General Studies 2024 GS Paper II 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Suggest

Q7

Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle ? (Answer in 150 words) 10

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

निर्धनता और कुपोषण एक विषाक्त चक्र का निर्माण करते हैं जो मानव पूंजी निर्माण पर प्रतिकूल प्रभाव डाल रहा है। इस चक्र को तोड़ने के लिए क्या कदम उठाए जा सकते हैं ? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में लिखिए)

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Directive word: Suggest

This question asks you to suggest. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'suggest' requires actionable, evidence-based interventions to break the poverty-malnutrition-human capital cycle. Structure: brief introduction establishing the vicious cycle mechanism → body presenting multi-pronged solutions (nutrition-specific, nutrition-sensitive, and systemic) → concise conclusion emphasizing convergence and sustainability.

Key points expected

Explanation of the vicious cycle: poverty → inadequate dietary intake → malnutrition → impaired cognitive development → reduced productivity → persistent poverty
Direct nutrition interventions: ICDS strengthening, POSHAN Abhiyaan, fortified foods, micronutrient supplementation (IFA, Vitamin A)
Social protection measures: PMGKAY, NFSA, maternity benefits (PMMVY), cash transfers for dietary diversity
Agriculture-livelihood linkages: biofortified crops (Iron-rich pearl millet), kitchen gardens, diversification from calorie-centric to nutrient-rich production
Human capital investment: early childhood education integration with nutrition (Anganwadi), health-nutrition convergence through Ayushman Bharat
Governance and monitoring: NFHS-5 data utilization, anemia mukt Bharat, community participation in nutrition-sensitive planning

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Answer demonstrates clear grasp that 'suggest' demands practical, implementable solutions rather than mere description; explicitly addresses breaking the cycle, not just listing symptoms	Partial understanding of directive; mixes description of the problem with solutions without clear prioritization of actionable steps	Misinterprets directive as 'describe' or 'explain'; provides only theoretical exposition of poverty-malnutrition linkage without concrete suggestions
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Covers all three intervention levels (direct, indirect, systemic) with accurate scheme names and correct understanding of physiological mechanisms (stunting, wasting, anemia impacts on cognition)	Covers two levels adequately; some scheme names correct but lacks precision on how interventions break the specific cycle mechanisms	Superficial coverage with generic statements; factual errors in scheme names or confused understanding of malnutrition types and their human capital effects
Structure & flow	20%	2	Logical progression from cycle explanation → multi-dimensional solutions → integrated conclusion; smooth transitions between preventive, curative and promotive measures within 150 words	Recognizable structure but uneven weightage; either over-explains the cycle or lists solutions without categorization; minor coherence issues	Disorganized or fragmented; no clear separation between problem and solution; abrupt ending without conclusion; exceeds word limit significantly
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Integrates 2-3 specific Indian examples (e.g., Jharkhand's millet mission, Tamil Nadu's integrated child development services model, NFHS-5 anemia prevalence data) precisely and relevantly	Mentions one relevant scheme or generic reference to government programs without specificity; or uses international examples when Indian context is expected	No concrete examples; or irrelevant/outdated references; excessive use of acronyms without substance; examples do not illustrate breaking the cycle
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Synthesizes solutions into a coherent strategy emphasizing convergence (health-agriculture-women child development); highlights women's empowerment or first 1000 days as critical leverage point	Generic conclusion restating importance without synthesis; or abrupt ending with 'thus cycle should be broken'; lacks analytical insight	Missing conclusion; or concludes with unrelated grand statement; no recognition of intersectoral coordination challenge or sustainability dimension

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