GS Paper - III Model Answers (2023) - 2 | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

Question 11: Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. (250 words, 15 marks)
Ans:
Introduction
In developing economies such as India, structural unemployment is often a consequence of various factors, including the shift from agriculture to a service-based economy, structural deficiencies like inadequate capital formation, infrastructure limitations, and rapid population growth. These challenges manifest in forms like seasonal employment, hidden unemployment, and underemployment, which are prevalent in India.

Periodic Labour Force Survey(PLFS) conducted by National Statistical Office measures unemployment status using Usual status and CWS annually.
However, this structural nature is not adequately reflected in unemployment measures.

Issues with Unemployment Methodology: 

• Traditional definition of Unemployment may underestimate true picture in developing economy, as:
  • Decisions to search for work are constrained by social norms (E.g., Patriarchy) 
  • The definition, which equates 'work' with economic activity, doesn't include unpaid care-work by women.
  • Unemployment cannot be restricted to merely those "searching-for-work", as in India where seasonal unemployment is prevalent, some workers may not venture actively to seek work, but would be available for employment if suitable opportunities arise.
• UPS limitations:
  • May not reflect true picture of unemployment due to prevalence of seasonal employment and majority of informal workforce.
  • Suitable to measure chronic unemployment but fails to measure cyclical unemployment due to temporary fluctuations in business cycle.
  • Recall errors: Usual status requires a recall over a whole year of what the person did. But, in case of irregular and multiple forms of work, it becomes a challenge and may result in recall errors.
• CWS limitations: In Indian labour-market, where demand for labour is non-uniform throughout the year with regional-variations, CWS either underestimates or overestimates unemployment status.
• Disguised unemployment: Existing approaches fail to estimate extent of underemployment and disguised unemployment prevalent in India, especially in agrarian sector.
• Regional variations: PLFS do not account for regional variations in extent and nature of unemployment. E.g., Unemployment is rural phenomenon in several states, whereas concentrated in urban areas for others.

Suggestive Measures:

• Revise definition of "labour-force" and "worker" to include individuals: 
  • engaged in care-economy.
  • not-actively seeking work due to barriers like social norms or lack of short-term gainful employment.
• Conduct labour surveys multiple times in a year to overcome challenge of non-uniformity of demand for labour throughout the year.

Replace CWS, which overestimates labour force and workforce, with Modified CWS(MCWS) to include only those who were in labour force for major part of the week.

Conclusion
By implementing the recommended enhancements, India can gain a deeper insight into its unemployment issues and develop customized solutions to address them, ultimately paving the way for comprehensive economic growth and development.

Question 12: Distinguish between 'care economy' and 'monetized economy'. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment? (250 words, 15 marks)
Ans:

Introduction
The concept of the Care Economy encompasses unacknowledged, uncompensated, or undercompensated activities, such as looking after children, the elderly, and household chores. In contrast, the Monetized Economy pertains to the exchange of goods and services at rates determined by the market.

As per the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Care Economy constitutes approximately 9% of the worldwide Gross Domestic Product, equivalent to roughly $11 trillion. Nevertheless, the feminization of the Care Economy is evident in India, where women dedicate eight times more of their time to caregiving activities compared to men, as revealed by the National Statistical Office's Time Use Survey.

ILO’s 5R framework for Decent Care Work which include - Recognise, Reduce, Redistribute, Reward and Representation to empower women and transform the care economy. Strategies include:

Recognise: Beijing Platform for Action has recommended the implementation of time-use surveys to capture, quantify and value care economy. Ex: Columbia's Care Economy law.

Adequate Investment in care infrastructure such as Pre-Primary Education, Health, Electricity, drinking water, LPG connection etc. For example, additional 2% investment would create 11 million additional jobs in India.

Social Protection Policies: 

• Allow tax deductions of care-related expenses by the households for formalisation of domestic workers. 
• Provide for the cash transfer to women so that they can purchase childcare services from domestic workers.

Promote active labour market policies: 

• Paid maternity leave and Paternity leave to care for the children. 
• Efficient implementation of Public Works Programme such as MGNREGA 
• Enhance skill set through vocational training and retraining to enhance employability. 
• Provide Gender-sensitive work environments such as reduced or flexible working hours. 
• Facilitate entry of women into Gig Economy 
• Nurture and promote women led SHGs.

Redistribute: Support NGOs and Private sector to care for the children and Elderly Ex: Old age homes, Pre-Primary Schools etc.

Conclusion
The strategies mentioned above can contribute to the attainment of objectives outlined in various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (eradicating poverty), SDG 3 (promoting good health and well-being), SDG 4 (ensuring quality education for all), SDG 5 (achieving gender equality), SDG 6 (ensuring access to clean water and sanitation), and more.

Question 13: Explain the changes in cropping pattern in India in the context of changes in consumption pattern and marketing conditions. (250 words, 15 marks)
Ans:
Introduction
Cropping pattern pertains to how crops are arranged in a specific area, considering both the timing and spatial distribution. It is the product of extensive agricultural traditions, environmental conditions, government regulations, financial considerations, and historical influences.

Changes due to consumption patterns:

• Area under millet cultivation is reduced as their consumption is substituted by cereals (rice/wheat) due to a rise in income, increased availability through PDS, penetration of their diversified value-added products, ease of preparation and short cooking time.
• Dietary transition towards more protein and mineral-rich foods resulted in increased cultivation of Pulses and Horticultural crops.
• Shift in demand for organic products, especially fruit and vegetables in cities, due to increased awareness in consumers led to increased areas of cultivation of organic crops. Ex., share of net area under organic farming in India increased from 0.9% in 2016 to 3.9% in 2022.

Changes due to market conditions:

• Government intervention in marketing:
  • MSP support and Procurement policies changed cropping patterns in favour of cereal crops.
  • Government subsidy support to sugar mills for procuring cane from farmers at FRP resulted in excessive sugar production. Area under cultivation of sugarcane in India almost doubled from 1990¬91 to 2020-21.
• Export demand: Increased cultivation of commercial crops due to favourable export potential after LPG reforms. Area under foodgrains in the gross cropped area declined by 11% and was replaced by crops like oilseeds, fruits and vegetables and non-food crops in the last three decades.
• Contract-farming: New marketing arrangements like contract-farming between corporations/traders and farmers resulted in crop diversification and the introduction of new crops in many regions. E.g., Chicory farming in Punjab; Gherkins in Andhra Pradesh; Potato in Gujarat.

Conclusion
The interconnectedness of consumption, markets, and cropping choices highlights the necessity for adaptable agricultural strategies to guarantee food security and economic development in India.

Question 14: What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies. (250 words, 15 marks)
Ans:
Introduction
The Government provides agricultural subsidies accounting for 2% of the GDP and 21% of farm income to support farmers, enhance productivity and ensure food security.

DIRECT SUBSIDIES are financial incentives provided by Government directly to the farmers in the form of price support, income support etc.

• PM-KISAN provides cash transfer to farmers.
• Minimum Support Price (MSP): If the market prices fall below MSP, the Government purchases crops to support farmers.
• PM-KUSUM provides for Installation of solar pump sets.
• PMKSY provides micro-irrigation.
• PMFBY provides crop insurance.
• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund provides subsidies on post-harvest infrastructure such as cold chains, collection centers etc.
• Credit subsidy in the form of Interest rate subvention on short term crop loans.
• Farm loan waivers

INDIRECT SUBSIDIES are provided in the form of reduced input prices or indirect support to farmers in form of:

• Fertilizer Subsidy: Urea Based Subsidy Scheme and Nutrient based Subsidy (for P&K Fertilizers).
• Electricity subsidy
• Water subsidy
• Capital support to seed companies.
• Export subsidies in form of transport assistance. 

Issues raised by WTO:

• MSP: India's Implementation of NFSA has led to increase in trade distorting Amber box subsidies beyond 10% of the value of production in 1986-88.
• Public Stockholding of food grains is crucial for ensuring food security. However, WTO considers this as trade-distorting subsidies.
• FRP on sugarcane has exceeded the product specific subsidy limit under AoA.
• Export subsidies on sugar in violation of AoA.
• Fisheries Subsidies may contribute to overfishing of marine resources.
• India's failure in fulfilling its obligation in notifying its domestic support for sugarcane.

Conclusion
Presently, some of these issues have been resolved through the temporary "Peace clause". India has argued that subsidies are necessary to ensure food security. Hence, India must engage in meaningful negotiations to arrive at permanent solution to the issue. 

Question 15: The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? (250 words, 15 marks)
Ans:

Introduction
With a growing demand for cost-effective and environmentally sustainable transportation solutions, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are garnering worldwide favor in contrast to Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEVs). It is anticipated that the sales of EVs in India will surpass 50 million by the year 2030.

EVs hold greater benefits over ICE-V such lower Carbon footprint, reduced running cost, simpler design and manufacturing.

For Carbon emissions, an ICE-V runs primarily on fossil fuels which are carbon-based fuels and releases high quantities of Carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere.

Whereas an EV is powered by an electric motor which runs on stored electricity in a lithium-based battery. If the electricity is produced from Renewable energy like Solar and Wind, then the Carbon emissions over a long-period can be significantly lower than ICE-V. However, with advent of Biofuels for ICE-V, Carbon emissions of ICE-V can also be minimized.

EVs also offer simple manufacturing assembly where the number of machine and moving parts are way lower in number than ICE-V, thus it holds advantages for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to manufacture EVs over ICE-V. The number of EV startups at a small-scale is evident.

Running cost of any transportation system is major consideration for transitional society like India, as the prices of solar power has been consistently lower than any other source. Thus, for a solar rich and an aspirational developing country, EVs are practical choices. Apart from this, EVs also offer better ride experience like power and efficiency.

Consequently, Government has initiated National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020, FAME to popularise and Incentivise EVs in Indian Market. Also, initiatives like National Solar Mission, SAMARTH, PM-KUSUM are making electricity production more carbon neutral.

However, concerns like limited charging infrastructure proliferation, high initial cost of EVs, higher dependence of critical mineral resources like lithium and cobalt are slowing the adoption of EVs.

Conclusion
As a result, there remains significant potential for expanding Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing to decrease the overall carbon footprint. Additionally, the network of grid-connected roads must continue to grow consistently to achieve the goals outlined in the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020.

Question 16: What is the main task of India's third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the "Virtual Launch Control Centre' at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota. (250 words, 15 marks)
Ans:

Introduction
India has become the fourth country to successfully demonstrate soft moon landing and first country to land near the lunar South pole

Other countries to have achieved this are USSR(Russia) with their LUNA mission, USA under the Apollo and Artemis mission and China with their Chang'e mission.

The main mission objective of Chandrayaan is to demonstrate soft landing near the Lunar south pole, perform roving on the lunar surface and conduct onsite scientific experiments.

The Chandrayaan-3 payload has three subsystem modules such as Propulsion module, Lander Module and a Rover.

The propulsion module is to propel the Lander into the right orbit around the Moon and also, it shall perform some observation of the moon for another 3 to 6 months.

Lander Module is to perform soft moon landing near the Lunar South Pole and the Rover is deployed from the lander, both the lander and the rover shall perform various surface experiments.

The virtual launch control centre (VLCC) at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is technically an observational desk to remotely carry out system diagnosis or checkup of major components of the rocket before the actual launch. It extensively reduces chances of failure by ensuring proper functioning of all the components.

Conclusion
Following the triumph of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, India's forthcoming space endeavors, such as Aditya L1, Gaganyaan, and Shukrayaan, appear to be sensible progressions in the realm of space exploration, given the potential for scientific and technological advancements they can offer.

Question 17: Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India's wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites. (250 words, 15 marks)
Ans:

Introduction
Wetlands represent unique ecological systems where the presence of water, whether permanent or seasonal, gives rise to oxygen-depleted (anoxic) conditions, particularly in the soil. These environmentally sensitive wetlands have a pivotal role in upholding the ecological equilibrium and the overall health of the environment in the country.

National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) was initiated by the Government of India during the year 1985 – 86 with the primary objective of conserving wetlands to prevent their further degradation.

Important Provisions: 

• Identification and Conservation of wetlands of international 
• Financial Assistance to assist states for wetlands conservation 
• Monitoring and Implementation: Regular monitoring of the wetlands under the programme is done to ensure effective implementation of conservation measures. 
• Research and Database Development while maintaining a central database 

Appraisal: NWCP has been instrumental in drawing attention to the importance of wetlands and their conservation in India. However, the lack of a centralized wetland policy and overlapping roles of different governmental bodies have sometimes hindered effective conservation. Aso, the process of industrialisation and urbanisation in parallel has proved to be challenges.

Areas where the programme could be strengthened: 

• Holistic approach is required to address the growing threats to wetlands, such as encroachments, pollution, and climate change, in a more comprehensive manner. 
• Community Involvement
• Coordination: Between central and state agencies can enhance the effectiveness of the programme.

Conclusion
While the Wetland Rules of 2017 have made efforts to tackle the concerns through a more decentralized approach, it is essential to consistently assess and adjust them to confront evolving challenges and secure the enduring preservation of these critical ecosystems.

Question 18: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region? (250 words, 15 marks)
Ans:

Introduction
The accelerating increase in the global mean sea level is driven by a combination of factors, including the melting of ice sheets in polar and high mountain regions, the thermal expansion of water due to elevated temperatures, land subsidence, groundwater expansion, and reduced sediment availability in coastal areas.

Impact of Sea Level rise on India and Indian Ocean regions: 

• Permanent submergence of low-lying areas coastal areas, atolls and limestone islands by higher mean sea levels or mean high tides. Ex. Maldives, Mumbai, Sundarbans delta etc. 
• Increase in frequency of extreme weather events like tropical cyclones – destruction of life and property.
• Salinisation of groundwater aquifers, wetlands and soils leading to crises of freshwater availability and damaging agriculture in coastal areas. 
• Enhanced coastal erosion: Sea level rise along with depleted sediment supply will trigger erosion on shorelines. 
• Chronic flooding at high tides particularly in low-lying areas and islands. 
• Loss and change of coastal ecosystems and resulting ecosystem services: 
• Landward expansion of vegetation as vegetation on coasts cannot saline water intrusion and coastal characters shifting inwards.
• Impeded drainage in coastal areas as natural flow of water will be impeded in low-lying areas leading to flooding. 

Socio-economic impacts of sea level rise:

• Refugee crisis as millions living on coasts are forced to move inwards. 
• Damaging of Coastal infrastructure and ports leading to wider economic consequences. 
• Compromise of food security in coastal areas 
• Increase on population pressure on land as less land will available after submergence.
• Rise of diseases due to water and sanitation crises like diarrhoea, cholera and vector borne diseases like Malaria.
• Social conflict due to lesser availability of land and resources. 

These direct results of Sea level rise coupled with ocean acidification, ocean deoxygenation etc. will enhance the damage in coastal areas and marine biodiversity.

Conclusion
Thus, there is a need to prevent adverse impact of sea level rise by immediate, fast and profound mitigation and adaptation actions like land reclamation, ecosystem-based protection (mangroves and reef restoration) and structural interventions like coastal walls, dykes, land-reclamation and regulation of coastal zones (CRZ regulations).

Question 19: What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats. (250 words, 15 marks)
Ans:

Introduction
India due to its large geographical expanse (shares land and maritime boundary with multiple countries), critical location (between Golden crescent and triangle), multi-ethnic society (insurgency) and exclusive growth trajectory (extremism) poses following internal security threats for India.

• Terrorism, Extremism, and Neo-Terrorism: These threats are prominent in regions like Jammu and Kashmir (also with emergence of hybrid terrorism), the resurgence of the Khalistan movement (separatist movement) and left-wing extremism affecting central and peninsular part of India. 
• Insurgency and Illegal Migration: Separatist movements, sub-national aspirations, and demands for autonomy contribute to insurgency, especially in the Northeastern states, where porous borders also facilitate illegal migration.
• Organized Crime: Criminal networks exploit law and order gaps, engaging in activities like drug trade, human trafficking, and money laundering, often with links to terrorism, complicating security efforts. 
• Social Media: Radicalization through social media and the misuse of digital platforms for political gains can impact law and order and overall security. 
• Maritime Security: India's extensive coastline and strategic location expose it to maritime security threats, including piracy and smuggling.
• Cybercrime and Multiverse: The rise of cybercrime poses a significant security challenge, as the digital realm becomes a new frontier for warfare and disruption.
  

To respond to the various security threats, India has established and employs a range of intelligence

and security forces:

• IB (Intelligence Bureau) and R&AW (Research and Analysis Wing): These agencies gather intelligence within India and conduct counterintelligence and counter-terrorism operations.
• National Investigating Agency (NIA) Act: NIA conducts thorough investigations and operates NIA courts for speedy trials of terrorism-related cases.
• NATGRID (National Intelligence Grid): NATGRID collects ground-level information and collates it in an easily accessible manner for relevant agencies.
• Coastal and Maritime Security: The National Committee for Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Security (NCSMCS), led by the Cabinet Secretary, ensures robust coastal and maritime security measures.
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): CBI handles complex economic and conventional crimes, often collaborating internationally to combat transnational crime.
• National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO): NTRO is a technical intelligence agency under the National Security Advisor in the Prime Minister's Office, specializing in technical surveillance and intelligence.
• National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC): NCIIPC is a 24x7 mechanism focused on safeguarding critical information infrastructure from cyber threats.
• Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): CERT-In coordinates crisis management efforts and acts as a nodal agency for addressing cyber threats effectively.

Conclusion
These agencies collectively contribute to India's efforts to address and mitigate a wide range of internal and external security challenges.

Question 20: Give out the major sources of terror funding in India and the efforts being made to curtail these sources. In the light of this, also discuss the aim and objective of the 'No Money for Terror (NMFT)' Conference recently held at New Delhi in November 2022. (250 words, 15 marks)
Ans:

Introduction
Terrorism is defined as systematic use of violence to create a general climate of fear to attain a political objective and for this purpose it needs financing for recruitment, planning and executing their vicious activities

Sources of terror funding can be both external or internal:

• Religious Donations: Such as zakat, also contributes to terrorism financing, with some of it finding its way into terrorist activities in countries like India.
• Radical Charities: Radical charities persist, such as Jamaat ul-Dawa and LeT in Pakistan.
• Remittances: Indian extremist groups receive foreign remittances, notably from the Gulf, raising concerns.
• Counterfeiting of Currency: Pakistan uses counterfeit Indian currency, sourced both domestically and internationally, to fund various terrorist groups.
• Narco-Finance: Drug trafficking, primarily from Afghanistan, provides substantial financing.
• State Sponsorship: Pakistan's ISI directly funds terrorism in India, with ISI utilizing various sources, including charities, NGOs, drug trafficking, zakat donations, and counterfeiting
• Internal Sources: Historically, terrorism funding within India relies on illegal finances. Extortion, taxation, and crime and from over ground workers in areas.

India has implemented a multifaceted approach to combat terrorism financing:

• The Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, focuses on preventing and controlling money laundering, with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) receiving reports on suspicious transactions.
• The Enforcement Directorate investigates money laundering offenses and coordinates internationally.
• Special units, such as the Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Cell and Terror Funding and Fake Currency Cell, address terror funding cases.
• Amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2013 expanded its scope. 
• India is also a member of international bodies like FATF, EAG, and APG. Demonetization has been used as a tool but isn't a comprehensive solution

In this regard, NMFT conference was organized recently in India which:

• Differentiated b/w fighting terrorist and terrorism: The fight against terrorism differs from fighting individual terrorists. Terrorism involves a network of individuals, necessitating a proactive, systemic response.

• Condemned State sponsored terrorism: State support for terrorism is a significant issue, and countries backing terrorists must face consequences.

• Organized Crime nexus: Organized crime as a source of terror funding, emphasizing the need to combat it.

• Role of International institutions: like the UN Security Council, FATF, and technology play crucial roles was recognized.

• Emerging areas: Cyberterrorism was recognized as emerging area.
• India is also a member of international bodies like FATF, EAG, and APG. Demonetization has been used as a tool but isn't a comprehensive solution

In this regard, NMFT conference was organized recently in India which:

• Differentiated b/w fighting terrorist and terrorism: The fight against terrorism differs from fighting individual terrorists. Terrorism involves a network of individuals, necessitating a proactive, systemic response.
• Condemned State sponsored terrorism: State support for terrorism is a significant issue, and countries backing terrorists must face consequences.
• Organized Crime nexus: Organized crime as a source of terror funding, emphasizing the need to combat it.
• Role of International institutions: like the UN Security Council, FATF, and technology play crucial roles was recognized.
• Emerging areas: Cyberterrorism was recognized as emerging area.

Conclusion
Thus, a common approach to counterterrorism, through international coordination and joint operations, is essential to prevent misuse of legal differences was broadly agreed upon.