Read the given passage carefully and select the best answer to each question out of the four given alternatives. Approximately half of India’s 1.2 billion people are under the age of 26, and by 2020 we are forecasted to be the youngest country in the world, with a median age of 29 years. With this tremendous forecast, it becomes imperative to ensure an environment which promotes positive well-being. Unfortunately, India has the highest suicide rate in the world among the youth standing at 35.5 per 100,000 people for 2012. The reason for such high numbers can be attributed to lack of economic, social, and emotional resources. More specifically, academic pressure, workplace stress, social pressures, modernisation of urban centres, relationship concerns, and the breakdown of support systems. Some researchers have attributed the rise of youth suicide to urbanisation and the breakdown of the traditional large family support system. The clash of values within families is an important factor. As young Indians become more progressive, their traditionalist households become less supportive of their choices pertaining to financial independence, marriage age, premarital sex, rehabilitation and taking care of the elderly.
How can we prevent youth from committing suicide?
By creating an environment which promotes positive well being.
Understanding Youth Well-being and Suicide Prevention in India
The passage discusses the significant youth population in India and the alarming high suicide rate among young people. It highlights several contributing factors and suggests an approach to address this serious issue.
Analyzing the Causes of Youth Suicide in India
According to the passage, the high suicide rate among youth is attributed to a lack of:
- Economic resources
- Social resources
- Emotional resources
More specific reasons mentioned include:
- Academic pressure
- Workplace stress
- Social pressures
- Modernisation of urban centres
- Relationship concerns
- Breakdown of support systems
- Clash of values within families (as young Indians become more progressive vs. traditional households)
Evaluating Prevention Strategies from the Passage
The question asks how we can prevent youth from committing suicide based on the information provided in the passage. Let's examine the options:
-
Option 1: By making families progressive.
The passage mentions the clash of values between progressive youth and traditional families as a factor contributing to the breakdown of support systems. While more progressive families might be more supportive, the passage doesn't explicitly state that 'making families progressive' is the direct method for preventing suicide. It identifies the value clash as a problem, not necessarily its resolution as the primary prevention strategy.
-
Option 2: By creating an environment which promotes good behaviour.
The concept of "good behaviour" is not discussed in the passage in relation to youth suicide or its prevention. This option is not supported by the text.
-
Option 3: By creating an environment which promotes positive well being.
The passage states, "With this tremendous forecast [of a young population], it becomes imperative to ensure an environment which promotes positive well-being." This sentence directly links the demographic reality and the implied need to address challenges (like those leading to suicide) with creating an environment focused on positive well-being. This strongly suggests that promoting positive well-being is considered a crucial step in preventing such negative outcomes.
-
Option 4: By creating career opportunities.
Lack of economic resources and workplace stress are mentioned as factors. Creating career opportunities might help with economic resources and potentially reduce workplace stress, but the passage highlights a broader range of factors (social, emotional, support systems, values clash). While potentially helpful, the passage doesn't present this as the overarching prevention strategy.
Identifying the Best Answer
Based on the direct statement in the passage linking the imperative need to "ensure an environment which promotes positive well-being" with the context of the youth population and the challenges they face (including the high suicide rate mentioned immediately after), Option 3 is the most directly supported prevention strategy. The passage explicitly calls for creating such an environment.
Revision Table: Key Concepts
| Concept | Description from Passage | Relevance to Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Demographics | India's large young population, youngest country by 2020. | Context highlighting the urgency of youth well-being focus. |
| Youth Suicide Rate | Highest in the world among youth (35.5 per 100,000 for 2012). | The problem that needs prevention strategies. |
| Contributing Factors | Lack of economic, social, emotional resources; academic pressure, stress, social pressures, etc. | Issues that an environment promoting positive well-being aims to address. |
| Positive Well-being Environment | Imperative to ensure this environment. | The key prevention strategy explicitly stated in the passage. |
Additional Information: Promoting Youth Well-being
Promoting positive well-being for youth involves addressing multiple aspects of their lives, beyond just economic or academic factors. It includes fostering strong emotional support systems, providing access to mental health resources, building resilience, encouraging healthy relationships, and creating environments where young people feel understood and supported. The passage implies that a holistic approach focusing on overall well-being is essential to combat the complex issues contributing to youth suicide.
Similar Questions
What does the writer mean when he/she says: slaying her own sphere bit by bit
Approximately half of India's 1.2 billion people are under the age of ________.
What are the reasons for high number of suicide rates among the youth in India?
By which year will India become the youngest country in the world?
The ________ within families is an important factor.
Who was Murali?
Who were his customers?
At what time would he go to the school?
Complete the sentence.
Till about eleven, the sale would be ________.
When did the period of depression come in his business?
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
- Which framework globally guides national policies on Community Centered Disaster Risk Reduction?
- In the context of disaster governance, which principle emphasizes empowering local to take the lead in risk mitigation strategies?
- What distinguishes participatory disaster management from top-down approaches?
- Which of the following is a major barrier to effective local disaster risk reduction implementation in developing countries?
- How can technology most effectively support community-based disaster resilience?
