Latest population News | Top population News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking population News Today | English population News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Scotland Opens First Safe Drug Consumption Room to Tackle Drug Crisis

January 10, 2025, 5:57 pm

The opening of the Thistle Centre in Glasgow, the UK’s first safe drug consumption room, marks a pivotal step in addressing the country’s growing drug misuse crisis. On Monday, Scottish First Minister John Swinney, accompanied by Health Secretary Neil Gray, visited the facility, located in the east end of Glasgow, which aims to offer a safer environment for individuals struggling with addiction. This move is not just a symbolic gesture, but a practical attempt to tackle the troubling statistics of drug-related deaths that have plagued Scotland for years.

The Thistle Centre, with an annual funding of £2 million provided by the Scottish Government, will enable individuals with drug dependencies to consume their drugs under strict supervision. This model aims to mitigate the high risks associated with drug misuse, such as overdoses and the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis. The facility will be staffed by trained medical professionals who will offer immediate help in case of overdoses, reducing the death toll from drug-related incidents. While Scotland’s drug-related deaths have steadily risen, this new approach will provide crucial medical interventions, and serve as a stepping stone towards offering comprehensive support for individuals fighting addiction.

The opening of the Thistle Centre comes at a time when Scotland continues to report the highest rates of drug deaths in Europe. According to the latest statistics, 1,172 people died from drug misuse in 2023, a 12% increase compared to the previous year. This grim reality underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to tackle the issue. John Swinney acknowledged that although the Thistle Centre is a significant step forward, it is not a “silver bullet” that will solve all of Scotland’s drug problems. Instead, he emphasized that this facility would complement ongoing efforts by the government and local communities to combat the crisis.

The Scottish Government has recently launched a national mission to reduce drug deaths, focusing on creating a public health and human rights-based approach to drug misuse. This approach is designed to ensure that healthcare services are more compassionate and attentive to the needs of those affected by addiction. As Swinney pointed out, families and individuals with lived experience of addiction have played a crucial role in shaping this response, offering valuable insights and perspectives on how to design better services for drug users.

The Thistle Centre’s innovative model draws on these lived experiences. Many of those who contributed to the center’s development are individuals who have experienced addiction firsthand, as well as healthcare professionals who have seen the devastating effects of unsafe drug consumption. Some of these individuals have even joined the workforce at the Thistle Centre, helping to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and those who need support the most. This approach not only ensures that the facility meets the needs of its users but also fosters a deeper sense of empathy and understanding between workers and clients.

Swinney’s remarks were echoed by Neil Gray, who emphasized that evidence from around the world demonstrates the positive impact that drug consumption rooms can have on reducing harm and saving lives. Gray pointed out that countries with established drug consumption facilities have seen significant improvements in public health outcomes, including a reduction in drug overdose deaths and the spread of infectious diseases. The Thistle Centre, he explained, is designed with this evidence in mind, and its impact will be closely monitored to ensure it is achieving its objectives.

The Scottish Government is not relying solely on the success of the Thistle Centre to address the wider drug crisis. Gray highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to funding drug treatment and support services. For the 2024-25 budget, the government has maintained a significant investment of £112 million to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships, with a portion of this allocated to Greater Glasgow and Clyde ADP. This funding will support a variety of local initiatives, including treatment services, outreach programs, and rehabilitation support.

In addition to maintaining funding for drug treatment services, the Scottish Government has also focused on expanding access to residential rehabilitation programs. Figures from Public Health Scotland revealed that the government has successfully met its target of providing 1,000 publicly funded residential rehabilitation placements per year. Between 2019-20 and 2022-23, the number of individuals accessing such services had nearly doubled, which is a promising sign of progress in Scotland’s efforts to provide long-term support for people with drug dependencies.

The Thistle Centre’s opening marks an important milestone in Scotland’s response to drug misuse. It represents a shift towards a more compassionate and practical approach to addiction treatment, one that focuses on harm reduction and provides people with the medical care and support they need to address their addictions. However, it also highlights the broader need for continued investment in drug treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention programs. The Scottish Government’s commitment to funding these services, along with its focus on human rights and public health, offers hope for those affected by drug misuse.

While the opening of the Thistle Centre may not immediately solve the crisis, it sends a strong message to the rest of the UK and beyond that drug addiction is a public health issue that requires innovative, evidence-based solutions. The facility’s opening also underscores the importance of integrating individuals with lived experience of addiction into the design and delivery of services. This approach ensures that the solutions are not only effective but also humane and respectful of the dignity of those who need help the most.

As the Thistle Centre begins its work, it is essential that its success is closely monitored and evaluated. The lessons learned from this first-of-its-kind facility could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges. If the Thistle Centre proves effective in reducing drug-related deaths and improving the health outcomes of drug users, it may help pave the way for more facilities of its kind across the UK and Europe. This would be a significant step forward in the ongoing fight to address Scotland’s drug crisis and improve the lives of those affected by addiction.

In conclusion, the opening of the Thistle Centre in Glasgow marks a significant and forward-thinking step in Scotland’s ongoing efforts to tackle its drug crisis. By offering a safe, supervised environment for drug users, alongside medical support and access to treatment, this new facility is a critical part of Scotland’s public health strategy. While it is not a comprehensive solution to the wider problem of drug misuse, it is an important piece of the puzzle that can help save lives and provide people with the opportunity to seek the support they need to recover. Through continued investment in treatment services, rehabilitation programs, and harm reduction strategies, Scotland can make meaningful progress in addressing its drug-related challenges and improve the health and well-being of its population.

Pioneering Innovation: Breakthrough Technologies Reshaping Urban Transportation

September 13, 2024, 3:22 am

The global urban population has been on an upward trajectory, with cities now accommodating more than half of the world’s population. This trend shows no signs of abating, with projections indicating that urban dwellers will make up 68% of the global population by 2050. This projected increase in urban dwellers represents a significant demographic shift. In Asia alone, over 2 billion people currently reside in urban areas. As cities expand to accommodate this influx of residents, challenges like suburban sprawl become increasingly prevalent. One of the most pressing issues in this regard is ensuring efficient transportation for residents navigating between residential areas, workplaces, commercial districts, and amenities. Effective transportation infrastructure not only facilitates movement but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the geographical and social landscape of cities, promoting pedestrianization, and mitigating congestion. Transportation is a substantial component of municipal expenditure, making it a focal point for innovation and entrepreneurship.

In this context, there are several transformative technologies poised to revolutionize urban mobility, including EVs. They offer a sustainable alternative to traditional combustion engine vehicles, reducing carbon emissions and dependence on hydrocarbon. With improved battery range and faster charging time and charging infrastructure, EVs are becoming more accessible and practical for urban dwellers. Governments and city planners are increasingly incentivizing the adoption of EVs through subsidies, tax breaks, and the development of charging networks, further driving their integration into urban transportation systems.

The rise of EVs and autonomous driving technologies is bringing a new era in urban transportation. Electric fleets contribute to cleaner air and reduced emissions in cities, while autonomous vehicles offer the promise of enhanced safety and efficiency in the movement of people and goods. The adoption of EVs brings significant environmental and economic benefits over traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. With over 70% energy conversion efficiency compared to under 40% in conventional vehicles, EVs boast lower emissions and reduced fuel costs. As battery costs decline and charging infrastructure expands, EVs are becoming increasingly cost-competitive and convenient. Many countries have set ambitious EV adoption targets, with automakers aiming for full electrification by 2030 or sooner. Beyond cars, electric buses, trucks, bikes, and scooters are also gaining traction. There is thus a need to reimagine charging infrastructure to maximize efficiency.

Micro-Mobility Solutions
Micro-mobility options such as e-scooters and bike-sharing programmes offer last-mile connectivity solutions, reducing congestion and promoting healthier lifestyles. The proliferation of electric micro-mobility vehicles marks a seismic shift in transportation, with benefits including reduced emissions and lower maintenance costs.

Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms integrate various transport modes through a single-user app, enabling seamless travel planning, booking, payments, and ticketing. These apps offer convenience for users and valuable data insights for cities to optimize transit capacity and operations. As more users transition from private cars to shared transport, MaaS has the potential to transform urban mobility.

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication
V2X communication facilitates data exchange between vehicles, infrastructure, and pedestrians. This also allows for coordinated maneuvers and includes features such as emergency electronic brake lights. Combined with autonomy, V2X connectivity holds immense potential to minimize accidents and bottlenecks. Advanced networks like 5G and protocols like DSRC are crucial for split-second reliable connectivity essential for V2X.

Advanced Navigation Systems
Real-time navigation systems leverage rich data sources, such as real-time traffic information, satellite imagery, and historical route data, sand AI. By doing so, they offer personalized recommendations, alternative routes, and hyperlocal traffic predictions. Innovations like augmented reality and heads-up displays elevate navigation from static platforms to contextual digital assistants, enhancing the overall travel experience.

As transportation technology continues to evolve, there is a need for thoughtful regulation and planning to maximize benefits and minimize disruption across economies, communities, and the workforce. While challenges such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and job displacement persist, the transformative potential of these breakthrough technologies in reshaping urban transportation cannot be understated. The future of urban mobility depends on innovation, adaptation, and preparation as we strive for more connected sustainable and efficient mobility landscape.

Tushar Choudhury is Founder & CEO, Motovolt Mobility.

Population to Reach 152.2 Crore by 2036, Sex Ratio Expected to Improve to 952: Government Report

August 13, 2024, 3:08 pm

By 2036, India’s population is projected to reach 152.2 crore, with the female percentage slightly rising to 48.8% from 48.5% in 2011, according to a report released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on Monday.

The report, titled ‘Women and Men in India 2023,’ anticipates a decrease in the proportion of individuals under 15 years of age due to declining fertility rates, while the proportion of those aged 60 and above is expected to increase significantly.

The sex ratio, which measures the number of females per 1,000 males, is projected to improve from 943 in 2011 to 952 by 2036, reflecting a positive trend towards gender equality. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of gender-related data, covering areas such as population, education, health, economic participation, and decision-making, with a focus on urban-rural and regional disparities.

“Gender statistics are essential for promoting and assessing gender equality. They provide benchmarks for progress and highlight the similarities and differences between men and women,” the report stated.

It also noted that from 2016 to 2020, the age-specific fertility rates (ASFR) for women aged 20-24 and 25-29 decreased from 135.4 and 166.0 to 113.6 and 139.6, respectively. Conversely, the ASFR for the 35-39 age group increased from 32.7 to 35.6, indicating that women are considering expanding their families later in life.

The adolescent fertility rate was 33.9 among illiterate women compared to 11.0 among literate women in 2020. The rate was also lower for those with some education but no formal schooling (20.0), underscoring the importance of women’s education, according to the report.

Sex Ratio in Haryana is 914:1000 Men, State witnesses declining Sex Ratio

July 23, 2024, 10:31 pm

The declining sex ratio in Haryana, compared to other states, has always been a matter of concern. Haryana has the most severe shortage of girls compared to boys and ranks at the bottom among all Indian states. Discrimination against female children and a strong preference for sons are well-known issues in Indian society, significantly contributing to the skewed sex ratio. In 2014, the sex ratio in Haryana was 871 girls per 1,000 boys. In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign from Panipat to prevent female foeticide and improve the situation.

In a bid to make PM’s dream project successful, necessary steps were taken into consideration during the tenure of the then former Chief Minister Manohar Lal, whose positive results were seen. After this, due to continuous strictness regarding to tackle sex determination and female foeticide and continuous raids and administrative working style in the adjoining Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Punjab, there was a widespread improvement in the sex ratio. For some time now, due to laxity in neighboring states and lack of monitoring and accountability in Haryana, the sex ratio has again deteriorated. Now the situation is such that in terms of sex ratio, we are standing at the same place from where we started 8 years ago. Sex ratio in Haryana has started deteriorating again. After the nationwide campaign ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Panipat in the year 2015, the sex ratio in the state increased to 923 in the year 2019, but after this the sex ratio started declining again, which is now 914 and very worrying.

While reacting to this, Dr RS Punia who holds the portfolio of DG, Health Haryana said that the concerned department has come up with necessary steps in a bid to increase sex ratio in last few years which is crystal clear from the results surfaced so far.

In the year 2014, the number of women per 1000 men in Haryana was 871. As a result of the efforts made then, the figure of women increased to 876 and 900 in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
After this, in 2017 and 2018, the number of women increased to 914 as compared to 1000 men. There was a relative improvement in 2019 and the number increased to 923. After this, it fell by one point and in 2020 the figure came down to 922. Since then, there has been a continuous decrease in the sex ratio. In 2021, the sex ratio fell to 214, then with a slight increase, it increased to 917 in 2022. After this, it witnessed a dip of one point i.e 916 in 2023 and now till April 2024, the figure of female sex ratio is 914. In this regard, the statistics revealed that in the last few years where in 2017 the number of women per 1000 men was 914, then till April 2024 also the figure was 914 . We started here eight years ago and today we are standing at the same place again. Box

Out of 22 districts in Haryana, there are 7 districts where the number of women per thousand men is between 870 to 900 which clearly shows the gravity of the situation. The number of women per 1000 men is the lowest in Rohtak district of Haryana. The number of women here is 870. It is also worth mentioning that in Rohtak, cases of foeticide and honour killing are more than in other districts. In Kaithal district, the number of women compared to men is 872. Some time ago, where Jind was at the top in the state in terms of sex ratio, now the situation there is also the worst. The number of women per 1000 men in Jind is 888 which is very worrisome. The number of women per 1000 men in Panipat is 888. Apart from these, the number of women in Faridabad district is 899 and apart from the above, the number of women in Rewari is 885, while the number of women in Faridabad is 899. Let us tell you that in the last 8 years, the sex ratio has decreased in more than half a dozen districts of Haryana.

On the other hand, it is pertinent to mention that in terms of the number of women per 1000 men, Charkhi Dadri and Fatehabad districts of Haryana occupy the top positions997 and 972 women. Therefore, other districts of the state need to take inspiration from these two districts. Apart from this, the number of women in CM City Karnal is 960, while in Palwal this figure is 949. Notably, Palwal which falls in the Mewat, the most backward region in Haryana in every respect compared to other districts is in a far better position. Apart from this, the number of women per 1000 men in Bhiwani is 946, in Kurukshetra 943, in Yamunanagar 940, and in Sirsa 939. It is clear from the above figures that these districts are in a much better and pleasant condition in terms of sex ratio than other districts of the state. On the other hand, the number of women per 1000 men in Mewat is 920, in Ambala 930, in Panchkula 925, in Hisar 921 and in Gurugram 907.

In many states adjoining Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan bordering districts, sex determination of foetus is done on a large scale. Through middlemen, pregnant women are secretly taken to unknown places or hospitals and clinics. There, sex determination of the fetus is done by taking 30 to 40 thousand rupees from them. Even more worrying is that girls are being killed in the womb for Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Apart from this, MPT kits are also easily available with medicine sellers and these kits costing between Rs 250 and Rs 500 are being sold by the racketeers for Rs 1000 to Rs 1500. Pocket size

India’s Population to Peak at 1.7 Billion by 2060s, Eventually Declining to 1.5 Billion by End of Century: Report

July 13, 2024, 5:32 am

India’s population is projected to peak in the early 2060s at about 1.7 billion and then decline by 12 percent, according to the United Nations’ World Population Prospects 2024 report. Despite this decline, India is expected to remain the world’s most populous country throughout the century. The report highlights that the global population, currently at 8.2 billion, is expected to grow to around 10.3 billion in the mid-2080s before gradually declining to 10.2 billion by the end of the century.

India’s population, which surpassed China as the world’s most populous nation last year, is currently estimated at 1.45 billion. It is projected to peak at 1.69 billion in the early 2060s before declining to approximately 1.5 billion by 2100. This sustained large population will keep India in the top position, well ahead of other countries. The report underscores the significant social, economic, and environmental implications of India’s demographic trajectory, necessitating strategic planning and policy adjustments.

In contrast, China’s population is projected to decline significantly. From a current population of 1.41 billion, it is expected to fall to 1.21 billion by 2054 and further to 633 million by 2100. This decline is largely due to China’s sustained low fertility rates, which are currently around one birth per woman on average over a lifetime, far below the replacement level of 2.1 births. China is anticipated to experience the largest absolute population loss between 2024 and 2054, with a projected decline of 204 million people. This significant reduction in population size will profoundly impact China’s economy, labor force, and social support systems.

The World Population Prospects 2024 report underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of global population trends. India’s rise to and maintenance of its status as the most populous nation, coupled with China’s significant demographic shifts, will shape the geopolitical and economic landscapes of the future. Effective policy responses and strategic planning will be crucial for both countries to navigate these demographic changes and their associated challenges.

Jerusalem Population Doubles Tel Aviv, New Report Reveals

June 3, 2024, 9:47 am

According to an annual report released ahead of Jerusalem Day, the Jerusalem population has exceeded one million, more than double the number in Tel Aviv. The report, compiled by the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research, cites figures from Israel’s 2022 census, showing Jerusalem’s population at 1,005,900.

Since October 7, 13,800 evacuees from Gaza and near the Lebanese border have found refuge in Jerusalem temporarily. The report highlights Jerusalem’s status as the city with the highest number of students enrolled in higher education institutions, with 41,300 during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Jobseekers in Jerusalem surged to 26,000 in November 2023, with a notable rise in Arab women’s workforce participation, reaching 29%.

In terms of housing, construction commenced on 5,800 apartments in Jerusalem in 2023, marking the highest one-year total in the 38 years of the institute’s report issuance.

While more than 7,600 new immigrants initially settled in Jerusalem in 2022, this was offset by 7,200 people leaving the city.

Foreign overnight stays in Jerusalem totaled over 2,735,000 in 2023, but the last quarter of the year, coinciding with the war, witnessed an 80% drop in this figure.

Jerusalem Day, commemorating the city’s reunification during the Six-Day War of 1967, begins on Tuesday night.

Japan: Population Declines by largest ever margin in 2023

February 28, 2024, 1:10 pm

According to a Kyodo News report government data showed that the number of newborns born in Japan in 2023 plummeted to a record low from the previous year as the country’s population declined by its largest ever margin.

According to preliminary figures issued by the health ministry on Tuesday, the number of infants decreased by 5.1% to 758,631.

A country’s birth rate is the ratio of live births to the total population in a given year. It is typically represented as the number of live births per thousand people.

The figure has remained below 800,000 since the year 2022.
Japan’s population, including foreign residents, decreased by 831,872, as deaths outnumbered births.

The Japanese government’s National Institute of Population and Social Security Research has estimated that births in the country to fall below 760,000 in the year 2035.

The rapid decline in newborns has been attributed to late marriages and people staying single, Kyodo News said that the administration of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has termed the period leading up to 2030 as “the last chance” to reverse the trend.

The number of births peaked in 1973 at over 2.09 million babies and decreased below 1 million in the year 2016.

Meanwhile, according to government data, the number of deaths in Japan reached a record 1,590,503, while weddings plummeted to their lowest level since the end of World War II, with 489,281 unions.

Bali to ban activities in mountains to curb tourist misconduct in sacred peaks

June 18, 2023, 1:44 pm

To preserve the mountains’ holiness, Bali’s governor, Wayan Koster, has put an emergency ban on tourism activity there. This choice was made in response to an increase in visitor misbehaviour, which has led to worries about Bali’s cherished natural areas being harmed. Governor Koster emphasised the significance of maintaining the sacredness of these mountains and stated that to do so would be to diminish Bali’s holiness.

Bali’s tourism chief, Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun, supported the ban and assured that local mountain guides would be offered opportunities as contract workers to ensure their livelihoods. The ban encompasses popular activities such as mountain climbing and hiking, affecting foreign and domestic tourists, as well as local residents. Governor Koster emphasized that the ban is permanent, except for religious ceremonies and handling natural disasters.

Although specific penalties for violating the new rules were not disclosed, authorities have already taken action against groups of foreigners, deporting them and imposing six-month bans on their re-entry into Indonesia. Bali, known as the “island of the Gods,” has faced challenges with misbehaving tourists, prompting Governor Koster to crack down on illegal activities and safety concerns.

The ban extends to all 22 mountains in Bali and remains in effect indefinitely, effectively restricting climbers’ access. Recent incidents, such as the filming of a pornographic video on Mount Batur and a semi-nude photo taken by a tourist on Mount Agung, have fueled the need for stricter regulations. Despite participation in a religious ceremony and issuing a public apology, the offending tourist was deported and banned from entering Indonesia for at least six months.

China takes racist potshot at India’s ‘most populous’ title

April 20, 2023, 4:42 pm

The spokesperson, for Chinese foreign ministry, Wang Wenbin took dig at india becoming ‘most populous country in the world’, surpassing china. He said while assessing a country’s demographic dividend, it is also important to look at not just its size but also quality.

He said, “When assessing a country’s demographic dividend, we need to look at not just its size but also its quality. Size matters, but what matters more is talent resources. Nearly 900 million of the 1.4 billion Chinese are of working age and on average have received 10.9 years of education”.

Notably, the UN world population dashboard stated that India now has 1428.6 million people, surpassing the Sino population, which is currently at 1425.7 million. This is for the first time that India has topped the United Nations’ list of most populated countries, ever since the UN began collecting population data in 1950.

With an estimated 340 million people, the United States occupies the third spot.
Wenbin, who also spoke about the workforce in China, noted that the average length of education for those who have recently entered it has increased to 14 years. This is because China has implemented a national strategy to address population ageing, which includes a third-child policy and supporting measures to address demographic changes.

“China has implemented a national strategy to respond to population ageing, including a third-child policy and supporting measures to address demographic changes. As Premier Li Qiang pointed out, China’s demographic dividend has not disappeared, and our talent dividend is in the making,” the Chinese spokesperson added.
He further added that the driving force for China’s development remains strong.
The year before, China’s population shrank for the first time since 1960. In 2016, Beijing ended its strict “one-child policy”, imposed in the 1980s amid overpopulation fears, and began letting couples have three children in 2021.

China’s economy grows by mere 3% amid shrinking population

January 17, 2023, 1:12 pm

Chinese Economy had its weakest performance in 2022 since 1976 the final year of Mao Zedong’s three-decade rule. China’s Economy grew by 3% in 2022, according to government data. This comes when China’s population has shrunk for the first time in 60 years as a start of a period which is expected to be a period of population decline.

The world’s most populous nation has seen birth rates plummeting down to record lows as its workforce ages. This is having an adverse impact on nation’s economy and adding pressure to its already strained public finances.

According to a study released on Tuesday by Beijing’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the population of mainland China was roughly 1,411,750,000 at the end of 2022, down 850,000 from the end of the previous year. The NBS reported that there were 9.56 million births while there were 10.41 million deaths. In China, males still outweigh women by a ratio of 722.06 million to 689.69 million.

Prior to removing the aim from official announcements due to the deteriorating economic Conditions, China’s government had set a target of 5.5 percent growth. Even still, the increase in the fourth quarter was far higher than some experts had anticipated.

“The data exceeded expectations over the board, which means fewer risks to Q1-23 growth. We have revised our growth forecast for 2023 to 6.0 percent,” Carlos Casanova, senior economist for Asia at UBP in Hong Kong, told news agency.

“Namely, China experienced a permanent loss in potential output as a result of low fertility rates during three long years of zero-COVID, resulting in a marked population decline.”

The NBS reported that there were 9.56 million births while there were 10.41 million deaths in 2. In China, male population still outnumbers women population i.e. 722.06 million males to 689.69 million women.

The latest estimates represent the country’s first population decline since 1961, when the Great Leap Forward, Mao Zedong’s catastrophic agricultural strategy, led to the greatest famine in modern history.

Stalin Urges couple to restrict number of children

December 5, 2022, 12:54 pm

M K Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu said that the union and state governments are working hard to execute family planning and healthcare programmes. Stalin on Sunday urged couples to restrict the number of children they may have to one or two.

Stalin was speaking at a large wedding in Chennai that the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department of Tamil Nadu had organised (HR&CE). Up to 31 couples were wed in Chennai, and 217 were wedded throughout the state.

“I have a request to the newly married couples. Stop with one or two children that you may have,” Stalin said. “Union and state governments are spending a lot on family planning and conducting awareness campaigns…This is for the benefit of the nation and families.”

In jest, the chief minister also said that he saw an advertisement that wondered why we need a child when we ourselves are children.

Stalin’s statement comes at a time when the BJP-led union government has said earlier this year that no law is needed to restrict couples from having more children as a population control measure as public awareness campaigns were working well.

The Rajya Sabha was informed in July by Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar that the government aims to stabilise the population by 2045 through its ongoing efforts. However, some BJP leaders, including Union Minister Giriraj Singh and MP Ravi Kishan, have been calling for legislation for population control.

As a fundamental principle of social justice and the Dravidian model, Stalin pushed the spouses to name their children in Tamil and uphold equality in their families. He also praised HR&CE Minister Sekar Babu’s efforts, claiming that a few groups are attempting to exploit religion as a political tool in the state.

“Some people are unable to tolerate the various welfare measures taken by the HR&CE department. So they are trying to malign the DMK government,” Stalin said. “Whether it is a monarchy or democracy, temples are for the people. Temples are not anyone’s personal property. It was only to change that, the (HR&CE) department was created during the Justice Party rule.”

Stalin recalled the contributions made by his father and former chief minister M Karunanidhi for temples. “Following him, today Sekar Babu is running the department true to our governance of the Dravidian model,” the chief minister said. “Those who do not have any issue to do politics are using religion, and if we ask them for evidence, they have none.”

November 15 will be the day of 8 billion people: UN

November 11, 2022, 5:59 pm

The world’s population is expected to hit eight billion by November 15, according to the UN. India will overtake China as the world’s most populated country in 2023, according to a report.

The projection was made public in the UN World Population Prospects 2022 report, which was released on July 11 this year on World Population Day. However, it is now gaining popularity as the projected deadline approaches. The agency also stated that global population growth fell below one percent in 2020 for the first time since 1950.

According to the report, just eight nations—Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Tanzania—will account for more than half of the projected population growth up to 2050.

According to the most recent UN predictions, the world’s population might reach 8.5 billion people in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, peak at 10.4 billion in 2080, and remain at that level until 2100.

As a result of recent fertility drops, the majority of sub-Saharan African countries, as well as some areas of Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, have seen a “demographic dividend.” This rise in the proportion of people in working age (between 25 and 64) offers a chance for per capita economic growth to accelerate.

“This is an occasion to celebrate our diversity, recognise our common humanity, and marvel at advancements in health that have extended lifespans and dramatically reduced maternal and child mortality rates,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is quoted as saying in the report.

The role of sustainability and sustainable goals were also discussed by the UN Secretary General. At the same time, he continued, “It is a moment to reflect on where we still fall short of our commitments to one another and a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for our planet.”

Income loss of 5.4 pc to India due to heatwave

October 21, 2022, 12:46 pm

An income loss of 5.4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was suffered by India. It is the highest among the G20 nations in 2021, according to the new report by Climate Transparency.

Experts from 16 partner organisations from the majority of the G20 group countries developed the “Climate Transparency Report.” It revealed that India witnessed a record heatwave which greatly affected workers, labour migrants, low-income households and the homeless. It also reduced the yields of wheat crops, which would have been useful to address supply shortages caused by the war in Ukraine.

India is responsible for 3 per cent of the global emissions, but despite this fact, 142 milllion people in India maybe exposed or roughly 10 pc of the population to summer heatwaves at 1.5 degree celsius.

According to the report, exposure to greater temperatures and the ensuing shortening of working hours have resulted in significant income losses in services, industry, agriculture, and construction.
The United States, which accounts for 25% of world emissions, came out on top, with the European Union coming in second with 22%. However, India accounts for only 3% of the world’s emissions.

“G20 members account for around 85 percent of global GDP, 75 percent of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population, and are responsible for around three-quarters of global emissions,” the report reads.

“To limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the G20, therefore, carries a high responsibility. For developed countries, this includes providing climate finance to assist developing countries’ mitigation and adaptation actions, “the report added.

The Climate Transparency Report 2022 claims that the G20 countries are still not acting with the required level of accountability.
According to the Climate Action Tracker, despite the fact that a number of nations, including India, have over time submitted stronger Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets, their total level of action and ambition is still insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

“The combined mitigation effect of all 2030 targets assessed is projected to lead to warming of 2.4 degrees Celsius, with current policies leading to a 2.7 degree Celsius world by 2100. “This underlines the urgent need for G20 members to strengthen current climate policies, intensify implementation, and submit more ambitious 2030 targets that align with midcentury net zero targets,” the report reads.

Brinda Karat accuses RSS of misleading people on ‘population imbalance’ remarks

October 20, 2022, 2:54 pm

Brinda Karat, leader of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has criticized RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale following his comments on “population imbalance.”

Hosabale has said that religious conversion and infiltration are causing “population imbalance” IN India. Karat said that RSS is misleading the country. The left leader Karat said that everybody knows that the community-wise fertility rate, as per the latest National Family Health Survey shows, saw the sharpest decrease among the Muslim community. She said,”There has been a 46.5 per cent decline in the last 10 years in the Muslim Community whereas in the Hindu community is a 41.5 per cent decline. So the decline in fertility rate is amazing because it is linked to the facts that understanding of the community as a whole is now changing.” She further said that now RSS is trying to mislead the country and she feels there is a “communal dimension” behind it.

Dattatreya Hosabale, the general secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), stated earlier this week that migration from border regions and religious conversion were contributing to “population imbalance” and advocated for the stringent application of anti-conversion laws.

Following a four-day conference of the RSS’s all-India working committee, Hosabale made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking to the media in Prayagraj.
Hosabale demanded the creation of a population policy and its universal implementation at the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal meeting after voicing concerns over the “unabated” rate of religious conversions in the nation.

The RSS leader asserted that the country’s population of Hindus has fallen in several locations as a result of conversions, and that this has had ramifications as well.

He continued by saying that “infiltration” from border regions contributed to the population imbalance that led to social and economic unrest. Hosabale asserted that population imbalances in the past caused the division of various nations, including India.