GS Paper - III Model Answers (2022) - 1 | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

Q1: Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India.
Ans: Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are a collaborative approach that allows governments to procure and deliver public infrastructure and services by harnessing the resources and expertise of the private sector.
In the context of infrastructure projects, especially in developing countries, governments encounter the challenge of meeting the escalating demand for improved infrastructure services. The introduction of PPPs represents a valuable solution to enhance the quality and efficiency of these services. This is particularly crucial because the available funding and the capacity of the public sector to execute projects within established timelines are often limited. Partnering with the private sector presents an attractive alternative for enhancing and expanding the supply of infrastructure services.
PPPs play a vital role in augmenting the public sector's limited capacity to meet the growing demand for infrastructure development. They enable the development of the local private sector through collaborations with larger firms in various areas such as civil works, electrical works, facilities management, security services, cleaning services, and maintenance services. Additionally, the long-term value-for-money is achieved by appropriately transferring risks to the private sector throughout the project's lifespan, spanning from construction to operations.
Regarding the role of the PPP model in the redevelopment of railway stations in India, the station redevelopment project consists of two main components:

• Mandatory station redevelopment, which aims to facilitate smooth and hassle-free travel for passengers.
• Station estate (commercial) development, designed to unlock multiple revenue streams and ensure the overall viability of the project.

The Government of India is actively promoting reforms in railway infrastructure by leveraging PPPs. The first station to undergo redevelopment through this process was Gandhinagar in Gujarat. Numerous other stations, including prominent ones like New Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, as well as those in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, are slated for redevelopment in the future. It's important to note that the responsibility for train operations and safety certification remains with Indian Railways.
PPPs offer the public sector several advantages, including potential cost savings, enhanced quality, and the ability to scale up infrastructure services to meet targets. NITI Aayog's strategy for "New India @ 75" envisions various objectives for railway infrastructure, such as increasing the daily infrastructure construction speed from the current 7 km/day to 19 km/day and achieving 100% electrification of broad-gauge tracks by 2022-23.

Q2: Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India.
Ans: In a market economy, goods and services are produced and allocated according to supply and demand dynamics, driven by profit motives and without government interference.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines inclusive growth as economic expansion that is distributed equitably across society and provides opportunities for all.
Achieving inclusive growth within a market economy presents challenges.

• The absence of government intervention limits the scope for social welfare programs.
• Profit-driven efficiency does not consider the hardships faced by marginalized populations.
• This often results in further socio-economic vulnerability, including job losses.

Market economy encourages privatization, which, when unregulated, can negatively impact a significant portion of the population, such as through high education fees and exorbitant prices for vaccines and essential medicines.

• Financial Inclusion entails ensuring affordable access to financial services for vulnerable groups.
• The government has introduced various initiatives, such as PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and PM Mudra Yojana (PMJY), with the goal of promoting financial inclusion in the country.
• These programs aim to expand the reach of formal financial services and enable more people to participate in the economic mainstream.
• This integration of more individuals into the formal economic system fosters a culture of savings, further contributing to economic growth.
• Extending loans (through PM Mudra Yojana) plays a vital role in financial inclusion, facilitating the establishment of more MSMEs, start-ups, and other economic contributors.
• Pension-related programs like the Atal Pension Yojana enable the elderly population to remain economically active and lead dignified lives.
• Technology-driven financial inclusion, such as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), can also spur economic growth by reducing leakages and facilitating greater access to formal financial services.
• While a market economy is known for its economic efficiency, it may not be the ideal system for implementing inclusive growth based on equity and socio-economic well-being.

Q3: What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can it be made effective and transparent?
Ans: The Public Distribution System (PDS) in India, established under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, is a food security initiative jointly managed by the central and state governments. However, several challenges plague the PDS system in the country:

• Beneficiary Issues: Studies reveal that eligible recipients often don't receive their entitled food grains, while ineligible individuals wrongfully benefit from the system.
• Leakages during Transportation: Targeted PDS experiences significant leakages of food grains during transit, leading to losses.
• Open-ended Procurement: The system allows the acceptance of incoming grains regardless of buffer stock levels, causing shortages in the open market.
• Storage Capacity Shortfall: Government storage facilities fall short, as indicated by a performance audit by the CAG.

To address these challenges and enhance transparency, several measures can be implemented:

• Technology Integration: Utilize technology-based solutions to improve the efficiency of the PDS. However, transitioning to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) should be approached cautiously.
• Public Participation: Increase public involvement through social audits, engaging Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Cooperatives, and NGOs. This will ensure transparency at the grassroots level.
• Aadhar Integration: Integrate Aadhar (a unique identification system) with Targeted PDS to better identify beneficiaries and rectify inclusion and exclusion errors, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the PDS.

Considering PDS's significance as a major government welfare program, the way forward involves strengthening the existing Targeted PDS system. This can be achieved through capacity building and training of implementing authorities, coupled with efforts to eliminate leakages and ensure the efficient distribution of food grains to those in need.

Q4: Elaborate the scope and significance of the food processing industry in India.
Ans: The food processing industry refers to the sector that transforms agricultural products into consumable forms using various processing methods.
Scope:

• India possesses approximately 60.4 percent of its land as agricultural land and is a leading producer of fruits, vegetables, milk, meats, and cereals.
• India stands as one of the largest consumer markets globally.

Significance:

• It provides a profitable market for farmers, contributing to doubling their income.
• Acts as a crucial link between agriculture and the manufacturing sector, generating employment opportunities.
• Organized supply of readily available processed food can alleviate nutritional poverty in India.
• Efficient forward and backward linkages can mitigate food inflation and reduce delays in bringing products to the market.
• Increased production of processed foods at the industry level can enhance India's export capacity in the international market.

Limitations:

• The unorganized nature of the industry hampers the formulation of comprehensive focused policies.
• Inadequate logistical infrastructure leads to wastage of food resources.
• Dysfunctional backward and forward linkages cause supply and demand bottlenecks in the economy.
• Insufficient investment and technological upgrades hinder the industry from realizing its full potential.

Way Forward:

• Formalizing the sector is essential to unlock its true potential.
• Increased investment and support for logistical infrastructure can create new ventures and job opportunities within the industry.
• Coordination among various government ministries and departments is necessary for both Greenfields projects and ongoing initiatives.
• Implementing an integrated system can reduce post-harvest losses, further enhancing the supply of agricultural products.

Q5: The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them?
Ans: Life expectancy is a projection of the number of years an individual is expected to live, commonly measured at birth. In India, various factors such as enhanced public health coverage and improved sanitation have contributed to a steady increase in life expectancy, currently standing at approximately 70 years.
However, this rise in life expectancy presents new challenges for the community:

• Strain on Public Healthcare: The already burdened public healthcare system faces additional pressure.
• Health Vulnerabilities: Exposure to air pollution and recurring pandemics make the population more susceptible to diseases.
• Increased Non-Communicable Diseases: Longer lifespans result in more people living with illness and disability due to non-communicable diseases.
• Financial Burden: Families and the state bear a growing financial burden due to the healthcare needs of an aging population, including health insurance and medical treatments.
• Resource Utilization Issues: Accelerated resource consumption poses challenges in their fair distribution and management.

Despite these challenges, there are potential solutions:

• Health Awareness: Raising awareness about diseases and health can enhance overall population health, leading to reduced medical needs later in life.
• Healthy Lifestyles: Encouraging healthier lifestyles can lessen the economic burden on families and the state by decreasing the need for extensive medical care.
• Improved Public Health System: Enhancements in the quality and accessibility of the public health system are essential to meet the challenges posed by increased life expectancy.

In summary, while the rise in life expectancy brings both positive and negative effects, effective management and strategic interventions can transform these challenges into positive outcomes for the larger community and the country.

Q6: Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose, is deposited on the surface of Planet Earth. What are the natural processes this cellulose undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water and other end products?
Ans: Cellulose is regarded as the most abundant organic compound on Earth and has the chemical formula (C6H10O5)n, forming chains. It serves as a vital structural component in the primary cell walls of green plants, various algae forms, and oomycetes. Certain bacteria species secrete cellulose to create biofilms.
Cellulose Properties:

• It is a complex carbohydrate composed of oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen.
• Cellulose is chiral, tasteless, and odorless.
• It is biodegradable, insoluble in water, and most organic solvents.

Natural Processes Involving Cellulose:
Biosynthesis:

• Cellulose is synthesized in plants at the plasma membrane through Rosette Terminal Complexes (RTCs).
• RTCs contain cellulose synthase enzymes responsible for synthesizing individual cellulose chains.
• Breakdown (Cellulolysis):
• Cellulolysis involves breaking down cellulose into smaller polysaccharides (cellodextrins) or completely into glucose units.
• Bacteria utilize these breakdown products for proliferation.
• Ruminants digest the bacterial mass in their digestive systems, specifically the stomach and small intestine.

Breakdown (Thermolysis):

• Cellulose undergoes thermolysis (pyrolysis) at temperatures above 350 °C.
• During this process, cellulose decomposes into solid char, vapors, aerosols, and gases like carbon dioxide.
• Semi-crystalline cellulose polymers react at pyrolysis temperatures (350–600 °C) in a matter of seconds.
• This transformation occurs through a solid-to-liquid-to-vapor transition.
• The highest yield of vapors, which condense into a liquid known as bio-oil, is obtained at 500 °C.

Applications:

• Cellulose is primarily used for producing paperboard and paper.
• Research is ongoing to convert cellulose from energy crops into biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol, aiming to fulfill India’s goals in the Paris Climate Agreement. If successful, this technology could be revolutionary, providing a renewable fuel source.

Q7: Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg protocol.
Ans: Photochemical smog, also recognized as Los Angeles smog, results from the interaction of solar radiation with airborne pollutants, specifically nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• Formation:
  Photochemical smog forms when primary pollutants like nitrogen oxides (nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and nitrous oxide) and VOCs concentrate in the atmosphere. Secondary pollutants like aldehydes, tropospheric ozone, and PAN can also contribute. The process begins with nitrogen oxides absorbing sunlight, forming nitric oxide (NO) and free oxygen atoms (O), which react with molecular oxygen (O2) to create ozone (O3). Additionally, hydrocarbons and other organic compounds, when combined with sunlight, undergo chemical reactions leading to the formation of photochemical smog.
• Effects:
  Chemicals in photochemical smog, when mixed with hydrocarbons, create molecules that irritate the eyes and can be toxic to humans, causing symptoms such as eye irritation, reduced vision, and shortness of breath. It also contributes to acid rain and eutrophication.
• Mitigation:
  Several mitigation measures can be implemented, including the use of catalytic converters to reduce vehicle emissions of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons. Additionally, transitioning to cleaner transportation options like biofuels, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and electric vehicles can help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and urban pollution.
• Gothenburg Protocol:
  The Gothenburg Protocol, adopted in 1999 by UNECE countries in Gothenburg, Sweden, aims to combat acidification, eutrophication, and ground-level ozone. Also known as the Multi-effect protocol, it establishes emission limits for 2010 concerning four pollutants: sulphur, NOx, VOCs, and ammonia. These limits are based on scientific assessments of pollution effects and mitigation strategies. The protocol was updated in 2012 to include particulate matter and black carbon, and negotiations are ongoing for a revised version.

Q8: Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples.
Ans: Cloudbursts refer to brief, intense periods of rainfall that occur within a limited geographical area. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), they are characterized by unforeseen precipitation exceeding 100mm per hour over an area of approximately 20-30 square kilometers. In the Indian Subcontinent, these events are primarily observed in the Himalayan region.

• Mechanism of a Cloudburst:
  When moisture-laden air encounters hilly terrain, it can lead to the formation of vertical columns of clouds, specifically cumulonimbus clouds. These clouds are typically associated with rain, thunder, and lightning. The instability of these clouds results in a concentrated, heavy rainfall over a small area, particularly in the valleys and ridges between the hills.
• Factors Contributing to Cloudbursts:
  Cloudbursts tend to occur when relative humidity and cloud cover are at their highest levels, accompanied by low temperatures and slow winds. These conditions cause rapid condensation of clouds, resulting in a cloudburst event.
• Recent Cloudburst Incidents:
  In July 2022, an Amarnath Cloudburst resulted in significant casualties among pilgrims on their journey. Furthermore, in August 2022, cloudbursts and flash floods caused several fatalities and extensive damage in various regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

In response to the increasing frequency of cloudbursts, there is a growing need to establish a comprehensive network of weather monitoring instruments and enhance computing capabilities, especially in hilly regions.

Q9: Discuss the types of organised crimes. Describe the linkages between terrorists and organised crime that exist at the national and transnational levels.
Ans: Organised crime refers to illegal activities conducted on a large scale for profit, orchestrated and planned by powerful criminal organizations. Some prominent forms of organized crime include smuggling, racketeering, drug and human trafficking, among others.
Organised crime can be broadly divided into 'traditional' and 'non-traditional' categories. Traditional activities encompass activities like extortion, contract killings, and smuggling, while non-traditional activities include cybercrime, political corruption, and white-collar crimes.
It is important to note that terrorism is not categorized as organized crime because it is motivated by political and ideological agendas rather than profit. However, there is often a symbiotic relationship between organized crime and terrorism. Terrorist groups require financial support and logistical assistance, which are sometimes provided by entities engaged in organized crime. Additionally, terrorists themselves may engage in activities falling under organized crime, such as extortion to fund their anti-state activities.
Examples, such as the 1993 Mumbai bombings, demonstrate how individuals and entities involved in organized crime offer logistical support to terrorists. This support includes smuggling dangerous materials, providing human resources, establishing communication networks, sharing information, and arranging financial aid.
As a result, organized crime and terrorism are closely interconnected at both national and international levels, posing a significant threat to a country's security.

Q10: What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security.
Ans: India shares its maritime border with seven nations, spanning over 7000 km. Maritime security measures are essential to safeguard the country's territorial sovereignty from potential marine threats. Challenges include issues such as smuggling, human trafficking, cross-border terrorism, illegal migration, piracy in maritime trade, and environmental hazards.
India has implemented various initiatives to address these challenges:
Organisational Efforts:

• The Security and Growth for All (SAGAR) policy promotes collaboration with Indian Ocean region nations.
• Integrated theatre command establishment enhances coordination and efficiency.
• The International Fusion Centre (IFC) in Gurugram facilitates information sharing in the Indian Ocean region.
• The Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) was launched by the Quad nations for improved coordination.
• India actively participates in organizations and dialogues like IONS, IORA, and India-EU maritime dialogue.

Technical Advancements:

• Mission-based deployment of naval assets, including INS Vikrant and Nuclear Submarines, enhances security.
• India is developing digital cargo and bay arrangement optimization for increased efficiency.
• The Indian Navy employs the advanced Electronic Warfare System 'Shakti' and digital surveillance technologies.

Procedural Measures:

• India adheres to the rules and regulations of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a signatory.
• Operational interactions with friendly nations occur through joint Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) surveillance.

The Way Forward:

• Swift coordination and collaboration among security institutions are crucial to enhancing maritime security services.
• Establishing an integrated multilateral data sharing platform can aid in preventing marine threats through multilateral information sharing.
• Sharing best practices from other marine nations holistically among friendly nations can further strengthen maritime security efforts.