12 Jul World Population Day 2024 and Population – Related Issues in India
( This article is related to the section ‘ Indian Constitution and Governance, Important International Organizations and Institutions, Important Authorities and National Commission for Women, Issues Related to Women, Role of Women ‘ under Mains Exam General Studies Paper-2 of UPSC Civil Services Exam and ‘ Population of India, World Population Day 2024, National Commission for Women , Fertility Rate of Women, Main Difference Between Birth and Death Rate in India ‘ under UPSC Preliminary Exam. It also includes suggestions from the PLUTUS IAS Team. This article is related to ‘ World Population Day 2024 and Issues Related to Population in India ‘ section under ‘ Daily Current Affairs ‘ .)
Why in the News ?
- Recently, World Population Day 2024 was observed on 11 July 2024 with the aim of raising awareness about global population issues and the importance of reproductive health and rights.
- This day was established by the United Nations in the year 1989 to celebrate 11 July every year as World Population Day.
Early history and development of World Population Day :
The initial history and evolution of World Population Day is as follows –
Beginning and development :
- On July 11, 1987, the world population was recorded at approximately 5 billion.
- This incident prompted Dr. K.C., a senior demographer of the World Bank. Zakaria, who suggested celebrating this day every year.
- Recognizing the challenges related to population, the United Nations appointed Dr. K.C. This suggestion of Zakaria was adopted and in the year 1989 it was officially established by declaring July 11 to be celebrated every year as World Population Day.
- Therefore, to increase awareness among people on the topic of global population growth, 11th July is celebrated every year as World Population Day.
Importance of World Population Day :
- The day aims to raise people’s awareness on various population issues such as family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health and importance of human rights etc.
- World Population Day focuses attention on the increasing population globally and the many problems arising from it and inspires to find solutions to them.
Theme of World Population Day 2024 :
- The theme of World Population Day 2024 is – “Leave no one behind, count everyone”
- World Population Day provides direction to governments, organizations and all people related to population in every country of the world on how they should work on population issues and make plans for them.
- This day focuses on the increasing population globally and the many problems arising from it and inspires to find solutions to them.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his statement on the theme of World Population Day 2024, highlighted the vital role of data in addressing population challenges and said it is essential to understand complex issues, design appropriate solutions and make meaningful progress. Investing in comprehensive data collection is extremely important.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said that accurate and inclusive data is the foundation on which any effective policies and programs are built.
Population related issues in India :
Following are the issues related to population in India –
Rapid increase in population :
- India is limited to only 2% of the world’s land area, but its population is 16% of the global population.
- India is currently on the verge of becoming the most populous country in the world and in the coming time, it will overtake China in terms of population.
Difference arising between birth and death rates in India :
- The population of India has been rapid growth in the last few decades.
- India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) may be declining at present.
- The total fertility rate in India at present is 2.2 per woman, which is close to the replacement rate of 2.1.
Education and population growth :
- Lack of education hinders women from using contraceptives and knowing the effects of having more children.
- The contribution of poverty and illiteracy in population explosion is very important.
- The total literacy rate in India at the all India level is approximately 77.7%, in which the literacy rate of males is higher than that of females.
- The level of education of women affects their fertility.
Unemployment :
- High youth unemployment in India is a demographic dividend, also known as ‘demographic dividend’. India’s youth unemployment is turning the demographic dividend into a demographic disaster.
- If the youth potential is equipped with appropriate education and skill training, they can also contribute effectively to the economic development of the country. But if the youth in India are equipped with quality education and skill training, then they will not only get suitable employment but they will also contribute to the economic development of the country. Can also contribute effectively to economic development.
- With this step, India can not only convert its available youth population into demographic dividend, but can also solve the problem of unemployment.
- It is necessary to pay attention to these issues from time to time and understand them and find solutions so that social and economic improvement can be possible in the development of our population.
Solution/ Way forward :
Following are some important guidelines or solutions to solve the problems of population growth in India and decide the way forward –
- To encourage family planning : Family planning is a major measure to stabilize population growth. Government, organizations, and society should take the responsibility of explaining the importance of population control and encouraging it.
- Advocating and promoting awareness of women’s sexual and reproductive rights : Women should be promoted to have awareness of and access to their sexual and reproductive rights.
- Encouraging the use of contraception in India : Promoting contraceptive use in India can help control the population.
- To encourage sustainable development in the field of health along with economic development : Ensuring economic growth in the health sector is essential to reduce poverty in India, promote gender equality and increase public access to health services. With this the problems of population growth in India can be solved.
- With these guidelines, we can work together to understand and solve the problems of population growth in India.
Source – The Hindu and PIB.
Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 12th July 2024
Practice Questions for Preliminary Exam :
Q.1. Consider the following statements regarding World Population Day.
- World Population Day is celebrated to raise awareness among people on the subject of global population growth.
- The theme of World Population Day 2024 is – Leave no one behind, count everyone.
- On the suggestion of Dr. K.C. Zakaria, the United Nations declared to celebrate 11 July every year as World Population Day..
- On July 1, 1989, the world population was recorded at around 5 billion.
Which of the above statement/statements is/are correct ?
A. Only 1, 2 and 3
B. Only 1, 2 and 4.
C. Only 2, 3 and 4.
D. All of the above.
Answer – A
Practice Questions for Main Exam :
Q.1. What do you understand by demographic dividend? Outline the various problems related to population growth in India and discuss in detail its remedial measures. ( UPSC – 2021 Word Limit – 250 Marks – 15 )
Qualified Preliminary and Main Examination ( Written ) and Shortlisted for Personality Test (INTERVIEW) three times Of UPSC CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION in the year of 2017, 2018 and 2020. Shortlisted for Personality Test (INTERVIEW) of 64th and 67th BPSC CIVIL SERVICES.
M. A M. Phil and Ph. D From (SLL & CS) JAWAHARLAL NEHRU UNIVERSITY, NEW DELHI.
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