Sambhav-2023

Answer 1

Approach

• Give a brief introduction about imbalanced population structure.
• Discuss about imbalanced population structure both in developed and developing nations long with causes and effects of increase in global population.
• Write an appropriate and holistic conclusion.

Introduction

• Imbalanced population structure refers to the unequal distribution of age groups in a population.
• Developed countries generally have a more balanced age structure, with a smaller proportion of young people and a larger proportion of older people.
• This is due to declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy.
• In contrast, developing countries have a higher proportion of young people and a lower proportion of older people, reflecting higher fertility rates and lower life expectancy.

Body

• Developed Nations:
  • An imbalanced population structure is characterized by an aging population and a declining birth rate. This results in a larger proportion of older people and a smaller proportion of young people. This shift in the age structure can lead to a range of economic, social, and political challenges.
  • For example, it can put pressure on pension and healthcare systems, as the number of retirees increases relative to the number of workers.
  • It can also impact the labor force and economic growth, as the shrinking size of the workforce can limit the ability of these nations to maintain their levels of productivity and competitiveness.
• Developing Nations:
  • An imbalanced population structure is characterized by a large youth population and a high birth rate.
  • This results in a larger proportion of young people and a smaller proportion of older people.
  • This youthful population can be both an opportunity and a challenge for these nations.
  • On one hand, a large youth population can provide a large workforce and a potential source of innovation and economic growth.
  • On the other hand, a high birth rate and limited resources can make it difficult for these nations to provide adequate education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for their growing young population.
  • This can lead to poverty, inequality, and social unrest.
• Causes of Increase in Global Population:
  • Improved healthcare: Advances in medicine and public health have led to lower death rates and higher life expectancy, allowing people to live longer and healthier lives.
  • Decreased infant mortality: Improved medical care and greater access to food and clean water have reduced the number of deaths among young children.
  • Increased food production: Advances in agriculture and food production have made it possible to feed larger populations.
  • Decline in fertility rate: While the global population has been growing, the rate of population growth has been declining due to declining fertility rates.
  • Migration: Movement of people from one region to another can contribute to population growth, as migrants bring their families and communities with them.
  • Lack of access to family planning: In some parts of the world, lack of access to family planning resources and education can lead to higher birth rates and population growth.
• Effect of Increase in Global Population:
  • Strain on resources: A growing population puts pressure on finite resources such as food, water, energy, and land. This can lead to resource depletion, price increases, and competition for access.
  • Environmental degradation: As populations grow, so does demand for resources and land, which can result in deforestation, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity.
  • Urbanization: As populations grow, cities expand, which can lead to overcrowding, air and water pollution, and increased demand for transportation and housing.
  • Economic pressures: A growing population can put pressure on the labor market and social services, as well as increase competition for jobs and housing.
  • Political instability: Populations that experience rapid growth and limited access to resources and opportunities can be more vulnerable to conflict and social unrest.
  • Health challenges: Overcrowding, pollution, and increased demand for healthcare can lead to the spread of disease and increased burden on healthcare systems.

Conclusion

The global population is growing, and this growth has both opportunities and challenges. The imbalanced population structure in developed and developing nations has different implications for their economies, societies, and environments. Addressing population growth is crucial for ensuring sustainable development, preserving resources, and promoting economic and social stability. The effects of population growth can be mitigated through access to resources, education, and healthcare, as well as responsible planning and management. Addressing population growth is a complex and multi-faceted challenge, but by working together, we can find solutions that support a healthy, sustainable, and equitable world for all.

---

Answer 2

Approach

• Give a brief introduction about the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) of India.
• Discuss its methodology, purpose and its contribution in human development.
• Write a holistic and appropriate conclusion.

Introduction

• The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) of India measures poverty at the individual level, taking into account multiple dimensions of poverty such as health, education, and standard of living.
  • Health: Nutrition, Child and adolescent mortality and antenatal care.
  • Education: Years of schooling and School attendance
  • Living Standards: Cooking fuel, Sanitation, Drinking water, Electricity, Housing, Assets and Bank Account.
• Antenatal Care and Bank Account are the two unique parameters of the India MPI is which is not present in Global MPI.
• The National MPI is aimed at deconstructing the Global MPI and creating a globally aligned and yet customized India MPI for drawing up comprehensive Reform Action Plans with the larger goal of improving India’s position in the Global MPI rankings.
• The Global MPI is published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI).

Body

• Methodology:
  • The national MPI measure uses the globally accepted and robust methodology developed by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the UNDP.
  • The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) of India is based on the reference period of 2015-16 of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4).
  • The baseline report provides a snapshot of poverty in India at the national level, and helps track progress over time in reducing poverty and improving living standards.
• Purpose of National MPI:
  • The purpose of the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) as a measure is to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of poverty in India.
  • Unlike traditional measures of poverty that only consider income or consumption, the MPI takes into account multiple dimensions of poverty such as health, education, and standard of living.
  • This provides a more nuanced understanding of poverty and its root causes, and allows policymakers to design targeted and effective interventions to reduce poverty.
  • The MPI helps to identify those who are experiencing poverty in multiple dimensions and are therefore likely to be most in need of assistance.
  • It also allows for tracking progress over time in reducing poverty and improving living standards and provides a basis for comparative analysis across states and population groups.
  • The MPI is an important tool for monitoring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and other poverty reduction targets.
• National MPI Brings Human Development:
  • The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) can provide valuable insights into the human development situation in India.
  • This information can be used by policymakers to design targeted and effective interventions to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living of all Indians.
  • Furthermore, by tracking progress over time, the MPI helps to monitor the effectiveness of these interventions and ensure that they are having the desired impact.
  • The MPI also provides a basis for comparative analysis across states and population groups, which can help identify areas for improvement and inform the development of evidence-based policies and programs.

Way Forward

• Targeted Interventions: Based on the findings of the MPI, targeted interventions can be designed to address the specific needs of different population groups and regions in India. These interventions could include programs to improve health and education, create jobs and economic opportunities, and increase access to basic services such as water and sanitation.
• Collaboration and Partnership: Addressing poverty effectively requires collaboration and partnerships between different levels of government, the private sector, civil society organizations, and communities. The government can work with these stakeholders to design and implement effective poverty reduction programs.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of poverty reduction programs is essential to assess their impact and make adjustments as needed. The MPI can be used to track progress in reducing poverty and improving human development over time.
• Data and Evidence-Based Policies: Policies aimed at reducing poverty must be based on robust data and evidence. The MPI provides valuable insights into the human development situation in India and can inform the development of evidence-based policies and programs.
• Inclusion and Empowerment: Inclusion and empowerment are critical for reducing poverty and improving human development. Policies and programs should be designed to ensure that marginalized and disadvantaged groups are not left behind and have equal opportunities to participate in the economic and social development of the country.

Conclusion

The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is an important tool for measuring poverty in India. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of poverty. The MPI helps to identify those who are experiencing poverty in multiple dimensions and are therefore most in need of assistance. The MPI is an important tool for policymakers to design targeted and effective interventions to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living of all Indians. The MPI has the potential to bring a better understanding of human development in India and provide a practical way forward for policymakers and other stakeholders. National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is closely linked to human development and provides valuable insights into the well-being of individuals and populations in a country.