In the survey conducted by the US News and the World Report in association with the Wharton School of the US, India has moved two places up over its 2019 ranking. Last year's rank was 27.
India stands at 59the position, in the list of best countries to raise children. A disciplinarian nation like Singapore is ranked 22, and even countries facing internal strife such as Kenya and Egypt are placed above India in the list of best countries to raise children. However, India has improved its ranking in 2020 by six places, from 65th position in 2019.
The concern about India being "not good" country for children finds validity in an Indian Railways report that came out a few days back. The railways said 16,457 children were rescued from trains and railway stations from across the country in 2019. This means the Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued nearly 46 children every day.
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In the list of best countries for women, India ranks 58 for 2020, slipping one place compared to its 2019 ranking. West Asian countries, UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are placed above India. Immediate neighbours, such as China and Sri Lanka are also considered better for women in the survey.
Surprisingly, South Africa with a rate of murder of 36.4 per lakh population -- far higher than India's 2.2 -- and overall the crime rate for rape at 72.1 -- against India's 5.2 -- is placed 15 ranks above India in the list of best countries for women. But then it is more about perception.