Living Conditions
There has been a steady increase in the share of Indian families who live in safe and durable houses. The way durability is defined affects the numbers, and variations are driven not just by wealth, but also by geographical factors.
Health
The number of children who do not survive until their first birthdays has fallen dramatically. Yet parts of the country have relatively high Infant Mortality Rates, and the first week of a child's life remains a time of high risk.
Work
One economic activity - tailoring - has come to play a significant role in Indian manufacturing, transforming women's employment in the sector in particular. We look at the growth of this activity, what tailoring work looks like, and what it means for India's manufacturing sector.
Work
The share of women in manufacturing jobs in India has risen, propelled by the apparel and textile sectors. Yet, women's manufacturing jobs are more precarious and secure jobs are relatively rare.
Health
Indian children are among the shortest in the world. While the rates of child stunting have declined over time, a substantial share of Indian children, especially in poorer states and among marginalised groups, are stunted.
Measurement
Global growth standards used to define the levels of child stunting in India have been contentious. While a substantial body of research shows that the standards are not inaccurate, more context-specific growth references could also be useful.
Health
Indians are consuming more dairy, and spending more of their food budgets on dairy products. But wealth affects consumption and gender gaps persist.
Health
Most Indians eat meat, and the share who eat meat is growing over time. Vegetarianism is more prevalent in some states and among some groups.
Population
Indians now make up the largest group of emigrants in the world, but their destination countries have changed significantly over time.
Health
Road accidents are now the leading cause of death among young men in particular. Two-wheeler riders are at particular risk, and traffic violations play a major role.
Measurement
By official statistics, India has the largest number of reported deaths from road accidents of any country. But these are likely significant underestimates.
Health
India has made large strides in reducing the annual incidence of malaria and deaths from the disease. However, malaria remains a major public health challenge, particularly in central and eastern states, and among young children.
Measurement
Accurately estimating the incidence and mortality from diseases in India, including malaria, is challenging. We lay out the available data sources and explain our reasons behind using selected sources.
Living Conditions
India has made major strides in improving sanitation, but one in four rural households still does not have access to toilets.
Health
From having maternal mortality rates well above the world average two decades ago, India has seen a sharp fall in the risk of death during pregnancy. Yet, regional disparities exist, and India is some distance from meeting international commitments.
Living Conditions
Access to electricity in India is now nearly universal - in 2000, only 60% of the population had access to electricity. By 2021, this figure had risen to 99.6%.
