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Poverty & Hunger

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Home/Social Justice/Poverty & Hunger/Page 2

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Garima Gupta
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Garima GuptaBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
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Examine the effects on improving livelihood and economic prospects of government programs to support the development of renewable energy sources and enhance energy access in rural and underserved areas.

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Nakul Dixit
    Nakul Dixit Begginer

    Government Initiatives to Promote Renewable Energy and Improve Energy Access Introduction Promoting renewable energy and improving energy access, particularly in rural and underserved areas, are vital for sustainable development, economic growth, and enhancing livelihoods. The Indian government hasRead more

    Government Initiatives to Promote Renewable Energy and Improve Energy Access

    Introduction

    Promoting renewable energy and improving energy access, particularly in rural and underserved areas, are vital for sustainable development, economic growth, and enhancing livelihoods. The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to boost renewable energy sources and expand energy access. This analysis evaluates these initiatives and assesses their impact on livelihoods and economic opportunities.

    Government Initiatives

    1. Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources
      • National Solar Mission: Launched as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the National Solar Mission aims to promote solar energy by setting ambitious targets for solar power capacity. The mission seeks to deploy solar technologies at a scale that can drive down costs and foster innovation.
        • Recent Example: As of 2023, India has achieved over 100 GW of installed solar capacity, surpassing the target set for 2022, demonstrating the success of the National Solar Mission in scaling up solar energy deployment.
      • Wind Energy Initiatives: The government has also supported wind energy through policies such as the Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, which promotes the development of hybrid projects to optimize the use of land and resources.
        • Recent Example: The launch of the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy in 2022 aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs by integrating wind and solar power projects.
      • Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs): Under the RPO framework, states are required to purchase a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources. This policy helps drive demand for renewable energy and encourages investment in clean technologies.
        • Recent Example: In 2023, several states, including Gujarat and Karnataka, exceeded their RPO targets, reflecting a growing commitment to renewable energy.
    2. Improving Energy Access in Rural and Underserved Areas
      • Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY): This scheme focuses on providing 24×7 electricity to rural areas and improving the quality of power supply through the augmentation of infrastructure.
        • Recent Example: As of 2023, DDUGJY has facilitated the electrification of over 18,000 villages and improved power supply to numerous rural households, significantly enhancing energy access in these areas.
      • Saubhagya Scheme: The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) aims to provide electricity connections to all households in rural and urban areas, ensuring universal access to power.
        • Recent Example: The Saubhagya scheme, launched in 2017, has connected over 2.8 crore households by 2022, playing a critical role in extending electricity access to previously unconnected regions.
      • Solar Home Lighting Systems: To address energy access challenges in remote areas, the government promotes solar home lighting systems, which provide off-grid solutions for rural households.
        • Recent Example: The Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme, launched in 2019, supports the installation of solar pumps and home lighting systems in rural areas, benefiting farmers and remote communities.
    3. Support for Energy Storage and Grid Integration
      • Energy Storage Projects: To address the intermittency of renewable energy sources, the government supports the development of energy storage technologies, such as batteries and pumped storage projects.
        • Recent Example: The Energy Storage Mission, announced in 2022, aims to promote the development and deployment of advanced energy storage solutions to enhance the stability and reliability of the power grid.
      • Green Energy Corridors: These projects focus on creating infrastructure to facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the national grid, ensuring that renewable power generated in remote areas can be transmitted to where it is needed.
        • Recent Example: The Green Energy Corridor Phase-I, completed in 2021, has improved the transmission infrastructure for renewable energy, enabling more efficient distribution of green power.

    Impact on Livelihood and Economic Opportunities

    1. Enhanced Livelihood Opportunities:
      • Job Creation: The expansion of renewable energy projects has created numerous jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and operations. This is particularly beneficial in rural areas where employment opportunities are limited.
        • Recent Example: The solar and wind sectors have collectively generated over 500,000 jobs in the past decade, with a significant portion of these jobs located in rural and semi-urban areas.
      • Increased Agricultural Productivity: Solar pumps and other renewable energy solutions for agriculture have improved irrigation and productivity, enabling farmers to cultivate more land and enhance crop yields.
        • Recent Example: The KUSUM scheme has provided solar irrigation systems to thousands of farmers, resulting in increased agricultural output and reduced dependence on diesel pumps.
    2. Economic Development:
      • Infrastructure Improvement: Electrification of rural areas has led to better infrastructure and services, including improved healthcare, education, and small-scale industries. Access to reliable power supports the establishment of local businesses and enhances quality of life.
        • Recent Example: The DDUGJY scheme’s efforts in improving power supply have led to the development of small enterprises and improved living conditions in rural areas.
      • Sustainable Development: The promotion of renewable energy supports sustainable development by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating climate change impacts.
        • Recent Example: The achievement of over 100 GW of solar power capacity contributes to India’s climate goals and supports global efforts to combat climate change.

    Challenges and Areas for Improvement

    1. Infrastructure and Maintenance:
      • Grid Reliability: While progress has been made, challenges remain in ensuring grid reliability and integrating renewable energy sources effectively. Continued investment in grid infrastructure and maintenance is necessary.
    2. Affordability and Accessibility:
      • Cost Barriers: The initial cost of renewable energy systems can be a barrier for low-income households. Providing subsidies and financial support for these systems can help improve affordability.
    3. Technological and Regional Disparities:
      • Technology Adoption: There are disparities in technology adoption and infrastructure development across regions. Targeted efforts are needed to address these disparities and ensure uniform progress.

    Conclusion

    The Indian government’s initiatives to promote renewable energy sources and improve energy access in rural and underserved areas have had a significant impact on enhancing livelihoods and economic opportunities. The establishment of new medical colleges, implementation of the National Health Policy 2017, and promotion of renewable energy have led to increased job creation, improved infrastructure, and enhanced agricultural productivity. However, challenges such as grid reliability, affordability, and regional disparities remain. Addressing these challenges and continuing to invest in renewable energy and infrastructure will be crucial for achieving sustainable development and improving the quality of life across the country.

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Vedha Priyadharshini M
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Vedha Priyadharshini MBegginer
Asked: July 16, 2024In:
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poverty
  1. Neelam Nautiyal
    Neelam Nautiyal Begginer

    India the seventh largest country in the world according to area but now first largest according to population. Not everyone in India gets food to eat , so nutritious is something very far away from the reach. Barriers which come between nutritious food and impoverished community and leads to decreaRead more

    India the seventh largest country in the world according to area but now first largest according to population. Not everyone in India gets food to eat , so nutritious is something very far away from the reach.

    Barriers which come between nutritious food and impoverished community and leads to decreasing their access to nutritious food:

    Population : Accordingly I feel that over population is the biggest barrier for the lack of food or we can say nutritious food for the impoverished community.

    Poverty : Not everyone in India is that much rich that they can afford healthy and nutritious food for themselves and the family.

    Lack of personal and public hygiene: People practising poor hygiene are also lowering the nutritional value of food.

    Consequences of disturbing the mother Earth: Nowadays all this experiments , pollution and degradation going on mother Earth results in natural disasters which lowers the availability of food thus resulting in high prices of food which cannot be afford by everyone.

    Discrimination against females: In many households especially in impoverished households in India it is considered that the man should eat more healthy food as he has to work much harder than a women resulting in low nutritious food available for women. As due to low family income nutritious food cannot be afford for everyone or whatever is available it is given away to man.

    Ways that can help to overcome these barriers:

    1.Education : Education is something that can help each and every community to understand the importance of eating nutritious food.

    2.Addressing Poverty: Addressing poverty is very important to reduce the problem of lack of nutritious food as having a good financial balance can provide everyone the access to buy and eat nutritious and healthy food.

    3.Population :The major problem, as facilities are inversely proportional to number of individuals. More the number of people in family less will be the access of each and every family member to nutritious diet.

    In conclusion we can say that poverty and population are the major issues that need to be discuss if we really want a healthy and disease free country.

     

     

     

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Kartik Sharma
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Kartik SharmaBegginer
Asked: June 26, 2024In:
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In order to maintain sustainable lifestyles, poverty involves more than just a lack of resources and money. In this context, talk about the dynamic character of poverty in India and emphasize the steps the Indian government has taking to combat ...

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Akriti Pandey
    Akriti Pandey Enthusiast
Aakash Gupta
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Aakash GuptaBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
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Examine how the government’s efforts to fortify the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and the Public Distribution System (PDS) would affect hunger reduction and food security, especially in light of the COVID-19 epidemic.

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Deepti Garg
    Deepti Garg Begginer

    The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and the Public Distribution System (PDS) are critical mechanisms for ensuring food security and reducing hunger, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Government efforts to fortify these systems can have significant impacts on hungerRead more

    The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and the Public Distribution System (PDS) are critical mechanisms for ensuring food security and reducing hunger, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Government efforts to fortify these systems can have significant impacts on hunger reduction and food security in several ways:

    • Strengthening the TPDS and PDS involves expanding their reach to include more beneficiaries, particularly marginalized and vulnerable populations who may have been previously excluded. This expansion ensures that more households have access to essential food grains and other commodities at subsidized rates.
    • Governments can enhance identification mechanisms to ensure that the right beneficiaries are targeted. Leveraging technology, such as biometric authentication and digital ration cards, helps minimize errors of inclusion and exclusion, ensuring that the intended recipients receive the benefits.
    • In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments increased the allocation of food grains under the TPDS and PDS. This ensured that households, particularly those impacted by job losses and economic downturns, had a steady supply of essential food items.
    • Integrating technology into the TPDS and PDS, such as using GPS for tracking deliveries and digital payments, increases transparency and reduces corruption. These innovations ensure that food grains reach the intended beneficiaries without leakages.
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Swapna Sundari
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Swapna SundariLearner
Asked: January 20, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction: Start by acknowledging the significance of poverty and hunger as pervasive challenges in India. Highlight how these issues manifest differently in urban and rural contexts due to various socio-economic factors. Employment and Livelihoods: Rural Areas: Focus on dependence on agriculture (47% ...

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Poverty and hunger manifest differently in urban and rural areas of India due to varying socio-economic conditions, employment structures, and access to resources. 1. Employment and Livelihoods: In rural areas, about 47% of the population depends on agriculture, making them vulnerable tRead more

    Model Answer

    Poverty and hunger manifest differently in urban and rural areas of India due to varying socio-economic conditions, employment structures, and access to resources.

    1. Employment and Livelihoods: In rural areas, about 47% of the population depends on agriculture, making them vulnerable to erratic weather patterns, land fragmentation, and other agricultural challenges. This leads to income instability and food insecurity. In contrast, urban areas, with their wide variety of job opportunities, still suffer from a high percentage (81%) of informal workers facing lower wages and a lack of social security, leading to precarious living conditions.

    2. Access to Resources: Rural areas often have limited access to healthcare, education, and sanitation, trapping the poor in cycles of deprivation. Climate change impacts, such as droughts and floods, exacerbate these vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, urban areas suffer from spatial inequalities, leading to inadequate infrastructure and sanitation, which negatively affects food security and health, with high living costs further compounding these issues.

    3. Social Exclusion and Isolation: In rural areas, caste and gender inequalities amplify poverty and hunger, limiting access to resources and opportunities for marginalized groups. Conversely, urban poverty is marked by social isolation due to the transient nature of urban life, leading to a lack of support networks for the poor.

    4. Standard of Living: Rural areas, despite lower living standards, tend to have less stratification between different economic groups compared to urban areas, where a stark divide exists between the rich and poor. Around 100 million people in urban India live in slums, lacking basic amenities.

    5. Food Insecurity: In rural areas, visible hunger and malnutrition are widespread, with insufficient calorie intake being a significant issue. Urban areas, while having sufficient calorie intake, suffer from “hidden hunger” due to poor dietary choices and micronutrient deficiencies.

    Addressing these differences requires targeted policy interventions, focusing on infrastructure, social inclusion, education, and healthcare to effectively tackle the unique challenges faced by both urban and rural populations.

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Reena Bhatt
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Reena BhattBegginer
Asked: August 17, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Contextual Background: Introduce the growing divergence between poverty and hunger in India. Thesis Statement: State that shrinking social expenditure is a significant factor forcing the poor to allocate more of their income to non-food essentials, thereby squeezing their ...

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction India has witnessed a growing divergence between poverty and hunger, where reductions in poverty rates do not correspond with declines in hunger levels. A critical factor in this divergence is the shrinking social expenditure by the government, which compels the poor to speRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    India has witnessed a growing divergence between poverty and hunger, where reductions in poverty rates do not correspond with declines in hunger levels. A critical factor in this divergence is the shrinking social expenditure by the government, which compels the poor to spend more on non-food essentials, thereby squeezing their food budgets.

    Body

    1. Trends in Poverty and Hunger

    While poverty rates have decreased in India, hunger remains a pressing issue. According to the Global Hunger Index 2020, India ranks 94th out of 107 countries, indicating a serious level of hunger. The report highlights alarming rates of child wasting and stunting, reflecting ongoing malnutrition issues.

    2. Impact of Shrinking Social Expenditure

    The decline in government social expenditure is a primary driver of this divergence. Fiscal constraints and changing policy priorities have led to reduced investments in essential social services such as healthcare, education, and housing. A report by Oxfam India points out that spending on health, education, and social protection as a percentage of GDP has been consistently declining.

    3. Consequences for the Poor

    This reduction in social spending disproportionately impacts the poor, who rely heavily on public services for their basic needs. As a result, they are forced to allocate a larger portion of their income to non-food essentials like healthcare and education. Consequently, less income is available for food, leading to a squeezed food budget. This situation exacerbates inadequate access to nutritious food, further increasing hunger and malnutrition among vulnerable populations.

    Conclusion

    To address the growing divergence between poverty and hunger in India, it is essential to enhance social expenditure. Adequate investment in social services will empower the poor to access essential needs without compromising their food budgets. Such measures are crucial for alleviating hunger and fostering inclusive, sustainable development outcomes.

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Mahima Rajput
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Mahima RajputBegginer
Asked: July 18, 2024In: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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How does emotional intelligence intersect with other aspects of human intelligence,  such as creativity and intuition? What are some cultural and societal factors that influence emotional intelligence? How does emotional intelligence (EQ) differ from  cognitive intelligence ( IQ) ? How does EQ influence ...

Dhairya Jain
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Dhairya JainBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
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Examine the government’s efforts to promote the growth of rural infrastructure, such as the extension of road connectivity, electricity, and access to sanitary facilities and clean water, and evaluate how these will affect the quality of life and employment prospects ...

upsc: poverty & hunger
  1. Aditya Nair
    Aditya Nair Begginer

    Government initiatives aimed at developing rural infrastructure typically focus on expanding road connectivity, electrification, and access to clean water and sanitation. These initiatives are crucial for improving living standards and economic opportunities in rural areas. Here's a detailed look atRead more

    Government initiatives aimed at developing rural infrastructure typically focus on expanding road connectivity, electrification, and access to clean water and sanitation. These initiatives are crucial for improving living standards and economic opportunities in rural areas. Here’s a detailed look at each component and its impact:

    1. Road Connectivity

    Initiatives:

    • Construction and Improvement of Roads: Governments often invest in building and upgrading rural roads to improve connectivity between rural areas and urban centers. This includes the development of national and state highways, as well as local roads.
    • Road Maintenance Programs: Regular maintenance of existing roads to ensure they remain in good condition.

    Impact:

    • Economic Opportunities: Improved road connectivity facilitates easier access to markets, enabling farmers and small businesses to transport goods more efficiently and access new markets. This can lead to increased income and economic growth.
    • Access to Services: Better roads enhance access to essential services such as education and healthcare, as people can travel more easily to schools, hospitals, and other service providers.
    • Reduction in Isolation: Improved connectivity reduces the isolation of rural communities, promoting social inclusion and integration.

    2. Electrification

    Initiatives:

    • Grid Extension: Expanding the electricity grid to reach rural areas that previously lacked access to electricity.
    • Renewable Energy Projects: Implementing solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects to provide electricity in remote areas where grid extension may be challenging.
    • Subsidies and Incentives: Providing financial incentives and subsidies to encourage investment in rural electrification projects.

    Impact:

    • Quality of Life: Access to electricity improves living standards by providing lighting, enabling the use of electrical appliances, and improving communication through access to media and information.
    • Economic Development: Electrification supports the growth of small businesses and industries in rural areas, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
    • Education and Health: Reliable electricity enhances educational opportunities (e.g., through better lighting for studying) and improves healthcare services by powering medical equipment and facilities.

    3. Access to Clean Water and Sanitation

    Initiatives:

    • Infrastructure Development: Building and maintaining water supply systems, such as wells, pipelines, and treatment plants, to provide clean drinking water.
    • Sanitation Projects: Developing sanitation facilities, including toilets and sewage systems, to ensure proper waste management and reduce contamination.
    • Community Programs: Implementing educational programs on hygiene and water conservation to promote proper use and maintenance of water and sanitation facilities.

    Impact:

    • Health Benefits: Access to clean water and sanitation significantly reduces the incidence of waterborne diseases, improving overall public health and reducing healthcare costs.
    • Economic Productivity: Improved health leads to better productivity and fewer days lost to illness, which can enhance economic output in rural areas.
    • Quality of Life: Clean water and proper sanitation improve living conditions, leading to greater overall well-being and increased quality of life.

    Overall Assessment

    The combined effect of these initiatives is generally positive, contributing to:

    • Improved Living Standards: Enhanced infrastructure supports better health, education, and overall quality of life in rural areas.
    • Economic Growth: By improving access to markets, enabling businesses, and supporting local industries, these initiatives foster economic development and job creation.
    • Social Inclusion: Improved connectivity and services help reduce disparities between rural and urban areas, promoting more equitable development.

    However, the success of these initiatives often depends on effective implementation, ongoing maintenance, and the involvement of local communities in planning and managing infrastructure projects.

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Ayushi Shrivastwa
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Ayushi ShrivastwaBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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How does this climate change affect agriculture and food security?

question
  1. Mahima Singh
    Mahima Singh Begginer

    Climate change significantly affects agriculture and food security in several ways. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and storms disrupt crop yields and livestock productivity. Impact on Crop Yields: Higher tRead more

    Climate change significantly affects agriculture and food security in several ways. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and storms disrupt crop yields and livestock productivity.

    Impact on Crop Yields: Higher temperatures can stress plants, reducing growth and yields. Some crops might not adapt well to changing conditions, leading to lower productivity. Shifts in rainfall patterns can cause water shortages or excess water, both detrimental to crops.

    Pests and Diseases: Warmer climates can expand the range and lifecycle of pests and diseases, increasing the threat to crops and livestock. This can lead to higher use of pesticides and antibiotics, affecting the environment and food safety.

    Soil Health: Extreme weather events can lead to soil erosion, degradation, and loss of arable land. This affects the ability to produce food sustainably over the long term.

    Water Availability: Changes in precipitation and melting of glaciers affect the availability of water for irrigation. Water scarcity can limit agricultural productivity, particularly in regions that rely heavily on irrigation.

    Food Security: Reduced agricultural output can lead to higher food prices and decreased food availability, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. It can also lead to food quality issues, with nutritional content of some crops being adversely affected by changing climate conditions.

    Overall, climate change poses a serious challenge to global agriculture and food security, necessitating adaptive strategies and resilient agricultural practices to ensure sustainable food production.

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