#ageing-population
IMF Blocks Pakistan’s GST Cut On Condoms, Fueling Population Control Concerns
Pakistan’s request to reduce the 18 percent GST on condoms and other contraceptives has been rejected by the International Monetary Fund, leaving the government unable to make birth-control products cheaper in a period of rising population and financial pressure. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked the Federal Board of Revenue to approach the IMF for immediate approval to remove the tax, but the lender made it clear that such changes cannot be made mid-year and may only be considered du
IMF Blocks Pakistan’s GST Cut On Condoms, Fueling Population Control Concerns
Pakistan’s request to reduce the 18 percent GST on condoms and other contraceptives has been rejected by the International Monetary Fund, leaving the government unable to make birth-control products cheaper in a period of rising population and financial pressure. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had asked the Federal Board of Revenue to approach the IMF for immediate approval to remove the tax, but the lender made it clear that such changes cannot be made mid-year and may only be considered du
Centre Confirms Caste Data to Be Included in Next Census, Months Ahead of Bihar Elections
In a landmark move with far-reaching political and social implications, the Government of India has announced that caste-based data will be included in the upcoming population census, scheduled for next year. The announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in national policy and fulfilling a long-standing demand by opposition parties. The decision to incorporate caste enumeration—a detailed account of vario
Centre Confirms Caste Data to Be Included in Next Census, Months Ahead of Bihar Elections
In a landmark move with far-reaching political and social implications, the Government of India has announced that caste-based data will be included in the upcoming population census, scheduled for next year. The announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw during a Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in national policy and fulfilling a long-standing demand by opposition parties. The decision to incorporate caste enumeration—a detailed account of vario
Demi Moore Named World’s Most Beautiful at 62 by People Magazine, Redefines Beauty Norms
In a powerful celebration of beauty beyond age, Hollywood icon Demi Moore has been named the World’s Most Beautiful by People Magazine. The announcement, unveiled on Wednesday with a striking digital cover, highlights the 62-year-old actor’s inspiring journey through fame, ageing, and self-acceptance. The recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a cultural statement challenging society’s long-standing link between beauty and youth. Moore, who
Demi Moore Named World’s Most Beautiful at 62 by People Magazine, Redefines Beauty Norms
In a powerful celebration of beauty beyond age, Hollywood icon Demi Moore has been named the World’s Most Beautiful by People Magazine. The announcement, unveiled on Wednesday with a striking digital cover, highlights the 62-year-old actor’s inspiring journey through fame, ageing, and self-acceptance. The recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a cultural statement challenging society’s long-standing link between beauty and youth. Moore, who
US Birth Rate Rises Slightly in 2024 as Older Mothers Lead Shift in Parenthood Patterns
In 2024, the United States saw a slight but notable increase in its national birth rate, reversing a record-setting decline the year before. Approximately 3.6 million babies were born, marking a 1% increase from 2023. While modest, this uptick represents a shift in reproductive trends that have been steadily evolving since the late 2000s. One of the most significant patterns to emerge from the data is the rising number of births among older women. The birth rate for women aged 30
US Birth Rate Rises Slightly in 2024 as Older Mothers Lead Shift in Parenthood Patterns
In 2024, the United States saw a slight but notable increase in its national birth rate, reversing a record-setting decline the year before. Approximately 3.6 million babies were born, marking a 1% increase from 2023. While modest, this uptick represents a shift in reproductive trends that have been steadily evolving since the late 2000s. One of the most significant patterns to emerge from the data is the rising number of births among older women. The birth rate for women aged 30
Elon Musk Highlights Global Population Decline as Humanity’s Greatest Threat
Elon Musk recently shared his concerns about the global population decline, labeling it as humanity’s greatest threat. Musk's post on X (formerly Twitter) included a graph that displayed projected population changes for several countries, including Nigeria, the US, Indonesia, and Pakistan, between 2018 and 2100. In his post, Musk agreed with the statement “Population collapse is humanity's greatest threat,” originally shared by the Tesla Owners Silicon Vall
Elon Musk Highlights Global Population Decline as Humanity’s Greatest Threat
Elon Musk recently shared his concerns about the global population decline, labeling it as humanity’s greatest threat. Musk's post on X (formerly Twitter) included a graph that displayed projected population changes for several countries, including Nigeria, the US, Indonesia, and Pakistan, between 2018 and 2100. In his post, Musk agreed with the statement “Population collapse is humanity's greatest threat,” originally shared by the Tesla Owners Silicon Vall
India's Population Shift: Declining Fertility and Ageing Concerns
India, having recently surpassed China as the world's most populous country, faces a significant demographic challenge. Fertility rates have dramatically declined across the country, especially in southern states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where rates have fallen below the replacement level of two children per woman. This poses a dual challenge: the southern states worry about the implications for political representation and federal revenues, as population shifts could reduce th
India's Population Shift: Declining Fertility and Ageing Concerns
India, having recently surpassed China as the world's most populous country, faces a significant demographic challenge. Fertility rates have dramatically declined across the country, especially in southern states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where rates have fallen below the replacement level of two children per woman. This poses a dual challenge: the southern states worry about the implications for political representation and federal revenues, as population shifts could reduce th
IIT Mandi Develops Real-Time Monitoring Method for Ageing Bridges Using Traffic Data
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi have unveiled a novel method for monitoring the health of ageing bridges in real time, leveraging traffic data to enhance structural safety. This innovative approach addresses the challenges posed by repeated cyclic loads such as traffic, wind, and environmental conditions, which can weaken bridge integrity over time and lead to potential failures. The method employs digital modelling to identify weak spots on bridges, al
IIT Mandi Develops Real-Time Monitoring Method for Ageing Bridges Using Traffic Data
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi have unveiled a novel method for monitoring the health of ageing bridges in real time, leveraging traffic data to enhance structural safety. This innovative approach addresses the challenges posed by repeated cyclic loads such as traffic, wind, and environmental conditions, which can weaken bridge integrity over time and lead to potential failures. The method employs digital modelling to identify weak spots on bridges, al









