Bengaluru city’s first digital population clock, which displays real-time estimates of the population of Karnataka and India, was inaugurated at the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC).

Population Clock Features

• The clock is strategically placed at the entrance of ISEC to enhance public awareness of India’s rapid population growth.
• Real-time Population Count: Continuously updates the population based on real-time data, providing an up-to-the-minute view of the population size.
  • Karnataka’s population will update every one minute and 10 seconds, while the national population count will refresh every two seconds.
• Demographic Data: Incorporates birth rates, death rates, and migration patterns to calculate the changes in population. 
  • Also account for other demographic factors such as life expectancy, fertility rates, and mortality rates.
• Global vs. National Clocks: Digital population clocks can be global (tracking the world’s population) or country-specific.

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Project Collaboration and Objectives

• The population clock is a joint initiative between ISEC and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
• This clock is part of a larger national project by the MoHFW, setting up population clocks at 18 Population Research Centres (PRCs) across the country.
• Objective: It is aimed at raising public awareness on population growth and its implications for sustainable development.
• Significance: Intended to provide valuable, authentic data for researchers and scholars interested in demographic trends.

Establishment of Census Data Research Workstation

• Alongside the clock, a Census Data Research Workstation has been set up at ISEC, also overseen by the head of the Population Research Centre (PRC) at ISEC.
• The workstation offers access to comprehensive census data for researchers and students, enabling in-depth demographic studies and supporting policy planning.
• Equipped with advanced software and analytical tools, it facilitates detailed analysis of population trends and their impact on policy and development.

About Population Research Centres (PRCs)

• Established by:  the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
• Mandate: Provide research-based inputs for Health and Family Welfare Programs and Policies.
• Focus areas: Family planning, demographic research, biological studies, and qualitative aspects of population control.
• Research objectives:
  • Understand population trends and dynamics.
  • Evaluate the impact of family planning programs.
  • Identify factors influencing fertility and mortality.
  • Develop evidence-based recommendations for policy and program implementation.
• Activities:
  • Conduct original research studies.
  • Analyze existing data and literature.
  • Disseminate research findings through publications and presentations.
  • Collaborate with other researchers and institutions.
  • Provide technical assistance to government agencies and NGOs.
• Network: 18 PRCs across India, located in universities and research institutes.

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• Contributions:
  • Inform policy decisions and program design.
  • Strengthen the evidence base for population and health interventions.
  • Build capacity in population research and analysis.