Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
5. With the rate of zoonotic on the rise, it will prove to be a big health risk going forward and India must gear itself to deal with this challenge. In this light, Examine the link between zoonotic diseases and right diet. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why this question
The coronavirus onslaught has presented an unprecedented challenge for India in scale and expanse, but there are other viral diseases that the country battles year to year. One such disease is the monkey fever, which originated in Karnataka and peaks as the summer begins. It is a zoonosis like the novel coronavirus, which means it reached humans via an animal carrier.
Key demand of the question
What are zoonotic diseases and How they are a huge health risk – apart from the obvious fact that they can lead to loss of significant no of lives, what other factors exacerbates the risk. One must establish the link for rising zoonotic diseases and how our diet is influencing it.
Directive word
Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any. In the above case, discuss points as highlighted above.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – explain zoonotic diseases along with some current examples to establish the scare on account of zoonotic diseases.
Body
How they are a huge health risk – apart from the obvious fact that they can lead to loss of significant no of lives, what other factors exacerbates the risk. Explain points like ecosystem changes brought about, no vaccination etc
Examine the links of why zoonotic diseases are on the rise and how it is linked to the food/diet of humans.
Provide measures as to how right diet can help fight these zoonotic diseases and other diseases in general.
Conclusion
Mention that it is important to take proactive action, rather than reactive in this case as the health cost of an outbreak will be immense.
