Which one of the following statements is false?

The provided correct answer C is actually a true statement in the context of developmental economics, not a false one. Generally, higher adult literacy leads to better health awareness and childcare, which results in lower infant mortality.

However, based on the options provided for this specific question, statements A, B, and D are factually incorrect based on global demographic data. Many countries besides India have literacy rates below 80 percent, countries like Japan have higher life expectancy than Malaysia, and India's life expectancy has historically been lower than Indonesia's.

If the question asks which statement is false and lists C as the correct answer, it implies a logical error in the question's design or the provided answer key, as C represents a well-established positive correlation in human development. In a standard evaluation, A, B, and D would all be considered false statements.