Why in news : A recent report by McKinsey & Company highlights that India has only 33 years left to leverage its demographic dividend before transitioning into an “aged” economy (silver economy) akin to developed nations by the 2050s.  

About :  

India's Demographic Dividend and Status 

Definition and Potential:
The demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential resulting from changes in a population’s age structure, primarily when a larger working-age population (15-64 years) boosts production, savings, and investments.

Current Status:

• Youthful Population: India has one of the youngest populations globally, with 62.5% in the working-age group (15-59 years).
• Most Populous Nation: As per the UNFPA’s 2023 State of World Population Report, India has surpassed China as the most populous country, with 142.86 crore people.
• Population Growth Trends: India’s population growth has slowed, with the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) declining from 3.4 in the 1990s to 2.0 in 2020-2021, nearing population stabilization.

Reasons for India’s Demographic Dividend Phase 

India’s Demographic Transition Stages 

Stage 1: High Stationary Stage

• Characteristics: High birth and death rates; slow or stagnant population growth.
• Reasons: Poor healthcare, high infant mortality, low life expectancy, and dependence on subsistence agriculture.
• Time Period in India: Pre-independence era (pre-1947).
• Data: Birth rate and death rate both exceeded 40 per 1,000 population.

Stage 2: Early Expanding Stage

• Characteristics: High birth rates and declining death rates due to improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and food supply. Rapid population growth.
• Time Period in India: Post-independence to the 1980s.
• Data: Death rate dropped from 25 per 1,000 in 1947 to 12 per 1,000 in the 1980s, while birth rates remained high at 30-35 per 1,000.

Stage 3: Late Expanding Stage

• Characteristics: Declining birth rates and continued reduction in death rates, leading to a slowdown in population growth.
• Time Period in India: 1990s to the early 2000s.
• Data: The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) decreased from 3.4 in 1992 to 2.2 in 2015.

Stage 4: Low Stationary Stage

• Characteristics: Both birth and death rates are low, resulting in stable or declining population growth.
• Time Period in India: Current stage (2020 onwards).
• Data:
• TFR: Reduced to 2.0 (2021), below the replacement level of 2.1.
• Death Rate: Declined to 7 per 1,000 population.
• Population Growth: Slowed significantly, with projections to peak at 1.7 billion in 2064 before declining.

Criticisms - Demographic Transition Theory

• First and foremost, this theory is based solely on empirical observations or the experiences of Europe, America, and Australia.
• Second, it is not predictive, and its stages are segmented and unavoidable.
• Third, the role of man's technological innovations, particularly in the field of medicine, cannot be overstated in terms of their ability to slow the rate of mortality.
• Fourth, it neither provides a fundamental explanation for the process of fertility decline nor identifies the critical variables involved.
• Fifth, it does not specify a time frame for a country to progress from one stage to the next.
• Finally, it does not work particularly well for the world's developing countries, which have recently experienced unprecedented population growth due to a dramatic drop in death rates.

Silver Economy 

It refers to the production, distribution, and consumption system tailored to meet the purchasing potential, consumption needs, and living and healthcare requirements of ageing populations.

Current estimates suggest the silver economy is valued at approximately ₹73,082 crore in India.

The silver economy focuses on integrating older individuals as active participants in economic activities, rather than viewing them as passive beneficiaries.

• The National Policy on Older Persons (NPOP), 1999, emphasizes that the elderly should be considered a valuable resource contributing to economic development.
• To encourage innovation for the benefit of senior citizens, the government has launched the SAGE initiative (Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine), which supports private enterprises developing elder-friendly products and services.
• The SACRED portal (Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity) was launched to facilitate connections between senior citizens and private-sector job providers.

Challenges of Demography Transition in India 

• Dependency Ratio Shift: Initially, a decline in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) reduces the dependency ratio, creating a larger working-age population and enabling economic growth. 
• This shift places significant pressure on healthcare and social welfare systems, a challenge already evident in countries like Japan (28.7% of the population aged 65+), China (14.9% aged 65+ in 2022), and many European nations.
• Uneven Transition Across States : Fertility rate decline varies significantly across states, creating regional disparities. While southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu have achieved a TFR well below the replacement level of 2.1 (Kerala at 1.8, Tamil Nadu at 1.7), northern states such as Uttar Pradesh (2.4), Bihar (2.9), and Jharkhand (2.3)** lag behind.
• Labour Productivity and Economic Growth : A growing working-age population due to demographic transition can enhance labour productivity and economic growth, provided there is adequate investment in skill development and job creation.
• However, managing the aging workforce is a challenge. By 2050, 19% of India’s population will be 60 or older, requiring policies to ensure productive employment and social security for senior citizens.

Three Basic Shapes of Population Pyramids

Expansive Population Pyramids:
These represent young and growing populations, typically seen in developing nations. Characterized by a broad base and narrow top, they show a higher percentage of younger age groups due to high fertility rates and lower life expectancy.

Constrictive Population Pyramids:
These depict aging and shrinking populations, often resembling a beehive shape. Found in developed nations, they feature smaller percentages in younger age groups due to low birth rates and access to quality education and healthcare.

Stationary Population Pyramids:
These illustrate stable populations with a rectangular shape, indicating equal percentages across age groups that taper at the top. Common in developed nations, they reflect low birth rates and a high quality of life.

Way Forward

1. Building Human Capital: Investing in healthcare, quality education, jobs, and skills is essential for reaping the demographic dividend. This can drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and foster an inclusive society. For example, improved human capital has significantly contributed to the economic progress of countries like South Korea.
2. Skill Development: To prepare the workforce for the modern economy, India has launched the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), aiming to skill/upskill 500 million individuals by 2022. Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) are steps toward achieving this target.
3. Education Investment: With 41% of India’s population under 20 years, better education is critical for harnessing the demographic dividend. Investments in primary, secondary, and higher education, such as the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, are vital for improving literacy and employability.
4. Health and Nutrition: Improving healthcare infrastructure boosts workforce productivity. Programs like Ayushman Bharat and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) aim to enhance health and nutrition, ensuring a healthy and productive labor force.
5. Job Creation: India must create 10 million jobs annually to absorb its growing workforce. Encouraging entrepreneurship and business-friendly policies, such as Startup India, can promote job creation and reduce unemployment.

Source : 

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/india-has-33-years-to-reap-the-benefits-of-demographic-dividend-says-mckinsey-report/articleshow/117256107.cms?from=mdr

https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2025/Jan/14/india-has-33-years-before-it-gets-too-old-mckinsey-demographic-report

Where  to use ?

Paper I ( General Studies ) : Population and Associated Issues 

Paper I ( Geography Optional ) : Population Geography 

Why in news : The Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) report reveals a troubling rise in groundwater contamination across India, with more districts showing excessive nitrate levels.  

About : 

Key Findings of the CGWB Report

1. Rising Nitrate Contamination:
   In 2023, 440 districts reported excessive nitrate in groundwater, up from 359 in 2017. Over 56% of districts exceeded the safe limit of 45 mg/litre.
2. Regional Hotspots:
   Rajasthan (49%), Karnataka (48%), and Tamil Nadu (37%) reported the highest nitrate levels. Contamination is also significant in Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
3. Monsoon Effect:
   Nitrate contamination worsens post-monsoon, with 32.66% of samples exceeding safe limits compared to 30.77% pre-monsoon.
4. Other Contaminants:
   Fluoride levels are high in Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Uranium contamination exceeds safe limits in Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, especially in over-exploited zones.
5. Groundwater Extraction:
   India extracts 60.4% of its groundwater, a steady rate since 2009. However, groundwater availability has improved, with 73% of blocks now in the 'safe' zone, up from 67.4% in 2022.

Sources of Groundwater Contamination

1. Agricultural Practices:
   Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides leads to nitrate and phosphate leaching into the soil, polluting groundwater. Improper irrigation and excessive water extraction worsen the problem.
2. Storage Tanks:
   Leaking or corroded tanks release gasoline, oil, and chemicals, contaminating groundwater.
3. Hazardous Waste Sites:
   Abandoned sites with leaking toxic materials pose significant threats to groundwater quality.
4. Landfills:
   Damaged protective layers in landfills allow contaminants to seep into groundwater systems.
5. Septic Systems:
   Poorly maintained septic systems can leak waste and chemicals, leading to groundwater pollution.
6. Atmospheric Contaminants:
   Pollutants from the atmosphere or surface water can infiltrate the soil and eventually contaminate groundwater.
7. Deforestation:
   Loss of vegetation disrupts natural filtration processes, increasing runoff and enabling pollutants to enter groundwater systems.

Where to use : 

Paper II ( Geography optional ) : Water resource and Management 

Paper I ( General Studies ) : Water resources 

Source:  https://www.eco-business.com/news/groundwater-contamination-widespread-across-india-government-report-reveals/

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/districts-with-excess-nitrates-in-groundwater-at-seven-year-high/article69050971.ece

Why in news : A new study revealed that tropical flora showed significant resilience during the Deccan Volcanism on Indian Plate while causing mass extinctions of fauna. 

About : 

Mass Extinctions:

Mass extinctions are catastrophic events causing rapid biodiversity loss, often driven by climate change, asteroid impacts, or large-scale volcanic eruptions.

Key Findings of the Study:

1. Impact on Fauna and Flora:
• Deccan Volcanism: Led to the extinction of dinosaurs, other animal species, and gymnosperms.
• Floral Adaptation: Instead of floral extinction, angiosperms thrived, as volcanic activity created fertile and undisturbed habitats.
• Favorable Climate: A warm, humid climate during volcanic dormancy and the Indian Plate's equatorial movement enhanced floral diversity.
2. Global and Regional Implications:
• K-Pg Mass Extinction: Deccan volcanism contributed to the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event (66 million years ago), leading to the disappearance of dinosaurs and ammonoids globally.
• Tropical Flora Resilience: Despite climatic stresses, tropical rainforests on the Indian Plate adapted and flourished, showcasing their higher resilience.

Where to use ?

Paper I ( Geography optional ) : Geological Time Scale

Source : 

https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=2092533

https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/deccan-eruptions-how-lava-sparked-a-tropical-floral-revival-glbs-2665190-2025-01-15

Why in News: The Union Home Ministry is deliberating on a proposal to regularize nautor land in Ladakh, allowing locals to claim ownership over government-owned wastelands they have cultivated or tended to for years.

About : 

Nautor refers to barren or wasteland owned by the government that can be allotted to individuals for cultivation or other productive use, subject to approval by competent authorities.

Regularizing nautor land grants legal ownership to locals who have utilized such land over the years.

Jammu and Kashmir: Originated under a rule established by Hari Singh, the former king of Jammu and Kashmir, in 1932.

Himachal Pradesh: The nautor policy was adopted in 1968 but later halted due to administrative concerns.

Why in news :  Australopithecus had a variable but plant-based diet, according to an analysis of stable isotope data from seven hominin specimens dating back 3.5 million years from Sterkfontein in South Africa.

About Australopithecus:

• Extinct primates closely related to the genus Homo.
• Lived 4.4 to 1.4 million years ago during the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs.
• Fossils found in eastern, north-central, and southern Africa.
• The genus name means "southern ape," originating from South African fossils.
• Famous specimen: “Lucy,” a 3.2-million-year-old skeleton from Ethiopia.

Why in news : As multiple wildfires continue to torch Southern California, authorities are using planes to drop a large amount of bright Pink Fire Retardant to curb the blaze.

About Pink Fire Retardant

• Definition: A chemical mixture used to extinguish or slow the spread of fires.
• Common Type: In the US, Phos-Chek is widely used, an ammonium phosphate-based slurry.
• Key Ingredients: Salts like ammonium polyphosphate that resist evaporation, providing prolonged protection.
• Pink Color: Added to improve visibility against the landscape, aiding firefighters in creating effective fire lines to protect lives and property.

Why in news :  Scientists who recently discovered that metal lumps on the dark seabed make oxygen, have announced plans to study the deepest parts of Earth's oceans in order to understand the strange phenomenon.

About Dark Oxygen

• What is it?
  Oxygen produced thousands of feet below the ocean surface without sunlight or photosynthesis.
• Discovery Importance:
• Previously, oxygen production was thought to occur only via photosynthesis by oceanic plankton, algae, and bacteria.
• This challenges the belief that oxygen generation at such depths is impossible due to the absence of sunlight.
• How is it produced?
• Oxygen originates from polymetallic nodules (coal-like lumps) found on the ocean floor.
• These nodules, rich in metals like manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium, produce oxygen through electrochemical activity by splitting water molecules (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen, without light.

Background:

The Indian Bison (Gaur), once widespread in Jharkhand, now survives only in the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), with its population dwindling from 150 in the 1970s to 50-70 today. This decline is largely due to poaching, habitat disturbance, and disease transmission from domestic cattle.

Threats:

1. Poaching: Illegal hunting of Bison for meat and horns.
2. Habitat Loss: Over 150,000 local cattle compete for resources and spread diseases.
3. Disease: Zoonotic diseases like foot-and-mouth from cattle.

Conservation Efforts:

1. Research: Studying Bison behavior, habitat needs, and vegetation.
2. Vaccination: A drive to vaccinate 150,000 domestic cattle against diseases.
3. Anti-Poaching: Establishment of 32 anti-poaching centers to protect wildlife.
4. Village Relocation: Plans to move eight villages from PTR to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
5. Tiger Support: Bison revival is crucial for the growing tiger population, as they are a vital food source.

Challenges:

• Human-wildlife conflict due to village proximity.
• Environmental pressures and Naxal activity complicating conservation efforts.

Where to use : 

Paper III ( General Studies ) : Species and Conservation efforts 

Q1. Which of the following statements about the Z-Morh Tunnel is/are correct?

1. It is a 6.4 km long tunnel providing all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg.
2. It is part of the larger Zojila Tunnel project to enhance connectivity to Ladakh.
3. It was originally planned by the NHIDCL.

Select the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

Q2. Which of the following statements about Siachen Glacier is/are correct?

1. Siachen Glacier is the world's longest non-polar glacier and lies in the Karakoram Range.
2. It is known as the "Third Pole" due to its vast freshwater reserves and is the primary source of the Nubra River.
3. India gained control of the glacier in 1984 under Operation Meghdoot.

Select the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2, and 3
D) 2 only

Q3. Which of the following statements about the Ratnagiri Buddhist site is/are correct?

1. The ongoing excavations at Ratnagiri have solidified its status as a key center of Buddhist heritage in Odisha, with a legacy of 1,200 years.
2. Experts believe Ratnagiri rivaled Nalanda as a center of Buddhist learning.
3. The current excavations will focus on understanding the evolution of Buddhism in Odisha and its links with Southeast Asia.

Select the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2, and 3
D) 1 only

Q4. Which of the following is/are concerns associated with rat-hole mining in Meghalaya?

1. The risk of asphyxiation due to poor ventilation in narrow tunnels.
2. Possible flooding and collapse of mines due to lack of structural support.
3. Significant land degradation and deforestation due to unregulated mining activities.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1, 2, and 3

D) 1 only

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota:

1. SDSC is located on a barrier island off the Bay of Bengal in Andhra Pradesh.
2. The Union Cabinet recently approved the establishment of a third launch pad at SDSC.
3. SDSC has been operational since 1971 and was initially known as the Sriharikota Range (SHAR).

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding Nautor land in Ladakh:

1. The Union Home Ministry is considering a proposal to regularize nautor land in Ladakh, allowing locals to claim ownership of government-owned wastelands.
2. Nautor land refers to private lands owned by the government that individuals can claim for cultivation without any approval.
3. The nautor policy was first introduced in Jammu and Kashmir under King Hari Singh's rule in 1932.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Q7. Which of the following statements about the Arctic Boreal Zone is/are correct?

1. Nearly 40% of the Arctic Boreal Zone has transitioned from a carbon sink to a carbon source due to climate change.
2. The Arctic region, previously a carbon source, now absorbs more carbon than it releases.
3. Carbon source areas in the Arctic are primarily located in Alaska, northern Europe, Canada, and Siberia.

 Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 1 and 2 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Q8. Which of the following statements about Australopithecus is/are correct?

1. Australopithecus is an extinct genus of primates closely related to the genus Homo.
2. Australopithecus lived around 10 million years ago during the Miocene epoch.
3. The famous specimen of Australopithecus, “Lucy,” was found in Ethiopia and is around 3.2 million years old.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 1 and 2 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Q9. Which of the following statements about Pink Fire Retardant is/are correct?

1. Pink Fire Retardant is used to extinguish or slow the spread of wildfires in Southern California.
2. The key ingredient in Pink Fire Retardant is a salt called ammonium phosphate, which resists evaporation and provides prolonged protection.
3. The color pink is added to fire retardants to help make them visible against the landscape.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2, and 3

Q10. Consider the following statements regarding the discovery of Dark Oxygen:

1. Dark Oxygen is oxygen produced deep underwater without sunlight or photosynthesis.
2. Previously, oxygen generation at great depths was thought to be impossible due to the lack of sunlight.
3. Dark Oxygen is produced by polymetallic nodules found on the ocean floor through electrochemical activity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 3 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1, 2, and 3

D) 1 and 2 only