UPSC Prelims 2020 · CSAT (Paper 2) · Q42

Comprehension

Medium · Rational and practical implications

Read the following passage and answer the item that follows. Your answer to this item should be based on the passage only.

India is simultaneously among the fastest-urbanising countries and home to a very large population of anaemic women. In many districts, anaemia is not the exception but the norm. Anaemia in pregnancy raises the risk of complications for both mother and child, and even infants who survive a difficult birth can carry lasting effects on their growth and cognitive development. Iron-deficient children are more likely to struggle in school and, as adults, tend to earn less over their lifetime than their well-nourished peers.

With reference to the above passage, which of the following is/are the most rational and practical implication/implications?

1. India's Public Distribution System should be monitored by the Union Government.

2. Girls should be encouraged to delay marriage and their first pregnancy.

3. Pregnant women should be encouraged to take iron and folic-acid supplements as advised.

4. Access to diverse, iron-rich diets should be ensured for adolescent girls and pregnant women.

5. Antenatal check-ups should be made more widely accessible.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.