Daily News Analysis Report: 12 November 2024

1. What are the Costs of Population Decline?

As fertility rates continue to fall in several Indian states, particularly in the south, concerns are mounting over the long-term economic consequences. States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala have fertility rates well below the replacement level of 2.1, leading to an aging population and a shrinking workforce.

• Healthcare Costs: With a growing elderly population, healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly.
• Economic Growth: The declining working-age population could reduce economic growth potential, as there will be fewer workers to drive productivity.
• Political Implications: The upcoming delimitation in 2026 may reduce political representation for southern states due to slower population growth.

To mitigate these challenges, some experts suggest policies that encourage higher fertility rates while also promoting gender equity and family-friendly work environments.

2. Lead Exposure Causes $6 Trillion in Economic Losses

A new study has highlighted the staggering global economic impact of lead exposure, which caused an estimated $6 trillion in losses in 2019 alone. Lead exposure primarily affects children under five, leading to significant IQ loss and long-term cognitive damage.

• Health Impact: Children lost approximately 765 million IQ points globally due to lead exposure.
• Economic Consequences: The loss in lifetime income from this IQ reduction is substantial, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt of these costs.
• Cardiovascular Mortality: Lead exposure also contributed to over five million cardiovascular-related deaths among adults.

This report underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations on lead exposure and improved public health interventions.

3. State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) 2024: FAO

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released its annual State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) report for 2024. This year’s report emphasizes the hidden costs associated with current agrifood systems.

• True Cost Accounting: SOFA 2024 introduces true cost accounting as a method to reveal hidden environmental, social, and health costs related to food production.
• Global Hidden Costs: These hidden costs amount to approximately $12 trillion annually, with unhealthy diets being a major contributor.
• India’s Role: India ranks third globally in hidden costs related to agrifood systems6.

The report calls for more sustainable agricultural practices and healthier diets to reduce these hidden costs.

4. Europe’s Digital Euro

The European Central Bank (ECB) continues its progress toward launching a digital euro by 20272. This digital currency aims to modernize Europe’s payment systems while ensuring financial sovereignty.

• Benefits: The digital euro would offer consumers a secure, private way to make payments both online and offline.
• Financial Sovereignty: By developing its own digital currency infrastructure, Europe aims to reduce dependency on non-European payment providers like Visa and Mastercard.

The ECB is working closely with national central banks across Europe to ensure that the digital euro complements existing cash systems while promoting financial inclusion.

5. RBI Issues New Framework for Reclassification of FPI to FDI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a new framework that mandates foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to seek government approval if their equity holdings exceed 10% in any Indian company.

• Reclassification Process: If an FPI breaches this threshold, they must reclassify their investment as foreign direct investment (FDI) within five trading days.
• Regulatory Compliance: The RBI’s new rules aim to improve oversight of foreign investments while ensuring compliance with sectoral caps and pricing guidelines.

This move is seen as part of India’s broader efforts to attract more stable long-term investments.

6. India’s First Space Defense Exercise Antariksha Abhyas

India has launched its first-ever space defense exercise called Antariksha Abhyas from 11–13 November 2024. Organized by the Defence Space Agency, this exercise aims to enhance India’s space-based military capabilities.

• Key Objectives: The exercise will focus on securing national strategic objectives in space while identifying vulnerabilities in space-based services.
• Participants: Representatives from ISRO, DRDO, and various branches of India’s armed forces are participating in this historic event.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized that space is now a critical enabler for national security.

7. AI in Sustainable Development of Cities

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in addressing sustainability challenges faced by rapidly urbanizing cities like those in India.

• Predictive Analytics: AI can help city planners forecast urban growth patterns, optimize resource allocation, and monitor environmental indicators like air quality.
• Government Initiatives: India has launched several initiatives under its Smart Cities Mission that leverage AI for better governance and infrastructure management.

As cities grow larger and more complex, AI offers innovative solutions for creating smarter, more sustainable urban environments.

8. News In Short

Acharya Kriplani

The birth anniversary of Acharya Kriplani was observed on 11 November. A Gandhian leader known for his role in India’s freedom struggle, Kriplani was also the first Minister of Education post-independence.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Azad Day celebrations were held across India on November 11th to honor Maulana Abul Kalam Azad’s contributions as India’s first Education Minister.

Comics Commandos in Assam

In Assam’s Goalpara district, local youths known as “Comics Commandos” are using comic strips to raise awareness against child labor and child marriage.

Inter-State Council Has Been Reconstituted

India’s Inter-State Council has been reconstituted under Article 263 of the Constitution to promote better coordination between states on policy matters.

Gotti Koya Tribals

The Gotti Koya tribals from Chhattisgarh have been migrating into Telangana due to ongoing conflicts with Maoist insurgents.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)

Doctors have raised concerns about rising cases of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), a rare blood disorder that requires immediate medical intervention.

FCRA Licence Cancellation of NGOs

Several NGOs have had their Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licenses canceled due to violations related to foreign funding regulations

EV as a Service Programme

India has launched an Electric Vehicle (EV) as a Service programme aimed at promoting EV adoption through shared mobility platforms

Hokersar Wetland

Hokersar wetland in Kashmir has been designated as a Ramsar site due to its importance for migratory birds1

Dicliptera Polymorpha

A new plant species named Dicliptera Polymorpha has been discovered in the Western Ghats region of India