Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Freedom of speech and reasonable restrictions
Mains level: Global population trends
Central idea: India is set to overtake China as the world’s most populous country by mid-2023, according to data released by the United Nations.
State of World Population Report
- The report is an annual report published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which provides a global overview of population trends and issues.
- The report covers a wide range of topics related to the population, such as fertility, mortality, migration, family planning, and gender equality.
- It also includes analysis and recommendations for policymakers and governments to address population challenges and promote sustainable development.
- The report is widely regarded as a key reference for researchers, policymakers, and international organizations working on population and development issues.
Highlights of the 2023 report
Facts |
Data |
| World Population (2022) | 8 billion |
| Most populous regions | Eastern and Southeastern Asia, Central and Southern Asia |
| World Population Growth Rate (since 2020) | Less than 1% |
| Fertility Rate (replacement level) | 2.1 children per woman |
| Population aged 65 years or above (2050) | 16% |
| Persons aged 65 years and above (2050) | More than double that of 5-year-olds and same as 12-year-olds |
| Regions with fertility rate at or below 2.1 | 60% |
| Top countries accounting for global population increase by 2050 | DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Tanzania |
Population anxieties in India
| Facts | |
| India’s population | India is now the most populous country in the world, having overtaken China in population, with 1,428.6 million people. |
| Age distribution | 68% of India’s population belongs to the 15-64 years category, and 26% in the 10-24 years group, making India one of the youngest countries in the world. |
| Fertility rate | National Family Health 5 Survey (2019-21) found that India attained a Total Fertility Rate of 2.0 for the first time, less than the replacement level of 2.1, falling from 2.2 in NFHS 4 (2015-16). |
| Life expectancy | Life expectancy for men in India is 71 years, the same as the global life expectancy, while it is marginally lower for women at 74 years. |
| Population growth | India’s population growth rate has decreased from 2.3% in 1972 to less than 1% now. |
| Demographic dividend | With 68% of its population as youth, and working population, India could have one of the largest workforces in the world, giving it a global advantage. |
Way forward
The UNFPA report strongly recommended that governments introduce policies with gender equality and rights at their heart to address changing demographics. These recommendations include:
- Parental leave programs: Introducing parental leave programs that provide paid leave to both mothers and fathers after the birth or adoption of a child. This can help promote gender equality in the workplace and support families in raising children.
- Child tax credits: Providing tax credits or financial support to families with children to help them meet the costs of raising children. This can help address child poverty and support families in providing for their children’s basic needs.
- Policies to promote gender equality at workplace: Implementing policies and practices that promote gender equality in the workplace, such as equal pay for equal work, flexible work arrangements, and anti-discrimination policies.
- Universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights: Ensuring that all people have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, maternal health services, etc. This can help prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce maternal mortality, and promote the health and well-being of individuals and families.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
