Daily Current Affairs : 25-October-2023
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed annually on October 17, highlights the global concern for addressing poverty. Poverty is a complex issue encompassing deprivation in various aspects of well-being, and it is intertwined with inequality and hunger.
The Concept of Poverty:
- Poverty as the state of lacking essential resources for a decent standard of living.
- Deprivation not just in financial resources but also basic necessities like food, shelter, healthcare, and education.
- Poverty ‘of what’: Specific deprivations and lacks individuals or households may experience.
- Poverty ‘between whom’: Comparison and relative deprivation among different societal groups.
Causes of Poverty:
- Structural Factors:
- Historical inequalities, social discrimination, and political factors.
- Legacy of colonial rule in India leading to resource disparity.
- Economic Factors:
- Low agricultural productivity, limited access to credit and markets, and unequal wealth distribution.
- Lack of industrial and employment opportunities in certain regions.
- Social Factors:
- Limited access to education and healthcare perpetuating poverty.
- Population Growth and Poverty:
- Poverty leading to high fertility rates, contributing to population growth.
- Poverty-driven lack of access to family planning services and education.
Poverty, Inequality, and Hunger:
Inequality ‘of what’:
- Disparities in distribution of resources like income, education, healthcare, clean water, and housing.
- Unequal access leading to economic poverty for some despite potential to escape poverty.
Inequality ‘between whom’:
- Disparities among different societal groups – economic, social, gender, and racial disparities.
- Some groups like women and minorities disproportionately affected by poverty.
- Five out of six multidimensional poor people in India are from lower tribes or castes.
Key Factors Determining Poverty and Hunger:
- Income and Resource Scarcity:
- Insufficient income for basic needs, including food, leading to hunger.
- Access to Food:
- Limited access due to living in ‘food deserts’, lack of transportation, and inadequate distribution systems.
- Instances of ration denial due to lack of identity proof documents.
- Underemployment and Unemployment:
- Unstable jobs and low income leading to food insecurity.
- Healthcare and Nutrition:
- Poor health outcomes due to lack of quality healthcare leading to hunger.
- Child Hunger:
- Malnutrition affecting growth, cognitive development, and future prospects.
- Global Perspective:
- Hunger in developing countries due to unequal resource distribution, lack of education, and economic disparities.
- Impoverished regions struggling to produce or import enough food for their populations.
Important Points:
- Poverty is the state of lacking essential resources for a decent standard of living.
- Deprivation includes basic necessities like food, shelter, healthcare, and education.
- Poverty ‘of what’: Specific deprivations in income and basic necessities.
- Poverty ‘between whom’: Comparison and relative deprivation among different societal groups.
Causes of Poverty:
- Structural Factors:
- Historical inequalities, social discrimination, and political factors.
- Colonial rule legacy in India led to resource disparity.
- Economic Factors:
- Low agricultural productivity, limited access to credit and markets, unequal wealth distribution.
- Lack of industrial and employment opportunities in certain regions.
- Social Factors:
- Limited access to education and healthcare perpetuates poverty.
- Population Growth and Poverty:
- Poverty-driven high fertility rates contribute to population growth.
- Lack of access to family planning services and education.
Poverty, Inequality, and Hunger:
- Inequality ‘of what’:
- Disparities in income, education, healthcare, clean water, and housing distribution.
- Unequal access leads to economic poverty despite potential to escape it.
- Inequality ‘between whom’:
- Disparities among societal groups – economic, social, gender, and racial disparities.
- Some groups like women and minorities disproportionately affected by poverty.
- Five out of six multidimensional poor people in India are from lower tribes or castes.
Key Factors Determining Poverty and Hunger:
- Income and Resource Scarcity:
- Insufficient income for basic needs, leading to hunger.
- Access to Food:
- Limited access due to living in ‘food deserts’, lack of transportation, and inadequate distribution systems.
- Instances of ration denial due to lack of identity proof documents.
- Underemployment and Unemployment:
- Unstable jobs and low income lead to food insecurity.
- Healthcare and Nutrition:
- Poor health outcomes due to lack of quality healthcare lead to hunger.
- Child Hunger:
- Malnutrition affects growth, cognitive development, and future prospects.
- Global Perspective:
- Hunger in developing countries due to unequal resource distribution, lack of education, and economic disparities.
- Impoverished regions struggle to produce or import enough food for their populations.
Why In News
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed annually on October 17, is a significant global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against poverty. On this day, people worldwide unite in their commitment to alleviate poverty, promote social inclusion, and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to lead a dignified life.
MCQs about The Interconnected Realities of Poverty and Hunger
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What is the primary cause of underemployment and unemployment leading to poverty?
A. Limited access to education
B. Lack of industrial and employment opportunities
C. Discrimination based on caste and ethnicity
D. Low agricultural productivity
-
How does poverty impact child development?
A. Enhances cognitive abilities
B. Boosts overall well-being
C. Leads to stunted growth and cognitive deficits
D. Improves academic performance
-
What does the essay highlight as a crucial aspect of addressing poverty and inequality?
A. Focusing solely on economic factors
B. Implementing short-term solutions
C. Comprehensive efforts at societal, economic, and political levels
D. Ignoring social factors
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