India, China largest investors in telecom
Development Report prepared by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has identified India and China as the largest investors in the telecom sector in the Nineties. Among the low-income group countries, both planned to more than double the access of telephones to every 100 persons and commit huge investments. The report is to be discussed at the World Telecommunication Development conference at Buenos Aires. The conference will discuss the globalisation, technological and other changes as also development in the sector.
Genetically engineered silkworms
Scientists in Bangalore, in a major breakthrough, have created the country’s first genetically engineered silkworm. Biologists Mr. K. P. Gopinathan and Ms. Omana Joy at the Indian Institute of Science (IIS) injected genes from a bacteria into tiny silkworm eggs and found the genes working even after the eggs developed into adult larvae. Although the HS team used only a test gene to see if the method worked on the common Indian silkworm ‘bombyx mori, ‘the technique has the potential to create superior silkworms and boost the sericulture industry in many ways.
Apparel exporters seek changes in labour policy
Apparel exporters have sought amendments in the labour policy to improve productivity and efficiency in the clothing and textiles sector. At a workshop on GATT 1994 Phaseout of Apparel and Textile Quotas, sponsored by International Business Consultants and Textiles Intelligence of the UK, representatives from the Apparel Exporters and Manufacturers Association argued that these changes were necessary to make Indian textile exports competitive in the global market.