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.

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