According to the United Nations (UN) population estimates, this year, the population of India surpassed or will surpass that of China. Since 1950, the year the UN began keeping track of population data, China has been the most populous country. In the forthcoming decades, perhaps even centuries, this position will belong to India. A key question that has resurfaced in this background is whether the large population is the bane of the Indian economy or boon for it. Two relevant questions In answering this question, the common practice is to compare India to China. But this is wholly misleading since the policy histories of the two countries are vastly different, China is a much richer country today than India. This means that even if it is at a disadvantage purely in terms of the composition of its population - for example, those 65 years or older make 13% of its population against only 7% of India's - it may be better placed to take care of its elderly. The right way to pose the question therefore is not a comparison with China but to ask whether on a net basis a younger and larger population is more beneficial than an older and smaller population for the country. These are two distinct questions with the first relating to the composition and the second to the size of the population. As such, they must be considered separately in succession. Young demography helps It should be relatively uncontroversial that the advantages of a young population far outweigh its disadvantages. First, a younger population translates in a proportionately large workforce and therefore higher gross domestic product (GDP) given the technology and volume of capital available. Second, given that the young save more than the old, a younger population also translates in higher saving and therefore higher investment. The higher investment further adds to the GDP. Finally, a younger population brings greater energy and vibrancy to a nation, leading to more innovation and its greater exploitation. A concern commonly expressed about a younger population is that it leads to greater unemployment. But the unemployment rate depends on policies, which surely do not depend on the age composition of the population. Underemployment challenge Factually, the unemployment rate in India has been consistently low in the 3-5% range. As I have argued in numerous writings, unemployment is not India's problem, it is underemployment. On this score, the output per worker has seen a clear rising trend (meaning declining underemployment) alongside rising workforce in the post-reform era. What is needed is acceleration in this trend. That in turn required further policy reform, not the older population. Turning to the size question, I would argue that the benefits of a larger population also far outweigh its costs. There are vast benefits arising from economies of scale in the provision of public goods. Takes, for example, India's digital infrastructure. Once this infrastructure is created, it is there for all to use.

Question

According to the United Nations (UN) population estimates, this year, the population of India surpassed or will surpass that of China. Since 1950, the year the UN began keeping track of population data, China has been the most populous country. In the forthcoming decades, perhaps even centuries, this position will belong to India. A key question that has resurfaced in this background is whether the large population is the bane of the Indian economy or boon for it.  Two relevant questions  In answering this question, the common practice is to compare India to China. But this is wholly misleading since the policy histories of the two countries are vastly different, China is a much richer country today than India. This means that even if it is at a disadvantage purely in terms of the composition of its population - for example, those 65 years or older make 13% of its population against only 7% of India's - it may be better placed to take care of its elderly.  The right way to pose the question therefore is not a comparison with China but to ask whether on a net basis a younger and larger population is more beneficial than an older and smaller population for the country.  These are two distinct questions with the first relating to the composition and the second to the size of the population. As such, they must be considered separately in succession. Young demography helps  It should be relatively uncontroversial that the advantages of a young population far outweigh its disadvantages. First, a younger population translates in a proportionately large workforce and therefore higher gross domestic product (GDP) given the technology and volume of capital available.  Second, given that the young save more than the old, a younger population also translates in higher saving and therefore higher investment. The higher investment further adds to the GDP. Finally, a younger population brings greater energy and vibrancy to a nation, leading to more innovation and its greater exploitation.  A concern commonly expressed about a younger population is that it leads to greater unemployment. But the unemployment rate depends on policies, which surely do not depend on the age composition of the population.  Underemployment challenge  Factually, the unemployment rate in India has been consistently low in the 3-5% range. As I have argued in numerous writings, unemployment is not India's problem, it is underemployment. On this score, the output per worker has seen a clear rising trend (meaning declining underemployment) alongside rising workforce in the post-reform era. What is needed is acceleration in this trend. That in turn required further policy reform, not the older population.  Turning to the size question, I would argue that the benefits of a larger population also far outweigh its costs. There are vast benefits arising from economies of scale in the provision of public goods. Takes, for example, India's digital infrastructure. Once this infrastructure is created, it is there for all to use.

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\(\text{The Politics of Change}\)	\(\text{The Change in Politics}\)	\(\text{Politics and Change:}\) A Global Perspective}
In "The Politics of Change," political analyst Dr. Emily Harper examines the dynamics of social movements and their impact on policy reform. Through detailed case studies, she explores how grassroots organizations, protests, and advocacy campaigns shape public opinion and influence lawmakers. Dr. Harper provides insights into the strategies that successful movements employ and discusses the challenges they face in a complex political landscape. She discusses key strategies, such as coalition-building, media engagement, and the use of digital platforms to amplify voices.	This book by veteran journalist Mark Stevens investigates the shifting political landscape in the 21st century. Focusing on major elections, emerging political parties, and the role of social media, Stevens analyzes how technology and demographics are transforming political engagement and voter behaviour. Through interviews with political leaders, campaign strategists, and everyday voters, Stevens uncovers how demographic shifts and technological advancements are reshaping political discourse in urban areas. He analyzes the implications of these changes for traditional political institutions and explores how movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter have disrupted conventional narratives.	In this insightful work, international relations scholar Dr. Anika Patel presents a global analysis of political change across various regions. She explores the factors that drive political transitions, including economic shifts, cultural movements, and international influences. Dr. Patel emphasizes the interconnectedness of global politics and how local changes can have far-reaching implications. She analyzes various factors driving political transitions, including economic upheaval, cultural shifts, and the impact of globalization. She provides case studies from diverse regions, such as the Arab Spring, democratic movements in Latin America, and shifts in power in Asia. The book serves as a vital resource for understanding the complexities of political evolution in a rapidly changing world.

In the passage there are references to two different questions. They are related to:
(A) Composition
(B) Size of the population
(C) Technology and volume
(D) Unemployment
Find the most approprite options:

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

According to the writer how China is better placed to take care of its elderly ?

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Person not having sufficiently demanding paid work is :

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The synonym of 'Bane' is :

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The one word substitution for " thing that is helpful or beneficial" or which is a fovour is :-

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Top Questions on Reading Comprehension

Questions Asked in CUET PG exam

In the passage there are references to two different questions. They are related to: (A) Composition (B) Size of the population (C) Technology and volume (D) Unemployment Find the most approprite options:

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

According to the writer how China is better placed to take care of its elderly ?

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Person not having sufficiently demanding paid work is :

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The synonym of 'Bane' is :

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The one word substitution for " thing that is helpful or beneficial" or which is a fovour is :-

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Top Questions on Reading Comprehension

Questions Asked in CUET PG exam

In the passage there are references to two different questions. They are related to:
(A) Composition
(B) Size of the population
(C) Technology and volume
(D) Unemployment
Find the most approprite options: