INDIA’S POPULATION STATUS – UNFPA REPORT 2025
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
According to the UNFPA’s “State of the World Population 2025” report, India is the world’s most populous country. The report highlights a falling fertility rate, now at 1.9, below the replacement level, indicating changing population dynamics.
India’s Population
- As of April 2025, India’s population is estimated at 146.39 crore.
- This figure surpasses China’s population of 141.61 crore, confirming India as the largest country by population.
- The report aligns closely with India’s own projections published in 2019, which estimated the population to be around 141.10 crore in 2025.
Fertility Rate Trends
- India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has fallen to 1.9, below the replacement level of 2.1.
- The TFR indicates the average number of children a woman would have during her reproductive years.
- A replacement-level fertility rate ensures that each generation can replace itself demographically.
Population Growth Projections
- India’s population is expected to reach 170 crore before starting to decline, likely in the next 40 years.
- The Sample Registration System (SRS) 2021 confirmed India’s national TFR at 2.0, suggesting that the country has achieved replacement level fertility.
Youth and Working-Age Population
- Around 24% of the population is aged 0-14 years, while 26% fall within the 10-24 years bracket.
- A substantial 68% of the population is within the 15-64 years working age group.
- The elderly (65+) currently make up 7%, a number expected to rise due to improving life expectancy.
Life Expectancy
- As of 2025, life expectancy at birth is projected to be 71 years for men and 74 years for women.
Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
- The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime, assuming she experiences the current age-specific fertility rates throughout her reproductive years (usually ages 15-49).
Replacement Level Fertility
- Replacement Level Fertility is the TFR at which a population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next, without migration.
- It is usually considered to be around 2.1 children per woman. The extra 0.1 accounts for child mortality and other factors that prevent some children from reaching reproductive age.
Blaze on Cargo Vessel Sparks Oil Spill Alert off Kerala Coast
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
A fire broke out on the Singapore cargo ship M.V. Wan Hai 503 near Kozhikode, Kerala, raising concerns about a possible oil spill and drifting hazardous materials.
Incident
- The vessel caught fire approximately 88 nautical miles off Kozhikode coast on June 9, 2025.
- The fire was caused by an explosion in one of the containers while en route from Colombo to Mumbai.
- Four crew members are reported missing, while six others have been hospitalized.
Cargo Details
- The ship’s manifest shows 157 containers carrying dangerous goods:
- Class 3: Flammable liquids (e.g., resin solution).
- Class 4.1: Flammable solids.
- Class 4.2: Substances that can ignite spontaneously.
- Class 6.1: Toxic substances harmful to human health (e.g., benzophenone, nitrocellulose).
- Additionally, the ship has around 2,000 tonnes of fuel oil and 240 tonnes of diesel stored near the fire zone, increasing the risk of explosions.
Response Measures
- Indian Coast Guard ships Samudra Prahari and Sachet are engaged in firefighting operations.
- The vessel remains unmanned and adrift, drifting southward at about 1 nautical mile/day.
- Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued advisories about drifting containers and potential oil spill.
- Coast Guard aircraft have spotted 10–15 containers adrift in the sea, which could reach the Kerala coast by June 12 if not contained.
Environmental Concerns
- Potential oil spill from fuel tanks threatens marine ecosystems and coastal habitats.
- Kerala State Disaster Management Authority is working on drift forecasting and alerting coastal administrations.
MARPOL CONVENTION
The MARPOL Convention (short for International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973/78) aims to prevent pollution of the oceans and seas by ships.
Focus: It covers oil pollution, chemicals, harmful substances in packaged form, sewage, garbage, and air pollution from ships.
Other Conventions to Prevent Ocean Pollution
- London Convention (1972): Prevents dumping of waste and other matter at sea.
- Basel Convention (1989): Controls transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal, indirectly preventing marine pollution.
- Stockholm Convention (2001): Aims to eliminate or restrict persistent organic pollutants that can harm marine life.
- UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982): Sets legal frameworks for protecting the marine environment and preventing pollution.
India’s Relationship
- MARPOL Convention: India ratified MARPOL and implements its rules through the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. The Director General of Shipping oversees compliance in India.
- Other Conventions: India is a party to the London Convention and UNCLOS. India follows the Basel Convention to regulate hazardous waste exports/imports, which can also reduce ocean pollution.
- Domestic Measures: India’s Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification and various pollution control boards work to curb marine pollution in its waters.
Why is Oil Spill a Threat to Oceans, Biodiversity, and Humans?
- Harm to Marine Ecosystems: oil remains on the near surface, evaporates quickly, but is highly lethal to marine organisms. Oil spills damage habitats through physical contact, ingestion, inhalation, and absorption, affecting all levels of marine life.
- Impact on Food Chain and Species Health: Oil threatens plankton, algae, fish eggs, and the larvae of invertebrates, which form the base of the ocean food chain. It clogs blowholes of whales and dolphins, causing breathing difficulties and drowning.
- Oil on skin, fur, or feathers leads to loss of insulation and Oil ingestion or inhalation can cause sudden death or internal organ damage, impacting fish, seabirds, and other wildlife.
Conclusion
The situation requires coordinated action between the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and disaster management agencies to contain the fire, prevent oil spill, and manage the drifting containers to protect marine life and coastal communities.
IMMIGRANTS (EXPULSION FROM ASSAM) ACT, 1950
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Assam government has decided to implement the 1950 Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act to deport suspected illegal immigrants, including the use of detention centres. This move has sparked debates on constitutional rights, procedural fairness, and national security concerns.
About the Act
- The Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950 was created to address the influx of people during partition.
- It grants the government power to expel immigrants considered a threat to public order or safety.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
- The Act allows expulsion without robust institutional safeguards.
- It may bypass fundamental rights under:
- Article 14: Right to equality before the law.
- Article 21: Right to life and personal liberty.
- Article 22: Protection against arbitrary detention.
- The implementation could worsen challenges linked to the NRC (National Register of Citizens) process.
Constitutional Checks and Judicial Oversight
- The Supreme Court, in its 2021 preventive detention judgment, stressed the importance of procedural fairness.
- Direct executive action under the Act may bypass such procedural checks, impacting rights-based governance.
Administrative Impact
- Deporting about 330 people to Bangladesh may cause geopolitical tensions.
- Inconsistent data and weak processes for determining refugees create more complications.
Way Forward
- Balance national security with constitutional values.
- Actions should comply with due process, especially for vulnerable groups like stateless persons and ethnic minorities.
THE ENDGAME IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Ukraine’s recent drone attacks on Russian targets, called “Operation Spiderweb,” have escalated tensions and come just before a round of peace talks in Istanbul and a NATO summit. As the war continues into its fourth year, international efforts to reach a settlement are gaining momentum amid huge human and economic losses.
Background
- The Russia-Ukraine conflict has now entered its fourth year, causing massive human suffering and economic setbacks.
- The Istanbul peace process has restarted, offering some hope for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution.
Peace Talks and Challenges
- Talks in Istanbul have seen prisoner exchanges and drafts of ceasefire terms, but deep disagreements continue.
- Russia’s “Special Military Operation” in 2022 could have ended through these talks, but Ukraine pulled out, hoping for NATO support.
- Ukraine’s ambition to join NATO and Western backing in the form of weapons and training has prolonged the conflict.
U.S. Involvement
- Former President Trump wants to end the conflict quickly to focus on other global challenges like China and West Asia.
- Trump’s team views the war as a dangerous proxy conflict between nuclear powers.
- His diplomacy suggests Ukraine would remain neutral, not join NATO, accept security guarantees, and possibly cede territory.
- In exchange, Russia would see sanctions eased, and frontlines frozen.
Russia’s Position
- Russia demands that Ukraine stays neutral, avoids NATO, demilitarises, and withdraws troops.
- Moscow wants guarantees that Ukraine will not regroup or receive Western weapons.
- Putin has warned that without an agreement, Russia may impose terms through military action.
Western Stance
- Europe and the U.S. support Ukraine to weaken Russia strategically.
- Some European nations label Russia a “state sponsor of terrorism,” complicating direct talks.
- Biden refused to adopt such a label to keep doors open for negotiations.
Current Situation
- Ukraine’s drone strikes into Russia risk escalation, possibly triggering Russia’s nuclear doctrine if its sovereignty is threatened.
- Russia has intensified its military operations, creating buffer zones near Ukraine’s border.
- Putin has hinted that rejecting the current peace proposals would make future negotiations even harder.
NATO
- NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
- It is a military alliance formed in 1949 to ensure collective security among its member countries.
- NATO’s headquarters is in Brussels, Belgium.
- Its motto is “an attack on one is an attack on all.”
- The main purpose is to protect members from military threats (originally from the Soviet Union during the Cold War).
How NATO Works
- Article 5 of the NATO treaty says if one member is attacked, the others will help defend it.
- NATO coordinates military exercises, defense planning, and joint operations.
- Members contribute troops, equipment, and money.
NATO Members (as of 2025)
- NATO has 32 member countries (after Finland and Sweden joined recently).
Conclusion
A durable peace requires honest dialogue, trust-building, and addressing both sides’ security concerns. Without a balanced approach, peace may remain fragile, and risks of a bigger conflict could grow.
DUDHWA TIGER RESERVE
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: PIB
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve now hosts 180 butterfly species, reflecting a healthier ecosystem. It also has 135 tigers, highlighting its importance in biodiversity conservation.
About Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
- Location: Situated on the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh.
- Components: Includes Dudhwa National Park and two adjoining wildlife sanctuaries: Kishanpur and Katerniaghat.
- Landscape: Part of the Terai-Bhabar region of the Upper Gangetic Plains Biogeographic Zone.
Rivers in the Region
- Kishanpur Sanctuary: Flanked by the Sharda River.
- Katerniaghat Sanctuary: Drained by the Geruwa River.
- Dudhwa National Park: Crossed by the Suheli and Mohana streams, all of which feed into the Ghagra River.
Vegetation
- Dominated by North Indian Moist Deciduous Forests.
- Notable for high-quality Sal forests (Shorea robusta).
- Other key tree species include Terminalia alata (Asna), Lagerstroemia parviflora (Asidha), Mitragyna parviflora (Faldu), and others.
Wildlife Diversity
- Mammals: Tiger, Leopard (Guldar), Fishing cat, Langur, Small Indian Civet, Jackal, and more.
- Birds: Dabchick, Spot-billed Pelican, Large and Little Cormorants, Grey Heron, White Stork, Black Stork, White Ibis, etc.
- Reptiles: Mugger crocodile, Gharial, Python, Sand Boa, Banded Krait, Russell’s Viper, Rat Snake, etc.
Conclusion:
The presence of a wide range of butterflies and tigers underlines the ecological richness and biodiversity importance of the reserve.
INDIA-EUROPE RELATIONS: EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS
Recent global developments, including the post-Trump era and Brexit, have reshaped India’s diplomatic ties with Europe. Amid declining US dominance, Europe is seeking stronger partnerships, offering India a chance to build strategic and economic relations.
Strategic Realignment
- The unpredictable US policies under Donald Trump and weakened EU-US relations have created a new opening for India.
- Countries like France, Germany, and other EU members now aim to diversify their international partners, and India is seen as a key choice.
India’s Growing Importance
- The India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) strengthens trade and technology cooperation, aligning both economies.
- New initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and digital collaborations highlight deepening strategic ties.
Multipolar World Order
- Europe wants to reduce its dependence on any single power and promote a rules-based international order.
- India’s stability and democratic values position it as a counterweight to China and a reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
Opportunities for India
- India should focus on increasing bilateral trade, especially in sectors like green technology, digital economy, and sustainable infrastructure.
- Strengthening defense cooperation through joint exercises and technology sharing can enhance mutual security.
- Promoting collaboration in climate action and data governance can build long-term trust.
- Encouraging people-to-people ties, academic exchanges, and cultural diplomacy will solidify partnerships.
Conclusion
The shifting geopolitical landscape presents India with a chance to become a strong partner to Europe, shaping a more balanced global order. India should use this opportunity to build lasting ties based on shared interests, democratic values, and mutual benefit.
WASTE PICKER ENUMERATION APP
TOPIC: (GS2) SOCIAL JUSTICE: INDIAN EXPRESS
On World Environment Day 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) launched the Waste Picker Enumeration App to support waste pickers under the NAMASTE Scheme.This app aims to count and recognize waste pickers, enhancing their social security and livelihoods.
What is the Waste Picker Enumeration App?
- It’s an online platform that identifies and assists waste pickers, ensuring they receive social security and support.
- Launched by MoSJE, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
- Implemented by the National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
Objectives
- Recognize waste pickers as essential workers in waste management.
- Provide them with identity, security, and formal inclusion in urban governance systems.
Features
- Enumeration Goal: Targets the listing of 2.5 lakh waste pickers and issuing of identity cards.
- Health & Safety: Offers health insurance (via Ayushman Bharat), personal protective equipment, and seasonal safety kits.
- Skill Development: Provides training and financial support for waste collection vehicles to boost livelihoods.
- Waste Management: Promotes the creation of waste picker collectives to manage 750 dry waste points in cities.
- Knowledge Support: Releases guides and reports like the “Guide for Mainstreaming Waste Picker Collectives” and the “Charting Change” report on social and economic data.
NAMASTE SCHEME
- A Central Sector Scheme jointly implemented by MoSJE and MoHUA.
- Originally focused on sewer and septic tank workers; expanded in 2024 to include waste pickers.
- Aims to ensure dignity, safety, and sustainable livelihoods.
- Promotes mechanized sanitation and aims to end manual scavenging.
- Covers 500 cities aligning with the AMRUT mission and runs from 2022 to 2026.
Conclusion
The Waste Picker Enumeration App is a step towards recognizing the crucial role of waste pickers in urban waste management, while ensuring their rights and improving their lives.
ARSIA MONS
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
NASA’s 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft recently sent back a remarkable image showing the massive Arsia Mons volcano on Mars emerging through early morning clouds. This highlights the volcano’s impressive size and offers new insights into Mars’ volcanic history.
About Arsia Mons
- Arsia Mons is a giant shield volcano located in the Tharsis region of Mars.
- It is among the largest volcanoes in the solar system.
Features
- Size: Stands over 18 km tall (about 11 miles). Base diameter exceeds 300 km (190 miles). Dwarfs Earth’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, which rises about 9 km above the ocean floor.
- Location: Part of the Tharsis Montes, a group of three big shield volcanoes. Arsia Mons is the southernmost of these three volcanoes.
- Caldera: The summit crater is around 110 km (68 miles) wide.
- Volcanic Activity: Formed through repeated eruptions of fluid basaltic lava typical of shield volcanoes. Covered with lava flows, channels, and other volcanic features, showing a long history of eruptions. Some eruptions may have occurred as recently as 2 million years ago.
Importance
- Helps scientists study the volcanic evolution of Mars.
- Offers clues about Mars’ geological activity, potential past climates, and the planet’s ability to support life.
Conclusion
Arsia Mons stands as a testament to Mars’ dramatic volcanic past, and new images from Mars Odyssey enhance our understanding of planetary geology and evolution.
The post Daily Current Affairs 11-June-2025 first appeared on Ekam IAS Academy.