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By India Today News Desk: India has surpassed China to become the world’s most populous nation with 142.86 crore people, according to the latest United Nations data. With the latest statistics, China now has a population of 142.57 crores, becoming the second most populous country.
The UN world population dashboard, UNFP, showed that 25 per cent of India’s population is ranged between the age group of 0-14 years, 18 per cent in the bracket of 10-19 years of age, 26 per cent in the age bracket of 10-24 years, 68 per cent in 15-64 years age group and 7 per cent above 65 years.
As per experts, Kerala and Punjab have an ageing population, while Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have a young population.
Several studies, carried out by different agencies, have shown that India’s population is expected to increase for nearly three decades before it peaks at 165 crores. It will then start to decline, as per reports.
ALSO READ | India to overtake China as world’s most populous country by mid-2023: UN report
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), India’s representative Andrea Wojnar said, “India’s 1.4 billion people must be seen as 1.4 billion opportunities.”
“As the country with the largest youth cohort — its 254 million youth (15-24 years) — can be a source of innovation, new thinking and lasting solutions.
“The trajectory can leapfrog forward if women and girls, in particular, are equipped with equal educational and skill building opportunities, access to technology and digital innovations, and most importantly with information and power to fully exercise their reproductive rights and choices,” the UN official said.
ALSO READ | China’s population shrinks for first time in over 60 years, deaths outnumber births in 2022
The UN official further said that ensuring gender equality, empowerment and advancing greater bodily autonomy for women and girls are the key determinants for a sustainable future.
“Women and girls should be at the centre of sexual and reproductive policies and programmes. When rights, choices and equal value of all people are truly respected and held, only then can we unlock a future of infinite possibilities,” Andrea Wojnar said.
ALSO READ | India set to overtake China as world’s most populous nation, says UN
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