Articles on 12 May 2025

by Vajiram & Ravi - 12 May 2025

Vajiram & Ravi provides Daily articles for 12 May 2025, tailored for aspirants. We cover all relevant news and events crucial for the exam, ensuring you stay updated & well-prepared.

Raika Tribe

May 12, 2025
Raika Tribe

Raika Tribe Latest News

The Raika’s knowledge of pasture cycles, animal health and biodiversity has long supported the health of Rajasthan’s arid ecology.

About Raika Tribe

  • The Raika tribe is an indigenous pastoralist community primarily inhabiting the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, notably around Kumbhalgarh in Rajsamand district.
  • Also known as Rabaris, they have a distinct socio-cultural relationship with camels.
  • The Raikas have historically been the principal breeders of Rajasthan’s indigenous camel breeds, especially the Marwari camel, known for its strength, endurance, and desert adaptability.
  • For the Raikas, camel herding is not just a livelihood but a cultural identity, woven into rituals, oral traditions, and seasonal migrations.
  • The Raikas possess traditional knowledge of pasture cycles, animal health, and biodiversity, which has historically sustained the fragile ecology of Rajasthan’s arid landscapes.
  • Their age-old migratory grazing routes allowed camels to feed on medicinal desert shrubs, enhancing both animal health and ecosystem balance.

Raika Tribe FAQs

Q1: Who are the Raika tribe?
Ans: The Raika (or Rabari) are a traditional pastoralist community mainly found in Rajasthan, known for camel rearing and livestock herding.

Q2: What is unique about the Raikas’ relationship with camels?
Ans: They consider camel rearing a sacred duty, with many viewing it as a divine command from Lord Shiva, making them cultural stewards of the Thar Desert.

Source: DTE

Right to Know

May 12, 2025
Right to Know

Right to Know Latest News

Recently, the Supreme Court of India quashed a Delhi High Court order that had directed the Wikimedia Foundation (which hosts Wikipedia) to remove a user-created page and associated discussion.

Supreme Court’s Observations

  • The ruling reaffirmed that the “Right to Know” is a basic right under Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech and Expression) and Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).

Significance of the “Right to Know”

  • The Right to Know is essential to enable citizens to:
    • Participate in public discourse and democratic processes,
    • Access justice effectively, and
    • Hold public authorities accountable.
  • The judgment reinforced that public discussion and criticism of courts is a legitimate aspect of democracy and must not be equated with contempt without careful consideration.

Constitutional Significance of the Right to Know

  • Under Article 19(1)(a) – Freedom of Speech and Expression: This article ensures the right to express opinions through speech, writing, and other media. As per the Supreme Court, this includes the Right to Know about:
    • Government activities
    • Public decision-making
    • Court proceedings
  • The Court reiterated that freedom of expression covers the right to receive information, which is vital for democracy.
  • Under Article 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty: The Right to Know is also implicit in Article 21, as it enables citizens to:
    • Access justice
    • Participate in governance
    • Live with dignity through informed decision-making
  • The Supreme Court in the Menaka Gandhi Case (1978) expanded Article 21 to include a broad range of rights, now including access to truthful public information:
    • Right to live with dignity,
    • Right to livelihood,
    • Right to privacy,
    • Right to shelter,
    • Right to a clean environment,
    • Right to information (including Right to Know).

Right to Know FAQs

Q1: What is the ‘Right to Know’ in India?
Ans: The Right to Know is an implicit part of the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, empowering citizens to access public information.

Q2: Which Act operationalised the Right to Know in India?
Ans: The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 formalised this right, allowing citizens to demand transparency and accountability from public authorities.

Source: TH

Asteroid YR4

May 12, 2025
Asteroid YR4

Asteroid YR4 Latest News

On April 2, 2025, NASA announced that asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 3.8% probability of colliding with the Moon on December 22, 2032.

What is Asteroid YR4?

  • YR4 is a Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) discovered in December 2024 using the ATLAS telescope in Chile.
  • Its orbit brings it within 1.3 times the Earth-Sun distance, making it a Near-Earth Object (NEO).
  • Initially, YR4 triggered the highest-ever NASA asteroid impact alert in February 2025.
  • New infrared data from the James Webb Space Telescope estimates its size at ~65 metres, comparable to a 10-storey building, which is below the 140-meter threshold for classification as a "Potentially Hazardous Asteroid".
  • Earlier, YR4 had a 3.1% chance of hitting Earth, but the latest trajectory analysis shows a negligible risk to Earth.

What are Asteroids?

  • Asteroids, also known as minor planets, are rocky remnants from the early solar system, dating back 4.6 billion years.
  • They exhibit irregular shapes, though a few are nearly spherical, and some host small companion moons or even exist as binary or triple systems.

Classification of Asteroids

  • Main Asteroid Belt: Located between Mars and Jupiter, this is where the majority of known asteroids are found.
  • Trojans: These share an orbit with a planet and remain stable due to the Lagrange Points (L4 and L5), where gravitational forces from the Sun and the planet balance.
  • Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs): These are asteroids whose orbits pass close to Earth’s orbit. Those that cross Earth’s orbital path are known as Earth-crossers.

Asteroid YR4 FAQs

Q1: What is Asteroid YR4 and when was it discovered?
Ans: YR4 is a Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) discovered in December 2024 using the ATLAS telescope in Chile.

Q2: Why is Asteroid YR4 significant?
Ans: It is classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) due to its close approach trajectory, raising interest in planetary defence mechanisms.

Q3: What are Near-Earth Objects (NEOs)?
Ans: NEOs are asteroids or comets whose orbits bring them close to Earth’s orbit and are monitored for impact risks.

Source: TH

Soviet Kosmos 482 Crashes After 50 Years in Orbit | Space Debris News

May 12, 2025
Soviet Kosmos 482 Crashes After 50 Years in Orbit | Space Debris News

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • Kosmos 482 Re-Entry Latest News
  • Kosmos 482 Mission
  • Kosmos 482: Mission Failure Explained
  • Kosmos 482's Uncontrolled Re-entry
  • Frequency of Space Debris Re-Entry
  • Kosmos 482 Re-Entry FAQs

Kosmos 482 Re-Entry Latest News

  • A 500 kg fragment of the Soviet Kosmos 482 spacecraft, launched on March 31, 1972, is expected to crashed in Indian Ocean, west of Jakarta. 
  • Originally intended to land on Venus, the mission failed, and while most parts re-entered Earth within a decade, this particular piece remained in orbit. Till the very end, experts could not determine the exact time or location of its re-entry.

Kosmos 482 Mission

  • Kosmos 482 was part of the Soviet Union's Cold War-era effort to explore Venus and showcase scientific dominance. 
  • The mission aimed to study Venus’s surface and atmosphere.

Background

  • Launched under the Venera Program (1961–1984), the Soviet Union sent 28 spacecraft to Venus. 
  • Of these, 13 entered the atmosphere and 10 landed successfully, but extreme conditions limited their survival to 23 minutes–2 hours.

Mission Details

  • Kosmos 482 lifted off on March 31, 1972, just days after its twin mission, Venera 8, which landed on Venus 117 days later. 
  • Kosmos 482 carried instruments to measure temperature, pressure, wind speed, visibility, atmospheric gases, and rock composition, and was designed to transmit data back to Earth.

Outcome

  • The mission failed to leave Earth orbit due to a malfunction, preventing it from reaching Venus.

Kosmos 482: Mission Failure Explained

  • Cause of Malfunction
    • A critical error occurred shortly after launch when the upper rocket stage shut off prematurely due to an incorrectly set timer. 
    • This stage was responsible for propelling the spacecraft out of Earth’s orbit.
  • Immediate Consequence
    • The spacecraft failed to escape Earth’s orbit and became stranded. The lander module separated from the main body of the spacecraft as a result.
    • The main spacecraft, being large and heavy, eventually burned up upon re-entering Earth's atmosphere. 
    • The smaller lander module remained in orbit for decades.
  • Current Status
    • The lander module is now gradually being pulled toward Earth by atmospheric drag.

Kosmos 482's Uncontrolled Re-entry

  • The lander module's return to Earth was uncontrolled. 
  • After 53 years in space, it lacked systems like aerobraking, parachutes, or internal cooling, making it reliant solely on atmospheric friction to slow down.

Material and Speed Concerns

  • The module was made of titanium, which melts at around 1,700°C—hotter than typical re-entry temperatures (~1,600°C). 
  • Therefore, it was unlikely to burn up completely and may survive re-entry. 
  • It was traveling at over 17,000 miles per hour.

Potential Impact Zone

  • Its orbit covers a wide area between 52°N and 52°S latitudes, including regions in Africa, Australia, the Americas, and large parts of Europe and Asia.

Frequency of Space Debris Re-Entry

  • The crash of Kosmos 482 is not unusual. 
  • According to the European Space Agency, over 2,400 man-made objects re-entered Earth’s atmosphere in 2022 alone—a record high. 
  • Most of these objects either burned up or landed in the ocean.

Why Scientists Are Not Alarmed

  • Because such re-entries are common and typically harmless, scientists were not particularly concerned about Kosmos 482’s lander module crashing.

Human Risk Remains Extremely Low

  • There has been no recorded human fatality due to space debris. 
  • ESA states that the annual risk of an individual being injured by falling space debris is less than 1 in 100 billion. 
  • In contrast, a person is 65,000 times more likely to be struck by lightning.

Kosmos 482 Re-Entry FAQs

Q1. What was Kosmos 482's mission?

Ans. Kosmos 482 was intended to explore Venus but failed due to a launch malfunction and remained stuck in Earth's orbit.

Q2. Why did Kosmos 482 fail?

Ans. A rocket timer error caused early engine shutdown, stranding the spacecraft in Earth orbit instead of sending it to Venus.

Q3. Did Kosmos 482 completely burn on re-entry?

Ans. No, its titanium parts may have survived re-entry, as titanium melts at higher temperatures than typical atmospheric re-entry.

Q4. Is falling space debris dangerous?

Ans. Not usually. Experts state the chance of injury from falling space debris is less than 1 in 100 billion.

Q5. How common is space debris re-entry?

Ans. Very. In 2022 alone, over 2,400 man-made objects re-entered Earth’s atmosphere, mostly burning up or falling in oceans.

Source: IE | LM | BBC

Magnetic Flip-Flop

May 12, 2025
Magnetic Flip-Flop

Magnetic Flip-Flop Latest News

In 2022, scientists converted magnetic signals from 32 global locations into a soundtrack to depict the fluctuations in the magnetic field over the past 100,000 years, unveiled in Copenhagen.

What is Earth's Magnetic Field?

  • The Earth’s magnetic field acts as an invisible shield that protects the planet from harmful cosmic and solar radiation.
  • It is generated 2,900 km below the surface in the liquid outer core through electric currents arising from the movement of molten iron, powered by heat from the inner core and Earth’s rotation.
  • This field forms a protective bubble that extends into space, shielding the atmosphere and biosphere.

Magnetic Reversals vs. Excursions

  • A magnetic reversal occurs when the magnetic north and south poles swap places and retain that position for over 100,000 years (e.g., Brunhes-Matuyama reversal 780,000 years ago).
  • A geomagnetic excursion is a temporary flip in polarity lasting a shorter time and is 10 times more frequent than reversals (e.g., Laschamps excursion 41,000 years ago, where strength dropped to 5%).
  • Over the last 83 million years, Earth has witnessed 183 magnetic reversals.
  • Causes of Magnetic Fluctuations: Driven by turbulent fluid dynamics in the outer core, influenced by Earth’s rotation and heat from the inner core. Clockwise flow maintains normal polarity; anticlockwise shifts trigger reversals.
  • Current Trends and Observations: 10% Weakening of magnetic field strength over the past 200 years; at current rates, it could vanish in 1,500–1,600 years. The North Magnetic Pole drifts 35 km/year toward Siberia, while the South Pole shifts 5 km/year, reflecting core turbulence.

Research Methodologies

  • Satellites and Observatories: Provide real-time data (e.g., ESA’s soundtracks converting magnetic signals into audio).
  • Historical data: Ship logs (since 1590) and archaeological artifacts (e.g., ancient pottery) preserve geomagnetic signatures.
  • Geological samples: Lava rocks, lake/ocean sediments (e.g., Bagwalipokar excursions in Uttarakhand) reveal past field behavior.
  • Cosmogenic isotopes: Beryllium-10 and carbon-14 in ice cores spike during weak fields (e.g., doubled during Laschamps).

Magnetic Flip-Flop FAQs

Q1: What is a Magnetic Flip-Flop?
Ans: A magnetic flip-flop refers to the reversal of Earth's magnetic poles, where the north and south magnetic poles switch places.

Q2: How often does Earth’s magnetic field flip?
Ans: Pole reversals occur irregularly every 200,000 to 300,000 years, with the last full reversal happening about 780,000 years ago.

Q3: What causes a magnetic flip?
Ans: It is caused by turbulent motion in the Earth’s outer core, which affects the geomagnetic dynamo responsible for generating the magnetic field.

Source: DTE

PL-15 Missile

May 12, 2025
PL-15 Missile

PL-15 Missile Latest News

Amid the ongoing escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, a fully intact Chinese-made PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile has been recovered in Punjab's Hoshiarpur.

About PL-15 Missile

  • The PL-15, known as “Thunderbolt-15,” is a long-range, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). 
  • It was developed by China’s 607 Institute and manufactured by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).
  • It can engage enemy aircraft at distances well beyond visual range.

PL-15 Missile Features

  • It features a dual-pulse solid-propellant rocket motor, allowing it to reach speeds exceeding Mach 5.
  • The domestic Chinese version boasts a range of 200–300 km, while the export variant, the PL-15E, has a declared maximum range of 145 km, though operational factors may reduce this to 100–120 km depending on the launch platform.
  • The missile is equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead weighing 20–25 kg, optimized to destroy maneuvering aerial targets.
  • The PL-15 employs a sophisticated guidance system, combining inertial navigation, Beidou satellite updates, a two-way datalink for mid-course corrections, and a terminal active radar seeker using advanced AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) technology.
  • This suite provides high accuracy, resistance to electronic jamming, and the ability to engage targets in contested environments.

PL-15 Missile FAQs

Q1: What is the range of the PL-15 missile?

Ans: The domestic Chinese version boasts a range of 200–300 km, while the export variant, the PL-15E, has a declared maximum range of 145 km.

Q2: What is the top speed of PL-15?

Ans: The PL-15 features a dual-pulse solid-propellant rocket motor, allowing it to reach speeds exceeding Mach 5

Q3: What type of missile is the PL-15?

Ans: Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM

Source: INDIATV

Great Nicobar Island

May 12, 2025
Great Nicobar Island

Great Nicobar Island Latest News

The Andaman and Nicobar Administration recently invited financial bids to conduct a social impact assessment for land acquisition needed to build a new arterial road under the much-debated Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project.

About Great Nicobar Island

  • It is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands archipelago. 
  • It is separated from the Andaman Islands by the Ten Degree Channel. 
  • It covers an area of 1044 sq.km.
  • It remains sparsely populated, with dense tropical rainforests covering more than 85% of its area.
  • Its coastline features over 100 kilometers of untouched beaches, renowned for their stunning coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.
  • It is also home to Indira Point, India's southernmost point, located less than 150 km from Indonesia.
  • Mount Thullier, which is about 2,105 ft high, is the highest peak.
  • Galathea, Alexandra, and Dagmar are the major rivers.
  • The major tribes in Great Nicobar Island are the Shompens and the Nicobarese.
  • It is home to the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated site.
  • Biodiversity: 
    • It houses 650 species of angiosperms, ferns, gymnosperms, bryophytes, and lichens, among others. 
    • The tract is rich in plant diversity and fosters a number of rare and endemic species, including Cyathea albosetacea (tree fern) and Phalaenopsis speciosa (orchid).
    • The region also harbours a large number of endemic and endangered species of fauna. 
    • To date, 11 species of mammals, 32 species of birds, 7 species of reptiles and 4 species of amphibians have been found to be endemic. 
    • Of these, the well-known Crab-eating Macaque, Nicobar Tree Shrew, Dugong, Nicobar Megapode, Serpent Eagle, saltwater crocodile, marine turtles and Reticulated Python are endemic and/or endangered.

Great Nicobar Island FAQs

Q1: What is the southernmost island of the Nicobar Islands archipelago?

Ans: Great Nicobar

Q2: Which channel separates Great Nicobar from the Andaman Islands?

Ans: Ten Degree Channel

Q3: What is the southernmost point of India, located in Great Nicobar?

Ans: Indira Point

Source: HT

Indian Grey wolf

May 12, 2025
Indian Grey wolf

Indian Grey Wolf Latest News

Indian grey wolves, apex predators and ecological regulators of grasslands, are facing rapid population decline due to rising threats from feral (free-ranging) dogs.

About Indian Grey Wolf

  • The Indian Grey Wolf is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf found in the Indian subcontinent and Southwest Asia.
  • Habitat: Prefers scrublands, semi-arid grasslands, and pastoral agro-ecosystems.
  • Behavior: Generally nocturnal, hunts in small packs, and is less vocal than other wolf subspecies.
  • Appearance: Intermediate in size between the Tibetan and Arabian wolves, but lacks a thick winter coat due to adaptation to warmer climates.
  • Distribution: From Israel in the west to the Indian subcontinent in the east.

Legal Protection and Forest Rules

  • The Indian grey wolf is protected under:
    • IUCN Red List: Least Concern, but considered locally endangered in India due to sharp population decline.
    • CITES: Appendix I, indicating species threatened with extinction.
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed in Schedule I, providing the highest degree of protection in India.
  • Maharashtra Forest Rules, 2014 allow the removal or elimination of trespassing animals (dogs) from reserve forests if they threaten wildlife.
  • However, Forest officials hesitate to cull dogs due to animal rights concerns, considering vaccination as an alternative, though logistically difficult.
  • The case highlights the complex human-animal-domestic dog interface, a rising concern in India’s open and agro-ecosystem habitats.
  • It is a key example of emerging zoonotic threats (e.g., canine distemper virus) and genetic dilution through hybridisation.

Kadbanwadi Grassland, Maharashtra

  • Located in Indapur tehsil, Pune, the Kadbanwadi grassland spans over 2,000 hectares and supports species such as the Bengal fox, striped hyena, Brahminy kite, and Indian grey wolf.
  • The shepherd community has traditionally shared a symbiotic relationship with wolves for generations.

Indian Grey Wolf FAQs

Q1: What is the Indian Grey Wolf and where is it found?
Ans: The Indian Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is a subspecies of the grey wolf found in semi-arid and open grassland regions of India, mainly in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra.

Q2: What is the conservation status of the Indian Grey Wolf?
Ans: It is listed as ‘Schedule I’ under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and is classified as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN, though its Indian population is declining.

Source: TH

Why Digital Banking Units Failed to Grow in India

May 12, 2025
Why Digital Banking Units Failed to Grow in India

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • Digital Banking Units India Latest News
  • Digital Banking Units (DBUs)
  • Digital Banking Units (DBUs) in India
  • Digital Banking Units India FAQs

Digital Banking Units India Latest News

  • In October 2022, to commemorate India’s 75th year of Independence, 75 Digital Banking Units (DBUs) were launched across remote districts to extend banking access to the last mile. 
  • Despite the initial enthusiasm, little progress has been made in expanding DBUs nationwide. 
  • As defined by the RBI, DBUs are specialized hubs equipped with digital infrastructure to offer banking services in both self-service and assisted modes.

Digital Banking Units (DBUs)

  • DBUs, as defined by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), are specialized fixed-location hubs equipped with essential digital infrastructure to deliver and service banking products digitally. 
  • These units offer a range of digital banking services in both self-service and assisted modes. 
  • DBUs aim to provide customers with cost-effective, secure, paperless, and year-round access to banking services, enhancing their overall digital banking experience.

Who Can Set Up DBUs

  • Commercial banks with prior experience in digital banking (excluding regional rural banks, payment banks, and local area banks) are permitted to set up DBUs across tier 1 to tier 6 centres. 
  • These banks do not need prior RBI approval for each DBU, unless specifically restricted.

Services Offered by DBUs

  • As mandated by the RBI, DBUs must offer a minimum set of digital banking products and services, covering both asset and liability segments. 
  • Liability Products
    • Savings accounts (under various schemes)
    • Current accounts
    • Fixed and recurring deposits
  • Customer Services
    • Digital kits for Internet and mobile banking
    • Debit cards, credit cards, mass transit system cards
    • Merchant Services:
    • Digital kits including UPI QR codes, BHIM Aadhaar, and PoS devices
  • Loan Services
    • Application and onboarding for retail, MSME, and schematic loans
    • End-to-end digital processing from application to disbursal
    • Access to government-sponsored schemes via the national portal

Benefits of DBUs for Customers

  • Convenience: Offers paperless, cost-effective, and secure banking.
  • Accessibility: Self-service available with manual help for rural and less tech-savvy users.
  • Financial Inclusion: Expands digital banking awareness and services to underserved regions.
  • Efficiency: Reduces the need for physical branches, lowering operational costs while improving service reach in remote areas.

Digital Banking Units (DBUs) in India

  • Inauguration of DBUs
    • In October 2022, to commemorate India’s 75th year of Independence, PM Modi launched 75 DBUs across 75 remote districts. 
    • The initiative aimed to bring banking services to the last mile, moving away from the old expectation that the poor should visit banks.
  • Limited Expansion Post-Launch
    • Despite the initial enthusiasm, over two years later, there has been little to no expansion of DBUs.
  • Challenges in Implementation
    • Banks were given only 45 days to set up DBUs and instructed on specific locations. 
    • However, bankers pointed out that such top-down directives don’t work uniformly across different banks and regions. 
    • Setting up a digital branch doesn’t guarantee business, especially in areas where physical presence and fieldwork remain crucial.
    • Experts highlighted that in tier-III cities and smaller towns, just installing a digital-looking branch does not ensure increased deposits. Building trust and visibility remains essential in such areas.
  • Strict RBI Guidelines for DBUs
    • RBI mandates that DBUs must:
      • Be housed separately from existing branches.
      • Have distinct entry and exit points.
      • Be designed appropriately for digital users.
      • Use smart equipment like Interactive Teller Machines, Service Terminals, and Cash Recyclers.
      • Each DBU must be integrated into the bank’s overall digital strategy and led by a senior, experienced executive.
  • Operational and Logistical Hurdles
    • While DBUs can enhance financial inclusion in remote areas, high setup and operational costs remain a significant deterrent for banks, making expansion difficult.

Digital Banking Units India FAQs

Q1. What are Digital Banking Units (DBUs)?

Ans. DBUs are fixed digital branches offering paperless, secure banking through self-service and assisted modes in rural and urban areas.

Q2. Why were DBUs launched?

Ans. To promote financial inclusion and digital banking access in remote districts, commemorating India’s 75th year of Independence.

Q3. Why didn’t DBUs expand?

Ans. Banks faced rushed timelines, high costs, and lack of local trust, limiting DBU growth beyond the initial 75 locations.

Q4. What services do DBUs offer?

Ans. They provide account services, loans, digital kits, and access to government schemes using self-service and assisted digital infrastructure.

Q5. What are the main challenges?

Ans. High costs, rural user trust, RBI compliance, and lack of immediate business returns deter banks from opening more DBUs.

Source: BL | IE | BS

India’s Total Fertility Rate Remains Steady at 2.0 in 2021: Key Demographic Trends

May 12, 2025
India’s Total Fertility Rate Remains Steady at 2.0 in 2021: Key Demographic Trends

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • India’s Total Fertility Rate Latest News
  • Introduction
  • Total Fertility Rate Trends in 2021
  • Demographic Shifts: Age Distribution and Elderly Population
  • Changing Marriage Patterns and Their Impact
  • Policy Responses and the Need for Updated Data
  • Future Outlook: Opportunities and Challenges
  • India’s TFR FAQs

India’s Total Fertility Rate Latest News

  • According to the Sample Registration System (SRS) report for 2021 released by the Registrar General of India (RGI) on May 7, the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in the country has remained constant at 2.0 in 2021.

Introduction

  • India’s demographic profile is undergoing significant changes, as highlighted in the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) report for 2021, released by the Registrar General of India (RGI). 
  • The report confirms that the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) remains constant at 2.0, the same as in 2020. 
  • This reflects a continued trend towards population stabilization, with critical implications for social, economic, and healthcare policies.

Total Fertility Rate Trends in 2021

  • The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) represents the average number of children a woman is expected to bear during her reproductive years. 
  • The replacement level TFR, required to sustain a stable population, is 2.1. India reaching a TFR of 2.0 suggests that it is on the path toward population stabilization, a major demographic milestone.
  • Key State-Level Trends:
    • Bihar reported the highest TFR at 3.0, indicating continuing high fertility trends in the state.
    • Delhi and West Bengal recorded the lowest TFR at 1.4, well below replacement level.
    • Other states achieving or falling below replacement level include Tamil Nadu (1.5), Andhra Pradesh (1.5), Kerala (1.5), Maharashtra (1.5), and Punjab (1.5).
    • Gujarat and Haryana reported a TFR of 2.0, while Assam stood at 2.1, exactly at replacement level.

Demographic Shifts: Age Distribution and Elderly Population

  • India’s age structure has experienced significant shifts over the past five decades. The proportion of the population aged 0-14 years has declined from 41.2% in 1971 to 24.8% in 2021. 
  • In contrast, the working-age population (15-59 years) has risen from 53.4% to 66.2%, positioning India advantageously for a demographic dividend.
  • Growth in Elderly Population:
    • The share of people aged 60 and above has increased from 6% in 1971 to 9% in 2021.
    • Kerala has the highest elderly population at 14.4%, followed by Tamil Nadu (12.9%) and Himachal Pradesh (12.3%).
    • States with the lowest elderly population include Bihar (6.9%), Assam (7.0%), and Delhi (7.1%).

Changing Marriage Patterns and Their Impact

  • One of the critical factors influencing fertility rates is the rising age at marriage. 
  • The mean age at effective marriage for females has increased from 19.3 years in 1990 to 22.5 years in 2021. 
  • This trend reflects improved female education levels, increased workforce participation, and greater awareness of reproductive health, directly contributing to lower fertility rates.

Policy Responses and the Need for Updated Data

  • During the 2024 Interim Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans for a high-power committee to address challenges posed by fast population growth and demographic changes. 
  • However, despite such announcements, India’s Census, originally scheduled for 2021, remains delayed, limiting comprehensive demographic analysis.
  • The SRS data highlights that India’s population growth is no longer as “fast” as perceived. 
  • In fact, many states have reached or gone below the replacement level fertility rate, indicating a natural slowing of population growth.

Future Outlook: Opportunities and Challenges

  • While the stabilization of TFR is a positive indicator for controlling population growth, it also brings new challenges. 
  • The rising elderly population will increase demand for healthcare services, pensions, and social welfare schemes. 
  • Simultaneously, India must capitalize on its demographic dividend by creating employment opportunities and strengthening social infrastructure to accommodate a growing working-age population.
  • India’s demographic transition presents a critical window to implement forward-looking policies in healthcare, education, employment, and social welfare to ensure balanced and inclusive growth.

India’s TFR FAQs

Q1. What is India’s Total Fertility Rate according to the latest report?

Ans. India’s Total Fertility Rate remained constant at 2.0 in 2021.

Q2. Which state recorded the highest fertility rate in 2021?

Ans. Bihar reported the highest fertility rate at 3.0.

Q3. Which states have the lowest Total Fertility Rate?

Ans. Delhi and West Bengal reported the lowest TFR at 1.4.

Q4. What is the current mean age at effective marriage for women in India?

Ans. The mean age at marriage for females has increased to 22.5 years in 2021.

Q5. Which state has the highest proportion of elderly population?

Ans. Kerala has the highest elderly population, with 14.4% of its residents aged 60 and above.

Source: TH

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