Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 10 October 2024

Contents:

1. Mental health in India’s material world
2.  Science in the machine

Mental Health in India’s Material World

The theme of World Mental Health Day 2024 is “Prioritising mental health in the workplace”, indicating a growing mental health crisis both globally and in India. Millions of Indians are facing issues with anxiety, depression, and work pressure every single day. Undermined Mental health by relentless productivity, making the situation worse. The issue demands urgent attention and collective efforts.

Relevance: GS1 Society and GS2 Social Justice.

Mains Question: Discuss the impacts of rising mental health issues in India, focusing on socio-economics. Suggest effective measures to address the growing crisis considering the role of workplace stress and urbanisation. (250 words )

Statistics:

Over 197 million people in India suffer from mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety,  etc. (The Lancet Psychiatry Commission).

Aspects associated with the article:

Economic growth :

• It has opened new opportunities at the same time contributed to societal pressure, especially in urban areas. Material success is not delivering true well-being.

Philosophy :

• Existential questions like “Who am I ??” “What is the purpose of my life ?” ignored over material, productivity pursuit.

Eudaimonia: Aristotle’s philosophy explains how the state of well-being is achieved through living a virtuous life.

Urbanisation:

• Societal pressure, severe competition, and financial instability cause mental health crises.Isolation, social comparison and inadequacy of material wealth, escalating mental issues.
• Ex: The National Mental Health Survey (2015-16) found that the prevalence of mental health disorders is higher in urban areas (14.5%) compared to rural areas (10.8%).

Distorted work-life balance :

• For example, the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (amendment) Bill 2024 permits employees to work more than 12 hours a day.

Collective action, and community as solutions:

• According to studies Strong social connections, supportive communities and meaningful work are key to mental health
• Ex: In Brazil, Community gardens have helped residents to achieve a sense of belongingness and shared responsibilities.

Consumer choice and mental health :

• Many people believe in the ability to buy more things as success. This notion of material wealth over deeper values like equality and mindfulness creates trouble in the long run.
• When happiness is associated with buying power, feeling of inadequacy brings mental health issues like stress and anxiety.

Other factors responsible for rising mental health issues in India :

Stress at the workplace :

• A survey by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) found that 42.5% of employees in the private sector suffer from depression or general anxiety disorder.

Lack of Awareness:

• The stigma around mental health remains a significant barrier. Live Love Laugh Foundation study found that 47% of Indians believe that people with mental health disorders should be avoided.

Key initiatives for the promotion of mental health:

• National mental health policy, to address mental illness and promote recovery, to destigmatize mental issues
• Tele-Manas to provide 24*7 remote access to mental health care
• Mental Health Care Act,2017 to ensure the right to access mental health care and treatments.

Addressing mental health issues in India is the need of the hour. Policy interventions, community coordination, and individual efforts must work hand in hand. Efforts should also extend beyond viewing success solely as a material pursuit and consumerism.

 Science in the machine

This year, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton for their path-breaking work in artificial intelligence (AI), specifically in machine learning with artificial neural networks.

Their research has greatly improved data processing and the use of AI in healthcare, showcasing AI’s huge potential. However, this recognition also highlights the need for ethical considerations and implications of AI and emerging technologies.

Relevance: GS3( Technology), GS4 (Ethics).

Mains question:

Discuss the enabling and disruptive potentials of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Evaluate the ethical implications associated with its widespread adoption and suggest measures for responsible management of AI technologies (250 words )

Recognition of AI in Physics

• Nobel awardees acknowledge the contribution of AI in physics and other sciences, marking interdisciplinary contributions.

Potential and Challenges of AI :

Transformative Potential:

• Geoffrey Hinton compares AI to the Industrial Revolution, appreciating its transformative power. Just like the Industrial Revolution, AI has the potential to significantly enhance productivity across various fields.

Productivity Boost:

•  AI can analyse large amounts of data quickly and improve decision-making processes, which leads to increased efficiency and innovation in fields like healthcare, finance, and transportation.

For example, AI applications in healthcare can improve diagnostic accuracy.

Ethical Concerns:

Unintended Consequences:

• Both John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton have expressed concerns about the unintended consequences of AI.

Dual Nature of Technology:

•  While AI can bring about remarkable advantages, such as improved medical diagnoses and personalised treatments, it also poses threats.

Ex: job displacement due to automation, privacy issues, etc.

For instance, the World Economic Forum estimates that AI could displace 85 million jobs by 2025, while also creating 97 million new ones (Dual nature ).

Responsible Management:

• Involves creating ethical guidelines, ensuring transparency, and promoting public awareness about the implications of AI.

Ex: The European Union’s AI Act.

Economic Impact:

• The global AI market is expected to grow from $93.5 billion in 2021 to $997.8 billion by 2028, denoting AI’s potential.

Healthcare Applications:

• AI in healthcare is projected to reach $45.2 billion by 2026, due to its ability to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment plan
• Hopfield and Hinton bring attention to both the enabling and disruptive possibilities of AI, stressing the importance of considering ethical implications. It is crucial to promote accountable, responsible, and ethical AI to maximise benefits and minimize potential threats.