Q.15. What are the main issues related to poverty and hunger?

Main issues related to poverty and hunger:

• Poverty:

• Definition: Poverty refers to a condition where a person is unable to fulfill the basic necessities for the sustenance of life. These necessities include food, clothing, and shelter.
• Vicious Cycle: Poverty becomes a vicious trap, affecting not only individuals but entire families. Extreme poverty can even lead to death.
• Measurement in India: India assesses poverty levels based on both consumption (money spent on essential goods) and income (earnings by households). The poverty line acts as a benchmark, representing the minimum income needed for basic necessities.
• Current Poverty Line in India: As of 2014, the poverty line is set at Rs. 32 per day in rural areas and Rs. 47 in towns and cities.

• Causes of Poverty:
• • Overpopulation: High population density strains available resources.
  • Unequal Distribution of Resources: Developing countries often lack access to essential goods due to trade imbalances.
  • Lack of Education: Illiteracy and limited education hinder economic progress.
  • Environmental Degradation: Shortages of food, clean water, and shelter result from environmental problems.
  • Demographic Shifts: Changes in population dynamics contribute to overall poverty.
• Hunger:

• Global Issue: Hunger is a global social problem.
• Nutritional Quality: Malnourishment due to inadequate diets affects many hungry people.
• Household Food Insecurity: Lack of access to sufficient and nutritious food within households perpetuates hunger.

• India’s Hunger Scenario:
• • India ranks 111th out of 125 nations in the 2023 Global Hunger Index.
  • India has the world’s highest child wasting rate at 18.7%, indicating severe undernutrition.
  • 16.6% population is undernourished.
  • Women aged 15-24 years face a high prevalence of anemia at 58.1%.
  • Addressing hunger remains a critical challenge for India.

In summary, poverty and hunger are intertwined, affecting millions globally. Efforts to eradicate hunger must address poverty, education, resource distribution, and sustainable development.