Question 16GS2GS2

Q.16) Even as India experiences consistent economic growth and has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, hunger and food insecurity remain pressing concerns. Examine the factors responsible for this paradox and suggest steps to improve the situation.

Main Body

India fared poorly (105th name) in 2025 Global Hunger Index, despite being 2nd largest economy, and one of largest agricultural producers.

Current status of India in Hunger:

Child nutrition (NFHS-5): Adults – Stunting – 35.7, Wasting – 18.7, Underweight – 32.1

Stunned children in India: 6.7 million (2023 latest study)

Factors responsible for low nutrition outcomes:

1PDS nutritional inefficiencies

2NFSA 2013 provides only weeks, ineffective for nutrition

3Limited nutritional education and awareness among students and parents

4Breastfeeding missing in many poor households

5Sanitation insecurity (Enteropathy) and Rural areas, Sewage and lack mechanisms

6Limited dietary diversity (Micronutrient deficiencies, Vitamins, folic acid, B12)

7Poor nutritional outcomes among tribal and other marginalized groups

8Global norms and measurement standards inadequate (MOWCD) claims appear tasks (8.7, housing not MN)

Steps to improve situation:

1Encourage dietary diversity - Poshan scheme, PDS, NFSA etc.

2Nutritional awareness among family through school based education

Through AWNs and ASHA workers

(ICDS)

3Encourage breastfeeding - MAA scheme

Ensure safe pregnancy - Janani Suraksha Yojana

4Screening of nutritional disorder to be stepped up under Bal Swasthya Karyakaram

Hunger is the most goal of SDG, and is closely linked to address the intergeneration cycle of poverty.

210 words3 paragraphs5 bullet points

Conclusion

Hunger is the most goal of SDG, and is closely linked to address the intergeneration cycle of poverty.

18 words

Diagram

Table showing India's current status in hunger with child nutrition data from NFHS-5 including stunting, wasting, and underweight percentages

Examiner score

1/10

Open original scan

Page 38

Topper

D.S.K. PRACHET

AIR 1932025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger

Poverty and Malnutrition

Hunger and Food Insecurity

Writing Stats

228

Total words

Paragraphs

Bullets

analytical

Tone