Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
4. By addressing malnutrition comprehensively, we can mitigate its costs, enhance individual well-being, and build healthier and more prosperous societies. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Why the question:
In 2020, some 18.7 per cent of Indian children were affected by wasting caused by poor nutrient intake and / or recurrent illnesses, the latest UN inter-agency estimates have noted.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the impact of malnutrition and suggest measures to tackle malnutrition in India.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving statistic regarding malnutrition in India based on NFHS-5.
Body:
In the first part, write about the consequences of malnutrition – which includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age) and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals). The other is overweight, obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer).
Next, write about various policy measures taken so far. Suggest measures to further improve them.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to achieve SDG-2
