Global Issue of Population

In the world today there is various places with a varieties of mindsets of peoples with their corresponding languages. Each place has its own symbolism and cultural creativity. The term 'Modern Homo Sapiens' emerged around 50,000 years ago. Its subspecies is called as 'Modern Homo Sapiens Sapiens'.

Facts & Figures

At present the total number of humans alive today is around 7 billion. The total number of humans ever born is 108 billion. So basically, at present there is roughly about 6.5% of total human beings alive today. If we see a history profile of population, rate of growth of population decreasing due to global 'demographic transition'. 

Presently the key issues with developed countries is about the ageing of populations. For example in America, there is no social security benefits left by the time the people reach their retirement. The declining profile of birth rates suggest that fewer young people left to pay for the care of elderly. That's exactly happens in almost every countries of Europe and Japan.

Demographic Dividend

Younger people are usually considered as economic gift for countries. When the working-age- population (15 to 64 years) is larger than the non- working age population group, then there is usually a boost in economic activity, productivity and many such things. China is the best example of this part. 

Now this 'demographic dividend' will become 'demographic disaster' due to lack of jobs among young age population. It also worsened the economic aspect of any country. For example Sub-Saharan Africa is already one of the youngest regions in world & youth unemployment is high. Brazil economic activity is adversely collapsed due to 'demographic disaster'.

So if its is assume that there is only 100 people in the world then the ratio of male over female is 50 : 50. Out of 100 peoples, 26 will be children and 74 adults. In terms of literacy - 83 will be literate and 77 has their own houses. From religious outlook, there would be 33 Christians, 22 Muslims, 14 Hindus, 7 Buddhists, 12 others and 12 atheist. 

India

In context of India, some pluses and corresponding some minuses are associated. India is 7th largest nation by landmass occupying 2.4% of world land & second largest by population supporting 17.4% of world population and still growing.Out of which 68% are rural population still now.  By the end of 2050, India will have a population of around 165 crores. Now this create a big difference and a big challenge too. Women empowerment is not yet done as compared to other countries which suggest the key issue of population in India.

But India have a large working age population group and more than 50% people are below the age of 35 years. It will be also predicted that by the end of 2020, Indian average age will be 32 years of age which is definitely be a 'demographic dividend' for us.  

Globally, Japan has become the oldest nations of world having an average of around 46 years with 23% of population over 65 years.

History of paper currency in India

It's now been almost 40 days of announcement of demonetisation. On 8th November 2016, our honorable PM Narendra Modi has announced the banning of notes of Rs.500 & Rs.1000 which also preceded the introduction of new notes of Rs. 2000. Many of us saw the 'Mahtma Gandhi' on one side of notes. Though Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced an updated version of notes. So let's know more about the history of paper currency in India.

Evolution of Money

Until the 18th century, silver and gold coins were commonly used in India. But as private European trading companies established their own banks in the region, such as Bank of Hindostan in Calcutta, they began issuing the early versions of India paper notes which were initially just text-based. This further popularised the use of paper notes. The Bank of Bengal went on to release notes that featured a small image of a female figure meant to represent the idea of ''commerce'' as well as bank's name and the denominations in three scripts : Urdu, Bengali, Dev Nagri.

After the Paper Currency Act of 1861, British colonial government got really involved in producing money. Till then money was issued by state alone, not by banks. The 1861 Act was the brainchild of James Wilson, finance member of Indian council & finance minister of colonial government. In 1843, he also founded ''The Economist newspaper'' & founder of ''Standard Chartered Bank''.

''Victoria Portrait Series'' is very first paper notes officially introduced by government in the denominations of Rs.10, Rs.20, Rs.50, Rs.100, Rs.500 & Rs.1000. Notes detail provided in two languages. Interestingly when money had to be securely transferred across distances, paper notes were sometimes cut in half, with one half being sent by post first & second half sent only after the first reached the destination.

As British era past down, the styles, colors and features of paper money had also evolved starting with George V in 1923. All these notes were printed by Bank of England until India's first currency printing press was established in Nasik in 1928. After 4 years, this press was producing all of India's paper currency. In 1935, RBI came into the picture & change all the scenario.

Updated Version of Money

RBI took several years to launch its own notes due to many reasons. In 1938, RBI's first note was issued featured a portrait of King George VI. After Independence in 1947, India demands for a new notes with new look & with new identity. First pure Indian note came out in 1949. This was Re.1 note which had image of Lion capital of Ashoka at Sarnath which also become the official emblem of India. Over the next few years, RBI released notes of different denominations featuring different images like Mumbai's Gateway of India & Brihadeeswara temple in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavore town. In 1960's notes began to print in different colors to help those who cannot read. This time RBI motifs oriented towards Indian art forms & symbol of scientific and economic progress.

Here is the link of RBI money museum where one can see all types of Indian notes ever produced in Indian history.

https://www.rbi.org.in/currency/museum/p-newiss.html

https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/pm_indofrench.aspx

World Politics Scenario

In the 21^st century, the top issues confronting across nations are diseases, international crimes and climate change. The world today is fragmented along political, economy, military and demographic lines. Multiple ideologies are confronting for influence, power and success. The major lines of analysis can be philosophical, military, economic, trade, political and hegemony related. Throughout the centuries, big powers wanted to expand and indulge in warfare. Ultimately relationships between countries are not fixed; they are fluid and dynamic. As per the above graph, it will be assumed that by the end of 2030, India will be economic power from emerging countries.

Definition of Great Power 

Economic prosperity does not translate into geopolitical power. Projecting power is very crucial. Powers are of two types: Hard Power and Soft Power.

Hard Power like Military, Trade, Science and Technology, Currency.

Soft Power like Culture, Language and Religion.

Military Hard Power can come in many forms like Blue Water Navy + Large standing forces + Military alliances + Nuclear capabilities.

For example USA has the world biggest Navy along with their 7 fleets which maintained his hegemony from 1950 onward. They also have the biggest list of allies. Neither Russia nor China have such powerful navies. 

The geographical position of USA gives its special advantages :

1. Self contend and secure
2. Oceans on two sides (Atlantic + Pacific Ocean)
3. Friends on either sides (Canada + Mexico) and NAFTA (North American Foreign Trade Agreement) 

Present Situation

US remain the undisputed global power and military due to : 

• its huge expenditure on military 
• its unbeatable blue water navy
• its large dominance of soft power which is more effective than hard power

Pure communism has collapsed and retreated around the world. Russia has become unpredictable and it now uses every opportunity to assert his power like attacks on IS states on Syria, Georgia War (2008) and Ukraine issue.

On the other hand, China desperately wishes to secure its water (South China Sea) against future aggression. Chinese keeps criticizing Americans for abusing its superpower status and for instigating regional tensions. After 2008, President Obama followed a different path. He gradually withdrew the military from everywhere to meet the cost of expense on military. Present President Donald Trump policy will be very crucial for other countries in terms of Hard Power.

Road Ahead

There are clear proofs that American soft power outstrips others by a large measure. This will not change overnight. The world has accepted that democracy is the best idea. For China which is not a democracy, it still has a long term to go on a per capita income basis. American protection for Japan, South Korea and Taiwan will continue. Russia is so called democracy but it runs autocratically.

Finally the renowned scientist Stephen Hawking recently says that’’ the rise of Donald Trump and Britain's Brexit vote come at "the most dangerous time in the history of the human race. Together, they are a reminder that we are at the most dangerous moment in the development of humanity. We can do this [overcome the challenges], I am an enormous optimist for my species; but it will require the elites, from London to Harvard, from Cambridge to Hollywood, to learn the lessons of the past year. To learn above all a measure of humanity. We now have the technology to destroy the planet on which we live, but have not yet developed the ability to escape it. Perhaps in a few hundred years, we will have established human colonies amid the stars, but right now we only have one planet, and we need to work together to protect it.”