BPSC (Mains) General Studies Paper - II with Solutions 2020 | BPSC Previous Year Papers - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Q1: Do you agree with the view that our Constitution has given Fundamental Rights by one hand and taken them back by another hand?
Ans: Fundamental Rights, enshrined in Part-III of the Indian Constitution, are the essential human rights guaranteed to every individual. These rights are considered vital for the development of the personality of each citizen and for the preservation of human dignity. The six fundamental rights recognized in the Indian Constitution include: Right to Equality, Right to Freedom, Right Against Exploitation, Right to Freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and Right to Constitutional Remedies.
The development of these rights in India was heavily inspired by the United States' Bill of Rights. They are referred to as "fundamental" because they are justiciable in nature, meaning individuals can approach the courts for their enforcement if these rights are violated. Part-III of the Constitution, which contains these rights, is often called the Magna Carta of the Indian Constitution.
Key Features of Fundamental Rights:
Some key characteristics of Fundamental Rights include:

• Protection by the Constitution: These rights are guaranteed and protected by the Constitution of India.
• Not Absolute: Although fundamental, these rights are not absolute. The Parliament can impose reasonable restrictions on them for specific purposes and durations. The courts have the power to review the reasonableness of such restrictions.
• Justiciable: Individuals can directly approach the Supreme Court or High Courts if their fundamental rights are violated.
• Suspension During National Emergency: During times of national emergency, all fundamental rights can be suspended, except those under Articles 20 (Protection in respect of conviction for offences) and 21 (Protection of life and personal liberty).
• Restrictions: The Fundamental Rights may be restricted in areas under military rule or during exceptional situations like national emergencies.

While Fundamental Rights are considered a cornerstone of the Indian democracy, there are criticisms about their limited scope and the exceptions attached to them.
For example:

• Right to Equality: Though guaranteed, this right includes provisions for positive discrimination, like reservations, which some argue create inequality between different sections of society.
• State vs. Private Actions: Fundamental Rights protect against arbitrary actions by the state, but they do not offer constitutional remedies when rights are violated by private individuals; in such cases, only legal remedies are available.
• National Emergency: During a national emergency, several fundamental rights, including the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression, can be suspended.
• Reduction of Rights: Over time, Parliament has amended certain rights, such as reducing the Right to Property (Article 31) from a fundamental right to a legal right.
• Preventive Detention: Laws regarding preventive detention have been criticized for making the right to freedom ineffective.

There is also criticism regarding the failure of the Constitution to include certain rights, such as the right to work and employment, which might have been difficult to sustain given the country’s socio-economic conditions. Additionally, the complex legal language used in the Constitution makes it hard for the common citizen to fully understand their rights.
While the limitations and exceptions on Fundamental Rights may be difficult to justify at times, they are often viewed as necessary in the context of national security and the functioning of the democracy. The balance between protecting individual rights and addressing national security concerns is delicate. However, it is essential for citizens to remain aware and vigilant to ensure that these rights are upheld, as this is a true measure of a functioning democracy.

Q2: ‘"Indian Parliament is a non-sovereign law making institute.” Evaluate this statement.
Ans:

• Parliamentary sovereignty refers to the supremacy of the legislative body—parliament—over all other branches of government, including the executive and judiciary. In a system of parliamentary sovereignty, the legislature can create, change, or repeal any law without being bound by any other written law, such as a constitution. However, India does not follow the principle of parliamentary sovereignty; instead, it operates under constitutional sovereignty.
• According to A.V. Dicey, the concept of parliamentary sovereignty has three key aspects: 1) Parliament can make any law; 2) Parliament has the power to repeal or alter any law; 3) There is no distinction between fundamental or constitutional laws and ordinary laws.
• If these aspects were used as a standard for parliamentary sovereignty, then the Indian Parliament cannot be considered sovereign. The laws it passes and repeals are constrained by the Constitution. The Constitution limits Parliament’s powers, particularly with regard to fundamental rights (as outlined in Part III) and the State List in Schedule VII. Judicial review by the courts ensures these limitations are upheld. In this regard, the Indian Parliament is more similar to the American Congress than to the British Parliament.
• Additionally, the Indian Parliament is not a constituent assembly, as the British Parliament is. The British Parliament holds the dual role of both legislative body and constituent assembly. In India, there is a clear distinction between ordinary laws and constitutional laws. In certain matters, Parliament cannot amend the Constitution on its own; it requires the approval of a majority of state legislatures for amendments in specific areas.
• Some argue that the Indian Parliament is sovereign, interpreting sovereignty differently. They argue that the Indian Parliament is free from external control and has supreme authority over matters in the Union list. While it is not restricted by mechanisms like referendums or initiatives, the Indian Parliament is still constrained by the Constitution.
• Moreover, unlike the British Parliament, which has evolved from conventions and customs, the Indian Parliament is a creation of the Constitution. Its authority is derived from the Constitution, not from control over the President, who is also a product of the Constitution. While the Indian Parliament holds substantial power, it is not all-powerful. It operates within the boundaries set by the Constitution, making it "a Leviathan in chains," in contrast to the British Parliament, which is not similarly bound. Additionally, the growing dominance of the Cabinet, particularly the Prime Minister, has made Parliament more subordinate. With the rigid party system and the strong position of the Prime Minister, Parliament often becomes a tool in the hands of a Prime Minister who commands a large majority in the Lok Sabha. However, the effectiveness of Parliament depends greatly on the Prime Minister's leadership qualities, adaptability, transparency, and dynamism to ensure that Parliament remains appropriately controlled.

Q3: “The system of Indian Political Parties is not nationalistic but it is individualistic.” Explain this fact in the context of Bihar State. 
Ans:

• The Indian party system is distinctive and does not easily fit into the usual categories used to classify party systems. It is shaped by the unique nature of Indian politics and the relationship between the state and society. Over the past two decades, both the political landscape and the state-society dynamic have undergone significant changes.
• One of the most noticeable changes is the increasing political engagement of a larger section of the population, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds. This shift has also led to a transformation in the structure of the party system. The characteristics that defined India’s party system in the first two decades after independence are no longer as prominent today.
• In his book Politics in India, Rajni Kothari argued that India’s party system initially emerged from a well-defined political center, which was shaped during the nationalist movement. This center was primarily composed of educated, urban, upper-caste individuals from the middle and upper classes.
• The federal nature of India's party system also requires an understanding of the complex relationship between national and state-level party politics. While there are similarities between national and state politics, each state also has its own unique political characteristics.
• The Indian party system has gone through significant changes over the past fifty years. When India gained independence in 1947, the Congress party dominated the political scene, holding absolute control for the first two decades. The Congress’s strength lay in its organizational structure and its ability to bring together diverse political interests. This was possible due to the homogeneity of the political elite, which included both Congress members and their opponents. However, after 1967, as India’s socio-economic profile shifted, the political landscape began to change. With the increasing involvement of the masses, and the rise of new socio-economic groups such as the middle peasantry, backward castes, and Dalits, the nature of the party system also evolved. The Congress, unable to address these emerging challenges and conflicts, began to lose its dominance. By the late 1980s, Congress had lost its central role, and the party system became more fragmented, giving way to a multi-party system.
• Today, the Indian party system is characterized by a multiplicity of parties, both national and regional. These parties have filled the vacuum left by the Congress’s decline. Regional parties have become more prominent, and many have formed alliances with national parties, thus strengthening India’s federal structure.

Q4: What do you understand by E-governance? Discuss the position of E-governance implementation in Bihar.
Ans: E-governance refers to the use of information technology and communication tools by the government to carry out its functions and deliver services. It helps in sharing information with the public in a transparent and accessible way. Essentially, e-governance is about applying technology to improve government activities and achieve the goals of governance. This enables government services to be offered to citizens and businesses in a more convenient, efficient, and transparent manner. Examples of e-governance initiatives include Digital India, the National Portal of India, Aadhaar, online tax filing and payments, digital land management systems, and the Common Entrance Test.
Types of Interactions in E-Governance:
E-governance can involve four main types of interactions:

• Government to Government (G2G): This refers to the exchange of information within different levels of government—between central, state, and local governments, or among different branches of the same government.
• Government to Citizen (G2C): Citizens interact with the government to access a wide range of public services through digital platforms.
• Government to Business (G2B): Businesses engage with the government for services and transactions, making processes more seamless.
• Government to Employee (G2E): This involves communication between the government and its employees, facilitating efficient and prompt interactions.

Objectives of E-Governance:
The primary objectives of e-governance are as follows:

• To simplify governance for the government, businesses, and citizens.
• To make government administration more transparent and accountable while meeting the needs of society through effective public services and interaction between the people, businesses, and the government.
• To reduce corruption within the government.
• To ensure the quick and efficient delivery of services and information.
• To make it easier for businesses to operate by providing instant access to information and enabling digital communication.

E-Governance in Bihar: The Centre for e-Governance was established in Bihar during the financial year 2005-06 with two main goals. It is responsible for organizing ICT training programs and also plays a crucial role in providing internal IT support to government operations.
Short-Term Priorities:

• Analyzing and planning various IT courses.
• Upgrading the BIPARD network infrastructure.
• Installing a dedicated internet facility.
• Setting up an email server to improve communication.
• Developing various applications to support the administration at BIPARD and other government centers.

Long-Term Priorities:

• Establishing a state-of-the-art e-Governance facilitation center in collaboration with other IT and sector-specific concerns.
• Setting up an e-learning center at BIPARD and developing distance learning training programs.
• Creating software in partnership with NIC and other IT agencies within the state to standardize processes and reduce development costs across various government departments.
• The Centre for e-Governance continues to focus on ICT training and plays a vital role in supporting the implementation of e-governance projects throughout Bihar.

Q5: Evaluate the production and productivity trends in Indian agriculture since 1991. What practical measures should he adopted to enhance agricultural production and productivity in Bihar?
Ans: Since the introduction of economic planning in India, agricultural development has been given significant focus, especially since 1965, during the third Five Year Plan. From that time onwards, substantial funds have been allocated annually for the modernization and development of the agricultural sector. Over the years, the area under cultivation has steadily increased. The total area under all crops grew from 122 million hectares in 1949-50 to 151 million hectares by 1964-65, and reached 168.4 million hectares by 2008-09. Similarly, the area under food grains rose from 99 million hectares in 1949-50 to 118 million hectares in 1964-65, and further increased to 123.2 million hectares by 2008-09. Non-food grains, too, saw growth from 23 million hectares in 1949-50 to 33 million hectares in 1964-65, and then to 45.2 million hectares by 2008-09.

• Agricultural Productivity: Agricultural productivity refers to the relationship between agricultural output and inputs such as land. The most common measure of productivity is the average yield per hectare. After the introduction of modern agricultural techniques, including the use of hybrid seeds, expansion of irrigation, and intensive cultivation methods, the yield per hectare for all crops in India has seen a sharp rise.
  In India, the average yield per hectare for all food grains increased from 5.5 quintals in 1949-50 to 7.6 quintals in 1964-65, and further to 18.98 quintals in 2008-09. This represents an annual growth rate of 1.4% during 1950-65 and 2.4% from 1965-2007. The yield for rice and wheat also improved, from 7.1 and 6.6 quintals per hectare in 1949-50 to 10.8 and 9.1 quintals in 1964-65, with growth rates of 2.1% for rice and 1.3% for wheat during the 1950-65 period. Among non-food grains, cotton and sugarcane showed growth rates of 2.0% and 1.0%, respectively, during 1950-65, which later increased to 2.4% and 1.2% from 1967-2009.
• Agricultural Development in Bihar: Bihar is one of the fastest-growing states in India, with its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.14% between 2011-12 and 2016-17. The per capita GSDP rose from US$ 365.1 in 2011-12 to US$ 598.3 in 2016-17. The agricultural sector employs about 80% of the state's population, which is considerably higher than the national average. Key growing industries in Bihar include food processing, dairy, sugar, manufacturing, and healthcare. Bihar’s large labor force makes it an attractive destination for a variety of industries.

Measures to Boost Agricultural Growth and Farm Income:
To enhance agricultural growth and improve farm income in Bihar, the following measures are crucial:

• Addressing Agricultural Volatility: Bihar faces fluctuations in agricultural productivity, primarily due to its vulnerability to floods, especially in the northern region. Increased public investment in flood protection measures, as well as in watershed management and rainwater harvesting in drought-prone areas, is essential.
• Improving Irrigation Infrastructure: Bihar has utilized 55.4% of the irrigation potential of major and medium irrigation projects and 63.7% of minor irrigation potential. To ensure more reliable water supply for agriculture, further investment in both surface and groundwater irrigation systems is necessary.
• Power Availability for Agriculture: More than 65% of the irrigation in Bihar relies on groundwater from tube wells, but the lack of sufficient power supply often means farmers must use diesel to run them. Improving the availability of electricity for agricultural use would significantly boost productivity. Additionally, increasing power availability would stimulate the growth of the food processing industry.
• Adoption of Solar Pumps: There is a need to promote solar-powered irrigation systems, particularly in North Bihar, which has high water tables and numerous shallow private tube wells. Solar pumps offer an alternative to the unreliable power grid, helping farmers reduce costs and improve water access.
• Improving Milk Productivity: Bihar’s milk productivity is lower compared to states like Punjab. To boost productivity, there needs to be better management of animal health and reproduction. Increasing the proportion of cross-bred bovines and using superior germplasm for cross-breeding could help improve milk yield.

These measures, if implemented effectively, can enhance agricultural productivity and farm income in Bihar, helping the state achieve more sustainable and inclusive growth in the agricultural sector.

Q6: Discuss the relevance of economic planning in India in the post-economic reform era. In this context, explain that how State and market can play a synergetic role in the economic development of the country.
Ans: After India gained independence, the country embraced a vision of economic planning with the aim of achieving a prosperous and self-reliant nation. The goal was to pursue progress while ensuring the fair distribution of wealth among all citizens. Economic reforms, primarily aimed at integrating India into the global economy, focused on four key areas:

• Free flow of goods and services
• Free flow of technology
• Free flow of capital
• Free movement of labor across borders.

The New Economic Policy (NEP), introduced in 1991, marked a significant shift towards neo-liberalism. The rationale behind these reforms was outlined in the Industrial Policy of 1991, which emphasized "continuity with change." The key objectives of the policy were:

• To free the industrial economy from excessive bureaucratic control.
• To introduce liberalization and connect the Indian economy with global markets.
• To remove restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) and reduce constraints on domestic enterprises under the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act.
• To break the monopoly of public sector enterprises and encourage competition from new private businesses.

Roles of Planning and State in the Post-Reform Period:

• Creating Social Infrastructure and Promoting Human Development: Even after the adoption of liberalization and privatization policies, planning remains essential for building social infrastructure and fostering human development, both of which are critical for long-term economic growth.
• Poverty Alleviation and Employment Generation: Planning plays a vital role in addressing poverty and generating employment. Poverty persists because marginalized communities often lack the necessary resources to engage in productive activities. Effective planning and state intervention are required to shift from capital-intensive production methods to more labor-intensive techniques, thereby providing employment and reducing poverty.
• Building Physical Infrastructure: Economic growth is significantly hindered by inadequate infrastructure. While the private sector has invested in telecommunications, it has been reluctant to invest in other essential areas like transportation, energy, and water supply. To achieve the goal of 8% annual GDP growth, substantial public investment in infrastructure is necessary.
• Investment in Agriculture: Agriculture needs sufficient investment, particularly in irrigation and flood control, to improve productivity. The state plays a key role in ensuring farmers have access to low-interest credit and in investing in irrigation projects that are critical for agricultural growth.
• Regional Balance: Planning is crucial to address regional disparities in development. With greater freedom for private sector investment, some regions may attract more investment than others, leaving others behind. Planning can help direct resources and investments to underserved areas, promoting balanced regional development.
• Protecting the Environment and Ecology: There are areas, such as environmental protection, where market forces alone cannot ensure sustainable development. The state must regulate private sector activities to prevent harm to the environment, forests, and ecological systems.
• Resource Allocation Among States: As a federal country, India divides responsibilities between the central and state governments. Investment in development requires resources, which are allocated through taxes levied by the central government. The Finance Commission reviews resource distribution among states every five years, and the Planning Commission allocates non-tax resources based on the developmental needs and proposals submitted by the states.

In summary, while liberalization has given the private sector greater freedom, planning and state intervention remain essential to ensure balanced development, address regional disparities, protect the environment, and promote social welfare. The state's role is crucial in guiding investment and resources to areas that need it most, fostering sustainable growth across the country.

Q7: What is the new definition of micro, small and medium enterprises? Critically evaluate the role of MSMEs in boosting industrial growth and ensuring the success of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan in India.
Ans: MSME stands for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. According to the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act of 2006, these enterprises are divided into two categories:

• Manufacturing enterprises: These are involved in the production or manufacturing of goods in any industry.
• Service enterprises: These are engaged in providing or rendering services.

As part of the Atma-nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan economic relief package, the definitions for micro, small, and medium enterprises were revised to accommodate larger investment and turnover figures, resulting in a broader classification of medium-sized enterprises. This change was implemented to address India’s economic challenges during the pandemic.

Revised Definition of MSMEs:

• Micro Units: Enterprises with investments up to ₹1 crore and turnover below ₹5 crore.
• Small Units: Enterprises with investments up to ₹10 crore and turnover below ₹50 crore.
• Medium Units: Enterprises with investments up to ₹50 crore and turnover below ₹250 crore.

Key Features of MSMEs:

• MSMEs help businesses improve access to both domestic and international markets.
• They assist in product development, design innovation, and packaging.
• MSMEs support the upgrading of technology, infrastructure, and modernization of the sector.
• They create job opportunities and provide access to loans.
• MSMEs play a role in providing credit support to various banks across the country.

Role of MSMEs in the Indian Economy:

• The MSME sector is a crucial contributor to India’s economic growth, as it manufactures a wide range of products for both domestic and global markets. This has helped spur the growth and development of various industries.
• MSMEs have played an important role in generating employment, especially in underdeveloped areas. They have helped industrialize these regions with lower capital costs compared to large industries in urban centers.
• MSMEs are vital for India’s growth due to their low investment requirements, operational flexibility, reduced dependence on imports, and their significant contribution to domestic production.

In summary, MSMEs are a backbone of the Indian economy, driving employment, innovation, and growth in both rural and urban areas. Their support for various industries, technological advancements, and economic decentralization is crucial for sustainable development.

Q8: What are the main constraints in the rapid economic development of Bihar? How can these constraints he removed?
Ans: The development of any region depends on having solid economic, social, and support infrastructures. Bihar, however, faces challenges in these areas, with a relatively small industrial sector. As of 2016, the state's economy is composed of 23% agriculture, 17% industry, and 60% services, making it one of the lowest in terms of GDP per capita in India.
Bihar's economic growth is hindered by several structural, institutional, and macroeconomic factors:

Structural Factors

• High Population and Low Skill Levels: While a skilled workforce is essential for economic growth, Bihar’s population is growing rapidly, outpacing economic development. The state’s population density is over double the national average (800 people per square kilometer compared to the national average of 329). This creates a situation where many are unable to find productive work.
• Poverty, Inequality, and Education: High levels of poverty and inequality, along with a poorly funded education system, have resulted in weak education and health conditions. Low investment and poor governance in these sectors exacerbate the situation.
• Lack of Vocational Training: Vocational training opportunities in Bihar are limited, leaving a large portion of the rural population unskilled and primarily engaged in agriculture. Many people migrate to other states in search of work, either seasonally or long-term.
• Weak Agricultural Structure: Bihar’s economy is predominantly agrarian, with around 80% of its population living in rural areas and depending on agriculture. However, land and political power remain concentrated in the hands of a few elites, which has stunted the development of a more inclusive agricultural structure.
• Poor Infrastructure: Both physical and economic infrastructure in Bihar are insufficient. Public investment in agriculture is far lower compared to states like Punjab. For example, capital expenditure per hectare in Bihar is less than a quarter of Punjab’s and half the national average.

Governance and Institutional Factors

• Caste-Based Politics: Bihar has a long history of caste-based politics, where votes are often cast based on caste identities rather than the competence or performance of candidates. This division between the so-called ‘backward’ and ‘forward’ castes has hindered political stability and development since independence.
• Weak Leadership and Governance: Bihar has suffered from sectarian politics and weak leadership, which have undermined political stability and weakened the government’s ability to execute development plans effectively. The administration has faced challenges in terms of governance, rule of law, financial management, and overall policy implementation.
• Inadequate Infrastructure for Investment: Poor governance has resulted in inadequate infrastructure, such as roads, transportation, and electricity, which are essential for attracting investment and advancing development.
• Inability to Mobilize Local Resources: Weak administrative structures have also limited the government’s ability to mobilize local resources effectively to fund development efforts.

Macroeconomic Factors

• Resource Transfer from the Centre: Bihar receives relatively low per capita funding from the central government for development expenditure. This has contributed to a cycle of underdevelopment, where low fiscal resources lead to low investment, poor infrastructure, and low human resource development. This, in turn, discourages private investment, which further weakens the state’s fiscal position.

In summary, Bihar’s economic development is hindered by a combination of high population pressure, inadequate skills, poor governance, weak leadership, and insufficient infrastructure. These challenges are compounded by a cycle of low resource allocation from the central government, which continues to affect the state's ability to break out of poverty and develop its economy.

Q9: In India, ‘Make in India* is a type of Swadeshi Movement launched by Modi government. To promote this movement, discuss the role of science and technology citing the examples in detail.
Ans:

• The Make in India initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2014 as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the nation's economy. The programme aims to encourage investment, foster innovation, improve skill development, safeguard intellectual property, and build world-class manufacturing infrastructure in India.
• The main goal of Make in India is to attract global investments and bolster India’s manufacturing sector. It is being overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• This initiative plays a crucial role in India’s economic growth by leveraging the country's talent pool, generating additional employment, and empowering the secondary and tertiary sectors. It also focuses on improving India’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business index by removing unnecessary laws and regulations, simplifying bureaucratic processes, and making the government more transparent, responsive, and accountable.
• The Make in India programme covers 25 key sectors, including automobiles, aviation, biotechnology, chemicals, defence manufacturing, electrical machinery, electronic systems, food processing, information technology and business process management (IT & BPM), leather, media and entertainment, mining, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, ports and shipping, railways, renewable energy, roads and highways, space, textiles and garments, thermal power, tourism and hospitality, and wellness.

Make in India and Science and Technology:

• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has made significant contributions to many of the 25 sectors highlighted in the Make in India programme, driving the development of innovative, cost-effective technologies that help Indian companies manufacture domestically.
• One key initiative is the Technology Mission for Indian Railways (TMIR), which aims to equip Indian Railways with state-of-the-art technologies. This initiative, involving the Ministry of Railways (MoR), the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), and the Ministry of Industry, focuses on research projects to develop advanced technologies on an investment-sharing model.
• Additionally, DST has supported several projects to promote advanced manufacturing technologies in India. These projects cover areas such as design tools, process innovations, digital manufacturing, additive manufacturing, smart manufacturing, advanced robotics, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), wearable low-power electronics, sensor networks, and energy harvesting.
• DST is also partnering with MHRD through the Uchchatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY), which funds selected industry-academia collaborative projects to encourage research and development that aligns with industry needs. Under this initiative, the funding share is divided as 25% from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), 50% from MHRD, and the remaining 25% from the industry.
• DST’s collaboration with MHRD also extends to the Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT) project, which addresses critical societal and developmental issues such as healthcare, ICT, energy, sustainable habitats, nanotechnology, water resources, security and defence, and environmental concerns. Through these initiatives, DST is actively contributing to the goals of Make in India by integrating science and technology into key sectors for the country’s development.

Q10: In the present scenario, the key issues of the country are: “Increasing population, higher health risks, degraded natural resources and dwindling farm lands'". Discuss at least four scientific initiatives on each of the four areas that you would like to apply.
Ans: The key challenges faced by the country, such as a growing population, rising health risks, degraded natural resources, and shrinking agricultural land, can be addressed through scientific methods:

• Increasing Population: The population explosion in the country has far-reaching impacts across health, social, environmental, and economic sectors. One of the main contributors to this issue is gender preferences, which have further exacerbated population growth in India. A significant challenge in developing countries is the limited availability of quality medical services, especially in rural areas. The urban-rural divide means that good hospitals and skilled doctors are concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural areas with poor healthcare options, leading to higher infant mortality rates. As a result, many rural families, in hopes of ensuring that at least some children survive, tend to have larger families. If proper medical facilities were made available, the population growth rate could potentially decrease.
• Higher Health Risks: Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is an evidence-based approach aimed at protecting both patients and healthcare workers from avoidable infections, which also helps combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Tissue engineering (TE) is another rapidly evolving field that focuses on repairing, replacing, or regenerating tissues or organs by applying knowledge from physics, chemistry, and biology to develop practical and effective solutions. Animal-derived materials, like bovine or porcine heart valves and hemostatic sponges, are commonly used in medical devices. Additionally, carbon nanofibers show promise in medical imaging and precise scientific measurement tools.
• Degraded Natural Resources: To reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute significantly to environmental pollution, climate change, global warming, and the destruction of natural habitats, renewable energy sources like solar and wind power should be further explored and utilized. Effluent treatment facilities play an important role in treating biological waste before it is released into water bodies. These facilities help remove harmful pollutants, preventing the depletion of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water, which can otherwise harm aquatic life. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is another effective method that involves collecting rainfall for future use, whether for storage or for recharging groundwater levels, especially in areas facing water scarcity.
• Dwindling Farmlands: To combat the issue of shrinking farmland, restorative techniques like agroforestry and water harvesting are being implemented. In some regions, large-scale projects like the Great Green Wall and Sahel Initiative are rejuvenating barren and degraded landscapes across more than 20 countries in the Sahara region. Solar power is also being harnessed to desalinate brackish water for irrigation, as well as to power saltwater-cooled greenhouses that allow vegetables to be grown year-round. An innovative method involves mixing sand with nano-particles of clay to convert desert areas into fertile agricultural land in just a few hours, though the cost remains a significant barrier for widespread adoption.

These scientific approaches provide potential solutions to the country's critical issues, offering sustainable ways to manage population growth, health risks, environmental degradation, and agricultural land scarcity.

Q11: Bihar continues to experience natural disasters like floods and drought on a regular basis. What role can science and technology play in disaster forecasting and management? Explain your answer with practical examples.
Ans: 

• Droughts occur when an unusually long dry period depletes available water resources, while floods happen when excessive water from rain or watercourses inundates land that is usually dry. These natural disasters are often worsened by human activities. As water accumulates on the surface, it can cause significant damage.
• The North Bihar region is the most flood-prone area in India. In contrast, districts in the southern part of Bihar often face drought-like conditions.
• Bihar is the state most affected by floods in India, with 76% of the population in North Bihar living under the constant threat of flood damage. The state accounts for 16.5% of India’s flood-affected land area and 22.1% of the population impacted by floods. According to the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA), 73.63% of North Bihar’s geographical area is prone to floods. In catchment areas of rivers like Kosi, Bagmati, Kamala Balan, Gandak, Budhi Gandak, and Adhwara, the swelling of rivers has led to water overflowing into villages, damaging homes, schools, government buildings, and health centers.
• Technology Assistance in Disaster Forecasting and Management: In recent years, technology has played a crucial role in speeding up disaster relief efforts. For example, drones and robots have been used to locate survivors and send information to rescue teams. They are also used to deliver humanitarian aid. One notable innovation is the NASA Finder, a device developed after the 2015 Nepal earthquake. It is the size of a suitcase and can detect human heartbeats under 20 feet of solid concrete and 30 feet of rubble.
• Researchers have discovered that artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to predict natural disasters. With vast amounts of high-quality data, AI can forecast events like earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, and hurricanes, potentially saving thousands of lives.
• In managing the effects of natural hazards, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) supports the use of various information and communication technologies, including satellites, radio, mobile networks, and the Internet. These technologies help reduce people’s vulnerability and enhance disaster response capacity.
• Flood Prediction utilizes radar, streamflow simulations, and advanced weather modeling. These predictions can guide decision-makers in issuing flood warnings. Similarly, Earthquake Prediction is part of an early warning system developed by the U.S. Geological Survey. This system uses high-grade ground motion sensors, with one of the well-known systems being California’s SHAKEALERT.

Q12: Discuss, in detail, what role can science and technology play to control the job crisis situation and to sustain the development of the nation due to Covida . 19 situation.
Ans:

• The role of science, technology, and innovation has been crucial during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, not only in addressing the immediate health challenges but also in supporting efforts for economic recovery after the pandemic. The crisis has highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach that transcends national boundaries, strengthening regional integration through science and technology systems that connect countries and their production systems.
• In recent years, India has experienced rapid economic growth. However, this growth has not been inclusive enough to reduce poverty in rural areas. The World Bank reports that India has around 270 million poor people, the largest number in the world. To reduce poverty, there is a pressing need for significant employment growth in agriculture, which is home to nearly three-quarters of the poor population. However, increasing automation may lead to higher unemployment rates. Therefore, a focused and well-designed public policy is necessary to harness technology to boost the productivity of the rural workforce.

Role of Science and Technology in Addressing the Job Crisis:

• Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can play a crucial role in driving economic development across various regions in India. They can enhance rural productivity by facilitating the sharing of solutions and providing access to valuable resources. For example, ICTs can offer information on small business management, weather forecasts, and best agricultural practices.
• Well-developed communication networks can provide farmers and agricultural workers with timely market information, helping them make informed decisions about what crops to plant, where to sell their produce, and where to buy necessary inputs.
• Communication technologies can also enhance global connectivity, allowing for new ways to design and deliver products on a worldwide scale. Business models enabled by ICTs, such as value chain integration, disintermediation, and business process outsourcing, can help developing countries access new markets and gain a competitive edge to stimulate economic growth.
• As countries, regions, and cities transition during this crisis, safeguarding and creating jobs must be a top priority. A sector-specific heat map could be a valuable tool, helping governments and partners take swift action to boost business activity and create new jobs in at-risk industries and services.

Role of Science and Technology in Sustaining Development Amid COVID-19:

• To ensure sustainable development, a solid foundation for science and technology needs to be built through activities like capacity building, training the next generation, ensuring access to information, strengthening decision-making with scientific data, and informing the public.
• Digitization and automation of production, including integrating various technological advancements, are key to reorganizing economic activities.
• Smart systems, especially in renewable energy, transport, mobility, and human-machine interfaces, are essential for maintaining progress.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) can significantly impact many fields, such as healthcare and transportation, and has the potential to change the balance of work and life.
• Building partnerships among large and small businesses is crucial. Governments and industry associations should engage with major companies and industry leaders to take responsibility for entire sector ecosystems and value chains.