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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 03/04/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS - 03/04/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 03/04/2024

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 03/04/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 03/04/2024

ED can summon anyone for ‘any information’: SC

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

On April 2, the Supreme Court endorsed the extensive powers of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), affirming its authority to summon individuals for information regardless of their position or affiliation.

Key Highlights

  • ED’s Authority to Summon
    • Justice Trivedi affirmed the ED’s authority to summon “any person” under the provisions of Section 50(2) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
    • This includes individuals deemed necessary for providing evidence or producing records in the course of any investigation or legal proceeding under the statute.
    • Section 50(3) of the PMLA was also highlighted, which mandates that the summoned individual is required to attend in person or through authorized agents.
    • They are also obliged to provide truthful statements and produce the requested documents.

About the Directorate of Enforcement (ED)

  • The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is a specialized financial investigation agency in India responsible for enforcing economic laws and fighting economic crime, particularly those related to foreign exchange and money laundering.
  • Establishment and Structure:
    • The Enforcement Directorate was established in 1956 as an “Enforcement Unit” under the Department of Economic Affairs.
    • It operates as a multi-disciplinary organization under the Department of Revenue of the Ministry of Finance.
    • The headquarters of the Enforcement Directorate is located in New Delhi, India.
    • The agency comprises officers from the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, and Indian Revenue Service.
  • Objectives and Functions:
    • The prime objective of the Enforcement Directorate is to enforce special fiscal laws, including the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 (FEOA).
    • It is responsible for handling exchange control law violations and investigating economic offenses under various acts like PMLA, Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, Foreign Exchange Management Act, and Foreign Exchange Regulation Act.
    • The ED uses powers granted by the PMLA to investigate money laundering cases, conduct searches, seizures, and attach properties of offenders.
  • Jurisdiction and Powers:
    • The Enforcement Directorate has jurisdiction over cases involving proceeds of crime exceeding ₹1 crore, which are forwarded to them by local police or central agencies for investigation.
    • The agency can carry out searches and seizures if there are suspicions of money laundering activities.
  • Legal Framework:
    • The Enforcement Directorate enforces the provisions of the PMLA, FEMA, and FEOA, each serving specific purposes related to money laundering, foreign exchange management, and fugitive economic offenders.
    • The PMLA is a criminal law aimed at preventing money laundering, tracing assets derived from crime proceeds, and confiscating such assets through prosecution in special courts.
    • FEMA is a civil law focused on regulating foreign exchange transactions to facilitate external trade and maintain the foreign exchange market in India.
    • The FEOA is designed to deter economic offenders from evading Indian law by escaping jurisdiction, allowing the ED to attach and confiscate properties of fugitive offenders.

Poll campaigns in India must reflect climate issues

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

The recent State of the Global Climate report, released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) of the United Nations, has raised significant concerns regarding the state of the planet’s climate.

  • The report reveals that 2023 has been identified as the hottest year on record, indicating a worrying trend in global temperatures.

Key Highlights

  • Temperature Rise and Proximity to Limit
    • According to the report, the average temperature rise from pre-industrial levels stands at 1.45 °C, with a margin of uncertainty of ±0.12 °C.
    • This temperature increase brings the world dangerously close to surpassing the agreed-upon limit of 1.5 °C set by various nations to mitigate the effects of climate change.
    • Alarming Trends
      • The WMO report highlights several alarming trends observed in 2023.
      • Not only was it the warmest year by a significant margin, but it also witnessed numerous records being broken in various aspects of climate change.
      • These include unprecedented rises in ocean temperatures, glacier retreat, diminishing Antarctic ice cover, and evident sea level rise across the globe.
  • Impact on Extreme Weather Events
    • The consequences of global warming are starkly evident in the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, torrential rains, and tropical cyclones.
    • These events have disrupted various activities, including agriculture, and are significantly impacting socio-economic developments worldwide.
  • Urgent Need for Collective Action
    • Given the worrisome findings of the WMO report, there is an urgent call for collective public action akin to the response seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • It underscores the importance of addressing climate change through concerted efforts on a global scale to mitigate its detrimental effects on the planet and its inhabitants.
  • Industrial Progress and Environmental Impact
    • The industrial progress witnessed since the mid-18th century has undoubtedly enhanced the quality of life globally.
    • Mechanization and technological innovations across various sectors have been the key drivers behind this progress.
    • However, this reliance on industrialization and natural resource exploitation has also resulted in significant adverse effects on the environment, particularly in terms of climate change.
      • The widespread use of fossil fuels has led to substantial greenhouse gas emissions, directly contributing to the alarming rise in global temperatures observed today.
    • Paris Agreement and Global Commitments
      • Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change, nations worldwide came together under the Paris Agreement.
      • This landmark accord, which came into force on November 4, 2016, aims to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to further restrict it to 1.5 °C.
      • The Paris Agreement represents a significant step forward in international efforts to combat climate change, being a legally binding treaty.
      • National Initiatives and Mitigatory Measures
        • In response to the Paris Agreement and the imperative to combat climate change, many nations have undertaken various initiatives to limit carbon emissions and transition towards renewable energy sources.
        • For instance, India introduced the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), encompassing missions such as the National Solar Mission and the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
        • These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to transitioning towards cleaner energy sources and mitigating the impact of climate change.
      • Evaluation of Current Efforts
        • Despite the positive intent demonstrated through initiatives like the Paris Agreement and national action plans, the latest report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) raises critical questions.
        • There is concern regarding whether the actions taken thus far are sufficient to address the magnitude of the climate crisis.
        • The report prompts reflection on whether global efforts may have been delayed, insufficient, or if public commitments have fallen short in effectively implementing action plans to combat climate change.
      • Election Season Dynamics
        • With election season in full swing in many democracies, including India, there is a palpable sense of festivity, fervor, and anticipation among the populace.
          • The period is marked by lively debates, enthusiastic engagement with political discourse, and the hopeful expectation of transformative outcomes promised by political parties.
        • The release of the State of the Global Climate report during this election season couldn’t be more opportune.
          • The report serves as a catalyst for initiating discussions on climate change across the political spectrum, amidst the heightened public attention and interest characteristic of election periods.
          • The WMO report should serve as an awakening not only for humanity at large but also specifically for political parties.
          • It highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and calls upon parties to clearly articulate their action plans in response to this pressing global challenge.
          • Political parties have a unique opportunity to enhance public awareness on climate change and outline concrete steps to mitigate global warming.
          • Parties can differentiate themselves by presenting their strategies to tackle climate change and mitigate its impact on India’s economy and society.
        • Leadership Expectations and Global Standing
          • As India seeks to assert its leadership on the global stage, its actions on climate change will be closely scrutinized.
          • The demands for decisive leadership in addressing climate issues are integral to India’s aspirations for global recognition and influence.

About the Paris Agreement

  • The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty adopted within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) framework.
  • It was negotiated in December 2015 during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, France, hence its name.
  • The agreement represents a global effort to address climate change by limiting global warming and mitigating its impacts.
  • Temperature Goal:
    • The primary objective of the Paris Agreement is to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, while aiming to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
    • This ambitious goal reflects the scientific consensus that exceeding these temperature thresholds could lead to catastrophic and irreversible impacts on the planet.
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
    • Each participating country is required to submit its own climate action plan known as a Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
    • These contributions outline the country’s commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
    • NDCs are not legally binding, but countries are encouraged to update and enhance their commitments over time.
  • Note: While the NDCs are declarations of intention and not legally enforceable, the Paris Agreement itself is a legally binding agreement.

Is the Katchatheevu islet disputed?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought up the contentious issue of Katchatheevurecently.

  • While giving reference to a report, he alleged that the previous government had negligently given away Katchatheevu.

Key Highlights

  • Background of Katchatheevu Agreement
    • Katchatheevu became a part of Sri Lanka through an agreement signed between the Prime Ministers of India and Sri Lanka, Indira Gandhi and Sirima R.D. Bandaranaike, during June 26-28, 1974.
    • The agreement aimed to demarcate the boundary between the two countries, defining the boundary “in conformity with historical evidence, legal international principles, and precedents.”
  • Importance to Fisherfolk
    • The islet of Katchatheevu has been traditionally used by fisherfolk from both India and Sri Lanka for fishing purposes.
    • However, a supplemental pact in March 1976 restricted fishing activities in the historic waters, territorial sea, and exclusive economic zone without express permission from either Sri Lanka or India.
    • Cultural Significance
      • In addition to its importance for fishing activities, Katchatheevu holds cultural significance, particularly due to the annual festival held at St. Anthony’s Church on the islet.
      • This festival draws devotees from both sides of the Palk Bay, maintaining a tradition that has persisted over the years.
    • Trigger for Negotiations: Sovereignty Dispute
      • The negotiations between India and Sri Lanka over Katchatheevu were triggered by conflicting claims of sovereignty.
      • Sri Lanka asserted its sovereignty over the islet based on the Portuguese occupation from 1505-1658 CE, while India contended that the erstwhile Raja of Ramnad (Ramanathapuram) had possession of it as part of his zamin.
      • Historical Context: Raja RamanathaSethupathi’s Assertion
        • According to a news item published by The Hindu on March 6, 1968, the erstwhile Raja RamanathaSethupathi claimed that Katchatheevu had been under the jurisdiction of the zamin “from time immemorial.”
        • He stated that it was the “last post” of the Ramnad Estate, and taxes were collected until 1947 when it was taken over by the State government following the Zamindari Abolition Act.
      • Negotiation Process: Assertion by External Affairs Minister
        • During the debate in Lok Sabha in July 1974, the then External Affairs Minister Swaran Singh defended the decision, stating that it was made after exhaustive research of historical and other records regarding the islet.
      • Reception of the 1974 Agreement
        • The agreement signed in 1974 generated significant opposition, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
        • During debates in both Houses of Parliament, the Opposition, including the DMK, AIADMK, Jan Sangh, Swatantra, and the Socialist Party, staged walkouts.
        • Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and veteran Socialist leader MadhuLimaye criticized the decision, alleging it was made without proper consultation with Parliament or the people.
        • Former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had consistently opposed the transfer of Katchatheevu, asserting that it belonged to India and not just Tamil Nadu.
      • Revival of the Katchatheevu Issue
        • After a period of dormancy, the Katchatheevu issue resurfaced in August 1991 when then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa demanded its retrieval during her Independence Day address.
        • She later modified her demand to seek the islet’s return through “a lease in perpetuity.”
        • The Tamil Nadu Assembly saw several debates on the matter during this time.
      • Over the past 15 years, both Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi pursued legal avenues by approaching the Supreme Court regarding the Katchatheevu issue.
      • Union Government’s Stand
        • In August 2013, the Union government informed the Supreme Court that the question of retrieving Katchatheevu from Sri Lanka did not arise as no Indian territory was ceded to Sri Lanka.
        • The government argued that the islet was a matter of dispute between British India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) and was settled through agreements in 1974 and 1976.
        • In December 2022, the Union government reiterated its position in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, stating that Katchatheevu “lies on the Sri Lankan side of the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line.”
        • The government also mentioned that the matter was sub-judice in the Supreme Court.

About the Katchatheevu Islands

  • Katchatheevu is a tiny, uninhabited island spanning 285 acres located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka, situated 33 km off the Indian coast to the northeast of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and southwest of Sri Lanka’s Delft Island.
  • The island has a rich historical background, with claims dating back to at least 1921 when both India and Sri Lanka asserted ownership over it, leading to a longstanding dispute that continued after Independence.
  • In 1974, under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India recognized Sri Lanka’s sovereignty over Katchatheevu through an agreement that allowed Indian fishermen access to the island for rest, drying of nets, and the annual St. Anthony’s festival.

Will India experience more heat wave days this summer?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recently announced that India is expected to experience more than average heat wave days during this year’s hot weather season from April to June.

  • The forecast indicates that above-normal temperatures will prevail over most parts of the country, with the southern peninsula, central India, east India, and the northwestern plains anticipated to be most affected.

Key Highlights

  • Forecast Details
    • According to the IMD forecast, most regions of India, except parts of the east and northeast and some pockets in the northwest, will experience above-normal maximum and minimum temperatures.
    • This can result in heat-related illnesses, impact agricultural productivity, exacerbate water scarcity, increase energy demand, and affect ecosystems and air quality.
    • Specifics for April
      • The forecast suggests that April, in particular, is expected to witness an increase in the number of heat wave days over parts of the southern peninsula, northwest central India, east India, and the northwest plains.
    • El Niño Event Status
      • The forecast notes a weakening of the El Niño event since the beginning of the year.
      • While the event has diminished, moderate El Niño conditions persist over the equatorial Pacific, leading to increased sea surface temperatures.
      • This alteration in heat distribution impacts airflows above the ocean, which, given the vast coverage of the Pacific Ocean, can disrupt weather patterns globally.
    • Global Temperature Trends
      • January 2024 marked the warmest January in 175 years, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
      • The average global land and ocean surface temperature surpassed the previous highest recorded in 2016 by 0.04 degrees Celsius.
      • Outlook for El Niño and La Niña
        • The El Niño event is expected to weaken further during the upcoming season, eventually transitioning to a ‘neutral’ phase.
        • Some models even suggest the potential development of La Niña conditions during the monsoon period.
        • La Niña typically intensifies rainfall across South Asia, particularly in India’s northwest and Bangladesh.
      • Understanding Heat Waves
        • A heat wave is characterized by a period of abnormally high temperatures.
        • The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) defines a heat wave based on specific temperature thresholds: at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains and at least 30 degrees Celsius in hilly regions, with a departure of around 4.5-6.4 degrees Celsius from the normal maximum temperature.
        • Additionally, a heat wave can be declared if the actual maximum temperature exceeds 45 degrees Celsius, reaching a ‘severe heat wave’ status if it surpasses 47 degrees Celsius.
        • Seasonality and Peak of Heat Waves in India
          • Heat waves in India are typically observed between March and June, peaking in May.
          • These extreme temperature events pose significant risks to human health, with air temperatures becoming potentially fatal.
        • Climate Change and Heat Waves
          • A study published in the journal PLOS Climate in April 2023 revealed that heat waves worldwide are becoming more recurrent, intense, and lethal due to climate change.
          • Data from April 2022 utilized in the study indicated that abnormal temperatures, attributable to climate change, could severely impact over 90% of India.
          • This increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves poses significant threats to public healthcare and agricultural output, affecting livelihoods, food production, disease spread, and more.
          • Impact on Human Health
            • According to the World Health Organization, higher temperatures can adversely affect human health, leading to heat stress and even death.
            • A multi-city study conducted in India from 2008 to 2019 identified a strong correlation between heat wave occurrences and daily mortality rates.
            • Additionally, the ongoing El Niño weather condition exacerbates the situation by driving an increased occurrence of heat waves.
          • Impact on Power Demand
            • This announcement comes at a time when India is grappling with increasing power demand, particularly during the summer season.
            • A Reuter’s analysis revealed a significant decline in India’s hydroelectricity output, leading to a greater reliance on coal for power generation.
            • This poses challenges for India’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce emissions intensity.
          • Elections and Heat Waves
            • Coinciding with India’s summer season and the likelihood of several heat waves, the general elections scheduled from April 19 to June 1 pose challenges.
            • The Election Commission of India has issued advisories to manage the impact of heat waves during voting, emphasizing the importance of carrying water bottles and protecting oneself from direct sunlight.
          • Deadly Heat and Wet Bulb Temperature
            • The potential dangers of heat extend beyond official heat wave conditions.
            • If the wet bulb temperature crosses 30-35 degrees Celsius, even short periods of idling in ambient conditions can have deadly health effects.
            • The wet bulb temperature represents the lowest temperature to which a surface can be cooled by water evaporating from it and serves as an indicator of the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating.

About El Niño and La Niña

  • El Niño
    • El Niño, characterized by warmer sea-surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, typically leads to below-average monsoon rainfall in India, affecting agriculture and crop yields.
    • The pressure distribution changes during El Niño, altering the normal monsoon pattern and causing moisture-laden winds to move towards the coast of Peru instead of reaching India, resulting in reduced rainfall and drought conditions.
    • The impact of El Niño on India’s monsoon is significant, with historical data showing that out of the 13 droughts faced by India since 1950, 10 occurred during El Niño years, highlighting the adverse effects on agriculture and water resources.
  • La Niña Effects on India:
    • La Niña, characterized by cooler sea-surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, can have a beneficial impact on the Indian monsoon, bringing cooler temperatures and increased rainfall to the country.
    • While El Niño is associated with hot summers and reduced monsoon rainfall in India, La Niña events tend to enhance rainfall, supporting agriculture and water resources in the region.
  • The alternating pattern of El Niño and La Niña events, part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, plays a crucial role in influencing India’s monsoon patterns and agricultural productivity, making it a key concept in climatology for understanding weather variability in the country.

About the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)

  • The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is a vital agency under the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India, responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology.
  • History and Evolution:
    • The IMD traces its origins back to 1875 when it was established to organize the collection and analysis of meteorological observations in India, with Henry Francis Blanford appointed as the first Meteorological Reporter.
    • The first meteorological observatories in India were set up by the British East India Company, including the Calcutta Observatory in 1785, the Madras Observatory in 1796, and the Colaba Observatory in 1826, marking the early foundations of meteorology in the region.
    • Over the years, the IMD has evolved and expanded its network of observation stations, forecasting capabilities, and collaborations with other agencies like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting to enhance weather monitoring and prediction services.
  • Organizational Structure:
    • The IMD is headquartered in Delhi and operates six Regional Meteorological Centres in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Nagpur, Guwahati, and New Delhi, along with Meteorological Centres in state capitals across India.
    • The agency is led by the Director General of Meteorology, currently MrutyunjayMohapatra, overseeing a network of surface and glacial observatories, Upper Air stations, ozone and radiation observatories, and meteorological radar stations to gather data for weather forecasting and monitoring.
    • IMD collaborates with various institutions like the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, and the National Institute of Ocean Technology to enhance its capabilities in meteorology, seismology, and climate research.
  • Key Functions and Services:
    • The IMD undertakes a range of tasks, including observations, communications, forecasting, and weather services.
    • The agency plays a crucial role in preparing the annual monsoon forecast, tracking the progress of the monsoon across India, and issuing warnings for tropical cyclones in the Northern Indian Ocean region, including the Malacca Straits, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Persian Gulf.
    • IMD’s responsibilities extend to seismic monitoring for earthquake measurements, maintaining its own satellite system for weather monitoring, and collaborating with global meteorological organizations as one of the six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organisation.

India risking demographic dividend

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

The World Bank has issued a warning regarding the South Asia region, including India, stating that it is not effectively utilizing its demographic dividend.

  • Despite projecting a robust growth of 6.0-6.1% for 2024-25 in its South Asia regional update titled “Jobs for Resilience,” the pace of job creation in the region falls significantly short of the growth in the working-age population.

Key Highlights

  • Employment Growth in India
    • India’s employment growth has been notably lower than the average growth in its working-age population between 2000 and 2023.
    • The World Bank highlighted that India’s employment ratio had declined more than in any other country in the region, except Nepal, until 2022.
    • However, there was a preliminary indication of a 3-percentage point rebound in 2023, partially reversing the decline.
    • Economic Growth Drivers
      • India’s economy is expected to exhibit robust growth of 7.5% in FY23/24.
      • This growth, combined with recoveries in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, largely contributes to the strong economic numbers for the South Asian region as a whole.
    • Missed Opportunity of Demographic Dividend
      • According to Franziska Ohnsorge, the World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia, the region is currently failing to capitalize fully on its demographic dividend, which she considers a missed opportunity.
      • The weak employment trends in the region are primarily concentrated in non-agricultural sectors, reflecting challenges in the institutional and economic climate.
      • The World Bank recommends various measures to encourage employment growth, including supporting women’s participation in the economy, improving access to finance, increasing openness to trade, easing financial sector regulations, and enhancing education.

What is demographic dividend?

  • The demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential that results from shifts in a country’s population age structure, particularly when the working-age population (typically ages 15-64) is larger than the dependent population (children and elderly).
  • This demographic phenomenon can lead to increased productivity, higher savings, and economic development as the working-age population contributes more to the economy while the dependent population decreases.
  • The demographic dividend is a critical concept in understanding how changes in population demographics can impact a country’s economic growth and development prospects.

India risking demographic dividend

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

The World Bank has issued a warning regarding the South Asia region, including India, stating that it is not effectively utilizing its demographic dividend.

  • Despite projecting a robust growth of 6.0-6.1% for 2024-25 in its South Asia regional update titled “Jobs for Resilience,” the pace of job creation in the region falls significantly short of the growth in the working-age population.

Key Highlights

  • Employment Growth in India
    • India’s employment growth has been notably lower than the average growth in its working-age population between 2000 and 2023.
    • The World Bank highlighted that India’s employment ratio had declined more than in any other country in the region, except Nepal, until 2022.
    • However, there was a preliminary indication of a 3-percentage point rebound in 2023, partially reversing the decline.
    • Economic Growth Drivers
      • India’s economy is expected to exhibit robust growth of 7.5% in FY23/24.
      • This growth, combined with recoveries in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, largely contributes to the strong economic numbers for the South Asian region as a whole.
    • Missed Opportunity of Demographic Dividend
      • According to Franziska Ohnsorge, the World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia, the region is currently failing to capitalize fully on its demographic dividend, which she considers a missed opportunity.
      • The weak employment trends in the region are primarily concentrated in non-agricultural sectors, reflecting challenges in the institutional and economic climate.
      • The World Bank recommends various measures to encourage employment growth, including supporting women’s participation in the economy, improving access to finance, increasing openness to trade, easing financial sector regulations, and enhancing education.

What is demographic dividend?

  • The demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential that results from shifts in a country’s population age structure, particularly when the working-age population (typically ages 15-64) is larger than the dependent population (children and elderly).
  • This demographic phenomenon can lead to increased productivity, higher savings, and economic development as the working-age population contributes more to the economy while the dependent population decreases.
  • The demographic dividend is a critical concept in understanding how changes in population demographics can impact a country’s economic growth and development prospects.