Why in NEWS
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has released its State of World Population (SOWP) 2025 report titled “The Real Fertility Crisis”, confirming India as the world’s most populous country. The report highlights declining fertility rates, regional disparities, and challenges to reproductive autonomy, urging governments to move away from population control narratives and support people’s reproductive choices.
Key Concepts and Definitions
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Total Fertility Rate (TFR) | The average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years. |
| Reproductive Autonomy | The ability of individuals to make informed decisions about reproduction without pressure or limitations. |
| Dependency Ratio | The ratio of dependents (aged below 15 and above 64) to the working-age population (15–64 years). |
| UNFPA | The United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health, working to ensure safe pregnancies and rights-based population planning. |
News Summary
The UNFPA’s 2025 report emphasizes that the true global challenge is not overpopulation but the unmet fertility goals of individuals. India, with a projected population of 146.39 crore in April 2025, has a TFR of 1.9—below the replacement level of 2.1. However, large inter-state disparities persist, with some states like Bihar and UP showing much higher fertility. Barriers such as job insecurity, poor maternal care, and housing issues continue to hinder reproductive freedom.
Key India-Specific Highlights from SOWP 2025
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | 146.39 crore in 2025; will peak at 170 crore by 2060s |
| Life Expectancy | 71 years (men), 74 years (women) |
| TFR | 1.9 nationally; Bihar (3.0), UP (2.7), Kerala (1.6) |
| Working-age (15–64) | 68% of total population |
| Youth Demographics | 26% are aged 10–24 |
| Elderly (65+) | 7% of population |
Barriers to Reproductive Autonomy
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Financial | 40% cite financial instability as a barrier |
| Housing & Employment | 22% and 21% face housing and job insecurity |
| Health Concerns | 13% affected by infertility; 14% by poor maternal care |
| Social & Psychological | 19% report social pressure; concerns over climate, politics, and economy deter childbearing |
| Childcare Burden | 18% cite childcare as a limiting factor |
Recommendations for India
| Recommendation | Focus |
|---|---|
| Prioritise Reproductive Rights | Ensure universal access to contraceptives, infertility care, and safe abortion |
| Expand Services to All Groups | Include unmarried, LGBTQIA+, and marginalized individuals |
| Address Structural Barriers | Tackle issues like job insecurity, housing, and lack of childcare |
| Data Improvement | Strengthen collection of data on unmet fertility needs |
| Promote Social Norm Change | Drive gender equality and shift perceptions through community engagement |
Key Demographic Indicators of India
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Age | 28.2 years |
| Working-age Population | 961 million (68%) |
| Literacy (NFHS-5) | Men: 87.4%, Women: 71.5% |
| Overall Literacy (15+) | 77.7% |
| Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) | Male: 78.8%, Female: 41.7%, Total: 60.1% |
| Dependency Ratio | 47% |
| Population in Climate-Risk Zones | Over 80% |
| NCDs & Mental Health | 20% have NCDs; 15% face mental health issues |
About UNFPA
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 1969 (as UN Fund for Population Activities); renamed UNFPA in 1987 |
| Scope | Operates in over 150 countries |
| Mission | Ensure every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled |
| Guiding Framework | ICPD Programme of Action (1994) and Nairobi Statement (2019) |
| Focus SDGs | SDG 3 (Health), SDG 4 (Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) |
| 3 Transformative Goals | Zero unmet need for family planning, zero preventable maternal deaths, and zero gender-based violence |
| Structure & Funding | Guided by ECOSOC, reports to UNDP/UNFPA Executive Board; funded through voluntary contributions |
In a Nutshell
Mnemonic: “FIND CARE”
Fertility rate decline
Inequality across states
Needs unmet in reproductive health
Demographic advantage
Climate risks and childcare burden
Autonomy restricted
Recommend rights-based policies
Equality for all groups
Prelims Practice Questions
- According to UNFPA’s 2025 report, what is India’s current Total Fertility Rate (TFR)?
A. 2.5
B. 2.1
C. 1.9
D. 1.6 - Which of the following is not listed as a barrier to reproductive autonomy in India according to the UNFPA report?
A. Financial insecurity
B. Childcare responsibilities
C. Political instability in neighbouring countries
D. Infertility and maternal health concerns - The UNFPA is primarily concerned with:
A. Trade and Development
B. Reproductive Health and Rights
C. Industrialisation in Developing Countries
D. Population Control Policies
Mains Practice Questions
- “India must shift from population control to reproductive empowerment.” Critically analyse this statement in light of the UNFPA SOWP 2025 report. (GS Paper 2 – Governance)
- How do regional inequalities in fertility impact India’s demographic dividend? Suggest policy measures to address them. (GS Paper 1 – Society)
Answers with Explanation (Prelims)
| Q No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | The UNFPA report states India’s TFR has dropped to 1.9, below the replacement level. |
| 2 | C | While internal issues like finance, health, and social pressure are listed, instability in neighbouring countries is not. |
| 3 | B | UNFPA focuses on sexual and reproductive health and rights, not population control. |
