India is a land of immense diversity in culture, religion, food, and population. Over the years, the country has undergone significant changes in various aspects, including its economy, democracy, and geographical boundaries.
As someone born in the twenty-first century, I have witnessed a multitude of transformations in India. From economic developments to political shifts, the nation has evolved drastically compared to the previous century.
Reflecting on our history, which is marked by struggles, poverty, and orthodox practices, the current state of India seems almost like a dream. The new India is embarking on a journey filled with trends that were unimaginable to previous generations.
Despite the progress, challenges such as extreme poverty, low per capita income, and the quest for justice persist. However, five emerging trends are painting a promising picture of a rapidly changing nation. Let’s explore these trends:
1. Women Outnumber Men in India
According to the 5th National Family and Health Survey (NFHS), India now has 1,020 women for every 1,000 men between 2019 and 2021. This is a significant increase from 943 women per 1,000 men in 2011 and 927 women per 1,000 men in 1991.
This achievement is a result of concerted efforts by the government and non-governmental organizations, which implemented public awareness campaigns and strict regulations against sex determination clinics.
2. Rural Internet Users Surpass Urban Users
A recent survey by Nielsen reveals that rural India now has 20% more internet users than urban areas. As of December 2021, India had 646 million active internet users aged two and up, with rural users increasing by 45% and urban users by 28%.
This surge highlights the growing digital inclusion in rural areas, bridging the gap between urban and rural digital access.
3. Sharp Decline in Fertility Rates Across Religions
India’s fertility rate has seen a significant decline. The latest National Family Health Survey reports that the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is now 2.0, down from 2.2 in 2015-2016.
Muslim fertility has dropped the most, to 2.36, though it remains higher than that of Hindus and Christians, at 1.94 and 1.88, respectively. This decline is a positive indicator of population stabilization efforts.
4. Surge in Digital Financial Transactions
India has outpaced all other countries, including China and the United States, in digital financial transactions. In 2021, India accounted for almost 40% of all real-time payments globally.
A report by ACI Worldwide, GlobalData, and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) states that India made 48.6 billion real-time payments in 2021, more than 2.6 times the number made by China, which ranked second.
5. Indian Economy on Track to Surpass Britain
India’s economy is poised to surpass that of its former colonizer, Britain, within a year. A report by British consultant Cybr predicts that India’s economy will become the sixth-largest in the world, overtaking France in 2022 and Britain in 2023.
This shift signifies a major economic milestone for India, though challenges like per capita income, social security, and healthcare for the underprivileged remain critical areas for improvement.
These trends illustrate the dynamic changes and progress in India, offering a sense of pride and optimism for the future. How many of these trends did you know about? Share your thoughts in the comments!