[Synopsis] Day 44 – August 15, 2024 – 75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 GS3 Full Length

75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – GS3 Full Length

Q1: Explain the reasons for India’s reliance on Pulse imports despite being the largest producer of pulses globally. (10M)

Key Demand of the Question:

Analyze the paradox of India’s status as the world’s largest producer of pulses while still relying heavily on imports. Discuss the reasons for this reliance, such as demand-supply gaps, agricultural challenges, and market dynamics. Include government measures to address the issue and suggestions for reducing import dependency.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction: Highlight India’s significance in global pulse production and consumption, along with the rising import trend.

Body:

1. 1. Pulse Production and Consumption Facts: India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses, yet it imports a significant quantity.
   2. Reasons for Import Reliance:
      • Stagnant production vs. growing demand.
      • Rain-fed cultivation leading to inconsistent yields.
      • Low mechanization and technological adoption.
      • Price volatility and market dynamics.
      • Inadequate storage and processing infrastructure.
   3. Government Initiatives: Discuss schemes like NFSM, PSS, and efforts to improve pulse production and reduce import dependency.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the need for sustained efforts and policy interventions to bridge the production-consumption gap and enhance self-reliance in pulses.

Introduction

India, which accounts for nearly half of the world’s pulses consumption, imported 2.9 million tonnes (mt) of Masur, tur (pigeon pea) and urad (black gram) in the calendar year 2023, marking a 39.7% increase from the 2 mt imported in the year earlier.

Key facts about India’s Pulse production

1. Global Stature in Pulses Production: India stands as the global leader in pulses production, accounting for a quarter of worldwide production.
2. Consumption and Import Dynamics: With 27% of global consumption, India is not only the largest consumer of pulses worldwide but also a significant importer, bringing in 14% of the world’s pulses.
3. Contribution to Agriculture: Pulses occupy approximately 20% of the total area designated for foodgrains in India, contributing between 7% to 10% to the nation’s total foodgrains output.
4. Seasonal Production Insights: Pulses in India are cultivated during both the Kharif and Rabi seasons.

4.1.          However, Rabi season pulses are particularly crucial, accounting for over 60% of the country’s total pulse production.

1. Leading Production States: The top 5 states contributing to India’s pulse production are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Reasons for High Pulse Imports

1. Growing Demand vs. Stagnant Production: India’s population growth and increasing preference for protein-rich diets have outpaced the growth in pulse production.

• 1. Although India is a significant producer, the yield per hectare remains low compared to international standards, leading to a gap between supply and demand.

1. Fluctuating Yield Due to Weather Dependence: Pulses are largely rain-fed crops in India, making them highly vulnerable to the erratic monsoon patterns.

• 1. Years of insufficient rainfall directly impact production volumes, necessitating imports to fulfill domestic demand.

1. Limited Use of Improved Seeds and Technology: The adoption of high-yield, disease-resistant pulse varieties is limited among Indian farmers due to lack of awareness, high costs, and insufficient distribution channels.
2. Price Volatility and Market Dynamics: Domestic prices of pulses can be highly volatile, influenced by production fluctuations, which discourages farmers from cultivating pulses.

• 1. The lack of assured minimum prices for pulses further exacerbates this issue, pushing India towards imports to stabilize prices.

1. Inadequate Storage and Processing Facilities: Post-harvest losses in pulses due to poor storage and lack of processing facilities lead to significant wastage.

• 1. This inefficiency in the value chain contributes to the gap between domestic production and consumption needs.

1. Subsidy-Driven Crop Choices: Government subsidies have historically favored water-intensive crops like rice and wheat, diverting resources and land away from pulse cultivation.
2. Soil Health and Fertility Issues: Continuous cultivation of water-intensive crops has led to soil degradation and reduced fertility in many parts of India, adversely affecting the yield of pulses, which are typically grown in rotation to improve soil health.
3. Global Market Dependence for Specific Varieties: India’s culinary diversity demands a wide range of pulse varieties, some of which are not widely cultivated domestically.

Government Initiatives to Reduce Import Dependency

1. National Food Security Mission (NFSM) – Pulses: Aimed at expanding the area under pulse cultivation and enhancing productivity through improved seed distribution, soil health management, and irrigation practices.
2. Price Support Scheme (PSS): Provides a safety net to farmers by procuring pulses at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to mitigate the risk of price volatility.
3. Promotion of Pulse Cultivation in Fallow Land: Encouraging the cultivation of pulses in post-harvest rice fallow areas, particularly in eastern India, to increase production without affecting the existing agricultural land use pattern.
4. Integrated Scheme on Oilseeds, Pulses, Palm Oil, and Maize (ISOPOM): Supports holistic development of pulses through subsidies for seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation, along with technology assistance and market access.
5. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): Although primarily focused on horticulture, this mission supports crop diversification, including pulses, through various interventions in protected cultivation, precision farming, and organic farming.

Conclusion

These strategic efforts aim to bridge the gap between domestic production and consumption, enhance self-reliance, and reduce the economic burden of pulse imports.

Q2: What is Blue Economy 2.0? Outline key government initiatives related to it. Also, assess its potential impact on individuals in fisheries and related sectors. (15M)

Key Demand of the Question:

Explain the concept of Blue Economy 2.0, highlighting its goals and key initiatives. Assess the impact of these initiatives on the livelihoods of those in fisheries and related sectors, considering economic, social, and environmental aspects.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction: Introduce Blue Economy 2.0, emphasizing its focus on sustainable ocean resource use and economic growth.

Body:

1. 1. Driving Factors of Blue Economy: Outline the geographical and economic factors that make Blue Economy significant for India.
   2. Key Government Initiatives: Discuss initiatives like the Deep Ocean Mission, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, and SAGARMALA project.
   3. Potential Impact on Fisheries and Related Sectors:
      • Job creation and diversified income sources.
      • Technological advancements and skill enhancement.
      • Improved infrastructure and ecosystem stability.
      • Challenges such as maritime security and environmental concerns.

Conclusion:

Conclude with the transformative potential of Blue Economy 2.0 in enhancing livelihoods, promoting sustainable practices, and positioning India as a leader in maritime economic activities.

Introduction 

Initiatives under Blue Economy 2.0 scheme was announced in Union Interim Budget 2024-25. It aims to enhance India’s maritime economic activities by promoting climate-resilient practices and sustainable use of ocean resources.

Driving Factors of Blue Economy in India

1. Extensive Coastline: India boasts a coastline that spans 7,516.6 km, including its island territories, which provides a massive area for maritime activities.
2. Strategic Ports: The country has 12 major ports and numerous non-major ports that serve as vital nodes for international trade and shipping.
3. Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ): With an EEZ extending over 2.2 million square kilometers, India has a large area for exclusive maritime economic activities.
4. Rich Marine Biodiversity: India’s diverse marine ecosystems are home to a wealth of species, offering extensive resources for sustainable exploitation and conservation.
5. Growing Maritime Infrastructure: Investments in maritime infrastructure under initiatives like SAGARMALA enhance the efficiency and capacity of India’s ports.
6. Emerging Ocean Energy: The potential for harnessing ocean energy stands as a significant driver for the blue economy, with initiatives to explore tidal and wave energy.

Key Government Initiatives under Blue Economy 

1. Deep Ocean Mission: Aimed at mining metals in the Indian oceans.
2. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: Designed to enhance fish production and sustainability.
3. SAGARMALA Project: Focused on port infrastructure enhancement and coastal development.
4. Draft Blue Economy Policy: Outlining the strategic vision and policy framework for the blue economy.
5. Blue economy 2.0

• 1. Scope: It encompasses a multi-sector approach, integrating aquaculture, mariculture, coastal tourism, and other ocean-related economic activities.
• 2. Goal: The initiative seeks to ensure sustainable use of marine resources to foster economic growth, improve livelihoods, and preserve the health of ocean ecosystems.

Potential Impact of Blue Economy on Individuals in Fisheries and Related Sectors

1. Job Creation: The blue economy’s expansion, through initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, could offer new employment in fisheries and aquaculture.

• 1. Implementation of the PMMSY will enhance aquaculture productivity from existing three to five tonnes per hectare; double exports to Rs 1 lakh crore and generate 55 lakh employment opportunities in the near future.

1. Diversified Earnings: The development of mariculture and value-added products may enhance income for coastal communities.
2. Technological Advancements: Adoption of modern technologies in fishing could increase catch rates and incomes for fishermen.
3. Skill Enhancement: Training programs in sustainable practices and safety could improve skills and productivity in the maritime workforce.
4. Ecosystem Stability: Sustainable practices promoted by the blue economy could lead to healthier marine ecosystems, supporting long-term fishing livelihoods.
5. Improved Infrastructure: Investments may lead to better fishery-related infrastructure, reducing losses and increasing market efficiency.
6. Enhanced Welfare: Potential social welfare improvements, like insurance and housing, could elevate living standards for fisher communities.
7. Financial Access: Easier access to credit could help fishermen and related businesses invest and grow.

Challenges Facing Blue Economy

1. Maritime Security: Threats such as recent Houthi attacks.
2. Environmental Concerns: Climate change and pollution from human activities, including the use of
3. Infrastructure and Costs: Lack of adequate infrastructure, high operating costs of shipping industry, and high installation costs of tidal power plants.

Conclusion

The Blue Economy 2.0 initiative heralds a transformative era for India’s coastal and marine environments. This visionary leap has the potential to position India as a global leader in the blue economy, setting a benchmark for maritime sustainability and economic resilience.

ETHICS

3Q. What underlying factors perpetuate corruption in India? Discuss the impact of widespread corruption on the country’s development and progress. [10M, 150words]

Key Demand of question: Explain factors leading to corruption in India and then discuss the impact of corruption on country development.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: Define corruption.

 Body:

• First, write about factors perpetuating corruption in India.
• Then, discuss the impact of corruption on country development.
• Lastly, recommend the measures and way ahead.

Conclusion:

Conclude by quote on corruption.

Introduction:

Corruption is a global phenomenon and is defined as misuse of public position or power for personal gains. As per United Nations Development Programme,

Corruption = (monopoly + discretion) − (accountability + integrity + transparency)

Body:

Factors perpetuating corruption:

1. Monopoly and discretion: High levels of control over resources and decisions, combined with discretionary power without adequate checks, encourage corrupt behavior.

E.g. NEET scam by NTA.

2. Lack of accountability and transparency: Insufficient oversight mechanisms and lack of transparency in decision-making processes allow corruption to thrive.

E.g. UPSC and Pooja Kedhkar saga.

3. Cultural norms and social acceptance: Over time, corruption has become socially tolerated in some areas, with reduced stigma attached to engaging in or benefiting from corrupt activities.

E.g. India rank 93^rd in Corruption perception index, 2024.

4. Economic pressures: Low remuneration and economic instability drive individuals to engage in corruption as a means of supplementing income.

E.g. Developing nation more corruption vulnerable.

5. Weak institutional frameworks: Inefficiencies in legal frameworks and oversight institutions, reduce the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts.

E.g. undue politicisation of ED and CBI

Impact of corruption on India’s development:

1. Economic stagnation: Corruption leads to inefficient resource allocation, distorts markets, and compromises quality, slowing down economic growth and development.

E.g. Bihar 10 bridge collapsed in 2024 due to poor infrastructure.

2. Erosion of public trust: Widespread corruption undermines the credibility of government institutions, leading to a loss of public trust.

E.g. Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren arrested by ED.

3. Social inequality: Corruption exacerbates poverty and inequality by diverting resources meant for public welfare, leading to uneven access to essential services.

E.g. PDS corruption leading to uneven food distribution.

4. Political instability: Corruption distorts democratic processes, influencing election outcomes and undermining the principles of democracy and rule of law.

E.g. Karnataka PSI 2022 scam.

5. Environmental and security risks: Corruption in regulatory bodies leads to illegal activities such as environmental degradation and organized crime.

E.g. Jim Corbet illegal tree feeling case.

Conclusion:

            Addressing corruption requires a multi-faceted approach that strengthens transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity. Reforming governance structures, enhancing public awareness, and fostering a culture of ethical behavior are crucial to curbing corruption and promoting sustainable development in India.

2Q. Arun Kumar, an honest and diligent officer in the Public Works Department (PWD), has recently been promoted to the position of Chief Engineer in a large Indian state. His new responsibilities include overseeing various infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, and public buildings. Arun has a reputation for integrity and efficiency and is determined to ensure that all projects under his supervision are completed to the highest standards, within budget, and on time. Soon after assuming his new role, Arun discovers several irregularities in the ongoing construction of a major highway connecting two important cities. The project, which had been delayed multiple times, is already significantly over budget. Upon closer inspection, Arun finds that substandard materials are being used, and there are discrepancies in the project accounts. It becomes clear that certain contractors, in collusion with some of the lower-level officials in the PWD, have been siphoning off funds meant for the project. Arun confronts the contractors and the officials involved, who attempt to bribe him to ignore the discrepancies. They offer him a significant amount of money, assuring him that accepting the bribe would be a “win-win” situation for everyone involved. They argue that such practices are common and are merely part of the “system.” Arun is aware that exposing the corruption could lead to threats against him and his family and could also delay the project even further, negatively impacting public infrastructure and the economy.

In given circumstance answer the following:

1. 1. Identify the stakeholder and ethical dilemma involved in the case.
   2. What steps can Arun take to address the corruption without compromising the project’s completion and quality?
   3. How can systemic corruption in public infrastructure projects be effectively addressed and prevented in the future? [20M]

Key Demand of the question:

Identify the ethical dilemma, steps that can be taken by Arun, and explain how corruption can be prevented in future.

Structure of the answer:

 Introduction: Start with the nuances of the case study.

Body:

The answer body must have the following aspects covered

• Identify the ethical dilemma involved in the case.
• Explain steps that Arun can take to address the corruption.
• How can systematic corruption be addressed in future.

Conclusion:

Briefly summarize the argument regarding the case study.

Introduction:

Body:

1. a) Stakeholders and Ethical dilemma involved in the case are:

Stakeholders:

1. • Arun Kumar (Chief Engineer)
   • Contractors involved in the project
   • Lower-level PWD officials
   • The public relying on the highway infrastructure
   • Arun’s family (due to potential threats)
   • Government and taxpayers

Ethical dilemma involved are:

1. • Integrity vs. Safety: Arun faces a choice between maintaining integrity by exposing corruption or compromising safety by ignoring it.
   • Personal risk vs. Public good: Arun must weigh the risks to his own safety and that of his family against the potential harm to the public infrastructure and economy.
   • Completion vs. Quality: Balancing the need to complete the project on time with ensuring it meets quality and safety standards.

1. b) Arun can take following steps to address corruption:

1. Immediate suspension: Suspend the contractors and officials involved, pending investigation, to prevent further damage and misappropriation.
2. Transparent reporting: Document and report the irregularities to higher authorities and anti-corruption agencies, ensuring transparency in the process.
3. Public communication: Communicate the situation to the public, emphasizing the importance of quality and safety in infrastructure projects to gain public support.
4. Alternative arrangements: Arrange for a third-party audit and possibly seek alternative contractors to ensure the project’s quality and timely completion.
5. Ensure safety measures: Implement immediate safety checks and corrections on the substandard work already done to prevent any future accidents or infrastructure failures.

1. c) Systemic corruption in public infrastructure projects can be effectively addressed and prevented in the future through:

1. Strengthen oversight mechanisms: Establish independent oversight bodies with the power to monitor and audit projects from inception to completion.

E.g. Intensified vigilance by CVC and ED.

1. Enhance transparency: Use technology like digital monitoring systems, public dashboards, and blockchain for project management and financial transactions to ensure transparency.

E.g. Replicate UNDP anti-corruption portal.

1. Whistle blower protection: Strengthen laws to protect whistleblowers who report corruption, ensuring their safety and encouraging reporting.

E.g. Anonymity in Whistle blower protection act.

1. Regular audits: Mandate regular, independent audits of all public infrastructure projects to detect and prevent corrupt practices early.

E.g.  Social audits like in MNREGA

1. Ethical training and accountability: Regularly train officials on ethics and integrity, and enforce strict accountability measures, including severe penalties for those found guilty of corruption.

E.g. “#SayNoToCorruption” campaign.

Conclusion:

While eradicating it entirely may be unrealistic, it can be controlled within tolerable limits. A comprehensive approach targeting root causes, enhancing transparency, and fostering a culture of integrity is crucial for building a corruption-free society as India strives to be a responsible global leader.

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