In India, for every 10 per cent of the population using basic services such as voice and SMS, the national GDP increases by 0.5 per cent; a similar expansion of Internet and other non-voice communication or data adds 1 per cent to GDP, according to government figures available with the country´s Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

India has horrific water issues that go well beyond meters and domestic waste. However, with the use of automation, it is possible to avoid water theft, illegal connections and leakages and importantly, monitor water distribution.

At Infosys, fresh water consumption is solely for the purpose of human sustenance and not for production purposes. Hence, we do not significantly impact water sources. Recognising the grave issues of water scarcity, Infosys started focused efforts to manage water efficiently back in 2008.

The Logistics Sector Skill Council is unique in its own way. Logistics is an activity that pervades all industry, either in the form of pure-play logistics (ports, infrastructure, freight forwarding, air cargo, transportation) or in-plant logistics.

Roads connecting the docks and air cargo complexes of container freight stations are in a very bad condition, hence this creates very bad congestion. There should be convenience; intermodal transport will be successful only when we have proper rail and road connecting infrastructure

More than 90 per cent of India´s inbound and outbound cargo is moved by the freight forwarding industry. Our association is the apex body and is a national body for this industry. We are a very important link between the trade and the government as we represent the interests of the trade to the government and assist in bringing the relevant policies to the trade.

We should have had it 20 years ago, but we still don´t have it. It was thought of when the Congress was in power and it was the BJP which was the principal opponent to it. Now when the BJP is in power it is the Congress which is the principal opponent. Our national parties need to come to terms over what is good for our nation and leave their individual stands aside.

The Indian logistics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.17 per cent by 2020, driven by the growth in the manufacturing, retail, FMCG and e-commerce sectors. India is expected to register a steady uptick in logistics growth, on the back of the improvement in the country´s infrastructural environment.

India, due to its long coastline, is richly endowed with natural maritime advantages. The countrys 7,500 km coastline covers 13 states and Union Territories. A number of ports along the long coastline lie along key international trade routes. There is huge potential even for inland water transport.