Statistically Speaking

First-time asylum applications in EU up 20% in 2023

27 Mar 2024 03:57 AM IST

In 2023, 1 048 900 first-time asylum applicants (non-EU citizens) applied for international protection in EU countries, up by 20% compared with 2022 (873 700). After a considerable drop in 2020 (417 100), the numbers increased for 3 consecutive years almost reaching the peaks registered in 2015 and 2016 (1

Annual profits from forced labour amount to $236 billion: ILO

27 Mar 2024 03:50 AM IST

Forced labour in the private economy generates US$236 billion in illegal profits per year, a new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) has found. The total amount of illegal profits from forced labour has risen by US$64 billion (37 per cent) since 2014, a dramatic increase that has been

Survey reveals positive outlook on NPAs, sectors show improvement

22 Mar 2024 02:52 AM IST

The FICCI-IBA Bankers’ survey, conducted from July to December 2023, marked its eighteenth iteration, with participation from a comprehensive array of 23 banks encompassing public sector, private sector, and foreign banks. These banking entities collectively constitute a significant portion, approximately 77%, of the banking industry, categorized based on asset size.

THE HOTTEST YEAR ON RECORD: 2023

22 Mar 2024 02:44 AM IST

The latest report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reveals that records were once again surpassed across various climate indicators, including greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, Antarctic sea ice cover, and glacier retreat. The year 2023 witnessed extreme weather events such as heatwaves,

2023 witnessed record-breaking surge in organ donors and transplants

21 Mar 2024 02:09 AM IST

Preliminary data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) indicates that the United States witnessed a continued rise in organ donors throughout 2023, resulting in several record-breaking trends in the organ transplantation system. This upward trend in annual donations led to notable milestones in organ donation, procurement, and transplant

India ranks 126th in World Happiness Report for 2nd time

21 Mar 2024 01:59 AM IST

The 2024 edition of the World Happiness Report has been unveiled, revealing Finland as the world’s happiest country for the seventh consecutive year. In stark contrast, India secured the 126th position out of the 143 countries included in the ranking. This annual report offers a comprehensive assessment of happiness levels

From automobile to retail sales surge: India’s economic tapestry

20 Mar 2024 02:02 AM IST

The global economy is experiencing a slowdown, with growth decelerating in several resilient economies and leading indicators signalling further moderation in the near term. In India, the real GDP growth reached a six-quarter peak in Q3 of the fiscal year 2023-24, driven by robust momentum, strong indirect taxes, and reduced

India ranks 3rd in most polluted countries in world

20 Mar 2024 01:55 AM IST

The fundamental rules of survival are clear: while humans can survive for weeks without food and days without water, they can only last minutes without air. Air stands as the most crucial resource for human life, yet the reality is that much of the world breathes in polluted air on

Gold prices surge to record highs: What is driving the rally?

16 Mar 2024 04:45 AM IST

Gold prices have surged since the end of February, with the LBMA Gold Price PM currently trading at US$2,180.45 per ounce as of March 11th. This marks a 6.5% month-to-date increase. Gold has achieved record highs for six consecutive days and came close to reaching US$2,200 per ounce during intra-day

From startups to unicorns: India’s journey towards Unicorn 2.0

16 Mar 2024 04:42 AM IST

In the period spanning from 2016 to the present, India’s landscape has seen the emergence of over 100 unicorns alongside approximately 100,000 startups, as per the CII report ‘Unicorn 2.0: Adding the next trillion’. These entities have played a pivotal role in bolstering economic expansion, contributing a significant 10 to

How Long Do Muslims Fast For Ramadan Around the World?

15 Mar 2024 04:35 AM IST

Ramadan starts on Sunday evening, with the first day of fasting on Monday, March 11 this year. The holy month is based on the Islamic lunar calendar which is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year, and so its start shifts earlier each year. While the number of days

Rich attain Record Development, Poorest go Backwards

15 Mar 2024 04:34 AM IST

Uneven development progress is leaving the poorest behind, exacerbating inequality, and stoking political polarization on a global scale. The result is a dangerous gridlock that must be urgently tackled through collective action, according to a new report released today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The 2023/24 Human Development