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
General Studies – 1
Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the causes behind the outbreak of revolt of 1857.
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context regarding revolt of 1857.
Body:
First, write about the political Causes – The British expansion had led to the propagation of unjust policies that led to the loss of power of the Nawabs and Zamindars residing at various places of India.
In the next part, write about the economic Factors -There were various reforms in the taxation and revenue system that affected the peasants’ heavily.
In the final part, write about the religious & Social Causes – Racism or racial discrimination was believed to be a major reason for the revolt of 1857 wherein Indians were exploited and were kept away from mixing with Europeans.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning how the greased cartridges leading to sepoy mutiny served as the trigger for the discontent to have a cumulative effect.
Introduction
The Revolt of 1857 has been hailed as the watershed in the colonial history of British India. It was suppressed by the British Government in India by the end of 1859 through their superior means and due to the drawbacks of the rebels., However, the revolt of 1857 marks a turning point in the history of India. It led to far-reaching changes in the system of administration and the policies of the British government.
Body
Various re-alignment policies in administration of the British after 1857 revolt:
- Transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown:
- The transfer of political and administrative power from the East India Company to the British crown was achieved through the Act for the better Government of India,
- Under this Act India would be governed directly by the crown acting through a Secretary of He was made directly responsible to the British Parliament.
- The Queens Proclamation, 1858:
- Queen Victoria issued a proclamation which announced the acquisition of the Indian administration by the British crown.
- Its aim was to tell the Indian people about the end of the rule of the East India Company and the assumption of the administration of India by the British
- According to it, the people of India would enjoy and they would be treated at par with the subjects of the British Crown.
- Non-interference in internal affairs:
- The native princes were assured that all treaties and engagements made by the East India Company with them would be
- They were further assured that their rights, dignity and honor would be respected and the British Government would not interfere in their internal affairs
- Home Government for India:
- The Act for the better Government of India was passed in August 1858.
- Under the Act, the power of the Crown were to be exercised by the Home Government in England consisting of the secretary of state for India, assisted by the Indian Council.
- It laid the foundation of a new British policy in India for a period of about sixty years
- Reorganisation of the Indian Army:
- Two important changes were One relating to the proportion between the English and Indian Army and the other relating to the Future organisation of the forces.
- The British element in the Indian army was strengthened in order to ensure loyalty and
- The Policy of Annexation was Given Up:
- The British government gave up the doctrine of lapse and guaranteed the integrity of the Indian states by duly recognising the
- The right of adoption by the native princes was duly recognised.
- Freedom of religion and equal treatment guaranteed:
- The proclamation assured freedom of religion to the people of India and the British officials would not interfere in such matters.
- The proclamation assured that while framing and administering law, due respect would be shown to the ancient Indian rights, usages and customs.
- Equal and impartial protection of law was promised to all Indians.
Conclusion
However, the revolt also led to few negative effects from British such as the divide and rule policy, increase in the racial animosity against Indians, setback to the social reforms, rift between the Hindus and Muslims and territorial conquest was replaced by Economic drain. Even then it started the new era in the history of India and the British Imperialism.
Value addition:
There were many causes which led to the collapse of this mighty rebellion.
- Narrow territorial base: The revolt of 1857 had limited territorial spread. It was not widespread and remained confined to North and Central India only. Even in the north, Kashmir, Punjab, Sind and Rajputana kept away from the rebels.
- Lack of leadership: No national leader emerged to coordinate the movement and give it purpose and direction. Rani Lakshmi Bai, Tantya Tope and Nana Saheb were courageous but were not good military generals.
- Infights: Their leaders were suspicious and jealous of each other and often indulged in petty quarrels. The Begam of Awadh, for example, quarrelled with Maulvi Ahmdullah, and the Mughal princes with the sepoy-generals. Thus, selfishness and narrow perspective of the leaders suppressed the strength of the revolt and prevented its consolidation.
- No concept of Modern nationalism: There were diverse elements among the rebels with different ideology, plan and motive. Most of the leaders of the revolt were fighting for personal gains and lack a coherent idea for modern India. Modern nationalism had not yet evolved in India. In fact, it was a concept unknown to the people.
- Lack of unified vision and ideology: They had no forward-looking plan in mind. The prominent leaders of rebellion like Nana Saheb, Begum of Awadh, Rani of Jhansi, etc., did not possess any unified programme. For example, Rani Lakshmi Bai fought to regain Jhansi, which she had lost as a result of the British policy of Doctrine of lapse while Nana Saheb and Tantya Tope tried to re-establish the Maratha power.
- Lack of unity: No broad-based unity emerged among the Indian people during the rebel. While sepoys of the Bengal army were revolting, some soldiers in Punjab fought on the side of the British to crush these rebellions.
- Fissures in the society: The modern educated Indians also did not support the revolt because, in their view, the revolt was backwards-looking. They believed mistakenly that the British would lead the country towards modernisation.
- Lack of proper arms and equipment: The rebels were short of weapons and finances. Whatever few weapons existed, were old and outdated. In many areas, rebels fought with swords and spears which were no match for the sophisticated and modern weapons of the British.
Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about how reforms movement were aimed at India society as whole and how they got integrated with the mainstream national movement.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning that the reform movement was a holistic socio-religious reform movement aimed revitalising our society and religion.
Body:
Elaborate on features such as the movement focussed on aspects such as to bring in an enlightened society, removal of superstition, to establish a democratic society, to promote rationality and scientific temper etc. Mention steps taken by reforms to achieve these.
In religious aspects mention the steps that were taken by various reforms to reform the major religions. Mention about the reformist movements and revivalist movements. Mention the major reformers of major religions.
Conclusion:
Conclude by saying that the same approach was carried forward by the national movement and was included in the vision of independent India.
Introduction
Socio-religious reform movements are linked with different ideas including presence of Colonial government, Economic and Social backwardness of society, influence of modern western ideas, rise of intellectual awakening in the middle class and poor position of women in society.
From the early 19th century, debates and discussion about social customs and practices took a new character due to the development of new forms of communication. Various reformers like Raja Rammohun Roy, Ishawarchandra Vidyasagar, Swami Dayananda Saraswati persuaded people to give up degraded age-old traditions like Sati, child marriage, polygamy, female infanticide etc. by adopting a new way of life. They were keen to spread knowledge of modernization in the country and bring about greater freedom and equality for women and “lower caste” people.
Body:
Westernization is a process of imitation of culture and values of western countries by non-western countries. Whereas, Modernization has a wider connotation. Adopting the modern style or modern ways and ideas of thinking, living, etc is ‘Modernization’. Modernization is a change or modification which offers the promise of the preservation of the past.
19-20th century socio-religious reforms aimed at modernisation rather than westernisation:
- Reformers like Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Jyotiba Phule, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Pandita Ramabai understood that ignorance and backwardness in the society was responsible for hindering its progress and development.
- They studied the religious scriptures and criticized the prevalent religious and social practices.
- According to them, society should be based on the concepts of liberty and equality both for men and women and this was possible only by the spread of modern and scientific education especially among the women.
- These movements came to be called socio-religious movement because the reformers felt that no change is possible in a society without reforming the religion.
- The socio religious reform movement, as a whole, was against backward element of traditional culture in terms of both religious and social evils.
- The focus was on regeneration of traditional institutions including medicine, education, and philosophy and so on.
- There were differences in methods of those reform movements but all of them were concerned with the regeneration of society through social and educational reforms
- The aim of these reformers was never to replace the local culture of India with the western culture. Rather they simply assimilated some western values which they saw as desirable for the development of the society such as humanism.
- They emphasised more on the interpretation of scriptures and simplification of rituals rather than out rightly imitating westernisation.
- Swami Vivekananda sought to bring reform through reinterpretations of the Vedas in the context of the changing world. He stressed on the ideal of social service and selfless action.
- Raja Rammohun Roy too had great respect for the western way of thinking, yet gave utmost respect and importance to Vedas and Upnishads.
- Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar used the ancient texts to suggest that widows could remarry. His suggestions were adopted by British officials, and a law was passed in 1856 permitting widow remarriage.
- Such thinkers were against certain social evils like Sati, idolatry, polytheism, untouchability etc but they believed in the essence of scriptures as a persuasive truth and not that was not compatible with the modern notions of equality and dignity of all individuals.
- In India, social reform did not ordinarily mean a reorganisation of the structuring of society at large, as it did in the West, for the benefit of underprivileged social and economic classes.
- Instead, it meant the infusion into the existing social structure of the new ways of life and thought; the society would be preserved, while its members would be transformed.
Conclusion:
The socio-religious reform movements of the 19-20th century have made very significant contributions in the evolution of today’s Modern India. They stood for the democratization of society, removal of superstition and abhorrent customs, spread of enlightenment and the development of a rational and modern outlook. By the end of the 20th century, women themselves were actively working for reform. They wrote books, edited magazines, founded schools and training centres and set up a women’s association. These women, later on, joined various kinds of nationalist and socialist movements and contributed immensely in the freedom struggle.
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
Rajya Sabha standing committee report raises questions about Archaeological Survey of India’s functioning.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the reasons as to why heritage is under threat and the need to safeguard India’s art heritage and the steps that need to be taken for the same.
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Explain about what all is included in India’s art heritage – paintings, sculpture, monuments etc
Body:
First, highlight that preserving our heritage is enshrined as a fundamental duty
Next, Examine the threats to art heritage such as Lack of public awareness -This makes the local administrator break the buildings and replace it with other structures, Duplication of paintings and art forms, Theft, Vandalism and Smuggling etc. Discuss why it is crucial to safeguard such heritage such as maintaining identity and pride of our country, tourism etc
Next, Discuss the way forward such as – Strengthening institutions – Ministry of Culture, ASI, Museums, Archives, Cultural awareness programs etc
Conclusion:
Summarize on why this issue requires attention and what needs to be done.
Introduction
India has a vast basket of living and diverse cultural traditions, traditional expressions, intangible cultural heritage comprising masterpieces which need institutional support and encouragement with a view to addressing areas critical for the survival and propagation of these forms of cultural heritage. Preserving our heritage is enshrined as a Fundamental Duty in our Constitution.
World Heritage Week is approaching in the third week of November. During this time every year, we see a plethora of events and social media posts that celebrate heritage. It becomes an occasion to spread awareness about the cultural diversity represented by heritage sites.
Body
Threats to Indian Cultural Heritage:
- Theft: The incidents of thefts have been observed usually from unprotected monuments, ancient temples. The thefts cases have also been seen in the protected monuments and museums as well. It is due to negligence of security guards in museums, monuments etc.
- Smuggling: illicit traffic and smuggling in antiquities. Illicit traffic is motivated often by profit and sometimes by the demand for luxuries.
- Tourism: Unregulated tourism, tourist activities run by touts, private agents have affected the art heritage places.The Culture Ministry of India has reported that up to 24 Indian monuments have been declared “untraceable” or “missing” by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- Issues with security of museums: Most of the museums are poorly guarded due to shortage of manpower leading to theft of artefacts, fire accidents etc.
- Lack of public awareness: This leads to poor maintenance, vandalism, spoiling the monuments artefacts. Replacing the structures or building structures close to the monuments leading to
- Duplication:Fakes of paintings and art forms leading to threat to livelihoods of artists.
- Poor Maintenance:The state of the wall paintings in Ajanta caves is continuously getting worse, which can be attributed to humidity as well as to a lack of care.
- Encroachment of monuments: Another miss from the ministry has been encroachments of monuments. Over 278 centrally protected monuments have been encroached upon or have illegal occupants, as per government data.
Rationale behind safeguarding the cultural heritage:
- Evolution of human consciousness is a continuous process: History here serves as a laboratory and the past serves as a demarcation to understand the regional laws and social structures. This understanding helps in our progress towards an ideal society.
- The art heritage is the identity and pride of our country. It is duty of every citizen to protect, preserve and perpetuate the cultural richness.
- Tourism potential for art monuments and museums is very high. Tourism generates revenue for the state as well as private artists due to the money-multiplier quality.
- Infrastructure development takes place in and around the areas. Eg. Hampi despite being a small town has excellent infrastructure.
- It creates jobs for a lot of people from art industry and tourism industry as well
- It creates a feeling of oneness and a sense of attachment by enhancing a sense of belonging to a culture or a region.
- Every historical site has an important story to tell and these stories have inspired many people to strengthen their convictions and commitment to fight injustice and oppression.
Way forward
- Strengthening Legislations and Initiatives:
- The Antiquity Act of 1947, Antiquities and Art Treasures Act of 1972 particularly provide for the prevention of smuggling and illegally dealing in antiques.
- Recent bill to amend The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act which allowed construction within 100m of the protected monuments should be avoided.
- In 2015, the ministry launched an initiative of e-ticketing services in over 116 monuments under the ASI and launched an initiative to digitise cultural resources.
- Strengthening institutions:
- The CAG report on Preservation and Conservation of Monuments and Antiques clearly indicates that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for this purpose needs to be more proactive and vigilant in its efforts and the ministry needs to develop an aggressive strategy for the same
- Tapping of the Public —Private Partnership models for sustenance of Arts and Crafts.
- Setting up at least one museum in each district with different chambers for visual and other forms of art, architecture, science, history and geography with regional flavour.
- Artistes from the field of architecture, sculpture, painting, handicrafts, puppetry, music, dance, theatre, and literature will be graded by the Centre on the basis of their performance.
- Cultural awareness:
- Curriculum modification – Identification and inclusion of heritage as an asset in school, Open departments of Heritage management on the lines of Ahmedabad University
- Introduction of a compulsory offline and online training for tourism purposes willing to undertake ventures.
- Heritage depiction and promotion through immersive technology & augmented reality
- Re-Classify heritage and announce awards for people with exceptional heritage sense.
- Greater involvement of universities in schemes promoting arts and culture as well as inclusion of Fine Arts as a subject in universities.
- Adaptive reuse of heritage sites:
- Restoring the historical sites in the form of festivals and inducing festivity link perceptions.
- Recognizing ‘cultural heritage tourism’ as an upcoming industry by building cultural resources with an adaptation of scientific and technological knowledge to local circumstances as well as forming partnerships between local and global bodies.
Conclusion
It is the duty of every citizen to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. The art and culture of our nation are a vast continuum, evolving incessantly since time immemorial. Naturally, preservation and conservation of India’s rich cultural heritage and promotion of all forms of art and culture, both tangible and intangible, including monuments and archaeological sites, anthropology and ethnology, folk and tribal arts, literature and handicrafts, performing art of music-dance-drama and visual arts of paintings-sculpture-graphics is essential and assumes a lot of importance.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Wednesday sparked a debate on the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary. He criticised the Supreme Court once again, for using the doctrine of basic structure to strike down the constitutional amendment that introduced the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of doctrine of basic structure and its criticism.
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
To write about the importance of doctrine of basic structure.
Body:
First, write about the various features of doctrine of basic structure – rule of law, parliamentary form of government, secularism etc.
Next, write about how the above is important in upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and preventing authoritarian rule by a single party.
Next, write a critique of the basic structure doctrine.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.
Introduction
The Doctrine of Basic structure, one of the most important examples of judicial activism is the result of the creative interpretation of the constitution by the judiciary. It was given by the 13-judges bench of the Supreme Court in the Keshavananda Bharti case (1973), and was aimed at defining the scope of the amending power of the Parliament. It is a doctrine to examine the constitutional validity of constitutional amendment.
Body
Interpretation and relevance of Basic Structure Doctrine
- The emergence of doctrine of ‘Basic structure’ marked asignificant shift in the role of judiciary from practice of constitutional interpretation to a creative role where judiciary go beyond the written provisions of the constitution.
- As per the Indian constitution, Parliament has been given the constituent power to amend the constitution according to the changing needs & aspirations.
- Being a dynamic or organic constitution, aimed at achieving a certain goal of social revolution the Indian constitution mentions special procedure for its amendment.
- It means that there is no explicit limitation on the amending power of the Parliament; expect procedural limitations as given in Art 360.
- However, in the Keshvananda Bharti Case (1973), on the question whether the amending power of the Parliament isunlimited and absolute,the Supreme Court held that the amending power is limited to the extent that it doesn’t alter the ‘Basic Structure’ of the constitution.
- The court held that the word ‘amend’ under Art 368 means only changes other than altering the basic features of the constitution,which would amount to making or writing a new constitution.
- In this way, the Supreme Court, whilegiving primacy to the unwritten feature of the constitution introduced a ‘substantive limitation’ on the amending power of the Parliament.
- However, the judgment of the Supreme Court inventing a new doctrine of the ‘basic structure’ has been subjected to intense academic debate.
- The opponents of the judgement claimsthat the judiciary has gone for the metaphysical approach rather than the legal approach of what is written.
- They argue that if the government was destroying the constitution, the judiciary has gone to the extent of creating the constitution.
- On the other hand, the proponents of the decision argue that judiciary has protected the sanctity of the constitution.
Significance of Basic Structure Doctrine
- The basic structure doctrine is a testimony to the theory of Constitutionalismto prevent the damage to essence of COI by brute majority of the ruling majority.
- The basic doctrine saved the Indian democracyas it acts as a limitation of constituent power or else unlimited power of parliament might have turned India into a totalitarian
- It helps us to retain the basic tenets of our constitutionso meticulously framed by the founding fathers of our Constitution.
- It strengthens our democracy by delineating a true separation of power where Judiciary is independent of other two organs. It has also given immense untold unbridled power to Supreme Court and made it the most powerful court in the world
- By restraining the amending powers of legislative organ of State,it provided basic Rights to Citizens which no organ of State can overrule.
- Being dynamic in nature,it is more progressive and open to changes in time unlike the rigid nature of earlier judgements.
Conclusion
Zia Modi, in her book ‘The Ten Judgments that changed India’, has given following arguments- Although the judiciary was wrong from the academic point of view, but from the practical point of view, it was the need of the time in the Indian context. (ii) It has proved to be a blessing in disguise as it has checked authoritarianism of the government. This has stopped India from going on the path of the other Third World countries.
Value addition
Evolution
- Origin of debate: The question whetherFundamental Rights can be amended by the Parliament under Article 368 came for consideration of the Supreme Court within a year of the Constitution coming into force.
- Shankari Prasad case (1951): The constitutional validity of theFirst Amendment Act (1951), which curtailed the right to property, was challenged. The Supreme Court ruled that the power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution under Article 368 also includes the power to amend Fundamental Rights. The word ‘law’ in Article 13 includes only ordinary laws and not the constitutional amendment acts (constituent laws).
- Therefore, the Parliament can abridge or take away any of the Fundamental Rights by enacting a constitutional amendment act and such a law will not be void under Article 13.
- Golak Nath case (1967): The Supreme Court reversed its earlier stand. In that case, the constitutional validity of theSeventeenth Amendment Act (1964), which inserted certain state acts in the Ninth Schedule, was challenged.
- The Supreme Court ruled that the Fundamental Rights are given a ‘transcendental and immutable’ position and hence, the Parliament cannot abridge or take away any of these rights.
- A constitutional amendment act is also a law within the meaning of Article 13 and hence, would be void for violating any of the Fundamental Rights.
- 24thAmendment Act 1971: The Parliament reacted to the Supreme Court’s judgement in the Golak Nath case (1967) by enacting the 24 th Amendment Act (1971). This Act amended Articles 13 and 368.
- It declared that the Parliament has the power to abridge or take away any of theFundamental Rights under Article 368 and such an act will not be a law under the meaning of Article 13.
- Kesavananda Bharati case: However, in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the SupremeCourt overruled its judgement in the Golak Nath case (1967). It upheld the validity of the 24th Amendment Act (1971) and stated that Parliament is empowered to abridge or take away any of the Fundamental Rights.
- At the same time, it laid down a new doctrine of the ‘basic structure’ (or ‘basic features’) of the Constitution.
- It ruled that the constituent power ofParliament under Article 368 does not enable it to alter the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution.
- This means that the Parliamentcannot abridge or take away a Fundamental Right that forms a part of the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution.
General Studies – 3
Topic: e-technology in the aid of farmers.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Why the question:
In over 120 countries, investments in agritech, edtech and energy-related technologies are considered the most strategically important over the next 10 years. Green and social sectors, including agriculture, education, health and energy, need to create an additional 76 million jobs by 2030, stated two new reports released by the World Economic Forum.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the potential of Agritech 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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by writing about the growing trend of Agritech in India. Cite statistic to substantiate.
Body:
First, mention the potential of Agritech in India – empowering farmers, small agrifood operators, and giving consumers a better deal, growing footprint and reduced wastage etc.
Next, write about bottlenecks faced by Agritech – policy issues, funding, regulation etc.
Next, mention the need for a robust policy to ensure there is smooth transition of businesses and employees from the informal to formal sector through upskilling, financing initiatives etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning positive steps that are needed for companies involved in the agricultural ecosystem.
Introduction
Agricultural technology, or agri-tech, is the use of technology in agriculture based on agricultural science, agronomy, and agricultural engineering. It aims to improve yield, efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of agricultural operations.
In over 120 countries, investments in agritech, edtech and energy-related technologies are considered the most strategically important over the next 10 years. Green and social sectors, including agriculture, education, health and energy, need to create an additional 76 million jobs by 2030, stated two new reports released by the World Economic Forum.
Body
Agri-tech in India and their potential
- Globally, India is competing with the US and China in the agri-startup space. According to Agfunder, India witnessed an increase in funding from $619 million in H1 2020 to $2 billion in H1 2021, behind the US ($9.5 billion) and China ($4.5 billion)
- High potential in terms of value: An Ernst & Young 2020 study pegs the Indian agritech market potential at $24 billion by 2025, of which only 1 per cent has been captured so far.
- Supply chain segments: Among various agritech segments, the supply chain technology and output markets have the highest potential, worth $12.1 billion.
- Currently, it is estimated that there are about 600 to 700 agritech startups in India operating at different levels of agri-value chains.
- Modern technology to agriculture: Many of them use artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), internet of things (IoT), etc, to unlock the potential of big data for greater resource use efficiency, transparency and inclusiveness. Eg: Ninjacart, Dehaat, and Crofarm (Otipy) are a few of the many startups that are redefining the agrifood marketplace.
- Establishing an ecosystem: The novelty of startup-led value chain transformation is not limited to empowering farmers but also co-opting local grocery, mom-and-pop, and kirana stores as well as small agrifood businesses that are an integral part of the agri-food ecosystem.
- Expanding economy around agri economy: At the same time, the start-up network is able to leverage the bigger front-end players who demand bulk quality produce and have challenges in directly linking with farmers.
Issues faced by the startups
- Government policies: Although government has made a shift in their policies related to agriculture but we still have a long way to go. Today we have Digital India, Make in India, Start-up India, Skill in India but nothing converges at the farm level.
- Many agtech firms are grappling with their own set of issues. These include rigid business models that are at times difficult to scale up and lack of insights and expertise on the subject matter which is essential in network build-up.
- Resistant farmers unwilling to adopt technology and most farmers being small and subsistent makes it difficult to introduce technology in agriculture.
- There are glaring gaps in the supply chain management and also poor last-mile connectivity especially at grass-roots level as well lack of investments to drive the businesses.
- Farming companies are also impacted by limited traceability and visibility. Agri input companies still struggle with inefficient field force management and operations along with lack of centralised database that causes huge losses along the value chain.
Hence, it becomes imperative for the government, agritech businesses and food supply chain companies to collectively fix these loopholes and create a transparent system which, in the long-term, will benefit all the stakeholders involved including the investors.
Measures needed
- The startup-FPO partnership can be further strengthened by incentivising the FPOs under the central government’s programme to add 10,000 new FPOs by 2024.
- Collaboration across sectors: The network of agritech start-ups, incubators, accelerators and investors need to work closely with policymakers, academia, think tanks, and government departments to develop a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics of the agrifood sector.
- This will also enable the government and policymakers to leverage the existing agritech pool and co-create solutions for shared value.
- If policies, institutions and partnerships can harness the current momentum, the startup ecosystem can be the next-generation technology revolution in the agrifood sector.
- Experts, agritech entrepreneurs and investors believe that new approaches and new institutions are required which can really pull farmers from lifelong penury. This can be achieved if both private and public companies work together in unison to boost the agriculture space in a massive way.
- Skilling farmers to infuse technology in agriculture will not only lead to better agri-incomes, it will also make agriculture more efficient. Government aids are available to buy machineries and these can be made available to ensure start-ups can scale their reach to farmers.
Conclusion
The Indian agriculture industry, pegged at $39.1 billion as on 2019, is poised for huge growth and contribution to the world food trade. Startups have a crucial role to play in helping farmers harness technology, which will increase crop yield and double the income of farmers. With the infusion of technology in the sector, agriculture is set to make big gains and move towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
There is no law or treaty to prevent a private company from tinkering with geo-engineering—say, releasing sulphur dioxide high in the stratosphere to alter the climate. And so there will be no fines or arrests following recent news that a startup quietly pulled off such a release last year by launching two balloons over Mexico.
Key Demand of the question:
To analyse if Geo-engineering could be a viable option to overcome the climate crisis and role of private sector in it.
Directive word:
Critically 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. 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 judgement.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by defining geo-engineering.
Body:
You can use a bubble diagram to show the various modes of geo-engineering such as Shoot Mirrors into Space (Solar Sunscreen), Copy a Volcano, Build Fake Trees etc.
In the first part of the body, write about how the above strategies work and will be beneficial for the planet above and over existing mitigation strategies to tide over the climate crisis. Clearly outline as to why it may be needed.
In the next part, mention about the major drawbacks, impediments and concerns regarding the implementation of the above strategies.
Next, write about role of private sector in geo-engineering and their potential and concerns.
Conclusion:
Conclude the answer with a balanced opinion.
Introduction
Geoengineering interventions are large-scale attempts to purposefully alter the climate system in order to offset the effects of global warming. Most geoengineering proposals can be divided into two types: solar radiation management (SRM) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR).
Climate engineering offers the hope of temporarily reversing some aspects of global warming and allowing the natural climate to be substantially preserved whilst greenhouse gas emissions are brought under control and removed from the atmosphere by natural or artificial processes. One such technology is inspired by volcanoes that entails spewing sulphate aerosols into the upper atmosphere to deflect sunlight and artificially cool the planet.
Body:
Positives of geoengineering:
- As expected, the climate would begin to cool once geoengineering commences. This initial cooling phase, would provide relief, particularly for species that were unable to keep up with past warming.
- Also birds and fish which may have moved in response to elevated temperatures in the past will possibly turn back.
- If solar geoengineering were ramped up slowly to half the rate of warming over the coming decades, then it seems likely it would reduce many climate risks. Solar geoengineering deployment can be ended without the impacts of a termination shock if it is gradually ramped down over decades.
- The climate models reveal that the large-scale action would indeed calm things down a bit and potentially reduce the number of North Atlantic cyclones.
Should Private sector be allowed or not to take part in geo-engineering technologies
- There is no law or treaty to prevent a private company from tinkering with geo-engineering—say, releasing sulphur dioxide high in the stratosphere to alter the climate.
- And so there will be no fines or arrests following recent news that a startup quietly pulled off such a release last year by launching two balloons over Mexico.
- This sort of manipulation can alter the energy balance between the sun and Earth.
- A recent study shows that rapid application, followed by abrupt termination of this temporary tech-fix can in fact accelerate climate change.
- The increase in temperature from the abrupt termination is so quick that most species, terrestrial or marine, may not be able to keep up with it and eventually perish.
- The increase in temperature is two to four times more rapid than climate change without geoengineering. This increase would be dangerous for biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Reptiles, mammals, fish and birds that have been moving at 1.7 km/year on average will now have to move faster than 10 km/year to remain in their preferred climatic zones. This raises serious concerns, especially for less-mobile animals like amphibians and corals.
- Not just species but entire ecosystems could collapse by suddenly hitting the stop button on geoengineering.
- For example, temperate grassland and savannahs, which are maintained by specific combinations of temperature and rainfall, may experience increasing rates of temperatures, but an opposing trend in rainfall, after 2070.
- Ineffectiveness
- The effectiveness of the techniques proposed may fall short of predictions.
- In ocean iron fertilization, for example, the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere may be much lower than predicted, as carbon taken up by plankton may be released back into the atmosphere from dead plankton, rather than being carried to the bottom of the sea and sequestered.
- Model results from a 2016 study, suggest that blooming algae could even accelerate Arctic warming.
- Moral hazard or risk compensation
- The existence of such techniques may reduce the political and social impetus to reduce carbon emissions
- Albedo modification strategies could rapidly cool the planet’s surface but pose environmental and other risksthat are not well understood and therefore should not be deployed at climate-altering scales.
- In the case of environmental risks, the offsetting of greenhouse gases by increasing the reflection of sunlight is not going to be perfect. Some people, potentially a small minority, will get less rainfall. There is concern about what particles might do to the ozone layer.
- The drop off of tropical storms in one area would actually lead to a spike in drought in parts of Africa, according to the data.
- Thus, there are several unknown unknowns and geoengineering is a very bad substitute for technologies that reduce emissions or capture carbon.
Way forward:
- The potential of natural systems as an effective solution for sequestering carbon dioxide has led to several efforts to scale nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change.
- These proliferating efforts, however, must take cognisance of the fact that these solutions are effective only when applied while protecting the already existing forest.
- Additionally, we must not run blindly after planting trees; instead, we must back reason with science.
- Trees should be planted where they belong, that too with native species, and in consultation with local communities.
Conclusion:
In any case in the meantime, two aspects are certain: under no scenario could climate engineering serve as a substitute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and it would be better to implement such technologies with more nuanced research.
Value addition
Some geoengineering techniques and its drawbacks:
carbon capture and storage technologies:
- This carbon dioxide removal approach focuses on removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and locking them away.
- The process starts with the capture of generated CO2 which undergoes a compression process to form a dense fluid. This eases the transport and storage of the captured CO2.
- The dense fluid is transported via pipelines and then injected into an underground storage facility.
- Captured CO2 can also be used as a raw material in other industrial processes such as bicarbonates.
- The CCS has significant backing from the International Energy Agency and the IPCC.
- However, it still is hanging in uncertainty due to high upfront costs in the instalment of such plants.
- A growing number of corporations are pouring money into so-called engineered carbon removal techniques.
- However, these technologies are at a nascent stage and need an overhaul to be exploited.
- Carbon dioxide may be stored deep underground. Reservoir design faults, rock fissures, and tectonic processes may act to release the gas stored into the ocean or atmosphere leading to unintended consequences such as ocean acidification etc.
solar radiation modification:
- This process does not affect atmospheric greenhouse gases but aims to reflect the solar radiation coming to the earth.
- The science of the method is, however, largely model-based, and the impacts of deflecting the solar radiations could be unpredictable.
- Additionally, due to the thermal inertia of the climate system, removal of the radiation modification could result in the escalation of temperature very quickly, giving significantly less time to adapt.
- Another side effect of the radiation modification process could be natural vegetation.
- Since solar radiation is responsible for photosynthesis, sudden masking of solar radiation could significantly affect the process.
- While these questions remain unanswered, the futures of these technologies remain uncertain.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Case Study
(a) What are the options available to under the given situation?
(b) Critically examine the options listed by you.
(c) What type of mechanism would you suggest to ensure environmental compliance?
Difficulty level: Moderate
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving the context. Bring out the key stakeholders in the above case study and major ethical issues present.
Body:
In the body, write about the rational course of action available for you as the officer in charge.
Next, give valid arguments for the both the above-mentioned courses of action that you can take. Evaluate its pros and cons in detail.
Next, write about the compliance you will take suggest justify that ethically.
Next, write about major ethical dilemmas you will face.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stressing on the importance of rationality and courage in decision making.
Introduction
As per Gandhian philosophy, the public servants are the trustees of natural resources, therefore the development process should be inclusive of the voice of all without compromising on future developmental needs.
Body
Stakeholders
- Government
- Environment and Development dichotomy
- Livelihoods of labours and their families
- Health of the people and future generations
- Myself as an officer in charge
- Industries and politicians with vested interests
- Nature and surroundings
Ethical issues involved
- Development vs Environment debate
- Inequalities to access clean air and land: Poor being exploited to do polluting jobs and making their lives dependent on it. While such work is hazardous to their health.
- Exploitation of resources: Flouting environmental norms legally with a piece of paper that allows them to pollute without any monitoring.
Options in the situation and their critical analysis
Option 1: Withdraw the notice to re-apply for fresh clearance
Merits: This would mean employees/labours get to keep their jobs. No more threats to life.
Demerits: Environment is exploited perpetually without accountability on anyone. Health of people living around and labourers are also affected. Flouting norms will continue and repercussions will be more on the poor.
Option 2: Go ahead with the notice and implore companies to renew their issuance with strict process of compliance
Merits: This will force the polluting industries to comply with environmental clearance. And ensure that proper discharge mechanisms are installed in place to enable industries to get license.
Demerits: Threats to life will continue and politicians may be irked leading to transfers.
Course of action: Suggested mechanism for compliance
I would go ahead with option 2, as environmental degradation is a major problem that can lead to hazardous living situations especially for the poor. By making industries accountable, safe discharge mechanisms can be put in place, without some capital investment. This can go a long way in safe future for next generations without disrupting livelihoods of labours while making it safer and non-polluting. Fixing of responsibility is needed as land degradation is already a major issue in India.
Ethical dilemmas faced
Even though the decision to ensure environmental compliance is a must, enforcing that decision has a lot of obstacles including one from labours who would lose their livelihoods if the industries shutdown. With unemployment running high, it is difficult to make such decisions as it would affect the governments stature in the eyes of the people who are a major vote bank. But responsibility towards the planet weighs in more than other issues which can be easily solved by better treatment mechanism.
Conclusion
As the population in cities is increasing, infrastructural development is essential to accommodate the growing demand, but environmental protection is a necessity for the sustainability of life which cannot be neglected at any cost.
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