Latest news with #ICDP
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Aiding India's progress with choice, control and capital
With the world's population having crossed the eight billion mark, looking at the macros is all but natural. However, there has to be an equal focus on the micro-vulnerable groups, key populations and individuals on the fringes. We must endeavour to ensure that the promise of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICDP) is kept, and that every person gets the right to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health, free from coercion, discrimination and violence. This year, the United Nations has announced its theme for World Population Day as 'Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world'. It highlights the ICDP's special focus on youth, by affirming their right to accurate information, education and services in order to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. It also reflects a simple but pressing need: of bringing youth to the centre when envisioning the future, ensuring their freedom of choice and opportunities. Home to the largest youth population UNICEF reports there being 371 million youth in the age group of 15 to 29 years in India, making it the world's largest youth population. This is a number that stretches existing resources and systems. But with the right investments in education, skills and also access to health, nutrition, and family planning services, it can become a powerful driver of national progress. Unleashing this youth potential in India could boost its GDP by up to $1 trillion by 2030, unlocking a demographic divide as projected by the World Bank and NITI Aayog, while significantly reducing unemployment and improving social outcomes. India has made significant strides with initiatives such as 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' and the National Adolescent Health Programme, reducing child marriage and adolescent fertility rates. Yet, there is still room to do more as a nation in order to address persistent challenges such as limited reproductive autonomy, socio-cultural barriers and gender inequality. These continue to restrict many young people (especially young women) from realising their true potential. For instance, the prevalence of child marriages in India has reduced by half since 2006, but is still reported at 23.3% (National Family Health Survey-5, 2019-21). Further, teenage childbearing among women in the age group of 15 to 19 years was pegged at 7% nationally. But in some States, the rate was reported to be more than double, highlighting stark regional disparities (National Family Health Survey-5). In addition, the recently published State of World Population Report 2025 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) underscores the lack of reproductive autonomy and the crisis of fertility aspirations, particularly among women. More than a third of Indian adults (36%) face unintended pregnancies, while another 30% reported unmet reproductive goals, i.e., an inability to exercise their choice about the number of children they have. Almost 23% of Indian adults faced both. Issue of child marriage The need is for a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy which includes education, contraception access, nutrition, mental health support and community empowerment to tackle the root causes rather than addressing symptoms. UNICEF reports that each additional year of secondary education can reduce the likelihood of child marriage by up to 6%. Project Udaan (implemented by IPE Global in Rajasthan between 2017 and 2022), used this as its basis; it became an example of how a streamlined, 360° approach can drive meaningful change for young people. The initiative addressed the challenge of early marriages and teenage pregnancies by keeping girls in secondary school through the strategic use of government scholarship schemes, improving their awareness of sexual and reproductive health, and improving access to modern contraceptives for young women, which helped bolster the voice and reproductive agency of girls and women. The initiative led to almost 30,000 child marriages being prevented and nearly 15,000 teenage pregnancies being averted, while also ensuring an education and a bright future for these girls. Similarly, the Advika programme, launched by the Government of Odisha in partnership with UNICEF-UNFPA in 2019-20, has made strides in preventing child marriage through strategies which include strengthening state systems, fostering awareness about child protection issues, and empowering adolescents through education, skill development and leadership training. Its youth-focused approach has enabled about 11,000 villages to be declared child marriage-free; in 2022, nearly 950 child marriages were stopped. Addressing child marriage and early pregnancy is essential, but true empowerment means going further — equipping adolescents, especially girls, with the skills, the education and the opportunities they need to lead independent and meaningful lives, while also fostering enabling environments that support their agency, voice and participation in decisions that affect them. This includes the timing of their marriage, reproductive freedom (whether or not to have children, the age at which they have the first child, the number of children they wish to have), or how they choose to live meaningful lives on their own terms. At the heart of this empowerment lies economic independence. When economically empowered, women gain the resources, the confidence and the voice to shape their futures and contribute meaningfully to society. To address the issues surrounding women's economic empowerment and the low female labour force participation, Project Manzil is being implemented by IPE Global in collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan in six selected districts (2019-25). The programme which utilises a human-centred design approach, understands the aspirations of young women, then aligns skill training with these aspirations, and enables them to have unhindered access to dignified employment opportunities at gender-friendly workplaces. As with all effective programmes, this has been complemented with addressing harmful social norms through consistent behaviour change communication strategies. The project has made families prosperous and has also transformed communities. For instance, it helped 28,000 young women (ages 18 to 21 years) to complete skill training at government skill training centres — 16,000 were employed, making them the first generation of women from their communities to enter skilled professions. Empowered by financial stability, these young women exude better negotiation power to delay or get married. Accelerating progress The State of World Population 2025 report aptly focuses on rights-based, multi-sector investments and underscores that progress hinges on expanding universal access to contraception, safe abortion, maternal health and infertility care, and also in removing structural barriers such as education, housing, childcare and workplace flexibility. It also emphasises that investing in girls' education, life-skills development, conditional cash transfers, community mobilisation and health services delivers measurable gains. Programmes such as Udaan, Advika and Manzil showcase how these investments can be brought to life and improve the future of youth everywhere. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has rightly called for this World Population Day to celebrate the potential and the promise the largest-ever generation of youth holds. It is important to remember that they are entitled to shape their futures by making informed choices about their health, families, careers and lives. India stands at a defining moment on its development journey, and its success will depend on how well it can understand the aspirations of its youth, amplifying the voices of young women, and helping unlock opportunities for them. Shrishti Pandey is Manager, Social and Economic Empowerment, IPE Global (international development consulting firm). Ashish Mukherjee is Vice-President, Social and Economic Empowerment, IPE Global. Raghwesh Ranjan is Senior Director, Social and Economic Empowerment, IPE Global
India.com
22-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
India's Coffee Exports More Than Double In Last 11 Years
New Delhi: India's coffee exports have more than doubled to $1.8 billion in the last 11 years, with the country becoming the 5th largest exporter, according to the government data. India's coffee exports stood at $800 million in 2014-15 and have been rising steadily since then. The top export markets for Indian coffee are Italy, Germany, Russia, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the US. India is the seventh largest producer and the fifth largest exporter of coffee in the world. Prices of coffee are ruling at record levels following an adverse weather-induced supply crunch in the largest producing countries of Brazil and Vietnam. India exports over two-thirds of the over 3.5 lakh tonnes produced in the country. The country's coffee exports have grown significantly due to the increasing global demand for its rich and unique flavours. Approximately three-fourths of India's coffee production consists of Arabica and Robusta beans. These are primarily exported as unroasted beans. However, there is a growing demand for value-added products like roasted and instant coffee, further fuelling the export boom. India's coffee is primarily grown in the ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats, areas famous for their biodiversity. Karnataka leads in production, contributing 248,020 MT in 2022-23, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. These areas are home to shaded plantations that not only support the coffee industry but also play a vital role in preserving the natural environment, helping to maintain the ecological balance of these biodiversity hotspots. Meanwhile, due to the rise of the cafe culture, higher disposable incomes and a growing preference for coffee over tea, coffee consumption in India is also steadily increasing. This trend has been observed particularly in both urban and rural areas. Domestic consumption has increased from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023. To enhance coffee production and meet growing domestic and international demand, the Coffee Board of India has launched several important initiatives. Through the Integrated Coffee Development Project (ICDP), the focus is on improving yields, expanding cultivation in non-traditional regions and ensuring the sustainability of coffee farming. These measures are part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen India's coffee industry, increase productivity and improve its global competitiveness.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Custom Application Development Service Market to grow by USD 53.7 Billion from 2025-2029, driven by cloud adoption, AI's impact on market trends
NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global custom application development service market size is estimated to grow by USD 53.7 bn from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period. Increasing adoption of cloud-based services is driving market growth, with a trend towards emergence of low-code development platforms (ICDP). However, availability of open-source platforms poses a challenge. Key market players include Accenture PLC, Appinventiv Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Capgemini Services SAS, Chetu Inc., Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Datamatics Services Limited, DXC Technology Co., Fujitsu Ltd., HCL Technologies Ltd., Iblesoft Inc., Infanion, Infosys Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., LTIMindtree Ltd., NTT DATA Corp., Radixweb, ScienceSoft USA Corp., Software AG, Speridian Technologies, and Wipro Ltd.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Custom Application Development Service Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2024 Historic period 2019 - 2023 Forecast period 2025-2029 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 9.4% Market growth 2025-2029 USD 53.7 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 8.4 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 37% Key countries US, China, Germany, UK, Canada, India, France, Japan, Brazil, and UAE Key companies profiled Accenture PLC, Appinventiv Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Capgemini Services SAS, Chetu Inc., Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Datamatics Global Services Limited, DXC Technology Co., Fujitsu Ltd., HCL Technologies Ltd., Iblesoft Inc., Infanion, Infosys Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., LTIMindtree Ltd., NTT DATA Corp., Radixweb, ScienceSoft USA Corp., Software AG, Speridian Technologies, and Wipro Ltd. Market Driver Custom application development services are on the rise, with a focus on industry-specific applications and real-time data analysis. Flexible workspaces and remote work are becoming the norm, leading to cost reduction and increased agility. AI-driven chatbots and robotics automation are enhancing business processes in various sectors, including investment banking. Cloud technology is a major trend, with cloud-based software development, centralized systems, and web-based solutions offering ease of access, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Analytical tools and business intelligence (BI) are essential for large enterprises and SMEs in IT & telecom, retail, and other sectors, providing insights for decision-making and inventory cost reduction. Security is a top concern, with cyberattacks and cybercrimes on the rise. Investment in cyber insurance and AI, IoT, machine learning, and blockchain technologies is essential for data security. Open-source programs offer intellectual property advantages, but come with security risks. Features and functions of corporate software are evolving, with automation, performance, and scalability key priorities. Remote access and real-time information are essential for businesses in the retail, grocery, and food delivery sectors. Cloud deployment ensures reliability and data security. Mobile apps and IoT systems are transforming industries, with IoT investments in devices and analytics capabilities driving innovation. Smart technology and design are essential for user experience and adoption. Ultimately, custom application development services offer businesses a competitive edge, enabling them to streamline processes, reduce costs, and make informed decisions. The custom application development service market is witnessing a significant trend with the increasing adoption of Low-Code Development Platforms (LCDPs). These platforms enable developers to build applications with minimal hand-coding, utilizing visual interfaces and drag-and-drop features. This accelerates the development process, allowing businesses to launch custom applications swiftly and efficiently compared to conventional coding methods. LCDPs abstract much of the software development intricacies, making it more accessible to non-technical users, such as business analysts and subject matter experts. By involving these stakeholders in the application development process, the need for specialized IT resources is reduced. The architecture and design of company systems are crucial in shaping the entire process and lifecycle of enterprises. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Custom application development services help businesses create unique software solutions tailored to their industry applications. Challenges include real-time data analysis, flexible workspaces, AI-driven chatbots, robotics automation, and remote work. Cost reduction is a significant factor, with analytical tools and business intelligence (BI) essential for decision-making. Investment banking, retail, IT & telecom segments, and SMEs all benefit from cloud technology's agility, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Cloud-based software development enhances scalability, integration, and security. Open-source programs offer flexibility, but IP protection is crucial. Cross-departmental communication and automating processes are key. Industry-specific challenges include inventory costs, cyberattacks, and cybercrimes, requiring cyber insurance. Features like AI, IoT, machine learning (ML), Blockchain, robots, and data science are essential. Cloud deployment ensures ease of access and real-time information. Remote access and real-time information are vital for large enterprises and SMEs alike. Security, reliability, and data security are non-negotiable. Mobile apps, retail stores, grocery stores, and food delivery services all require customized solutions. In summary, custom application development services address industry-specific challenges, offering features like AI, IoT, ML, and Blockchain, while ensuring security, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Cloud technology and open-source programs offer flexibility and agility, making them ideal solutions for businesses in various sectors. Open-source software platforms, such as Apache NetBeans, Apache Cordova, Eclipse IDE, and Bootstrap, offer free use and development resources for application creators. These platforms, built by and for communities of software engineers, are easily accessible on web portals. Their availability negatively impacts the revenue of proprietary application development service providers. End-users benefit from open-source software through free support, prevention of vendor lock-in, and adherence to open standards. These systems, like Apache NetBeans and Eclipse IDE, are distributed version control systems, ensuring efficient application development. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This custom application development service market report extensively covers market segmentation by Deployment 1.1 On-premise 1.2 Cloud End-user 2.1 Large enterprises 2.2 SMEs Geography 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 On-premise- Custom application development services refer to the creation of unique software solutions tailored to meet specific business requirements. On-premise deployment is a popular choice for these services, offering clients full control over their hardware and software. However, on-premise deployment comes with higher upfront costs compared to cloud deployment, which requires recurring monthly payments. Additionally, on-premise deployment offers greater data security as clients have single access points and control over their servers and data. Large companies dealing with sensitive business information often opt for on-premise application development services due to the enhanced security features. For instance, Infosys Ltd. (Infosys) helped Anglian Water develop an on-premise custom application to ensure product quality. Despite the advantages, the use of on-premise application development services is expected to decrease during the forecast period due to the high capital expenditure associated with maintaining internal servers. This trend will contribute to the growth of the global custom application development service market, as more businesses shift towards cloud-based solutions. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis Custom Application Development Service Market: Custom software development is a dynamic industry that caters to the unique needs of businesses across various sectors. The market encompasses industry applications, real-time data analysis, flexible workspaces, and advanced technologies like AI-driven chatbots and robotics automation. Remote work and cost reduction are key drivers, with analytical tools and business intelligence (BI) enabling data-driven decision-making. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are transforming business processes in sectors like investment banking, IT & telecom, and retail. Features such as real-time analytics, cross-departmental communication, and automating processes are essential. Analytics software, cloud technology, mobile apps, and services for grocery stores, grocery delivery services, and food delivery services are significant market segments. The market's continuous evolution ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet evolving business needs. Market Research Overview The Custom Application Development Service Market is a dynamic and evolving industry that caters to the unique software needs of businesses across various sectors. This market encompasses the development of industry applications, including real-time data analysis, flexible workspace solutions, and AI-driven chatbots. Robotics automation and remote work are also key areas of focus, offering cost reduction and enhanced performance through analytical tools and business intelligence (BI) solutions. Cloud technology plays a significant role in this market, with cloud-based software development, centralized systems, and web-based solutions enabling scalability, integration, and real-time information access. Agile methodologies and open-source programs ensure flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Key applications include investment banking, retail, IT & telecom, and SMEs. Features such as automating processes, inventory cost reduction, and decision-making capabilities are essential for businesses looking to enhance profitability and remain competitive. Security risks, including cyberattacks and cybercrimes, necessitate investment in cyber insurance and advanced security measures. IoT, AI, machine learning, and blockchain technologies are driving innovation in this market, with smart technology and data science at the forefront. Revelation of IoT systems, IoT investments, and IoT devices are transforming industries and creating new opportunities for custom application development services. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary2 Market Landscape3 Market Sizing4 Historic Market Size5 Five Forces Analysis6 Market Segmentation Deployment End-user Geography 7 Customer Landscape8 Geographic Landscape9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends10 Company Landscape11 Company Analysis12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio ResearchJesse MaidaMedia & Marketing ExecutiveUS: +1 844 364 1100UK: +44 203 893 3200Email: media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Technavio
