Iss and ies English paper complete solution 2025 Indian statistical service and Indian economic service

1. Write an essay on any one of the following topics in about 800 words:

(30 Marks)

(a) Investing in women accelerates progress

(b) Sustainable development is a contradiction in terms

(c) Motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going

(d) Leisure is an industry today

(e) Home is a state of mind

2. Write a précis of the following passage in your own words in about one-third of the original length:

(30 Marks)

The concern about the relationship between people and food supply is not new. Agriculture is the most important production practice of the world. Despite the fact that during the last five decades world food production has increased almost threefold, population has increased at such a rate in less developed countries that it overtripped the food production. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that about 840 million people remain chronically hungry, nearly 800 million of them living in developing countries. Every year hunger kills 12 million children worldwide. Although the number of people suffering from hunger has been decreasing, 2–5 million per year over the last decade, but the World Food Summit’s 1996 target of cutting half the number of world’s chronically hungry and undernourished people by 2015, will be met 100 years late if the present trend of increase in population coupled with poverty continues. There is enough food in the world to provide at least 2 kg per person, including 1 kg of grains or its substitute per day and other eatables to make people fit, but the problem is that many people are too poor to buy readily available food. The global problem of food insufficiency is caused by undernourishment and malnutrition.

Undernourishment refers to the lack of sufficient calories in available diet, so that one has little or no ability to move or work. The reason being, the body begins to break down its own stored fats and proteins. Undernourishment is more common in poor countries. People receiving less than 90 percent of their minimum dietary intake, on a long-term basis, are considered as undernourished. While not starving to death, such people do not have enough energy for an active and productive life. These people are more susceptible to diseases and deficiency diseases like beriberi and anaemia due to lack of nutrients. Such people are weak and cannot work because of poor diet. On account of inadequate income they cannot afford good food. Since they cannot work, they cannot buy food for their dependent children. Thus, their children fail to grow properly and are likely to face impoverishment in their adulthood. Those receiving less than 75 percent of their minimum daily caloric intake requirements are considered seriously undernourished.

Children are likely to suffer from permanently stunted growth, mental retardation and other development disorders.

Malnourishment refers to lack of specific components of food, such as proteins, vitamins or certain essential elements, required for the sound health and development of human body. Malnourishment can be caused both by over-nourishment to have excess food without a proper nutritional balance caused by lack of a specific dietary constituent or an inability to absorb or utilize essential nutrients from the food. Poor diet may result in faulty nutrition causing lack of appetite and abnormal absorption of nutrients by the gastrointestinal tract. Poor nutrition and ill-health, in the long run, result in overall drop in quality of life and in the levels of development of human potential. Since people get afflicted by nutritional or related disorders, there is lowering of working capacity and productivity potential resulting in economic losses. The children become weak or sick and their educational career is affected. Malnourished and underweight children, surviving their childhood, face their future as adults with compromised abilities and ill-health.

Malnutrition and its ill effects can be avoided by consuming balanced and varied diet that includes all essential groups of foods. In general, the balanced diet includes plenty of whole grains, pulses, vegetables, fat, sugar, milk, fruit, etc., for vegetarians and meat and egg in addition or as a replacement, for non-vegetarians. Cereals like wheat and rice, the staple food of mankind, provide a fraction of nutrient supply and need to be supplemented with other foods that provide proteins, fats and traces of minerals, vitamins and amino acids. A balanced diet simply means a diet that will supply all the nutrients necessary for the growth and development of the body. The healthiest combination for a balanced diet, in general, is that about 50 percent of calories should come from complex carbohydrates, about 30 percent from all fats and about 20 percent from proteins. Conclusively, a balanced diet in a suitable proportion and variation in menu in our daily meals will prove better for the health. (710 words)

3. Write a paragraph, in about 200 words, on any one of the following expressions/statements:

(10 Marks)

(a) Scientific temper strengthens democracy.

(b) Doubt is important for faith.

(c) Success is counted sweetest by those who never succeed.

(d) Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can.

(e) A day without laughter is a day wasted.

4. Use the following words, each in a single sentence:

(a) Austere – The monk lived an austere life in a remote cave, with no luxuries or comforts.

(b) Preposterous – It is preposterous to believe that the earth is flat in this age of science.

(c) Provision – The provision for free mid-day meals has helped increase school attendance.

(d) Kudos – Kudos to the entire team for successfully launching the satellite.

(e) Foresight – Her foresight in investing early in technology stocks brought great returns.

5. Use the idioms/phrasal verbs in meaningful sentences:

(a) Blessing in disguise – Losing that job was a blessing in disguise, as it led me to start my own successful business.

(b) At the drop of a hat – She’s always ready to travel at the drop of a hat.

(c) Far cry from – The rural school is a far cry from the well-equipped ones in the city.

(d) The last straw – His rude behavior at the meeting was the last straw; she finally quit.

(e) Out of hand – The celebration got out of hand when guests started fighting.

6. Correct the sentences without changing their meaning:

(a) The book you want is out of print.

(b) You have not seen this play, have you?

(c) Neither the patient nor the doctor was in the ward.

(d) Two and two make four.

(e) Let me give you some advice.

(f) Where is your luggage?

(g) Trees fell like ninepins in the strong wind.

(h) We scored as many goals as they did.

(i) Petroleum is a cleaner fuel compared to coal, as it burns completely and leaves no residue.

(j) She has been living in Delhi for the past twenty years.

4. Use the following words, each in a single sentence. Bring out the meaning clearly without changing the form of the word. No credit will be given for a vague or ambiguous sentence:

2×5 = 10

(a) Austere

(b) Preposterous

(c) Provision

(d) Kudos

(e) Foresight

5. Use the following idioms/phrasal verbs in sentences, so as to bring out their meaning clearly:

2×5 = 10

(a) blessing in disguise

(b) at the drop of a hat

(c) far cry from

(d) the last straw

(e) out of hand

6. Correct the following sentences without changing their meaning. Do not make unnecessary changes in the original sentence:

1×10 = 10

(a) Book you want is out of print.

(b) You have not seen this play, haven’t you?

(c) Neither the patient nor the doctor were in the ward.

(d) Two and two makes four.

(e) Let me give you some advise.

(f) Where are your luggages?

(g) Trees fell like nine pines in the strong wind.

(h) We scored as many goals as they.

(i) Petroleum is a clean fuel as compared to coal, as it burns completely and leaves no residue.

(j) She has been living in Delhi since the past twenty years.

ANSWER

1 A 

Essay Topic: Investing in Women Accelerates Progress

Word Count: ~800

In the tapestry of global development, one thread consistently shines with the potential to transform societies — the empowerment and investment in women. The saying "When you educate a man, you educate an individual. But when you educate a woman, you educate a nation," attributed to African scholar Dr. James Emman Kwegyir-Aggrey, captures the profound truth behind this idea. Investing in women is not merely a social justice agenda; it is an economic, developmental, and moral imperative that accelerates progress at every level — personal, familial, societal, and national.

I. Understanding the Value of Investing in Women

Investing in women involves ensuring their access to education, healthcare, employment, entrepreneurship opportunities, and political representation. It includes legal protection, financial inclusion, and societal acknowledgment of their rights and contributions. When women are given equal opportunities, they become powerful agents of change — not just for themselves, but for entire communities.

In economics, the idea of human capital posits that investment in education and skill development improves productivity. When half of the population — women — is empowered with education and resources, a country’s GDP naturally rises. According to McKinsey Global Institute (2015), closing the gender gap in labor force participation could add $28 trillion to the global GDP by 2025.

II. Education: The Most Transformative Investment

Education is the foundation of empowerment. Girls who receive secondary or higher education marry later, have fewer children, and are more likely to access healthcare, earn higher incomes, and participate in civic life. The ripple effect of educating women is extraordinary — better health outcomes, higher literacy rates in the next generation, and stronger democratic participation.

For instance, in India, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme is a significant step in addressing gender-based disparities. Similarly, Bangladesh witnessed remarkable progress in female literacy and maternal health due to concerted government and NGO initiatives.

III. Economic Empowerment: Women as Growth Engines

Economically empowered women contribute actively to the workforce, increase household incomes, and improve family well-being. Female entrepreneurship, in particular, has emerged as a game-changer. Women-led enterprises tend to reinvest up to 90% of their earnings into their families and communities, compared to 30–40% by men, according to the World Bank.

Take the example of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural India. These micro-finance-based collectives have empowered women with access to capital, decision-making skills, and market linkages. In states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, SHGs have led to increased incomes, reduced domestic violence, and improved school attendance for children.

Furthermore, the rise of digital platforms has allowed women to start businesses from home — from running YouTube tutorials to selling products online. This digital leap, often catalyzed by governmental programs like Digital India or Startup India, is helping bypass traditional socio-cultural barriers.

IV. Health, Safety, and Social Inclusion

Investment in women's health — reproductive care, nutrition, mental health, and safety — leads to lower maternal and infant mortality, better productivity, and reduced healthcare costs. For example, nations that provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools, like Scotland, have reported higher school attendance among girls.

Moreover, ensuring safety through stronger laws and awareness campaigns not only helps reduce violence against women but also enables them to step out and participate fearlessly in the economy and public life. Campaigns like #MeToo and Nirbhaya Fund have started pushing the needle, though there's much progress yet to be made.

V. Political and Leadership Participation

Women in leadership bring different perspectives and often prioritize education, healthcare, and child welfare in policy. Studies have shown that parliaments with higher female representation tend to pass more progressive laws related to family welfare and gender equity.

Consider Rwanda — the country has the highest percentage of women in parliament (over 60%), and its developmental outcomes in healthcare and education are among the best in Africa. In India, Panchayati Raj Institutions have seen inspiring leadership from women sarpanches who have prioritized clean water, sanitation, and school infrastructure.

VI. The Multiplier Effect of Investing in Women

The real power of investing in women lies in the multiplier effect — educated and empowered women educate their children better, earn more, save more, and foster inclusive communities. They bridge social divides, champion equality, and foster peace. The World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Report consistently shows that countries with higher gender parity are also those that are more prosperous, happy, and stable.

VII. Challenges That Remain

Despite the proven benefits, challenges persist: wage gaps, workplace harassment, skewed sex ratios, unpaid domestic work, and glass ceilings in corporate and political hierarchies. Patriarchal mindsets, socio-religious norms, and institutional inertia continue to block progress. For real transformation, investment must be accompanied by attitudinal change and inclusive policymaking.

Conclusion

Investing in women is not a zero-sum game; it is an everyone-wins game. It accelerates economic growth, promotes social harmony, and builds resilient, equitable societies. The 21st century cannot afford to leave its women behind. As UN Women rightly states, "Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and building good governance." In simple terms, to build a better world, we must start by investing in its women.