Just eight individuals, all men, own as much wealth as the poorest half of the world's population, Oxfam said on Monday in a report calling for action to curtail rewards for those at the top.

Activist Swami Agnivesh, President Emeritus of World Council of Arya Samaj, will also join other spiritual leaders for a multi-faith candle lighting ceremony to reflect upon hope for humanity, as part of the five-day WEF (World Economic Forum) Annual Meeting beginning.

Johann Schneider-Ammann will meet with the trade and industry ministers of India and two other countries, a statement said.