United States all set to become biggest supplier of Gold to India

India's lust for gold is legendary. Indian households hold over $950 billion of the yellow metal, revealed a recent research by Macquarie research. India imports most of its requirements: a quarter of all the gold sold globally is imported by us.

But in recent times, another country has matched India's hunger for gold. China, the largest producer of the precious metal, became a net importer in 2011, as domestic demand soared.

Sometime this year, China is expected to overtake India as the largest gold consumer. China, which is among the top producers of gold globally, has high entry barriers for private miners and also uses its production for building up national reserves.

Entry barriers for entrepreneurs are high in Russia as well. South Africa and Australia, both big producers of the yellow metal, are becoming unpopular due to, respectively, high taxation and high production costs.

Some European gold reserves, for example the Rosia Montana in Romania, the largest untapped reserves in Europe, are facing problems due to environmental regulations.

That begets the question: where will India get its gold from? The US, and other countries in the Americas. North America has always been significant in the global gold stakes.

Globally, there have been 99 significant gold discoveries (defined as a deposit containing at least 2 million oz of the metal) during 1997-2011.

The Americas hold the greatest share in these discoveries—not surprising given that the Americas have accounted for more than half the industry's discovery-oriented gold exploration spending during the period.

In 2010, the gold exploration budget rose to $5.4 billion, which was 59% more than in 2009. In 2011, mines in the US produced gold worth about $12 billion.

Gold mining companies are again flocking to the Americas. In Canada, miners are making huge new discoveries as well re-starting old mines that were deserted due to lack of funds. In 2011, production rose 21% year-on-year to Canada's highest output in five years. Mexico's large mineral belts have been equally attractive for gold miners.

North America Accounts for Lion's Share

With 2011 production coming in at an estimated 85 mt, Mexico has seen a 254% increase in output. In all, North America was responsible for 16% of mine production in 2011.

And with a year-on-year production growth of 9%, well above the global average, along with a bevy of ongoing junior exploration, North America will be pumping out gold from a lot of new mines.

Post office to launch mobile remittance scheme

Postal Department is launching an instant money remittance scheme, mobile remittance scheme, in tie-up with the BSNL infrastructure by next month, Chief Postmaster General (Kerala Circle) Sobha Koshy said today.

In the first phase the scheme will be implemented in selected states like Kerala, Bihar, New Delhi and Punjab, Koshy told reporters after releasing a special postal cover in connection with the ruby jubilee celebrations of Kottayam Press Club.

In Kerala the scheme will be implemented in selected 30 post offices in Idukki, Aluva and Pathanamthitta. As per the scheme a person can send money through the post office which will send a message to the other post office about the amount to be given to the other person, she said.

Koshy said the process of computerising the entire postal network in the country, numbering 1,55,000 post offices, was going on. In Kerala out of 1507 post offices, except 29 post offices rest are computerised.

The department is also planning to implement a range of products including e-post facility instead of letter, electronic money order scheme by which upto Rs 5000 will be sent with a small message, M O Videsh and pick-up service.

IT-BPO, A Key Sector of Indian Economy

The year 2011-12 was marked by growing global uncertainties. Global recovery has stalled, growth prospects have dimmed and downside risks have escalated. By contrast, the Indian IT-BPO Industry (including hardware) continued to exhibit resilience. It weathered uncertainties in global business environment and reached a significant milestone in the year 2011-12 by aggregating revenue of US $ 101 billion, a growth of about 14.7 per cent over the previous year. Thus, the year 2011-12 is a landmark year for the IT-BPO Industry.

The Indian software and services export including BPO exports is estimated at US $ 68.7 billion in 2011-12, an increase of 16.4 per cent. The IT services exports is estimated to be US $ 39.8 billion, showing a growth of 18.8 per cent. BPO exports are estimated to grow to US $ 15.9 billion in 2011-12, a year-on-year growth of about 12 per cent. IT services contributed 58 per cent of total IT-BPO exports in 2011-12, followed by BPO at 23 per cent and Software products/engineering services at 19 per cent.

USA continues to drive IT-BPO exports growth. Growth is being driven by higher demand for IT services and support. Continental Europe and UK, the second largest markets for Indian IT-BPO exports are seeing their share decline in the last three years. Indian service providers have been aggressively growing business in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) market. Aimed at reducing their geographic dependency and spread currency risk, APAC is growing fastest at nearly 18 per cent; its share in total IT-BPO exports is expected to increase to nearly 8 per cent.

The IT-BPO market is being driven by demand across all key consumer segments. Notwithstanding the growth witnessed in the IT-BPO domestic segment, it accounts for a little over 21 per cent of overall industry revenues. India continued its dominant position as the leading sourcing market as compared to other emerging economies. Its share is global sourcing stood at 58 per cent in 2011.

The IT-BPO sector has become one of the key sectors for the Indian economy because of its economic impact. The sector is responsible for creating significant employment opportunities in the economy. Direct employment within the IT-BPO sector reached 2.77 million, with over 2,30,000 jobs being added in 2011-12.

The spectacular growth performance in the IT-BPO industry in the last decade has helped the industry contribute substantially to India's GDP. In 2011-12, this sector’s contribution to GDP is estimated to be 7.5 per cent. The IT-BPO industry has played a key role in putting India on the world-map. This segment has enormous potential to grow in the year to come. By 2012-13, this would have developed to a potential to touch US $ 100 billion in revenues as compared to US $ 87.7 billion in 2011-12, a growth of about 14 per cent.

Financial Inclusion

In his Budget Speech 2010-11, the Finance Minister had directed all banks to provide appropriate banking facilities to habitations having population in excess of 2000 by March, 2012 using various models and technologies including branchless banking through Business Correspondents (BCs). The Financial Inclusion Campaign has been named ‘Swabhimaan’. The Banks formulated their road maps for Financial Inclusion through the mechanism of the State Level Bankers Committee (SLBCs) and had identified approximately 74,000 habitations across the country having a population of over 2000 for providing banking facilities. These habitations were allocated to Public Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Private Sector Banks and Cooperative Banks for extending banking services by March, 2012. As per information received from SLBC Convener Banks, out of 74,398 villages identified under the campaign, 74,194 villages have been covered and 3.16 crore Financial Inclusion bank accounts have been opened by end of March, 2012.

Further, the banks have been advised to set up Ultra Small Branches in villages covered under Business Correspondent model where the officer designated by the bank would be available with a lap top on predetermined day and time in a week. While the cash services would be offered by the Business Correspondent Agent, the bank officer would offer other services to be offered by the bank, undertake field verification and follow up the banking transactions.

The Government issued Strategy and Guidelines on Financial Inclusion in October, 2011, vide which it was, inter-alia, advised to banks to open bank branches by September 2012 in all habitations of 5,000 or more population in under banked districts and 10,000 or more population in other districts. As per reports received from the Convener Banks of State Level Bankers Committees (SLBCs), of the 3,905 bank branches to be opened, 739 bank branches have been opened by end of April, 2012.

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) have also been advised to work out branch expansion plan such that there is an increase of 10% in bank branches in 2011-12 and also in 2012-13 over the respective previous years. As per provisional data, RRBs opened 914 branches during 2011-12.

Of the 71 unbanked blocks in the country, as on 31 March, 2011, with the persistent efforts of the Government, banking facilities have been provided in all unbanked blocks by March 31, 2012. As a next step it has been advised to cover all those blocks with Business Correspondents and Ultra Small Branch which have so far been covered by mobile banking only.

NRHM KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Some of the key achievements under National Rural Health Mission are:
1. Accelerated improvements in key reproductive health indicators e.g. Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and Institutional Delivery Rate.
2. Upgradation and operationalization of 8250 Primary Health Centers (PHCs) as 24X7 facilities
3. Operationalization of 2312 FRUs which includes Community Health Centers (CHCs), Sub District Hospitals and District Hospitals for providing OPD and 24*7 indoor facilities especially for comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care.
4. 374 Special Newborn Care Units, 1638 Newborn Stabilization Units, and 11432 Newborn Care Corners have been established at different levels of health facilities.
5. Augmentation of the availability of skilled manpower by means of different skill- based trainings such as Skilled Birth Attendance for Auxiliary Nurse Midwives/Staff Nurses/Lady Health Visitors; training of MBBS Doctors in Life Saving Anaesthetic Skills and Emergency Obstetric Care including Caesarean Section.
6. Over 1.4 lakh Human Resources have been engaged across the country on contractual basis under National Rural Health Mission which includes- ANMs, Staff Nurses, Paramedics, AYUSH Doctors, Doctors, Specialists and AYUSH Paramedics.
7. Engagement of 8.61 lakhs Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to generate demand and facilitate accessing of health care services by the community.
As per the Health Management Information System (HMIS) under the National Rural Health Mission, total institutional deliveries at public and private accredited health facilities increased from 1.62 Crores in the year 2009-10 to 1.68 Crores in the year 2010-11.
The key strategies adopted by the Government of India to strengthen NRHM are:
• Creation of strong institutional mechanisms at National and State level through Mission Steering group, State/District Health Mission.
• Strengthening Programme Management units for effective public health management through State, District and Block Programme management units.
• Enhanced fund allocation to NRHM for additional funding to States.
• Preparation of inter-sectoral District Health Plans.
• Integrating vertical Health and Family Welfare programmes at National, State, District and Block levels.
• Supporting States through united funds for the functioning of Village Health Sanitation & Nutrition Committees and thereby focusing on creation of Village Health Plans.
• Promoting access to healthcare at household level through ASHA.
• Supporting the States to train and enhance capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Strengthening facilities from PHCs and above through grants to RogiKalyanSamitis (RKS).
• Promotion of Public Private Partnership through NRHM to improve service delivery.

CENSUS 2011 Major Data's

India's 15th National census has began on May 1, 2010. The census was conducted in two phases. According to the provisional reports released on March 31, 2011, the Indian population increased to 1.21 billion with a decadal growth of 17.64%. Adult literacy rate increased to 74.04% with a decadal growth of 9.21%. India's population is now pegged at 1.21 billion, an increase of more than 181 million in the last 10 years, according to the provisional 2011 Census report released on March 31 2011. The population comprising 623.7 million males and 586.5 million females is almost equal to the combined population of the United States, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Japan put together. The population has increased by more than 181 million during the decade 2001-2011, the report said.

CENSUS OF INDIA 2011 PROVISIONAL POPULATION TOTAL

Distribution of population sex ratio density and decadal growth rate of population 2011

Administrative division of India

The growth rate in 2011 is 17.64 percent in comparison to 21.15 percent in 2001. Growth of population 2001-2011

The 2001-2011 period is the first decade -- with exception of 1911-1921 -- which has actually added lesser population compared to the previous decade, Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner of India C. Chandramauli said in presence of Home Secretary Gopal K Pillai in New Delhi. However, the percentage decadal growth during 2001-2011 has registered the sharpest decline since independence -- a decrease of 3.90 percentage points from 21.54 to 17.64 percent.

The percentage decadal growth rates of the six most populous states have declined during 2001-2011 compared to 1991-2001.

Uttar Pradesh (25.85 percent to 20.09 percent), Maharashtra (22.73 per cent to 15.99 per cent), Bihar (28.62 per cent to 25.07 per cent), West Bengal (17.77 per cent to 13.93 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (14.59 per cent to 11.10 per cent and Madhya Pradesh (24.26 per cent to 20.23 per cent).

Among the states and Union territories, Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state with 199 million people and Lakshadweep the least populated at 64,429. The combined population of UP and Maharashtra is bigger than that of the US. Population share of States and Union Territories India 2011

The highest population density is in Delhi's north-east district (37,346 per sq km) while the lowest is in Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh (just one per sq km).

Child sex ratio in 2011 is 914 female against 1,000 male--the lowest since Independence. Sex Ratio of Total population and child population in the age group 0-6 and 7+ years - 2001 and 2011

According to the data, literates constitute 74 percent of the total population aged seven and above and illiterates form 26 percent. 

The literacy rate has gone up from 64.83 percent in 2001 to 74.04 percent in 2011 showing an increase of 9.21 percent. 

Interestingly, the addition of 181 million population during 2001-2011 is slightly lower than the total population of Brazil, the fifth most populous country in the world.

While China has 19.4 percent of the world's total population, India has 17.5 percent of the world population.

Apart from UP, other most populous states are -- Maharashtra (112.3 million), Bihar (103.8 million), West Bengal (91.3 million) and Andhra Pradesh (84.6 million).

Besides Lakshadweep, smallest UTs and states are - Daman and Diu (2,42,911), Dadra and Nagar Haveli (3,42,853), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (7,79,944) and Sikkim (6,07,688).

"For the first time, there is a significant fall in the growth rate of population in the Empowered Action Group states after decades of stagnation," Chandramouli said.

The EAG states are: UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh and Orissa.

The Indian Census is the largest single source of a variety of statistical information on different characteristics of the people of India. With a history of more than 130 years, this reliable, time tested exercise has been bringing out a veritable wealth of statistics every 10 years, beginning from 1872 when the first census was conducted in India non-synchronously in different parts. To scholars and researchers in demography, economics, anthropology, sociology, statistics and many other disciplines, the Indian Census has been a fascinating source of data. The rich diversity of the people of India is truly brought out by the decennial census which has become one of the tools to understand and study India.

Census of India has been conducted in India since 1872 and 2011 marks the first time biometric information was collected.

India's population is projected to overtake China's by 2025 and its large youth population means it can look forward to a demographic dividend that includes ample supply of labour, rising productivity and plenty of younger workers to fund the pensions of those who have retired.

The responsibility of conducting the decennial Census rests with the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India under Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. It may be of historical interest that though the population census of India is a major administrative function; the Census Organisation was set up on an ad-hoc basis for each Census till the 1951 Census. The Census Act was enacted in 1948 to provide for the scheme of conducting population census with duties and responsibilities of census officers. The Government of India decided in May 1949 to initiate steps for developing systematic collection of statistics on the size of population, its growth, etc., and established an organisation in the Ministry of Home Affairs under Registrar General and ex-Officio Census Commissioner, India. This organisation was made responsible for generating data on population statistics including Vital Statistics and Census. Later, this office was also entrusted with the responsibility of implementation of Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 in the country.

 

Census-2011 Data Summary

Area

Area of India : 3,287,240 Sq km.*

Largest State Rajasthan 342,239 Sq km Smallest State Goa 3,702 Sq km Largest Union Territory Andaman & Nicobar Islands 8,249 Sq km Smallest Union Territory Lakshadweep 32 Sq km Largest District Kachchh (Gujarat) 45,652 Sq km Smallest District Mahe ( Pondicherry ) 9 Sq km * The area figure exclude 78,114 sq. km. under the illegal occupation of Pakistan, 5,180 sq. km. Illegally handed over by Pakistan to China and 37,555 sq.km. under the illegal occupation of China in Ladakh district.

Administrative Divisions

Administrative Divisions :

No. of States 28 No. of Union Territories 7 No. of Districts 593 No. of Sub-districts 5,463 No. of CD Blocks 3,799 No. of Urban Agglomerations / Towns 4,378 No. of Urban Agglomerations 384 No. of Towns 5,161 No. of Inhabited Villages 593,731 No. of Uninhabited Villages 44,656

Population in 2011

Persons 121,01,93,422 Males 62,37,24,248 Females 58,64,69,174 Highest / Lowest Population  State with Highest Population Uttar Pradesh 19, 95, 81,477(16.49%)  State with Lowest Population Sikkim 6, 07,688 (0.05%)  UT with Highest Population Delhi 1,67,53,235  UT with Lowest Population Lakshadweep 64,429  District with Highest Population Thane (Maharashtra) 1,10,54,131  District with Lowest Population Yanam (Pondicherry) 55,616

 Population Density

Persons / Sq. Km
		India	382
State with Highest Population Density		Bihar	1,102
State with Lowest Population Density		Arunachal Pradesh	17
UT with Highest Population Density		Delhi	11,297
UT with Lowest Population Density		Andaman & Nicobar Islands	46

Sex Ratio

Sex ratio (females per thousand males)
		India	944
		Rural	946
		Urban	900
State with Highest Female Sex Ratio		Kerala	1,099
State with Lowest Female Sex Ratio		Sikkim	883
UT with Highest Female Sex Ratio		Pondicherry	1,047
UT with Lowest Female Sex Ratio		Daman & Diu	589

Govt. Programms & Schemes

1.Community Development Programme (CDP) -1952: Overall development of rural areas and people's participation.
2. Intensive Agriculture Development program (IADP)-1960-61: To provide loan for seeds and fertilizers to farmers.
3. Intensive Agriculture Area programme (IAAP) 1964-65: To develop special harvest in agriculture area.
4.  Credit Authorization Scheme (CAS) -1965: Involved qualitative credit control of reserve bank of India.
5. High yielding variety programme (HYVP) 1966-67: To increase the productivity of food grains by adopting latest varieties of inputs of crops.
6.Green Revolution -1966-67: To Increase productivity. Confined to wheat production.
7. Rural Electrification Corporation-1969: To provide electricity in rural areas
8. Scheme of Discriminatory Interest Rate- 1972: To provide loan to the weaker sections of society at a concessional interest rate of 4%.
9. Accelerated Rural water Supply Programme (ARWSP)-1972-73: Providing drinking water in villages.
10. Drought Prone Area Programme - 1973: Protection from drought by achieving environement balace and by developing ground water.
11. Crash Scheme for Rural Employment (CSRE)-1973: For rural employment
12. Marginal Farmer and Agriculture Labor Agency (MFALA)-1973-74: Technical & financial assistance to marginal farmers
13. Small Farmer Development Scheme SFDS- 1974-75: Technical & financial assistance to small farmers
14. Command Area Development Programme  (CADP)- 1975:  Better utilization of irrigational capacities
15. Twenty Point Programme (TPP)- 1975: Poverty eradication and an overall objective of raising the level living
16.  National Institution of Rural Development-1977: Training, investigation and advisory for rural development
17.Desert Development Programme (DDP)- 1977-78 : *To control the desert expansion by maintaining environment balance
18.  Food For Work Programme-1977-78:providing food grains to labor
19.Antyodaya Yojna-1977-78 : Scheme of Rajasthan, providing economic assistance to poorest families
20.Training Rural Youth for Self Employment TRYSEM-15th August 1979 : educational and vocational training
21. Integrated Rural Development Programme :IRDP -October 2, 1980: Overall development of rural poor
22. National Rural Development programme NREP- 1980 : employment for rural manforce
23. Development of Women & Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA)- 1982: sustainable opportunities of self employment to the women belonging to the rural families who are living below the poverty line.
24. Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme (RLEGP) - August 15, 1983: employment to landless farmers and laborers
25. Farmers Agriculture Service Centers FASCs-1983-84: Tell the people use of improved instruments of agriculture
26. National Fund for Rural Development - 1984 : To grant 100% tax rebate to donors and also to provide financial assistance for rural development projects
27.  Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme-1985: Crop Insurance
28. Council of Advancement of People's Action & Rural Technology (CAPART)- 1986: Assistance to rural people
29.  Self Employment Programme for the Poor SEPUP-1986: Self employment through credit and subsidy
30. 1986: National Drinking Water Mission: For rural drinking water renamed and upgraded to Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission in 1991.
31.  Service Area Account* Rural Credit -1988
32. Jawahar Rozgar Yojna (JRY)-1989:  Employment to rural unemployed
33. Nehru Rozgar Yojna NRY- 1989: Employment to Urban unemployed
34. Agriculture & Rural Debt Relief Scheme: ARDRS-1990:  Exempt Bank loans up to Rs. 10000 for rural artisans and weavers
35. Scheme for Urban Micro Enterprises (SUME)-1990: Assist urban small entrepreneurs
36. Scheme of Urban wage Employment (SUWE) -1990: Scheme for urban poor's
37.Scheme of Housing and Shelter Upgradation (SHASU): Providing employment by shelter Upgradation
38.National Housing Bank Voluntary Deposit Scheme- 1991: Using black money by constructing low cost housing for the poor.
39.  National Renewal Fund- 1992: This scheme was for the employees of the public sector
40.Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS) -October, 2, 1993: Employment of at least 100 days in a year in villages
41.District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) -1993: To provide financial assistance for rural development.
42. Members of parliament Local Area Development Scheme MPLADS -December 23, 1993: Sanctioned 1 crore per year for development works
43.District Rural Development Agency (DRDA)-1993: Financial assistance to rural people by district level authority
44. Mahila Samridhi Yojna -October 2, 1993: Encourage rural women to deposit in Post office schems
45. Child labor Eradication Scheme- 1994 :Shift child labour from hazardous industries to school
46. Education Department and District Primary Education Program (DPEP)-1994: To revitalise the primary education system and to achieve the objective of universalisation of primary education for young children.
47. Prime Minister Integrated Urban Poverty Eradication programme (PMIUPEP)-1995: To eradicate urban poverty
48. Mid day Meal Scheme- 1995: Nutrition to students in primary schools to improve enrolment, retention and attendence
49.National Social Assistance programme - 1995: Assist BPL people.
50. Ganga Kalyan Yojna-1997-98; Provide financial assistance to farmers for exploring ground water resources
51. Kastoorba Gandhi Education Scheme15 August 1997: Establish girls schools in low female literacy areas (district level)
52. Swaran Jayanto Shahari Rojgar Yojna-1997: Urban employment
53. Bhagya Shree Bal Kalyan Policy-1998: Upliftment of female childs
54.Annapurna Yojna -March 1999 : 10 kgs food grains to elderly people
55. April 1999: Swaran Jayanto Gram Swarojgar Yojna: Self employment in rural areas
56. April 1999:-Jawahar Gram Samriddhi Yojna: Village infrastructure
57. August 2000 - Jan Shree Bima Yojna : Insurance for BPL people
58.  Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojna-2000: Basic needs of rural people
59. December 25, 2000 - Antyodaya Anna Yojna: To provide food security to poor 60. December 25, 2000- Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna: Connect all villages with nearest pukka road.
61. September 2001-Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojna: Employment and food security to rural people
62. December 2001-Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojna VAMBAY: Slum houses in urban areas
63. Universal health Insurance Scheme:- 2003: Health insurance for Rural people 64. Vande mataram Scheme VMS -2004 :Initiative of public Private partnership during pregnecy check up.
65. National Food for Work programme-2004: Supplementary wage as foodgrains for work
66.Kastoorba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya-2004: Setting up residential schools at upper primary levels for girls belonging to predominantly OBC, SC & ST
67. Janani Suraksha Yojna-2005: Providing care to pregnant women
68. Dec.16 , 2005 -Bharat Nirman-Development of India through irrigation, Water supply, Housing, Road, Telephone and electricity
69. National Rural Health Mission -2005: Accessible, affordable, accountable, quality health survices to the porest of the poor on remotest areas of the country.
70. Rajeev Gandhi Grameen Vidyuti Karan Yojna-2005: Extending electrification of all villages and habitations and ensuring electricity to every household.
71. Jawahar Lal Nehru national Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)-2005: Click here to read more
72. February 2 ,2006: National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme NREGS: 100 days wage employment for development works in rural areas.
73.Rastriya Swasthya Bima Yojna-2007:  Health insurance to all workers in unorganized area below poverty line.
74. Aam Aadmi Bima Yojna-2007: Insurance cover to the head of the family of rural landless households in the country.
75 Rajiv Awas Yojna-*2009:: To make India slum free in 5 years

India received its First Investment through Qualified Framework Investor Route worth $ 5m

Following the deal struck by Kotak Mahindra Bank worth $5 million India received its first investment through the qualified framework investor (QFI) route. The deal formally put an end to speculation that India’s attempt to get investors to buy shares directly will go kaput.
Kotak Mahindra Bank has concluded the deal worth $5 million for a US-based client, said a finance ministry official. The scheme to attract investment through the Qualified Framework Investor route is expected to attract investment worth about $30 billion in 2012-13 period thereby helping the country fund a chunk of the current account deficit pegged at 4.2% of GDP in 2011-12.
The finance ministry had in the recent past conducted road shows in five countries in the Gulf region--Riyadh, Dubai, Muscat, Kuwait and Bahrain - to project India as the incredible investment destination for wealthy investors.
Qualified Foreign Investors (QFI): A person or a trust resident in a country which is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) can invest directly in India. Such a person or trust is termed as Qualified Foreign Investors.
Investment Regime for QFI (QFI): QFIs have been permitted to invest in all the three segments of the Indian Capital Market namely- Mutual Funds (MFs), Equity and Corporate Debt.
Reason why Government is promoting QFI route: The wealthy investors, the finance ministry felt should be encouraged to invest directly so that the stable in-flows could fund the current account deficits

New measure of inclusive wealth

A new measure of “inclusive wealth”, which stretches beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the Human development Index (HDI), puts India sixth from the top of the 20 selected countries, the economic performance of which was assessed between 1990 and 2008. India’s rise of 4.3 per cent per year in GDP per capita in this period came second only to China, which stood at 9.6 per cent. The Inclusive Wealth Index (IWI) looks at a full range of assets, such as manufactured, human and natural capital, which indicates a country’s true wealth and sustainability.

World to have 440 rising global cities in 2025

Urbanisation will lead to the creation of one billion new city consumers by 2025, according to a study by McKinsey Global Institute (MGI). The study said these will live in some 440 dynamic emerging market cities (the ‘Emerging 440’), that are set to generate close to half (47 per cent) of expected global GDP growth between 2010 and 2025. Among these, 36 cities are from India.

The report says that while China is right in the middle of its sweeping urbanisation, India is in the early stages of the process.

The study pointed out that growing consumer classes will accelerate growth in demand for many goods and services. It explained that many large emerging economies, including China and India, were seeing higher shares of their populations moving into income segments where the consumption of many goods and services takes off rapidly. Indian cities alone are expected to contribute nearly 10 per cent of global growth in residential and commercial floor space demand to 2025.

To cater to their new urban consumers’ needs, cities will have to invest heavily in infrastructure. “Cities will require annual physical capital investment to more than double from nearly $10 trillion today to more than $20 trillion by 2025.”

By 2025, municipal water demand in large cities is expected to have to rise by 40 per cent from today’s level—a rise of almost 80 billion cubic meters, more than 20 times what New York consumes today. The top two cities by expected growth in municipal water demand between 2010 and 2025 globally are Mumbai and Delhi.

The report said companies need to take a more scientific approach to locating the most promising markets for their businesses and then allocating resources pro-actively to capture the opportunities they offer. Identifying fast-growing segments in emerging cities not currently on the radar will be a necessary skill.

Drug abuse kills two lakh people a year
Some 27 million people worldwide are problem drug users, with almost one percent of them dying every year from narcotics abuse, according to the 2012 World Drug Report of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Global production and use of illegal drugs remained relatively stable in 2011, the report found. However, this masked shifts in trafficking and consumption that were “significant and also worrying... because they are proof of the resilience and adaptability of illicit drug suppliers and users,” the UNODC warned.

Cannabis remained the most widely used drug with up to 224 million users worldwide, although production figures were hard to obtain.

Europe was the biggest market for cannabis resin, most of it coming from Morocco, although Afghanistan is becoming a major supplier and domestic production in Europe is also rising.

Opium production in Afghanistan, the world’s biggest producer with 90 percent of the global share, meanwhile jumped by 61 per cent in 2011, to 5,800 tonnes, from 3,600 tonnes in 2010, when the crop was hit by disease.

Navi Mumbai, Goa and Kannur as Greenfield airports

The Union government has decided to make Navi Mumbai, Goa and Kannur as Greenfield airports. It has also decided to turn Delhi and Chennai into airline hubs.

Bihar has emerged as the fastest growing State

Bihar has emerged as the fastest growing State for the second year running, clocking a scorching 13.1% growth in 2011-12. Among the top five States, Bihar is followed by Delhi (11.3%), Puducherry (11%), Chhattisgarh (10.8%) and Goa (10.7%).

Schemes for Capacity Building and Employment in Rural Areas

Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana (RGSY)

The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme being implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj with the objective of assisting efforts of the State Governments for training and capacity building of elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions.  Funding of the scheme is applicable only for the non-BRGF districts.  The scheme focuses primarily on providing financial assistance to the States/UTs for Training & Capacity Building of elected representatives (ERs) and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Assistance is provided for Distance Learning infrastructure for the ERs and Functionaries of the PRIs including Satellite based training infrastructure. In respect of Hill States and States in the North Eastern Region, assistance is also given for capital expenditure on establishment of Panchayat Resource Centres/ Panchayat Bhawans at Block/Gram Panchayat levels. The scheme has a small component of Infrastructure Development under which the construction and renovation of Panchayat Ghars in all the States is funded. The scheme is demand driven in nature and provides for funding on 75:25 sharing basis between the Central and State Governments concerned. Assistance under the Training component is also given to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), where the central assistance may be 100% and such proposals are required to be forwarded with the recommendations of the State Government concerned.

Rural Business Hub (RBH)

Rural Business Hub is aimed to eradicate rural poverty and create employment opportunity in rural India. This initiative would give a fillip to village enterprises that add value to economic activities in rural areas.

There is a steady influx of rural people to urban areas in search of employment and economic opportunity.  Also, there is a wide gap between rural and urban areas in terms of public services like health and education, in the quality of life and levels of income.  This gap is perceived to be widening.  The 73^rd Constitutional Amendment, 1992, has mandated Panchayats as Institutions of Self Government, to plan and implement programmes of economic development and social justice.  Government of India has recognized that Panchayati Raj is the medium to transform rural India 700 million opportunities.  There is also a felt need to ensure that the benefits of rapid economic growth, unleashed through the reforms of the last two decades, need to flow to all sections of society, particularly to rural India.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has adopted the goal of "Haat to Hypermarket" as the overarching objective of the Rural Business Hubs (RBH), initiative aimed at moving from more livelihood support to promoting rural prosperity, increasing rural non-farm incomes and augmenting rural employment.  RBHs set up in association with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) could thus constitute the fulcrum of "inclusive growth" - the theme of the 11^th Plan.

Panchayat Mahila Evam Yuva Shakti Abhiyan (PMEYSA)

In order to address the empowerment of EWRs and EYRs in a systematic, programmatic manner, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Govt. of India, has launched a new scheme with the approval of the competent authority in the 11th Five Year Plan.  The objective of PMEYSA is to knit the EWRs in a network and through group action, empower themselves, so that both their participation and representation on local governance issues, improves.  PMEYSA aims at a sustained campaign to build the confidence and capacity of EWRs, so that they get over the institutional, societal and political constraints that prevent them from active participation in rural local self governments.

It is a Central Sector Scheme.  The entire amount is funded by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for organizing the various activities under this scheme.  Fund is released to the State Panchayati Raj Department in two equal installments in the ratio of 50:50.  The balance amount (second installment of 50%) is released only on furnishing of (1) Utilization certificate in respect of funds released and (2) Audited Statement of account on the expenditure (item-wise) incurred by the State Government/SSC.

India has, for the first time, become Australia's largest source of permanent migrants

India has, for the first time, become Australia's largest source of permanent migrants. The Australian High Commissioner to India, Mr Peter Varghese, on Friday, said Indian migrants comprised a total of 29,018 places or 15.7 per cent of the total migration program of 185,000 places under the 2011-12 permanent migration program.

India has surpassed China and the United Kingdom as the largest source of permanent migrants with 25,509 and 25,274 places respectively.

Commenting on the figures, the Australian minister for immigration and citizenship, Mr Chris Bowen MP, said that ""the Indian community has made a valuable contribution to economic, social and cultural life in Australia, and I know this will continue with more Indians choosing to make their home here.""

Seven of the top 10 source countries in Australia's 2011-12 migration program are from Asia: India, China, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea and Vietnam.

The family stream had a final outcome of 58,604 places, representing 31.7 per cent of the total migration program.

""The family stream is an essential component of our migration program, as it allows Australians to unite with their loved ones, particularly with their partners and children,"" Mr Bowen said. ""I am pleased that the Government will help even more families to reunite under this program next year, as I increased family places from 58,600 to 60,185 in this year's Budget.""

Skilled migration accounted for over two-thirds of Australia's total migration program, with a 2011-12 skill stream outcome of 125,755 places.

First India Human Development Awards 2012

The first-ever India Human Development Awards Manav Vikas were announced. Kottayam in Kerala, Khargone in Madhya Pradesh; Udupi in Karnataka and Malda in West Bengal have been recognized for excellence in the quality of Human Development Reports for their districts. The overall award for excellence went to West Bengal with two districts amongst the eight finalists.
The Manav Vikas India Human Development Awards, instituted by the Planning Commission and UNDP, celebrate achievements in Human Development Reports and, encourage excellence in data, analysis and ideas; and advocacy for human development. The Awards are a reminder of the critical need to continue to focus on people as the centre of development processes. The inaugural Awards focus on excellence in District Human Development Reports (DHDRs).
Commending India for one of the largest bodies of work on human development, Helen Clark, UNDP Administrator said, “India has had an incredible journey on human development reporting, with reports being prepared at decentralized levels of governance. It also shows that a critical mass of human development champions have been developed in the country that can help in improving the quality of life.
The awards were presented by Syeda Hameed, Member, Planning Commission; Helen Clark, UNDP Administrator and jury members including Jairam Ramesh, Minister of Rural Development, Government of India and M.S. Swaminathan, Founder, MSSRF.
India has pioneered the practice of preparing independent sub-national human development reports (HDRs) that translate the human development approach to practical and actionable strategies at state and district levels, inspired by the concept first introduced by UNDP in 1990 through the annual global human development reports.
The Awards recognize outstanding contributions across India’s District Human Development Reports in 4 categories. The winners are:

• Award for participatory processes of preparation: Kottayam, Kerala

• Award for quality of analysis:  Khargone, Madhya Pradesh

• Award for focus on gender and inclusion issues: Malda , West Bengal

• Award for focus on innovation in measurement: Udupi, Karnataka
  

In addition, West Bengal received an Award for Overall Excellence at State Level
Other finalists included: North 24 Parganas, West Bengal; Bijapur, Karnataka; Hooghly, West Bengal.   An eminent jury reviewed the final shortlist of participants. Jury members included: Ela Bhatt, founder, Self-Employed Women’s Association; Khalid Malik, Head of the Human Development Reports Office, UNDP; Lalita Panicker, Senior Associate Editor, Hindustan Times; Jairam Ramesh, Minister of Rural Development, Government of India; and M.S. Swaminathan, Founder, MSSRF and Member, Rajya Sabha.
Across India, 44 district reports from eight states released till 2011, were eligible for consideration. These states are - Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

About India Human Development Awards Manav Vikas:

The first-ever India Human Development Awards 2012 instituted by the Planning Commission and UNDP recognizes excellence in human development reporting and analysis across the country.
India has pioneered the practice of preparing independent sub-national human development reports (HDRs) that translate the human development approach to practical and actionable strategies at state and district levels. Many of these reports have contributed to strengthening state policy debates, building awareness on human development and increasing budget allocations for the social sector.
The Manav Vikas India Human Development Awards celebrate achievements and importantly, encourage excellence in data, analysis and ideas; and advocacy for human development. The Awards are a reminder of the critical need to continue to focus on people as the centre of development processes.
The 2012 Awards focus on recognizing excellence in the preparation of district HDRs in four categories below. Across India, 44 district reports ranging from Nagaland in the East, Himachal Pradesh in the North and Tamil Nadu have been considered in the review process.
Excellence in the preparation of district level Human Development Reports is recognized in four categories:

• Participatory processes of preparation
• Quality of analysis
• Focus on gender and inclusion issues
• Innovation in measurement
• Award of excellence to a state that has been outstanding (overall) in the preparation of district HDRs

History Of Planning Commission Of India

The Planning Commission was set up by a Resolution of the Government of India in March 1950 in pursuance of declared objectives of the Government to promote a rapid rise in the standard of living of the people by efficient exploitation of the resources of the country, increasing production and offering opportunities to all for employment in the service of the community. The Planning Commission was charged with the responsibility of making assessment of all resources of the country, augmenting deficient resources, formulating plans for the most effective and balanced utilisation of resources and determining priorities. Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Chairman of the Planning Commission.

The first Five-year Plan was launched in 1951 and two subsequent five-year plans were formulated till 1965, when there was a break because of the Indo-Pakistan Conflict. Two successive years of drought, devaluation of the currency, a general rise in prices and erosion of resources disrupted the planning process and after three Annual Plans between 1966 and 1969, the fourth Five-year plan was started in 1969.

The Eighth Plan could not take off in 1990 due to the fast changing political situation at the Centre and the years 1990-91 and 1991-92 were treated as Annual Plans. The Eighth Plan was finally launched in 1992 after the initiation of structural adjustment policies.

Composition Of Commission:

Chairman : The Prime Minister Of India as Ex-Officio Chairman.
Deputy Chairman : He is a "de facto" executive head(ie., full time functional head) of the commission who is given the rank of a full Cabinet Minister. Presently Montek Singh Ahluwali is the Deputy Chairman. Other Members: i) Some central Ministers are appointed as part time members of the commission. In any case, the finance minister are "ex-officio" members of the commission. ii) The Commission has 4 to 7 full time expert members. They enjoy the rank of minister of state.
iii) The Commission has a member secretary. He is usually a senior members of IAS.

A Detailed Introduction To the Fives Year Plans of India

1st Five Year Plan:(1951-56)

1. It was presented by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in the Indian Parliament on 8th December, 1951.
2. The motto was to improve the standard of living of the people by effective use of the country's resources.
3. Nearly Rs2069 crores were spent on the following development areas.,

• Community and agriculture development
• Energy and irrigation
• Communications and transport
• Industry
• Land rehabilitation
• Social services
• Miscellaneous issues The target set for the growth in the gross domestic product was 2.1percent every year. In reality, the actual achieved with regard to gross domestic product was 3.6 percent per annum. This is a clear indication of the success of the 1st five year plan.

4. During the period of India first five year plan, many projects related to irrigation had been started, such as the Mettur Dam, Bhakra Dam, and Hirakud Dam.

5. The provisions have been made for the rehabilitation of agricultural workers who were landless. Apart from that financial allocation was also made for conservation of soil, experiments, and training in co-operative organizations. Increased provisions have also been made for the improvement of roads, civil aviation, railways, telegraphs, and posts. For the development of the basic industry which includes the manufacture of fertilizers and electrical equipment, provisions have been made in the Indian first five year plan.

2nd Five Year Plan(1956-61):

1. Motto to increase and carry forward the development that had been started by the first five year plan in India.

2. Increase by 25% the national income

3. Make the country more industrialized

4. Increase employment opportunities so that every citizen gets a job

5. second five year plan focused on industry - more specifically on the heavy industry. The domestic production of industrial goods in the public sector was encouraged by the second five year plan in India. The total amount for development given allocated under the second five year plan in India was Rs. 4,800 crore. It was spent for the following areas,

• Mining and industry
• Community and agriculture development
• Power and irrigation
• Social services
• Communications and transport
• Miscellaneous

6. During the time of second five year plan India, 5 steel plants in Jamshedpur, Durgapur, and Bhilai had been established, apart from a hydro-electric power project which was also undertaken and implemented. The production of coal increased during this period. Also, more railway lines were added in the north-east part of the country, during the Indian second five year plan.

7. During the term of the 2nd five year plan, Atomic Energy Commission came into being. The Commission was established in the year 1957. During the same period, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research was born. The institute conducted several programs to search for talented individuals. These individuals would eventually be absorbed into programs related to nuclear power.

3rd Five Year Plan:(1961-66)
1. To make a more determined effort to develop the nation, carrying forward the legacy set by the previous two five year plans.

2. The aim of which is to increase the quality of life of the citizens through effective use of the country's resources.
3. 3rd five year plan laid considerable stress on the agricultural sector. However, with the short lived Sino Indian War of 1962 India diverted its attention to the safety of the country. Again, during the period 1965 to 1966, owing to Green Revolution, once again agriculture attracted attention.
4. Due to the Chino Indian War, India witnessed increase in price of products. The resulting inflation was cost push in nature. Many dams were constructed during this period.
5. The following were the focused areas.,

• To increase the national income by 5% per year
• To increase the production of agriculture so that the nation is self sufficient in food grains
• To provide employment opportunities for every citizen of the country
• To establish equality among all the people of the country

6. Various organizations such as the Panchayat and Zila Parishads were set up at the block and district level in order to increase rural development. In India, the third five year plan have also laid emphasis on soil conservation, irrigation, afforestation, and dry farming. Many fertilizer and cement plants were built during the period of the third five year plan India.
Three Annual Plans:

Due to external war situations (with China in 1962 and with Pakistan in 1965), the government could not continue with regular five year plans. So, the 4th five year plan could not be framed but instead, 3 separate Annual plans were made in 1966-67, 1967-68 and 1968-69. The main focus was to concentrate on yearly short plans and executions. So, there is no specific goals and aims. But the themes of previous plans were involved and continued as goals and aims with a proper planning continuation.

4th Five Year Plan:(1969-1974)

1. The 4th five year plan of India also served as a stepping stone for the economic growth of the nation

2. India had to reform and restructure its expenditure agenda, following the attack on India in the year 1962 and for the second time in the year 1965. India had hardly recuperated when it was struck by drought. India also had a stint of recession.

3. Due to recession, famine and drought, India did not pay much heed to long term goals. Instead, it responded to the need of the hour. It started taking measures to overcome the crisis.

4. Food grains production increased to bring about self sufficiency in production. With this attempt, gradually a gap was created between the people of the rural areas and those of the urban areas.

5. The need for foreign reserves was felt. This facilitated growth in exports. Import substitution drew considerable attention. All these activities widened the industrial platform.

5th Five Year Plan:(1974-1979)
1. The 5th Five Year Plan commenced on 1974 and extended till 1979. Objective of the Fifth Year Plan The objective of the 5th Five Year Plan was to increase the level of employment, reduce poverty and to attain self sufficiency in agriculture.

2.This time was International Turmoil was happening in world economy. The international economy was in a turmoil, which had a great impact on the economy of both, developed and developing countries of the world.

3. The main changes were perceived in sectors such as food, oil, and fertilizers where prices sky-rocketed. As a result of this, attaining self-reliance in food and energy became a top priority. During this period, the Indian economy was affected by several inflationary pressures.

4. Food grain production was above 118 million tons due to the improvement of infrastructural facilities like the functioning of the power plants and the rise in the supply of coal, steel, and fertilizers.

5. In 1974-75, Indian exports crossed 18%, and the large earnings from these exports have further increased the Indian foreign exchange reserves.

6. Prices in the energy and food sector skyrocketed and as a consequence inflation became inevitable. Therefore, the priority in the fifth five year plan was given to the food and energy sectors .

7. The Following were the focused areas.,

Reducing the discrepancy between the economic development at the regional, national, international level. It emphasized on putting the economic growth at par with each other.

Improving the agricultural condition by implementing land reform measures.

Improving the scope of self-employment through a well integrated program.

Reducing the rate of unemployment both in the urban and the rural sectors.

Encouraging growth of the small scale industries.

Enhancing the import substitution in the spheres including chemicals, paper, mineral and equipment industries.

Applying policies pertaining to finance and credit in the industrial sector.

Stressed on the importance of a labour intensive production technology in India.

6th Five Year Plan:(1980-1985)

1. prioritized speedy industrial development, with special emphasis on the information technology sector.

2. One of the major hindrances in the way of further development in this period was the boom in the Indian population. However, several successful programs on improvement of public health and epidemic control were also undertaken to reduce infant mortality and increase life expectancy.

3. The transport and communication system also improved under this Plan. The National Highways were all built during this time .

4. Apart from the construction of new highways, the condition of the roads were meliorated. This helped in the betterment of the traffic system in India. During this time the Indian currency was devalued and this led to a dramatic increase in the number of foreign travelers.

5. The following were the focusing areas.,

• to control poverty and unemployment
• to develop indigenous energy sources and efficient energy usage
• to promote improved quality of life of the citizens
• to introduce Minimum Needs Program for the poor and needy with an emphasis to reduce the discrepancies in income and wealth accumulation
• to initiate Family Planning Programs in order to check the growing population trends
• to increase the growth rate of the economy
• to concentrate on the promotion of efficient use of resources
• to improve productivity level
• to initiate modernization for achieving economic and technological self-reliance

7th Five Year Plan:(1985 - 1990)
1. This five year plan was to upgrade the industrial sector and enable India to establish itself as one of the developed countries of the world.

2. This Plan was released under the National Development Council of India.

3. The main aim was to generate more scope of employment for the people of India, to produce more in terms of food which would lead to an overall increase in productivity.

4. It strong base on which it could built the superstructure of industrial development for the betterment of India's economic position.

5. strove to bring about a self-sustained economy in the country with valuable contributions from voluntary agencies and the general populace.

6. Special care was taken to spread education among girls, enhance telecommunication within the country.

7. The following were the focus points.,

Reducing poverty in India

Assuring the essentials of food, shelter and clothing to the people

Striving to achieve independence as per the Indian economy is concerned

Introduction and application of modern technology

Justice meted out to people from various social stratas

Improving the position of the weak in the Indian society Help the small as well as the large farmers to increase their productivity.

8th Five Year Plan:(1992-1997)
1. Attaining objectives like modernization of the industrial sector, rise in the employment level, poverty reduction, and self-reliance on domestic resources.

2. There was great political instability in India which hindered the implementation of any five years plan for the following two years after the Seventh Five Year Plan. This period is characterized by extreme FOREX reserve crisis and introduction of liberalization and privatization in Indian economy.

3. Agriculture was the greatest contributor to Indian GDP growth rate. Industries also made use of agricultural produce as inputs in their production process.

4. Following areas were focused.,to check the increasing population growth by creating mass awareness programs

• to encourage growth and diversification of agriculture
• to achieve self-reliance in food and produce surpluses for increase in exports
• to strengthen the infrastructural facilities like energy, power, irrigation
• to increase the technical capacities for developed science and technology
• to modernize Indian economy and build up a competitive efficiency in order to participate in the global developments.
• to prioritize the specific sectors which requires immediate investment
• to generate full scale employment
• to promote social welfare measures like improved healthcare, sanitation, communication and provision for extensive education facilities at all level.

9th Five Year Plan:(1997-2002)

1. Attaining objectives like speedy industrialization, human development, full-scale employment, poverty reduction, and self-reliance on domestic resources.

2. As a result in the Ninth Five Year Plan India, the emphasis was on human development, increase in the growth rate and adoption of a full scale employment scheme for all.

3. Public and Private relationship was given most important towards developmental growth.

4. Following areas were focused.,

• to stabilize the prices in order to accelerate the growth rate of the economy
• to ensure food and nutritional security
• to provide for the basic infrastructural facilities like education for all, safe drinking water, primary health care, transport, energy
• to check the growing population increase
• Industrialization at a rapid pace
• Reduction in poverty level
• Gaining self-sufficiency on local resources
• to encourage social issues like women empowerment, conservation of certain benefits for the Special Groups of the society
• to create a liberal market for increase in private investments.

10th Five Year Plan:(2002-2007)
1. Aims to transform the country into the fastest growing economy of the world and targets an annual economic growth of 10%

2. This GDP growth of 7% is much higher than the world's average GDP growth rate.

3. The primary aim of the 10th Five Year Plan is to renovate the nation extensively, making it competent enough with some of the fastest growing economies across the globe.

4. The 7% growth in the Indian GDP is considered to be considerably higher that the average growth rate of GDP in the world.

5. Following areas were focused.,
i. All main rivers should be cleaned up between 2007 and 2012
ii. Reducing the poverty ratio by at least five percentage points, by 2007 .

* According to the Plan, it is mandatory that all infants complete at least five years in schools by 2007.
* By 2007, there should be a decrease in gender discriminations in the spheres of wage rate and literacy, by a minimum of 50%.
* Ensuring persistent availability of pure drinking water in the rural areas of India, even in the remote parts
* The alarming rate at which the Indian population is growing must be checked and fixed to 16.2%, between a time frame of 2001 and 2011
* The rate of literacy must be increased by at least 75%, within the tenure of the Tenth Five Year Plan.The mortality rate of children must be reduced to 45 per 1000 livings births and 28 per 1000 livings births by 2007 and 2012 respectively.
* Setting up state-of-the-art infrastructure
* Capacity building in industry
* Corporate transparency