The period during which a country's working-age population (15-59 years) grows significantly faster than its dependent population (children and elderly), creating a window for accelerated economic growth, is referred to as the demographic ___.

Answer: dividend (or window of opportunity)

India entered this demographic dividend phase around the early 2000s and is expected to remain in it until the 2040s. However, economists stress that this is merely a 'window of opportunity.' If the economy fails to generate sufficient quality jobs, or if the workforce lacks adequate health and education, this demographic bulge will turn into a massive demographic disaster characterized by high youth unemployment and social unrest.