Former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh has died at the age of 92. Singh was one of India's longest-serving prime ministers and he was considered the architect of key liberalising economic reforms, as premier from 2004-2014 and before that as finance minister. He had been admitted to a hospital in the capital Delhi after his health condition deteriorated, reports say. Singh was the first Indian leader since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after serving a full first term, and the first Sikh to hold the country's top post. He made a public apology in parliament for the 1984 riots in which some 3,000 Sikhs were killed. But his second term in office was marred by a string of corruption allegations that dogged his administration. The scandals, many say, were partially responsible for his Congress party's crushing defeat in the 2014 general election. Singh was born on 26 September 1932, in a desolate village in the Punjab province of undivided India, which lacked both water and electricity. After attending Panjab University he took a master's degree at the University of Cambridge and then a DPhil at Oxford. While studying at Cambridge, the lack of funds bothered Singh, his daughter, Daman Singh, wrote in a book on her parents. "His tuition and living expenses came to about £600 a year. The Panjab University scholarship gave him about £160. For the rest he had to depend on his father. Manmohan was careful to live very stingily. Subsidised meals in the dining hall were relatively cheap at two shillings sixpence." Daman Singh remembered her father as "completely helpless about the house and could neither boil an egg, nor switch on the television". Singh rose to political prominence as India's finance minister in 1991, taking over as the country was plunging into bankruptcy. His unexpected appointment capped a long and illustrious career as an academic and civil servant - he served as an economic adviser to the government, and became the governor of India's central bank. In his maiden speech as finance minister he famously quoted Victor Hugo, saying that "no power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come". That served as a launchpad for an ambitious and unprecedented economic reform programme: he cut taxes, devalued the rupee, privatised state-run companies and encouraged foreign investment. The economy revived, industry picked up, inflation was checked and growth rates remained consistently high in the 1990s. Manmohan Singh was a man acutely aware of his lack of a political base. "It is nice to be a statesman, but in order to be a statesman in a democracy you first have to win elections," he once said. When he tried to win election to India's lower house in 1999, he was defeated. He sat instead in the upper house, chosen by his own Congress party. The same happened in 2004, when Singh was first appointed prime minister after Congress president Sonia Gandhi turned down the post - apparently to protect the party from damaging attacks over her Italian origins. Critics however alleged that Sonia Gandhi was the real source of power while he was prime minister, and that he was never truly in charge. The biggest triumph during his first five-year term was to bring India out of nuclear isolation by signing a landmark deal securing access to American nuclear technology. But the deal came at a price - the government's Communist allies withdrew support after protesting against it, and Congress had to make up lost numbers by enlisting the support of another party amid charges of vote-buying. A consensus builder, Singh presided over a coalition of sometimes difficult, assertive and potentially unruly regional coalition allies and supporters. Although he earned respect for his integrity and intelligence, he also had a reputation for being soft and indecisive. Some critics claimed that the pace of reform slowed and he failed to achieve the same momentum he had while finance minister. When Singh guided Congress to a second, decisive election victory in 2009, he vowed that the party would "rise to the occasion". But the gloss soon began to wear off and his second term was in the news mostly for all the wrong reasons: several scandals involving his cabinet ministers which allegedly cost the country billions of dollars, a parliament stalled by the opposition, and a huge policy paralysis that resulted in a serious economic downturn. LK Advani, a senior leader in the rival BJP party, called Singh India's "weakest prime minister". Manmohan Singh defended his record, saying his government had worked with "utmost commitment and dedication for the country and the welfare of its people". Singh adopted the pragmatic foreign policies pursued by his two predecessors. He continued the peace process with Pakistan - though this process was hampered by attacks blamed on Pakistani militants, culminating in the Mumbai gun and bomb attack of November 2008. He tried to end the border dispute with China, brokering a deal to reopen the Nathu La pass into Tibet which had been closed for more than 40 years. Singh increased financial support for Afghanistan and became the first Indian leader to visit the country for nearly 30 years. He also angered many opposition politicians by appearing to end relations with India's old ally, Iran. A studious former academic and bureaucrat, he was known for being self-effacing and always kept a low profile. His social media account was noted mostly for dull entries and had a limited number of followers. A man of few words, his calm demeanour nevertheless won him many admirers. Responding to questions on a coal scandal involving the illegal allocation of licences worth billions of dollars, he defended his silence on the issue by saying it was "better than thousands of answers". In 2015 he was summoned to appear in court to answer allegations of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and corruption related offences. An upset Singh told reporters that he was "open for legal scrutiny" and that the "truth will prevail". After his time as premier, Singh remained deeply engaged with the issues of the day as a senior leader of the main opposition Congress party despite his advancing age. In August 2020, he told the BBC in a rare interview that India needed to take three steps "immediately" to stem the economic damage of the coronavirus pandemic, which had sent the country's economy into a recession. The government needed to provide direct cash assistance to people, make capital available for businesses, and fix the financial sector, he said. History will remember Singh for bringing India out of economic and nuclear isolation, although some historians may suggest he should have retired earlier. "I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media, or for that matter, the opposition parties in parliament," he told an interviewer in 2014. Singh is survived by his wife and three daughters.Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in ‘Baby Driver,’ dies after falling from moving vehicleBryce Young has added key element to his game in Year 2, showing an ability to scramble, make playsNone
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New Delhi, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global baby cribs and cots market was valued at US$ 1,789 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 3,027.61 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 6.02% during the forecast period 2025–2033. The international baby cribs and cots landscape thrives on steady demand, propelled in part by an estimated 135 million global births each year. This sector has witnessed the introduction of over 90 new crib product lines during the first half of 2023 alone, underscoring a consistent drive toward innovation. Parents in the baby cribs and cots market increasingly seek more than conventional designs, prompting over 500 patent filings worldwide for multifunctional or smart-enabled cribs. In addition, at least 3 global certifications address reduced chemical usage and structural robustness, providing trusted standards for quality-conscious buyers. E-commerce expansion has widened consumer access, with certain online platforms showcasing more than 2,000 distinct crib models to cater to varied style preferences. Download Free Sample Copy: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/baby-cribs-and-cots-market Changes in parental mindset present significant opportunities for manufacturers and retailers. Studies show that families, on average, keep a standard crib for about 4 years, emphasizing the need for products built to last. Growing environmental awareness further shapes purchasing decisions in the baby cribs and cots market, and at least 70 international brands are now marketing cribs crafted from sustainably sourced wood or recycled components. In regions with extended family units, such as parts of Asia and Latin America, there is a noticeable uptick in portable and foldable designs; close to 40 known brands unveiled lightweight options in 2023. Adding to this, 10 major health organizations have refined guidelines that underline child welfare, raising the bar for product reliability and safety. Regarding distribution channels, specialty baby shops in city centers typically feature an average of 25 crib models per store, reflecting a diverse product range. Online marketplaces also maintain strong momentum, aided by transparent third-party audits and authentic user reviews that foster consumer trust. Designers across the global baby cribs and cots market continue to refine convertible elements, integrated storage, and child-monitoring functionalities—features that resonate with apartment dwellers and eco-sensitive parents alike. The proliferation of prototypes featuring built-in sensors for sleep tracking further illustrates how advanced consumer expectations translate into substantial market openings. Altogether, this expanding awareness of safety, sustainability, and adaptability signals a promising future for players within the baby crib and cot segment. Key Findings in Baby Cribs and Cots Market Increasing focus on child safety and health in modern parenting decisions Elevated consumer preference for eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing processes Expanding middle-class demographics worldwide driving enhanced spending on infant products Growing adoption of convertible and multifunctional baby cribs among urban households Rising influence of online product reviews impacting purchasing choices for parents Integration of smart sensors and connectivity features within advanced crib designs Safety compliance variations across global regions complicating standardization of crib guidelines Rising raw material costs causing pricing pressures for manufacturers and retailers Competition from low-cost alternatives discouraging premium crib investments in certain markets Growth Opportunities for Standard Cribs in the Baby Cribs and Cots Market to Remain More Lucrative, Set to Capture of 55% Market Share Rising consumer preference for minimalistic yet robust baby furniture is creating new growth opportunities for standard cribs. Over 3,200 small-scale manufacturers globally have begun tapping into the standard crib segment, reflecting escalating demand across urban and suburban markets. Furthermore, nearly 2,500 specialized baby product expos worldwide featured standard cribs this year, enhancing brand visibility and consumer education. As parents increasingly seek products that combine practicality with safety, standard cribs are poised to evolve with fresh design enhancements and eco-friendly materials. Beyond the retail landscape in the baby cribs and cots market, there is significant potential for online channels to amplify standard crib sales, as more e-commerce platforms streamline shipping and assembly-support services. Major home décor and baby-focused websites now feature over 1,000 customer videos demonstrating easy crib setup and maintenance, helping prospective buyers make informed decisions. The versatility of standard cribs, particularly their compatibility with a wide range of bedding and accessories, further widens their appeal. With some high-end retailers introducing limited-edition collections priced above US$600, the premium segment also offers untapped possibilities for increased margins. In this market climate, capitalizing on straightforward assembly, adaptable styling, and continuous safety certifications will bolster the expansion of standard cribs, making them a strategic focus for emerging and established manufacturers alike. By Material: Expanding Growth Horizons for Wooden Baby Cribs in Tomorrow’s Ever-Evolving Global Family Ecosystem Wooden baby cribs with over 65% market share are positioned to capture an even broader demand in the baby cribs and cots market as environmental awareness and premium aesthetics gain traction among new parents. Nearly 3,500 small-and-medium enterprises worldwide have begun integrating responsibly sourced wood in their product lines to meet evolving consumer demands. In 2023, the global market value for wooden baby furniture exceeded US$2.1 billion, driven by expanded offerings from top-tier brands and bespoke manufacturers. Over 1,500 online marketplaces have introduced dedicated “eco-friendly nursery” sections, with wooden cribs often featured as flagship items. These developments underline the potential for brands to differentiate themselves through sustainable materials, ergonomic designs, and child-safe finishes. Further, technological improvements are opening additional avenues for growth for the segment in the baby cribs and cots market, with design software enabling customizable, space-saving crib solutions. Research institutions worldwide have released findings supporting the use of natural wood in nursery settings, citing benefits for indoor air quality and child wellbeing. Luxury retailers have also identified a promising niche, with specialty wooden cribs priced above US$800 gaining popularity among affluent customers seeking exclusive craftsmanship. Meanwhile, digital influencers and parenting forums have collectively posted over 4,000 testimonials in 2023 alone, frequently highlighting wooden crib longevity and timeless style. As consumers continue to prioritize eco-conscious values and high-quality design, wooden baby cribs present an attractive growth opportunity for emerging brands and established manufacturers. Request Free Customization of this report: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ask-for-customization/baby-cribs-and-cots-market By Sales Channel: Maximizing Growth Prospects in Offline Retail Channels for Baby Cribs and Cots Worldwide Offline retail channels continue to present untapped potential for both established and emerging baby furniture brands seeking to expand their reach. With over 18,000 independent baby shops conducting community-focused events in 2023, manufacturers in the baby cribs and cots market can harness local trust and word-of-mouth promotion to secure brand loyalty. Innovative in-store experiences, such as personalized nursery consultations, are proving effective in driving customer interest, with more than 1,000 interactive demonstrations reported at regional baby expos this year. Meanwhile, major offline retailers plan to diversify floor space by adding at least 700 additional crib designs in the coming months, providing greater variety for discerning shoppers. By capitalizing on these experiential enhancements, businesses can convert one-time visitors into repeat customers. Moreover, there are substantial possibilities for blending digital tools with physical retail spaces. Over 2,500 brick-and-mortar outlets worldwide have introduced augmented reality stations in 2023, enabling parents to visualize crib setups in their homes before finalizing a purchase. Enhanced loyalty programs further encourage returns, with some regional retailers in the baby cribs and cots market offering up to US$200 in store credit for baby furniture upgrades. Additionally, large-scale superstores have expressed interest in hosting specialized parenting workshops, featuring top-selling crib brands and real-time assembly tutorials. Through creative in-store marketing and strategic collaborations, companies can unlock further growth, ensuring offline channels remain a powerful force in the baby cribs and cots market. Global Baby Cribs and Cots Market Key Players: Arms Reach Concepts Artsana S.p.A. Baby Trend Inc. Britax Childcare Holdings Ltd. Chicco Delta Children DaVinci Baby Fisher-Price Inc. Graco Children's Products Inc. Johnson & Johnson Kimberly-Clark Corporation Koninklijke Philips N.V. Mead Johnson & Company LLC Munchkin Inc. Nestle S.A Newell Brands Inc. Pigeon Corporation Procter & Gamble Co. Summer Infant Inc. Storkcraft The Honest Company Inc. Unicharm Corporation Key Segmentation: By Type Standard Convertible Others By Material Wood Metal Plastic Others By Distribution Channel Offline Online By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Inquire more about this report before purchase: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/inquire-before-purchase/baby-cribs-and-cots-market About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global analytics and advisory company which has built a solid reputation in a short period, thanks to the tangible outcomes we have delivered to our clients. We pride ourselves in generating unparalleled, in depth and uncannily accurate estimates and projections for our very demanding clients spread across different verticals. We have a long list of satisfied and repeat clients from a wide spectrum including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and many more. These happy customers come to us from all across the Globe. They are able to make well calibrated decisions and leverage highly lucrative opportunities while surmounting the fierce challenges all because we analyze for them the complex business environment, segment wise existing and emerging possibilities, technology formations, growth estimates, and even the strategic choices available. In short, a complete package. All this is possible because we have a highly qualified, competent, and experienced team of professionals comprising of business analysts, economists, consultants, and technology experts. In our list of priorities, you-our patron-come at the top. You can be sure of best cost-effective, value-added package from us, should you decide to engage with us. Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@astuteanalytica.com Website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTubeStudents from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) made a clean sweep at the recently held 2024 Ballerina Hackathon, securing the top three positions.The competi ... If you are an active subscriber and the article is not showing, please log out and back in. Free access to articles from 12:00.
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