Category: India

Over 79% of rural Indian households now have tap water connections, yet the safety of tap water often remains a concern. Determining the safest water to drink in India and how to ensure safe hydration are critical questions.

According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019-21), India saw a modest decline in child stunting and underweight rates, but child wasting increased and remains a significant concern. This reveals a complex and evolving malnutrition trend that presents a dual public health challenge.

Despite India's status as a major global food producer, a significant portion of its population continues to face persistent food insecurity, with the nation ranking 101st out of 116 countries on the Global Hunger Index in 2021. This stark paradox reveals that the challenge is not about food availability but rather complex issues of access, distribution, and vulnerability.

According to the Global Hunger Index 2024, India's hunger crisis is ranked as 'serious,' revealing a complex paradox where surplus food stocks coexist with millions facing food insecurity. This stark reality raises the critical question of why a session of people in India is still without food, highlighting the systemic challenges beyond simple food availability.

Despite producing a surplus of food grains, a UN report from 2025 indicated that over 60% of India's population still cannot afford a healthy diet. The question, "Do people in India have enough food?", therefore requires a nuanced look beyond mere production figures to understand the challenges of access and nutrition.

National Nutrition Week in India is observed annually from September 1st to 7th since 1982 to spread awareness about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits. This week-long campaign, spearheaded by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, addresses the multifaceted nutritional challenges faced by the country, including malnutrition and lifestyle-related diseases.

According to a 2014 report by the National Sample Survey Office, beef consumption is negligible in northern and central India, yet is culturally ingrained in states like Kerala and Goa. The idea that all Indians do not eat beef is a common misconception, overlooking the nation's immense diversity shaped by religion, region, and social customs.

According to a 2013 Kellogg's-supported study, over a quarter (27%) of people surveyed in four major Indian metros claimed not to have breakfast, highlighting a significant trend of skipping meals. The question of how many people skip breakfast in India reveals a complex picture influenced by urban lifestyles, convenience, and shifting priorities.

According to a 2025 meta-analysis published in BMC Public Health, anemia prevalence across India ranged significantly by region, but overall estimates show a persistent public health problem with some age groups showing rates over 50%. This high rate of anemia often correlates directly with the question, do Indian people have low iron?, pointing to a widespread deficiency of this vital mineral.

Research has consistently shown a high prevalence of lactose intolerance in many South Indian populations, with some studies finding rates as high as 66.6%. This rate is markedly higher than in North Indian populations, and the difference is largely due to historical genetic variations.