Fresh SSB batches starting 17th July. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

1. Population Decline and an Ill-Informed Chorus

• Global Population Trends: The world population is projected to peak at 10.2 billion in 2064 and then decline to 7.0 billion by 2100. This is a significant shift from previous alarms about overpopulation.
• Declining Fertility Rates: The decline is driven by falling birth rates, particularly in developed countries. Even in regions with high fertility, rates are dropping.
• "Reality Crisis" in Population Debates: A UN report highlights a "reality crisis" where public perception about population growth often lags behind demographic changes. Many people still desire smaller families than previous generations.
• Factors Influencing Family Size: Financial limitations (38%), housing limitations (22%), lack of quality childcare (18%), and poor work-life balance contribute to smaller family sizes.
• South Korea Example: South Korea has the lowest fertility rate globally (below 1.0) and faces challenges like a shrinking workforce and aging population.
• Need for Societal Changes: The article emphasizes the need to adapt to population decline, focusing on supporting women's choices, promoting gender equality, and creating child-friendly environments.
• Addressing Economic and Social Implications: Countries need to adjust their policies to support a shrinking workforce and aging populations, rather than fearing demographic shifts.

• UNFPA World Population Day Report (2025): The report focuses on the right to informed choice regarding family planning and reproductive health, and how this empowers individuals and nations.
• Youth Population Dividend: India currently has the largest youth population (371 million in the age group of 10 to 24 years), which presents a significant demographic dividend. This can boost India's GDP by up to $1 trillion by 2030.
• Investments in Human Capital: Investing in education, health, and family planning services is crucial to leverage the youth dividend.
• Progress in Reproductive Health:
  • Family planning services have improved, with 87.4% of married women (15-49 years) having access to information.
  • Unmet need for contraception decreased from 20% in 2006 to 9% in 2021.
  • The use of modern contraceptive methods has increased from 47.8% to 56.5%.
  • Child marriage has declined, and girls are staying in school longer.
• Key Challenges:
  • Gender inequalities persist, limiting women's economic empowerment and decision-making power.
  • Need for comprehensive sex education and addressing social norms that hinder access to reproductive health.
  • Ensuring access to quality healthcare in remote and underserved areas.
• Accelerating Progress:
  • The State of World Population 2025 report highlights the need for multi-sector investments in urban planning, infrastructure, and social protection.
  • Cash transfers, community mobilization, and digital services can improve access to healthcare and education.
  • India's success in leveraging its youth dividend will depend on its commitment to upholding human rights, ensuring access to quality services, and fostering an environment of choice and opportunity.

NEWS IN SHORTS

1. Indian Team to Negotiate US Trade Deal Further 

An Indian trade negotiation team will travel to the U.S. for the third time to seek clarity on recent announcements from Washington, including a proposed 10% tariff on imports from BRICS countries. India aims to continue negotiations for a "mini" trade deal and a wider bilateral investment treaty, seeking assurances on how the new tariffs will impact India and the ongoing trade discussions.

2. Centre Identifies Domestic Firm for S-400 Maintenance 

The Defence Ministry has identified an Indian firm to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the S-400 air defence system. This collaboration with Russia's Almaz-Antey aims to reduce dependence on foreign entities and is a landmark achievement under the India-Russia military-technical cooperation, bolstering India's self-reliance in defence. India has three S-400 systems operational, with two more expected by 2026.

3. Axion-4 Mission to Undock on July 14 

The Axion-4 mission, including Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on July 14. The crew members are expected to undock from the orbiting laboratory on July 14. This mission involved 60 scientific experiments and active participation from 21 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, and several nations across Europe.

4. Bridge Too Far: Audit of Infrastructure is a Must 

Recent incidents of bridge collapses in Gujarat and Pune, along with other public infrastructure failures, highlight a critical need for a regular audit of all major infrastructure projects in India. These incidents, which have resulted in fatalities and injuries, underscore the fragility of existing infrastructure due to underfunding, neglect, and poor maintenance. There's an urgent call for stricter regulations, mandatory inspections, and publication of audit findings to ensure public safety.

5. NITI Aayog Suggests Reduced 'Core' Grant Support for State S&T Bodies 

NITI Aayog has recommended that the Department of Science and Technology (DST) cut its "core grant" support for State Science and Technology (S&T) Councils and redirect funds towards project-based research. The report highlights that state councils lack effective management and accountability, with only a small portion of central funds reaching their intended beneficiaries. This shift aims to improve the quality of research and reduce regional imbalances in scientific development.

6. Corporate Net Profit May Be Lukewarm in Q1 FY26: Analysts 

Analysts predict that corporate net profit in Q1 FY26 may be lukewarm, with non-financial firms expecting a marginal increase of 4%. While banking and financial services may see growth, manufacturing and mining sectors are anticipated to face challenges. Factors like a slowdown in domestic demand and increased costs could impact overall profitability, suggesting a cautious outlook for the first quarter of the fiscal year.

7. Trump Threatens 500% Tariff on Importing Oil from Russia 

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened a 500% tariff on oil imports from Russia, aiming to reduce Russia's revenue and global energy influence. This move comes amid ongoing sanctions and aims to further pressure Russia's economy. The proposed tariffs could significantly impact global oil prices and energy markets, prompting concerns about potential economic repercussions for various countries.

8. UNICEP to Provide Career Counselling for Eklavya Students 

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), which administers over 470 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), has partnered with UNICEF to provide psycho-metric assessment, career counselling, and training in life-skills and self-esteem for students. This initiative, called TALASH, aims to prepare students for competitive exams like JEE and NEET, improve their overall well-being, and facilitate their entry into higher education and professional fields.

9. Google and UNC unveil AI Innovations to Make Agri Practices More Data-Driven

Google and the University of North Carolina (UNC) have unveiled new open-source AI innovations aimed at transforming agricultural practices through data-driven insights. These innovations include advanced AI models for crop monitoring, disease detection, and yield prediction, leveraging satellite imagery and deep learning. The initiative seeks to empower farmers with timely, precise information to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance food security by making agriculture more sustainable and resilient.