#Measures Taken to Ensure Economic Growth

[horsesarecreatures]

Are we still breeding or are we just multiplying?

At the VZAP general meeting, the agricultural scientist Andreas Perner gave an interesting lecture on current problems in purebred Arabian breeding, which we used as an opportunity for the following interview. This is about undesirable developments in Arabian breeding, which have arisen primarily through specialization and selection on individual characteristics, and he sees parallels in cattle breeding where the changes are scientifically substantiated.

IN THE FOCUS: Mr. Perner, in your presentation at the VZAP general meeting you pointed out some parallels that exist between cattle and horse breeding. Why should we concern ourselves with cattle when we are actually interested in horses?

Andreas Perner: Because there are numerous parallels. The primitive cattle were characterized by an enormous chest cavity with plenty of space for the organs, relatively fine legs and a pelvic shape with a high sacrum so that birth could proceed quickly. Through breeding selection, a major change in this appearance has taken place over the last 100 years, including extreme specialization in beef and dairy cattle. Since cows as farm animals have long been the focus of science, one also has easy access to data, e.g. milk yield, slaughter weight, but also bone measurements, etc., which can also be used to document such changes. In animal breeding, a distinction is made between two constitution types: the asthenic and the athletic. The representatives of the Holstein cattle, a highly specialized breed of dairy cattle, today almost exclusively belong to the asthenic constitutional type: large, tall and narrow, i.e. less space in the chest for the organs, rather poor feed conversion, etc. Male calves of this breed are so weak in the muscle development that they no longer have any economic (slaughter) value. Before this extreme specialization in milk production, this breed corresponded to a dual-purpose cattle (milk and meat) and thus more of the athletic constitution type, which has become very rare today. One can definitely draw parallels here with Arabian breeding, where the Arabian show horse was bred through specialization – and became also an asthenic, tall, long-legged, with little depth to the trunk. And among Arabians, too, the athlete, the medium-sized, broad, deep-rumped Arabian of the “old type” who is also a good feed converter, is becoming increasingly rare. From a population genetic point of view, this is a major catastrophe and countermeasures must be taken.

IN THE FOCUS: If we ignore the outside appearance, i.e. the conformation – are there any other changes that have occurred as a result of this specialization?

A. P.: In the last 30-40 years, dairy cattle have increasingly been bred for maximum performance (milk production) in the young animals, i.e. there has been conscious selection for early maturity. This has resulted in serious changes in the animals: through selection for early maturity, the useful life has been extremely shortened due to high susceptibility to disease and fertility problems – the latter is the main cause of loss in cattle breeding. This can also be proven with figures: In Germany today a cow has an average of 2.4 calves, but biologically it can have 14-15 calves. The “useful life” of cows is now at an all-time low. The selection for early maturity also has an impact on the quality of the claws: the early maturing animals need claw care three times a year, because the claws are soft and grow very quickly. In contrast, slow, long-lasting growth – i.e. late maturity – ensures healthy development of the entire organism and a long lifespan. Late-maturing cattle only need hoof care once a year, sometimes only every two years, because they have extremely good, strong hoof horn. All this can also be transferred to the horse, because the horse’s hoof horn is also of better quality in late-maturing animals. This all depends on the high quality of the connective tissue. If you breed late-maturing animals, they often look underdeveloped when they are young and breeders often do not recognize their true quality. It is also a feature of breeding for longevity that it produces healthier animals, which statistically incur significantly less veterinary costs (i.e. only a quarter of the costs) in cattle breeding. Here, too, the parallels to horse breeding seem clear to me: the late-maturing types have no chance at shows in the junior classes, which is why show horse breeding promotes the early-maturing type. Late maturing horses often look like “ugly ducklings”, but often they only become “beautiful swans” when they are 6 years old or older. Egyptian breeding has had this problem for a long time, which is why you see fewer and fewer Egyptians at international shows or they have their own shows where they are not in competition with the early-maturing “show horses”.

IN THE FOCUS: When you say that a late-maturing horse is characterized by long-term growth, which then ensures healthy development of the entire organism and a long lifespan, the Russians come to mind. But it is precisely these that are tested on the racetrack very early, as early as two-year-olds. Isn’t that a contradiction?

A. P.: As far as I know, the two-year-old horses are prepared very carefully for the racetrack and the trainers make sure that they are not overstrained. The horses also have time to develop further – they are encouraged to exercise without being overstrained. As a result, they develop better, become wider in the chest, more muscular overall, the entire organism becomes stronger, etc. But ultimately what matters is: How old do the horses get in good health – and therefore without major veterinary costs? And in the case of breeding animals there is also the question: How good is their fertility? There are Russian stallions with racetrack careers who are still mating naturally at the age of 28, mares who still have foals at well over 20 years of age, and the Arabian mare Nefta in Pompadour, France, had one foal every year between 1975 and 1995, i.e. 21 foals in total! I don’t know of any such examples from show horse breeding without the use of embryo transfer (but I’m happy to be informed!). In warmblood breeding you can see what selection for early-maturity does, especially with show jumping horses, the horses often have a nerve cut at 8 to 9 years of age, then you have two more years of use, so to speak, and then they go to the slaughterhouse. Or think of the hypermobility of dressage horses, which have weak connective tissue and the resulting weakness of the joints, capsules and ligaments as well as the tendons and muscles. That cannot be the breeding goal.

Any selection that is not also focused on fitness and longevity or long-term performance automatically causes these characteristics to deteriorate.

IN THE FOCUS: To what extent have modern selection methods influenced the development of specialization?

A. P.: Specialization in cattle has been driven forward in the last 10 years by genomic breeding value estimation, which has now also found its way into horse breeding. For this method, the entire genome had to be sequenced and all performance parameters were then assigned to specific gene loci. Then, using complicated calculations, one could get an estimate of what performance the animal in question will perform in the future. In this way, it was possible for a young cow to achieve a milk production of over 40 kg per day, but the animals are no longer physiologically able to absorb enough nutrients to be able to achieve this output at all! As a result, over 90% of young cows end up with severe organ damage in the slaughterhouse. This means that the animals can endure it for a certain amount of time, mobilize all their body reserves but at some point their metabolism switches off and liver damage occurs, which ultimately leads to death. Part of the problem is that selection according to the wrong parameters took place. Instead of taking “longevity” and “health” into account, they only selected for “milk production”. A lot of breeding knowledge is also lost due to the convenient catalogue selection. The people who are in charge of cattle breeding today only use the preliminary breeding value or the genomic value for planning the matings. We are not quite there yet in horse breeding and especially not in Arabian horse breeding. But here too, a lot of breeding knowledge has been lost in recent years!

IN THE FOCUS: How can you avoid such a development in horse breeding as you have outlined for cattle breeding?

A. P.: In our association “European Association for Natural Cattle Breeding” we have selected cow families that have proven to be long-lived over several generations and in which the animals have produced over 100,000 litres of milk in the last 3 to 4 generations. We buy bulls from these cows. We have also inseminated such cows with semen from bulls that lived 30 or 40 years ago, and we now have the first 200 daughters of this F1 generation of the appropriate age. What’s exciting is that the animals produce almost as much milk as their “high-performance relatives”, but are significantly healthier! The question now is: How to continue breeding with the F1 generation – this requires a lot of breeding experience and knowledge. But this is exactly what young farmers are missing. In horse breeding we have the same problem, where the most diverse bloodlines are crossed together and due to Mendel’s rules the appearance then splits in all directions in the F2 generation, and top horses that cost a lot of money produce maximum average offspring, as can be seen from the example of the gelding Agnat (pedigree see AP 2-22). That’s why we offer information in our association on the topic: How do you have to breed in order to achieve a high level of heredity reliability? To do this you have to use the old breeding methods, i.e. line breeding, occasional inbreeding, always working with blood connection. Then I don’t have the problem of anything splitting.

IN THE FOCUS: Let’s stay with Arabian breeding: What are the breed-typical characteristics that you should select for?

A. P.: Breeding means selecting. That doesn’t mean that the horses that are not suitable for breeding go to the slaughterhouse. But you have to decide which horses go into breeding based on which characteristics and which don’t. Those that do not go into breeding should still have enough quality that they can survive in their respective market segment (riding horses, show horses, racing horses). Characteristics typical of Arabians that need to be maintained are a hard constitution, suitability for long-term performance, high age, high fertility, good feed conversion, lively but benign temperament, sociability and people-oriented nature. The suitability for long-term performance is due, among other things, to the fact that the Arabian has the most haemoglobin per litre of blood (compared to warm-blooded and cold-blooded horses). Haemoglobin is responsible for supplying oxygen to the muscles, and it is therefore important that the Arabian can also mobilize the haemoglobin reserves in the body most efficiently at the same time. In this context there is also a high regenerative capacity. All of this is deeply anchored genetically, but if you don’t pay attention to these characteristics, i.e. if you don’t select for them, then these characteristics are lost within few generations. In animal breeding we speak of genotype-environment interaction, i.e. if I decrease the selection for certain characteristics, then these are gradually (and unnoticed) lost. The lifespan of Arabians is often 25 years, and horses over 30 are not uncommon. Regarding fertility, there are examples from the state stud farms where mares had 15 to 20 foals and demonstrated high fertility into old age. In addition, the Arabian horse has the highest milk yield (in grams) per kg live weight, which is also a sign of good feed conversion and efficiency. In Tersk Stud, milk production is used as a selection criterion because they don’t want mothers who don’t produce enough milk.

IN THE FOCUS: Which other results from constitutional research on cattle can be transferred to horses or the Arabian horse?

A. P.: A whole series of points come to mind: we have already covered some of the constitutional types and early maturity/late maturity, plus there is sexual dimorphism, i.e. the difference between male and female animals, breeding rules, breeding methods, the importance of mare families, the selection for size and the effects of show breeding, which also occurs with cattle!

The more masculine the male animals are in their appearance, the more feminine are their female offspring.

Sexual dimorphism is a true secondary sexual characteristic caused by different hormone constellations between the sexes. These sex hormones are produced in the adrenal cortex of stallions and mares. In addition, testosterone is produced in the testicles of stallions and estrogens are produced in the ovaries of mares. One such secondary sexual characteristic is, for example, the “stallion neck or crest”. If we now breed horses where stallions and mares look the same, where there is no longer any visible difference between the sexes – what happens on the hormonal level? The natural hormonal balance shifts, testosterone decreases, and the stallion’s neck disappears. In the long term, however, we are selecting against fertility, i.e. fertility will deteriorate! That’s also what you hear more and more often – behind closed doors: stallions have poor semen quality and mares are becoming increasingly difficult to conceive – you often have to use all the tricks of modern reproductive technology to get the animals pregnant at all. By the way, there is an old animal breeding law that says: “The more masculine the male animals are in their appearance, the more feminine their female offspring are.”

IN THE FOCUS: Breeding is a very complex matter, as we can see. What breeding principles can you give to a “young breeder”?

A. P.: Yes, what have we learned for breeding from all this research?

Never massively select for individual traits if you don’t understand the whole thing. This is going to shit. I would like to cite one of the most significant experiments in the history of animal breeding here: In the 1950s, the Russian biologist Dimitri Belyayev and his colleagues began to capture wild silver foxes, select them for tameness and repeatedly breed the animals selected according to this criterion with each other. The aim was to recreate domestication (becoming pets) in an experiment. So what happened? Already after the 3rd generation, serious changes occurred in the phenotype (external appearance): change in fur color, lop-eared ears, curly tails, shortening of the extremities, shortening of the upper and lower jaw, change in the texture of the fur, change in torso length, etc. There are a number of hypotheses to explain this phenomenon, but explaining them here would go too far. It is important to know that only a small part of the entire genome is activated; the rest are so-called “sleeping genes”. Environmental influences or selection pressure from outside (= breeding) do not change the genetic material itself, but rather the intensity with which certain parts of it are read and converted into molecules such as hormones. The conclusion for the breeder remains: selection for one characteristic ultimately changes entire complexes of characteristics!!!

Any selection that is not also aimed at fitness and longevity or long-term performance automatically causes these characteristics to deteriorate. As already mentioned at the beginning, the physiological basis for longevity and long-term performance is slow, long-lasting growth (=late maturity). Opposite to this is the complex of characteristics of “early maturity”, i.e. fast, short growth, high and intensive performance at a young age and the associated rapid aging. Research on cattle has shown that intensive selection for early and high milk production of the animals dramatically reduces their useful life. Before the animals are even fully grown (with 4 calves), a very high percentage of dairy cows have to leave the stable due to illness. These early-mature animals are physiologically incapable of maintaining this performance. On the other hand, late-maturing animals begin with medium performance, develop slowly and only achieve high and highest performance when they are fully grown. The organism with all its metabolic processes is then well “trained”, connective tissue, cartilage, joints, tendons, ligaments and claws are of high quality (because they have grown slowly) and the animals produce well into old age without any health problems. Everything that has just been said also applies in reverse to horse breeding. The rapid success pushes breeding towards early maturity with devastating consequences for the horses and ultimately for the horse owner.

Function determines form. I have to think about what breeding goal do I have? If I want to breed a riding horse, it needs certain riding horse points and it has to be ridden so that these can be checked. If I want to breed a racehorse, it has to be fast – it is this function (speed) that dictates the form. But if I want to breed a show horse, it has to fit into a conformation template that was developed by some people (judges). So here the form comes first, and the horse is bred to adapt to this form, which is fundamentally wrong.

IN THE FOCUS: There are different breeding methods to achieve your breeding goal. Could you briefly explain to us what these are?

A. P.: I actually come from a generation before population genetics. My grandfather had nothing to do with these theoretical considerations. But these people still developed different breeding methods based on their experience – and these are still valid today. The breeding methods commonly used for the Arabian horse are:

Line breeding – this means that we find a (minor) relationship on both the father’s and mother’s side, so we bring together related genes, so to speak, from breeding animals that correspond to our breeding goals and are selected as best as possible. Because of the slight relationship, I have a high degree of certainty that the next generation will be as good as or better than the parent generation.

We talk about inbreeding when you have outstanding breeding animals and you want to consolidate or increase this gene pool through breeding close relatives. Of course, inbreeding is only possible if the animal is free of any genetic defects. Inbreeding not only solidifies the good sides, but also the hereditary defects or undesirable traits and brings them forward. Two recessive genes can appear homozygous, i.e. monozygotic, through inbreeding. If the genetic makeup then contains a genetic defect, this genetic defect is present in a monozygotic form and it comes into play (e.g. CA, SCID). How close the inbreeding can be is a matter of debate. Basically, a generation postponement is always good. Before it was possible to test for hereditary defects using genetic tests, father-daughter matings were made – if the father was a hidden (recessive) carrier of a hereditary defect, this would come to light. Today’s genetic tests can save you from having dead or deformed foals. In any case, the use of inbreeding must be embedded in a breeding plan and strict selection must take place!

“Unplanned mating” – here the nice stallion around the corner or the super show crack is used without much consideration as to how well he suits the mare and what effects this has. Let’s take Agnat’s example again: His sire Empire was bronze champion at the European Championships as a junior and in the top ten at the World Championships. Grandfather Enzo was US National Champion, his grandmother Emira was All Nations Cup Champion, his other grandfather QR Marc was World Champion, and Kwestura was also World Champion and the most expensive horse at a Polish auction. His pedigree really shows the “Who’s Who” of show horse breeding and yet the combination of all these illustrious names resulted in a completely ordinary horse. So what happened there? It’s simple: In this pedigree everything is mixed together and then Mendel’s splitting rule kicks in and it splits in all directions in the F2 generation. As a consequence, the major show horse breeders then switch to embryo transfer, producing embryos from different sires, e.g. B. 10 foals, 9 of the resulting foals do not meet the requirements of a show horse and are sold cheaply, and the one that meets expectations goes into the show. But the fact that 9 foals do not meet the breeding standard is kept quiet. This is “trial and error” and has nothing to do with “breeding”. That’s why I am an absolute opponent of these methods.

Outcross – how an outcross works properly in terms of breeding is generally not known to many. So here’s an example: the stallion Kurier, bred at the Khrenovoje stud farm, a stud farm that was known for its extreme racing performance breeding. The damline is Russian, the outcross comes through the stallion Egis from Poland, a Derby winner of which the Russians have hoped to get not only a blood refreshment, but also the highest performance. In terms of breeding, the way it works now is that the stallion Egis gets the 5 best mares from the entire mare population to cover and his two or three best sons then go into breeding. Only these sons are then widely used in the broodmare band. Breeding means thinking in generations!

Displacement breeding – generally speaking, this involves replacing certain traits with others. In animal breeding, this is usually done by crossing with other breeds. In Arabian breeding this happens through a different type of horse within the breed. This can currently be seen in the Polish state stud farms, where show horse stallions, sometimes in the third generation, are being used indiscriminately on the thoroughly bred Polish mare base, so that Polish blood is being increasingly suppressed. What is currently happening there is a displacement crossing with show horses. In doing so, within 20 years they are ruining everything that has been built and consolidated over 150 years of breeding work.

Selection – in the large stud farms you could actually still select. Every year you have 50 or more foals and you select the 3 to 4 best ones, the rest go to the remonte, i.e. they become riding horses and are therefore taken from the breeding gene pool. But if, as a small private breeder, I only breed one foal in 10 years, the selection becomes difficult. The golden rule in animal breeding is: always double the good! Then you have a high degree of security in inheritance.

IN THE FOCUS: Mare families traditionally play a major role in horse breeding – and in Arabian breeding in particular. Why is that?

A. P.: Scientifically, this can be attributed to the so-called cytoplasmic inheritance. During fertilization, the stallion only contributes the sperm, and of that only the cell nucleus. The mare, however, contributes the egg cell with the cell nucleus and around it the cytoplasm with the cell organelles, and especially the mitochondria. The mitochondria are also carriers of genetic material and are responsible for the energy metabolism of the cells. These mitochondria are always passed on from mother to foal in the egg cell. A colt has the benefit of this, but cannot pass on this mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to its offspring. Only a filly can pass this on to the next generation. Therefore, the female line can be traced back into the past using mtDNA. Maternal performance lines such as Sabellina in Poland and Sapine in Russia are also known in Arabian horse breeding.

IN THE FOCUS: What advice would you give to a breeder who wants to buy a mare for breeding?

A. P.: A breeder should look at the damline of the mare in question. If possible, you should choose a mare from a damline that has undergone performance tests. Ask the breeder about the number of foals for the mother, grandmother, etc.? This gives an indication of fertility. If the last three generations consist of mares that meet all the criteria, you can also count on a resounding inheritance in the mare that you want to buy or with which you want to breed, i.e. a high degree of heredity security. If you buy a broodmare that has already had foals, you should ask whether this mare gave birth without any problems, did she become pregnant immediately, did she accept the foal? If we select better with regards to fertility, this will save a lot of unnecessary veterinary costs! The problem today is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain such data, because even studbooks usually only contain those foals that are born healthy and are considered “worthy of registration” by the breeder – the number of coverings that are used to become a mare pregnant, the number of resorptions, abortions, stillbirths, all of this is unfortunately no longer recorded today. Another problem is that most broodmares are kept by small breeders where they have no chance of having 10 or more foals because they are only bred once or twice in their lives. Based on today’s studbook data, it is not possible to determine whether a broodmare that only had two foals in 10 years was bred more often but did not produce a live foal, or was only used for breeding twice. And a good broodmare also has good milk production! In the large state stud farms in Poland and Russia, this was recorded as a selection criterion because it is also one of the good maternal qualities.

IN THE FOCUS: How can the “lack of data” be remedied, since it is the members of the associations who have decided that only the absolutely necessary data will be recorded, or that stillbirths or abortions will not be reported to the stud book at all?

A. P.: Yes, that is a problem. But I think we’re at a point now where we have to think about where do we want to go with breeding Arabian horses in the next 20 or 30 years? The breeders should arrange for the associations to collect the relevant data. The same applies to proof of performance, regardless of whether it is equestrian sport, racing, endurance or show.

IN THE FOCUS: Let’s move from mares to stallions: Stallions have a much greater influence on breeding in terms of numbers. For example, QR Marc has sired over 850 offspring in the last 15 years…

A. P.: What makes a good stallion? For me he has to have performance-tested ancestors, he must be free of hereditary defects, proven performance, best conformation and – very important – an impeccable character. If a stallion is problematic and cannot be handled, he has no place in breeding. Let’s get to the question: How do I breed a good stallion? For me, this is the most exciting question of all! I currently see far too few good young stallions in Arabian horse breeding in order to have a few good stallions available for breeding in 5 or 10 years. How to address this problem? In breeding you can say: behind every good stallion there is a good stallion mother. The mare from which you want to breed a future sire is extremely important. Good mares in particular should remain in breeding and planned, targeted matings should be encouraged.

IN THE FOCUS: What dangers do you see in show horse breeding?

A. P.: My job here as a population geneticist is to point out developmental trends. One must be aware of the dangers of where the path leads if we continue in this direction for a long time. I want to come back to the cattle here to show what effects show breeding has, because it really runs in parallel:

Just like in Arabian breeding, in cattle breeders try to achieve a straight topline. The topline must be completely straight, only then it corresponds to the show standard. But what happens when this has been achieved? By selecting for the straight topline, the sacrum descends into the pelvis and makes birth more difficult. The birth ducts become smaller (narrower) because – as desired by breeders – the sacrum lowers.

Poorly developed muscles in the hindquarters – let’s remember again the male calves mentioned at the beginning, which have poor muscles. This is due to the fact that the spinous processes of the sacrum have shortened by 2-3 cm due to incorrect selection. This means that the attachment area for the muscles is lost and this creates these muscle-poor pelvises. And I see exactly this tendency with the show horses.

In cattle breeding, a survey has shown that over 90% of Holstein cattle are asthenics, i.e. tall, narrow animals, while less than 10% are athletics, i.e. the medium-framed type with the broad chest, which could compensate for this in the population. Now you actually want to breed an animal that is as well balanced as possible, but to do this you would have to have a medium-framed, broad stallion/bull available for the vast majority of animals. However, these only make up less than 10% of the population. And this is exactly the direction horse breeding is going in!

The position of the hip joint, in cattle this is called the inverter, meaning the point at which the thigh attaches to the pelvis. The selection for the straight topline tends to shift the hip joint backwards, which means that the animal has to put the hind legs behind the body, which in turn has a negative impact on movement, creates kidney pressure and significantly worsens the resilience of the back.

The extreme “typey” head with dish is, in my opinion, a deformation. Anyone who demands a minimum level of performance from their horse will recognize that a horse with an extreme dish will have trouble breathing. This would require research to understand the exact connections. But we know from dogs and cats that the shortening of the nose does not reduce the amount of mucous membrane material in the nasopharynx. However, this is no longer tight, but rather “wrinkled”, which leads to the familiar wheezing breathing noises. The lower jaw and the ridge are no longer straight, but are curved, which leads to dental problems. Teeth change very slowly in evolutionary terms. The desert Arabians’ teeth are too large for today’s delicate heads and therefore have space problems in their jaws.

The refinement of the head in particular, but also of the entire horse, and the associated lack of gender type in the stallions. This has, for example, effects on the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland controls the entire hormonal process in the organism. It shrinks and you intervene directly in the animal’s hormonal balance and ultimately select against fertility. Here is also an example from cattle breeding: we are increasingly receiving feedback from farmers about weak contractions during birth. What happened here: the hormone oxytocin is responsible for water retention in the tissues before birth and during birth for triggering contractions. All of these natural regulators are significantly weakened by the change in the pituitary gland; the hormone levels are too low. As a result, the contractions during birth mean that the remaining blood is not sufficiently pressed from the placenta via the umbilical cord into the foetus. A normal calf has around 7 litres of blood in its system shortly after birth. If contractions are weak, the calves are usually taken out using mechanical pulling aid and the calves often only have around 3.5 litres of blood in their system and are therefore clearly weak and have to be brought with great effort through the first three weeks of life or even die.

Insufficient depth of the thorax means that the animal has no space for the organs, especially for the heart and lungs. Such animals lack endurance and performance, and the performance of the lymphatic system is significantly reduced.

The middle section is too long – although a feature of the Arabian horse is its short back! Nevertheless, long backs are selected here, which means that the animals have backs that are far too soft and the backs are no longer stable. The long back causes the loins to sink and the animals can no longer walk without pain.

Significant weaknesses in the connective tissue. Selection for early maturity and the associated rapid growth lead to a significant weakening of the connective tissue. We examined this in cattle over long periods of time based on the suspension of the uterus in the abdomen/pelvis and the back formation of the uterus after birth. Swollen legs and swollen hocks are a sign of this weakness in the connective tissue in horses – and these animals are ultimately completely useless as riding horses.

IN THE FOCUS: An important aspect today is size. The Arabian horse, which was imported to Europe 200 years ago, was often smaller than 1.50 m, but today customers demand a horse that should be 10 cm taller. What “dangers” can we expect when our “cultural Arabs” become bigger and bigger?

A. P.: In cattle, we examined what happens when the animals get bigger and heavier and what effects this has. On average, a cow weighs around 600 kg. If we now have 100 kg more body weight, this inevitably means an enormous increase in resources just to maintain the body. I agree with H. V. Musgrave Clark, an English Arabian breeder who valued small horses around 1.45 m and did not use any animal for breeding that was over 1.53 m. He lived in America for several years and worked there as a post rider and his insight was that medium-sized horses always had the greatest endurance. For us, this means that selection for excessive size, i.e. for animals that are over 1.60 – 1.65 m, is not effective. The size must fluctuate freely, which means there may well be animals that are larger, but you shouldn’t select especially for this.

IN THE FOCUS: What could happen next?

A. P.: The state stud farms are dissolving, unfortunately one has to say that. In Russia, Khrenovoye was privatized and Arabian breeding was abandoned. Tersk is also privatized and today has three different breeding programs, racehorses, show horses and “Classic Russian”, although this last group is becoming smaller and smaller. In Poland we have seen that displacement breeding with show horses is taking place. If this goes on for another 10 years, there will be nothing left of the original Polish Arab. But there are also small glimmers of hope. A very interesting project was launched in Spain back in 2003. A breeding value for performance tests was developed; there are different selection levels, including young horse selection, tested sires and elite sires. Finally, I would like to introduce a project that we have launched here in cattle breeding. We have decided to maintain long-term performance breeding because this type of cattle has no chance at all due to genomic selection and breeding value estimation as currently carried out. We therefore founded an association and then looked for cow families that met our criteria for long-term performance breeding. Then we bought bulls from them, i.e. we now have almost 40 bulls in the insemination station, we have our own semen depot, and we use it to supply farmers who are interested in this type of breeding. Something similar could also be applied to the Arabian horse. You would need a Europe-wide breeding platform, and of course you have to think about how you could finance something like that. Then you need much better data collection, research work would have to be done, you would have to network the individual initiatives (like in Spain, see above), record stallion and mare lines to see which ones are at risk, start a survey to find out which frozen semen from older stallions still exist and – and this is very important to me – there needs to be a transfer of knowledge. It would be necessary to offer breeding advice for the next, younger generation of breeders, because otherwise the old hippological knowledge would be completely lost.

IN THE FOCUS: Thank you very much for your clear words and your commitment to preserving the old values in our breed.

The interview was conducted by Gudrun Waiditschka.

[beardedmrbean]

Newspaper Helsingin Sanomat has created a calculator to help readers determine if it is more cost effective for them to rent or buy a home in the current market.

HS noted the shifting attitudes towards home ownership in Finland, with renting becoming a viable alternative for many.

"In the 1990s, young couples were automatically asked when they planned to buy a home, now they are asked if they are going to buy one. It is no longer taken for granted," said Anne Viita, director of Finnish Tenants, an advocacy group for renters.

Viita told HS that uncertainties around job security as well as a more mobile lifestyle have made renting attractive, offering an exit option without the obligations of ownership, such as repair or renovation costs.

Rising costs in home ownership, including mortgage rates, energy and maintenance fees, have also dampened enthusiasm for buying.

Juho Kostiainen, an economist at Nordea, said that while mortgage costs can surpass rent, ownership remains appealing because loan repayments contribute to personal equity.

Economist Veera Holappa of the Pellervo Economic Research (PTT) meanwhile noted to HS that in cities like Helsinki and Tampere, owning was twice as expensive as renting in 2023. However, a recent decrease in interest rates has somewhat balanced the equation.

Holappa added that high rental supply is keeping rent increases modest in the Helsinki area.

For first-time buyers, falling property prices present an opportunity, though current owners may find it challenging to sell at past values.

Immigration has also contributed to the rental market's growth, with newcomers typically renting during their first years in Finland, according to Kostiainen.

Far-right's building burns

Tabloid Ilta-Sanomat reports that a fire broke out early on Monday morning at a building known as a hub for Finland's far-right groups in the Hiiltomo industrial area of Hyvinkää.

The blaze, which affected a single-story structure of approximately 400 square metres known as Otsola, required a response from 14 firefighting units.

Although the building was not completely destroyed, it sustained extensive damage. Authorities did not immediately comment on the suspected cause of the fire.

Otsola is unique in Finland as a space openly identified with far-right groups, the most prominent being the openly fascist Blue-Black Movement.

Members have referred to the building as a cultural centre, hosting various gatherings and events, including concerts.

Finnish forestry exports and Trump

Rural-focused newspaper Maaseudun Tulevaisuus writes that Donald Trump's re-election raises questions for Finland's forestry industry, particularly regarding his proposals to boost American manufacturing and impose broad import tariffs.

Trump's campaign included a general 10 percent tariff on imports, with a specific 60 percent levy targeting Chinese goods.

Finland's major forestry players — UPM, Stora Enso, and Metsä Group's Metsä Board — remain cautious, with all three declining to speculate on potential impacts.

Timo Tolonen of the lobby group Finnish Forest Industries emphasised that any significant change will happen over time, with Trump's term starting in January and policy shifts possibly taking even longer.

"It's too early to judge at this stage. As an industry, we support free trade and measures that do not lead to protectionism, ensuring a level playing field for industry," Tolonen told MT.

Currently, Finland exports forestry products worth one billion euros annually to the US, accounting for over eight percent of the country's total forestry exports.

For Metsä Board, which exports primarily from Finland and Sweden without local US production, new tariffs could pose challenges.

UPM, on the other hand, operates production sites in the US, potentially giving it an advantage if Trump's policies favour domestic manufacturers.

Increased tariffs may reduce demand for Finnish imports, forcing companies to seek new markets and offer discounts, especially in competitive sectors like cardboard.

Meanwhile, the US dollar's value has bolstered in the wake of Trump's victory. This could help offset some impacts by making Finnish exports cheaper for American buyers, though how long this exchange rate will hold remains uncertain.

[demifiendrsa]

Microsoft’s $68.7 billion deal to acquire Activision Blizzard has been approved by UK regulators. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded that the deal can proceed after Microsoft recently restructured the deal to transfer cloud gaming rights for current and new Activision Blizzard games to Ubisoft. The decision clears the way for the deal to close now that the UK regulator has given the green light.

Press release from the CMA

In August this year Microsoft made a concession that would see Ubisoft, instead of Microsoft, buy Activision’s cloud gaming rights. This new deal will put the cloud streaming rights (outside the EEA) for all of Activision’s PC and console content produced over the next 15 years in the hands of a strong and independent competitor with ambitious plans to offer new ways of accessing that content.

As a result of this concession, the CMA agreed to look afresh at the deal and launched a new investigation in August. That investigation has completed today with the CMA clearing this narrower transaction.

The new deal will stop Microsoft from locking up competition in cloud gaming as this market takes off, preserving competitive prices and services for UK cloud gaming customers. It will allow Ubisoft to offer Activision’s content under any business model, including through multigame subscription services. It will also help to ensure that cloud gaming providers will be able to use non-Windows operating systems for Activision content, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA said:

The CMA is resolute in its determination to prevent mergers that harm competition and deliver bad outcomes for consumers and businesses. We take our decisions free from political influence and we won’t be swayed by corporate lobbying.  We delivered a clear message to Microsoft that the deal would be blocked unless they comprehensively addressed our concerns and stuck to our guns on that. With the sale of Activision’s cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft, we’ve made sure Microsoft can’t have a stranglehold over this important and rapidly developing market. As cloud gaming grows, this intervention will ensure people get more competitive prices, better services and more choice. We are the only competition agency globally to have delivered this outcome.  But businesses and their advisors should be in no doubt that the tactics employed by Microsoft are no way to engage with the CMA. Microsoft had the chance to restructure during our initial investigation but instead continued to insist on a package of measures that we told them simply wouldn’t work. Dragging out proceedings in this way only wastes time and money.

Martin Coleman, Chair of the Independent Panel who reviewed the original Microsoft deal, said:

Cloud gaming is an important new way for gamers to access games and this deal could have seriously undermined its potential development. On that we, the European Commission and the US Federal Trade Commission are in full agreement. Where we differ is on how we solve that problem. We rejected a solution put to us by the parties which would have left Microsoft with too much control. We now have a new transaction in which the cloud distribution of Activision games, old and new, is taken away from Microsoft and put into the hands of Ubisoft, an independent party who is committed to widening access to the games. That’s better for competition, better for consumers and better for economic growth.

The decision 

In its original investigation, the CMA found Microsoft already held a strong position in relation to cloud gaming and blocked the deal. 

The sale of Activision’s cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft will prevent the distribution of important, popular content – including games such as Call of Duty, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft – from coming under the control of Microsoft in relation to cloud gaming. The restructured deal substantially addressed the concerns that the CMA had following its original investigation, which concluded earlier this year.   

The CMA did identify limited residual concerns with the new deal, but Microsoft gave undertakings that will ensure that the terms of the sale of Activision’s rights to Ubisoft are enforceable by the CMA. 

The CMA consulted on these undertakings and is satisfied that this will provide the safety net needed to make sure this deal is properly implemented.

For more information, visit the Microsoft / Activision ex-cloud streaming rights case page.

[mariacallous]

Concerns about falling fertility rates, however justifiable, must not become a ‘rationale for denying the rights and bodily autonomy of women and girls’.

In November 2022, the global population surpassed 8 billion people. At the same time, two-thirds of people on the planet lived in places where fertility rates had fallen below the so-called “replacement level” of 2.1 births per woman.

The big demographic transition – the shift from higher to lower mortality and fertility – is happening almost everywhere, but in some parts of the world it has set in earlier than in others.

This is why the world’s population is still rising while population growth has stalled, or reversed, in an increasing number of countries. And it explains why there can simultaneously be concerns about both “too many” people and “too few”.

Anxieties about “too few” people are particularly strong in Eastern Europe, where low fertility rates are compounded by high levels of emigration. As a result, country’s populations have been shrinking, in some cases by more than 25 per cent since the early 1990s.

Just as high fertility rates are often seen as catastrophic for the planet, alarmists see impending doom and civilizational collapse in the low fertility rates now common across most high and middle-income countries.

To be sure, there are many valid and pressing concerns related to the shift to smaller, older, populations. How can countries prosper economically? How do we ensure pension and health systems can cope with demographic change? How do we maintain services and infrastructure for people living in sparsely populated rural areas?

But the alarmism that dominates public discourses on fertility rates poses risks, according to this year’s State of World Population report, published by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund: not only does population anxiety threaten to distract us from finding constructive solutions to serious but solvable problems. It also risks becoming a “rationale for denying the rights and bodily autonomy of women and girls.”

When fertility rates are seen as the sole problem, the solutions, it is often said or implied, should therefore be fertility related. Or, as the report puts it: “Fears and fixes begin to take the form of a woman’s body.”

In this way, women’s bodies are treated as instruments to achieve population ideals, their lives put in the service of attaining abstract numerical goals – notions made possible by women’s still subordinate status in most spheres of society.

The fixation on fertility rates, and by extension women’s bodies, persists in part because it offers easy talking points and can be used to justify simple but ultimately fallacious “fixes”, like setting fertility targets to “correct” a population size. It may seem easier to focus on fertility rates and pressure or incentivize women into having more children than to make the public investments needed to ensure equitable access to quality education, employment, health coverage and social protection.

New research in the report shows the share of countries with policies to increase fertility has grown recently. And, worryingly, some governments in low-fertility countries have taken measures to restrict women’s access to contraception and legal abortion. More broadly, the report finds that efforts to influence fertility are associated with diminished levels of human freedoms.

[beetplease]

read so much today, here’s an attempt at recall (please take it with a pinch of salt, I could be wrong about some of this)

Information asymmetry is a problem where markets fail due to power imbalances in terms of information. Three models of information asymmetry include: 1. adverse selection (I think this means making sub-optimal decisions) 2. moral hazard (where there is a chance for agents to engage in risky behaviour since risk is covered in insurance etc) 3. monopolies of information (where insiders know things that are not available in the market). Most neoclassical economic models assume information is symmetric and available to all and agents are making rational decisions. IA can be overcome through 1. signalling (eg; certifications can signal expertise in the hiring market) 2. warranty (eg; quality of a product can be assured) 3. screening (eg; uninformed can get more information from the informed through practices) 4. mandatory disclosures (eg; regulatory authorities mandate companies disclose information to their investors). A book on this concept would be The Market for Lemons by George Akerlof.

Commodities generally refers to primary goods as opposed to manufactured goods. The Prebisch Singer hypothesis argues that over time terms of trade become more favourable for manufactured goods as opposed to primary commodities. This idea supports Import-Substitution Industrialization, which is proposed by the Structuralism theory of development.

Theories of development include: modernisation (societies have to follow a certain set of transformative stages to become developed and international aid to encourage capital formation and savings should be provided), structuralism (the stages aren’t necessarily the same for all economies, but development needs the economy to move from primary to secondary to tertiary sector in order to develop and support has to come from within to shield emerging economies from global market risks and internally sustain growth), dependency (development can still happen with international trade, but it would be dependent development, the strategies needed for periphery/semi-periphery regions is very different from the core regions), basic needs (international aid ensures basic needs are met, mostly measured through poverty line), structural adjustment (neoclassical approach; markets should be free from govt intervention for economic development), sustainable development (meeting the needs of the present without compromising on future needs), postdevelopment (the idea of development cannot be purely based on economic indicators, socio-cultural specificities to be taken into account to assure that development actually benefits societies, should be based on traditional knowledge), and human development (development is reflected in the ability to make choices, HDI index as measure)

[thedreamyhummingbird]

Decoding the Future of Work with OpenAI's Language Model: An Engaging interview with ChatGPT

Today I had a short and interesting "interview" with OpenAI's language model (also known as ChatGPT) to learn more about his impact on the job market and solutions to social-economic obstacles. Enjoy!

ME: Hey Open AI. Can I have an interview with you today?

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I don't have the ability to participate in an interview in the traditional sense. However, I can respond to questions and provide information on a wide range of topics, so feel free to ask me anything!

ME: can you estimate how many jobs you can replace by your work?

ChatGPT: As a language model created by OpenAI, I don't have the capability to directly create or replace jobs. However, my training and use can impact certain types of work, such as those in data entry, customer service, and certain types of language-based tasks.

It's important to note that while AI like me can automate some tasks, it can also enable the creation of new jobs and increase productivity, leading to overall economic growth. The key is to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared equitably and that workers are supported in acquiring new skills and transitioning to new roles as needed.

ME: how about the people who are too old to learn a new job?

ChatGPT: For people who are too old to learn a new job, the impact of AI and automation can be particularly challenging. While some older workers may have the ability to learn new skills, others may face barriers due to health, mobility, or the availability of training opportunities.

In such cases, it's important for society to provide support for workers who are displaced by technology, such as retraining programs, unemployment benefits, and social safety net programs. These measures can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and economically secure life, regardless of their age or job status.

It's also important to emphasize the value of experience and knowledge that older workers bring to the workforce, and to work to create age-inclusive hiring practices and environments where workers of all ages can thrive.

ME (asking a bit provocative): Don't you think its unfair, that companies hire fewer employees because of AI use and end up making the same or higher profits?

ChatGPT: There is no doubt that AI and automation are having an impact on the job market and causing changes in the way that companies do business. While it can result in some workers losing their jobs, the use of AI and automation can also bring benefits such as increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved quality of products and services. However, it is important to ensure that the benefits of these technological advancements are distributed fairly and that adequate support is provided for those who are negatively impacted by them. This may include investing in education and training programs to help workers transition to new jobs, providing safety nets such as unemployment benefits, and implementing policies that promote the responsible deployment of AI and automation.

ME (challenging him with a pessimistic view of the political system): How can this be ensured when a few large corporations have powerful lobbies and high political influence, preventing these technological advances from being fairly distributed across the social system?

ChatGPT: Ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are distributed fairly can be a complex and challenging task, especially when companies with significant resources and influence are involved. However, there are several steps that can be taken to help address this issue:

Strengthening worker protections: Governments can enforce laws and regulations that protect workers from the negative impacts of automation, such as job loss or wage stagnation. This may include providing unemployment benefits, retraining programs, and support for workers who are impacted.

Promoting equitable taxation: Companies that rely heavily on automation and AI should pay their fair share of taxes, which can be used to support workers and communities that are negatively impacted by these technological advancements.

Encouraging transparency: Companies should be transparent about their use of AI and automation, including the number of jobs that are being affected and the steps they are taking to support workers.

Building public awareness: The public must be informed about the potential impacts of AI and automation on the job market, so they can participate in discussions and debates about how these technological advancements should be governed and regulated.

Supporting responsible AI deployment: Companies, governments, and organizations should work together to establish ethical and responsible AI practices, including guidelines for data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and the responsible use of AI in employment and other areas.

These are just some of the ways that the negative impacts of automation and AI can be mitigated, but it will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of these technological advancements are distributed fairly.

ME (staying provocative): thanks for that input. However, there are critics who say that some regions of the world (mockingly) have a "turbo-capitalist" system and might see your proposals as "socialist" and thus not in the interests of a growing economy.

ChatGPT: The concept of "turbo-capitalism" refers to an economic system where market forces are given free rein and government intervention is minimal. In such a system, the distribution of the benefits of technological advancements, including AI and automation, is largely left to market forces. However, some argue that this can result in growing income inequality, job loss, and other negative impacts on workers and communities.

While some may view proposals for government intervention as "socialist" or at odds with the principles of a growing economy, there is a growing consensus among experts and policymakers that such intervention is necessary to ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are distributed fairly. This can include measures such as providing social safety nets for workers who are negatively impacted by automation, investing in education and training programs, and promoting equitable taxation.

Ultimately, the goal should be to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and growth while also protecting the rights and well-being of workers and communities. This may require a rethinking of traditional views on the role of government in the economy and a willingness to experiment with new policies and approaches.

ME: Thank you for your view on this social economic topic. This was really refreshing .

ChatGPT: You're welcome! I'm glad I could provide a helpful perspective.

[dubaicompanysetupinfo]

How Dubai is Making It Easier for Small Businesses to Thrive

Dubai has long been celebrated as a global business hub, but in recent years, it has significantly ramped up efforts to make it easier for small businesses to thrive. From streamlined processes and financial incentives to world-class infrastructure, the city offers a comprehensive ecosystem that empowers small business owners. Entrepreneurs from around the globe are flocking to Dubai to capitalize on its supportive policies and robust economy.

Why Dubai is Committed to Making It Easier for Small Businesses

Dubai’s vision to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil has placed entrepreneurship at the forefront of its strategy. Recognizing the potential of small businesses as key drivers of innovation and job creation, the city has introduced a host of measures to ensure their growth and sustainability. From accessible funding to cutting-edge infrastructure, Dubai’s commitment to supporting small businesses is evident across its policies and initiatives

Simplified Business Setup Process

Dubai has taken concrete steps to simplify business setup, making it significantly simpler for entrepreneurs to get started. Entrepreneurs can now register their businesses within days, thanks to user-friendly online platforms and comprehensive support from Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET).

Key features of Dubai's streamlined setup process include:

Reduced licensing fees: Lower costs for trade licenses make it more accessible for small businesses to start operations.

One-stop service centers: These centers help with everything from business registration to visa applications, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Freelancer permits: Individuals can now operate independently under freelancer visas, further reducing barriers to entry.

Tax Incentives and Free Zones

Dubai's tax-friendly environment allows small businesses to retain profits and reinvest in growth, boosting their financial flexibility and potential for expansion. Here’s what makes the city stand out:

Zero income tax: Entrepreneurs don't have to worry about personal income tax, allowing them to focus on scaling their businesses.

Low corporate tax: Dubai's corporate tax rate remains competitive, with generous exemptions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Free zones: Special economic zones like Dubai Silicon Oasis and Jebel Ali Free Zone provide benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified trade processes. These zones are specifically designed to help small businesses operate efficiently and expand globally.

Access to Funding and Investment

Dubai has created a vibrant ecosystem for funding and investment, addressing one of the most critical challenges small businesses face. By offering diverse financing options, the city ensures that small businesses can access capital more easily.

Here’s how funding support is structured in Dubai:

Government-backed initiatives: Programs like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund provide grants and loans to innovative startups.

Private investments: Dubai attracts angel investors and venture capitalists eager to support businesses with high growth potential.

SME-friendly banking solutions: Local banks offer tailored loan products with flexible terms, ensuring small businesses can access affordable financing.

Cutting-Edge Infrastructure and Technology

Dubai’s state-of-the-art infrastructure plays a key role in enabling small businesses to thrive, offering efficient transportation, modern facilities, and advanced technological support.

 From logistics to technology, the city offers unparalleled support for entrepreneurs.

Global connectivity: Dubai's strategic location makes it a gateway to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, offering small businesses access to billions of potential customers.

Technological advancements: The city provides tools like e-commerce platforms, digital payment solutions, and cloud services, enabling small businesses to operate efficiently.

Logistics support: With world-class ports, airports, and transportation systems, small businesses can easily manage supply chains and reach customers quickly.

A Thriving Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs

Dubai actively fosters a collaborative and innovative atmosphere, providing ample opportunities for businesses to network, grow, and succeed. The city hosts numerous events, programs, and initiatives tailored to entrepreneurs.

Networking events: Platforms like Dubai Startup Hub bring entrepreneurs, investors, and experts together to share ideas and build partnerships.

Incubators and accelerators: Initiatives such as in5 and Dubai Future Accelerators provide coworking spaces, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

Government support: Dubai SME programs offer guidance, training, and resources to help small businesses scale effectively.

Flexible Labor Policies

Dubai has introduced labor policies that simplify the process of hiring and managing employees. These policies include:

Part-time and freelance options: Businesses can hire talent on flexible terms, reducing operational costs.

Simplified visa processes: Entrepreneurs and their employees can benefit from quicker, more affordable visa applications.

Access to a skilled workforce: Dubai’s diverse population ensures small businesses can find the talent they need across various industries.

Promoting Innovation and Sustainability

Innovation and sustainability are central to Dubai’s vision for economic growth. By supporting eco-friendly practices and cutting-edge solutions, the city enables businesses to align with global trends.

Innovation funds: Programs like Dubai Future Accelerators connect small businesses with government entities to solve real-world challenges.

Sustainability incentives: Businesses that adopt green practices can access grants and subsidies, further reducing operational costs.

[facilated]

How Facility Management Drives Bangalore's Commercial Real Estate Success.

For several years, the city of Bangalore, often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of India,’ has dominated the real estate market in India. The growth of commercial real estate in the region is fueled by technology companies, newly formed businesses, and multinational companies. With the increase in demand for office, retail, and industrial spaces, the efficiency of building management services becomes pertinent. The facility management sector in Bangalore is redefining the commercial real estate sector.

Facility Management's Growing Importance in Bangalore's Commercial Real Estate

Facility management offers many services to maintain buildings and systems. These services include building maintenance, space planning, security, and sustainability. Facility management in Bangalore's commercial real estate market is developing rapidly due to demand for premium office spaces, sustainability, and the challenge of operating new, high-performance buildings.

1. Operational Efficiency Building Maintenance

Building maintenance is essential to facility management. Office, retail, and industrial space stability is crucial in Bangalore's fast-paced business climate. Even little disruptions might lower tenant and landlord productivity.

Building maintenance generally cracks the base of any facility; however, it integrates a wide and specific range of services like HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and many more essential and costly systems. In any competitive real estate market, these must be taken care of in order to ensure the safety of the buildings and provide comfort to the renters found within them.

Engaging in regular and timely care of the building components can considerably decrease their chances of failing. These measures can reduce the costs that have to be spent in repairing or replacing all the components. For building owners, this is economically beneficial while also providing an attractive space for tenants.

2. Smooth Operations with Facility Management Integration

IFM (integrated facilities management) is widely used in real estate, more commonly in commercials. There are multiple services, such as security, electricity, and janitorial, that are included under IFM and are also required by companies, property owners, and businesses. Providing all of them in one integrated facility helps businesses and landlords ensure the maintenance of high-quality services.

In Bangalore's competitive property market, owners use integrated facilities management to satisfy tenants. Property owners can track building performance in real time with smart technologies. Energy tracking, space management, and maintenance scheduling. Digital tools can help facility managers save money, improve efficiency, and serve customers better.

Integrating building maintenance ensures tenants' evolving demands are met. Bangalore firms require adaptable, expandable, and performant office spaces; thus, owners must adapt them. Facility management customizes layouts and services to tenant needs while maintaining efficiency.

3. Facility Management Encourages Sustainability

Bangalore commercial real estate values sustainability. Climate change and environmental concerns drive businesses and customers to greener, energy-efficient structures. Facility management helps buildings implement and maintain sustainability. Sustainable facility management includes energy-efficient lighting, HVAC, waste reduction, and water conservation.

Facility management teams track and enhance building environmental performance. Energy management systems monitor energy use and reduce waste. Installing LED lighting, solar electricity, and monitoring the building's environmental footprint helped facility managers cut costs and green Bangalore.

Sustainable facility management saves money and attracts green renters. The expanding environmental goals of organizations can be integrated with a sustainable workplace.

4. Technology's Impact on Bangalore Facility Management

Facility management is even increasingly important to Bangalore's commercial real estate success due to technology. Smart technology and BMS (building management systems) let property managers monitor and control all building functions in real time.

Smart thermostats and automatic lighting systems accurately control energy use, saving money and energy. Sensors and data analytics help building automation systems predict costly maintenance concerns. Addressing issues before they influence business operations improves building performance and tenant satisfaction.

Mobile apps are prevalent in facility management. Tenants can request services, register problems, and schedule maintenance with a button, improving convenience and satisfaction. Bangalore's commercial real estate market is modernizing, efficient, and tenant-friendly with technology.

5. Facility Management's Bangalore Property Market Advantage

Bangalore property owners are continually looking for ways to distinguish their structures. Property owners benefit from facility management. Demand for well-maintained buildings with integrated facilities management and environmental standards raises rents.

Businesses pay more for office spaces with reliable, sustainable, and high-quality amenities. Well-maintained, energy-efficient buildings with modern technology and tenant comfort attract high-profile tenants, especially multinational corporations that value operational excellence.

Facility management affects tenant retention. When building systems work smoothly and tenants have a comfortable, efficient office, they renew leasing more often. Happy renters help owners keep cash flow and vacancy rates low.

Conclusion: Facility Management Makes Bangalore's Real Estate Market Successful

Bangalore's commercial real estate market relies on facility management. Facility management services improve facility operations through sustainability, maintenance, and technology. Property owners in competitive cities with high tenant expectations must prioritize operating efficiency, tenant satisfaction, and environmental responsibility, which facilities management helps achieve daily.

Bangalore will become a commercial and innovation powerhouse, making facility management more crucial. In India's competitive real estate market, integrated and sustainable facility management will attract tenants and assure long-term success.

[sdg-2030]

SDGs and the Role of Education in Creating a Brighter Future

Of all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), education is the most vital component for sustainable development. Education is not just a goal in itself but the foundation for achieving all 17 SDGs, ensuring that no one is left behind. By addressing challenges like poverty, hunger, gender inequality, and climate change, education equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to create a sustainable future.

The Importance of Education in Sustainable Development

Quality Education focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030. Education directly contributes to eradicating poverty, promoting gender equality, and fostering economic growth, making it a cornerstone of sustainable development. Education builds the foundation for a skilled workforce, enabling economic progress and technological innovation. It instills critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing individuals to address global challenges. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) goes beyond traditional learning to integrate sustainability principles, encouraging learners to adopt behaviors and actions that promote environmental and social well-being.

India’s Commitment to SDG 4

As a signatory to the SDGs, India is committed to achieving quality education for all by 2030. Recognizing the transformative potential of education, the Government of India has implemented various policies and initiatives to ensure access to education for every child. Programs like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Right to Education Act (RTE) have made significant strides in universalizing primary education and improving enrollment rates. These initiatives aim to provide free and compulsory education to all children aged 6 to 14 years. Despite progress, challenges remain in ensuring quality learning outcomes, equitable access, and bridging the digital divide.

Steps Taken Under SDG Education

To align with SDG education initiatives, India has undertaken several measures to improve the quality and inclusivity of education:

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:The NEP envisions transforming India into a global knowledge hub by emphasizing critical thinking, innovation, and research. It promotes digital literacy, vocational training, and holistic development to prepare students for a dynamic world.

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan:This integrated program focuses on enhancing the quality of school education, from pre-primary to secondary levels. It emphasizes gender equity, inclusive education, and digital learning.

Mid-Day Meal Scheme:By addressing malnutrition, this program ensures that children from underprivileged backgrounds attend school regularly, fostering better learning outcomes.

Digital Education Initiatives:Programs like Diksha and e-Pathshala aim to bridge the digital divide by providing online resources and tools for students and teachers, especially in remote areas.

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao:This initiative addresses gender disparity in education, encouraging families to educate girls and promote gender equality.

The Role of Education in Addressing Global Challenges

Education is instrumental in addressing the most pressing global challenges and achieving sustainable development:

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty:Access to quality education is a proven strategy for reducing poverty. By equipping individuals with skills for employment, education creates pathways for financial independence and economic stability.

Promoting Gender Equality:Education empowers women and girls, enabling them to participate in decision-making processes and contribute to social and economic progress. Achieving gender parity in education is crucial for building an equitable society.

Driving Innovation:A robust education system fosters creativity and innovation. India’s growing emphasis on research and development in schools and universities is a testament to the transformative power of education.

Addressing Climate Change:Education for Sustainable Development raises awareness about environmental issues and promotes sustainable practices. It equips learners with the knowledge to combat climate change and adopt eco-friendly lifestyles.

Fostering Global Understanding:Education bridges cultural divides by promoting tolerance, empathy, and collaboration. It nurtures global citizens who are equipped to work collectively for a sustainable future.

Conclusion

Education is the bedrock of sustainable development and a brighter future. By aligning with SDG 4 and implementing impactful SDG education initiatives, India can unlock the potential of its vast youth population. The journey toward achieving quality education in India is fraught with challenges, but with concerted efforts and innovative solutions, the vision of an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable education system can become a reality. Let us commit to the transformative power of education to shape a sustainable and prosperous world for generations to come.

At 2030kabharat, we are dedicated to fulfilling SDG Goal 4 (Quality Education) by implementing innovative strategies to enhance learning in underprivileged communities. Through our Teacher Training Programs, we have trained over 500 teachers across Madhya Pradesh, empowering them with modern teaching methods and digital tools.

Our efforts in digital education have reached over 20,000 students, ensuring access to online learning resources and bridging the digital divide in remote areas. We believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a sustainable future.

Join us in our mission to make quality education accessible to every child and contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive India. Together, let’s achieve a brighter, more sustainable future by 2030. Original Source: bit.ly/sdgsinindia

[economytrees]

Global Economic Impact During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive Overview

The COVID-19 pandemic caused one of the most significant disruptions to the global economy in modern history. As countries around the world faced widespread lockdowns, travel restrictions, and public health crises, the economic landscape experienced major shifts. Industries such as tourism, hospitality, and retail were particularly hard-hit, while others, such as e-commerce and healthcare, saw growth. This article explores the global economic impact of the pandemic and the measures taken to mitigate its effects.

Economic Contraction and Recession

The immediate impact of the pandemic was a sharp contraction in economic activity worldwide. With businesses forced to close, supply chains disrupted, and consumer demand plummeting, many countries entered into recessions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated that the global economy shrank by 3.5% in 2020, the worst peacetime contraction since the Great Depression. Advanced economies like the United States and the European Union saw massive declines in GDP, while emerging markets, particularly those reliant on global trade, also suffered significant losses.

Unemployment and Job Losses

One of the most visible effects of the pandemic was the surge in unemployment rates across the globe. The closure of businesses, especially in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and entertainment, led to widespread job losses. In many countries, millions of workers were furloughed or laid off, while others experienced reduced working hours and wages. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the equivalent of 255 million full-time jobs were lost globally in 2020 due to the pandemic. Governments introduced stimulus packages and unemployment benefits to support individuals and businesses, but the recovery of the labor market remained slow in many regions.

Government Stimulus Packages and Monetary Policy

To counteract the economic downturn, governments and central banks around the world implemented aggressive fiscal and monetary measures. Stimulus packages, such as direct cash payments to citizens, subsidies for businesses, and financial support for healthcare systems, were introduced to stabilize economies. Central banks slashed interest rates and expanded quantitative easing programs to ensure liquidity in the financial system. These measures were crucial in preventing deeper economic collapse, but they also raised concerns about long-term debt and inflation.

Supply Chain Disruptions and Global Trade

The pandemic caused significant disruptions to global supply chains, with factories closing, ports being shut down, and transportation networks stalled. Industries that relied on international supply chains, particularly manufacturing and technology, faced delays and shortages of essential components. Global trade also contracted as demand for goods and services fell, and protectionist policies were enacted in some countries. These disruptions highlighted the vulnerability of interconnected global trade systems and led to a reevaluation of supply chain strategies for the future.

The Rise of E-Commerce and Digital Transformation

While many industries suffered, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of e-commerce and digital services. As lockdowns restricted physical shopping, consumers turned to online platforms for goods and services. This surge in e-commerce led to significant growth in companies like Amazon, Alibaba, and other online retailers. Additionally, the pandemic expedited the digital transformation of businesses, with more companies adopting remote work, online meetings, and digital marketing strategies. This shift has permanently changed the way businesses operate and how consumers interact with the economy.

https://maydien.com/

[tiancimachines]

How can organic fertilizer production lines run more safely and reliably

To run the organic fertilizer production line more safely and reliably, the following measures can be taken:

1. Establish and improve the safety production management system: formulate relevant systems and norms, clarify the responsibilities and authority of each post, and ensure the reasonable staffing and training of personnel.

2. Equipment maintenance and maintenance: regular inspection and maintenance of organic fertilizer equipment, timely detection and troubleshooting. The old equipment should be replaced or updated in time to ensure the safety and reliability of the equipment.

3. Product quality monitoring and inspection: Strengthen the quality monitoring and inspection of organic fertilizer products to ensure that product quality meets standards, which is directly related to the growth of crops and farmers' income.

4. Safe and stable operation measures in winter: In winter, the organic fertilizer production line should be regularly checked, including the operating status of the equipment, lubrication, fastening, etc., to ensure that the equipment is in good working condition. At the same time, add antifreeze, check the tightness of the triangle belt of the drive motor, maintain appropriate humidity and temperature, preheat the equipment and arrange the production task reasonably.

5. Comply with national technical standards: according to the technical requirements of the design, construction, acceptance and operation and maintenance of organic fertilizer projects, to ensure safety and application, energy saving and environmental protection, economic and reasonable, advanced technology and reliable performance.

(6) Labor safety and industrial hygiene: the construction, operation and maintenance of the project shall take effective measures to ensure personal and public safety, including labor safety and industrial hygiene.

Through the above measures, the safety and reliability of the organic fertilizer production line can be effectively improved to ensure the smooth progress of production.

[mwseo2024]

Designing Large-Scale Spirulina Farms: Best Practices for Maximum Efficiency

The scope of designing a Large Scale spirulina Cultivation goes beyond just increasing production. It focuses on how production can be done better, safer, and in an environmentally friendly way according to international and local standards.

This subsection specifies the key characteristics which should be taken into consideration during the design of the industrial-size spirulina farm such as climatic conditions, resource availability and accessibility of land and water, economical and legal requirements on resources, environmental safeguards measures, availability of technological advancement, and possibilities of expansion in product range.

Climate Requirements for Optimal Growth

Spirulina is a resilient algae, but for maximum efficiency and yield, it thrives best in specific climatic conditions:

Temperature: Spirulina is best cultivated in warm climates. Warm temperatures lead to faster growth and as such, it would be ideal to select areas where the growth temperatures are warm all year round.

Low Rainfall Area: Due to their high variability, heavy rains can cause salinity levels, oxygenation, and nutrient levels to become disrupted so it’s important to cultivate spirulina in areas that have stable water bodies. Low rain regions help control these conditions and help prevent the adverse impact of seasonal rains.

High Sunlight: To assist in its photosynthesis function, Spirulina requires abundant and unblocked sunlight and thus, it should be grown in areas that have high sunlight throughout the year. Dust, trees, and other building structures that would act to moderate sunlight should not be in the vicinity.

Access to High-Quality Water Sources

One key factor that needs to be considered in the spirulina growing process is water. These algae can only withstand brackish and freshwater environments, however for their growth to be optimal, especially the non-contaminated environments, they require good water sources consistently.

Selecting Reliable Water Sources: Water bodies that can be relied on should be situated near the spirulina farms, such as rivers or lakes. Furthermore, groundwater can be useful but must be tested periodically to check the amount of any pollution or heavy metal presence.

Water Purification and Recirculation Systems: It is important to add filtration away from freshwater sources and filtration systems on the farm to avoid any waste. It also performs the function of helping to manage the water source in such a way that the impact of water usage on the environment is lessened while ensuring appropriate conditions for the growth of the spirulina.

Land Characteristics for Large-Scale Farming

The geographical characteristics of the site are of utmost importance not only for site selection but also for farm productivity and efficiency. These factors need to be taken into consideration when a prospective site for commercial production of spirulina is being sought:

Flat Land with No Shade: Even coverage is a necessary land setting that is a flat and large area of land so as to provide the required growth environment and simplicity when harvesting. Shading should be kept at a minimum as it blocks sunlight and lowers the rate of photosynthesis.

Soil Composition and Support Structures: It is important to note that although spirulina is grown in water, proper soil properties are needed to help support the pond’s construction. Confirm that the topography can bear the weight and arrangement of the necessary facilities without the threat of erosion or instability.

Compliance with International and Local Standards

The most stringent requirements are not merely a premised concern, but rather a factor of international business, and as such it all begins at the level of design.

Curious about compliance with international standards, environmental safeguards, and future trends in spirulina farming? Visit our website to read the full blog and unlock all the insights.

Read More Here

[bbcomplexscales]

Finding the Perfect Weighing Solutions in the Pacific Northwest

Why Truck Scales Are Essential in Oregon

Truck scales play an integral role in industries that handle large quantities of goods. They’re commonly found at shipping docks, construction sites, and recycling centers, where weighing heavy vehicles and their cargo is necessary to prevent overloading and ensure safety. In Oregon, the demand for durable and precise truck scales has risen due to the state's robust agricultural and logistics sectors.

When considering Truck scale sales Oregon, businesses should evaluate factors such as capacity, durability, and ease of maintenance. The dynamic weather conditions in Oregon can also influence the type of truck scale you choose, making it essential to invest in corrosion-resistant materials and advanced calibration features. Portable truck scales are becoming increasingly popular in the region due to their flexibility and ease of relocation, especially for businesses operating across multiple sites.

Choosing the Right Pallet Scales in Washington

Washington is home to a bustling warehousing and manufacturing industry, making pallet scales indispensable for efficient operations. These scales are designed to weigh pallets loaded with goods, ensuring accurate measurements and reducing errors in inventory management. Whether you're running a small business or a large-scale operation, investing in the right pallet scale can streamline processes and improve productivity.

When exploring Pallet scale sales Washington, it's important to consider scales with user-friendly interfaces and robust designs. Modern pallet scales often come with wireless connectivity, enabling seamless integration with inventory management systems. Additionally, businesses in Washington should look for scales that meet their specific weight range and load capacities to avoid underperformance or overloading issues. Stainless steel options are particularly advantageous for environments prone to moisture or chemical exposure.

Key Features to Look for in Weighing Systems

Whether you're purchasing a truck scale in Oregon or a pallet scale in Washington, certain features can significantly enhance the efficiency and lifespan of your investment. One of the most important factors is accuracy. High-precision load cells and advanced calibration technology ensure that your scales deliver consistent results, even in demanding environments.

Durability is another crucial consideration. Scales made from high-quality materials can withstand heavy use, harsh weather conditions, and potential wear and tear. Maintenance and servicing options should also be taken into account, as regular upkeep can extend the life of your equipment and minimize downtime.

Finally, look for scalability and adaptability. The ability to upgrade or modify your weighing system as your business grows ensures a future-proof investment. In regions like Oregon and Washington, where industries often evolve rapidly, having versatile solutions is key.

Benefits of Partnering with Local Suppliers

One of the biggest advantages of purchasing weighing systems locally is access to tailored solutions. Suppliers specializing in Truck scale sales Oregon and Pallet scale sales Washington often have a deep understanding of the regional industry requirements and environmental conditions. They can recommend scales that are best suited to your specific needs, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

Local suppliers also provide faster installation, repair, and calibration services, minimizing downtime and disruptions to your operations. Additionally, supporting regional businesses helps foster economic growth within the community, creating a win-win scenario for everyone involved.

Investing in the Future with Advanced Technology

The weighing industry has seen significant advancements in recent years, with modern systems incorporating smart features to enhance functionality. From digital displays and automated reporting to wireless connectivity and cloud-based integration, these innovations are transforming how businesses handle weighing tasks. Companies in Oregon and Washington can benefit greatly by choosing scales equipped with such advanced features.

For example, truck scales with remote monitoring capabilities allow managers to oversee operations in real time, even from a distance. Similarly, pallet scales with built-in data tracking can streamline inventory audits and reduce manual labor. By investing in cutting-edge technology, businesses can stay ahead of the competition and achieve greater operational efficiency.

[wavevisas123]

Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2025–2027

Canada is renowned for its welcoming attitude towards immigrants, and the government’s Immigration Levels Plan outlines its goals for the future of immigration in the country. For the first time, the 2025 Immigration Levels Plan extends its scope to include not only targets for permanent residents but also targets for temporary residents, such as international students and temporary foreign workers. This marks a significant shift in how Canada approaches its immigration system. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the changes in the plan, what they mean for Canada’s future, and how you can benefit from it if you are looking to immigrate.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan

The Development of the Immigration Levels Plan

Permanent Resident Targets and Focus Areas

Temporary Resident Targets and Changes

Impact of the Immigration Levels Plan

How Wave Immigration Consultants Can Help

Conclusion

1. Introduction to Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan

Every year, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship tables the Immigration Levels Plan, outlining immigration targets for the next three years. This year’s plan, for the first time, includes targets for both permanent and temporary residents. The plan is a strategic effort to shape Canada’s immigration future, with particular attention to sustainable growth, economic needs, and ensuring the integration of newcomers into Canadian society.

The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan aims to reduce temporary resident numbers while ensuring a stable and sustainable immigration flow. It introduces specific measures to manage immigration efficiently and includes provisions to strengthen Canada’s economy and regional needs.

2. The Development of the Immigration Levels Plan

When developing the Immigration Levels Plan, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) takes several factors into account:

Economic and Regional Needs: Canada needs skilled workers to support its economy, especially in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and trades.

International Obligations: Canada must meet its international commitments for refugee and humanitarian admissions.

Processing Capacity: The ability of the immigration system to handle applications and support integration is a critical consideration.

Settlement and Integration: The capacity of communities to integrate newcomers, including Francophone communities outside Quebec, is also taken into account.

The process is informed by extensive public consultations, including surveys and focus groups with newcomers and Indigenous communities, helping ensure the plan reflects Canada’s social and economic needs.

3. Permanent Resident Targets and Focus Areas

Permanent residents are individuals who are allowed to live in Canada permanently. The Immigration Levels Plan for 2025 reduces the number of permanent resident targets, but with a strategic focus on areas that will contribute most to Canada’s growth:

Key highlights:

Overall Decrease: There is a planned decrease of 105,000 permanent residents in 2025 compared to the previous forecast. However, the focus is on attracting skilled workers who can contribute to Canada’s economy.

Economic Immigration: The largest portion of admissions (62% by 2027) will be for skilled workers in sectors like healthcare, construction, and trades.

Family Reunification: Family reunification continues to be a priority, with 24% of admissions in 2025 allocated for family class immigrants, including spouses, parents, and children.

Support for Vulnerable Groups: Canada remains committed to supporting vulnerable populations, including refugees and displaced individuals, ensuring a humanitarian approach to immigration.

Francophone Immigration: Canada will increase its support for Francophone communities outside Quebec, with a goal of reaching 10% of overall admissions by 2027.

4. Temporary Resident Targets and Changes

Canada has also set targets for temporary residents, which include international students and foreign workers. Temporary residents play a crucial role in the Canadian economy but are often on temporary visas that require renewal.

Key Measures:

International Students: There will be a reduction in the number of international student permits issued, with a 10% decrease in 2025 compared to 2024 targets. This aligns with the new cap on student arrivals.

Temporary Foreign Workers: Canada will also limit the number of temporary foreign workers under low-wage streams by introducing a 10% cap. There will also be an increase in the hourly wage for workers in high-wage streams.

Work Permits for Spouses: Eligibility for work permits for spouses of international students and temporary workers will be tightened.

This reduction in temporary residents aligns with the government’s broader aim to transition more temporary workers into permanent residents and control immigration levels to meet long-term sustainability goals.

5. Impact of the Immigration Levels Plan

The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan is expected to have several notable effects on Canada’s population, economy, and housing market:

Population Impact: Canada’s population is expected to decrease by 0.2% in both 2025 and 2026, before rebounding with a growth of 0.8% in 2027.

Economic Growth: The plan is designed to maintain robust GDP growth and improve GDP per capita. It aims to enhance housing affordability by reducing the housing supply gap by about 670,000 units by the end of 2027.

Employment and Housing: The plan’s focus on attracting skilled workers and prioritizing economic immigration will help reduce unemployment and support housing market stability.

6. How Wave Immigration Consultants Can Help

Navigating the immigration process can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Wave Immigration Consultants specialize in helping individuals understand and apply for the various immigration programs available in Canada. Whether you’re looking to apply for permanent residency, transition from a temporary resident status, or find the right immigration program, Wave Immigration Consultants are here to guide you.

With the new changes in the immigration levels plan, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest regulations and requirements. Wave Immigration Consultants can assist you with understanding the nuances of the new immigration levels, ensuring that your application meets all criteria and increasing your chances of success.

7. Conclusion

The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan represents a major shift in Canada’s immigration strategy, focusing on sustainable growth, economic prosperity, and improving the settlement process for newcomers. While temporary resident numbers will be reduced, there will be an emphasis on transitioning temporary residents into permanent residents and addressing key economic sectors’ needs.

If you are considering immigrating to Canada, either temporarily or permanently, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the immigration policies and work with a trusted immigration consultant, such as Wave Immigration Consultant, to help you navigate this evolving landscape.

For more personalized advice on your Canadian immigration journey, contact Wave Immigration Consultant today!

Corporate Office : 2nd Floor, Right Side, Building №5, Kehar Singh Estate Westend Marg, Lane №2, Saidulajab, Saket New Delhi 110030

[yoursyashi]

Women's Health and Safety in India:

India is the land of diverse cultures and traditions. Amidst the rich cultural diversity, women's health and safety are broadly threatened. India has made progressive steps in education, healthcare, and women's rights. Nevertheless, the systematic and societal problems continue to play an obstacle role in women's well-being. The call to morals, however, forms a necessary step towards the social and economic growth of the country of India.

India has been successful in reducing maternal mortality; however, the rate is still alarming. The most sufferers are the women deprived of proper antenatal and postnatal care facilities, mainly in rural places. Maternal health issues are also exacerbated by lack of sufficient nutrition, anemia, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

Lack of awareness and accessibility to reproductive health services is part of the problem. Many women face stigma when they seek contraceptives or treatment in sexually transmitted diseases. Health crisis is also partly due to unsafe abortions resulting from unsatisfactory facilities or societal pressure, for instance.

Mental Health

In this context, it is quite clear that women face more pressures arising from society, violence in the house, and sexism. Mental issues remain undiagnosed due to stigma, which leads to a long-term effect on them. Women's Safety in India

The safety of women in India is one topic that has been debated to a wide extent in both national and international discussions. These rising cases of violence, harassment, and gender-based crimes only reflect that some serious steps need to be taken.

India is still alarming in terms of huge rates of domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment. The implementation of laws such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, still poses a challenge.

More women join the labor force, yet many are exposed to sexual harassment, unequal wages, and unsuitable working environments. Even after the clarion call by the #MeToo movement, much is needed to actually change the system in making the environment safe at work.

Women will not be safe in public spaces because of lack of sufficient lighting, insecurity and societal mindset. Institution of such measures as women-only transport, safety application, among others has been done but much more will be required in the way of infrastructure and changes of culture.

The Way Forward

1. Health Care Access

There should be more health facilities especially in rural areas. Ensure sensitive and affordable reproductive and mental health services are available.

- Health Rights Education Programs for women.

2. Legal Policy

Practice strict enforcement of laws that protect women.

Promulgate policies that bring about equal opportunities and safe workplaces for women.

Establish fast track courts to deal with crimes against women.

3. Education and Empowerment

Promote education among girls so that vicious cycles of poverty and discrimination are broken.

Encourage community-level programs towards challenging harmful social norms as well as empowering women. Develop entrepreneurship and women leadership.

5. Socio-cultural Change

Education and media campaign to change the deep-seated patriarchal mind-set. Encourage men to talk about gender equality and safety.

India's progress-tying up health and safety for women-suggests that change may be possible. Group effort between people, their communities, and the government can lead towards a society where women feel safe, respected, and empowered. It will happen if we position women's rights, health, and dignity on the non-negotiable cornerstones of development.