GS Paper - III Model Answers (2018) - 1 | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

Q1:  "Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)". Comment on the progress made in India in this regard.(Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction: Energy serves as the foundational link that binds together the realms of economic prosperity, social equality, and environmental sustainability. It acts as the unceasing source of power that caters to fundamental human necessities, enhances societal functionality, and elevates living standards. In this context, it is noteworthy that Sustainable Development Goal 7, often referred to as SDG-7, fervently commits to providing affordable and clean energy access for all.

1. The Imperative of Sustainable Energy:

• To realize the vision of expanded energy access, it becomes imperative to amplify energy efficiency and channel investments into renewable energy sources.
• Notably, India's role in the global energy landscape cannot be understated, with projections indicating its contribution of approximately one-quarter of the world's total energy demand.
• Therefore, it is crucial that the energy produced is as sustainable as possible, ensuring that the benefits derived from energy usage far surpass the concomitant waste and pollution generated.

2. India's Renewable Energy Potential:

• India possesses abundant renewable energy potential, chiefly in the forms of wind, solar, biomass, and small hydro resources, primarily concentrated in specific geographical regions.
• However, the harnessing of these resources necessitates substantial financial investments to bring them to fruition.

3. India's Initiatives and Commitments:

• India has outlined significant steps to meet its energy goals:
  • Pledging to achieve a 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources by 2030, thereby contributing to the global effort to mitigate temperature rise.
  • Focusing on rural clean energy through support for community-based self-sufficient biomass and solar power projects.
  • Ambitious targets under the National Solar Mission to replace kerosene lamps with 2 crore solar lighting systems for rural communities.
  • Widespread installations of solar power systems, particularly on rooftops, with the aim of achieving 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity by 2022, which would result in an annual reduction of approximately 6 crore tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Conclusion: Access to affordable, dependable, sustainable, and contemporary energy is paramount in the landscape of global development in the 21st century. Yet, it is evident that challenges exist, requiring a practical, multifaceted approach. Solutions must emerge at both local and global levels, necessitating harmonious collaboration between governments and international agencies. In light of these complexities, the establishment of a robust national framework for implementation and financial support for individual states becomes indispensable. Furthermore, the creation of a dedicated central agency to coordinate effectively with state-level counterparts could prove instrumental in achieving the envisioned objectives.

Q2: Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019. (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction: In the realm of Indian taxation, two critical elements, Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) and Long-Term Capital Gain Tax, play a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape. DDT pertains to the tax levied on dividends distributed by companies, which ideally should be subject to income tax in the hands of shareholders. On the other hand, Long-Term Capital Gain Tax is applicable to profits arising from the sale of capital assets, particularly equity shares and units of equity-oriented mutual funds.

Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT):

• Dividend, the return provided by a company to its shareholders from its annual profits, is essentially considered as income for the shareholders. While income tax laws warrant taxation on this income, India provides an exemption for dividend income received from domestic companies, instead imposing the DDT on the company that disburses the dividend.
• Budget 2018 introduced a significant change by proposing the introduction of DDT for equity mutual funds. This involved a tax on distributed income by equity-oriented mutual funds, set at a rate of 10%, ensuring parity between growth-oriented and dividend-distributing schemes. DDT, in this context, reduces the final returns in the hands of investors who opt for the dividend option, with the tax being deducted at the fund house before distribution.

Long-Term Capital Gain Tax:

• Capital gains arise from the sale of capital assets and are considered as taxable income. The timing of taxation depends on the holding period of the asset, resulting in two categories: short-term and long-term capital gains. It's essential to note that capital gains do not apply to inherited assets as they involve a transfer without a sale.
• Budget 2018 also marked a change in the taxation of Long-Term Capital Gains on equity shares and equity-oriented mutual funds. Previously, tax liability was triggered when stocks were sold after holding them for over a year. Under the new provision, long-term capital gains on the sale of listed shares on the stock exchange are taxable at 10% of the capital gain amount exceeding Rs 1 lakh, while gains up to Rs 1 lakh remain exempt from taxation.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Dividend Distribution Tax and Long-Term Capital Gain Tax are integral components of India's tax framework. DDT focuses on taxing companies distributing dividends, providing an exemption to shareholders, while Long-Term Capital Gain Tax imposes a tax on profits from the sale of capital assets, particularly in the context of equity shares and equity-oriented mutual funds. The budgetary changes in 2018 further modified the tax structure, making it essential for investors and companies to be well-informed about these tax implications.

Q3: What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low income trap?   (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction: Minimum Support Price (MSP) stands as a critical component of India's agricultural pricing policy. It is the price at which the government procures crops from farmers, with the primary objective of safeguarding their interests. MSP plays a pivotal role in supporting the nation's food security program by facilitating the Public Distribution System (PDS) and simultaneously ensuring farmers receive a fair and adequate remuneration for their produce.

Benefits of Minimum Support Price (MSP):

• In situations where market prices plummet below the designated MSPs, government procurement agencies intervene by purchasing the crops and thereby lending support to the prices.
• Organizations like the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (Nafed) collaborate with the central government to procure specific food crops in coordination with state governments.
• MSPs play a vital role in assuring farmers of a minimum price for their agricultural yields, particularly when market conditions are unfavorable. Moreover, they serve as a tool for the government to incentivize the cultivation of crops that are currently in short supply.

Budget 2018 and MSP:

• The Union Budget of 2018-19 unveiled a significant proposal to fix the Minimum Support Prices at a level 50% higher than the cost of production for crops. However, it is worth noting that previous announcements of higher MSPs did not always result in increased incomes for farmers, primarily due to limited procurement efforts that focused on a select range of crops and were implemented only in certain states.

The Way Forward:

• To enhance profitability in crop production, one viable approach is to provide affordable financing and subsidized inputs to actual land cultivators.
• Additionally, there is potential for further increases in the MSP for major crops.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy in India serves as a crucial mechanism to protect the interests of farmers by ensuring they receive a minimum price for their agricultural produce. While MSPs are instrumental in assisting a segment of rural households, it's important to consider that non-price factors also contribute to the overall well-being of the agricultural sector. The Union Budget of 2018-19 introduced an important proposal to increase MSPs, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address the challenges and needs of India's farming community.

Q4: Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries?    (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction: Fruits and Vegetables (FFV) constitute a pivotal element of the retail chain, especially in supermarkets, where they play a strategic role in attracting customers. These agri-food products, originating from the fields of our diligent farmers, traverse a complex network of intermediaries before ultimately reaching the end consumer. This intricate journey involves farmers, growers, cooperatives, wholesalers, retailers, commission agents, and more.

Role of Supermarkets in the Supply Chain:

• The agri-supply chain encompasses the spectrum of activities related to procurement, order fulfillment, distribution, delivery, and customer service, which are executed by various entities within the agribusiness sector. It is worth noting that this supply chain comprises both small and medium enterprises.
• In the current landscape of globalization and a competitive marketplace, collaboration within the supply chain has become imperative, particularly for perishable products. Such collaboration enhances procurement and operational practices.
• Supply chain planning in the agri-food industry involves the intricate synchronization of farmers, demand, and supply to ensure seamless operations for the end consumers.
• Supermarkets have disrupted the traditional distribution channel by eliminating intermediaries, resulting in reduced logistical and transportation demands for the movement of goods from manufacturers to consumers. This streamlined approach significantly enhances efficiency.
• Moreover, this direct link between manufacturers and retailers enables rapid replenishment of stock, quicker product offerings through websites, and prompt delivery to consumers post-purchase.

Measures for Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency:

• Establishing backward linkages with farmers through contract farming emerges as a necessity, bridging the gap between production and retail.
• Organizing retail stores in a structured manner is vital to ensure the efficient distribution of products and improve customer experiences.
• The expansion of cold storage facilities is essential to mitigate losses attributed to spoilage and enhance the preservation of perishable goods.
• Revisiting and amending the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act at the state level is a crucial step in the quest for a more efficient supply chain.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Fruits and Vegetables (FFV) hold a pivotal role within the retail chain, particularly in supermarkets, as they serve as a magnet for customers. The intricate journey of agri-food products from field to consumer involves a network of intermediaries. Supermarkets play a transformative role in the supply chain, streamlining processes and directly connecting manufacturers with consumers. To enhance supply chain efficiency, measures such as contract farming, organized retail structures, expanded cold storage facilities, and legislative reforms are imperative. These steps are crucial for not only optimizing the supply chain but also ensuring the availability of fresh and quality produce to consumers.

Q5: Discuss the work of 'Bose-Einstein Statistics' done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics.    (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction: In the early 20th century, Albert Einstein introduced the concept of the particulate nature of light, identifying these entities as 'photons' within his theory of the photoelectric effect. However, the principles of classical statistics could not adequately describe the number and probability characteristics of these photons. It was the brilliant insight of Satyendra Nath Bose that led to a novel application of statistics, enabling the prediction of the number and probability of these 'light particles.' This statistical framework, extended by Einstein himself, gave rise to a class of particles known as 'bosons' and was aptly named 'Bose-Einstein statistics.' A remarkable outcome of this statistics was the prediction that, at absolute zero Kelvin temperature, all bosons could condense into a low-energy state, an extraordinary phenomenon termed 'Bose-Einstein Condensate.' Nevertheless, it wasn't until 1995 that this condensate was experimentally realized, earning due recognition with the Nobel Prize in 2001.

How it Revolutionized Physics: The advent of the Bose-Einstein condensate and the process of condensation unleashed a plethora of unusual properties and opened doors to numerous applications, transforming the landscape of physics. This remarkable development has had far-reaching impacts in various domains, including:

• Advancements in the realm of superconductivity.
• The creation of highly sensitive detectors for precision measurement.
• Pioneering applications in the field of quantum computing.
• The development of highly accurate atomic clocks.
• Furthermore, the theory continues to be a cornerstone in ongoing research endeavors across a spectrum of areas, holding tremendous potential for practical applications as technology continues to evolve.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Satyendra Nath Bose's groundbreaking work in the field of 'Bose-Einstein Statistics' and the subsequent discovery of the 'Bose-Einstein Condensate' have left an indelible mark on the landscape of physics. The profound implications of this work have reverberated through various fields, from superconductivity to quantum computing, promising exciting opportunities for technological advancement and scientific exploration. Bose's visionary insights continue to inspire research and innovation, emphasizing the enduring significance of his contributions to the world of science.

Q6: What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment?    (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction: Solid wastes encompass materials that are discarded or abandoned, which may include various forms such as garbage, solid, liquid, semi-solid, or gaseous waste materials originating from diverse sources, including industrial, commercial, mining, and agricultural operations.

Impediments in Managing Vast Quantities of Solid Waste:

• The existing state of solid waste management (SWM) in India is suboptimal, primarily due to the underutilization of the most suitable and effective methods across the entire spectrum of waste management, spanning from collection to disposal.
• A significant challenge arises from the lack of training and a limited pool of qualified professionals specializing in waste management.
• Municipal authorities bear the responsibility for managing municipal solid waste (MSW) in India but often grapple with inadequate budgets to cover the expenses associated with establishing proper waste collection, storage, treatment, and disposal infrastructure.
• The absence of comprehensive MSW plans, efficient waste collection and segregation systems, and a regulatory framework for government finance pose major obstacles to achieving efficient SWM in India.
• Low environmental awareness, coupled with a lack of motivation, has hindered the adoption of innovative technologies and practices that have the potential to revolutionize waste management in the country.
• Public attitudes towards waste also pose a significant barrier to the improvement of SWM in India.

Treatment and Disposal of Solid Waste:

• Sanitary Landfills: These landfills are designed methodically to address leaching issues and incorporate impermeable materials like plastics and clay, often situated on impermeable soil.
• Incineration Plants: This involves the combustion of waste at high temperatures in large furnaces. Recyclable materials are separated, and the remainder is incinerated to produce ash.
• Pyrolysis: An alternative to incineration, it involves controlled combustion in the absence of oxygen. The resulting gas and liquid can be utilized as fuels.
• Composting: This biological process employs micro-organisms, predominantly fungi and bacteria, to decompose biodegradable organic waste in the presence of oxygen, resulting in a humus-like substance.
• Vermiculture: Earthworms are introduced into the composting process to break down waste, enriching the compost with valuable nutrients.
• The Four R's: Emphasizing the principles of Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle to foster sustainable waste management practices.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the management of solid waste presents a complex challenge, with multifaceted impediments, including inadequate SWM practices, limited resources, and environmental consciousness. The adoption of innovative waste treatment and disposal methods, such as sanitary landfills, incineration, pyrolysis, composting, and vermiculture, alongside the promotion of the Four R's, holds the key to addressing these issues and achieving efficient and sustainable solid waste management in India.

Q7: What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of 'wise use' in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India.    (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction: Wetlands are characterized as areas of land, whether natural or human-made, that are intermittently or continuously submerged in static or flowing water. These watery expanses may encompass fresh, brackish, or saline waters, including marine regions with depths not exceeding 6 meters at low tide. Wetlands occupy an intermediate ecological niche between deepwater and terrestrial habitats, enduring periodic flooding from adjacent deeper waters, thereby fostering flora and fauna adapted to shallow flooding and water-logged conditions.

Ramsar Concept of "Wise Use": At the core of the Ramsar Convention's philosophy lies the concept of "wise use" in the context of wetlands. This convention defines wise use as "the preservation of their ecological character, achieved through the application of ecosystem-based approaches, within the framework of sustainable development." In essence, it entails the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands, recognizing their manifold services for both humanity and the natural world.

In 1990, the Contracting Parties to the Convention endorsed guidelines to implement the wise use principle, emphasizing the importance of:

• Formulating national policies dedicated to wetlands, either as stand-alone initiatives or as integral components of broader schemes like national environmental action plans.
• Establishing comprehensive programs that cover wetland inventory, monitoring, research, training, education, and public awareness.
• Undertaking measures at specific wetland sites, encompassing the development of integrated management plans that address all aspects of the wetlands and their interactions with the surrounding catchment areas.

Ramsar Sites in India:

• Loktak Lake in Manipur received recognition under the Ramsar Convention in 1993. It was also placed on the Montreux Record due to ecological issues, including deforestation in its catchment area, water hyacinth infestation, and pollution concerns.
• Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan was designated as a Ramsar site in 1990. It was also included in the Montreux Record, primarily because of water scarcity and unbalanced grazing practices in its vicinity.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Ramsar Convention underscores the pivotal principle of "wise use" for wetlands, emphasizing the preservation of their ecological character while promoting their sustainable utilization within the framework of sustainable development. This approach is vital for the conservation of wetlands, which play a crucial role in supporting both biodiversity and human well-being. India has made notable contributions to this global effort, with designated Ramsar sites like Loktak Lake and Keoladeo National Park, despite certain challenges faced by these critical ecosystems.

Q8: Sikkim is the first 'Organic State' in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State?    (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction: Organic agriculture represents a comprehensive approach to managing agricultural production systems. It is designed to promote and enhance the overall health of the agro-ecosystem, encompassing vital aspects such as biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. This system places a strong emphasis on employing management practices over the use of external inputs, while considering the unique regional conditions that necessitate locally adapted strategies. To achieve this, organic agriculture relies on agronomic, biological, and mechanical methods rather than relying on synthetic materials.

Ecological and Economic Benefits:

• Organic farming offers a holistic solution that addresses soil health, human well-being, and environmental sustainability. Its eco-friendly practices make it an ideal choice for sustainable crop production and enhanced yields.
• Adoption of organic agriculture in India has the potential to deliver significant economic advantages to farmers while fostering environmental growth. This aligns with the broader goal of achieving food security and preserving natural resources.
• The application of scientific approaches within organic farming practices not only sustains but often enhances crop yields in the long term.
• Organic agriculture supports biodiversity, soil fertility, and the natural ecosystem processes that underpin agriculture. It enables farmers to mitigate the risks of crop failures and escalating production costs, promoting the production of high-quality, healthy food and fiber.
• Moreover, it contributes to the overall enhancement of the agro-ecosystem and soil health, benefitting crops, animals, and people through biological processes.
• The efficient use of local resources minimizes losses of nutrients, biomass, and energy resources.

Conclusion: In conclusion, organic agriculture represents a holistic approach to farming that prioritizes the well-being of agro-ecosystems, human health, and environmental sustainability. The adoption of organic farming practices in India holds immense promise, offering ecological and economic benefits that are pivotal for ensuring food security, environmental conservation, and sustainable agricultural production. Furthermore, the emphasis on locally adapted strategies and the minimization of resource losses contribute to the overall efficacy of organic agriculture in addressing the multifaceted challenges of modern agriculture.

Q9: The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China's larger' One Belt One Road' initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.    (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction
China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a significant component of China's One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative. The CPEC connects China's Xinjiang region to Pakistan's Gwadar port through a network of roads, railways, and waterways. This project is viewed as a vital part of China's ambitious plan to establish efficient trade and transport routes to European and Middle Eastern countries, aiming for the shortest possible connectivity.

Reasons for India's Distance from CPEC:

• Strategic Conflict: China's development of the Gwadar Port in Pakistan has raised concerns as it serves a dual purpose, facilitating both civilian trade and military usage. Its proximity to the Persian Gulf and the Chabahar port, through which India imports a substantial amount of crude oil from Iran and Iraq, poses a strategic challenge. India also maintains extensive trade relations with the UAE and other Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) nations through this route, which could be disrupted by China's presence at Gwadar.
• Threat to Internal Security: The highway passing through the disputed region of Kashmir, connecting to China, enables the rapid mobilization of Pakistani troops against India. Additionally, the construction of infrastructure like the highway could improve logistics for terror camps situated in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), potentially aiding terrorist activities.
• Potential Arms Race: The development driven by CPEC in Pakistan might fuel an arms race with India and provide financial support for anti-India activities on Pakistani soil.
• Threat to India's Sovereignty: The CPEC traverses through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), which remains a disputed territory and an integral part of India. China's increased military presence in the region, justified as security for the corridor, raises concerns.
• Political Concerns: The CPEC symbolizes a deepening relationship between China and Pakistan, raising the possibility of China's intervention in India-Pakistan bilateral affairs to safeguard its interests.
• Economic Concerns: The CPEC significantly shortens China's access to Africa, reducing India's advantage of a shorter sea route to Western Europe, West Asia, and Africa. This poses challenges to India's export routes.

Conclusion: In conclusion, India's approach to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is marked by various strategic, security, economic, and political concerns. It is essential for India to monitor the developments closely and enhance its capacities in the Arabian Sea to effectively counter any potential strategic challenges and the so-called "strings of pearl theory." As the CPEC continues to evolve, India must remain vigilant and proactive to safeguard its interests and maintain stability in the region.

Q10: Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India's approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE.    (Answer in 150 words)
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Introduction: Recent reports indicate a significant reduction in the geographical influence of Naxalism, with its presence now confined to 90 districts across the country, down from 165 districts. The first half of 2018 has witnessed the highest number of Maoist casualties in the past eight years, with at least 122 Maoists killed. These developments suggest a declining trajectory of LWE.

Government's Holistic Approach: The government has adopted a holistic approach to tackle Left Wing Extremism, addressing various dimensions that include security, development, safeguarding the rights and entitlements of local communities, enhancing governance, and managing public perceptions. It's worth noting that the maintenance of law and order, being a state subject, falls primarily under the purview of the State Governments.

However, the Central Government actively monitors the situation and collaborates with the states through multiple avenues, which encompass:

• Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
• Authorization of India Reserve (IR) battalions and establishment of Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism (CIAT) schools.
• Modernization and enhancement of State Police forces and their intelligence infrastructure.
• Reimbursement of security-related expenditures through the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme.
• Provision of helicopters for anti-LWE operations.
• Assistance in training State Police personnel through the Ministry of Defence, Central Police Organizations, and the Bureau of Police Research and Development.
• Sharing of intelligence with concerned states and state departments.
• Facilitation of inter-State coordination.
• Support for community policing and civic action programs.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the government's integrated strategy, known as SAMADHAN, aims to confront LWE comprehensively with a combination of short-term and long-term policies formulated at various levels. The declining trend in Naxalism's geographical influence, coupled with the government's multifaceted approach, indicates a concerted effort to address the challenges posed by Left Wing Extremism in India.