Japan’s labour shortage to reach 3.84 mn by 2035: Report
Tokyo, Oct 18: Japan is projected to face a labour shortage equivalent to 3.84 million workers by 2035, translating to 17.75 million hours of unfilled labour daily, local media reported.
Despite an expected increase in the overall workforce, the labour shortage is forecasted to expand by 1.85 times compared to 2023 driven by a reduction in individual working hours due to work-style reforms and other measures aimed at improving work-life balance, Jiji Press cited a report by Persol Research and Consulting Co. and Chuo University.
The workforce is expected to rise from 67.47 million in 2023 to 71.22 million in 2035, with more women, elderly workers, and foreign nationals entering the labour market, Xinhua news agency reported, quoting Jiji Press.
The number of foreign workers was projected to grow significantly, from 2.05 million to 3.77 million.
However, average annual working hours per person are expected to decline by 8.8 per cent by 2035, largely due to an ageing workforce and the implementation of work-style reforms.
To mitigate the labour shortage, the report highlighted the need for reforms, including adjusting tax and social security systems to prevent reduced working hours, encouraging side jobs, and boosting productivity, particularly through the integration of generative artificial intelligence. (IANS)
Polish zoo celebrates birth of 4 Sumatran tigers
Warsaw, Oct 18: A Polish zoo is celebrating the arrival of four Sumatran tiger cubs, announcing their birth Friday after keeping it a closely-guarded secret for weeks due to fears they may not survive.
Officials at the Wroclaw Zoo in the southwestern Polish city of Wroclaw said the tigers – a critically endangered species whose numbers have dwindled to around 400 in the wild – were born on July 22. But the zoo chose not to go public with the news until they could grow a bit, gain some strength and be vaccinated, zoo spokesperson Weronika Lysek said.
Each cub is now about double the size of a domestic cat, at over 8 kilograms each.
“The joy is even greater that all four tigers are developing healthily, are active, eager to eat and play with each other and with their parents,” said Sergiusz Kmiecik, acting president of the zoo, which has been breeding Sumatran tigers since the 1960s.
The four cubs are the offspring of mother Nuri and father Tengah, who four years earlier produced a female, Surya. She currently lives in a zoo in Cottbus, Germany.
The zoo proudly hailed the births as “a breeding success on a global scale.” Pawel Sroka, the head of the zoo’s department of predatory mammals, noted that Tengah had stayed with the cubs from the beginning, which is rare for tigers.
“He was calm, gentle, and even helped Nuri with care, learning how to handle the cubs,” he said.
The zoo is also celebrating the fact that the litter included three males and one female. Females predominate in European zoos, so the birth of three males can help balance their population in zoos.
It is not yet clear where the four cubs will end up going, and they still have growing to do before that is decided, Lysek said. They also haven’t been named yet, and the zoo is considering letting the zoo’s visitors and fans take part in their naming.
Sumatran tigers – the most critically endangered tiger subspecies – are under increasing pressure due to poaching and a shrinking jungle habitat. There are only about 400 of them left in the wild, according to the Wroclaw Zoo, which also has a foundation that works to support their protection. (AP)
Walmart introduces Indian snacks & sweets in US
Washington, Oct 18: Ahead of Diwali, Walmart on Thursday announced the introduction of several popular Indian brands of snacks and sweets in its select US stores for the convenience of the Indian American population.
Among the brands include Good Day cookies and classic Milk Rusk from Britannia and Bikano’s two festive packs, Abhinandan and Shahi Nazrana that have sweets such as Soan Papdi and Gulab Jamun. Brands such as Regal Kitchen and VAHDAM are already available to Walmart US customers. Jayanti Spices and Hyfun Foods currently have products under Walmart’s Great Value brand. Together, they will supply a diverse range of well-loved snacks and food products to Walmart’s U.S. customers. The product lineup caters to the Diwali celebrations as well as additional staples often found in American pantries. Offerings include premium tea, ready-to-eat and frozen foods, traditional snacks, spices and festive packs, the Arkansas-headquartered company said. (PTI)