Northeast improves on hunger, poverty parameters, a decade after Act East
The NER's SDG Index used 84 indicators to evaluate progress in areas like poverty, hunger, and sanitation.Notably, in the 'poverty' category, the number of Aspirant districts has seen a sharp decline, dropping from 20 to just 3. Similar was the case under 'zero hunger' category, where Aspirant districts have dropped from 21 to just 1.Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) has 114 Front Runner districts, up from 81, driven by initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission.Gender Equality (SDG 5) progressed, with 112 districts as Front Runners, up from 71. Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) doubled its Achiever districts to 14, indicating better access to electrification and clean cooking fuel.NAGALAND, MIZORAM, TRIPURA DISTRICTS IN TOP 10Three districts each from Nagaland, Mizoram, and Tripura, and one from Sikkim made it to the list of Top 10 districts on the NER's SDG Index for 2023-24.Notably, all districts in Mizoram and Tripura emerged as 'Front Runners'. Hnahthial in Mizoram led with a score of 81.43.Nagaland performed well on a slew of parameters, such as gender equality (SDG 5), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), among others.Tripura's eight districts, all Front Runners, showed consistent progress in infrastructure (SDG 9) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10), with Gomati ranking fourth overall at 78.79.STATE PERFORMANCES VARY IN THE NORTH EAST REGIONAssam, with 89% of its 33 districts as Front Runners, is strong in Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), led by Dibrugarh. In the NER District SDG Index 2021-22, Assam had 31 districts assessed, with 19 districts (61%) classified as Front Runners.Sikkim's six districts, all Front Runners, performed well in Quality Education (SDG 4).advertisementTripura showed strength in Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).Arunachal Pradesh, with 59% Front Runners, lagged in Climate Action (SDG 13), while Meghalaya struggled with Quality Education (SDG 4).NORTHEAST STILL LAGS BEHIND ON SOME INDICATORSThough there has been a significant improvement overall, there are still many districts in the Northeast that lag on several parameters.Climate Action (SDG 13) has 49 districts in the Aspirant category, signalling weak environmental efforts.Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) saw Front Runner districts drop from 67 to 51.Reducing Inequalities (SDG 10) also weakened, with Aspirant districts rising from 12 to 33.CONFLICT-RIDDEN MANIPUR SEES 75% FRONT RUNNERSManipur, marked by ethnic tensions since May 3, 2023, showed a mixed record.Of its 16 districts, 75% are Front Runners. The state performed well in Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).Imphal West was ranked the top district.Tamenglong, Noney and Pherzwl districts were ranked lowest.While national schemes and local efforts have driven gains, challenges like climate resilience, inequality, and incomplete data collection require targeted action.advertisementWhile coverage has grown from 103 districts in the first edition to 121 in the latest, data gaps in newly created and remote districts remain. Only filling these gaps can present a complete picture of the entire Northeast Region.The report, released with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), assessed 121 of 131 districts across eight states on 15 of the 17 SDG parameters.Ten districts were excluded, seemingly because they were either newly created or located in remote areas. Of these, five districts were from Nagaland, which were formed in 2021 and 2022. One district was excluded from Meghalaya, two districts were excluded from Assam, and two districts were excluded from Arunachal Pradesh.Also, only 15 SDGs were considered for the region because SDG 14 (Life Below Water) may not be applicable to the landlocked region, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) may have limited relevance at the district level due to its focus on global cooperation and resource mobilisation.- EndsMust Watch
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The Wire
16 hours ago
- The Wire
'Andhra Pradesh to be a Green Hydrogen Valley' – Declared Honourable CM Sri Chandrababu Naidu at the Green Hydrogen Summit 2025, SRM AP
Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, India (NewsVoir) The Honourable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, inaugurated the Green Hydrogen Summit-2025 at SRM University-AP. Dr V K Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Govt. of India, Sri K Vijayanand IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, and Dr P Sathyanarayananan, Pro-Chancellor of SRM University-AP, graced the event as the guests of honour. The two-day summit involved government agencies, researchers, policymakers and industrialists to address the critical need for a clean energy transition for a cleaner, more sustainable and forward-looking future. In his inaugural address, the Honourable CM Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu termed the Green Hydrogen Summit, a historical forum that brought together global experts and industries in Andhra Pradesh to work towards affordable, cost-effective clean energy. He stated that with the Andhra Pradesh Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia Policy, with a Rs 10,00,000 crore investment, offering 7.5 lakh jobs in green hydrogen and its derivatives, and ideological balance, no other state has stronger prospects in working towards green hydrogen development and storage. He also declared Amaravati as Green Hydrogen Valley, which will focus on affordable, cost-effective clean energy. He said, 'This landmark summit marks a significant step towards protecting nature, a circular economy, and sustainability.' Guest of Honour, Dr V K Saraswat, Honourable Member, NITI Aayog commented on the significance of opting for cleaner fuels and energy resources. He said, 'Green Hydrogen, which is at the heart of the National Hydrogen Mission, is a step towards achieving a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.' Prof. D Narayana Rao, Executive Director-Research, SRM Group of Institutions, in his brief about the Summit stated, 'Today the world looks at India with admiration as we contribute to solving global issues plaguing humankind, such as clean energy, water remediation, clean environment, and sustainable growth.' He outlined the various initiatives by the ministries of the state - Road Transport and Highways, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Steel – have already taken up green hydrogen projects that align with their sector. He also said SRM University-AP will establish an Innovation centre for Green Hydrogen Technologies. With a vision to develop Andhra Pradesh as a hydrogen hub, Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Govt. of India, remarked that right investments and government policies can drive green hydrogen plants to produce clean energy that is scalable and profitable. The Chief Secretary of the State, Sri K Vijayanand IAS, also remarked that the development and utilisation of hydrogen technologies necessitate specific expertise and skill development. The top universities of the nation, such as SRM AP, with advanced research infrastructure and intellect, can innovate and solve the pressing demands for cleaner energy fuel. Mr Pranav Tanti, CEO and President of Synergen Green Energy also said that Andhra Pradesh is a highly favourable state to establish an industry for Green Hydrogen. Aiming to nurture innovation and skill development in the clean energy space, Dr P Sathyanarayanan, Pro-Chancellor of SRM AP, announced the Department of Energy Engineering launch at the SRM Institute of Emerging Technology. 'If our generation is the last to use fossil fuels, the next generation must lead the clean energy revolution. With their ideas, innovation, and courage, the youth will carry this transformation forward,' Commented Dr P Sathyanarayanan. The Green Hydrogen Summit 2025, jointly organised by SRM University-AP, Government of Andhra Pradesh, IIT Tirupati, IISER Tirupati, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India, New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Ltd. and the SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Tamil Nadu, explores the research and development, innovation, commercialisation of green hydrogen. Keynote addresses, plenary sessions and conclaves with industry stalwarts, research organisations, and policymakers aim to open new frontiers in the green hydrogen sector. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
FDI landscape: Niti Aayog suggests easing regulations for Chinese investment; 24% stake may be allowed without clearance
Niti Aayog has recommended a major policy shift in the country's global investment landscape, proposing that Chinese entities be allowed to acquire up to a 24% stake in Indian companies without the need for additional security clearance. The move could potentially ease the investment process for firms from the neighbouring country, which currently face lengthy delays due to mandatory government approvals. Under existing rules, any investment from Chinese entities requires security clearance from the Indian government. These restrictions were introduced in July 2020, when India barred companies from countries sharing a land border from participating in government procurement contracts, citing national security concerns and the need to avoid hostile takeovers. Such bidders must register with a committee set up by the department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT), and obtain political and security clearances from the ministries of external and home affairs, respectively. 'The report has gone. We need to see what happens,' a government official told ET, indicating that the proposal is now under review. As of now, the report is being examined by key ministries including finance, commerce and industry, and external affairs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Fastest Selling Plots of Mysore from 40L | 40+ Amenities PurpleBrick Learn More Undo The timing of the proposal is notable, coming soon after external affairs minister S Jaishankar's first visit to China in five years. During his meeting with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Beijing, Jaishankar raised concerns over restrictive trade practices and barriers to economic cooperation, particularly in the context of China's restrictions on rare earth magnet exports to India. The EAM also discussed the issue of faster de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, on which, both sides reportedly agreed to take additional and practical steps to ease tensions. The Economic Survey 2024 had also recommended a calibrated easing of restrictions on Chinese foreign direct investment, arguing that it would boost India's integration into global supply chains and help increase exports. The proposal, if implemented, could mark a shift in India's cautious stance, permitting foreign direct investments from China. This could give a boost to India's supply chain participation and encourage exports. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
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First Post
19 hours ago
- First Post
Allow Chinese firms have up to 24% stake in Indian companies, Niti Aayog tells govt: Report
The think tank, NITI Aayog, has proposed that Chinese companies can take a stake of up to 24% in an Indian company without any approval being required read more The Indian government's top think tank has proposed easing rules that de facto require extra scrutiny for investments by Chinese companies, arguing that the rules have meant delays for some sizeable deals, three government sources said. Currently, all investment by Chinese entities in Indian companies need to gain a security clearance from both India's home and foreign ministries. The think tank, NITI Aayog, has proposed that Chinese companies can take a stake of up to 24% in an Indian company without any approval being required, said the sources who were not authorised to speak to media and declined to be identified. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The proposal, reported for the first time by Reuters, is part of a plan to boost foreign direct investment in India and is being studied by the trade ministry's industries department, the finance and foreign ministries, as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office, the sources said. And while not all of NITI Aayog's ideas are necessarily taken up by the government, the proposal comes at a time when India and China are seeking to mend ties that have been particularly strained since border clashes in 2020. Any decision to ease might be months away and will be taken by political leaders, two of the sources said. They added that the industries department is in favour of easing, but the other government bodies are yet to give their final view. NITI Aayog, the ministries, the industries department and the prime minister's office did not reply to Reuters requests for comment. DEALS SHELVED The rules were put in place in 2020 after border clashes, including hand-to-hand fighting between the two neighbours. They only apply to land bordering nations, which affects Chinese companies the most. By contrast, companies from other countries can freely invest in many sectors such as manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, while some sensitive sectors such as defence, banking and media have restrictions. Deals such as a 2023 plan by China's BYD to invest $1 billion in an electric car joint venture have been shelved tab due to the rules, sources have said. While foreign investment has slowed globally since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the rules hampering Chinese investment in India have been seen as a significant factor behind a large drop in the South Asian country's FDI. Net foreign direct investment in India tumbled to a record low of just $353 million in the past financial year, a fraction of the $43.9 billion logged in the year ended March 2021. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An easing in military tensions since October has led to more efforts by both countries to mend ties, with plans for the resumption of direct flights and India seeking a 'permanent solution' to their decades-old border dispute. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar's made his first trip to China in five years this week, telling his counterpart that the two nations must settle tensions along their border and avoid restrictive trade measures such as China's curbs on the supply of rare earth magnets. The think tank has also recommended revamping the board that decides on foreign direct investment proposals, the sources said.
