The significance of global nutrition investment

The world is facing an acute malnutrition burden that is costing countries precious human capital and weakening the foundation of economic development and resilience. The CSIS Global Health Policy Centre released a primer in March 2019, highlighting nutrition policy as the untapped path to global health, economic growth and human security.
 
According to the primer, nutrition is the foundation for children that enables them to reach their full potential. Also, a nutrition policy can be one of the most cost-effective public health approaches that delivers a return of $16, for every $1 invested (IFPRI 2014). The primer pegs the worldwide costs of malnutrition at $3.5 trillion annually (FAO 2013).
 
Quoting data extracted from the 2018 Global Nutrition Report, the primer highlights that one in three people experience one form of malnutrition at a minimum, two forms of malnutrition persist in 88% countries and 29% countries suffer from all three forms i.e. undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiency. These result in hampered cognitive development of children, stunting, wasting and greater risks of non-communicable diseases. It also reiterates the significance of nutrition in the first 1000 days and adolescence for lifelong sound health.
 
Stunting creates a massive drag on economies, by severely impacting the brain development and productivity of people. 71% of all stunted children under the age of five are living in either Southeast Asia or Africa. With the global workforce transitioning towards less physical labour and more employment of technology, the future prosperity of countries is increasingly dependent upon the health and education of their workforce. By reducing “grey matter infrastructure,” stunting contributes towards cyclical poverty as well.
 
According to Jim Yong Kim, Former President, World Bank Group “when malnutrition strikes children in the first five years of their lives, it permanently stunts their bodies, their minds and their potential to fully contribute to their country’s economy” (August 2014). Overall, undernutrition can cause a loss of 11% in gross domestic product (FAO 2018).
 
The primer asserts that lack of nutrition continues to be a key contributor towards political instability and conflict, since it is a primary factor of food security. The acute levels of undernutrition and food insecurity are both, cause and consequence of conflicts, affecting human security. Conflicts are a cause of destruction of agricultural infrastructure and healthcare resources, leading to increasing burden of diseases, lack of food security and increasing migration of refugees. Countries suffering from food insecurity coupled with armed conflict have the highest levels of outward migration of refugees. For instance, the Venezuelan economic crisis resulted in a severe food crisis and 90% of the migrants to Colombia cited lack of food as the main reason for migration.
 
The issue of nutrition did not gain momentum as a global priority until 2008, when the spike in food prices resulted in the establishment of a High-Level Task Force on Food and Nutrition Security by the UN Secretary-General. In 2012, the World Health Assembly had called for global action towards six nutrition targets. An additional $70 billion is required over a period of 10 years to achieve just four of these targets i.e. (stunting, anemia, exclusive breastfeeding, and wasting), to prevent 3.7 million child deaths, 265 million cases of anemia in women, and 65 million cases of stunting.
 
Government, civil society, donors, academia and multilateral organisations started focusing upon nutrition. The issue of nutrition has become a visible global concern however, it remains severely under-financed. Moreover, optimal nutrition is difficult to obtain and sustain, given the multi-dimensional interrelationships between diets, disease and prevalent food systems.
 
Nutrition interventions are critical, low-cost and highly effective, with far-reaching effects in itself, but also, in the form of supplementary input towards the success of other health interventions such as those that target maternal, newborn and child health as well as the burden of infectious disease.Appropriate and adequate global nutrition investment can yield tremendous value with beneficial spillover effects across other development sectors, to potentially unlock the opportunities for the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of society.
 
India Outbound
April 3, 2019
 
 

source https://indiaoutbound.org/the-significance-of-global-nutrition-investment/

Economic relations between India and Bolivia

H. E. Evo Morales Ayma, the President of Plurinational State of Bolivia, hosted Indian President Shri Ram Nath Kovindin the first high-level visit between both countries, between both countries, in March 2019. Numerous issues of bilateral, regional and multilateral interest were deliberated upon. In addition to the consolidation of diplomatic relations, over issues of international peace and security, climate change, sustainability, tourism, health, development of modern infrastructure and so on, the economic relations between both countries provided a significant area of review and engagement.
 
Bolivia is the 8th largest trading partner for India in the Latin American region. Over the last two years, the trade between India and Bolivia has increased and in 2018, it was valued at US $875 million. India imports 60% of Bolivian gold. India ranked 3rd overall for Bolivian exports, valued at US $723 million in 2018, with imports from India standing at $571 million. During their discussion, both leaders emphasised upon the need to strengthen bilateral trade and diversify their trade baskets based on identification of sectors with untapped potential.
 
Post the delegation-level talks, eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed across the following: visa waiver for diplomats, exchange between diplomatic academies, establishment of Centre of Excellence in IT, mining, space and traditional medicine and culture. The possibility of the Indian Railways working with Bolivia for the construction of the Bi-Oceanic Railway project, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans was also explored. In addition to that, Bolivia became a part of the International Solar Alliance by signing the framework agreement.
 
There is mutual agreement to widen and deepen cooperation between Bolivia and India, by leveraging the immense opportunities across agriculture, trade and commerce, investments including commercial tie-ups, mineral resources,automobiles, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, solar and renewable energy along with other energy pathways, ICT and space, capacity building and technical cooperation, railways, highways, waterways, airways, education and culture.
 
The recognition of the need to tap into solar energy as a means of combating climate change led to the agreement to establish links of cooperation across the fields of geology and mineral resources, via the sharing of good practices and experiences as well as conducting joint activities. A joint gas exploration strategy will be executed to invest in the exploration and development of Bolivia’s immense hydrocarbon potential, for the broader purpose of energy integration.
 
Both countries will collaborate upon the exploration and extraction of the abundant lithium deposits in Bolivia. This will be crucial for India’s clean technology initiatives since lithium is required for making batteries, used in electric cars and so on. India expressed its interest in investing in the Bolivian lithium industry, in order to facilitate the development of lithium products using cutting-edge technologies from India. Joint ventures will be fostered to enable the establishment of battery production plants in India.
 
The possibility of exporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to India will be explored, in addition to the feasibility of laying a gas pipeline and establishing an LNG plant, on mutually agreeable terms. Both countries are also willing to develop projects for sharing experiences in space technology applications, use of satellite data in agriculture, protection as well as management of forests and water resources etc. India is keen to boost its exports to Bolivia in the pharmaceutical sector, given India’s global recognition in providing high quality medicines at affordable prices. This will enable Bolivia to achieve its healthcare goals.
 
In order to meet the needs of a flourishing knowledge economy and promote business-to-business cooperation, both countries will aim to strengthen their cooperation across information technology and related services. During his visit, President Kovind also addressed the India-Bolivia Business Forum. He laid emphasis upon the need to complement the economic strengths of both countries for mutual growth and prosperity.
 
Highlighting India’s focused approach towards business in the Latin American region, President Kovind touched upon how the India-Latin America and Caribbean Conclaves that are held annually, have helped deepen business collaborations. Several Indian businesses have successfully entered the Bolivian market to offer cutting-edge technologies, industrial products and services to the people there. He also underlined India’s attractiveness as a unique destination for international trade and business, given the vibrant ecosystem fostered by democratic structures, a middle-class market of over 400 million and the third largest scientific pool of human resources in the world.
 
India Outbound
April 2, 2019
 
 

source https://indiaoutbound.org/economic-relations-between-india-and-bolivia/

Indian-Bolivian diplomatic relations

Indian President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, was invited to Bolivia on an official state visit from March 28th-30th, 2019 by the President of Plurinational State of Bolivia H. E. Evo Morales Ayma. This visit was a part of a three-country Latin American tour (Croatia, Bolivia and Chile), with the aim to strengthen India’s ties across investment, trade and renewable energy.
 
The visit to Boliviahas historical significance, since it is the first high-level visit between both countries, since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Matters of mutual interest, across bilateral, regional and multilateral issues were discussed. During his visit, President Kovind was conferred with the highest State Honour of Bolivia i.e. the Condor de los Andes en el Grado de Gran Collar.
 
In order to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, India gifted Bolivia to busts of Gandhi, which will be placed in La Paz and Santa Cruz. A plaque naming an auditorium after him, at the Universidad Autonama Gabriel Rene Moreno, was also unveiled. In an address to the students, the relevance of Gandhi to 21st century global concerns were emphasised upon, vis-à-vis his advocacy of sustainability, ecological sensitivity and living in harmony with nature. President Kovind heralded the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals as Gandhian philosophy in action.
 
The Indian President also announced a US $100 million Line of Credit to Bolivia for the financing of development sectors. This is part of the development cooperation partnership under the framework of South-South cooperation. He also offered to double the training slots under the Indian Technical Economic Cooperation programme.
 
In reaffirming their mutual commitment to reformed multilateralism, both leaders emphasised upon the need to comprehensively reform the UN Security Council (UNSC), in order to make it more representative, democratic, reflective, effective and accountable to better serve the realities of the 21st century as well as address the threats and challenges to international peace and security. Bolivia reiterated its support for India’s permanent candidature to the UNSC.
 
Both leaders also called upon countries to take concerted and decisive actions against globally proscribed terrorists and related outfits, thereby calling for the early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Within this context, Bolivia has strongly condemned the Pulwama attack in India and has
 
India thanked Bolivia for wholeheartedly supporting and participating in the International Day of Yoga every year. Cooperation between India and Bolivia would also extend to health sector, with exchange of best practices as well as knowledge about traditional medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy (AYUSH).
 
In addition, both countries have agreed to promote their tourist linkages by building upon their rich cultural heritage, as well as the historical sites and monuments that they host.
 
India Outbound
April 1, 2019

 
 

source https://indiaoutbound.org/indian-bolivian-diplomatic-relations/

Using drones is cheaper and faster than traditional instruments like the Electronic Total Stations (ETS), which is used to establish the boundaries and maps for landowners. https://t.co/ODYa8RC2fQ

Using drones is cheaper and faster than traditional instruments like the Electronic Total Stations (ETS), which is used to establish the boundaries and maps for landowners.https://t.co/ODYa8RC2fQ

— India Outbound (@india_outbound) April 1, 2019

from Twitter : https://twitter.com/india_outbound

#Data is a valuable resource for delivering social good, not just for measuring evidences of impact, but also to shape action in a more targeted and efficient manner as well as make informed decisions. https://t.co/0jFx9Co4XX

#Data is a valuable resource for delivering social good, not just for measuring evidences of impact, but also to shape action in a more targeted and efficient manner as well as make informed decisions.https://t.co/0jFx9Co4XX

— India Outbound (@india_outbound) April 1, 2019

from Twitter : https://twitter.com/india_outbound

An in-depth analysis of the access to the world’s largest nutrition programme, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). https://t.co/RhMyIRyjpw

An in-depth analysis of the access to the world’s largest nutrition programme, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).https://t.co/RhMyIRyjpw

— India Outbound (@india_outbound) April 1, 2019

from Twitter : https://twitter.com/india_outbound

IEA’s Global Energy & CO2 Status Report 2018: Global Trends

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released a report in March 2019, titled, “Global Energy & CO2 Status Report 2018.” This annual report provides a snapshot of recent global trends and developments across fuels (coal, oil, gas), electricity, renewable sources, energy efficiency and carbon emissions in 2018. This article highlights the global trends outlined in the report.

The demand for all fuels has increased but the biggest gains came from natural gas, as the fuel of choice in 2018, accounting for almost 45% of the increase in total energy demand. Fossil fuels met nearly 70% of the growth. Oil and coal accounted for 25% of the global demand growth. Solar and wind energy have shown a double-digit growth.
 
A major factor that caused almost a 20% increase in the global energy demand is the weather conditions in 2018 that pushed up the demand for cooling and heating, since the average summer and winter temperatures respectively, across certain regions, reached historical highs and lows.Thus, the growth in energy needs has occurred primarily due to a higher electricity demand.
 
The global electricity demand grew by 4% in 2018, thereby coming closer to a 20% share in the total consumption of energy. The increase in power generation contributed to more than half of the growth in primary energy demand. Due to an increase in energy consumption, carbon emissions showed a record increase of 1.7% in 2018. Coal-fired power generation has been the single largest contributor, accounting for 30% of all energy-related carbon emissions.
 
Renewables, which grew by over 4%, accounted for 25% of the growth in primary energy demand. In terms of expansion in electricity generation, renewables contributed 45% of the growth in 2018. The growth in nuclear by 3.3% was a result of the new capacity addition in China and the restarting of four reactors in Japan. Globally, 7% of the increase in energy demand was met by nuclear generation.
 

The United States, China and India collectively accounted for approximately 70% of the rise in energy demand. After three years of decline, the energy demand in the US grew by 3.7%. It was also responsible for the largest rise in gas and oil demand worldwide. Half of this rise was caused due to the weather changes. Gas consumption rose by 10% since 2017, which has been the fastest increase recorded by IEA since 1971. This increase is equivalent to the UK’s current gas consumption.
 
One-third of the increase in the global energy demand took place in China, at a growth rate of 3.5%, the highest since 2012. This country also witnessed the world’s largest increase in wind and solar generation in 2018. The inputs to the power sector contributed to over 95% of the Chinese growth in energy demand. There was an expansion in the power generation from all technologies, especially coal, to meet the 8.5% jump in electricity demand.
 
With the third-largest share, the primary energy demand in India rose by 4%, thereby accounting for 11% of the global growth. Coal for power generation and oil for transport purposes were the first and second largest contributors respectively, to the growth in energy demand in India.
 
The 2018 trend of energy demand in Europe followed a different route. The economic expansion of 1.8% led to an increase in energy demand by only 0.2%. In Germany, the increase in energy efficiency led to a 2.2% dip in energy demand and oil demand fell by more than 6%. The energy demand in the UK and France increased only moderately.
 
Thus, in a nutshell, 2018 witnessed an increase in the global energy consumption by 2.3%, at nearly twice the average rate of growth, since 2010. This growth has been driven by a robust global economy (expansion by 3.7% in 2018) and increase in the heating and cooling needs across certain regions.However, there has been a lack of improvement in terms of energy efficiency.
 
All information and images sourced from IEA’s online report.
 
India Outbound
March 29, 2019
 
 

source https://indiaoutbound.org/ieas-global-energy-co2-status-report-2018-global-trends/