Trade & Development report 2017 was recently released by United Nation Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
In its recent report titled ‘Beyond austerity — towards a global new deal’, it states that India, China unlikely to be ‘growth poles’ for global economy.
The report pegs India's rate at 6.7% in 2017, down from 7% in 2016.
It pointed out that effects of demonetisation and rollout of the Goods & Services Tax regime on the informal sector and reduction in pace of credit creation may affect India’s growth prospects.
UNCTAD
UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964.
It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and part of the UN Secretariat.
It is also a part of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG).
It was formed specifically to handle the problems of developing countries dealing with trade, investment and development issues.
Other reports published by UNCTAD – World Investment Report, The Least Developed Countries Report, Information and Economy Report, Technology and Innovation Report and Commodities and Development Report.
Operation Insaaniyat
The operation is carried out by Indian Government providing humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh on account of influx of refugees from Myanmar.
As part of this operation, the Indian Air Force was tasked to airlift the relief material from India to Bangladesh.
Swachhta Hi Seva
It is the nation-wide sanitation campaign from 15th September to 2nd October 2017 to highlight the third year anniversary of Swachh Bharat mission.
It is coordinated by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the convening Ministry for the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Pacific Storm
The Pacific typhoon “Doksuri” is currently racing to the south of Hong Kong for a landfall over Vietnam.
It is expected to make qualitative change to the Indian Monsoon.
It will set up a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, which could even grow as a depression, to bring heavy rain initially over East India and later over Central India, West, North-West and South India.
International Day of Democracy
United Nation observes 15th September of every year as International Day of Democracy.
This year's theme of democracy and conflict prevention focuses on the critical need to strengthen democratic institutions to promote peace and stability.
The values of freedom, respect for human rights and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage are essential elements of democracy.
These values are embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development addresses democracy in Sustainable Development Goal 16.
Source: PIB, Business Standard, The Hindu, Business Line