Latest news with #UNSustainableDevelopmentGoal
Business Standard
24-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Study Highlights the Economic Power of Health Literacy in Driving India's GDP Growth: The Economist Impact, Supported by Haleon
BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], July 23: A global study released by The Economist Impact, supported by Haleon, reveals that India's healthcare future hinges on one powerful lever: health literacy. The findings of the Health Inclusivity Index, which analyzed 40 countries, looking at groups such as people with low health literacy, people on lower incomes, women, and older adults, highlighted how better access to health information, education, and preventive care can significantly reduce medical costs and boost economic productivity--especially in rapidly developing nations like India. The Index underlines that underserved groups--such as women, lower-income populations, older adults, and individuals with low health literacy bear the greatest burden of health exclusion. Empowering these communities with evidence-based health solutions is not only a public health imperative but also a powerful economic strategy. The findings also highlight the importance of self-care and health literacy as critical enablers of health inclusion, helping individuals recognize early symptoms, take timely action, and manage everyday health needs more effectively. Appended are the key findings for India: 1. Oral Health: A Hidden Economic Driver By managing gum disease effectively in India, $3.5billion could be saved in diabetes-related healthcare costs over the next decade. Poor oral health contributes to $35 billion in productivity losses annually across Index countries, disproportionately affecting low-income populations. Preventive dental care can reduce treatment costs--which are currently nearly 50% higher for underserved groups--by $32.8billion. Targeting lower-income groups could nearly double these savings to over $60 billion. 2. Musculoskeletal Health: Empowering Older Adults and Women Improving the prevention of musculoskeletal conditions in India among older adults can deliver annual benefits of $1.3billion. Among underserved populations--especially women aged 50 and above--targeted strategies can unlock an additional $2 billion in savings in India. These outcomes demonstrate that inclusive health strategies not only enhance individual well-being but also drive national prosperity. 3. Anaemia and Micronutrient Deficiencies: A Women's Health Crisis Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal of reducing anaemia in women of reproductive age by 50% by 2030 can save $48 billion and reclaim 568 million lost workdays each year across the 40 Index countries. In India alone, reaching this goal can yield $8.7billion in annual benefits. Women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, bear the highest burden of micronutrient deficiencies, with anaemia rates rising in nearly three-quarters of Index countries. 4. Air Quality: A Public Health and Economic Imperative Air pollution is a silent driver of chronic illness and lost productivity, particularly in underserved communities. Meeting WHO air quality guidelines can save 4.5 million lives globally and deliver $11.8 billion in annual economic benefits in India alone. The Health Inclusivity Index highlights how reducing air pollution can ease pressure on healthcare systems and unlock major gains for both public health and the economy. Vedika Kapoor, Head, Communications & Government Affairs, Haleon India Subcontinent, said, "The Health Inclusivity Index, developed by Economist Impact with support from Haleon, shows that inclusive health is a powerful investment. This third phase reveals that such investments can unlock hundreds of billions in healthcare savings, boost GDP, and prevent millions of deaths annually. Through purpose-led brands like Sensodyne and Centrum, Haleon India is committed to bridging health gaps by promoting self-care behaviours that drive greater inclusion. We urge governments, businesses, and healthcare leaders to unite in building a truly inclusive health ecosystem." Link to the full report: The Index builds on two previous phases of research that exposed global gaps in health policy, and the lived experience of health exclusion. Promoting health inclusivity and removing barriers to quality healthcare ensures better health outcomes for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Business Upturn
22-07-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
Study Highlights the Economic Power of Health Literacy in Driving India's GDP Growth: The Economist Impact, Supported by Haleon
A global study released by The Economist Impact, supported by Haleon, reveals that India's healthcare future hinges on one powerful lever: health literacy. The findings of the Health Inclusivity Index, which analyzed 40 countries, looking at groups such as people with low health literacy, people on lower incomes, women, and older adults , highlighted how better access to health information, education, and preventive care can significantly reduce medical costs and boost economic productivity—especially in rapidly developing nations like India. Business Wire India A global study released by The Economist Impact , supported by Haleon, reveals that India's healthcare future hinges on one powerful lever: health literacy . The findings of the Health Inclusivity Index , which analyzed 40 countries, looking at groups such as people with low health literacy, people on lower incomes, women, and older adults , highlighted how better access to health information, education, and preventive care can significantly reduce medical costs and boost economic productivity—especially in rapidly developing nations like India. The Index underlines that underserved groups—such as women, lower-income populations, older adults, and individuals with low health literacy bear the greatest burden of health exclusion. Empowering these communities with evidence-based health solutions is not only a public health imperative but also a powerful economic strategy. The findings also highlight the importance of self-care and health literacy as critical enablers of health inclusion, helping individuals recognize early symptoms, take timely action, and manage everyday health needs more effectively. Appended are the key findings for India: 1. Oral Health: A Hidden Economic Driver By managing gum disease effectively in India, $3.5billion could be saved in diabetes-related healthcare costs over the next decade. Poor oral health contributes to $35 billion in productivity losses annually across Index countries, disproportionately affecting low-income populations. Preventive dental care can reduce treatment costs—which are currently nearly 50% higher for underserved groups—by $32.8billion. Targeting lower-income groups could nearly double these savings to over $60 billion. 2. Musculoskeletal Health: Empowering Older Adults and Women Improving the prevention of musculoskeletal conditions in India among older adults can deliver annual benefits of $1.3billion. Among underserved populations—especially women aged 50 and above—targeted strategies can unlock an additional $2 billion in savings in India. These outcomes demonstrate that inclusive health strategies not only enhance individual well-being but also drive national prosperity. 3. Anaemia and Micronutrient Deficiencies: A Women's Health Crisis Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal of reducing anaemia in women of reproductive age by 50% by 2030 can save $48 billion and reclaim 568 million lost workdays each year across the 40 Index countries. In India alone, reaching this goal can yield $8.7billion in annual benefits. Women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, bear the highest burden of micronutrient deficiencies, with anaemia rates rising in nearly three-quarters of Index countries. 4. Air Quality: A Public Health and Economic Imperative Air pollution is a silent driver of chronic illness and lost productivity, particularly in underserved communities. Meeting WHO air quality guidelines can save 4.5 million lives globally and deliver $11.8 billion in annual economic benefits in India alone. The Health Inclusivity Index highlights how reducing air pollution can ease pressure on healthcare systems and unlock major gains for both public health and the economy. Vedika Kapoor, Head, Communications & Government Affairs, Haleon India Subcontinent, said, 'The Health Inclusivity Index, developed by Economist Impact with support from Haleon, shows that inclusive health is a powerful investment. This third phase reveals that such investments can unlock hundreds of billions in healthcare savings, boost GDP, and prevent millions of deaths annually. Through purpose-led brands like Sensodyne and Centrum, Haleon India is committed to bridging health gaps by promoting self-care behaviours that drive greater inclusion. We urge governments, businesses, and healthcare leaders to unite in building a truly inclusive health ecosystem.' Link to the full report: The Index builds on two previous phases of research that exposed global gaps in health policy, and the lived experience of health exclusion. Promoting health inclusivity and removing barriers to quality healthcare ensures better health outcomes for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India. Business Upturn take no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Rs 1,700 crore: Hidden cost of sending money abroad
File photo MUMBAI: Families sending money abroad to support their children's education paid an estimated Rs 1,700 crore ($200 million) in bank fees and currency markups in 2024, a report released by Redseer Strategy Consultants and Wise, a global cross-border payments company, showed. According to the study, more than 95% of India's annual student remittances, estimated at Rs 85,000–93,500 crore ($10–11 billion), flow through traditional banks, which typically apply a 3–3.5% exchange rate markup and take between two and five days to complete transactions. Families remitting Rs 30 lakh annually can lose up to Rs 75,000 in hidden costs. The estimates of the costs tie in with what World Bank has had to say on the cost of cross border remittances. The costs are slightly lower than what migrant workers in rich countries pay to send money home. According to World Bank, the global average cost of sending $200 was 6.4% of the amount sent, a slight increase from 6.2% a year earlier. Digital remittances are significantly cheaper, averaging 5% in fees, compared with 7% for non-digital methods. This global cost remains well above the UN Sustainable Development Goal target of 3%, which aims to make remittances more affordable for migrants and their families. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Wise, which sponsored the study and competes with banks on international money transfers, has an interest in drawing attention to these inefficiencies. Unlike banks that route money through multiple intermediaries, Wise maintains local pools of funds at both ends of the payment corridor. When a sender transfers money, the company uses domestic systems to disburse an equivalent amount to the recipient after receiving confirmation that funds have arrived on the sending side. This method allows Wise to offer faster transfers, at the mid-market exchange rate without markup. Conventional bank transfers involve multiple charges: sending banks add a 2–6% exchange rate markup; intermediary banks deduct $10–30 each; SWIFT levies network fees; and receiving banks may charge up to $16. These layers, along with hidden compliance costs, push total remittance costs to 5–7%, which often go unnoticed. 'The stories and the sheer scale of money lost to opaque pricing should be a wake-up call,' said Taneia Bhardwaj, south Asia expansion lead at Wise. Since launching in India in 2021, Wise has seen education-related payments account for 75% of its volume from the country. According to the study, India has emerged as the largest source of international students in the US, overtaking China in 2024. Indians make up 30–35% of international student populations in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and Germany, which is up from 11% a decade ago. With overseas education spending by Indian households expected to double by 2030, the cost of remitting funds will become increasingly material. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
India Gazette
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Gazette
Haryana has become one of India's leading automobile manufacturing hubs: CM Saini
ANI 18 Jun 2025, 00:24 GMT+10 Gurugram (Haryana) [India], June 17 (ANI): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday said Haryana has become one of India's leading automobile manufacturing hubs, producing nearly 50 per cent of all cars made in the country. 'The development of an internal railway yard by the Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation at Maruti underscores the state's commitment to 'Ease of Doing Business' and infrastructure development, CM Saini said. Reaffirming its vision to emerge as a logistics hub, the state has also partnered with various industry bodies and educational institutions to enhance workforce skills across Haryana, said CM Nayab Singh Saini. Located at the IMT Manesar-based Maruti Suzuki plant, this terminal has been developed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Gati Shakti National Master Plan, a visionary initiative aimed at creating a world-class logistics network across India. The total cost of this project is Rs 1 lakh 17 thousand 91 million. Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited has a 55.4 per cent share, HSIIDC has a 19 per cent share and Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority has a 5 per cent share in the project. Models manufactured at MSIL's Gurugram and Manesar facilities will be dispatched to 17 hubs from this railway siding serving 380 cities across India. Port locations of Mundra and Pipavav, used by the Company for exports, will also be served. The railway siding will have a dispatch capability of 450,000 vehicles at full has dispatched 2.5 million (25 lakh) vehicles cumulatively through railways since FY 2014-15. Its green logistics efforts align with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 13 on climate action, reinforcing the Company's vision for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. (ANI)
Mint
20-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Power minister calls for equitable access to energy resources globally
New Delhi: India has called for equitable access to energy resources globally as countries look for energy security amid geopolitical tensions. Union minister for power Manohar Lal told a Brics energy ministers' meeting in Brazil on Monday that energy security is one of the most pressing challenges and emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation in the southern grouping to ensure economic stability and sustainability. A statement from the ministry on Tuesday said he emphasized the need to promote equitable access to energy resources globally. It comes as countries are also looking at securing lithium and other critical mineral resources across the globe which are key for making modules used in solar power projects. India has also been working on making energy accessible for the least developed countries in Africa through the International Solar Alliance. He reaffirmed India's commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive energy future and appreciated Brazil's leadership under the theme, 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.' He emphasized the critical role of energy security, access and affordability in advancing global development goals. During the meeting, the minister said India has become the world's third-largest producer of solar and wind energy, and that it is moving towards achieving its nationally determined contribution (NDC) goals on greenhouse gas emissions. Speaking of developments across the clean energy space, he said that India has achieved a 20% ethanol blending milestone, advancing biofuel adoption and emissions reduction and is investing in smart grids, advanced metering infrastructure, and an expanded transmission network, including the green energy corridor, setting ambitious goals for green hydrogen and nuclear energy, including a 100GW nuclear capacity target by 2047 and launching a domestic carbon credit market. He also emphasized the role of the Global Biofuels Alliance in advancing cooperation in the biofuels sector and underscored India's commitment to energy efficiency through innovative programs such as the Energy Conservation Sustainable Buildings Code, rooftop solar initiatives, and efficient appliance standards. The Global Biofuels Alliance was launched in September 2023 in India during the G20 Summit with India, the US and Brazil as the founders. The alliance currently has 24 countries and 14 international organizations as members. At the same time, Lal underscored the role of fossil fuels in the global energy mix—especially for developing countries—and urged greater cooperation to promote their cleaner and efficient use through technologies such as coal gasification, carbon capture and storage, and green chemical innovations. The Brics energy ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening energy security and advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, focusing on universal electricity access, clean cooking and tackling energy poverty. They emphasized the need for just, inclusive and balanced energy transitions in response to climate change. While acknowledging the continued role of fossil fuels—particularly in developing countries—they stressed the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with SDG 7 and global climate targets guided by technological neutrality and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). The ministers called for stronger partnerships, supported open, fair, and non-discriminatory international energy markets, and encouraged the use of local currencies in energy trade. They recognized the fundamental role of the Brics Energy Research Cooperation Platform and welcomed the updated Brics Roadmap for Energy Cooperation (2025-2030) as key to deeper collaboration. Affirming each country's right to determine its own energy transition path and pace, the ministers advocated efficient use of all energy sources and called for increased concessional and low-cost financing from developed to developing nations. They highlighted the role of the New Development Bank (NDB) in promoting sustainable energy infrastructure, especially through local currency financing. The ministers advocated adoption of fair, transparent, and consistent guidelines for assessing carbon intensity, energy classification and mutual recognition of taxonomies and certifications. Underscoring energy security as vital for socio-economic development, they highlighted the importance of market stability, resilient infrastructure, diversified energy sources and critical minerals for clean technologies. They reiterated the goal to double energy efficiency by 2030 and emphasized enhanced cooperation and knowledge sharing among Brics nations. They also committed to elevating Brics' global energy role and advancing shared priorities under India's chairmanship in 2026. Brics consists of 10 countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE.
