Social, health ills ail India on move

New Delhi: India continues to be plagued by social and health ills like child marriage, early motherhood and domestic violence. The latest data in the "State of the World's Children report 2012" released by the Unicef on Wednesday shows almost 22% women in India, who are now aged between 20 and 24 years gave birth to a child before they turned 18.      Around 57% of male adolescents (aged 15-19) and 53% of female adolescents thought a husband was justified in beating their wives. Only 35% adolescent males (aged 15-19) and 19% adolescent females have knowledge of HIV. Around two in four people in urban India and one in five in rural use improved sanitation facilities. India also ranks 46th in the list of 50 worst nations with the highest under-five mortality rate.      Almost one in three is born with low birth weight, with less than 50% kids being breastfed by their mothers.      Around 43% under five years are underweight, 16%undernourished and 48% stunted. Karin Hulshof, Unicef representative to India, said the report shows how a child growing up in an urban poor environment has similar challenges as a child in rural areas.  RAISING A STINK  22% women in India give birth to a child before they turn 18  Around 57% of male adolescents and 53% of female adolescents think husband is justified in beating up wives  Only 35% adolescent males and 19% adolescent females have knowledge of HIV