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Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Telangana's trillion dollar dream: A roadmap to 2047
1 2 3 4 Hyderabad: The aspiration for Telangana to evolve into a $3 trillion economy by 2047, fuelled by a steady 10% annual growth rate, reflects both strategic intent and bold ambition. According to economists and policy experts, this milestone is within reach—provided the state adopts forward-looking reforms, enhances sectoral productivity, and provides sustainability and inclusivity at the heart of its growth model. To realise this vision, the experts said Telangana must adopt a multi-pronged approach. Ensuring fiscal discipline, fostering sector-specific development, expanding robust manufacturing ecosystems, and embracing innovation across agriculture, industry, and services are key, they said. However, they also cautioned that setting targets alone is not enough, but the state must remain vigilant against repeating past mistakes and be guided by clear, actionable objectives rooted in long-term planning. Currently, Telangana contributes about 4% to India's GDP. Achieving a $3 trillion economy by 2047 would elevate its contribution to an estimated 10–12%. Within the state's current economic structure, agriculture accounts for approximately 17.3%, industry and manufacturing contribute 12%, and the services sector dominates with 66% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Strategic direction Professor Krishna Reddy Chittedi, assistant professor at the School of Economics, University of Hyderabad, underscored the need for a paradigm shift in govt policy. "Rationalisation of schemes, curbing unnecessary expenditure, and closing policy loopholes are imperative. Growth should not be overly concentrated in Hyderabad, even though it remains the primary economic engine," he emphasised. Boppana Nagarjuna, professor of international and industrial economics at the UoH, prefers Telangana to follow a transitional economic model similar to that of Vietnam. "We must decentralise manufacturing to towns and villages, empowering small businesses and tapping into the state's vast human resource potential. Kia Motors is a case in point—its global success was enabled by decentralised production. Telangana must also foster FDI partnerships with balanced ownership between the state and private sector," he said. S Mahendra Dev, chairman of Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister (EAC-PM), stresses the importance of sustainability. "Telangana's per capita income exceeds the national average, yet India's global economic standing highlights the need for inclusive and sustainable growth. Development policies must extend benefits to all regions and communities while prioritising environmental protection," he observed. Navika Harshe, an economist and former Young Professional in the erstwhile Planning Commission, draws lessons from global models. "Telangana must not only sustain its current 10% growth rate but also explore transformative growth strategies. Germany's shift from an agrarian economy to an industrial powerhouse, and Singapore's consistent 10% growth over decades, offer valuable roadmaps for long-term success," she said. In the agricultural sector, Professor Aldas Janaiah, VC of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, outlines critical interventions. "To contribute meaningfully to the economic target, agriculture must grow at around 11% annually until 2047. This requires extending minimum support price to all major crops, improving storage and marketing infrastructure, and addressing farmer reluctance to continue in agriculture," he stressed. Asserting that digitalisation and mechanisation are key, he said, "Our university has launched a digital agriculture centre to promote Internet of Things and modern tools that will support farmers and gradually facilitate labour transition without sacrificing growth."
Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
CCP holds awareness session on Competition Law for IIUI students
ISLAMABAD: An awareness session on 'Competition Law in Pakistan' was held at the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) Headquarters for the students of School of Economics, International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI). Moderated by CCP's Deputy Director of Advocacy, Raja Taimur Hassan, the session commenced with a brief video showcasing the CCP's role, followed by a detailed presentation on Competition Law by Ahmed Qadir, Director General. Ahmed Qadir explained the fundamental of Competition Law, including those related to the cartelization, abuse of dominant position, deceptive marketing, prohibited agreements and mergers & acquisitions, to the students. He supplemented his presentation with case studies to demonstrate practical enforcement of competition law. He also highlighted the important role that Competition Law plays in fostering fair market practices, which are critical for economic growth. Students took keen interest and posed numerous questions regarding Competition Law and the work of the Commission, which were addressed by the officials of the Commission. Dr Babar Amin, Lecturer at the School of Economics, IIUI, commended the session, describing it as a crucial basis for students' comprehension of market dynamics and Pakistan's regulatory frameworks that govern and guide economic activity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
China warns its leftover men against ‘buying foreign wives'
The Chinese government has warned its citizens in Bangladesh against "buying a foreign wife" amid growing reports of marriage scams and human trafficking in the South Asian country. The Chinese embassy in Dhaka late on Sunday urged Chinese citizens not to be 'misled' by posts on social media offering quick marriages abroad. The embassy stated that, according to Chinese law, no marriage agency was allowed to offer international matchmaking services, while citizens were barred from hiding such activities through deception or for profit. Chinese citizens were advised to stay away from commercial cross-border marriage agencies and remain vigilant against online romance scams to avoid both financial and personal losses, the embassy added. China has a reported surplus of 35 million men who are unable to find brides in part due to the Chinese government's three-decade-long one-child policy, which pushed families to prefer male children. Girls were either selectively aborted or abandoned. China has also witnessed a steep decline in marriages, with 6.1 million marriage registrations nationwide in 2024, compared to 7.7 million the previous year. The decline is mostly driven by factors such as increased economic pressures, rising cost of living, and Chinese women pushing back against patriarchal gender expectations. There are growing reports that a generation of so-called "leftover men" (shengnan shidai in Chinese) are looking towards Pakistan, Russia, Bangladesh and other nations to "purchase" brides. The growing demand for these brides has fuelled human trafficking, with children and women from South and Southeast Asian countries being smuggled into China. Bangladeshi women are among those who have been allegedly being sold in China by criminal gangs under the pretext of marriage, according to a Daily Star report. The embassy warned that those involved in illegal cross-border marriages in Bangladesh may face arrest on suspicion of trafficking. Ding Changfa, an associate professor from the School of Economics at Xiamen University, faced backlash after suggesting that men in China could consider marrying women from Russia, Vietnam and Pakistan to end the marriage crisis. 'In rural China, we have approximately 34.9 million 'leftover men' who might face the marriage pressures of providing housing, cars, and bride price totalling between 500,000 yuan (£51,100) and 600,000 yuan (£61,400)," he was quoted by the South China Morning Post as saying. 'Last year [2023], the average disposable income per capita in rural areas across China was just over 20,000 yuan (£2,000). Solving this issue could involve attracting a significant number of eligible young women from overseas,' he added. Pakistan has been at the heart of the trafficking ring, where parents in poor Christian families were being pressured to offer up their daughters to Chinese men, according to reports. Human Rights Watch in a 2019 report said women were trafficked to China through 'a porous border and lack of response by law enforcement agencies on both sides [has] created an environment in which traffickers flourish.' The group called on China and Pakistan to act in the face of 'increasing evidence that Pakistani women and girls are at risk of sexual slavery in China'.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
China's 35 million leftover men are hunting for brides in Russia, Southeast Asia, Bangladesh and Pakistan
China's one-child policy ran for decades starting 1979 and its effects are being felt even now, almost 10 years after it was scrapped in 2015. One of the most telling aspects of the diktat has been the large number of male children born during the one-child policy decades. It is now leading to a shortage of brides as the boys are all grown up and looking to get married. But the massive problem staring them in the face - lack of women of marriageable age. Over 35 million men (called shengnan shidai in Chinese, loosely translated as leftover men) are looking for brides but are unable to find one in their country. The large number of men is due to the fact that for over three-and-a-half decades parents wanted only sons due to the one-child norm in force. The number is likely to go up to 50 million unmarried Chinese men who are unable to find a woman in the next couple of decades. In desperation many Chinese men are looking at online portals to find a soulmate while others are heading to foreign lands to get married. A vast number of Chinese men are also "buying brides" in foreign countries like Russia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and South-East Asian nations. Many are also using the online route to get hold of a bribe by paying hefty amounts. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dukung Orang Terkasih Menghadapi Limfoma: Mulai Di Sini Limfoma Baca Undo Also Read: Filipino music icon Freddie Aguilar dies at 72, leaves behind a legacy that touched the world The above two developments has also led to a flourishing trade in human trafficking, raising the hackles of international agencies too. Live Events China warns against buying brides Recently, the Chinese government issued a warning to its citizens in Bangladesh against buying a "foreign wife" for marriage. With several social media post claiming to arrange for a bride for Chinese men, the country's embassy in Dhaka cautioned its citizens against falling for the trap, reported Bangladesh's Daily Star. The embassy warned that international matchmaking services are illegal under Chinese law and its citizens cannot indulge in such activities or hide it from the law enforcement agencies back in China. The report also highlighted that Bangladeshi girls and women were being smuggled into China by criminal gangs for marriage. What has changed in China In recent years, the traditional Chinese society has witnessed a lot of changes with the women joining the work force in large numbers and delaying their marriage. Higher levels of education Financial and economic pressures are also acting as a force against marriage. China registered 6.1 million marriages in 2024, a huge fall from the 7.7 million a year back in 2023. A controversial statement by a Xiamen University's School of Economics professor where he implored unmarried men to look for brides from other countries like Russia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Pakistan sparked an uproar. Also Read: What's wrong with China economy? Moody's maintains 'negative' rating for world's second largest economy 'In rural China, we have approximately 34.9 million 'leftover men' who might face the marriage pressures of providing housing, cars, and bride price totalling between 500,000 and 600,000 yuan (US$70,000 and US$84,000). Last year, the average disposable income per capita in rural areas across China was just over 20,000 yuan (US$2,800). Solving this issue could involve attracting a significant number of eligible young women from overseas,' associate professor Ding Changfa was quoted by the South China Morning Post. Poor Christian families in Pakistan, too, are being forced to sell their daughters to criminal gangs who them smuggle them to China for marriage. Many Chinese men are looking at Russia to get a bride. The interesting factor behind heading to Russia is that the country has more women while China is surplus with men. The current legal age for marriage in China is 22 years for men and 20 for women but there have been calls to lower it to 18 to tide over the crisis of missing brides. One prominent voice who has advocated for lowering the age for marriage is Chen Songxi, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
New Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
'Dispensary role has benefits but access remains a concern'
ALOR STAR: Granting pharmacists full dispensary rights could reduce unnecessary patient spending and improve healthcare efficiency — but only if implemented carefully with accessibility in mind, says a health economics expert. Associate Professor Dr Shamzaeffa Samsudin of Universiti Utara Malaysia's School of Economics, Finance and Banking said the separation of prescribing and dispensing roles combined at most private clinics could help curb overprescription. "The main benefit, from a health economics standpoint, is that it could reduce moral hazards among doctors in prescribing. "There have been cases where unnecessary medicines are prescribed, especially at clinics with in-house pharmacies. Separating the two roles may help address that," she told the New Straits Times. She said irrational or excessive prescriptions contributed to rising healthcare costs for patients — an issue the separation policy could potentially resolve. However, Shamzaeffa warned that any move must also consider practical realities for patients. "On one hand, yes, it may lower spending. But on the other, it could place an additional burden on patients." She said many Malaysians still preferred the convenience of receiving both consultation and medication under one roof, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. Requiring patients to visit an external pharmacy could add transport and logistical challenges. "In terms of easing congestion in healthcare, the idea works on paper. It allows doctors and pharmacists to focus on their core responsibilities. "But, at the same time, some patients are willing to pay more for the convenience of getting everything done at one location." She added that if the separation model were to be introduced, it must be accompanied by efforts to ensure pharmacies are available and accessible nationwide. Beyond costs and logistics, Shamzaeffa said such a reform could raise the status and welfare of pharmacists, aligning with Malaysia's ambition of building a modern, efficient healthcare system. "As we move towards becoming a developed nation, we must acknowledge the distinct expertise each healthcare professional brings. But ultimately, access to affordable and convenient healthcare must remain the priority. "If separation can be implemented without burdening the public, then it's worth pursuing — not just to support the pharmacy profession, but also to improve patient outcomes." Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy chief executive officer Azrul Mohd Khalib agreed that separating prescribing and dispensing could bring benefits. "Doctors would no longer have a financial incentive to overprescribe, medicine prices would become more transparent and competitive and general practitioners (GPs) could focus more on clinical work." He said similar systems were already in place Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. However, he cautioned against rushing the process as poorly managed rollout could increase pressure on government clinics and lead to the closure of private GP practices. "This would be an inconvenience to patients, especially those who rely on late-night or early-morning visits to clinics that also dispense medication. "Patients may have to wait for pharmacies to open just to get their prescriptions filled. That's a major shift from the convenience they're used to," he added. Consumers Association of Penang president Mohideen Abdul Kader echoed similar views, calling for the reform to be rolled out gradually. He said the association supported the separation of dispensing responsibilities in principle, as it could help clarify the distinct roles of doctors and pharmacists. "The system should only be introduced in towns with enough pharmacies near clinics and hospitals." Mohideen said the government must implement the move in phases, stressing that while convenience was important, the current arrangement carries a potential conflict of interest that needs to be addressed.
