Q1//

e-NAM stands for Electronic National Agricultural Market. It is an online trading

platform introduced by the Government of India to create a unified national market
for agricultural commodities. The e-NAM platform aims to integrate existing
physical wholesale markets (known as APMC markets) across the country into a
single electronic platform.

e-NAM enables farmers, traders, and buyers to connect and trade agricultural
produce online, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring transparent price
discovery. The platform facilitates transparent bidding and counteroffers, provides
real-time information on prices, and offers a seamless payment mechanism.

Some key features of e-NAM include:

Unified Market: e-NAM provides a unified market platform where farmers can sell
their produce to buyers from anywhere in the country.

Transparent Price Discovery: The platform offers real-time price information,

enabling farmers to make informed decisions about selling their produce at the best
prices.

Timely Payments: e-NAM ensures timely payments to farmers through an online

payment gateway, reducing delays and improving financial security.

Reduced Intermediaries: The platform eliminates multiple layers of intermediaries,

allowing farmers to directly connect with buyers, thus improving their profit
margins.

Q2//
A stationary population pyramid is a graphical representation of a population
where the birth and death rates are relatively low and stable, resulting in a balanced
age distribution. It has a rectangular shape, indicating an equal or narrowing width
of age cohorts. This suggests a constant population size across different age
groups. The pyramid reflects an ageing population with a higher proportion of
individuals in older age groups. It signifies societal advancements, such as
improved healthcare and higher living standards. The implications include
potential labor shortages, adjustments in retirement policies, and the need to plan
for the needs of an ageing population.
Q3//
The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is a measure used to assess poverty
from a multidimensional perspective, taking into account multiple dimensions of
deprivation beyond income or consumption alone. It provides a more
comprehensive understanding of poverty by considering various indicators related
to health, education, and living standards.

The MPI examines the prevalence and intensity of poverty across different
indicators within these dimensions. It identifies individuals or households
experiencing deprivation in multiple areas simultaneously, capturing the
overlapping nature of poverty.

Q4//
A deprivation score is a measure used in the calculation of the Multidimensional
Poverty Index (MPI) to assess the level of deprivation faced by individuals or
households across different indicators within each dimension. It quantifies the
extent to which an individual is deprived in a specific indicator.

The computation of a deprivation score involves comparing an individual's or

household's achievement in a particular indicator against a predefined cutoff or
threshold. If the individual falls below the cutoff, they are considered deprived in
that indicator, and if they meet or exceed the cutoff, they are not deprived.
The specific methodology for computing deprivation scores may vary depending
on the context and the indicators used. In general, it involves assigning a value of 0
or 1 to indicate deprivation or non-deprivation respectively for each indicator.
These values are then aggregated to calculate the overall deprivation score.

For example, in the education dimension, if the indicator is years of schooling, the
cutoff might be set at a certain minimum number of years, such as completing
primary education (e.g., 5 years). If an individual has less than 5 years of
schooling, they would be assigned a deprivation score of 1 for that indicator,
indicating deprivation. If they have 5 or more years of schooling, they would be
assigned a score of 0, indicating non-deprivation. Similar calculations are done for
other indicators and dimensions.

By computing deprivation scores across multiple dimensions, the MPI captures the
multidimensional nature of poverty, allowing for a more comprehensive
understanding of deprivation beyond income or consumption alone.

Q4//OR
Characteristics of the Indian Economy:

• Mixed Economy: The Indian economy is characterized by a mixed economic

system, combining elements of both a market economy and a planned
economy. While market forces play a significant role, the government also
controls and regulates various sectors.

• Agriculture Dominance: Agriculture has traditionally been a significant

sector in the Indian economy, employing a large portion of the population
and contributing to the country's GDP. However, its share in the overall GDP
has been declining with the growth of other sectors.
 • Service Sector Growth: The service sector has emerged as a key driver of the
Indian economy. It encompasses various industries such as information
technology, telecommunications, banking, finance, tourism, and healthcare.
The service sector has witnessed substantial growth and contributes
significantly to employment and GDP.

• Demographic Dividend: India has a young population, with a significant

proportion of people in the working age group. This demographic dividend
presents an opportunity for economic growth, provided there are sufficient
employment opportunities and skill development initiatives.

• Diverse Industrial Base: India has a diverse industrial base, encompassing

sectors such as textiles, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals,
engineering, and consumer goods. The country has seen the growth of both
large-scale industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Process of Industrial Transition in India:

India's industrial transition has been a gradual and evolving process. Key phases
and factors that have influenced this transition include:

• Pre-Independence Period: During British colonial rule, India's economy was

primarily agrarian, with limited industrialization. The focus was on
exporting raw materials and importing finished goods.

• Post-Independence Industrialization: After independence in 1947, India

adopted a planned economy approach, emphasizing industrial development.
The government played a central role in establishing public sector industries
and implementing economic policies promoting industrial growth.
 • Mixed Economy Reforms: In the 1990s, India initiated economic reforms
that liberalized the economy, moving towards a more market-oriented
system. These reforms included dismantling industrial licensing, reducing
government intervention, and encouraging foreign investment and private
sector participation.

• Services-Led Growth: The liberalization measures, along with advancements

in technology and globalization, led to significant growth in the service
sector, particularly in information technology and business process
outsourcing. This shift contributed to the transformation of India's economic
landscape.

• Focus on Manufacturing and Innovation: In recent years, there has been an

increased emphasis on manufacturing and innovation to boost the industrial
sector's growth. Initiatives such as "Make in India" aim to attract investment,
enhance manufacturing capabilities, and promote entrepreneurship.

• Infrastructure Development: The government has been investing in

infrastructure development, including transportation, power, and logistics, to
support industrial growth and improve connectivity across the country.

Overall, the industrial transition in India has involved a shift from a predominantly
agrarian economy to a more diverse and globally integrated industrial landscape. It
has been driven by policy reforms, globalization, technological advancements, and
a focus on the services and manufacturing sectors.

Q5//
The objectives of economic planning can vary depending on the specific context
and goals of a country. However, some common objectives of economic planning
include:
Economic Growth: Economic planning aims to achieve sustained and inclusive
economic growth. This involves increasing the production of goods and services,
improving productivity, and expanding employment opportunities. The objective is
to raise living standards, reduce poverty, and enhance overall economic well-being.

Development and Equity: Economic planning seeks to promote balanced and

equitable development across different regions and social groups. It aims to
address regional disparities, reduce income inequalities, and ensure that the
benefits of growth are shared more equitably among the population.

Employment Generation: A crucial objective of economic planning is to create

sufficient employment opportunities for the growing workforce. It focuses on
promoting job creation, reducing unemployment and underemployment, and
enhancing the quality of employment by ensuring decent working conditions and
fair wages.

Price Stability and Inflation Control: Economic planning aims to maintain price
stability and control inflation. It involves implementing appropriate monetary and
fiscal policies to manage aggregate demand, stabilize prices, and prevent excessive
inflation or deflation.

The Planning Commission, established in 1950, played a crucial role in India's

economic planning and development for several decades. However, in 2014, the
Planning Commission was replaced by the National Institution for Transforming
India (NITI Aayog) with the aim of bringing about a more modern, dynamic, and
decentralized approach to policymaking. The decision to replace the Planning
Commission with NITI Aayog was driven by several reasons:

Shift from Centralized Planning: The Planning Commission was criticized for its
top-down, centralized planning approach, which was seen as rigid and lacking in
flexibility. The shift to NITI Aayog aimed to promote cooperative federalism,
allowing greater participation and involvement of states in the policymaking
process.

Emphasis on Cooperative Federalism: NITI Aayog was envisioned as a platform

for cooperative federalism, fostering greater collaboration between the central
government and the states. It sought to involve states in the decision-making
process, recognizing their role as crucial stakeholders in the country's
development.

Focus on Evidence-Based Policy: NITI Aayog aimed to bring in evidence-based

policymaking, utilizing data, research, and analytics to drive decision-making. It
emphasized the use of technology and innovation to inform policy choices and
promote efficient implementation.

Flexibility and Agility: NITI Aayog was designed to be more flexible and agile
compared to the Planning Commission. It aimed to adapt to changing economic
dynamics, emerging challenges, and evolving priorities. NITI Aayog's structure
allows for the appointment of experts and specialists on a need basis, providing a
diverse range of perspectives.

Regarding NITI Aayog's emergence as an agent of change, it has made notable

contributions and initiatives:

Vision and Strategy: NITI Aayog has played a role in shaping the long-term vision
and strategic direction for India's development. It has formulated the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) for India and worked towards their implementation.

Policy Reforms and Sectoral Initiatives: NITI Aayog has taken up various policy
reforms and sectoral initiatives, such as the Atal Innovation Mission to promote
entrepreneurship and innovation, the National Health Stack to strengthen
healthcare delivery systems, and the Aspirational Districts Programme to address
regional disparities.

Transformative Programs: NITI Aayog has been actively involved in driving

transformative programs such as Digital India, Skill India, and Make in India,
which aim to leverage technology, enhance human capital, and boost
manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

Collaborative Platform: NITI Aayog has facilitated a collaborative platform for

states to share best practices, exchange ideas, and learn from each other's
experiences. It has encouraged competition among states through indices such as
the Ease of Doing Business and the Health Index.

While NITI Aayog has taken significant steps as an agent of change, its
effectiveness and impact are subject to ongoing evaluation and evolving
challenges. It is a relatively new institution, and its success will depend on its
ability to foster inclusive growth, address regional disparities, and effectively
coordinate with various stakeholders in driving India's development agenda.

Q6//
The agroecological framework for a sustainable agri-food system in India
promotes an approach that integrates ecological principles with agricultural
practices to achieve food security, environmental sustainability, and social well-
being. It recognizes the interdependence of agriculture, ecosystems, and human
communities and aims to balance the needs of agricultural production with the
conservation and regeneration of natural resources. Key components of the agro-
ecological framework include:

Biodiversity Conservation: The framework emphasizes the importance of

preserving and enhancing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. It promotes the
use of diverse cropping systems, including intercropping, agroforestry, and mixed
farming, to mimic natural ecosystems and enhance ecological resilience.
Soil Health and Fertility: The framework focuses on maintaining soil health and
fertility through organic farming practices, such as composting, green manure, and
crop rotation. It discourages the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
that can harm the environment and human health.

Water Management: The framework promotes efficient water management

practices to conserve water resources and reduce water pollution. It emphasizes the
use of techniques like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and conservation
agriculture to optimize water use and improve water quality.

Climate Resilience: The framework addresses the challenges of climate change by

promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. It encourages the adoption of
climate-resilient crop varieties, agroforestry systems, and conservation practices
that help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and enhance adaptive capacity.

Agrobiodiversity and Traditional Knowledge: The framework recognizes the value

of indigenous and traditional knowledge systems in agriculture. It supports the
conservation and utilization of locally adapted crop varieties, traditional farming
practices, and traditional seed systems to enhance agrobiodiversity and promote
sustainable farming.

Livelihoods and Social Equity: The framework emphasizes the need to ensure
equitable access to resources, knowledge, and markets for smallholder farmers and
marginalized communities. It promotes inclusive and participatory approaches that
empower farmers and local communities in decision-making processes and fosters
sustainable livelihoods.

Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building: The framework encourages the

exchange of knowledge and best practices among farmers, researchers,
policymakers, and other stakeholders. It emphasizes the importance of capacity
building, training, and extension services to enable farmers to adopt sustainable
agricultural practices effectively.