​The ‘Infant Mortality Rate’ is defined as the number of deaths of infants aged less than one year per _________ live births in a given year.​

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: B) 1000

The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is defined as the number of deaths of infants (aged less than one year) per 1000 live births in a given year. It is an essential indicator of a country's healthcare system, maternal care, and socio-economic conditions.

IMR is calculated using the formula:

​$$IMR = \left( \frac{\text{Number of infant deaths (under 1 year)} }{\text{Total live births in a year}} \right) \times 1000$$​​

For example, if 5000 infants die in a year out of 500,000 live births, the IMR would be:

​$$IMR = \left( \frac{5000}{500000} \right) \times 1000 = 10$$​​

• India’s IMR (2023) is around 28 deaths per 1000 live births, showing improvement over previous decades.
  
• Kerala has the lowest IMR in India, while Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have the highest.
  
• Common causes of high IMR include malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, infections, and poor maternal health.
  
• Developed countries have IMRs below 5 per 1000, while underdeveloped nations may have IMRs exceeding 50 per 1000.
  
• Government initiatives like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and Mission Indradhanush aim to reduce infant mortality in India.

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