While India has a demographic dividend with greater percentage of population being young, increasing population is still a challenge before the country. This puts a strain on available resources and puts additional responsibility on the government to take care of more number of people. The government tries to stabilise the population through various schemes and efforts. A non-profit organisatin has now provided assistance and a fillip to these efforts.

Mobius Foundation, a non-profit organisation has augmented government efforts with its project Aakar. Mobius Foundation, which implemented Project Aakar in two phases, is an organisation that strives to spread awareness about sustainability and works for the betterment of future generations.

Phase 1 of Project Aakar was completed in December 2018. It covered two highly populated districts of Uttar Pradesh namely Baharich and Barabanki. In this phase, families were familiarised with contraceptives and family planning methods.

After completion of phase 1, the next phase was launched. In Phase-2, focus is on counselling on married couples as well as school students in the 'marriageable' group of 17 to 20 years.

Mobius Foundation has also come up with 'Dampatti no. 1' and 'Zimmedar hum' initiatives. In this, eligible couples are given information and guidance.

Project Aakar began with Mobius Foundation linking up with NGO that had a good ground-level presence. Through the project, outreach was made to about 1 million people in two districts. 
&nbsp; 
For raising awareness, a three-pronged approach was adopted

Reach Out Model

In this, a strong network of capable individuals was established

Strong Linkages

String links were established between this network and public private systems at state district, block and village levels.

Communication

Mobile communication technique was used to establish community groups, referrals

While India has a demographic dividend with greater percentage of population being young, increasing population is still a challenge before the country. This puts a strain on available resources and puts additional responsibility on the government to take care of more number of people.

While India has a demographic dividend with greater percentage of population being young, increasing population is still a challenge before the country. This puts a strain on available resources and puts additional responsibility on the government to take care of more number of people. The government tries to stabilise the population through various schemes and efforts. A non-profit organisatin has now provided assistance and a fillip to these efforts. Mobius Foundation, a non-profit organisation has augmented government efforts with its project Aakar. Mobius Foundation, which implemented Project Aakar in two phases, is an organisation that strives to spread awareness about sustainability and works for the betterment of future generations. Phase 1 of Project Aakar was completed in December 2018. It covered two highly populated districts of Uttar Pradesh namely Baharich and Barabanki. In this phase, families were familiarised with contraceptives and family planning methods. After completion of phase 1, the next phase was launched. In Phase-2, focus is on counselling on married couples as well as school students in the 'marriageable' group of 17 to 20 years. Mobius Foundation has also come up with 'Dampatti no. 1' and 'Zimmedar hum' initiatives. In this, eligible couples are given information and guidance. Project Aakar began with Mobius Foundation linking up with NGO that had a good ground-level presence. Through the project, outreach was made to about 1 million people in two districts. For raising awareness, a three-pronged approach was adopted Reach Out Model In this, a strong network of capable individuals was established Strong Linkages String links were established between this network and public private systems at state district, block and village levels. Communication Mobile communication technique was used to establish community groups, referrals

Non-profit organisation project helps government stabilise Indian population

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with other key stakeholders is conducting a population-based sero survey to estimate the prevalence of coronavirus infection among the Indian population, according to a statement by the medical body.

The survey would be conducted in 69 districts of 21 states and Union Territories, the apex health research body said in a statement on Tuesday.

Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam and Bihar are some of the states where the survey would be conducted.

The&nbsp;survey will cover 24,000 adults distributed equally across four strata of districts categorised on the basis of COVID-19 cases.

The move was announced as the death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 2,293 and the total number of cases climbed to 70,756 in the country on Tuesday, according to the Union health ministry data.

"The ICMR, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and National Centre for Disease Control with support from state health departments and key stakeholders, including WHO, India is conducting a community based sero-survey to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Indian population," the statement said.

The survey is coordinated by ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) and National Institute of Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), Chennai.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with other key stakeholders is conducting a population-based sero survey to estimate the prevalence of coronavirus infection among the Indian population, according to a statement by the medical body.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with other key stakeholders is conducting a population-based sero survey to estimate the prevalence of coronavirus infection among the Indian population, according to a statement by the medical body. The survey would be conducted in 69 districts of 21 states and Union Territories, the apex health research body said in a statement on Tuesday. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam and Bihar are some of the states where the survey would be conducted. The survey will cover 24,000 adults distributed equally across four strata of districts categorised on the basis of COVID-19 cases. The move was announced as the death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 2,293 and the total number of cases climbed to 70,756 in the country on Tuesday, according to the Union health ministry data. "The ICMR, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and National Centre for Disease Control with support from state health departments and key stakeholders, including WHO, India is conducting a community based sero-survey to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Indian population," the statement said. The survey is coordinated by ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) and National Institute of Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), Chennai. (With inputs from PTI)

ICMR to conduct survey to estimate prevalence of COVID-19 infection among Indian population

India registered another 122 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total fatalities due to the novel coronavirus to 2,415, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Wednesday.

The country recorded another 3525 COVID-19 cases during the same period which took the total number to 74281. The MoHFW said that of the 74,281 cases, 47480 were active, 24386 had been cured/discharged/migrated cases and 2415 had passed away.

The coronavirus is slowly moving to the rural belt, with an increasing number of cases being reported from districts that were until recently untouched by Covid-19. In many states, it has resulted in more districts coming under the grip of the virus.

Yesterday, In a big push to revive the COVID-hit economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore, saying the coronavirus crisis has provided India an opportunity to become self-reliant and emerge as the best in the world. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Apart from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) assistance, the government had last month announced a Rs 1.74 lakh crore to provide benefits to the poor, including cash transfers, Rs 50 lakh insurance cover and steps to ensure food security. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
In a televised address to the nation, Modi also said there will be a fourth phase of the lockdown which will be very different from the earlier three phases. The third phase of the 54-day lockdown is scheduled to end on May 17.

(With inputs from agencies)

India registered another 122 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total fatalities due to the novel coronavirus to 2,415, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Wednesday.

India registered another 122 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total fatalities due to the novel coronavirus to 2,415, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Wednesday. The country recorded another 3525 COVID-19 cases during the same period which took the total number to 74281. The MoHFW said that of the 74,281 cases, 47480 were active, 24386 had been cured/discharged/migrated cases and 2415 had passed away. The coronavirus is slowly moving to the rural belt, with an increasing number of cases being reported from districts that were until recently untouched by Covid-19. In many states, it has resulted in more districts coming under the grip of the virus. Yesterday, In a big push to revive the COVID-hit economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced massive new financial incentives on top of the previously announced packages for a combined stimulus of Rs 20 lakh crore, saying the coronavirus crisis has provided India an opportunity to become self-reliant and emerge as the best in the world. Apart from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) assistance, the government had last month announced a Rs 1.74 lakh crore to provide benefits to the poor, including cash transfers, Rs 50 lakh insurance cover and steps to ensure food security. In a televised address to the nation, Modi also said there will be a fourth phase of the lockdown which will be very different from the earlier three phases. The third phase of the 54-day lockdown is scheduled to end on May 17. (With inputs from agencies)

122 coronavirus deaths in India in 24 hours; over 74,200 total cases so far

In a first, a governor of US state will be visiting India on Friday to boost investments.

New Jersey governor Phil Murphy will arrive in India today on a 10-day visit.

With a focus on inviting Indian companies to invest in New Jersey, Murphy will be travelling to six cities in India.

He will lead a high-level state delegation, visiting New Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, from September 13 to 22.

In a statement, Murphy said that the trip aims to strengthen economic, cultural and educational ties between New Jersey and India.

Murphy said he would be visiting some companies that already have a presence in New Jersey like Tata Consultancy services which has some 4,000 employees in his state.

Indian-origin Senator Vin Gopal will also be part of the New Jersey governor's delegation.

During his visit, Murphy will meet top government and business leaders.

Murphy also mentioned that New Jersey has one of the largest Indian-American and Indian populations among any American state.

In a first, a governor of US state will be visiting India on Friday to boost investments. New Jersey governor Phil Murphy will arrive in India today on a 10-day visit.

In a first, a governor of US state will be visiting India on Friday to boost investments. New Jersey governor Phil Murphy will arrive in India today on a 10-day visit. With a focus on inviting Indian companies to invest in New Jersey, Murphy will be travelling to six cities in India. He will lead a high-level state delegation, visiting New Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, from September 13 to 22. In a statement, Murphy said that the trip aims to strengthen economic, cultural and educational ties between New Jersey and India. Murphy said he would be visiting some companies that already have a presence in New Jersey like Tata Consultancy services which has some 4,000 employees in his state. Indian-origin Senator Vin Gopal will also be part of the New Jersey governor's delegation. During his visit, Murphy will meet top government and business leaders. Murphy also mentioned that New Jersey has one of the largest Indian-American and Indian populations among any American state.

New Jersey governor Phil Murphy on 10-day visit to India

India's population grew at an average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019 to 1.36 billion, more than double the annual growth rate of China, according to a report by the United Nations Population Fund.

India's population in 2019 stood at 1.36 billion, growing from 942.2 million in 1994 and 541.5 million in 1969.

India's population grew at&nbsp;an average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency said in the State of World Population 2019 report.

In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/population-rise-india-and-the-world-355">Population rise, India and the world</a>

In comparison, China's population stood at 1.42 billion in 2019, growing from 1.23 billion in 1994 and 803.6 million in 1969.

China's population grew at an average annual rate of 0.5 per cent between 2010 and 2019, the report said.

According to the report, in India, the total fertility rate per woman was 5.6 in 1969, dropping to 3.7 in 1994 and 2.3 in 2019.

India recorded an improvement in life expectancy at birth. The life expectancy at birth in 1969 was 47 years, growing to 60 years in 1994 and 69 years in 2019.

Giving a snapshot of India's population composition in 2019, the report said 27 per cent of the country's population was in the age bracket of 0-14 years and 10-24 years each, while 67 per cent of the country's population was in the 15-64 age bracket.

Six per cent of the country's population was of the age 65 and above.

Indicative of the improvement in the quality of India's health care system, the report noted that Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in the country dropped from 488 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1994 to 174 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015.

Director of UNFPA Geneva Monica Ferro said the figures were "worrisome" and it was essential to raise the level of consent and access to vital health services for millions of women around the world.

"Don't forget: each one of these numbers is a person," she said.

Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-population-will-be-more-than-that-of-china-by-2050-161206">India's population will be more than that of China by 2050</a>

The findings, relating to women aged between 15-49 years, were published for the first time as part of the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFP) State of World Population 2019 report.

The report includes, for the first time, data on women's ability to make decisions over three key areas: sexual intercourse with their partner, contraception use and health care.

According to the analysis, the absence of reproductive and sexual rights has major and negative repercussions on women's education, income and safety, leaving them "unable to shape their own futures".

Early marriage continues to present a major cultural obstacle to female empowerment and better reproductive rights, the UNFPA report said.

"A girl who marries when she is 10 will probably leave school. And because she leaves school, she won't get the negotiating skills, and she won't get the specific skills which will allow her to then get a better-paid job,"&nbsp;Ferro said.&nbsp;

Those women and girls left behind "are typically poor, rural and less educated," Ferro said, adding that "two-thirds of all maternal deaths today occur in sub-Saharan Africa".&nbsp;

Despite these concerns, the UNFPA report highlights that "untold millions" have enjoyed healthier and more productive lives in the 50 years since the agency was founded, thanks to pressure from civil society and governments to dramatically reduce unintended pregnancies and maternal deaths.

Highlighting positive changes in the last half-century, the report shows that in 1969, the average number of births per woman was 4.8, compared with 2.9 in 1994, and 2.5 today.

Looking ahead to future challenges, the UN agency highlights the threat to women's and girls' reproductive rights posed by emergencies caused by conflict or climate disasters.

About 35 million women, girls and young people will need life-saving sexual and reproductive health services this year, as well as services to address gender-based violence, in humanitarian settings, it warns.

"Every day, more than 500 women and girls including in countries with emergency settings, die during pregnancy and childbirth, due to the absence of skilled birth attendants or emergency obstetric procedures," Ferro said.&nbsp;

India's population grew at an average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019 to 1.36 billion, more than double the annual growth rate of China, according to a report by the United Nations Population Fund.

India's population grew at an average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019 to 1.36 billion, more than double the annual growth rate of China, according to a report by the United Nations Population Fund. India's population in 2019 stood at 1.36 billion, growing from 942.2 million in 1994 and 541.5 million in 1969. India's population grew at an average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency said in the State of World Population 2019 report. In pics: Population rise, India and the world In comparison, China's population stood at 1.42 billion in 2019, growing from 1.23 billion in 1994 and 803.6 million in 1969. China's population grew at an average annual rate of 0.5 per cent between 2010 and 2019, the report said. According to the report, in India, the total fertility rate per woman was 5.6 in 1969, dropping to 3.7 in 1994 and 2.3 in 2019. India recorded an improvement in life expectancy at birth. The life expectancy at birth in 1969 was 47 years, growing to 60 years in 1994 and 69 years in 2019. Giving a snapshot of India's population composition in 2019, the report said 27 per cent of the country's population was in the age bracket of 0-14 years and 10-24 years each, while 67 per cent of the country's population was in the 15-64 age bracket. Six per cent of the country's population was of the age 65 and above. Indicative of the improvement in the quality of India's health care system, the report noted that Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in the country dropped from 488 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1994 to 174 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015. Director of UNFPA Geneva Monica Ferro said the figures were "worrisome" and it was essential to raise the level of consent and access to vital health services for millions of women around the world. "Don't forget: each one of these numbers is a person," she said. Watch: India's population will be more than that of China by 2050 The findings, relating to women aged between 15-49 years, were published for the first time as part of the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFP) State of World Population 2019 report. The report includes, for the first time, data on women's ability to make decisions over three key areas: sexual intercourse with their partner, contraception use and health care. According to the analysis, the absence of reproductive and sexual rights has major and negative repercussions on women's education, income and safety, leaving them "unable to shape their own futures". Early marriage continues to present a major cultural obstacle to female empowerment and better reproductive rights, the UNFPA report said. "A girl who marries when she is 10 will probably leave school. And because she leaves school, she won't get the negotiating skills, and she won't get the specific skills which will allow her to then get a better-paid job," Ferro said. Those women and girls left behind "are typically poor, rural and less educated," Ferro said, adding that "two-thirds of all maternal deaths today occur in sub-Saharan Africa". Despite these concerns, the UNFPA report highlights that "untold millions" have enjoyed healthier and more productive lives in the 50 years since the agency was founded, thanks to pressure from civil society and governments to dramatically reduce unintended pregnancies and maternal deaths. Highlighting positive changes in the last half-century, the report shows that in 1969, the average number of births per woman was 4.8, compared with 2.9 in 1994, and 2.5 today. Looking ahead to future challenges, the UN agency highlights the threat to women's and girls' reproductive rights posed by emergencies caused by conflict or climate disasters. About 35 million women, girls and young people will need life-saving sexual and reproductive health services this year, as well as services to address gender-based violence, in humanitarian settings, it warns. "Every day, more than 500 women and girls including in countries with emergency settings, die during pregnancy and childbirth, due to the absence of skilled birth attendants or emergency obstetric procedures," Ferro said.

India's population grew at 1.2% average between 2010 and 2019: UN