Every year on 11th July, the world observes World Population Day, a United Nations initiative aimed at raising awareness about global population issues such as overpopulation, reproductive health, family planning, and sustainable development.
✅ UPSC Relevance: Population issues are part of GS Paper 1 (Geography, Society), GS Paper 2 (Welfare schemes), and GS Paper 3 (Environment, Sustainable Development).
Established by: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
First observed: 1989, inspired by the Day of Five Billion (11 July 1987), the day world population reached 5 billion.
Purpose: Promote awareness around population growth and its social, economic, and environmental impact.
🌐 Theme of World Population Day 2025
🔎 Theme(Expected/Official, update from UNFPA when released): “Investing in Youth: Empowering the Next Generation”
This theme emphasizes the importance of education, employment, and healthcare access for young people in shaping a sustainable future.
📊 Current Population Trends (2025)
Global Population: Over 8.1 billion (as per UN projections).
India’s Population: Now the most populous country, surpassing China.
Major concerns:
Youth unemployment
Gender inequality in health services
Migration and urban slums
Pressure on resources
🇮🇳 India & Population Issues
Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Now below replacement level (2.0)
Population control measures:
Family Welfare Programme
Mission Parivar Vikas
National Population Policy (2000)
Challenges:
Regional disparities
Population dividend vs burden
Infrastructure strain in urban areas
📌 UPSC Angle: Analyze whether India’s demographic dividend is turning into a demographic disaster.
📖 UPSC Mains Answer Writing Angle
GS Paper 1 (Society): “Discuss the demographic challenges faced by India in the context of declining fertility and aging population.”
GS Paper 2/3 (Policy + Sustainable Development): “Critically examine the role of government schemes in controlling population growth in India.”
📢 Important UPSC Keywords
Demographic Dividend
TFR (Total Fertility Rate)
Population Pyramid
Youth Bulge
Ageing Population
Urbanization
Reproductive Rights
Family Planning
💬 Quotes for Essay / GS Answers
“Population is not just numbers, but people with rights and needs.” – UNFPA
“Development is the best contraceptive.” – Dr. Karan Singh
🧠 Conclusion
World Population Day is not just about statistics, but about understanding how human numbers affect our future. For UPSC aspirants, it’s an opportunity to link global issues with India’s developmental policies, and write meaningful answers or essays on population control, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
Here’s a complete guide on Population – UPSC Topic relevant for Prelims, Mains, Essay, and Interview, with keywords, facts, and PYQs (previous year questions).
📘 Population – UPSC Notes (Geography & Society)
📌 UPSC Relevance:
GS Paper 1: Indian Society (Population, Urbanization, Globalization)
GS Paper 2: Welfare Schemes, Health, Demographics
GS Paper 3: Sustainable Development, Resource Pressure, Migration
Essay: Demographic Trends, Youth Power, Population Challenges
Prelims: Census Data, Definitions, Schemes
🧠 Important Terms & Definitions(Prelims Focus)
Term
Meaning
TFR (Total Fertility Rate)
Average number of children per woman
Population Density
Number of people per sq km
Sex Ratio
Females per 1000 males
Dependency Ratio
Ratio of dependents (0-14 & 65+) to working-age (15-64)
Demographic Dividend
Economic benefit from a large working-age population
Population Explosion
Rapid and unchecked increase in population
📊 India’s Population Highlights (as per latest reports)
India is now the most populous country – ~1.43 billion (2025)
TFR: Declined to below replacement level (2.0)
Urban Population: Over 35%, rising steadily
Sex Ratio: ~1020 females per 1000 males (per NFHS-5)
Youth (15-24 years): Over 230 million – critical for Demographic Dividend
🌐 Population Issues in India
✔️ Positive Aspects
Large working-age population
Potential for economic growth & innovation
Rich cultural and demographic diversity
❌ Challenges
Unemployment and underemployment
Strain on health, education, and housing
Resource depletion and pollution
Migration to cities → urban slums
Aging population in the future
🛠 Government Measures & Schemes
Scheme
Objective
National Population Policy 2000
Achieve TFR of 2.1, promote reproductive health
Mission Parivar Vikas
Improve family planning in high-TFR districts
Ayushman Bharat
Improve health access
National Health Mission (NHM)
Maternal and child health services
📖 Previous Year Questions – UPSC Mains
2021 (GS 1): “The demographic dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and employed.” Discuss.
2015 (GS 1): “Discuss the changing trends in the sex-ratio of India.”
2013 (Essay): “Is the growing population of India a curse or boon?”
🧩 Population & Sustainable Development (GS 3)
Link with SDGs (Goal 3: Good Health, Goal 11: Sustainable Cities)
Population pressure vs. resource conservation
Role of education & women empowerment in controlling growth
💡 Answer Writing Tips for Mains
Use data from Census, NFHS, NITI Aayog
Add diagrams: Population pyramid, maps
Include case studies (Kerala’s success, China’s one-child policy vs India’s approach)
Balance pros and cons: Demographic dividend vs disaster
📝 Essay Topics for Practice
“India’s Population: A Boon or a Burden?”
“Empowering Youth for Sustainable Demographic Future”
“Population Control and Reproductive Rights – The Balancing Act”
