With seven new cases, the number of infections in Sri Lanka has spiked to 19. As a precautionary measure, Srilankan airlines have asked passengers to carry their own blankets and headphones.

Coronavirus cases on the rise in South Asia

Scientists have recently discovered remnants of ancient humans who lived in Africa about half a million years ago.

The genes of these humans continue to live on in people inhabiting the planet contemporarily, The Guardian reported.

It has been dubbed the ''ghost population''

The researchers stumbled upon the traces while analysing genomes from populations in West Africa.

They claimed that a fifth of the sample DNA came from the ''ghost population''.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-academy-of-sciences-discovers-71-new-species-of-animals-and-plants-this-year-267509">California Academy of Sciences discovers 71 new species of animals and plants this year</a>

According to researchers, modern west Africans interbred with the yet-to-be-discovered archaic humans over thousands of years ago, similar to the copulation of ancient Europeans with Neanderthals.

“In the west Africans we looked at, all have ancestry from this unknown archaic population,” said Sriram Sankararaman, a computational biologist who led the research at the University of California in Los Angeles to The Guardian.

A long time ago, the world was inhabited by human species or subspecies that were related to each other. Upon interaction with each other, mating was inevitable.

<h6><img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1264ad2e-eaf9-458a-b7da-2f05508d40f2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%283%29.jpg" /> 
Handout photo released by the CNRS on September 2, 2014 shows lines engraved into rock made by Neanderthals at the Gorham's Cave in Gibraltar | AFP</h6>

&nbsp; 
Consequently, modern Europeans have bit of Neanderthal genes. Similarly, Australians, Polynesians, and Melanesians carry genes from Denisovans.

There were speculations earlier of ancient humans roaming Africa, but with no proof.

Arun Durvasula and Sankararaman, the researchers on the project gathered 405 genomes from multiple West African populations, and followed it up with statistical techniques.

The goal was to ascertain whether interbreeding had possibly happened in the past, which the results suggested it did.

Then the researchers looked out for inconsistencies in the DNA, ie, the ghost population. With extrapolation, they realised that these probably came from ancient relatives that had no proof of existence.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dna-research-reveals-two-new-species-of-eel-that-delivers-strongest-electric-jolt-249193">DNA research&nbsp;reveals&nbsp;two new species of eel that delivers strongest electric jolt</a> 
 
“They seem to have made a pretty substantial impact on the genomes of the present day individuals we studied,” Sankararaman said. “They account for 2% to 19% of their genetic ancestry”, the researcher added.

The sample populations grouped as four came from three countries: two from Nigeria, and one each from Sierra Leone and the Gambia.

Even though difficult to ascertain, the researchers believe that that ''ghost population'' split from the ancestors of Neanderthals and modern humans between 360,000 and 1 million years ago.

“It’s very likely that the true picture is much more complicated,” he said.

“We do not know what this African population may have been. It is tempting to speculate. But I’ve got to say it is just too soon to know. We haven’t discovered enough fossils in most of Africa to say we know what was there”, Sankararaman added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-warn-a-million-species-at-risk-of-extinction-216395">One million species risk extinction due to modern civilisation</a>

Scientists have recently discovered remnants of ancient humans who lived in Africa about half a million years ago. The genes of these humans continue to live on in people inhabiting the planet contemporarily, The Guardian reported.

Scientists have recently discovered remnants of ancient humans who lived in Africa about half a million years ago. The genes of these humans continue to live on in people inhabiting the planet contemporarily, The Guardian reported. It has been dubbed the ''ghost population'' The researchers stumbled upon the traces while analysing genomes from populations in West Africa. They claimed that a fifth of the sample DNA came from the ''ghost population''. Also read: California Academy of Sciences discovers 71 new species of animals and plants this year According to researchers, modern west Africans interbred with the yet-to-be-discovered archaic humans over thousands of years ago, similar to the copulation of ancient Europeans with Neanderthals. “In the west Africans we looked at, all have ancestry from this unknown archaic population,” said Sriram Sankararaman, a computational biologist who led the research at the University of California in Los Angeles to The Guardian. A long time ago, the world was inhabited by human species or subspecies that were related to each other. Upon interaction with each other, mating was inevitable. Handout photo released by the CNRS on September 2, 2014 shows lines engraved into rock made by Neanderthals at the Gorham's Cave in Gibraltar | AFP Consequently, modern Europeans have bit of Neanderthal genes. Similarly, Australians, Polynesians, and Melanesians carry genes from Denisovans. There were speculations earlier of ancient humans roaming Africa, but with no proof. Arun Durvasula and Sankararaman, the researchers on the project gathered 405 genomes from multiple West African populations, and followed it up with statistical techniques. The goal was to ascertain whether interbreeding had possibly happened in the past, which the results suggested it did. Then the researchers looked out for inconsistencies in the DNA, ie, the ghost population. With extrapolation, they realised that these probably came from ancient relatives that had no proof of existence. Also read: DNA research reveals two new species of eel that delivers strongest electric jolt “They seem to have made a pretty substantial impact on the genomes of the present day individuals we studied,” Sankararaman said. “They account for 2% to 19% of their genetic ancestry”, the researcher added. The sample populations grouped as four came from three countries: two from Nigeria, and one each from Sierra Leone and the Gambia. Even though difficult to ascertain, the researchers believe that that ''ghost population'' split from the ancestors of Neanderthals and modern humans between 360,000 and 1 million years ago. “It’s very likely that the true picture is much more complicated,” he said. “We do not know what this African population may have been. It is tempting to speculate. But I’ve got to say it is just too soon to know. We haven’t discovered enough fossils in most of Africa to say we know what was there”, Sankararaman added. Also read: One million species risk extinction due to modern civilisation

Ghost populations? Scientists find evidence of unnacounted human species in Africa

The world's population is slowing down. From China to Japan to the United States, Russia and even South Korea - they all are struggling with low birth rates. The population crisis is hitting their economies.

Gravitas: Several Nations struggle with low birth rates

The world's population is slowing down. Chances are, our footfall on earth may stop increasing on a year on year basis.

According to experts, this will happen by the end of the century. But there is already a population crisis hitting major economies across the globe.

The world's most populated country is struggling with a low birth rate. The number of babies being born in China is at its lowest in 70 years.

In 2019, China's birth rate was 10.48 per thousand which is the lowest since 1949. This number is very worrying for a country that is eyeing to be the world's biggest economy.

Soon, China may not have enough working-age population. To add to this, will be the burden of an expanding bracket of retired people. China's situation is similar to that of Japan.

There were 921,000 babies born in Japan in 2018 - 25,000 lesser than the previous year. The Abe administration has termed this a 'national crisis'.

In fact, it is nothing short of one. By 2045, almost 30 per cent of the population in several Japanese districts will be over 75-years old.

Fixated on tighter immigration norms, the Trump administration may not have realised one thing. The United States too is staring at a similar situation.

Last year, the United States recorded the lowest birth rate since 1917 which was when the country was involved in World War I.

The number of births was less than 1 million. Trump's pal Putin, however, was quick to react to the population crisis in Russia.

He told Parliament that the country's birth rate is falling again. Russia's current average birth rate is 1.5 per woman.

Putin aims to increase this to 1.7 in 4 years. And for this, Putin has announced some welfare benefits. A demographic timebomb is also ticking in South Korea.

The country has the lowest fertility rate in the world with an average South Korean woman having just 1.1. children.

The biggest contributing factor here is South Korea's 'Sampo Generation' which believes in giving up relationships, marriage and children.

For the rest of the world, the following factors are contributing to the population slowdown:

1. A decline in fertility rate

2. The growing role of women in the world economy

3. A change in social expectation

4. Women choosing to have their first child much later in their lives

Now, India is one major economy that does not share this demographic crisis. In fact, India is expected to show the highest population growth in the next 8 years. So, can India present a solution to the global population crisis?

Yes, India can and it has the numbers. At 17.5 million, the Indian diaspora is already the largest in the world. While major economies are anxious of producing an adequate workforce.&nbsp;

India has a strong population of well-educated and highly-skilled youth. From exporting manpower to importing jobs, India can help in plugging this population gap worldwide.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The world's population is slowing down. Chances are, our footfall on earth may stop increasing on a year on year basis. According to experts, this will happen by the end of the century.

The world's population is slowing down. Chances are, our footfall on earth may stop increasing on a year on year basis. According to experts, this will happen by the end of the century. But there is already a population crisis hitting major economies across the globe. The world's most populated country is struggling with a low birth rate. The number of babies being born in China is at its lowest in 70 years. In 2019, China's birth rate was 10.48 per thousand which is the lowest since 1949. This number is very worrying for a country that is eyeing to be the world's biggest economy. Soon, China may not have enough working-age population. To add to this, will be the burden of an expanding bracket of retired people. China's situation is similar to that of Japan. There were 921,000 babies born in Japan in 2018 - 25,000 lesser than the previous year. The Abe administration has termed this a 'national crisis'. In fact, it is nothing short of one. By 2045, almost 30 per cent of the population in several Japanese districts will be over 75-years old. Fixated on tighter immigration norms, the Trump administration may not have realised one thing. The United States too is staring at a similar situation. Last year, the United States recorded the lowest birth rate since 1917 which was when the country was involved in World War I. The number of births was less than 1 million. Trump's pal Putin, however, was quick to react to the population crisis in Russia. He told Parliament that the country's birth rate is falling again. Russia's current average birth rate is 1.5 per woman. Putin aims to increase this to 1.7 in 4 years. And for this, Putin has announced some welfare benefits. A demographic timebomb is also ticking in South Korea. The country has the lowest fertility rate in the world with an average South Korean woman having just 1.1. children. The biggest contributing factor here is South Korea's 'Sampo Generation' which believes in giving up relationships, marriage and children. For the rest of the world, the following factors are contributing to the population slowdown: 1. A decline in fertility rate 2. The growing role of women in the world economy 3. A change in social expectation 4. Women choosing to have their first child much later in their lives Now, India is one major economy that does not share this demographic crisis. In fact, India is expected to show the highest population growth in the next 8 years. So, can India present a solution to the global population crisis? Yes, India can and it has the numbers. At 17.5 million, the Indian diaspora is already the largest in the world. While major economies are anxious of producing an adequate workforce. India has a strong population of well-educated and highly-skilled youth. From exporting manpower to importing jobs, India can help in plugging this population gap worldwide.

Explained: Why population crisis is looming over global economies

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday claimed that he will retire from politics once a population control law is initiated.&nbsp;

He referred to the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and population control as the basic tenets of his political career.&nbsp;

"My task to build Ram Temple in Ayodhya has come to an end. The time has come to retire for people like me. I will retire from politics once a rule to control population growth kicks in," the minister said.

Singh, 67, is infamous for making controversial remarks and had strongly favoured legislation to control the population in the country.

The BJP has a policy of not fielding leaders into elections who are older than 75 years. By that logic, he has eight years before his position in the party is invalidated.&nbsp;

In October this month, Singh participated in a yatra organised to spread awareness regarding population control and called for checking it.

Earlier, in January, the minister suggested that certain communities were especially responsible for the population explosion.

(With inputs from ANI)

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday claimed that he will retire from politics once a population control law is initiated. He referred to the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and population control as the basic tenets of his political career.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday claimed that he will retire from politics once a population control law is initiated. He referred to the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and population control as the basic tenets of his political career. "My task to build Ram Temple in Ayodhya has come to an end. The time has come to retire for people like me. I will retire from politics once a rule to control population growth kicks in," the minister said. Singh, 67, is infamous for making controversial remarks and had strongly favoured legislation to control the population in the country. The BJP has a policy of not fielding leaders into elections who are older than 75 years. By that logic, he has eight years before his position in the party is invalidated. In October this month, Singh participated in a yatra organised to spread awareness regarding population control and called for checking it. Earlier, in January, the minister suggested that certain communities were especially responsible for the population explosion. (With inputs from ANI)

Will retire from politics as soon as population explosion is curbed: Giriraj Singh

In War against pollution, Watch how technology to work for a cleaner air tomorrow.

War against pollution: Technology for cleaner air tomorrow

An inverted, red equilateral triangle - a plain, straight-forward design, is the symbol for family planning. But underlying the simplicity of the symbol is a far more complex problem. As per a UN report, India’s burgeoning population is likely to topple China, to take the first place as the world’s most populous country in less than ten years. Should we be worried? Is 1.4+ billion a blessing or a curse? The answer has been changing over time. 
&nbsp; 
Our efforts to curtail our numbers began quite early. We were the first country in the world to launch a national programme for family planning, way back in 1952. And since then there have been many attempts to discourage enthusiastic Indians from procreating. In those days the Post &amp; Telegraph Department released envelopes, that advised us to get in touch with the Family Welfare Centre for a ‘happy married life’.&nbsp;

In the 60’s the government said - ‘ek, do teen…bus’. We will never really know the number of men who were sterilised during the emergency in 1975. And I guess many of us still remember the famous slogan, ‘hum do humare do’, innocuously placed next to a ‘Horn Ok Please’. There have been many schemes, nudging us and sometimes bullying us, to bring down fertility rates. Historically our population has always been a cause for worry. But things changed a few years ago. What was once a problem, became a boon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The term ‘demographic dividend’, coined by a Harvard demographer called David Bloom, has been used extensively in the recent past to describe our advantageous position vis-a-vis the rest of the world. Half of India is under the age of 25 - young and eager to harness opportunities. Most of the developed nations are facing the fiscal and social challenges of ageing. On the other hand, for us, the youth is our most valuable asset. The expectation is that an abundant labour pool and a dynamic consuming class will keep our economy on a solid growth path, and propel us to great heights.&nbsp; 
 
And just when we were getting lulled into complacency, comfortable with our humungous size, comes a statement by the Prime Minister from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Modi expressed concern over ‘reckless population explosion’ and spoke of the need for control. "Our population, if unchecked, can pose huge challenges for us and our future generations," he said.&nbsp;His statement is significant. Clearly, population is back on the government’s agenda.&nbsp;

As per Bloom, ‘demographic dividend' lasts for about 50 years. We are in a sweet spot right now. There is a lot of optimistic, feel-good talk about the potential of youth, but we need to also be aware of our rapidly increasing numbers. It is time to begin planning for our future.

The present logically demands that we harness the demographic dividend we’ve been gifted. We need to focus on education and opportunity. About 4.75 million people are added to the labour force every year. They need to be trained. We have to invest in our human capital to be able to utilise its potential. What is the point of having all these enthusiastic, young people, eager to work if there are no jobs. Failure to create an enabling environment will be a missed opportunity for India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The present demands our immediate attention, but we cannot afford to lose sight of the future. Our demographics will change, its only a matter of time. By the second half of the century, the proportion of older persons will increase. We must begin preparing for that now.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The impact of an ageing population is felt across the political, social and economic spectrum. It will come with its own set of pressures. We do not have adequate pension and health insurance schemes. There is no concept of a strong social security net. There will be fiscal and social challenges. There will be mental health issues, cultural challenges of integration, and conflict between generations if the demographic transition is not managed smoothly. It's not going to be easy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
On the other hand, a growing population will put a strain on our limited resources. The problem is not limited to India. There are going to be around 11 billion of us on planet earth by the end of the century as per the United Nations. All of us scrambling for food, dealing with scarcity of water, grappling with climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, social instability and disease. How are we going to manage.&nbsp;

The significance of Modi’s speech is not lost. The timing is right. Now is the time to be aware of what is coming. Our population is our strength at this moment, but it won’t last forever. Our youth brings us hope for the present. But we need to also start planning for the future.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An inverted, red equilateral triangle - a plain, straight-forward design, is the symbol for family planning. But underlying the simplicity of the symbol is a far more complex problem.

An inverted, red equilateral triangle - a plain, straight-forward design, is the symbol for family planning. But underlying the simplicity of the symbol is a far more complex problem. As per a UN report, India’s burgeoning population is likely to topple China, to take the first place as the world’s most populous country in less than ten years. Should we be worried? Is 1.4+ billion a blessing or a curse? The answer has been changing over time. Our efforts to curtail our numbers began quite early. We were the first country in the world to launch a national programme for family planning, way back in 1952. And since then there have been many attempts to discourage enthusiastic Indians from procreating. In those days the Post & Telegraph Department released envelopes, that advised us to get in touch with the Family Welfare Centre for a ‘happy married life’. In the 60’s the government said - ‘ek, do teen…bus’. We will never really know the number of men who were sterilised during the emergency in 1975. And I guess many of us still remember the famous slogan, ‘hum do humare do’, innocuously placed next to a ‘Horn Ok Please’. There have been many schemes, nudging us and sometimes bullying us, to bring down fertility rates. Historically our population has always been a cause for worry. But things changed a few years ago. What was once a problem, became a boon. The term ‘demographic dividend’, coined by a Harvard demographer called David Bloom, has been used extensively in the recent past to describe our advantageous position vis-a-vis the rest of the world. Half of India is under the age of 25 - young and eager to harness opportunities. Most of the developed nations are facing the fiscal and social challenges of ageing. On the other hand, for us, the youth is our most valuable asset. The expectation is that an abundant labour pool and a dynamic consuming class will keep our economy on a solid growth path, and propel us to great heights. And just when we were getting lulled into complacency, comfortable with our humungous size, comes a statement by the Prime Minister from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Modi expressed concern over ‘reckless population explosion’ and spoke of the need for control. "Our population, if unchecked, can pose huge challenges for us and our future generations," he said. His statement is significant. Clearly, population is back on the government’s agenda. As per Bloom, ‘demographic dividend' lasts for about 50 years. We are in a sweet spot right now. There is a lot of optimistic, feel-good talk about the potential of youth, but we need to also be aware of our rapidly increasing numbers. It is time to begin planning for our future. The present logically demands that we harness the demographic dividend we’ve been gifted. We need to focus on education and opportunity. About 4.75 million people are added to the labour force every year. They need to be trained. We have to invest in our human capital to be able to utilise its potential. What is the point of having all these enthusiastic, young people, eager to work if there are no jobs. Failure to create an enabling environment will be a missed opportunity for India. The present demands our immediate attention, but we cannot afford to lose sight of the future. Our demographics will change, its only a matter of time. By the second half of the century, the proportion of older persons will increase. We must begin preparing for that now. The impact of an ageing population is felt across the political, social and economic spectrum. It will come with its own set of pressures. We do not have adequate pension and health insurance schemes. There is no concept of a strong social security net. There will be fiscal and social challenges. There will be mental health issues, cultural challenges of integration, and conflict between generations if the demographic transition is not managed smoothly. It's not going to be easy. On the other hand, a growing population will put a strain on our limited resources. The problem is not limited to India. There are going to be around 11 billion of us on planet earth by the end of the century as per the United Nations. All of us scrambling for food, dealing with scarcity of water, grappling with climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, social instability and disease. How are we going to manage. The significance of Modi’s speech is not lost. The timing is right. Now is the time to be aware of what is coming. Our population is our strength at this moment, but it won’t last forever. Our youth brings us hope for the present. But we need to also start planning for the future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Riding the ups and downs of the population curve

Nearly a quarter of the world's population lives in 17 countries facing extremely high water stress, close to "day zero" conditions when the taps run dry, according to a report released Tuesday.

The World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas ranked water stress, drought risk and riverine flood risk using a peer-reviewed methodology.

"Agriculture, industry, and municipalities are drinking up 80 per cent of available surface and groundwater in an average year" in the 17 worst affected countries, WRI said.

"When demand rivals supply, even small dry shocks – which are set to increase due to climate change – can produce dire consequences" such as the recent crises in Cape Town, Sao Paulo and Chennai.&nbsp;

Qatar, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, UAE, San Marino, Bahrain, India, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Oman and Botswana made up the top 17.

"Water stress is the biggest crisis no one is talking about. Its consequences are in plain sight in the form of food insecurity, conflict and migration, and financial instability," said Andrew Steer, CEO of WRI.

Another 27 countries comprised the "high baseline water stress" list.

The Middle East and North Africa are home to 12 of the most stressed countries, while India, which is ranked 13, has more than three times the population of the other 16 in its category combined.

"The recent water crisis in Chennai gained global attention, but various areas in India are experiencing chronic water stress as well," said Shashi Shekhar, India's former water secretary, adding that the tool could help authorities identify and prioritize risks.

Even countries with low average water stress can have dire hotspots, the report found. While the US ranks a comfortable 71 on the list, the state of New Mexico faces water stress on par with the UAE. 
&nbsp;

Nearly a quarter of the world's population lives in 17 countries facing extremely high water stress, close to "day zero" conditions when the taps run dry, according to a report released Tuesday.

Nearly a quarter of the world's population lives in 17 countries facing extremely high water stress, close to "day zero" conditions when the taps run dry, according to a report released Tuesday. The World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas ranked water stress, drought risk and riverine flood risk using a peer-reviewed methodology. "Agriculture, industry, and municipalities are drinking up 80 per cent of available surface and groundwater in an average year" in the 17 worst affected countries, WRI said. "When demand rivals supply, even small dry shocks – which are set to increase due to climate change – can produce dire consequences" such as the recent crises in Cape Town, Sao Paulo and Chennai. Qatar, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, UAE, San Marino, Bahrain, India, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Oman and Botswana made up the top 17. "Water stress is the biggest crisis no one is talking about. Its consequences are in plain sight in the form of food insecurity, conflict and migration, and financial instability," said Andrew Steer, CEO of WRI. Another 27 countries comprised the "high baseline water stress" list. The Middle East and North Africa are home to 12 of the most stressed countries, while India, which is ranked 13, has more than three times the population of the other 16 in its category combined. "The recent water crisis in Chennai gained global attention, but various areas in India are experiencing chronic water stress as well," said Shashi Shekhar, India's former water secretary, adding that the tool could help authorities identify and prioritize risks. Even countries with low average water stress can have dire hotspots, the report found. While the US ranks a comfortable 71 on the list, the state of New Mexico faces water stress on par with the UAE.

Quarter of world's population facing extreme water stress

China`s northeastern province of Liaoning is planning to loosen birth restrictions and allow some couples to have a third child in a bid to improve dwindling fertility rates and stop its workforce from declining.

China introduced a controversial "one-child policy" in 1978, but relaxed restrictions in 2016 to allow all couples to have two children as it tried to rebalance its rapidly ageing population.

However, experts have called for more radical measures, with birth rates still in decline and China`s health services and pension funds expected to come under increasing strain as the number of elderly people increases.

Liaoning`s provincial government said on its website on Tuesday that revising family planning regulations was one of its major priorities for 2019 after previous adjustments failed to arrest the decline in its population.

The rustbelt province has drafted new regulations aimed at improving education, housing and social security and providing more financial support for families choosing to have two children. It will also allow some couples living in "border areas" to have a third child.

While the central government imposes family planning rules nationwide through thousands of family planning offices, it gives leeway to some regions. Ethnic minorities have usually been exempt from birth restrictions and rural families have also been allowed to have more children.

Liaoning`s birth rate fell to 6.39 per 1,000 people last year, far lower than the national rate of 10.94. Its population also dropped for the second consecutive year in 2018, hit not only by the decline in new births but also by an exodus of young people seeking work in other regions.&nbsp;

China`s northeastern province of Liaoning is planning to loosen birth restrictions and allow some couples to have a third child in a bid to improve dwindling fertility rates and stop its workforce from declining.

China`s northeastern province of Liaoning is planning to loosen birth restrictions and allow some couples to have a third child in a bid to improve dwindling fertility rates and stop its workforce from declining. China introduced a controversial "one-child policy" in 1978, but relaxed restrictions in 2016 to allow all couples to have two children as it tried to rebalance its rapidly ageing population. However, experts have called for more radical measures, with birth rates still in decline and China`s health services and pension funds expected to come under increasing strain as the number of elderly people increases. Liaoning`s provincial government said on its website on Tuesday that revising family planning regulations was one of its major priorities for 2019 after previous adjustments failed to arrest the decline in its population. The rustbelt province has drafted new regulations aimed at improving education, housing and social security and providing more financial support for families choosing to have two children. It will also allow some couples living in "border areas" to have a third child. While the central government imposes family planning rules nationwide through thousands of family planning offices, it gives leeway to some regions. Ethnic minorities have usually been exempt from birth restrictions and rural families have also been allowed to have more children. Liaoning`s birth rate fell to 6.39 per 1,000 people last year, far lower than the national rate of 10.94. Its population also dropped for the second consecutive year in 2018, hit not only by the decline in new births but also by an exodus of young people seeking work in other regions.

Chinese province considers 'three-child policy' to halt population decline

A Look At The Impact Of Population Growth On The Occasion Of The World Population Day On the occasion of the World Population Day, here's a look at the impact of population growth on the world. The World is One News, WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world.

Gravitas: The world population day

Mumbai comes to standstill as heavy rain batters & disrupts air, rail traffic

UN Report says population to grow by 2 billion in 20 years. Population getting older & growing at a slower pace. Half opf the total population to be concentrated in 9 countries. Growth to provide opportunities in developing countries. Watch this video to know more.

UN Report: India To Surpass China By 2027 In Population

Sri Lanka's government allocated money to build toilets in over a quarter million homes Tuesday, under an ambitious project to flush out the practice of "open defecation" within a year.

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera told parliament the government will spend 4,000 million rupees to build toilets for people living in over 260,000 private homes.

"It is appalling that so many of our people do not have access to basic hygiene," Samaraweera said while unveiling the national budget for 2019. "Our aim is to ensure that by the end of the year, all homes in Sri Lanka will have toilets."

The latest official figures show that nearly 15 per cent of the 21 million population have no access to toilets and classified as "open defecators," or those using the open environment to relieve themselves.

Samaraweera said public conveniences at bus and railway stations were filthy and unusable, and the government would unveil a plan to ensure clean toilets with the participation of the private cleaning companies.

In some major cities, railway stations have set up toilets only for the use of foreign tourists.

Sri Lanka's government allocated money to build toilets in over a quarter million homes Tuesday, under an ambitious project to flush out the practice of "open defecation" within a year.

Sri Lanka's government allocated money to build toilets in over a quarter million homes Tuesday, under an ambitious project to flush out the practice of "open defecation" within a year. Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera told parliament the government will spend 4,000 million rupees to build toilets for people living in over 260,000 private homes. "It is appalling that so many of our people do not have access to basic hygiene," Samaraweera said while unveiling the national budget for 2019. "Our aim is to ensure that by the end of the year, all homes in Sri Lanka will have toilets." The latest official figures show that nearly 15 per cent of the 21 million population have no access to toilets and classified as "open defecators," or those using the open environment to relieve themselves. Samaraweera said public conveniences at bus and railway stations were filthy and unusable, and the government would unveil a plan to ensure clean toilets with the participation of the private cleaning companies. In some major cities, railway stations have set up toilets only for the use of foreign tourists.

Sri Lanka in bold bid to flush out open defecation

People aged 65 years or older are expected to make up around 30 per cent of China's population in the next 30 years.

This is a significant rise as compared to the 11.9 per cent growth recorded in 2018, said an expert, cited by state-run China Daily on Monday.

"Rapid ageing of the population will place great pressure on the pension fund and the workforce, and family members will face unprecedented pressure to take care of the elderly," said Wang Guangzhou, a researcher at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

According to official data of 2018, people aged 65 and above account for some 11.9 per cent of the total population, but due to a gradual decrease of the population in proportion to those above 65 years, "will increase rapidly" over the coming decades, said the expert.

Yuan Xin, population studies professor in Nankai University, said that the overall population decrease along with an ageing population could result in a fall of around 700 million people - in the working age group of 15 to 59 years - by 2050 from the current 897.3 million, marking a 22 per cent decline.

However, Yuan added that the changes in the economic structures would not lead to a shortage of workforce under the circumstances.

He said increasing the age of retirement from 60 to 65 could increase the workforce by some 100 million, reported China Daily.

"With the disappearance of the advantage of a massive cheap workforce, which played a very important role in China's rapid economic development over the past four decades, China should not continue to rely on labour-intensive industries for growth," Yuan added.

"We should focus on scientific and technological research and development, and keep improving the quality of the workforce to make up for the decline in numbers," he said.

According to "Green Book of Population and Labor", a report published by CASS in early January, the Chinese population is set to peak in 2029 at 1.44 billion and is expected to start declining afterwards.

The population is projected to be some 1.36 billion in 2025 and will reach around 1.2 billion in 2065, a similar number to that of the year 1996.

However, the report said that if the birth rate remains unchanged at 1.6 children per woman, the population will begin declining 2027 onward and will drop less than 1.2 billion in 2065, recording the same number as in the year 1990.

China had put an end to its strict one-child policy in 2015 to address the perils of a rapidly-ageing population.

People aged 65 years or older are expected to make up around 30 per cent of China's population in the next 30 years. This is a significant rise as compared to the 11.

People aged 65 years or older are expected to make up around 30 per cent of China's population in the next 30 years. This is a significant rise as compared to the 11.9 per cent growth recorded in 2018, said an expert, cited by state-run China Daily on Monday. "Rapid ageing of the population will place great pressure on the pension fund and the workforce, and family members will face unprecedented pressure to take care of the elderly," said Wang Guangzhou, a researcher at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. According to official data of 2018, people aged 65 and above account for some 11.9 per cent of the total population, but due to a gradual decrease of the population in proportion to those above 65 years, "will increase rapidly" over the coming decades, said the expert. Yuan Xin, population studies professor in Nankai University, said that the overall population decrease along with an ageing population could result in a fall of around 700 million people - in the working age group of 15 to 59 years - by 2050 from the current 897.3 million, marking a 22 per cent decline. However, Yuan added that the changes in the economic structures would not lead to a shortage of workforce under the circumstances. He said increasing the age of retirement from 60 to 65 could increase the workforce by some 100 million, reported China Daily. "With the disappearance of the advantage of a massive cheap workforce, which played a very important role in China's rapid economic development over the past four decades, China should not continue to rely on labour-intensive industries for growth," Yuan added. "We should focus on scientific and technological research and development, and keep improving the quality of the workforce to make up for the decline in numbers," he said. According to "Green Book of Population and Labor", a report published by CASS in early January, the Chinese population is set to peak in 2029 at 1.44 billion and is expected to start declining afterwards. The population is projected to be some 1.36 billion in 2025 and will reach around 1.2 billion in 2065, a similar number to that of the year 1996. However, the report said that if the birth rate remains unchanged at 1.6 children per woman, the population will begin declining 2027 onward and will drop less than 1.2 billion in 2065, recording the same number as in the year 1990. China had put an end to its strict one-child policy in 2015 to address the perils of a rapidly-ageing population.

China's elderly population to grow significantly in next 30 years

China's population grew at a slower rate last year despite the abolition of the one-child policy, official data showed Monday, raising fears an ageing society will pile further pressure on an already slowing economy.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-realistic-are-chinas-plans-to-build-a-research-station-on-the-moon-191767&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjlvdiM7v7fAhVIYo8KHZcvAGEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Ae1x7eX5Nm_j0d5vnliNq">China</a>'s government raised the limit to two children in 2016 to rejuvenate the world's most populous country, which has nearly 1.4 billion people, and experts say it may remove the cap next year.

But the change does not seem to have inspired couples to have more children, partly due to urbanisation and the higher cost of living in the world's second-biggest economy, according to experts.

"Decades-long social and economic transformations have prepared an entirely new generation in China, for whom marriage and childbearing no longer have the importance as they once did for their parent's generation," said Wang Feng, a sociology professor at the University of California, Irving.

There were 15.23 million live births in 2018, a drop of two million from the year before, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed.

With 9.93 million deaths, this led to a growth rate of 3.81 per thousand in 2018, a dip from 5.32 per thousand the previous year.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-richest-1-get-richer-by-39-in-2018-just-3-rise-for-bottom-half-oxfam-191688&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiy7Jaf7v7fAhVFpY8KHU4QBDMQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hh3JTMWIivZYHgi8HzMIR">Population</a> growth is at its second-lowest since the founding of the People's Republic of China, Wang said, adding that the lowest ever growth was in 1960 when the country was going through a famine.

Still, China's total population rose by 5.3 million in 2018 to 1.395 billion people, retaining its title as the world's most populous nation.&nbsp;

NBS commissioner Ning Jize said population growth had peaked but said the country still had huge potential.&nbsp;

"China's labour participation rate is not considered low worldwide, more than 700 million of our 900 million people (of working age) are employed, and there is still room (for growth)," he said.&nbsp;

Workforce decline

China's workforce — those aged between 16 and 59 — was 897.3 million last year, a 4.7 million drop from 2017, NBS data showed.

This is the seventh consecutive year of decline, noted He Yafu, an independent demographer based in the southern Guangdong province.&nbsp;

The workforce is on track to decline by as much as 23 per cent by 2050.

"The low birth rate has led to a seriously ageing population. On one hand, families are getting smaller, reducing support for the elderly; on the other hand, the elderly population to the workforce is growing, which increases the burden on the working population," He said.

Signs of China's falling population growth had emerged when data released by some local authorities indicated a significant drop in births last year.&nbsp;

In Qingdao, a city in eastern Shandong province — one of China's most populous regions — births between January and November decreased by 21 per cent to just over 81,000 compared to the previous year.

Birth limits removed?&nbsp;

Introduced in 1979, the one-child policy was mainly enforced through fines but was also notorious for forced abortions and sterilisations, which caused birth rates to plummet.&nbsp;

Exceptions were made for rural families whose first-born was a female, and for ethnic minorities.&nbsp;

In a draft of China's new sweeping Civil Code, due to be introduced in 2020, all mention of "family planning" has been removed, suggesting that the limit on family sizes could be lifted.&nbsp;

But the rising cost of living has discouraged many of child-bearing age, He said, adding that like with many countries around the world, fertility rates in rural areas are high but less so in the cities.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China's population grew at a slower rate last year despite the abolition of the one-child policy, official data showed Monday, raising fears an ageing society will pile further pressure on an already slowing economy.

China's population grew at a slower rate last year despite the abolition of the one-child policy, official data showed Monday, raising fears an ageing society will pile further pressure on an already slowing economy. China's government raised the limit to two children in 2016 to rejuvenate the world's most populous country, which has nearly 1.4 billion people, and experts say it may remove the cap next year. But the change does not seem to have inspired couples to have more children, partly due to urbanisation and the higher cost of living in the world's second-biggest economy, according to experts. "Decades-long social and economic transformations have prepared an entirely new generation in China, for whom marriage and childbearing no longer have the importance as they once did for their parent's generation," said Wang Feng, a sociology professor at the University of California, Irving. There were 15.23 million live births in 2018, a drop of two million from the year before, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed. With 9.93 million deaths, this led to a growth rate of 3.81 per thousand in 2018, a dip from 5.32 per thousand the previous year. Population growth is at its second-lowest since the founding of the People's Republic of China, Wang said, adding that the lowest ever growth was in 1960 when the country was going through a famine. Still, China's total population rose by 5.3 million in 2018 to 1.395 billion people, retaining its title as the world's most populous nation. NBS commissioner Ning Jize said population growth had peaked but said the country still had huge potential. "China's labour participation rate is not considered low worldwide, more than 700 million of our 900 million people (of working age) are employed, and there is still room (for growth)," he said. Workforce decline China's workforce — those aged between 16 and 59 — was 897.3 million last year, a 4.7 million drop from 2017, NBS data showed. This is the seventh consecutive year of decline, noted He Yafu, an independent demographer based in the southern Guangdong province. The workforce is on track to decline by as much as 23 per cent by 2050. "The low birth rate has led to a seriously ageing population. On one hand, families are getting smaller, reducing support for the elderly; on the other hand, the elderly population to the workforce is growing, which increases the burden on the working population," He said. Signs of China's falling population growth had emerged when data released by some local authorities indicated a significant drop in births last year. In Qingdao, a city in eastern Shandong province — one of China's most populous regions — births between January and November decreased by 21 per cent to just over 81,000 compared to the previous year. Birth limits removed? Introduced in 1979, the one-child policy was mainly enforced through fines but was also notorious for forced abortions and sterilisations, which caused birth rates to plummet. Exceptions were made for rural families whose first-born was a female, and for ethnic minorities. In a draft of China's new sweeping Civil Code, due to be introduced in 2020, all mention of "family planning" has been removed, suggesting that the limit on family sizes could be lifted. But the rising cost of living has discouraged many of child-bearing age, He said, adding that like with many countries around the world, fertility rates in rural areas are high but less so in the cities.

Despite two-child policy, population growth slows in China

China’s population is set to reach a peak of 1.442 billion in 2029 and start a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-peak-in-2029-chinas-population-to-experience-continuous-negative-growth-study-188299">long period of “unstoppable” decline in 2030</a>, government scholars said in a research report published on Friday.

The world’s most populous country must now draw up policies to try to cope with a declining labour force and a rapidly ageing population, according to the summary of the latest edition of the “Green Book of Population and Labor” published by the China Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

Growth in the working population had now stagnated, the report said, and the rising number of elderly people will have a far-reaching impact on the social and economic development in the country, especially if fertility rates remain low.

“From a theoretical point of view, the long-term population decline, especially when it is accompanied by a continuously ageing population, is bound to cause very unfavourable social and economic consequences,” it said.

China’s population is expected to fall back to 1.36 billion by the middle of the century, it said, which could mean a decline in the workforce of as much as 200 million. If fertility rates remain unchanged, the population could fall to 1.17 billion by 2065, it said.

China decided in 2016 to relax a controversial “one-child policy” aimed at curbing population growth and allow all couples to have two children. However, the country’s birth rate still fell 3.5 per cent in 2017 and is expected to have fallen again last year.

China’s “dependency rate” - or the proportion of non-working people, including children and the elderly, in the total population - rose for the first time in more than 30 years in 2011, and is widely predicted to increase further for at least the next few decades.

The proportion of retirees is projected to rise until 2060, the CASS report said, and while the decision to relax “one-child” rules was designed to rebalance China’s age structure, in the short term it will also lead to a greater dependency rate.

According to previous forecasts, China’s elderly population is expected to reach 400 million by the end of 2035, up from around 240 million last year.

China’s population is set to reach a peak of 1.442 billion in 2029 and start a long period of “unstoppable” decline in 2030, government scholars said in a research report published on Friday.

China’s population is set to reach a peak of 1.442 billion in 2029 and start a long period of “unstoppable” decline in 2030, government scholars said in a research report published on Friday. The world’s most populous country must now draw up policies to try to cope with a declining labour force and a rapidly ageing population, according to the summary of the latest edition of the “Green Book of Population and Labor” published by the China Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). Growth in the working population had now stagnated, the report said, and the rising number of elderly people will have a far-reaching impact on the social and economic development in the country, especially if fertility rates remain low. “From a theoretical point of view, the long-term population decline, especially when it is accompanied by a continuously ageing population, is bound to cause very unfavourable social and economic consequences,” it said. China’s population is expected to fall back to 1.36 billion by the middle of the century, it said, which could mean a decline in the workforce of as much as 200 million. If fertility rates remain unchanged, the population could fall to 1.17 billion by 2065, it said. China decided in 2016 to relax a controversial “one-child policy” aimed at curbing population growth and allow all couples to have two children. However, the country’s birth rate still fell 3.5 per cent in 2017 and is expected to have fallen again last year. China’s “dependency rate” - or the proportion of non-working people, including children and the elderly, in the total population - rose for the first time in more than 30 years in 2011, and is widely predicted to increase further for at least the next few decades. The proportion of retirees is projected to rise until 2060, the CASS report said, and while the decision to relax “one-child” rules was designed to rebalance China’s age structure, in the short term it will also lead to a greater dependency rate. According to previous forecasts, China’s elderly population is expected to reach 400 million by the end of 2035, up from around 240 million last year.

China's population set to peak at 1.44 billion in 2029: Government report

As the world rings in the New Year, UNICEF has released a report on the number of newborns on the New Year's day.&nbsp;

As per the report released on December 31, 2018, over three lakh babies will be born on the New Year's day today. What is shocking is the fact that India tops the list with the highest number of births on January 1 with around 69,944 newborns.&nbsp;

The list has China at the second spot, with 44,940 babies, followed by Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia and the United States coming at the fifth spot.&nbsp;

An estimated 395, 072 babies will be born around the world on New Year’s Day, UNICEF said in its release, adding that a quarter of the total number will be born in South Asia alone.&nbsp;

"As the clock strikes midnight, Sydney will greet an estimated 168 babies, followed by 310 in Tokyo, 605 in Beijing, 166 in Madrid and finally, 317 in New York," UNICEF's release read.&nbsp;

"Fiji in the Pacific will most likely deliver 2019’s first baby; the United States, its last. Globally, over half of these births are estimated to take place in eight countries," it added.&nbsp;

The report throws a spotlight on the burgeoning state of population in India which stands second in the world, right after China, with over 1.2 billion people.&nbsp;

As the world rings in the New Year, UNICEF has released a report on the number of newborns on the New Year's day. As per the report released on December 31, 2018, over three lakh babies will be born on the New Year's day today.

As the world rings in the New Year, UNICEF has released a report on the number of newborns on the New Year's day. As per the report released on December 31, 2018, over three lakh babies will be born on the New Year's day today. What is shocking is the fact that India tops the list with the highest number of births on January 1 with around 69,944 newborns. The list has China at the second spot, with 44,940 babies, followed by Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia and the United States coming at the fifth spot. An estimated 395, 072 babies will be born around the world on New Year’s Day, UNICEF said in its release, adding that a quarter of the total number will be born in South Asia alone. "As the clock strikes midnight, Sydney will greet an estimated 168 babies, followed by 310 in Tokyo, 605 in Beijing, 166 in Madrid and finally, 317 in New York," UNICEF's release read. "Fiji in the Pacific will most likely deliver 2019’s first baby; the United States, its last. Globally, over half of these births are estimated to take place in eight countries," it added. The report throws a spotlight on the burgeoning state of population in India which stands second in the world, right after China, with over 1.2 billion people.

Tiny revellers: Over 3 lakh babies to be born on New Year’s day across globe, around 70,000 in India alone 

"Give birth, don't delay!", says a rousing call by the Serbian state to young couples.

"Let babies' cries be heard!" is another of the baby-making slogans Serbia is busy producing - while it struggles to increase actual births.

Women say they need better support, not words of encouragement to grow the country's population.

Massive emigration coupled with the plummeting birth rate, which at 1.5 children per family is among the lowest in Europe, has brought Serbia's population down to under seven million people.

According to the United Nations, Serbia's population is expected to shrink a further 15 per cent by 2050.

Desperate to reverse the trend, Serbian officials have made some head-scratching proposals, including a plan announced in June to construct "lower-storey homes" in areas with the lowest birth rates.

President Aleksandar Vucic said it was based on a study that showed couples have nearly double the number of children in two-to-four storey homes than in towering apartment blocks.

The comments befuddled the local press, with one newspaper going on an unsuccessful hunt to find any academic expert who had heard of such a study, discovering only "laughs".

The minister in charge of demographics, Slavica Djukic Dejanovic, nevertheless defended the idea that environment can play a role.

"It is a fact that on the edge of big cities where settlements include yards where kids play and parents have a coffee... That kids' joy and cries could be heard more often," she told AFP.

In February, her ministry announced a campaign to tackle the declining numbers and awarded the best pro-birth slogan in a nationwide cash-prize competition.

Among the winners were: "Mum, I don't want to be alone. Dad, I want a brother" and "Love and babies are what we need first!" The ministry will also introduce an award called "The Best Family Friend" for companies that support young parents, Djukic Dejanovic said.

A new maternity care law passed last year provides some additional aid for parents who have a third and a fourth child, entitling them to 10 years of 30,000 dinars ($280) in monthly support.

That led President Vucic to proclaim: "A mother that gives birth to a third and a fourth child will have 30,000 dinars a month from the state to do nothing... Just to give birth." But critics say the law excludes many would-be mothers.

The full package of state aid for maternity leave is only available to women who have been working without interruption for 18 months.

"What about many women who either do unregistered work in the grey economy or volunteer in public service, like doctors or lawyers, without any payment?", asked Tatjana Macura, an opposition MP who has been advocating to change the law on behalf of the NGO "Mame su zakon" (Mums Rule).

According to various estimates, more than a quarter of Serbia's working population is employed in unofficial work, with an even higher proportion among women.

"These women are invisible for the system because they have worked illegally and would not receive any aid," said Macura.

The law also offers minimal maternity support to unemployed women in a country where the youth jobless rate was over 30 per cent in 2017.

Many women are also afraid to take maternity leave because it remains common for businesses to fire them afterwards, despite the practice being illegal, added Macura.

The new maternity law also cuts support for women earning more than 1,200 euros a month.

Instead of receiving five months of salary during maternity leave as the previous law allowed, they will only receive three.

Andrijana Marinkovic, a 33-year-old mother affected by the change, said it made her consider raising her one-month-old baby boy abroad, such as an EU or another Western country which gives more support to family life.

"Nobody makes a decision to become a parent because of state support or lack of it, but the (Serbian) state certainly doesn't make that decision easier," Marinkovic said.

On top of the shrinking birth rate, a "brain drain" sees tens of thousands of young Serbians pack their bags every year to study and work in wealthier countries.

That means the challenge is not only encouraging more births, but persuading Serbians to have their babies at home.

Kristina Markovic, a 22-year-old economist, works part-time and lives with an unemployed partner.

"We plan to have a family but not until we both have stable jobs," which means regular salaries, insurance and the possibility to live independently from parents, she said.

"We will decide (to have kids) eventually but my wish would be to give birth in some European Union state," she added.

"Give birth, don't delay!", says a rousing call by the Serbian state to young couples. "Let babies' cries be heard!" is another of the baby-making slogans Serbia is busy producing - while it struggles to increase actual births.

"Give birth, don't delay!", says a rousing call by the Serbian state to young couples. "Let babies' cries be heard!" is another of the baby-making slogans Serbia is busy producing - while it struggles to increase actual births. Women say they need better support, not words of encouragement to grow the country's population. Massive emigration coupled with the plummeting birth rate, which at 1.5 children per family is among the lowest in Europe, has brought Serbia's population down to under seven million people. According to the United Nations, Serbia's population is expected to shrink a further 15 per cent by 2050. Desperate to reverse the trend, Serbian officials have made some head-scratching proposals, including a plan announced in June to construct "lower-storey homes" in areas with the lowest birth rates. President Aleksandar Vucic said it was based on a study that showed couples have nearly double the number of children in two-to-four storey homes than in towering apartment blocks. The comments befuddled the local press, with one newspaper going on an unsuccessful hunt to find any academic expert who had heard of such a study, discovering only "laughs". The minister in charge of demographics, Slavica Djukic Dejanovic, nevertheless defended the idea that environment can play a role. "It is a fact that on the edge of big cities where settlements include yards where kids play and parents have a coffee... That kids' joy and cries could be heard more often," she told AFP. In February, her ministry announced a campaign to tackle the declining numbers and awarded the best pro-birth slogan in a nationwide cash-prize competition. Among the winners were: "Mum, I don't want to be alone. Dad, I want a brother" and "Love and babies are what we need first!" The ministry will also introduce an award called "The Best Family Friend" for companies that support young parents, Djukic Dejanovic said. A new maternity care law passed last year provides some additional aid for parents who have a third and a fourth child, entitling them to 10 years of 30,000 dinars ($280) in monthly support. That led President Vucic to proclaim: "A mother that gives birth to a third and a fourth child will have 30,000 dinars a month from the state to do nothing... Just to give birth." But critics say the law excludes many would-be mothers. The full package of state aid for maternity leave is only available to women who have been working without interruption for 18 months. "What about many women who either do unregistered work in the grey economy or volunteer in public service, like doctors or lawyers, without any payment?", asked Tatjana Macura, an opposition MP who has been advocating to change the law on behalf of the NGO "Mame su zakon" (Mums Rule). According to various estimates, more than a quarter of Serbia's working population is employed in unofficial work, with an even higher proportion among women. "These women are invisible for the system because they have worked illegally and would not receive any aid," said Macura. The law also offers minimal maternity support to unemployed women in a country where the youth jobless rate was over 30 per cent in 2017. Many women are also afraid to take maternity leave because it remains common for businesses to fire them afterwards, despite the practice being illegal, added Macura. The new maternity law also cuts support for women earning more than 1,200 euros a month. Instead of receiving five months of salary during maternity leave as the previous law allowed, they will only receive three. Andrijana Marinkovic, a 33-year-old mother affected by the change, said it made her consider raising her one-month-old baby boy abroad, such as an EU or another Western country which gives more support to family life. "Nobody makes a decision to become a parent because of state support or lack of it, but the (Serbian) state certainly doesn't make that decision easier," Marinkovic said. On top of the shrinking birth rate, a "brain drain" sees tens of thousands of young Serbians pack their bags every year to study and work in wealthier countries. That means the challenge is not only encouraging more births, but persuading Serbians to have their babies at home. Kristina Markovic, a 22-year-old economist, works part-time and lives with an unemployed partner. "We plan to have a family but not until we both have stable jobs," which means regular salaries, insurance and the possibility to live independently from parents, she said. "We will decide (to have kids) eventually but my wish would be to give birth in some European Union state," she added.

Serbia encourages childbirth, couples show unwillingness

According to a United Nations report, Delhi will soon become the most populous city in the world in the next decade. The report further added that India is likely to add the largest number of urban dwellers by 2050.&nbsp

"By 2020, Tokyo's population is projected to begin to decline, while Delhi is projected to continue growing and to become the most populous city in the world around 2028," the report stated.

India has the largest rural population in the world (893 million), followed by China at 578 million.

UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs' (UN DESA) Population Division released a report titled 'The 2018 Revision of World Urbanisation Prospects'&nbsptoday. According to the report, 68 per cent of world's population is estimated to dwell in urban areas by 2050 as opposed to 55 per cent at present.

The report stated that India, China and Nigeria together will account for 35 per cent of the projected growth of the world's urban population between 2018 and 2050.

By 2050, India is projected to have added 416 million urban dwellers, China 255 million and Nigeria 189 million.

At present Tokyo leads as the largest city with an agglomeration of 37 million inhabitants, New Delhi closely follows with 29 million, followed by Shanghai with 26 million. Cairo, Mumbai, Beijing and Dhaka all have close to 20 million inhabitants.&nbsp

The global urban population has grown rapidly from 751 million in 1950 to 4.2 billion in 2018. Asia, despite its relatively lower level of urbanization, is home to 54 per cent of the world's urban population, followed by Europe and Africa with 13 per cent each.&nbsp

Some of the most urbanized regions in the world include Northern America (with 82 per cent of its population living in urban areas in 2018), Latin America and the Caribbean (81 per cent), Europe (74 per cent) and Oceania (68 per cent).&nbsp

Globally, fewer cities are projected to see a decline in populations until 2030, said the report.

(With inputs from PTI)

India has the largest rural population in the world (893 million), followed by China (578 million)

According to a United Nations report, Delhi will soon become the most populous city in the world in the next decade. The report further added that India is likely to add the largest number of urban dwellers by 2050. "By 2020, Tokyo's population is projected to begin to decline, while Delhi is projected to continue growing and to become the most populous city in the world around 2028," the report stated. India has the largest rural population in the world (893 million), followed by China at 578 million. UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs' (UN DESA) Population Division released a report titled 'The 2018 Revision of World Urbanisation Prospects'&nbsptoday. According to the report, 68 per cent of world's population is estimated to dwell in urban areas by 2050 as opposed to 55 per cent at present. The report stated that India, China and Nigeria together will account for 35 per cent of the projected growth of the world's urban population between 2018 and 2050. By 2050, India is projected to have added 416 million urban dwellers, China 255 million and Nigeria 189 million. At present Tokyo leads as the largest city with an agglomeration of 37 million inhabitants, New Delhi closely follows with 29 million, followed by Shanghai with 26 million. Cairo, Mumbai, Beijing and Dhaka all have close to 20 million inhabitants. The global urban population has grown rapidly from 751 million in 1950 to 4.2 billion in 2018. Asia, despite its relatively lower level of urbanization, is home to 54 per cent of the world's urban population, followed by Europe and Africa with 13 per cent each. Some of the most urbanized regions in the world include Northern America (with 82 per cent of its population living in urban areas in 2018), Latin America and the Caribbean (81 per cent), Europe (74 per cent) and Oceania (68 per cent). Globally, fewer cities are projected to see a decline in populations until 2030, said the report. (With inputs from PTI)

Delhi may become world's most populous city by 2028: UN report

Every five years, a finance commission decides how to split India's tax revenue between the Centre and India's states.&nbsp;

A major factor deciding the split is a state's population. The bigger a state's population, the greater the share of tax revenue given to it.&nbsp;

That however, say the experts, is also unfair for it punishes the states that have done the hard work of controlling their populations.&nbsp;

There is at the moment a massive difference in fertility rates — the rate at which a state's population grows — between the southern and other states, with the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra, Telangana, and the western state of Maharashtra having a fertility rate of about 1.5.&nbsp;

Bihar on the other hand has a fertility rate of about 3.5, and the other Bimaru states a rate of about 2.5.&nbsp;

The problem cropped up when the previous finance commission switched over to the 2011 Census to decide&nbsp;the split the commissions had so far been using the 1971 Census.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu's politicians, including Chief Minister E Palaniswami and Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin, have said a division on the basis of the 2011 Census will be patently unfair. They say they have done the hard work of controlling their populations and instead of being rewarded for having done so, they are now being punished.&nbsp;

They have also accused the Centre of "highway robbery". And are insisting the current 15th finance commission go back to the 1971 Census.&nbsp;

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav met on Wednesday with Finance Commission Chairperson NK Singh, news reports said, and promised that the southern states would not lose out.&nbsp;

The reports however did not say how he would ensure that.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Tax revenue is divided on the basis of population. The larger a state's population, the higher its share of revenue. That, say the southern states and experts, is patently unfair

Every five years, a finance commission decides how to split India's tax revenue between the Centre and India's states. A major factor deciding the split is a state's population. The bigger a state's population, the greater the share of tax revenue given to it. That however, say the experts, is also unfair for it punishes the states that have done the hard work of controlling their populations. There is at the moment a massive difference in fertility rates — the rate at which a state's population grows — between the southern and other states, with the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra, Telangana, and the western state of Maharashtra having a fertility rate of about 1.5. Bihar on the other hand has a fertility rate of about 3.5, and the other Bimaru states a rate of about 2.5. The problem cropped up when the previous finance commission switched over to the 2011 Census to decide the split the commissions had so far been using the 1971 Census. Tamil Nadu's politicians, including Chief Minister E Palaniswami and Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin, have said a division on the basis of the 2011 Census will be patently unfair. They say they have done the hard work of controlling their populations and instead of being rewarded for having done so, they are now being punished. They have also accused the Centre of "highway robbery". And are insisting the current 15th finance commission go back to the 1971 Census. BJP general secretary Ram Madhav met on Wednesday with Finance Commission Chairperson NK Singh, news reports said, and promised that the southern states would not lose out. The reports however did not say how he would ensure that.

Southern states accuse Centre of 'highway robbery', say not getting fair share of tax revenue

According to reports, China&#39;s working-age population is shrinking and was estimated to have fallen to its lowest since 2009 last year. The nation&#39;s working-age population was recorded below a billion for the first time since 2010, according to data released on Wednesday.

The country&#39;s total working-age population -- the number of people aged between 15 and 64 -- was estimated to be around 998.3 million people last year as compared to the year 2016 when the same was registered at 1.0026 billion.&nbsp;

Official data released by China&#39;s National Bureau of Statistics depicted the biggest decline since the working-age population in China began declining in 2014.

China&#39;s slowing population growth and shrinking pool of workers pose a serious threat to its economic growth as well as its state-run pension programme.

The country&#39;s rapidly ageing population has also triggered a shortfall in the nation&#39;s pension scheme.

According to a Reuters report, many of China&#39;s provinces only have enough money to pay less than one year&rsquo;s worth of benefits. On the other hand, births in the country also see a downward trend as the same fell by 3.5 percent last year.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Official data released by China's National Bureau of Statistics depicted the biggest decline since the working-age population began falling in 2014

According to reports, China's working-age population is shrinking and was estimated to have fallen to its lowest since 2009 last year. The nation's working-age population was recorded below a billion for the first time since 2010, according to data released on Wednesday. The country's total working-age population -- the number of people aged between 15 and 64 -- was estimated to be around 998.3 million people last year as compared to the year 2016 when the same was registered at 1.0026 billion. Official data released by China's National Bureau of Statistics depicted the biggest decline since the working-age population in China began declining in 2014. China's slowing population growth and shrinking pool of workers pose a serious threat to its economic growth as well as its state-run pension programme. The country's rapidly ageing population has also triggered a shortfall in the nation's pension scheme. According to a Reuters report, many of China's provinces only have enough money to pay less than one year’s worth of benefits. On the other hand, births in the country also see a downward trend as the same fell by 3.5 percent last year. (With inputs from Reuters)

China working-age population shrinks in biggest ever decline

The ever-increasing population in the country has become a big concern for the government.&nbsp;

To counter the rising population the government is planning to launch measures at district levels in various states. &nbsp;

146 districts in the Indian states of UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya have a very high rate of population growth.

Bihar tops the list of states with the highest population, while Uttar Pradesh ranks second. Meghalaya lies in the third position.&nbsp;

The Population explosion in these three states has become a serious concern for the government. Here the rate of increase in population is more than 3.1 per cent.

The total fertility rate (TFR) in 24 states in India is 2.1 per cent or less than it. TFR is important for stabilising the population of a state.&nbsp;

The Centre&#39;s measures to keep a check on the population will majorly focus on the 146 districts of these seven states.&nbsp;

The centre has devised a unique plan for each of the states.&nbsp;

The plan will also focus on awarding people of the rising population.&nbsp;

According to sources, the districts with increasing population have more Muslim inhabitants.&nbsp;

146 districts in the Indian states of UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya have a very high rate of population growth

The ever-increasing population in the country has become a big concern for the government. To counter the rising population the government is planning to launch measures at district levels in various states. 146 districts in the Indian states of UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya have a very high rate of population growth. Bihar tops the list of states with the highest population, while Uttar Pradesh ranks second. Meghalaya lies in the third position. The Population explosion in these three states has become a serious concern for the government. Here the rate of increase in population is more than 3.1 per cent. The total fertility rate (TFR) in 24 states in India is 2.1 per cent or less than it. TFR is important for stabilising the population of a state. The Centre's measures to keep a check on the population will majorly focus on the 146 districts of these seven states. The centre has devised a unique plan for each of the states. The plan will also focus on awarding people of the rising population. According to sources, the districts with increasing population have more Muslim inhabitants.

Centre draws district level plan to counter population explosion in country

Pakistan has extended by six months a deadline for Afghan refugees to register with the government, a refugee official said on Wednesday, a day before the deadline was set to expire. 
 
Pakistan has the world&#39;s second largest refugee population, with more than 1.5 million registered, and about a million unregistered, refugees from Afghanistan, most of whom fled the Soviet occupation of their country in the 1980s. 
 
The number of Afghans voluntarily returning home has plunged this year as violence worsens in Afghanistan, where the government and its US allies are fighting a stubborn Taliban insurgency. 
 
&quot;The prime minister has approved another six-month extension in the deadline,&quot; Imran Zeb Khan, the chief commissioner for Afghan Refugees, told Reuters in an interview. 
 
&quot;But Pakistan can&#39;t ensure that these refugees will return. That cannot happen without support from Afghanistan and the international community which need to create the right conditions for their repatriation.&quot; 
 
Khan said Pakistan would hold a tripartite meeting with Afghanistan and the United Nations refugee agency on July 19 to plan the way forward. 
 
The comments came soon after officials told Reuters at least 500 Afghan refugees were arrested in a northwestern border province and deported as a security risk. 
 
Pakistan&#39;s Dawn newspaper reported that more than 2,000 refugees were arrested in the last month, and 400 deported to Afghanistan. 
 
There are only 100,000 registered refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the site of the arrests, said provincial information minister Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani. 
 
&quot;We don&#39;t suggest any aggressive campaign against Afghan refugees, but we have been hosting them for the past 35 years and it is time they should go back to their country,&quot; Ghani said. 
 
Unregistered Afghans had become a major security issue for the government, he added. About 6,000 Afghans have chosen to return home from Pakistan in 2016, well below last year&#39;s figure of 58,211, the United Nations&#39; refugee agency has said. 
 
Registration cards allowing a temporary legal stay for Afghan refugees last received a six-month extension after they expired in December 2015. 
 
Many Afghans have lived in Pakistan for decades and contribute significantly to its labour force. 
 
But Afghan refugee camps have become &quot;safe havens for terrorists&quot;, Pakistani foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz told a Pakistani television channel last week. 
 
Pakistani federal minister for states and frontier regions, Abdul Qadir Baloch, also warned that Pakistan was not willing to host Afghan refugees indefinitely. 
 
Visiting Pakistan last week, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said he had made the case to the government for extending the June 30 deadline. 
 
(Reuters)

Pakistan has the world's second-largest refugee population, with about 2.5 million from Afghanistan

Pakistan has extended by six months a deadline for Afghan refugees to register with the government, a refugee official said on Wednesday, a day before the deadline was set to expire. Pakistan has the world's second largest refugee population, with more than 1.5 million registered, and about a million unregistered, refugees from Afghanistan, most of whom fled the Soviet occupation of their country in the 1980s. The number of Afghans voluntarily returning home has plunged this year as violence worsens in Afghanistan, where the government and its US allies are fighting a stubborn Taliban insurgency. "The prime minister has approved another six-month extension in the deadline," Imran Zeb Khan, the chief commissioner for Afghan Refugees, told Reuters in an interview. "But Pakistan can't ensure that these refugees will return. That cannot happen without support from Afghanistan and the international community which need to create the right conditions for their repatriation." Khan said Pakistan would hold a tripartite meeting with Afghanistan and the United Nations refugee agency on July 19 to plan the way forward. The comments came soon after officials told Reuters at least 500 Afghan refugees were arrested in a northwestern border province and deported as a security risk. Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported that more than 2,000 refugees were arrested in the last month, and 400 deported to Afghanistan. There are only 100,000 registered refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the site of the arrests, said provincial information minister Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani. "We don't suggest any aggressive campaign against Afghan refugees, but we have been hosting them for the past 35 years and it is time they should go back to their country," Ghani said. Unregistered Afghans had become a major security issue for the government, he added. About 6,000 Afghans have chosen to return home from Pakistan in 2016, well below last year's figure of 58,211, the United Nations' refugee agency has said. Registration cards allowing a temporary legal stay for Afghan refugees last received a six-month extension after they expired in December 2015. Many Afghans have lived in Pakistan for decades and contribute significantly to its labour force. But Afghan refugee camps have become "safe havens for terrorists", Pakistani foreign policy chief Sartaj Aziz told a Pakistani television channel last week. Pakistani federal minister for states and frontier regions, Abdul Qadir Baloch, also warned that Pakistan was not willing to host Afghan refugees indefinitely. Visiting Pakistan last week, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said he had made the case to the government for extending the June 30 deadline. (Reuters)

Pakistan extends deadline for Afghan refugees to register with the government

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