New Delhi, May 27 -- On March 13, 2020, Government of India's Press Information Bureau (PIB) released the latest life expectancy data of the country. Quoting estimates of the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, the pib release said, "The average life expectancy at birth has increased from 49.7 during 1970-75 to 69.0 in 2013-17, registering an increase of 19.3 years during this period." Life expectancy at birth is a wholesome indicator of a country's development-in India's case, the death rate is decreasing, overall health parameters have improved, and citizens are living longer. The country has been reporting a consistent rise in life expectancy. A dip in it is now unimaginable.

But this good news was delivered at a t...