Tamil Nadu is considering a major change to its school nutrition program by introducing chicken biryani into the government's midday meal scheme. According to reports, the proposal has been put forward by the state's Education Minister to Chief Minister Vijay, who is expected to take a final decision soon.

If approved, government school students could receive chicken biryani once a week as part of their midday meals, marking one of the most significant upgrades to Tamil Nadu's school nutrition program. The proposal aims to improve the quality, nutrition, and appeal of school meals while continuing the state's long tradition of strengthening welfare schemes for students.

Chicken Biryani in School Meals? Tamil Nadu Government Weighs New Proposal 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a high-level task force led by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani to recommend reforms for India's examination system. The panel will submit recommendations aimed at strengthening transparency and efficiency in national exams.

Meanwhile, global tensions continue to rise. An oil tanker reportedly exploded in the Strait of Hormuz after hitting a sea mine, while Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed to have downed a Saudi drone. Lebanon accused Israel of obstructing troop deployment in the south, and the UN chief called for the immediate removal of sanctions on Syria. Ukraine and Russia exchanged fresh attacks, Romania summoned Russia's ambassador after shooting down another drone, China witnessed deadly flash floods, and Australia vowed to challenge proposed US tariffs.

PM Modi Announces Exam Reform Task Force | Iran Tanker Blast | Ukraine War | Houthi Attack

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has broken his silence on the CJP-led student protest over the NEET paper leak controversy. Calling the movement peaceful, Salman expressed concern over the violence during the demonstrations and described the paper leak as a serious issue. He praised students for demanding a better education system, urged the government to respond positively, and emphasized that the issue should not be politicised.

Salman Khan backs CJP-Led student protest | Says NEET paper leak must not be politicised

Overpopulation continues to be a pressing issue globally. As per experts, the global population grows by more than 80 million people every year. Today, there are over 7.8 billion people living and the population is projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050.

The impact of our growing numbers on environment, and non-renewable resources has multiplied to unsustainable levels. These consumption patterns can soon surpass our planets carrying capacity and ability to regenerate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-environment-school-is-geared-toward-shaping-a-future-generation-for-a-green-planet-369320" hreflang="en">World Environment School is geared toward shaping a future generation for a green planet</a>

Many account for overpopulation as an effect of high birth rates, along with low mortality rates due to advancements in medical fields leading to longer life spans. And the most pressing cause of all is the lack of education and awareness among females.

With this unsustainable development, where are we headed? Will we ever be able to stabilise our population?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mission-sustainability-population-vs-planet-global-electricity-demand-is-growing-faster-than-renewables-400805/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Overpopulation in India

India, with a current population of more than 1.39 billion, is projected to surpass China and be the most populous nation as early as 2027.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tackling-climate-change-new-centre-in-india-will-impart-training-on-circular-economy-369323" hreflang="en">Tackling climate change: New centre in India will impart training on circular economy</a>

Poverty and illiteracy have been the two major drivers of overpopulation in India.

Poor families tend to overlook education as a key to improved living standards and instead believe that the greater family members they have, the greater their chances to earn a livelihood.

Another issue adding to the overpopulation issue is the early marriage of girls, which is still prevailing in many parts of the country leading to girls having longer reproductive span and bearing more children.

Women's education and&nbsp;empowerment in India<o:p></o:p>

For any society to develop, women need to play a central role. Their voices and participation are crucial to overcome patriarchal mindsets.

Without education, women will have fewer opportunities. Poverty, unemployment and inequality are problems that cannot be solved by men alone and require women's participation.

When it comes to women's empowerment, the men's participation is also important, as they also need to be aware of decisions that their family will take.

The problems and inequalities between the genders are much greater in rural India. Ten years ago, the literacy rate for women in rural areas was only 58.8 per cent, while the national average was 65.46 per cent. Whereas the national average for men was over 82 per cent.

For Indian families in rural areas, girls play the role of a second mother by doing household work. This can discourage them from going to school.

This is where schemes like the Aakar project can be helpful for women.

<o:p></o:p>

Education – Powerful tool stemming population growth<o:p></o:p>

Education is one of the most powerful tools. Currently, nearly 40 per cent&nbsp;of pregnancies worldwide are unintended, which leads to a staggering 80 million births per year.

An increased focus on education around family planning, birth control, and improved access to contraceptives can help in population stabilisation.

<o:p></o:p>

Overpopulation and poverty

Poor people are often unable to afford or access education, depriving them of reaching prosperity for generations.

This is where the governments have to step in and make sure that everyone is provided education.

With an added emphasis on women’s education, we can reach higher levels of development and prosperity more effectively.

Ground Interventions in rural communities with High TFR districts like Project Aakar’s engagement and&nbsp;counselling drives and government population policy 2021-2030 are of high importance for sustainable development in the country.

The special emphasis on youth empowerment and education on family planning can go a long way in creating a viable and sustainable future for all.

Overpopulation continues to be a pressing issue globally. As per experts, the global population grows by more than 80 million people every year. Today, there are over 7.

Overpopulation continues to be a pressing issue globally. As per experts, the global population grows by more than 80 million people every year. Today, there are over 7.8 billion people living and the population is projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050. The impact of our growing numbers on environment, and non-renewable resources has multiplied to unsustainable levels. These consumption patterns can soon surpass our planets carrying capacity and ability to regenerate. Also read | World Environment School is geared toward shaping a future generation for a green planet Many account for overpopulation as an effect of high birth rates, along with low mortality rates due to advancements in medical fields leading to longer life spans. And the most pressing cause of all is the lack of education and awareness among females. With this unsustainable development, where are we headed? Will we ever be able to stabilise our population? Overpopulation in India India, with a current population of more than 1.39 billion, is projected to surpass China and be the most populous nation as early as 2027. Also read | Tackling climate change: New centre in India will impart training on circular economy Poverty and illiteracy have been the two major drivers of overpopulation in India. Poor families tend to overlook education as a key to improved living standards and instead believe that the greater family members they have, the greater their chances to earn a livelihood. Another issue adding to the overpopulation issue is the early marriage of girls, which is still prevailing in many parts of the country leading to girls having longer reproductive span and bearing more children. Women's education and empowerment in India For any society to develop, women need to play a central role. Their voices and participation are crucial to overcome patriarchal mindsets. Without education, women will have fewer opportunities. Poverty, unemployment and inequality are problems that cannot be solved by men alone and require women's participation. When it comes to women's empowerment, the men's participation is also important, as they also need to be aware of decisions that their family will take. The problems and inequalities between the genders are much greater in rural India. Ten years ago, the literacy rate for women in rural areas was only 58.8 per cent, while the national average was 65.46 per cent. Whereas the national average for men was over 82 per cent. For Indian families in rural areas, girls play the role of a second mother by doing household work. This can discourage them from going to school. This is where schemes like the Aakar project can be helpful for women. Education – Powerful tool stemming population growth Education is one of the most powerful tools. Currently, nearly 40 per cent of pregnancies worldwide are unintended, which leads to a staggering 80 million births per year. An increased focus on education around family planning, birth control, and improved access to contraceptives can help in population stabilisation. Overpopulation and poverty Poor people are often unable to afford or access education, depriving them of reaching prosperity for generations. This is where the governments have to step in and make sure that everyone is provided education. With an added emphasis on women’s education, we can reach higher levels of development and prosperity more effectively. Ground Interventions in rural communities with High TFR districts like Project Aakar’s engagement and counselling drives and government population policy 2021-2030 are of high importance for sustainable development in the country. The special emphasis on youth empowerment and education on family planning can go a long way in creating a viable and sustainable future for all.

Why education and empowerment are significant to population stabilisation?

Not before 2050 can India be able to provide its children a full course of primary schooling, a UNESCO report said. 
 
The Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report further said the country would achieve universal lower secondary education by 2060 and universal upper secondary education by 2085. 
 
The report said the existing education structure would have to be overhauled for the South Asian nation to meet its global education targets by 2030. 
 
?&quot;This means the country would be more than half a century late for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline,&quot; it added. 
 
The SDGs are a set of intergovernmental targets which aim to better the everyday life of millions of underprivileged people across the world. 
 
UNESCO last month stated there were 47 million children in the country who had dropped out of school. 
 
The Indian government has also published figures which states that six million children between the ages of 6 and 13 fall outside the country&#39;s education system.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

A report said the existing education structure would have to be overhauled for the country to meet its global education targets by 2030

Not before 2050 can India be able to provide its children a full course of primary schooling, a UNESCO report said. The Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report further said the country would achieve universal lower secondary education by 2060 and universal upper secondary education by 2085. The report said the existing education structure would have to be overhauled for the South Asian nation to meet its global education targets by 2030. ?"This means the country would be more than half a century late for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline," it added. The SDGs are a set of intergovernmental targets which aim to better the everyday life of millions of underprivileged people across the world. UNESCO last month stated there were 47 million children in the country who had dropped out of school. The Indian government has also published figures which states that six million children between the ages of 6 and 13 fall outside the country's education system. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India can't achieve education targets before 2085: UNESCO

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Chicken Biryani in School Meals? Tamil Nadu Government Weighs New Proposal

PM Modi Announces Exam Reform Task Force | Iran Tanker Blast | Ukraine War | Houthi Attack

Salman Khan backs CJP-Led student protest | Says NEET paper leak must not be politicised

Why education and empowerment are significant to population stabilisation?

India can't achieve education targets before 2085: UNESCO