SHOTLIST: NEW DELHI, INDIA (JULY 9, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1. VARIOUS OF INDIANS WALKING ALONG BUSY STREETS 2. TRAFFIC WITH VEHICLES MOVING ALONG ROAD 3. VARIOUS OF INDIANS WALKING NEAR POPULAR TOURIST SITE 4. VARIOUS OF INDIANS ON CITY STREETS 5. TRAFFIC WITH VEHICLES MOVING ALONG ROAD (NIGHT SHOT) 6. VARIOUS OF INDIANS AT LOCAL MARKET 7. VARIOUS OF INDIANS WAITING AT BUS STOP AND BOARDING BUSES 8. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ONE OF INDIAN MEN SAYING: "Recently, India was officially recognized as the most populous country in the world. I believe that a large population can be a significant asset — not a burden — if managed responsibly. There are two kinds of populations: responsible and irresponsible. If we can nurture and empower a responsible population, it can become a tremendous strength for the nation. While many countries are grappling with declining population growth and are offering incentives to boost birth rates — China being a recent example — India already possesses this resource in abundance. Our youth are talented and ambitious. Unfortunately, many are leaving the country in search of better opportunities, contributing to the phenomenon known as brain drain. If we can create the right environment to retain this talent and harness their potential, India could thrive in every field — from technology to innovation, education to entrepreneurship. We are sitting on a vast, untapped human resource, and with the right policies and vision, this population can be our greatest advantage. In my view, India's population is not a liability — it is a powerful asset. The key lies in how we invest in and empower our people to contribute meaningfully to the nation's progress." 9. (SOUNDBITE) ONE OF INDIAN MEN SAYING: "I've been living in Delhi for 35 years. The population can be both an asset and a great drawback. It can hold the country back. It depends on the quality of the population. If they are young, eager, and willing to work and learn, it can be a great asset. But on the other hand, there are people who don't want to work, who are lethargic and want to live off others. In that case, it can be a great drawback — and it’s overwhelming." SCRIPT On World Population Day, celebrated annually on July 11 by the United Nations, footage from July 9 shows the streets and avenues of India, the world’s most populous country. According to UN population estimates, India had the largest population in 2024, with 1,450,935,791 people, followed by China with 1,419,321,278 people. Writing by Ayse Elif Erdis