Latest news with #Ghatak
NDTV
4 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Beyond Utopia: Is India Tackling Inequality?
With $4.19 trillion (current prices), India has surpassed Japan in terms of GDP in the year 2025, as per the IMF. Now, India ranks fourth in the world, just below Germany ($4.74 trillion) with a small margin. It is expected to surpass Germany within two to three years if India continues its growth trajectory. It is undoubtedly a remarkable feat for India. However, there is one concern raised in public discourse that needs to be addressed: 'Is India's growth inclusive or unequal?', and, 'Should India do more to eradicate inequality?' This question is frequently raised by a section of economists. In this article, an effort is made to understand this inequality, its trends, and how to tackle it based on secondary data and reports available, while considering all opinions. The most common index to measure inequality is the Gini coefficient (values between 0 to 1, where 0 represents perfect equality and 1 shows extreme inequality). As per the Economic Survey 2024-25, inequality has shown declining trends. The Gini coefficient for rural areas declined to 0.237 in 2023-24 from 0.266 in 2022-23, and for urban areas, it fell to 0.284 in 2023-24 from 0.314 in 2022-23, based on consumption expenditure. Historically, the Gini index has fluctuated between 31.6% (the lowest in 1993) and 35.9% (the highest in 2017) between 1977 and 2021 (World Bank). However, some experts believe that the expenditure-based Gini coefficient does not represent the true picture, as households or individuals with low incomes tend to spend more than they earn, whereas high-income groups spend much less in percentage terms, resulting in long-term wealth inequality that remains uncaptured in the data. Other reports on this matter also need to be considered, as findings vary. According to the 'Pandemic, Poverty, and Inequality: Evidence from India' report by Bhalla Surjeet S. et al. (2022), "Real inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient, has declined to near its lowest level reached in the last forty years—it was 0.284 in 1993/94 and in 2020-21 it reached 0.292.". The percentage of total consumption at the national level by the top 10% income group changed from around 28% to 32%, while for the bottom 40%, it remained around 9% between the 1980s and 2013, as per the 'Inequality and Locational Determinants of the Distribution of Living Standards in India' report by the IMF in 2021. Other literature also shows that inequality has declined in recent years (Ghatak et al., 2022 and Gupta et al., 2021). A report titled 'State of Inequality in India' (Kapoor and Duggal, 2022) states that 6%-7% of total incomes are earned by just the top 1% and expresses concerns over the concentration of growth benefits without percolation to the poorer classes. In contrast, some studies report stark inequality based on different parameters or data sets, such as unequal median-to-top pay ratios among NIFTY50 companies, flight usage data, the Forbes list, or even food-delivery app usage data. Most reports on inequality in India are based on expenditure data, but a few also derive estimation for income or wealth inequality. One of the world's leading voices on inequality, the World Inequality Lab (WIL), provided various estimates for India in its report. According to the report, the top 1% hold 40.1% of wealth, the top 10% hold 65%, and the bottom 50% hold just 6.4%. In terms of income, the top 1% earn 22.6%, the top 10% earn 57.7%, and the bottom 50% earn just 15% of the total income share for the year 2022-23. Although after liberalisation, between 1990 and 2022, the average real growth rate in income in India became 3.6% per year, significantly higher compared to 1.6% between 1960 and 1990. But most of the income share increased for the top 1% and declined for the bottom 50%. Now, the question that arises is, is India unique in its inequality? The answer is no. The same report by WIL shows that India's income share held by the top 10% (57.7%) is in the middle with respect to other developing countries like South Africa (65.4%) and Brazil (56.8%), but higher than the USA (48.3%) and China (43.4%). Another report, 'Trends in Income Inequality and its Impact on Economic Growth (2014)' by the OECD, states, "Today, the richest 10% of the population in the OECD area earn 9.5 times the income of the poorest 10%; in the 1980s, this ratio stood at 7:1 and has been rising continuously ever at the bottom grew much slower during the prosperous years and fell during downturns, putting relative (and in some countries, absolute) income poverty on the radar of policy concerns." This proves that inequality is a part of growth for most countries and is inevitable for free market-based economies. Before delving deeper into the reasons behind inequality and strategies to tackle it, there must be clarity of thought. No matter what economic or market system a country has, inequality is a reality. No matter how hard a nation tries, inequality will persist. Except in the utopian communist system, which exists only theoretically or in propaganda literature. Such systems do not make everyone equally rich but equally poor, as experienced by many economically failed countries. Does this mean we shouldn't strive for equality and inclusivity in growth and development? No, we should certainly aim to maximise equality in a pragmatic way without falling into the trap - the trap of policies that sacrifice growth and turn a nation into a banana republic. As rightly stated in The State of Inequality in India report 2022, "Inequality is not simply a lack of resources…It is living in vulnerability and deprivation with restricted means of upward mobility. Income distribution is not an accurate measure of assessing the degree of inequality, but as a socio-economic inequalities transcend into everyday lives in ways that restrict mobility, limit one's capability to make choices, and intensify their experiences of exclusion and isolation." Thus, it is more appropriate to focus on empowering the economically and socially deprived classes. Certainly, attacking market-friendly policies, businesses, and businessmen won't help in fighting inequality. Often, incentives or tax relief for industries or corporate tax cuts are blamed for inequality and shown as the root cause. But it is essential to understand that these measures promote further investment in the economy and help create employment. High tax rates may seem attractive in the short run, but eventually, the economy suffers in the form of slow growth or business migration in the long run. To counter inequality, the most reliable and potent weapon is the philosophy of 'Antyoday', that is, the upliftment of the poorest and most marginalised members of society. Inequality is triggered primarily by social vulnerabilities in health, education, and skills among the lowest sections of society. If the government keeps uplifting the lowest strata through schemes and policies, the results can be expected to be far more positive compared to policies that may sabotage the growth cycle. Over the last decade, the government has worked in this direction. With initiatives like the 'Ayushman Card' coupled with schemes like 'Poshan,' the insecurity and risk of falling suddenly into the poverty cycle have reduced significantly. Health-related expenses are one of the most common 'emergency expenses' for low-income groups. According to the Economic Survey of India, between FY15 and FY22, the share of government health expenditure increased from 29.0% to 48.0%, and the share of out-of-pocket expenditure in total health expenditure declined from 62.6% to 39.4%. With these kinds of efforts, the government has achieved great success in eradicating extreme poverty (below 1%), poverty (low middle income PPP$3.2 per day, just 14.8% in 2019-20 compared to PPP$1.9 in 2011-12), and multi-dimensional poverty in India. Improvements in access to health and education facilities, along with food security and other basic amenities, bring the poorest of the poor to an equitable platform. An opportunity and chance from which they can at least start dreaming and aiming for higher goals and become part of India's growth story. This is the actual equality for which we, as a nation, should strive. Schemes like 'Start-up India' have paved the path for many first-generation entrepreneurs to build successful startups and unicorns. Merit and equal opportunity-based competition motivate individuals to work harder and take risks to benefit from high returns. Thus, if India maintains its economic growth trajectory while empowering socially and economically weaker sections through quality education, access to health and nutrition and skill development, inequality will be reduced - not in a utopian sense, but in a practical one.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
15 tea gardens reopen in Darjeeling, Alipurduar
Kolkata: Fifteen tea gardens that had become non-operational in Darjeeling and Alipurduar have reopened since Jan this year following implementation of the state govt's SOP for short-term settlement of closed or abandoned gardens. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This benefited a total of 14,484 workers. The closed gardens were Mechpara, Raimatang, Dalmore, Kalchini, Toorsa, Dalsingpara, Mohua, Dheklapara, Singtam, Sungma & Turzom, Nagri Farm, Singbulli, Panighatta, Pandam and Kalej Valley. Among these, Panighatta, which had 1,130 workers, was non-operational for the longest period of 3,492 days from Oct 2015. It reopened on May 2. Sungma & Turzom tea garden in Darjeeling became non-functional for the shortest period of only 10 days, from March 19 to March 28 this year, after which it reopened. Raimatang tea garden, which was closed in Oct 2023, was reopened on Jan 20 this year. State labour minister Moloy Ghatak said in the assembly on Friday: "For tea gardens whose lease have expired and are yet to renewed, they will be provided with a temporary lease if they pay labourers' salary and all other statutory dues for one year." Two more tea gardens are scheduled to reopen very soon, Ghatak added.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Hindi speakers' society takes the lead to celebrate centenary of Ritwik Ghatak
This is the centenary year of acclaimed filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak, and among the first to celebrate it in West Bengal happens to be a society of Hindi speakers in the State, which claims that, unlike other Bengali filmmakers who mostly depicted Hindi-speaking people as 'doormen or drivers,' Ghatak portrayed them as proper characters. On June 8, Paschim Banga Hindi Bhashi Samaj (West Bengal Hindi Speakers' Society), will hold a screening of Ghatak's film Subarnarekha and also a commemorative discussion on the director who was born in November 1925 and died at the age of 50, much of his iconic status being built posthumously. 'If you see Satyajit Ray's films or Mrinal Sen's films, you will usually find Hindi-speaking people shown as either drivers or doormen. In Ray's film Sonar Kella, for example, you find Bengalis travelling in a train to Rajasthan not having much conversation with a Marwari co-passenger, but the same Bengalis are shown to be so comfortable in Rajasthan,' Ashok Singh, general secretary of the Society and former head of Hindi department at Surendranath Evening College, told The Hindu. 'Whereas if you watch Ghatak's Bari Theke Paliye, you will see a boy running away from his village to the big city of Calcutta being shown kindness by a Hindi-speaking man selling sattu on the road. Such a humane portrayal of the meeting of two migrants!' Mr. Singh said, explaining why Ghatak meant a lot to the society of the Hindi-speaking. Extended tribute The June 8 event will be held at Rammohan Library and attendees will include academics and filmmakers from Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai. Some of the names mentioned are Kamaleshwar Mukherjee, Sanjoy Mukherjee, Sanchita Sanyal, Mohammed Salim (former MP), and Sonamani Tudu (Santhali lyricist and singer). Why only Subarnarekha? 'That's only to begin with. Our tribute to him will go on for months and we will show all his films. We are starting with Subarnarekha because it is very relevant today. It is an explosive experiment with mythology. The political questions raised in Ghatak's films are more important today than ever,' Mr. Singh said. The Paschim Banga Hindi Bhashi Samaj was established in March 1999 with the aim, according to Mr. Singh, of promoting the educational and cultural development of Hindi-speaking people in West Bengal and protection of their democratic rights. The body has over 1,000 members and has district committees in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, West Bardhaman, South 24 Parganas, and North 24 Parganas. He said that even though the Hindi-speaking community makes up 15% of the population in West Bengal, it has had no representation in the government for decades. 'When the Congress was in power, there was a Hindi-speaking minister, but after the Left Front took over and ever since then until today, there has been no Hindi-speaking minister in West Bengal. Even in Nandan, which is such an important cultural centre in Kolkata, they have completely stopped showing Hindi films,' Mr. Singh said.
India.com
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- India.com
Kaveri Engine: Powering India's Sky-High Dreams
Kaveri Engine Every Republic Day, we cheer as our fighter jets zoom across the sky, showcasing India's strength. But here's a hard truth: the heart of those jets—the engine—is often made abroad. Imagine if we could power our planes with an engine built right here in India. That's what the Kaveri engine, developed by DRDO, promises. It's not just an engine; it's our shot at self-reliance, pride, and a stronger future. Why Kaveri Is a Game-Changer The Kaveri engine, crafted by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru under DRDO, began in the 1980s to power the Tejas fighter jet. Today, it's being adapted for unmanned drones like Ghatak, India's first stealth UCAV. This shift is critical because India still relies heavily on foreign engines from countries like the US or France. If those supplies are halted, our jets could be grounded. Kaveri aims to change that by making India self-reliant in defence aviation. Beyond security, developing the Kaveri engine means more jobs for Indian engineers, better use of public funds, and a chance to become a global exporter of engine technology. It keeps defence secrets secure and builds valuable skills that can later be used in civilian aircraft, naval vessels, and drones. How Much Power Does Kaveri Produce? The Kaveri engine is a turbofan engine—built to push aircraft at high speeds over long distances. It currently exists in two versions: • Dry Variant (No Afterburner): Generates 49–51 kN of thrust—suitable for unmanned drones like Ghatak. • With Afterburner (Kaveri 2.0): Expected to reach 73–75 kN, with recent upgrades adding an additional 29 kN through an afterburner system, bringing the total closer to 79 kN. To compare, the Tejas jet requires more than 85 kN of thrust. The American GE F404 engine currently powering Tejas delivers about 84 kN. While Kaveri is already promising for drones, it still needs a boost to power fighter jets. Why Isn't Kaveri Ready Yet? Creating a jet engine is one of the most difficult engineering tasks. Here's why Kaveri is still a work in progress: 1. Technical Challenges: The engine struggles with high internal temperatures, especially in the turbine area. These heat levels can damage components, and managing them requires advanced materials like single-crystal turbine blades—technologies still being mastered in India. 2. Testing Limitations: India lacks dedicated high-altitude testing facilities. As a result, Kaveri has been tested abroad, such as in Russia, where high-altitude tests once achieved only 48.5 kN—well below the desired 81 kN. This slows progress and increases costs. 3. Long Development Timeline: Initiated in 1989, the project faced multiple hurdles. International sanctions after India's 1998 nuclear tests disrupted collaboration. In 2008, the engine was officially delinked from the Tejas project due to low thrust output. Attempts to collaborate internationally, like with France's Snecma, also fell through. 4. Power Deficit: While the dry version suits drones, the thrust isn't enough for fighters. In-flight testing, now ongoing on a modified Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft, is helping refine the design and performance in real-world conditions. When Can We See Kaveri in Action? India is taking a phased approach: • For Drones (Ghatak UCAV): The dry variant is almost ready and is expected to power the Ghatak drone by 2026. Drones require less thrust and can benefit from Kaveri's current capabilities. • For Fighter Jets (Tejas/AMCA): The afterburning version of Kaveri is being upgraded to meet the thrust needs of fighter jets. With adequate funding and technological progress, it may be ready for integration into aircraft like Tejas or the upcoming AMCA by the late 2020s or early 2030s. Industry estimates suggest that with ₹25,000 crore in funding, a 105 kN thrust engine could be achievable by 2030. • For Other Platforms: Kaveri's technology is already powering a 12 MW marine gas turbine since 2008. By 2027–28, more applications for ships and other platforms may be realized. Recently, the Defence Minister announced increased funding to speed up development. Private players such as Larsen & Toubro are also getting involved, proposing a 110 kN engine based on the Kaveri framework, which could be ready by the early 2030s if the project receives consistent support. Why India Must Keep Pushing Kaveri Kaveri is more than a technological ambition—it's a national necessity. Here's why the effort must continue: • Strategic Independence: Foreign engines are not always guaranteed. A homegrown engine ensures India's defence readiness under any circumstances. • Economic Benefits: Building engines locally creates thousands of jobs, retains valuable capital within the country, and opens avenues for exports. • National Confidence: Imagine a Republic Day flypast in 2030, where Indian-made Tejas and Ghatak aircraft roar across the sky powered by Kaveri engines—built in India, by Indians. That would be a defining moment of pride. Public sentiment is increasingly in favour of greater investment in indigenous defence projects. Citizens, veterans, and engineers are calling for more action and attention from the government. With consistent effort, policy support, and industry participation, the Kaveri engine can become a global symbol of India's technological progress. The Sky Is Not the Limit Today, Kaveri produces 49–51 kN of thrust, which is nearly ready for drones. With continued work, upgrades could soon push that to 79 kN and beyond, bringing us closer to a 105 kN-class engine. With stronger funding, testing infrastructure, and private-sector collaboration, India can transform Kaveri from a promising project into a powerhouse of aviation. Let us dream, design, and deliver. Let us make Kaveri soar. Because when it flies, it carries the dreams of a billion Indians.
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
MPCB issues temporary closure notice to Pune civic body abattoir
Punjab Police mobilize elite forces (SWAT, SOG, Ghatak) along the Pakistan border, deploying 16 companies and 90 strategic nakas. Mossad-trained units, skilled in counter-terrorism and VVIP protection, stand ready to respond to potential military escalation.
