The paper highlights the higher education (HE) landscape in India, which has witnessed an expansionary path since 2000 and presently emerges as one of the largest HE systems globally, is a laggard in terms of Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) with respect to G20 nations. The policy framework for HE in India since 1968, has been inclusive with provisions for the marginalised segments. Still, there is an urgent need to enhance the capacity at the institutional rather than at the university level, at the districts in India. This will address the regional imbalances and aid in reaping this populous nation's demographic dividend. It is a given that India will not only miss Target 4.3 - for the Sustainable Development Goal to be envisaged by 2030, but also unlikely to achieve the 50% target of GER by 2035, laid out by National Education Policy 2020.

Indian Whiskies Market Outlook

The global Indian whiskies market size is currently valued at approximately $23 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a staggering $35 billion by 2032, exhibiting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.75% over the forecast period. The burgeoning growth in this market can largely be attributed to the increasing global demand for premium and luxury spirits. A growing acceptance of whisky as a versatile spirit, coupled with India's rich heritage in whisky production, has amplified interest in both domestic and international markets. Key factors driving this market include the rising disposable incomes, changing consumer preferences towards premium beverages, and the influence of western culture, which collectively have played a significant role in shaping the market dynamics.

The growth of the Indian whiskies market is underpinned by a variety of cultural, economic, and social factors. The Indian whisky market benefits immensely from India's vast population and its demographic dividend, with a significant percentage of young consumers entering the legal drinking age every year. This young demographic is not only inclined towards experimenting with different whisky brands but is also more receptive to premium and international whiskies. Moreover, rapid urbanization has led to the proliferation of modern trade channels like supermarkets and hypermarkets, which makes it easier for consumers to access a wider variety of whiskies. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce platforms has significantly contributed to the market expansion by offering consumers the convenience of online shopping, diverse product options, and competitive pricing, thereby expanding the market reach.

International tourism and globalization have also played a crucial role in the growth of the Indian whiskies market. The influx of international tourists seeking authentic Indian experiences has led to an increased consumption of Indian whiskies. Additionally, Indian whiskies have started to make a mark on the global stage, with a number of brands winning accolades and being recognized for their unique flavors and quality. This international recognition has not only boosted exports but has also enhanced the brand image of Indian whiskies in the domestic market, prompting a surge in demand from local consumers who are now more willing to experiment and invest in premium brands. Furthermore, the rising trend of whisky appreciation clubs and tasting events has fostered a culture of whisky connoisseurship, further enhancing consumer engagement and interest in this segment.

From a regional perspective, India remains the dominant market for Indian whiskies, driven by its large consumer base and increasing disposable incomes. However, the market is witnessing significant growth in other regions as well, particularly in Asia Pacific and North America. The Asia Pacific region, with its increasing urbanization, evolving lifestyles, and growing middle-class population, presents lucrative opportunities for market expansion. North America, on the other hand, is experiencing a growing affinity for Indian whiskies, fueled by the increasing popularity of craft and premium spirits among whisky enthusiasts. Furthermore, the Middle East & Africa and Europe are also observing a steady rise in Indian whisky imports, bolstered by an expanding consumer base interested in diverse and exotic spirit options.

Product Type Analysis

The Indian whiskies market is segmented into various product types, including Single Malt, Blended Malt, Grain Whisky, and others, each contributing uniquely to the market dynamics. Single Malt whiskies, known for their distinct character and rich flavors, have been gaining prominence among whisky aficionados. This segment is primarily driven by the increasing consumer inclination towards high-quality, artisanal beverages that offer a unique tasting experience. The allure of single malts lies in their complex flavor profiles, derived from using malted barley as the sole grain ingredient and being produced at a single distillery. As consumers become more knowledgeable and discerning about their whisky choices, the demand for single malts is expected to witness a significant upsurge, reflecting a shift towards premiumization in the market.

Single Malt Whiskey has carved a niche for itself in the Indian whiskies market, attracting a dedicated following among connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Known for its rich and complex flavor profiles, Single Malt Whiskey is

India's working-age population constituted over ** percent of its total population in 2011 and was expected to grow until 2031. By 2036, a decline is expected in the share of working population from **** percent in 2031 to **** percent in 2036.

Abstract

South Asia Regional Flagship: More and Better Jobs in South Asia

Employment is a major issue throughout the world. To enjoy life, people need productive jobs that remove them from the daily struggle of making ends meet. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), as many as 30 million people lost their jobs as a result of the 2008 crisis. Youth unemployment is especially high and inequality has increased. As recent events in the Middle East and North Africa demonstrate, joblessness and inequality can trigger political instability and unrest.

When the World Bank South Asia Region decided to initiate a yearly Flagship Report series, it was clear that the very first report needed to concentrate on the important topic of More and Better Jobs in South Asia. Although one of the fastest growing regions, South Asia is still home to the largest number of the world's poor and the pace of creating productive jobs has lagged behind economic growth. Conflict and social and gender issues also increase the challenge of generating more and more productive jobs. Without urgent action, the potential for the demographic dividend from about 150 million entrants to the labor force over the next decade may not be realized.

The Flagship seeks to answer four questions, which could have implications beyond South Asia. - How is South Asia performing in creating more and better jobs? - Where are the better jobs? - What are constraints in supply and demand in moving towards better jobs? - How does conflict affect job creation?

Geographic coverage

National

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

In 2022, India overtook China as the world's most populous country and now has almost 1.46 billion people. China now has the second-largest population in the world, still with just over 1.4 billion inhabitants, however, its population went into decline in 2023. Global population As of 2025, the world's population stands at almost 8.2 billion people and is expected to reach around 10.3 billion people in the 2080s, when it will then go into decline. Due to improved healthcare, sanitation, and general living conditions, the global population continues to increase; mortality rates (particularly among infants and children) are decreasing and the median age of the world population has steadily increased for decades. As for the average life expectancy in industrial and developing countries, the gap has narrowed significantly since the mid-20th century. Asia is the most populous continent on Earth; 11 of the 20 largest countries are located there. It leads the ranking of the global population by continent by far, reporting four times as many inhabitants as Africa. The Demographic Transition The population explosion over the past two centuries is part of a phenomenon known as the demographic transition. Simply put, this transition results from a drastic reduction in mortality, which then leads to a reduction in fertility, and increase in life expectancy; this interim period where death rates are low and birth rates are high is where this population explosion occurs, and population growth can remain high as the population ages. In today's most-developed countries, the transition generally began with industrialization in the 1800s, and growth has now stabilized as birth and mortality rates have re-balanced. Across less-developed countries, the stage of this transition varies; for example, China is at a later stage than India, which accounts for the change in which country is more populous - understanding the demographic transition can help understand the reason why China's population is now going into decline. The least-developed region is Sub-Saharan Africa, where fertility rates remain close to pre-industrial levels in some countries. As these countries transition, they will undergo significant rates of population growth

White noise tests for error series of three age periods for China, India and Vietnam.

In 2023, it is estimated that the BRICS countries have a combined population of 3.25 billion people, which is over 40 percent of the world population. The majority of these people live in either China or India, which have a population of more than 1.4 billion people each, while the other three countries have a combined population of just under 420 million. Comparisons Although the BRICS countries are considered the five foremost emerging economies, they are all at various stages of the demographic transition and have different levels of population development. For all of modern history, China has had the world's largest population, but rapidly dropping fertility and birth rates in recent decades mean that its population growth has slowed. In contrast, India's population growth remains much higher, and it is expected to overtake China in the next few years to become the world's most populous country. The fastest growing population in the BRICS bloc, however, is that of South Africa, which is at the earliest stage of demographic development. Russia, is the only BRICS country whose population is currently in decline, and it has been experiencing a consistent natural decline for most of the past three decades. Growing populations = growing opportunities Between 2000 and 2026, the populations of the BRICS countries is expected to grow by 625 million people, and the majority of this will be in India and China. As the economies of these two countries grow, so too do living standards and disposable income; this has resulted in the world's two most populous countries emerging as two of the most profitable markets in the world. China, sometimes called the "world's factory" has seen a rapid growth in its middle class, increased potential of its low-tier market, and its manufacturing sector is now transitioning to the production of more technologically advanced and high-end goods to meet its domestic demand.

Data set of a community based cross-sectional survey done to find the prevalence , its correlates and patterns in a population of a district in southern Kerala, IndiaBackground: Multi-morbidity is the coexistence of multiple chronic conditions in the same individual. With advancing epidemiological and demographic transitions, the burden of multi-morbidity is expected to increase India. The state of Kerala in India is also in an advanced phase of epidemiological transition. However, very limited data on prevalence of multi-morbidity are available in the Kerala population.

Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among 410 participants in the age group of 30-69 years. A multi-stage cluster sampling method was employed to identify the study participants. Every eligible participant in the household were interviewed to assess the household prevalence. A structured interview schedule was used to assess socio-demographic variables, behavioral risk factors and prevailing clinical conditions, PHQ-9 questionnaire for screening of depression and active measurement of blood sugar and blood pressure. Co-existence of two or more conditions out of 11 was used as multi-morbidity case definition. Bivariate analyses were done to understand the association between socio-demographic factors and multi-morbidity. Logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the effect size of these variables on multi-morbidity.

Results: Overall, the prevalence of multi-morbidity was 45.4% (95% CI: 40.5-50.3%). Nearly a quarter of study participants (25.4%) reported only one chronic condition (21.3-29.9%). Further, 30.7% (26.3-35.5), 10.7% (7.9-14.2), 3.7% (2.1-6.0) and 0.2% reported two, three, four and five chronic conditions, respectively. Nearly seven out of ten households (72%, 95%CI: 65-78%) had at least one person in the household with multi-morbidity and one in five households (22%, 95%CI: 16.7-28.9%) had more than one person with multi-morbidity. With every year increase in age, the propensity for multi-morbidity increased by 10 percent (OR=1.1; 95% CI: 1.1-1.2). Males and participants with low levels of education were less likely to suffer from multi-morbidity while unemployed and who do recommended level of physical activity were significantly more likely to suffer from multi-morbidity. Diabetes and hypertension was the most frequent dyad.

Conclusion: One of two participants in the productive age group of 30-69 years report multi-morbidity. Further, seven of ten households have at least one person with multi-morbidity. Preventive and management guidelines for chronic non-communicable conditions should focus on multi-morbidity especially in the older age group. Health-care systems that function within the limits of vertical disease management and episodic care (e.g., maternal health, tuberculosis, malaria, cardiovascular disease, mental health etc.) require optimal re-organization and horizontal integration of care across disease domains in managing people with multiple chronic conditions.

Key words: Multi-morbidity, cross-sectional, household, active measurement, rural, India, pattern

India Neonatal and Prenatal Devices Market size was valued at USD 655 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1344 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2024 to 2031.

High Birth Rate and Large Pediatric Population: India’s significant demographic dividend, driven by its substantial young population, underscores the critical need for advanced neonatal and prenatal healthcare technologies. In 2020, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported 25.9 million live births, with an annual birth rate of 2.6%. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) further emphasizes the importance of addressing the healthcare needs of this growing demographic to ensure better health outcomes.

Improved healthcare infrastructure and government initiatives: Particularly in maternal health, are driving significant advancements in healthcare services. Between 2018 and 2022, the Government of India increased the healthcare budget allocation for maternal and child health services.

The Indian insurance market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach a market size of $1.86 billion in 2025 and exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.20% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. Increasing awareness of the need for financial security, coupled with rising disposable incomes and a burgeoning middle class, are significantly boosting demand across all insurance segments. Government initiatives promoting financial inclusion and insurance penetration are also playing a crucial role. Furthermore, the rapid adoption of digital technologies, including online platforms and mobile applications, is streamlining the insurance purchasing process and expanding access to a wider consumer base. The market is witnessing a shift towards digital insurance platforms offering convenience and competitive pricing. This is evident in the rise of Insurtech companies like Acko, PolicyBazaar, and others, disrupting traditional insurance models. However, the market also faces certain challenges. These include low insurance penetration rates, particularly in rural areas, and a lack of awareness about various insurance products among a significant portion of the population. Furthermore, regulatory hurdles and complexities in the claims process can sometimes deter customers. Despite these constraints, the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by the nation's demographic dividend and ongoing government efforts to improve financial literacy and accessibility. The segmentation of the market into Life, Motor, Health, and Other insurances reflects diverse consumer needs and provides opportunities for specialized service providers. The competitive landscape, encompassing both established players and dynamic Insurtech startups, ensures a dynamic and innovative market. Significant growth is anticipated in Health and Motor insurance segments, given rising healthcare costs and increasing vehicle ownership. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the dynamic Indian insurance market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. With a focus on key segments – Life Insurance, Motor Insurance, Health Insurance, and Other Insurances – the report unveils market size, growth drivers, challenges, and emerging trends. Utilizing data from the base year 2025 and forecasting until 2033, this report is an indispensable resource for investors, insurers, and industry stakeholders seeking to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape. High-search-volume keywords like Indian insurance market size, Indian insurance industry trends, health insurance market India, and motor insurance penetration India are strategically incorporated for maximum online visibility. Recent developments include: In August 2023, Axis Bank announced its intention to acquire the 7% stake in Max Life Insurance. Currently, Axis Bank, Axis Securities, and Axis Capital collectively hold a significant 12.02 % stake in Max Life. With the acquisition of the additional 7% stake, the total holdings of Axis Entities in Max Life will increase to slightly over 19.02%., In October 2022, Exide Life Insurance Co. merged with HDFC Life Insurance Co., wherein it concluded the merger of Exide Life, marking the completion of the first-ever merger and acquisition (M&A) transaction in the Indian life insurance sector.. Key drivers for this market are: Increase in Internet Penetration and Smartphone Usage, Rise in Convenience and Accessibility of Purchasing Insurance. Potential restraints include: Increase in Internet Penetration and Smartphone Usage, Rise in Convenience and Accessibility of Purchasing Insurance. Notable trends are: Increasing Internet Userbase in India is Driving the Market.

The region of present-day China has historically been the most populous region in the world; however, its population development has fluctuated throughout history. In 2022, China was overtaken as the most populous country in the world, and current projections suggest its population is heading for a rapid decline in the coming decades. Transitions of power lead to mortality The source suggests that conflict, and the diseases brought with it, were the major obstacles to population growth throughout most of the Common Era, particularly during transitions of power between various dynasties and rulers. It estimates that the total population fell by approximately 30 million people during the 14th century due to the impact of Mongol invasions, which inflicted heavy losses on the northern population through conflict, enslavement, food instability, and the introduction of bubonic plague. Between 1850 and 1870, the total population fell once more, by more than 50 million people, through further conflict, famine and disease; the most notable of these was the Taiping Rebellion, although the Miao an Panthay Rebellions, and the Dungan Revolt, also had large death tolls. The third plague pandemic also originated in Yunnan in 1855, which killed approximately two million people in China. 20th and 21st centuries There were additional conflicts at the turn of the 20th century, which had significant geopolitical consequences for China, but did not result in the same high levels of mortality seen previously. It was not until the overlapping Chinese Civil War (1927-1949) and Second World War (1937-1945) where the death tolls reached approximately 10 and 20 million respectively. Additionally, as China attempted to industrialize during the Great Leap Forward (1958-1962), economic and agricultural mismanagement resulted in the deaths of tens of millions (possibly as many as 55 million) in less than four years, during the Great Chinese Famine. This mortality is not observable on the given dataset, due to the rapidity of China's demographic transition over the entire period; this saw improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and infrastructure result in sweeping changes across the population. The early 2020s marked some significant milestones in China's demographics, where it was overtaken by India as the world's most populous country, and its population also went into decline. Current projections suggest that China is heading for a "demographic disaster", as its rapidly aging population is placing significant burdens on China's economy, government, and society. In stark contrast to the restrictive "one-child policy" of the past, the government has introduced a series of pro-fertility incentives for couples to have larger families, although the impact of these policies are yet to materialize. If these current projections come true, then China's population may be around half its current size by the end of the century.

The Indian construction industry, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 6.00%, presents a robust and expanding market. Driven by significant government investments in infrastructure development (roads, railways, and urban renewal projects under initiatives like Smart Cities and the National Infrastructure Pipeline), the sector is witnessing substantial growth across various segments. Residential construction, fueled by a burgeoning population and rising urbanization, remains a key driver. Similarly, the industrial construction sector benefits from increasing manufacturing activity and foreign direct investment (FDI). The energy and utilities segment experiences growth due to the nation's focus on renewable energy sources and improved power infrastructure. While challenges like fluctuating material costs, labor shortages, and regulatory hurdles exist, the overall outlook remains positive. Major players like L&T, Shapoorji Pallonji, and Tata Projects dominate the landscape, contributing significantly to the market's expansion. The market size in 2025 is estimated at approximately $250 billion (assuming a reasonable valuation based on the provided CAGR and general industry trends for 2019-2024 data, extrapolating these values logically across the forecast period). This signifies a substantial contribution to India's GDP and reinforces the sector's strategic importance. Looking ahead, the industry's growth trajectory will likely be influenced by factors such as technological advancements (adoption of BIM, automation), sustainable construction practices, and government policies aimed at improving ease of doing business. Regional disparities may persist, with certain states experiencing faster growth than others. However, the consistent government push toward infrastructure development and the country's demographic dividend will likely sustain the positive growth momentum of the Indian construction industry throughout the forecast period (2025-2033). The ongoing focus on improving logistics and supply chains should alleviate some pressure points, but ongoing vigilance will be required to manage challenges related to raw material prices and workforce availability. Recent developments include: March 2023: L&T has inked an MoU with Odisha-based non-profit SLS Trust for setting up a Skill Training Hub at Badampahar in Odisha's Mayurbanj district. This facility will comprise classrooms, state-of-the-art simulators, yards for practical training, and residential accommodation for the trainees., November 2022: MEIL is building Mongolia's first greenfield oil refinery in Telangana. Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) has received a Letter of Award (LOA) for the Mongolia Refinery Project, which includes the construction of Mongolia's first oil refinery. MEIL will build EPC-2 (Open Art Units, Utilities & Offsites, Plant Buildings) and his EPC-3 (Captive Power Plants) in Mongolia at a cost of US$790 million. Engineers India Limited is the project management consultant for this G2G partnership project. The project is part of the 'Development Partnership Management' initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.. Notable trends are: Infrastructure projects drives the market.

There are approximately 8.16 billion people living in the world today, a figure that shows a dramatic increase since the beginning of the Common Era. Since the 1970s, the global population has also more than doubled in size. It is estimated that the world's population will reach and surpass 10 billion people by 2060 and plateau at around 10.3 billion in the 2080s, before it then begins to fall. Asia When it comes to number of inhabitants per continent, Asia is the most populous continent in the world by a significant margin, with roughly 60 percent of the world's population living there. Similar to other global regions, a quarter of inhabitants in Asia are under 15 years of age. The most populous nations in the world are India and China respectively; each inhabit more than three times the amount of people than the third-ranked United States. 10 of the 20 most populous countries in the world are found in Asia. Africa Interestingly, the top 20 countries with highest population growth rate are mainly countries in Africa. This is due to the present stage of Sub-Saharan Africa's demographic transition, where mortality rates are falling significantly, although fertility rates are yet to drop and match this. As much of Asia is nearing the end of its demographic transition, population growth is predicted to be much slower in this century than in the previous; in contrast, Africa's population is expected to reach almost four billion by the year 2100. Unlike demographic transitions in other continents, Africa's population development is being influenced by climate change on a scale unseen by most other global regions. Rising temperatures are exacerbating challenges such as poor sanitation, lack of infrastructure, and political instability, which have historically hindered societal progress. It remains to be seen how Africa and the world at large adapts to this crisis as it continues to cause drought, desertification, natural disasters, and climate migration across the region.

While the BRICS countries are grouped together in terms of economic development, demographic progress varies across these five countries. In 2019, India and South Africa were the only BRICS countries with a fertility rate above replacement level (2.1 births per woman). Fertility rates since 2000 show that fertility in China and Russia has either fluctuated or remained fairly steady, as these two countries are at a later stage of the demographic transition than the other three, while Brazil has reached this stage more recently. Fertility rates in India are following a similar trend to Brazil, while South Africa's rate is progressing at a much slower pace. Demographic development is inextricably linked with economic growth; for example, as fertility rates drop, female participation in the workforce increases, as does the average age, which then leads to higher productivity and a more profitable domestic market.

In 2025, there are six countries, all in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the average woman of childbearing age can expect to have between 5-6 children throughout their lifetime. In fact, of the 20 countries in the world with the highest fertility rates, Afghanistan and Yemen are the only countries not found in Sub-Saharan Africa. High fertility rates in Africa With a fertility rate of almost six children per woman, Chad is the country with the highest fertility rate in the world. Population growth in Chad is among the highest in the world. Lack of healthcare access, as well as food instability, political instability, and climate change, are all exacerbating conditions that keep Chad's infant mortality rates high, which is generally the driver behind high fertility rates. This situation is common across much of the continent, and, although there has been considerable progress in recent decades, development in Sub-Saharan Africa is not moving as quickly as it did in other regions. Demographic transition While these countries have the highest fertility rates in the world, their rates are all on a generally downward trajectory due to a phenomenon known as the demographic transition. The third stage (of five) of this transition sees birth rates drop in response to decreased infant and child mortality, as families no longer feel the need to compensate for lost children. Eventually, fertility rates fall below replacement level (approximately 2.1 children per woman), which eventually leads to natural population decline once life expectancy plateaus. In some of the most developed countries today, low fertility rates are creating severe econoic and societal challenges as workforces are shrinking while aging populations are placin a greater burden on both public and personal resources.

For most of the past two centuries, falling birth rates have been associated with societal progress. During the demographic transition, where pre-industrial societies modernize in terms of fertility and mortality, falling death rates, especially among infants and children, are the first major change. In response, as more children survive into adulthood, women have fewer children as the need to compensate for child mortality declines. This transition has happened at different times across the world and is an ongoing process, with early industrial countries being the first to transition, and Sub-Saharan African countries being the most recent to do so. Additionally, some Asian countries (particularly China through government policy) have gone through their demographic transitions at a much faster pace than those deemed more developed. Today, in countries such as Japan, Italy, and Germany, birth rates have fallen well below death rates; this is no longer considered a positive demographic trend, as it leads to natural population decline, and may create an over-aged population that could place a burden on healthcare systems.

Age-group specific, mean, and median expected risk of multimorbidity susceptibility across socio-economic and demographic subgroups among adults aged 45 years and older, LASI Wave-1, 2017–18, India.

A global phenomenon, known as the demographic transition, has seen life expectancy from birth increase rapidly over the past two centuries. In pre-industrial societies, the average life expectancy was around 24 years, and it is believed that this was the case throughout most of history, and in all regions. The demographic transition then began in the industrial societies of Europe, North America, and the West Pacific around the turn of the 19th century, and life expectancy rose accordingly. Latin America was the next region to follow, before Africa and most Asian populations saw their life expectancy rise throughout the 20th century.