A New India

Let’s start off with some good news, shall we? According to the most recent monthly Refinitiv-Ipsos Primary Consumer Sentiment Index (PCSI) report, consumer sentiment among urban Indians has improved and increased by 1.1 percentage points in December 2022. Amit Adarkar, CEO of Ipsos India said, “After a decline in consumer confidence following Diwali in November, we are seeing it improve in December as forthcoming celebrations and Christmas delight consumers. It will be crucial to pay attention to the first quarter of 2023, from January to March. The effects of the macro forces on our economy and consumption will also be known, as well as whether or not consumers will continue to feel the pressure.”

Another achievement for India which every Indian would be proud of.  A project that aims to improve the health of the Ganges, India’s holy river, is among 10 “ground-breaking” efforts recognised from around the globe by the United Nations for their role in restoring the natural world. They were chosen as part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a worldwide initiative coordinated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

According to the statement, the government-led Namami Gange initiative, which was started in 2014 is revitalising, preserving and conserving the Ganges and its tributaries, reforesting areas of the Ganges basin, and promoting sustainable farming. Several important wildlife species, including river dolphins, softshell turtles, otters, and the hilsa shad fish, are also targets of the project. 230 organisations are involved in the effort, which has so far invested up to USD 4.25 billion, and 1,500 kilometres of river have been repaired. The UN estimates that 30,000 hectares of additional afforestation have already been completed, with a 134,000 hectare target for 2030.

In another major decision for the country, the union government has decided to provide free ration to 81.35 crore poor people under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) for one year. 

Over 80 crore people in the country, or roughly two thirds of the population, will profit from the decision, the Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution said, calling it a “new year gift for the country’s underprivileged.” “The beneficiaries of the NFSA, who were receiving rice at Rs 3 per kg and wheat at Rs 2 per kg, from January onward would not have to pay a single dime to acquire food grains for the ensuing 12 months,” he said.

India is making numerous scientific and economic advancements, while also taking care of its citizens and preserving and repairing the environment. The development of a country’s citizens is inversely correlated with the expansion of its communities. Additionally, it is our responsibility to protect our country and the environment.

I hope you have loved reading the editorial and will continue to support us in bringing the best, interesting and informative articles for your perusal. In the meantime, keep reading the articles we have brought you this month. We discuss laptops, fixed deposits, ways to save tax and many more. Do share your thoughts at info@consumer-voice.org.

Until then, happy reading!

Pallabi Boruah

Editor