28 December 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF
The Hindu Editorial
28-December-2023
1. Making health our top priority in 2024.
| Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Policies – Interventions for development in various sectors. Critical for UPSC as it addresses India’s rising NCD crisis, behavioral risk factors, government initiatives, and individual responsibility for health. |
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NCDs Dominance and Global Comparisons:
- A WHO report, ‘Invisible Numbers,’ reveals that 66% of deaths in India in 2019 were due to NCDs.
- The probability of individuals aged 30 or older succumbing to NCDs before 70 is 22% in India, surpassing the global average of 18%.
Behavioral Risk Factors:
- NCDs are fueled by rising behavioral risk factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption.
- Genetic predisposition, sedentary lifestyles, stress, anxiety, and depression contribute to the silent epidemic.
Health Statistics and Economic Impact:
- India has 101 million diabetics, making it the diabetes capital, and cardiovascular diseases top mortality charts.
- Cancer incidence is projected to rise by 57.5% by 2040.
- The economic burden of NCDs and mental health conditions in India is estimated to be $4.58 trillion between 2012 and 2030.
Government Initiatives and Individual Responsibility:
- Government initiatives like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke are in place.
- However, individuals must take charge of their health as India aims to become a $5 trillion economy by 2027.
Micro-Habits for Health Improvement:
- Integrate natural movement into daily life, like walking instead of using vehicles, for at least 30 minutes daily.
- Choose ‘slow food’ over fast food, emphasizing the connection between food and overall health.
- Prioritize comprehensive health check-ups annually to adopt a proactive attitude.
- Normalize health discussions at dinner tables and water coolers to stay ahead of potential health issues.
Resolution 2024 – A Call to Action:
- Embrace sustainable healthy habits as a collective commitment to shaping a healthier, more prosperous India.
- Recognize that small, consistent actions, multiplied across millions, can bring about a significant shift in the health landscape.
- The resolution transcends personal improvement, representing a dedication to the collective well-being of society.
Conclusion:
- The article emphasizes that the power to transform the nation lies in the daily choices of its citizens.
- Committing to Resolution 2024 reflects a profound understanding that individual well-being directly impacts the well-being of society.
- It calls for a collective effort in shaping a brighter, healthier future for India and future generations.
| Practice Question: Discuss the multifaceted challenges posed by the escalating prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India. Evaluate the role of individual choices, government initiatives, and the economic impact. (250 words/15 m) |
2. Growth charts — WHO standards versus India crafted.
| Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Policies – Issues arising out of their design & implementation. Critical for UPSC as it addresses persistent child undernutrition in India, and proposes interventions for holistic development. |
| Context: |
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Background:
- Child undernutrition persists as a significant issue in India.
- Determinants of undernutrition include food intake, dietary diversity, health, sanitation, women’s status, and poverty.
- Common measures include height-for-age (stunting) and weight-for-height (wasting).
Favorable Environment in Child Growth:
- Definition: Refers to conditions supporting healthy child growth, encompassing nutrition, healthcare, sanitation, and socio-economic factors.
- MGRS Approach: Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) aimed to establish growth standards based on children in favorable environments.
Sampling Concerns:
- Misleading Comparisons: Some argue that comparisons with other datasets may be misleading due to sampling issues.
- Representation in Surveys: Large-scale surveys in India might lack samples reflecting a truly favorable environment for growth.
Genetic and Environmental Factors:
- Influence on Growth: Genetic growth potential and maternal height are considered non-modifiable factors influencing child growth.
- Maternal Height as an Indicator: Maternal height is seen as a reflection of the intergenerational transmission of poverty and a measure of deprivation.
Concerns about Misdiagnosis:
- Potential Overestimation: High growth standards may lead to misdiagnosis and potential overfeeding, contributing to overweight and obesity concerns.
- Balancing Interventions: Despite concerns, the article suggests the need for improved quality in government programs addressing undernutrition.
Recommendations and Interventions:
- Urgent Action: Implementation of recommendations like including eggs in meals and incorporating pulses in the Public Distribution System.
- Dietary Gaps: Emphasis on improving the quality of meals to ensure they are nutrient-rich and contribute to dietary diversity.
ICMR Recommendation:
- Committee Formation: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) forms a committee to revise growth references, suggesting a detailed nationwide study.
Conclusion:
- While acquiring newer information is welcomed, sticking to WHO-MGRS standards is logical for international comparisons and intra-country trends.
| More about World Health Organisation |
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| PYQ: In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2020) (150 words/10 m) |
| Practice Question: Examine the persistent challenges of child malnutrition in India, considering socio-economic determinants, health interventions, and the role of government programs. Propose comprehensive strategies for addressing this issue.(250 words/15 m) |
3. The quest for ‘happiness’ in the Viksit Bharat odyssey.
| Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Inclusive growth Critical for UPSC: Evaluates Viksit Bharat’s economic-centric development, advocates a happiness-centric model, and emphasizes inclusive development indices. |
| Context: |
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Viksit Bharat’s Development Focus:
- Launched with the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.
- Emphasizes economic development through structural transformation, labor market organization, competitiveness, financial and social inclusion, governance reforms, and seizing opportunities in the Green Revolution.
Critiques and Concerns:
- Post-developmentalists argue it reflects a Euro-centric notion of development, overemphasizing economic aspects.
- Need for a reimagined approach to development that considers various aspects beyond GDP.
Proposal for ‘Happy India-Developed India’:
- Shifts focus from ‘Viksit Bharat’ to ‘Happy India-Developed India.’
- Happiness considered a central pursuit, with a idea that development lacks meaning without achieving happiness.
Happiness as a Central Goal:
- Happiness indicators include GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, generosity, social support, freedom to make life choices, and perception of corruption.
- Recognition of the importance of social connections and relationships in contributing to happiness and well-being.
Global Happiness Trends:
- Some developed nations with high GDP and per capita income perform poorly in happiness indicators.
- Acts of kindness and social connections highlighted as crucial contributors to happiness.
India’s Happiness Index:
- India ranked 126 out of 137 countries in the World Happiness Report despite being the fifth-largest economy.
- Emphasizes the need for a happiness-induced development model for India.
Inclusive Development Measures:
- The article calls for inclusion of social indicators in development planning.
- It also suggests considering indices like the Human Development Index, Social Development Index, Green Index, International Human Suffering Index, and others.
- Proposes considering indices such as the Global Innovation Index, Rule of Law Index, Poverty Index, Corruption Perceptions Index, Gender Equality Index, and World Press Freedom Index.
Conclusion:
- There is a need for a paradigm shift in Viksit Bharat, urging a focus on happiness and inclusive development measures beyond economic growth for a holistic and sustainable vision of India’s progress.
- Revisiting the pursuit of a developed India as ‘Happy India’ is seen as pivotal for Viksit Bharat’s journey.
| PYQ: Despite Consistent experience of High growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.(UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2019) (150 words/10 m) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of incorporating happiness indicators and inclusive development measures for a comprehensive vision of India’s progress. (150 words/10 m) |
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