With 142.86 crore people, India has surpassed China to become the world's most populous nation, according to the latest United Nations data. China, with a population of 142.57 crore, is the second most populous country, the latest statistics show.

The data from UN agency UNFP shows that 25 per cent of India's population is in the 0-14 age bracket and 18 per cent in the 10-19 age group. About 26 per cent of India's population is in the 10-24 age bracket and 68 per cent in the 15-64 age bracket. Seven per cent of the country's population is above 65 years of age.

Kerala and Punjab have an ageing population, while Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have a younger population, say experts.

Several studies, carried out by different agencies, have shown that India's population is expected to increase for nearly three decades before it peaks at 165 crores. It will then start to decline, as per reports.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) India's representative Andrea Wojnar says, "India's 1.4 billion people must be seen as 1.4 billion opportunities."

"The trajectory can leapfrog forward if women and girls, in particular, are equipped with equal educational and skill-building opportunities, access to technology and digital innovations, and most importantly with information and power to fully exercise their reproductive rights and choices," the UN official said.

Wojnar further said that ensuring gender equality, empowerment and advancing greater bodily autonomy for women and girls are the key determinants for a sustainable future.

"Women and girls should be at the centre of sexual and reproductive policies and programmes. When rights, choices and equal value of all people are truly respected and held, only then can we unlock a future of infinite possibilities," Wojnar added.

Image courtesy: AFP