UPSC Mains 2025 GS1 Q18 — Social Issues
How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience. (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- How do you account forIllustrate
- Scope keywords
- growing fast food industriesincreased health concernsmodern societyIndian experience
- Implicit sub-parts
- Identify the structural/socio-economic drivers that override health awareness (the 'Why').
- Analyze the paradox between the fitness/wellness trend and the rise of ultra-processed food consumption.
- Evaluate specific adaptations of the fast food industry to the Indian market (Glocalization).
- Discuss the role of demographic shifts, urbanization, and changing labor patterns in India.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a general essay on the 'disadvantages of junk food' instead of accounting for industry growth.
- Failing to mention the 'Health Paradox'—how industries use marketing like 'baked not fried' or 'multigrain' to bypass health concerns.
- Ignoring the 'Indian experience' or limiting it to just a list of food brands without socioeconomic context.
- Neglecting the role of digital infrastructure like food delivery apps (Zomato/Swiggy) as growth catalysts.
- Dimensions required
- Economic (Affordability and Supply Chains)Sociological (Urbanization and Nuclear Families)Technological (Aggregators and Targeted Marketing)Policy/Regulatory (FSSAI norms vs. Market Reality)Psychological (Instant Gratification and Stress Eating)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate roughly 100 words to explaining the global growth drivers despite health risks, focusing on the convenience-cost-taste triad. Dedicate the remaining 150 words specifically to the Indian context, detailing glocalization, the rise of the middle class, and the role of delivery tech, while concluding with the double burden of malnutrition/obesity.
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