India, a nation with a long history of confronting the challenges of undernutrition, must now shift its focus to address the peculiar issue of overnutrition, which has emerged as a consequence of evolving lifestyles. Recent data from the National Family Health Survey revealed that while stunting and undernutrition persist as concerns in India, despite some improvements, the significant increase in adult overweight and obesity, along with diet-related metabolic conditions, can no longer be overlooked. Two distinct developments have brought the problem of unhealthy diets into sharp relief, offering specific proposals designed to guide consumers towards better choices. Firstly, a Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labels to clearly indicate if packaged foods are high in sugar. Secondly, a national consortium has advised the government to introduce a health tax on foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, and to enforce stricter controls on their advertising. The Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution also suggested including sugar content information on baby foods, tackling the problem of excessive sugar consumption from its earliest stages. The consortium on adolescent nutrition, aptly named ‘Let’s Fix Our Food’, is spearheaded by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) and includes several other prominent Indian and international institutions. It has put forth recommendations for the government to ensure healthier food environments in schools, implement more stringent regulations on the marketing of unhealthy food, and adopt front-of-pack nutrition labelling. These initiatives will be crucial steps in addressing the growing burden of obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases, which demand a comprehensive strategy led by the government.
According to the World Health Organization, since 2017, at least 133 countries have either increased existing health taxes or introduced new ones. In 2023, Colombia implemented a “junk food law” to combat the high consumption of packaged foods. An additional tax on these products commenced at 10%, rising to 15% the following year and reaching 20% in the subsequent year. Other regions, including Norway, Hungary, Denmark, Bermuda, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Navajo Nation (U.S.), have also specifically imposed taxes on unprocessed sugar and foods with added sugar. With the ICMR-NIN report indicating that over 17 million children and adolescents are currently affected by obesity, and projecting this figure to exceed 27 million by 2030, there is no more opportune moment to act on these proposals, which will significantly contribute to educating consumers to make healthier dietary choices.
Vocabulary
NounHard
English: A condition resulting from inadequate food intake or poor absorption of nutrients, leading to health problems. Explanation: This refers to a state where the body doesn't get enough essential nutrients, often due to insufficient food or an unbalanced diet.
कुपोषण
undernutrition
NounHard
English: A condition resulting from inadequate food intake or poor absorption of nutrients, leading to health problems. Explanation: This refers to a state where the body doesn't get enough essential nutrients, often due to insufficient food or an unbalanced diet.
कुपोषण
Examples
Many children in developing countries suffer from severe undernutrition.
Think of a "peacock" (peculiar sound) which is a very "peculiar" bird.
NounHard
English: A condition resulting from excessive food intake or an imbalance of nutrients, leading to health problems like obesity. Explanation: This refers to a state where the body receives too many nutrients, often leading to weight gain and related health issues.
अतिपोषण
overnutrition
NounHard
English: A condition resulting from excessive food intake or an imbalance of nutrients, leading to health problems like obesity. Explanation: This refers to a state where the body receives too many nutrients, often leading to weight gain and related health issues.
अतिपोषण
Examples
Overnutrition is becoming a significant health concern in many developed nations.
Remember "over" (too much) + "nutrition" (food/nutrients) = too much food/nutrients.
NounHard
English: The impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Explanation: Specifically refers to a child being too short for their age, a key indicator of chronic undernutrition.
अवरुद्ध विकास, बौनापन
stunting
NounHard
English: The impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Explanation: Specifically refers to a child being too short for their age, a key indicator of chronic undernutrition.
अवरुद्ध विकास, बौनापन
Examples
Stunting in early childhood can have long-term negative effects on cognitive development.
"Stunt" sounds like "stop" or "short," indicating stopped or short growth.
VerbMedium
English: To continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Explanation: To keep doing or existing, especially when it's difficult or for a long time.
बने रहना, डटे रहना
persist
VerbMedium
English: To continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Explanation: To keep doing or existing, especially when it's difficult or for a long time.
बने रहना, डटे रहना
Examples
Despite the challenges, his determination to succeed continued to persist.
Synonyms
continue, remain, endure, last, persevere, linger, carry on
Antonyms
cease, stop, discontinue, halt, end, quit, give up
Memory Trick
If you "persist," you "resist" giving up.
AdjectiveHard
English: Relating to the metabolism, the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life. Explanation: Describes anything connected to the body's processes of converting food into energy and building/repairing tissues.
चयापचय संबंधी
metabolic
AdjectiveHard
English: Relating to the metabolism, the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life. Explanation: Describes anything connected to the body's processes of converting food into energy and building/repairing tissues.
चयापचय संबंधी
Examples
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects how the body uses sugar.
Think of "meat" and "bowl" – your body processes the "meat" in your "bowl" through "metabolic" actions.
Verb (Past Participle as Adj)Medium
English: Failed to notice or consider something; ignored or disregarded. Explanation: When something important is not seen or considered, often by accident.
अनदेखा किया हुआ, उपेक्षित
overlooked
Verb (Past Participle as Adj)Medium
English: Failed to notice or consider something; ignored or disregarded. Explanation: When something important is not seen or considered, often by accident.
अनदेखा किया हुआ, उपेक्षित
Examples
The small detail was overlooked in the final report.
"Distinct" sounds like "dis-connect," meaning separate and different.
PhraseHard
English: To make something very clear and easy to notice. Explanation: This phrase means to highlight or emphasize something, making it stand out prominently.
स्पष्ट करना, उजागर करना
brought into sharp relief
PhraseHard
English: To make something very clear and easy to notice. Explanation: This phrase means to highlight or emphasize something, making it stand out prominently.
स्पष्ट करना, उजागर करना
Examples
The recent crisis has brought the need for better healthcare into sharp relief.
Synonyms
highlighted, emphasized, underscored, accentuated, clarified, made prominent
"Man-date-ory" – a "man" has a "date" he *must* attend, it's "mandatory."
NounHard
English: An association or group of several business companies, universities, or other organizations for a particular purpose. Explanation: A formal group formed by multiple entities working together for a shared goal.
संघ, समूह
consortium
NounHard
English: An association or group of several business companies, universities, or other organizations for a particular purpose. Explanation: A formal group formed by multiple entities working together for a shared goal.
संघ, समूह
Examples
A consortium of universities collaborated on the research project.
To "enforce" is to make sure people "force" themselves to follow rules.
Verb (Gerund as Noun)Medium
English: Dealing with or making determined efforts to deal with (a problem or difficult task). Explanation: The act of addressing or attempting to solve a problem or challenge.
निपटना, सामना करना
tackling
Verb (Gerund as Noun)Medium
English: Dealing with or making determined efforts to deal with (a problem or difficult task). Explanation: The act of addressing or attempting to solve a problem or challenge.
निपटना, सामना करना
Examples
The government is committed to tackling the issue of climate change.
Imagine a football player "tackling" an opponent to stop them – you "tackle" a problem to stop it.
AdjectiveMedium
English: More than is necessary, normal, or desirable; immoderate. Explanation: Describes something that is too much or goes beyond what is reasonable.
अत्यधिक, बहुत ज़्यादा
excessive
AdjectiveMedium
English: More than is necessary, normal, or desirable; immoderate. Explanation: Describes something that is too much or goes beyond what is reasonable.
अत्यधिक, बहुत ज़्यादा
Examples
Excessive sugar consumption can lead to various health problems.
English: A young person who is developing from a child into an adult. Explanation: Refers to the period of life between childhood and adulthood, typically ages 10-19.
किशोर, युवा
adolescent
Noun/AdjectiveMedium
English: A young person who is developing from a child into an adult. Explanation: Refers to the period of life between childhood and adulthood, typically ages 10-19.
किशोर, युवा
Examples
The program focuses on promoting healthy habits among adolescents.
Synonyms
teenager, youth, juvenile, minor, young person, youngster
Antonyms
child, adult, infant, senior, elder
Memory Trick
"Add a lesson" – adolescents are at an age where they "add" many "lessons" to their lives.
AdverbMedium
English: In a manner that is appropriate or suitable in the circumstances. Explanation: Describes something done or named in a very fitting or suitable way.
उपयुक्त ढंग से, ठीक ढंग से
aptly
AdverbMedium
English: In a manner that is appropriate or suitable in the circumstances. Explanation: Describes something done or named in a very fitting or suitable way.
उपयुक्त ढंग से, ठीक ढंग से
Examples
The film was aptly named 'The Great Escape' because of its thrilling plot.
"Pro-mini-ent" – professional people often become "prominent."
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of regulations, requirements, or conditions) strict, precise, and exacting. Explanation: Describes rules or conditions that are very strict and must be followed carefully.
कठोर, कड़ा
stringent
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of regulations, requirements, or conditions) strict, precise, and exacting. Explanation: Describes rules or conditions that are very strict and must be followed carefully.
कठोर, कड़ा
Examples
The company has stringent quality control measures in place.
"Burden" sounds like "burn" – a heavy load can "burn" you out.
Noun (Phrase)Hard
English: Chronic diseases that are not transmitted from person to person, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Explanation: Illnesses that cannot spread from one person to another, typically long-lasting and often linked to lifestyle.
गैर-संक्रामक रोग
non-communicable diseases
Noun (Phrase)Hard
English: Chronic diseases that are not transmitted from person to person, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Explanation: Illnesses that cannot spread from one person to another, typically long-lasting and often linked to lifestyle.
गैर-संक्रामक रोग
Examples
Lifestyle changes are crucial in preventing non-communicable diseases.
"Non" (not) + "communicable" (spreadable) = diseases that don't spread.
AdjectiveMedium
English: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. Explanation: Covering all or many aspects; thorough and complete.
व्यापक, विस्तृत
comprehensive
AdjectiveMedium
English: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. Explanation: Covering all or many aspects; thorough and complete.
व्यापक, विस्तृत
Examples
The report provided a comprehensive analysis of the economic situation.
"Implement" sounds like "instrument" – you use an "instrument" to "implement" a plan.
VerbMedium
English: To fight against; to take action to reduce or prevent (something bad or undesirable). Explanation: To fight or struggle against something, often a problem or threat.
मुकाबला करना, लड़ना
combat
VerbMedium
English: To fight against; to take action to reduce or prevent (something bad or undesirable). Explanation: To fight or struggle against something, often a problem or threat.
मुकाबला करना, लड़ना
Examples
The city is working to combat homelessness with new initiatives.
"Sub-sequence" – something that comes in a "sequence" *sub*sequently.
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of a time or occasion) well-chosen or particularly favorable or appropriate. Explanation: Describes a moment or situation that is very suitable or timely for a particular action.
उपयुक्त, सामयिक
opportune
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of a time or occasion) well-chosen or particularly favorable or appropriate. Explanation: Describes a moment or situation that is very suitable or timely for a particular action.
उपयुक्त, सामयिक
Examples
This is an opportune moment to invest in renewable energy.
"Opportunity" – an "opportune" moment is when an "opportunity" arises.
Study Tip
Bookmark difficult words to your Word Bank and review them regularly to lock them into memory.
Vocabulary
NounHard
English: A condition resulting from inadequate food intake or poor absorption of nutrients, leading to health problems. Explanation: This refers to a state where the body doesn't get enough essential nutrients, often due to insufficient food or an unbalanced diet.
कुपोषण
undernutrition
NounHard
English: A condition resulting from inadequate food intake or poor absorption of nutrients, leading to health problems. Explanation: This refers to a state where the body doesn't get enough essential nutrients, often due to insufficient food or an unbalanced diet.
कुपोषण
Examples
Many children in developing countries suffer from severe undernutrition.
Think of a "peacock" (peculiar sound) which is a very "peculiar" bird.
NounHard
English: A condition resulting from excessive food intake or an imbalance of nutrients, leading to health problems like obesity. Explanation: This refers to a state where the body receives too many nutrients, often leading to weight gain and related health issues.
अतिपोषण
overnutrition
NounHard
English: A condition resulting from excessive food intake or an imbalance of nutrients, leading to health problems like obesity. Explanation: This refers to a state where the body receives too many nutrients, often leading to weight gain and related health issues.
अतिपोषण
Examples
Overnutrition is becoming a significant health concern in many developed nations.
Remember "over" (too much) + "nutrition" (food/nutrients) = too much food/nutrients.
NounHard
English: The impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Explanation: Specifically refers to a child being too short for their age, a key indicator of chronic undernutrition.
अवरुद्ध विकास, बौनापन
stunting
NounHard
English: The impaired growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Explanation: Specifically refers to a child being too short for their age, a key indicator of chronic undernutrition.
अवरुद्ध विकास, बौनापन
Examples
Stunting in early childhood can have long-term negative effects on cognitive development.
"Stunt" sounds like "stop" or "short," indicating stopped or short growth.
VerbMedium
English: To continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Explanation: To keep doing or existing, especially when it's difficult or for a long time.
बने रहना, डटे रहना
persist
VerbMedium
English: To continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Explanation: To keep doing or existing, especially when it's difficult or for a long time.
बने रहना, डटे रहना
Examples
Despite the challenges, his determination to succeed continued to persist.
Synonyms
continue, remain, endure, last, persevere, linger, carry on
Antonyms
cease, stop, discontinue, halt, end, quit, give up
Memory Trick
If you "persist," you "resist" giving up.
AdjectiveHard
English: Relating to the metabolism, the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life. Explanation: Describes anything connected to the body's processes of converting food into energy and building/repairing tissues.
चयापचय संबंधी
metabolic
AdjectiveHard
English: Relating to the metabolism, the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life. Explanation: Describes anything connected to the body's processes of converting food into energy and building/repairing tissues.
चयापचय संबंधी
Examples
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects how the body uses sugar.
Think of "meat" and "bowl" – your body processes the "meat" in your "bowl" through "metabolic" actions.
Verb (Past Participle as Adj)Medium
English: Failed to notice or consider something; ignored or disregarded. Explanation: When something important is not seen or considered, often by accident.
अनदेखा किया हुआ, उपेक्षित
overlooked
Verb (Past Participle as Adj)Medium
English: Failed to notice or consider something; ignored or disregarded. Explanation: When something important is not seen or considered, often by accident.
अनदेखा किया हुआ, उपेक्षित
Examples
The small detail was overlooked in the final report.
"Distinct" sounds like "dis-connect," meaning separate and different.
PhraseHard
English: To make something very clear and easy to notice. Explanation: This phrase means to highlight or emphasize something, making it stand out prominently.
स्पष्ट करना, उजागर करना
brought into sharp relief
PhraseHard
English: To make something very clear and easy to notice. Explanation: This phrase means to highlight or emphasize something, making it stand out prominently.
स्पष्ट करना, उजागर करना
Examples
The recent crisis has brought the need for better healthcare into sharp relief.
Synonyms
highlighted, emphasized, underscored, accentuated, clarified, made prominent
"Man-date-ory" – a "man" has a "date" he *must* attend, it's "mandatory."
NounHard
English: An association or group of several business companies, universities, or other organizations for a particular purpose. Explanation: A formal group formed by multiple entities working together for a shared goal.
संघ, समूह
consortium
NounHard
English: An association or group of several business companies, universities, or other organizations for a particular purpose. Explanation: A formal group formed by multiple entities working together for a shared goal.
संघ, समूह
Examples
A consortium of universities collaborated on the research project.
To "enforce" is to make sure people "force" themselves to follow rules.
Verb (Gerund as Noun)Medium
English: Dealing with or making determined efforts to deal with (a problem or difficult task). Explanation: The act of addressing or attempting to solve a problem or challenge.
निपटना, सामना करना
tackling
Verb (Gerund as Noun)Medium
English: Dealing with or making determined efforts to deal with (a problem or difficult task). Explanation: The act of addressing or attempting to solve a problem or challenge.
निपटना, सामना करना
Examples
The government is committed to tackling the issue of climate change.
Imagine a football player "tackling" an opponent to stop them – you "tackle" a problem to stop it.
AdjectiveMedium
English: More than is necessary, normal, or desirable; immoderate. Explanation: Describes something that is too much or goes beyond what is reasonable.
अत्यधिक, बहुत ज़्यादा
excessive
AdjectiveMedium
English: More than is necessary, normal, or desirable; immoderate. Explanation: Describes something that is too much or goes beyond what is reasonable.
अत्यधिक, बहुत ज़्यादा
Examples
Excessive sugar consumption can lead to various health problems.
English: A young person who is developing from a child into an adult. Explanation: Refers to the period of life between childhood and adulthood, typically ages 10-19.
किशोर, युवा
adolescent
Noun/AdjectiveMedium
English: A young person who is developing from a child into an adult. Explanation: Refers to the period of life between childhood and adulthood, typically ages 10-19.
किशोर, युवा
Examples
The program focuses on promoting healthy habits among adolescents.
Synonyms
teenager, youth, juvenile, minor, young person, youngster
Antonyms
child, adult, infant, senior, elder
Memory Trick
"Add a lesson" – adolescents are at an age where they "add" many "lessons" to their lives.
AdverbMedium
English: In a manner that is appropriate or suitable in the circumstances. Explanation: Describes something done or named in a very fitting or suitable way.
उपयुक्त ढंग से, ठीक ढंग से
aptly
AdverbMedium
English: In a manner that is appropriate or suitable in the circumstances. Explanation: Describes something done or named in a very fitting or suitable way.
उपयुक्त ढंग से, ठीक ढंग से
Examples
The film was aptly named 'The Great Escape' because of its thrilling plot.
"Pro-mini-ent" – professional people often become "prominent."
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of regulations, requirements, or conditions) strict, precise, and exacting. Explanation: Describes rules or conditions that are very strict and must be followed carefully.
कठोर, कड़ा
stringent
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of regulations, requirements, or conditions) strict, precise, and exacting. Explanation: Describes rules or conditions that are very strict and must be followed carefully.
कठोर, कड़ा
Examples
The company has stringent quality control measures in place.
"Burden" sounds like "burn" – a heavy load can "burn" you out.
Noun (Phrase)Hard
English: Chronic diseases that are not transmitted from person to person, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Explanation: Illnesses that cannot spread from one person to another, typically long-lasting and often linked to lifestyle.
गैर-संक्रामक रोग
non-communicable diseases
Noun (Phrase)Hard
English: Chronic diseases that are not transmitted from person to person, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Explanation: Illnesses that cannot spread from one person to another, typically long-lasting and often linked to lifestyle.
गैर-संक्रामक रोग
Examples
Lifestyle changes are crucial in preventing non-communicable diseases.
"Non" (not) + "communicable" (spreadable) = diseases that don't spread.
AdjectiveMedium
English: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. Explanation: Covering all or many aspects; thorough and complete.
व्यापक, विस्तृत
comprehensive
AdjectiveMedium
English: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. Explanation: Covering all or many aspects; thorough and complete.
व्यापक, विस्तृत
Examples
The report provided a comprehensive analysis of the economic situation.
"Implement" sounds like "instrument" – you use an "instrument" to "implement" a plan.
VerbMedium
English: To fight against; to take action to reduce or prevent (something bad or undesirable). Explanation: To fight or struggle against something, often a problem or threat.
मुकाबला करना, लड़ना
combat
VerbMedium
English: To fight against; to take action to reduce or prevent (something bad or undesirable). Explanation: To fight or struggle against something, often a problem or threat.
मुकाबला करना, लड़ना
Examples
The city is working to combat homelessness with new initiatives.
"Sub-sequence" – something that comes in a "sequence" *sub*sequently.
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of a time or occasion) well-chosen or particularly favorable or appropriate. Explanation: Describes a moment or situation that is very suitable or timely for a particular action.
उपयुक्त, सामयिक
opportune
AdjectiveHard
English: (Of a time or occasion) well-chosen or particularly favorable or appropriate. Explanation: Describes a moment or situation that is very suitable or timely for a particular action.
उपयुक्त, सामयिक
Examples
This is an opportune moment to invest in renewable energy.
