UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Indian Society)

Context: India's population is estimated to have reached 1.44 billion, with 24 per cent in the 0-14 age bracket, according to a recent report by the UNFPA.

Key Point of State of World Population - 2024 Report

• India leads globally with an estimated population of 1.44 billion, followed by China at 1.425 billion, according to the report.
• India's population was recorded at 1.21 billion during the last census, conducted in 2011.
• The report further detailed that an estimated 24 per cent of India's population is aged 0-14 while 17 per cent is within the 10-19 age range.
• The segment aged 10-24 is estimated to constitute 26 per cent, with the 15-64 age group making up 68 per cent. Additionally, 7 per cent of India's population is aged 65 years and above, with men having a life expectancy of 71 years and women 74 years.

United Nations Population Fund

• About: It is an international development agency dedicated to addressing population and sexual and reproductive health issues.
• Establishment: 1968

oUNFPA has been operating in India since 1974.

• Mission: To advocate for a world where every pregnancy is desired, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is realized.
• Renaming: Originally known as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), it was officially renamed the United Nations Population Fund in 1987, while retaining its original abbreviation.
• Headquarters: New York, United States.
• Areas of Focus: UNFPA funds assistance, research, and advocacy programs primarily in three major areas: reproductive health (including family planning and safe motherhood), population issues (in both developed and developing countries), and women's status (addressing the gender gap in education).
• Program Implementation: UNFPA assistance programs are initiated and carried out in response to requests from governments, ensuring alignment with national priorities and strategies.