Global infant mortality has fallen by more than two-thirds since 1974, from around 10% of babies dying before their first birthday to under 3% today. Researchers attributing the decline to causes estimate that vaccines were responsible for about 40% of it, saving huge numbers of children from measles, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus and other infections. The remaining gains came from better nutrition, clean water, sanitation, maternal care and medicine.

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India, with more than 1,600 surviving remains spread over 4,100 hectares. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565. Travellers from Persia and Portugal described it as a prosperous, wealthy and grand city with temples, markets and farms along the Tungabhadra River. By 1500 it was estimated to be the world's second-largest city after Beijing, and probably India's richest at the time. In 1565 a coalition of Muslim sultanates defeated the Vijayanagara Empire, its capital was conquered and destroyed, and the city was left in ruins. Hampi remains a religious centre, with the active Virupaksha Temple at its heart.