Mortality

Getting the count of births and deaths right is essential for accurately estimating population growth in India, and crucial for planning. Yet the datasets on which these estimates rest are imperfect. We analyse the possible sources of errors, and suggest which datasets are best to use, and when.

A child born in India today can expect to live much longer than her parents and grandparents. In this piece we examine what life expectancy is, how it has grown, and where inequalities in outcomes persist.

India's relative youth has set it up for demographic and economic opportunities. But what is the demographic dividend, and is India still in a position to take advantage of it?

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.

Newer Indian and international data on population growth, fertility, mortality and ageing have allowed us to substantially update our work on these topics. We outline the changes in Indian demographics that our updates reflect.

Accurate estimations of demographic trends are vital for planning. India has both a direct and an indirect system to count births and deaths. How did they develop, what works and doesn't, and how can they be improved?

How the NFHS has evolved over time, how it collects its data, and key discussions and debates around it.

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.

By official statistics, India has the largest number of reported deaths from road accidents of any country. But these are likely significant underestimates.

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.

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.

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.

Why is it so difficult to accurately estimate how many people die every year, and of what?

Over the last 50 years, India has radically lowered the risk of dying young.

After decades of growing faster than the world, India's population growth has slowed down dramatically.