VISION IAS
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APPROACH – ANSWER: G. S. MAINS MOCK TEST - 1840 (2022)
1.
While fixed-term employment offers an ingenious way to address specific issues faced by both
employers and employees, there are also some concerns associated with it. Discuss in the
context of India.
(150 words) 10
Approach:
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Briefly explain the meaning of fixed-term employment (FTE).
Write about the benefits of FTE.
Mention the concerns associated with FTE.
Conclude with a suitable way forward.
Answer:
Fixed-Term Employment (FTE) refers to workers employed for a fixed duration based on a contract
signed between the worker and the employer. The Code on Industrial Relations, 2020 provides for
fixed-term employment.
FTE offers following benefits to the employer as well as employees:
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Need of seasonal and demand based industries: Some industrial sectors like leather-based
industries, textile markets are seasonal or demand based in nature. The option of fixed-term
employment enables employers to tap the talented workforce for a short period of time.
Elimination of middlemen: Within the new framework, and in conjunction with the Industrial
Relations Code (IRC 2020), firms will be able to directly hire contract workers through the
fixed-term contract without middlemen in the way.
Reduces confrontations: Delays in payment of remuneration has been a constant issue for
decades and a reason for several industrial confrontations. For example, the confrontation at
iPhone manufacturer Wistron in Karnataka was believed to have been linked to delay in
payment to workers. The provision of release of remuneration within 7 days in the order will
help address the same.
Alternative for contractual employment: Under FTE, the person shall be eligible for getting
all advantages which can be found for a permanent workman for a similar work content
material, in contrast to the contractual work.
However, the FTE also raises concerns in the minds of employees, such as:
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Potential threat to job security: Trade unions have opposed FTE arguing that:
o Power to renew such contracts lies with the employer. This may deter employees from
raising issues about unfair work practices, such as extended work hours, or denial of wages
or leaves.
o Further, it does not restrict the type of work in which fixed term workers may be hired.
So, trade unions have been apprehensive of the ambiguity in conversion of currently
permanent employees to fixed term employment.
Difficulty in enforcement of agreements: The basis for Fixed-Term Employment is a written
contract, which will be difficult for employees to enforce given that the financial capacity and
ability to clearly understand the contracts for the majority of the workforce is limited.
o Also, contractual employment arrangements can be misused. For example, an illiterate
workforce can be subject to economic exploitation through deceptive and complex
contractual arrangements.
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FTE is a step, which signals the intent of the Government to grow India on the manufacturing world
map, without significantly compromising on labour interests. With universal adoption of the rules
across all the states, it is expected to be a game changer as far as labour welfare and formalization of
labour is concerned.
2.
An efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is pivotal to the success of the
Bharatmala Pariyojana. Discuss.
(150 words) 10
Approach:
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Introduce by giving a brief account on Bharatmala Pariyojana.
Explain how an efficient logistics sector with focus on warehousing is crucial to the success of
Bharatmala Pariyojana.
Conclude appropriately.
Answer:
Bharatmala Pariyojana is an umbrella program for the highways sector that focuses on optimizing
efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country by bridging critical infrastructure
gaps through development of economic corridors, feeder Routes, Multimodal Logistics Parks and
elimination of choke points etc.
Efficient implementation of Bharatmala Pariyojana requires a robust logistic sector. However, India
has been long known for its inefficient logistics and freight management. For instance, logistics
costs in India stand at around 14% of its GDP against the average of 6-8% in many other
countries with transportation and warehousing forming one of the highest operating expenditures
in this.
Therefore, an efficient logistics sector with a focus on warehousing is imperative for the success of
Bharatmala Pariyojana, which can be seen as follows:
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The e-commerce companies are trying to stock more inventories closer to customers’ locations
to improve the quality of products upon delivery, and optimize efficiency. The rising demand
for warehousing in tier-1 and tier-2 cities can facilitate logistics along the Inter Corridors and
feeder routes in the transport chain network envisioned under the Bharatmala project.
Warehouse construction costs are much lower and the occupancy rate for warehouses is
also high making them more reliable and stable. Such a mix of logistics and warehouse
operations in the country will enhance the growth and efficiency of the supply chain
network meeting the requirements of 44 economic corridors envisioned under the
Bharatmala pariyojana.
With 35 multi-modal logistics parks (MMLPs) being developed under the Pariyojana, large
format warehousing will ease the process of shifting to a multimodal transport framework
leading to optimisation of costs.
The growth of third-party logistics, introduction of goods and services tax (GST),
government’s tax benefits to FDI investments, the growth potential of e-commerce, and
India’s cost advantage will bode well in ensuring automation and efficient operations of
logistics. Thus, this is crucial for trade competitiveness and thus aiding the goals of Bharatmala
Project.
Bharatmala project has the potential to transform the entire logistics landscape in India, while it
does face certain challenges including bureaucratic hurdles such as delays in land acquisitions,
lack of clear land titles, regulatory clearances related issues, and dependence on local authorities
besides infrastructural and connectivity issues.
For a growing economy like India, it is vital to reduce logistics costs to boost export competitiveness
to establish India as a global manufacturing hub. For that the Bharatmala Pariyojana must align its
goals and objectives with the upcoming National Logistics Policy and Warehousing policy for
desired outcomes.
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3.
What do you understand by the term 'irrigation scheduling'? Bringing out the advantages
provided by it, discuss the difficulties faced in applying it on a farm level.
(150 words) 10
Approach:
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Start by briefly explaining the term Irrigation scheduling.
Highlight its advantages.
Discuss the difficulties of applying irrigation scheduling at a farm level.
Conclude appropriately.
Answer:
Irrigation scheduling is the process of determining when to irrigate and how much water to
apply, based upon measurements or estimates of soil moisture or water used by the plant. Its
purpose is to maximize irrigation efficiencies by applying the exact amount of water needed to
replenish the soil moisture to the desired level.
For optimum irrigation scheduling, sound knowledge of the soil water status, crop water
requirements, crop water-stress status, and potential yield reduction under water-stressed
conditions is prerequisite to maximize profits and optimize the use of water and energy. For
instance, soil moisture level technique involves monitoring soil moisture for irrigation scheduling
whereas, water balance technique of irrigation scheduling involves monitoring meteorological
data in addition to soil type and moisture content, plant type, and other variables.
Irrigation scheduling offers several advantages:
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Water efficient: It enables the farmer to schedule water rotation among the various fields to
minimize crop water stress and maximize yields.
Reduces fertilizer use: It lowers fertilizer costs by holding surface runoff and deep percolation
(leaching) to a minimum.
Increased crop yield: It increases net returns by increasing crop yields and crop quality.
Reduces water logging problems: It minimizes water-logging problems by reducing the
drainage requirements. Further, it reduces the farmer's cost of water and labour through fewer
irrigations, thereby making maximum use of soil moisture storage.
Controls salinity: It assists in controlling root zone salinity problems through controlled
leaching.
Difficulties on applying irrigation scheduling at a farm level:
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Sensitive under limited water resources: Irrigation scheduling becomes particularly
sensitive under conditions of limited water resources, where water shortages require a refined
timing of water applications in order to minimise yield reductions.
Variability of rainfall: Variability of rainfall is often difficult to adequately accommodate in the
planning of irrigation calendars. The options, special requirements and limitations of irrigation
scheduling under variable frequency and amount of rainfall need to be considered.
Technical and knowledge constraint: Some farmers do not fully understand hydrology and
water budgets and prefer to irrigate as usual. The farmers can lack the appropriate technical
skills to conduct proper scheduling.
Deficit irrigation requires suitable and reliable water stress indicators, while for the
o Deficit irrigation requires suitable and reliable water stress indicators, while for the
management of saline waters accurate knowledge is needed on yield-salinity relationships.
Other factors: The irrigation efficiency as measured in terms of adequacy and application
efficiency, as well as the design criteria of the irrigation method, needs to be considered in the
selection and operation of the irrigation scheduling method.
To address the above impediments, technological and knowledge support to Indian farmers is
imperative. For instance, promoting moisture sensors and automated irrigation systems that can be
controlled by a farmer using mobile phones may help in effective implementation of irrigation
scheduling by deciding the time and amount of irrigation to be carried out.
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4.
While the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was touted as the largest crop insurance scheme
globally in terms of farmer participation, various concerns have arisen since its
implementation. Discuss.
(150 words) 10
Approach:
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Give a brief overview of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
Discuss the factors behind the declining coverage of the PMFBY.
Conclude with a suitable way forward.
Answer:
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016-17, is globally the largest crop
insurance scheme in terms of farmer participation and the third largest in terms of the
premium according to the Central government. Over 5.5 crore farmer applications are received
on a year-on-year basis, and till date, the scheme has insured over 29.16 crore farmer
applications. Also, over the period of five years, more than 8.3 crore farmer applications have
benefited from the scheme.
However, a major chunk of smaller farmers still remains out of the crop insurance network.
The percentage of marginal farmers in the scheme has seen a decline from 18.08% to 16.55%
for kharif between 2018 and 2020. Further, the participation of small farmers in the scheme is
between 63-68%. Additionally, seven major agricultural states i.e., Bihar, West Bengal,
Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab, and Gujarat have opted out of the scheme and
Maharashtra is threatening for the same.
Concerns arisen since the implementation of the scheme are:
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Rising premium: There has been more than a six-fold increase in the PMFBY premium since its
launch. Due to this, the subsidy liability of the state governments has increased.
Settlement issues: There have been delays in settlement of farmers’ claims due to various
reasons like delays in payment of state share of subsidy, delays in Crop Cutting Experiments
(CCEs) and delays in processing claims by insurance companies.
Supply-side issues: This is due to lack of participation from insurance companies in
certain clusters like smaller states/UTs due to low coverage (E.g., Tripura, Meghalaya) and
in big clusters like in Maharashtra due to higher risk level/sum insured.
Lack of capacity: Limited training and capacity building of stakeholders to remove deficiency in
knowledge and services, which is vital for efficient claim settlement process are hindrances in
this regard.
Miscellaneous concerns: Announcement of the Debt Waiver Scheme by states, limited
publicity and awareness on the scheme due to low literacy and poor socio-economic conditions
of majority of the farmers, etc., are some of the major concerns.
In this context, the working group established to review the PMFBY has suggested targeted
premium subsidies for small farmers, penalty for delays in settlements, time-bound action against
defaulting companies and utilizing CSR funds from insurance companies towards development in
rural areas. To improve PMFBY and attract the states, the Beed model (Maharashtra) can also be
adopted where insurance companies have to pay a share in collected premium to states during a
non-pay out or normal year.
5.
The Stockholm Conference commenced the contemporary “environmental era”, which brought
a paradigm shift in the environmental governance and set a tone for multi-lateral
environmental regime. Discuss.
(150 words) 10
Approach:
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Briefly mention the state of the global regime and concerns related to the environment before
the Stockholm Conference.
State the significance of the Stockholm Conference and its global impact.
Conclude accordingly.
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Answer:
Prior to the Stockholm Conference, there was no global event or conference that highlighted the
issues pertaining to the global environmental crisis. Sweden first proposed the idea of a UN
Conference on the Human Environment (UNCHE) in 1968. A long preparatory period followed,
marked particularly by the reluctance of developing countries to commit to the environment issue,
many of which having recently gained independence and sought to determine their own
development pathways.
When the countries converged for the Stockholm Conference in 1972, it marked the new era for
global environmental governance and set a tone for multilateral environmental regime, because of
the following reasons:
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First of many: The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm was
the first such worldwide convergence of nations on planetary environment, with the theme
‘Only One Earth’. It made multilateral governance of planetary concerns mainstream. This led to
more than 500 multilateral environmental agreements being adopted in the last 50 years.
Multilateral environmental regime: When the participating 122 countries — 70 of them
developing and poor countries — adopted the Stockholm Declaration, they essentially
committed to 26 principles and an action plan that set in a multilateral environmental regime.
This was the first globally subscribed document that recognized the “interconnections
between development, poverty and the environment.”
Shedding sovereignty: One of the overarching principles of the Declaration was that
sovereignty should be subject to not causing harm to the environment of other countries. By
shedding a bit of their sovereignty, the countries aimed to create a common governance
structure for the planet’s environment and natural resources.
Setting up of the Environment Ministry: Until 1972, no country had an Environment Ministry.
Norwegian delegates returned from the Conference to set up a Ministry for Environment, and
the host Sweden took a few more weeks to do so. India set up its Ministry of Environment and
Forests in 1985.
Extensive work and research: Four years of preparation preceded the Stockholm Declaration.
Hundreds of scientists and experts from across the globe contributed some 20,000 pages on the
human environment which were curated into an 800-page document to be circulated in the
Conference. Many say that the preparation for the Conference was the most expansive exercise
within the UN system.
Thus, the Conference brought a paradigm shift in the global environment governance. Most of
today’s conventions related to planetary crises like the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD) and the whole environmental regime being implemented through the UN
system trace their origin to the Stockholm Declaration.
6.
The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely driven by
anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems in mitigating
the impact of the disasters.
(150 words) 10
Approach:
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Give a brief introduction about climate-induced disasters.
List the factors leading to high incidence of such disasters and their impact in brief.
Discuss the significance of adaptability and early warning measures in mitigating their impact.
Conclude appropriately.
Answer:
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Climate-induced disasters encompass hydrological (e.g. floods, landslides), meteorological (e.g.
storms, heatwaves) and climatological (e.g. droughts, wildfires) events. As per the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), weather
and climate disasters have surged five times in the last 50 years disproportionately affecting the
poor and developing countries.
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Anthropogenic activities such as unplanned and haphazard development of infrastructure in
disaster-prone areas, high GHG emissions caused by industrial developments using unclean sources
of energy, and unsustainable consumption patterns have driven climate change since the industrial
Revolution. The Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) states that human activities are causing climate change, making extreme climate
events including heat waves, heavy rainfall, and droughts more frequent and severe.
In this context, early warning systems have proved to be very instrumental. Early warning
systems include systems for hazard monitoring, forecasting and prediction, disaster risk
assessment, communication and preparedness activities enabling individuals, communities,
governments, businesses and others to take timely action or adapt to reduce disaster risks in
advance of hazardous events. They prevent loss of life, as well as reduce the economic impact of
natural hazards.
The contribution of early warning systems in disaster risk reduction include the following:
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Mitigation: Early warning systems helps in disseminating timely information to local
authorities and communities about the impending disasters thereby giving them time to
evacuate and reach safer places before the disaster strikes. For example, deaths during cyclones
in India have reduced significantly since the Super Cyclone of 1999 due to early warning
systems for cyclones.
Preparedness: Improved multi-hazard, early warning systems have led to significant reduction
in mortality during many disasters. For example, flash flood warnings that are issued in Kerala
have saved lives and livelihoods by enabling the government and other stakeholders to
improve their preparedness, adaptation, and response.
Clarity on the roles and capacities: Comprehensive early warning mechanisms provide clarity
on the roles and capacities of relevant organizations, support necessary institutional
partnerships, coordinate technical development and ensure appropriate mechanisms of
accountability to governments.
Enhance disaster mitigation capacity: Early warning received very high attention after the
2004 tsunami, when it became clear that a tsunami warning system and associated public
education could have saved thousands of lives. Following this, the Indian Tsunami Early
Warning System has been put in place by India.
Realizing the role that early warning systems can play in disaster risk reduction, various
governments and international institutions have taken initiatives to put in place early warning
systems, for example, the SAARC member countries have evolved regional mechanisms for early
warning for disasters.
7.
Critically examine the implications of leveraging technology in policing.
(150 words) 10
Approach:
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Give a brief introduction about technologies being used in policing and future technologies that
can be leveraged.
Discuss the benefits/ positive impact of leveraging technologies in policing.
Bring out some negative impacts/ concerns as well.
Conclude with some way forward.
Answer:
The Prime Minister recently called for adoption of future technologies for grass root policing
requirements and development of interoperable technologies, which would benefit police forces
across the country. Various emerging technologies like Body worn cameras, in car-videos,
automatic tag and license plate reader, biometrics, google glass and predictive analytics
software are being leveraged in policing across the globe.
In India, the police to population ratio (sanctioned) is around 195 per 1 lakh, against the UN
recommended 222. Leveraging technology can act as a force multiplier, thereby increasing the
efficiency and effectiveness of police in following manner:
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Crime prevention: Big Data can play a major role as it can be used to identify crime patterns
and hot spots. Artificial Intelligence can be used to draw correlations between the type of crime,
time, location. The findings can be used to deploy beat constables more effectively thereby
reducing and preventing crime.
Improving public-police interface: Most citizens in India dread the idea of having to go to a
police station. Digital access to police will enhance the accessibility issue and more crimes can
be reported.
Enhanced efficiency: Key performance indicators such as time taken to file a charge-sheet,
types of crimes solved etc. can be improved upon leveraging technologies.
Crime detection: Technology can effectively help get a digital footprint of the criminal. For
instance, mobile forensics can be used to retrieve critical information such as contacts, photos,
SMS video etc.
Real time integration: The five pillars of the criminal justice system are police, courts,
prosecution, jails and forensics. Real time integration between the information technology
systems of these pillars helps in reducing duplicate data entry and errors and can further
increase the efficiency of law enforcement agencies.
However, leveraging technology in policing can have some implications and concerns as well which
need to be mitigated:
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Breach of privacy: It has been observed that excessive use of technology in criminal
investigations has also led to a situation where police get into personal information, which is
not relevant to investigation.
Abuse of power: As there is absence of regulation and laws to regulate and specify the
procedure for use of technology, it will be left to the discretion of the police, which can lead to
rampant misuse of power.
Expensive affair: Technology is being updated every day and with changing technology, the
police department needs to upgrade. However, technologies are expensive and
changing/updating them every now and then would lead to huge expenditure.
Increased stress for police officials: There is an inherent amount of stress involved with
learning and applying many of the advanced technologies.
Despite these concerns, it is imperative to leverage technology for policing. In view of this, the
government has brought forth programs such as Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System
(CCTNS), Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), National Automated Facial
Recognition System etc.
8.
How far do you agree with the view that climate change poses a threat to international peace
and security?
(150 words) 10
Approach:
• Give a brief context of climate change and security threats posed by it in the introduction.
• Provide arguments on how climate change poses a threat to international peace and security.
• Conclude by suggesting measures that can be taken to address these challenges.
Answer:
According to the Global Catastrophic Risks report, 2021 catastrophic climate change has been
associated with an increase in global average temperature of greater than 3 degree Celsius. This
level of global warming would probably lead to a serious shift in global climate patterns,
unprecedented loss of landmass creating large flows of climate refugees causing significant risks to
regional and global food security. It can have cascading effects on ecosystem functioning and
services critical for sustaining humanity.
Climate change as threat to international peace and security:
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Threat to food security: Climate change threatens global food security and human health,
and increases human exposure to extreme events. For e.g., heat waves impacting the production
of wheat. Scarcity of food grains is likely to increase conflicts between communities, especially
in war-torn countries prone to ethnic violence.
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Poses hindrance to development: Climate change may result in slowing down or reversing
the development process, and can exacerbate vulnerability. It could undermine the capacity of
States to maintain stability.
Statelessness: Equally, emerging threats which merit the attention of the international
community is the loss of territory, statelessness and increased numbers of displaced persons.It
has severe implications on the rights of climate migrants and, internal security of the host
nation. There are certain nations like Tuvalu that run the risk of losing sovereignty and
statehood because of the disappearance of territory due to climate change events like rising sea
level.
International conflict: Climate change can be a significant driver of conflict in any country or
region where populations are dependent on natural resources for livelihoods; it can reduce
peoples’ ability to earn a living, increase competition for dwindling resources, cause mass
displacement, and facilitate extremist groups’ recruitment and implantation.
Impact on all regions: According to IPCC, in the coming decades climate changes will increase
in all regions. For 1.5°C of global warming, there will be increasing heat waves, longer warm
seasons and shorter cold seasons. At 2°C of global warming, heat extremes would more often
reach critical tolerance thresholds for agriculture and health and there will possibly be
increased frequency of extreme weather events.
While climate change has the potential to impact peace and security, the nexus between the two is
complex. Following measures can be undertaken to address the twin challenge of climate change
and security:
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Broad-based consultation and cooperation: There is a need to expand the scope of
discussions to include climate-related security issues. Some have argued that there is a strong
basis for the UN Security Council to consider climate change as a threat to international peace
and security and fulfill its responsibility to coordinate a coherent response across the UN
system, though there are differences between nations in this regard due to various issues.
Capacity building: International community must provide stronger support to climate change
adaptation in developing countries, including through investments in capacity-building at all
levels.
International efforts: It is necessary to enhance global efforts to ensure the sustainable and
equitable development of all countries, notably through developed countries’ meeting their
international commitments on development assistance.
Information sharing: Improve the flow of information and sharing of assessments, particularly
on early warning, between different regional and international organizations.
Additionally, there is a need to anticipate and prepare for addressing unprecedented challenges
posed by climate change such as climate migrants , submerging island nations, drastic reduction in
natural resources and scarcity of food grains.
9.
What do you understand by a virtual private network (VPN)? Highlight its advantages and
discuss the concerns posed by it.
(150 words) 10
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Briefly explain the meaning of a virtual private network (VPN).
Write the benefits/utility of VPN.
Discuss the associated concerns.
Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
A virtual private network (VPN) is an encrypted connection over the internet establishing a
private virtual tunnel through which traffic is sent securely in real time. The encrypted
connection helps to ensure that sensitive data is safely transmitted and traffic remains private
as it travels.
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VPN provides certain advantages to users in cyberspace, including:
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Secure data transfer: VPN services connect to private servers and use secure encryption
methods to reduce the risk of data leakage by ensuring that access to important files is
restricted.
Encryption of IP address: The primary job of a VPN is to hide the user's IP address over the
internet. This allows users to send and receive information online without the risk of anyone
seeing it except the user and the VPN
provider.
Encryption of protocols: VPN prevents
from leaving traces, in the form of
internet history, search history and
cookies and prevents third parties from
gaining access to confidential information.
Disguising whereabouts: VPN servers
essentially act as proxies on the internet.
This is because the demographic location
data comes from a server in another
country and does not determine actual
location and remains permanently
hidden.
Access to regional content: VPN allows users to access regionally restricted content from
anywhere in the world by switching a server to another country and effectively changing
his/her location online.
Kill switch: A sudden interruption in VPN connection automatically terminates pre-selected
programmes through the feature of kill switch, thereby reducing the likelihood of data being
compromised.
Despite the advantages, there are some issues, which are associated with VPNs, such as:
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Data privacy concerns: A study showed that 72% of free VPNs had third-party trackers in their
software. These trackers are used to gather data on users’ online activities.
Jurisdiction: The country where a VPN provider is located affects how secure that VPN is. For
instance, if a VPN is in a country whose government has data retention laws, the VPN might be
forced to store the information in secret.
Bypassing cybersecurity walls: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs noted
the technological challenge posed by VPN services and Dark Web that can bypass cyber security
walls and allow criminals to remain anonymous online.
Commercial ramifications: VPN users can access regionally restricted content from anywhere
in the world, which can have commercial ramifications for businesses like Netflix that have
geographical/country specific restrictions to their content.
Recently, the government of India asked VPN companies to keep a record of their logs of customer
information as directed by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). In this
regard, there is a need to take more holistic and balanced measures like passing the Data
Protection Bill, and launching a consultative process with VPN providers, customers and global
law enforcement agencies, etc. to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved.
10.
The discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN completed 10 years
recently. In this context, discuss the role played by CERN in overall scientific development.
(150 words) 10
Approach:
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Give a brief introduction about CERN and the discovery of Higgs Boson.
Discuss the role played by CERN in the overall scientific development.
Conclude accordingly.
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Answer:
Founded in 1954, CERN was one of Europe's first joint scientific ventures with particle physics as
the main area of research. It used one of the most complex scientific instruments i.e. the Large
Hadron Collider, to study the basic constituents of matter by colliding subatomic particles together
at close to the speed of light and thus paved the discovery of the Higgs Boson (God particle) in
2012. The discovery has confirmed predictions of the standard model of particle physics which
would help to understand why elementary or fundamental particles have mass.
The role played by CERN in overall scientific development:
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Promoting fundamental research: CERN provides a unique range of particle accelerator
facilities that enable research at the forefront of human knowledge. For instance, Large Hadron
Collider experiments at CERN are pivotal for understanding the origin and evolution of the
Universe.
Spurring innovation: Innovative technologies developed by CERN have applications in many
fields, such as:
o The invention of the World-Wide Web at CERN was driven by the need for better
communication among scientists around the world. In addition, CERN was a pioneer in
other breakthrough technologies, such as touchscreen.
o The Worldwide LHC computing grid developed at CERN provides global computing
resources to store, distribute and analyze the vast amounts of data collected by the LHC
experiments.
o Hadron therapy aims at treating tumours with beams of protons and light ions, to reduce
the radiation exposure of healthy tissue.
o Medical imaging benefits from new types of fast, bright, and dense scintillating crystals for
PET scanners. The forerunner of the PET scanner, now used routinely in medical imaging,
was another breakthrough technology where CERN made pioneering contributions.
o Pixel detector technologies developed at CERN are used in industrial processes, x-raybased material analysis and space missions on the International Space Station.
Other technological spin-offs: CERN is contributing to a better planet, with novel and more
efficient technologies like Industry 4.0, cultural heritage through art restoration, etc.
Knowledge sharing: The Knowledge Transfer Group at CERN actively engages with experts
in science, technology and industry by creating opportunities for the transfer of CERN’s
technology and know-how with the aim of maximizing the positive impact of CERN on society.
CERN has been instrumental in science diplomacy, with a constitutionally defined policy of
openness and a commitment to provide neutral space for global collaboration. India must also
leverage its associate membership at CERN to enhance scientific development at the global
level.
11.
Highlighting the factors that affect the cropping pattern in India, discuss the need for
modifying it in the context of the emerging agro-ecological concerns.
(250 words) 15
Approach:
• Briefly explain the meaning of the cropping pattern in India.
• Mention factors that affect the cropping pattern in India.
• Bring out the need of modifying cropping patterns in India.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
Cropping pattern refers to the proportion of area under different crops at a particular period of time
in a unit area. It indicates the yearly sequence and spatial arrangement of sowing and fallow on a
given area.
Factors affecting cropping pattern of a region:
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Geo-climatic factors: It includes factors like nature of soil, climate, rainfall etc. For instance,
rice is grown in areas having sufficient rainfall and suitable conditions for water logging like in
West Bengal. Jowar and Bajra are grown in rain deficit areas such as Rajasthan and Gujarat.
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Socio-cultural factors: It includes religion, customs, traditions etc. For example, Sikh farming
community avoids the cultivation of tobacco despite its profitability.
Economic factors: Prices of agricultural commodities, income of farmers, size of holdings,
availability of agricultural inputs and marketing facilities, nature of land tenure, availability of
finance etc. also determine cropping patterns. Price incentives like MSP/FRP for crops like
wheat and sugarcane can induce the farmers to shift over to that crop.
Historical factors: Crops such as tea, coffee, tobacco and cashew nuts were brought to India by
British and Portuguese. Today, India is the second-largest producer of tea globally.
Political Factors: India’s commitment to food security has given a boost to food grains
production across the country. In socialist countries, even the combination of crops and their
precise rotation may be dictated by the government.
Institutional and infrastructure related factors: It covers farm size and tenancy
arrangements, research, extension and marketing systems and government regulatory policies.
Behavioural factors: Ultimately it is the farmer who evaluates the expected returns from a
particular crop and chooses to cultivate it.
In India, the existing cropping pattern has led to various agro-climatic concerns, which are as
follows:
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Green Revolution, which focused on cereals alone, combined with the MSP regime made
cropping patterns skewed in favour of cereals. More crops, which are less water and nutrient
intensive, need to be brought under the MSP regime to shift the focus from environmentally
unsustainable farming practices.
Cropping pattern has led to monoculture in many parts leading to decreased soil fertility. This
can be tackled by growing different crops such as nitrogen fixing leguminous crops which
enhance the nitrogen content of soil. Similarly, growing perennial forages and millets can help
in enhancing soil organic content.
Cultivation of water intensive crops despite low groundwater levels is aggravating the water
crisis in India. Therefore the government is encouraging farmers to move to drought resistant
crops like oilseeds cultivation instead of the existing high water-consuming paddy crops.
Use of excess quantities of fertilizers without considering the existing soil conditions and
indiscriminate use of pesticides and insecticides resulting in water pollution and reduction in
soil fertility. In this regard, ICAR recommends soil test based balanced and integrated nutrient
management through conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources of plant nutrients
to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, preventing deterioration of soil health, environment
and contamination of groundwater.
Crop diversification needs to be encouraged to improve soil health, productivity and thereby
profitability of cultivation. There is a need to diversify into high value crops and horticulture crops
for which the Government has taken several measures such as Crops Diversification Programme
and National Horticulture Mission etc.
12.
While the budgetary reforms undertaken by the Central government in recent years have led to
better management of government expenditure, there are some issues that still need redressal.
Discuss.
(250 words) 15
Approach:
• Bring out the reformative measures taken by the government in the recent times regarding the
budgetary process in India.
• Discuss the issues, which still persist in the revised budget system.
• Suggest measures that can be taken in this regard.
Answer:
The Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) has taken up several budgetary reforms
in the past few years for better management of public expenditure. These include:
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Advancement of the Budget cycle: The Budget for the Union Governments was advanced to
the 1st day of February. This leads to early completion of the budgetary process, availability of
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full budget to the Ministries/Departments from the commencement of the financial year and
accelerates the implementation of schemes/projects through the year.
Merger of Plan and Non-Plan expenditures: The distinction and perception for Plan and NonPlan expenditures distorted the sectoral allocation of resources. Non-Plan expenditure such as
maintenance of the defense system, social security related allocation, subsidy for poor and
underprivileged class, etc. was termed as non-developmental.
Merger of the Rail Budget with the General Budget: The presentation of a unified Budget
helps bring the affairs of the Railways to the center stage and present a holistic picture of the
financial position of the government besides reducing procedural requirements.
However, there are issues that still persist in the budgetary system. According to the Estimates
Committee’s report, they are as follows:
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State-wise allocation: Although the Union Budget at a glance provides an overview of the
Budget, including the allocation for major schemes by the Central government, the funds
allocated to different States do not get reflected in this document.
Readability of the Union Budget documents: The Union Budget documents are so
voluminous that the common man and public representatives do not have the time required to
go through them and understand them.
Unspent balances of states in bank accounts: The grants transferred by the Central
government to States remain in State treasuries till they are transferred to implementing
agencies. The report noted that some State governments deposit the unspent balance
remaining from schemes/ grants in banks, which earn them a substantial amount of interest.
Underspending: It noted that despite advancement of the Budget cycle, savings (i.e.,
underspending or under-utilization of allocation) occurred in 99 departments in 2017-18,
97 in 2018-19, and 100 in 2019-20.
Monitoring the implementation of schemes: The Committee noted that the Secretary,
DEA, is the overall controller of the Central government’s accounting, and is also equally
responsible for monitoring the implementation of the projects/ schemes of various
Ministries/departments.
The Estimates Committee recommended the Central government to:
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Incorporate the State-wise allocation details in the Union Budget documents.
Identify the interest earned by various States from such unspent balances in banks and
frame guidelines for utilization of the funds earned by them.
A system may be evolved by DEA to track the progress of Ministries/departments on
implementation of projects/ schemes, so that habitual defaulters who have not updated the
progress can be identified while allocating the Budget.
Identifying areas of weakness will help the government to allocate resources in a useful and
sustainable manner.
13.
For India to create a ‘future ready’ railway system, it must harness innovation and resource
efficiency. Discuss the statement in the context of the measures enlisted in the National Rail
Plan 2030.
(250 words) 15
Approach:
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Highlight the status of Indian Railways with a focus on the future.
Mention the importance of innovation and resource efficiency for a ‘future ready’ railway
system.
Discuss relevant measures listed in the National Rail Plan (NRP), 2030 in this context.
Conclude appropriately.
Answer:
Railway transport operators have moved beyond operational targets of merely increasing
passenger volumes. In contemporary times, there is also a need to address demand for safer
technology and a more convenient and comfortable passenger experience. Moreover, efforts are
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required for making it a safer, reliable, faster, punctual, and comfortable travel while being
environment-friendly with the lowest possible carbon footprint.
Indian Railways need to harness innovation and resource efficiency to usher in a new era of
railways in the following ways:
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Train Service Efficiency: Considering constraints like priorities, speed restrictions and
stoppages, the train schedules must optimise network utilisation.
Fleet Planning: Intelligent planning platform that focuses on reducing empty kilometres by
proper planning can reduce the time and cost spent.
Safety Enhancements:
o Technological upgrades to minimize human errors, enhance safety of train operations & to
enable higher throughput.
o Elimination of manned level crossings from Golden Quadrilateral-Golden Diagonal (GQ-GD)
route.
o Leveraging the Building Information Modelling (BIM) process for designing and installing
railway-signalling systems.
Infrastructure Upgrades
o Electrification of the rail network.
o Automatic Block Signalling with Traffic Management Systems.
o Energy-efficient rolling stock & introduction of semi-high speed fully air-conditioned trains.
o Development of world-class railway stations with state-of-the-art passenger amenities.
Embracing Digitalisation:
o Paperless, contactless ticketing by deploying automated fare collection.
o Digital onboarding to improve passenger experience by increasing onboarding and journey
flexibility.
o Connecting all smart and mobile devices together under one platform, merging the
commuter with the train operator for a transparent experience while giving autonomy to
the rail operator for operational management.
o Use of big data for effective predictive analytics, passenger management and platforms.
In this context of creating a ‘future ready’ railway system, Indian Railway is undertaking a slew of
measures as per its ambitious National Rail Plan (NRP) 2030. The plan seeks to:
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Increase the Railway’s modal share to 45% in freight traffic by 2024 with an increase of
freight train’s average speed to 50Kmph, 100% electrification (Green Energy) and multitracking of congested routes.
Track doubling of the High-Density Networks (HDN) and Highly Utilized Networks (HUN) to
augment capacity on its vast existing network.
Digitise and automate Indian Railway operations through accelerating the adoption of
Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) and Traffic Management Systems (TMS) to manage mixed rail
traffic on its congested corridors and resolve the issues of train delays.
Usher in an era of energy-efficient, cost-effective and green freight transport. The plan
seeks to identify new Dedicated Freight Corridors and High Speed Rail Corridors, assess rolling
stock requirement for passenger traffic as well as wagon requirement for freight.
Achieve sustained involvement of the Private Sector in areas like operations and ownership
of rolling stock, development of freight and passenger terminals, development/operations of
track infrastructure etc.
The NRP is aimed to formulate strategies based on both operational capacities and commercial
policy initiatives. The NRP seeks to develop a capacity that will cater to demand in 2050. By
including a detailed analysis of the existing network, the NRP seeks to make decisions around new
tracks and investments more objectively.
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14.
Discuss the significance of technology in the Indian agricultural sector. Also, state the
challenges in realising its potential to improve agricultural efficiency and increase the income
of the farmers.
(250 words) 15
Approach:
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Introduce by highlighting the issues faced by Indian agriculture.
Explain the benefits of technology in Indian agriculture for improving efficiency and farmer
income.
State the challenges in realizing the full potential of technology in Indian agriculture.
Suggest a way forward and conclude appropriately.
Answer:
Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for about 58 per cent of India’s population. But
various reports highlight the issue of low productivity of Indian agriculture in comparison to the
developed countries and low income of Indian farmers with many living below the poverty line.
In this context, existing as well as new technologies such as Machine Learning (ML), Internet of
Things (IoT), Big Data Analytics (BDA), and Cloud Computing become significant to improve
efficiency and income of farmers:
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Improved productivity from mechanization of agriculture: Agricultural mechanization has
the potential to directly and indirectly affect yields through reduction in post-harvest losses and
increase harvest gains.
Climate/ weather prediction through artificial intelligence: Modern equipment and tools
based on AI enable data gathering and assist in precision farming and informed decision-making
using vital information on temperature, rainfall, soil, humidity, etc.
Resilient crops developed via use of biotechnology: Genetic engineering helps in increasing
crop resistance to pests, and the development of high-yielding varieties which makes
improvements to livestock.
Agriculture Sensors: Sensors help farmers in determining soil composition and moisture
content, nutrient detection, location for precision, airflow, etc. and thus allow farmers to
maximize yields using minimal natural resources.
Supply chain management using Big Data: With the help of data analysis, farmers can receive
information about the prevailing market prices of crops, demand and supply situation, and
platform to buy and sell their products quickly. This greatly reduces their inventory cost, postharvest loss, and transportation costs.
Livestock monitoring: Use of chips and body sensors can help prevent disease outbreaks and
are crucial in large-scale livestock management. Similarly, ultrasounds can be used to judge the
quality of meat.
However, following challenges in realising the potential of technology in agricultural sector need to
be addressed:
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Poor communication of science to farmers: While agri-tech companies have good expertise
of emerging technologies, they often lack the application-level domain expertise required for
testing and validation for credibility among farmers and scaled field deployment. Moreover, low
literacy levels of farmers makes it more difficult.
Subsidies structure: The existing subsidy regime does not provide incentives and support for
adopting agriculture technologies and innovations rather it prevents diversification, promotes
excessive reliance on fertilisers and encourages usage of more water and electricity.
Small landholdings: India has more than 650 start-ups that offer agri-tech innovations in
partnership with industries and financial institutions, but lack scale due to the very high costs of
serving smallholding farmers and building their own distribution system.
Issues in adoption: Poor IT infrastructure, high deployment costs, lack of awareness and trust
towards technology coupled with the fear of being replaced by it is increasing the technophobia
in farmers.
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Lack of seamlessness: Limited expertise, existing gaps in agricultural research, poor data
quality and lack of access to data, and a lack of collaboration among different stakeholders
affects the integration of different data under one roof.
Funding for Agri-Techs: Agri-techs have seen very good development in the last decade.
However, they are still faced with limited funding and yet to be validated business models in
Indian agriculture systems.
India has potential economic value of $50-65 billion through digital agriculture by 2025 translating
to 23 per cent addition to the current value of agricultural produce. Thus, there is an urgent need to
work towards the success of Digital Agriculture.
15.
Despite the digital transformation in the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, several
challenges still remain. Elaborate. Also, suggest measures to address them.
(250 words) 15
Approach:
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Introduce by mentioning the objective of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India.
Highlight the various technological interventions in the Public Distribution System in India.
Elaborate on the various gaps and challenges that still exist in the system.
State the measures that can be taken in this regard and conclude accordingly.
Answer:
In order to make food distribution efficient and overcome various issues related to India’s foodrelated programmes, several measures have been taken to transform the Public Distribution System
(PDS) through digital transformation, including:
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Issue of ration-cards with biometric identification (through JAM) to eliminate misuse of
subsidy and to improve efficiency of the supply chain.
End-to-end computerisation of the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) network.
The entire Supply Chain Management of food grains has been computerized for online
management of stocks in godowns and their in-and-out movements.
Digitized allocation of food grains starting from FCI/state governments.
Monitoring of distribution of food grains by using technology including GPS tracking of
stocks.
ePoS based online distribution of food grains is operational in almost all States/UTs.
However, gaps and challenges still exist in the system. These are:
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Lack of proper infrastructure: There are major hindrances in ICT adoption due to
inadequate telecommunication systems, improper device design, poor network strength and
lack of information technology personnel. In this context, wide inter-State variations exist in
both seeding and use of e-POS devices at Fair Price Shops.
Identification failures: Due to arbitrary identification failures because of poor quality of
fingerprints and poor internet connectivity, beneficiaries tend to lose their entitlements. Also,
real-time verification, if disrupted, leaves the possibility of grain diversion.
Digital divide: Direct use of e-governance technology by citizens in India is hindered by lack of
training and education as well as the existing digital divide. For instance, North-Eastern
States show their incapability in this regard due to persisting network connectivity issues.
Financial incapacity of Fair Price Shops: These shops lack the financial capacity needed to
make e-PoS purchases, install them, and train necessary personnel to work on them.
Measures that can be taken in this regard are:
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Providing better connectivity by employing a faster network, installing more than one
device per shop, and establishing call centers to register and get solutions to new technologyrelated queries.
Detailed planning of required infrastructure before establishing new technology and
development as well as maintenance of ICT infrastructure can make it easier for users to adopt
and employ ICT in their routine activities.
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Analyzing the technology adoption behavior of intermediaries can help policy makers and
designers of e-governance technologies to create devices, processes and training programmes
that target the factors that inhibit as well as encourage the use of ICT among users.
Utilizing quality management tools will allow researchers to obtain more information by
systematically organizing the available data.
Digitization will prevent possibilities of corruption and leakages and will lead to substantial savings
in the food subsidy bill. Thus, more effort is required from the stakeholders in this context,
especially the state governments.
16.
Discuss the various concerns that exist with regard to fuel efficiency regulations for vehicles in
India. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken in this regard.
(250 words) 15
Approach:
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Introduce the answer by highlighting the issues related to fuel efficiency regulations for
vehicles.
Discuss the various concerns associated with it.
Enlist the measures that can be taken in this regard.
Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
As per the Center for Science and Environment (CSE), though India has introduced stringent
emission standards for reducing toxic emissions from vehicles with the adoption of Bharat Stage VI
standards in 2020, it has not taken equally strident and strong measures to improve fuel
efficiency and carbon footprints of vehicles. India needs to improve its fuel efficiency
regulations, as the number of vehicles and freight transport in India is increasing exponentially.
Further, the country is already combatting energy insecurity and the impacts of climate change.
Various concerns in this regard are:
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Lack of effective implementation of fuel standards: So far, only Stage 1 fuel efficiency
standards have been implemented and that too, only for passenger cars. There has been
considerable uncertainty around the implementation of the Stage 1 standards for heavy duty
vehicles that are major guzzlers of fuel. Additionally, two-wheelers are still outside the ambit of
these regulations.
Lenient benchmark: The fuel efficiency standards are so lenient that most car models have
either met or have exceeded them, many are also close to meeting the Stage 2 norms, which
have not even been implemented yet. A lenient benchmark cannot push technological
innovations to maximize fuel and carbon savings.
Outdated testing parameters: Modified Indian Driving Cycle (a modified version of outdated
European NEDC test cycle), which is being used in India as a testing parameter is outdated.
Concerns related to enforceability: There is no clarity on punitive action in case
manufacturers fail to meet the prescribed standards. Also, there seems to be hesitation on the
part of the government towards imposing penalties.
Technical issues in compliance: To meet the corporate average standards, manufacturers are
allowed to score extra credit points for adoption of certain technology approaches that can
improve fuel efficiency. However, impact of these parameters like weight and aerodynamics etc.
cannot be considered while testing emissions from the vehicles.
Measures that can be taken in this context include:
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As per the CSE recommendations, India needs to stay on track to meet the stage 2 standards
for cars in 2022-23 and tighten and set the next targets for all vehicle segments (cars, heavy and
light duty vehicles and two wheelers) with four-year periodicity between now and 2035
immediately.
India needs to adopt a dynamic approach to reflect changes in the market and make
ambitious targets to accelerate electrification.
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India needs to reform testing methods for certification of cars to reduce the gap between labbased and on road fuel efficiency performance.
There is a need to design flexibility mechanisms effectively for credits and trading. Also,
incentives can be provided for early action and front-runners based on tighter benchmarks.
A well-structured consumer information system should be created on fuel efficiency and
emissions level of vehicles to stimulate consumer demand and catalyze the market for quicker
uptake of more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Setting up aggressive carbon reduction targets under the Paris Accord and strict adherence to
the deadline to tighten the corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) requirements are welcome
steps in this regard. India should take additional robust steps to bring itself at par with the global
standards.
17.
Urban fire is becoming a serious cause of concern in Indian cities. In this context, highlight the
major causes behind urban fires in India. What steps can be taken to build robust fire resilience
in Indian cities?
(250 words) 15
Approach:
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Give a brief account of urban fire instances in India.
Discuss the various causes behind it.
Suggest strategies to build robust fire resilience in Indian cities.
Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
The India Risk Survey 2021 has categorized “fire” as the fourth biggest risk in India. As per the
report, there were 9,329 reported cases of fire accidents with over 9,000 casualties in India in the
year 2020, out of which nearly 58% were reported in residential buildings.
Urban fires have the potential to rapidly spread to adjoining structures, which not only affect
human life but also lead to loss of property and resources and deterioration of air quality. Recently,
some major fire tragedies were witnessed in the National Capital Region, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Various causes of urban fires in India include:
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Rapid and unplanned urbanization, which has resulted in encroachment, poor wiring and use
of old and obsolete machinery, is one of the major triggers of urban fires. Further, locked escape
routes, narrow lanes hampering quick reach of firefighting vehicles and ignorance of safety
norms lead to spread of urban fires.
Adherence to National Building Code, 2016 (NBC 2016) is patchy. The NBC 2016 has set out
elaborate guidelines including those for fire safety and requires all buildings over 15 meters to
carry out a fire safety audit once in two years by an independent entity. However, it is ignored
mostly. Also, there have been instances of small sparks leading to a disaster in commercial
buildings due to lack of adherence to NBC 2016.
Human errors like placing liquid near electrical equipment etc. is one of the major reasons for
triggering fires. Lack of awareness among people is also a major cause as firefighting
instruments are installed in many commercial buildings, however, there is no knowledge to
handle the equipment.
There are administrative issues in this regard, as maintenance of fire service is a Municipal
function, while the guidelines on scaling, type of equipment and training of fire services are
issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Resource crunch is a major factor which hinders the prevention of fire hazard in cities. For
example, in 2018, India had only 39 percent of the 8559 fire stations needed.
With the rapid urbanization, India needs to build robust fire resilience in urban areas so that no
major mishap happens. The steps that can be taken in this regard are as follows:
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Strengthening guidelines and policy framework: Strict adherence to available norms of
electrical load management for new constructions and mainstreaming of fire risk management
and mitigation in urban planning and development is the need of the hour.
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Enforcement of fire safety norms and regulations: Proper evaluation and scrutiny before
sanction and renewal of permits, licenses, approvals etc. is required. Also, there should be a
robust system of regular monitoring and inspection by the authorities for checking the
functionality of the installed fighting equipment.
Upgradation of firefighting equipment and infrastructure: Local fire departments need to
upgrade according to the NDMA guidelines. Pre-planning for narrow lanes, emergency routes
and integration of real time traffic monitoring devices are needed to minimize response time.
Building community resilience: Regular conduct of awareness programmes and training
for residents and other stakeholders is required to make them more resilient. Evacuation and
safety mock drills also need to be arranged at regular intervals.
India has taken various measures in this regard like the NBC 2016, accreditation for fire safety to
third party and NDMA guidelines. However, conscious planning and integration of fire safety norms
in urban planning should be adopted to make Indian cities safe from urban fires.
18.
Drones in border areas present a serious threat for border management in India. Elaborate.
Also, discuss the different measures taken to regulate the use of drones in India. (250 words) 15
Approach:
• Introduce with the drone threat in border areas.
• Elaborate on how drones present a serious threat in border management in India.
• Mention the recent steps taken to regulate the use of drones in India.
• Conclude accordingly.
Answer:
A drone or an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft that carries no human pilot or
passengers. These can be fully or partially autonomous but are more often controlled remotely by a
human pilot. Recent drone attacks in border areas have red-flagged the need for India to acquire
latest anti-drone technologies as terrorists have started misusing drones as stand-off weapons.
Drones present a serious threat to border management in India
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Weaponisation: Drones are being used to drop lethal payloads, weapons etc. in the Indian
Territory by the attackers who then navigate these drones out of that area.
Lesser risk, greater accessibility: Military drones allow an attacker to reach almost any target
in any location without risk to personnel.
Collecting data from borders: Various third-party organizations are developing drones that
can tap or interfere with communications systems, intercept data and self-destruct if captured.
Surveillance in border areas: Militaries are commonly using Stealth drone for surveillance
or reconnaissance purposes. Espionage on the borders has become simple with the use of
stealth drones.
o Drones can carry a camera and can record images and voice from places inaccessible to a
human eavesdropper.
Drone swarm: It is the scenario where a significant number of drones autonomously and
collectively carry out the pre-programmed task, usually to attack a target.
Difficult detection: Detection of drones is much harder to detect than manned aircraft,
especially if they fly below the radar envelope making it a threat in border areas.
Operational flexibility: Drones are cheaper, safer, and more efficient than conventional
methods of espionage.
Non-uniform drone policy: Specific area-based detection and neutralization of threats of
drones are available and being improved upon. However, larger areas like borders remain a
challenge. For example, Punjab has not drafted or articulated a separate police drone policy.
In this regard, following measures have been taken to counter the threat to border security
management:
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Counter drone system developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) was tested in Punjab region in 2020 and has been put through extensive trials since
then.
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The indigenous drone technology is capable of counter-attacks including detection, Soft Kill
(for jamming the communication links of drone) and Hard Kill (laser-based hard kill to
destroy the drone) of enemy drones.
National Counter Rogue Drone Guidelines, 2019 provide measures to prevent the misuse of
drones; for example, it states the importance of drone detection and neutralization mechanisms,
and strict enforcement of rules.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rules 2021 imposes drone restrictions like eligibility criteria,
permit, license etc.
An intra-departmental task force is working on the aspects of counter drone measures,
especially in Punjab and adjoining Jammu and Kashmir.
Smart Shooter’s SMASH 2000 Plus fire control systems, which is a kind of electro-optic sight
system is being installed mainly on AK-47 and AK 203 rifles to counter drones.
o
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The threats from drones and their swarms is real, serious and immediate. This mandates reinvention of border management and taking over this responsibility by the army and air force in
coordination with border guarding forces and even local inhabitants.
19.
Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing in the
recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space weaponization.
(250 words) 15
Approach:
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Briefly, explain the concept of weaponization of space.
Mention the factors responsible for the weaponization of space.
Discuss its implications with special focus on India.
Conclude by suggesting way forward.
Answer:
The weaponization of space involves placing weapons in outer space or on heavenly bodies as well
as creating weapons that will transit outer space or simply travel from Earth to attack targets in
space. For example, placing of orbital or suborbital satellites with the intention of attacking enemy
satellites, using ground-based direct ascent missiles to attack space assets, jamming signals sent
from enemy satellites, satellite attacks on Earth targets etc.
The Outer Space Treaty, conceptualized by the United Nations in 1967, emphasizes that the
exploration of outer space should not only be beneficial to all mankind and nations, but must also be
for peaceful purposes; and that a nation cannot claim sovereignty in outer space.
However, despite the global framework to prevent weaponization of space, the desire to establish
military supremacy in outer space emerges out of some basic apprehensions such as:
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Inadequate legal system: The existing global framework governing the outer space activities is
not sufficient to address all the aspects of use of outer space.
Lack of reliance: The present missile defence system to stall an incoming ICBM (InterContinental Ballistic Missile) armed with a nuclear warhead is not failproof. It compels
countries to move beyond the existing system for national security.
Protect space assets: Amid mistrust and suspicion among nations, countries are placing
weapons in space to protect their own satellites against anti-satellite weapons (ASAT).
Defence preparedness: The deployment of weapons in space would give supremacy to a
country in the conduct of war over the land, sea and air.
Weaponisation of space will have serious implications for the world especially including
India:
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Fear of War: The ensuing arms race for weaponisation of outer space would create an
environment of uncertainty and suspicion between nations. For instance, China's experiment of
physically relocating one of its disabled satellites to graveyard orbit is driving novel risks in the
race to weaponize the outer space.
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Against commercial and scientific interests: Major powers like the US (in commercial and
military realms) and Russia (in civilian realm) has already taken control of the outer space. And,
further Chinese entry in both the realms would increase the competition for emerging countries
like India.
Space Debris: In the current age of nations' growing competition among themselves, the
countries are placing weapons in space, which accumulates as space debris, creating a lethal
danger for people and property.
Monopoly of Orbit: Countries, particularly developed ones like the United States, may reserve
an orbital slot and may not use it for several years, thus, monopolizing the diminishing number
of orbital slots. These actions would restrict the orbital space for countries like India.
Amidst this environment, it is more urgent than ever for democratic powers to come together to
secure their national interests as well as promote sustainable order in the skies. The need is to
reconceptualize and revise existing space laws; increase situational awareness of space objects, as
well as their purposes, to ensure legitimate access for all States to outer space and promote
transparency and build confidence among nations. It can help maintain space security by
complementing a negotiated international legal instrument on outer space arms control.
20.
What do you understand by a bio-economy? Highlight the role that the National Biotechnology
Development Strategy 2021-2025 can play in creating a robust bio-economy in India.
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Approach:
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Introduce by explaining what you understand by a bio-economy.
Briefly explain its significance.
Highlight the features of the National Biotechnology Development Strategy (NBDS) 2021-2025,
which supports creation of a bio-economy in India.
Conclude appropriately.
Answer:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines bio-economy as the production, utilization
and conservation of biological resources, including related knowledge, science, technology, and
innovation, to provide information, products, processes and services across all economic
sectors aiming toward a sustainable economy.
The role of bio-economy becomes vital as human activities have modified the global climate over
the last century, which has led to an increase in the earth’s average temperature and climate
change. Further, the impact of climate change on food security, human health, among other aspects,
will lead to decline in productivity and wealth creation, especially in developing countries like India.
Bio-economy, as a framework for promoting the use of biotechnology to develop new products and
markets in the fields of bio-pharmaceuticals, bio-services, bio-agriculture, bio-industry etc., has
raised its popularity globally. The Indian Bio-Economy Report 2022 highlights that India’s bioeconomy is likely to touch $ 300 billion by 2030 from $ 80 billion in 2021. Realizing this potential,
the government has launched the National Biotechnology Development Strategy (NBDS) 20212025 to create a knowledge-based bio-economy in the following manner:
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Capacity building: The Strategy aims to build a skilled workforce to cater to the needs of bioeconomy based industry and to enhance employability through different initiatives such as
UDAAN, Skill Vigyan for Life Sciences and Biotechnology, IMPRINT, BUILDER, etc.
Leveraging Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech (UNATI) Mission: Under it, special missions like
Mission on Precision Healthcare, Mission on Waste to Value Technologies, etc. have been
launched to tackle food security, tapping into the blue economy, etc. The Strategy aims to
expand the current missions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by working
closely with line Ministries/ Departments/ agencies with focus on deliverables.
Affordable and accessible products and technologies: The Strategy aims to provide
affordable and accessible products and technologies by setting-up strategically located
technology clusters, bio-manufacturing hubs, technology transfer offices (TTOs), etc. At the
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same time, it calls for promoting partnership with state universities for establishing
microenterprises in Tier-II & Tier-III cities.
Leveraging the strength of strategic partnerships: This will be done through collaborations
with multilateral forums like SAARC, BRICS, ASEAN, G-20 and professional organizations to
expand the scope of R&D and entrepreneurship in bio-informatics, functional AI, Big Data and
bio-resources.
Building knowledge base: The Strategy calls for establishment of Centres of Excellence
centered on new emerging technologies like gene editing, gene therapy, regenerative medicine,
CAR-T cell therapy, big-data analysis, precision agriculture, bio-astronautics research,
astrobiology, etc., to position India as a global leader in these technologies.
Taking science to society: This will be done by empowering the rural sector by establishing
biotech innovation hubs for societal development, including in the aspirational districts and
promoting rural bio-entrepreneurship and upscaling of grass-root innovations through
initiatives such as Biotech-KISAN and DNA Clubs in schools.
Effective outreach and communication: The Strategy calls for building public trust by laying
emphasis on data-driven communication and advocating deeper engagement with
stakeholders through multiple channels with focus on a bottom-up approach.
In this context, there is a need to create an enabling policy environment by developing an ‘Ease of
Doing Science Index’, formulating robust regulatory guidelines for implementation of new and
emerging technologies and building strong surveillance systems on sharing biological data to
establish an effective knowledge-based bio-economy in India.
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