GS3 Final-1

INSIGHTSIAS
IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

MAINS MISSION 2023
GS-III
JULY 2023
www.insightsactivelearn.com | www.insightsonindia.com
NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They
are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing
is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you
extra points in the form of background information.
Table of Contents
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and
employment. ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Explain the factors and key drivers that have contributed to India’s economic growth, making it
the world’s fifth-largest economy during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure. (250 words) . 6
In the context of Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023, discuss the concept of
Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a potential social welfare policy and its implications for poverty
reduction and economic development in India. (250 words) ........................................................ 8
What is Consumer Price Index (CPI)? Do you think that the CPI basket conceals the true picture
of inflation? State your opinion. (250 words) ............................................................................. 12
“A paradigm shift is needed in Indian agriculture’s approach, emphasizing liberalization and
regulatory changes”. Discuss the need, steps taken and what more is needed to reform Indian
agriculture and ensure a sustained increase in farmers’ income. (250 Words) ........................... 15
It is essential to approach the internationalization of the rupee cautiously, considering the
potential advantages and risks associated with it. Critically examine. (250 words) .................... 19
Examine the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform in India and its progress over the past six
years. Throw light on the challenges faced, the impact on the economy, and the potential for
further improvements. (250 words) ............................................................................................ 21
Evaluate India’s progress and challenges in transitioning towards electric vehicles (EVs). What
are the key factors influencing EV adoption? (250 words) .......................................................... 25
Effects of liberalization on the economy; Changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial
growth. ........................................................................................................................................... 29
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The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism could have significant
implications for Indian exports. Examine. (250 words) ............................................................... 29
Despite the global economic recovery, India’s exports have been consistently declining,
impacting the country’s trade balance and economic growth, which is a cause for concern.
Explain the measures that are needed to be taken in order to improve exports from India and
reverse the declining trend. (250 words) .................................................................................... 32
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. ...................................................................................... 35
Collaboration between governments, tech companies, and gig workers could lead to innovative
solutions that balance the need for flexibility with social security and benefits. Comment. (250
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 35
Analyse the challenges in combatting human trafficking and suggest a long-term strategy in
order to win the battle against trafficking. (250 words).............................................................. 38
Government must provide social security and welfare measures for gig workers in the state,
recognizing their contributions and improving their working conditions. Analyse. (250 words) 41
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. ..................................................................................................................................... 44
What are the implications of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 and the
challenges in establishing a comprehensive research ecosystem in India? Discuss. (250 words) 44
What are the potential applications of bacteriophages, also known as “good viruses,” in fighting
bacterial infections? Analyse the advantages and challenges of using bacteriophages as an
alternative to antibiotics and their significance in addressing the global problem of antibiotic
resistance. (250 words) ............................................................................................................... 46
It is essential to strike a balance by ensuring rigorous scientific evaluations, transparent
regulatory processes, and addressing concerns about environmental and food safety to
responsibly harness the benefits of GM technology for India’s agricultural sector. Critically
analyse the above statement in the context of Indian government’s approach to approving GM
mustard. (250 words) .................................................................................................................. 48
By promoting the domestic production and consumption of biofuels, India can take advantage
of its abundant agricultural resources, while reducing its dependence on imported petroleum
products. Analyse. (250 words) ................................................................................................... 52
Discuss the advancements in gravitational wave research and its potential impact on our
understanding of the cosmos. (250 words) ................................................................................. 55
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and
issues relating to intellectual property rights. .................................................................................. 57
ISRO has elevated India’s space endeavours to new heights. However, it is essential to strike a
balance between commercial interests and ISRO’s primary mission of serving national needs.
Analyse. (250 words)................................................................................................................... 57
In the context of Chandrayaan-3 mission, what is a launch window? Examine the goals of the
Chandrayaan-3 mission and its potential impact on India’s pursuit of space exploration. (150
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 60
It is crucial to strike a balance between granting patent rights and promoting the public interest,
particularly in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and environment. Examine. (250 words)62
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment .......... 65

Mangrove swamps are crucial ecosystems that provide numerous ecological and protective
benefits. However, habitat loss due to various factors severely impacts their ability to function
as natural coastal protectors. Analyse. (250 words) ................................................................... 65
Discuss the benefits of adopting a circular economy approach in terms of sustainability,
resource efficiency, and environmental conservation. (250 words)............................................ 68
Weakening coral reefs reduce their ability to protect coastal communities from storms and sea-
level rise, making these areas more vulnerable to natural disasters and the impacts of climate
change. Efforts to protect and restore coral reefs are essential to safeguarding the well-being of
both marine wildlife and human communities. Examine. (250 words) ...................................... 71
Given the significant environmental risks and uncertainties surrounding deep sea mining, there
is a growing need for careful evaluation and consideration of alternative approaches. Critically
examine. (250 words) ................................................................................................................. 75
Throw light on the concept of “greenwashing”. In this context, analyse the amendments
proposed in the Forest Conservation Amendment Bill 2023 and their implications on
environmental protection and sustainable development. (250 words) ...................................... 77
What are primary forests? Why are they significant in terms of carbon storage and biodiversity?
Examine the efficacy of the steps taken for its conservation at national and international levels.
(15M) .......................................................................................................................................... 79
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology holds significant potential in
mitigating emissions from fossil fuels. CCUS involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
from power plants and industrial facilities, utilizing the captured CO2 for various purposes, and
storing it underground to prevent its release into the atmosphere. Analyse. (250 words) ......... 82
There is increasing concern about the potential human health and environmental impacts of
microplastics. We should work towards minimizing the threats posed by microplastics and
protecting both the environment and human health from the detrimental effects of plastic
pollution. Discuss. (250 words) ................................................................................................... 84
Evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of adopting hydrogen as an alternative fuel for
reducing emissions in the transportation sector. (250 words) .................................................... 86
Disaster and disaster management. ................................................................................................. 90
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) involves proactively identifying and addressing the underlying
risks and vulnerabilities that can lead to disasters. Analyse in the context of India’s adoption of
the National Disaster Management Plan. (250 words)................................................................ 90
Do you think that Urban flooding which is being witnessed in metropolitan cities across the
nation is a man-made disaster? Critically analyse. (250 words) .................................................. 93
Discuss the need for preparedness measures in the face of monsoon-related disasters in North
India and importance of preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of such events. (250
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 96
Examine the factors contributing to internal child trafficking, its socio-economic impact, and the
measures needed to combat this heinous crime. (250 words) .................................................... 99
Security challenges and their management in border areas ........................................................... 103

India’s position as a transit route makes it vulnerable to drug trafficking. Drug trafficking across
porous borders presents significant challenges to India’s border security agencies in controlling
illegal drug movements. Elaborate. (250 words) ....................................................................... 103
Linkages between development and spread of extremism............................................................. 108
Given the rapidly evolving nature of online recruitment, intelligence and counter-terrorism
agencies must remain flexible and adaptive. They should continuously review and update their
strategies, leverage emerging technologies, and stay abreast of the latest trends in online
radicalization. Analyse. (250 words) ......................................................................................... 108
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..................................................................................................................................... 111
Examine the factors contributing to the rise of technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) and
online abuse in educational institutions. Suggest potential measures to address the same (250
words) ....................................................................................................................................... 111

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

growth, development and employment.
Explain the factors and key drivers that have contributed to India’s economic growth,
making it the world’s fifth-largest economy during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
tenure. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Inaugurating the newly built International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC), named Bharat
Mandapam, in New Delhi on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that when he took
charge in 2014, India was the tenth-largest economy in the world. During his second term as PM, he
said, India had become the fifth-largest economy.
Key Demand of the question:
To examine the specific factors and key drivers that have propelled India’s economic growth, leading
to its position as the world’s third-largest economy.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the
context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant
associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, present an overview of India’s economic performance and its transformation into a major
global economy. Cite statistics of key indicators to substantiate.
Next, write about the various factor responsible for the above – Structural Reforms and Policy
Initiatives, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Inflows, Manufacturing and Services Sector Growth,
Infrastructure Development etc.
Next, write about the challenges and potential bottlenecks that could affect India’s economic growth
in the future.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
India's economic growth and its ascent to becoming the world's fifth-largest economy during Prime
Minister Narendra Modi's tenure can be attributed to various factors and key drivers. While it is
essential to acknowledge that economic growth is a complex and multifaceted process with
contributions from various sources, some of the significant factors have played a role in India's
economic growth.
Body
Drivers to India’s economic growth
 Economic Reforms: The Indian government has undertaken several economic reforms to
liberalize and modernize the economy. Policies such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST),
the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), and the Make in India initiative have aimed to
simplify business processes, promote investment, and encourage entrepreneurship.
 Demographic Dividend: India has a large and youthful population, providing a demographic
dividend. With a significant proportion of the population in the working-age group, there is
an opportunity for increased productivity and economic growth.
 Services Sector: India's services sector, including information technology (IT), software
services, business process outsourcing (BPO), and financial services, has been a major driver
of economic growth. The sector has been able to capitalize on a skilled and educated
workforce, making India a preferred outsourcing destination.
 Manufacturing and Infrastructure: The government's focus on boosting manufacturing and
developing infrastructure has contributed to economic growth. Initiatives like "Make in
India" aim to promote domestic manufacturing, while investments in infrastructure projects
have improved connectivity and logistics.
o Green technology initiatives such as FAME-II are boosting new areas of
manufacturing.
 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): India has witnessed an increase in foreign direct
investment in various sectors, thanks to its improving business environment and large
consumer market. FDI has led to technology transfer, job creation, and increased industrial
output.
o India is getting the highest inward remittances from non-residents.
o Ease of doing business is a key factor for this development.
 Digital Revolution: The digital revolution has played a crucial role in India's economic
growth, with increasing internet penetration, widespread use of smartphones, and digital
payment systems driving e-commerce and financial inclusion.
o India’s “Digital India” initiative led to e-governance.
o India’s UPI is launched in Paris. Transactions are becoming cashless and black
money is being stifled.

 Entrepreneurship and Startups: India has seen a surge in entrepreneurial activity and startup
culture, fostering innovation and economic dynamism. The government's support through
schemes like Startup India has encouraged this trend.
 Government Initiatives: Various government initiatives, such as the "Pradhan Mantri Jan
Dhan Yojana" for financial inclusion, "Ayushman Bharat" for healthcare, and rural
electrification programs, have had positive impacts on economic growth and social
development.
o Poverty in India reduced and it has led to better social security to the poor.
 Global Trade and Market Integration: India's participation in global trade and integration
into the global market has facilitated access to new markets and increased export
opportunities for Indian businesses.
o Eg Free Trade agreements inked with strategic partners such as UAE and Australia
while not joining RCEP which would have been detrimental to India.
 Resilience and Adaptability: India's economy has shown resilience and adaptability in the
face of challenges, such as global economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic. The
ability to adapt to changing circumstances has helped sustain economic growth
o Eg: India’s vaccine maitri initiative enhanced its soft power as well as showed how
India can be Pharmacy for the world.
o India bounced back faster than any other economy and its growth was higher than
China and USA.
Conclusion
It's important to note that economic growth is a complex process influenced by various internal and
external factors. While these factors have contributed to India's economic growth, ongoing
challenges, such as income inequality, infrastructure gaps, and bureaucratic hurdles, require
sustained efforts to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic development
In the context of Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023, discuss the
concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a potential social welfare policy and its
implications for poverty reduction and economic development in India. (250 words)
Why the question:
Under the Bill, all families of the state get guaranteed employment of 125 days every year, while the
aged, disabled, widows, and single women get a minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month.
To discuss the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a social welfare policy and assess its
potential implications for poverty reduction and economic development in India.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Introduction:
Begin giving context and defining the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI)
Body:
First, write about Universal Basic Income (UBI) and its key features. Discuss the rationale behind
implementing UBI, including its potential to alleviate poverty and provide a safety net to citizens.
Next, write about the challenges of UBI implementation in India and potential implications of UBI on
economic growth and development, including its impact on the labor market and government
finances.
Conclusion:
Conclude by presenting a balanced view on the feasibility and desirability of implementing UBI in
India.
Introduction
Universal basic income is a form of social security in which all citizens or residents of a country
regularly receive an unconditional sum of money, either from a government or some other public
institution, in addition to any income received from elsewhere. The payment is enough to cover the
cost of living. The goal is to provide financial security.
The Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill 2023 has been recently tabled by the Rajasthan
government. In order to provide individuals or households with a minimal additional guaranteed
income in the form of a guaranteed wage/pension, the bill would establish entitlement-based social
security.
Body
Features of the Bill
 Minimum guaranteed income:
o Each adult citizen of the state has been guaranteed a minimum income for 125 days
a year.
o This will be provided through two schemes,
 In the urban areas through the Rajasthan government’s flagship Indira

Gandhi Shahri Rozgar Guarantee Yojana.
 In the rural areasthrough the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment

Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
o Guaranteed employment:
 The minimum wages should be paid weekly or in any case not later than a
fortnight to ensure the right to employment.
 The Program Officers(BDO in rural and an Executive Officer of the local body
in urban areas) shall ensure that the work site is within a radius of 5 Km of
where the job card is registered.
 The applicant is entitled to an unemployment allowanceif the program

officer fails to offer work within 15 days of receiving the application.
o Guaranteed social security pension: The government will provide eligible categories
(aged, disabled, widows, and single women) witha minimum pension of Rs 1,000,
which will be increased at the rate of 15% each year.

Rationale behind UBI:
 The average Indian family’s monthly income in 1938 was Rs 25.
 Today, the average Indian family’s monthly income is roughly Rs 50,000, a 2,000 times
increase since 1938.
 The poorest 10% of Indian families earn a mere Rs 5,000 a month.
 25 million Indian families earn just a tenth of what the average Indian family earns.
 And, 50 million households earn just a fifth of the average Indian family.
 While the Indian economy continues to grow, the much touted trickle down impact of
economic development seems elusive to the poorer sections of our society.
 There is a real risk of the bottom quarter of Indian families being left behind completely.
 The plan to ensure a basic minimum standard of living for every Indian family that was
envisaged by Nehru and Bose in 1938 is applicable even today.
The pros of UBI include:

 Fights Poverty and vulnerability: Poverty and vulnerability will be reduced in one fell swoop.
It increases equality among citizens as envisaged in our DPSP.
 new social contract: A social contract that will empower citizens with the freedom of choice.
UBI treats beneficiaries as agents and entrusts citizens with the responsibility of using
welfare spending as they see best; this may not be the case with in-kind transfers. Nobel
laureate Amartya Sen had also propounded that choice should be given to people, which
will lead to development.
 Better targeting of poor: As all individuals are targeted, exclusion error (poor being left out)
is zero though inclusion error (rich gaining access to the scheme) is 60 percent.
o Example: The India Human Development Survey found that in 2011-12 about half of
the officially poor did not have the BPL card, while about one-third of the non-poor
had it.
 Fighting technological unemployment: With IR4.0 on the rise, there is an increase in the
automation leading to loss of many white and blue collared jobs. UBI can act as a sort of
security net for the millions of people who will be left jobless by the tech revolution.
 Supporting unpaid care workers: Those with ill or differently abled relatives are often forced
to quit their jobs and look after them full-time. UBI would allow care-workers to support
themselves, encouraging care work and taking pressure off public services that provide care
to the sick and elderly.
 Expanding the middle class: The economic growth of high-income countries is making the
rich richer, but having very little effect on the working classes. The research of economists
Emmanuel Saez and Thomas Piketty showed that “the bottom half of earners went from
making 20 percent of overall income in 1979 to just 13 percent in 2014. The top 1 percent,
on the other hand, have gone from making 11 percent to 20 percent. The pie has gotten
vastly bigger, and the richest families have reaped bigger and bigger pieces from it.” UBI
would help balance this inequality and expand the ever-shrinking middle class.
 Insurance against shocks: This income floor will provide a safety net against health, income
and other shocks.
 Improvement in financial inclusion Payment: transfers will encourage greater usage of bank
accounts, leading to higher profits for banking correspondents (BC) and an endogenous
improvement in financial inclusion. Credit – increased income will release the constraints on
access to credit for those with low income levels.
 Psychological benefits: A guaranteed income will reduce the pressures of finding a basic
living on a daily basis.
 Ending abuse: Those who suffer domestic abuse, mainly women, become trapped in violent
situations because they don’t have the means to leave them. UBI would make leaving an
abusive partner easy, and would unleash the potential of countless people trapped by
domestic violence.
 Administrative efficiency: A UBI in place of a plethora of separate government schemes will

reduce the administrative burden on the state.
The cons of UBI:
 Conspicuous spending: Households, especially male members, may spend this additional
income on wasteful activities.
 Disincentive to work: A minimum guaranteed income might make people lazy and opt out
of the labour market.
 Gender disparity induced by cash Gender norms may regulate the sharing of UBI within a
household – men are likely to exercise control over spending of the UBI. This may not always
be the case with other in-kind transfer
 Implementation: Given the current status of financial access among the poor, a UBI may put
too much stress on the banking system.
 Poor fiscal capacity: India doesn’t have the fiscal capacity to implement Universal Basic
Income. Economic Survey calculations showed that a 75% universality rate with an annual
Universal Basic Income of Rs 7,620 per year at 2016-17 prices will cost about 5% of the
GDP. Economist Pranab Bardhan showed that inflation– indexed Universal Basic Income of
Rs 10,000 at 2014-15 prices—about three-quarters of that year’s poverty line—will cost
about 10% of the GDP.
 Distort labour Market: Universal Basic Income can create distortions in the labour market. A
steady, permanent and guaranteed income without any work is likely to affect labour
mobility and participation. It can cause a rise in the wages too.
 Political economy of universality: ideas for self-exclusion Opposition may arise from the
provision of the transfer to rich individuals as it might seem to trump the idea of equity and
state welfare for the poor.
 Exposure to market risks (cash vs. food): Unlike food subsidies that are not subject to
fluctuating market prices, a cash transfer’s purchasing power may severely be curtailed by
market fluctuations.
Economic Survey 2016-17 views:

 Universal Basic Income should replace the welfare scheme. The Economic survey wants UBI
to replace and NOT supplement the existing social welfare, anti-poverty schemes like
MGNREGA, PMJSY etc
 Economic Survey has suggested replacing all current cash transfers with universal basic
income.
 Survey in a bold step ensured that universal basic income will not be distributive in nature.
The burden to distribute the income will not be shared by the rich.
 The Survey points out that the two prerequisites for a successful UBI are: functional
JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhar and Mobile) system as it ensures that the cash transfer goes directly
into the account of a beneficiary and Centre-State negotiations on cost sharing for the
programme.
Conclusion:
UBI holds a lot of potential as a welfare scheme, however in its present form needs to be re-
evaluated. There is a need for a 10-fold increase in resource mobilisation combined with increasing
the tax base for funding. However, the alternatives to UBI can be explored like direct benefits
transfers, conditional cash transfers and other income support schemes which also hold the
potential to yield the above mentioned benefits
What is Consumer Price Index (CPI)? Do you think that the CPI basket conceals the true
picture of inflation? State your opinion. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article suggests that a more accurate representation of inflation should be based on updated and
realistic weights that better reflect consumer spending patterns.
To write about CPI and its limitations.
Introduction:
Begin by defining CPI.
Body:
In the first part of the body, write about CPI – calculates the inflation rate by comparing the price
changes of a basket of goods and services over time.
Next, write about the issues in CPI as a measure of inflation – may not accurately reflect the inflation
experienced by the average consumer. It highlights that the weights assigned to various items in the
basket do not align with the spending patterns of households.
Next, suggest measures to overcome the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion forward.
Introduction
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of changes in the prices of a group of consumer goods
and services that are regularly purchased by households in a certain region or country.

The Consumer Price Index measures the overall change in consumer prices based on a
representative basket of goods and services over time. The CPI is the most widely used measure of
inflation, closely followed by policymakers, financial markets, businesses, and consumers.
Body
About Consumer Price Index
 It measures price changes from the perspective of a retail buyer. It is released by the
National Statistical Office (NSO).
 The CPI calculates the difference in the price of commodities and services such as food,
medical care, education, electronics etc, which Indian consumers buy for use.
 The CPI has several sub-groups including food and beverages, fuel and light, housing and
clothing, bedding and footwear.
 Four types of CPI are as follows:
 CPI for Industrial Workers (IW).
 CPI for Agricultural Labourer (AL).
 CPI for Rural Labourer (RL).
 CPI (Rural/Urban/Combined).
 Of these, the first three are compiled by the Labour Bureau in the Ministry of Labour and
Employment. Fourth is compiled by the NSO in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation.
 Base Year for CPI is 2012.
 Recently, the Ministry of Labour and Employment released the new series of Consumer
Price Index for Industrial Worker (CPI-IW) with base year 2016.
 The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) uses CPI data to control inflation. In April 2014,
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had adopted the CPI as its key measure of inflation.
Flaws in the CPI Index system
 Obsolete basket of goods: The CPI basket should not be viewed as an unchangeable artefact
frozen in time.
o On the contrary, the real consumption basket of a common Indian is fluid and
continually evolving, mirroring the shifts in societal needs, preferences, and
economic conditions.
o As time progresses, consumption patterns of individuals and households inevitably

change.
o Technological advancements introduce new products and services.
 Composition of food: In the current CPI (base year 2012), weights of various groups are as
follows: food and beverages (45.86); paan, tobacco and intoxicants (2.38); clothing and
footwear (6.53); housing (10.07); fuel and light (6.84); miscellaneous (28.32).

o The weightage of food in the CPI basket has decreased from 60.9 (in 1960) to 57.0
(in 1982) and to 46.2 (in 2001).
o This gradual decline indicates that as the economy grows, the proportion of income
spent on food decreases.
o This is a common trend known as Engel’s Law, which suggests that as income rises,
the proportion of income spent on food falls, even if the absolute expenditure on
food rises. Over-reliance on food inflation today distinguishes Indian inflation from
many other developed countries where the food weight is much smaller.
 Further, the startlingly high weight of 9.67 assigned to cereals in the current CPI is
undoubtedly excessive and casts a stark light on two critical issues.
o First, as nations undergo economic advancement and societal progress, a typical

trajectory involves diversifying food intake and embracing a broader range of
nutrient-rich options beyond cereals. This paradigm shift in dietary habits would
have undoubtedly manifested over the past decade, diluting the relative
expenditure on cereals.
o Second, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana has substantially reduced cereal
expenditure for a large segment of the populace. It has likely led to modifying
consumption patterns and further reducing the relative expenditure on cereals.
 Consumption expenditure data: Weights for CPI can only undergo a significant shift after we
have data from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (CES) data.
o Currently, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is in

the midst of the CES, with the first round slated to conclude in July 2023 and the
second round a year later, in July 2024.
o The Ministry will require an additional three to six months to process the collected
electronic data. However, one should be perturbed with such long processing
times in this digital age.
o Nevertheless, even when the CES results are finally published around December
2024, the creation of a new CPI based on this fresh data will consume several more
months.
Conclusion and way forward
 We’re unable to determine the population under the poverty line accurately, and our ability
to track inflation effectively has been severely undermined.
 Our tools for understanding and managing our economic reality are grossly inadequate.
Consequently, it’s an absolute necessity for MoSPI to address these gaps promptly.
 Additionally, efficient data processing should be a non-negotiable priority. Lastly, for MoSPI
to sit indefinitely on the findings of different surveys is an abdication of responsibility that
India can ill afford.

“A paradigm shift is needed in Indian agriculture’s approach, emphasizing liberalization

and regulatory changes”. Discuss the need, steps taken and what more is needed to
reform Indian agriculture and ensure a sustained increase in farmers’ income. (250
Words)
Difficulty: Medium
Reference: Economic Times
Why the question:
In a recent paper, NITI Aayog has called for a paradigm shift in approach towards agriculture with a
focus on liberalization of the sector and changes in the old regulations governing it to ensure a
significant and sustained increase in farmers’ income.
Reforms Needed in the Indian Agriculture
Directive word:
Discuss: The word “discuss” in a question means to present different viewpoints, arguments, or
perspectives on a topic, and to explore the pros and cons, implications, and potential outcomes. It
requires a balanced consideration of various aspects of the subject.
Introduction:
Give the status of Indian agriculture and issues plaguing it or an introduction about the recent study
by Niti Aayog.
Body:
Discuss the Need for a Paradigm Shift:
Very briefly highlight the challenges faced by Indian agriculture, such as low income, fragmented
land holdings, outdated regulations, and limited access to markets and technology.
Steps Taken for Agricultural Reforms:
Mention recent initiatives and policies implemented by the government, such as the introduction of
agricultural market reforms through acts like the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion
and Facilitation) Act, PM KISAN etc.
Additional Reforms Needed:
Suggest what more needs to be done including committee recommendations.
Conclusion:
Highlight the need for effective implementation, stakeholder engagement, and continuous
evaluation to bring about transformative changes in the agricultural sector.
Introduction
Agriculture is the key to alleviate rural poverty, stop distress migration and most importantly
ensuring food security in India. While the 14 volumes of the Dalwai Committee Report on doubling
farmers’ income provided a road map for transition from a mere Green Revolution to an Income
Revolution for farmers, the country is yet to solve the ‘Riddle of Agriculture distress’.
Body
Background: Agrarian distress
 Agriculture currently contributes just about 15% to the national output and about 50% of
the population directly or indirectly depends on it for employment.
 Farmer distress is a real and pressing problem, as evidenced by the protests currently taking
place in various parts of the country.
 In the past, Government strategy primarily focused on raising agricultural output and
improving food security rather than recognising the need to raise farmer’s income.
 Low global prices have affected exports and the cheaper imports have hurt domestic prices
in the country.
 Natural disasters and crop loss leading to impoverishment of rural households.
 Increasing demographic pressure, disguised employment in agriculture and conversion of

agricultural land for alternative uses, have drastically reduced the average land holding.
Challenges faced by Agriculture sector
 Institutional vis-à-vis Non-Institutional Agricultural Credit: Traditionally, rural agrarian

credit needs were met primarily through money-lenders, which led to large scale
indebtedness.
 Small land holdings: It is fragmented and 87% of farmers are small farmers doing
subsistence farming.
 Low productivity: Indian farms are smaller (1-2 hectares on average), making it harder to
achieve economies of scale.
 Low mechanization: It is relatively low and Indian farmers do not utilise many high-yield
input varieties used in other agri-producing countries.
 High logistics costs: India’s cost of logistics is currently around 14% of GDP – higher than
developed country exporters like the US (9.5%).
 Limited value addition: India is a more prolific exporter of primary commodities than of
value-added agriculture products – the country ranks 10th globally in processed meat, 18th
in the export of processed fruits and vegetables and 35th in dairy.
o Reasons for low value addition include relative lack of private sector investment and
adequate incentives.
 Procurement: 69 to 73% of the rice and wheat produced in 14 years was not procured by
FCI/state agencies.
o Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state government agencies are one of the main
platforms available to the farmers for sale of agriculture produce, but these agencies
cannot be a wholesome substitute for an efficient marketing system, said the 4th
volume of the Dalwai Committee Report on doubling farmers income.
 Shortage of APMC markets: In 5 states—Bihar, Kerala, Manipur, Mizoram and Sikkim—these

markets do not exist.
o Further, there is no APMC market in the UTs of Andaman & Nicobar Islands,
Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli too.
 Infrastructure shortage: The poor state of infrastructure in these markets is another

important aspect which continues to be ignored. Just 15 per cent of the APMC markets
have cold storage facilities. Weighing facilities are available in only 49 per cent of the
markets.
Reforms suggested

 ICAR and SAUs should develop models of farming system for different types of
socioeconomic and bio physical settings combining all their technologies in a package with
focus on farm income.
o This would involve combining technology and best practices covering production,
protection and post-harvest value addition for each sub systems with other sub
systems like crop sequences, crop mix, livestock, horticulture, forestry.
o Such shift requires interdisciplinary approach to develop on knowledge of all

disciplines.
 About one third of the increase in farmers’ income is easily attainable through better price
realization, efficient post-harvest management, competitive value chains and adoption of
allied activities.
o This requires comprehensive reforms in market, land lease and raising of trees on
private land.
 Agriculture has suffered due to absence of modern capital and modern knowledge.
o There is a need to liberalise agriculture to attract responsible private
investments in production and market.
o Similarly, FPOs and FPCs can play big role in promoting small farm business.
 Precision farming: Evidence is growing about scope of agronomic practices like precision
farming to raise production and income of farmers substantially.
 Target markets for export: Identify markets with high export potential for competitive value
chains and sign beneficial bilateral or multilateral trade agreements with them, raising
sanitary and phytosanitary production levels to meet their quality standards and negotiating
with them to remove non-tariff barriers.
 Solve Value Chain Clusters (VCC) holistically with focus on value addition: The clusters
would also serve to converge the government’s spends and schemes, as well as seek any
additional funding required, for building the necessary infrastructure at competitive costs
for value addition, promoting research and development and promoting “Brand India” in
global markets.
 Similarly, modern machinery such as laser land leveller, precision seeder and planter, and
practices like SRI (system of rice intensification), direct seeded rice, zero tillage, raised
bed plantation and ridge plantation allow technically highly efficient farming.
o However, these technologies developed by the public sector have very poor
marketability.
o They require strong extension for the adoption by farmers
 Technological innovations, along with price support measures and the supply of subsidized
key inputs like irrigation, fertilizer, and electricity, have played an important role in the
growth of Indian agriculture.

 A policy shift from price to income support under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) program
is deemed better as it would incentivize farmers as money is transferred to their bank
accounts and bring in much needed efficiency in input use
Conclusion
The government should shift its focus from providing only price support to farmers and focus on
building better infrastructure, minimizing the gap between farmers and the market, land reforms,
policy reforms to increase flow of credit to farmers, establishing food-processing industries for
perishable goods, providing better irrigation facilities etc so, that agriculture emerges as a viable
means of sustenance.
Value Addition
Initiatives by the government
 Per Drop More Crop : Centre set up a Micro Irrigation Fund under NABARD with a corpus
of 2000cr and 3000cr for 2019 and 2020 respectively.
o Assistance to states will be given at concessional rates.
o The target is to bring 10 million hectares under Micro-Irrigation.
 Diversification towards high value crops : IFPRI and ICAR are promoting horticulture crops
such as pomegranate and mushroom farming with adequate skills training to farmers.
 Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): Enhance horticulture
production, augment farmers, income and strengthen nutritional security; Improve
productivity by way of quality germplasm, planting material and water use efficiency
through Micro Irrigation.
 Soil Health Cards: The objectives of the Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme are to issue soil health
cards to farmers every two years so as to provide a basis to address nutritional deficiencies in
fertilization practices. Soil testing reduces cultivation cost by application of right quantity
of fertilizer. It ensures additional income to farmers by increase in yields and it also promotes
sustainable farming.
 Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana:
o In order to promote organic farming, the government has started the Paramparagat
Krish iVikas Yojana (PKVY), under which 2 lakh hectareshas been made suitable for
organic farming thereby benefitting 5 lakh farmers.
o It is to to ensure a successful “Organic Farming Revolution” in India on the lines of

“Green Revolution” so that the farming community benefits from it.
 Ensuring Credit availability to enhance productivity

o Kisan Credit Cards provides agriculture credit to farmers at subsidized rates, with a
2% interest subvention (IS) and Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI) of 3% so as to
make the effective rate of interest as 4%.
o PM-KISAN :With a view to provide income support to all farmers’ families across the
country, to enable them to take care of expenses related to agriculture and allied

activities as well as domestic needs, the Central Government started a new Central
Sector Scheme, namely, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAmman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
 The scheme aims to provide a payment of Rs. 6000/- per year, in three 4-
monthly installments of Rs. 2000/- to the farmers, subject to certain
exclusions relating to higher income groups.
o Minimum Support Price was enhanced to 1.5 times the cost of production for the
year 2019-2020.
It is essential to approach the internationalization of the rupee cautiously, considering

the potential advantages and risks associated with it. Critically examine. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article discusses the challenges and potential strategies for internationalizing the Indian rupee,
India’s national currency, without resorting to the traditional methods such as coin tossing.
To write about the internationalisation of rupee, need for it, pros and cons associated with it.
Directive:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in
detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question.
While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
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:
Begin by defining Internationalisation of Rupee.
Body:
Frist, write about the need of Internationalisation of Rupee – reducing dependence of dollar and
other global currencies, global volatility, predicted recession etc.
Next, write about their advantages and disadvantages associated with Internationalisation of Rupee.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Internationalisation of the rupee is a process that involves increasing use of the local currency in
cross-border transactions. It involves promoting the rupee for import and export trade and then
other current account transactions followed by its use in capital account transactions. It other
words, it means adopting full capital account convertibility.
RBI Dy governor T Rabi Sankar has marked upon the importance of the internationalization of the
rupee, its advantages and associated risks. As far as the rupee is concerned, it is fully convertible in
the current account, but partially in capital account.
Body
Need for Internationalization of Rupee

 Currently, while the dollar accounts for 88% of internationaltrade, Rupee accounts for less
than 7% of global trade.

 India currently has full convertibility of the rupee in current accountssuch as for exports
and imports. However, India’s capital account convertibility is not full. There are ceilings on
government and corporate debt, external commercial borrowings and equity.
 Excessive dependence on dollars combined with global inflation and economic crises has led
to the depreciation of the rupee to an all-time low. If the rupee is internationalized, India
would not have to depend on US Dollars for its trade.
 RBI has allowed domestic traders to settle their import-export bills in rupee.
Advantages
 Appreciate currency value: It will improve the demand for the rupee in international trade.
 Mitigate exchange rate volatility: Rupee-denominated payments can help reduce price
volatility associated with dollars.
 Making significant savingsin Indian foreign reserves.
 Circumvent sanctions: Improving acceptance and trade in rupees can help India to diversify
its trade basket by circumventing restrictions and sanctions imposed by the west.
 Improve its standingas a global economic power
Risks involved
 Impact on monetary policy: The internationalization of the rupee will limit the country’s
ability to create a monetary policy specific to its local economic demand.
o The Indian economy will become more susceptible to international economic

fluctuations.
o Managed currencyhas been utilized to protect the economy from damages during
the economic crises of 1980 and 2008. It may not be the case anymore.

 The outflow of Hot money: Complete internationalization of currency will expand the risk of
hot currency (highly prone to sudden outflows) to capital assets.
o , east Asian crisis in 1997.
Way forward
 India needs to open its currency to complete capital account convertibility.
 Frame policies cautiously and test them in the Regulatory sandbox environment
 Bilateral and multilateral trade agreements can be used to test the viability of
internationalized rupee e.g., using the Vostro account for Rupee trade with Russia and Iran.
 Rupee internationalization may also require an efficient swap market and a strong foreign
exchange market.
 Improvements in financial fundamentals and steps to improve sovereign credit ratings.
Conclusion
Internationalization of the rupee though with associated risks is inevitable if India is to emerge as a
global economic power in a multipolar world.
Examine the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform in India and its progress over the past
six years. Throw light on the challenges faced, the impact on the economy, and the
potential for further improvements. (250 words)
Why the question:
The question explores the implementation and impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.
To write about various successes and limitations of GST and reforms that are needed in it.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect
it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so
we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Introduction:
Begin by aims and objectives behind the launch of GST.
Body:
First, write about the achievements of GST – simplified tax structure, an increase in the tax base, and
a reduction in tax evasion. Substantiate with examples, facts or statistics.
Next, write about the shortcomings of GST – high tax rates, compliance burden, and complexities in
the filing process have been faced. Substantiate with examples, facts or statistics.
Next, suggest reforms in GST.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is one indirect tax for the whole nation, which will make India one
unified common market. GST is a single tax on the supply of goods and services, right from the

manufacturer to the consumer. Credits of input taxes paid at each stage will be available in the
subsequent stage of value addition, which makes GST essentially a tax only on value addition at each
stage. The final consumer will thus bear only the GST charged by the last dealer in the supply chain,
with set-off benefits at all the previous stages.
GST is an indirect tax system which was rolled out on 1 st July 2017 The Comptroller and Auditor
General of India (CAG) has pointed out lacunae in the GST regime, saying that system-validated
input tax credit through invoice matching is not in place and a non-intrusive e-tax system still
remains elusive.
Body
Performance of the GST regime
 Revenue collection:
o The average growth rate of Gross GST revenue from 2018-19 to 2022-23 stands
at 3%, surpassing the nominal GDP growth rate of 9.8%.
o The (June 2023) collection has crossed the 1.6 lakh crore markfor the 4th time since
the inception of GST.
o This is noteworthy as indirect taxes typically exhibit lower buoyancy– an increase in

its revenue rate without increasing the tax rate.
 A seamless market and digitised compliance:
o GST laid the foundation for a seamless national market, reshaping India’s tax
landscape and driving economic growth.
o By digitising processes from registration to return filing, the GST portal

ensured smoother compliance for businesses, fostering a tech-enabled
environment.
o It paved the way for other significant indirect tax reforms, including e-way bills and
e-invoicing, promoting transparent data sharing between businesses and the
government.
 Empowering the manufacturing sector:GST’s impact on the manufacturing sector was

remarkable, as it eliminated the cascading effect of taxes and reduced manufacturing costs.
 Introduced as one of the biggest economic reforms by the incumbent government, the GST
kicked off with the promise to streamline taxation and compliance burden.
 Based on the one nation one tax ideology, GST has helped in reducing the cascading effect
of tax considerably.
 Also, multiplicity of compliances under various indirect taxes has been reduced.
 Hence, introduction of GST in India has brought in efficiencies in indirect tax compliance,
incidence and reduced the number of indirect tax authorities that a taxpayer needed to
interact with
 Another positive is the concept of e-invoicing which seeks to ensure greater transparency in
supplier-receiver transactions.

 The introduction of e-way bill coupled with the crackdown on fake invoicing has helped in
bringing in a substantial portion of GST revenues, which were either being evaded or under-
reported, in order.
 Over 53 lakh taxpayers and 67,000 transporters are enrolled on the e-way portal,
generating, on average, 7.81 crore e-way bills per month. Since the launch of the system, a
total of 292 crore e-way bills have been generated of which 42 per cent are for the inter-
state transport of goods.
 GST has eliminated the tax arbitrage that existed among the states under the CST/VAT
regime.
 Increase in logistic supply chain: With no such arbitrage under the IGST and with the e-way
bills, the logistics supply chain efficiencies have increased manifold.
Various issues with respect to goods and services tax (GST) regime
 The breakdown of trust and cooperative federalism between states and the Union
government:
o It turned out to be prescient as GST failed to live up to its economic promises and
states’ revenues were protected through this guarantee, despite Finance’s attempt
to wriggle out of this commitment during the pandemic under the alibi of an “act of
God”.
o The Union government’s proclivity to levy and appropriate cess revenues for itself
without sharing them with the states has lent credence to the wisdom of
guaranteed compensation for states.
o This guarantee is now set to expire..
 The recent Supreme Court’s judgment highlighting that the GST Council’s recommendations
are not binding on the states:
o The SC recently observed that it is in the national interest to have both cooperative
and competitive federalism, and hence, the GST Council’s decisions are not binding
on the states.
o This means that states had and continue to have the right to either comply fully with
the Council’s recommendations or modify them as they deem necessary.
o This has opened the window for states to override the fundamental GST premise of
a “one nation one tax”.
o If pushed to a corner, states may now use the SC ruling as a shield.
 Expiry of the revenue guarantee that protected states’ revenues

o GST is too precariously perched to yank away the compensation guarantee for
states.
o the Union government is not desirous of extending the compensation guarantee.
 Difficulty in tax administration:
o Goes against the canons of taxation.

o A modern tax system should be fair, uncomplicated, transparent and easy to

administer.
o It must yield revenues sufficient to cover the cost of government services and public
goods.
o Lack of clarity on many rules is also leading to various litigation and different
interpretations (of the same laws) by Advanced Ruling Authorities in different states.
 Complicated taxation structure:
o A World Bank study published in May 2018 said that the Indian GST rate was the
second highest among the 115 countries with a national value-added tax.
o It was also the most complicated, with five main tax rates, several exemptions, a
cess and a special rate for gold.
o The multilateral lender said that only five countries had four or more non-zero tax
rates—India, Italy, Pakistan, Luxembourg and Ghana.
o Falling revenue amid disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has continuously
delayed the reform, leaving a large number of items in high tax slabs.
 High compliance costs:are also arising because the prevalence of multiple tax rates implies a
need to classify inputs and outputs based on the applicable tax rate. Along with the need to
apply the correct rate, firms are required to match invoices between their outputs and
inputs to be eligible for full input tax credit, which increases compliance costs further.
 GST Council meetings: the meetings of the GST Council are not as frequent as they were
earlier, if the recent incidents are anything to go by, and it often end up with disagreement,
fight and strong letters and statements. States have also accused the Centre of cornering a
substantial portion of tax in forms of cess.
 There has been lack of coordination between the Department of Revenue, the Central Board
of Indirect Taxes and Customs and the GST Network.
Way Forward
 The first target should be to move to at least a three-rate structure, a lower rate for
essential goods, a relatively high rate for luxury goods, and a standard rate for the majority
of goods and services.
 The next step would be simplifying the tax returns process.
 The scope for lowering the GST rate is umbilically linked to direct tax reform.
 Commence taxation of petroleum crude, high-speed diesel, petrol, natural gas and aviation
turbine fuel and similarly, alcohol meant for human consumption;
 Inclusion of other levies such as electricity duty, stamp duty, etc;
 Clarifying taxation of online gaming activities, transactions involving cryptocurrency, etc.
 A better way to make a tax system more just is by lowering regressive indirect tax rates
while widening the base for progressive direct taxeson income and corporate profits.

 The government needs to establishGST Tribunals to reduce litigation timelines and the
pressure on courts.
 The state authorities for Advance Ruling should ideally also have an independent jurist
member, apart from a representative from the tax department.
 Emulating the best practices. The GST in New Zealand, widely regarded as the most efficient
in the world, has a single standard rate of 12.5 percent across all industry groups.
 The Fifteenth finance commission, in its latest report, has addressed many issues including
large shortfall in collections as compared to original forecast, high volatility in collections,
accumulation of large integrated GST credit, glitches in invoice and input tax matching, and
delay in refunds.
 The Commission also observed that the continuing dependence of states on compensation
from the central government for making up for the shortfall in revenue is a concern.
 While at the same time it suggested that the structural implications of GST for low
consumption states need to be considered.
Conclusion
While the GST’s journey has given its stakeholders some causes to celebrate, it has also given
moments of worry. But then, no transformation of the scale and complexity can be achieved without
its share of hiccups and challenges. The process of evolution will take a few years more for the
mammoth structural change to stabilize. The four-year journey of GST has been a roller-coaster ride
for all stakeholders with equitable share of hits, misses and expectations. A work-in-progress in its
transformational journey, GST suffers from several shortcomings which need to be resolved quickly,
but its journey to ‘Good & Simple Tax’ is still quite long.
Evaluate India’s progress and challenges in transitioning towards electric vehicles (EVs).
What are the key factors influencing EV adoption? (250 words)
Why the question:
The question explores India’s efforts in promoting electric vehicles (EVs).
To write about the evaluation of India’s move towards electric vehicles (EVs), focusing on progress,
challenges, government initiatives, and the future of the EV ecosystem.
Directive word:
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 evidence. You must appraise the worth of
the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Introduction:
Start by describing the electric vehicles (EV) technology vis-à-vis fossil fuel based vehicles.
Body:
First, write about India’s progress in transitioning towards electric vehicles (EVs). Highlight the
increase in the number of EV sales, the growth of EV charging infrastructure, and the initiatives taken
by automakers to introduce EV models in the market.
Next, write about the key challenges hindering widespread EV adoption in India. Discuss issues such
as high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and consumer perceptions.

Address the need for addressing these challenges through policy interventions and public awareness
campaigns.
Next, write about the key factors influencing EV adoption.
Introduction
An electric vehicle, uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion. An electric
vehicle may be powered through self-contained battery, solar panels or an electric generator to
convert fuel to electricity. India is among a handful of countries that supports the global EV30@30
campaign, which aims for at least 30 per cent new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.
Body
Progress of electric vehicles in India
 The Electric vehicle adoption, be it four-, three-, two-wheelers, or buses, has seen a massive
uptick over the past year or so.
 As an example, Hero Electric, India’s pioneering electric two-wheeler manufacturer, clocked

its highest ever calendar year volumes in 2022, with more than 1,00,000 units finding new
homes across the year
 As fuel prices skyrocket, there are rising concerns about the steep increase in the cost of
running petrol and diesel vehicles. Electric vehicles seem to be coming into their own at last.
 The Indian electric vehicle market was valued at USD 1,434.04 billion in 2021, and it is
expected to reach USD 15,397.19 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 47.09% during the
forecast period (2022-2027).
 The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and Faster Adoption and
Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles in India (FAME I and II) helped create the initial
interest and exposure for electric mobility.
 To promote the domestic electric vehicle industry, the Indian government has provided tax
exemptions and subsidies to EV manufacturers and consumers.
 India’s shift to shared, electric and connected mobility could help the country save nearly
one giga-tonne of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
Potential of EVs in India
 Help tackle Climate change and air pollution:
o India has committed to cutting its GHG emissions intensity by 33% to 35% percent
below 2005 levels by 2030.
o As per NITI Aayog’s reportEVs will help in cutting down as much as 1 Gigatonne (GT)
of carbon emissions by 2030.
o Electric vehicles don’t produce emissions that contribute to climate change and
smog than conventional vehicles.
o All-electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions, which specifically helps improve
air quality in urban areas.

o According to a recent study by WHO, India is home to 14 out of 20 most polluted

cities in the world. EVs will help in tackling this problem by reducing local
concentrations of pollutants in cities.
o Cost reduction from better electricity generating technologies. This has introduced
the possibility of clean, low-carbon and inexpensive grids.
 Energy security:
o India imports oil to cover over 80 percent of its transport fuel.
o Electric mobility will contribute to balancing energy demand, energy storage and
environmental sustainability.
o Electric vehicles could help diversify the energy needed to move people and goods
thanks to their reliance on the wide mix of primary energy sources used in power
generation, greatly improving energy security.
 Cutting edge Battery Technology:
o Advances in battery technology have led to higher energy densities, faster charging
and reduced battery degradation from charging.
 Innovation:
o EVs manufacturing capacity will promote global scale and competitiveness.
 Employment:
o Promotion of EVs will facilitate employment growth in a sun-rise sector.
Challenges in adoption of EVs
 Despite being the third-largest auto market and several incentives dished out by New Delhi
and state governments, India remains a laggard in electric vehicles (EV).
 The country is a ripe target for EV makers but is slow to catch up with other markets,
according to a recent report by S&P Global Ratings.
 Domestic sales of EVs have more than doubled, but they barely represent 2% of the total
light-vehicle sales in the last 12 months.
 India is technologically deficient in the production of electronics that form the backbone of
EV industry, such as batteries, semiconductors, controllers, etc.
 The lack of clarity over AC versus DC charging stations, grid stability and range anxiety (fear
that battery will soon run out of power) hinder the growth of EV industry.
 India is dependent on countries like Japan and China for the import of lithium-ion batteries.
 EVs have higher servicing costs and higher levels of skills is needed for servicing. India lacks
dedicated training courses for such skill development.
 Affordability of e-vehicles (EVs) and the range they can cover on a single battery charge.
Various measures taken by the government to promote electric vehicles

 Most recently, Government think-tank Niti Aayog has prepared a draft battery swapping
policy, under which it has proposed offering incentives to electric vehicles (EVs) with
swappable batteries, subsidies to companies manufacturing swappable batteries, a new
battery-as-a-service business model, and standards for interoperable batteries, among other
measures.
 Government has set a target of electric vehicles making up 30 % of new sales of cars and
two-wheelers by 2030.
 To build a sustainable EV ecosystem initiative like –National Electric Mobility Mission Plan
(NEMMP) and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric vehicles in India
(FAME India) have been launched by India.
 NEMMP was launched with an aim to achieve national fuel security by promoting hybrid and
electric vehicles in the country.
 FAME India Scheme was launched with the objective to support hybrid/electric vehicles
market development and manufacturing ecosystem.
 The Union power ministry categorized charging of batteries as a service, which will help
charging stations operate without licenses.
 Implementation of smart cities would also boost the growth of electric vehicle
Way Forward
 For EVs to contribute effectively, we need commensurate efforts in developing an entire

ecosystem.
 Need to shift the focus from subsidizing vehicles to subsidizing batteries because batteries
make up 50% of EV costs.
 Increasing focus on incentivizing electric two-wheelers because two-wheelers account for

76% of the vehicles in the country and consume most of the fuel.
 A wide network of charging stations is imminent for attracting investment.

 Work places in tech parks, Public bus depots, and Multiplexes are the potential places where
charging points could be installed. In Bangalore, some malls have charging points in parking
lots.
 Corporates could invest in charging stations as Corporate Social Responsibility compliances.
 Addressing technical concerns like AC versus DC charging stations, handling of peak demand,
grid stability etc.
 India needs to leap into EV battery manufacturing.

 Private investment in battery manufacturing plants and developing low cost production
technology is needed.
 Need for a policy roadmap on electric vehicles so that investments can be planned.
 Acquiring lithium fields in Bolivia, Australia, and Chile could become as important as buying
oil fields as India needs raw material to make batteries for electric vehicles.

 Providing waiver of road tax and registration fees, GST refunds and free parking spaces for
EVs.
 There is also the task of bringing skilled professionals into the workforce that are
knowledgeable about the benefits and advantages associated with electric vehicles.
Effects of liberalization on the economy; Changes in industrial policy and their

effects on industrial growth.
The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism could have significant
implications for Indian exports. Examine. (250 words)
Why the question:
The European Union’s (EU) recent announcement of a gradual implementation of the carbon border
adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is viewed as a resurgence of frictions in an inherently unequal
trading system
To write about CBAM, its potential impact on exports and measures needed to mitigate it.
Directive:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by defining CBAM and objective behind its imposition.
Body:
In the first part, write the about the potential impact of CBAM on India exports – affect carbon-
intensive sectors such as steel, cement, and aluminium. make goods more expensive in the EU
market, potentially reducing demand and harming Indian producers, trade disputes between India
and the EU etc.
Next, write about the steps India must take to mitigate its impact – reducing carbon emissions,
engaging in dialogue with the EU, and exploring alternative markets.
Conclusion:
Introduction
‘Carbon border tax’ can be defined as a penalty tax to discourage import of carbon-intensive
goods such as steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizers and electricity via carbon border adjustment
mechanism (CBAM). The aim is to help slash the EU’s overall greenhouse gas emissions 55% below
1990 levels by 2030.
The European Union’s (EU) recent announcement of a gradual implementation of the carbon
border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is viewed as a resurgence of frictions in an inherently
unequal trading system. The EU Commission is pushing for the world’s first carbon border tax on
imported goods. It plans to levy the tax in a phased manner from 2026.
Body

Background:
 The 27-member European Union (EU) has been ramping up its climate action efforts with
the European Parliament, the bloc’s legislative body, adopting a rapid pace in climate
negotiations.
 Earlier this month, it voted to approve a sweeping deal to reform the EU’s carbon market to
cut emissions by 62% from 2005 levels by 2030.
 The carbon market mechanism has helped slashed power plant and factory emissions by
43% since 2005.
 The new reform, however, will phase out free CO2 permits to factories by 2034.
 Along with this phasing out of free carbon allowances, the EU will phase in another
ambitious and first-of-its-kind policy— the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM),
aimed at levelling the playing field for EU and non-EU manufacturers and spurring trading
partners to adopt carbon pricing regimes as a critical approach to the climate fight.
 It aims to ‘incentivize’ greener manufacturing around the world and to protect European
industries from outside competitors who can manufacture products at a lower cost as they
are not charged for their carbon emission during the manufacturing processes.
 So, the carbon border tax is an indirect attempt to force emerging economies, including
India, to adopt cleaner (non-fossil fuel-based) practices to manufacture goods.
Impact on global market

 This makes operating within the EU expensive for certain businesses, which, the EU
authorities fear, might prefer to relocate to countries that have more relaxed or no emission
limits.
 This is known as ‘carbon leakage’ and it increases the total emissions in the world.
 trading partners such the United States, China, Russia and developing countries including
India, have opposed the measure, describing it as unilateral, “protectionist” and even a
trade weapon.
 China, the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter, has opposed the CBAM as a trade
barrier, while it is also planning to develop its own emissions trading market.
 China has asked the EU to justify its incoming carbon border tax at the WTO , a move that
indicates it may raise issues with the law in Geneva’s trade courts.
 Russia, the second-biggest exporter of steel to the EU, said the mechanism raise the prices
of key commodities such as rolled steel and aluminum, meanwhile, its exports to the bloc
have recently declined because of the war in Ukraine.
Impacts on India:
 As per data from the commerce ministry, India’s third-largest trading partner, the EU
accounts for 11.1% of India’s total global trade.
 By increasing the prices of Indian-made goods in the EU, this tax would make Indian goods
less attractive for buyers and could shrink demand.

 The tax would create serious near-term challenges for companies with a large greenhouse
gas footprint–and a new source of disruption to a global trading system already impacted by
tariff wars, renegotiated treaties, and rising protectionism.
 A levy of $30 per metric ton of CO2 emissions could reduce the profit for foreign producers
by about 20% if the price for crude oil remained at $30-40 per barrel.
Long term impacts on India:
 The carbon tax mechanism may spur adoption of cleaner technologies.
 But without adequate assistance for newer technologies and finance, it would amount to
levying taxes on developing countries.
 It is currently unclear how the EU would assess emissions of an imported product.
 There are many small businesses that will face difficulty in quantifying their emissions.
 And the additional costs will be passed on to the consumers, eventually.
 Also, possibly, the tax could discourage sectors and industries that are already adopting
cleaner technologies.
 In that case, it becomes another procedural and compliance hassle, and prove to be
counterproductive.
Way forward:
 The EU is a market that India needs to nurture and protect. Currently, India has surplus in
both trade and services with the EU.
 India should talk to the EU bilaterally to ensure that its exports with the latter are protected
either through an Free Trade Agreement or by other means and if there are adjustments and
standards that India needs to meet then it should look forward to fulfilling it.
 India is not an exporter of cement or fertilizers to the EU and on steel and aluminium too, it
is relatively smaller than other countries.
 India is not the target of this policy of the EU, the target is Russia, China and Turkey which
are large emitters of carbon and major exporters of steel and aluminium to the EU.
 There is little reason for India to be at the forefront of the opposition. It should rather talk
directly to the EU and bilaterally settle the issue.
 China has always followed the policy of ‘Keep Preparing While Protesting’.
 It is talking about protesting against the carbon border tax. But side by side, it has already
started its own carbon trading system also claiming it to be the largest.
 If the EU in future imposes this tax, India will be badly affected by it if it doesn’t set up its
own carbon trading system.
 India shall not be caught off guard in 2026 if the tax is imposed, it shall prepare for the best
as well as the worst.
 India may not have a carbon trading system but its energy taxes if converted into carbon
equivalents would rank as very high.

 India already has measures of climate change mitigation in the country, it just needs to
convert them, devise them in ways which are compatible with important markets of India.
 The BASIC countries and other significant developing countries shall follow the policy of
collective persuasion at the global meetings for finding alternatives for climate change
mitigation rather than implementing such a policy.
Conclusion
A mechanism like Carbon Border Tax for charging imported goods at borders may spur adoption of
cleaner technologies. But if it happens without adequate assistance for newer technologies and
finance, it would rather become disadvantageous for the developing countries. As far as India is
concerned, it must assess the advantages and disadvantages that it is likely to face with the
imposition of this tax and talk to the EU with a bilateral approach.
Despite the global economic recovery, India’s exports have been consistently declining,
impacting the country’s trade balance and economic growth, which is a cause for
concern. Explain the measures that are needed to be taken in order to improve exports
from India and reverse the declining trend. (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article highlights the significance of India’s exports for the country’s economic growth and calls
for concerted efforts from the government and industry stakeholders to overcome the hurdles and
revive the export sector to achieve sustainable growth.
To write about the reasons for declining India’s exports and suggest measures to improve it amidst
uncertainty.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the
context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant
associated facts.
Introduction:
Begin the answer by giving context to India’s export performance.
Body:
First, write about the reasons for the declining trends in Indian exports.
Next, write about the steps that are needed to overcome the above slump– emphasising on export
competitiveness, focus on small and labour-intensive firms and removing supply chain bottlenecks
etc.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Exports are the goods and services one country sells to other countries. A country’s flow of exports
can impact its economy and the entire global economy.
After hitting a record $775 billion in 2022-23, India’s exports are off to a rocky start this year.
Outbound shipments of goods, that had crossed $450 billion last year, have contracted 15.1%
through the April to June 2023 quarter. There has been a decline in the import bill as well over the
first quarter, albeit at a slower pace than exports.

Body
Importance of Exports for a nation
 Exports facilitate international trade and stimulate domestic economic activity by creating
employment, production, and revenues.
 By selling their goods or services to different countries, domestic businesses can acquire
new markets and increase their profits.
 Selling to various markets can also diversify their business’s investments and spread out
economic risk. This means that they aren’t overly dependent on one sector, and if one of
their investments loses value, their other investments can make up for it.
 Expanding their operations by entering international markets, business owners can reduce
the per-unit cost of their products. This is because manufacturing products in bulk can lessen
production costs.
 Businesses can also benefit from exporting by gaining new knowledge and experience from
foreign countries.

 Selling their products and services to new communities with diverse cultures can inspire a
business owner to invent innovative technologies and marketing strategies.
 If a country’s businesses are expanding their operations to export their goods and services, it
can stimulate economic activity and create more jobs.
 Exports can also raise the standard of living in a country. A country’s standard of living is the
amount of wealth, material comfort and services available to individuals and communities in
the country.
 When businesses export goods and services, their customers from other countries pay in a
foreign currency.
 Exporters deposit this foreign currency into their local bank to exchange it for local currency
to pay their workers, buy supplies and conduct other spending.
 Exports are a very important tool to spur economic growth in a country. This means that
exports can also be used to recover from recessions.
 exports have become even more important because they appear to be directly linked to
economic growth.
Impediments for exports in India
 Engineering goods(the backbone of India’s merchandise exports previously), fell by

21%. The Engineering Export Promotion Council of India attributed the slowdown to –
o High inflation in developed regions,
o Falling demand in China,
o The slowdown in the EU and the U.S. and
o The Russia-Ukraine war.
 In October, a decline of $2 billionworth of exports was seen in steel and allied products.
o Due to the export duty leviedon these products to help increase local availability.
o The government has since removed this duty.
o The Diwali festive seasonprompted workers to take leave, thus impacting output.
 Inflation: Inflation has been driven up more by local factors, including higher food prices,
than imported reasonsand that those pressures are set to dampen thanks to easing
international commodity prices and the arrival of Kharif crop.
o Retail inflation has been consistently above 7% these past few months, but stood at
6.8% for October, 2022.
 Fall in Oil and other Export:
 Oil export growth fell to -11.4% y-o-y from 43.0% in September 2022, partly reflectinglower
global crude oil prices, while non-oil exports plunged -16.9% y-o-y, with the decline broad-
based across iron ore, handicrafts, textiles, some agricultural goods, plastics, gems &
jewellery, engineering goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and leather goods.

 Rising Global Trade Tension:
o Recent trade war between the US and China and other global trade wars has
impacted growth all over the world.
o It has impacted manufacturing and exports in different parts of the world, including
the Indianeconomy too.
 Weaker Global Demand:
o The global economic growth is decelerating sharply in the wake of persistently high
inflation across developed countriesand, as a result, as sharp tightening of
monetary policy .
o With growth contraction across the board — UK and US are set to see recession
while the euro area is likely to stall even as China struggles to grow — the demand
for Indian goods has plummeted. That is why exports have contracted.
Way forward
 The weakness in India’s exports is likely to sustain because global growth is likely to remain
weak. Weaker exports, in turn, will have a dampening effect on the growth of India’s gross
domestic product (GDP).
 The government urgently needs to bring out a revised foreign policy to address both our
historical trade imbalance, and the slowing of exports, rather than wait out the tumult as it
intends to, having again deferred the new policy release till April next.
 The government should take appropriate measures to improve the credit cycle through
investment and savings and promotion of foreign investment will bring the economy from
slowdown in future.
Conclusion
Going forward, the weakness in India’s exports is likely to sustain because global growth is likely to
remain weak. Weaker exports, in turn, will have a dampening effect on the growth of India’s gross
domestic product (GDP). A revised foreign trade policy can give much needed impetus and boost to
exports so that manufacturers in India try for export trade.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

Collaboration between governments, tech companies, and gig workers could lead to
innovative solutions that balance the need for flexibility with social security and
benefits. Comment. (250 words)
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article argues that Indian gig workers should be provided with a well-crafted social security net.
To write about the issues faced by gig workers, need to ensure and protect rights of gig workers.
Directive word:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall
opinion thereupon.
Introduction:
Begin by defining gig workers and present a statistic regarding the number of gig workers in the
Indian economy.
Body:
In the first talk about the ambiguity in gig economy which results in the exploitation of gig workers –
lack of formal employer-employee relationship, remuneration, rigidity of working hours and the
working conditions etc.
Next, write about the benefits of regulating the gig economy and steps needed to protect the rights
of workers and grant them social protection.
Conclusion:
Introduction
According to the Oxford Internet Institute’s ‘Online Labor Index’, India leads the global gig
economy with a 24% share of the online labor market. A gig economy is a free market system in
which temporary positions are common and organizations contract with independent workers for
short-term engagements Examples of gig employees in the workforce could include freelancers,
independent contractors, project-based workers and temporary or part-time hires.
The Rajasthan government’s Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill,
2023, introduces a welfare board, is a step towards ensuring the welfare of gig workers. For Gig
Workers, working conditions have become increasingly harsh, with gig workers not recognized as
“workers” and lacking any social security or related benefits.
Not only is it necessary to support India’s growing 21st century workforce, it also offers us a way to
reform our 18th century labour law regime.
Body
Issues faced by gig economy workers
 This workforce has limited employment rights like minimum wages, health benefits, sick
leaves or even retirement benefits to fall back on.
 Also, the payment is assured only on the completion of the project giving a sense of financial
insecurity.
 The lack of any kind of protection was also deterring several talented workers against
participating in the economy
 No stable and secure employment: These so-called jobs do not provide health insurance, nor
pay for overtime with no sick leave.
 Lack of income security: There is no room for wage negotiations, and unions are absent. In the
gig economy, job creation should be seen as the provision of livelihoods for entrepreneurs.
 Grievance redressal mechanism: For instance, when Ola and Uber started cutting back
incentives, the drivers in Mumbai decided to go on ‘strike’.

o But there was no clarity against whom they were striking. When the strikers agitated at
a local transport commissioner’s office, he had to tell them that he did not regulate the
hail-a-taxi business.
 The Central government recently passed the social security code which could cover gig worker
as well.
 One of the key proposals includes the creation of a social security fund which is around 1 per
cent of the aggregators’ annual turnover.
 This fund would be used primarily for the welfare of the unorganized and the gig workforce
Regulation of gig economy
 Constant upskilling and reskilling is required for such talents to stay industry relevant and
market ready.
 A categorical clarification could ensure that social security measures are provided to
workers without compromising the touted qualities of platform work.
 Countries must come together to set up a platform to extend their labour protection to the
workforce who are working part-time in their country.
 Companies employing the workforce on a temporary basis should also be made responsible
to contribute to their insurance and social obligation other than just their tax commitment.
 There is a need for a socio-legal acknowledgement of the heterogeneity of work in the gig
economy, and the ascription of joint accountability to the State and platform
companies for the delivery of social services.
 In the Code on Social Security, 2020, platform workers are now eligible for
benefits. Actualising these benefits will depend on the political will at the Central and State
government-levels and how unions elicit political support.
Way forward
 The government needs to come out with some more regulations to protect the workforce of
the gig economy.
 Also, at present, there is no mechanism to address the issue of redress of disputes.
 It could also mean countries coming together to set up a platform to extend their labour
protection to the workforce who are working part-time in their country.
Conclusion

The scope of the gig economy in a country like India is enormous. The government needs to come
out with a comprehensive legislation to empower and motivate many to take this path. The gig
economy and its workforce cannot be overlooked when we talk about the future of employment.
With a population of over 1.3 billion, and a majority of them below the age of 35, relying on the “gig
economy” is perhaps the only way to create employment for a large semi-skilled and unskilled
workforce. Therefore, it is important to hand-hold this sector and help it grow. We need policies and
processes that give clarity to the way the sector should function.
Value addition
Statistics
 Human resources firm TeamLease estimates that 13 lakh Indians joined the gig economy in
the last half of 2018-19, registering a 30% growth compared to the first half of the fiscal
year.
 Better Place, a digital platform that does background verification and skill development in
the informal sector, estimates that of the 21 lakh jobs that will be created in the metros in
2019-20, 14 lakh will be in the gig economy.
 Food and e-commerce delivery will account for 8 lakh positions and drivers will account for
nearly 6 lakh positions, says the report, based on 11 lakh profiles in over 1,000 companies.
 Delhi, Bengaluru and other metros are expected to be the biggest drivers of this sector.
And two-thirds of this workforce will be under the age of 40.
Analyse the challenges in combatting human trafficking and suggest a long-term

strategy in order to win the battle against trafficking. (250 words)
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The article sheds light on the issue of trafficking in persons and how misinformation contributes to
the persistence of this social problem, in the context of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
2023.
To write about the challenges faced in combating human trafficking and to evaluate the importance
of long-term approaches in effectively curbing trafficking.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context regarding the issue of human trafficking and its global prevalence.
Body:
First, Challenges in Combatting Human Trafficking – Identify and analyze the challenges faced by
governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society in addressing trafficking. Role of poverty,
lack of education, and unemployment in perpetuating trafficking. Write about the complexities of
investigating and prosecuting traffickers and the protection of victims.
Next, write about the Importance of Long-Term Strategies – education, and awareness campaigns
can create a lasting impact, importance of international cooperation and the role of legal
frameworks, Victim- Centred Approaches etc.

Next, write the downside of increased capital expenditure programmes – higher inflation, higher
fiscal deficit etc.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Human trafficking is a heinous crime that involves the exploitation and coercion of individuals, often
for forced labor or sexual exploitation. Combatting human trafficking is a complex and challenging
task due to various interconnected factors.
Body
Human trafficking statistics for India
 National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Data (2019):

o In 2019, there were 5,466 reported cases of human trafficking in India.
o Out of these cases, 3,717 were related to sex trafficking, and 1,749 were for forced
labor.
 Child Trafficking:
o According to UNICEF, India is a source, destination, and transit country for child
trafficking. It is estimated that around 135,000 children are trafficked in India every year.
 Women and Girls Trafficking:
o Women and girls are disproportionately affected by human trafficking in India. They are
often trafficked for forced labor, sexual exploitation, domestic work, and other forms of
exploitation.
 Cross-Border Trafficking:
o India shares porous borders with neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and
Myanmar, making it vulnerable to cross-border trafficking.
Challenges in combatting human trafficking
 Criminal Networks and Organized Crime: Human trafficking is often carried out by sophisticated
criminal networks with international reach. These networks are difficult to dismantle due to
their vast resources, ability to adapt to law enforcement efforts, and corruption in some regions.
 Underreporting and Lack of Awareness: Many victims fear retaliation or lack trust in law
enforcement, leading to underreporting of trafficking cases. Additionally, public awareness
about human trafficking and its indicators may be limited, making it harder to identify and
rescue victims.
 Cross-Border Nature: Human trafficking is a global issue, and traffickers exploit porous borders
and weak cooperation between countries to facilitate their operations.
 Victim Vulnerability: Traffickers often target vulnerable populations, such as migrants, refugees,
runaways, and individuals facing economic hardships or social discrimination.
 Inadequate Legal Frameworks: Some countries lack comprehensive and effective anti-trafficking
laws, making it challenging to prosecute traffickers and provide adequate protection and
support to victims.
 Limited Resources: Governments, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies may face resource
constraints in combating human trafficking effectively

Long-term strategy to win battle against trafficking
 Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Enact and enforce robust anti-trafficking laws that criminalize all
forms of trafficking and hold perpetrators accountable. Provide training to law enforcement and
judicial authorities to effectively investigate and prosecute trafficking cases.
 Enhance International Cooperation: Foster stronger cooperation between countries to address
the cross-border nature of human trafficking. Exchange information, intelligence, and best
practices to disrupt trafficking networks.
o Eg : India has signed bilateral agreements with neighboring countries like Bangladesh
and Nepal to combat cross-border trafficking. These agreements promote information
sharing and coordination to tackle trafficking networks operating across borders.
 Empower and Protect Victims: Focus on victim-centered approaches, ensuring that survivors are
provided with appropriate support, protection, and access to justice. This includes medical care,
psychological counseling, safe housing, and legal assistance.
o Example: The "Ujjawala" scheme is a flagship initiative of the Indian government that
focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of trafficked women and girls
into society. It provides shelter, healthcare, vocational training, and legal aid to
trafficking survivors.
 Raise Awareness and Education: Conduct extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public,
law enforcement, and frontline professionals about the signs of human trafficking and the
appropriate response mechanisms.
o Example: The "Prajwala" organization in Hyderabad conducts extensive awareness
campaigns in vulnerable communities and trains law enforcement personnel, educators,
and healthcare providers to identify and address trafficking cases effectively.
 Address Root Causes: Tackle the root causes that make individuals vulnerable to trafficking,
such as poverty, lack of education, and social marginalization. Create economic opportunities
and social safety nets to reduce vulnerability.
o Example: The "Bachpan Bachao Andolan" (Save the Childhood Movement) is an NGO
working to combat child trafficking and labor in India. It focuses on improving access to
education and advocating for children's rights, addressing the root causes that lead to
child exploitation.
 Engage the Private Sector: Encourage businesses to implement responsible supply chain
practices and ensure they do not inadvertently support or benefit from human trafficking.
 Support NGOs and Civil Society: Provide funding and resources to NGOs and civil society
organizations actively involved in prevention, protection, and rehabilitation efforts.
o Example: "Sanjog," a Kolkata-based NGO, collaborates with government agencies and
community organizations to rescue and rehabilitate victims of trafficking, providing
them with counseling, legal support, and vocational training.
 Data Collection and Research: Invest in collecting accurate and comprehensive data on
trafficking trends and patterns to inform evidence-based policies and strategies.
 Train Law Enforcement: Regularly train law enforcement personnel on the latest techniques and
approaches to combat trafficking effectively.
 Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations between governments, NGOs, international
organizations, and the private sector to pool resources and expertise in and the private sector to
pool resources and expertise in tackling human trafficking.
o Example: The "Global Business Coalition Against Human Trafficking" (GBCAT) engages
Indian businesses in anti-trafficking efforts. For instance, the Indian Hotel and

Restaurant Association collaborates with GBCAT to train hotel staff to identify and
report potential trafficking situations.
Conclusion
Combating human trafficking requires a long-term, multi-faceted approach with a strong emphasis
on international cooperation, victim empowerment, and addressing root causes. Only by tackling the
issue from various angles can we hope to make significant progress in eradicating this grave violation
of human rights
Government must provide social security and welfare measures for gig workers in the
state, recognizing their contributions and improving their working conditions. Analyse.
(250 words)
Why the question:
The article discusses the key points and implications of Rajasthan’s proposed legislation aimed at
providing social security and welfare measures for gig workers in the state.
To write about the issues faced by gig workers, need to ensure and protect rights of gig workers.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by defining gig workers and present a statistic regarding the number of gig workers in the
Indian economy.
Body:
In the first talk about the ambiguity in gig economy which results in the exploitation of gig workers –
lack of formal employer-employee relationship, remuneration, rigidity of working hours and the
working conditions etc.
Next, write about the benefits of regulating the gig economy and steps needed to protect the rights
of workers and grant them social protection.
Conclusion:
Introduction
A gig economy is a free market system in which temporary positions are common and organizations
contract with independent workers for short-term engagements Examples of gig employees in the
workforce could include freelancers, independent contractors, project-based workers and
temporary or part-time hires. According to the Oxford Internet Institute’s ‘Online Labor Index’, India
leads the global gig economy with a 24% share of the online labor market.
The Rajasthan government recently released the draft Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers
(Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023 — the first legislation of its kind in India outlining social security
and welfare measures — and invited feedback from stakeholders, including the State’s
approximately three lakh gig workers, till July 7.
The demand for a legal framework echoes throughout India’s 77-lakh-strong gig workforce
(expected to swell to 2.34 crore by 2030). Gig workers, portrayed by many companies as ‘partners’
partaking in an ‘economic revolution’, often work unregulated hours, inadequate wages, do not have
social security, and face discrimination and harassment at the hands of both companies and
customers.
Body
Issues faced by gig economy workers
 This workforce has limited employment rights like minimum wages, health benefits, sick
leaves or even retirement benefits to fall back on.
 Also, the payment is assured only on the completion of the project giving a sense of
financial insecurity.
 The lack of any kind of protection was also deterring several talented workers against
participating in the economy
 No stable and secure employment: These so-called jobs do not provide health insurance,
nor pay for overtime with no sick leave.
 Lack of income security: There is no room for wage negotiations, and unions are absent. In
the gig economy, job creation should be seen as the provision of livelihoods for
entrepreneurs.
 Grievance redressal mechanism: For instance, when Ola and Uber started cutting back
incentives, the drivers in Mumbai decided to go on ‘strike’.
o But there was no clarity against whom they were striking. When the strikers agitated
at a local transport commissioner’s office, he had to tell them that he did not
regulate the hail-a-taxi business.
 The Central government recently passed the social security code which could cover gig
worker as well.
 One of the key proposals includes the creation of a social security fund which is around 1
per cent of the aggregators’ annual turnover.
 This fund would be used primarily for the welfare of the unorganized and the gig workforce
Regulation of gig economy
 Constant upskilling and reskilling is required for such talents to stay industry relevant and
market ready.
 A categorical clarification could ensure that social security measures are provided to
workers without compromising the touted qualities of platform work.
 Countries must come together to set up a platform to extend their labour protection to the
workforce who are working part-time in their country.

 There is a need for a socio-legal acknowledgement of the heterogeneity of work in the gig
economy, and the ascription of joint accountability to the State and platform
companies for the delivery of social services.
 In the Code on Social Security, 2020, platform workers are now eligible for
benefits. Actualising these benefits will depend on the political will at the Central and State
government-levels and how unions elicit political support.
Way forward
 The government needs to come out with some more regulations to protect the workforce of
the gig economy.
 Also, at present, there is no mechanism to address the issue of redress of disputes.
 It could also mean countries coming together to set up a platform to extend their labour
protection to the workforce who are working part-time in their country.
Conclusion
The scope of the gig economy in a country like India is enormous. The government needs to come
out with a comprehensive legislation to empower and motivate many to take this path. The gig
economy and its workforce cannot be overlooked when we talk about the future of employment.
With a population of over 1.3 billion, and a majority of them below the age of 35, relying on the “gig
economy” is perhaps the only way to create employment for a large semi-skilled and unskilled
workforce. Therefore, it is important to hand-hold this sector and help it grow. We need policies and
processes that give clarity to the way the sector should function.
Value addition
Statistics
 Human resources firm TeamLease estimates that 13 lakh Indians joined the gig economy in
the last half of 2018-19, registering a 30% growth compared to the first half of the fiscal
year.
 Better Place, a digital platform that does background verification and skill development in
the informal sector, estimates that of the 21 lakh jobs that will be created in the metros in
2019-20, 14 lakh will be in the gig economy.
 Food and e-commerce delivery will account for 8 lakh positions and drivers will account for
nearly 6 lakh positions, says the report, based on 11 lakh profiles in over 1,000 companies.
 Delhi, Bengaluru and other metros are expected to be the biggest drivers of this sector.
And two-thirds of this workforce will be under the age of 40.

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.
What are the implications of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 and the
challenges in establishing a comprehensive research ecosystem in India? Discuss. (250
words)
Why the question:
The article discusses the National Research Foundation Bill and its implications for the research
ecosystem in India.
To write about the implications of the National Research Foundation Bill and the challenges it may
face in establishing a comprehensive research ecosystem.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Introduce the National Research Foundation Bill and its objectives.
Body:
First, write about the major proposals of the National Research Foundation Bill.
Next, write about the Implications of the National Research Foundation Bill – Streamlining research
funding, Promoting multidisciplinary research and Focus on high-impact research etc.
Next, write about the challenges it faces – Coordination and integration, Budgetary constraints and
Encouraging research culture etc.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Recently, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, has approved the
introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 in Parliament. The bill will repeal
the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body that was established in 2008
to promote basic research in Science and Engineering and to provide financial assistance to persons
engaged in R&D.
Body
Background
Objective of National Research Foundation
 To ensure that scientific research was conducted and funded equitably and greater
participation from the private sector was forthcoming.
 It will focus on creating a policy framework and putting in place regulatory processes that
can encourage collaboration and increased spending by the industry on R&D.

 The NRF aims to involve colleges and universities in scientific research, as currently, less
than 1% of the nearly 40,000 higher learning institutions in India are engaged in research.
 The NRF plans to build research capacities in universities by encouraging active researchers
to take up NRF professorships, regardless of age, and collaborate with existing faculty.
Features of
 Establishment of NRF: The bill, after approval in the Parliament, will establish NRF, an apex
body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in India as per
recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP), at a total estimated cost of Rs.
50,000 crores during five years (2023-28).
 Subsumption of SERB: The bill will repeal the Science and Engineering Research Board
(SERB) established by an act of Parliament in 2008 and subsume it into NRF which has an
expanded mandate and covers activities over and above the activities of SERB.
 Administration and Governance: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be
the administrative Department of NRF which will be governed by a Governing Board
consisting of eminent researchers and professionals across disciplines.
o The Prime Minister will be the ex-officio President of the Board and the Union
Minister of Science & Technology & Union Minister of Education will be the ex-
officio Vice-Presidents.
o NRF’s functioning will be governed by an Executive Council chaired by the Principal

Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
Implications of the bill
 Promoting Research other than Natural Science: The NRF will fund and promote research
not only in natural sciences but also in humanities, social sciences, and art.
o This integration is crucial for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and

communication skills.
o Currently, research in these areas has limited funding sources. Establishing

directorates for social sciences, Indian languages and knowledge systems, arts, and
humanities is among the NRF’s goals.
 National Priorities: It seeks to identify priority areas where science and technology
interventions can contribute to national objectives such as clean energy, climate change,
sustainable infrastructure, improved transportation, and accessible and affordable
healthcare.
 Enhanced Funding: It seeks to increase funding for scientific research in India, both from
government and private sources.
o Currently, India’s spending on research and development is below7 % of its
GDP, when even countries like Egypt or Brazil spend more.
o US, China, Israel, Japan, and South Korea spend anywhere between 2 to 5% of their
respective GDPs on scientific research.
o Insufficient funding has directly affected the quality and quantity of research output
in India. The initial allocation of Rs 50,000 crore over five years for the NRF does not
represent a substantial increase but is expected to grow as the NRF gains
recognition and demonstrates progress.
Challenges with NRF
 Financial crunch: 50% of the funding mechanism is dependent on private sector.
 While the participation of the private industry in the NRF is an important and welcome step,
it is unclear how the government will raise Rs 36,000 crore from the industry.
 Autonomy: The top positions in the NRF board are reserved for members of the
government, including the PM and the Ministers of Science, Technology and Education.
 Time period: Although the NRF draft mentions that the peer-review process will be
completed within 6 months, releasing funds may take time, pending financial clearance
Conclusion
The establishment of the NRF in India holds immense potential to revolutionize the scientific
research landscape. By broadening research participation, including social sciences, focusing on
national priorities, and increasing funding, the NRF can address critical challenges, enhance research
output, and foster innovation.
With the NRF’s effective implementation, India’s scientific research ecosystem is poised for
significant improvement, leading to transformative outcomes for the nation.
What are the potential applications of bacteriophages, also known as “good viruses,” in
fighting bacterial infections? Analyse the advantages and challenges of using
bacteriophages as an alternative to antibiotics and their significance in addressing the
global problem of antibiotic resistance. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article discusses the use of bacteriophages as a potential alternative to antibiotics in fighting
bacterial infections, addressing the issue of antibiotic resistance.
To examine the role and potential applications of bacteriophages in combating bacterial infections,
analyze the advantages and challenges of using them as an alternative to antibiotics, and discuss
their significance in addressing antibiotic resistance.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Introduce bacteriophages and their role as “good viruses”
Body:

First, write about the role and potential applications of bacteriophages in fighting bacterial
infections.
Next, write about the advantages of using bacteriophages as an alternative to antibiotics – targeted
approach to infection treatment, reducing the risk of harming the body’s natural microbiome.
Address the potential for lower side effects and reduced development of antibiotic-resistant strains
etc.
Next, write about the challenges of using bacteriophages in clinical settings – selection and isolation
of effective bacteriophages, regulatory approvals for phage therapy, and the need for further
research and clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising with respect to addressing the global problem of antibiotic resistance.
Introduction
Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria and use them as hosts for their replication. They are
highly diverse and can target different types of bacteria. It was discovered by Frederick Willian
Twort in 1915 (Great Britain) and Felix d’Herelle in 1917 (France).
Phage therapy is a treatment approach that uses bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect and
kill specific bacteria. It involves using these viruses to target and destroy bacterial infections, serving
as an alternative to antibiotics.
Body
potential applications of bacteriophages
 The advantages of phages lie in their effectiveness against every multi-resistant pathogen.
 phages are extremely precise in their elimination of bacterial strains — so much so that you
don’t disturb the gut microbiome, as is the case with antibiotics.
 Due to the scarcity of antibiotics in Soviet-era Russia, phages were used to treat bacterial
infections, and their use has continued in countries like Georgia, Ukraine and Russia for
decades.
 Georgia is a hot spot for phage tourism, with patients from all over the world going there to
be treated with phages.
 It’s from these clinics that some scientists say we have good evidence that phages can work
against infections that are resistant to conventional antibacterial agents.
 Georgia has developed into one of the global centers of phage therapy, hosting one of the
largest therapeutic collections of bacteriophages in the world.
Challenges
 The lack of therapeutic standardisation is the main issue.
 Phage treatment needs to be properly adapted to the patient’s infection-causing

microorganisms.
 Since different types of bacteriacan cause illnesses, a variety of phages must be employed
as a treatment.
 Also bacteria can become resistant to phagetreatments as well.
 Bacteriophages are unlikely to replace antibiotic.

Conclusion
For now, bacteriophages are unlikely to replace antibiotics. But scientists are optimistic they could
be used in combination to make antibiotics more effective, especially against resistant strains of
bacteria.
The next steps should include large-scale research and clinical projects to nail down effective phage
therapies for different types of infections.
Value addition
How Bacteriophages work?
 Phages are straightforward creatures .

 Like other viruses, are made up of a core of genetic material (nucleic acid) encased in a
protein capsid.
 The nucleic acid may be either DNA or RNA.
 They may be double-stranded or single-stranded.
 They search out bacteria, stick on the surface of the bacterial cell, and then inject viral
DNA inside the cell to complete their work.
 Once enough new viruses have been produced inside the bacterial cell as a result of the viral
DNA replication, the bacterial cell explodes, releasing the fresh viral particles.
 This entire process just takes 30 minutes, thus one virus may multiplie into many in a matter
of hours.
 The single-celled prokaryotic species known as archaea are also infected by bacteriophages.
It is essential to strike a balance by ensuring rigorous scientific evaluations, transparent

regulatory processes, and addressing concerns about environmental and food safety to
responsibly harness the benefits of GM technology for India’s agricultural sector.
Critically analyse the above statement in the context of Indian government’s approach
to approving GM mustard. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article discusses the contentious issue of introducing genetically modified (GM) mustard in India.
To write about the impact of clearance granted for the cultivation of GM-Mustard and need for a
more balanced and transparent approach.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature
of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them 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
balanced judgment on the topic.
Introduction:


Body:
First, in brief, write about the needed for GM crops in the country to meet the challenges of food
security and make farming commercially viable and tackle challenges posed by climate change.
Next, write about the positive aspect of the lifting the ban on GM Mustard and its impact on the
farmers as well as scientific community in the country.
Next, write about the concerns associated with the above with respect to regulatory processes and
transparency and how can they be addressed.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Genetic engineering aims to transcend the genus barrier by introducing an alien gene in the seeds to
get the desired effects. The alien gene could be from a plant, an animal or even a soil bacterium. In
most cases, the aim is to introduce a new trait to the plant which does not occur naturally in the
species.
The recent clearance by the government for the release of GM Mustard Hybrid DMH 11 — based on
the recommendations of GEAC under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change — is
a bold decision in the best interest of our farmers and the nation.
A determined battle by environmentalists in the Supreme Court of India against Delhi University’s
genetically modified (GM) herbicide-tolerant (HT) mustard is all that stands between GM food and
Indian farmers and consumers.
Body
Need for the GM Crops other than pest resistance:

 Food Security: Given the increased growth of global population and increased urbanisation,
GM crops offer one of the promising solutions to meet the world’s food security needs.
 Improved Stress Tolerance: Genes that give greater tolerance of stress, such as drought, low
temperatures or salt in the soil, can also be inserted into crops. This can extend their range
and open up new areas for food production.
 Faster Growth: Crops can be altered to make them grow faster, so that they can be
cultivated and harvested in areas with shorter growing seasons. This again can extend the
range of a food crop into new areas or perhaps allow two harvests in areas where only one is
currently practical.
 More Nutritious Crops: Plants and animals can be engineered to produce larger amounts of
essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, helping to solve nutrition problems in some
parts of the world. They can also be altered to change the amounts of protein,
carbohydrates, and saturated and unsaturated fats that they contain. This could lead to the
production of foods designed specifically for a healthy diet for all consumers.
 Production of Medicines and Vaccines by Crops: It may be possible to have plants and
animals produce useful medicines and even vaccines, so that prevention and treatment of
human diseases in some places can be achieved cheaply and efficiently through the diet.
 Resistance to Herbicides: Crops can be modified to be resistant to specific herbicides,

making it much easier to control troublesome weeds. Farmers can simply apply the weed

killer to a crop field, killing the unwanted plants and leaving the food crop unaffected. For
example, GM oilseed rapeseed – the source of canola oil – is resistant to one chemical that’s
widely used to control weeds.
 Better Tasting Foods: Foods can be engineered to taste better, which could encourage
people to eat healthier foods that are currently not popular because of their taste, such as
broccoli and spinach. It may be possible to insert genes that produce more or different
flavours as well.
 Economic benefits: GM crops can increase yield and thus income. Genetically modified
foods have a longer shelf life. This improves how long they last and stay fresh during
transportation and storage.
Positive aspect of the lifting the ban on G-Mustard and its impact on the farmers as well as
scientific community in the country
 It helps to meet our current challenges — over-exploitation of natural resources (soil, water,
biodiversity), declining factor productivity, urgency to achieve sustainable development
goals, especially ending poverty and hunger, and addressing timely the adverse effects of
climate change
 A major concern of our farmers is that yields of mustard are low and have stagnated for a
long time at around 1,260 kg/ha, much lower than the global average of 2,000 kg/ha.
 Mustard is a very important oilseed crop, grown in 6.0 -7.0 million hectares, mostly in
Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. Thus, the government’s decision to allow
the production of GM Mustard hybrids will go a long way in increasing our yields, while
reducing the use of pesticides.
 Allowing the production of GM Soybean and GM Maize going forward will also be a positive
step, increasing both the productivity and profitability of these crops and doubling farmers’
income — a goal envisioned by the Prime Minister.
Concerns/Challenges associated with GM Crops:
 Human Health Risks:
o Potential impact on human health including allergens and transfer of antibiotic

resistance markers.
o The impact of growing GM crops poses risks to human health as their resistance to
antibiotics can turn medicines ineffective and may result in the formation of new
toxins and allergens.
o Toxins produced by GM crops can not only affect non-target organisms but also pose
the danger of unintentionally introducing allergens and other anti-nutrition factors
in foods.
 Bio safety concerns:
o They can reduce species diversity.
o For example, Insect-resistant plants might harm insects that are not their intended
target and thus result in destruction of that particular species.

o Cross-pollination in GM crops paves the way for herbicide-resistant super weeds

that can further threaten the sustenance of other crops and pests because of its
uncontrolled growth
o GM technology could also allow the transfer of genes from one crop to another,
creating “super weeds”, which will be immune to common control methods.
o Viral genes added to crops to confer resistance might be transferred to other viral
pathogens, which can lead to new and more virulent virus strains.
 Implications on Farmers and Consumers:
o Critics claim that patent laws give developersof the GM crops a dangerous degree
of control over the food supply. The concern is over domination of world food
production by a few companies
o National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research’santicipation that

Bt brinjal’s high yield and increased shelf life will benefit consumers and farmers
owing to cut in retail price of brinjals ignores the scenario that companies might
charge premium prices for Bt brinjal seeds, in which case farmers may not benefit at
all.
 Economic Concerns:
o Introduction of a GM crop to market is a lengthy and costly process. It has not

resulted in high yields as promised.
o For instance, the highest yields in mustard are from the five countries which do not
grow GM mustard — U.K., France, Poland, Germany and Czech Republic — and not
from the GM-growing U.S. or Canada.
 Inefficient Regulatory system:
o Seeing the lapses in the regulatory system and irregularities in the assessment of Bt
brinjal (in terms of labelling and unapproved and illegal sowing of GM crops)
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Science &
Technology, Environment and Forests recommended:
o A thorough probe by a team of eminent independent scientists and

environmentalists for commercialization of GM crops.
o Endorsed labelling GM foods to protect a consumer’s right to know.
 Ethical Concerns:
o Violation of natural organisms’ intrinsic values by mixing among species.
o There have also been objections to consuming animal genes in plants
Way Forward:
 The government must take decisions on GM technologies on the basis of scientific evidence.
 Need to start cultivating an environment of openness and transparency to allay genuine

fears

 The government should adopt a participatory approach to bring together all stakeholders to
develop regulatory protocols that restore trust in the process.
 There is a significant uncertainty over their safety, so precautionary principle is that country
shall wait till a broader scientific consensus is achieved.
 Need for better policy, pricing and to rationalize the input costs
 GEAC needs to be a transparent body. it should put it in the public domain that on what
grounds it has approved GM mustard
 There has to be strong liability laws if there are any environmental hazards or if something
goes wrong in future
 Agriculture is a state subject; therefore, it is important for the Centre to take into
consideration the views of State Governments as well.
 The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has rightly pointed out in 2004, “Science
cannot declare any technology completely risk free. Genetically engineered crops can reduce
some environmental risks associated with conventional agriculture, but will also introduce
new challenges that must be addressed”.
Conclusion:
Clearly, there can be no credible argument against scientific experiments in agriculture that advance
the goal of developing plant varieties that can withstand drought, resist pests and raise yields to
feed the growing world population. But this should be done through a transparent regulatory
process that is free of ethical conflicts. All this underscores the need for a cautious approach — one
that fosters scientific inquiry, allows for scrutiny and is underpinned by regulation. Enacting a
comprehensive law that covers all aspects of GM crops should be a priority.
By promoting the domestic production and consumption of biofuels, India can take
advantage of its abundant agricultural resources, while reducing its dependence on
imported petroleum products. Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
The upcoming 14th Clean Energy Ministerial and Eighth Mission Innovation (CEM14/MI-8)
conference, scheduled to take place in Goa from July 19-22, 2023, is likely to establish the Global
Biofuel Alliance (GBA).
To write about the importance of biofuels in energy security of the country and ways to achieve it.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by defining biofuels.
Body:
First, write about the various advantages associated with biofuels
Next, write about the importance of promoting the domestic production and consumption of biofuels
– boosts manufacturing, reduces trade imbalances, and enhances energy security.

Next, write about the limitations of the above.

Next, write about the steps that are required for scaling up biofuels in general.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a forward.
Introduction
Any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from an organic matter (living or once living material) in a
short period of time (days, weeks, or even months) is considered a biofuel.
Body
About biofuels
 Biofuels may be solid, liquid or gaseous in nature.
o Solid: Wood, dried plant material, and manure
o Liquid: Bioethanol and Biodiesel
o Gaseous: Biogas
 These can be used to replace or can be used in addition to diesel, petrol or other fossil fuels
for transport, stationary, portable and other applications. Also, they can be used to generate
heat and electricity.
 Some of the main reasons for shifting to biofuels are the rising prices of oil, emission
of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels and the interest in obtaining fuel from agricultural
crops for the benefit of farmers.
Biofuels: Significance & reducing dependence on petroleum
 Availability: Biofuels are produced from biomass and thus are renewable.
 Source Material: Whereas oil is a limited resource that comes from specific materials,
biofuels can be manufactured from a wide range of materials including crop waste, manure,
and other byproducts.
 Environment Pollution: Biofuels do not release as much carbon as fossil fuels do but
fertilizers that are used in the growing biofuels lead to greenhouse emissions. Also, biofuels
can help in managing municipal solid wastes i.e., the waste can be converted into fuel.
 Security: Biofuels can be produced locally, which decreases the nation’s dependence upon
foreign energy. By reducing dependence on foreign fuel sources, countries can protect the
integrity of their energy resources and make them safe from outside influences.
 Economic Stimulation: Because biofuels are produced locally, biofuel manufacturing plants
can employ hundreds or thousands of workers, creating new jobs in rural areas. Biofuel
production will also increase the demand for suitable biofuel crops, providing economic
stimulation to the agriculture industry.
Recent initiatives to promote biofuels in India

 Initiatives by Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology:
o The department successfully developed 2G Ethanol and transferred the technology

to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
o Developed Indigenous Cellulolytic Enzyme for the production of biofuels.
o Demonstrated micro algae based sewage treatment technology.
o It has strengthened the international collaboration to accelerate innovation in

Sustainable Biofuel through multilateral programs like Mission Innovation and
Biofuture Platform.
o It is training & encouraging young researchers in the field of Bioenergy through

Fellowships/Awards.
 Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, 2019: The objective of the scheme is to create an ecosystem
for setting up commercial projects and to boost Research and Development in 2G Ethanol
sector.
 Ethanol blending: The 2018 Biofuel Policy has the objective of reaching 20% ethanol-
blending and 5% biodiesel-blending by the year 2030.
o Recently, instead of 2030, the Centre plans to move ahead with its ethanol blending
target of 20% of petrol containing ethanol by 2025-26.
o It will promote the production of biofuels in the country, under the Make in India
program, by units located in Special Economic Zones (SEZ)/ Export Oriented Units
(EoUs).
 GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) DHAN scheme, 2018: It focuses on

managing and converting cattle dung and solid waste in farms to useful compost, biogas and
bio-CNG, thus keeping villages clean and increasing the income of rural households. It was
launched under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
 Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO): It was launched by Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI) and aims for an ecosystem that will enable the collection and
conversion of used cooking oil to biodiesel.
Conclusion and way forward
 Promotion of the use of biofuels in transportation in the countries like India will help
in reducing the crude import bill.
 Biofuels can help in rural and agricultural development in the form of new cash crops.
 Efforts for producing sustainable biofuels should be made by ensuring use of wastelands and
municipal wastes that get generated in cities.
 A properly designed and implemented biofuel solution can provide both food and energy.
 A community-based biodiesel distribution programme that benefits local economies, from

the farmers growing the feedstock to local businesses producing and distributing the fuel to
the end consumer, can be tried.
Value addition
Classification of Biofuels:
 1st generation biofuels are also called conventional biofuels. They are made from things
like sugar, starch, or vegetable oil. Note that these are all food products. Any biofuel made
from a feedstock that can also be consumed as a human food is considered a first-generation
biofuel.
 2nd generation biofuels are produced from sustainable feedstock. The sustainability of a
feedstock is defined by its availability, its impact on greenhouse gas emissions, its impact on
land use, and by its potential to threaten the food supply. No second-generation biofuel is
also a food crop, though certain food products can become second generation fuels when
they are no longer useful for consumption. Second generation biofuels are often called
“advanced biofuels.”
 3rd generation biofuels are biofuel derived from algae. These biofuels are given their own
separate class because of their unique production mechanism and their potential to mitigate
most of the drawbacks of 1st and 2nd generation biofuels.
 4th generation biofuels: In the production of these fuels, crops that are genetically
engineered to take in high amounts of carbon are grown and harvested as biomass. The
crops are then converted into fuel using second generation techniques.
Discuss the advancements in gravitational wave research and its potential impact on
our understanding of the cosmos. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article highlights the detection of ultra-low-frequency gravitational waves and its implications in
understanding the unknown regions of the universe.
To write about significance of detecting ultra-low-frequency gravitational waves, advancements in
gravitational wave research, and their potential impact on our understanding of the cosmos.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by defining concept of gravitational waves.
Body:
In the first part, mention the advancements in gravitational wave research. Highlight the
development of advanced detectors such as LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave
Observatory), which have played a crucial role in detecting gravitational waves. Mention the
collaborative efforts of international scientific communities in this field.
Next, write about the implications of gravitational wave detection on our understanding of the
cosmos. Discuss how gravitational waves provide insights into cataclysmic events like black hole

mergers, neutron star collisions, and cosmic inflation. Address the potential to study the early
universe and the possibility of detecting primordial gravitational waves.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space and time that travel at the speed of
light. They are created by the motion of massive objects, such as black holes or neutron stars, which
generate gravitational waves when they orbit or collide with each other.
According to Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity, any object with mass warps the space-
time around it. When two massive objects orbit each other or collide, they produce ripples or
waves in space-time that propagate outward at the speed of light. Gravitational waves are extremely
weak and difficult to detect. They were first directly detected by the Laser Interferometer
Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in 2015, a century after they were predicted by Einstein’s
theory.
Body
About Gravitational waves
 These are invisible ripples in space that form when:
o A star explodes in a supernova.
o Two big stars orbit each other.
o Two black holes merge.
o Neutron star-Black hole (NS-BH) merges.
 They travel at the speed of light (1,86,000 miles per second) and squeeze and stretch
anything in their path.
 As a gravitational wave travels through space-time, it causes it to stretch in one direction

and compress in the other.
 Any object that occupies that region of space-time also stretches and compresses as the
wave passes over them, though very slightly, which can only be detected by specialized
devices like LIGO.
Significance of gravitational waves
 A neutron star has a surface and black hole does not. A neutron star is about 1.4-2 times
the mass of the sun while the other black hole is much more massive. Widely unequal
mergers have very interesting effects that can be detected.
 Inferring from data as to how often they merge will also give us clues about their origin and
how they were formed.
 These observations help us understand the formation and relative abundance of such
binaries.
 Neutron stars are the densest objects in the Universe, so these findings can also help us
understand the behaviour of matter at extreme densities.

 Neutron stars are also the most precise ‘clocks’ in the Universe, if they emit extremely
periodic pulses.
 The discovery of pulsars going around Black Holes could help scientists probe effects under
extreme gravity.
Advances in gravitational wave research and its importance
 The number of confirmed gravitational wave detections has increased significantly. The LIGO
(Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) and Virgo collaborations have
made numerous detections, including signals from merging black holes and neutron stars.
Each detection provides valuable insights into the nature of these cosmic events.
 The sensitivity of gravitational wave detectors has been enhanced, increasing the chances of
detecting weaker signals. Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo have undergone significant
upgrades, improving their sensitivity by a factor of about 3 compared to the initial detectors.
These upgrades have expanded the observable volume of the universe and increased the
rate of gravitational wave detections.
 The growing catalogue of gravitational wave events has enabled researchers to study the
population of black holes in the universe. By analysing the masses, spins, and merger rates
of detected black holes, scientists can gain insights into their formation mechanisms,
evolution, and distribution.
 Gravitational wave observations have opened up a new field of astrophysics. Researchers

are investigating various astrophysical phenomena, such as binary black hole mergers,
neutron star mergers, and potentially exotic objects like cosmic strings and primordial
black holes. These observations offer a unique window into the extreme universe.
 esearchers are exploring the potential for using entangled quantum states to improve
gravitational wave detection. Quantum entanglement could enhance sensitivity and reduce
noise in future gravitational wave detectors, pushing the boundaries of our ability to observe
the universe.
Conclusion
These advances in gravitational wave research have revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos,
providing new avenues for exploration and confirming the existence of phenomena predicted by
Einstein’s theory of general relativity.
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-

technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
ISRO has elevated India’s space endeavours to new heights. However, it is essential to
strike a balance between commercial interests and ISRO’s primary mission of serving
national needs. Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article celebrates ISRO’s journey of growth and its position as a pioneer in space exploration.

To write about growing reputation of IRSO in commercial launches and benefits from it. Also, to write
about to the need to ensure balance between commercial interests and the nation’s needs.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Body:
In the first part, write about the various commercial projects undertaken by ISRO successfully.
Next, write about advantages of the above – revenue, technology development, reputation,
competition etc.
Next, write about the concerns associated with commercialisation of ISRO – potential impact of
commercialization on ISRO’s core mission of space exploration and research.
Conclusion:
Introduction
India’s third mission to the moon was launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space
Centre in Sriharikota. The mission aims to achieve what its predecessor could not — land softly on
the lunar surface and explore it with a rover. The Chandrayaan-3 mission aims to demonstrate
India’s ability to soft-land and operate a robotic rover on the lunar surface.
ISRO recently launched Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is performing its final orbit-raising maneuver
today, preparing for lunar insertion. It will land in the Moon’s South Pole area by late August.
India previously launched Oneweb for UK. These launches not only established LVM3 as a
commercial vehicle propelling ISRO’s entry into the commercial heavier launch market, it also
earned the agency upwards of Rs 1,000 crore.
Body
ISRO’s commercialization efforts

 Till date, ISRO has launched 384 foreign satellites from at least 36 countries, with at least 10
dedicated commercial missions and several other Indian missions where they were carried
as co-passenger satellites.
 India has been concentrating on increasing its share of the global commercial space market
ever since the country decided to open the space sector to private players in 2020.
 It is one of the world’s major space-faring nations, but it only has 2% of the commercial
market at the moment.
 With 36 OneWeb satellites launched in October 2022, the heavy launch vehicle entered the
commercial market.
 The government plans to increase India’s 2% share in the commercial market to 10% by
2030 through commercial launches by ISRO and launches offered by private companies
like Skyroot and Agnikul, which are in the process of developing their own launch vehicles.

 Keeping the commercial sector in mind, ISRO has also developed the Small Satellite Launch
Vehicle (SSLV),which is meant to provide on-demand launch services commercially.
 A report of the parliamentary standing committee on the budget of the space agency said
that there has been an increase in the revenue generated by ISRO’s commercial arm New
Space India Limited, created in 2019.
 As per the report, revenue generated by NSIL has increased from Rs 1,731 crores in 2021-22
to a projected Rs 3,509 crores in 2023-24.
 This is also suggestive of the fact that the Department of Space is transitioning from a
research based institution to a more commercially oriented agency with buoyant internal
revenues.
Advantages of Commercialization of ISRO
 Additional revenue:ISRO can earn some money by making its facilities and data available to
private players.
 Explore other avenues: ISRO will be free to develop projects of national developmental-
security importance.
 Better utilisation of space resources:Existing ISRO infrastructure, both ground- and space-
based, scientific and technical resources, and even data are planned to be made accessible
to interested parties to enable them to carry out their space-related activities.
 Strategic benefits: ISRO, like NASA, is essentially a scientific organisation whose main
objective is exploration of space and carrying out scientific missions. The private industry will
also free up ISRO to concentrate on science, R&D, interplanetary exploration and strategic
launches.
 Widening the horizon of Private participation:Commercialization will promote private

players in end-to-end space services, including building and launching rockets and satellites
and providing space-based services commercially.
 Reorients space activities: Commercialization will reorient space sector from a ‘supply-
driven’ model to a ‘demand-driven’ one, thereby ensuring optimum utilization of the
nation’s space assets.
 Leveraging the potential of Young Country:So far only ISRO was doing all space related
activities. Opening up of the space sector means the potential of the entire country can be
leveraged
 Boost to Space Start-ups:This will not only result in an accelerated growth of the sector but
also enable India to generate large scale employment in the technology sector.
Challenges posed due to commercialization of ISRO
 Challenges of effective implementation
 Possible issues with the intellectual property rights sharing; technology transfer etc.
 Lack of comprehensive legislation that clarifies on the amount of space of operation the
government is ready to provide

 space sector is a very risky business with high negative returns and failures. The private
sector demands a clarification on research and development risk funding which is critical to
develop new technologies.
Way forward
 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.
In the context of Chandrayaan-3 mission, what is a launch window? Examine the goals
of the Chandrayaan-3 mission and its potential impact on India’s pursuit of space
exploration. (150 words)
Reference: Indian Express , en.wikipedia.org
Why the question:
Through the launch of Chandrayaan-3 on Friday (July 14), the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) is set to make its second attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon.
To write about the objectives of Chandrayaan-3 and its potential contributions.
Introduction:
Begin by defining launch window.
Body:
First, write about the major objectives of Chandrayaan-3 – conduct scientific studies of the Moon’s
surface and sub-surface using a lander and rover. The mission will also aim to study the lunar
atmosphere and determine the presence of water and other minerals on the Moon etc.
Next, write about its contributions to India’s Space Exploration
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing about the importance of space missions to moon.
Introduction
The launch window is a term used to describe a time period in which a particular mission must be
launched. It is a precise time period during which a spacecraft can be launched from a particular site
in order to achieve a desired mission, as a rendezvous with another spacecraft.

Through the launch of Chandrayaan-3 on Friday (July 14), the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) is set to make its second attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon.
Body
Background
Chandrayaan-3 is the successor to the Chandrayaan-2 mission and it will likely attempt
another soft-landing on the lunar surface. It will be a mission repeat of Chandrayaan-2 but will only
include a lander and rover similar to that of Chandrayaan-2. It will not have an orbiter. As per ISRO,
the total cost of Chandrayaan-3 mission will be over Rs 600 crores. In comparison, the total cost of
the Chandrayaan-2 mission was Rs 960 crores.
Objectives of Chandrayaan – 3 mission
 The mission is aimed at better understanding the Moon’s composition.
 Isro has laid out three main objectives for the mission, which include
 demonstrating a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface
 demonstrating the rover’s roving capabilities on the moon
 performing in-situ scientific observations.
Chandrayaan – 3: potential contributions to India’s space exploration endeavours
 Chandrayaan 3 is an ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) mission with the primary
objective of putting a lander and rover in the highlands near the south pole of the Moon in
2023.
 According to ISRO, the Chandrayaan-3 mission will cost more than Rs 600 crores in total.
 Chandrayaan-3 will be a mission repeat of Chandrayaan-2 but will only include a lander and
rover similar to that of Chandrayaan-2. It will not have an orbiter, but its propulsion module
will behave like a communications relay satellite.
 India aims to examine the Moon’s surface, especially areas that have not been receiving
sunlight in some billion years.
 Scientists and astronomers are suspecting the presence of ice and abundant mineral stocks
in these darker parts of the lunar surface.
 In addition, this exploration will not limit to the surface but aim to study the sub-surface and
exosphere.
 The rover of this spacecraft will communicate to earth via an orbiter taken from
Chandrayaan 2.
 It will study the surface by taking images at a distance of 100km from the lunar orbit.
Conclusion
Chandrayaan 3, if successful, will make India the fourth country to soft-land a spacecraft on the
Moon after the United States, USSR and China.

It is crucial to strike a balance between granting patent rights and promoting the public
interest, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and environment.
Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty: Tough
Reference: Indian Express ,Insights on India
Why the question:
The Delhi High Court last week upheld an order by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’
Rights Authority (PPVFRA), revoking the intellectual property protection granted to PepsiCo India
Holdings Pvt. Ltd with respect to a potato variety developed by it.
To write about the issues with the granting of patents and the need for a balanced approach
regarding it.
Introduction:
Give a brief introduction of what is Patent.
Body:
Give its significance to India. Mention section 146(2), Patents Act, 1970 a unique provision not found
in patent laws of most other countries. Talk about its needs for India as a developing country and
mention the example of a Compulsory license for the production of Bayer Corporation’s Nexavar. You
may mention, the amendment to the Patent Rules, 2020 and form 27 which has caused dilution of
section 146(2).
Next, list down a few issues- at the national as well as at the International level.
Then, suggest solutions for it.
Conclusion:
Introduction
A patent is a form of preservation of intellectual property. It is an exclusive right granted for an

invention, which is a product or a process that provides, in general, a new way of doing something,
or offers a new technical solution to a problem.To get a patent, technical information about the
invention must be disclosed to the public in a patent application.
The Delhi High Court last week upheld an order by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’
Rights Authority (PPVFRA), revoking the intellectual property protection granted to PepsiCo India
Holdings Pvt. Ltd with respect to a potato variety developed by it.
Body
Background
 It pertains to FL 2027, a potato variety with high dry matter and low sugar content better
suited for making chips. Normal table potatoes have more moisture, which adds to
dehydration and energy costs during processing, and higher sugar, which causes blackening
on frying.
 FL 2027 was developed in 1996 by Robert W Hoopes, a US breeder employed with Frito-Lay
Agricultural Research, a division of PepsiCo Inc.
 The latter has been manufacturing potato chips sold under its Lay’s brand using this
processing-grade variety, which is grown by some 14,000 farmers in India via contract
cultivation and buy-back at pre-fixed rates.

Significance of patents and its importance
 Prosperity Rights: Intellectual Property Rights actually translates into India’s progress in
real-time and extends Intellectual Property Right to India’s Prosperity Right.
 Innovation Powerhouse: Like geographical boundaries guard our country’s interests,

Intellectual Property is the guardian of our country’s prospects. Powered by Intellectual
Property, India can be the “Innovation Powerhouse“ of the world.
 Create Livelihoods: Intellectual property is the cornerstone of a nation’s progress &

showcases the ingenuity of our youth. The IP has the power and potential to change lives
and create livelihoods for billions.
 Help in Progress: More proficient IP regimes contribute to making India an innovation hub. It
is the key for success of Start-up India, Make in India & Design in India.
o Accordingly, section 146(2), a unique provision not found in patent laws of most
other countries, requires every patentee and licensee to submit to the Patent
Office an annual statement (Form 27 format) explaining the extent to which they
have worked the invention in India.
o This statement is meant to help the Patent Office, potential competitors, etc. to
determine whether the patentee has worked the invention in India and made it
sufficiently available to the public at reasonable prices.
o Compulsory Licencing (CL): CL is the grant of permission by the government to

entities to use, manufacture, import or sell a patented invention without the patent-
owner’s consent. Patents Act in India deals with CL.
o CL is permitted under the WTO’s TRIPS (IPR) Agreement provided conditions such
as ‘national emergencies, other circumstances of extreme urgency and anti-
competitive practices’ are fulfilled.
 Compete Globally: A strong IPR regime will empower the expansion & energise the industry
in challenging times. It is one of the most valuable assets in India’s ability to compete in the
global economy.
 Transparency: These initiatives are bringing transparency & ease of access for IPR seekers.
Challenges in the patenting system in India
 Major problems: Among the issues raised are concerns about what can be patented, waiting
times for obtaining patents, reporting requirements, and data safety.
 Patent issues highlighted the threat of patent revocations, lack of presumption of patent
validity and narrow patentability criteria as issues which “impact companies across different
sectors.
 One of the main points of contention between India and the U.S. has been Article 3(d) of
the Indian Patent Act.
o Section 3 deals with what does not qualify as an invention under the Act.

o Section 3(d) in particular excludes the mere discovery of a new form of a known
substance which does not result in the enhancement of the known efficacy of that
substance.
o Section 3(d) prevents what is known as “evergreening” of patents.
 Issues relating to judicial delays: The 2015 Commercial Courts Act offered an opportunity to
reduce these delays and increase expertise but only a limited number of courts have
benefited under the Act.
 Jurisdictional challenges are reducing the courts’ effectiveness and courts are also suffering
due to inadequate resources and training.
 The abolishing of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB): the overall scrapping of
IPAB, which efficiently had been dealing with proceedings involving complex IPR issues, may
create a void in the appellate resolution of cases leading to their shift to Commercial or High
Courts thereby increasing pendency of cases.
Conclusion
As the patent system is a critical aspect of the national innovation ecosystem, investing in the patent
ecosystem will help in strengthening the innovation capability of India. The right interventions
should be made for the promotion of the quality of patent applications and collaboration between
academia and industry.
Value addition
Patent amendment rules 2021
 Patent Fees for Educational Institutions Reduced: Educational institutions engage in many
research activities, where professors and teachers and students generate several new
technologies which need to be patented for facilitating commercialization of the same.
o At the time of applying for patents, the innovators have to apply these patents in
the name of the institutions which have to pay fees for large applicants, which are
very high and thus work as a disincentive.
o In this regard and to encourage greater participation of the educational

institutions, official fees payable by them in respect of various acts under the
Patents Rules, 2003, have been reduced by way of the Patents (Amendment) Rules,
2021.
o Benefits related to 80% reduced fee for patent filing & prosecution have
been extended to all educational institutions.
o This benefit was earlier available to all recognised educational institutions owned by
the government.
 Extension of Expedited Examination System: The fastest granted patent is the one which
was granted in 41 days after filing of such request. This facility of Expedited Examination
system was initially provided for patent applications filed by Startups.
o It has been now extended to 8 more categories of Patent Applicants:

o SME (Small and Medium Enterprises), Female applicants, Government Departments,

Institutions established by a Central, Provincial or State Act, Government Company,
an Institution wholly or substantially financed by the Government and applicants
under Patents Prosecution Highway.
 The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) is a set of initiatives for providing accelerated patent
prosecution procedures by sharing information between some patent offices
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact

assessment
Mangrove swamps are crucial ecosystems that provide numerous ecological and
protective benefits. However, habitat loss due to various factors severely impacts their
ability to function as natural coastal protectors. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Why the question:
West Bengal which is home to about 40% of mangrove forests in India, announced the setting up of a
‘Mangrove Cell’ in the State, on the occasion of the International Day for the Conservation of the
Mangrove Ecosystem.
To explain the importance of mangroves and to bring out the various threats faced by them.
Directive:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by briefly writing about mangroves and their ecosystem.
Body:
You can draw simple and illustrative of map showing important mangroves.
Write about the role of mangroves as the first line of defense against erosion and flooding. Also
mention about the other ecological benefits of mangroves as well as its unique flora and fauna.
Next, write about the various threats that mangroves are facing which is making them ecologically
fragile and climatically vulnerable such as Coastal development, clearing for agriculture, excessive
Aquaculture &Salt Production, River changes: Dams and irrigation, Destruction of coral reefs,
Pollution and Climate change etc. Cite necessary examples, facts and figures to substantiate your
point.
Conclusion:
Write a way forward to protect the Mangrove ecosystem of India.
Introduction
Mangroves are the characteristic littoral plant formation of tropical and subtropical sheltered
coastlines. They exhibit remarkable capacity for salt water tolerance, strong wind velocity, varying
tides and high temperature. E.g.: Rhizophora, Avicenia, Bruguiera etc. Total cover of Mangroves in
India is about 4,975 sq km as per latest State of Forest Report 2019.
Body
Ecological Services by Mangroves:

 Mangrove plants have (additional) special roots such as prop roots, pneumatophoreswhich
help to impede water flow and thereby enhance the deposition of sediment in areas (where
it is already occurring), stabilize the coastal shores, provide breeding ground for fishes.
 Mangroves moderate monsoonal tidal floods and reduce inundation of coastal lowlands.
 They prevent coastal soil erosion.
 They protect coastal lands from tsunami, hurricanes and floods.
 Mangroves enhance natural recycling of nutrients.
 Mangrove supports numerous flora, avifauna and wild life.
 Provide a safe and favourable environment for breeding, spawning, rearing of several fishes.
 They supply woods, fire wood, medicinal plants and edible plants to local people.
 They provide numerous employment opportunities to local communities and augments their
livelihood.
Threats to Mangroves:
A scientific study reported that 100 per cent of mangrove species, 92 per cent of mangrove
associates, 60.8 per cent of algae, 23.8 per cent of invertebrates and 21.1 per cent of fish are under
threat.
Natural forces due to climate change:
 Sea-level rise:Mangrove systems do not keep pace with changing sea-level and fall
 Extreme high-water events: affect the position and health including through altered
sediment elevation and sulphide soil toxicity
 Storms:increase damage to mangroves through defoliation and tree mortality and they
collapse
 Precipitation:decreased rainfall and increased evaporation will increase salinity, decreasing

net primary productivity, growth
 Temperature: Changing species composition, Changing phenological patterns (e.g., timing of

flowering and fruiting)
 Ocean circulation patterns:affect mangrove propagule dispersal and the genetic structure of
mangrove populations, with concomitant effects on mangrove community structure.
Anthropogenic activities:
 Mangroves are being destroyed and facing severe threats due to urbanization,
industrialization, and discharge of domestic sewage, industrial effluents and pesticides.
 Saltpans and aquaculturealso pose major threat to the mangroves.
 40% of mangrove forests in West Coast of India have been converted into farmlands and
housing colonies over the last three decades.
 Some of the mangrove species like Bruguiera cylindrica and Sonneratia acida are at
the verge of extinction.
 Due to shrimp farming, about 35,000 ha of mangroves have been lostin India.
Scientific Management of Mangroves
 Nationwide mapping of the mangrove areas, by remote sensing techniques coupled with
land surveys, and time series to assess the rate of degradation of the ecosystems.
 Quantitative surveys of area, climatic regime, rate of growth of forest trees and seasonal
variations of environmental parameters.
 Inclusion of mangrove species under threat in the IUCN (International Union for
Conservation of Nature) Red list. Sonneratia griffithii in India
 Assessment of suitable sites for reserve forests. : Artificial regeneration through mangrove
nurseries or aerial seeding.
 Joint management of mangroves with local community participation.
 Disease and pest control. :Crab cuts are prevented by painting hypocotyls in yellow or
Placing seedlings inside bamboo containers.
 Afforestation of degraded mangrove areas;
 Study of management methods, the ecology of mangroves, their flora and fauna, their
microbiology and the biochemistry of organic matter and sediments.
 Mangroves for Future is a unique partner-led initiative for coastal ecosystem conservation.
This project is being coordinated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) covering, initially, eight countries (including India) in South Asia, South East Asia and
Western Indian Ocean, for the protection of the mangroves.
 The mangroves have been afforded protection under Category I (ecologically sensitive) of
the CRZ.
Conclusion:
An increase of 54 sq. km in mangrove cover has been observed as notes in SFR 2019. There is a need
to build on this progress for stabilization of low-lying coastal lands. Mangroves being natural filters
of pollutants from water, it becomes even more necessary to conserve them.
Value addition
Characteristics:
 Mangroves are salt tolerant trees, also called halophytes, which survive high salinity, tidal
regimes, strong wind velocity, high temperature and muddy anaerobic soil – a combination
of conditions hostile for other plants.
 The mangrove ecosystems constitute a symbiotic link or bridge between terrestrial and
marine ecosystems.
 They are found in the inter-tidal zones of sheltered shore, estuaries, creeks, backwaters,
lagoons, marshes and mud-flats.

Discuss the benefits of adopting a circular economy approach in terms of sustainability,

resource efficiency, and environmental conservation. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article highlights the importance of transitioning from the traditional linear economic model of
“take-make-dispose” to a circular economy, considering its positive impacts on sustainability and
resource management.
To write about the significance of embracing a circular economy, elucidating the advantages it offers
Directive:
Introduction:
Define a circular economy.
Body:
First, write about the Advantages of a Circular Economy – reduced environmental impact, lower
resource consumption, and minimized waste generation, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions,
decreased pollution, and conservation of natural resources etc. Cite examples to substantiate.
Next, write about the challenges and potential Solutions in transitioning towards a circular economy.
Conclusion:
Suggest further steps that are needed to be taken in this regard.
Introduction
The circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing,
reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In
this way, the life cycle of products is extended.
Recognising the need to switch from the ‘take-make-dispose’ to ‘reduce-reuse-recycle’ model. India
has prioritized ‘Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy’ as one of the three core themes for
deliberations in the G-20 forum.
Body
This is a departure from the traditional, linear economic model, which is based on a take-make-
consume-throw away pattern. It relies on large quantities of cheap, easily accessible materials and
energy.

Principles of circular economy

The following ‘5R’ principles lies at the heart of achieving circularity in any product, process or
service:
 Reduce: The emphasis is on achieving resource efficiency by prioritizing use of regenerative
and restorative resources.
 Reuse: This encompasses two aspects – first is to reuse the useful parts / components of a
product, wherever possible and second is to promote greater use of product-as-a-service
through sharing platforms.
 Recycle: Focus is on creating a closed loop system to utilize discarded material as a source of
secondary resource, through extensive recycling.
 Re-manufacture: To create new products by utilizing waste streams through cooperation

and collaboration between multi-sector industry actors.
 Repair/refurbish: The aim is to preserve and extend the life of a product that is already
made by designing for the future
Need for circular economy in India
 Rise in consumerism: The robust economic growth coupled with rising household incomes
have resulted in increased consumer spending, which is expected to reach USD 4 trillion by
2025. The rise in consumerism has led to more frequent replacement of assets on account of
increased spending power and economies of scale.
 High resource demand: Increased domestic resource extraction due to urbanisation exerts
increasing pressure on natural resources such as land, forest, air and water. At the current
rate of growth of the economy, India’s resource requirements are projected to be nearly 15
billion tonnes by 2030. Therefore, an urgent need for decoupling economic growth from
resources, which can be achieved through a circular economy approach.
 Import dependence: India’s dependence on the international market for accessing critical
resources like rare earth minerals etc. due to shrinking reserves, technical constraints etc.

 Waste creation: The traditional linear economy approach results in massive waste
generation at all stages of a product life cycle right from resource extraction, processing,
value addition, consumption to end of life stage.
Steps by the government:
 The Government has been working towards the adoption of biofuels.
 The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana provides financial support to integrated bio-ethanol
projects to set up second generation (2G) ethanol projects.
o 2G bioethanol technology produces bioethanol from waste feedstock such as crop

residues and municipal solid waste that would otherwise have no value.
 India has also made it mandatory for coal-burning thermal power plants to use a 5%
blendof biomass pellets along with coal.
 The Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources (GOBAR) Dhan scheme was launched to
convert cattle dung and other organic waste into compost, biogas, and biofuels to promote
sustainable agriculture and reduce pollution.
o The scheme has helped create rural livelihoods and ensured improved sanitation.
 The Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) Scheme(2018)to

promote the use of Compressed BioGas (CBG) as an alternative green transportation fuel.
o It has aided the bioenergy sectorby accelerating the development of infrastructure
for the production, storage and distribution of CBG.
Way forward
 In the collective global endeavor to ensure sustainable development and realize the
Sustainable Development Goals, decoupling resource utilization from economic growth is
going to be the key.
 Industries are crucial in advancing resource efficiency and circular economy practices, India
has envisioned an industry coalition in these areas. The coalition will aim to achieve
o enhanced technological collaboration
o build advanced capabilities across sectors
o mobilize de-risked finance
o facilitate a proactive private sector engagement.
 Need for Legislation to promote the circular economy in the country. Several countries have
recognised the centrality of the circularity as the new paradigm for sustainable
development.
 Policies like Zero Effect, Zero Defectin manufacturing stage, National Electricity Mobility
Mission Plan in consumption stage, and the various Waste Management Rules in disposal
stage, if tweaked properly, can be the ideal for integrating circular economy into the fabric
of the Indian economy.

 Ensuring the transition to circular economy call for extensive collaborative efforts between
key stakeholders, including regulators, policy makers, corporates, and financial institutions
would need to work to adopt circular business models.
 Adequate financing needed for realization of these newer opportunities through innovative
financing instruments, such as green bonds, municipal bonds, SDG-aligned bonds.
Weakening coral reefs reduce their ability to protect coastal communities from storms
and sea-level rise, making these areas more vulnerable to natural disasters and the
impacts of climate change. Efforts to protect and restore coral reefs are essential to
safeguarding the well-being of both marine wildlife and human communities.
Examine. (250 words)
Why the question:
The water off South Florida is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) in mid-July, and scientists are
already seeing signs of coral bleaching off Central and South America.
To write about the causes for coral bleaching and its impact on wildlife and humans.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by defining the phenomenon of Coral bleaching. Give examples.
Body:
First, in detail mention the causes of coral bleaching – Rise in Sea Temperature, Ocean Acidification,
ultraviolet radiation, Infectious Diseases, Chemical Pollution and Increased Sedimentation etc.
Next, write about its impact on wildlife – Coral reefs support some of the most biodiverse ecosystems
on the planet. Thousands of marine animals depend on coral reefs for survival. Coral reefs provide
shelter, spawning grounds, and protection from predators. They also support organisms at the base
of ocean food chains. As reef ecosystems collapse, already at-risk species may face extinction.
Next, write about its impact on humans – Coral bleaching impacts peoples’ livelihoods, food security,
and safety. Coral reefs are natural barriers that absorb the force of waves and storm surges, keeping
coastal communities safe.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to protect coral reefs around the world.
Introduction
Coral Bleaching occurs when the corals expel a certain algae known as zooxanthellae, which lives in
the tissues of the coral in a symbiotic relationship. About 90% of the energy of the coral is provided
by the zooxanthellae which are endowed with chlorophyll and other pigments. They are responsible
for the yellow or reddish brown colours of the host coral. In addition the zooxanthellae can live as
endosymbionts with jellyfish also.

The water off South Florida is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) in mid-July, and scientists are
already seeing signs of coral bleaching off Central and South America. An alarming milestone for the
coral wonder that points to the continued threat of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.
Body

Causes of Coral Bleaching
Natural Causes
 Climate Change
o Rising Sea surface temperature: The main cause of coral bleaching is heat stress
resulting from high sea temperatures. Temperature increases of only one degree
Celsius for only four weeks can trigger bleaching events.
 If these temperatures persist for longer periods (eight weeks or more) corals
begin to die.
o El-Nino: Frequency of storms such as those associated with El Niño Southern

Oscillation events has resulted in the devastation of very large areas of coral. In fact,
16% of the world’s corals were affected by the 1997-1998 El-Nino event.
 Increased solar irradiance: Bleaching during the summer months, during seasonal
temperature and irradiance maxima often occurs disproportionately in shallow-living corals
and on the exposed summits of colonies. Solar radiation has been suspected to play a role in
coral bleaching. Both photosynthetically active radiation (PAR, 400-700nm) and ultraviolet
radiation (UVR, 280-400nm) have been implicated in bleaching.
 Freshwater inundation: Strong cyclones and storms causes heavy precipitation and strongly
dilutes the ocean water near the shore. This can disrupt Saline content (ppm) of the shallow
water coral and induces bleaching.
 Subaerial exposure: Sudden exposure of reef flat corals to the atmosphere during events
such as extreme low tides, ENSO-related sea level drops or tectonic uplift can potentially
induce bleaching. The consequent exposure to high or low temperatures, increased solar

radiation, desiccation, and sea water dilution by heavy rains could all play a role in
zooxanthellae loss, but could also very well lead to coral death.
 Cold-Stress Event: In January 2010, cold water temperatures in the Florida Keys caused a
coral bleaching event that resulted in some coral death.
 Epizootics: Pathogen induced bleaching is different from other sorts of bleaching. Most coral
diseases cause patchy or whole colony death and sloughing of soft tissues, resulting in a
white skeleton (not to be confused with bleached corals). A few pathogens have been
identified the cause translucent white tissues, a protozoan.
Anthropogenic activities
 Increasing Green House Gas Emissions
 CO2 Emissions: Rising Emission intensity from fossil fuels, coal and factories are heating up
the planet and increasing carbon fertilization in oceans. Harmful Algal Blooms leads to
turbity of water, thereby causing bleaching.
 Pollutant Runoff: Pollutants from river water and industrial affluent leads to bleaching.
 Poor Quality water: This can occur due to toxic sediment that comes along with the water
that joins the sea. Corals cannot withstand toxicity and thus expel the algae.
Impact of Coral Bleaching on Coral Reefs

Corals begin to starve once they bleach. While some corals are able to feed themselves, most corals
struggle to survive without their zooxanthellae. If conditions return to normal, corals can regain their
zooxanthellae, return to their normal colour and survive. However, this stress is likely to cause
decreased coral growth and reproduction, and increased susceptibility to disease.
 Great Barrier Reef: Over 2016 and 2017, Great Barrier Reef suffered back-to-back bleaching,
leaving half of the shallow water corals dead. One-third of the 3,863 reefs that make up the
Great Barrier Reef went through a catastrophic die-off.
 Biodiversity of Ocean Ecosystem These sessile organisms also provide refuge and shelter for
many mobile animals. The entire biodiversity sustaining on the coral reef will be affected.
 Fish Species: 25% of fish species spend some part of their life cycle in reefs, despite the fact
that they cover less than 1% of ocean floor.
 Carbon sink: In addition, sessile algae and the coral–algal symbiosis determine carbon
fixation and its pathways into organic and inorganic forms. These are the basis for the
energy that supports the ecosystem and deposits the calcium carbonate skeletons that
create the reef.
 Loss of livelihoods: Countries in Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines
would bear the brunt of the damage, as it will reduce the fish stock rapidly.
 Economic Impact: Both fishing and tourism will be hit hard. Many communities in
Queensland had to look for alternate livelihoods due to coral bleaching and loss of ocean
ecosystem.
 Barrier to storm: Coral reefs act as key barrier to guard against incoming storms and
mitigate the damage done by surging seas.
Way forward
 Limiting global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and
pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C, in line with the Paris Agreement
on climate change, provides the only chance for the survival of coral reefs globally.
 Other measures alone, such as addressing local pollution and destructive fishing practices,
cannot save coral reefs without stabilised greenhouse gas emissions.
 Reinforcing commitments to the Paris Agreement must be mirrored in all other global
agreements such as the Sustainable Development Goals. l.
 Economic systems need to rapidly move to the low greenhouse gas emission scenario to
enable global temperature decrease.
 A move away from current economic thinking should include the benefits provided by coral
reefs, which are currently not taken into account in mainstream business and finance.
 Therefore, sustaining and restoring coral reefs should be treated as an asset, and long-term
investments should be made for their preservation.
 Investments should also include support for research at the frontiers of biology, such as
genetic selection of heat-resistant corals that can withstand rising global temperatures.
Conclusion:
There also needs to be a transformation of mainstream economic systems and a move towards
circular economic practices. These are highlighted in SDG 8 (inclusive and sustainable economic
growth) and SDG 12 (sustainable consumption and production patterns).
Given the significant environmental risks and uncertainties surrounding deep sea
mining, there is a growing need for careful evaluation and consideration of alternative
approaches. Critically examine. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article provides an explanation of deep-sea mining and highlights the concerns related to the
industry.
To write about the issues and concerns regarding deep-sea mining operations.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in
detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question.
While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
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:
Begin by defining deep-sea mining.
Body:
First, write about the various issues regarding the above – potential environmental impact,
biodiversity loss, disturbance of the deep-sea ecosystem, and the potential for negative impacts on
fisheries and coastal communities.
Next, write about the need for careful evaluation and consideration of alternative approach to it.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Deep-sea mining is the process of retrieving mineral deposits from the deep seabed the ocean
below 200 metres and covers two-thirds of the total seafloor. According to International Seabed
Authority (ISA), an agency under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS) for monitoring all activities related to mineral resources in the deep sea, the international
seabed is the area that lies beyond the limits of national jurisdiction and represents around 50% of
the total area of the world’s oceans.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) has decided that it will start taking permit applications
from companies that want to mine the ocean floor. More than 1.5 million square kilometres of the
international seabed have been set aside for mineral exploration.
Body
Issues posed by Deep sea mining
 Environmental impact:
o According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these deep
remote locations can be home to unique species that have adapted themselves to
conditions such as poor oxygen and sunlight, high pressure and extremely low
temperatures.
o Such mining expeditions can make them go extinct even before they are known to
science.
o The deep sea’s biodiversity and ecology remain poorly understood, making it
difficult to assess the environmental impact and frame adequate guidelines.
o Environmentalists are also worried about the sediment plumes that will be
generated as the suspended particles can rise to the surface harming the filter
feeders in the upper ocean layers.
o Additional concerns have been raised about the noise and light pollution from the
mining vehicles and oil spills from the operating vessels.
 Technology:
o The specialized drills and extraction-technology that would be required pulling out
the metals from the deep sea would develop a major technical challenge.
 Commercial Viability:
o The latest estimate from the ISA says it will be commercially viable only if about
three million tonnes are mined per year. More studies are being carried out to
understand how the technology can be scaled up and used efficiently.
International conventions regulating deep sea mining

 The Jamaica-based International Seabed Authority was established under the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It holds authority over the ocean
floors outside of its 167 member states’ Exclusive Economic Zones.
 At the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille (September 2021), IUCN Members
adopted Resolution 122 to protect deep-ocean ecosystems and biodiversity through
a moratorium on deep-sea mining unless and until several conditions are met.
 The UN High Seas Treaty,to protect the world’s oceans outside national boundaries.
National Conventions
 Draft Deep Seabed Mining Regulations, 2021:It has been formulated by the Indian
government to provide a legal framework for the exploration and exploitation of mineral
resources in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Conclusion
There is an urgent need for an international charter as in the absence of a clear charter, deep sea
mining operations could cause irreversible damage to a little understood ecology. A new set of
exploration guidelines must be worked out with discussions involving multi-stakeholders like ISA,
IUCN, UNCLOS, littoral nations etc.
Throw light on the concept of “greenwashing”. In this context, analyse the amendments
proposed in the Forest Conservation Amendment Bill 2023 and their implications on
environmental protection and sustainable development. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article highlights the amendments proposed in the Forest Conservation Amendment Bill 2023
and raises concerns about potential greenwashing.
To write about the proposed amendments, examine the concept of greenwashing, and evaluate the
need for stronger safeguards in forest conservation efforts.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by defining greenwashing and explain it briefly.
Body:
First, write the amendments proposed in the Forest Conservation Amendment Bill 2023 – Ease of
diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes, the provision for compensatory afforestation, and
the relaxation of environmental impact assessment requirements.
Next, write about the potential implications of these amendments on forest conservation,
biodiversity, and the rights of forest-dependent communities.
Next, suggest various measures that are further required to tackle this issue.

Conclusion:
Introduction
Greenwashing refers to the deceptive practice of making misleading or unsubstantiated claims

about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or company in order to appear more
environmentally friendly than they actually are.
For example, a clothing brand may advertise its products as “eco-friendly” or “green” while still
using unsustainable manufacturing processes, contributing to pollution, or exploiting labour.
Body
Background
 Recently, the government introducedthe Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 in

Lok Sabha and proposed changes to the Forest (Conservation) Act, (FC) 1980.
 The aim of the proposed changes is to build forest carbon stock byraising plantations. The
Bill also seeks to make land available for compensatory afforestation.
Key features of the bill

 Restrictions on activities in forest: The Bill adds more activities to the list of activities that
will be excluded from non-forest purposes such as
o Zoos and safaris under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in forest areas other than
protected areas
o Eco-tourism facilities
o Silvicultural operations
o Any other purpose specified by the central government.
o The central government may specify exclusion of any survey
 Land under the purview of the Act: The bill provides for 2 types of land to be under the
purview of the Act.
o Land declared/notified as a forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 or any law
o Land not covered in the first category but notified as a forest on or after October 25,
1980 in a government record
 Exempted land: The Bill exempts
o Forest land along a rail line or a public road maintained by the government up to a
maximum size of 0.10 hectare
o Land situated within 100 km along the international borders, Line of Control, or Line
of Actual Control
o Land proposed to be used for constructing security infrastructure and defence

related projects (not exceeding 5 hectares in a left wing extremism affected area)

 Assigning Forest land: Requires prior approval of the central government to direct the
assigning of forest land to any organisation not owned by the government.
 Delegation of power: The Central government may issue directions for the implementation
of the Act to any other authority/ organisation.
Potential impacts
 The amendment Bill seeks to limit the applicability of the FC Act only to land recorded as
‘forest’.
 The restricted scope of the Act required fewer projects to obtain forest clearance.
 The amendment aids in the diversion of ‘deemed forest’ for non-forest use.
 The amendments also allow forest land, up to 100 km near India’s borders, to be
appropriated, without central approval, for “strategic and security” purposes.
 The primary criticism is that these amendments do not really contribute to regenerating
natural forest, but rather incentivise afforestation for commercial ends.
 The scope of the amendments is pushing plantations to achieve carbon neutrality by limiting
the scope of the Act.
 The amendment may also affect the rights of the indigenous and forest-dwelling populations
who are now protected under the Forest Rights Act.
 Grooming private forests might look good in theory but expecting them to be a permanent
carbon stock is wishful thinking given that strong market incentives exist to use them as
‘carbon credits’.
Way forward & conclusion
 The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, despite attracting objections and controversies,
has received the endorsement of the parliamentary committee.
 The proposed amendments aim to bring clarity to the Act’s applicability and promote tree
cover, national security infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities.
 There is a need for broader deliberation on the bill.
 Forests are a lot more than a sum of trees.
 Unlike man-made plantations, natural forests perform a range of ecosystem services that
are key to the survival and well-being of millions of species.
What are primary forests? Why are they significant in terms of carbon storage and
biodiversity? Examine the efficacy of the steps taken for its conservation at national and
international levels. (15M)
Reference: TOI
Why the question:

Recently released, World Resources Institute’s (WRI) Global Forest Watch says that World’s tropical
forest cover continued to decrease in 2022.
To write about Primary Forest, its significance and evaluate the efficacy of steps taken to conserve it.
Directive word:
Examine: The word “examine” in question means to evaluate, and discuss a topic in detail,
considering different perspectives, arguments, evidence, and implications, including strengths,
weaknesses, and potential outcomes.
Introduction:
Start by briefly defining primary forests and presenting its status.
Body:
Significance of Primary Forests:
Carbon Storage: Explain how primary forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and
mitigating climate change. Discuss the role of old-growth trees and soil carbon storage.
Biodiversity: Highlight the high species diversity and unique ecological niches found in primary
forests. Discuss the importance of intact habitats for the survival of many endangered and endemic
species.
Highlight their characteristics, such as old-growth trees, complex ecological interactions, and high
biodiversity.
Steps Taken for Conservation:
National Level:
Briefly mention the conservation policies and initiatives implemented by India to protect primary
forests. Write how they are successful and what are the lacunas.
International Level:
Mention international agreements and conventions focused on the conservation of primary forests,
such as CBD, REDD+ etc. evaluate their efficacy.
Conclusion:
Mention the measures which should be taken to ensure the long-term preservation of primary
forests.
Introduction
‘Primary forests’, also known as old-growth forests or virgin forests, are forests predominant with
native tree species, undisturbed with little to no human interference (roads, dams, mining, etc.), and
the ecological processes are not significantly disrupted. These forests are the densest, wildest, and
of most ecological importance on Earth. They cover a large geographical area expanding from the
snow-covered boreal region to the humid tropics, though 75% of them are found in 7 countries i.e.,
Russia, Canada, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United States, Peru, and
Indonesia.
Body
Background
 Global Forest Watch reported that a total of 4.1 million hectares of ‘tropical primary forest’
was lost in 2022, equivalent to losing 11 ‘soccer fields’ of forest per minute.
 All this forest loss generated CO2 emissions of 2.7 gigatonnes (Gt), equivalent to India’s
annual fossil fuel emissions.
 Global Forest Watch in its latest report focused on ‘primary forests’ loss in the tropics
because that is where more than 96% of deforestation, or anthropogenic, permanent
removal of forest cover takes place.
 India lost 43.9 thousand hectares of humid primary forest between 2021 and 2022, which
accounts for 17% of the country’s total tree cover loss in the period.
 The total tree cover loss in India between 2021 and 2022 was 255, 000 hectares.
Significance of Primary forest
 Primary forests are incredibly carbon rich.
 They play a crucial role in storing carbon and supporting biodiversity.
 It is estimated that tropical primary forests alone store over 141 billion tonnes of carbon.
 The trees take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, and store it in their
trunks, leaves and soil.
 Once a forest reaches primary status it can continue to sequester carbon for centuries.
 Not only does clearing these forests release the stored carbon, it also reduces the capacity
for them to sequester more carbon in the future.
 Once lost, the regrowth of secondary forests cannot match the ecological and carbon
sequestrationcapabilities of primary forests.
steps taken for conservation
National level
 Indian Forest Policy, 1952
 Forest Conservation Act 1980
 Forest policy of 1988
 Wildlife protection act 1972
 National Afforestation Programme
 Environment Protection Act, 1986
 Biodiversity Diversity Act, 2002.
 Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act,
2006
 National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
 Compensatory afforestation fund Act, 2016
 Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023
International level
 the convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
 the United nations convention to combat Desertification (UNCCD)
 the United nations Framework convention on climate change (UNFCC)
Conclusion
Forests are a unique gift of nature to man and constitute one of the prized assets of a nation. They
are of both direct and indirect use, and hence are aptly termed as an ‘index of prosperity of a
nation’. Keeping in view the benefits which we derive from forests, it is of utmost importance that
strong steps be taken to conserve forests
Value addition
 Characteristics: Primary forests are:
o largely undisturbed by industrial-scale land uses and infrastructure such as logging,

mining, and dams and roads
o the result of ecological and evolutionary processes including the full range of
successional stages over time and with natural disturbance processes operating
within historic bounds
o more likely to possess the full complement of their evolved, characteristic plant and
animal species with few if any exotics
o dominated by a largely continuous tree canopy cover
o have unpolluted soil and water
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology holds significant potential in
mitigating emissions from fossil fuels. CCUS involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions from power plants and industrial facilities, utilizing the captured CO2 for
various purposes, and storing it underground to prevent its release into the
atmosphere. Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
Experts say carbon capture and storage — a way to grab a planet-heating gas and lock it
underground — is sorely needed to cut pollution in sectors where other clean technologies are farther
behind.
To write about carbon capture utilisation technologies and their significance in mitigating emissions.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Briefly explain the concept of carbon capture utilisation technologies.
Body:
Explain the coming of carbon capture utilisation technologies; Carbon Capture and Storage, is a
technology which captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from the burning of coal and gas for power
generation, and from the manufacturing of steel, cement and other industrial facilities. It involves
the transportation of CO2 either by pipeline or ship, for safe and permanent underground storage.
Thus, it helps in preventing it from entering the atmosphere and contributing to anthropogenic
climate change.
Next, write about the limitations of CCUS technologies.

Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a forward and efforts needed to explore this technology.
Introduction
Carbon capture utilization refers to the recycling (collection, storages and then utilization) of carbon
released from fossil fuels emissions. It is one of the flexibility phenomena under the Clean
Development Mechanism of Kyoto Protocol.
The aim is to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from point sources (especially industrial
sources within the power, chemicals, cement, and steel sectors) in order to avoid the release of
these gasses into the atmosphere. Next, the captured CO2 is converted into other components and
products, such as chemical feedstocks, fuels or building materials, which are otherwise typically
derived from fossil-based resources.
Body
Potential of CCUS
 The captured carbon is recycled for producing economically valuable products and services.
Captured carbon can be utilised in producing oil, via Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) or can be
used to produce fuels (eg methane, methanol, aviation fuels, gasoline), construction
material, chemicals, plastics and algae-based products such as fertilisers and animal feed.
 The costs associated with carbon capture can be partially offset by the revenue generated
from the utilisation measures.
 CC helps in economic goods and use in core sector such as, Carbon neutral industries of
methanol, ammonia/fertilizer, olefins for plastic, steel and power.
 Also helps to phase CO2 from atmosphere as CO2 leads to global warming.
 Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies
are two subsets of the overall larger set of crucial technologies that is collectively called
Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS).
Carbon Capture Technology for India:
 To tread the path of clean energy, India has to pursue different categories of carbon
mitigation options, or the 4 R’s, i.e. reduce, reuse, recycle and remove,
 India had identified Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a priority area in its
Second Biennial Update Report that was submitted to UNFCCC.
 In 2019, IOCL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Oil and Natural Gas
Corporation (ONGC), on a combined CCUS and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) system.
 As per the MoU, CO₂ that is captured at IOCL’s Koyali refinery would be transported by
pipeline to the nearby ONGC Gandhar oilfield in the state of Gujarat.
 Additionally, IOCL has also signed a similar MoU with Oil India Limited (OIL) for IOCL’s Digboi
refinery to provide CO₂ for EOR at OIL’s Naharkatiya and Dikom oilfields in the state of
Assam.
 India is also an active participant of the Carbon Capture Innovation Challenge under Mission
Innovation (MI) and has launched a funding opportunity to the tune of $17 million in FY19

for 47 projects across the themes of carbon capture, sustainable biofuels and converting
sunlight.
 India can look towards tackling emissions via a material efficiency approach, thereby
addressing the dual challenge of resource scarcity and emission reduction. India has made
some initial headways in the context of material efficiency. For instance, the Draft National
Resource Efficiency Policy (NREP), 2019, represents a comprehensive framework for
resource efficiency.
 In line with the notion of Circular Carbon Economy (CCE) model, India may consider
broadening the scope of the issue of climate change and acknowledge the role played by
high material consumption in contributing to the energy demand and by extension to
emissions.
 According to a recent report by Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Material Economics (2019),
while 55% of the emissions can be managed by mitigation pathways such as the use of
renewable energy and adoption of energy efficiency measures, the remaining emissions can
be tackled via the adoption of a circular economy model.
 The deepening of the carbon credit market may be pursued, additionally. (carbon credit are
tradable certificate or permit representing the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide).
Global examples:
 China is largest producer of methanol produces using carbon capture technologies.
 South Africa has become world’s largest coal gasification based company.
Conclusion
Carbon capture utilisation technologies can play a key role not only in meeting CO2 emission
reduction targets (such as the ones set by the Paris Agreement), but also in accelerating the
transition to Circular Carbon Economy. As the technology matures and the associated costs fall
further, India should consider designing policies and programs to encourage faster deployment.
There is increasing concern about the potential human health and environmental
impacts of microplastics. We should work towards minimizing the threats posed by
microplastics and protecting both the environment and human health from the
detrimental effects of plastic pollution. Discuss. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article highlights a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stating that
microplastics have the potential to alter the gut microbiome and cause intestinal inflammation.
To write threats posed by microplastics and steps needed to overcome it.
Directive word:
Introduction:

Begin by defining microplastics

Body:
First, write about the threats posed by microplastics – threat to aquatic life, migrate through the
intestinal wall and travel to lymph nodes, carcinogenic, potential for both bioaccumulation and
biomagnification etc.
Next, write about that are needed to combat threats posed by microplastics.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Microplastics are small plastic particles in the environment that are generally smaller than 1mm
down to the micrometer range.
A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stating that microplastics have the potential
to alter the gut microbiome and cause intestinal inflammation. In another instance, the researchers
found huge amounts of them in the Arctic snow; their study claims to be the first that contains data
on contamination of snow by microplastics.
Body
Microfibres from washing of textiles, microbeads used in cosmetics and even paint from land run-
offs can dump microplastics in the ocean. Plastic bottles, bags, fishing nets, and food packaging are
some examples of the larger pieces that break down into microplastics, eventually finding their way
into the soil, water and the air we breathe. According to a 2017 International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) report, microplastics are estimated to constitute up to 30% of
marine litter polluting the oceans.
Threats posed by Microplastics:
 Microplastics escape the filtration and treatment processes for waste water and end up in
sites of nature.
 This is resulting in significant global impacts on wildlife from marine environment pollution.
 Microplastics are killing the fish before they reach reproductive age, stunted growth and
altering the behaviour in some fishes.
 Microplastics are found in the viscera of dead sea birds, reptiles like turtles, whales etc.
 World’s coastal countries currently do not have the concerned recycling policies or the
technical capabilities, and so large quantities of plastic are not recycled and enter landfill.
 The durable properties of plastics make them persistent and slow to degrade in the
environment entering the food chains.
 It holds the potential for both bioaccumulation and biomagnification.
 Once the microplastics enter foodchain, they carry synthetic chemical compounds such as
PCBs and PAHs, which are carcinogenic.
 Unlike POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Plastic pollution

has received little attention in terms of international agreements.
 Microplastics make up 94 percent of an estimated 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic in the patch.
But that only amounts to eight percent of the total tonnage

Measures needed:
 Local actions are required for mitigating plastic pollution, using mechanisms such as bans on
plastic bags, maximum daily limits for emissions into watersheds, and incentives for fishing
gear retrieval.
 Microbeads in cosmetics, daily use items must be banned globally.
 Countries should come together to establish measurable reduction targets for plastic waste.
A meaningful international agreement—one with clearly defined waste reduction targets is
the need of the hour.
 Effective policies must take into account all stages of the lifecycle of plastic—connecting
producers to users and ultimately to waste managers.
 Nonprofits like 5 Gyres are now pushing an agenda toward public awareness, corporate
responsibility and the idea of a circular economy — an economy that focuses on keeping
waste to a minimum while maximizing materials’ use.
 Fossil fuel subsidies incentivise the plastic market. Hence, Countries should end fossil fuel
subsidies. Annually, 4–8% of oil is used to produce raw plastic.
 India has a major problem dealing with plastics, particularly single-use shopping bags that
reach dumping sites, rivers and wetlands along with other waste.
 The most efficient way to deal with the pollution is to control the production and
distribution of plastics.
 Banning single-use bags and making consumers pay a significant amount for the more
durable ones is a feasible solution.
 Enforcing segregation of waste will retrieve materials and greatly reduce the burden on the
environment.
 Waste separation can be achieved in partnership with the community, and presents a major
employment opportunity.
 Eco-friendly substitutes (cloth/paper/jute bags, leaves/areca leaf plates, paper straws)
should be developed. For this, scientific and financial support (soft loans and subsidies) is
required.
Conclusion
Marine plastic pollution is a “planetary crisis,” and we should hope for a “Paris-style” global treaty
aimed at tackling it. We cannot transform our world into a ‘plastic planet’. What is needed is
collective public effort to stop plastic pollution and safeguard our ecosystem/biodiversity.
Evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of adopting hydrogen as an alternative

fuel for reducing emissions in the transportation sector. (250 words)
Why the question:

The article discusses the decarbonization of India’s commercial vehicle fleet and making a case for
hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine vehicles.
To write about the benefits and challenges of hydrogen as fuel for transport sector.
Directive word:
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 evidence. You must appraise the worth of
the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of hydrogen as an alternative fuel option.
Body:
First, write about the potential benefits of hydrogen as an alternative fuel – zero emissions, energy
density, quick refuelling, and versatility etc.
Next, write about the challenges in adopting hydrogen as an alternative fuel – infrastructure
development, production and distribution, cost and efficiency, safety concerns etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to maximise the benefits of the hydrogen fuel technology.
Introduction
Hydrogen is all set to play a significant role in decarbonising energy system. The hydrogen economy
is an envisioned future where hydrogen is used as fuel for vehicles, energy storage and long-distance
transport of energy. The different pathways to use hydrogen economy includes hydrogen
production, storage, transport and utilization.
In this regard, A National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHEM) to transform transportation in India
was announced during Union Budget 2021-22.
Body
Hydrogen Fuel can be a game changer in ensuring energy security as well as our battle against
climate change:
 Hydrogen is the lightest and first elementon the periodic table. Since the weight of
hydrogen is less than air, it rises in the atmosphere and is therefore rarely found in its pure
form, H2.
 At standard temperature and pressure, hydrogen is a nontoxic, non-metallic, odourless,

tasteless, colourless, and highly combustible diatomic gas.
 Hydrogen fuel is a zero-emission fuel burned with oxygen. It can be used in fuel cells or
internal combustion engines. It is also used as a fuel for spacecraft propulsion.
 It can be produced from renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind. At present,
there are a number of ways to produce hydrogen, but the most common method is natural
gas reforming and electrolysis.
 Its use can reduce CO2 related emissions significantlyand decarbonise the entire value
chain, enabling reduced emissions and climate change threats.
 Hydrogen can also bridge the gap between supply and demand, in both a centralized or
decentralized manner, thereby enhancingthe overall energy system flexibility.

 Hydrogen can be used to meet both seasonal and daily supply-demand mismatch in the
case of renewables.
 At present, the current global demand for hydrogen is 70 million metric tons, most of
which is being produced from fossil fuels– 76% from natural gas and 23% from coal and
remaining from the electrolysis of water– consumes 6% of the global natural gas and 2% of
the global coal. This results in CO2 emissions of around 830Mt/year out of which only
130Mt/year is being captured and used in the fertilizer industry.
 Much of the hydrogen produced is used for oil refining (33%), ammonia (27%), methanol
production (11%), steel production via DRI (3%)and others.
Challenges:
 One of the biggest challenges faced by the industry for using hydrogen commercially is
the economic sustainability of extracting green or blue hydrogen.
 The technology used in production and use of hydrogen like Carbon Capture and Storage
(CCS)and hydrogen fuel cell technology are at nascent stageand are expensive which in turn
increases the cost of production of hydrogen.
 Several challenges in scaling up the commercial-scale operations of green hydrogen persist.
 Maintenance costsfor fuel cells post-completion of a plant can be costly.
 The commercial usage of hydrogen as a fuel and in industries requires mammoth

investment in R&D of such technology and infrastructurefor production, storage,
transportation and demand creation for hydrogen.
 Another key challenge has been portability and transporting the gas.
 Currently costs of production of Green Hydrogen are too high to be competitive with other
fuels.
 Most renewable energy resources that can produce low-cost electricity are situated far from
potential demand centres
Steps taken by India towards hydrogen economy:
 India has a huge edge in green hydrogen production owing to its favourable geographic
conditions and presence of abundant natural elements.
 India’s goal of attaining 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022 and to decarbonise
by 2050 got an impetus in the Union Budget 2021-22.
 The National Hydrogen Mission has created a road-map for this, and pilot projects on blue
hydrogen, green hydrogen and hydrogen compressed natural gas (CNG) have been initiated.
 The proposed introduction of green hydrogen consumption obligations for fertiliser and
petroleum refining industry, indicate the country’s resolve to transition towards an
economy fuelled by green hydrogen.
 The government has given impetus in scaling up the gas pipeline infrastructureacross the
length and breadth of the country, and has introduced reforms for the power grid, including

the introduction of smart grids. Such steps are being taken to effectively integrate
renewable energy in the present energy mix.
 In October 2020, Delhi became the first Indian city to operate Hydrogen-enrichedCNG (H-
CNG) buses in a six-month pilot project.
 The Government of India is planning to focus on five key areas: (a)Research and
Development (b) Demand creation (c) how to use it in the industry (d) how to create an eco-
system (e) how to bring it on board along with international partnerships.
Way forward for India:
 At this juncture, with a calibrated approach, India can uniquely position itself to take
advantage with increasing investment in R&D, capacity building, compatible legislation,
and the opportunity for creation of demandamong its vast population. Such initiatives can
propel India to become the most favoured nation by exporting hydrogen to its neighbours
and beyond.
 Proactive industry collaboration with the government is key to creating a hydrogen

economy in India.
 This will help bring best-in-class hydrogen technology, equipment, and know-how to create a
hydrogen supply chain in India — in many cases, these could be “Made in India”.
 By prioritising national hydrogen demonstration projects, innovations to further reduce

the cost of hydrogen will become prominent locally.
 A robust policy framework akin to the one that guided the country’s solar revolution could
lead to an increase in production and demand of this green fuel.
 The Government of India should consider setting up a multi-agency mission to bring

multiple ministries, private industry and academia together in a partnership to scale up the
deployment of hydrogen across sectors and industries.
 Having a clear mid-term and long-term target inspires confidence in the private sector to
make their investments in a new energy source.
 Tax benefits that solar and wind receive should be extended to all players in the green
hydrogen ecosystem.
 In the short term, the price of hydrogen generated through steam methane reformation
should be capped.
 Generating hydrogen from biomass should also be incentivised as it also has the potential
to increase farmer incomes.
 India should ramp up international collaborations for more effortless transfer of

technology and resources related to hydrogen.
 Low solar prices coupled with pragmatic policies can help India take a leadership position in
driving the global hydrogen economy.
 India needs to secure supplies of raw materials that are needed for this technology.

 Major institutions like the DRDO, BARC and CSIR laboratories have been
developing electrolyser and fuel-cell technologies, which could further boost hydrogen
economy.
 There is a need for a manufacturing strategy that can leverage the existing strengths and
mitigate threats by integrating with the global value chain.
Conclusion
Green hydrogen is one of the most promising fuels in the efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Green
hydrogen energy is vital for India to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions and ensure
regional and national energy security, access and availability. Hydrogen can act as an energy
storage option, which would be essential to meet intermittencies (of renewable energy) in the
future.
Disaster and disaster management.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) involves proactively identifying and addressing the
underlying risks and vulnerabilities that can lead to disasters. Analyse in the context of
India’s adoption of the National Disaster Management Plan. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article discusses India’s adoption of the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) and its
significance in enhancing disaster risk reduction efforts.
To write about the complementary nature of disaster prevention and emergency response during a
disaster and role of National Disaster Management Plan in doing so.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by defining Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).
Body:
First, write about role of disaster prevention in mitigating the impact of disasters – identifying
potential hazards, assessing the risk they pose, and taking steps to reduce the likelihood of a disaster
occurring.
Next, write about the importance of emergency response – search and rescue, medical assistance,
shelter and basic needs, communication and coordination, and damage assessment.
Next, write about National Disaster Management Plan, its components and how it will contribute to
disaster risk reduction.
Conclusion:
Introduction
A disaster is a result of natural or man-made causes that leads to sudden disruption of normal life,
causing severe damage to life and property to an extent that available social and economic
protection mechanisms are inadequate to cope.

It is an undesirable occurrence resulting from forces that are largely outside human control. It strikes
quickly with little or no warning and requires major efforts in providing statutory emergency service.
Body
India’s vulnerability profile
 India is vulnerable, in varying degrees, to a large number of disasters. Around 59% of the
landmass is prone to earthquakes of moderate to very high intensity.
 About 12% (over 40 million hectares) of its land is prone to floods and river erosion.
 Close to 5,700 kms, out of the 7,516 kms long coastline is prone to cyclones and tsunamis.
 68% of its cultivable area is vulnerable to droughts; and, the hilly areas are at risk from
landslides and avalanches.
 Moreover, India is also vulnerable to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN)
emergencies and other man-made disasters.
 Disaster risks in India are further compounded by increasing vulnerabilities related

to changing demographics and socio-economic conditions, unplanned urbanization,
development within high-risk zones, environmental degradation, climate change,
geological hazards, epidemics and pandemics.
 Clearly, all these contribute to a situation where disasters seriously threaten India’s
economy, its population and sustainable development.
Impact of disaster
 Disaster impacts individuals physically(through loss of life, injury, health, disability) as well
as psychologically.
 Disaster results in huge economic loss due to destruction of property, human settlements
and infrastructure etc.
 Disaster can alter the natural environment, loss of habitat to many plants and animals and
cause ecological stress that can result in biodiversity loss.
 After natural disasters, food and other natural resources like water often becomes scarce
resulting into food and water scarcity.
 The disaster results in displacement of people, and displaced population often face several
challenges in new settlements, in this process poorer becomes more poor.
 Disaster increases the level of vulnerability and hence multiply the effects of disaster.
National Disaster Management Plan
 National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) is the first ever national plan prepared to
handle disasters in the country. The NDMP has been aligned broadly with the goals and
priorities set out in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

 For each hazard, the approach used in this national plan incorporates the four priorities
enunciated in the Sendai Framework into the planning framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction under the five Thematic Areas for Actions:
o Understanding Risk
o Inter-Agency Coordination
o Investing in DRR – Structural Measures
o Investing in DRR – Non-Structural Measures
o Capacity Development
 The Response part of the Plan has identified eighteen broad activities which have been
arranged into a matrix to be served as a ready reckoner:
o Early Warning, Maps, Satellite inputs, Information Dissemination
o Evacuation of People and Animals
o Search and Rescue of People and Animals
o Medical Care
o Drinking Water/ Dewatering Pumps/ Sanitation Facilities/ Public Health
o Food & Essential Supplies
o Communication
o Housing and Temporary Shelters
o Power
o Fuel
o Transportation
o Relief Logistics and Supply Chain Management
o Disposal of Animal Carcasses
o Fodder for livestock in scarcity-hit areas
o Rehabilitation and Ensuring Safety of Livestock and other Animals, Veterinary Care
o Data Collection and Management
o Relief Employment
o Media Relations
 Governance: The Plan has also incorporated a Chapter on Strengthening Disaster Risk
Governance. The generalized responsibility matrix given in this section summarizes the
themes for strengthening Disaster Risk Governance and specifies agencies at the Centre
and State with their respective roles. The matrix has six thematic areas in which Central and
State Governments have to take actions to strengthen disaster risk governance:

o Mainstream and integrate DRR and Institutional Strengthening
o Capacity Development
o Promote Participatory Approaches
o Work with Elected Representatives
o Grievance Redress Mechanism
o Promote Quality Standards, Certifications, and Awards for Disaster Risk

Management
Prevention and preparedness
 Disaster risk reduction is the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through
systematic efforts to analyse and reduce the causal factors of disasters.
 Pre-Disaster risk reduction includes-
 Mitigation: To eliminate or reduce the impacts and risks of hazards through proactive
measures taken before an emergency or disaster occurs.
 Preparedness: To take steps to prepare and reduce the effects of disasters.
 Post-Disaster risk reduction includes-
 Rescue: Providing warning, evacuation, search, rescue, providing immediate assistance.
 Relife: To respond to communities who become victims of disaster, providing relief

measures such as food packets, water, medicines, temporary accommodation, relief camps
etc.
 Recovery: This stage emphasises upon recovery of victims of disaster, recovery of damaged
infrastructure and repair of the damages caused.
Conclusion
Disaster management must be implemented at all levels of society and must have a bottoms up
approach. Every disaster can be mitigated if there is preparedness and risk reduction should be first
step to reduce the impact of a disaster.
Do you think that Urban flooding which is being witnessed in metropolitan cities across
the nation is a man-made disaster? Critically analyse. (250 words)
Reference: The Quint
Why the question:
In the aftermath of the devastating flood situation in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi expressed his
concern and assured support to the affected people. The floods caused widespread damage and loss
of lives in the region, and the government is mobilizing resources to provide relief and assistance to
those affected.
To write about the various causes of urban floods and ways to mitigate them
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of
the topic by separating it into component parts and present them 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
balanced judgment on the topic.
Introduction:
Begin by explaining what is urban flood.
Body:
Next, Mention the man-made causes of urban floods such as lake bed encroachments, deforestation
etc.
Next, write about the natural causes of urban floods.
Next, mention the need for a city wise strategic approach and recourse in the building codes and by-
laws of cities to ensure proper drainage channels and provision for perforation of rainfall into ground
water to avoid urban floods.
Conclusion:
Introduction
As the incidence of climate variability and extreme weather events increases, urban flooding
becomes more and more common. While the untimely heavy rains can be attributed to climate
variability, the urban flooding is largely due to an unplanned urbanisation.
In many Indian cities, the urban floods have become a frequent phenomenon in recent years.
Overburdened drainage, unregulated construction, no regard to the natural topography and hydro-
geomorphology all make urban floods a man-made disaster.
In the aftermath of the devastating flood situation in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi expressed his
concern and assured support to the affected people. The floods caused widespread damage and loss
of lives in the region, and the government is mobilizing resources to provide relief and assistance to
those affected.
Body:
Yes, urban floods is a man-made disaster
 Inadequate Drainage Infrastructure: Cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai rely on a century-old

drainage system, covering only a small part of the core city.
o In the last 20 years, the Indian cities have grown manifold with its original built-up
area.
o As the city grew beyond its original limits, not much was done to address the
absence of adequate drainage systems.
o CAG report (last year) pulled up Bengaluru municipality for this poor civic
management of storm water drainage.
 Terrain Alteration: Lasting irreversible damage has been done to the city by property
builders, property owners, and public agencies by flattening terrain and altering natural
drainage routes.
 Reducing Seepage: Indian cities are becoming increasingly impervious to water, not just
because of increasing built up but also because of the nature of materials used (hard, non-
porous construction material that makes the soil impervious).

 Lax Implementation: Even with provisions of rainwater harvesting, sustainable urban

drainage systems, etc, in regulatory mechanisms like the Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA), adoption at user end as well as enforcement agencies remains weak.
 Encroaching Natural Spaces: The number of wetlands has reduced to 123 in 2018 from 644
in 1956.
o Green cover is only 9 per cent, which ideally should have been at least 33 per cent.
 Destruction of mangroves: Mumbai lost about 40% of its mangroves between 1995 and
2005.
 Lack of data: CAG also found that the Bengaluru municipality did not maintain proper
records of the stormwater management funds allotted to it under the JNNURM.
 Lack of coordination: CAG report also noted the lack of coordination between the
municipality and the Bangalore Development Authority on drainage-related matters.
However, there are natural causes too which lead to urban floods
 Higher rainfall: As per the IMD, monsoon has become frequent and unpredictable
 Storm surges (for coastal cities): E.g. Cyclone Amphan in 2020 flooded the streets of
Kolkata. Within eastern India, the storm killed 98 people and caused $13.8 billion(2020
USD).
 Groundwater levels:In Chennai, the replenished groundwater table across the city after
rains becomes a challenge for several buildings with basements.
Measures needed
Protecting the greens, curbing new unauthorised concretisation, separating the stormwater drains
from the sewer network, and ensuring waste segregation and treatment are keys to addressing this
problem.
Way forward
 Need for Holistic Engagement: Urban floods of this scale cannot be contained by the
municipal authorities alone. Floods cannot be managed without concerted and focused
investments of energy and resources.
o The Metropolitan Development Authorities, National Disaster Management

Authority, State revenue and irrigation departments along with municipal
corporations should be involved in such work together.
o Such investments can only be done in a mission mode organisation with active
participation of civil society organisations at the metropolitan scale.
 Developing Sponge Cities: The idea of a sponge city is to make cities more permeable so as
to hold and use the water which falls upon it.
o Sponge cities absorb the rain water, which is then naturally filtered by the soil and
allowed to reach urban aquifers.
o This allows for the extraction of water from the ground through urban or peri-urban
wells.
o This water can be treated easily and used for city water supply.
 Wetland Policy:There is a need to start paying attention to the management of wetlands by

involving local communities.
o Without doubt, terrain alteration needs to be strictly regulated and a ban on any
further alteration of terrain needs to be introduced.
o To improve the city’s capacity to absorb water, new porous materials and
technologies must be encouraged or mandated across scales.
o Examples of these technologies are bioswales and retention systems, permeable

material for roads and pavement, drainage systems which allow storm water to
trickle into the ground, green roofs and harvesting systems in buildings.
 Drainage Planning:Watershed management and emergency drainage plan should be clearly

enunciated in policy and law.
o Urban watersheds are micro ecological drainage systems, shaped by contours of

terrain.
o Detailed documentation of these must be held by agencies which are not bound by
municipal jurisdictions; instead, there is a need to consider natural boundaries such
as watersheds instead of governance boundaries like electoral wards for shaping a
drainage plan.
 Water Sensitive Urban Design:These methods take into consideration the topography, types
of surfaces (permeable or impervious), natural drainage and leave very less impact on the
environment.
o Vulnerability analyses and risk assessments should form part and parcel of city
master plans.
o In a changing climate, the drainage infrastructure (especially storm water drainage)

has to be built considering the new ‘normal’.
o Tools such as predictive precipitation modelling can help do that and are also able to
link it with the adaptive capacity of urban land use.
Conclusion
These can all be delivered effectively through an urban mission along the lines of the Atal Mission
for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), National Heritage City Development and
Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) and Smart Cities Mission. Urban Flood management will not just
help control recurring floods but also respond to other fault lines, provide for water security, more
green spaces, and will make the city resilient and sustainable.
Discuss the need for preparedness measures in the face of monsoon-related disasters
in North India and importance of preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of such
events. (250 words)

Why the question:

The article highlights the need for preparedness measures in the face of monsoon-related disasters in
North India.
To analyse the lessons learned from monsoon-induced disasters, discuss the importance of
preparedness measures, and evaluate the role of various stakeholders in building resilience and
ensuring effective disaster management.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start the answer by giving context.
Body:
First, in brief, write about the factors leading to monsoon related disasters – heavy rainfall,
inadequate infrastructure, urban flooding, and landslides and its impact.
Next, write about the importance of preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of monsoon-
related disasters – early warning systems, flood management strategies, urban planning, disaster
response mechanisms, and community preparedness in reducing vulnerability and enhancing
resilience.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a forward.
Introduction
Last weekend, parts of North India witnessed heavy rains that triggered flash floods and left a trail of
destruction. Homes were flooded, roads and bridges washed away and communication networks
disrupted, isolating communities and hampering rescue efforts. At least 50 deaths were reported.
The rains triggered landslides which caused more damage. Himachal Pradesh was the worst
affected. Several places in Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh reported record rainfall between
Saturday and Sunday.
Body
Factors leading to monsoon related disasters
 An active monsoon with strong winds in the lower air layers, bringing moisture into the
region from the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea.
 A large-scale atmospheric forcing in the form of outflows in the upper layers of the
atmosphere moving eastward through mid-latitude troughs. These troughs can also direct
the flow of moisture towards the Himalaya.
 Deep convection triggered by orographic uplift combined with the steep terrain of the
Himalaya.
Importance of preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of monsoon-related disasters
 Recent studies show an increasing trend in extreme rainfall in many parts of the country,
especially central India.
 The number of extreme rainfall events (more than 15 cm in 24 hours) has tripled in the
region.

 The duration of rainstorms over central India has also tripled.
 The observations also indicate that during the monsoon, the total number of rainy days and
rainy hours decreases.
 This indicates that when it rains, it rains very heavily.
 The Himalayan region, with its complex topography and varied weather patterns, is prone to
extreme rainfall events.
 A recent study shows that 65 per cent of areas in the region have a positive trend in the
frequency of daily rainfall extremes.
 Another study on the 2013 floods in Uttarakhand identified this region as one where deep,
intense convective clouds are most likely to form.
 Instances of such deep convection have increased over time. Climate change is thought to
be one of the main causes of this.
 The Arctic is warming and sea ice is receding due to human influence. There is growing
evidence of the impact of Arctic warming on the monsoon climate through mid-latitude
circulation.
 Observations and models suggest that due to Arctic warming, the frequency of occurrence
of blocking highs and deep mid-latitude troughs (like the one last weekend) is likely to
increase.
 Changes in land use and land cover also appear to be reasons for the increase in extreme
monsoon rainfall, especially its intensity.
 The IPCC’s scenarios for climate change indicate that these trends will continue.
 Multi-day flood events are projected to increase faster than single-day events in the future
— this can have severe consequences.
Way forward
 A robust early warning system that alerts people about heavy rains and possible flash
floods. This system can include meteorological observations including a Doppler weather
radar (DWR) and a high-resolution numerical weather prediction model.
 Advanced methods such as AI/ML could be used to interpret the DWR and model forecast
data.
 Continuous monitoring of rainfall patterns, river levels and an advanced flood warning
system.
 Flood risk maps that take into account factors such as topography, historical flood data and
hydrological modelling to assess vulnerability, identify high-risk zones and target actions.
 Improving and maintaining climate-resilient infrastructure, such as drainage systems and

channels to prevent waterlogging.
 Proper implementation of land use planning and zoning regulations. For example, areas
prone to flash floods can be designated as non-residential or restricted areas.

 The protection and restoration of natural ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands.
Vegetation acts as a natural buffer, absorbing rainfall and reducing runoff.
 Awareness campaigns can influence people to take the right actions during floods, including
arranging evacuation, providing first aid and getting information from reliable sources.
Conclusion
To mitigate floods, we need a multi-pronged approach that includes both proactive measures and
reactive strategies. By recognising the increasing threat of extreme precipitation and implementing
proactive measures, India can improve its resilience to extreme weather events. India needs to step
up research to improve the performance of the monsoon prediction models. Preparedness is the
best way forward.
Examine the factors contributing to internal child trafficking, its socio-economic impact,
and the measures needed to combat this heinous crime. (250 words)
Why the question:
The article sheds light on the prevalence of internal child trafficking and its implications worldwide.
To analyse the issue of internal child trafficking, including its causes, impact, and necessary
countermeasures.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Introduce the issue of child trafficking and highlight the concerning statistic that over half of the
victims are trafficked within their own countries.
Body:
Mention the factors the factors contributing to internal child trafficking – poverty, lack of education,
and unemployment that make children vulnerable to trafficking. Highlight systemic issues such as
weak law enforcement, corruption, and inadequate social protection mechanisms that facilitate
trafficking networks.
Next, write about the socio-economic impact of internal child trafficking – Physical and psychological
consequences faced by trafficked children, including exploitation, abuse, and denial of basic rights.
Address the long-term consequences on their education, health, and overall well-being.
Next, write about the measures needed to combat internal child trafficking.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Internal child trafficking is a grave issue that involves the recruitment, transportation, and
exploitation of children within the boundaries of a country. Children who are victims of internal
trafficking are typically subjected to various forms of exploitation, including forced labor, sexual
exploitation, domestic servitude, child marriage, organ trafficking, and participation in armed

conflict. They are often deceived, coerced, or abducted and are then exploited for the financial gain
of traffickers or other individuals involved in the trafficking network.
Body
Factors contributing to internal child trafficking
 Poverty and socio-economic disparities: Economic inequalities and poverty create

a vulnerable environment where children and their families may be easily lured or coerced
into trafficking situations. Limited access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities can
push families to desperate measures.
 Lack of awareness and education: Insufficient knowledge about the risks and consequences
of child trafficking among communities, parents, and children themselves can make them
susceptible to exploitation. Education and awareness campaigns are crucial to empower
individuals to identify and prevent trafficking situations.
 Weak law enforcement and governance: Inadequate law enforcement, corruption, and
ineffective legal systems contribute to the persistence of child trafficking. Insufficient
resources, training, and coordination among authorities hinder the identification,
investigation, and prosecution of traffickers.
 Social and cultural factors: Gender inequality, discrimination, social exclusion, and cultural
norms that undervalue the rights of children can perpetuate the cycle of trafficking. Lack of
birth registration and weak social support systems further exacerbate the problem.
Socio-economic impact
 Human rights violation: Child trafficking violates the fundamental rights of children,
including their right to life, survival, development, education, and protection. It robs them of
their childhood, exposes them to physical and psychological abuse, and denies them
opportunities for growth and a dignified life.
 Long-term consequences: Survivors of child trafficking often suffer from physical and mental
health issues, low self-esteem, trauma, and disrupted social integration. Their educational
opportunities and future prospects are severely compromised, perpetuating a cycle of
poverty and vulnerability.
 Economic implications: Child trafficking undermines a nation’s human capital development

and economic growth. The loss of productive potential and talents of trafficked children
hinders the overall progress of societies and perpetuates social and economic inequalities.
Combating the heinous crime
 Strengthen legislation and law enforcement: Governments should enact and enforce
stringent laws and policies that criminalize child trafficking and ensure effective punishment
for offenders. Adequate resources, training, and coordination among law enforcement
agencies are essential.
 Enhance prevention and awareness: Comprehensive awareness campaigns should target

communities, parents, and children to educate them about the risks and signs of child
trafficking. School curricula can include modules on child rights and trafficking prevention.

 Improve victim support and rehabilitation: Adequate victim support services, including
shelter, healthcare, counselling, and education, should be provided to survivors of child
trafficking. Rehabilitation programs should focus on their physical and psychological well-
being, social reintegration, and skill development.
 Strengthen international cooperation: Governments should collaborate with international

organizations, NGOs, and neighbouring countries to share information, coordinate efforts,
and address cross-border trafficking. Bilateral and multilateral agreements can facilitate the
repatriation and reintegration of trafficked children.
 Address root causes: Poverty alleviation, access to quality education, healthcare, and social
protection programs are crucial in addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that
contribute to child trafficking. Efforts should focus on empowering vulnerable communities
and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Conclusion
It is imperative to recognize that combating child trafficking requires sustained commitment,

resource allocation, and collaboration at all levels of society. Protecting children from exploitation
and ensuring their well-being should be a priority for governments, civil society, and individuals
alike.


Security challenges and their management in border areas

India’s position as a transit route makes it vulnerable to drug trafficking. Drug trafficking
across porous borders presents significant challenges to India’s border security agencies
in controlling illegal drug movements. Elaborate. (250 words)
Why the question:
The Border Security Force (BSF) thwarted a major narcotic smuggling bid along the International
Border (IB) as it shot dead a Pakistani intruder in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district, a BSF
spokesperson said on July 25.
To write about increasing trend in drug trafficking, what way India’s location makes it more
vulnerable and counter measures taken by India.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must
be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Introduction:
Begin by mention the presence of Golden Crescent and the Golden Triangle and draw a small map to
represent the same.
Body:
First, India’s vulnerability to the trafficking of narcotics and drugs such as heroin, hashish, and
synthetic drugs produced in these areas.

Increased production of opium in Afghanistan, greater domestic demand in India, and connivance of
state government officials and border guarding forces together contributed towards this increase in
heroin trafficking, especially in the Punjab sector. Then explain the trends in drug and narcotics
trafficking; explain how it’s a threat to national security.
Discuss efforts of the government in this direction.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
India is wedged between the world’s two largest areas of illicit opium production, the Golden
Crescent and the Golden Triangle. This proximity has traditionally been viewed as a source of
vulnerability, since it has made India both a destination and a transit route for opiates produced in
these regions. the lockdown restrictions during Covid-19 have accelerated drug trafficking using the
Internet. The drug trafficking scenario in India is largely attributed to various external and internal
factors.
The Border Security Force (BSF) thwarted a major narcotic smuggling bid along the International
Border (IB) as it shot dead a Pakistani intruder in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district, a BSF
spokesperson said on July 25.
Body
Background
 According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), opium
production in Afghanistan has crossed 6,000 tonnes for the fifth consecutive year.
 The reported rise in global opium prices has resulted in the exponential production of
opiates increasing by 8%.
 The Taliban, cash-strapped and still looking to establish a semblance of order in the country
they captured in August 2021, could indeed be looking to generate revenue from the illegal
cash crop, as cases of smuggling and seizures of large consignments of drugs in India have
started increasing, indicating a turn towards this trend.

Implications of Drug trafficking in India
 Challenges in the Northeast
o Indo-Myanmar border encounters non-conventional security challenges as it

provides a secure channel for the movement of insurgents, narcotics trafficking,
gunrunning, smuggling of wildlife etc.
 Proxy-wars: In the context of the proxy war in J&K, Pakistan’s ISI has been using the
narcotics trade to
o Generate funds to sustain militancy.
o Erode the vitality of the populace in the border belt.
o Win over the local youth, as informers.
o Increase the level of criminal activity.
 Narco-terrorism: Terrorism and militancy in India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, waged
by Islamist extremist groups based in and supported by Pakistan. This is mainly funded by
trading narcotics illegally.
 Drug Abuse on rise: The easy availability of drugs in Indian market is increasing drug abuse
cases, particularly amongst the youth.
o According to a report by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, around 2.1%

of Indians use opioids like opium, heroin, and non-medical sedatives.

o Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram have the highest
prevalence of this opioid use.
o Drug-peddling is taking place over the Dark Web eluding the scrutiny of
enforcement officers.
 Endangering lives: The illicit drug cultivation causes environmental damage in the form of
river pollution.
o Toxic chemical wastes generated are stealthily dumped into rivers flowing in the
region.
 Militancy: The nexus between Pakistan ISI and Pakistan Army with the drug mafia is a well-
documented and established fact.
o This brought in a lot of easy money to the Pakistan’s ISI.
o With time, this money had been increasingly diverted towards fomenting, sustaining
and exalting militancy in the peaceful paradise state of J&K in India.
 Funds Naxalism: The region is near the Naxal affected areas who exploit the corridor
for expanding their revenues and arms smuggling.
o Due to lack of infrastructural development, they illicitly grow opium and

cannabis providing them ready money.
 Socio Economic impact:
o The Covid-19 crisis has pushed more than 100 million people into extreme poverty,
and has greatly exacerbated unemployment and inequalities, as the world lost 255
million jobs in 2020.
o Mental health conditions are also on the rise worldwide. Such socioeconomic
stressors have likely accelerated demand for the drugs.
Measures taken by the government

Government of India has devised a well laid out strategy to ensure inter agency coordination and
revamp the prosecution mechanism to end the menace of drug trafficking.
 There is zero tolerance policy followed by Government of India against narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances trade.
 Strong Legislation: Accordingly, the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
(NDPS) was enacted in 1985.
o Under this act, cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, export and import of all
narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances is prohibited except for medicinal and
scientific purposes and as authorised by the government.
o The Act provides for rigorous punishment for any person violating this act and if a
person is caught peddling drugs for the second time, death penalty could be
awarded to the offender.

o In addition, the government of India has also enacted the Prevention of Illicit Traffic
in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in 1988, which allows detention
of persons suspected to be involved in illicit trafficking of drugs.
 The Government has taken several policy and other initiatives to deal with drug trafficking
problem.
 It constituted Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) in November, 2016 and revived the

scheme of “Financial Assistance to States for Narcotics Control”.
 In 2017, the government approved new Reward Guidelines with increased quantum of
reward for interdiction or seizure of different illicit drugs.
 Global Cooperation: For effective coordination with foreign countries, India has signed 37
Bilateral Agreements/Memoranda of Understanding.
 Narcotics Control Bureau has been provided funds for developing a new software i.e.
Seizure Information Management System (SIMS) which will create a complete online
database of drug offences and offenders.
 The government has constituted a fund called “National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse” to
meet the expenditure incurred in connection with combating illicit traffic in Narcotic Drugs;
rehabilitating addicts, and educating public against drug abuse, etc.
 The government is also conducting National Drug Abuse Survey to measure trends of drug
abuse in India through Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment with the help of National
Drug Dependence Treatment Centre of AIIMS.
 Pro-active border patrol: For instances, in 2009, the BSF seized 23 kg of heroin along with 12
pistols and several rounds of ammunition in Punjab. In the same year, consignments of 58 kg
of heroin, 10 kg of hashish as well as pistols and RDX were seized by the BSF along Rajasthan
border.
 Cooperation with neighbours: India is a signatory to the SAARC Convention on Narcotics

Drugs and Psychotropic substances, 1993.
o India is also a party to the Pentalateral Cooperation on Drug Control, which focuses
on the prevention of illicit trade of precursor and other chemicals used for the
manufacture of heroin.
Way Forward:
 Combating misinformation on the impact of the use of cannabis products is crucial.
 Awareness-raising and communication efforts that disseminate scientific information

without stigmatizing people.
 Increasing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to address drug trafficking over the
darknet remains a priority.
 Joint responses by Governments and the private sector can involve controlling and removing
advertisements and listings of illegal drugs on the Internet.
 Continuously update scientific standards to keep abreast of the acceleration of Internet-
based services.
 Prevention and solid support are the ways in which drug abuse can be dealt with.
 Prevention programmes involving families, schools and the immediate communities are
important in this regard.
 Government must notify minimum standards for running de-addiction centres.
 Fast track courts.
 Integrating drug de-addiction centre’s with rehabilitation centres.
 Unlicensed centres and those committing human rights violations must be liable to closure.
 A chapter on the impact of drug abuse should be included in school curriculum so that
children understand how addiction destroys lives of people.
 Focused sensitisation programmes on drug abuse in schools and a substance abuse policy
could go a long way in curbing the menace.
 Parents must consult specialists in case there is change in behaviour of their children as it
could be signs of drug abuse.
Conclusion
Prevention of drug trafficking has to be accorded greater priority. At present it forms part of the
larger mandate of the border guarding forces to ‘prevent smuggling and any other illegal activity’.
Special measures need to be formulated to check trafficking of drugs through the borders. Various
domestic laws enacted for the control of drug trafficking should be implemented stringently and
severe punishments should be accorded to drug stockists.
Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

Given the rapidly evolving nature of online recruitment, intelligence and counter-
terrorism agencies must remain flexible and adaptive. They should continuously review
and update their strategies, leverage emerging technologies, and stay abreast of the
latest trends in online radicalization. Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
India is an extremely responsible power but when the need for a hot pursuit against terrorist havens
was felt, we have gone all out to destroy terrorism in our national interest, says National Security
Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.
To write about the threats posed by the convergence of technology and terrorism and steps that
should be taken to prevent it.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning that terrorist organizations have co-opted technology as a force multiplier in
achieving their objectives.
Body:
First, mention about the features of the internet, like end-to-end encryption and virtual private
network (VPN), provision of digital currency etc have made it easier than ever for terrorist
organizations to find recruits and manage outreach and organization and also launder money for
terror financing. Give few instances of terrorist groups using technology to advance their terror
activities.
Next, suggest that states to opt for more technology, better technology and skilful deployment of
technology against malign actors, need for international co operation and new forums to address the
threat of terrorism without borders, need for investments in capacity building, tech firms vigilantism
etc all this while maintaining freedom in cyberspace.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Radicalization is the process by which an individual or a group comes to adopt increasingly radical
views in opposition to a political, social, or religious status quo. It is when someone starts to
believe or support extreme views and then participates in extremist groups or acts.
Online platforms have become powerful tools for extremist groups to spread their ideologies, recruit
individuals, and plan acts of terrorism. Therefore, intelligence and counter-terrorism agencies must
keep pace with the ever-changing digital landscape and adapt their methodologies accordingly.
This requires regular assessments of their existing strategies to identify gaps and areas for
improvement.
Body
Background
 Recently, India witnessed a series of extremist acts by some radicalized youth from different
cities like Udaipur which later got extended to the “sar tan se juda” sloganeering and
related controversy.
 Last year also, The NIA made multiple arrests in a suspected ISI module that was playing role
in the radicalization of Indian youth and performing extremist acts in India.
 The above incidences highlight the issue of radicalization of Indian youth which could pose a
serious challenge to India’s internal security. Thus, in this edition of the Burning issue, we
will study radicalization in India, its causes, consequences and some way forward.
Radicalization and role of internet
 Radicalisation of youth: Propaganda information to recruit for terror groups like AQIS, LeT
on telegram have been intercepted by NIA.
 Use of Internet by Daesh: Daesh has been using Internet to spread its propaganda using
platforms such as twitter, YouTube etc.
 Constant involvement and interaction: By ‘cyber-planners’, who will be responsible for

planning terror attacks, identifying recruits, act as “virtual coachers”, and provide guidance
and encouragement throughout the process.

 In Recruitment from other countries: India has also suffered from it however less severely.
Increasing number of cases of youth being influenced by social media to carry out
propaganda of hate and violence has been reported in many areas.
 Rise of sentiments over sensitive issues: By spreading false propaganda and fraudulent
ideologies over sensitive and triggering issues of India using morphed videos, or false claims
of proof of injustice etc.
o These instances are being leveraged to recruit youth to avenge the false sense of
injustice they feel. Manipulation is easier on internet and more youth especially
from nother-east, Kashmir are falling prey.
o The NIA reported in 2014, the recruitment of more than 300 Indian youths by
Pakistan-based Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP), which had joined hands with ISIS.
o The ISIS have published recruiting materials in Hindi, Urdu, Tamil and other
languages spoken in India. This spreads faster on internet.
Measures being taken

 Approval of study– The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered a study on ‘the status of
radicalization in India’ which will be conducted under G.S. Bajpai. It will try to legally define
‘radicalization’ and suggest amendments to the UAPA Act,1967.
 Enactment of laws- Various laws such as the UAPA act, 1967; NIA act, 2008 have to be
strengthened to give more power to security agencies to tackle radicalism.
 Institutions created– Counter-Terrorism and Counter Radicalization (CTCR) divisions of the

Ministry of Home Affairs are the key wings of the Government of India to coordinate with
various law-enforcement agencies in the country.
 Cyberworld and technology mechanisms– IB launched Operation Chukravyuh in late 2014

to counter the challenges posed by online radicalization.
 Several deradicalization programs– Certain deradicalization and anti-radicalization
programs are coordinated by the Union Government such as Civic Action Programs
implemented by the Seema Shastra Bal (SSB) along the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan Borders.
 State-level de-radicalization programs– such as that of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism

Squad (ATS) which has been quite successful in their attempts of deradicalizing numerous
individuals.
 Other programs- Coverage of the government’s various welfare schemes without
discrimination, special schemes for communities and areas, promotion of composite culture
and coexistence among various communities and constitutional safeguards for minorities,
are some of the steps the government has been taking to keep people away from
radicalization
Way forward
 Launching de-radicalization programs which focus on states with higher intensity of

radicalization and also Development of counseling and rehabilitation centers for radicalized
youths under police custody.

 Adopting the holistic approach of deradicalization, counter-radicalization and anti-

radicalization at all necessary levels.
 Promoting research in the field of radicalization concerning the different regions of India
for a deeper understanding of the issue and developing a better solution.
 Ensuring adequate funds for these programs, capability development of intelligence forces
and creation of modern infrastructure to tackle radicalization, especially the virtual one.
 Capacity development of state police as they are the first line of defense. State police forces
need to work in good cooperation with central security agencies to better counter the
growing radicalization.
 Increase involvement of family and religious leaders in not only the process of
rehabilitation of radicalized youths but also in preventing youth to move towards radicalized
ideologies.
 Increasing awareness in society about these threats through school and college education
or through social media accounts of security agencies to prevent people from falling into
trap of extremists.
 Need to de-glamourize terrorism and also a coordinated South Asian effort in countering
radicalization can go a long way for the region as all countries of the region is facing the heat
of radicalization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ever-evolving landscape of online recruitment and radicalization requires

intelligence and counter-terrorism agencies to be flexible, adaptive, and proactive. By continuously
reviewing and updating their strategies, leveraging emerging technologies, and staying informed
about the latest trends, these agencies can effectively mitigate the threats posed by online
radicalization in India.
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.
Examine the factors contributing to the rise of technology-facilitated sexual violence
(TFSV) and online abuse in educational institutions. Suggest potential measures to
address the same (250 words)
Why the question:
The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned the fifth diesel-electric Kalvari-class submarine Vagir. It is
among the six submarines being built by the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, in
collaboration with the French M/s Naval Group under Project 75. Four of these submarines have
already been commissioned into the Navy and a sixth will be commissioned next year.
The article discusses the concerning issue of online abuse among college students, emphasizing the
adverse effects on mental health and academic performance.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Body:
First, write about the factors contributing to the rise of online abuse among college students – role of
social media, anonymity, and peer pressure in facilitating cyberbullying and harassment.
Next, write about the impact of online platforms on the behaviour and interactions of students –
anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Address the potential for reduced self-esteem
and social isolation among victims of online abuse.
Next, write about the various measures that are needed to address the above.
Conclusion:
Introduction
TFSV can take many forms, such as morphed nude images, sexualised blackmailing and bullying,
digital flashing, rape threats, and explicit comments and messages. It pervades every social media
and messaging platform, but Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp are the ones especially culpable.
Abuse is linked to an individual’s name and online profile, and can remain on the Internet forever.
Many survivors experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and suicidal
thoughts. There are tangible consequences to online abuse too such as a loss of academic or career
prospects, social isolation, and violence and ostracisation by one’s own family. Meanwhile, abusers
hide behind anonymity.
Body
Background
 India’s IT Act of 2000 criminalises some forms of TFSV, but ambiguities in the law can
deter survivors from reporting.
 Although the law has coaxed some safety improvements, technology giants such as Meta are
unmotivated to overhaul their safety features beyond the bare minimum.
 India has the most Facebook users in the world, yet Meta has not optimised its platforms for
an Indian context.
Factors contributing to the rise of technology-facilitated sexual violence
 Increased Internet and Smartphone Usage: The widespread availability of the internet and
smartphones has made it easier for students to access and use technology, including social
media platforms, where instances of TFSV and online abuse often occur.
 Anonymity and Disinhibition: Online anonymity allows perpetrators to hide their identities,
making it easier for them to engage in harmful behaviors without facing immediate
consequences. The lack of face-to-face interaction can also lead to disinhibition, encouraging
individuals to act more aggressively online than they would in person.

 Cyberbullying and Peer Pressure: Cyberbullying and peer pressure can contribute to the
perpetuation of TFSV and online abuse in educational institutions. Students may feel
compelled to participate in harmful online activities to gain acceptance or avoid becoming
targets themselves.
 Lack of Digital Literacy and Awareness: Many educational institutions have not fully
integrated digital literacy and awareness programs into their curricula. As a result, students
may not fully understand the consequences of their online actions or how to protect
themselves from TFSV and online abuse.
 Privacy and Security Concerns: Privacy and security issues related to the sharing of personal
information online can lead to incidents of TFSV. Digital platforms that lack proper security
measures can make students vulnerable to online abuse.
 Online Grooming and Exploitation: Perpetrators may use online platforms to groom and
exploit students, taking advantage of their trust and vulnerability.
Potential measures to combat the same
 Comprehensive Digital Literacy Programs: Educational institutions should implement

comprehensive digital literacy programs that educate students about online safety,
responsible internet usage, and the consequences of engaging in harmful behaviors online.
 Establish Clear Policies and Reporting Mechanisms: Educational institutions must have clear
and well-communicated policies against TFSV and online abuse. They should also establish
confidential reporting mechanisms, allowing victims to report incidents without fear of
retaliation.
 Training for Staff and Teachers: Faculty and staff members should receive training on
identifying signs of TFSV and online abuse and how to respond appropriately to such
incidents.
 Cyberbullying Prevention Initiatives: Implementing targeted cyberbullying prevention
initiatives can help reduce instances of TFSV and online abuse. These initiatives can involve
awareness campaigns, peer support groups, and workshops.
 Collaboration with Tech Companies: Educational institutions can collaborate with tech
companies and social media platforms to develop tools and features that enhance online
safety and reporting mechanisms.
 Counseling and Support Services: Providing counseling and support services to victims of
TFSV and online abuse is crucial. These services can help victims cope with trauma and
navigate the process of reporting incidents.
 Community Engagement and Parental Involvement: Involving parents and the broader
community in addressing TFSV and online abuse can create a supportive environment and
promote responsible online behavior.
 Legal and Judicial Measures: Strengthening laws related to online harassment and TFSV and
ensuring effective enforcement can act as a deterrent and provide justice to victims.

Conclusion
Addressing the rise of technology-facilitated sexual violence and online abuse in educational
institutions requires a multi-faceted approach involving educational, technological, legal, and
societal efforts to create safer digital environments for students.




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INSIGHTSIAS

IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION

INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

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Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment .......... 65

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

Drivers to India’s economic growth

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Features of the Bill

 Minimum guaranteed income:

o This will be provided through two schemes,

 In the urban areas through the Rajasthan government’s flagship Indira

 In the rural areasthrough the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment

 The applicant is entitled to an unemployment allowanceif the program

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Rationale behind UBI:

 The average Indian family’s monthly income in 1938 was Rs 25.

 The poorest 10% of Indian families earn a mere Rs 5,000 a month.

The pros of UBI include:

 Administrative efficiency: A UBI in place of a plethora of separate government schemes will

The cons of UBI:

Economic Survey 2016-17 views:

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About Consumer Price Index

 Four types of CPI are as follows:

 CPI for Industrial Workers (IW).

 CPI for Agricultural Labourer (AL).

 CPI for Rural Labourer (RL).

 Base Year for CPI is 2012.

Flaws in the CPI Index system

o As time progresses, consumption patterns of individuals and households inevitably

o Technological advancements introduce new products and services.

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o First, as nations undergo economic advancement and societal progress, a typical

o Currently, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is in

Conclusion and way forward

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“A paradigm shift is needed in Indian agriculture’s approach, emphasizing liberalization

Background: Agrarian distress

 Natural disasters and crop loss leading to impoverishment of rural households.

 Increasing demographic pressure, disguised employment in agriculture and conversion of

Challenges faced by Agriculture sector

 Institutional vis-à-vis Non-Institutional Agricultural Credit: Traditionally, rural agrarian

 Shortage of APMC markets: In 5 states—Bihar, Kerala, Manipur, Mizoram and Sikkim—these

 Infrastructure shortage: The poor state of infrastructure in these markets is another

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o Such shift requires interdisciplinary approach to develop on knowledge of all

o They require strong extension for the adoption by farmers

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Initiatives by the government

o Assistance to states will be given at concessional rates.

o The target is to bring 10 million hectares under Micro-Irrigation.

 Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana:

o It is to to ensure a successful “Organic Farming Revolution” in India on the lines of

 Ensuring Credit availability to enhance productivity

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It is essential to approach the internationalization of the rupee cautiously, considering

Need for Internationalization of Rupee

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 Making significant savingsin Indian foreign reserves.