Besides facilitating overall economic growth, finance can help individuals smooth their income, insure themselves against risks and broaden investment opportunities. Empirical evidence shows that inclusive financial systems significantly raise growth, alleviate poverty and expand economic opportunity. This paper lays out several principles that should be kept in mind when designing such systems, supported by a case study of ICICI Bank.

Union Budget 2007-2008.

in may 2004, India had a new government at the Centre. Bangalore and Hyderabad, the two boroughs of shining India, saw their chief ministers eat humble pie at the hustings. An India not very often

FOR many observers, Arunachal Pradesh is an

This paper documents the main findings of the vulnerable profiling work carried out in the State of Himachal Pradesh, India, as a mean to support the planning of food security and livelihoods promoting interventions at the state level. The paper analyses the main characteristics and causes of food insecurity and vulnerability, seeking to identify who and where the vulnerable and food insecure are, why they are at risk of becoming food insecure and what options exist to reduce this risk.

Orissa is an agrarian State. Almost two third of its total work force depend on agriculture for employment and sustenance.

Surface and groundwater that cross international boundaries present increased challenges to regional stability because hydrologic needs can often be overwhelmed by political considerations. While the potential for paralyzing disputes is especially high in these basins, history shows that water can catalyze dialogue and cooperation, even between especially contentious riparians. There are 263 rivers around the world that cross the boundaries of two or more nations, and untold number of international groundwater aquifers. In order to understand the long term implications of transboundary water management, and the potential for future conflict and cooperation, it is critical to assess what the indicators and triggers are of such processes currently, then evaluate their prospects for the future.

This book seeks to evaluate India's poverty reduction strategy by analysing the pro-poorness of policies and programmes in terms of resources allocation, governance and implementation. Equally importantly, it also tries to assess the pro-poorness of economic growth in terms of the conventional indicators and examines if there has been a commensurate decline in economic and social inequality.

This booklet is a quick source for national and trade statistics of WTO members and countries which are in the process of negotiating WTO membership.

The study highlights the importance of strengthening institutions for environment management in sustaining and accelerating India's strong growth performance.

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