ILO says unemployment in India to increase marginally in 2017-18
According to a report released by International Labour Organisation (ILO), the number of unemployed people in India is expected to rise by 1 lakh in 2017 and another 2 lakh in 2018, even though the country’s unemployment rate is expected to go down from 3.5% to 3.4% in 2017. Some highlights of the report are mentioned below;
- The report has clubbed India in the category of emerging nations.
- Globally, the number of jobless people will increase by 3.4 million in 2017. The global unemployment rate is expected to rise modestly from 5.7 to 5.8% in 2017 as labour force growth is expected to be higher than growth in job creation.
- In developing countries, the number of workers earning less than $3.10 per day is also expected to increase by more than 5 million over the next two years.
- Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia will be the most affected with vulnerable or unstable forms of employment.
India – US ink MoU for development in third world countries
India and the United States of America have signed an MoU to provide aid and development in third world countries. Some highlights of the MoU are entioned below;
- Both countries will collaborate on exchange of information and expertise in sectors of project development in partner countries.
- They will provide technical assistance to third countries in policy reform, project management, implementation and economic growth strategies in relevant sectors.
- Officials of both countries will conduct site visits to oversee relevant projects in partner countries.
India inks MoU with Sri Lanka for rain water harvesting systems
India has signed an (MoU) with Sri Lanka to construct 3000 rain water harvesting systems in Rin Jaffna District at a cost of 300 million Sri Lankan Rupees. Highlights of the project are given below;
- The project aims to assist resettlement of displaced families and households in Jaffna by providing modern systems for clean drinking water supply .
- The project also aims to train households in operation and maintenance (O&M) of the rain water harvesting systems. It will also generate employment opportunities in Sri Lanka.
- Beneficiaries will be identified by Sri Lankan Government in consultation with the Indian Government. The selected beneficiaries will include women headed families and recently resettled families.
India’s first solar power boat launched in Kerala
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched India’s first solar powered boat ‘Aaditya’ in Vaikom on January 12, 2017. Some highlights of the project are mentioned below;
- The boat has 2 electric motors, it is 20 metres long and can travel at a speed of 14km per hour.
- The construction of this boat cost Rs 1.5 crore and took nearly 2 years for completion. Financial assistance for the boat was sought from the Union Government.
- The Kerala government will soon launch 10 more solar power boats with an aim to replace the existing diesel boats.
- The solar boat takes half the transportation time as compared to ordinary diesel boats.