India recognised by UN as 'exemplar' in reducing child mortality
New Delhi: India has been recognised by the United Nations as an "exemplar" in reducing preventable child deaths, following remarkable progress in its health sector over the past two decades. The United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) report highlighted India’s strategic investments in healthcare and effective implementation of welfare schemes that have saved millions of young lives.
Along with India, the report identified Nepal, Senegal, Ghana, and Burundi as countries that have successfully reduced child mortality rates despite facing economic and infrastructural challenges. It praised these nations for their "political will, evidence-based strategies and sustained investments," which have contributed to significant improvements in child health.
According to the report, India has reduced child mortality by 70 per cent and neonatal mortality by 61 per cent since 2000. The progress has been credited to various government initiatives, including Ayushman Bharat – the world's largest health insurance scheme – which provides free delivery services, infant care, and transportation for pregnant women and newborns.
Additionally, the establishment of maternity waiting homes, newborn stabilisation units, and the implementation of interventions like antenatal corticosteroids and continuous positive airway pressure therapy have further strengthened India’s healthcare infrastructure. The report also noted that India has prioritised the training and deployment of skilled birth attendants, including midwives and community health workers, to ensure better maternal and child health services.
The UN IGME report mentioned that countries like Angola, Bhutan, Bolivia, Cabo Verde, India, Morocco, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia have reduced under-five mortality rates by over two-thirds since 2000. Specifically, India increased infant measles vaccination coverage from 56 per cent to 93 per cent and reduced measles-related deaths by 97 per cent.
Globally, the number of child deaths before the age of five dropped from 12.6 million in 1990 to 4.8 million in 2023, while stillbirths decreased by over a third during the same period.
Commenting on the achievement, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said, "Millions of children are alive today because of the global commitment to proven interventions, such as vaccines, nutrition, and access to safe water and basic sanitation." However, she also warned that without continued investment and policy focus, there is a risk of reversing these gains.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
