GS Paper - III Model Answers (2022) - 2 | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

Q11: ''Economic growth in the recent past has been led by increase in labour productivity.'' Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity.
Ans: According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), labor productivity denotes the total output volume (measured in Gross Domestic Product, GDP) generated per unit of labor (measured in employed persons or hours worked) within a specific time period.
India has experienced economic growth driven by heightened labor activity in recent times. Several factors have contributed to this trend.
A significant factor has been the rise of remote work due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Working from home has enabled individuals to invest more time in their economic pursuits, leading to increased labor activity and subsequently higher productivity.
Moreover, sectors like ed-tech and digitally driven fields have thrived during this period, fostering greater labor activity, productivity, and ultimately, economic growth.
Government initiatives such as Skill India, focusing on workforce upskilling, and Startup India, encouraging the startup ecosystem, have resulted in the formation of a skilled workforce. Additionally, the resumption of economic activities after prolonged Covid-induced lockdowns has bolstered labor activity and productivity.
To sustain job creation without compromising labor productivity, various steps can be taken:

• Promotion of Manufacturing-Intensive Industries, MSME Sector, and Start-Ups: These sectors should be supported to generate a sufficient number of jobs without compromising labor productivity.
• Government Capital Expenditure: The government can create jobs through strategic spending while ensuring labor productivity remains intact.
• Upskilling Programs and Government Recruitment: Initiatives focusing on upskilling the workforce and increasing government recruitments can be undertaken in a financially responsible manner.
• Automation and Efficient Technologies: Emphasizing automation and adopting new technologies can maintain labor productivity and foster economic growth.
• Inclusion of Marginalized Workforce: Efforts should be made to integrate marginalized sections of the population into the mainstream workforce, enabling them to actively contribute to labor activity.

In summary, the surge in labor activity, resulting in increased productivity and economic growth, has characterized the post-pandemic economy. It is crucial to establish a growth pattern that ensures the continuity of this trend.

Q12: Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above bjective? Explain.
Ans: During the 26th meeting of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), India committed to a comprehensive five-point agenda program. One of the key objectives within this program is to satisfy 50% of its energy demands through renewable sources by 2030.
India has made significant progress towards these commitments:

• India has surpassed its pledge made at the COP 21 Paris Summit by already achieving 40% of its electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuels.
• India stands out as one of the world's leading modern bioenergy producers.
• Currently, India ranks as the third-largest global producer of renewable energy, with 40% of its total electricity capacity derived from non-fossil fuel resources.
• India's extensive UJALA LED bulb campaign is reducing emissions by an impressive 40 million tonnes annually.

However, there are various challenges on the path to reaching these objectives:

• To meet these ambitious targets, India will require substantial financial investment. According to a report by BloombergNEF (BNEF), fulfilling wind and solar energy targets alone will necessitate $223 billion.
• In the short term, challenges arise from increasing interest rates, a depreciating rupee, and high inflation, all of which pose difficulties in financing renewable energy projects.
• Meeting these targets also demands that the Indian government reduces taxes by a significant amount, approximately 2 lakh crores, by 2030. This reduction will affect other sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
• Although fossil fuel subsidies by the Union government have decreased by 742% since 2014, subsidies for coal, oil, and gas increased ninefold in 2021-22. Consequently, fossil fuel subsidies in India remain nine times higher than those allocated to renewable energy sources. This demonstrates a lack of a complete transition to subsidizing renewable energy.

In conclusion, shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables can facilitate the promotion of electric vehicles, while raising taxes on fossil fuels can help India achieve its 2030 targets. Subsidizing renewables will make them appear more cost-effective and counteract the entrenched interests in fossil fuels that hinder the entry of new renewable energy players into the market. For instance, providing subsidies for electric vehicles and increasing taxes on fossil fuels will contribute to reaching the required emission reduction levels necessary to align with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5-2 degrees Celsius.

Q13: What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India?
Ans: Agriculture serves as the cornerstone of the Indian economy, retaining its pivotal role despite the growth of other sectors. It significantly influences India's overall economic landscape. Agricultural marketing primarily falls under the jurisdiction of individual states, with the Central Government lending support through central sector schemes. The agricultural marketing process encompasses both upstream components, such as agricultural inputs like seeds, machinery, and technology, and downstream elements, which involve the food processing industry.
Nevertheless, numerous challenges persist in both the upstream and downstream segments of agricultural marketing:

• In the upstream phase, one of the main obstacles is the limited implementation of reform policies, exemplified by the incomplete adoption of the Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (APLMA) Act in several states.
• Contract farming has been excluded from the purview of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC), citing concerns about conflicts of interest. This exclusion creates gaps in both upstream and downstream processes.
• Another hindrance in the downstream phase is the flawed Minimum Support Price (MSP) provision, which compels private traders to purchase produce at or above the MSP or face penalties. This can undermine private markets for agricultural products.
• Effective procurement by the state and its agencies, involving local institutions like Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and producer companies, plays a crucial role in sourcing and purchasing activities in the upstream and downstream processes.
• Regrettably, the Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2017 (APLMA, 2017), does not address the contentious role of Arthiyas (commission agents or CAs) in the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committees (APMCs) and maintains their central status in the system, affecting the entire agricultural marketing process.
• Nonetheless, implementing reforms such as the removal of entry barriers, engaging various stakeholders, and adopting electronic settlement of sales can enhance the marketing of agricultural products.
• Dealing with the challenges of the agricultural market is a complex endeavor, but it is achievable. Doubling farmers' income is contingent on the development of a thriving agricultural market. Therefore, it is imperative to shift the focus from agricultural production to agricultural marketing.

Q14: What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India?
Ans: The Integrated Farming System (IFS) is a complex agricultural model that combines various compatible elements such as crops (both field and horticultural crops), agroforestry (agri-silvi culture, agri-horticulture), livestock (including dairy, poultry, and small ruminants), fishery, mushroom cultivation, and beekeeping in a synergistic manner. This approach ensures that the waste generated in one component of the system serves as input for other components, leading to optimal farm productivity.
For small and marginal farmers, IFS offers several benefits:

• Effective Utilization of By-products: By utilizing by-products from one component of the farming system as inputs in another, supplementary and complementary relationships are established. For instance, cattle dung mixed with crop residues and farm waste can be transformed into nutrient-rich vermicompost, reducing input costs.
• Maximized Yield and Stable Income: IFS maximizes the yield of all enterprises, ensuring a steady and stable income at higher levels, which is crucial for the livelihood of small and marginal farmers.
• Improved Productivity and Agro-ecological Equilibrium: IFS rejuvenates and ameliorates system productivity, achieving agro-ecological equilibrium. It also helps control insect pests, diseases, and weeds naturally, maintaining them at low levels.
• Reduced Chemical Usage: By managing natural cropping systems effectively, IFS reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers and harmful agrochemicals and pesticides. This results in pollution-free, healthy produce and environment for society.
• Mitigating Environmental Impact: IFS mitigates the negative impact of agriculture and livestock on the environment, promoting sustainable farming practices.
• Diversified Income Sources: Small and marginal farmers can generate regular stable income through various products like eggs, milk, mushrooms, vegetables, and silkworm cocoons.

Given that 86% of farmers in India are small and marginal, promoting IFS is crucial for inclusive growth. Encouraging these farmers to adopt IFS can help them achieve self-sufficiency, balanced nutrition, higher net returns, and improved living standards. Additionally, it creates employment opportunities and contributes to the overall development of rural communities while conserving natural resources and crop diversity.
However, there are challenges such as financial constraints, lack of awareness, and limited government support for certain crops like mushrooms and beekeeping. Addressing these challenges is essential to realizing the full potential of IFS for small and marginal farmers.

Q15: Launched on 25^th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race?
Ans: The James Webb Space Telescope, also known as JWST or Webb, is a significant infrared telescope boasting a 6.5-meter primary mirror. It was effectively launched from French Guiana on December 25, 2021, resulting from a collaborative effort between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency.
Distinguishing Features of James Webb Telescope Compared to Other Telescopes:

A notable distinction is that the James Webb Telescope, along with the Herschel Telescope, orbits the L2 region, unlike previous telescopes launched into low Earth orbit. This positioning enhances image capture due to the utilization of diverse wavelengths. Moreover, the James Webb Telescope's larger mirror size facilitates the collection of a broader area in comparison to other telescopes.
Key Advantages and Objectives

• The James Webb Telescope aims to achieve several key goals, including:
• Searching for the First Galaxies: Investigating the galaxies that emerged after the Big Bang.
• Studying Galaxy Evolution: Determining the evolution of galaxies from their initial formation to the present.
• Observing Star Formation: Examining the formation of stars from their earliest stages to the development of planetary systems.
• Analyzing Planetary Systems: Measuring the physical and chemical properties of planetary systems and exploring the potential for life within these systems.

Benefits to Humanity
The Webb telescope offers significant benefits to humanity:

• Understanding Early Galaxies: Provides insights into the formation and growth of ancient galaxies.
• Detecting Life Possibilities: Enables the detection of potential life on other planets by analyzing water and methane in exoplanet atmospheres using infrared wavelengths.
• Studying Star Birth: Facilitates the observation of star births as its infrared light can penetrate dust.
• Examining Black Holes: Allows the study of black holes from different perspectives, offering data on temperatures, speeds, and chemical compositions.
• Exploring Extrasolar Planets: Helps in observing the atmospheres of planets beyond our solar system.

As the successor to the Hubble Telescope, the James Webb Telescope's unique characteristics promise extensive exploration in the fields of astronomy and cosmology, providing valuable insights into the mass, age, history, and composition of ancient galaxies.

Q16: What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines?
Ans: Vaccines are biological products designed to safely trigger an immune response that offers protection against infections and diseases upon subsequent exposure to a pathogen. Most vaccines primarily contain one or more protein antigens, which initiate immune responses that confer protection.

• Fundamental Principle of Vaccine Development:
  The fundamental goal of vaccines is to confer protection against a pathogen by imitating its natural interaction with the human immune system. Vaccines prompt the immune system to generate immunological memory through T and B lymphocytes. This memory aids in mounting a swift and effective response when exposed to the specific pathogen.
• Functioning of the Immune System:
  When a pathogen invades the body, the immune system is activated, leading to the destruction of the pathogen. Antigens, the components of a pathogen that stimulate the production of antibodies, play a crucial role in this process.
• Operation of Vaccines:
  Vaccines contain weakened or inactivated portions of antigens that initiate an immune response within the body. This weakened form of the antigen prompts the immune system to react similarly to how it would when encountering the actual pathogen for the first time.

Approach Taken in Developing India's First Indigenous COVID-19 Vaccines:
COVAXIN:

• Developed by Bharat-Biotech.
• It is an inactivated vaccine created by deactivating the live microorganisms responsible for the disease.
• Developed using the Whole-Virion Inactivated Vero Cell-derived platform technology.

COVISHIELD:

• Developed by the University of Oxford in partnership with the Swedish-British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
• Manufactured in India by the Serum Institute of India (SII).
• Based on a weakened version of an adenovirus found in chimpanzees, which is similar to a common cold virus.
• This viral vector carries the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein present on the virus's outer surface, facilitating its binding to human cells.

India's vaccination campaign achieved a historic milestone, surpassing the 200-crore mark in July 2022. India has consistently supported the research, development, and production of COVID-19 vaccines, following the "Make-in-India" and "Make-for-World" strategy and employing advanced technologies like CoWIN.

Q17: Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.
Ans: Global warming refers to the prolonged increase in Earth's surface temperature observed since the pre-industrial era (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels. This activity elevates levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere.
Impact on Global Climate:

• Premature snowmelt, vanishing glaciers, and severe droughts are leading to water shortages.
• Rising sea levels result in increased coastal flooding.
• Heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and heightened flood levels pose challenges for agriculture, forests, and urban areas.
• Disruption of coral reefs and alpine meadows could drive numerous plant and animal species to extinction.
• Higher air pollution levels will lead to increased allergies, asthma, and infectious diseases.

Measures to Control Greenhouse Gas Emissions Causing Global Warming:
The Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty adopted in 1997 and enforced in 2005, commits countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It targets six gases, including Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄), Nitrous Oxide (NO₂), Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆), hydrocarbons (HCFs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Several mechanisms exist under the Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas levels:

• The Clean Development Mechanism enables countries with emission reduction commitments to implement projects in developing nations.
• Carbon credits, tradable certificates equivalent to one tonne of CO2, aim to restrict greenhouse gas concentration growth. They can be earned through afforestation, carbon sequestration, methane capture, etc.
• Joint Implementation allows countries with emission reduction commitments to earn emission reduction units from projects.
• Emission trading permits countries to sell unused emission units to nations exceeding their targets.

The Kyoto Protocol adheres to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and stands as the sole global treaty with binding limits on greenhouse gas emissions.

Q18: Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard?
Ans: Coastal erosion, which refers to the process of coastal sand removal or land displacement due to local sea level rise, strong wave action, and the intrusion of seawater, is a significant concern along the Indian coastline. The Ministry of Earth Sciences has informed the Lok Sabha that a considerable portion of the 6,907.18 km-long Indian mainland coastline is experiencing various degrees of coastal erosion.
The causes of coastal erosion can be categorized as follows:
Natural Factors

• Global Warming: The elevated concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has led to planetary warming, resulting in the melting of glaciers and subsequently raising sea levels. This has significantly increased the threat of coastal erosion.
• Planetary Cycles: The positions of the Earth and Moon create tidal movements in the sea every fortnight.
• Strong Winds: High-energy winds blowing across the planet generate waves that gradually break rocks into sand along the shores.
• Warming of Sea Water: Increased sea surface temperatures have led to the formation of cyclones in the Indian peninsula, contributing to the destruction of coastal areas.

Anthropogenic Factors

• Violation of Coastal Management Zones (CMZ) regulations by construction and development activities.
• Energy Production in Coastal Areas, such as nuclear energy and tidal energy plants.
• Dredging in shallow waters near the coasts.
• Reduced sand flow from rivers into the ocean.

The consequences of coastal erosion include:

• The rise in sea level heightens the risk of submerging small islands.
• Coastal habitat destruction increases the vulnerability of coastal flora and fauna.
• Loss of income from coastal ecosystems.

To mitigate coastal erosion, various coastal management techniques are employed:

• Natural Approaches
  Coastal Shelter Belts: Natural barriers like mangroves, coral reefs, and lagoons serve as effective defenses against sea storms and erosion, as they absorb and deflect the energy of the waves, contributing to shore protection and environmental preservation.

Artificial Measures

• Geo-synthetic Tubes/Bags: These are tube-shaped bags filled with sand slurry and equipped with weather-resistant geotextile. They are used to create artificial coastal structures like breakwaters, dunes, or levees, reducing wave energy and safeguarding against coastal erosion.
• Artificial Beach Nourishment: This technique involves adding substantial amounts of sand or sediment to beaches to combat erosion and increase beach width, often referred to as "soft armoring."
• Groynes: Active structures that extend into the sea from the shore are known as groynes. They are designed to intercept and retain sediment moving along the shore, primarily in a longshore direction.

Given the alarming impact of climate change and the inevitable rise in sea levels, it is imperative to incorporate concrete coastal planning, including the consideration of relocating people to safer areas, in densely populated coastal regions across India.

Q19: What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.
Ans: Cybersecurity pertains to safeguarding cyberspace, encompassing critical information infrastructure, against a variety of threats, such as attacks, damage, misuse, and economic espionage. It involves a range of technologies and practices aimed at thwarting different forms of cybercrimes.
Key facets of cybersecurity encompass:

• Application Security: Involves taking measures throughout the application development process to shield it from vulnerabilities arising from flaws in design, development, and deployment.
• Information Security: Concerned with protecting information from unauthorized access to prevent identity theft and preserve privacy.
• Network Security: Encompasses activities that ensure the network's usability, reliability, integrity, and safety.
• Disaster Recovery Planning: Encompasses risk assessment, priority establishment, and strategy development in the event of a cyber-attack.
• End-user awareness: Involves disseminating information and raising public awareness regarding different aspects of cybersecurity.

Challenges in cybersecurity revolve around key issues like:

• Escalation of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure in recent times.
• Inadequate infrastructure and trained personnel to address cybersecurity issues.
• Limited emphasis on cybersecurity preparedness in the private sector.
• Vulnerability of vast amounts of data due to India's expanding digital ecosystem and inadequate infrastructure and procedures.
• Non-signatory status to the Budapest Convention, which aims to combat cybercrimes through enhanced investigative techniques and international cooperation.

To address cybercrimes, India has adopted a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. This strategy includes legal frameworks like the Information Technology Act, the establishment of specialized agencies such as CERT-In, NCIIPC, and I4C, and initiatives like Cyber Surakshit Bharat, NCCC, Cyber Swachhta Kendra, and ISEA.
The government implemented a National Cyber Security Policy in 2013, and in 2020, the Data Security Council of India conceptualized the National Cyber Security Strategy, led by Lt General Rajesh Pant. However, its implementation by the central government is pending.
In light of evolving cyber threats, India continues to make efforts to confront the challenges posed by cybercrimes, but further action is needed to effectively mitigate these threats.

Q20: Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism.
Ans: Naxalism, named after the village Naxalbari in West Bengal, is regarded as the most significant security threat faced by the country. The movement originated in 1967, led by Kanu Sanyal and Jagan Santhal, as a rebellion against local landlords in response to a land dispute. It spread across eastern India and less developed states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Key Issues:

• Forest Rights and Displacement: The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, has deprived tribal communities of their forest resources, leading to mass displacement due to developmental and mining projects.
• Lack of Essential Services: Naxalite-affected regions face a lack of essential services, including education, freedom, sanitation, and food. The approach to tackling Naxalism is unclear, whether as a social issue or a security threat.
• Infrastructure Challenges: Some villages struggle with infrastructural problems such as communication and connectivity. Additionally, there is a lack of technical intelligence to combat Naxalites effectively.
• Political Participation and Upliftment: Limited political participation by tribal communities and a failure of political authorities to uplift the deprived sections exacerbate the problem.

Strategies to Address Naxalism:
Social Dimensions:

• The Aspirational District Programme addresses Left Wing Extremism (LWE) comprehensively, focusing on the rights and entitlements of local communities and enhancing governance and management.
• The Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme provides support to security forces and compensates civilians/security forces affected by LWE violence.
• Initiating dialogues between Naxalites and government officials, promoting equal participation in elections, and ensuring access to basic resources can improve conditions.

Economic Dimensions:

• Addressing economic disparities and creating more employment opportunities with higher wages can uplift the affected regions, reducing the appeal of Naxalism.
• Implementing a coherent national strategy at the central level is crucial to effectively combat Naxalism.

Developmental Dimensions:

• Projects like the Road Connectivity Project for LWE-affected areas (RCPLWE) and LWE Mobile Tower Project aim to improve road and mobile connectivity in Naxalite-affected regions.
• Addressing infrastructure concerns is essential to the overall development of these areas.

Despite some limited success, the root causes of Naxalism have not been fully addressed. It is imperative for the central and state governments to collaborate closely, continuing their efforts to develop a unified and effective strategy to combat this threat.