy glow and suppleness that is so prized. If you aren’t sure what nuts suit your tastes, fear not; below are several different nuts which each have their own powerful health benefits.
Walnuts
They may be slightly bitter in flavour, but they are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids. A handful of these nuts can boost vitamin B levels that are particularly responsible for boosting your skin health by keeping age related fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
Almonds
Almonds are used almost everywhere, from savouries to snacks and desserts, afterall they are packed with essential fatty acids, protein, and fiber. Almonds also provide vitamin E that keeps the blood vessels dilated in order to keep the skin hydrated and further defend the skin against certain disorders like acne, eczema and dark spots.
Cashews
Cashews are known as acne-fighting nutrients. These nuts are high in selenium, which acts as an antioxidant with vitamin E, leaving a hydrated skin and reduced inflammation. The presence of zinc promotes immune function for healing and cell growth that can renew and replenish infected or damaged acne zones.
Pistachios
Pistachios are best known for weight control, but they are also filled with heart healthy fats that promote good cholesterol. The antioxidants in pistas help decrease acne growth by controlling blood sugar levels that circulate the acne-causing hormone androgen.
Brazil nuts
Power-packed with omega-3 fatty acids, these nuts are a great source of selenium, which is responsible for improving skin’s elasticity and relieving inflammation like pimples and acne. It also reduces the growth of free radicals and keeps the skin hydrated, thanks to the production of glutathione that is known to keep your skin healthy.
Add a handful of nuts or 30 grams of these delights every day in your diet and see your skin glowing naturally. -
Foods to include in your diet to manage oily skin
Oily skin can be a nightmare; it is one major cause for the ever-troubling acne and pimples. Your skin will also begin to lose its luster and suppleness when it becomes oily. The best way to combat this is to make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs. When your body lacks nutrients, it’s not able to properly remove toxins and irritations and they end up leaking out through your skin. Your skin also just begins to function less optimally. Don’t forget, your skin is an organ too, and needs all the extra care to function well. Your diet plays a major role in keeping your skin healthy and nourished. What you eat clearly reflects in your skin. Hydration is another important factor you need to count on. Always have a water bottle by your side, so you can sip water from.
Grapefruit
This fruit is the king of skin treatments. Actually, this fruit may be the skin treatment Ace. Just about everything about grapefruit has some type of positive benefit for your skin. You can eat it or apply it to your skin directly and your skin will benefit. Grapefruit has vitamin C which is full of antioxidants that can increase your skin’s PH balance and stimulate collagen growth. The fruit also helps to absorb excess oil in your skin and serves to keep it hydrated.
Kale
Kale is quickly taking the health food community by storm because it just does so much good. It has massive amounts of essential vitamins, including vitamin A and C. Your body uses vitamin A to produce sebum oil which is needed to ward off oily skin. This wonderous green vegetable also promotes healthy skin growth and protects against cancer causing free radical damage.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are another vitamin A powerhouse. Not only do cucumbers contain the very essential vitamin, it also has high-water content which serves to keep your skin hydrated and smooth. Cucumber also provide instant freshness to your skin.
Lentils
Lentils don’t treat your skin directly, but they do a lot to regulate your digestive system because they are basically composed of protein and fiber. If your digestive system is acting up, it can cause your skin to produce excess oils as a response. Easting a well-nourished balanced diet will help in keeping the skin clear from pimples and acne.
Avocado
Remember, good skin health depends on good over all nutrition. When your body is getting all the nutrients it needs, your skin will naturally reflect that. Avocadoes are great because they actually increase your body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients. They are also full of fiber which can help with digestion and the removal of toxins and impurities that may leak out through your skin. Source: Vaya.in -
Parineeti Chopra is officially making a foray into music as a singer
Actor Parineeti Chopra on Thursday, January 25, announced that she is officially making a foray into music as a singer. Chopra, who has a background in classical music, has signed up with Entertainment Consultant LLP, a renowned name in the entertainment world affiliated with TM Ventures Pvt Ltd and TM Talent Management. “Music, to me, has always been my happy place…I’ve watched countless musicians all over the world performing on the stage and now it’s finally my time to be a part of that world. “I feel so lucky, blessed and stressed about starting off a whole new chapter in my life and I honestly can’t describe how excited I am to embark on this musical journey. A journey that gives me the opportunity to have two careers at once! How fun (and chaotic). So here’s to embracing the unknown and facing all my fears and kicking off my singing debut,” Chopra wrote in a post on Instagram.
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Dakota Johnson pokes fun at her viral moment ahead of ‘Saturday Night Live’
Actress Dakota Johnson joined in on the fun and joked about her viral ‘limes’ moment in a promotional clip for Saturday Night Live. Before the Madame Web actress’ SNL hosting gig on January 27, she made fun of her viral March 2020 Architectural Digest house tour, and then the revelation that she had lied about her love of the fruit in a promotional clip for the show.
In the brief clip, the actress, 34, takes viewers on a tour of the Studio 8H. Johnson peeks into Punkie Johnson’s dressing room where the SNL cast member and Devon Walker are furiously cooking for the actress. As the actress closes the door of the frantic dressing room, she stumbles on a bowl of limes. The actress grabs the bowl, looks at the camera and declares: “Oh, I love limes.” The SNL team captioned the post, ‘love limes’. -
How Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan were convinced to show off abs in fighter
Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone are among Bollywood A-listers, who keep inspiring fans with their fitness regime. Director Siddharth Anand, who is currently awaiting the release of his film Fighter and is busy promoting it, spoke to the media about how he convinced Hrithik and Deepika to show their chiselled physique. Refering to earlier reports stating Shah Rukh Khan was reluctant to flaunt his abs in the song Jhoome Jo Pathaan, he was asked if it was same with Deepika and Hrithik.
He responded saying, “It’s not easy to convince them, first of all. Honestly, it stems from the confidence that they have. They have confidence in themselves, in their appearance, about how good-looking they are. Just look at them. Inko kuch bolne ki zaroorat nhi padti hai”
“As I have said in other interviews, just see how gorgeous they are looking. Honestly, I don’t need to do anything. Just roll it at 48 frames and make them walk and put good music.” Replying to this, Hrithik said, “You can trust Sid,” to which Siddharth replied that they had worked very hard. “Jokes apart, it’s not easy to look like this. I think they put in a lot of effort, and the one word that I use is sacrifice. There’s a lot of sacrifice that goes into looking like this, and they are relentless. They know what to wear to the beach or while dancing. Imagine us dancing shirtless. Every part is going to be jumping. They are like rock; they are sculpted, and it’s a lot of effort that goes into it,” he added.
Deepika said the most important factor is having faith that the filmmaker will convey the material with the appropriate sensibility and style. Actors then try to have the conversation or maybe just let it happen, she said, adding, “You have faith in the director. She went on, “You know it will be presented properly; you trust his sense of style.”
With the discourse majorly around fitness, Siddharth added that Anil Kapoor also put a lot of effort into looking fit. “Does he look like 42? Can anyone say he’s 42?” To this, Anil responded, “Why are you underlining age?”
He added that he received a humorous response when he questioned Anil Kapoor about his plans for the New Year and his destination. “He (Anil Kapoor) says if he stays in the city, he will have to go attend parties, eat and drink, so he goes into a health farm or a health resort and does yoga there,” Siddharth Anand shared. Source: ANI -
Sarah Jessica Parker’s iconic Sex and the City tutu auctioned for $52K
The three-tiered tutu that Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw’ wears in the opening credits of ‘Sex and the City’ sold $52K and its original cost was $5 (over Rs 415). The skirt was one of many iconic items included in Julien’s Unstoppable: Signature Styles Iconic Women In Fashion auction. It was also one of the biggest earners and featured items spanning ‘from the Golden Age of Hollywood to today’s trendsetting celebrities and influencers’. The tulle skirt, a white, three-tier tutu with a satin waistband, was topped only by a velvet cocktail dress worn by Princess Diana, and the Givenchy ensemble Grace Kelly wore to meet President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, both of which sold for $325,000. The winning bid on Bradshaw’s skirt was one of the auction’s most shocking, as it was estimated to sell for $8,000 to $12,000, as SATC costume designer Patricia Field sourced the piece for just $5 before the HBO series’ 1998 premiere.
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Jennifer Lopez set to produce Bob the Builder movie
Bob the Builder, the cheerful handyman who first appeared on CBBC 25 years ago, is getting a cinematic makeover by none other than Jennifer Lopez. The film will follow Roberto (also known as Bob) as he travels to Puerto Rico for a big building project, where he “takes on issues affecting the island and digs deeper into what it means to build”. According to reports, the film will “celebrate the vibrant and colourful textures of the Caribbean Latin nations and their people”.
The director is yet to be announced, but the script will be penned by Felipe Vargas, who previously wrote a horror short about a dark fairy who preys on children in an orphanage.
The voice of Bob will be provided by Anthony Ramos, who starred in both the stage and screen versions of In the Heights.
“For years, Bob the Builder’s characters have inspired young people around the world. A movie about friends working together, a celebration of a beautiful home they share, and how love can help to conquer any obstacle in your way. Can we fix it? Yes, we can!” He said. Ramos, who is also producing the film with Lopez, said that some aspects of the film were based on his own life experiences. Robbie Brenner, the president of Mattel Films, praised Ramos and Vargas for their “genius vision for the story” and said that they would capture the essence of the beloved character for both old and new fans.
History of Bob the Builder
Bob the Builder started as a cartoon about a bricklayer who, along with his co-worker Wendy and various talking machines, tackled different building tasks on the BBC’s children’s channels from 1999 to 2011. The show was a global hit, with minor changes in language and voice actors for different markets. Neil Morrissey, who voiced Bob in the original and had a UK No 1 hit with the song Can We Fix It?, was replaced by Greg Proops for most of the US version of the show. There was a rumor that Bob and his crew would get an extra finger for the Japanese version of the show, because having four fingers was associated with the yakuza, the Japanese mafia. However, this turned out to be false, and the four-fingered Bob remained unchanged. Postman Pat, another four-fingered character, also avoided this issue. Source: HT
