More than 19,000 rape cases were registered in India in 2016 - more than 50 each day

Amid uproar over a series of high-profile cases, India's Cabinet has approved the introduction of the death penalty for those who rape children.

This change to the country's penal code would apply to those convicted of raping a child under the age of 12.

In recent weeks, there have been nationwide protests over the gang rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl.



The government has come under fire for not doing enough to prevent sexual-assault cases, many involving children.

Appropriately, the executive order was cleared at a special cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Minimum prison sentences for rape against girls under the age of 16 and women have also been raised.