GS3 Final

INSIGHTSIAS
IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

MAINS 2020
GS-III
AUGUST 2020
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Table of Contents
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and
employment. ........................................................................................................................................... 9
What is Production Linked incentive scheme for electronics manufacturing? How does the
scheme benefit Indian economy? Explain. (250 words) ................................................................... 9
Comment upon the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and suggest a few policy
measures to address this challenge. (250 words) ........................................................................... 11
Discuss the remittances crisis facing South Asia owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. (250 words) . 14
analyze in detail the transparent taxation platform “Transparent Taxation – Honoring the
Honest” that was launched recently in the country. (250 words) ................................................. 16
Current covid-19 crisis has exposed limitations of central banking framework in the county.
Analyze the statement. (250 words) ............................................................................................... 18
For a better growth in a free market economy, National Competition Policy is the need of the
hour for India. Analyse. (250 words) .............................................................................................. 19
Discuss the key findings of Export Preparedness Index 2020 while throwing light on the
challenges that Indian exports face. (250 words) ........................................................................... 21
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. .......................................................................................... 23
Discuss the significance of Primary Agriculture Credit Society. Why do you think it is important
for us to recognise it? (250 words) .................................................................................................. 23
Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and
irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related
constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.................................................................................... 26
Unscientific use of irrigation water is giving rise to a variety of ecological problems in India.
Elucidate. (250 words) ..................................................................................................................... 26
Indian agri markets not only need to be integrated spatially but also temporally for a better
future of Agri-Markets. Elaborate. (250 words).............................................................................. 28
“Self-reliant agriculture is critical for the goal of an Atmanirbhar Bharat”, in this context discuss
the importance of agricultural exports to India. (250 words) ........................................................ 31
what do you understand by vertical farming? Discuss its possible prospects in our country. (250
words) ............................................................................................................................................... 34
Discuss the role that Crop rotation and diversity can play in mitigating the environmental effects
of growing just cereals in the country. (250 words) ....................................................................... 36
What do you understand by Biological control? What are the different methods of pest control
in organic farming? Critically analyse the suitability of Bio pesticides in pest management with
respect to altering needs and changing climate. (250 words) ........................................................ 39
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution
System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security;
Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing. ............................................................................ 41
Integrated Farming System (IFS) will be the key for India taking into account the long term food
requirements and sustaining agricultural production. Analyze. (250 words)................................ 41

Elucidate upon the concept of Agri industrialization, in what way secondary agriculture needs to
be focused to achieve the same? (250 words) ................................................................................ 44
Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and
downstream requirements, supply chain management....................................................................... 46
Elaborate upon the initiatives that can ensure sustainable growth of the dairy sector in the
country as well as boost incomes of dairy farmers. (250 words) ................................................... 46
What do you understand by Supply chain resilience? Discuss in detail the newly mooted Supply
Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) of Japan and its impact on India. (250 words) .......................... 49
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. ............................................................... 51
The Aviation sector in India requires a major turnaround in the development of Airport
infrastructure. What are the challenges that the Indian airports face today? Discuss. (250 words)
.......................................................................................................................................................... 51
Analyse the recently proposed reforms of the centre that intend to create a robust power sector
for fuelling post-pandemic economic recovery. (250 words) ......................................................... 54
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life;
Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new
technology. ........................................................................................................................................... 57
Explain the major aspects of the Science Technology and Innovation Policy, 2013. Discuss the
challenges in the domain of Research and Development in the Indian scenario and suggest
suitable policy measures to address the same. (250 words) .......................................................... 57
The technological convergence in industrial revolution 4.0 has brought in robotics much closer
to human interface. Evaluate the key benefits of robotics in automated agriculture and
manufacturing in the country. (250 words) ................................................................................... 60
Discuss various initiatives brought by the government for improving research and bringing
innovative ideas? (250 words) ......................................................................................................... 63
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and
issues relating to intellectual property rights. ...................................................................................... 68
What are Other Service Providers (OSPs)? Explain their relevance to the development and
growth of IT and other sectors. (250 words) ................................................................................... 68
Write a note on India’s Lunar Exploration programme. Explain how Chandrayaan-2 will benefit
our country? (250 words)................................................................................................................. 69
Amidst the new challenges growing space industry is facing across the world; discuss the aspects
necessary to be considered for India’s space vision. (250 words) ................................................. 72
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment ........... 75
What do you understand by Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and why is India’s new EIA
draft problematic? Discuss. ( 250 words ) ....................................................................................... 75
Air pollution in the national capital has been an issue of concern for quite some time as Delhi
and its suburbs have ranked among the most polluted cities in the world frequently since 2014.
Examine the threats posed by air pollution and to what are the measures undertaken to tackle
air pollution challenges. (250 words) .............................................................................................. 78

Do you think India’s New Compensatory Afforestation Rules dilute rights of forest dwellers?
Analyse. (250 words) ........................................................................................................................ 79
Pesticide pollution is a major environmental issue in India, which has far-reaching
consequences. Discuss while enumerating the various sources of Pesticide pollution. (250
words) ............................................................................................................................................... 82
“Development goals must be pursued without breaching environment regulations”, comment.
(250 words) ....................................................................................................................................... 85
What are various urban wastes? What are the different steps involved in solid waste
management in municipal areas? Elaborate upon the major problems faced due to urban waste
dumping sites. (250 words) .............................................................................................................. 88
Disaster and disaster management. ..................................................................................................... 91
Capacity building is the most important aspect of pre-disaster preparation to mitigate the
impact of disaster. In this light, discuss the various levels and methods of capacity building. (250
words) ............................................................................................................................................... 91
The increasing industrialization increases the risk of industrial disasters. What effective steps
must be taken to reduce industrial disasters? What lessons India can learn from its past
experience in tackling such disasters? (250 words) ........................................................................ 93
What is an oil spill? Discuss and suggest its impact while highlighting the methods through
which oil spills can be cleaned. (250 words) ................................................................................... 96
For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a Need to mainstream indigenous
traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (250 words ) ................... 99
Security challenges and their management in border areas - linkages of organized crime with
terrorism. ............................................................................................................................................ 101
Elaborate upon the ongoing Political instability in West Asia and North Africa; also explain in
what way is it proving to be a fertile ground for Islamic States (IS) terrorists to operate. (250
words) ............................................................................................................................................. 101
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social
networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its
prevention........................................................................................................................................... 104
“Borderless cyberspace, as a part of the “global commons” does not exist; discuss the quest for
order amid cyber insecurity. (250 words) ..................................................................................... 104
In light of the snowballing instances of cybercrimes and cyber bullying of girls and women,
deliberate upon the challenges associated and suggest suitable measures to address it. (250
words) ............................................................................................................................................. 107




Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources,

growth, development and employment.
What is Production Linked incentive scheme for electronics manufacturing? How does
the scheme benefit Indian economy? Explain. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article talks about the production linked incentive scheme for electronics manufacturing and its
benefits to the Indian economy.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss what Production Linked incentive scheme for electronics manufacturing is and explain does
the scheme benefit Indian economy.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the
particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with
relevant associated facts
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Define Production Linked incentive scheme.
Body:
Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing, Notified on 1st
April, 2020. Incentives are applicable under the scheme from 01.08.2020.
What it is? an incentive of 4% to 6% on incremental sales (over base year) of goods under target
segments that are manufactured in India to eligible companies, for a period of five years subsequent
to the base year (FY2019-20). 22 companies have filed their application under the Scheme.
Discuss the benefits and challenges associated with it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with the prospects of the program.
Introduction:
The Production Linked incentive scheme for electronics manufacturing proposes a financial
incentive to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in the electronics value
chain including mobile phones, electronic components and Assembly, Testing, Marking and
Packaging (ATMP) units. It was notified on April 1, 2020 as a part of the National Policy on
Electronics.
Global electronics giants such as Samsung, Pegatron, Flex, and Foxconn among others are in final
stages of negotiations to benefit from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s
(MeitY) production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for making mobile phones and certain other
specified electronic components.
Body:
Key features of the scheme:
 The scheme shall extend an incentive of 4% to 6% on incremental sales (over base year) of goods
manufactured in India and covered under target segments, to eligible companies.
 The scheme is proposed for a period of five years with financial year (FY) 2019-20 considered as
the base year for calculation of incentives.

 The scheme shall only be applicable for target segments namely mobile phones and specified
electronic components.
 The Scheme is open for applications for a period of 4 months initially which may be extended.
 The Scheme will be implemented through a Nodal Agency which shall act as a Project
Management Agency (PMA) and be responsible for providing secretarial, managerial and
implementation support and carrying out other responsibilities as assigned by MeitY from time
to time.
 All electronic manufacturing companies which are either Indian or have a registered unit in India
will be eligible to apply for the scheme. These companies can either create a new unit or seek
incentives for their existing units from one or more locations in India.
 Any additional expenditure incurred by companies on plant, machinery, equipment, research

and development and transfer of technology for manufacture of mobile phones and related
electronic items will be eligible for the incentive scheme.
 However, all investment done by companies on land and buildings for the project will not be
considered for any incentives or determine eligibility of the scheme.
Benefits to Indian Economy:
 The scheme proposes a financial incentive to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large
investments in the electronics value chain including electronic components and semiconductor
packaging.
 The government estimates that with the PLI scheme, domestic value addition for mobile
phones is expected to rise to 35-40% by 2025 from the current level of 20-25% and generate
additional 8 lakh jobs, both direct and indirect.
 The production of mobile phones in the country has surged eight-times in the last four years
from around Rs 18,900 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 1.7 lakh crore in 2018-19.
 The domestic electronics hardware manufacturing sector faces lack of a level playing field vis-à-
vis competing nations.
 The sector suffers disability of around 8.5% to 11% on account of lack of adequate
infrastructure, domestic supply chain and logistics; high cost of finance; inadequate availability
of quality power; limited design capabilities and focus on R&D by the industry; and inadequacies
in skill development.
 Therefore, to position India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing
(ESDM), it is necessary to encourage and drive capabilities in the country for developing core
components and create an enabling environment for the industry to compete globally.
Conclusion:
It would tremendously boost the electronics manufacturing landscape and establish India at the
global level in the electronics sector. The Government of India seeks to boost Make in India initiative
to make the country a manufacturing and export hub for mobile phones.

Comment upon the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and suggest a few
policy measures to address this challenge. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article co-authored by the former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh discusses the economic
impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and suggests a few policy measures to address this challenge.
Discuss the economic impact of Covid-19 pandemic and suggest a few policy measures to address.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.
Introduction:
India entered the COVID-19 crisis in a precarious position, with slowing growth, rising unemployment
and a strained financial system. The epidemic has made it more painful.
Body:
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent regulations have had adverse impacts on livelihoods
and the larger economy. The economic impact of COVID-19 is expected to be bigger than the health
impact itself. The global economy is expected to experience one of its worst years in history and the
Indian Economic contraction does not just imply a decrease in GDP numbers but marks a reversal of
years of progress.
The article argues that the slowdown in economic activity is a function of both external factors such
as the lockdown and behavioural changes of people and enterprises, driven by fear, and calls for
definitive and urgent steps to revive the economy back to good health.
The article argues that the key to reviving India’s economy would be to inject confidence back in the
entire ecosystem involving the people (consumers), entrepreneurs and the bankers.
Conclusion:
The path to sustained recovery is to improve confidence and sentiments in society, using economic
tools of fiscal and monetary policies.
Introduction:
The economic impact of Covid-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented damage to the
global and India is no exception. It is clear that, for the first time in many decades, India’s economy
will contract significantly. Moreover, India being a developing economy, the deleterious impact of an
economic contraction is long and deep, especially on the poor. There will be a significant impact on
the social sphere as well, as much of weaker sections of Indian society may slip back into poverty
and unemployment.
Body:
Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic:
 The slowdown in economic activity is a function of both external factors such as the lockdown
and behavioural changes of people and enterprises, driven by fear, and calls for definitive and
urgent steps to revive the economy back to good health.
 India entered the COVID-19 crisis in a precarious position, with slowing growth, rising
unemployment and a strained financial system. The epidemic has made it more painful.
 The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent regulations have had adverse impacts on
livelihoods and the larger economy. The economic impact of COVID-19 is expected to be bigger
than the health impact itself.

 The global economy is expected to experience one of its worst years in history and the Indian
economy is expected to contract significantly for the first time in many decades.
 Economic contraction does not just imply a decrease in GDP numbers but marks a reversal of
years of progress.
 The economic contraction will lead to a significant number among the weaker sections of the
society slipping back into poverty.
 Many enterprises may be forced to shut down.
 Severe unemployment may lead to wastage of the human resource of an entire generation.
 The economic contraction and the subsequent shortage of financial resources will adversely
impact the state’s ability to feed and educate the children.
 The impact of an economic contraction would be especially severe on the poor and the
vulnerable sections.
 There is also the underlying sentiment of fear, uncertainty and insecurity prevalent in people,
firms and institutions.
Policy measures to address this challenge:
 Direct cash assistance for the poor:
 India is perhaps the only large democracy that has not provided direct cash assistance of a
significant amount during the COVID-19 crisis.
 Money in the hands of people can provide an immediate sense of security and confidence for
the poor.

 The article argues that the apprehension that providing large cash assistance may deter
people from returning to the workforce when needed and starve industry of labour is
unfounded.
 Restoring confidence in the financial system:
 COVID-19 assistance measures undertaken by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the
government such as interest rate reductions, credit guarantee and liquidity enhancement
schemes, though are welcome steps, may prove to be ineffective since banks are not
confident of lending.
 The revival of the health of the banking sector must, apart from involving steps such as
capital infusion and disinvestment of public sector banks, also involve allowing institutions
such as the RBI, public sector banks, bankruptcy boards, securities and insurance regulators
to function freely and professionally.
 Restoring confidence among investors:
 Entrepreneurs must feel confident about reopening and making investments.
 The confidence among people to spend and among bankers to lend will induce confidence in
the private sector to reopen and invest.
 Restoring confidence among businesses with greater access to capital will help them invest
and create jobs.
 Providing credit guarantee schemes for corporates would prove helpful in this direction.
 Guarding against hasty decisions:
 The article argues against knee-jerk reactions such as protection of Indian industry through
trade restrictions.
 This would not be able to catalyse economic activity immediately and also would mark a
dangerous reversal of established industrial policy that has generated enormous economic
gains over the last three decades.
 Ensuring financial resources:
 Improving capital adequacy of banks and providing credit guarantee schemes for corporates
would require significant financial resources.
 Given that the government is facing a major shortfall in revenues and that new avenues for
tax revenues are not feasible in the short term, higher borrowing by the government is
inevitable.
 Borrow from International Institutions or deficit monetisation by RBI:
 India must make full use of loan programmes of international institutions such as the
International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
 Deficit monetisation by the RBI, which involves printing money, must only be used as the last
resort when all other options are exhausted.
 Our long track record as an impeccable borrower with no default, timely repayments and full
transparency make us an ideal borrower for these institutions.
Conclusion:
It is thus imperative to act with utmost urgency to nurse the economy back to good health. The
slowdown in economic activity is both a function of external factors such as the lockdown and
behavioural changes of people and enterprises, driven by fear. The foundation for reviving our
economy is to inject confidence back in the entire ecosystem. People must feel confident about their
lives and livelihoods. Entrepreneurs must feel confident of reopening and making investments.
Bankers must feel confident about providing capital. Multilateral organisations must feel confident
enough to provide funding to India. Sovereign ratings agencies must feel confident about India’s
ability to fulfil its financial obligations and restore economic growth.
Discuss the remittances crisis facing South Asia owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. (250
words)
Reference: Live Mint
Introduction:
Remittances serve as lifelines between migrant workers and their families back home, especially
during a crisis. These money transfers provide efficient and effective safety nets to people living in
the margins of economies. Unfortunately, as a result of disruptions caused by covid-19, the World
Bank predicts that remittance flows will face their sharpest decline in history, falling by an expected
20% in 2020 to $445 billion. Remittances are a key mechanism for boosting consumption in a
migrant worker’s home country. In 66 countries, remittances account for more than 5% of GDP.
Body:
The World Bank has released its Migration and Development Brief. They key findings of the same
are as follows.
India specific:
 India is positioned as the world’s top recipient of remittances with its diaspora sending USD 79
billion back home in 2018. The remittances in 2018 grew by over 14 percent in India.
 India managed to retain its top spot in remittances by registering a significant flow of
remittances from USD 62.7 billion in 2016 to USD 65.3 billion 2017 and to USD 79 billion in 2018,
a significant growth over the last three years.
 Natural disasters like Kerala floods likely boosted the financial help that migrants sent to their
families.
South Asia:
 In South Asian economies, however, remittances play an even more important role in their
development roadmaps.
 India, for example, is the single largest remittance recipient country in the world, receiving more
than $80 billion in remittances in 2019.
 Across these South Asian economies, remittances comprise large shares of their gross domestic
product (GDP).
 For example, remittances account for nearly 28% of Nepal’s GDP and 8% of Pakistan’s.

 In South Asia, it is projected that remittances will fall by more than 22% in 2020 (marginally
above the global trend the World Bank has predicted) before recovering in 2021.
Impacts:
 While remittances can shape a country’s trajectory, they are highly dependent on three critical
factors: economic opportunities in home countries; the international migration system; and the
international financial system.
 The coronavirus pandemic has affected each of these factors, which has resulted in reduced
income and job security for the 272 million international migrants. This has reduced remittance
flows.
 Prolonged economic recession will force the return of a significant number of migrants to their
countries of origin, aggravating the economic downturn and social disruption.
 The effect of the projected sharp decrease of remittances on households in South Asia can
potentially push back decades of progress made by the region on poverty reduction, income
inequality, nutrition, health and education.
Way forward:
 As with other sectors, public-private cooperation will remain key in mitigating the impact of
covid-19 on the remittances industry.
 There is a need to complement the call to action which has been initiated by the governments of
Switzerland and the United Kingdom with support from multilateral institutions, such as the
World Bank and United Nations Capital Development Fund.
 Declare the provision of remittance services as an essential service:
o While banks and other financial services have remained open, there is a need to ensure
that non-financial institutions that are also part of the ecosystem remain open—such as
mobile operators, money transfer companies and post offices in both host and home
countries.
 Provide fiscal and monetary incentives:
o Governments may consider providing 3%-5% cashback on certain corridors (e.g. high-
volume corridors such as Middle East to South Asia) to waive transaction costs.
o For example, for every $200 sent through a banking channel, $6-10 can be reimbursed in
the bank account of the migrant/diaspora family member.
 Include remittances in the broader migration debate:
o Countries in South Asia, through their diplomatic footprint, are working closely with host
governments to address migration issues.
o However, policymakers need to take this one step further by also engaging in dialogue
with multiple stakeholders in host countries, which includes not just the government,
but also the remittance service providers in the broader ecosystem.
 Reduce the average cost to achieve the United National Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)
target:

o Central banks in home countries should also look to ease know-your-customer and
regulatory requirements for both traditional service providers as well as fintech
companies to help reduce the average cost.
Conclusion:
The power of remittances lies in how they are invested by the families of migrant workers, helping
them build up economic and social assets across generations. In South Asia, where social safety nets
are weak or absent, remittances often form the bedrock of a family’s financial security, on which
generational resilience to economic shocks is built. Blindsided by covid-19, many families have
already consumed their private safety net of saved up remittances and now risk falling back into
poverty. It’s time for both the public and private sectors to throw them a lifeline.
analyze in detail the transparent taxation platform “Transparent Taxation – Honoring

the Honest” that was launched recently in the country. (250 words)
Reference: The Big Picture: Transparent Taxation, Honoring the Honest
Why the question:
Recently Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched a platform for “Transparent Taxation –
Honoring the Honest”.
One has to analyse the significance and relevance of the platform in detail.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Introduction:
Briefly present the taxation system in the country.
Body:
The Transparent Taxation Platform:
It is aimed at bringing transparency in income tax systems and empowering taxpayers.
The main features of the platform are faceless assessment, faceless appeal and taxpayer charter.
The faceless assessment and taxpayer charter will come into place immediately from the launch,
while the faceless appeal is going to be applicable from 25th September 2020.
Faceless Assessment: It aims to eliminate human interface between the taxpayer and the income tax
department.
There will be no need for the taxpayer to visit the income tax office or the officer.
The selection of a taxpayer is possible through systems using analytics and Artificial Intelligence.
Faceless Appeal: Under the system, appeals will be randomly allotted to any officer in the country.
The identity of the officer deciding the appeal will remain unknown.
Taxpayer Charter: This outlines the rights and responsibilities of both tax officers and taxpayers.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance.
Introduction:
The Prime Minister of India recently launched the ‘Transparent Taxation – Honouring The Honest’
platform to honour the honest taxpayers of the country. It has been launched to meet the
requirements of the 21st century taxation system by further digitise the Income Tax Department’s
functioning. The platform has major reforms like Faceless Assessment, Faceless Appeal and
Taxpayers Charter. The platform seeks to “reform and simplify our tax system.”
Body:

Key highlights of the Transparent Taxation platform:
 Faceless Assessment: It aims to eliminate human interface between the taxpayer and the
income tax department.
 There will be no need for the taxpayer to visit the income tax office or the officer.
 The selection of a taxpayer is possible through systems using analytics and Artificial Intelligence.
 Faceless Appeal: Under the system, appeals will be randomly allotted to any officer in the
country. The identity of the officer deciding the appeal will remain unknown.
 Taxpayer Charter: This outlines the rights and responsibilities of both tax officers and taxpayers.
 The faceless assessment and taxpayer charter will come into place immediately from the launch,
while the faceless appeal is going to be applicable from 25th September 2020.
Need for such initiatives:
 The number of taxpayers is significantly low with only 1.5 Crore paying taxes in a country of 130
Crore people. Therefore, it’s time for people to introspect and come forward to pay Income
taxes due on them to build an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
 In the previous system, income-tax notices had become an instrument for harassing taxpayers. It
could not help expand the taxpayer base and rather created conditions for the business of “black
and white” [money] to flourish.
 Besides, the country’s tax structure needed fundamental reforms as the earlier tax structure was
developed from the one created during pre-independent times.
 Even the several changes made during the post-independent times did not alter its fundamental
character. Thus, the complexity of the earlier system made it difficult to conform.
Significance of the platform:
 Honest taxpayers of the country play a big role in nation-building. When the life of an honest
taxpayer becomes easy then the country also develops. Therefore, the tax system should be
seamless, painless and faceless.
 The new facilities launched are a part of the Government’s resolve to provide maximum
governance with minimum government.
 The assessment system seeks to eliminate corrupt practices by doing away with the territorial
jurisdiction of income-tax offices.
 With the help of technology, the cases of scrutiny will now be allocated randomly to any official
in any part of the country and the document identification numbers will be issued from the
central database.
 It pushes the e-governance further while bringing better transparency in taxation, in line with
Government’s aim of Digital India.
 The move is part of several tax reforms initiated by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
 The board last year slashed the corporate tax from 30% to 22% and for new manufacturing units
the rates were reduced to 15%. Dividend distribution Tax was also abolished.

Conclusion:
The government now had adopted a people centric approach towards making laws, rules and
policies. These reforms are likely to empower citizens by ensuring time-bound services by the
Income Tax Department.
Current covid-19 crisis has exposed limitations of central banking framework in the
county. Analyze the statement. (250 words)
Why the question:
The current article presents to us in what way current crisis has exposed limitations of central
banking framework.
Explain in detail how current covid-19 crisis has exposed limitations of central banking framework in
the county.
Directive:
Introduction:
Briefly present the context of the question.
Body:
Over the past few months, the Reserve Bank of India, along with the monetary policy committee, has
undertaken a slew of measures to arrest the economic slowdown, and address the fallout of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Yet, their actions, guided by multiple considerations — inflation and growth management, debt
management and currency management — have inadvertently exposed the limitations of and the
inherent contradictions in the central banking framework in India.
Explain what the central bank must do.
Take hints from the article and explain what are the options available to the Bank.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction:
The Reserve Bank of India, along with the monetary policy committee, in the recent months has
undertaken a slew of measures to arrest the economic slowdown, and address the fallout of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, their actions, guided by multiple considerations — inflation and growth
management, debt management and currency management — have inadvertently exposed the
limitations of and the inherent contradictions in the central banking framework in India.
Body:
Limitations of central banking framework in the country:
 Growth-inflation conundrum:
 The MPC is guided by the goal of maintaining inflation at 4 plus/minus 2 per cent.
 Since February 2019, the MPC has, and rightly so, attached primacy to reviving growth,
lowering the benchmark repo rate by 250 basis points.
 However, in its August policy, despite dire growth prospects, it chose to maintain the
status quo.

 This decision was driven, in part, by elevated inflation which continues to average above
the upper threshold of the inflation targeting framework.
 Rise in inflation:
 In large part, the current rise in inflation (CPI had fallen from January to March) is driven
by supply-chain dislocations owing to the lockdowns.
 This is evident from the growing disconnect between the wholesale and consumer price
index.
 Since April, while WPI has been in negative territory.
 CPI has been elevated, indicating, excess supply/low demand at the producer/wholesale
level but excess demand/low supply at the retail/consumer level, suggestive of
dislocations in the intermediate supply chain.
 Accepting this implies that the spurt in retail inflation will be temporary, and it will begin
to trend lower as these disruptions ebb.
 Monetary policy is supposed to be forward looking.
 The current crisis has also brought to the fore the inherent contradictions between the MPC’s
operations, and the RBI’s debt and currency management functions, pointing towards a larger
structural challenge.
 the RBI’s interventions in the currency market — intervening in order to prevent the rupee from
appreciating — have constrained its ability to carry out open market operations as these would
have led to further liquidity injections into the system.
 Put differently, its debt management functions have run up against its currency management
functions.
Way forward:
 The central bank must develop a clear strategy on what to do.
 Expanding the range of policy levers: Though RBI is legally bound to an inflation target, there is a
strong argument to look past the current spurt in inflation, and test the limits of both
conventional and unconventional monetary policy.
 Given the slowdown in the economy and that the transmission of rate cuts takes time, there is
the need for a further Monetary policy easing. The Monetary policy needs to be forward looking.
 This will also be helpful as uncertainty remains over whether Covid having a deflationary or
inflationary impact on the Indian economy in the medium term.
For a better growth in a free market economy, National Competition Policy is the need
of the hour for India. Analyse. (250 words)
Reference: Financial Express
Why the question:
The article presents to us a detailed analysis of the need of a National Competition Policy for the
country.

Discuss the key role that a National Competition Policy can play for a better growth in a free
market economy for India.
Directive:
Introduction:
Discuss briefly the current conditions of the economy in the country.
Body:
The article explains that there is an urgent need for deeper and long-term economic reforms which
can, inter alia, enhance competitiveness by eliminating distortionary market practices to usher
economic growth across sectors.
Competition policy refers to “those government measures that directly affect the behaviour of
enterprises and the structure of industry” to maximise total welfare, i.e., the total of consumer’s
surplus and producer’s surplus, as well as taxes collected by the government.
Discuss the pros and cons of having such a policy.
Conclusion:
Introduction:
The current macroeconomic indicators casts a dark cloud on the Prime minister’s vision of achieving
a $5-trillion economy by 2025 due to the Covid-19 crisis. Further, the Rs 20-lakh-crore economic
package to stimulate growth during and post Covid-19 crisis may take time to bear fruits.
Body:
India’s macro-economic indicator scenario:
 Moody’s downgraded India’s ratings-outlook from ‘stable’ to ‘negative’ in November 2019.
 Fitch Ratings released in May projected a 5% decline in growth.
 Even IMF’s recent report on June 24 has projected India’s economy to contract by 4.5% in FY21.
 IMF has also slashed India’s growth rate to 1.9% in FY21.
Competition policy refers to “those government measures that directly affect the behaviour of
enterprises and the structure of industry” to maximise total welfare, i.e., the total of consumer’s
surplus and producer’s surplus, as well as taxes collected by the government.
Need for a new National Competition policy (NCP) for India:
 While National competition policies proved a key structural reform to boost economic growth in
many developed countries, India has not utilised CCI’s full potential due to the absence of a
national competition policy.
 In the absence of NCP, the benefits of competition are yet to reach all the sectors. Sectors like
coal mining have been under monopoly control of the state via PSUs like the Coal India.
 Other ostensibly “open” sectors have not been able to reap the benefits of competition due to
strong governmental interference, particularly the power sector.
 Although the Electricity Act, 2003, enacted simultaneously with the Competition Act, introduced
bold legislative reforms, such as mandating competitive-bidding, open access etc., these

measures have remained in the statute book, largely, due to absence of financial autonomy to
the now ‘unbundled” State Electricity Boards.
 The political interference by the state governments in their day-today functions have also
hindered to a great extent.
 Similarly, public procurement, which constitutes approximately 20-30% of our GDP, continues to
be infested with cartelisation.
 No serious attempt has been made except for occasional references made by some large public
procurement organisations such as DG S&D, Railways, FCI, etc., to CCI.
 This appears to be partly due to corrupt nexus between politicians, government officials &
bidders and partly due to a general ignorance towards benefits of competition.
 This apathy and ignorance can be best cured if India adopts NCP as a part of its Directive
Principles.
Conclusion:
A national competition policy that could help fix policy-induced market distortions which hampers
fair rivalry in the market. Further, NCP will ensure each policy regulation and law is screened based
on impact, if any, on the state of competition. However, this requires a strong political will.
Discuss the key findings of Export Preparedness Index 2020 while throwing light on the
challenges that Indian exports face. (250 words)
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
Export Preparedness Index 2020 to evaluate States’ potential and capacities has been released by the
NITI Aayog in partnership with the Institute of Competitiveness was released recently, thus the
context of the question.
One must discuss the key findings of Export Preparedness Index 2020 while throwing light on the
challenges that Indian exports face.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Introduction:
Start by explaining what export preparedness Index is.
Body:
Export Preparedness Index (EPI); It is the first report to examine the export preparedness and
performance of Indian states. EPI intends to identify challenges and opportunities; enhance the
effectiveness of government policies; and encourage a facilitative regulatory framework. It promotes
healthy competition among states and UTs to work on parameters for promoting the country’s
exports, which is one of the key indicators for boosting economic growth.
Then explain the challenges faced by India’s Export Sector -based on the findings of the report, export
promotion in India faces three fundamental challenges: Intra- and inter-regional disparities in export
infrastructure, Poor trade support and growth orientation among states, Poor R&D infrastructure to
promote complex and unique exports.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions to address the issues.
Introduction:
Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2020 is the first report which aims to assess the readiness of the
states, in terms of their export potential and performance of Indian states. NITI Aayog in partnership
with the Institute of Competitiveness has released the EPI. The index weighed all states and union
territories on four pillars such as policy, business ecosystem, export ecosystem and export
performance and 11 sub-pillars including export promotion policy, export infrastructure, access to
finance, transport connectivity and export diversification.
Body:
Highlights of the report:
 Top 3 states: Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
 Among the landlocked states, Rajasthan has performed the best, followed by Telangana and
Haryana.
 Among the Himalayan states, Uttarakhand topped the chart, followed by Tripura and Himachal
Pradesh.
 Across Union Territories/City States, Delhi has performed the best, followed by Goa and
Chandigarh.
 On policy parameters, Maharashtra topped the index followed by Gujarat and Jharkhand.
 On business ecosystem parameter, Gujarat was ranked number one followed by Delhi and Tamil
Nadu.
 In the export ecosystem parameter, Maharashtra topped the Index followed by Odisha and
Rajasthan.
 On the export performance parameter, Mizoram led the index, followed by Gujarat and
Maharashtra.
 At present, 70 per cent of India’s export has been dominated by five states – Maharashtra,
Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
Key findings of the report:
 India’s merchandise exports have witnessed growth from USD 275.9 billion in 2016-17 to USD
331.0 billion in 2019-20.
 However, the Covid-19 crisis gave a major blow to the current fiscal. Consequently, India’s
exports shrank by 60% in April 2020.
 This consistent positive growth has been a result of key measures adopted by the government
post-2016 for the promotion of merchandise exports.
 A mid-term review of the Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20 was conducted in 2017 to assess the
policy interventions required to boost the export levels.
 A new Logistics Division was established in the Department of Commerce to organize the
integrated development of the logistics sector.

 Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) was launched in 2017 to address the existing
export infrastructure gaps.
 Agriculture Export Policy was rolled out to target export contribution at a micro-level.
 Transport and Marketing Assistance (TMA) scheme was also introduced for the export of
specified agriculture products to mitigate the disadvantage of the higher cost of transportation.
Export promotion in India faces three fundamental challenges:
 Intra- and inter-regional disparities in export infrastructure.
 Poor trade support and growth orientation among states.
 Poor R&D infrastructure to promote complex and unique exports.
Measures needed:
 A joint development of export infrastructure.
 Strengthening industry-academia linkages.
 Creating state-level engagements for economic diplomacy.
 Revamped designs and standards for local products.
 Harness the innovating tendencies to provide new use cases for such products, with adequate
support from the Centre.
Way forward:
 Increase in exports can help India to achieve the target of making India a developed economy by
focusing on ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’. The exports can also help generate employment in India.
 Rapid growth of exports is a crucial component for long-term economic growth.
 A favourable ecosystem enables a country to contribute significantly to global value chains and
reap the benefits of integrated production networks, globally.
 The private sector can also play an important role in export promotion.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

Discuss the significance of Primary Agriculture Credit Society. Why do you think it is
important for us to recognise it? (250 words)
Why the question:
The question is based on the theme of Primary Agriculture Credit Society and its importance.
Discuss the significance of Primary Agriculture Credit Society and the need to recognise its
significance in the current times.
Directive:
Introduction:
Define briefly what Primary Agriculture Credit Societies are.
Body:
The Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) are the bottom-tier of three- tier Cooperative
credit structure operating in the country. These are Short Term Cooperative Credit Structure
functioning at the grassroots (Gram Panchayat) level.
Discuss briefly the work of PACS – PACs are currently being used only for a single purpose —
disbursement of crop loans. However they can be used to provide agricultural inputs, implements and
to provide warehousing and other facilities to the farmers. They can bring about transformation in
the rural areas.
Explain what are the objectives of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS), their current
status in India and why should they be recognized as nodal points for the development of hinterlands
in the country.
Discuss the issues and concerns associated with their development and functioning.
Conclusion:
Suggest solutions to address the concerns and way forward to empower PACS in true spirit.
Introduction:
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies are the grass root level arms of the short-term co-operative
credit structure. PACs deals directly with the rural (agricultural) borrowers, gives those loans and
collects repayments of loans given. and also undertake distribution and marketing functions. They
occupy a predominant position in the co-operative credit structure and form its base. It serves as the
final link between the ultimate borrowers on the one hand and the higher financing agencies,
namely the Scheduled Commercial Banks, and the RBI/NABARD on the other hand.
Body:
Functions of Primary Agriculture Credit Society:
 It promotes economic interest of members in accordance with the co-operative principle.
 It provides short term and medium term loans.
 It promotes savings habits among members.
 It supplies agricultural inputs like fertilizers, seeds, insecticides, and implements.
 It provides marketing facilities for the sale of agricultural products and6.It supplies domestic
products requirements such as sugar, kerosene etc.
Significance of Primary Agriculture Credit Society:
 For the uninitiated, a PACS is the first building block of the century-old cooperative banking
system of India.
 Scale of operations:
 At the end of June 1989 there were 87000 PACS.
 These societies covered about 90% of 5.8 lakh villages.
 Their membership of 9
crores covered about 65% of the total estimated population of about
14 crore of rural

 More than half of members of PACS are persons of small means-small

farmers, agricultural labourers, rural artisans, and25% of them belongs to SC/ST
 PACS can play a colossal role during this time of strife, in bringing farmer communities closer to
credit, inputs, market and value addition.
 No commercial bank branch can ever come close to providing the kind of services a Primary
Agriculture Credit Society (PACS) can.
 PACS can also play a major role by integrating its warehouse with physical and financial supply
chain of agro-commodities in the upcoming Garmin Agriculture Markets (GrAMs) or large
warehouses in private sector.
Challenges of PACS:
 Just about two decades ago, credit cooperatives covered 69% of the rural credit outlets and their
share in rural credit was fairly impressive, at 45% of the total rural credit in the country.
 Of course, they had a lion’s share of 57% in purveying short-term credit for purchase of inputs.
 Today, those glory days are a distant memory, with their share in rural credit at just 12.26% in
FY19.
 This continued slide, and just what can be done to set the course straight, has been at the heart
of a lot of research within NABARD and RBI.
 Further they are mounted with the historical challenges of financial viability and shortage of
qualified human resources
Way forward:
 A PACS, to really make a difference, will need to first transition from being just a credit society to
a multi-service centre (MSC) and turn into a one-stop shop for both goods and services.
 The recent decision by NABARD to develop 35,000 PACS into MSCs in mission-mode is a step in
this direction.
 The initiative will enable PACS to support farmers in post-harvest marketing activities and
provide ancillary services to its members like creation of storage and processing facilities,
custom hiring centers and collective purchase of inputs.
 Though such services are being provided by the cooperatives in a sporadic way, this intervention
will help in structuring these services in a sustained and scalable manner, covering a much larger
number of PACS.
 Need-based accompanying measures in the form of grant would also be made available to the
cooperative banks for capacity building, project management expenses and ICT initiatives, all of
which will finally impact the PACS.
 Helping them turn into multi-service societies may just as well be the last chance we have of
giving them this chance.
Conclusion:
To make all Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society viable and ensure adequate and timely flow
of co-operative credit to the rural areas the RBI, in collaboration with State Government’s had
been taking a series of steps to strengthen the PACS and to correct regional imbalances in co-
operative development. These efforts are being intensified by providing larger funds to weak
societies to write off their losses, bad debts and overdue.
Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of
irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural
produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers
Unscientific use of irrigation water is giving rise to a variety of ecological problems in
India. Elucidate. (250 words)
Reference: The Wire
Why the question:
The question talks about the ecological problems that are being caused owing to unscientific use of
irrigation water in the country.
Discuss in detail the ecological problems that are being caused owing to unscientific use of irrigation
water in the country. Suggest solutions to address the same.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated
facts.
Introduction:
Introduce the answer by giving a brief highlight of present scenario of irrigation in India.
Body:
Irrigation consumes about 84 percent of total available water in India, while industrial and
Domestic sectors consume about 12 and 4 percent respectively. India has already realized over 80%
of its irrigation potential. While this reflects significant irrigation expansion, unscientific utilization of
irrigation water has raised several issues. There are multiple factors contributing to unscientific use
of irrigation water like low irrigation
Efficiency; poor water management; ineffective ground water policy; heavy subsidization in
Electricity etc. Discuss them in detail.
Explain in brief the issue of unscientific use of irrigation water. Enlist the ecological hazards resulting
from the same.
Conclusion:
Conclude with suitable solutions.
Introduction:
Irrigation is the process of applying water to the crops artificially to fulfil their water requirements.
Nutrients may also be applied to the crops through irrigation. The various sources of water for
irrigation are wells, ponds, lakes, canals, tube-wells, and even dams. Irrigation offers moisture
required for growth and development, germination, and other related functions.
Body:
The Environmental impacts of irrigation relate to the changes in quantity and quality of soil and
water as a result of irrigation and the effects on natural and social conditions in river basins and
downstream of an irrigation scheme. The impacts stem from the altered hydrological conditions
caused by the installation and operation of the irrigation scheme.

Direct Effects
 An irrigation scheme draws water from groundwater, rivers, lakes or overland flow, and
distributes it over an area.
 Hydrological, or direct, effects of doing this include reduction in downstream river flow,
increased evaporation in the irrigated area, increased level in the water table as groundwater
recharge in the area is increased and flow increased in the irrigated area.
 Likewise, irrigation has immediate effects on the provision of moisture to the atmosphere,
inducing atmospheric instabilities and increasing downwind rainfall, or in other cases modifies
the atmospheric circulation, delivering rain to different downwind areas.
 Increases or decreases in irrigation are a key area of concern in precipitation shed studies, that
examine how significant modifications to the delivery of evaporation to the atmosphere can
alter downwind rainfall.
Indirect Effects:
 Indirect effects are those that have consequences that take longer to develop and may also be
longer-lasting. The indirect effects of irrigation include the following:
o Water logging
o Soil salination
o Ecological damage
o Socioeconomic impacts
 The indirect effects of water logging and soil salination occur directly on the land being irrigated.
 The ecological and socioeconomic consequences take longer to happen but can be more far-
reaching.
 Some irrigation schemes use water wells for irrigation. As a result, the overall water level
decreases. This may cause water mining, land/soil subsidence, and, along the coast, saltwater
intrusion.
Adverse Impacts:
The reduced downstream river flow may cause:
 reduced downstream flooding
 disappearance of ecologically and economically important wetlands or flood forests
 reduced availability of industrial, municipal, household, and drinking water
 reduced shipping routes.
 reduced fishing opportunities. The Indus River in Pakistan faces scarcity due to over-extraction of
water for agriculture. The Indus is inhabited by 25 amphibian species and 147 fish species of
which 22 are found nowhere else in the world. It harbors the endangered Indus River dolphin,
one of the world’s rarest mammals. Fish populations, the main source of protein and overall life
support systems for many communities, are also being threatened

 reduced discharge into the sea, which may have various consequences like coastal erosion and
salt water intrusion in delta’s and estuaries
Measures needed:
 Irrigation can have a variety negative impact on ecology and socio economy, which may be
mitigated in a number of ways.
 These include sitting the irrigation project in a location which minimize negative impacts.
 The efficiency of existing projects can be improved and existing degraded croplands can be
improved rather than establishing a new irrigation project.
 Developing small-scale, individually owned irrigation systems as an alternative to large-scale

publicly owned and managed schemes.
 The use of sprinkler irrigation and micro-irrigation systems decreases the risk of water logging
and erosion.
 Where practicable, using treated wastewater makes more water available to other users
Maintaining flood flows downstream of the dams can ensure that an adequate area is flooded
each year, supporting, amongst other objectives, fishery activities.
Way forward:
To achieve more sustainable water use by increasing irrigation efficiency, it needs to be combined
with some other interventions:
 Use of subsidy for irrigation efficiency must be combined with the weather and extended range
forecasts to reduce weather-based risk perception by farmers.
 Access to loans and crop insurance can be used in an effective way to drive farmers to go for
less-water intensive crops.
 Data networks to track total inflows and recoverable outflows of irrigation water along with the
losses.
 Caps on water extraction, irrigated areas and electricity use to ensure effective irrigation
efficiency.
 Behavioural change with a focus on maximizing agricultural production with minimal water use.
Indian agri markets not only need to be integrated spatially but also temporally for a
better future of Agri-Markets. Elaborate. (250 words)
Why the question:
The author of the article explains in what way the new agriculture infrastructure fund is a major step
forward. Policymakers must have stable policies for them.
Discuss the idea of getting the agri-markets right to ensure better functioning of Indian Markets.
Directive:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
facts.
Introduction:
Briefly present the current scenario of Agri markets in India and how they function.
Body:
Markets play an important role in rural development, income generation, food security, and
developing rural-market linkages thus its importance to ensure their optimum functioning.
Present the case of newly launched Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), The fund is a major step
towards getting agri-markets right.
Then move on to explain what the gaps in the current agri market system are, take cues from the
article and list them down. Suggest solutions to the same and explain why it is essential to have
markets temporally as well as spatially to ensure their perfect functioning.
Conclusion:
Introduction:
Agricultural marketing is a method that includes gathering, storage, preparation, shipping, and
delivery of different farming materials across the country. In agriculture marketing, the selling of an
agriculture product depends on various components like the demand for the product at that time,
availability of storage, etc.
Body:
Importance of integrating agricultural markets spatially and temporally:
 The agricultural sector in India is progressively opening up to external trade, leading to

interdependency between commodity prices across diverse markets.
 The country’s food production has increased tremendously from just 51 million tonnes in 1950-
51 to about 252 million tonnes in 2014-15. However, farm income did not grow much. This was
also highlighted by the National Commission on Farmers (NCF) headed by MS Swaminathan.
 Recent incidents of farmers reportedly dumping their bumper produce of tomatoes and onions
and emptying cans of milk into drains is evidence of it. Had the markets been integrated, the
surplus produce would have been transferred to deficit regions.
 The seasonal spike in prices of perishable commodities that pushes up the food inflation cannot
be addressed without market reforms.
 Production and marketing should march together in order to benefit farmers and consumers.
Farmers need to be empowered to decide when, where, to whom and at what price to sell.
 Indian agricultural prices are not co-integrated with global agricultural prices in short run.
 Existing literature shows that our markets are not efficient, and thus they cannot respond to
sudden shocks.
 Degree of openness data suggests that Indian agriculture sector has started opening up, but this
is not visible in market integration for agricultural commodities.
 The correlation between global and domestic prices of agricultural commodities and changes
therein depend upon many factors in accordance with the demand and supply conditions.
Current issues faced in the agri-markets by farmers:

 Monopoly of APMC: Monopoly of any trade (barring few exceptions) is bad, whether it is by
some MNC corporation by government or by any APMC. It deprives farmers from better
customers, and consumers from original suppliers.
 Cartelization: It is quite often seen that agents in an APMC get together to form a cartel and
deliberately restraint from higher bidding. Produce is procured at manipulatively discovered
price and sold at higher price. Spoils are then shared by participants, leaving farmers in lurch.
 Entry Barriers: License fee in these markets are highly prohibitive. In many markets farmers
were not allowed to operate. Further, over and above license fee, rent/value for shops is quite
high which keeps away competition. At most places only a group of village/urban elite operates
in APMC.
 Conflict of Interest: APMC play dual role of regulator and Market. Consequently, its role as
regulator is undermined by vested interest in lucrative trade. They despite of inefficiency won’t
let go any control. Generally, member and chairman are nominated/elected out of the agents
operating in that market.
 High commission, taxes and levies: Farmers have to pay commission, marketing fee, APMC cess
which pushes up costs. Apart from this many states impose Value Added Tax.
 Other Manipulations: Agents have tendency to block a part of payment for unexplained or
fictitious reasons. Farmer is sometimes refused payment slip (which acknowledges sale and
payment) which is essential for him to get loan.
Government efforts towards strengthening Agri markets in recent times:
 Government had earlier issued three ordinances related to the legal framework of agri-markets
with a view to bringing about some degree of liberalisation.
 These ordinances relate to amendments in the Essential Commodities Act, allowing farmers to
sell their produce outside the APMC mandis and encouraging farming contracts between
farmers, processors, exporters and retailers.
 Changes in the legal framework are a necessary condition, though not a sufficient one, for
getting agri-markets right.
 Government recently launched the Rs 1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to be
used over the next four years.
 This fund will be used to build post-harvest storage and processing facilities, largely anchored at
the Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), but can also be availed by individual entrepreneurs.
 The fund will also be used to provide loans, at concessional rates, to FPOs and other
entrepreneurs through primary agriculture credit societies (PACs).
 NABARD will steer this initiative in association with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare.
Way forward:
The measures needed in the Agricultural Marketing in India are
 It is imperative to bring agriculture marketing into the Concurrent or Union list to benefit
farmers. This will guarantee remunerative prices to farmers.
 The Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income under the chairmanship of Ashok Dalwai justifies
the recommendation saying marketing has no boundaries; this necessitates a pan-India
operation to meet the demand across the country.
 as NABARD forms 10,000 FPOs and creates basic storage facilities through the AIF, it should
devise a compulsory module that trains FPOs to use the negotiable warehouse receipt system
and navigate the realm of agri-futures to hedge their market risks.
 Government agencies dabbling in commodity markets — the Food Corporation of India (FCI),
National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), State Trading
Corporation (STC) — should increase their participation in agri-futures. That is how China
deepened its agri-futures markets.
 The banks that give loans to FPOs and traders should also participate in commodity futures as
“re-insurers” of sorts for the healthy growth of agri-markets. Finally, government policy has to
be more stable and market friendly.
 NITI Aayog’s model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Act should be implemented
by the states. Further the provisions like facilitating single-point levy of taxes, promoting direct
interface between farmers and end-users, and give freedom to farmers to sell their produce to
whomsoever and wherever they get better prices.
 e-NAM is a good step in this way. Budget 2018 announced developed GRAMS which would be
integrated to the e-NAM Structure.
 Promoting warehouse receipts, agro-processing and exports. Warehouse receipts will help
framers defer their sale immediately post harvest, when prices are at their lowest level.
 This will require a consolidation of farm produce, which can be successfully done through
farmer-producer organisations.
 Agro-processing and trade will require investment in developing infrastructure.
 Existing agri-export zones need to be revisited and strengthened in this changing scenario.
 States alone cannot revamp the agricultural marketing sector, primarily due to paucity of funds
and technology.
 Private investment on a massive scale needs to be invited to upgrade and build large storage and
warehousing systems that are climate resilient.
Conclusion:
It is time to concede that production and marketing should march together in order to benefit
farmers and consumers. Farmers need to be empowered to decide when, where, to whom and at
what price to sell. India needs to not only spatially integrate its agri-markets (one nation, one
market) but also integrate them temporally — spot and futures markets have to converge. Only then
will Indian farmers realise the best price for their produce and hedge market risks.
“Self-reliant agriculture is critical for the goal of an Atmanirbhar Bharat”, in this context
discuss the importance of agricultural exports to India. (250 words)
Reference: pib.gov.in
Why the question:

Exports of agricultural commodities during March to June 2020 increased by 23.24% compared to
corresponding period in 2019. Thus the question about self-reliance in agriculture.
Explain in detail in what way self-reliance in agriculture is critical for the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Directive:
Introduction:
Agricultural export is extremely important as besides earning precious foreign exchange for the
country, the exports help farmers/ producers/ exporters to take advantage of wider
International market and increase their income.
Body:
Start with key statistics related to agri imports in the country and highlight the importance of self-
reliance under atma Bharat for Agri sector.
The agricultural exports as a percentage of India’s agricultural GDP has increased from 9.4 % in
2017-18 to 9.9 % in 2018-19.
Agricultural imports as a percentage of India’s agricultural GDP has declined from 5.7 % to 4.9 %
indicating exportable surplus and decreased dependence on import of agricultural products in India.
Discuss in detail the efforts of the government in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance of recognising self-reliance for Agri sector.
Introduction:
India produces about 280 million tonnes of food grain every year. India leads the world in the
production of basmati rice, millets, pulses, chickpea, ginger, chilli, okra, banana, mango and papaya.
For dairy, marine, poultry and meat products, India is a significant player in the global market.
Despite such riches, farmers’ income are miserly and suffer from poor remunerative prices for their
products. Government presented the vision of doubling farmer incomes by 2022-23. To achieve
government’s goal by 2022-23, the Ashok Dalwai Committee points out that farmers’ real
incomes need to grow at 10.4 % per annum that is 2.8 times the growth rate achieved historically.
Body:
India’s Agri Export Status:
 India’s share in global exports of agriculture products was merely 2 % in 2016.
 India has remained at the lower end of the global agriculture export value chain given that the
majority of its exports are low value, semi-processed and marketed in bulk.
 The share of India’s high value and value-added agriculture produce in its agri-export basket is
less than 15% compared to 25% in the US and 49% in China.
 India is unable to export its vast horticultural produce due to lack of uniformity in quality,
standardization and its inability to curtail losses across the value chain.
The importance of agricultural exports to India:
 India, with a large and diverse agriculture, is among the world’s leading producer of cereals,
milk, sugar, fruits and vegetables, spices, eggs and seafood products.

 Indian agriculture continues to be the backbone of our society and it provides livelihood to
nearly 50 per cent of our population. India is supporting 17.84 per cent of world’s population,
15% of livestock population with merely 2.4 per cent of world’s land and 4 per cent water
resources.
 Agricultural export is extremely important as besides earning precious foreign exchange for the
country, the exports help farmers/producers/exporters to take advantage of wider
international market and increase their income.
 Exports have also resulted in increased production in agriculture sector by increasing area
coverage and productivity.
 As per WTO’s Trade Statistics, share of India’s agricultural exports and imports in the world
agriculture trade in 2017 was 2.27% and 1.90%, respectively.
 Even during the difficult time of pandemic lockdown, India took care to not to disturb the world
food supply chain and continued to export.
 The exports of Agri commodities during March 2020 to June 2020 were Rs. 25552.7 Crore
against an export of Rs. 20734.8 Crore during the same period in 2019, showing a sharp increase
of 23.24%
Measures needed to bring in self-reliance in agriculture:
 The first set of measures rely on branding of local farm products to be sold globally, the branding
helping to tide over price spirals and making farmers quality-conscious.
 There is a need to include standardisation and promotion of indigenous technology knowledge

(ITK) in agriculture, where techniques are dependent on local resources in dealing with nutrition,
disease and pests.
 These are the sort of rural innovations that need to be registered at a national-level innovation
registry, which, in turn, can help in the filing of patents and get micro-venture capital support for
enterprises.
 farm producer organisations (FPOs) are currently out of ambit of interest subvention that is
available to individual farmers under the priority sector lending (PSL) scheme. Extending PSL to
FPOs would certainly align them to self-help groups (SHGs).
 Aligning with grades and quality controls of international consumers will help these products
cross the Indian border as well. Entrepreneurship in the farm and agri-business sector should be
encouraged.
 Integrating the efforts of these organisations to identify niche areas — value addition, rural
infrastructure, logistics, warehousing, quality certification, etc — can provide livelihood
opportunities for migrant workers bearing the brunt of the Covid-19 lockdown.
 The effective utilisation of MGNREGA can also create adequate work days, with a thrust on rural
infrastructure creation.
 Finally, recognising allied activities in agriculture — dairy, animal husbandry, bee-keeping, herbal
cultivation and fisheries — in Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (ABA) is welcome.

 Infrastructure supporting these allied activities must be encouraged as a standalone enterprise,

especially among the tribal farming communities.
Way forward:
 The Agriculture Export Policy (AEP) is a welcome development for several reasons:
 First, the policy has been developed in close consultation with states recognizing the geographic
diversity of production and states’ constitutional role in nurturing agricultural development.
 Second, it is a nuanced approach by geography and products rather than the previous approach
of simply increasing inputs.
 Finally, it tackles the entire ecosystem related to enabling market access and
acceptability based on the introduction of agricultural clusters.
 Promoting Value Added Exports of indigenous and tribal products through the National
Programme on Organic Production (NPOP), organic food parks and by the uniform quality and
packaging standards India can tap the potential for increasing organic exports.
 Research and Development led by private industry along with higher infrastructure spend by
the government will be the key to boosting agricultural exports.
 Infrastructure and Logistics Boost by identifying ports for the export of agricultural products.
Development in port infrastructure like dedicated perishable berths.
 Post-Harvest Infrastructure that can support the smooth logistical movement of agri-produce
exports. This will have a direct co-relationship in increasing export volumes, assuring quality &
ensuring better price realization per unit.
 Development of “Brand India” in campaign mode to help penetration into new foreign markets
and of new products which automatically translates into higher value realisation
 A product market matrix can be made containing list of products of strength which could be
expanded in new geographies and list of known markets which can be introduced with newer
products.
 It is the right time to establish an Agricultural Development Council (ADC) on the lines of the
GST Council so as to accelerate the pace of reforms to enhance land leasing, private investment,
agricultural R&D, etc.
Conclusion:
Continuous innovation and efforts towards productivity, pre & post-harvest management,
processing and value-addition, use of technology and infrastructure creation is an imperative for
Indian agriculture. Agro processing and agricultural exports are a key area and it is a matter of
satisfaction that India’s role in global export of agricultural products is steadily increasing.
what do you understand by vertical farming? Discuss its possible prospects in our
country. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article talks about Vertical farming.

Discuss the concept of vertical farming, its prospects in the country.

Directive:
Introduction:
Define what Vertical farming is.
Body:
In vertical farming, crops are grown indoors, under artificial conditions of light and temperature.
Crops are grown indoors, under artificial conditions of light and temperature. It aims at higher
productivity in smaller spaces. It uses soil-less methods such as hydroponics, aquaponics and
aeroponics.
Vertical farming uses significantly less water and pesticides than traditional agricultural methods.
Being indoors, the crops aren’t subject to seasons and hence give high productivity year-round.
Lettuces, tomatoes and green crops can be produced through this practice.
Discuss the prospects of it in India.
Conclusion:
Introduction:
Vertical farming is cultivating and producing crops/ plants in vertically stacked layers and vertically
inclined surfaces. It is the practice of producing food in vertically stacked layers, such as in a
skyscraper, used warehouse, or shipping container. The modern ideas of vertical farming use indoor
farming techniques and controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) technology, where all
environmental factors can be controlled. These facilities utilize artificial control of light,
environmental control (humidity, temperature, gases) and fertigation. Some vertical farms use
techniques similar to greenhouses, where natural sunlight can be augmented with artificial lighting
and metal reflectors.
Body:
Need for vertical farming:
 The entire world is on the verge of population explosion and there is a gravest challenge of
feeding the population.
 The population explosion has led to the decreased per capita land.
 Earlier with the aim of supplying the food to ever increasing population agricultural scientist
stretched their innovative approaches to the tune of developing hybrid/ improved high yielding
varieties, improved techniques, improved tools and implements, integrated practices in water,
nutrient management and insect, pest management, greenhouse technology and even the
genetically modified crops.
 All these efforts once were revolutionary, now sound inadequate
Working of vertical farming:
 There are four critical areas in understanding how vertical farming works: 1. Physical layout, 2.
Lighting, 3. Growing medium, and 4. Sustainability features.
 Firstly, the primary goal of vertical farming is producing more foods per square meter. To
accomplish this goal, crops are cultivated in stacked layers in a tower life structure.
 Secondly, a perfect combination of natural and artificial lights is used to maintain the perfect
light level in the room. Technologies such as rotating beds are used to improve lighting
efficiency.
 Thirdly, instead of soil, aeroponic, aquaponic or hydroponic growing mediums are used. Peat
moss or coconut husks and similar non-soil mediums are very common in vertical farming.
 Finally, the vertical farming method uses various sustainability features to offset the energy cost
of farming. In fact, vertical farming uses 95 percent less water.
Prospects of vertical farming in India:
 India is one of the largest producer of vegetables, fruits and many other agricultural
commodities.
 In India, vertical farming has been introduced.
 ICAR experts are working on the concept of ‘vertical farming’ in soil-less conditions, in which
food crops can be grown even on multi-storeyed buildings in metros like New Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata and Chennai without using soil or pesticides.
 Scientists at the Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya in Nadia have already had initial success
in working on vertical farming hydroponically on a small scale.
 Small-scale adaptations of vertical farming have been seen in Nadia, West Bengal and in Punjab.
 Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidhalaya in Nadia has found initial success in growing brinjal and
tomato.
 Punjab also has succeeded in producing potato tubers through vertical farming.
 Ideafarms, an Indian design-in-tech company is producing Vertical farms grow and is preferred
because their food is organic, of high quality and the supply is predictable.
 A Bengaluru based startup Greenopiais selling kits with smart self-watering pots, enriched soil
and the right seeds. The sensor-embedded pots replenish moisture in the soil on a need basis,
and notify you when you need to refill water externally.
 A Mumbai-based start-up firm U-Farm Technologies is using hydroponic gardening technique to

customise modular farm for an individual apartment complex or for a supermarket.
 More and more number of start-ups in vertical farming are coming up in India
Conclusion:
Vertical farming is definitely a solution to critical problems in Indian farming like lack of
supply or oversupply of farm produce, overuse of pesticides, overuse of fertilizers,
deteriorating soils and even the employability.
Discuss the role that Crop rotation and diversity can play in mitigating the
environmental effects of growing just cereals in the country. (250 words)
Why the question:
The author in the article discusses the significance of crop rotation and diversity in detail.

Explain in detail the importance of crop rotation and diversity to Indian agricultural systems.
Directive:
Introduction:
Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of different types of crops in the same area across a
sequence of growing seasons. It reduces reliance on one set of nutrients, pest and weed pressure,
and the probability of developing resistant pest and weeds. Also define what crop diversity implies.
Body:
Present the current status of agriculture system in terms of demand for cereals.
Discuss why is it bad to grow the same crop continuously on a particular land, discuss its impact on
sol fertility, ground water levels etc.
Explain what role would crop rotation and crop diversification would play in replenishing the fertility
of soil and other aspects of the agriculture.
Present a case study to emphasize on the importance.
Conclusion:
Conclude with importance.
Introduction:
Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of different types of crops in the same area across a
sequence of growing seasons. Crop rotation is a key principle of conservation agriculture because it
improves the soil structure and fertility, helps control weeds, pests and diseases.
Crop diversification refers to the addition of new crops or cropping systems to agricultural
production on a particular farm taking into account the different returns from value-added crops
with complementary marketing opportunities. Crop diversification and inclusion of the new varieties
can be one of the important technologies in increasing the farmers’ income to a certain extent, if not
double.
Body:
Current agri-crop situation in India:
 India is the world’s second largest producer of both rice and wheat.
 Cultivated on 45 million hectares in kharif and rabi seasons, rice production has consistently
risen over the years from 104.4 million tonnes (mt) in 2015-16 to 117.9 mt in 2019-20.
 Wheat, a rabi crop, is planted on around 30 million hectares and its harvest stood at 107.2 mt in
2019-20, up from 92.3 mt five years ago.
 Annual hikes in the minimum support price combined with the system of open-ended
procurement through the Food Corporation of India (FCI) have contributed not only to increase
in harvest size but also burgeoning public stocks of the two fine cereals.
 Grain mono-cropping — cultivation of rice and wheat in an unbroken chain season after season
— in major growing States such as Punjab and Haryana over the last 20-30 years is inflicting
enormous invisible costs.
 In the absence of scientific crop rotation, soil health has deteriorated.

 Encouraged by free power supply, reckless drawing of groundwater for irrigation has resulted in
the water table going down to alarmingly low levels.
Benefits of crop rotation and diversification vis-à-vis mono-cropping:
 Better control of weeds.
 Crop rotation is intended to break the life cycle and suppress the growth of weeds.
 The sequential planting of different crops may check the development of any weed
species and reduce weed growth especially if cover crops or green manures and tall-
growing row crops are used as component rotation crops.
 Better control of pests and diseases.
 Some pests and causal organisms of plant diseases are host specific.
 They attack certain crop species or those belonging to the same family but not others.
 For example, the problem with rice stem borer will continue if rice is not rotated with
other crops of a different family. This is because food will be always available to the
pest.
 However, if legume is planted as the next crop, then corn, beans and bulbs, the build-up
of the pest will be disrupted because they will be deprived of food.
 Improved Soil health and structure.
 Greater crop diversity above ground will also result in a more varied microbe food
source and diverse microbial community below ground.
 Crops rotated with different root architectures, will impact soil structure in a variety of
ways.
 The planting of soybean, other grain legumes, sweet potato and vegetables will return
sufficient quantities of plant residues to the soil as their leaves drop on the ground or
body parts are left on the field after harvest, instead of being burned as is commonly
practiced with sugarcane.
 Green manures will add significant amounts of organic matter.
 Improved soil fertility.
 The continuous growing of a single crop will result to the depletion of certain soil
nutrients.
 With crop rotation, soil fertility will be promoted through alternate planting of crops
having different nutrient needs.
 This will prevent the depletion of any one essential element present in the soil.
 Legumes in rotations fix atmospheric nitrogen through their symbiotic relationship with
rhizobium bacteria and reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer in the rotation.
 Part of the legume nitrogen can be counted as a credit towards the next, non-
leguminous crop.

 Machinery is used more efficiently.
 In simple rotations or monocultures, equipment is used only a few months in the year.
 With a diversity of crops that are planted and harvested at different times of the year,
the combine, planter, and drill can be used more months of the year.
 It is also possible to use smaller, more affordable equipment.
 Fewer labour peaks.
 Labour needs are spread out over the year. Therefore, more diverse crop rotations also
increase employment opportunities in rural areas.
Way forward to promote crop rotation in India:
 In regions of grain mono-cropping, crop rotation must be mandated. If not, procurement of rice
and wheat in such regions should be limited to the minimum.
 A carrot-and-stick policy alone will work. Growers who practice crop rotation should be
incentivised with assured purchase by the government.
 MSP hikes for rice and wheat can be moderated.
 In its recommendation to the government, the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
should take into account the environmental cost associated with grain mono-cropping.
What do you understand by Biological control? What are the different methods of pest
control in organic farming? Critically analyse the suitability of Bio pesticides in pest
management with respect to altering needs and changing climate. (250 words)
Reference: tribuneindia.com
Why the question:
The question is based on the concept of Biological control and the different methods of pest control
in organic farming.
One must critically analyse the suitability of Bio pesticides in pest management with respect to
altering needs and changing climate.
Directive:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or
nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the
topic and give a fair judgment.
Introduction:
Start by defining what you understand by Biological control.
Body:
Biological control can be defined as a method of controlling pests such as insects, mites, weeds and
plant diseases using other organisms. It is the control of a pest by the introduction of a natural
enemy or predator. It relies on parasitism, herbivore, predation or other natural mechanism with an
active human management.
Then move on to explain the different methods of pest control in organic farming.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using biological control.
Conclusion:

Discuss the efforts of government in this direction, mention what needs to be done and what
progress can be made in Indian agriculture with such concepts.
ntroduction:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an eco-friendly approach which aims at keeping pest
population at below economic threshold levels by employing all available alternate pest control
methods and techniques such as cultural, mechanical and biological with emphasis on use of bio-
pesticides and pesticides of plant origin like Neem formulations.
Biological control is a component of an integrated pest management strategy. It is defined as the

reduction of pest populations by natural enemies and typically involves an active human role. It is
the control of growth of an insect or pest by using a biological agent or living organism. All insect
species are also suppressed by naturally occurring organisms and environmental factors, with no
human input. This is frequently referred to as natural control.
Body:
Different methods of pest control in organic farming:
 Biocontrol is used to get pest-free fields. It is very effective and a long-term method to remove
invasive plants. The living organisms are used in this method to eradicate, weeds, pests, insects,
pathogens, etc.
 Cultural practices
 crop rotation
 crop isolation
 mixed cropping
 use of trap crops
 selection of crop plant varieties
 timing of planting and harvesting
 irrigation management
 Mechanical and physical control
 Tillage
 Mowing
 Cutting
 mulching and organic soil coverage
 barriers
Bio pesticides:
Biopesticides are biologically based agents used for the control of plant pests. They can be living
organisms (nematodes or micro-organisms) or naturally occurring substances, such as plant extracts
or insect pheromones.
Advantages:
 The importance of biological control has lately been enhanced due to the fact that
overwhelming use of insecticides has led to the resurgence of the pests and resistance to
insecticides by the pests like mosquitoes, houseflies and stored grain pests.
 Biopesticides are fully aligned with sustainable, rational and environmentally friendly
agriculture.
 It will promote organic inputs and chemical-free agriculture produce.
 It will improve the health condition of the people.
Constraints involved in Biopesticides:
 More involvement in the technicalities of the method
o Individual farmers and all those involved in IPM have to be educated about their options
in the various methods available, which often take time.
 Time and energy consuming
o Application of IPM takes time and has to be closely monitored, as the practice of IPM
has many different methods integrated in order to provide the most effective pest
control methods.
 Different pests have different control methods, and it is necessary to monitor which methods
are the best for specific pests.
 Initially complicated decision-making.
 Crop monitoring results that can be difficult to interpret.
 Lack of market rewards for IPM grown product.
 Limited market tolerance to blemishes
Way forward:
 Suitable species/strains of Biopesticides should be identified for use in different crops and agro
eco-systems.
 Research on bio-ecology of pests and their natural enemies including pathogens should be
intensified and strengthened.
 Conservation methods of natural enemies should be standardized properly.
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;
Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues
of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-
rearing.
Integrated Farming System (IFS) will be the key for India taking into account the long
term food requirements and sustaining agricultural production. Analyze. (250 words)
Reference: The Wire

Introduction:
Integrated farming system (IFS) refers to agricultural system that integrates livestock and crop
production to deliver more sustainable agriculture. IFS utilizes the crop- livestock interaction as
shown below in the cyclic diagram, according to Economic Survey 2018-19.
Body:
IFS and sustaining agricultural production:
 Higher food production to equate the demand of the exploding population of our nation
 Increased farm income through proper residue recycling and allied components
 Sustainable soil fertility and productivity through organic waste recycling
 Integration of allied activities will result in the availability of nutritious food enriched with
protein, carbohydrate, fat, minerals and vitamins
 Integrated farming will help in environmental protection through effective recycling of waste
from animal activities like piggery, poultry and pigeon rearing
 Reduced production cost of components through input recycling from the byproducts of allied
enterprises
 IFS components are known to control the weed and regarded as an important element of
integrated pest management and thus minimize the use of weed killers as well as pesticides and
thereby protect the environment.
 Regular stable income through the products like egg, milk, mushroom, vegetables, honey and
silkworm cocoons from the linked activities in integrated farming
 Inclusion of biogas & agro forestry in integrated farming system will solve the prognosticated
energy crisis
 Cultivation of fodder crops as intercropping and as border cropping will result in the availability
of adequate nutritious fodder for animal components like milch cow, goat / sheep, pig and
rabbit

 Firewood and construction wood requirements could be met from the agroforestry system
without affecting the natural forest
 Avoidance of soil loss through erosion by agro-forestry and proper cultivation of each part of
land by integrated farming
 Generation of regular employment for the farm family members of small and marginal farmers.
 IFS promote the efficient management of resources. This enhances the productivity of the
farming.
 The IFS promotes for rejuvenation of systems productivity and to achieve agroecological
equilibrium.
IFS in Indian perspective:
 Some IFS features like Organic farming, and developing a judicious mix of income-generating
activities such as dairy, poultry, fishery, goat-rearing, vermicomposting and others, and
community-led local systems for water conservation etc help in reducing farmers’ distress.
 Integrated Farming Systems suitable particularly for hilly regions of the North Eastern Region can
be adopted.
 Some are as – Integrated Fish cum Pig farming, Integrated Fish cum Duck Farming, Integrated
Fish Farming-Chicken, Integrated Fish farming-cum-Cattle farming, Integrated Fish farming-cum-
Rabbit farming, Integrated Fish farming-cum-Agriculture.
 Sikkim being an organic state is a good example.
Case studies:
 Integrated Fish Cum Pig farming in North east- Pig sites are constructed on pond embankment.
Pig manure (feaces and urine) are directly drained into the pond which acts as pond fertilizer and
increases the biological productivity of [pond water, thus increasing the fish production. Also, fish
feed directly on pig excreta, which cuts down the cost of feed as well. This system has helped to
improve the status of weaker rural communities, especially tribals in North eastern states.
 Integrated fish farming cum Horticulture – Embankments of fish ponds provide area for planting
fruits and vegetable. When Banana and Coconut is cultivated in rows in wetlands, the ditches
made between such rows act as supply canal. These canals serve as fish culture system due to
regular supply of water rand rich insect populations. In turn it naturally boosts the productivity of
soil and yield of fruits and vegetables.
Conclusion:
Keeping in mind the benefits of crop- livestock interaction, Economic Survey (2018-19) has
suggested to improve Resource Efficiency for Small holder agriculture (as 85 % of agriculture is
dominated by small and marginal farmers), where organic farming (ZBNF, Cow Farming, Vedic
Farming, Homa farming) and increasing water productivity should be given a thrust. Economic
survey (2018-19) has also suggested to capitalise Small ruminants (Sheep and Goats), especially in
water stressed regions for additional source income for farmers.

Elucidate upon the concept of Agri industrialization, in what way secondary agriculture
needs to be focused to achieve the same? (250 words)
Why the question:
The author of the article presents to us the significance of Agri-industrialisation through fostering of
secondary agriculture sector.
Discuss in detail the concept of Agri industrialization, and explain in what way secondary agriculture
needs to be focused to achieve the same.
Directive:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
facts.
Introduction:
Start with relevant key fact such as – India’s food processing industry (FPI) is relatively at a nascent
stage, and currently processes less than 10% of its agri-produce. In 2017-18, the FPI accounted for
7.9% of manufacturing GVA and 9.5% in agricultural value added.
Body:
Discuss the importance of growing from primary to secondary agriculture; explain the options
available to us. The way forward to secondary agriculture is to strengthen food processing and then
graduate to non-food processing for bio-materials, biochemical and fuel.
Explain how a progressive policy is a sine qua non for rapid stride of agro-processing. Take hints from
the article, and suggest measures in this direction.
Conclusion:
Introduction:
Agricultural industrialization or industrialization of agriculture refers to the application of modern

industrial manufacturing, production, procurement, distribution and coordination concepts to the
food and industrial product chain. It also involves “the increasing consolidation of farms and to
vertical coordination (contracting and integration) among the stages of the food and fibre
system”. India’s food processing industry (FPI) is relatively at a nascent stage, and currently
processes less than 10% of its agri-produce. Territorial and functional expansion of agri-markets is
needed for healthy agri-growth; secondary agriculture, involving processing of food and non-food
agri-produce, is key to this.
Body:
Current status of agro-processing:
 The processing sector in India still veers around food processing, and there is minuscule
production of high-value products like chemicals from ethanol.
 The country imports most such products including proteins, starch, enzymes, adhesives, agar,
biochemical, etc.
 India’s food processing industry (FPI) is relatively at a nascent stage, and currently processes less
than 10% of its agri-produce.
 In 2017-18, the FPI accounted for 7.9% of manufacturing GVA and 9.5% in agricultural value
added.

 As a percentage of the nation’s overall GVA, the FPI contributed just 1.59, but accounted for 1.8
million and 5.1 million jobs in registered and un-incorporated sectors, respectively.
 Obviously, the potential that the country’s bio-resources hold (758 million tonnes of crop
residues and 1.2 billion tonnes of primary agri-produce) awaits fulsome utilisation
Challenges:
Technology is available for the relatively less-intensive units, but not for high-end industries for
specialised products.
Domestic research institutes have not been very successful in offering state-of-the-art technology,
alluding to the need for partnership between ICAR/SAUs and CSIR, besides a platform of academia,
industry and government.
In the interim, easy import of technology and machinery from the global market becomes critical.
Measures needed:
 A progressive policy is a sine qua non for rapid stride of agro-processing.
 The recent post-production free trade-centric reforms will enable processors to connect with
producers and marketplaces, and source standardised quality materials needed for a specific
industrial product.
 Supplementary initiatives besides liberalisation include
o allowing 100% FDI under the automatic route in FPI;
 permitting 100% FDI in manufacture of food products and for trading (including through e-
commerce) of food products manufactured and/or processed in India;
 an umbrella scheme called PM-Kisan Sampada Yojana to incentivise private sector investments
in food processing;
 Rs 10,000 crore for micro-food enterprises;
 priority sector lending for the food sector;
 ‘One district, one cluster’ system for horticulture production for volumes and quality
commodities;
 promotion of herbal cultivation (Rs 4,000 crore under Atmanirbhar Bharat); and
 facilitative provisions under GST, income tax and customs duty.
 Another positive change in favour of secondary agriculture is the paradigm shift in the country’s
food standards and regulations from ‘checking adulteration’ to ‘ensuring safety’.
Way forward:
 The way forward to secondary agriculture is to strengthen food processing and then graduate to
non-food processing for bio-materials, biochemical and fuel.
 The country needs to drive three alternate entrepreneurial modes so as to harvest the potential,
and not necessarily in a sequence. These include

o cottage & village-level industries with low level of capital & technology, to meet near-
market demand of processed food & non-food items;
o micro, small & medium scale enterprises (MSME) that are fed raw materials after
aggregation from the fragmented fields; and
o high-end processing that deploys intensive technology and capital, and manufacture
specialised products like bio-based industrial enzymes, chemicals, fuel, etc.
 Promoting MSMEs and high-end sector is predicated upon infrastructure, policy support and
technology.
 Infrastructure includes the generic needs of road, transport, electricity and digital facilities.
 Hereunder, stable supply of electricity remains a concern in rural areas, where industry is best
placed in close proximity to the production hinterlands, from the perspective of cost efficiency.
Conclusion:
The agriculture sector needs to be re-mandated as an economic activity that has to generate jobs
and incomes, while meeting the food and nutrition security of the country. This necessitates
industrialisation of agriculture for its transformation into a mature economic segment. This can be
realised by adopting secondary agriculture as it can create value, deliver value and capture value,
which describe the basic tenets of any business.
Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location,
upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Elaborate upon the initiatives that can ensure sustainable growth of the dairy sector in
the country as well as boost incomes of dairy farmers. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article highlights the policies and programmes that have contributed in bringing up the dairy
industry up.
The question is straightforward and one must elaborate upon the initiatives that can ensure
sustainable growth of the dairy sector in the country as well as boost incomes of dairy farmers.
Directive:
facts.
Introduction:
One can start by presenting key facts of the Dairy industry in the country. The government aims to
“facilitate” doubling of India’s annual milk processing capacity from 53.5 million tonnes (mt) to 108
mt by 2025.
Body:
Over the span of three decades, India has transformed from a country of acute milk shortage to the
world’s leading milk producer, with estimated production of milk in 2018-19 at 187 million tonnes.
Milk production in India has been growing at over 4% annually and its share in milk production in the
world has also been increased.

Then move onto discuss the major initiatives of the government – National Programme for Dairy
Development (NPDD), Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS), National Dairy Plan-I
(NDP-I), Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), Supporting Dairy
Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations engaged in dairy activities (SDCFPO) etc.
Explain in what way it benefits the poor and marginal dairy farmers.
Conclusion:
Introduction:
The huge increase in milk supply through concerted efforts on a cooperative level is known as
the White Revolution. Forty-eight years after Operation Flood – that made India the world’s largest
milk producer – India continues to be on the lookout for the next breakthrough in agricultural
produce and productivity. White Revolution 2.0 has effectuated dairy firms’ marketing strategy for
milk and milk products, resuscitating the outlook of product-market mix.
The Union Cabinet recently approved 4,458 crore scheme for the dairy sector. The move will benefit
as many as 95 lakh milk producers. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, has also given its
approval for upward revision of interest subvention to 2.5% per annum under the scheme Dairy
Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund with the revised outlay of Rs 11,184 Cr.
Body:
Milk production in India:
 India emerged as the largest milk producer and consumer in 2019.
 Niti Aayog estimates that the country is expected to increase its milk production to 330 million
metric tonnes (mt) in 2033–34 from the current level of 176 mt.
 Currently India has 17% of world output of dairy products, surpassing USA in 1998 as world’s
largest producer of dairy. All this was achieved by operation Flood which was launched in 1970’s.
 According to market research company IMARC, the milk and dairy products industry reached
Rs7.9 lakh crore in 2017.
 In 2016, the milk sector alone was valued at Rs3 lakh crore and is projected to scale Rs7.3 lakh
crore by 2021.
 The per capita milk availability in India has gone up from 126 gm per day in 1960 to 359 gm per
day in 2015.
Government initiatives for the diary sector:
 National Programme for Bovine Breeding
 Rashtriya Gokul Mission
 National Bovine Genetic Centre
 Quality Mark
 National Kamdhenu Bredding Centres
 E-Pashuhaat portal
 National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)

 Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS)
 National Dairy Plan-I (NDP-I)
 Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)
 Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations engaged in dairy activities
(SDCFPO)
Challenges faced:
 Indian cattle and buffaloes have among the lowest productivity.
 Similarly, there is a shortage of organized dairy farms and there is a need of high degree of
investment to take dairy industry to global standards.
 Improving productivity of farm animals is one of the major challenges
 Crossbreeding of indigenous species with exotic stocks to enhance genetic potential of different
species has been successful only to a limited extent.
 The sector will also come under significant adjustment pressure to the emerging market forces.
Though globalization will create avenues for increased participation in international trade,
stringent food safety and quality norms would be required.
 Access to markets is critical to speed up commercialization. Lack of access to markets may act as
a disincentive to farmers to adopt improved technologies and quality inputs.
Measures needed:
 Increase in the market share depends on how dairy firms’ capabilities and their resources are
utilised given the opportunities and threats emanating from emerging markets economies.
 Contract/corporate dairying and emerging global dairy trade are required to rope in dairy supply
chains stakeholders in order to expand their outreach and “on-the-go” product positioning into
the target segment.
 Digital technology-enabled dairy firms need to identify their compatible partners and
competitors for co-creation through product-process innovation via relationship/value-based
marketing.
 Freshness in milk, and convenience to store milk or milk products can be a technology
innovation brought in by large dairy firms in association start-ups.
 Education and Training at Panchayat level for small and medium size farmers
 Subsidizing cattle production and encouraging cattle markets
 Facility of logistics for produced milk
 Improved Veterinary facility specially in artificial insemination of cattle
 Encouraging private sector firm to procure dairy produced at rural level
 Low interest loans for small and medium scale farmers for cattle purchase
 Encouraging rural women to take up animal husbandry

 Insurance of cattle against diseases like Anthrax, Foot and Mouth, Peste des Ruminantes, etc.
 Nurture dairy entrepreneurs through effective training of youth at the village level coupled with
dedicated leadership and professional management of farmers’ institutions.
 Agricultural practices, sanitation, quality of drinking water & fodder, type and quality of
pipelines – all of these need to be aligned to the goal of healthy milk
Conclusion:
The Government initiatives can ensure sustainable growth of the dairy sector as well as boost
incomes of millions of small and marginal dairy farmers. Linking the animal husbandry with food
processing industry, agriculture, researches & patents has all the possible potential to make India a
nutritional power house of the world. Animal husbandry is the imperative hope, definite desire and
urgent panacea for India as well as the world.
What do you understand by Supply chain resilience? Discuss in detail the newly mooted
Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) of Japan and its impact on India. (250 words)
Reference: The HIndu
Why the question:
In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns and trade tensions between
China and the United States having caused bottlenecks in the global supply chains, Japan has mooted
the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI). Thus the question.
Explain in detail what you understand by SCR and what the effects of SCRI of Japan on India are.
Directive:
Introduction:
Define what you understand by SCR – Supply chain resilience is an approach wherein a country
instead of being dependent on just one or a few nations has diversified its supply risk across a range
of supplying nations.
Body:
Briefly present the background in which the initiative has been mooted by Japan.
The Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) is proposed as a trilateral approach to trade, with India
and Australia. It could also potentially involve other Asian and Pacific Rim nations in the later years.
Then move onto discuss the need for SCR.
Present the case of India’s inclusion; the long-standing and deepening trade relationship between
India and Japan seems to have spurred Japan to include India as a partner for the SCRI. Japan is the
fourth-largest investor in India with cumulative foreign direct investments accounting for 7.2% of
inflows in the period between 2000-2020. There has been impressive growth in the bilateral trade
between India and Japan.
Conclusion:
Introduction:
Unprecedented circumstances are upon us. As covid-19 mutates across the sphere, with
governments unsure and citizens fretting, there is little doubt over the scale of the challenge that
lies ahead. With a worldwide recession looming, the pandemic will test our collective resilience.

With Covid-19 and trade tensions between China and the United States are threatening supply
chains, Japan has mooted the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) as a trilateral approach to
trade, with India and Australia as the key-partners.
Body:
Supply chain management is the management of the flow of goods and services and includes all
processes that transform raw materials into final products. It involves the active streamlining of a
business’s supply-side activities to maximize customer value and gain a competitive advantage in
the marketplace.
Supply chain resilience (SCR) is an approach wherein a country instead of being dependent on just
one or a few nations has diversified its supply risk across a range of supplying nations.
Need for SCR:
 SCR aims to reduce the dependency on a single nation.
 It helps a country to ensure that it has diversified its supply risk across a clutch of supplying
nations instead of being dependent on just one or a few.
 In unanticipated events, natural and man-made, that disrupt supplies from a particular country
or even intentional halts to trade, could adversely impact economic activity in the destination
country.
 With spread of Covid-19 globally, it has been realized that dependence over a single nation is not
good for both global economy and national economies:
 Assembly lines are heavily dependent on supplies from one country.
 The impact on importing nations could be crippling if the source stops production for involuntary
reasons, or even as a conscious measure of economic coercion.
 USA-China Trade Tensions: The tensions began when the United States and China both applied
tariff sanctions on each other.
 India as an Emerging Supply Hub: The businesses have started seeing India as a “hub for supply
chains”.
Impacts on India:
 In areas such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients for medicines such as paracetamol, India is
fully dependent on China. In electronics, China accounts for 45% of India’s imports, the analysis
showed.
 Chinese supplies dominate segments of the Indian economy. Sectors that have been impacted
by supply chain issues arising out of the pandemic include pharmaceuticals, automotive parts,
electronics, shipping, chemicals and textiles.
 Over time, if India enhances self-reliance or works with exporting nations other than China, it
could build resilience into the economy’s supply networks.
 Following the border tensions of India with China, partners such as Japan, Australia can offer
alternative supply chains.

 Japan is the fourth-largest investor in India with cumulative foreign direct investments touching
$33.5 billion in the 2000-2020 period accounting for 7.2% of inflows in that period, according to
quasi-government agency India Invest.
 Imports from Japan into India more than doubled over 12 years to $12.8 billion in FY19.
 Exports from India to the world’s third-largest economy stood at $4.9 billion that year, data from
the agency showed.
 Trade experts point out to the almost 1,400 Japanese companies operating in India as a clear
reflection that the two countries are unlikely to allow individual cases to cloud an otherwise
long-standing and deepening trade relationship.
 SCRI currently by Japan with India and Australia as partners, potentially see other Asian and
Pacific Rim nations later.
Way forward for India:
 India needs to enhance self-reliance against China, so that it could build resilience into the
economy’s supply networks. Economic measures are of real value in this regard.
 Although India appears an attractive option for potential investors both as a market and as a
manufacturing base, it needs to accelerate progress in ease of doing business and in skill
building.
 These will help in attracting investments from China and other attractive locations like Vietnam
and the Philippines.
 India must strengthen its strategy to boost manufacturing competitiveness and increase its
share in world trade.
 There is a certain and urgent need to create an infrastructure that raises the competitiveness of
India’s exports.
 India needs to push through long-pending legislation that aims to address the structural
bottlenecks (in 4Ls: Land, Labour, Law, Liquidity) that continue to plague and hinder domestic
competitiveness.
 In spite of banning Chinese imports, India should tackle trade by trade.
 India can lobby for a more liberalized service sector (India’s comparative advantage) in China.
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

The Aviation sector in India requires a major turnaround in the development of Airport
infrastructure. What are the challenges that the Indian airports face today? Discuss.
(250 words)
Why the question:
Recently, an Air India Express flight on a special ‘Vande Bharat’ repatriation flight from Dubai to
Kozhikode overshot the runway and fell into a valley resulting in fatalities. Thus the question.

The question expects one to bring out the issues and concerns associated with Airport infrastructure
and the challenges that Indian airports face today.
Directive:
Introduction:
Start by discussing the need for seamless and integrated airport infrastructure.
Body:
Discuss in detail the lacunae of the current airport infrastructure across the country.
Explain in what way with India’s aggressive approach to expanding its aviation sector, how it will
handle the influx? Airports and airlines will remain interdependent, Too little infrastructure will harm
the airlines; too much capacity will harm the airports, Congestion may signal a need to expand,
Overexpansion may waste limited resources, Finding the right balance will take time, Ability of Indian
airlines to successfully compete in the global market will shape the development of airports etc.
Suggest measures in this direction that the government is taking. Present ideas to improvise the
current conditions and overcome the grave concerns.
Conclusion:
Introduction:
The coronavirus pandemic has caused probably the most significant impact to the aviation sector.
With the world going into a lockdown and airlines being grounded internationally, the sector has
come to a standstill. Indian Government started the ‘Vande Bharat Mission’ to repatriate the
distressed diaspora from foreign countries. The recent Kochi air accident during the mission has
once again turned the spotlight on operations to what are called ‘tabletop airports’ in India.
Body:
Challenges plaguing the Indian Aviation sector in general:
 Aviation is among the worst-affected sectors amidst the Covid-19 crisis that has taken the scale
of a pandemic. According to the International Air Transport Association, airlines globally can lose
in passenger revenues of up to $113 billion due to this crisis.
 Domestic traffic growth is also gradually being affected with domestic travellers postponing or
cancelling their travel plans.
 Cash reserves of airline companies are running low and many are almost at the brink of
bankruptcy. Moreover, the crisis could lead to loss of jobs and pay cuts. Some airlines have
asked many of their employees to go on leave without pay.
 Cost of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) is very high in India. High taxes and being vulnerable to
currency movements makes it a large chunk of Indian airlines’ operating expenses— around 40%
compared to 20% for foreign carriers.
 The intense competition among domestic carriers, the need to capture a slice of the ever
expanding market and passenger price sensitivity makes the airlines difficult to raise ticket
prices.
 The new civil aviation policy (NCAP) 2016’s regional connectivity scheme doesn’t help. The ticket
price caps it imposes under the scheme, the fact that the viability gap funding will last only for

three years and various operational issues such as the lack of slots for connecting flights at major
airports are a hindrance.
 Reduced passenger traffic may mean stakeholders could set aside more funds for the
development of drones and autonomous vehicles to better serve its whole ecosystem.
 The Cargo sector is already well accustomed to using them
Challenges the Indian Airports, in particular, face are:
 Topography and lack of space leading to development of tabletop airports:
 it is an airport located and built on top of a plateau or hilly surface, with one or both
ends of the runway overlooking a drop.
 The airports in the country which would count as “tabletops”, are namely Lengpui
(Mizoram), Shimla and Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), Pakyong (Sikkim), Mangaluru
(Karnataka), Kozhikode and Kannur (both Kerala).
 there have been some aviation incidents at these airports, it was the accident in
Mangaluru on May 22, 2010, that highlighted operational risks.
 Poor infrastructure in tier-II and tier-III cities like road connectivity, transport facilities to reach
the airport, difficult terrains, and frequent cancellation of flights makes it difficult to build traffic
on the route on a sustained basis.
 Capacity:
 India’s metro airports have already run out of capacity in terms of landing and parking
slots. Also, there is not much capacity augmentation due to addition of UDAN routes.
 Current airport capacity is presently estimated at 317m. However, by March 2018 itself,
traffic reached 308.7m.
 There is concern that India’s airport system could exceed its structural capacity by early
2022, said Sydney-based think tank Center for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA).
 According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, by 2036 India will have around 480m
passengers, greater than Japan and Germany combined.
 Overburdened regulator:
 The Airports Authority of India is ‘over-burdened with multiple responsibilities for

airport operations, construction and rehabilitation, airspace management, regional
connectivity, cargo handling and various other activities
 Airports Authority of India (AAI) manages 125 airports, 95 of which are operational and
75 with scheduled commercial operations provides air navigation services for over 2.8m²
nm of air space.
Measures needed:
Structural:
 avoidance of the downward slope in the overshoot area particularly on ‘tabletop’ runways

 the need for a ground arresting system for aircraft — such a facility is maintained at almost all
airfields of the Indian Air Force’.
o Engineered Materials Arrestor/Arresting System, it is made of engineered lightweight

and crushable cellular cement/concrete.
o Used at the runway ends, it acts as a safety barrier and successfully stops an aircraft
overrun.
 A visual reference system to alert the pilot (while landing) of the remaining distance to be
covered;
 Location of the ATC tower, approach and area radars
 The role of the Rescue and Fire Fighting service, aerodrome risk assessment and, finally,
recommendations for the DGCA.
Non-structural:
 Policy interventions like UDAN (“Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik”) have given impetus to revive the
un-served and under-served airports and revitalizing regional air connectivity in India.
 As Indian aviation market continues to surge, focus should be ensuring adequate airport
infrastructure capacity.
 The Air Navigation Services (ANS) unit of the AAI operates communication, navigation,
surveillance and traffic management systems for aircraft operating in Indian airspace. With ever
increasing busy airspace, it is of paramount importance to ensure that ANS can continues to
provide aviation safety.
 The MRO industry in India holds great potential. It is important to ensure that the industry is
regulated properly, and that the required skills are developed to service increasingly
sophisticated aircraft
 More transparent ATF regime should be ensured where oil marketing companies are required to
declare costs and methods used to price the end product.
 Excessive concentration of power in the DGCA should be checked to ensure proper competition
and economic viability of the sector.
Conclusion:
India’s aviation industry has a huge potential and offers huge growth opportunities. Like telecom
and financial services, aviation has been a stand-out sector after liberalization. There is much at
stake in ensuring the health and competitive spirit of this industry given that it can be an economic
force multiplier with a clear knock-on impact in terms of creating jobs.
Analyse the recently proposed reforms of the centre that intend to create a robust
power sector for fuelling post-pandemic economic recovery. (250 words)
Reference: Hindustan Times
Why the question:
The article explains in what way the proposed reforms reflect the Centre’s intent to create a robust
power sector for fuelling post-pandemic economic recovery.

One must analyse the recently proposed reforms of the centre that intend to create a robust power
sector for fuelling post-pandemic economic recovery.
Directive:
Introduction:
Start by stating some key facts related to Indian power sector; India is currently the world’s third-
largest producer of electricity with an installed capacity of 371 GW.
Body:
Start by listing the efforts of the government in the recent past in order to fuel the power sector.
Going ahead, rapid growth and urbanisation will drive up the demand for electricity manifold,
necessitating a healthy, efficient and consumer-centric power sector. It is in this light that an
overhaul of The Electricity Act 2003 has been proposed. Many provisions of the 2003 Act are now
archaic, given the sector’s rapid evolution, and this has resulted in several inefficiencies and
challenges creeping in, hampering further growth.
Discuss – Discom reforms, draft Electricity Amendment Bill (2020), efforts for transition from fossil
fuels to cleaner source such as renewables, atma nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude on a positive note and suggest way ahead.
Introduction:
Electricity is an essential commodity, along with water and air, unlike cars or microwaves. Universal
and round-the-clock access to affordable electricity is a prerequisite for India’s sustained economic
growth. The nationwide lockdown has resulted in peak electricity demand coming down, with
commercial and industrial power demand taking a hit after many factories shut down. The Ministry
of Power has proposed bold steps in the amendments to the Electricity Act 2003 that in itself was
path breaking when it came out in 2003.
Body:
Proposed reforms:
 Economic package:
 Part of the package announced by Finance Minister was a Rs 90,000-crore liquidity

injection into power distribution companies (or DISCOMS).
 The move is aimed at helping the DISCOMS clear their dues with GENCOS (or electricity
generation companies), who in turn can clear their outstanding dues with suppliers, such
as coal miners, easing some of the working capital woes of Coal India Ltd and contract
miners.
 This is subject to the condition that the Centre will act as guarantor for loans given by
the state-owned power finance companies such as PFC and REC Ltd to the DISCOMS.
 Draft Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill 2020:
 The proposal comes after the new governments in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra
refused to honour power purchase agreements, leaving investors jittery.
 It seeks privatisation of discoms by way of sub-licensing & franchisees.

 According to the draft, state commissions will determine tariff for retail sale of electricity
without any subsidy under Section 65 of the Act and the tariff should reflect the cost of
supply of electricity and cross-subsidies to be reduced.
 It proposes greater concessions to renewable power developers.
 State regulators will henceforth be appointed by a central selection committee.
 The establishment of a centralised Electricity Contract Enforcement Authority whose

members and chairman will again be selected by the same selection committee referred
to above.
 Distribution reforms:
 Since electricity supply has to reach the consumer through the supply chain of
generation, transmission and distribution, any inefficiency in any of these supply chain
areas will affect the consumer.
 One of the steps in the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020, under the distribution
reforms, is the replacement of cross-subsidy with a direct subsidy to the consumer,
without interfering with the tariff, which would therefore be cost reflective.
 This is the single most important reform in the power sector, that will bring about a
radical change and catapult the country to progress.
 India’s average aggregate technical and commercial loss are currently at 21.4%.
 Prepaid smart meters will be made mandatory across the power distribution chain,
including 250 million households.
Key positive tenets of the Bill include the following:
 It aims to help liquidity-starved discoms by mandating determination of tariffs purely on costs

basis, without taking into account subsidies, which would be directly paid to consumers.
 This could solve discoms’ chronic cash-flow woes, enabling them to invest in improving
infrastructure and clear outstanding dues.
 This will also boost transparency, as discoms will no longer be able to mask their inefficiencies.
 The rationalisation of tariff will ease the burden on industries making them competitive and
support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
 This should also ensure financial discipline across the value chain of the power sector.
 The strengthening of the regulatory ecosystem for dispute resolution is also a welcome step. The
proposal to bolster the strength of the appellate tribunal will help in speedy resolution of cases.
 A 60-day window for adopting tariffs post bidding is also a positive step to check unnecessary
delays that bother investors.
 The Electricity Contract Enforcement Authority (ECEA) with civil court powers will help uphold
contract sanctity, and should inspire confidence among private investors hamstrung by delayed
payments, unilateral tariff and renegotiations on power purchase agreements, and random
curtailments in offtake.

 Enhancing private sector participation in the distribution sector by allowing sub-licensees will
help attract capital, boost efficiency and improve service delivery. We have already seen public-
private partnership models running successfully in Delhi and Mumbai.
 The National Renewable Energy Policy will provide impetus to clean energy transition by
creating a conducive investment climate and enabling market mechanisms.
 This will usher in a uniform, unambiguous regulatory ecosystem across the nation for promoting
renewables at the state-level that is fully aligned to the Centre’s vision.
 High penalties for dishonouring Renewable Purchase Obligations should improve compliance
and accelerate renewables’ adoption.
Challenges:
 There is resistance on the part of state governments regarding some of the proposed
distribution reforms due to the perception that it would result in abdication of their power to
the Central Government.
 Some states have expressed concerns about the centralisation of powers, increasing
privatisation and questioning the efficacy of the direct benefit transfer model for subsidising
consumers.
 There is lack of clarity on structure, responsibilities and compensation mechanisms for the
private participation in the proposed bill.
 Lack of adequate grievance redressal avenues to handle friction arising from possible rent-
seeking behaviour.
Conclusion:
The proposed reforms can infuse much-needed momentum into the power sector if properly
implemented and this needs the Centre and states to work in unison. This is an opportunity for the
central and state governments to bury political motives and cooperate in the larger national interest
for a vibrant power sector. The center must take all stakeholders into confidence to find a just way
for much needed power sector reforms in the spirit of cooperative federalism.
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in

everyday life; Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of
technology and developing new technology.
Explain the major aspects of the Science Technology and Innovation Policy, 2013.
Discuss the challenges in the domain of Research and Development in the Indian
scenario and suggest suitable policy measures to address the same. (250 words)
Introduction:
Science, Technology and Innovation have emerged as the major drivers of the national development
globally. As India aspires for faster, sustainable and inclusive growth, the Indian STI system, with the
advantages of the large demographic dividend and huge talent pool, will need to play a defining role
in achieving the national goals.
Recently, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (Office of PSA) and
the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have jointly initiated the formulation of a new
national Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP 2020).
Body:
Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STI) 2013 seeks to send a signal to the Indian scientific
community, both in the private and public domain, that science, technology and innovation should
focus on faster, sustainable and inclusive development of the people.
The Key Features of the STI policy 2013
 Promoting the spread of scientific temper amongst all sections of society.
 Enhancing skills for applications of science among the young from all social sectors.
 Making careers in science, research and innovation attractive enough for talented and bright
minds.
 Establishing the world-class infrastructure for R&D for gaining global leadership in some select
frontier areas of science.
 Positioning India among the top five global scientific powers by 2020 (by increasing the share of
global scientific publications from 3.5% to over 7% and quadrupling the number of papers in top
1% journals from the current levels).
 Linking contributions of Science Research and innovation system with the inclusive economic
growth agenda and combining priorities of excellence and relevance.
 Creating an environment for enhanced private sector participation in R &D.
 Enabling conversion of R & D output with societal and commercial applications by replicating
hitherto successful models, as well as establishing of new PPP structures.
 Seeking S&T based on high risk innovation through new mechanisms.
 Fostering resource optimized cost-effective innovation across size and technology domains.
 Triggering in the mind-set & value systems to recognize respect and reward performances which
create wealth from S&T derived knowledge.
 Creating a robust national innovation system.
Challenges in the domain of Research and Development in the India:
 Funding:
o Inadequate government funding: India (Public and Private) spends only 0.82% of GDP on
R&D.
o Overdependence on Public Sector: Private sector spends less than 0.2% of GDP on R&D.
o Foreign Investment: India attracts only 2.7% of global spending in R&D; China attracts
17.5%.
 Systemic Issues:

o Education system is heavily exam oriented thus lacking focus on creativity, critical
thinking, and open-mindedness.
o Outdated curriculum: It lacks focus on skill development and employability potential.
o Brain drain: Loss of top talent to other countries.
o Poor university-industry linkage: This leads to limited application oriented R&D.
 Quality Issues:
o Poor Research quality the quality of the research output from India is also not adequate
e.g. much of Indian research is published in predatory journals, non-peer reviewed
journals.
o Low availability of quality teachers from Primary stage onwards.
 Regulatory Issues:
o Weak IPR regime of patents and trademarks reduces incentives for entrepreneurs to
invest in innovation and research.
 Other Issues:
o Culture of Stigma over failure: World Economic Forum survey says that only 17% of
Indian respondents stated that the so-called “cultural support pillar” was available in the
country. Thus, it hinders people from taking up research and other activities which have
uncertain outcomes.
o This has created a cultural affinity for stability and job security over risk-taking.
Measures needed:
 The private sector should be incentivised to undertake and support R&D through CSR (Corporate
Social Responsibility) funds.
 State governments should also invest in application-oriented research aimed at problems

specific to their economies and populations.
 There is a need to encourage investor-led research. In this direction, the Science and Engineering
Research Board (SERB) has already been established. It is a promising start that needs to expand
with more resources and creative governance structures.
 R & D should focus on technology and extension services that is directly related to common
people
 Engage private sector, state government and Indian Diaspora
Conclusion:
Investing in educating youth in science and mathematics, reform the way R&D is conducted, engage
the private sector and the Indian diaspora, and take a more mission-driven approach is the need of
the hour in India. Vigorous efforts to improve the “ease of doing business” need to be matched by
similar ones to boost the “ease of doing science.”

The technological convergence in industrial revolution 4.0 has brought in robotics much
closer to human interface. Evaluate the key benefits of robotics in automated
agriculture and manufacturing in the country. (250 words)
Reference: weforum.org
Why the question:
The question aims to evaluate the key benefits of robotics in automated agriculture and
manufacturing in the country.
Discuss first in what way technological convergence in industrial revolution 4.0 has brought in
robotics much closer to human interface. And then evaluate the key benefits of robotics in
automated agriculture and manufacturing in the country.
Directive:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of
the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidences. You have to appraise the worth
of the statement in question. There is scope for forming a personal opinion here.
Introduction:
The Industrial Revolution 4.0 can be said to be the advent of cyber-physical systems which is marked
by a fusion of technologies straddling the physical, digital and biological worlds.
Body:
Discuss first in what way technological convergence in industrial revolution 4.0 has brought in
robotics much closer to human interface. Explain this with suitable recent advancement examples.
Then move on to explain the benefits – Key benefits of robotics in automated agriculture and
manufacturing in the country are-
They do not get sick or want a time off. They can work the whole year round.
They offer fewer errors and at higher speeds. They result in higher quality.
They can be used in various fields in agriculture like around the field, trees, ponds etc.
They can reduce up to 80% of farm’s use of pesticides.
The robots have many fields of application in the agriculture such as the Merlin Robot Milker,
Rosphere, Harvest Automation, Orange Harvester, lettuce bot, and the weeder.
They can be used in the livestock applications (the livestock robotics) such as the automatic
Milking, washing and castrating.
They improve the safety of the workers as they handle the harmful chemicals. • Higher profitability
etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning the concerns and in what way they can be resolved by suggesting solutions
to the same.
Introduction:
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) is a term that describes present technological age. It is the
fourth industrial era since the inception of the initial Industrial Revolution of the 18th century. The
key elements of the fourth revolution are the fusion of technologies ranging from the physical,
digital to biological spheres. Prime Minister gave an institutional shape to the expression by
launching the Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution in India.
Body:

As described by the founder and executive chairman of World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab, “the
fourth industrial revolution is a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we
live, work and relate to one another”.
Characteristics of IR 4.0:
 It is characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical,
digital, and biological spheres.
 It brings together digital technology and the physical world to create a new range of products
and services.
 The possibilities of billions of people connected by mobile devices, with unprecedented

processing power, storage capacity, and access to knowledge, are unlimited.
 And these possibilities will be multiplied by emerging technology breakthroughs in fields such as
artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, 3-D printing,
nanotechnology, biotechnology, materials science, energy storage, and quantum computing.
 The revolution is evolving at an exponential rather than a linear pace and it is disrupting almost
every industry in every country.
Agriculture Sector:
 AI can be used to predict advisories for sowing, pest control, input control can help in ensuring
increased income and providing stability for the agricultural community.
 Precision agriculture uses AI technology to aid in detecting diseases in plants, pests, and poor
plant nutrition on farms.
 AI sensors can detect and target weeds and then decide which herbicides to apply within the
right buffer zone.
 Climate pattern and effects on different crops can be analysed using AI software which will help
in prediction of the best crop for the season and the possible outcomes.

 Image classification tools combined with remote and local sensed data can bring a revolutionary
change in utilization and efficiency of farm machinery, in areas of weed removal, early disease
identification, produce harvesting and grading.
Manufacturing sector:
 Robots are being used for manufacturing since a long time now; however, more advanced
exponential technologies have emerged such as additive manufacturing (3D Printing) which with
the help of AI can revolutionize the entire manufacturing supply chain ecosystem.
 The predictive maintenance of machineries would lead to reduced operational cost
 IR technologies would be helpful in minimizing deterioration in the quality of the machinery
 By having a repository of data regarding machines and equipment’s will aid in managing them
well.
 Robots can perform the tasks given by a human because of sensors to detect physical data from
the real world such as light, heat, temperature, movement, sound, bump, and pressure.
 Moreover, they have efficient processors, multiple sensors and huge memory, to exhibit
intelligence.
 Further, they are capable of learning from their errors and therefore can adapt to the new
environment.
Way forward:
 Governments, businesses and civil society organisations should put together an ecosystem for
massive upskilling of the workforce.
 India needs to prepare itself for a period of information and digital abundance, adapt itself to
the scorching pace of innovation and learn to collaborate on scale, quickly transform the idea
into a breakthrough innovation, shift from a system of time-bound education to a mode of
continuous learning and create more employment opportunities than what new and disruptive
technologies take away.
 There is a need for good quality education to make India’s youth a productive asset.
 Access to finance commensurate with maturity of the business model and beginning stage of the
start-up lifecycle is extremely important to scale innovations.
 Corporates will have a key role in championing this on-going movement, leveraging the ART
Model – Alliances, Relationships enabled through Technology.
Conclusion:
Industrial Revolution that first began in Great Britain and later in United States (after end of Civil
War) has helped nations in developing faster and easier means of mass production. It has
transformed lives of people in many ways over about 250 years. India is also catching up with
focussing on Industrial Revolution 4.0. Development of new technologies in this era can help the
nations in many ways if these technologies are used effectively for the welfare of mankind.

Discuss various initiatives brought by the government for improving research and
bringing innovative ideas? (250 words)
Reference: Outlook India
Why the question:
Student Entrepreneurship programme 2.0 launched with collaboration of Dell and Niti Aayog, Thus
the question.
The question is straightforward, one must discuss in detail various initiatives brought by the
government for improving research and bringing innovative ideas.
Directive:
Introduction:
Discuss briefly how India has progressed in this direction from past to present, one can give a
timeline with associated facts.
Body:
In spite of having a large publicly funded science and technology infrastructure and a sizeable
education base, India has not been able to realize its innovative potential due to a fragmented
innovation ecosystem. The government of India has taken many initiatives towards strengthening the
innovation ecosystem, the most important of which are: i) the establishment of the National
Innovation Council, whose mandate is to coordinate various innovation-related activities, and ii) the
new Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2013, which is intended to promote entrepreneurship
and science-led solutions for sustainable and inclusive growth. With a focus on this new policy
initiative, this article describes the current innovation ecosystem and the challenges it faces, and it
discusses the efforts made by the government towards the promotion of innovation for
entrepreneurship development and sustainable growth. With the implementation of this new policy
the early indications are that India is poised to take a big leap towards innovation-led growth.
Talk about initiatives like Atal Innovation Mission, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and their recent achievements.
Conclusion:
Introduction:
India was ranked 52 among 130-odd economies in the recently released Global Innovation Index
2019. Nevertheless, its performance was commended as it topped the Central and South Asian
region for the ninth consecutive year and its growth — from 81st rank in 2015 to 52nd this year — is
the fastest by any major economy. What is also significant is that India continues to outperform on
innovation relative to its gross domestic product (GDP).
Dell Technologies has launched ‘Student Entrepreneurship Program 2.0’, in association with NITI
Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), virtually. The Initiative is aimed at transforming innovative
prototypes into fully functional products.
Body:
Need for innovation in India:
 Key drivers of economic performance and social well-being.

 It is important to inculcate scientific temper among masses in order to fight superstitions,

distorted truth and religious fanaticism that has been crippling India
 Innovation and technological improvement has become essential to combat and adapt to
climate change and promote sustainable development,
 It is imperative for combating national security threats ranging from cyber ware to autonomous
military systems such as drones.
 Investing in research and providing adequate incentives leads to creation of jobs, especially for
the pool of engineers and researchers in the society. Under the ‘Make in India’ program, the
government has targeted to create 100 million jobs from the manufacturing sector by 2022.
Government Efforts:
 Various schemes have been introduced to improve the quality of research institutes, for the
promotion of technology business incubators (Atal Incubation Centres) and research parks that
promote innovative ideas until they become commercial ventures.
 PM fellowship scheme aimed at encouraging young, talented, enthusiastic and result-oriented

scholars to take up industry-relevant research.
 Ucchatar Avishkar Yojana: It aims to promote industry-specific need-based research so as to

keep up the competitiveness of the Indian industry in the global market.
 Atal Tinkering Labs ensure that dedicated workspaces are created for students to innovate and
develop ideas that will go on to transform India.
 Platforms like “Innovate India” promote and recognise innovations happening across the nation
by enabling citizens to share their innovation.
 Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 to help bring transformational change in rural development processes
by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an Inclusive India.
 IMPRINT India is aimed at adopting engineering and technology as the vehicle to addressing the
societal needs and achieving national prosperity
 Forging technology and innovation partnerships with other nations like India-Israel Innovation
Bridge will act as link between start-ups of India and Israel.
 PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): It is a scheme launched by

DSIR (Department of Science & Industrial Research) to support individual innovators with
financial grants.
 Various enabling policies like Science, Technology & Innovation Policy 2013, National
Intellectual Property Rights Policy, Technology Vision Document 2035 and Space Vision India
2025 have been framed.
Way forward:
 The Economic Survey 2018 recommended doubling national expenditures on R&D with most of
the increase coming from the private sector and universities.
 Improve math and cognitive skills at school level.

 Better ground level implementation of initiatives likes Atal Innovation Mission and Atal
tinkering labs which can kindle scientific interest in the minds of young students.
 There is a need to encourage investor-led research. In this direction, the Science and
Engineering Research Board (SERB) has already been established. It is a promising start that
needs to expand with more resources and creative governance structures.
 R & D should focus on technology and extension services that is directly related to common
people
 Engage private sector, state government and Indian Diaspora.
 The private sector should be incentivised to undertake and support R&D through CSR (Corporate
Social Responsibility) funds.
 Growing strength of India’s economy and increasing anti-immigrant atmosphere in some

Western countries has the potential to attract back scientific Indian Diaspora.
 Schemes like Ramanujan Fellowship Scheme, the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired
Research (INSPIRE) Faculty scheme and the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship, Visiting
Advanced Joint Research Faculty Scheme (VAJRA) should be enhanced to leverage the scientific
Diaspora.
Conclusion:
Many experts have faulted India’s innovation that focuses on getting products and services to
people at an affordable cost, rather than aiming for global leadership. They are wrong. Solving
India’s challenge will eventually open opportunities for Indian enterprises globally.
Case study: Israel, which came into being around the same time as India in 1948, has a lot of lessons
to offer for its ally — especially when it comes to converting challenges into a competitive
advantage. With a population of just 8.5 million, it has a very small domestic market.
Though located in an area that is home to earliest of civilisations, its enterprises cannot look at
broadening its market by exporting to neighbouring countries as Israel is surrounded by enemies.
That apart, it is endowed with very little natural resources including water. Its 22,000 square
kilometre area is predominantly arid, fit to grow almost nothing.
Any other country with such adversity would have given up and become dependent on allies for
survival. Not Israel. Its policy-makers decided early to invest in human intellectual capital and create
a knowledge-based economy. By doing so they hoped that Israel could become home to technology
focussed industries that do not depend on natural resources that their country sorely lacks while, at
the same time, offering products that could be easily exported (despite an unfriendly neighbourhood)
to meet the demand anywhere in the world.



Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-

technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
What are Other Service Providers (OSPs)? Explain their relevance to the development
and growth of IT and other sectors. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article brings to us a detailed insight on how government policies are harming the IT sector.
Discuss in detail the concept of OSPs and their relevance to the development and growth of IT and
other sectors.
Directive:
relevant associated facts.
Introduction:
First start by presenting some data from the article relevant to the question.
Body:
Define what OSPs are – Other Service Providers (OSPs) are those who provide “application services”
and the term “application services” is defined to mean “tele-banking, telemedicine, tele-education,
tele-trading, e-commerce, call centres, network operation centres and other IT-enabled
services”. Explain briefly how they operate, modus operandi, role of govt. in regulating them.
Then move on to discuss their relevance to the development and growth of IT and other sectors.
Conclusion:
Conclude that it’s important for us to recognise their significance in time so as to ensure faster and
sustainable growth of IT and other sectors.
Introduction:
Other Service Providers (OSPs) are those who provide “application services” and the term
“application services” is defined to mean “tele-banking, telemedicine, tele-education, tele-trading, e-
commerce, call centres, network operation centres and other IT-enabled services”.
A series of misplaced policy choices, the government has systematically eroded the permitted
operations of the Indian outsourcing industry to the point where it is no longer globally competitive.
Body:
Relevance to the development and growth of IT and other sectors:
 OSPs facilitate the growth of innovative services such as tele-banking, tele-medicine, e-

commerce, tele-trading etc.
 The IT – BPM industry in India not only provides the highest employment in the private sector
but is also an industry that has made a phenomenal contribution to India’s GDP, exports,
employment, infrastructure and global visibility.
 The IT industry accounts for close to 8% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
 It promotes the services sector and ensuring that services contribute one of the largest
components to our economy along with the growth of some of the most innovative start-ups in
the services space.

 It would allow start-ups and entrepreneurs in providing world class services based out of India.
 Over the last few years, India has been competing with other countries for investments to
establish outsourcing centres / outsourcing of IT contracts.
 Eliminating the OSP Regulations will, therefore, give a fillip to the ease of doing business for the
IT/ITeS sector in India.
Current issue:
 While OSPs do not require a license to operate, they do have to comply with a number of
telecom restrictions.
 The central regulatory philosophy behind these restrictions is the government’s insistence that
voice calls terminated in an OSP facility over the regular Public Switched Telephone Network
(PSTN) must be kept from intermingling with those carried over the data network.
 To that end, OSPs are required to design their networks so that they can demonstrate a
separation between voice and data calls.
 While these restrictions may have made sense a decade ago, when data wasn’t as ubiquitous as
it is now, the insistence on maintaining such arbitrary distinctions between different types of
calls in today’s world seems daft.
 since Indian regulations require OSPs to have an EPABX physically located in India, global
businesses with operations in India are forced to re-engineer their networks to specially account
for these restrictions.
 For companies already operating in India, this is often treated as an additional cost of continuing
to do business in here.
 For companies that are evaluating whether or not to use India as a base for new operations.
 As a result, this is often the single biggest reason why they end up choosing some other less
restrictive jurisdiction in which to establish their operations.
Conclusion:
As applications have shifted from voice to data, the marginal cost of voice telecom traffic over data
has become negligible. Therefore, segregating voice and data traffic is no longer relevant. In fact, it is
also time that the DoT relooks at its restriction on IP and PSTN connectivity since this restriction does
not exist in most parts of the world. Simplifying the setting up and carrying on of business in India
leading to an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Write a note on India’s Lunar Exploration programme. Explain how Chandrayaan-2 will
benefit our country? (250 words)
Reference: Times of India
Why the question:
ISRO pays tribute to Dr Vikram Sarabhai by announcing that Chandrayaan 2 Orbiter has captured the
Moon images of “Sarabhai” Crater. Thus the context of the question.
Explain the nuances associated with India’s lunar programme and explain how it will benefit the
country.
Directive:

relevant associated facts.
Introduction:
The Chandrayaan programme, also known as the Indian Lunar Exploration Programme is an ongoing
series of outer space missions by the Indian Space Research Organisation.
Body:
Start by discussing first the key features of the programme; the programme incorporates lunar
orbiter, impactor, and soft lander and rover space crafts.
In detail explain the key objectives, significance, payloads of the mission.
Move on to talk about Chandrayaan-2 mission. Explain in detail how it will benefit our
country. Explain the challenges along the way.
Conclusion:
Conclude with its importance.
Introduction:
The Chandrayaan programme, also known as the Indian Lunar Exploration Programme is an
ongoing series of outer space missions by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The
programme incorporates lunar orbiter, impactor, soft lander and rover spacecrafts.
The terrain mapping camera on board Chandrayaan-2’s orbiter has captured the image of Sarabhai
crater, named after the father of the Indian space programme, on the moon.
Body:
Indian Lunar Exploration Programme:
 The Chandrayaan (Indian Lunar Exploration Programme) programme is a multiple mission

programme.
 As of August 2020, one orbiter with an impactor probe has been sent to the Moon, using ISRO’s
workhorse PSLV rocket.
 The second spacecraft consisting of orbiter, soft lander and rover was launched on 22 July 2019,
by using a GSLV Mk III rocket.
 In a podcast from AT, VSSC director S. Somanath stated that there will be a Chandrayaan-3 and
more follow up missions in Chandrayaan Program.
 Chandrayaan-3 mission is proposed for Q2 2021.
 Chandrayaan 2 is India’s most ambitious space mission.
 While data from India’s first lunar mission Chandrayaan 1 confirm the presence of water on the
Moon without landing on the lunar surface, Chandrayaan 2 aimed to be the world’s first mission
to land on lunar South Pole.
Chandrayaan-1
 It was launched on 22 October 2008 aboard a PSLV-XL rocket, was a big success for ISRO as the
Moon Impact Probe, a payload on board the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, discovered water on the
Moon.

 Apart from discovering water the Chandrayaan-1 mission performed several other tasks such as
mapping and atmospheric profiling of the Moon.
Chandrayaan-2
 It was launched on 22 July 2019 aboard a GSLV Mk III rocket.
 The spacecraft was successfully put into lunar orbit on August 20, 2019 and the lander was lost
while attempting to land on 6 September 2019.
 The orbiter is operational, collecting scientific data, and is expected to function for 7.5 years.
Chandrayaan-3
 In November 2019, ISRO officials stated that a new lunar lander mission was being studied for
launch in November 2020.
 This new proposal is called Chandrayaan-3 and it would be a re-attempt to demonstrate the
landing capabilities needed for the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission proposed in partnership with
Japan for 2024.
 This spacecraft configuration would not include launching an orbiter and would have a lander,
rover, and a propulsion module with mission costing 250 crore rupees with additional launch
costs of 365 crore rupees for GSLV Mk III.
 Third mission would land in the same area as the second one.
Uniqueness of Chandrayaan-2:
 It represented a significant technological leap compared to the previous missions of ISRO, which
brought together an Orbiter, Lander and Rover to explore the unexplored south pole of the
Moon.
 This was a unique mission which aimed at studying not just one area of the Moon but all the
areas combining the exosphere, the surface as well as the sub-surface of the moon in a single
mission.
 The Orbiter has already been placed in its intended orbit around the Moon and shall enrich our
understanding of the moon’s evolution and mapping of the minerals and water molecules in the
Polar Regions, using its eight state-of-the-art scientific instruments.
 The Orbiter camera is the highest resolution camera (0.3m) in any lunar mission so far and shall
provide high resolution images which will be immensely useful to the global scientific
community.
 The precise launch and mission management has ensured a long life of almost 7 years instead of
the planned one year.
 The Vikram Lander followed the planned descent trajectory from its orbit of 35 km to just below
2 km above the surface.
 All the systems and sensors of the Lander functioned excellently until this point and proved
many new technologies such as variable thrust propulsion technology used in the Lander.

 The success criteria were defined for each and every phase of the mission and till date 90 to 95%
of the mission objectives have been accomplished and will continue contribute to Lunar science,
notwithstanding the loss of communication with the Lander.
Conclusion:
Since the launch of Chandrayaan-2, not only India but the whole world watched its progress from
one phase to the next with great expectations and excitement. The ISRO’s Moon Impact Probe and
NASA’s Moon Mineralogy Mapper on board Chandrayaan 1 had already provided evidence of the
presence of water in the thin atmosphere of the moon, on the surface and below. A NASA study last
year found regions, within 20° of each pole in general and within 10° in particular, showed signs of
water. The Chandrayaan 2 orbiter will now possibly reconfirm the presence of water on the moon.
The Lunar Exploration Programme of India would open up interesting details about the moon and in
turn learn about earth.
Amidst the new challenges growing space industry is facing across the world; discuss
the aspects necessary to be considered for India’s space vision. (250 words)
Why the question:
The editorial covers outer space vision, challenges involved and the need for space legislation.
The question aims to ascertain the aspects necessary to be considered for India’s space vision amidst
growing challenges across the world.
Directive:
Introduction:
Start by discussing the aspects of expanding space industry.
Body:
India has invested enormous resources in its space programme through the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO). More importantly, space assets are crucial for India’s development. India’s
future plans are ambitious. The plans are designed to establish India as a major space-faring nation
by the end of the decade.
The proposed involvement of private players and the creation of an autonomous body IN-SPACe
(Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) under the Department of Space for
permitting and regulating activities of the private sector are welcome efforts.
However, the space environment that India faces requires us to go beyond meeting technical
milestones. There is a need for a space legislation enabling coherence across technical, legal,
commercial, diplomatic and defence goals.
Conclusion:
Conclude that India’s space vision also needs to address global governance, regulatory and arms
control issues.
Introduction:
Space programmes have for long been viewed as either strategic or symbols of national prestige for
big countries that are prepared to invest significant resources in the pursuit of a credible presence in
outer space. India, however, is quite some distance away from adapting to the unfolding changes in
the global space business. In its early years, India’s space programme that was constrained by lack of
resources found innovative ways of getting ahead in space.

Body:
Challenges space industry is facing across the world:
 Weak global space governance framework:
 Outer space is becoming democratised, commercialised and crowded, leading to

unmanageable challenge.
 The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 enshrines the idea that space should be “the province of
all mankind” and “not subject to national appropriation by claims of sovereignty”.
 The Rescue Agreement, Space Liability Convention, and the Space Registration
Convention expanded provisions of the Outer Space Treaty.
 The Moon Treaty of 1979 was not ratified by major space-faring nations.
 Space law does not have a dispute settlement mechanism, is silent on collisions and
debris, and offers insufficient guidance on interference with others’ space assets.
 These gaps heighten the potential for conflict in an era of congested orbits and
breakneck technological change.
 Commercialization and privatization is transforming humankind’s activity in outer space:
 Japan is scheduled to launch the UAE Mars probe this year.
 India’s own ISRO is also working with the UAE on its Mars mission.
 The first Emirati Astronaut, Hazza al-Mansouri spent more than a week in the US-Russian
space station.
 Luxembourg has a similar strategy. It too entered the space sector only in the middle of
the last decade. It is also driven by the need for economic diversification.
 Military uses of space and prestige projects like Moon-landing have emerged, major
private sector entities already in the aviation industry like Boeing and Lockheed won
space contracts in the US.
 As the digital revolution in the 21st century transformed the world economy, the
commercial space sector has begun to grow in leaps and bounds. The global space
business is now estimated to be around $ 400 billion and is expected easily rise to at
least trillion dollars by 2040.
 The entry of private sector has begun to drive down the cost-per-launch through
innovations such as reusable rockets.
 SpaceX plans to launch hundreds of satellites into the low-earth orbit to provide internet
services. Amazon has plans to build a network of more than 3,000 satellites in the low-
earth orbit.
 SpaceX and Amazon have plans to develop space tourism and build human settlements
on the Moon and on Mars.
 It is not just big companies that are aiming for the Moon. Last year, a private company in
Israel sent a lunar lander to the Moon.

 Rising space arms race:
 States are investing in military space systems for communications, navigation, and
reconnaissance purposes, so as to ensure the operability of a range of capabilities.
 So investment in technologies that can disrupt or destroy space-based capabilities is

underway.
 The space arms race is difficult to curb, especially since almost all space technologies
have military applications.
 For example, satellite constellations are commercial but governments could acquire
their data to monitor military movements.
 The current geopolitical situation does not hold hope for addressing concerns of a space
arms race.
 The UN General Assembly passed a resolution on the Prevention of an Arms Race in

Outer Space since 1982.
 Chinese- and Russian-backed Treaty proposals were initiated in 2008 and updated in
2014.
 The EU’s International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities has not gained
traction.
 For various legal, technical, and political reasons these have not advanced at the
Conference on Disarmament. Groups of Governmental Experts have not helped in
making progress.
Way forward for India:
 The proposed involvement of private players and the creation of an autonomous body IN-SPACe
(Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) under the Department of Space for
permitting and regulating activities of the private sector are welcome efforts.
 India should have national space activities legislation which takes on board all stakeholders.
 A public-private partnership (PPP) model can be looked into to realise ISRO’s workhorse Polar
Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), with a joint venture between ISRO and the private sector.
 In the UK, space ventures are treated as a complement to big organizations and not a
competitor. This should be encouraged in India too.
 A supportive international partner and likeminded local partners helps to set up a space
business.
 The idea should be to let the private industry build their own facilities after gaining enough
expertise.
 ISRO has built a space technology park spread over 25 acres in Bengaluru where the entire range
of facilities have been set up for use by the industry.
 It needs a regulatory environment that encourages a more dynamic role for the private sector
and promotes innovation. It will be a pity if India squanders the many advantages of its early
start in space by delaying the much-needed reform and reorganization of its space sector.
 India’s space vision also needs to address global governance, regulatory and arms control issues.
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact

assessment
What do you understand by Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and why is India’s
new EIA draft problematic? Discuss. ( 250 words )
Introduction:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an important management tool for ensuring

optimal use of natural resources for sustainable development. It covers developmental sectors such
as industries, thermal power projects, mining schemes etc. EIA has now been made mandatory
under the Environmental (Protection Act, 1986) for 29 categories of developmental activities
involving investments of Rs. 50 crores and above.
Body:
Recent amendments to EIA:
 The EIA 2020, which is open to public comments until June 30, is a proposed update to the
existing EIA 2006 that prescribes the procedure for industries to assess the ecological and
environmental impact of their proposed activity and the mechanism whereby these would be
assessed by expert committees appointed by the Ministry.
 The key points of dispute with the proposed draft are that it shortens the period of public
consultation hearings to a maximum of 40 days, and reduces from 30 to 20 days the time
provided for the public to submit their responses during a public hearing for any application
seeking environmental clearance.
 Crucially, the draft also institutionalises “violation” projects. Under a provision issued in 2017, it
allows projects that have come up flouting environmental norms to be reviewed by a committee
of experts and, if they so decreed, legalise the project after paying a fine.
 The proposed norms also allow the declaration of some areas as “economically sensitive areas”
without a public hearing or environmental clearance, and several “red” and “orange”-classified
toxic industries could now operate as close as 0-5 km from a Protected Area in “callous
disregard” for forests.
 Finally, the increased validity of the environment clearances for mining projects (50 years versus
30 years currently) and river valley projects (15 years versus 10 years currently) raises the risk of
irreversible environmental, social and health consequences on account of the project remaining
unnoticed for long.
Objectives of EIA:
 To identify, predict and evaluate the economic, environmental and social impact of development
activities.
 To provide information on the environmental consequences for decision making.

 To promote environmentally sound and sustainable development through the identification of

appropriate alternatives and mitigation measures.
 To identify and quantify emission sources and determine the significance of impacts on sensitive
receivers and potential affected uses.
 To identify and quantify any potential losses or damage to flora, fauna and natural habitats.
Significance of EIA:
 EIA reports are a critical component of India’s environmental decision-making process.
 It acts as a detailed study of the potential impacts of proposed projects.
 It helps in predicting environmental impacts at an early stage in project planning and design.
 Based on these reports, the Environment Ministry or other relevant regulatory bodies may or
may not grant approval to a project.
 The EIA reports are also important to define measures that the project could take in order to
contain or offset project impacts.
 EIA-based approvals for most projects also involve the process of conducting public hearings, so
that who are likely to be affected can be taken on board before approving the project.
 EIA links environment with development. The goal is to ensure environmentally safe and
sustainable development.
Apprehensions related to EIA:
 Environmental decision-making processes for development projects are supposed to use the
best available scientific knowledge to ensure that development does not lead to negative
impacts.
 But there are compromised decision-making on development and infrastructure projects.
 Sometimes the EIA reports lack the expected degrees of honesty, owing to bias, corruption,
exaggeration and wrong claims.
 There are several projects with significant environmental impacts that are exempted from the
notification either because they are not listed in schedule I, or their investments are less than
what is provided for in the notification.
 Public comments are not considered at an early stage, which often leads to conflict at a later
stage of project clearance. Many projects with significant environmental and social impacts are
approved without mandatory public consultation.
 One of the biggest concerns with the environmental clearance process is related to the quality of
EIA report that are being carried out.
 There are so many cases of fraudulent EIA studies where erroneous data has been used, same
facts used for two totally different places etc.
 There are many instances of missing or misleading information which understate the potential
impact of the projects.

 It has been found that the team formed for conducting EIA studies is lacking the expertise in
various fields such as environmentalists, wildlife experts, Anthropologists and Social Scientists.
 Lack of awareness among the local people about the process of EIA, its significance for them,
their own rights and responsibilities.
 Most of the time EIA reports are unavailable in local languages, thus local people are unable to
decipher the reports, and are misled by the proponents
Way Forward:
 Independent EIA Authority and Sector wide EIAs needed.
 Creation of a centralized baseline data bank.
 Dissemination of all information related to projects from notification to clearance to local

communities and general public.
 All those projects where there is likely to be a significant alternation of ecosystems need to go
through the process of environmental clearance, without exception.
 No industrial developmental activity should be permitted in ecologically sensitive areas.
 Public hearings should be applicable to all hitherto exempt categories of projects which have
environmental impacts.
 The focus of EIA needs to shift from utilization and exploitation of natural resources to
conservation of natural resources.
 The present executive committees should be replaced by expert’s people from various
stakeholder groups, who are reputed in environmental and other relevant fields.
 The EIA notification needs to build within it an automatic withdrawal of clearance if the
conditions of clearance are being violated and introduce more stringent punishment for
noncompliance. At present the EIA notification limits itself to the stage when environmental
clearance is granted.
 The composition of the NGT needs to be changed to include more judicial authorities from the
field of environment.
 Citizen should be able to access the authority for redressal of all violation of the EIA notification
as well as issues relating to non-compliance.
 NGOs, civil society groups and local communities need to build their capacities to use the EIA
notification towards better decision making on projects.
Conclusion:
An EIA should not be used just as a means for obtaining an environmental clearance; rather, project
proponents should use it as a management tool to assess the soundness of a project plan. The focus
of EIA needs to shift from utilization and exploitation of natural resources to conservation of natural
resources.

Air pollution in the national capital has been an issue of concern for quite some time as
Delhi and its suburbs have ranked among the most polluted cities in the world
frequently since 2014. Examine the threats posed by air pollution and to what are the
measures undertaken to tackle air pollution challenges. (250 words)
Introduction:
According to WHO, of the 20 most polluted cities in the world, the top 14 are Indian cities.
The problem of air pollution disrupts not only the NCR area but many other prominent urban areas
like Allahabad and Ludhiana which figure above Delhi in the pollution ranking across the world. In
India, air pollution is the third highest cause of death among all health risks, ranking just above
smoking.
Body:
Impact of air pollution on the economy:
 Beyond health costs, air pollution can also hurt the economy in other ways.
 According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), India had the
highest share of welfare costs (or a loss of income from labour), of about $220 billion (about
₹1.4 trillion), in South and South-East Asia of a combined total of $380 billion from mortality due
to air pollution.
 In addition to human lives lost, there’s an estimated global cost of $225 billion in lost labour, and
trillions in medical costs, Greenpeace report says.
 Government is keen to ascend the World Bank’s “ease of doing business” chart, but images of
people walking around Delhi in safety masks do little to attract investment.
 In a 2018 study, Jamie Hansen-Lewis of Brown University finds that air pollution hurts
productivity in India’s labour-intensive industries.
 She estimates that bringing the country’s air to global standards would lead to a small increase
in profits of 0.3% across manufacturing companies with more pronounced effects in labour-
intensive firms. Similarly, pollution is also hurting agriculture by stifling crop productivity.
 A 2014 study estimated that air pollutants were responsible for 19% of the loss in yields in wheat
production in India in 2010.
Government efforts in dealing with air pollution:
 The government acknowledged air pollution as a pan–India problem with the drafting of
the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which was intended to build and strengthen the
institutional capacity to monitor air quality across India, carry out indigenous studies to
understand the health impacts of air pollution and create a national emission inventory.
 Banning the use of private vehicles from November 1 onwards in Delhi, although drastic, will
definitely not be enough to curb pollution.
 Odd-even schemes and, recently, the allowance by the Supreme Court (SC) for only green or
zero-emission firecrackers, are the episodic measures that have been used, and still continue to
be, to combat this methodical pollution.
 There have also been instances of ban on construction activities.
 States have got nearly Rs.650 crores to help farmers buy subsidised equipment such as Happy
Seeder, Paddy Straw Choppers and Zero Till Drill.
 There is a 50% subsidy to farmers, and a 75% waiver to cooperative societies, agencies that
rent out equipment, farmers’ interest groups or gram panchayats to buy such machines.
Way forward:
 Short term measures should be accompanied by measures that increase the forest cover of the
land and provide farmers with an alternative to burning the remains of their crops.
 An innovative approach could be to use climate change funds to turn farm residues into a
resource, using technological options such as converting them into biofuels and biofertilizers.
 Proactive engagements are necessary to persuade and reassure farmers.
 It is important to find other uses for stubble such as biomass, which may encourage farmers to
look for alternative sources of income.
 India should at least now give high importance to the WHO warning about air pollution being
the new tobacco. Sharply escalated, deterrent parking fees can be implemented.
 From an urban development perspective, large cities should reorient their investments
to prioritise public transport, favouring electric mobility.
 Incentives for adoption of alternate mobility technologies should be promoted.
 The World Bank has said it is keen to enhance its lending portfolio to tackle air pollution,
opening a new avenue for this.
 Governments should make the use of personal vehicles in cities less attractive through strict
road pricing mechanisms like Congestion tax, Green-house Gas tax
 Need to speed up the journey towards LPG and solar-powered stoves.
 Addressing vehicular emissions is within India’s grasp but requires a multi-pronged approach. It
needs to combine the already-proposed tighter emission norms (in form of BS VI), with a push
for shared mobility and public transport and adoption of alternate mobility technologies.
 NCAP should take precedence from emerging practices in the country—pollution cess in Delhi
on truck entry, big diesel cars, and diesel fuel sales and the coal cess—to generate dedicated
funds to finance clean air action plan.
 Tackle road dust by mechanised sweeping and water-sprinkling but what would be more
beneficial is if the sides of the roads could be paved or covered with grass that holds the soil
together and stops the production of the dust in the first place.
 Attention to non-technological aspects such as urban planning, to reduce driving, and to

increase cycling, walking, and use of public transport are needed.
Do you think India’s New Compensatory Afforestation Rules dilute rights of forest
dwellers? Analyse. (250 words)

Why the question:

The question is based on the New Compensatory Afforestation rules and its effect on forest dwellers.
Explain in detail the impact of India’s New Compensatory Afforestation Rules on forest dwellers.
Directive:
Introduction:
Briefly provide the background of the question. The Rules had been pending since the government
passed the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act on July 28, 2016. They govern the utilization
of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund.
Body:
Discuss in detail the provisions of the new Compensatory Afforestation rules. Discuss the drawbacks
associated with it. Rules don’t have provision for getting consent of the Gram Sabhas (only mention
consultation) and provision for transferring funds to the Gram Sabha.
There is a difference between consultation and consent. Moreover, VFCs aren’t statutory bodies. The
Forest Rights Act (FRA) gives rights to the Gram Sabha and this is in violation of that law.
The rules ignore the rights of forest dwellers and tribal. They also said that the new CAF rules are
against existing laws ensuring forest rights and self-governance for communities living in Scheduled
Areas.
The Rules do not take The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
(PESA) into consideration.
The rules are clearly a deliberate attempt to bypass the FRA(Forest Right Act) entirely.
There is no reference to consent, no reference to what forms of proof will be required that it has been
done, and no reference to completion of recognition of rights.
The rules do not talk about compensation when diversion is done on CFR area. In these areas,
the CAF should be given to the Gram Sabha’s because they have the right over the area’s resources
under FRA.
Conclusion:
Conclude that the Rules should be implemented through the Gram Sabha and not the Van
Sanrakshan Samiti under Joint Forest Management. There should be Gram Sabha auditing.
Transparency and accountability should be mandatory and the forest department should be
answerable to the Gram Sabha. Local species should be planted in compensatory afforestation
process. Artificial regeneration must not be allowed and provisions should be made by Gram Sabha’s
to select species.
Introduction:
Compensatory afforestation means that every time forest land is diverted for non-forest
purposes such as mining or industry, the user agency pays for planting forests over an equal area of
non-forest land, or when such land is not available, twice the area of degraded forest land.
The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act (CAMPA), 2016 was enacted to manage the funds
collected for compensatory afforestation which till then was managed by ad hoc Compensatory
Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
Recently, The Union ministry of road transport has expressed its intention to make it easier for state
bodies to garner faster forest clearances on national highway projects. The move was intended to
‘avoid unnecessary delay in identification for transfer of non-forest land and diversion of forest land
approval could be expedited.
Body:

Provision of the CAMPA Act and rules:
 The Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Rules, 2018 in which the Gram Sabha no longer
plays a key role and control of over Rs. 660 billion, to be spent on afforestation, is given in the
hands of the forest bureaucracy.
 It states that at least 80 percent of the fund shall be used for activities like “assisted natural
regeneration, artificial regeneration, silvicultural operations in forests, protection of plantations
and forests, pest and disease control in forest, forest fire prevention and control operations, soil
and moisture conservation work in the forest, voluntary relocation of villages from protected
areas and improvement of wildlife habitat.
 The remaining 20 percent will be used for strengthening of the forest and wildlife-related
infrastructure and capacity building of the personnel.
 The rules also specified a list of activities that can be undertaken or are not allowed from the
fund.
 The rules also said that these activities will be taken up in consultation with the Gram Sabha or
the Village Forest Management Committee (VFMC), as the case may be, and shall be in
consonance with the FRA 2006.
Impact on the forest dwellers and tribes:
 Rules don’t have provision for getting consent of the Gram Sabhas (only mention consultation)
and provision for transferring funds to the Gram Sabha.
 There is a difference between consultation and consent. Moreover, VFCs aren’t statutory bodies.
The Forest Rights Act (FRA) gives rights to the Gram Sabha and this is in violation of that law.
 The rules ignore the rights of forest dwellers and tribal. They also said that the new CAF rules are
against existing laws ensuring forest rights and self-governance for communities living in
Scheduled Areas.
 The Rules do not take The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
(PESA) into consideration.
 The rules are clearly a deliberate attempt to bypass the FRA(Forest Right Act) entirely.
 There is no reference to consent, no reference to what forms of proof will be required that it has
been done, and no reference to completion of recognition of rights.
 The rules do not talk about compensation when diversion is done on CFR area. In these areas,
the CAF should be given to the Gram Sabha’s because they have the right over the area’s
resources under FRA.
Way forward:
 The Rules should be implemented through the Gram Sabha and not the Van Sanrakshan Samiti
under Joint Forest Management.
 The audit by Gram Sabha should be conducted mandatorily.
 Transparency and accountability should be mandatory and the forest department should be
answerable to the Gram Sabha.

 Local species should be planted in compensatory afforestation process.
 Artificial regeneration must not be allowed and provisions should be made by Gram Sabha’s to
select species.
Pesticide pollution is a major environmental issue in India, which has far-reaching

consequences. Discuss while enumerating the various sources of Pesticide pollution.
(250 words)
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
Recently the Centre has issued a draft order banning the manufacture and sale of pesticides on
grounds of the grave risk they pose to humans and animals.
Discuss the issue of pesticide pollution in India and its far reaching consequences along with its
sources.
Directive:
Introduction:
Define what pesticide pollution is.
Body:
Introduce the answer with some statistics on pesticide pollution in India. Enlist the sources of
pesticide pollution and their consequences. Pesticide contamination, diminishing ecology and
biodiversity, farmer suicides, insect resurgence, the monopoly of a few corporations and food export
rejection due to pesticide residue are all to be cited in detail.
Explain the sources like apart from agriculture, the chemical industry also contributes heavily to the
source.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning a few measures to tackle the sources of pesticide pollution and that India is
at a crossroads where the need is increasingly being felt for a ‘science to live’ and not a ‘science to
kill’.
Introduction:
Agriculture in India is largely dependent on chemicals including pesticides and their usage has a huge
impact on the health of humans, animals, biodiversity and the environment. In 2015, the National
Crimes Records Bureau recorded 7,672 cases of poisoning due to accidental intake of
insecticides/pesticides, out of which 7,060 died.
Pesticides are regulated in India through the Insecticides Act, 1968 and Insecticides Rules, 1971, the
experiences in administering this Act over the last five decades has exposed certain gaps. In this
context, the union cabinet has recently approved the Pesticides Management Bill, 2020.
Body:
Pesticides usage in India:
 India is the fourth-largest producer of pesticides in the world, with the market segmentation
tilted mainly towards insecticides, with herbicides on the increase in the recent past.

 It is reported that eight states consume more than 70% of the pesticides used in India. Amongst
the crops, paddy accounts for the maximum share of consumption (26-28%), followed by cotton
(18-20%), notwithstanding all the hype around Biotechnology.
 There are 292 pesticides registered in the country, and it is estimated that there are around 104
pesticides that are continued to be produced/ used in India that have been banned in two or
more countries in the world.
 The industry has grown to be an INR 20,000 crores business in India, with the top 3 companies
having a market share of 57%.
Sources of pesticide pollution:
Major sources of exposure include
 use in households.
 on gardens and lawns
 in schools, hospitals, public places for disinfection.
 Agriculture: Relatively high concentrations of pesticides might be due to point sources caused by
seed treatment, filling operations or cleaning of sprayers and boxes for storing vegetables and
fruits
 drift from spraying
 pesticide residues on certain fruits and vegetables.
 “Run-off” and inappropriate disposal of pesticides that contaminates drinking water.
 Pesticides in some lice removal shampoos.
 Pesticides in drinking or bathing water.
Impacts of Pesticide pollution:
 On Farmers:
 Agrochemicals are considered as a powerful weapon or magic bullets in the developing

countries in order to enhance the agriculture productivity.
 However, it has been observed that agrochemicals are causing serious hazards and certain
pesticides may affect the human endocrine and immune systems and may promote the
development of cancer.
 It has been administered that farmers do not use the safety masks, gloves and other
protective gears during the spraying of pesticides which results into the access of pesticides
in the blood stream through inhalation and dermal exposure which can adversely affect
their eyes, skin and the respiratory system.
 Pesticide poisoning has been a consistent killer with the state reporting as many as 272
deaths in the last four years.
 On Consumers:

 Pesticides go up the food chain by working their way through the environment and into the
soil or the water systems after which they are eaten by aquatic animals or plants and
ultimately humans. This process is called Biomagnification.
 Organophosphate pesticides used in the vegetables gradually get deposit into human body
and has a link with cancer.
 As pesticides are applied over the vegetable which are directly entered into human or
livestock bodies.
 On Agriculture:
 Continued use of pesticides for decades has contributed significantly to the current
ecological, economic and existential crisis of the Indian agriculture sector.
 Excessive use of fertilizers may pollute the underground water with nitrate and it is so much
hazardous to livestock.
 On Biodiversity:
 Contamination of soil and water with toxic agrochemicals (e.g., phosphate fertilizer
contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides etc.) are a particular concern.
 Monocrotophos, a pesticide killed huge populations of birds in USA and was eventually
banned.
 Heavy treatment of soil with pesticides can cause populations of beneficial soil
microorganisms to decline.
 Chlorpyrifos, a common contaminant of urban streams, is highly toxic to fish, and has
caused fish, kills in waterways near treated fields or buildings
Way forward:
 A comprehensive study should be undertaken to measure the impact of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides on soil fertility and general health.
 The existing fertilizer subsidy policy should be revised, and a new policy which is more
favourable to Indian conditions should be formulated.
 Promotion of organic fertilizers.
 A Policy should be put in place to incentivize the use of bio-fertilizers. Farmers should be
provided with financial and technical support to enable them to switch to organic farming on a
large scale.
 Legal action for using banned pesticides like DDT for agriculture.
 A Fertilizer Development and Regulating Authority should be established to streamline the

process of certification, quality checks, innovations, and fixing prices of fertilizers.
 A Pesticides Development and Regulation Authority should also be created to regulate the
manufacturing, import and sale of pesticides in the country.
 Balanced use will also reflect in reduced water consumption, while at the same time protecting
water bodies from run-off pollution.
 Farmer awareness about balanced fertilization should be stepped up through the coordinated
efforts of the departments of agriculture, cooperation & farmers’ welfare and fertilizers, besides
the network of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
Conclusion:
The need of the hour is to switch priorities and subsidies from chemical to organic farming as shown
by the State of Sikkim. Andhra Pradesh launched a ‘Zero Budget Natural Farming‘ Project to phase
out chemicals by 2024.The government should divert the undeserved subsidies from the chemical
farming sector to the organic farming sector and assist/train farmers across the country to make the
transition to organic farming practices and thereby enhance their livelihoods, and protect their lives.
“Development goals must be pursued without breaching environment regulations”,

comment. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article presents to us the recent natural hazards of the monsoon witnessed in parts of the
country – the floods of Brahmaputra valley to konkan coast to Kerala.
Discuss in detail why it is important that development goals must be pursued without breaching
environment regulations.
Directive:
Comment– here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an
overall opinion thereupon.
Introduction:
Briefly present some data referring to the recent natural hazards that have been witnessed in the
country.
Body:
Discuss the importance of environmental regulations – what are they? Why are they important?
Elaborate why there is often a gap between development goals and the regulations explain with
example – say for instance the objective of the National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping maps is to
help State and district authorities incorporate the risk of landslides into zoning laws. However, just as
in the case of earthquake zonation maps, or for that matter, any exercise to scientifically ascertain
the risk from natural hazards to a region, these laws are barely implemented in the right spirit.
Highlight the need to address the situation with utmost priority and recognize the importance of it.
Conclusion:
Conclude that there is a cost to pursuing development goals without paying attention to
environmental constraints.
Introduction:
The recent landslide in Idukki district of Kerala has claimed more than 30 lives thus far and rendered
several families homeless. This was a result of incessant rains leading to flood like situation, 2nd time
in a row in last 2 years. Such hazards are increasingly becoming very common in other parts of India,
due to the vagaries of climate change. Moreover, the impact of climate change is not limited to
landslides, but it also results in devastating floods co-existing along with long dry spells and loss of
biodiversity.
Body:

Anthropogenic changes and natural exploitation for economic growth are the major contributors to
climate change and its effects. This is due to the underlying thought that development policies
promote economic well-being, while environmental policies have been seen to be restricting it.
Environmental disasters in the recent past:
 Landslips or landslides have been a recurrent phenomenon in the Western Ghat state of Kerala.
 Data from the Geological Survey of India shows that Kerala has experienced 67 major landslide
events and several minor ones from 1961-2013.
 In 2019, Wayanad district witnessed multiple landslides that claimed several lives and destroyed
multiple hamlets.
 The National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (NLSM) programme of the Geological Survey of
India notes that nearly 13 of the State’s 14 districts are prone to landslides.
 As part of a National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (NLSM) programme, the Geological

Survey of India mapped States facing high landslide risk to assess the vulnerability of the districts
to landslides.
 This included states in the Western Ghats, the north-eastern States, Jammu and Kashmir and
Uttarakhand
Developmental goals are breaching the environmental sustainability:
 Neglect of environmental principles is a key reason why natural hazards end up causing a
significant number of avoidable casualties.
 Any exercise to scientifically ascertain the risk from natural hazards to a region are barely
implemented in the right spirit.
 Unregulated quarrying and the unscientific cutting of slopes into hills aggravates the risk of soil
erosion and subsequently increases the risk of landslides.
 In pursuit of providing welfare to vulnerable sections of society, the government has provided a
bulk of subsidies.
 However, subsidised nature of services like energy and electricity leads to their overuse and
undermines environmental sustainability.
 Further, subsidies also undermine the revenue base and limit the government’s capacity to
invest in new, cleaner technologies.
 Access to natural resources is entirely open and no individual user bears the full cost of
environmental degradation and resources are consequently overused.
 Increasing population tends to exacerbate the linkages between underdevelopment and

environmental degradation.
 Further, poverty generates significant incentives to raise large families and stimulate migrations,
which makes urban areas environmentally unsustainable.
 Both outcomes increase pressure on resources and consequently worsen environmental quality,
diminish productivity and reinforce poverty.

Measures needed:
 Role of Enterprises:
 Production systems must become sustainable.
 Switching from non-renewable to renewable sources of energy and materials targetting

cleaner production.
 Improving energy efficiency in industry is one of the most cost-effective measure.
 Maximising recycling and reuse of wastes.
 Industries across sectors must come together on a common platform to address the
issues concerning economic development and environment protection.
 Market-based instruments such as pollution tax and tradable pollution permits must be
carried out.
 Role of Government:
 Policies need to be simplified to create an ecosystem for new sustainable businesses to

flourish.
 Economic policies such as rationalization of price subsidies, the clarification of property

rights, facilitation of technology transfer may help in achieving environmental
sustainability.
 ICT can help drive socio-economic achievements via e-health, e-government services
and smart grids for utilities.
 Good environmental governance which limits exploitation of natural resources to

sustainable levels.
 Our policy should not be based on the “pollute-first; clean-up-later” approach.
 We need to strengthen participatory processes such as public hearings in the

environmental and forest clearance process.
 Developing and reporting measures of human well-being other than GDP that better
account for environmental and social costs of resource use.
 The Green GDP is a step forward for India if it wishes to account for true economic
growth and its holistic wealth.
 Strict environmental regulation may reduce environmental damage significantly.
 India should work with foreign governments and global organizations to find ways of
subsidizing clean fuel and cleaning our rivers and aquifers.
 Regions and countries can benefit from the knowledge of indigenous people and their
understanding of large ecosystems.
 Thus, Governance, including customary institutions and management systems should

involve indigenous peoples and local communities to safeguard nature and understand
climate change.

 The linkage of biodiversity and environmental sustainability highlights the critical need
to integrate biodiversity considerations in global decision-making.
Conclusion:
Development remains the greatest pursuit as well as a challenge, faced by humanity. However,
despite the unprecedented economic and social progress that has been made over the last century,
poverty, famine and environmental degradation still persist on a global scale. Moreover,
environmental deterioration and climate change have started to show irrevocable damages to the
developmental progress made so far. Thus, development goals must be pursued without breaching
environment regulations.
What are various urban wastes? What are the different steps involved in solid waste
management in municipal areas? Elaborate upon the major problems faced due to
urban waste dumping sites. (250 words)
Reference: The Print
Why the question:
The article presents to us the alarming issue of plastic wastes amidst the pandemic.
Discuss what Urban wastes are, what are the different steps involved in solid waste management in
municipal areas and what the major problems are at the waste dumping sites of urban areas.
Directive:
facts.
Introduction:
Start by explaining some key facts like Urban wastes have come up as a major problem as around 62
million tonnes of wastes are generated in India on a monthly basis. Even New Delhi generates more
than 100,000 tonnes of waste every day posing environmental and safety hazards.
Body:
Start by explaining different types of urban wastes; Municipal waste that includes household waste,
commercial waste, and demolition waste, Hazardous waste that includes industrial waste,
biomedical waste, radioactive waste, explosive waste, and electronic waste (e-waste) etc.
Then move on to explain different steps involved in solid waste management are. Discuss the
components of composting, disposal, and waste-to-energy via incineration etc. in detail.
Thereafter explain major problems faced due to urban waste dumping sites in urban areas.
Conclusion:
Conclude with solutions to address such alarming concerns and problems.
Introduction:
Urban Waste can be defined, in simple terms, as the waste collected from the residential and
industrial areas of cities and towns. This waste can lead to serious health and environmental issues if
not disposed of, treated, or managed properly. Urban waste represents a largely untapped source of
recyclable materials for production, reusable goods as well as a source of both heat and electricity
when properly utilised in efficient waste-to-energy plants.
Body:
Current Situation of MSW in India:
 The World Bank study revealed that India was the world’s highest waste-generating nation.

 According to a 2016 estimate given by the study, India’s annual waste generated is likely to
touch 387.8 million tonnes in 2030 and 543.3 million tonnes by 2050.
 The silver lining, though, is the fact that while India’s total waste production is the highest,
Bermuda and the US topped the list when it came to per person generation of waste every day.
 A report by the Press Information Bureau in 2016 put India’s annual waste generation at 62
million tonnes, “with an average annual growth rate of 4 per cent”.
 On a daily basis, the country produces more than 1.50 lakh metric tonne (MT) of solid waste,
according to a 2019 India Today report. With almost 15,000 MT of garbage remaining exposed
every day, it has become a significant reason for rising pollution levels.
 The CPCB report also reveals that only 68% of the MSW generated in the country is collected of
which, 28% is treated by the municipal authorities. Thus, merely 19% of the total waste
generated is currently treated.
 According to a UN report, India’s e-waste from old computers alone will jump 500 per cent by
2020, compared to 2007.
Essential steps involved in the solid waste management:
Some of the major issues concerning solid waste management are:
 Absence of segregation of waste at source
 Lack of funds for waste management at ULBs.
 Unwillingness of ULBs to introduce proper collection, segregation, transportation and

treatment/ disposal systems.
 Lack of technical expertise and appropriate institutional arrangement
 lack of infrastructure and technology
 lack of involvement from the private sector and non-governmental organisations
 Indifference of citizens towards waste management due to lack of awareness
 Lack of community participation towards waste management and hygienic conditions
 Lack of sewage management plan.
 About 70% of the plastic packaging products turn into plastic waste within a short period.

 Unorganized vendors and markets, existence of slum areas and Corruption are other issues
plaguing MSWM.
Steps needed:
 State governments should provide financial support to ULBs to improve their waste
management system under various schemes and programs.
 Initiatives like Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT should provide significant funding to improve civic
services infrastructure.
 The key to efficient waste management is to ensure proper segregation of waste at source and
to ensure that the waste goes through different streams of recycling and resource recovery as
stated in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
 Waste to energy is a key component of SWM. Installation of waste-to-compost and bio-

methanation plants would reduce the load of landfill sites
 There is a need to encourage research and development so as to reinvent waste management

system in India.
 The focus should be on recycling and recovering from waste and not landfill. Further, it is
important to encourage recycling of e-waste so that the problem of e-waste
 Public- Private Partnership models for waste management should be encouraged.
 Construction and demolition waste should be stored, separately disposed off, as per the
Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016.
 Responsibilities of Generators have been introduced to segregate waste in to three streams,

Wet (Biodegradable), Dry (Plastic, Paper, metal, wood, etc.) and domestic hazardous wastes
(diapers, napkins, empty containers of cleaning agents, mosquito repellents, etc.) and handover
segregated wastes to authorized rag-pickers or waste collectors or local bodies.
 Sensitization of citizens as well as government authorities, community participation,

involvement of NGOs. Littering should be prohibited.
 International Best practices should be emulated. South Korea is one of the few countries to
separate and recycle food waste. It has also launched landfill recovery projects such as
the Nanjido recovery project which have successfully transformed hazardous waste sites into
sustainable ecological attractions.
Conclusion:
Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is one of the major environmental problems of Indian
cities. The need of the hour is scientific, sustainable and environment friendly management of
wastes.

Disaster and disaster management.

Capacity building is the most important aspect of pre-disaster preparation to mitigate
the impact of disaster. In this light, discuss the various levels and methods of capacity
building. (250 words)
Reference: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, Hindustan Times
Why the question:
The question is based on the theme of capacity building during pre-disaster management and its
significance.
Discuss the concept of capacity building and the various levels and methods of it.
Directive:
Introduction:
Define what you understand by capacity building – The United Nations International Strategy for
Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) define ‘Capacity Development’ for Disaster Risk Reduction as “the
process by which people, organizations and society systematically stimulate and develop their
capability over time to achieve social and economic goals, including improvement of knowledge,
skills, systems, and institutions.
Body:
Discuss in detail the nuances of capacity building in pre-disaster management. Sendai Framework
emphasizes the need for enhancing the technical, financial, and administrative capabilities of
institutions, governments, and communities to deal with the risks at different levels.
Then move on to discuss the three levels of capacity development: individual, institutional and
enabling environment. Present case studies to explain and substantiate better.
Conclusion:
Conclude that Capacity building cannot be the responsibility of the state alone. As the Sendai
framework puts it aptly, we need an all-of society approach. There is need to build the knowledge of
civil society, communities and volunteers on disaster risk reduction and need to train people in the
private sector such as private medical practitioners and engineers for medical response and disaster
resilient construction respectively.
Introduction:
The Indian subcontinent is among the world’s most disaster prone areas. Almost 57% of the land is
vulnerable to earthquake (high seismic zones lll-V), 68% to drought, 8% to cyclones and 12% to
floods. Disaster management in India has evolved from an activity-based setup to an
institutionalized structure; from single faculty domain to a multi-stakeholder setup; and from a
relief-based approach to a ‘multi-dimensional approach for reducing risk’.
Body:
Spells of heavy rain for short periods, bigger catchment areas of streams and topographical
conditions are leading to cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand.
Over 40 people have died in rain-related disasters in Uttarakhand in the current monsoon.
UNDP’s definition of capacity development is as follows: The process through which individuals,
organizations and societies obtain, strengthen and maintain the capabilities to set and achieve their
own development objectives over time.

Importance of capacity building in pre-disaster preparation:
 India’s capacity to manage disaster risk is challenged by its size and huge population. The
country is likely to have the greatest exposure of any nation in the world to extreme weather
and natural disasters by 2030.
 Capacity building is an ongoing process that equips officials, stakeholders and the community to
perform their functions in a better manner during a crisis/disaster.
 Capacity-building should support the planning and implementation of actions across the full
disaster management cycle.
 The primary focus of capacity building is selection and providing training to the people who are
capable of planning, coordinating, acting and intervening where necessary.
 With better training local teams would be better prepared and able to respond to local disasters
too.
The steps involved in Capacity building for pre-disaster preparedness are:
 Education on disaster prevention and response:
o It includes educating the vulnerable communities as well as the population of state to

the possible hazards and their impacts in their area.
 Training to vulnerable communities:
o It includes imparting the basic training of disaster management to the volunteers and
local people.
o It aims to teach the people that how they can survive and help others.
 Collaboration with relief agencies:
o It includes the collaboration between different government as well as non-government

agencies involved in the relief work through the state for all kind of disasters.
o For instance, OSDMA, ODRAF, Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), fire service units, civil
defines units, NGOs, Village, Gram Panchayat and Block level disaster management
teams needed to work together.
 Mock drill:
o Basically Mock drills are set of simulation exercise, which if practiced several times,
would help in improving the cohesiveness of the community during an emergency.
o Mock drills can be organized in all cyclone prone districts involving all stakeholders,
districts administrations, PRI institutions, cyclone shelter management and maintenance
committees, and task force members to keep the community sensitized and responsive.
 Household preparation:
o it covers the preparation of keeping all valuable items in waterproof bags, keeping
minimum clothing, and being ready with a plan for evacuation.
 Understanding warning/de-warning messages:

o Dissemination of early warning message to the vulnerable communities is the next task
which can be achieved through better training and involvement of all stakeholders.
 First aid preparedness:
o Along with all necessary things it’s important to have a well-stocked first aid kit to deal
with minor accidents and injuries.
In India, the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) is the capacity building arm and the
States have disaster management cells in the State Administrative Training Institutes performs the
function of capacity building for effective and efficient disaster management. There are a number of
other training institutes which are engaged in training and capacity building in the area of disaster
management. It is vital for state disaster management authorities to focus on the continued
capacity-building of district disaster management authorities and CSOs that are responsible for
managing disaster risk.
Conclusion:
Since, risk associated with natural disasters cannot be reduced due to the fact that natural disasters
are certain to strike, but we can minimize the adverse effect of these disasters through maximizing
our capacity. In other words, our vision should be to maximize our cope up capacity so that
vulnerability can be minimized.
The increasing industrialization increases the risk of industrial disasters. What effective
steps must be taken to reduce industrial disasters? What lessons India can learn from
its past experience in tackling such disasters? (250 words)
Reference: tribuneindia.com
Why the question:
The article talks about preparing for a disaster-resilient nation.
Explain in what way increasing industrialization increases the risk of industrial disasters; discuss what
effective steps need to be taken to reduce the same. Discuss the lessons India can learn from its past
experiences.
Introduction:
Define what constitute Industrial hazards.
Body:
Industrial hazards are threats to people and life-support systems that arise from the mass production
of goods and services. When these threats exceed human coping capabilities or the absorptive
capacities of environmental systems they give rise to industrial disasters. Industrial hazards can occur
at any stage in the production process, including extraction, processing, manufacture,
transportation, storage, use, and disposal. Losses generally involve the release of damaging
substances (e.g. chemicals, radioactivity, and genetic materials) or damaging levels of energy from
industrial facilities or equipment into surrounding environments. This usually occurs in the form of
explosions, fires, spills, leaks, or wastes.
Explain what effective steps can be taken to address the concerns.
Discuss the case studies (India’s past experiences), explain what are the learnings from them.
Conclusion:
Conclude that India has learnt a number of lessons but still a lot needs to be done to efficiently tackle
such disasters.
Introduction:

The gas leak from a chemical factory in Vizag, which killed 12 people, is the most serious of three
industrial accidents that have taken place since the national lockdown was eased on May 3. The
other two were in Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh. Though the numbers are far smaller, the tragedy
brings back memories of the Bhopal gas leak, the worst industrial disaster in the world, which killed
at least 3,800 people. The Vizag plant leak was styrene, a benzene derivative used to manufacture
plastics and resin.
India’s industrial safety record has been patchy at the best of times. Now in the aftermath of the
lockdown, it is likely to get further eroded.
Body:
Need for Industrial safety in India:
 What happened in Vizag should be considered a warning for other industries which are resuming
operations after a lengthy lockdown. India’s industrial safety record has been patchy at the best
of times.
 Thirty-six years after the Bhopal disaster, it is distressing to see accidents from hazardous
industries.
 The fields of occupational and environmental medicine, toxicology, and epidemiology which
study and prevent industrial accidents have still not been developed adequately to cater for the
amount of industrial development that has occurred in India.
 Reports suggest that the Vizag plant has functioned without proper environmental clearances
for a substantial period since it was set up.
 It must also be asked how the South Korean petrochemical giant, which owns LG polymers, the
site of the accident, did not ensure that qualified people were in place to check systems and
open the plant.
 A majority of accidents that occur in refineries are the result of human error. Often times a
worker fails to follow the safety procedures that have been put into place by the company.
 The common reasons for accidents in chemical plants occur is from improper maintenance of
equipment. A piece of equipment can ultimately fail and malfunction if it is not properly
maintained. This can be very hazardous for the workers who are operating and working around
the machine.
 Every year 48000 fatal accidents occur in India. Only 20% working population was covered under
any occupational safety regulation.
 For instance, fire crackers Factory at Batle Punjab claimed 23 lives this year; Sivakashi factory
explosion – 2012, 40 died and 70 injured.
Measures undertaken in India:
 Civil Nuclear Liability Act, 2010 deals with instituting civil liability for nuclear damage and
granting prompt compensation to victims of a nuclear incident
 The Environment Relief Fund (ERF), a central fund under the Public Liability Insurance Act,
1991, was set up to provide immediate relief to victims of accidents in chemical industries. In

March, a study found that a corpus of Rs 810 crore with ERF has remained unutilised for nearly
three decades.
 India follows the highest standard of liability for an incident like this, when a hazardous or
dangerous substance used for industrial purposes leaks and causes harm to people.
 Environment Protection Act, 1987, brought in the aftermath of Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Under this,
the Centre has notified Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules,
1989 and the Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules,
2008 for regulating hazardous substances.
 The principle of ‘absolute and strict liability’ was formulated by the Supreme Court in a crucial
judgment in MC Mehta vs Union of India in 1986, when the court was dealing with the leak of
oleum gas at the Shriram Foods and Fertiliser Industries plant in Delhi.
 The National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997: Under this Act, the National
Environment Appellate Authority can hear appeals regarding the restriction of areas in which
any industries, operations or processes or class of industries shall not be carried out or shall be
carried out subject to certain safeguards under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
 National Green Tribunal, 2010 provided for the establishment of the National Green Tribunal for
effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection and
conservation of forests.
 This means that if there is an accident at a plant like LG Polymers in Visakhapatnam, which
involves the manufacture or use of a hazardous substance (like styrene gas here, or oleum gas in
the Delhi case) the company which runs the plant has to make sure that it compensates
everyone who suffers any sort of harm as a result.
Measures needed to strengthen the Industrial safety in India:
 Industries must comply with regulations, and the government must ensure that they are strictly
enforced.
 Regular maintenance at scheduled intervals and the manufacturer’s recommendations is

important to ensure that the equipment runs smoothly and safely.
 Employees should be properly taught on how to operate the equipment in the way it was
designed to be used. They should also learn to employ safety procedures when they are
operating a piece of equipment.
 Also, employees should be well versed in what to do if something goes wrong so that they can
fix it before it gets out of control.
Way forward:
 The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2019, which unfortunately,
successive governments have not felt it necessary to ratify should be taken up and put into place
immediately.
 With the ultimate aim of extending the safety and healthy working conditions to all workforce of
the country, the Code enhances the ambit of provisions of safety, health, welfare and working
conditions from existing about 9 major sectors to all establishments having 10 or more
employees.
 It is evident that the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions has some unique new
initiatives for both workers and employers.
 It promotes health, safety, welfare and better working conditions of workforce by enhancing the
ambit of a dynamic legislation as compared to the existing sectoral approach limited to few
sectors.
 Besides, it also drastically rationalizes the compliance mechanism with one license, one
registration and one return for the establishments under the ambit of the Code thereby saving
resources and efforts of the employers.
 Thus, there is a need to balance the requirements of worker and employer and is beneficial to
both the constituents of the world of work.
What is an oil spill? Discuss and suggest its impact while highlighting the methods
through which oil spills can be cleaned. (250 words)
Reference: bbc.com
Why the question:
India has sent copters and equipment to help Mauritius deal with an oil spill. Thus the question.
Explain in detail what oil spills are and discuss their impact while also discussing methods through
which they can be cleaned.
Directive:
Introduction:
Define what oil spills are.
Body:
One can start by quoting the recent incidence of oil spill in the Mauritius. Japanese bulk carrier MV
Wakashio struck a coral reef off the capital, Port Louis, in July 2020 resulting in an oil spill of over
1,000 tonnes into the Indian Ocean.
Then discuss the concerns of it – It has raised concerns over the ecological damage caused to the
region. The accident had taken place near two environmentally protected marine ecosystems and the
Blue Bay Marine Park Reserve, which is a wetland of international importance.
Explain how dangerous are oil spills? – Oil spills affect marine life by exposing them to harsh
elements and destroying their sources of food and habitat.
According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), both birds and
mammals can die from hypothermia as a result of oil spills. For instance:
The insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals such as sea otters is destroyed by oil.
It also decreases the water repellency of birds’ feathers, without which they lose their ability to repel
cold water.
Then discuss methods and procedures of cleaning oil spills in detail.
Conclusion:
Introduction:
OECD defines an oil spill as oil, discharged accidentally or intentionally, that floats on the surface of
water bodies as a discrete mass and is carried by the wind, currents and tides. Oil spills can pollute
land, air, or water, though it is mostly used for oceanic oil spills.

A Japanese bulk-carrier ship MV Wakashio which was carrying fuel oil has split into two parts near
Blue Bay Marine Park, a Ramsar site, in south-east Mauritius. The ship was already leaking and has
caused an oil spill of over 1000 tonnes in the Indian Ocean. The presence of coral reefs, mangroves,
seagrass meadows, and macro algae make Blue Bay Marine Park an ecologically sensitive zone.
Body:
Oil spill: An Environmental Hazard
When an oil spill occurs, many elements of the environment may be affected. Depending on the
magnitude of the spill and its location, the effects can vary, ranging from minimal to serious ones.
 Ecosystem Destruction: Oil spills can have a major impact on the temporary animal and fish loss
of habitat. Heavy oils may affect several organism functions like respiration, feeding, and
thermo-regulation.
 At the same time, the entire ecosystem can change temporarily because of the chemical
components and elements of the spilled oil that are toxic to the environment.
 If an aquatic oil spill is substantial enough (such as in the case of Exxon Valdez 1989 spill
or the April 2010 BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico from offshore drilling) then the effects
on marine life, birds, humans and ecosystems (including marshes and wetlands, as well
as shorelines or gulf coasts) could be serious.
 There are immediate effects on humans, fish, animals, birds and wildlife in general, mainly due
to:

 direct contact with the spilled oil including breathing of volatilized oil
components (hydrocarbons) from the spill;
 direct contact with the environment polluted with spilled oil components (some of
which may persist a long time), such as drinking polluted water or breathing polluted
dust particles;
 consumption of polluted food – at any level within the food chain, with a higher risk for
food pollution at the higher levels of the food chain, i.e. humans and animals.
 If the oil washes into coastal marshes, mangrove forests, or other wetlands, fibrous
plants and grasses absorb oil, which can damage plants and make the area unsuitable
as wildlife habitat.
 g.: Despite massive clean-up efforts following the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, a
2007 study conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) found that 26,000 gallons of oil were still trapped in the sand along the
Alaska shoreline.
 Although some organisms may be seriously injured or killed very soon after contact with
the oil in a spill, other effects are more subtle and often longer lasting.
 For example, freshwater organisms are at risk of being smothered by oil that is
carried by the current, or of being slowly poisoned by long-term exposure to oil
trapped in shallow water or stream beds.
 On Marine Organisms: Oil spills frequently kill marine mammals such as whales,
dolphins, seals, and sea otters.
 Oil can clog blowholes of whales and dolphins, making it impossible for them to
breathe properly and disrupting their ability to communicate.
 Oil coats fur of otters and seals, leaving them vulnerable to hypothermia.
 Marine mammals that eat fish or other food exposed to an oil spill may be
poisoned by oil and die or experience other problems.
 Oil spills often take a deadly toll on fish, shellfish, and other marine life,
particularly if many fish eggs or larvae are exposed to oil.
 Eg: Fisheries impacted by the Exxon Valdez took over three decades to recover.
 On Birds: Oil spills also damage nesting grounds, potentially causing serious long-term
effects on entire species.
 The 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon offshore oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, for
example, occurred during prime mating and nesting season for many bird and
marine species, and long-term environmental consequences of that spill won’t
be known for years.
 Oil spills can disrupt migratory patterns by contaminating areas where migrating
birds normally stop.

 By coating feathers, oil not only makes flying impossible but also destroys birds’
natural waterproofing and insulation, leaving them vulnerable to hypothermia
or overheating.
 As birds frantically preen their feathers to restore their natural protections, they
often swallow oil, which can severely damage their internal organs and lead to
death.
 On Economy:
 If beaches and populated shorelines are fouled, tourism and commerce may be
severely affected.
 The power plants and other utilities that depend on drawing or discharging sea
water are severely affected by oil spills.
 Major oil spills are frequently followed by the immediate suspension of

commercial fishing.
Methods through which oil spill can be cleaned:
 Oil spills can be partially controlled by chemical dispersion, combustion, mechanical

containment and adsorption.
 Containment Booms: Floating barriers, called booms are used to restrict the spread of oil and to
allow for its recovery, removal, or dispersal.
 Skimmers: are devices used for physically separating spilled oil from the water’s surface.
 Sorbents: Various sorbents (e.g., straw, volcanic ash, and shavings of polyester-derived plastic)
that absorb the oil from the water are used.
 Dispersing agents: These are chemicals that contain surfactants, or compounds that act to break
liquid substances such as oil into small droplets. They accelerate its natural dispersion into the
sea.
 Bio-agents: Nutrients, enzymes, or microorganisms such as Alcanivorax bacteria or Methylocella

silvestris that increase the rate at which natural biodegradation of oil occurs are added.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the severity of environmental damage caused by an oil spill depends on many factors,
including the amount of oil spilled, type and weight of oil, location of the spill, species of wildlife in
the area, timing of breeding cycles and seasonal migrations, and even the weather at sea during and
after the oil spill.
For a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction, there is a Need to mainstream

indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies. Analyse. (250
words )
Reference: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ,thenewhumanitarian.org
Why the question:
The article talks about significance of indigenous knowledge in the holistic approach to disaster risk
reduction.

Explain the need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern
technologies for a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction.
Directive:
Introduction:
Introduce with the definition of disaster risk reduction.
Body:
Briefly define the concept of disaster risk reduction and relate it with the advantages offered by
indigenous traditional knowledge.
Discuss the need for mainstreaming indigenous knowledge systems by accounting for different
hazards across different ecosystems.
Suggest some ways of integrating traditional knowledge domains with the modern technologies for a
comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategy.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way ahead.
Introduction:
Indigenous knowledge systems have existed as part of human life from yesteryear and this practice
is important as it has shaped how people interact with their environment. It has been observed that
local knowledge and practices to improve disaster risk reduction have grown since the 1970s. As
such, this knowledge gained recognition and prominence in the 1990s in the field of disaster risk
reduction and in issues associated with climate change. However, despite the recognition of the
important role that indigenous knowledge plays in reducing the risk of disasters and adapting to
climate change, this knowledge has not featured prominently in disaster policy and science.
Body:
The need to mainstream indigenous traditional knowledge and link it with modern technologies:
 Local people have certain capacities that have evolved over centuries and this capacity and
knowledge have been tested over time and proven to be sustainable and effective in both
reducing disasters and managing hazards.
 As far as the management of disasters is concerned, communities have also relied on their
indigenous knowledge to minimise the impact of disasters.
 Those communities that have embraced indigenous knowledge have managed to save lives and
property from various types of natural disasters.
 For instance, in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, indigenous
knowledge helped communities to survive the disaster.
 Indigenous knowledge systems present many alternatives to governments, scientists,
practitioners and local communities on how they should approach different disasters.
 Indigenous knowledge can empower members of a community to take leading roles in activities
aimed at reducing disaster risk.
 For instance, mixed cropping is a form of indigenous knowledge which can be applied to improve
the yield of various crops, so that alternative crops are available for consumption if other crops
fail.
 A community that possesses vast indigenous knowledge of disaster risk reduction is able to take
care of itself and also able to deal with disasters with minimum external support.

 Through the use of their indigenous knowledge, people can deal with different kinds of hazards
and disasters before the arrival of disaster risk reduction practitioners.
 Such knowledge can be used to predict the occurrence of disasters and their impact so that
proper interventions are adopted.
 According to the UNISDR (2015), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030,
adopted by the Third United Nations World Conference, advocates for the use of indigenous
peoples’ knowledge and practices to complement scientific knowledge in disaster risk
assessment.
 The framework recognises that indigenous peoples, through their experience and traditional
knowledge, provide an important contribution to the development and implementation of plans
and mechanisms, including early warning (UNISDR 2015).
 Therefore, indigenous knowledge is a vital component of disaster risk reduction.
Challenges:
 A lack of clarity of what constitutes indigenous knowledge has not helped its applicability.
 Various scholars have differing views of what indigenous knowledge entails.
 it is not wholly trusted by many in the communities, as well as disaster risk reduction
practitioners. Scepticism by disaster risk reduction practitioners regarding the use of indigenous
knowledge arises as a result of the fact that such knowledge lacks documentation.
 the uses of indigenous means of survival have not always proved to be sustainable. This suggests
that indigenous knowledge may not always be a right intervention for all hazards and disasters
affecting human communities.
 the knowledge may be wrong or even harmful to people. This implies that at times practices
based on indigenous knowledge may exacerbate a community’s vulnerability to disasters.
Conclusion:
Indigenous knowledge, if given space, would continue to play a significant role for local communities
and practitioners in disaster risk reduction. If anything, local people should be enabled to actively
participate in decision-making processes at regional, national and local levels.
Local people have a wealth of experience and understanding pertaining to their local environment.
Therefore, they possess incorporating information that can be relied upon to help their communities
plan for and better manage disasters in order to reduce the risk and impact. Their involvement in
disaster risk reduction programmes is therefore important. It has been observed that disaster-
affected people are not hopeless victims, but are citizens who possess certain capacities and
important indigenous knowledge that practitioners can use.
Security challenges and their management in border areas - linkages of organized

crime with terrorism.
Elaborate upon the ongoing Political instability in West Asia and North Africa; also
explain in what way is it proving to be a fertile ground for Islamic States (IS) terrorists to
operate. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article explains the UN counterterrorism chief’s statement to the Security Council on the
continuing presence of Islamic State (IS) terrorists in West Asia, Africa and elsewhere is a serious
warning to the countries in these regions.
Explain in detail the political instability in the West Asia and North Africa that are in a way fostering
the operations of Islamic State Terrorists in the region.
Directive:
facts.
Introduction:
Discuss first the current context of the question.
Body:
Start by explaining the background of the question. Present the associated concerns in detail.
Explain in detail the Political instability in West Asia and North Africa: Ever since they lost territories,
IS fighters withdrew from the front lines and started operating in cells in the deserts, mountains and
hinterlands of conflict-ridden countries. Political instability in parts of West Asia and North Africa is
allowing the IS space to operate.
Discuss what should be the way forward.
Conclusion:
Conclude that though the IS no longer controls any big city, its rise from a breakaway faction of al-
Qaeda in Iraq to one of the world’s most potent terrorist groups should be a lesson for all
stakeholders. The IS has its roots in the U.S. invasion of Iraq. It started growing by exploiting the civil
war in Syria. The regional governments, as well as their international backers (and rivals), should be
mindful of this fact. If they fail to address the regional fault-lines and continue to fight each other,
the jihadists could emerge winners once again.
Introduction:
The continuing presence of Islamic State (IS) terrorists in West Asia, Africa and elsewhere should be
seen as a serious warning by the countries in these regions. More than 10,000 Islamic State fighters
are estimated to remain active in Iraq and Syria two years after the militant group’s defeat, and their
attacks have significantly increased this year, according to reports of the U.N. counter-terrorism
chief. The Islamic State extremist group — also known as IS, ISIL and ISIS — has regrouped and its
activity has increased not only in conflict zones like Iraq and Syria but also in some regional affiliates.
Body:
Political instability in West Asia and North Africa:
 West Asia:
 Iraq and Syria are particularly vulnerable to the IS’s resurgence as these countries are
yet to be fully stabilised after the wars.
 In Syria, the Bashar al-Assad government has practically won the civil war.
 But Syria is now a divided country. While the government controls most of the
territories, a coalition of jihadists and rebels is running the Idlib province.
 In the northeast, the Kurdish rebels have declared autonomy.
 On the Syrian-Turkish border, Turkey, backed by pro-Turkish rebels, has carved out a
buffer and has been in permanent conflict with the Kurds.
 Though there is an uneasy quiet in Syria, the situation is inflammable. Iraq, after months
of protests and instability, has finally got a government.
 But Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is torn between the U.S. and Iran.
 Pro-Iran Shia militias continue to target U.S. troops inside Iraq, which could turn the
country into a battlefield between Washington and Tehran.
 The story is not very different in Africa.
 Libya has two governments, which were fighting each other till last week’s ceasefire.
 The Libyan conflict has spilled over into Mali and Burkina Faso, where jihadists have
established a solid presence.
 Chaos breeds militancy, and as the main group here is the IS, it would remain active as
long as these countries remain unstable.
West Asia and North Africa: A fertile ground for breeding of ISIS terrorists
 In West Africa Province
 It remains a major focus of IS global propaganda, and its total membership of

approximately 3,500 makes it one of the largest of the remote `provinces.’
 It continues to reinforce links with the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, which
remains the most dangerous group in the tri-border area of Burkina Faso, Mali, and the
Niger.
 While IS only has a few hundred fighters in Libya, they have been exploiting ethnic
tensions and represent a potent threat capable of broader regional impact.
 There are worrying attacks by the Islamic State Central Africa Province in Congo and
Mozambique, including complex attacks and brief takeovers of villages.
 In Europe:
 The main threat comes from Internet-driven, home-grown terrorist radicalization, citing
three IS-inspired attacks in France and two in the United Kingdom.
 Acute concerns about radicalization and failed rehabilitation in prisons, and the
imminent release of dangerous inmates with a terrorism background or connections.
 In Afghanistan:
 IS’s affiliate has conducted high-profile attacks in various parts of the country, including
Kabul, and seeks to use Afghan territory to spread its influence across the region and to
attract fighters who oppose the recent peace agreement between the U.S. and the
Taliban.
 In Asia:
 IS claimed its first attack in the Maldives in April, he said, and attacks on security forces
in southeast Asia occur regularly though government counter-terrorism operations have
kept up pressure on the extremists.

Way forward:
 Repatriation, prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration and the protection of the vulnerable
have become ever more urgent.
 N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for all countries to implement international law and
bring home all their stranded women, men and children should be implemented.
 A well-operated online intelligence network in India will not only have a domestic benefit, but
will give gains to the neighbourhood as well with intelligence sharing, joint online operations and
database convergence to keep a check on ISIS’s influence on the internet.
 The main challenge now is to make sure that no environment is allowed to sustain for an ISIS 2.0
to emerge.
 The global community must aid the fight to defeat ISIS the way it aided the SDF.
 Any lasting solution will eventually have to come from within the states, people, leaders, tribes
and ecosystems of the region itself.
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media

and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber
security; money-laundering and its prevention.
“Borderless cyberspace, as a part of the “global commons” does not exist; discuss the
quest for order amid cyber insecurity. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article is by Syed Akbaruddin who has served as India’s Permanent Representative at the United
Nations.
One has to discuss the quest of order amidst cyber insecurity and in what way borderless cyberspace
needs to be part of global commons.
Directive:
Introduction:
Cyber-attacks amidst this pandemic have grown tremendously. In one week in April 2020, reportedly,
there were over 18 million daily malware and phishing emails related to COVID-19 monitored by a
single email provider, in addition to more than 240 million COVID-19-related daily spam messages.
Body:
Explain that like global public health, cybersecurity is a niche area, left to experts. A better
understanding of the global cyberspace architecture is required.
Discuss what the gaps in the current system are. Borderless cyberspace, as a part of the “global
commons” does not exist. It is an illusion that connectivity across national boundaries nurtured.
The Internet depends on physical infrastructure that is under national control, and hence is subject to
border controls too. Each state applies its laws to national networks, consistent with its international
commitments.
Conclusion:

Conclude with the need to recognise quest for order amid cyber insecurity.
Introduction:
Cyberspace is comprised of computer networks, computer resources, and all the fixed and
mobile devices connected to the global internet. A nation’s cyberspace is part of the global
cyberspace; it cannot be isolated to define its boundaries since cyberspace is borderless, unlike the
physical world-land, sea, river waters, and air-that is limited by geographical boundaries. The digital
revolution has further sped up the emergence of a global digital space.
Body:
Cyberspace – a global common?
 Cyberspace spans the entire globe almost seamlessly.
 The national assets have to be part of the cyberspace, the global commons, to derive benefits of
connectivity-global e-commerce, email, funds transfer, stock trading, and other relations for
business and trade; social networking that is spawning global communities, and changing the
way people keep in touch with their families and friends.
 Cyberspace is indeed a global common, albeit of a new kind, since it is man-made.
 It facilitates the transfer of data and information rather than people, vessels, and goods; it is
largely owned by the private sector.
 But it’s a national asset too, since it enables a host of business and government services to
citizens; critical infrastructure depends on it for its efficient operations.
 In fact, economies of advanced nations almost entirely depend upon it.
 The attacks on these systems can come from anywhere in the world, because cyberspace is
borderless.
 That’s what makes cyberspace a unique global common, with every piece belonging to some
company, organization, or individual as part of a national ICT asset.
However, challenges exist to Cyberspace as a global common:
 Recent cyber-attacks by organized criminals, non-state actors, and even nation-states have
underlined the threat scenario.
 Sensitive country information including defence secrets, embassies’ correspondence; intellectual

property comprising R&D of several companies based on years of efforts worth billions of
dollars; penetration of critical infrastructures; use of cyberspace by terrorists, by nation-states
through non-state actors have raised the spectre of a silent net-centric war-in what is known as
cyber warfare.
 Cyberspace has emerged as the new domain-beyond land, sea, air and space-that has to be
factored by nations in their national defence strategies and plans. Cyberspace commons,
therefore must have rules of the road.
 Cyberspace is anarchic today since there is no formal governance regime. Market based
governance that includes people, groups, and governments around the world has produced a
flexible and effective global network of networks. But its regulation is complicated by several
features.

 Cyberspace is asymmetric, and offense dominant, provides anonymity because of difficulties in

attribution-with implications for bringing criminals to justice and for deterrence and reprisal in
the battle space.
 Silent, undetected attacks by non-state actors-criminals and terrorists-and by nation-states for

cyber espionage, and disruption of critical infrastructures to cripple economies and spread
disorder-are a reality.
Cyberspace breaches in the recent times:
 In one week in April 2020, reportedly, there were over 18 million daily malware and phishing
emails related to COVID-19 monitored by a single email provider, in addition to more than 240
million COVID-19-related daily spam messages.
 Twitter hackers collected $120,000 in full public gaze, while a “ransomware” target in California
quietly paid 116.4 bitcoins or $1.14 million.
 There is also concern about the role of states. Australia mentioned of attacks by a state actor.
 China has been accused of hacking health-care institutions in the United States working on novel
coronavirus treatment.
 The United Kingdom has warned of hackers backed by the Russian state targeting
pharmaceutical companies conducting COVID-19 vaccine research.
 The ban on specified Chinese Apps, on grounds that they are “engaged in activities prejudicial to
the sovereignty and integrity of India” adds another layer of complexity to the contestation in
cyberspace.
Way forward:
 Since the cyberattacks respect no borders, it is thus essential to bring the international
community together to ensure peace and security in the digital space. In such a scenario, shared
rules and norms become imperative.
 We need global rules for cyberspace as global commons to protect our national ICT assets from
attackers in other countries. Clearly, national security depends on safe cyberspace commons.
 Globally, India’s passivity in influencing global tech rules must end and India needs to play a key
role in shaping cybernorms and rules.
 Engagement in multi-stakeholder orientations such as the Paris Call (for trust and security in
cyberspace) could be helpful.
 India could consider acceding to the Budapest Convention, or Convention on Cybercrime of the
Council of Europe.
 The sheer volume of data generated by citizens at home makes India an essential destination for
foreign technology firms enabling India to exercise its authority in shaping global trade rules.
 This allows India to shape, influence and constrain global technology rules that serve its strategic
interests.
 India can and must significantly shape the making of the digital world.

In light of the snowballing instances of cybercrimes and cyber bullying of girls and
women, deliberate upon the challenges associated and suggest suitable measures to
address it. (250 words)
Why the question:
Question is amidst increasing instances of cybercrimes and cyber bullying of girls and women.
Discuss in detail the reasons for rising incidences of cybercrimes and cyber bullying of girls and
women.
Directive:
Deliberate – Weigh up to what extent something is true. Persuade the reader of your argument by
citing relevant research but also remember to point out any flaws and counter- arguments as well.
Conclude by stating clearly how far you agree with the original proposition.
Introduction:
Present key data suggesting the dismal conditions of women and girls with cybercrimes and cyber
bullying.
Body:
Explain first the concerns broadly such as the gender violence – Instances of non-consensual sharing
of images online to threaten and shame girls and women amount to a form of gender violence and
raise serious questions about the existing mindsets of the youngsters indulging in such acts.
Discuss the context of growing digital presence; growing trend of digital presence in the form of
social media usage.
Explain the issues associated with it.
Conclusion:
Suggest way forward; recommend solutions to address the solutions.
Introduction:
Cyberbullying is defined by PK Smith et al. as an “aggressive, intentional act carried out by a group or
individual, using electronic forms of contact, repeatedly and over time against a victim who cannot
easily defend himself or herself.” Most definitions of bullying rely upon three criteria; intent to
harm, imbalance of power, and repetition of the act.
COVID-19 has exacerbated the challenges that women face. The National Commission for Women
has reported a surge in domestic violence and cybercrimes, which has made girls and women more
vulnerable as they struggle to fight another pandemic of violence and abuse inside their homes and
online.
Body:
Cyber Bullying:
 Cyber bullying can occur through SMS, Text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or
gaming where people can view, participate in, or share content.
 It includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone
else.
 It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing
embarrassment or humiliation.
 Some cyber bullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behaviour.

Challenges posing to sexual violence against women
 Product of Patriarchy: The patriarchal mindset of male masculinity and superiority has seeped to
new generation.
 Violence unchecked: As per World Health Organization (WHO) findings about 1 in 3 (35%)
women worldwide have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-
partner sexual violence in their lifetime.
o Most often the sexual violence is inflicted by the spouses or close relatives. Speaking
against it is a taboo even today as it affects the ‘family honour’.
 Men are more likely to perpetrate violence if they have low education, a history of child
maltreatment, exposure to domestic violence against their mothers, harmful use of alcohol,
unequal gender norms including attitudes accepting of violence, and a sense of entitlement over
women.
 Lower education: Women are more likely to experience intimate partner violence if they have
low education, exposure to mothers being abused by a partner, abuse during childhood, and
attitudes accepting violence, male privilege, and women’s subordinate status.
o As women are financially dependent on their male counterparts without any support
from their family, it becomes even more difficult to report domestic violence and other
forms of exploitation.
 Gender inequality: Economic survey 2017 noted that even today there is high “son-meta
preference”. This has led to the phenomenon of more than a million “missing girls” and
unwanted women due to neglect, female infanticide and foeticide.
o Eg: Even in 2020, two cases of female infanticide was reported from Tamil Nadu, which
relatively scores more on human development indicators.
o The number of girls getting enrolled in government schools is higher than boys in the
age group of 4-8 years, according to the 14th Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)
 Early marriages: Early marriage with or without the consent of the girl, constitutes a form of
violence as it undermines the health and autonomy of millions of girls.
Government Initiatives against Cyberbullying:
 Guidelines by NCERT: Because of lack of awareness about cyber bullying among the children’s,
teachers as well as the parents, NCERT came up with three guideline booklets one for teachers
one for school and one for students. For students it’s in the form of DO’s & DON’Ts.
 Government of India is come up with ministry of home affairs Cybercrime reporting portal
gov.in.
 For generating awareness in state of Delhi, Delhi police has come up with an initiative in which
Police visits school administration to get aware of cyber bullying and also engage workshops for
computer teachers.
Measures needed:

 Laws to protect women: It is important to enact and enforce legislation and develop and
implement policies that promote gender equality by ending discrimination against women in
marriage, divorce and custody laws, inheritance laws and ownership of assets.
 Financial Independence: Improving women’s access to paid employment and ensuring equal
wage for equal work is of utmost importance.
 Developing and resourcing national plans and policies to address violence against women.
o Eg: Gender based budgeting has led to women centric development plans.
 Improve system of collecting crime surveillance data on violence against women. Eg Safe cities
scheme and using Nirbhaya Fund for better safety of women.
 Capacity building and training to service providers and law enforcement officers to handle cases
of violence against women. Eg Quick response on nationwide number for women safety 112.
 Male Mediated Initiatives: Ensure male involvement in devising program for abusers.
 Prevent recurrence of violence: Through early identification of women and children who are
experiencing violence and providing appropriate referral and support
 Promote egalitarian gender norms as part of life skills and comprehensive sexuality education
curricula taught to young people.
 Gender based surveys: Generate evidence on what works and on the magnitude of the problem
by carrying out population-based surveys, or including violence against women in population-
based demographic and health surveys, as well as in surveillance and health information
systems.
Way forward:
 We also need to engage with school communities, civil society organisations and governments
to define alternatives for pre-existing norms of masculinities.
 One such initiative, the ‘Action for Equality’ programme, driven by our partner the Equal
Community Foundation, has already trained over 130 educators across India on how to engage
boys to achieve gender equality through educational interventions.
 Many more schools should adopt School-Related Gender-based Violence programmes and
curricula, so that conversations can move out of the locker room and emerge as healthy
discussions in the classroom.
 The ground-breaking National Education Policy 2020 provides historic opportunities to shape
the educational response to these challenges for decades to come.
 Ultimately, societies across the world must sensitise children and young women and men
towards understanding the repercussion of their choices and guide them towards a sounder
actualisation of their own individualities.
 From Riot Grrrl to #MeToo and other actions, it is fairly evident that the global movements
towards gender equality and the eradication of violence against women are here to stay and
hopefully to grow.
Conclusion:

Cyberbullying is an online problem that needs to be dealt with offline, and like Theodore Roosevelt
popularly said “Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right,” merely
acknowledging cyberbullying as a problem is not enough anymore. It is also imperative that mental
health professionals use their critical expertise in formulating and implementing school- and
community-wide approaches to cyberbullying prevention.




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INSIGHTSIAS

IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION

INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

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Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources,

Key features of the scheme:

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 Any additional expenditure incurred by companies on plant, machinery, equipment, research

Benefits to Indian Economy:

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Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic:

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 Many enterprises may be forced to shut down.

Policy measures to address this challenge:

 Direct cash assistance for the poor:

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 Restoring confidence in the financial system:

 Restoring confidence among investors:

 Entrepreneurs must feel confident about reopening and making investments.

 Guarding against hasty decisions:

 Ensuring financial resources:

 Borrow from International Institutions or deficit monetisation by RBI:

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 Declare the provision of remittance services as an essential service:

 Provide fiscal and monetary incentives:

 Include remittances in the broader migration debate:

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analyze in detail the transparent taxation platform “Transparent Taxation – Honoring

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Key highlights of the Transparent Taxation platform:

Need for such initiatives:

Significance of the platform:

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Limitations of central banking framework in the country:

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 Since April, while WPI has been in negative territory.

 Monetary policy is supposed to be forward looking.

 The central bank must develop a clear strategy on what to do.

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India’s macro-economic indicator scenario:

 Moody’s downgraded India’s ratings-outlook from ‘stable’ to ‘negative’ in November 2019.

 Fitch Ratings released in May projected a 5% decline in growth.

 IMF has also slashed India’s growth rate to 1.9% in FY21.

Need for a new National Competition policy (NCP) for India:

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Highlights of the report:

 Top 3 states: Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Key findings of the report:

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Export promotion in India faces three fundamental challenges:

 Intra- and inter-regional disparities in export infrastructure.

 Poor trade support and growth orientation among states.

 Poor R&D infrastructure to promote complex and unique exports.