The First 1,000 Days: A Critical Window for India's Human Capital Development
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Social Development, Health, Nutrition, Social Sector Initiatives (ICDS, POSHAN Abhiyaan), Basic Science (Brain Development).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1: Population and associated issues; Role of women.
General Studies Paper 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources; Issues relating to poverty and hunger; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections.
Essay: Topics related to Human Development, Children, Women, and Health.
Key Highlights from the News
The first 1,000 days from conception to a child's second birthday are a critical window for their physical and mental growth.
Nutritional deficiencies and lack of cognitive stimulation during this period can permanently affect a child's future development. By two years of age, the brain reaches 80% of its adult size.
Therefore, it is essential to integrate nutrition and cognitive development.
India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, the world's largest child protection program, and new initiatives under it like "Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi" and "Navchetana" aim to achieve this goal.
The main challenges India faces include increasing the scope and quality of ICDS, focusing more on urban areas, and increasing the number of crèches to help women work.
Investment in early childhood is essential for strengthening India's human capital and fostering a generation with the skills required in the age of technology.
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