India, May 20 -- Andhra Pradesh's move to incentivise population growth reflects that demographic challenges are regional and require localised responses

Are populous nations better off than those with a smaller population is a question that is not easy to answer. Generally speaking, a large population is difficult to manage and has its downsides, as it puts pressure on resources, the environment and governance. As more people compete for limited resources, conflict is inevitable. However, on the other hand, many nations are struggling with sluggish or negative population growth and are even inviting people from outside to settle. Even China, which we have replaced as the most populous nation, is reeling under the negative impacts of pur...