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INDIA 2024 India News Politics

NCP(SP) vows Rs 1 lakh/year dole to poor women, jobless youth

A like amount shall be given as a stipend to the educated jobless youth, who will be provided free training and skilling in the government or private sector for a year and prepare them to take up jobs of their choice…reports Asian Lite News

The Nationalist Congress Party(SP) President Sharad Pawar here on Thursday released the party’s 2024 Election Manifesto with a slew of promises to attract the poor, women, farmers, the unemployed, the depressed sections of society and other backward groups for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Sharad Pawar, along with state President Jayant Patil and other senior functionaries disclosed the salient aspects of the Manifesto which include an aid of Rs 1 lakh per year to a woman from all the poor families in the country under the Mahalakshmi Scheme, and help make crores of women as ‘lakhpatis’.

A like amount shall be given as a stipend to the educated jobless youth, who will be provided free training and skilling in the government or private sector for a year and prepare them to take up jobs of their choice.

Similar to the INDIA bloc proposal, the NCP(SP) will also amend the laws to hike the quotas’ ceiling and provide for reservations to more categories, set up a special farmers’ commission to advise, streamline and recommend loan waivers to the peasantry, among other things, Pawar and Patil said.

The NCP(SP) also proposes to double the income of unorganised daily workers to at least Rs 400 per day, better sops for Anganwadi women workers, throwing open the government sector’s 30 lakh jobs currently lying vacant to the unemployed youth, and other assurances for various other sections of the populace if and after the INDIA bloc comes to power.

The NCP (SP) is contesting 10 of the state’s 48 LS constituencies, with many falling in the ‘tough fight’ category, along with support from the Maha Vikas Aghadi allies like Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT).

Last week, the Congress and SS(UBT) leaders indicated that if the need arises, they might issue an MVA’s joint manifesto in the coming days.

Shiv Sena, BJP slam manifesto

 Shiv Sena spokesperson Susiben Shah said the announcement of Sharad Pawar-led NCP(SP) in its manifesto ‘Shapathnama’ with regards to minimum support price (MSP) for farmers is to “deceive” and “allure” them.

“It is important to note that he was the Union Agricultural Minister for 10 years between 2004 and 2014. During his tenure, he did nothing for the farmers. The MSP announcement in the manifesto is simply an attempt to deceive and allure the farmers,” said Shah here.

“They have also shown a dangling carrot of 50 per cent reservation for women. However, the manifesto falls short in countering in leaps taken for women empowerment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde,” said Shah.

Offering cheap gas cylinders, and giving poor women Rs 1 lakh every year, are nothing but fake promises, she claimed.

“It is high time Sharad Pawar’s National Corrupt Party stopped cheating people and making such promises,” she said.

 The BJP claimed on Thursday that the manifesto (‘Shapathnama’) released by the NCP (SP) is the biggest fraud in the world.

In Sharad Pawar’s life, a dagger is more important than the oath, said Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule in his reaction. Due to this manifesto, the voters will not vote for the Pawar-led party, he added.

“In Maharashtra, an oath is more important than life,” he said.

“Whenever Pawar was in power, he practiced vote politics and used power to make money and again used the same money to gain power. Maharashtra never benefited due to his politics,” claimed Bawankule.

Bawankule said that Modi’s Sankalp Patra (manifesto) is for the welfare of the country. On the other hand, in the INDIA Alliance manifesto the Congress talks about the abolition of Sanatan Dharma and also on redistribution of wealth among a particular community.

Bawankuke explained the importance of oath and Sharad Pawar’s political journey. On April 26, 1645 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took the oath of Hindvi Swarajya along with his Malvas and fulfilled his oath. In 1977, the Congress party split after the Emergency. Sharad Pawar left the Indira Gandhi led Congress and joined the Congress led by Brahmanand Reddy.

He added that in 1978, Chief Minister Vasantdada Patil’s government was ousted by stabbing him in the back. In 1980, the PDF government was formed after 40 legislators rebelled and Sharad Pawar became the chief minister

According to Bawankule, in 1988, Sharad Pawar rejoined the Congress and In 1999 Sharad Pawar fell out with the Congress and formed the NCP.

In 2019, Sharad Powar gave the word to Ajit Pawar (of joining the BJP) but later overturned it. Thereafter, the Maha Vikas Aghadi government was formed in 2019.

“Really tell me, do Sharad Pawar and oath have any connection,” he asked.

The Nationalist Congress Party(SP) President Sharad Pawar here on Thursday released the party’s 2024 Election Manifesto with a slew of promises to attract the poor, women, farmers, the unemployed, the depressed sections of society and other backward groups for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Sharad Pawar, along with state President Jayant Patil and other senior functionaries disclosed the salient aspects of the Manifesto which include an aid of Rs 1 lakh per year to a woman from all the poor families in the country under the Mahalakshmi Scheme, and help make crores of women as ‘lakhpatis’.

A like amount shall be given as a stipend to the educated jobless youth, who will be provided free training and skilling in the government or private sector for a year and prepare them to take up jobs of their choice.

Similar to the INDIA bloc proposal, the NCP(SP) will also amend the laws to hike the quotas’ ceiling and provide for reservations to more categories, set up a special farmers’ commission to advise, streamline and recommend loan waivers to the peasantry, among other things, Pawar and Patil said.

The NCP(SP) also proposes to double the income of unorganised daily workers to at least Rs 400 per day, better sops for Anganwadi women workers, throwing open the government sector’s 30 lakh jobs currently lying vacant to the unemployed youth, and other assurances for various other sections of the populace if and after the INDIA bloc comes to power.

The NCP (SP) is contesting 10 of the state’s 48 LS constituencies, with many falling in the ‘tough fight’ category, along with support from the Maha Vikas Aghadi allies like Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT).

Last week, the Congress and SS(UBT) leaders indicated that if the need arises, they might issue an MVA’s joint manifesto in the coming days.

Shiv Sena, BJP slam manifesto

 Shiv Sena spokesperson Susiben Shah said the announcement of Sharad Pawar-led NCP(SP) in its manifesto ‘Shapathnama’ with regards to minimum support price (MSP) for farmers is to “deceive” and “allure” them.

“It is important to note that he was the Union Agricultural Minister for 10 years between 2004 and 2014. During his tenure, he did nothing for the farmers. The MSP announcement in the manifesto is simply an attempt to deceive and allure the farmers,” said Shah here.

“They have also shown a dangling carrot of 50 per cent reservation for women. However, the manifesto falls short in countering in leaps taken for women empowerment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde,” said Shah.

Offering cheap gas cylinders, and giving poor women Rs 1 lakh every year, are nothing but fake promises, she claimed.

“It is high time Sharad Pawar’s National Corrupt Party stopped cheating people and making such promises,” she said.

 The BJP claimed on Thursday that the manifesto (‘Shapathnama’) released by the NCP (SP) is the biggest fraud in the world.

In Sharad Pawar’s life, a dagger is more important than the oath, said Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule in his reaction. Due to this manifesto, the voters will not vote for the Pawar-led party, he added.

“In Maharashtra, an oath is more important than life,” he said.

“Whenever Pawar was in power, he practiced vote politics and used power to make money and again used the same money to gain power. Maharashtra never benefited due to his politics,” claimed Bawankule.

Bawankule said that Modi’s Sankalp Patra (manifesto) is for the welfare of the country. On the other hand, in the INDIA Alliance manifesto the Congress talks about the abolition of Sanatan Dharma and also on redistribution of wealth among a particular community.

Bawankuke explained the importance of oath and Sharad Pawar’s political journey. On April 26, 1645 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took the oath of Hindvi Swarajya along with his Malvas and fulfilled his oath. In 1977, the Congress party split after the Emergency. Sharad Pawar left the Indira Gandhi led Congress and joined the Congress led by Brahmanand Reddy.

He added that in 1978, Chief Minister Vasantdada Patil’s government was ousted by stabbing him in the back. In 1980, the PDF government was formed after 40 legislators rebelled and Sharad Pawar became the chief minister

According to Bawankule, in 1988, Sharad Pawar rejoined the Congress and In 1999 Sharad Pawar fell out with the Congress and formed the NCP.

In 2019, Sharad Powar gave the word to Ajit Pawar (of joining the BJP) but later overturned it. Thereafter, the Maha Vikas Aghadi government was formed in 2019.

“Really tell me, do Sharad Pawar and oath have any connection,” he asked.

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India News Politics

‘Modi wants youth to chant Jai Shri Ram, starve to death’

Earlier in the day the BJP launched an all-out attack against the Congress’ ally DMK for a speech made by former Minister A Raja in Madurai…reports Asian Lite News

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused his government of misleading the youth, saying that the PM wants the young generation to only chant ‘Jai Shri Ram and starve to death’.

Addressing a gathering in Madhya Pradesh’s Shajapur during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the Congress MP also advocated for the caste-based census and said that conducting the survey will ensure social justice for the people.

“Our policy is very clear– that is a revolutionary step towards social justice that is only caste-based census…the Congress has done only revolutionary work. It fought for the country’s independence when they (BJP) went lost, where they were at that time. Be it, the green revolution, white or digital, all the revolutionary works have been done by Congress…but the PM wants our youths to be glued to their phones for the whole day, chant Jai Shri Ram and starve to death (bhukhe raho aur mar jao),” he said.

Earlier in the day the BJP launched an all-out attack against the Congress’ ally DMK for a speech made by former Minister A Raja in Madurai.

Amit Malviya, the head of Bharatiya Janata Party’s IT cell, criticised A Raja, accusing him of advocating for the Balkanisation of India and making derogatory comments about Lord Ram, Manipuris, and the idea of India as a nation.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra resumed from Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district on Tuesday morning. Gandhi started the yatra from Sarangpur in the presence of a large number of party workers.

He was in an open Jeep, greeting the party workers who were carrying the party flag. Notably, the Congress MP is also slated to visit the Mahakaleshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain, one of the Jyotirlinga temples, during his yatra.

This marks Gandhi’s second visit to the temple during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, with the last one taking place on November 29, 2022.

Notably, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra entered the state on March 2 and will stay in the state till March 6. The Congress’s ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’, after the party’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, aims to cover 6,700 km through 15 states, with Lok Sabha polls around the corner.

The Lok Sabha polls are expected to be held in April-May this year. (ANI)

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Youth in Distress?

According to Peakmind’s Observation, there was nearly a 65% increase in the number of students seeking counselling during last year in the age bracket of 14-20 years…reports Asian Lite News

A rising number of student suicides has highlighted the need to introduce robust mental health initiatives time and again. There are deeper psychologically concerning issues that students deal with on a daily basis that, in the lack of a desired support system, overwhelms with a sense of helplessness. A staggering 35,950 students lost their lives to suicide between 2019-2021 in India.

According to the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), in 2020, a student took their own life every 42 minutes; that is, every day, more than 34 students died by suicide. More students died by suicide than farmers in 2020. These suicides are reported across premier institutions, students preparing for competitive exams or board exams.

According to Peakmind’s Observation, there was nearly a 65% increase in the number of students seeking counselling during last year in the age bracket of 14-20 years. The most common pain points that students have reached out to address are their inability to concentrate in studies, academic distress caused by performance pressure and test anxiety, fear of failure, lack of motivation, disturbed sleep, recurring negative thoughts & self-doubts, low energy followed by relationship issues and the general anxiety about their future.

The major reason behind their ability to concentrate is the digital and social media addiction and the lack of effective guidance that’s the need of the hour. The observation took into account the data collected from January to December 2023. This is a promising sign as it reflects that more and more students are realizing the importance and impact that counselling has on their psychological well-being. PeakMind has helped more than One Lakh students and has tie-ups with leading educational institutes. Neeraj Kumar, Founder and CEO of PeakMind said, “The alarming numbers of suicides indicate that we, as a society, are not able to provide an emotionally supportive and intellectually enriching environment for individuals to thrive in.

When it comes to preventive care, our efforts should focus increasingly on young adults, who are dealing with insurmountable demands of education, career and relationships. It is comforting to see that young adults are recognizing the need to seek experts’ help. But there is no better cure than prevention, we need to work at developing and leveraging technology to identify the vulnerable youth who might be struggling, more than others, in meeting the demands of life. Once identified, constructive steps should be taken to provide customized care and support which would help them in not only overcoming the issues that they are battling but also enhance their overall psychological well-being. It will aid them immensely in recognizing their untapped potential and performing well in every sphere of their life.” The results of the PeakMind’s Observation, a premier platform with the goal of equipping students to be competitive, performance-oriented, optimistic, mindful, and mentally resilient, fostering both success in competitions and overall holistic development. The spate of student suicides has led the Union Ministry of Education (MoE) to develop the draft UMMEED (Understand, Motivate, Manage, Empathise, Empower, Develop) guidelines with ‘Every Child Matters’ as the underlying belief. These guidelines have prioritized the setting up of School Wellness Teams (SWT) to identify vulnerable students exhibiting warning signs and provide much-needed support.

They also suggest protective factors including helping children develop positive self-esteem, encouraging peer support, and enhancing students’ life skills and resilience to be able to deal with conflicts, failures and rejection. Both the private and government sectors need to work actively towards providing and facilitating a safe and conducive environment for healthy psychological development and support. With time, the impact of such measures would bear promising results.    

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Empowering Youth through Vocational Training

India has a significant shortage of skills across a number of industries. By giving graduates practical experience, vocational training may close this gap and better prepare them for the workforce…writes Ashok Sawhney

The Indian young population is one of the country’s greatest assets, with nearly 65% of its people under the age of 35, providing a large pool of untapped potential. However, converting this potential into a trained workforce has been a long-standing challenge. To harness this demographic dividend, it is imperative to empower the youth with relevant skills and knowledge. This can be accomplished through vocational training initiatives. They provide young people with the skills they need to enter the workforce, while also providing them with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience.

Understanding vocational training

Vocational training, often known as skill development, is a type of education that focuses on educating students with the skills and information required for a certain career or trade. Unlike standard academic programmes, these skills are often more practical and job-oriented. Individuals who get vocational training can make a living and contribute to the economy.

How government programmes for vocational training are bridging the gap?

The Indian government recognises the value of vocational education in empowering young and propelling economic progress. Several major programmes and initiatives have been implemented throughout the country to boost skill development. One of the most prominent of these projects is the government’s “Skill India” program, which was started in 2015. To date, approximately 2.5 million individuals have undergone skill training and obtained certifications through this program It has played a pivotal role in fostering job opportunities and fortifying the manufacturing sector. Moreover, it has contributed to poverty reduction and the enhancement of living standards for countless individuals.

Let’s delve deeper into a few of the vocational training programs covered in the training:

Data Entry

BPO processes

Customer relationship management

Retail and Inventory management

Logistic & Supply Chain management

Tally

General Duty Assistant in Medical

The importance of vocational training

With India’s economy expanding rapidly and the dynamics of the labour market changing, it has become essential for young Indians to develop skills beyond what is taught in standard schools. One practical solution is vocational training, which imparts industry-relevant skills, making young people more employable in a highly competitive job market. The following are the importance of vocational training initiatives:

Fulfilling Industry Demands: Industry partners work closely with vocational training programmes to ensure that graduates have the skills needed to meet industry demands. This alignment greatly increases the employment placement rates for those with training.

Resolving the Skills Gap: India has a significant shortage of skills across a number of industries. By giving graduates practical experience, vocational training may close this gap and better prepare them for the workforce.

Reducing Unemployment: With India’s population still expanding, reducing unemployment is a critical concern. Because vocational training prepares more people for the workforce, unemployment rates can be lowered.

Self-employment and Entrepreneurship: Many vocational training programs work with industry partners to help their graduates find jobs. This aid in locating acceptable work possibilities is an essential part of the move to earning a living. Aside from job placements, certain vocational training initiatives promote entrepreneurship, allowing learners to become self-employed and create their own firms.

Social Inclusion: Vocational training programmes frequently embrace people from various backgrounds, including marginalised groups and those with impairments. Through the provision of skills and economic opportunities, these programmes serve to both decrease inequality and increase social inclusion.

Challenges and the way forward

While India has achieved tremendous advances in vocational education, there are still obstacles to overcome. One key difficulty is the view of vocational training as a secondary choice to regular schooling. To remedy this, a strong effort is needed to shift public attitudes and highlight the relevance of vocational skills in today’s employment market.

Another problem is guaranteeing the quality and consistency of training programmes. To provide relevant skills, vocational training centres must keep up with industry developments and requirements. Regular inspections and certifications can assist in maintaining quality standards.

In conclusion, vocational training is a powerful instrument for empowering individuals by facilitating the transition from skilling to earning. The program not only prepares them for work, but also helps them become financially independent, contribute to society, and grow as individuals. As more people have access to high-quality vocational training, they can take charge of their lives, secure their futures, and participate actively in the workforce, thereby making communities more prosperous and inclusive.

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Arab News Lite Blogs

Arab youth embrace religious identity, prioritize tradition over gobalization

بون – ألمانيا في 8 يونيو/ وام/ أعلن كل من مركز الشباب العربي في أبوظبي، والجامعة الأمريكية في الشارقة (AUS)، ومركز أبحاث "جرين هاوس" التابع لجامعة نيويورك أبوظبي عن اختيارهم للاستضافة الرسمية للنسخة الثامنة عشرة القادمة من مؤتمر الأمم المتحدة للشباب "COY 18" المقرر عقده في نوفمبر في دولة الإمارات في الفترة التي تسبق مؤتمر الأطراف "COP 28".    ويعمل مؤتمر الأمم المتحدة للشباب كمنصة للحراك المناخي وبناء القدرات والتدريب على تطوير السياسات لإعداد الشباب لمشاركتهم في المناقشات والأحداث المناخية الدولية. ويهدف المؤتمر الذي يقوده وينظمه الشباب إلى تمكين أصوات الشباب في الميادين الدولية المختلفة ، كما يوفر للشباب فرصة لمناقشة ودعم سياسات تغير المناخ الدولية وتعزيز التغيير على المستويين المحلي والدولي. ويتماشى المؤتمر السنوي، الذي تنظمه الذراع الشبابية لاتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ  (YOUNGO) تحت اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ UNFCCC ، مع عمل الشبكة العالمية الخاصة بـ الذراع الشبابي من النشطاء الأطفال والشباب والمنظمات غير الحكومية التي تشكل سياسات تغير المناخ الدولية و تمثل رسميًا اهتمامات الشباب في عمليات اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ.     وتركز هذه النسخة من مؤتمر الشباب على مساهمات الشباب في المكونات الثلاثة الرئيسية للمؤتمر وهي،  وثيقة السياسة وبناء القدرات وورش عمل بناء المهارات ، والتي تجمع المطالب الجماعية للأطفال والشباب في جميع أنحاء العالم. وقالت جوليا كارلو، رئيسة قسم الاستدامة بالإنابة في الجامعة الأمريكية في الشارقة: " بصفتنا مؤسسة ملتزمة بالاستدامة وتغيّر المناخ، نحن سعداء بالتعاون مع الذراع الشبابية لاتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ وبقية المشاركين في هذه المنصة المهمة التي توفر مساحة للقادة الشباب لتبادل الأفكار وتطوير المهارات التي تمكنهم من المساهمة بشكل هادف في العمل المناخي". من جانبه قال صادق جرار، المدير التنفيذي لمركز الشباب العربي: " نسعى بالتعاون مع الشركاء إلى تقديم نسخة استثنائية هذا العام في دولة الإمارات لتكون الأكثر شمولية وإشراكاً لأصوات الشباب والأكثر توظيفا لطاقاتهم، مع الاستفادة من التجارب القيمة لإشراك الشباب في الدورات السابقة، نحن ملتزمون باستراتيجية عمل تهدف إلى تحويل التحديات إلى فرص من خلال منح الشباب فرصة للمشاركة الفاعلة في سلسلة من ورش العمل والأخذ بآرائهم ومعرفة تطلعاتهم لضمان تطبيقها بفاعلية في صياغة سياسة المناخ الدولية". من جهته ، قال خليفة بالليث، ممثل نادي مركز أبحاث المناخ الشبابي "جرين هاوس" التابع لجامعة نيويورك أبوظبي: "ستمكّن ورش العمل، الشباب، مع فتح باب الحوار ودعم الابتكار لبناء الوعي حول أهمية دورهم في تفعيل أهداف التنمية المستدامة، كي يصبحوا أذرعاً فعّالة لمكافحة التحديات متعددة الأوجه التي يفرضها تغيّر المناخ، الأمر الذي يجسّد رؤية حكومة دولة الإمارات بخلق نموذج عالمي لشخصية الشباب الذين يقودون مرحلة جديدة في عملية صناعة القرار في العمل المناخي ". وسيعمل الذراع الشبابي لاتفاقية الأمم المتحدة الإطارية بشأن تغير المناخ و الجهات المضيفة في COY18 بالتزام مشترك حازم لتجهيز الشباب العالمي للتعامل مع مناقشات المناخ العالمي ، والمساهمة في المكونات الرئيسية لـ COY18 ووثيقة مخرجاتها الرسمية ، وبيان الشباب العالمي (GYS) ، بما يسهم في تنظيم حدث شبابي دولي ناجح للمناخ.

This trend is seen across the three regions surveyed, with 59% of GCC youth, 51% in North Africa and 52% in Levant all saying it is less important to them…reports Asian Lite News

Arab youth say religion and their family or tribe define their personal identity, with most saying that preserving their religious and cultural identity is more important to them than creating a more tolerant, liberal, and globalised society.

This is one of the key findings under the theme ‘My Identity’ of the 15th annual ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, the most comprehensive study of its kind of the Arab world’s largest demographic, its over 200 million youth, conducted by ASDA’A BCW, the Middle East and North Africa’s leading communications consultancy. 

When asked what defines their personal identity, ‘my religion’ and ‘my family/tribe’ were each named by 27% of respondents overall, followed by ‘my nationality’ (15%), ‘my language’ (11%), ‘my Arabic heritage’ (8%), ‘my gender’ (7%) and ‘my political beliefs’ (4%).

Religion was named as most important to personal identity by 30% of the respondents in Levant, 27% in North Africa, and 25% in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, while family/tribe was deemed most important by 37% of youth in North Africa, 21% in Levant and 20% in the GCC. 

Over three-quarters (76%) of Arab youth said they are concerned about the loss of traditional values and culture, the highest percentage saying so in five years, while nearly two-thirds (65%) said preserving their religious and cultural identity is more important to them than creating a more tolerant, liberal, and globalised society. This sentiment rises to nearly 74% in Levant, 72% in the GCC states and 68% in North Africa. 

Interestingly, while 11% said language is most important to their identity, over half (54%) of the respondents said the Arabic language is less important to them than it is to their parents.

This trend is seen across the three regions surveyed, with 59% of GCC youth, 51% in North Africa and 52% in Levant all saying it is less important to them.

Reflecting the importance they place on their faith, a majority (73%) disagreed that religious values are holding the Arab world back, but nearly two-thirds (65%) said religion plays too big a role in the Middle East. Fewer Arab youth than in previous years feel the region needs to reform its religious institutions – down to 58% this year from 77% last year. This year, the face-to-face interviews with Arab youth were conducted from March 27 to April 12, coinciding with the Holy Month of Ramadan. 

This sense of young Arabs embracing their religious identity is further reinforced by the finding that nearly two-thirds (62%) say the laws of their country should be based on Sharia standards and not civil or common law. This sentiment is consistent across the three regions covered, with 68% in GCC, 53% in North Africa and 68% in Levant saying they prefer Sharia laws to govern their nations.

Sunil John, President, MENA, BCW and Founder of ASDA’A BCW, said: “These findings reveal that Generation Z remain guided by faith, with their affinity toward their religion stronger than ever and many being concerned about what they see as the loss of traditional values and culture. What is evident is that Arab youth increasingly view their personal identity through the lens of religion, family and nationality.”

“Another compelling finding is that the Arabic language is not as integral to their sense of tradition or their cultural values as one might have thought, with a majority of young people across the Arab world agreeing that the Arabic language is less important to them than it is to their parents,” John added.

“The loss in importance given by Arab youth to the Arabic language is inevitably a symptom of the pervasive spread of the internet and social media. It is a cause for concern, most importantly, because of the Arabic language’s potentially diminished role as a unifying force among Arab nations.”

ASDA’A BCW commissioned SixthFactor Consulting, a leading research company, to conduct the 15th edition of the Arab Youth Survey through face-to-face interviews with 3,600 Arab citizens aged 18 to 24 in their home nations, the largest sample in the survey’s history. 

The survey covered 53 cities across 18 Arab states, including for the first time South Sudan.

The interviews were conducted in person rather than online to maximise accuracy and to reflect the nuances of Arab youth opinion across the region as much as possible.

‘My Identity’ is the fourth sub-theme of the 2023 ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, whose overarching theme is ‘Living a New Reality’. Findings on ‘Global Citizenship’ were announced in June, followed by ‘My Politics’ and ‘My Livelihood’ in July. 

Insights into the lifestyle of Arab youth, as well as their perceptions on topics as diverse as climate change, mental health and gender will be revealed in the coming weeks, making this year’s survey the most comprehensive in its 15-year history.

All the published findings are freely available with expert commentaries at arabyouthsurvey.com 

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-Top News Asia News

Economic crisis takes heavy toll on Pak’s youth

‘Pakistan has reported 1,415 cases of blasphemy since 1947’

The startling rate of unemployment negates the Imran Khan-led government’s claims of creating job opportunities for the youth through policy initiatives….reports Asian Lite News

Pakistans current crippling economic condition is taking a major toll on the educated youth, of which more than 31 per cent are unemployed and are unsure about the future opportunities amid the deteriorating situation, a new report has revealed.

The report released by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) said: “Out of these 31 per cent, 51 per cent are females while 16 per cent are males, with many of them possessing professional degrees. Nearly 60 per cent of Pakistan’s population is less than 30 years old.

“The current unemployment rate of 6.9 per cent is considered to be comfortable and frequently makes headlines. For more females and those living in urban areas are unemployed than their male and rural counterparts.”

Interestingly, the PIDE report also revealed that a large part of the working-age group is not even part of the labour force.

“These people are either discouraged workers or have other means of income to support them,” it said.

The startling rate of unemployment negates the Imran Khan-led government’s claims of creating job opportunities for the youth through policy initiatives.

“Despite the talk about the youth bulge and reaping the demographic dividend, the unemployment rate is the highest for the young new entrants in the labour force,” the report stated.

“Education is considered a panacea and the key to all opportunities, but reality shows us otherwise.”

Majority of the rate of unemployment links to the urban area, where lack of opportunities and mobility has kept the educated youth away from being on job.

The report questioned why the urban areas were not providing the kind of opportunities they should, while it also raised the pivotal question if Pakistan is offering such opportunities to its people to make use of and excel for a better progressive future.

It insisted that youth engagement should be the prime priority of the government and the private working sector, especially when the youth constitutes a major portion of the country’s population.

“One-third of the youth, in both rural and urban areas, are disconnected from the system as they are neither employed nor enrolled.

“The disconnect is higher for young females, with 60 per cent neither working nor studying,” the report added

ALSO READ: Graves of minority Ahmadis desecrated in Pakistan
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Youth have every right to be angry on climate change, says PM

Boris Johnson tells climate activists in Milan that they were paying the price for the “reckless actions of their elders”, reports Asian Lite News

Boris Johnson says young people have every right to be angry about the state of climate change.

The prime minister told climate activists in Milan that they were paying the price for the “reckless actions of their elders”.

The penitent mood here was underlined by Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who said politicians needed to be “whipped into action.”

Both agreed that urgent action to limit warming was now desperately needed.

For several days around 400 young activists have been working on proposals for tackling climate change here in Milan.

They’ve heard from a host of voices including Greta Thunberg who castigated politicians for dashing the hopes and dreams of young people.

She mocked their promises on climate as just more “blah, blah, blah”.

Several senior politicians conceded that Thunberg was essentially correct in her analysis.

“Young people around the world are already paying the price for the reckless actions of their elders,” said Johnson.

“Hundreds of millions of you are facing rising seas, failing crops, burning forests, and evermore ferocious storms, daily challenges that lead to lost opportunity. And your future is literally being stolen before your eyes.”

Some young activists had interrupted a previous speech by Italian Prime Minister Draghi.

Johnson said he understood their actions.

“I saw the protesters earlier on. And frankly, you have every right to be angry with those who aren’t doing enough to stop it.”

All the senior politicians who’ve addressed this meeting say that lessons have been learned and that action on climate is now happening.

Johnson pointed to the COP26 meeting in Glasgow at the start of November as a pivotal moment in tackling the issue.

If significant changes could be agreed on some key areas, COP26 would mark “the beginning of the end of climate change.”

To get there, Johnson said, would need major progress on phasing out coal, ending the use of petrol and diesel cars, and planting “trillions of trees”.

A long-standing promise of cash for developing countries would have to be honoured, he said.

To signal that actions speak louder than words on climate, Johnson’s government today announced that it would require businesses bidding for major government contracts to commit to achieving net zero emissions.

The UK is believed to be the first country in the world to put such a measure in place.

Steps like this might not be quite what youth activists are demanding.

Their proposals to leaders include giving young people “meaningful participation” in all decision making on climate change.

They are calling for the end of fossil fuels by 2030, as well as transparent climate finance systems and responsible and sustainable tourism.

“We are going completely in the wrong direction and unfortunately speeding into the wrong direction,” Nisreen Elsaim from Sudan told the conference.

“I’m afraid that not only you, the old generation, but us will be the last generation to witness that planet as it is.”

As the young people depart the stage here in Milan, environment ministers and key negotiators are arriving, hoping to see progress on some key issues.

The aim is to clear the decks so that the presidents and prime ministers who arrive in Glasgow in November will be able to concentrate on a few major political decisions.

While there is some sense of optimism, much more “blah” will be needed if Glasgow is going to be a success.

Last week, addressing the UNGA, Johnson told world leaders that humanity must “grow up” and learn to deal with climate change. In his impassioned speech, the British premier compared the collective conscience of humans to an impetuous 16-year-old – a teenager on a bender – and said that it is high time that we stopped trashing the planet. “My friends, the adolescence of humanity is coming to an end,” Johnson addressed world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. “We must come together in a collective coming of age.”

Johnson said that we will see desertification, drought, crop failure, and mass movements of humanity on a scale not seen before. “Not because of some unforeseen natural event or disaster, but because of us, because of what we are doing now,” he said.

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Placement-linked skill training boon for Himachal rural youth

The scheme is now a demand-driven initiative that enables the youth to benefit from the national and international employment opportunities…reports Asian Lite News.

The placement-linked skill training programme — Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushal Yojana — is proving to be a boon for the poor rural youth in Himachal Pradesh as it enabled to train 5,320 people and provide employment to 3,021 in various sectors, officials said on Monday.

The scheme is nurturing skills, besides providing employment opportunities. It aims to transform the poor rural youth into an economically independent and globally relevant workforce.

With the successful implementation of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushal Yojana, the government has fixed a target to provide training to 22,000 youths till 2023. The beneficiaries have received jobs within the state and neighbouring states too, an official statement said.

The scheme is now a demand-driven initiative that enables the youth to benefit from the national and international employment opportunities.

The youth in the age group of 15-35 years and the physically challenged, women and other weaker sections up to the age of 45 years are covered under the scheme that has an outcome led design with guaranteed placements for at least 70 per cent trained candidates.

There is a provision of free training, ranging from three to 12 months, along with hostel facilities.

One year training is provided in apparel, hospitality, beautician, sewing machine operator, baking, storage operator, spa, unarmed security guard, electrician domestic, sales associate, accounting, banking sales representative and computer hardware assistant trades.

Akshay Kumar of village Kachiyari in Kangra district availed the benefit of the scheme and improved the socio-economic conditions of his family.

Likewise, Kamlesh of Kashapat village in Rampur tehsil of Shimla district. Due to financial constraints they were not able to complete their education. Now both have become self-reliant.

There are scores of others who availed the benefit of the scheme and skilled themselves in getting employment, an official said.

In his Budget speech, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had announced that 1,000 candidates will be trained in traditional arts of metal, stone and wood craft under Mukhya Mantri Gram Kaushal Yojana and 1,000 beneficiaries will be provided job placement under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushal Yojana in 2021-22.

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Abu Dhabi on an initiative to empower youth

The Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit powered by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

The Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit, powered by ADGM Academy focuses on the vision to empower youth and strengthen their workplace contributions…reports Asian Lite News

In line with the UAE’s vision to empower youth and strengthen their workplace contributions across various pre-identified sectors, the inaugural Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit powered by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Academy will take place 20-21 September 2021 at ADGM Authorities Building, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.

Organised by Informa Connect in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Education, the inaugural Summit will spotlight innovation, technology, and research & development (R&D) amid ongoing national objectives to empower youth, harness homegrown talent, and help the UAE transition to a knowledge-based economy.

The Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit powered by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Reflecting the Government of Abu Dhabi’s long-term plan to transform the emirate’s economy through knowledge-based industries which develop a highly-skilled and productive workforce to improve efficiency in the labour market, the Summit will unite over 200 visionary leaders, policymakers, and senior industry professionals from government, semi-government, public, and private sectors.

The Summit will begin with a keynote session delivered by H.E. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the UAE Minister of Education, while more than 30 visionary speakers will represent leading regional and international organisations including the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Etihad Aviation Group, Majid Al Futtaim, Etisalat, du, Tanfeeth, Schneider Electric, ACTVET and Jacobs.

ALSO READ: Abu Dhabi Updates Green List

Tamer Nahas, Event Director at Informa Connect, said: “The upcoming Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit is a strategic gathering conceived to bring together leading cross-industry organisations from the public and private sector, government entities, and academia to enhance collaboration via partnerships and enable the UAE to achieve its knowledge-based economy vision. Our Summit partners are eager to exchange knowledge, align on processes and objectives, and close the gap between preparing youth for the future and confronting ever-evolving labour market requirements.”

Tamer Nahas, Event Director at Informa Connect

“We will also leverage partnerships with Informa’s education and HR-based events – Najah, Tawdheef and the HRSE (HR Summit and Expo) – to ensure no stone is left unturned in fostering collaboration and bridging the gap between evolving HR requirements and rapidly changing workforce dynamics brought on by the 4th Industrial Revolution,” Nahas added.

MANSOOR JAFFAR, DIRECTOR, ADGMA: “At the ADGM Academy, we recognise that a successful nation is powered by a dynamic, proficient and forward-looking youth. Therefore, it is imperative to develop the workforce with skills relevant to building a knowledge economy. The ADGMA offers well-structured initiatives that are strategically aligned to the UAE’s 2030 vision. These programs delivered in  collaboration with leading global academic institutions and industry bodies across the world focus on learning and development, thought leadership, and innovation.”

“As the main supporter of the Summit, ADGMA will showcase offerings highlighting our role in propelling the youth in the UAE with career choices, making them future-ready and enabled to drive the nation forward,” Jaffar added.

Topics addressed through a series of keynote sessions and panel discussions will include Empowering Youth to Shape the Future through Innovation and Technology; The Government’s Role in Supporting and Empowering Young Minds and Talent; The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Transforming UAE into a Knowledge-Based Economy; and more.

The Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit powered by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Mustafa El Rafey, Senior Vice President of Human Capital at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said: “The Summit is an important forum to discuss critical human capital issues; we look forward to sharing our insights with an audience of industry leaders. Majid Al Futtaim has always believed in developing, promoting, and retaining youth in the highly competitive age of ‘talentism’. We take this commitment to heart, investing in our employees through a diverse range of learning and development initiatives linked to skills advancement interventions. As the world of work continues its relentless transformation, talentism is imperative for local businesses seeking to compete on a global scale.”

The transformative Youth Preparedness & Knowledge Economy Summit 2021 is supported by strategic partner the Ministry of Education, UAE; and supported by the Abu Dhabi Chamber, SEDRA, and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi. The Summit is organised in association with Najah, Tawdheef, HRSE (HR Summit & Expo), and EdEx MENA. The extended speaker line-up and topics will be released in days to come.

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‘India’s rightful place in world will depend on youth’

With youth constituting over 60 percent of India’s population, this demographic shift has the potential to yield a rich dividend, reports Asian Lite News

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India’s ability to find its rightful place in the world will depend on how the country harnesses the strength of its young population.

At the Ministry of External Affairs, Foreign Secretary Shringla said the Ministry has undertaken a series of initiatives that will allow critical young minds to contribute to the nation’s foreign policy making process. The Foreign Secretary was speaking at the Observer Research Foundation’s “Foreign Policy Survey 2021,” on August 15.

He said the MEA accords high priority to engaging academics in universities and think tanks and utilising their expertise in the preparation of research papers and policy briefs on foreign policy issues.

The Ministry also supports universities, think tanks and academic institutions for the conduct of national and international seminars and thematic conferences on a regular basis, the Foreign Secretary said.

He also informed that the MEA started working with scholars in 2015 on certain specific areas of expertise.

The Foreign Secretary said the Ministry has revamped internship program. “We have devised a procedure to ensure participation from every State and Union Territory in the country, while encouraging a healthy gender balance,” he said.

“Selected interns will have a unique opportunity to work on a desk of their choice in the Ministry of External Affairs, along with suitable mentorship and guidance. The program is intended to provide first-hand exposure to the functioning of the Ministry, conduct of diplomacy and foreign policy,” Shringla added.

He said through the MEA’s ‘SAMEEP’ initiative, young Foreign Service officers are encouraged to reconnect with their educational institutions and share their experience with students on contemporary and popular foreign policy themes.

The Foreign Secretary said that the Ministry has also reached out to the strategic community at all levels.

“I have spoken extensively on the contours of India’s foreign policy at various events organised by think-tanks, universities, academic institutions, public forums and industry associations,” he said.

The Foreign Secretary said in line with PM Modi’s vision of making India a hub for international education the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) provides more than 3000 scholarships to foreign students every year. “The ICCR has also established various Chairs in foreign universities in different Indian disciplines and is in the process of setting up Chairs of neighbouring countries in premier Indian institutions.,” he said

The Foreign Secretary further informed that this year, “the ICCR and the Delhi University set up the first academic Chair on Bangladesh in India, in honour of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, father of modern Bangladesh, and to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Bangladesh Liberation War and India-Bangladesh relations.” (India News Network)

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