Match the following :

List I	List II
(a) Child soldiers	(i) Asian countries
(b) Sex selective abortion	(ii) Africa
(c) Respect, reverence to elderly	(iii) Japan
(d) One of the highest old age population	(iv) Tibet

codes:

The correct answer is - (A) - (ii), (B) - (i), (C) - (iv), (D) - (iii)

Key Points

• Child soldiers
  • Child soldiers are most prevalently found in Africa, where armed conflicts have historically involved the recruitment of children.
  • Countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia have seen significant recruitment of child soldiers.
• Sex-selective abortion
  • This practice is more common in Asian countries, particularly in regions like India and China, due to cultural preferences for male children.
  • It has contributed to a skewed gender ratio in these countries.
• Respect and reverence to the elderly
  • In Tibet, as well as other Buddhist cultures, respect and reverence for elders is a deeply ingrained value.
  • It is rooted in spiritual and societal traditions that emphasize honoring one's ancestors and elders.
• One of the highest old-age populations
  • Japan is known for having one of the highest proportions of elderly people in the world, with over 28% of its population aged 65 or older as of recent statistics.
  • This phenomenon is attributed to a combination of low birth rates and high life expectancy.

Additional Information

• Child Soldiers in Africa
  • Recruitment of child soldiers is often linked to armed groups exploiting vulnerable children in war-torn areas.
  • International organizations, such as UNICEF, actively work to rehabilitate and reintegrate former child soldiers into society.
• Sex-selective abortion in Asia
  • Sex-selective abortion is often driven by societal and economic factors, such as dowry practices and lineage continuation.
  • Legislation like India's Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act aims to curb this practice.
• Reverence for the elderly in Tibetan culture
  • Tibetan Buddhist teachings emphasize compassion, respect, and care for elders as part of spiritual growth.
  • Community structures in Tibet often revolve around extended family systems that prioritize elder care.
• Japan's Aging Population
  • The aging population in Japan poses significant challenges, such as a shrinking workforce and increased healthcare demands.
  • Policies like promoting robotics in elder care and encouraging immigration are being explored to address these challenges.