In September 2017, USAID commissioned RTI and Pratham Education Foundation’s (Pratham) Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) Centre to conduct the Analysis of Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) in India activity. Together, RTI and Pratham developed a research plan and modified standard ASER and EGRA instruments to serve the research objective. The five largest education projects from the Mission’s portfolio were selected for inclusion into the assessment. Projects use different approaches and strategies to achieve similar goals – some work through government systems while others are working directly with schools to improve learning outcomes.

Documentation

Description and codebook for subset of harmonized variables:

Section 2

Guide to datasets:

Full Project Name: The Impact of Mother Literacy and Participation Programs on Child Learning in India

Unique ID: 458

PIs: Rukmini Banerji, James Berry, Marc Shotland

Location: Indian states of Bihar and Rajasthan

Sample: Around 9,000 households in 480 villages

Timeline: 2010 to 2012

Target Group: Children Parents Rural population Women and girls

Outcome of Interest: Employment, Student learning ,Women’s/girls’ decision-making, Gender attitudes and norms

Intervention Type: Early childhood development, Tracking and remedial education, Empowerment training

Associated publications: https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/app.20150390

More information: https://www.povertyactionlab.org/evaluation/impact-mother-literacy-and-participation-programs-child-learning-india

Dataverse: Banerji, Rukmini; Berry, James; Shotland, Marc, 2017, “The Impact of Maternal Literacy and Participation Programs: Evidence from a Randomized Evaluation in India”, https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/19PPE7, Harvard Dataverse, V1

Section 3

Survey instrument:

Testing tools:

Section 4

Survey instrument:

Testing tools:

Section 5

No associated survey instrument

Section 6

This dataset was created on 2021-10-06 20:35:41.921 by merging multiple datasets together. The source datasets for this version were:

Maternal Literacy in India Baseline: Modified from ml_merged : contains data with variables only from baseline surveys

Maternal Literacy in India Endline: Modified from ml_merged : contains data with variables only from endline surveys

Maternal Literacy in India Raw Administrative Statistics: ml_admin_stats_raw: Contains administrative statistics from the 2011 census and aser surveys used in online Appendix Table 1 in the paper; this is merged with some of the survey data to create ml_admin_stats

In 2022, the degree of literacy in India was about 97 percent among the youth between the ages of 15 to 24 years. An exponential increase in the literary rate was seen over the years from 1981 in the country.

Literacy in India has been increasing as more and more people receive a better education, but it is still far from all-encompassing. In 2023, the degree of literacy in India was about 77 percent, with the majority of literate Indians being men. It is estimated that the global literacy rate for people aged 15 and above is about 86 percent. How to read a literacy rateIn order to identify potential for intellectual and educational progress, the literacy rate of a country covers the level of education and skills acquired by a country’s inhabitants. Literacy is an important indicator of a country’s economic progress and the standard of living – it shows how many people have access to education. However, the standards to measure literacy cannot be universally applied. Measures to identify and define illiterate and literate inhabitants vary from country to country: In some, illiteracy is equated with no schooling at all, for example. Writings on the wallGlobally speaking, more men are able to read and write than women, and this disparity is also reflected in the literacy rate in India – with scarcity of schools and education in rural areas being one factor, and poverty another. Especially in rural areas, women and girls are often not given proper access to formal education, and even if they are, many drop out. Today, India is already being surpassed in this area by other emerging economies, like Brazil, China, and even by most other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. To catch up, India now has to offer more educational programs to its rural population, not only on how to read and write, but also on traditional gender roles and rights.

Data have been generated as part of an ESRC-funded research project that investigates the potential of community-school partnerships in raising government school children’s learning in rural India. This longitudinal study covers three rounds of in-person surveys and one round of phone survey, which took place during the Covid-19 pandemic. The sample was selected from children attending government schools in primary grades 2, 3, and 4 who had not achieved foundational literacy at the time of the survey. In addition to measuring children’s foundational literacy and numeracy (in all in-person survey rounds), information was collected on each selected child’s household as well as on the schools attended by these children. The baseline survey was conducted between October 2018 and January 2019, and the survey was done for the following units at the baseline: Child, Household, School, Head Teacher, Teacher, and Classroom observations. Similarly, the midline data (i.e., the second survey round) was collected between November 2019 and March 2020. Due to the pandemic, we tracked the sampled children’s households and teachers through a phone survey during the period of school closures (from October – November 2021) to capture the status of education-related activities. The final survey (from December 2021 – January 2022) only collected information on the sample children’s enrolment status and their learning levels after the pandemic.

According to the School Children’s Online and Offline Learning (SCHOOL) survey conducted across India in August 2021, ** percent of the parents of urban school children between the grades * and * stated that their children's ability to read and write had declined during the online schooling due to the pandemic. Furthermore, ** percent of the urban school children found it difficult to follow online classes.

In 2011, **** million out of 26.8 million of people with disability in India were illiterate. Among illiterates in India, more women than men were reported to be illiterate, at respectively **** million and **** million of people.The general schooling system in India comprises of four levels namely, Primary (classes I – V), Middle or Upper Primary (Classes VI – VIII), Secondary (Classes IX – X), and Higher Secondary (XI – X). In India, the total number of illiterate women was higher than that of illiterate men. According to the 2009 Right to Education Act in India, children aged six to 14 years are entitled to free and compulsory education until upper primary level. However, as of 2011, less than one in every ten people with disability completed middle school.

Gender gap in education

Regarding reproductive health, empowerment and the labor market, India belongs to the least gender equal countries in the world. Gender disparity in India is also evident in the literacy gap. For instance, there are more men than women that have higher education levels . The same trend was also recorded among those with disability. Even though the Constitution of India grants women equality before the law and equal protection of the law, India still has a long way to go to achieve gender equality. Nevertheless, there is no question that women in India have overcome numerous barriers within the last few decades and continue to strive their way towards equality.

This dataset is a cross-sectional survey collected from two provinces in Pakistan (Punjab) and India (State of Gujarat). The sample included both urban and rural parts of the two countries. The dataset mainly looks at children’s learning and general life experiences in the early years of childhood (at ages 4 to 8). We assessed 1,129 children on tasks of basic numeracy, literacy, and social-emotional learning using a standardised measure of assessment, implemented at two points in time with a gap of 12 months. Also, we collected data on household characteristics, children's learning performance and a parents' survey of children's activities and learning outcomes.School enrolment of around 80% in India and Pakistan is lower than targets associated with Sustainable Development Goal 4 and functional levels of literacy and numeracy are inadequate even for many young children who are enrolled in school. This project, based on 1,500 young children from one province in Pakistan and one state in India, seeks to examine patterns of enrolment of children and school readiness by socio-economic group, family background, urban / rural locations and individual characteristics such as gender, disability and health. Attendance and progress at school will be analysed over one year, demonstrating how much of a difference school attendance can make to children’s cognitive development and health outcomes. The project aims to collect in-depth information from families and communities on their views of schools and any barriers to attendance, and conduct a systematic review of the evidence. The findings are expected to have policy implications on school enrolment, attendance and retention. The team's final project report was published on 20 September 2022, and a foreword has been authored by Ziauddin Yousafzai (Malala Yousafzai’s father). This dataset is a longitudinal design in which the same households were followed and children were assessed at the baseline and after the gap of 12 months. This study involved trained and highly experienced enumerators leading to the initial sample of 1,129 children by involving 783 households from selected districts (both urban and rural areas) in Punjab, Pakistan and Gujarat, India depending on the population dynamics of the village and enumerators' access to the households. Children aged 3 to 8 (according to parental reports of children’s age) were assessed by standardised tests. Parents were surveyed by family questionnaires regarding household socioeconomic conditions, reasons for school choice, children's general health and interest in attending school, and experience of access to their children's education during lockdown.

Children's Picture Book Market Outlook

The global market size for children's picture books was valued at approximately USD 8.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 12.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2024 to 2032. One of the primary growth factors driving this market is the increasing emphasis on early childhood education and literacy.

One significant factor fueling the growth of the children's picture book market is the heightened awareness among parents and educators about the importance of early childhood literacy. Studies have shown that reading to young children significantly boosts their cognitive, language, and emotional development. Consequently, there has been a surge in demand for well-illustrated and engaging picture books that cater to different age groups and developmental stages. Moreover, educational institutions are increasingly incorporating picture books into their curricula, further propelling market growth.

The advent of digital technology has also played a crucial role in the proliferation of children's picture books. While traditional print books remain popular, digital picture books offer interactive elements such as animations, sound, and touch-responsive features that can enhance the reading experience for young children. This blend of traditional and modern storytelling has captivated both parents and children, expanding the market's reach. Additionally, the advent of self-publishing platforms has allowed more authors and illustrators to enter the market, thereby increasing the diversity and availability of children's picture books.

Another significant growth driver is the rising disposable income among households globally, particularly in developing regions. As parents become more financially stable, they are more willing to invest in educational and recreational books for their children. Moreover, governments and non-profit organizations are increasingly focusing on improving literacy rates, which often includes the distribution of free or subsidized children's books. This philanthropic approach helps in reaching underprivileged segments, thereby widening the market base.

Regionally, the North American market holds a substantial share, driven by a well-established educational sector and high literacy rates. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate during the forecast period. This can be attributed to increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing awareness about the importance of early childhood education. Countries like China and India are witnessing a surge in both domestic and international publishers entering the market, which is fostering competition and innovation.

Age Group Analysis

The children's picture book market can be segmented by age group into 0-2 years, 3-5 years, and 6-8 years. Books for the 0-2 years age group are primarily focused on sensory stimulation and simple storytelling. These books often feature sturdy board pages, bright colors, and interactive elements like textures and flaps. The demand for books in this segment is driven by the need for early childhood development tools that help in sensory and motor skills enhancement.

For the 3-5 years age group, the focus shifts to more complex storytelling and educational content. Books in this category often include simple narratives, repetition, and rhymes to aid in language development. Illustrations play a significant role in capturing the attention of children and making the stories more engaging. The increasing enrollment in pre-schools and kindergartens is a major growth driver for this segment, as educators and parents alike seek quality reading material to support early literacy.

The 6-8 years age group represents a transitional phase where children start to develop independent reading skills. Books for this age group often feature longer narratives, more text, and fewer illustrations compared to those for younger children. Topics can range from adventure and fantasy to educational subjects, helping children expand their vocabulary and comprehension skills. This segment is witnessing robust growth due to the increasing emphasis on foundational education in primary schools.

Each age group has specific needs and preferences, which publishers must consider when designing and marketing their books. Customization and personalization are becoming increasingly popular, with parents looking for books that cater to their child's individual interests and developm

This dataset is a cross-sectional survey collected from two provinces in Pakistan (Punjab) and India (State of Gujarat). The sample included both urban and rural parts of the two countries. The dataset mainly looks at children’s learning and general life experiences in the early years of childhood (at ages 4 to 8). We assessed 1,129 children on tasks of basic numeracy, literacy, and social-emotional learning using a standardised measure of assessment, implemented at two points in time with a gap of 12 months. Also, we collected data on household characteristics, children's learning performance and a parents' survey of children's activities and learning outcomes.

Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for allEnrolment in primary education in developing countries has reached 91%, but 57 million children remain out of school.More than half of children who have not enrolled in school live in sub-Saharan Africa.An estimated 50% of out-of-school children of primary school age live in conflict-affected areas. Children in the poorest households are 4 times as likely to be out of school as children in the richest households.The world has achieved equality in primary education between girls and boys, but few countries have achieved that target at all levels of education.Among youth aged 15 to 24, the literacy rate has improved globally from 83 per cent to 91 per cent between 1990 and 2015.India has made significant progress in universalizing primary education. Enrolment and completion rates of girls in primary school have improved as are elementary completion rates. The net enrolment ratio in primary education (for both sexes) is 88%(2013-14). At the national level, male and female youth literacy rate is 94% and 92%.This map layer is offered by Esri India, for ArcGIS Online subscribers, If you have any questions or comments, please let us know via content@esri.in.

Moran-I statistics for infant and under five mortality, underweight children, percent urban, female literacy and safe delivery in India, 1992–2004.

Children's Publishing Market Outlook

The children's publishing market size was valued at approximately USD 12.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 19.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period. This market is witnessing robust growth factors, driven primarily by the increasing emphasis on early childhood education, the growing popularity of digital formats, and the rising disposable incomes of parents worldwide.

One of the significant growth factors driving the children's publishing market is the increasing emphasis on early childhood education. Governments and educational institutions globally are recognizing the importance of nurturing young minds from an early age, leading to the integration of more children's books into curriculums. This heightened focus on education has triggered a surge in the demand for educational picture books and early reader formats that cater specifically to young learners. Parents are also more inclined to invest in high-quality, educational content for their children, further boosting market growth.

Another compelling factor is the growing popularity of digital formats. As technology becomes more integrated into daily life, digital children's books and interactive e-books are gaining traction. Parents and educators appreciate the accessibility and convenience offered by these formats, which often come with interactive features that engage young readers more effectively. The digital segment is particularly appealing for tech-savvy parents who seek to provide enriching, yet entertaining content for their children. This shift towards digitalization is expected to continue, offering a lucrative growth opportunity for the market.

The rising disposable incomes of parents globally are also propelling the children's publishing market forward. As economic conditions improve, parents are willing to spend more on their children's education and recreational activities. This includes investing in a diverse range of books that cater to different age groups and interests. The increase in disposable incomes also means parents are more likely to purchase premium and specialized books, such as those focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education or bilingual formats, expanding the market's growth horizons.

From a regional perspective, North America and Europe currently dominate the children's publishing market owing to their well-established publishing industries and high literacy rates. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the increasing population, rising literacy rates, and the expanding middle-class segment in countries like China and India. Additionally, government initiatives aimed at promoting reading habits among children are further contributing to the market's growth in this region.

Book Type Analysis

When it comes to the segmentation by book type, the children's publishing market is quite diverse, encompassing picture books, early reader books, chapter books, middle grade books, and young adult books. Picture books, often designed for the youngest readers, are characterized by their illustrative content that aids in early literacy and cognitive development. These books are particularly popular among parents and educators due to their ability to engage children visually and help them understand complex concepts through images. The market for picture books is robust, driven by ongoing demand from schools and parents who prioritize early childhood education.

Early reader books cater to children who are transitioning from picture books to more text-heavy formats. These books are designed to build reading confidence and fluency among young readers, typically between the ages of 5 to 7. Early reader books often feature simple sentences and repetitive language patterns, making them ideal for children who are just beginning to read independently. The demand for early reader books is driven by educational institutions and parents who are focused on developing foundational literacy skills in children, further supporting market growth.

Chapter books are intended for readers who are comfortable with longer texts and more complex narratives. These books are commonly targeted at children aged 7 to 10 and often serve as a bridge between early reader books and middle grade books. The chapter books segment is experiencing steady growth as children in this a

The Multilingualism and Multiliteracy (MultiLila) project was a four-year research study (2016 –2020).It aimed to examine whether a match or mismatch between the child’s home language(s) and the school language affect learning outcomes while at the same time taking into other factors that can affect a child’s performance on basic school skills and more advanced, problem-solving and reasoning skills. Specifically, socioeconomic status, school site, urban vs. rural location and differences between two urban sites (Delhi and Hyderabad) were considered when evaluating learning outcomes in the project’s tasks. The project also sought to understand whether children who use more than one language in the home or children who live in linguistically highly diverse environments have better cognitive skills than children in monolingual or less diverse contexts. A variety of quantitative and qualitative data were collected over a period of four years. The data include children’s performance on the fourteen different tasks of literacy, numeracy, oral language, verbal reasoning, and cognitive tasks mentioned above. In addition, we collected data from the surveys and questionnaires used for teacher and head-teacher interviews.

The second National Family Health Survey (NFHS-2), conducted in 1998-99, provides information on fertility, mortality, family planning, and important aspects of nutrition, health, and health care. The International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) coordinated the survey, which collected information from a nationally representative sample of more than 90,000 ever-married women age 15-49. The NFHS-2 sample covers 99 percent of India's population living in all 26 states. This report is based on the survey data for 25 of the 26 states, however, since data collection in Tripura was delayed due to local problems in the state. IIPS also coordinated the first National Family Health Survey (NFHS-1) in 1992-93. Most of the types of information collected in NFHS-2 were also collected in the earlier survey, making it possible to identify trends over the intervening period of six and one-half years. In addition, the NFHS-2 questionnaire covered a number of new or expanded topics with important policy implications, such as reproductive health, women's autonomy, domestic violence, women's nutrition, anaemia, and salt iodization. The NFHS-2 survey was carried out in two phases. Ten states were surveyed in the first phase which began in November 1998 and the remaining states (except Tripura) were surveyed in the second phase which began in March 1999. The field staff collected information from 91,196 households in these 25 states and interviewed 89,199 eligible women in these households. In addition, the survey collected information on 32,393 children born in the three years preceding the survey. One health investigator on each survey team measured the height and weight of eligible women and children and took blood samples to assess the prevalence of anaemia. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS Three-quarters (73 percent) of the population lives in rural areas. The age distribution is typical of populations that have recently experienced a fertility decline, with relatively low proportions in the younger and older age groups. Thirty-six percent of the population is below age 15, and 5 percent is age 65 and above. The sex ratio is 957 females for every 1,000 males in rural areas but only 928 females for every 1,000 males in urban areas, suggesting that more men than women have migrated to urban areas. The survey provides a variety of demographic and socioeconomic background information. In the country as a whole, 82 percent of household heads are Hindu, 12 percent are Muslim, 3 percent are Christian, and 2 percent are Sikh. Muslims live disproportionately in urban areas, where they comprise 15 percent of household heads. Nineteen percent of household heads belong to scheduled castes, 9 percent belong to scheduled tribes, and 32 percent belong to other backward classes (OBCs). Two-fifths of household heads do not belong to any of these groups. Questions about housing conditions and the standard of living of households indicate some improvements since the time of NFHS-1. Sixty percent of households in India now have electricity and 39 percent have piped drinking water compared with 51 percent and 33 percent, respectively, at the time of NFHS-1. Sixty-four percent of households have no toilet facility compared with 70 percent at the time of NFHS-1. About three-fourths (75 percent) of males and half (51 percent) of females age six and above are literate, an increase of 6-8 percentage points from literacy rates at the time of NFHS-1. The percentage of illiterate males varies from 6-7 percent in Mizoram and Kerala to 37 percent in Bihar and the percentage of illiterate females varies from 11 percent in Mizoram and 15 percent in Kerala to 65 percent in Bihar. Seventy-nine percent of children age 6-14 are attending school, up from 68 percent in NFHS-1. The proportion of children attending school has increased for all ages, particularly for girls, but girls continue to lag behind boys in school attendance. Moreover, the disparity in school attendance by sex grows with increasing age of children. At age 6-10, 85 percent of boys attend school compared with 78 percent of girls. By age 15-17, 58 percent of boys attend school compared with 40 percent of girls. The percentage of girls 6-17 attending school varies from 51 percent in Bihar and 56 percent in Rajasthan to over 90 percent in Himachal Pradesh and Kerala. Women in India tend to marry at an early age. Thirty-four percent of women age 15-19 are already married including 4 percent who are married but gauna has yet to be performed. These proportions are even higher in the rural areas. Older women are more likely than younger women to have married at an early age: 39 percent of women currently age 45-49 married before age 15 compared with 14 percent of women currently age 15-19. Although this indicates that the proportion of women who marry young is declining rapidly, half the women even in the age group 20-24 have married before reaching the legal minimum age of 18 years. On average, women are five years younger than the men they marry. The median age at marriage varies from about 15 years in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh to 23 years in Goa. As part of an increasing emphasis on gender issues, NFHS-2 asked women about their participation in household decisionmaking. In India, 91 percent of women are involved in decision-making on at least one of four selected topics. A much lower proportion (52 percent), however, are involved in making decisions about their own health care. There are large variations among states in India with regard to women's involvement in household decisionmaking. More than three out of four women are involved in decisions about their own health care in Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Punjab compared with about two out of five or less in Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, and Rajasthan. Thirty-nine percent of women do work other than housework, and more than two-thirds of these women work for cash. Only 41 percent of women who earn cash can decide independently how to spend the money that they earn. Forty-three percent of working women report that their earnings constitute at least half of total family earnings, including 18 percent who report that the family is entirely dependent on their earnings. Women's work-participation rates vary from 9 percent in Punjab and 13 percent in Haryana to 60-70 percent in Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. FERTILITY AND FAMILY PLANNING Fertility continues to decline in India. At current fertility levels, women will have an average of 2.9 children each throughout their childbearing years. The total fertility rate (TFR) is down from 3.4 children per woman at the time of NFHS-1, but is still well above the replacement level of just over two children per woman. There are large variations in fertility among the states in India. Goa and Kerala have attained below replacement level fertility and Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab are at or close to replacement level fertility. By contrast, fertility is 3.3 or more children per woman in Meghalaya, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. More than one-third to less than half of all births in these latter states are fourth or higher-order births compared with 7-9 percent of births in Kerala, Goa, and Tamil Nadu. Efforts to encourage the trend towards lower fertility might usefully focus on groups within the population that have higher fertility than average. In India, rural women and women from scheduled tribes and scheduled castes have somewhat higher fertility than other women, but fertility is particularly high for illiterate women, poor women, and Muslim women. Another striking feature is the high level of childbearing among young women. More than half of women age 20-49 had their first birth before reaching age 20, and women age 15-19 account for almost one-fifth of total fertility. Studies in India and elsewhere have shown that health and mortality risks increase when women give birth at such young ages?both for the women themselves and for their children. Family planning programmes focusing on women in this age group could make a significant impact on maternal and child health and help to reduce fertility. INFANT AND CHILD MORTALITY NFHS-2 provides estimates of infant and child mortality and examines factors associated with the survival of young children. During the five years preceding the survey, the infant mortality rate was 68 deaths at age 0-11 months per 1,000 live births, substantially lower than 79 per 1,000 in the five years preceding the NFHS-1 survey. The child mortality rate, 29 deaths at age 1-4 years per 1,000 children reaching age one, also declined from the corresponding rate of 33 per 1,000 in NFHS-1. Ninety-five children out of 1,000 born do not live to age five years. Expressed differently, 1 in 15 children die in the first year of life, and 1 in 11 die before reaching age five. Child-survival programmes might usefully focus on specific groups of children with particularly high infant and child mortality rates, such as children who live in rural areas, children whose mothers are illiterate, children belonging to scheduled castes or scheduled tribes, and children from poor households. Infant mortality rates are more than two and one-half times as high for women who did not receive any of the recommended types of maternity related medical care than for mothers who did receive all recommended types of care. HEALTH, HEALTH CARE, AND NUTRITION Promotion of maternal and child health has been one of the most important components of the Family Welfare Programme of the Government of India. One goal is for each pregnant woman to receive at least three antenatal check-ups plus two tetanus toxoid injections and a full course of iron and folic acid supplementation. In India, mothers of 65 percent of the children born in the three years preceding NFHS-2 received at least one antenatal

Baby Books Market Outlook

The global baby books market size was valued at approximately USD 2.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.6 billion by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period. The growth of this market is driven by several factors, including the increasing awareness of early childhood education, rising disposable incomes, and growing investments in child development. As parents continue to recognize the importance of reading to their children from an early age, the demand for baby books is expected to grow steadily.

One of the primary growth factors for the baby books market is the emphasis on early childhood education. Studies have shown that reading to infants and toddlers can significantly enhance their cognitive development and language skills. This awareness has led to a surge in demand for baby books that cater to different developmental stages. Moreover, governments and educational institutions worldwide are promoting early literacy programs, further fueling the demand for baby books. Parents are increasingly prioritizing educational resources for their children, contributing to the market's expansion.

Another significant driver of market growth is the rising disposable income of families, particularly in emerging economies. As more households attain higher income levels, parents are willing to spend more on quality educational materials for their children. This trend is especially evident in urban areas where access to a variety of baby books is more readily available. Additionally, the growth of the middle class in countries like China and India has led to increased spending on children's products, including books. This economic trend is expected to sustain the demand for baby books in the coming years.

The increasing investment in child development by both public and private sectors is also boosting the baby books market. Companies are continually innovating to produce high-quality, engaging, and educational baby books. These books often feature interactive elements, vibrant illustrations, and age-appropriate content that captures the interest of young children. Furthermore, collaborations between publishers and child development experts are leading to the creation of books that address various developmental milestones, ensuring that children receive the best start in their educational journey.

From a regional perspective, North America currently holds the largest share of the baby books market due to the high awareness of early childhood education and the presence of major market players. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. The increasing population, rising literacy rates, and growing disposable incomes in countries like China, India, and Japan are driving this growth. Additionally, government initiatives to promote early childhood education are likely to further propel the market in this region.

Product Type Analysis

The baby books market can be segmented by product type into board books, picture books, interactive books, cloth books, and others. Board books are particularly popular among parents of infants and toddlers due to their durability and ease of handling. These books are made with thick, sturdy pages that can withstand rough handling, chewing, and other forms of wear and tear that are common with young children. The vibrant illustrations and simple text in board books make them an excellent choice for early readers. As a result, board books are expected to maintain a significant share of the market over the forecast period.

Picture books cater to slightly older children, typically in the age group of 1-5 years. These books are characterized by large, colorful illustrations and minimal text, making them engaging for young readers. Picture books play a crucial role in developing children's visual and cognitive skills, as well as their vocabulary. The demand for picture books is driven by the growing emphasis on early literacy and the desire of parents to introduce their children to a wide range of themes and stories. As educational institutions begin to include picture books in their early childhood curriculum, their market share is expected to grow.

Interactive books are gaining popularity due to their ability to engage children through various interactive elements such as flaps, textures, and sounds. These books offer a multisensory experience that can captivate young readers and enhance their learning experience. Interactive books are particularly effective for children who are tac

Abstract

The National Family Health Survey 2019-21 (NFHS-5), the fifth in the NFHS series, provides information on population, health, and nutrition for India, each state/union territory (UT), and for 707 districts.

The primary objective of the 2019-21 round of National Family Health Surveys is to provide essential data on health and family welfare, as well as data on emerging issues in these areas, such as levels of fertility, infant and child mortality, maternal and child health, and other health and family welfare indicators by background characteristics at the national and state levels. Similar to NFHS-4, NFHS-5 also provides information on several emerging issues including perinatal mortality, high-risk sexual behaviour, safe injections, tuberculosis, noncommunicable diseases, and the use of emergency contraception.

The information collected through NFHS-5 is intended to assist policymakers and programme managers in setting benchmarks and examining progress over time in India’s health sector. Besides providing evidence on the effectiveness of ongoing programmes, NFHS-5 data will help to identify the need for new programmes in specific health areas.

The clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical (CAB) component of NFHS-5 is designed to provide vital estimates of the prevalence of malnutrition, anaemia, hypertension, high blood glucose levels, and waist and hip circumference, Vitamin D3, HbA1c, and malaria parasites through a series of biomarker tests and measurements.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

• Household
• Individual
• Children age 0-5
• Woman age 15-49
• Man age 15 to 54

Universe

The survey covered all de jure household members (usual residents), all women aged 15-49, all men age 15-54, and all children aged 0-5 resident in the household.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

A uniform sample design, which is representative at the national, state/union territory, and district level, was adopted in each round of the survey. Each district is stratified into urban and rural areas. Each rural stratum is sub-stratified into smaller substrata which are created considering the village population and the percentage of the population belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes (SC/ST). Within each explicit rural sampling stratum, a sample of villages was selected as Primary Sampling Units (PSUs); before the PSU selection, PSUs were sorted according to the literacy rate of women age 6+ years. Within each urban sampling stratum, a sample of Census Enumeration Blocks (CEBs) was selected as PSUs. Before the PSU selection, PSUs were sorted according to the percentage of SC/ST population. In the second stage of selection, a fixed number of 22 households per cluster was selected with an equal probability systematic selection from a newly created list of households in the selected PSUs. The list of households was created as a result of the mapping and household listing operation conducted in each selected PSU before the household selection in the second stage. In all, 30,456 Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) were selected across the country in NFHS-5 drawn from 707 districts as on March 31st 2017, of which fieldwork was completed in 30,198 PSUs.

For further details on sample design, see Section 1.2 of the final report.

Mode of data collection

Computer Assisted Personal Interview [capi]

Research instrument

Four survey schedules/questionnaires: Household, Woman, Man, and Biomarker were canvassed in 18 local languages using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI).

Cleaning operations

Electronic data collected in the 2019-21 National Family Health Survey were received on a daily basis via the SyncCloud system at the International Institute for Population Sciences, where the data were stored on a password-protected computer. Secondary editing of the data, which required resolution of computer-identified inconsistencies and coding of open-ended questions, was conducted in the field by the Field Agencies and at the Field Agencies central office, and IIPS checked the secondary edits before the dataset was finalized.

Field-check tables were produced by IIPS and the Field Agencies on a regular basis to identify certain types of errors that might have occurred in eliciting information and recording question responses. Information from the field-check tables on the performance of each fieldwork team and individual investigator was promptly shared with the Field Agencies during the fieldwork so that the performance of the teams could be improved, if required.

Response rate

A total of 664,972 households were selected for the sample, of which 653,144 were occupied. Among the occupied households, 636,699 were successfully interviewed, for a response rate of 98 percent.

In the interviewed households, 747,176 eligible women age 15-49 were identified for individual women’s interviews. Interviews were completed with 724,115 women, for a response rate of 97 percent. In all, there were 111,179 eligible men age 15-54 in households selected for the state module. Interviews were completed with 101,839 men, for a response rate of 92 percent.

BackgroundIn India, acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a leading cause of mortality in children under 5 years. Mapping the hotspots of ARIs and the associated risk factors can help understand their association at the district level across India.MethodsData on ARIs in children under 5 years and household variables (unclean fuel, improved sanitation, mean maternal BMI, mean household size, mean number of children, median months of breastfeeding the children, percentage of poor households, diarrhea in children, low birth weight, tobacco use, and immunization status of children) were obtained from the National Family Health Survey-4. Surface and ground-monitored PM2.5 and PM10 datasets were collected from the Global Estimates and National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme. Population density and illiteracy data were extracted from the Census of India. The geographic information system was used for mapping, and ARI hotspots were identified using the Getis-Ord Gi* spatial statistic. The quasi-Poisson regression model was used to estimate the association between ARI and household, children, maternal, environmental, and demographic factors.ResultsAcute respiratory infections hotspots were predominantly seen in the north Indian states/UTs of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh, and also in the border districts of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. There is a substantial overlap among PM2.5, PM10, population density, tobacco smoking, and unclean fuel use with hotspots of ARI. The quasi-Poisson regression analysis showed that PM2.5, illiteracy levels, diarrhea in children, and maternal body mass index were associated with ARI.ConclusionTo decrease ARI in children, urgent interventions are required to reduce the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 (major environmental pollutants) in the hotspot districts. Furthermore, improving sanitation, literacy levels, using clean cooking fuel, and curbing indoor smoking may minimize the risk of ARI in children.

The global market for children's audiobook software is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, rising parental awareness of the educational benefits of audiobooks, and the expanding availability of high-quality, engaging content. The market, segmented by application (school vs. personal use) and type (paid vs. free), shows a strong preference for free, personal-use applications, particularly amongst younger demographics. However, the paid segment is also exhibiting significant growth, fueled by premium content offerings, exclusive features, and subscription models offering diverse content libraries. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established publishers like Harper Collins and Audible, alongside specialized children's audiobook providers like Storynory and emerging tech companies in regions like China. Geographical distribution reveals North America and Europe as leading markets, reflecting higher disposable incomes and digital literacy rates, but Asia-Pacific, particularly India and China, show significant growth potential due to rapid economic development and rising internet adoption. The market is expected to maintain a healthy Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the forecast period (2025-2033), propelled by continuous technological advancements, innovative content formats (interactive storytelling, personalized learning experiences), and increasing parental spending on children's education and entertainment. The restraints on market growth include concerns about screen time, the digital divide (access to technology and internet connectivity), and the challenge of creating engaging and age-appropriate content for diverse age groups and learning styles. However, these challenges are being addressed through the development of offline access options, affordable subscription models, and partnerships with educational institutions. Future growth will also depend on advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in personalized recommendations and adaptive learning features within audiobook applications. This will enhance user experience and tailor content to individual children's preferences and learning needs. The successful players will be those who effectively leverage technology to improve accessibility, create compelling content, and address parental concerns about screen time and educational value. Therefore, a nuanced approach focusing on both user engagement and educational benefits is crucial for success within this dynamically evolving market.

In the past ten years from 2008 to 2018, the share of children in India’s private schools performed better than children in government schools at both reading and math. Children from both school types performed better at reading than at math.