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<ul><li>After the global pandemic, <keyword id="49089" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainability" source="Orion">sustainability</keyword> and health seem to have become important factors for consumers.</li><li>According to Capgemini’s recent report, consumers engage more readily with brands and retailers that they perceive to be sustainable and genuinely committed to green practices.</li><li>The report found that 48% of consumers share an emotional connection with products or organizations that demonstrate eco-friendly qualities.</li><li>As we move forward this year and health concerns and sustainability continue influencing consumer decisions, we speak to brands, research and design agencies about how brands can integrate sustainability into their core values and move beyond mere lip-service.</li></ul>It might be a new year but the world continues to grapple with familiar challenges and threats: we are on the verge of entering the third wave of COVID-19, the country’s capital, New Delhi is currently facing alarmingly high levels of indoor air pollution and Uttarakhand's forest fires emitted nearly 0.2 megatonnes of carbon in the past one month, a record since 2003 (CAMS report). So 2022 will clearly be a busy year for brands as consumers get more serious about climate change and expect brands to increase their focus on living sustainably in harmony with nature. While businesses exist to make money, Manish Chowdhary, Co-CEO, Body Cupid Pvt Limited says that there are two ways to do that. He explained, “One is sustainable, by keeping other living and non-living things in mind. The other one is inspired by greed. So no matter how small a brand’s effort may be, it has to be aligned with sustainability if the brand wants to continue in the long run. Brands exist for consumers and it is important that we listen to what they want.” From driving workforce diversity to taking a stand on climate change, there’s a definite change that has taken place in consumer expectations. In the last few years, sustainability has become one of the biggest decision-making factors for consumers, and more so after the pandemic. They have realised that mother earth has suffered enough. In this digital world, consumers are demanding more transparency and are quick to call out greenwashing. They are expecting to see concrete actions. And as Chowdhary said, it has become imperative for brands to listen to what consumers want because they exist to serve consumers. Today’s consumers are not only pivoting towards more sustainable products but are also willing to pay a premium for them. Gen Z and Millennials lead all other age groups in this respect. When shopping for groceries, 72% of Gen Z and 66% of Millennials say they are willing to pay more for organic foods and in fact, did so the last time they were grocery shopping, compared to 56% of Boomers, found Capgemini. Its recent report said that 80% of consumers want to contribute to the fight to save the planet for future generations. And it is not just a phase. 70% of consumers agreed that post-pandemic, they will be more careful in terms of maintaining and protecting their personal health. Covid has only reminded us that there is a long way to go on sustainability. On how the pandemic has altered consumer behaviour, Lulu Raghavan, Managing Director, Landor and Fitch said, “The pandemic has fundamentally shifted consumer behaviour. An IBM study shows that 93% of consumers have changed their views on sustainability after the pandemic. This is totally understandable. The horrid virus which came out of nowhere has ravaged lives, ruined livelihoods. The only silver lining is that it has woken us up to the paramount importance of our own health and wellbeing and that of our Mother Earth. Sustainability is now a definitive transformative force that will upend existing industries and create new ones. If digital transformation was the buzzword in corporate boardrooms, ECG will take centre stage in the coming decade.” But what exactly is a sustainable brand? Ashwini Deshpande, Co-Founder and Director, Elephant Design defines it as, “A brand that values ethical sourcing and supply chains, is inclusive, and follows environment-friendly processes and materials while staying viable for its stakeholders is qualified to be labelled as a sustainable brand.” Kartik Johari, VP, Marketing &amp; Commerce, Nobel Hygiene believes that in the coming months, people will start to question what is sustainable and what is not along with how we can continue to reduce our carbon footprint across all aspects of our lives. He said, “Consumers at the end of it are people and they expect what is good. The ‘brand promise’ is essential to them. Now, alongside they are also making space for the environment due to excellent work by activists and journalists around the world. You will remember, for example, that riveting photo of a straw stuck in a turtle's nose. How many millions of turtles have we lost to this? Yet it took just that one photo to break through the global psyche. Now straws are the Number One environmental enemy. But this does not mean the onus should be entirely on people to choose better! Companies have to improve their offering. And that is correct for consumers to expect. Moreover, important to note, there are some 50 or 60 companies in the world, which are responsible for majority of emissions. Strong regulations on them can solve what collectively 500 million people may have to do. But who’s going to bell the cat? As Mr Musk rightly has been saying that, give the solar industry the same amount of subsidies, for a year, that you give to oil and gas, and see the amount of transformative change it brings! The onus cannot be on that one little end consumer and their war to save their environment.” During the pandemic, brands like WOW Skin Science, Diageo and Dettol launched eco-friendly packaging to test the waters, indicating that more brands in India have started reevaluating their packaging strategy to put the environment first. Big FMCG companies such as Marico, HUL, Nestle India, Future Consumer, Coca-Cola, Pepsi-co, Parle Agro also announced in 2020 that they will move to 100% recyclable packaging by 2025 helping towards a sustainable future. Joining the bandwagon, the Indian Government has also started its efforts towards reducing our country’s carbon footprint. Currently, India is the world’s third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide, after the US and China. According to an Assocham and PwC report, landfills are brimming with so much urban waste that by 2050, India is reportedly going to need a landfill that's the size of its capital, New Delhi. And consumers aren’t ignoring these horrifying numbers anymore. Elysha Young, Trends Manager, Mintel APAC said, "India’s Prime Minister has pledged it will reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, backed by aggressive 2030 targets. By laying the groundwork in the form of policies, India is signaling that it is open and willing to support innovation around sustainability, and indeed that carbon-emitting industries will no longer be tolerated. This presents an opportunity for global companies looking to tap into India's vast population but also issues a challenge to foreign and domestic companies to ensure they are cutting emissions throughout their value chain. It's in India's self-interest to stem global warming, with the nation of 1.3 billion people being one of the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The nature of the short-term targets means that action will need to be taken immediately, which will see a strong focus on renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, as well as the batteries needed to store such energy. Companies would do well to look at the emissions within their own value chains and determine where cuts can be made. Communicating these to consumers will help them to make choices that align with the national strategy; the opportunity exists to ensure consumers feel like they're also doing their bit." In 2022, brands that snooze will definitely lose More and more consumers are becoming aware of their choices and realising that whether it is a worn-out piece of mask they decide to throw or a sanitary napkin or even as simple as a plain t-shirt, never really goes ‘away.’ It all ends up in a landfill. Human activities are clearly harming the global environment and brands have no choice but to migrate to sustainable solutions and work towards building a circular economy. So, in 2022, if brands don’t switch, they lose consumers, investors, and all stakeholders. Chowdhary said, “At the industry level, there is nothing without sustainability. The consumers of today are conscious and aware. They know the choices they are making. So if companies &amp; brands do not opt for sustainable practices, eventually the smart consumers are going to make a switch. We can only expect the awareness to grow and actions to increase, especially with the challenges that our planet is facing today.” Anjali Malthankar, National Strategy Director, Tonic Worldwide sees sustainability as one of the big topics in 2022 – right from fashion, green products, green living to electric vehicles, every category will be touched by sustainability filter. She said, “If the brands have already not made sustainability part of their commitment in any form yet, it’s high time they join the eco-wakening movement. Consumers are already looking for some form of reassurance or the other from brands in terms of conscious behaviour, as consumers are at different stages of adoption – it is a mix of curious, concerned, and advocates. At the very least, they are looking to not feel guilty about consuming the brand. Conscious living, mindful living, Green living, purposeful living are all the buzz words in communications today. For brands it is inevitable to have sustainability as a larger goal.” It is not just the environment and consumers who benefit from eco-friendly practices, businesses with low carbon footprints are more likely to have a better brand image and can easily woo consumers. Deep Bajaj, CEO &amp; Co-Founder, Sirona Hygiene said, “Companies are realizing that being conscious of their environmental impact can benefit them in every manner possible. Consumers desire sustainability owing to the ailing earth. Companies that work to become more environmentally responsible, not only contribute to a better future, but also establish a progressive brand image, happier employees, and a loyal client base. Consumers are real people who are affected by real environmental issues on a daily basis. They are aware that it is no longer limited to textbooks and that industrial activities have a direct impact on their daily lives. As a result, what goes into the making of a product and what goes inside it is extremely important to them. Other than environmental consciousness, they expect transparency from brands.” While brands in India have already started taking baby steps towards converting their business into a sustainable choice for consumers, we will get to witness more demonstrable actions in 2022. And those who fail to prioritise mother earth, will have to face consumers’ wrath. Deshpande said, “The emerging consumer base of millennials &amp; Gen Z is not a forgiving lot when it comes to ethics or ecology being compromised by a brand. But others are not quite as aware and may base their decision only on factors like price or convenience above sustainability. There is no choice. It is a survival mandate for a brand to become sustainable. Otherwise, we will see every resource being depleted in the next few decades.” Kantar BrandZ data shows that brands with weak purpose grow 70% but brands with strong purpose grow 175%. At the same time, India is still a price-sensitive country and consumers stick to the convenience of buying what you are used to. So, on how brands can move beyond mere lip-service and greenwashing this year, Raghvan suggested, “Use innovation to develop products developed against that purpose. Embrace design thinking across the board. Embed a new mindset deeply in the culture and transform from within. Communicate and evangelise with consumers." In 2022, experts are confident that brands will embrace sustainability that will benefit people, planet and profit.

Is 2022 the year when Indian brands will get more serious about sustainability?

Sustainability forum: How the tech sector is enabling sustainability transitions in India

<ul><li>The UN ‘Oscar for the Best Policy’ was awarded to the northeastern Indian state of <keyword id="48118" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sikkim">Sikkim</keyword>.</li><li>This makes Sikkim the 1st fully <keyword id="1194427" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="organic-state">organic state</keyword> in the world with its sustainable agricultural policies that are inclusive and comprehensive of all socioeconomic aspects. </li><li>Pawan Kumar Chamling, the state’s Chief Minister, propagated ‘building an organic world together’.</li></ul>It’s not news that the north-eastern state of Sikkim is a leader in sustainable policies. But, the state’s efforts were <a href="http://www.fao.org/agroecology/slideshow/news-article/en/c/1157015/">finally recognised</a> by the <keyword id="6355833" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="united-nations">United Nations</keyword> (UN) garnering the award for having the world’s best food policies or what’s called the ‘Oscar for the Best Policy’. The world has its first fully organic state - and it’s in India. In actuality, Sikkim was already fully organic when 2015 rolled in having started its journey to being sustainable back in 2003. According to Maria Helena Semedo, Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Deputy Director, Sikkim’s policies have benefited over 66,000 family farmers. Rather than focusing on food security in isolation, the state’s food policies take socio-economic aspects like tourism, consumption, markets and development into its fold to form a comprehensive and inclusive approach toward agriculture. Sikkim’s organic world Unlike most regions that turn to sustainability and being organic as a solution once their natural capital in jeopardy, Sikkim’s organic policy came into being because of its treacherous terrain that makes normal farming methods obsolete. Going organic was an opportunity utilise land that was currently lying unused. Now Sikkim is home to bio-villages that employ effective microorganisms (EM) technology for compost and bio-pesticides. The agricultural fields use vermiculture hatcheries and compost-cum-urine pits for manure production. Even the seeds they use are organic, rather than the hybrids that are used in other parts of the country. With the ‘Seed Village Scheme’, Sikkim ensures that it has locally adapted high-quality seeds. And, in order to ensure that those seeds yield the maximum output, the state conducts regular soil health assessments. The transformation didn’t happen overnight. And the most important aspect of its success is probably the invention programme that was implemented to raise awareness about organic farming practices among farmers. That being said, it’s easier said than done. When Sikkim started on its journey to becoming an organic state in 2003, chemical lobbyists and opposition parties didn’t make it easy. Chamling asserted that it was through strong political commitment and hard work that Sikkim is where it is now. In fact, Sikkim’s story is a model example of sustainability that is currently being emulated in other northeastern states of the country and Kerala, who recently faced extensively floods as a result of unsustainable development amplified by climate change. Sikkim beat out 51 nominations from 25 countries from all over the world at the event organised by the FAO and the World Future Council (WFC). The state’s Chief Minister, Pawan Kumar Chamling, even stated, “Let us build an organic world together,” when accepting the award. (Image source: IANS)

The world has its first fully organic state - and it’s in India

<keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s external debt of $620.7 billion, as at end of March 2022, is sustainable and is being managed in a prudent manner, the <keyword id="144110" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="department-of-economic-affairs" source="Orion">Department of Economic Affairs</keyword>, under the Union Finance Ministry, said. In a recent report, the Department of Economic Affairs said the country's external debt continues to be sustainable and prudently managed. "As at end-March 2022, it stood at $620.7 billion, growing by 8.2 per cent over the level a year ago. External debt as a ratio to GDP (gross domestic product) was 19.9 per cent, while reserves to external debt ratio was 97.8 per cent," the report said. The sovereign debt at $130.7 billion rose higher by 17.1 per cent over its level a year ago, mainly because of additional allocation of special drawing rights (SDR) by the IMF during 2021-22. The non-sovereign debt, on the other hand, grew 6.1 per cent to $490 billion over the level as at end-March 2021. Experts had said that the external debt of $620.7 billion need not be a concern as $490 billion is non-government and the share of government is only $130.8 billion. Of the non-government debt, the share of non-financial corporations was about $250.2 billion. Further, the total debt of $620.7 billion as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) was 19.9 per cent and the debt service ratio was 5.2 per cent. Experts also said India cannot be compared with Sri Lanka that is in a severe economic crisis. The share of the central government in short term debt - maturing in a year's time- is only $7.7 billion out of the total $267 billion, experts had said. Commercial borrowings, <keyword id="11904949" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="nri" source="Orion">NRI</keyword> deposits, and short-term trade credit are the three biggest constituents of the non-sovereign debt, accounting for as much as 95.2 per cent. While NRI deposits declined by two per cent to $139 billion, commercial borrowings at $209.71 billion and short-term trade credit at $117.4 billion rose by 5.7 per cent and 20.5 per cent, respectively. According to the report, the debt vulnerability indicators continued to be benign. The debt service ratio fell significantly to 5.2 per cent during 2021-22 from 8.2 per cent during the previous year, reflecting buoyant current receipts and moderating external debt service payments. The debt service payment obligations arising out of the stock of external debt as at end of March 2022 are projected to trend downwards over the coming years. From a cross-country perspective, India's external debt is modest. In terms of various debt vulnerability indicators, India's sustainability was better than the Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) as a group and vis-a-vis many of them individually. According to the report, the US dollar continues to be the leading currency of denomination accounting for 53.2 per cent of the total as at end March 2022. Deposits in Non Resident (External) <keyword id="8182719" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="rupee-accounts" source="Orion">Rupee Accounts</keyword> (NR(E)RA), NRO accounts and <keyword id="725142" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="fpi" source="Orion">FPI</keyword> investments in Gsec and corporate bonds are among the components of India's external debt, denominated in Indian rupees. Indian rupee is the second leading currency of denomination with a lower share of 31.2 per cent of the total as at end-March 2022 than 33.3 per cent a year ago, reflecting erosion of outstanding FPI investments in G-Sec and corporate bonds ($50.1 billion from $51.4 billion as at end-March 2021) and balances under NRE accounts ($100.8 billion from $ 102.6 billion). Following the US dollar and the Indian rupee are the SDRs (6.6 per cent), the Japanese <keyword id="76265" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="yen" source="Orion">Yen</keyword> (5.4 per cent) and Euro (2.9 per cent). SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/delhi-liquor-shops-open-at-metro-station-premises/articleshow/93994229.cms">Delhi: Liquor shops open at Metro station premises</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/mistrys-body-to-undergo-autopsy-in-mumbai-pundoles-critical-but-stable/articleshow/93994156.cms">Mistry's body to undergo autopsy in Mumbai, Pundoles critical but stable</a>

India's external debt of $620bn is sustainable: Finance Ministry report

<ul><li>While the effort and intent are laudable, the question remains are you really contributing to your or the earth's health by embracing <keyword id="1284616" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="veganism">veganism</keyword>?</li><li>A poorly planned <keyword id="739882" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vegan-diet">vegan diet</keyword> can be quite harmful and can lead to various health risks, including a heightened risk of heart disease.</li><li>If it is the environment you are concerned about, then perhaps it is time to consider that splurging on imported avocados and almond milk is hardly sustainable. </li></ul> “I ate a lot of meat — I ate my 10, 15 eggs a day. I had my 250 grams of protein in a day because I weighed 250 pounds… As I got older and I started reading up on it, I recognised the fact that you really don’t have to get your protein from meat — or from animals,” <keyword id="22324" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Arnold-Schwarzenegger">Arnold Schwarzenegger</keyword>, Hollywood star and former California Governor says in the popular <keyword id="128682" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Netflix">Netflix</keyword> documentary, <keyword id="908691" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="The-Game-Changers">The Game Changers</keyword>. That alone moved many meat lovers in India to go vegan, overnight. However, there ought to be more thought behind a life-changing decision like stopping the food you have been consuming forever. The documentary itself faced its share of <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/game-changers-review#limitations">criticism</a> for scientific inaccuracies and promoting misinformation. Whether it is to live a healthier lifestyle — to lose weight, counter diabetes, dairy intolerance, improve sexual health — or save the planet, several Indians are embracing veganism. Also, there is the added bonus that following a vegan diet is not too much of a segue for Indian vegetarians, barring giving up on milk, curd, or paneer. However, while the effort and intent are laudable, the question remains are you really contributing to your or the earth's health by embracing veganism? Is the diet even sustainable in the long-run, particularly if you live in India? A poorly planned vegan diet can be quite harmful and can lead to various health risks, including a heightened <a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.com/vegan-diets-are-adding-to-malnutrition-in-wealthy-countries-107555" class="editor-rtfLink">risk</a> of heart disease. So, before you pat yourself on your back for giving up on cow milk while sipping on almond milk, it may be crucial to consider all the factors below before embracing the new lifestyle. <div type="image" title="Representative image." msid="81601105" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Representative image.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Affordability Often considered a diet for the rich, the first thing to consider here is will you be able to splurge thousands of rupees per week on items like plant-based milk, vitamin supplements or expensive vegetables and nuts required to provide the nutritional balance you need. Then, there is the added consideration that even if you are lucky enough to afford it, are the items you are buying genuine or, for that matter, fresh? For example, a litre of almond milk can set you back 200-300 rupees, and avocados can cost anywhere from 200 to 300 bucks for one piece, and that too the quality is suspect. However, nutrition expert and author of Everyday Superfoods, Dr Nandita Iyer tells Business Insider that "apart from almond milk, substitutes like soy milk or oat milk can be easily be made at home or even bought at reasonably cheaper rates, but of course the flavour might be slightly different and takes getting used to." She also points out that if you are looking to give up on dairy from an environmental perspective, then almond milk is "definitely not an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/food/2018/sep/05/ditch-the-almond-milk-why-everything-you-know-about-sustainable-eating-is-probably-wrong" class="editor-rtfLink">environmentally friendly option</a>". But given the rising popularity, many Indian brands, like Bengaluru-based Good Milk, are producing vegan plant-based dairy products like milk, butter, yoghurt at relatively reasonable prices. Age The common consensus is that a vegan diet is less than ideal for both children and the elderly. Children - Providing a child nutritious diet is tricky even under normal circumstances, where there is no dietary restriction. During their formative growing years, depriving children of essential nutrients derived from milk products and meat may lead to various health issues in kids. While during the first six months, babies primarily rely on breast milk or infant formula, post that what they eat will essentially lay the foundation of their future health. Within one year, a baby is meant to triple its birth weight. And while plants can provide sufficient proteins, the issue is substituting essential vitamins (B-12 and D) and minerals (iodine, zinc, iron and calcium) that can only be substituted via fortified foods and supplements. A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/15027383_Macrobiotic_nutrition_and_child_health_results_of_a_population-based_mixed-longitudinal_cohort_study_in_The_Netherlands" class="editor-rtfLink">study</a> conducted in the The Netherlands on children between 0-10 years who are on a macrobiotic diet — a diet based mainly on whole-grain cereals, pulses, and vegetables — noted that "ubiquitous deficiencies of energy, protein, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, calcium, and riboflavin were detected in macrobiotic infants, leading to retarded growth, fat and muscle wasting, and slower psychomotor development." It further adds that the breast milk of mothers who are on a vegan diet contained less vitamin B-12, calcium and magnesium. Seniors - While there are some health benefits of going vegan, it is essential that older adults get enough calories as well as nutrients to avoid the pitfalls of a vegan diet. Once again, planning meals is key because seniors need more protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B-12. For <a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.com/vegetarian-and-vegan-diet-five-things-for-over-65s-to-consider-when-switching-to-a-plant-based-diet-144088" class="editor-rtfLink">example</a>, while an average adult would need a daily dose of 700mg of calcium, men over 55 and postmenopausal women need 1200mg of calcium daily. It is essential to consult with a certified dietician before senior adults decide to give up on meat and dairy. <div type="image" title="Representative image." msid="81601190" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Representative image.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Actual dietary requirements Compared to a diet that includes meat and vegetables, a vegan diet is believed to be <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24667136/" class="editor-rtfLink">higher in fibre but lower in </a>protein, fatty acids, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and vitamins D and B-12. It is crucial to figure precisely what quantity of vegan alternatives you have to consume to make up for the switch. You may have to go heavy on the alternatives. For example, both fish and flaxseeds <a target="_blank" href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-a-vegetarian-or-vegan-diet-for-you" class="editor-rtfLink">contain</a> omega-3 fatty acids, but the human body doesn't absorb omega-3s from flaxseed as easily as it would from seafood. And while the other dietary requirements may have vegan alternatives, vitamin B-12 is an essential nutritional requirement that is absent in fruit or vegetables and present in meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Vitamin B-12 helps prevent nerve damage, and adults should consume 1.5 micrograms of the vitamin per day. According to a British Medical Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bmj.com/content/366/bmj.l4897" class="editor-rtfLink">study</a>, while fish eaters and vegetarians had lower rates of heart disease compared to non-vegetarians, vegetarians and vegans are believed to be more prone to strokes, possibly because of the B12 deficiency. While the quantity requirement is minuscule, B12 is only available via nutritional yeast (though the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200122-are-there-health-benefits-to-going-vegan" class="editor-rtfLink">claim</a> that this doesn't provide sufficient B-12) or fortified food, such as plant-based milk or vitamin supplements in a vegan diet. Where it comes from If it is the environment you are concerned about, then perhaps it is time to consider that splurging on imported avocados and almond milk is hardly sustainable. In addition to the air miles it consumes, which is definitely not good for the climate, there is an added burden on land and water resources, and increasingly, farmers are choosing to give up on sustainable farming practices and burdening the land by overgrowing these trendy products. For example, in Chile, which is one of the largest producers of avocados, the focus on growing water-guzzling avocados for profit has caused an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05oMsK0-jjA&amp;t=98s" class="editor-rtfLink">acute water shortage</a> in the country — for context, to grow around a kilogram (3-4 pieces), 1000 litres of water is needed. So, whether a vegan diet is actually contributing towards mitigating climate change or helping your health is a contentious issue, but it can, without doubt, be sustained here in India. Most of the supplements are easily available on places like Amazon, but yes, it will be on the steeper side. However, as and when this trend blossoms, it will lead Indian manufacturers to expand into this territory, and that will bring the costs down. Already there is a whole range of <keyword id="99613" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="mock-meat">mock meat</keyword> manufacturers making waves in the market. Dr Iyer tells us, "we have a huge bank of innately vegan recipes in Indian cuisine. For example, a lot of recipes from Kerala rely heavily on coconut milk and not regular cow milk. Even an entire sadhya meal that consists of 25-26 dishes can be entirely vegan and that is the beauty of Indian cuisine — I think it is the most vegan-friendly diet." SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-is-fourth-least-happy-country-in-the-world-checkout-list-of-10-unhappiest-countries-in-the-world/slidelist/81588422.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">India is the fourth least happy country in a year of lockdowns, deaths and work from home</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/tcs-to-dole-out-a-second-salary-hike-within-a-span-six-months-this-time-in-double-digits/articleshow/81589561.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">TCS to dole out a second salary hike within a span six months</a>

Is a vegan diet practical or sustainable for those living in India

New Delhi, Dec 19 () State-owned Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) on Thursday said it has inked a pact with Baghirathi Sustainability India to promote e-mobility in private and government agencies in the country.
 EESL has signed a memorandum of understanding with Baghirathi Sustainability India Pvt Ltd to explore the possibilities of promoting electric vehicles (EVs) in India, according to an EESL statement.
 With this partnership, EESL seeks to deploy around 250 EVs and fast-track the adoption of e-mobility within private and government agencies across India, starting with Telangana, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
 Baghirathi Sustainability India is currently operating a fleet of around 131 EVs in India. In 2016, transportation solutions company Baghirathi Group ventured into electric cars to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 Under EESL's EV programme, till date, a total of 1,510 electric cars have been deployed and another 500 are under registration. EESL has signed agreements with various public sector undertakings, government departments, and state governments of Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Gujarat, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and others for deploying e-cars.
 EESL is also working towards strengthening the charging infrastructure. Till date, 65 public charging stations (PCSs) complying with DC-001 (15kW) have been commissioned in Delhi.
 Apart from these PCSs, EESL has installed a total of 470 captive chargers, out of which 170 are DC-001 fast chargers and 300 are AC-001 chargers.
 EESL has already signed the pact with various urban local bodies and other organisations for setting up public charging infrastructure across India. The aim is to set up at least 10,000 charging stations in the next 2-3 years across India. KKS HRS

EESL inks pact with Baghirathi Sustainability India to promote EVs

<ul><li>Even though India's not opening any new coal-fired power plants at home, India still continues to fund coal plants overseas.</li><li>Nearly 30% of global coal financing was sourced from the Export-Import Bank of India.</li><li>Funding coal power plants in other countries poses a financial risk and isn't strategically sound, according to a finance specialist with Sustainable Energy for All.</li></ul>India is lauded for its aggressive targets to achieve <keyword id="8375792" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-energy-goals">sustainable energy goals</keyword> — like aiming to generate 175 GigaWatts (GW) of its energy from renewable sources by 2022. Its policy framework and ambitious targets for sustainable energy made it the top scorer in this year <a href="http://global-climatescope.org/assets/data/reports/climatescope-2019-report-en.pdf">Climatescope</a> rankings. Not only is India working towards bringing in more sources of renewable energy, but it's also cutting down on fossil fuels. Its existing coal fired power projects are reporting stress and no new financial commitments for coal plants have been made. However, India continues to financing coal fired power plants in other countries. "India is reducing its reliable on coal domestically, leading the world in solar PVs. But what it's still doing, which we find curious, is funding coal projects outside India," said Olivia Coldrey, the lead finance specialist at Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), an initiative launched by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to work towards SDG7, universal access to sustainable energy by 2030. It makes no financial sense As much as 30% of global coal financing was sourced from the Export-Import Bank of India. Most of it was for a project in Bangladesh amounting to $1.6 billion, according to data from SEforALL's Energizing Finance report. "It (investment in coal energy production) is economically questionable in the sense that we know it's cheaper in a lot of markets to build a new good connected solar or wind plant from scratch than to operate a fully depreciated coal plant," Coldrey told Business Insider. India is an exception to the trend of new coal fired power plants hitting their lowest level in a decade in 2018, according to Climatescope. "There's a real strategic question around India's continued financing of coal plants outside the country and whether it makes financial sense. There's a risk of stranded assets and reliance on the fuel supply stores in the destination country," explained Coldrey. Coal is dirty. Really dirty. But, it's also cheap, which is a big draw for developing nations like India. Nearly two-thirds of the country's electricity is generated using coal. "I would suggest that if India wanted to own the supply chain then it would be much better off owning the wind or solar supply chain. It's more economically sensible as an investment," noted Coldrey. There's hope yet — or maybe not Nearly two-thirds of the total financing — $24 billion — tracked in 2017 was investment in India and Bangladesh, according to Energizing Finance. "Money is responding to the targets," explained Coldrey. Most of the investment coming into India is coming from commercial entities. A shift has happened where the energy sector's development is no longer exclusively reliant on traditional development finance or public finance. "Money tends to move where investors, particularly in energy projects which are long term investments, when they are seen as a viable proposition," adds Coldrey. But there are still challenges to overcome. According to Climatescope's report, even though developing nations are moving towards cleaner power — it's not nearly fast enough. Even though investment is increasing, the requirements are much greater. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/you-can-experience-the-end-result-of-climate-change-today-with-virtual-reality/articleshow/72217525.cms">You can experience the end result of climate change today with virtual reality</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/more-than-two-thirds-of-asias-population-is-at-risk-of-coastline-flooding-by-2050-and-indias-on-the-front-line/articleshow/71816944.cms">More than two-thirds of Asia's population is at risk of coastline flooding by 2050 — and India's on the front line</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/climate-change-causes-australian-mammal-to-go-extinct/articleshow/68081948.cms">Climate change claims its first casualty in world's largest coral reef system</a>

India's still burning coal — just not at home

<ul><li>Speaking at a FICCI event, <keyword id="2665691" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Niti-Aayog">Niti Aayog</keyword> CEO <keyword id="6358887" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="amitabh-kant">Amitabh Kant</keyword> said India’s <keyword id="2966117" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="circular-economy">circular economy</keyword> will create 14 million jobs in the next 5-7 years. </li><li>India is already a leader in circular economy investments. </li><li>Sustainable development and resource circularity is an inescapable necessity today.</li></ul>Amidst India’s looming job crisis, the country’s circular economy will create 14 millions in the next 5-7 years, said Amitabh Kant, CEO of think tank NITI Aayog. Circular economy refers to an economic system which prioritizes waste management and maximum utilization of resources. “By 2050, world population would reach 9.7 billion of which 3 billion people would prosper to middle class consumption level. This would require 71% more resources per capita, thereby raising total mineral and material demand from 50 billion tonnes in 2014 to 130 billion tonnes in 2050,” said Kant, speaking at an event by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Between economy and ecology Kant also pointed out that India is the fourth largest producer of e-waste in the world. He also suggested that India needs a reconciliation between economy and ecology. Sustainable development and resource circularity is an inescapable necessity today said the NITI Aayog CEO. The effects of avoiding optimum utilization of resources will be high as well. “The corresponding economic impact of these current trends could induce price volatility and supply chain interruptions in critical and strategic materials, leaving a $4.5 trillion loss in global economic growth which could rise to $25 trillion by 2050,” he added. According to a <a href="https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/power/india-leading-among-developing-nations-in-circular-economy-investments-chatham-house/69447351">report</a> released by London’s Chatham House, India is leading in circular economy investments made by developing nations. The report says that India can save $218 billion of its GDP by promoting circular economy. India’s urban population of over 377 million generate 62 million tonnes of municipal solid waste every year, according to a report by <a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/waste/india-s-challenges-in-waste-management-56753">Down to Earth</a>, Meanwhile, India’s waste management industry is <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/04/17/1805220/0/en/India-14-Bn-Waste-to-Energy-and-Waste-Management-Market-to-2025.html">reported </a>to have reached $14 billion by 2025. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/Heres-how-much-an-IT-employee-makes-in-different-countries/articleshow/69739244.cms">Here’s how much an IT employee makes in different countries</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-draft-national-education-policy-one-common-admission-entrance-test/articleshow/69825504.cms">India may have one common exam for all college admissions – if the draft National Education Policy is passed</a>

India can create 14 million jobs by investing in sustainable development

A sixth-grade social science textbook that I read described India as a piece of fabric, with countless threads coloured in a myriad of majestic shades, woven together. This metaphor holds exceptionally well when put into the context of our <keyword id="22706215" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="handloom-industry" source="keywords">handloom industry</keyword>. India has a rich history of handlooms and weaving cultures. The culture of handlooms is so intricately woven into Indian culture, that there are whole towns dedicated to the same: <keyword id="248532" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chanderi" source="Orion">Chanderi</keyword> in Madhya Pradesh to Pochampally in Telangana and a dozen more! Unfortunately, the handloom industry in India is dying. The struggle is multi-faceted, ranging from a declining workforce to fierce competition from <keyword id="20496028" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="power-looms" source="keywords">power looms</keyword>. Hence, five years ago, August 7 was proclaimed <keyword id="22677698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Handloom-Day" source="keywords">National Handloom Day</keyword> in response to this crisis and to heighten public awareness. This date holds special historical significance, commemorating the initiation of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905—a pivotal act of defiance against British colonial rule. <h2>When did this industry come into existence?</h2>According to archaeological findings, the origins of handloom in the Indian subcontinent may be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Mughal Empire was known to support and patronise <keyword id="20258864" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="weavers" source="keywords">weavers</keyword>. The support from the royal patrons resulted in the invention of new textiles such as ‘Mulmul’ and ‘Banarasi Brocade’ among others. This era witnessed a heightened worldwide demand for Indian textiles. In the 17th century, India produced 25% of the world’s textiles, with Bengal accounting for more than 50% of textiles and 80% of silks imported by the Dutch from Asia. <h2>What led to the decline of the <keyword id="19934660" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-handloom" source="keywords">Indian handloom</keyword>?</h2>The East India Company's entry fuelled the industry's initial decline, which started in the 1830s. The weavers were obliged to sell only to the British, and that too at exceedingly cheap prices, virtually putting them out of business. On the other hand, Indian cloth was taxed excessively to promote machine-made British clothing. The Industrial Revolution in Britain strengthened their indigenous textile industry, giving rise to new markets for cheaper textiles. In India, the collapse of the Mughal aristocracies meant no access to royal patronage. As a result, textiles like Khadi and muslin had little demand in the market. Circling back to the present, the industry is facing both similar and new challenges. Fabrics made on power looms are cheaper and faster to produce, in comparison to handloom fabrics. The industry is largely unorganised, and the wages are shockingly low. 67% of <keyword id="22706216" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="handloom-workers" source="keywords">handloom workers</keyword> are earning less than the minimum wage every month. Faced with economic challenges, the older artisans are thus forced to encourage the newer generation to choose an alternative career path. This migration of the workforce from a traditional sector is evident from the fall in the number of weavers less than 35 years of age- from 26.13 lakh in 2009-10 to 16.07 lakh in 2019-20. The majority of weavers do not have access to banking facilities, let alone institutional credit. Furthermore, if one manages to accumulate credit, there is a mismatch between the supply and demand forces due to the lack of awareness about handwoven textiles in the current generation. <h2>Initiatives for revival</h2>The cultural significance of the Indian handloom isn’t just limited to its beauty and extravagance, but it extends to our independence struggle as well. The Swadeshi movement immortalised the charkha and advocated for the use of indigenous goods. Following independence, the Indian government took many measures to revive the handloom industry. In 1953, India’s Parliament approved the Khadi and Other Handloom Industries Development Act. In 1955, the All India Handloom Fabrics Marketing Cooperative Society was formed to promote the sale of fabrics produced by handloom cooperatives across India. The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) aimed to provide financial assistance for marketing and production. The Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme offers health and life insurance to weavers, to ensure social security. The organisation commenced a fortnight-long exhibition, “VIRAASAT” dedicated to celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day began at Handloom Haat in Janpath, New Delhi on Saturday, 3rd August 2024, and will conclude on 16th August 2024. The Handloom Mark scheme was introduced to authenticate handloom products, thus enabling weavers to gain better market access and ensuring that consumers get genuine products. Moreover, the India Trade Portal also mentions that the GOI plans to provide financial assistance of Rs. 30 crore to at least 10,000 handlooms. Various state governments also regularly conduct handloom expos and fairs, providing platforms for weavers to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers. <h2>Contemporary Brands and their love for Indian handloom</h2>Modern, popular designers such as <keyword id="8264" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sabyasachi" source="Orion">Sabyasachi</keyword> and <keyword id="21493890" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ritu-kumar" source="keywords">Ritu Kumar</keyword> are known to work closely with weavers and have been doing their part by bringing worldwide attention to the handloom industries. Recently, <keyword id="1472101" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ajrakh" source="Orion">Ajrakh</keyword> was brought into the limelight when Alia Bhatt wore a custom Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Ajrakh saree to Joy Awards in Riyadh. However, it’s not just the fashion moguls who are working towards the revival of this industry. Contemporary indie brands are partnering with local weavers, and creating awareness about their work. The emergence of such indie brands and their association with local artisans is beneficial for both entities. For instance, Joskai Studio derives its name from ‘Joskai’, a woven piece of cloth worn as a part of the traditional costume of the Tiwa community of Assam. They work with artisans in northeast India, specifically from the weaving village of Saualkuchi in Assam. Rouka by Sreejith Jeevan is a Kerala-based brand that works strictly with weavers from Kerala, specifically Chendamangalam and Kuthampally. <h2>Employment and Exports</h2>According to the Indian Trade Portal, the Indian handloom sector is the country’s second-largest employer after agriculture in rural areas. The Handloom Census 2019-20 mentions that the industry employs about 35,22,512 workers across the country, with women forming 77.29% of the workforce. India is the second largest exporter of handloom products in the world, with exports valued at $ 353.9 million in 2017- 18, as per EXIM bank's working papers. The major handloom export centres are Karur, Panipat, Varanasi and Kannur where handloom products like bed linen, table linen, toilet linen, floor coverings, and embroidered textile materials and curtains etc. are produced for export markets. During April 2021-February 2022, India exported handloom products worth 1693 crore, as per Indian Trade Portal. Indian silk scarves also form a sizable chunk of total handloom exports, in addition to home textiles like carpets, rugs and mats, which constitute over 13.6% of India’s total handloom exports. <h2>The Path Forward</h2>The mere existence of organisations and allocation of funds isn’t enough to sustain the legacy of India’s rich handloom industry. Big corporations working with local weavers ensure employment but don't protect them from exploitation and meagre wages, leaving them vulnerable. The people in power ought to come up with strategies that ensure the trickle-down effect of the schemes and funds. The new generation of buyers has a greater purchasing power than the one before them. Marketing focused on bringing Indian handloom practices into the limelight can do wonders in this case.

Fabric of a nation: Sustaining India's handloom legacy in modern times

<keyword id="19895282" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mumbai" source="keywords">Mumbai</keyword>, <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword> can sustain 8 per cent annual GDP growth and the conducive macroeconomic configuration may become a launching pad for a step-up in the country's growth trajectory, said an article on the 'State of Economy' in the central bank's March <keyword id="21015227" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bulletin" source="keywords">Bulletin</keyword> published on Tuesday. Over the period 2021-24, gross domestic product (GDP) growth has averaged above 8 per cent. The global economy is losing steam, with growth slowing in some of the most resilient economies and high frequency indicators, pointing to further levelling in the period ahead, said the article authored by a team led by <keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rbi" source="keywords">RBI</keyword> Deputy Governor <keyword id="20244361" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="michael-debabrata-patra" source="keywords">Michael Debabrata Patra</keyword>. In India, real GDP growth was at a six-quarter high in the October-December period of 2023-24, powered by strong momentum, robust indirect taxes, and lower subsidies. The high visibility of structural demand and healthier corporate and bank balance sheets will likely be the galvanising forces for growth going forward. "The world is confronted with large shifts in structure and sentiments, which are either underway or impending," it said. The article noted that the outlook is shrouded with layers of uncertainty, exacerbated by geopolitical and extreme weather risks as well as fragmenting forces. By contrast, it said the Indian economy is experiencing a conducive macroeconomic configuration that can be its launching pad for a step-up in its growth trajectory. "Over the period 2021-24, growth has averaged above 8 per cent; and the underlying fundamentals indicate that this can be sustained and even built upon," the authors said. The current account deficit is modest, external buffers are resilient and fiscal consolidation is into its third consecutive year even as corporations are deleveraging and improving their debt servicing capacity. According to the article, balance sheets in the financial sector are sound and healthy, providing the wherewithal for intermediating the productive credit needs of a resurgent economy. "Financial markets are reflecting these favourable formations. Capital inflows have resumed strongly as investor interest floods back into India," it said. The authors further said technology is offering new growth opportunities to seize by becoming more competitive and efficient. "The time has come to build world class infrastructure, strong manufacturing bases, a high-quality labour force and global leadership in services to convert these favourable factors into opportunities and strengths over the next few decades," they added. The article further said the aggregate demand in the third quarter of 2023-24 was investment-driven, with some indications of a revival of the private capex cycle. Capacity utilisation in several sectors has reached a point where there has to be new investments. "The current financial year will likely see the highest ever length of four-lane roads being constructed, along with the highest ever length of speed or access-controlled highways -- on course to create a world-class road network by 2037," it said. It also noted that the demand outlook for premium consumer businesses is robust and the growth rhythm is expected to persist into the medium-term. This suggests that there are significant per capita income shifts underway, it said, adding that small town opportunities are leading to growth of business across lifestyle segments, with companies that entered these markets enjoying the fruits of being first movers.

India can sustain 8% growth, even higher: RBI bulletin

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Vistaraku, a company based in <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>, makes <keyword id="763264" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Biodegradable">biodegradable</keyword> <keyword id="732444" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Plates">plates</keyword> and bowls from the leaves of the Palash tree.</li><li>The leaves have natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which make eating from them a <keyword id="6568550" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="sustainable">sustainable</keyword> and healthy option.</li><li>Madhavi and Venu Vippulancha started Vistaraku out of their love for <keyword id="6360307" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Nature">nature</keyword>.</li><li>Each of the plates and bowls are made by women from Siddipet, Hyderabad, and Thimmareddypally.</li></ul>EDITOR'S NOTE: This <keyword id="21654" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="video">video</keyword> was originally published in October 2019.

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