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: Role of women and women’s organization.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The article discusses the distinction between microfinance and self-help group financing. It highlights that microfinance is a financial service offered by institutions to low-income individuals, while self-help group financing involves collective savings and credit activities within communities.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the role of microfinance in inclusive growth and development of women SHGs and women empowerment.
Directive word:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining micro-finance and give context with respect to growth of micro-finance in India.
Body:
First, with examples, write about the role of micro finance in poverty reduction, empowerment of women, assisting vulnerable groups, and improving standards of living – financial inclusion, credit provision, financial services in unbanked areas, growth of NBFC’s, financial sustainability of the MSME sector and promoting women entrepreneurship etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the scope of Micro finance in inclusive growth.
Introduction
Micro financing is the delivery of financial services to poor and low income households with limited access to formal financial institutions. It can also be described as banking for the underprivileged. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) came into being in the 90s as banks’ reluctance to lend to those without credit history provided an opportunity to those willing to take risk and organize rural communities. According to Mohammed Yunus (founder of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh) access to credit was a human right, essential for the poor to create self-employment and income.
According to data from Sa-Dhan, a self-regulatory organization for microfinance institutions (MFIs), the microfinance portfolio witnessed a growth of 21% during this period..
Body
Microfinance can facilitate the achievement of national policies targeting vulnerable sections
- Empowerment of women: About 95 percentof some loan products extended by microfinance institutions are given to women, as well as those with disabilities, those who are unemployed, and even those who simply beg to meet their basic needs.
- Poverty alleviation:They provide easy credit and offer small loans to customers, without any collateral.
- Microfinance disrupts the cycle of poverty by making more money available. It creates the possibility of future investments.
- Savings in rural households:It helps the poor and marginalised section of the society by making them aware of the financial instruments available for their help and also helps in developing a culture of saving.
- Families benefiting from microloans are more likely to provide better and continued education for their children.
- Creating employment: Microfinance is also able to let entrepreneurs in impoverished communities and developing countries create new employment opportunities for others.
Benefits from MFIs:
- It allows people to provide for their families. Through microfinance, more households are able to expand their current opportunities so that more income accumulation may occur.
- It gives people access to credit. “By extending microfinance opportunities, people have access to small amounts of credit, which can then stop poverty at a rapid pace,”
- It serves those who are often overlooked in society. About 95 percent of some loan products extended by microfinance institutions are given to women, as well as those with disabilities, those who are unemployed, and even those who simply beg to meet their basic needs.
- It creates the possibility of future investments. Microfinance disrupts the cycle of poverty by making more money available.
- It can create jobs.Microfinance is also able to let entrepreneurs in impoverished communities and developing countries create new employment opportunities for others.
- It encourages people to save.“When people have their basic needs met, the natural inclination is for them to save the leftover earnings for a future emergency,”
Issues with microfinance institutions
- According to World Bank’sGlobal Financial Inclusion Survey (2012), only 35% of adults in India had access to a formal bank account and only 8% borrowed from institutional and formal sources.
- As per Census 2011, only 58.7% of households are availing banking services in the country.
- However, as compared with previous Census 2001, availing of banking services increased significantly largely on account of increase in banking services in rural areas.
- At present, only about 5% of India’s 6 lakh villages have bank branches.
- There are 296 under-banked districts in states with below-par banking services.
- In a diverse country like India, financial inclusion is a critical part of the development process. Since independence, the combined efforts of successive governments, regulatory institutions, and the civil society have helped in increasing the financial-inclusion net in the country.
- Thus, there exists both a great need and the potential to tap into the unbanked population and bring them into the financial net.
- Microfinance institutions are a way to do the same.
Way forward:
- There is a need for MFIs to consider adopting more flexible operating models, providing skills training and offering services such as portability of accounts to provide greater access for a longer duration of time.
- A diversified menu of micro loan products linked to sustainable income generation activities via micro enterprises or a creation of community-based pooled enterprise could possibly make it more attractive and compatible with the requirements of women.
- In addition, linking such developmental initiatives to an institution to nurture, monitor and handhold those activities in the formative stages is crucial for sustainability.
Conclusion
As per the World Bank estimates, more than 500 million people have improved their economic conditions via microfinance-related entities. Strengthening the credit check and debt collection processes and educating the villagers about products and consequences is important. A model to retain and recycle within the target population could possibly lead to a sustained route for poverty alleviation.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Th The article discusses the terms “socialist” and “secular” in the preamble of the Indian Constitution and their significance.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the significance of the ideals of socialism and secularism to Indian constitution and their relevance and importance.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Define the terms of socialism and secularism.
Body:
Start with the historical background of secularism and socialism not beyond the constitutional assembly debates. Mention the reasons behind their addition to the constitution.
Next, mention the constitutional provisions which reflect these two ideas and how they shaped the policies in the country.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing about their importance.
Introduction
In the annals of political thought, socialism emerges as a resounding call for economic equity, social justice, and collective well-being. Rooted in a vision of society where the fruits of labor are shared by all, socialism has shaped the destinies of nations and stirred impassioned debates worldwide. In the context of India, a nation born from the crucible of anti-colonial struggle and the fervent dreams of a pluralistic society, socialism finds a profound resonance
Secularism, as a guiding principle of governance, stands as a sentinel against the encroachment of religious dogma into the realm of public affairs. It embodies a profound commitment to religious neutrality, ensuring that the machinery of the state neither promotes nor impedes any particular faith.
Body
Socialism in Indian Constitution: Social justice and economic equality
- Meaning: Notably, the Indian brand of socialism is a ‘democratic socialism’ and not a ‘communistic socialism’ (also known as ‘state socialism’) which involves the nationalisation of all means of production and distribution and the abolition of private property.
- Democratic socialism, on the other hand, holds faith in a ‘mixed economy’ where both public and private sectors co-exist side by side.
- As the Supreme Court says, ‘Democratic socialism aims to end poverty, ignorance, disease and inequality of opportunity. The new Economic Policy (1991) of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation has, however, diluted the socialist credentials of the Indian State.
- But the state thrives to provide social justice and economic equality through, PDS, free healthcare in government hospitals, free education till the age of 14 and so on.
- Even before the term was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, the Constitution had a socialist content in the form of certain Directive Principles of State Policy.
- Economic Equality: By including socialism in the constitution, India aimed to ensure that the benefits of economic development would be distributed equitably among its citizens. This meant that the government would play an active role in regulating the economy, ensuring that wealth and resources were not concentrated in the hands of a few, but were used for the welfare of all.
- Social Justice: Socialism in the Indian context also implies a commitment to social justice. This means that policies and programs would be implemented to uplift marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society, addressing historical inequalities based on caste, class, gender, and other factors.
- Redistribution of Resources: The state would work towards minimizing economic disparities by employing measures like progressive taxation, land reforms, and other redistributive policies. This was intended to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
- Mixed Economy Model: India adopted a mixed economy model, combining elements of both a free market and state intervention. This allowed for private enterprise, while also recognizing the need for government intervention in key sectors to ensure social welfare.
Secularism in Indian Constitution: Religious harmony
- Meaning: The Western concept of secularism connotes a complete separation between the religion (the church) and the state (the politics).
- This negative concept of secularism is inapplicable in the Indian situation where the society is multireligious. Hence, the Indian Constitution embodies the positive concept of secularism, i.e., giving equal respect to all religions or protecting all religions equally.
- The term ‘secular’ too was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976. However, as the Supreme Court said in 1974, although the words ‘secular state’ were not expressedly mentioned in the Constitution, there can be no doubt that Constitution makers wanted to establish such a state and accordingly Articles 25 to 28 (guaranteeing the fundamental right to freedom of religion) have been included in the constitution.
- The Indian Constitution embodies the positive concept of secularism i.e., all religions in our country (irrespective of their strength) have the same status and support from the state.
- The State will not have anything to do, as a state, with any religion excepting to treat every religion equally, but the State will not have any foundation of religion’.
- Similarly, P.B. Gajendragadkar, a former Chief Justice of India, defined secularism as in the Indian Constitution in the following way: ‘The State does not owe loyalty to any particular religion as such: it is not irreligious or anti-religious; it gives equal freedom to all religions’
- Religious Harmony: The principle of secularism in the Indian Constitution underscores the idea of a state that does not favor any particular religion. It promotes a society where people of all faiths are treated equally and where the state remains neutral with respect to religious matters.
- Freedom of Religion: The inclusion of secularism ensures that every individual has the right to practice, profess, and propagate any religion of their choice. This protects the freedom of religious expression and safeguards against discrimination based on religion.
- Separation of Religion and State: Secularism in India implies a clear separation between religious institutions and the state. Unlike some countries with an official state religion, India maintains a neutral stance on matters of faith, allowing individuals to follow their own beliefs without interference from the government.
- Preventing Religious Conflicts: By adopting a secular stance, India seeks to prevent religious conflicts and promote communal harmony. It recognizes the diversity of its population and aims to create an inclusive environment where people of all faiths can coexist peacefully.
- Equal Protection Under the Law: Regardless of one’s religious affiliation, all citizens are entitled to equal protection under the law. This ensures that no individual is discriminated against or granted special privileges based on their religion.
Conclusion
The inclusion of socialism and secularism in the Indian Constitution demonstrates a commitment to building a society that values economic equality, social justice, religious harmony, and equal rights for all its citizens, regardless of their background or beliefs. These principles form the bedrock of India’s democratic and inclusive ethos.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the need to have a change in India-Russia dynamic relations due to recent geopolitical developments.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of ‘all weather’ friendship between India and Russia.
Body:
In the first part, Highlight the strength of the relationship – Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, cold war era friendship, the long history, defence partnership, nuclear power plants etc.
Next, bring out the issues in the relationship by dividing them into geopolitical, geostrategic and at bilateral level – Ukraine Issue, Russia-Pakistan, Russia-China, and USA-India, Changes in Afghanistan and issues emanating from them.
Discuss how should India and Russia navigate the tides moving forward.
Conclusion:
Conclude by commenting on their current nature of evergreen friendship.
Introduction
Russia’s war on Ukraine has decisively shaped international opinion. Indian foreign policy is also going to be affected in a profound manner. While there has always remained a pro-Russian popular sentiment in India, rooted in Moscow’s support during the Cold War era, particularly against the pro-Pakistani diplomatic activism by powerful Western countries in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a majority of Indians today seem taken aback by Russia’s misadventure against a sovereign country.
Body
Background
On February 23, 2023, on the eve of the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution, calling for an end to the war. The resolution was favoured by 141 members and opposed by seven, while 32 states abstained. Unsurprisingly, India was one among the 32. This is in line with the position India has been taking on the Ukraine crisis from the beginning. India has refused to condemn Russia for the invasion; it has refused to join the West’s sanctions; has stepped up buying Russian fuel at a discounted price, and has consistently abstained from UN votes on the war.
- India’s position has triggered sharp responses in the West.
- Before the war, there was much debate among the global strategic commentariat about India’s irreversible shift towards the West.
- However, after the war began, many wondered why the world’s largest democracy did not condemn Russia.
- For some others, India was “financing” Vladimir Putin’s war by buying Russian oil.
Complex issues facing India while balancing Moscow and the West
- ‘China’ problem:There are understandable reasons for India’s (subtle) pro-Russia position.
- An aggressive Russia is a problem for the U.S. and the West, not for India.
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) expansion is Russia’s problem, not India’s.
- India’s problem is China, and it needs both the U.S./the West and Russiato deal with the “China problem”
- Geopolitics rather than emotions: There is today asobering recognition in New Delhi about the weakening of the U.S.-led global order and the rise of China as a counter-pole, geographically located right next to India.
- withdrawal from the region and its decline as the principal system shaper has complicated India’s place in regional geopolitics.
- Neighbouring China as the rising superpower and Russia as its strategic ally challenging the U.S.-led global orderat a time when China has time and again acted on its aggressive intentions vis-à-vis India, and when India is closest to the U.S. than ever before in its history, throws up a unique and unprecedented challenge for India.
- Beyond all weather friendship:For India, Russian ties are important. It must be recalled that Ukraine was against India during 1998 nuclear tests and had spoken against India with issue of Kashmir.
- India’s Russia tilt should be seen not just as a product of its time-tested friendship with Moscow but also as ageopolitical necessity.
- If in the future there is Chinese aggression or Pakistan tries adventurism on India, India will need all hands on the deck. Russia being the most important.
- Russia’s support to solve continental problems: There is an emerging dualism in contemporary Indian strategic Weltanschauung:the predicament of a continental space that is reeling under immense pressure from China, Pakistan and Taliban-led Afghanistan adding to its strategic claustrophobia; and, the emergence of a maritime sphere which presents an opportunity to break out of the same.
- Defence supplies: New Delhi needs Moscow’s assistance to manage its continental difficultiesthrough defence supplies, helping it ‘return’ to central Asia, working together at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) or exploring opportunities for collaboration in Afghanistan.
- Russia, to put it rather bluntly, is perhaps India’s only partner of consequence in the entire Asian continental stretch.
- Therefore, having Russia on its side is crucial for India, more than ever.
- Moscow may or may not be able to moderate Chinese antagonism towards New Delhi, but an India-Russia strategic partnership may be able totemper New Delhi’s growing isolation in a rather friendless region.
Way forward for India
- India’s past record has been maintaining balance between the West and Russia. On January 31, India abstained on a procedural vote on whether to discuss the issue of Ukraine.
- New Delhi had then articulated its position on “legitimate security interests” that echoed with a nuanced tilt towards the Russian position, and had abstained along with Kenya and Gabon.
- Despite abstention, India has reiterated and has called for cessation of violence in no ambiguous terms.
- India has also quoted the international charter on sovereignty, highlighting that all nations must respect the same, intended towards Russia.
- For India, Russian ties are important. It must be recalled that Ukraine was against India during 1998 nuclear tests and had spoken against India with issue of Kashmir.
- Hence strategic autonomy is the way forward as India has been doing.
Conclusion
India’s position also shows the unmistakable indication that when it comes to geopolitics, New Delhi will choose interests over principles. And yet, a careful reading of India’s statements and positions taken over the past few days also demonstrates a certain amount of discomfort in having to choose interests over principles.
However, New Delhi’s response to the recent crisis, especially its “explanation of vote” at the UNSC indicates a careful recourse to the principle of strategic autonomy: India will make caveated statements and will not be pressured by either party. In that sense, India’s indirect support to the Russian position is not a product of Russian pressure but the result of a desire to safeguard its own interests.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the achievements in 25 years of Indo-France strategic partnership.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of 25 years of Indo-France strategic partnership.
Body:
First, discuss about the historic relations between the India and France in brief.
Next, write about the major areas of cooperation and major achievements in the Indo-France relationship in the past 25 years.
Next, write about the further potential in the Indo-French relations especially given the current geopolitical turmoil in Europe. Elaborate on the aspect of importance of multilateralism and have a common respect for international rules and regulations that both the countries share.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward in order to achieve the potential.
Introduction
India and France have traditionally close and friendly relations. In 1998, the two countries entered into Strategic Partnership which is based on three pillars of defence cooperation, space cooperation and civil nuclear cooperation. In the recent years, there have been increasing convergences between both the countries.
Indian PM was the Guest of Honour at France’s Bastille Day parade in Paris. The visit coincides with 25 years of strategic partnerships with France.
Body
Significance of the PM’s visit to France:
- Increasing investment: The visit will help diversify France and European economic ties away from China
- Boosting regional security: The visit will help boost India’s comprehensive national power and help India stabilise the balance of power in Asia
Time tested India France relationship
- Partnership in the Indian Ocean:France was the first European country to launch an IndoPacific strategy and India is a key pillar in that strategy. Thus, the relationship between India France has grown beyond bilateral to focus and includes intensified maritime and naval cooperation in Indian Ocean and more broadly the Indo Pacific.
- France has specific interests in the Indian Ocean due to its overseas territories (Reunion Island and Mayotte) home to over a million French citizens, and more than 10% of the Indian Ocean’s surface.
- Strategic convergence:On the regional front, France is as concerned as India at the rising Chinese profile in the Indo-Pacific. Both would like to work to offer credible alternatives to Chinese economic and military assistance in the region.
- On the international front, both are deeply concerned about the breakdown of the rules based global order.
- Global cooperation:After their joint efforts to limit climate change and develop the International Solar Alliance, India and France have turned to more ambitious ideas. In this direction, both countries issued the road map on cybersecurity and digital technology.
- France’s support on international platforms:France is among the countries that have consistently supported India’s permanent membership to UNSC.
- Also, France has offered unstinted support for India on targeting the sources of violent extremism in Pakistan and helped limit the international backlash against India’s effort to rewrite the rules of engagement in J&K.
- Nuclear Cooperation:After the nuclear tests in May 1998 when India declared itself a nuclear weapon state, France was the first major power to open dialogue and displayed a far greater understanding of India’s security compulsions compared to other countries. Both signed, civil nuclear cooperation agreement in 2008.
- “Industrial Way Forward Agreement”was signed in 2018, between France and India for the construction of six nuclear reactors at Jaitapur.
- Defence Cooperation: France remains a vital source of arms supply to India. Defence cooperation with France began in the 1950s when India acquired the Ouragan aircraft and continued with theMystères, Jaguar, Rafale, Scorpène submarines, etc.
- Both countries also signed reciprocal logistics support agreement to receive logistical support, supplies and services from each other during authorised port visits, joint exercises, etc.
- The PM’s visit is likely to see agreements or announcements on the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M (the marine version) fighters for the Indian Navy, and co-production of three more Scorpene class submarines at the public sector Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, which has already produced six Scorpene/Kalvari-class submarines under an earlier agreement.
- Cooperation in Space and Technologyhas continued since the 1960s when France helped India set up the Sriharikota launch site, followed by liquid engine development and hosting of payloads. Currently, other projects include joint satellite mission – TRISHNA (for eco-system stress and water use monitoring) and also accommodation of French instrument on India’s OCEANSAT-3 satellite.
- Counter terrorism: Terror strikes in France by home-grown terrorists provide much scope for counterterrorism cooperation, in terms of both intelligence-sharing and de-radicalisation strategies.
- climate change initiatives: Last October, they signed a Road Map on Green Hydrogen, which aims “to bring the French and Indian hydrogen ecosystems together” to establish a reliable and sustainable value chain for a global supply of decarbonised hydrogen.
- Digital Tech initiatives: roadmap on digital technology co-operation may be on the cards for 6G, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. An MoU signed last month between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Lyra, a France-based payment services provider, may be implemented soon to enable UPI and RuPay payments in Europe.
- Given its expertise in the sphere of urban planning France is also helping in the Smart Cities Mission. The three such smart cities are Chandigarh, Nagpur and Puducherry.
Challenges in the relationship:
India and France don’t have Free Trade Agreement, which limits the potential for increased trade and economic cooperation. Also, there is a trade imbalance in favour of France (France exporting more to India). Also, France has many times expressed concern on India’s stance at WTO, Climate summit and on India’s protection of intellectual property rights
Way forward
- Even though above specified areas provided a robust basis for engagement, it remained primarily at a government-to-government level.
- In recent years, it was clear that for a wider partnership, strengthening business-to-business and people-to-people relationships was essential. Also, the trade between India and France, although growing, is yet to reach its potential.
- By leveraging the potential of convergences, France can be India’s gateway to Europe and India France’s first strategic partner in Asia.
- The underpinnings of global geopolitics are being rapidly altered with China’s rise, the West being consumed by internal problems and Russia, the“America First” priorities of the US Administration, and growing threats to globalization.
- With such background, France and India have a shared interest in developing a coalition of middle powers with a shared commitment for a rule-based multipolar world order.
Conclusion
While military cooperation remains important, the Indo-French relationship could expand beyond arms sales. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and exploring Mini-lateral and multilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific could bring additional dimensions to their partnership.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article discusses the effectiveness of export bans and stocking limits on rice and wheat in India.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the implications of curbs on certain agricultural exports by the government and its role in reducing inflation.
Directive word:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
In the first part, bring out the factors as to why the recent curbs was announced.
Next, write about the implications of the curbs – on food security, on farmers, wheat prices, exports, procurement etc.
Next, write about the effectiveness of export bans on curbing inflation.
Next, suggest alternative strategies for curbing inflation.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced opinion.
Introduction
A policy brief issued by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations said that the recent steps taken by the government to curb inflation, such as wheat and rice export bans and increasing export duties, were “knee-jerk approaches rather than a well-thought-out strategy”. It argued for a rational trade policy to contain food inflation which takes into account both consumers and producers.
In August 2023, retail inflation accelerated to 6.83%, which is higher than the ceiling of 6%. As food and beverages carry a 57% weightage in India’s retail inflation calculation, and food inflation was 9.94%, rapid acceleration in that segment had a severe impact on retail inflation
Body
Measures taken to curb food inflation
- Indian government has implemented a series of actions aimed at controlling food inflation such as prohibiting the export of wheat in May 2022 and halting the export of broken rice in September 2022.
- Additionally, in June 2023, the government-imposed stocking limits on wheat traders and millers.
- In July 2023, an export ban was placed on non-basmati white rice, followed by a 20% export duty on parboiled rice. In August 2023, a Minimum Export Price of $1,200 per tonne was set for basmati rice, along with a 40% export duty on onions.
Effectiveness of export bans on curbing inflation
- The sudden ban on wheat exports, instead of bringing wheat inflation down, led to greater uncertainty in the market and wheat inflation surged to 15.7 per cent in August 2022, when GOI also banned exports of wheat flour (atta) products.
- Just before the harvest season, wheat inflation accelerated to 25.4% in February 2023.
- Data from the report shows that non-basmati exports increased from38 MMT in FY20 to 6.40 MMT in FY23, by 363%.
- The report argues that in the fiscal year 2023, the per-tonne export value for non-basmati rice stood at $344, falling below India’s Minimum Support Price (MSP) for rice.
- This indicates that millers may be sourcing rice directly from farmers or that there could be an increase in rice supply due to potential distribution leakages from the expanded PMGKAY free rice programme.
- In July 2023, when rice inflation was 13%, the government banned the export of non-basmati rice. Yet, inflation remained at 12.5%.
- Rather than imposing export duty and gradually increasing its impact, the government called for a ban which created panic among the African and Indian diaspora in the U.S., according to the report
- Many people believe that export curbs help to improve the domestic availability of essential commodities such as wheat, rice or sugar, cool down their prices, and thus rein in food inflation. However, restrictions on outbound shipments of wheat and rice through a complete ban on wheat and prohibitive export duties on non-basmati rice seem to have little impact on their prices, if the latest retail inflation numbers are any indication.
- Thus, the year-on-year cereal inflation was 13.8 percent in December, driven by a 22.2 percent and 10.49 percent increase in the prices of wheat and rice, respectively.
Need to maintain food inflation in India
- Managing food inflation is crucial due to its significant weightage in the consumer price index (CPI) basket in India. The food and beverages component holds the highest weightage of 45.86% among G20 countries.
- Food inflation directly impacts the cost of living for the general population, particularly vulnerable sections that spend a significant portion of their income on food.
- High food inflation can lead to increased household expenses, lower purchasing power, and a decline in the overall standard of living.
- Food inflation can also have social and political implications, as rising food prices can cause public unrest and dissatisfaction.
- Effective management of food inflation contributes to maintaining price stability, ensuring food affordability, and supporting macroeconomic stability.
Conclusion and way forward
- Monitor Monsoon Developments: Continuously monitor the progress of the monsoon and its distribution across regions. Timely and accurate weather forecasting can help farmers make informed decisions about crop planting and irrigation.
- Crop Diversification: Encourage farmers to diversify their crop choices to reduce dependence on water-intensive crops. Promote the cultivation of climate-resilient crops that require less water and are suitable for specific agro-climatic zones.
- Strategic Buffer Stock: Maintain a strategic buffer stock of essential food commodities like rice and wheat to address any temporary supply shortages and stabilize food prices during periods of volatility.
- Supply Chain Management: Improve supply chain logistics to ensure smooth transportation and distribution of agricultural produce. This will help prevent post-harvest losses and ensure the timely availability of food in the market.
- Price Stabilization Measures: Implement effective price stabilization measures to control food inflation and prevent price volatility. These measures may include regulating exports, imports, and MSP (Minimum Support Price) mechanisms.
- Encourage Pulses and Oil seed Production: Provide incentives and support to farmers for increasing pulses and oilseed production. This can reduce the country’s dependence on imports and stabilize prices.
- Support the Dairy Sector: Extend support to the dairy sector to enhance milk production and improve the availability of dairy products. This can help stabilize milk prices and ensure food security.
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article discusses the concept of Solar Radiation Management (SRM) as a climate mitigation technique and its potential risks and consequences.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the SRM, its potential to reduce global warming and risks associated with it.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining SRM.
Body:
First, in brief, explain the concept of SRM and various techniques aimed at do so – stratospheric aerosol injection, Marine cloud brightening, Surface albedo modification.
Next, write about the role SRM techniques can play in preventing global warming.
Next, write about concerns and risks associated with SRM techniques – could disrupt weather patterns or cause unintended consequences for ecosystems.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion on the above.
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). Geoengineering 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.
Solar Radiation Management aims to cool the Earth by artificially reflecting more of the Sun’s energy into space. There are different ways of doing this: on the ground, in the atmosphere, or out in space. It is also called solar geo-engineering.
Body
Solar radiation management
- 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.
Risks of solar radiation management
- 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.
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.
General Studies – 4
Topic:dimensions of ethics;
Difficulty level: Tough
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-2023. Secure.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about environmental integrity, its features and its importance.
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 defining ‘environmental integrity’.
Body:
In the first part, write about the various features of environmental integrity and its dimensions.
Next, write about the importance of environmental integrity and cite examples to substantiate your points.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Environmental integrity is a condition where the natural processes of a place occur with the strength and frequency expected in the region. Places with environmental integrity experience normal patterns of rainfall, fires, and other processes and contain ecosystems that house the living and non-living species native to the area.
“Environmental integrity” is often used in legal and philosophical writing to refer to an undisturbed state of natural conditions. These are circumstances in which plant, animal, and human life can continue freely. Living beings can receive all of the resources essential to their growth and reproduction, such as water, food, and shelter.
Body
The concept of environmental integrity in philosophy was developed in the early twentieth century by a philosopher and ecologist named Aldo Leopold. His seminal “land ethic” philosophy looked at the holistic relationship between living beings, with homo sapiens as mere members of the land community.
Food webs, nutrient cycling, natural disturbances, and other natural processes have to be present to allow animal and plant species to thrive, reproduce, and populate the area naturally. Any human activity that disturbs the development of a healthy natural system negatively impacts the notion of environmental integrity.
This very intersection between human activity and environmental integrity is an area of continued contention. Humans have exploited the natural environment, particularly in the past few centuries, for their survival at the cost of other plant and animal lives. We’ve turned forests into farms and wetlands into housing projects with almost no regard for the health of the environment.
Conclusion
Establishing a balance between the well-being of humans and other living beings in the environment is the key objective of environmental integrity. As some writers have argued, it’s morally important for the environment to remain intact for all living beings, including humans. Only then can the environment have positive instrumental value for all of its inhabitants.
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