Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions. Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.
In recent times, India has been witnessing a concerning surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), marking a paradigm shift in the nation's health landscape. The Navaratri festivities in Gujarat were marred by the tragic news of purported heart attack-related deaths, cutting across age groups from teenagers to middle-aged individuals. This unsettling trend shattered the misconception that heart-related issues predominantly afflict the elderly. Such occurrences, not isolated to Gujarat alone, highlight a nationwide escalation (A) of NCDs, encompassing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory ailments. While infectious diseases persist as a significant threat, the emergence of NCDs as the predominant health concern underscores the need for urgent attention and preventive measures.
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report titled ‘Invisible Numbers,’ a staggering 66% of deaths in India in 2019 were attributed to NCDs. Disturbingly, the report forecasted that 22% of individuals aged 30 or above in India might succumb to NCDs before reaching their 70th birthday, surpassing the global probability of 18%. This surge in NCDs is intrinsically linked to behavioural risk factors such as unhealthy dietary patterns, insufficient (B) physical activity, and the rising use of tobacco and alcohol across the country. Additionally, genetic predisposition towards conditions like diabetes and heart disease, coupled with sedentary lifestyles leading to stress, anxiety, and depression, further exacerbates this silent epidemic. India's statistics paint a grim picture, with it being labelled the diabetes capital, housing 101 million diabetics and 136 million individuals with prediabetes. Cardiovascular diseases reign atop the mortality charts, and projections indicate a steep 57.5% rise in cancer incidence by 2040, signifying an impending health crisis.
The economic repercussions of this health crisis are equally daunting. Estimates by the World Economic Forum suggest that India could potentially incur a colossal (C) cost of $4.58 trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to NCDs and mental health conditions. As India pursues its ambition to achieve a $5 trillion economy by 2027, the escalating incidence of NCDs stands as a pressing obstacle. Although the government has launched initiatives like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke, the imperative to address this issue extends beyond governmental efforts. The onus now squarely rests on individuals to proactively take charge of their health, recognizing it as an indispensable facet of personal and national well-being.
As the nation looks forward to a new year, the resolution to prioritize health emerges as a non-negotiable imperative. Unlike fleeting New Year resolutions, this commitment holds far-reaching consequences that cannot afford to be overlooked or discarded. While factors like urban planning and environmental pollution lie beyond individual control, personal lifestyle choices wield (D) immense influence over health outcomes. Embracing micro-habits - small, manageable actions seamlessly integrated into daily routines - ____________________. Encouraging natural movement by opting for walking over vehicular transport, choosing nourishing 'slow food' over fast, processed alternatives, regular comprehensive health check-ups, and fostering open conversations about health become linchpins in combating the rising tide of NCDs. These steps not only ensure personal wellness but collectively contribute to shaping a healthier, more prosperous India, transcending individual improvement and embodying a shared commitment towards a brighter future for the nation.