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A new study by <keyword id="5069783" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Centre-for-Chronic-Disease-Control" source="Orion">Centre for Chronic Disease Control</keyword>, India (CCDC) on cardiovascular risk reduction in South Asia has demonstrated significant long-term benefits of a multi-faceted quality improvement (QI) strategy, comprising of task sharing, and clinical decision support software (CDSS) with electronic health records, in managing type-2 diabetes in India and Pakistan. The study, published in the prestigious journal PLOS Medicine, highlights the sustained impact of QI interventions on <keyword id="21411276" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="diabetes-care" source="keywords">diabetes care</keyword> and associated complications over a median follow-up period of 6.5 years. The burden of diabetes Diabetes control remains a global challenge, leading to severe complications such as <keyword id="22908" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="heart-disease" source="Orion">heart disease</keyword>, <keyword id="25191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="stroke" source="Orion">stroke</keyword>, <keyword id="16753" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="blindness" source="Orion">blindness</keyword> or visual impairment, and kidney and nerve damage. LMICs are often faced with challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and trained healthcare staff with digital literacy. In that respect, the study's findings are crucial for integrating care models sustainably and identifying relevant organizational barriers. Previous studies from high-income countries showed improvements in diabetes care, but their long-term impact on vascular complications and mortality was unclear. This study aimed to address the critical gap in data regarding the long-term effectiveness of QI strategies and their impacts on vascular complications in LMICs. Professor Nikhil Tandon, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and senior author of the study explained the relevance of these findings in the context of national efforts to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs). He said, "The <keyword id="22511956" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Programme-for-NCDs" source="keywords">National Programme for NCDs</keyword> [NP-NCDs] operationalized by the Government of India has already a functional portal which provides an electronic health record functionality. Integrating the CDSS in this portal will provide significant incremental benefit to the impact of the National Programme, and bolster governmental efforts to battle the scourge of NCDs including diabetes and hypertension." Speaking about the findings, Prof. (Dr) Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Executive Director, CCDC, and one of the study authors, said, "Through the trial, we've demonstrated that a sustained quality improvement strategy can significantly enhance diabetes care and reduce complications in South Asia. For every 13 patients treated with this strategy, one major adverse cardiovascular event like heart attacks or strokes- or a microvascular event -like eye disease or decline in kidney function- was prevented, showcasing its profound impact on patient outcomes." Professor MK Ali, William H. Foege Distinguished Professor of Global Health, Emory University and one of the key authors of this article, said, "This study is an exemplar of trans-national collaboration for benefits of both, the global south and global north." Study Design and Findings The randomized clinical trial included 1,146 patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes across ten outpatient diabetes clinics from January 2011 through September 2019. Participants were randomized to receive either the QI strategy, which involved trained non-physician care coordinators and a clinical decision support software (CDSS) integrated into the electronic health record form, for physicians, or the usual care. Some of the key findings from the study include: <ul><li>At 6.5 years, patients in the QI strategy group were nearly twice as likely to achieve and maintain target levels for HbA1c (&lt;7%), systolic blood pressure (&lt;130mmHg), and LDL-cholesterol (&lt;100mg/dl), compared to the usual care group. </li><li> The incidence of first microvascular complications, such as diabetic eye disease, decline in kidney function, and nerve pain was notably 32% lower in the QI group. </li><li>There was a significant 28% reduction in the combined occurrence of microvascular and macrovascular events in the QI group.</li></ul> Importantly, these benefits were sustained only in clinics that continued the QI strategy for 6.5 years. With diabetes accounting for one in seven deaths in South Asia, the study provides unique insights into the sustainability of QI strategies in achieving diabetes care goals in low- and middle-income (LMICs) and the effects of these improvements on reducing vascular complications and diabetes-related deaths.

CCDC study reveals multi-pronged diabetes care improves patient outcomes in India, Pakistan

When ChatGPT launched in November 2022, it was being looked upon as something straight out of a Sci-Fi film. The <keyword id="19896272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="generative-AI" source="keywords">generative AI</keyword> chatbot could write, code, compose music and whatnot. While many people started using the AI chatbot everyday and started appreciating it, there were others who were afraid that the chatbot would take away their jobs. And then there were people who believed that knowing how to use <keyword id="20096338" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-tools" source="keywords">AI tools</keyword> would be a necessary skill in the future. “AI won’t replace your job but someone using AI tools would” was a popular quote surfacing on LinkedIn at the time AI tools started getting popular. And as per a recent study, this quote holds true. A new study by Gartner says that by 2027, a staggering 80% of engineering professionals may find themselves at risk of <keyword id="20080267" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="job-loss" source="keywords">job loss</keyword> if they do not adapt and enhance their skills, particularly in the face of advancing generative AI technologies. Generative AI is changing the way software development and engineering roles are approached at the workplace. This shift poses significant challenges for engineers who have relied on traditional skills and methods. As AI systems become more capable of performing tasks previously done by humans, engineers must recognise the importance of staying current with new tools and methodologies to remain competitive in the job market. According to an Analytics India Mag report, industry experts warn that those who do not actively pursue further education or training may struggle to secure employment. As the demand for <keyword id="23563446" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-related-skills" source="keywords">AI-related skills</keyword> rises, professionals who fail to adapt risk being left behind. The pressure to keep pace with technological advancements is not just a trend; it’s becoming a necessity for career survival. To mitigate the risks associated with job displacement, engineers should engage in <keyword id="20186222" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lifelong-learning" source="keywords">lifelong learning</keyword>. Upskilling can take various forms, including online courses, workshops, and certifications focused on AI and machine learning. Many educational institutions and online platforms are responding to this need by offering specialised programmes tailored to the demands of the industry. The call for continuous learning is not just about acquiring new technical skills. It also involves developing soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. These competencies are increasingly valuable in a world where collaboration with AI systems will become the norm.

Study reveals 80% of software engineers must upskill by 2027 to keep their jobs

In the Pindwara village of Rajasthan, a grassroots-level initiative led by local women has transformed the community's approach to nutrition. The women, part of a self-help group, began cultivating kitchen gardens to ensure a steady supply of diverse and nutritious food for their families. These gardens now yield various fruits and vegetables, contributing to a balanced diet and reducing the community's dependence on market-bought, often less nutritious food items. This initiative has improved health and empower women by giving them control over their family's nutrition. Similarly, in the tribal regions of Chhattisgarh, a collective effort by local community leaders has revitalized traditional agricultural practices. The community has reintroduced indigenous crops like millets and pulses, which are more resilient to the changing climate and require fewer resources to cultivate. These crops are rich in essential nutrients and have historically been part of the local diet. The community's efforts have not only preserved these traditional foods but also improved the nutritional status of the population, particularly children and women. These <keyword id="22748061" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="community-led" source="keywords">community-led</keyword> initiatives are part of a broader pattern observed in a recent study on <keyword id="22747862" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="diet-diversity" source="keywords">diet diversity</keyword> in <keyword id="20109648" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rural-India" source="keywords">rural India</keyword>. The qualitative study by NGO Vitamin Angels India and supported by UNICEF, conducted across several states, found that communities with strong local leadership and grassroots initiatives showed significant improvements in diet diversity and nutritional outcomes. According to government data, about 17% of children in the age group of 0-5 years are underweight, while 36% are stunted and 6% are wasted (too thin for their height, indicating acute malnutrition). Stunted, wasted, and underweight are key indicators of malnutrition in children aged 0-5 years. The research highlighted that while government programs and interventions are essential, the involvement and initiative of the community are critical to the success and sustainability of these efforts. One of the key findings of the study was that communities with active local participation in nutrition-related activities, such as kitchen gardening and the cultivation of traditional crops, had a higher intake of diverse and nutritious food. The research, which employed a mix of focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and home observations, reveals how collective and individual contexts -- ranging from socio-cultural norms to economic challenges -- influence dietary practices across different communities like the brick-kiln workers, fishers, and salt pan workers among others. This was particularly evident in regions where women played a central role in these initiatives. The study also noted that these communities were more resilient to food insecurity and were better able to cope with economic and environmental challenges. For example, the study looked into the lives of salt pan workers in Jodhpur who prioritize their children's nutrition despite financial hardships. They ensure that their children never go hungry, even if it means offering biscuits or bread-milk. It suggested that while government initiatives provide the necessary framework and resources, real change happens when communities take ownership of these programmes and adapt them to their local contexts. To enhance the effectiveness of nutritional interventions for pregnant women and children under five, several key recommendations emerge from the study. First, there is a critical need to strengthen the role of ASHA and Anganwadi workers, who are often the primary source of health information in many communities. By providing these workers with advanced training that equips them to offer tailored advice based on the specific socio-cultural and economic contexts of the families they serve, the reach and impact of nutritional programs can be significantly increased. Subsidies for essential complementary foods are another vital measure to address the financial barriers that many families face. These subsidies would ensure that even in economically disadvantaged households, children receive the necessary nutrients during crucial developmental stages, the study recommended. Additionally, promoting a blend of legacy knowledge with modern nutritional insights can lead to more culturally acceptable and effective practices. Health education programs that respect and incorporate local beliefs while introducing scientifically backed practices are likely to be more successful in achieving sustainable behavioral change. Support for maternal health is also paramount. Implementing programs that provide additional food or rest for pregnant women, particularly during the last trimester, can have a positive impact on both maternal and child health outcomes. These programs should be designed with an understanding of local familial structures and dynamics, ensuring that they are accessible and acceptable within the community. Community-based nutritional programs should be developed to emphasize the importance of child nutrition and encourage collective action. Workshops and informational sessions led by trusted community members or healthcare professionals can play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and encouraging healthy practices. Finally, improving access to fresh and nutritious food, particularly in remote or economically disadvantaged areas, is essential. This could involve initiatives such as creating community gardens, improving market access, or providing transportation subsidies to reach markets with a wider variety of foods.

Community-led nutrition initiatives in rural India can boost diet diversity, empower women, says study

<ul><li>The <keyword id="19899810" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reserve-Bank-of-India" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reserve Bank of India" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reserve Bank of India">Reserve Bank of India</keyword>’s <keyword id="20104157" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="monetary-policy" source="keywords">monetary policy</keyword> meeting is set to begin today.</li><li>The central bank will announce the outcome of the <keyword id="22684891" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MPC-meeting" source="keywords">MPC meeting</keyword> on October 9.</li><li><keyword id="19899808" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI" source="keywords">RBI</keyword> has kept the <keyword id="20094323" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="repo-rate" source="keywords">repo rate</keyword> unchanged for the last nine consecutive meetings.</li></ul>The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to begin its three-day monetary policy meeting on Monday and will run from October 7 to October 9. All eyes are on the outcome, as the central bank has kept the repo rate unchanged for the last nine consecutive meetings. The repo rate, currently at 6.50%, has remained steady since the RBI adopted a cautious stance to balance inflation control and economic growth. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), headed by RBI Governor <keyword id="19913110" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shaktikanta-Das" source="keywords">Shaktikanta Das</keyword>, is expected to weigh key factors like inflationary trends, global economic uncertainties, and domestic growth prospects. Inflation continues to be a challenge, particularly in food and fuel prices, which saw a surge earlier this year. As per the data from the Ministry of Statistics &amp; Programme Implementation, though the All India Consumer Price inflation in August was 3.65%, which is under the RBI target band the food inflation stands at 5.65% and it remains above the RBI's medium-term target of 4%. Despite these inflationary pressures, the RBI has opted for a status quo on the repo rate, primarily to support economic recovery post-pandemic. However, there are rising concerns that external factors, like the rising global crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia, may compel the RBI to reconsider its current stance. Earlier this month the central government appointed three new members to the monetary policy committee. The MPC comprises three members from the RBI and three external members appointed by the Central Government. The newly reconstituted committee consists of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India as the Chairperson, ex officio; the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, in charge of monetary policy--Member, ex officio, and one officer of the Reserve Bank of India, nominated by the Central Board -- Member, ex officio. The new external members included in the MPC are Professor Ram Singh, Director, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, Saugata Bhattacharya, economist; and Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Director and Chief Executive, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development. Market participants and analysts are closely monitoring this meeting for any forward guidance on future rate actions. Many believe the central bank will continue its wait-and-watch approach, but a surprise rate hike cannot be entirely ruled out. On September 18, the <keyword id="19901377" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="US-Federal-Reserve" source="keywords">US Federal Reserve</keyword> announced a steep 50 basis points interest cut in its review meeting. US Fed announced the rate cuts after holding interest rates steady for eight straight meetings. The outcome of the MPC meeting will be announced on October 9 and will set the tone for future monetary policies amid the changing global economic landscape. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will commence its three-day monetary policy meeting on Monday, October 7th, and continue until October 9th. The result of this meeting is eagerly anticipated, as the central bank has maintained a steady repo rate for the past nine consecutive meetings. The repo rate has remained at 6.50% since the RBI adopted a cautious approach to balance inflation control and economic growth. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), led by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, will consider various factors, including inflationary trends, global economic uncertainties, and domestic growth prospects. Inflation remains a challenge, particularly in food and fuel prices, which surged earlier this year. According to data from the Ministry of Statistics &amp; Programme Implementation, All India Consumer Price inflation in August was 3.65%, within the RBI's target band, however, food inflation stands at 5.65%, exceeding the RBI's medium-term target of 4%. Despite inflationary pressures, the RBI has opted to maintain the repo rate to support economic recovery post-pandemic. Nonetheless, rising concerns about external factors, such as increasing global crude oil prices due to tensions in West Asia, may prompt the RBI to reassess its current stance. Earlier this month, the central government appointed three new members to the monetary policy committee. The MPC consists of three members from the RBI and three external members appointed by the Central Government. It is worth noting that on September 18, the US Federal Reserve announced a substantial 50 basis points interest rate cut in its review meeting, reversing its previous stance of holding rates steady for eight consecutive meetings. With inputs from ANI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/september-auto-sales-automakers-report-a-decline-mahindra-and-mahindra-overtakes-tata-motors/articleshow/113925972.cms">September Auto sales – Automakers report a decline, Mahindra and Mahindra overtakes Tata Motors</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ola-electric-continues-to-lose-market-share-as-bajaj-auto-and-tvs-motor-gain/articleshow/113900252.cms">Ola Electric continues to lose market share as Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor gain</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/airtel-is-using-ai-powered-technology-to-block-spam-calls-and-messages/articleshow/113691942.cms">Airtel is using AI-powered technology to block spam calls and messages</a>

RBI's monetary policy committee meeting begins today, announcement on October 9

<keyword id="22865833" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-vendors" source="keywords">Online vendors</keyword> have generated 15.8 million <keyword id="19914922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jobs" source="keywords">jobs</keyword> in <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>, including 3.5 million for women, with about 1.76 million retail enterprises participating in <keyword id="19990771" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce" source="keywords">e-commerce</keyword> activity, says a report released on Wednesday. The report 'Assessing the Net Impact of e-Commerce on <keyword id="19898684" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="employment" source="keywords">Employment</keyword> and Consumer Welfare in India' was launched by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. "Plugging in data from our survey, we estimate that online vendors generate 15.8 million jobs, including 3.5 million jobs for women," the report prepared by Pahle India Foundation (PIF), a Delhi-based policy research institute, said. E-commerce, according to the report, has been a key driver of employment generation In India. On an average, online vendors employ 54 per cent more people and almost twice the number of female employees, compared to offline vendors. The report noted that two of the most widely-recognised contributions of e-commerce penetration in the retail sector are --growth in employment and improvements in consumer welfare. It said rather than displacing physical markets, e-commerce is expanding into new territories like tier 3 cities. "Our data shows that a higher percentage of Tier 3 city consumers spend more than Rs 5,000 per month on online shopping as compared to consumers from bigger cities," it said, adding this is the India consumption story, which enables the co-existence of physical and digital retail. The study analysed the impact e-commerce has had on employment and consumer welfare through a pan-India survey of 2,062 online vendors, 2,031 offline vendors, and 8,209 consumers of products from e-commerce websites across 35 cities in 20 states and UTs. According to the report, each e-commerce vendor on an average employs about 9 people, of which 2 are female, while each offline vendor employs about 6 people, of which only 1 is female. It pointed out that there was increase in employment across skill levels, including high-skilled (management, marketing), medium-skilled (customer service, operations), and low-skilled (warehousing, logistics, delivery) functions. The report said that the growth of e-commerce and accompanying digitalisation have fundamentally changed the skill sets and roles required in the industry. "Vendors have experienced improved business performance parameters since listing online, including higher sales and profits," it said. According to the report, 60 per cent and 52 per cent of vendors, respectively, state that their sales and profits have increased since the time they have started selling online. "Overall, more than two thirds of the online vendors interviewed experienced an increase in online sales value and profits in the past year," the report said, adding that 58 per cent saw an increase in both. Barring costs, it said vendors have seen a positive shift in all other aspects of business performance since they started selling online. The report said there is a strong business case for offline vendors to list on e-commerce platforms or pursue an omni-channel strategy. "E-commerce integration has accrued significant benefits to vendors from smaller cities and micro-enterprises," it said. The study also delves into how e-commerce has reshaped consumer behaviour, noting that consumers have shifted to online shopping for reasons that include convenience, product variety, and access. "A highly engaged consumer base is indicated by the fact that more than 50 per cent of all respondents to the survey spent more than two hours on e-commerce platforms a week, and that 70 per cent made a purchase via e-commerce in the last month alone," it said. Speaking at the event, former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said, e-commerce has revolutionized India's retail landscape. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation(MoSPI) secretary Saurabh Garg lauded the government's initiatives expanding digital public infrastructure that have enabled the smooth expansion of e-commerce. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-and-airtel-gained-over-3-million-subscribers-in-june-vi-lost-nearly-a-million/articleshow/112670406.cms">Reliance Jio and Airtel gained over 3 million subscribers in June, Vi lost nearly a million</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/the-iphone-pro-models-will-be-made-in-india-for-the-first-time-this-year/articleshow/112653019.cms">The iPhone Pro models will be made in India for the first time this year</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/orient-technologies-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112646237.cms">Orient Technologies IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a>

Online vendors generated 15.8 million jobs in India: e-commerce report

With <keyword id="19899402" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital" source="keywords">digital</keyword> adoption fast gaining currency, <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> is likely to see <keyword id="19992513" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="retail" source="keywords">retail</keyword> <keyword id="19989657" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-payments" source="keywords">digital payments</keyword> double to USD 7 trillion by 2030 from current levels, a study by Kearney and <keyword id="19942875" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-Pay" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Amazon Pay" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Amazon Pay">Amazon Pay</keyword> said. In the report 'How Urban India Pays', Kearney-Amazon Pay said strong adoption of digital payments in <keyword id="21056201" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="online-purchases" source="keywords">online purchases</keyword> has potentially led to a permanent shift in consumer behaviours, fuelling offline adoption as well. While 90 per cent of the respondents of the survey preferred digital payments when making online purchases, affluent consumers lead the way with the highest Degree of Digital Payment Usage (DDPU), tending to use various modes of digital payment for 80 per cent of their transactions. "<keyword id="19955338" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="millennials" source="keywords">Millennials</keyword> and Gen X are leading in the adoption of all types of digital payment instruments," it said. "Men and women both use digital payments in about 72 per cent of their transactions, indicating gender parity." The research was based on an online survey of over 6,000 consumers along with more than 1,000 merchants through offline and online methods across 120 cities with representation from various regions, income groups, city categories, age brackets and genders. India has seen a surge in <keyword id="19990771" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce" source="keywords">e-commerce</keyword>, with the market valued at USD 75 billion to USD 80 billion in 2022 and expected to grow at a 21 per cent CAGR until 2030. "In line with India's digital journey, retail digital payments have grown dramatically over the past five years - from USD 300 billion in FY18 to USD 3.6 trillion in FY24. By FY30, they are likely to double to USD 7 trillion," the report said. The Unified Payments Interface (<keyword id="19900911" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="UPI" source="keywords">UPI</keyword>) has been a key driver of this growth, demonstrating a CAGR of 138 per cent in its volumes during FY18-24. Other instruments such as cards and digital wallets are also gaining in popularity, contributing 10 per cent of digital transaction value today. "With such dynamic developments, it is no wonder that India is a global frontrunner in the digital payment landscape, accounting for a stellar 46 per cent of the global digital transaction volumes in 2022," it said. Digital payments have penetrated small towns, with respondents in these areas highlighting that 65 per cent of their transactions are digital, while respondents in larger cities cited this ratio to be 75 per cent. "There is a strong correlation between a city's average DDPU and its retail potential, as measured by the Kearney India Retail Index, with the top six metros displaying both high DDPU and high retail potential," the report said. DDPU surpasses retail potential in some cities such as Lucknow, Patna, Bhopal, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Ahmedabad and Pune, which have a high DDPU nearly matching that of larger metropolitan cities despite having a lower retail potential than the top six metros. The report said co-branded credit cards are gaining momentum. "Emerging methods such as buy now, pay later (BNPL), wearable payments and voice assistant-based payments are also starting to make inroads." Digital modes of payment constitute around 69 per cent of the total transaction volumes for the Indian merchants that were surveyed. Even street vendors such as paan shops, fruit and flower sellers, food stalls, and kirana stores are joining the digital payment brigade. "Challenges for merchant adoption mirror consumer concerns, emphasizing issues of financial fraud, limited connectivity and trust," it said. The report said the next wave of growth in digital payments will be fueled by increasing penetration in segments with lower DDPU, such as consumers in lower-income groups and smaller towns, along with enhancing the value of spending via digital modes of payment in the higher DDPU segments by addressing their concerns. "All key stakeholders across the digital payments' ecosystem, including payment providers, the government, and value-added services players, will need to play a part in expanding digital payment adoption," it said. The focus areas should be empowering communities with financial education by launching target programmes to boost awareness of digital payments and new methods such as UPI Lite and UPI Lite X, especially for aspiring consumer segments, women in small towns, and street commerce merchants, to encourage higher adoption. Also, there is a need to create user-friendly consumer journeys by streamlining documentation and know-your-customer (<keyword id="19910870" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kyc" source="keywords">KYC</keyword>) processes, optimising user interfaces, and establishing responsive customer complaint resolution mechanisms, it said adding also there is a need to enhance digital infrastructure by addressing systems and network issues and exploring innovations such as UPI Lite X for areas with limited internet. Also, the risk of fraud has to be minimised and access to credit-based payment methods expanded by using alternate data for underwriting risk, developing innovative credit products and promoting credit education for financial health. "These areas can help India overcome challenges in the digital payment ecosystem by fostering a more inclusive, secure, and user-friendly environment, thereby enhancing the adoption of digital payments among consumers and merchants in India," it added.

India to see retail digital payments to double to USD 7 tn by 2030: Report

<ul><li>2.3 million newborns die of severe bacterial infections each year, the experts said in a report published in the December 2022 Bulletin of the <keyword id="43588" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="Orion">World Health Organization</keyword>.</li><li>Over the last decade, <keyword id="149212" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="amr" source="Orion">AMR</keyword> has worsened to the point where around 50-70 per cent of common pathogens show a high degree of resistance to available first and second-line antibiotics, they said.</li><li>According to the report, ethical concerns, logistical issues and regulatory requirements have made it difficult to conduct clinical research in newborns.</li></ul>There is an urgent need to develop antibiotics for newborn babies, a population that is particularly vulnerable to antibiotic resistance, according to leading global public health experts including those from India. Recent estimates show about 2.3 million newborns die of severe bacterial infections each year while an increasing number are becoming resistant to currently used antibiotics, the experts said in a report published in the December 2022 Bulletin of the World Health Organization. Over the last decade, AMR has worsened to the point where around 50-70 per cent of common pathogens show a high degree of resistance to available first and second-line antibiotics, they said. The paper is co-authored by international experts in the field of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including those from the Global Antibiotic Research &amp; Development Partnership (GARDP) and <keyword id="6365231" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="all-india-institute-of-medical-sciences" source="Orion">All India Institute of Medical Sciences</keyword> (<keyword id="40458" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="aiims" source="Orion">AIIMS</keyword>). The authors noted that despite substantial progress in medical research and a steep decline in the number of children under the age of five who die of preventable diseases, many problems related to child health remain to be tackled. Severe bacterial infections are one of them. "There is an urgent need to identify high priority antibiotics to understand which ones work best and safely in children, and then make them available where they are needed," said <keyword id="15914044" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="mike-sharland" source="Orion">Mike Sharland</keyword> from St George's, <keyword id="125994" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="university-of-london" source="Orion">University of London</keyword> (SGUL), and member of the <keyword id="15914043" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="antimicrobial-resistance-programme" source="Orion">Antimicrobial Resistance Programme</keyword> at Penta - Child Health Research. "By achieving global consensus, we can streamline the process of antibiotic development, allow for faster access to antibiotics, and reduce the burden of AMR on the vulnerable neonatal population," added <keyword id="1651099" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="manica-balasegaram" source="Orion">Manica Balasegaram</keyword>, Executive Director of GARDP. The report also highlights how collaborative antibiotic development and access network specifically targeting newborns could also prove valuable compared to single independent studies. A successful example, the authors noted, has been the collaboration between GARDP, Penta - Child Health Research, SGUL, and other partners on a recent global observational study of 3,200 babies with neonatal sepsis across 19 hospitals in 11 countries. They are also partnering on an upcoming clinical trial, which will start in South Africa within the next few months before being expanded to other countries. Despite a rising number of newborn deaths caused by AMR, very few effective antibiotics have been adequately studied to treat serious bacterial infections such as neonatal sepsis, the authors said. As many as 40 antibiotics approved for use in adults since 2000, only four have included dosing information for newborns in their labels, they said. According to the report, ethical concerns, logistical issues and regulatory requirements have made it difficult to conduct clinical research in newborns. There is a long delay in completing paediatric regulatory studies and they are also not harmonised globally to demonstrate clinical utility in newborns, it said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/ces-2023-dates-news-products-and-what-to-expect/articleshow/96591686.cms">All-new Apple CarPlay features to AI for automobiles — here are some car technologies expected to arrive in 2023</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/ces-2023-dates-news-products-and-what-to-expect/articleshow/96591686.cms">CES 2023: Dates, news, products, and what to expect</a>

Urgent need to develop antibiotics for newborns say global experts

There is an urgent need to develop antibiotics for newborn babies, a population that is particularly vulnerable to antibiotic resistance, according to leading global public health experts including those from India. Recent estimates show about 2.3 million newborns die of severe bacterial infections each year while an increasing number are becoming resistant to currently used antibiotics, the experts said in a report published in the December 2022 Bulletin of the <keyword id="43588" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="Orion">World Health Organization</keyword>. Over the last decade, <keyword id="149212" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="amr" source="Orion">AMR</keyword> has worsened to the point where around 50-70 per cent of common pathogens show a high degree of resistance to available first and second-line antibiotics, they said. The paper is co-authored by international experts in the field of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including those from the Global Antibiotic Research &amp; Development Partnership (GARDP) and the <keyword id="6365231" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="all-india-institute-of-medical-sciences" source="Orion">All India Institute of Medical Sciences</keyword> (<keyword id="40458" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="aiims" source="Orion">AIIMS</keyword>). The authors noted that despite substantial progress in medical research and a steep decline in the number of children under the age of five who die of preventable diseases, many problems related to child health remain to be tackled. Severe bacterial infections are one of them. "There is an urgent need to identify high-priority antibiotics to understand which ones work best and safely in children, and then make them available where they are needed," said <keyword id="15914044" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="mike-sharland" source="Orion">Mike Sharland</keyword> from St George's, <keyword id="125994" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="university-of-london" source="Orion">University of London</keyword> (SGUL), and member of the <keyword id="15914043" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="antimicrobial-resistance-programme" source="Orion">Antimicrobial Resistance Programme</keyword> at Penta - Child Health Research. "By achieving global consensus, we can streamline the process of antibiotic development, allow for faster access to antibiotics, and reduce the burden of AMR on the vulnerable neonatal population," added <keyword id="1651099" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="manica-balasegaram" source="Orion">Manica Balasegaram</keyword>, Executive Director of GARDP. The report also highlights how collaborative antibiotic development and access networks specifically targeting newborns could also prove valuable compared to single independent studies. A successful example, the authors noted, has been the collaboration between GARDP, Penta - Child Health Research, SGUL, and other partners on a recent global observational study of 3,200 babies with neonatal sepsis across 19 hospitals in 11 countries. They are also partnering on an upcoming clinical trial, which will start in South Africa within the next few months before being expanded to other countries. The authors said that despite a rising number of newborn deaths caused by AMR, very few effective antibiotics have been adequately studied to treat serious bacterial infections such as neonatal sepsis. As many as 40 antibiotics have been approved for use in adults since 2000, but only four have included dosing information for newborns in their labels, they said. According to the report, ethical concerns, logistical issues and regulatory requirements have made it difficult to conduct clinical research on newborns. There is a long delay in completing paediatric regulatory studies and they are also not harmonised globally to demonstrate clinical utility in newborns, it said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/indias-agrochemicals-industry-to-see-double-digit-growth-in-fy23-and-fy24-on-strong-exports-boost-says-crisil/articleshow/96572842.cms">India’s agrochemicals industry to see double-digit growth in FY23 and FY24 on strong exports boost, says Crisil</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/from-egypt-to-belarus-countries-that-are-covid-free-amid-a-global-rise-in-cases/slidelist/96591191.cms">From Egypt to Belarus: Countries that are Covid free amid a global rise in cases</a>

Just 24 per cent of organisations surveyed in <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> have the 'mature' level of readiness needed to be resilient against modern <keyword id="6361948" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="cybersecurity" source="Orion">cybersecurity</keyword> risks, according to a new <keyword id="6390344" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="cisco" source="Orion">Cisco</keyword> study released on Tuesday. Cisco, in a separate announcement, said it aims to train 500,000 cybersecurity professionals over 3 years across India. Cisco's first-ever Cybersecurity Readiness Index highlighted where businesses are doing well and where cybersecurity readiness gaps will widen if global business and security leaders don't take action. Underlining that readiness is critical, the Cisco study revealed that 90 per cent of respondents said they expect a cybersecurity incident to disrupt their business in the next 12 to 24 months. India scored high in the global chart in terms of maturity (24 per cent), performing above the global average of 15 per cent on cybersecurity readiness. About 38 per cent of companies in India fall into the beginner or formative stages. Conducted by an independent third party, the survey asked 6,700 private sector cybersecurity leaders across 27 markets to indicate which of the solutions they had deployed and the stage of deployment. Companies were then classified into four stages of increasing readiness -- beginner, formative, progressive and mature. While beginner (overall score of less than 10 star) implies the initial stages of deployment of solutions, formative (score between 11 - 44) have some level of deployment but performing below average on cybersecurity readiness. In the index, progressive (score between 45 - 75) meant considerable level of deployment and performing above average on cybersecurity readiness, whereas mature (score of 76 and higher) have achieved advanced stages of deployment and are most ready to address security risks. While organisations in India are faring better than the global average, the number is still very low, given the risks. According to Cisco, this readiness gap is telling, not least because 90 per cent of respondents said they expect a cybersecurity incident to disrupt their business in the next 12 to 24 months. The cost of being unprepared can be substantial as 80 per cent of respondents said they had a cybersecurity incident in the last 12 months, and 53 per cent of those affected said it cost them at least USD 500,000. "Cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses as they continue their digitisation journey. With hybrid work becoming mainstay and services being application-driven, it is critical that organisations close the security readiness gap," <keyword id="16888928" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="samir-mishra" source="Orion">Samir Mishra</keyword>, Director, <keyword id="16888929" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="security-business-group" source="Orion">Security Business Group</keyword>, Cisco India and SAARC, said. Business leaders must establish a baseline of 'readiness' across the five security pillars to build secure and resilient organisations. This need is especially critical given that 95 per cent of the respondents plan to increase their security budgets by at least 10 per cent over the next 12 months. By establishing a base, organisations can build on their strengths and prioritise the areas where they need more maturity and improve their resilience. The five key pillars are identity, devices, network security, application workloads, and data. Meanwhile, Cisco announced its goal to train 500,000 people across India with cybersecurity skills over the next 3 years. This goal is part of Cisco's 10-year ambition to empower 25 million people with digital skills worldwide through Cisco's Networking Academy. The flagship programme is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. During this time, the programme has reached 17.5 million students across 190 countries. Since starting operations in India, it has trained 1.2 million students through 718 partnerships with educational institutions and organisations offering Networking Academy courses. The two announcements were made at the Cisco India Summit (CIS) 2023 in Jaipur. Cisco said the future of India's growth and global competitiveness depends on building a strong digital economy which in turn relies on a digitally-skilled workforce. "With the speed and scale of digitisation across the country, there will be an increased demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals as organisations look to defend themselves against an evolving and complex threat landscape," Cisco said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/noida-navi-mumbai-airports-to-get-operational-by-next-year/articleshow/98858834.cms">Noida, Navi Mumbai Airports to get operational by next year</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/hyundai-drives-in-new-verna-starting-at-10-89-lakh-hots-up-competition-in-mid-size-sedan-segment/articleshow/98858654.cms">Hyundai drives in new Verna starting at ₹10.89 lakh; hots up competition in mid-size sedan segment</a>

Just 24% Indian companies ready to defend cybersecurity threats: Cisco study

Almost 4 lakh diarrhoeal disease deaths can be averted if '<keyword id="7834202" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="jal-jeevan-mission" source="Orion">Jal Jeevan Mission</keyword>' meets its target of providing clean water to all rural households, according to a new study by the <keyword id="6356311" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organisation" source="Orion">World Health Organisation</keyword>. The government launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in 2019, a nationwide programme that aims to provide all houses in rural areas with safe and adequate drinking water through individual tap connections by next year. The <keyword id="43588" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="world-health-organization" source="Orion">World Health Organization</keyword> (WHO) was requested by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation to conduct a study to assess potential health gains and associated cost savings due to increased access in safely-managed drinking water services in <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>. The study found that, on an estimate, if the Jal Jeevan Mission provided safely-managed drinking water to all of India, this would result in averting almost 4 lakh deaths caused by diarrhoeal disease. According to official figures, till now 62 per cent rural households have been provided with tap water connection. "With universal coverage of safely-managed drinking water in India, almost 14 million DALYS (Disability adjusted life years) from the diarrhoeal disease are estimated to be averted, resulting in estimated cost savings of up to USD 101 billion," the study said. Also, the study said that providing a tap connection to every household would result in significant time saved on water collection (66.6 million hours each day), especially among women. Presenting the research findings, Richard Johnston, co-lead of WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, said if the world achieves its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets of drinking water and sanitation, it will be because of India. "There are two reasons for it -- population and size -- as India is the country with the largest population in the world so what happens in India is important for the world but it is also because India is demonstrating what can be done and what is possible when it makes commitments and investments," he said. Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the <keyword id="6364555" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="indian-council-of-medical-research" source="Orion">Indian Council of Medical Research</keyword>, said these findings are plausible. "We must understand that these are gross underestimates of the total benefits of providing safe water not only because these benefits go beyond health and they affect many communicable and non-communicable diseases. And even malnutrition, which is a big issue for us as they are all also related to water, so we must consider these just modest assumptions and tip of the iceberg," Bahl said. WHO estimation of health impacts is based on comparative risk assessment (CRA) methods, which are used extensively in the burden of disease assessments (Ezzati 2002, Pruss-Ustun 2019). The analysis estimated potential health gains from the Mission by comparing two scenarios. The JJM scenario assumed that coverage of safely managed drinking water services in India increases linearly from baseline levels to 100 per cent coverage at the end of the programme, whereas, the business-as-usual scenario assumed improvements in coverage rates are in line with historical annual rates of 0.5 percentage points change per year. For the economic analysis, the value per DALY averted from the JJM initiative was based on an approach described in the 2001 report of the WHO's Commission on Macroeconomics and Health which assigned each life year a value of three times the GDP per capita. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sustainability/news/the-worlds-oceans-last-month-were-warmer-than-any-other-may-since-the-beginning-of-the-19th-century/articleshow/100875382.cms">The world's oceans last month were warmer than any other May since the beginning of the 19th century</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/bmw-m2-launched-in-india-here-are-some-of-the-top-sports-cars-available-in-the-country/slidelist/100874746.cms">BMW M2 comes to India: Here’s how it compares with top sports cars available here</a>

Almost 4 lakh diarrhoeal disease deaths can be averted if Jal Jeevan Mission meets target: WHO study

Universities and <keyword id="20257650" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="higher-education-institutions" source="keywords">higher education institutions</keyword> in India can now admit students twice a year similar to the admission process followed by universities abroad, according to the <keyword id="19932585" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="University-Grants-Commission" source="keywords">University Grants Commission</keyword> (UGC) Chairman Jagadeesh Kumar. The two admission cycles will be July-August and January-February from the 2024-25 academic session. "If <keyword id="21269142" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-universities" source="keywords">Indian universities</keyword> can offer admission twice a year, it will benefit many students. Such as those who missed admission to a university in the July/August session due to a delay in the announcement of board results, health issues, or personal reasons. Biannual university admissions will help students maintain motivation since they do not have to wait one full year to be admitted if they miss admission in the current cycle," UGC Chairman Kumar said on Tuesday. Currently, UGC Regulations allow the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to admit students in one academic session in a year starting in July/August. An 'Academic session' is twelve months, beginning in July/August. Indian HEIs, therefore, follow the academic session that begins in July-August and ends in May-June. UGC had decided in its 571st commission held on 25 July 2023 to permit <keyword id="22014108" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="biannual-admissions" source="keywords">biannual admissions</keyword> under Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes in January and July during an academic year. As per the information furnished by the HEIs on the UGC DEB portal, in addition to a total of 19,73,056 students were enrolled in July 2022 and an additional 4,28,854 students joined in January 2023 in ODL and online programs. Considering the tremendous response and interest from the students in ODL and online programs in biannual admissions, in its meeting held on May 15 this year the UGC took a policy decision to allow Higher Education Institutions who offer programs in regular mode to admit students twice in a year, either in January/February or July/August from the coming academic year, the UGC chairman said. Those institutions that have the required infrastructure and teaching faculty can utilize the opportunity to admit students biannually. Offering biannual admissions is not mandatory for the HEIs; it is the flexibility that UGC provides to the HEIs who want to increase their student intake and offer new programmes in emerging areas. To be able to admit students twice a year, HEIs must make suitable amendments to their institutional regulations. UGC Chairman Kumar said, "With biannual admissions in place, Industries can also do their <keyword id="22014800" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="campus-recruitment" source="keywords">campus recruitment</keyword> twice a year, improving employment opportunities for the graduates." Biannual admissions will also enable the HEIs to plan their resource distribution, such as faculty, labs, classrooms and support services, more efficiently, resulting in a better functional flow within the university, he said. Noting that Universities worldwide already follow a biannual admission system, he said that if Indian institutions adopt the biannual admission cycle, they can enhance their international collaborations and student exchanges. "As a result, our global competitiveness will improve, and we will align with the global educational standards," the UGC Chairman said. Biannual admissions can substantially increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio and make India a 'Global Study Destination' as envisioned in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he said. Further, Kumar said that if HEIs adopt biannual admissions, they need to work on administrative intricacies, good planning for increased use of available resources, and providing seamless support systems for the smooth transition of students admitted at dissimilar times of the year. "HEIs can maximize the usefulness of biannual admissions only when they sufficiently prepare the faculty members, staff and students for the transition" SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/ios-18-announced-with-apple-intelligence-improved-privacy-controls-customisable-home-screen-and-more/articleshow/110883233.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/ios-18-announced-with-apple-intelligence-improved-privacy-controls-customisable-home-screen-and-more/articleshow/110883233.cms" target="_blank">iOS 18 announced with Apple Intelligence, improved privacy controls, customisable home screen and more</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-vision-pro-to-be-available-in-nine-new-countries-but-india-is-not-one-of-them/articleshow/110883439.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-vision-pro-to-be-available-in-nine-new-countries-but-india-is-not-one-of-them/articleshow/110883439.cms" target="_blank">Apple Vision Pro to be available in nine new countries, but India is not one of them</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/ixigo-ipo-now-open-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/110867238.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/ixigo-ipo-now-open-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/110867238.cms" target="_blank">Ixigo IPO now open – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a>

Universities in India can now admit students twice a year on lines of foreign varsities: UGC chairman

<ul><li>The Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) has postponed the IND-SAT exam in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. </li><li>The exam, which was scheduled to take place on May 30 will now be held in July. </li><li>However, the new dates haven’t been announced yet. </li><li>This comes after many international students, planning to study in India, requested to reschedule the examination. </li></ul>The Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) has postponed the IND--SAT exam in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The exam, which was scheduled to take place on May 30 has been deferred. Union Cabinet Minister <keyword id="60487" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ramesh-Pokhriyal">Ramesh Pokhriyal</keyword> took to Twitter to announce that the exam will now be held in July 2020. However, the new dates haven’t been announced yet. This comes after many international students, planning to study in India, requested to reschedule the examination. <div type="twitter" handle="DrRPNishank" handlename="Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1250023125191819266/Bx7kBZRg_normal.jpg" favoritecount="285" retweetcount="37" status="📢AnnouncementConsidering the current #covidcrisis in the world &amp; upon receiving requests from many international s… https://t.co/yoLhCWK8Us" createdat="1590726452000" id="1266224634229293057"></div> India introduced the IND-SAT (Indian Scholarship Assessment Test) exam under the ‘Study in India' programme. This was announced during the annual budget session on February 1 by the Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. In this regard, the government said that the IND-SAT exam will enroll Asian and African students — including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kenya, Mauritius and Nepal — in Indian universities. This will mirror the SAT and GMAT exams of the US which are used to enrol foreign students. The programme announced last year, focussed on bringing foreign students to study in India’s higher education institutions. The scores of the exam will facilitate scholarships for students based on merit.

India postpones IND-SAT exam for international students due to coronavirus; new dates to be announced soon

<ul><li>EV penetration is set to reach 6-8% by FY27 compared to a mere 1.3% in FY23 as per a CRISIL report.</li><li>The total cost of acquisition (<keyword id="21010615" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tca" source="keywords">TCA</keyword>) is lower for EVs but the total cost of ownership (<keyword id="19896738" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tco" source="keywords">TCO</keyword>) is higher as compared to other variants, says the report.</li><li>For e-cabs, the TCA is higher than that of TCO but charging infra and other factors play a crucial role in adoption.</li></ul> <keyword id="19895203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicles" source="keywords">Electric Vehicles</keyword> (EVs) are here to take over the auto market. In the US, this growing trend is close to reaching double digits in terms of penetration among personal vehicles. Even in India, the penetration is growing as domestic manufacturers increasingly gravitate towards the EV segment. In addition to Tata Motors’ EV versions of Nexon, Tigor and <keyword id="20075324" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tiago-ev" source="keywords">Tiago EV</keyword> and MG’s ZS — many other automakers are entering the EV lane too. Foremost among them is <keyword id="19909974" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="maruti-suzuki" source="keywords">Maruti Suzuki</keyword>, which is planning to launch its first EV by 2025, and Renault’s electric Kwid, Zoe and KZE are also expected to come to India soon. MG Motor India already has a couple of fairly successful EV models and plans to introduce many more soon. For foreign brands like Tesla, policy roadblocks on imports, proved to be a limiting factor so far. However, the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/new-ev-policy-elon-musks-tesla-may-soon-enter-india-as-import-taxes-slashed-for-electric-vehicles/articleshow/108527306.cms">recent changes in the Indian policy landscape</a> lower the import taxes if the companies commit to manufacturing in India in the subsequent years. Such policy incentives are likely to attract even more global EV brands to India. But what do these new models of new-age tech cars mean to car buyers sitting on the fence? As per a recent analysis by CRISIL, the total cost of ownership (TCO) or total cost of ownership of passenger vehicles could work in favour of EVs in the next three years for Indian buyers. So, how does the math work for prospective owners? TCA is lower but the TCO may remain higher TCO includes the purchase price of a particular asset, plus operating costs over the asset’s life span. As of FY22, the TCO of EVs was 20-30% higher than that of all three variants which is petrol, diesel and CNG. “In FY27, we expect the economics to again remain the same. However, despite not-so-favourable cost economics, higher adoption has been witnessed initially by environment-conscious buyers,” said CRISIL. The latest analysis agrees with the <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0361198120947089">earlier research</a> from <keyword id="20691574" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-resources-institute-india" source="keywords">World Resources Institute India</keyword> (<keyword id="20336071" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wri-india" source="keywords">WRI India</keyword>) on TCO in India. The study highlighted that the TCO for EVs for personal use remains higher and may require additional financial incentives to be economically viable. The total cost of acquisition (TCA) on the other hand is lower for EVs as compared to other variants. TCA of an EV is 24% lower than that of a diesel variant, and 4% lower for a petrol variant. The TCA for an EV and a CNG variant is the same. This is due to lower registration charges for EVs amid high loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. Overall, the report expects EV penetration in the passenger vehicle segment to reach 6-8% by FY27 from a mere 1.3% in FY23. Meter down: How do EVs fare as cabs? Unlike in the PV segment, the cost dynamics are reversed for cab aggregators who want to drive in the EV lane – where even though the TCA is higher, TCO remains lower. In FY22, the TCO of EVs for cab aggregators was lower than that of petrol and diesel vehicles by around 29% and around 19%, respectively. However, the TCO of EVs is still higher than that of a CNG variant by around 13% even for commercial use. This is due to the higher running of a commercial passenger vehicle and high fossil fuel prices. The FAME-II subsidy provided by the Government of India incentivises the adoption of EVs for commercial use, including 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, and buses for public transport. However, the TCA of an EV for a cab aggregator is still around 17% higher than that of a diesel vehicle, 26% higher than a petrol vehicle, and around 16% higher than a CNG variant. “In FY27, we expect the TCA of EVs to be lower than that of diesel and petrol variants, but higher than that of a CNG variant,” says CRISIL. The report expects the cab aggregator segment to lead the drive towards EVs, resulting in a 4% EV penetration by FY26. The taxi segment accounts for 10-15% of sales within passenger cars. However, a few challenges continue to linger, limiting the wider adoption of e-cabs on the road. A limited number of charging stations range anxiety and lack of large original equipment manufacturer (OEM) presence are hindering EV adoption. EVs used for personal use, however, are mostly charged at home, and charging infrastructure does not play a very high role there. “The lower battery cost (due to expected localisation led by the phased manufacturing programme or PMP) is expected to offset the lack of FAME subsidy and will help maintain the competitiveness of EVs against diesel and CNG variants for cab aggregators in the long run,” says CRISIL.

You Searched For "Study in India programme" and got 13 results

CCDC study reveals multi-pronged diabetes care improves patient outcomes in India, Pakistan

ANI

Study reveals 80% of software engineers must upskill by 2027 to keep their jobs

Divyanshi Sharma

Community-led nutrition initiatives in rural India can boost diet diversity, empower women, says study

PTI

RBI's monetary policy committee meeting begins today, announcement on October 9

BI India Bureau

Online vendors generated 15.8 million jobs in India: e-commerce report

PTI

India to see retail digital payments to double to USD 7 tn by 2030: Report

PTI

Urgent need to develop antibiotics for newborns say global experts

PTI

Urgent need to develop antibiotics for newborns say global experts

PTI

Just 24% Indian companies ready to defend cybersecurity threats: Cisco study

PTI

Almost 4 lakh diarrhoeal disease deaths can be averted if Jal Jeevan Mission meets target: WHO study

PTI

Universities in India can now admit students twice a year on lines of foreign varsities: UGC chairman

ANI

India postpones IND-SAT exam for international students due to coronavirus; new dates to be announced soon

Prerna Sindwani

Electrifying auto market: Planning to buy an EV, compare their price with petrol, diesel and CNG variants

BI India Bureau

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