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Adheesh Raman

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Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Adheesh Raman
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Asked: January 7, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing To answer the question, it is important to break down the problem systematically and present facts clearly under appropriate headings. Here’s the roadmap: Introduction Briefly introduce the problem of agricultural land degradation in India, noting its scale and importance. Mention ...

upsc: land reforms
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    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Agricultural land degradation is a significant challenge in India, affecting nearly 30% (97.85 million hectares) of the country’s geographical area, according to ISRO's Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas. The following factors contribute to this issue: Soil Erosion: In rainfed aRead more

    Model Answer

    Agricultural land degradation is a significant challenge in India, affecting nearly 30% (97.85 million hectares) of the country’s geographical area, according to ISRO’s Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas. The following factors contribute to this issue:

    1. Soil Erosion: In rainfed areas, soil erosion, especially water erosion (80%), leads to a loss of soil fertility. Wind erosion (17%) and salinity/alkalinity (2%) further exacerbate the problem.
    2. Chemical Contamination: Overuse of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, along with construction activities, depletes soil nutrients, making it less suitable for farming. The Green Revolution, while increasing productivity, also contributed to long-term soil degradation.
    3. Shifting Cultivation: The practice of shifting (Jhum) cultivation, particularly in the Northeast, leads to soil erosion and reduced fertility, harming land productivity.
    4. Improper Land Use Practices: Overgrazing, deforestation, and urban sprawl, such as in Delhi NCR, contribute significantly to land degradation by converting agricultural land into urban or industrial areas.
    5. Extreme Weather Conditions: Droughts and coastal surges, such as the severe drought in 2019, reduce land productivity and contribute to soil salinization.

    Measures to Alleviate Agricultural Land Degradation

    To combat land degradation, several measures can be implemented:

    1. Agroforestry: Integrating perennial woody vegetation into farming systems helps improve soil quality by recycling nutrients and protecting the soil from erosion.
    2. Organic Farming: Avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides can restore soil health and increase fertility in the long term.
    3. Efficient Water Management: Techniques like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and micro-irrigation can conserve water and prevent soil erosion caused by water.
    4. Land-Use Planning: Sustainable land-use planning can prevent agricultural land from being converted into non-agricultural uses, promoting long-term agricultural productivity.

    The UN Convention to Combat Desertification aims for a land degradation-neutral world by 2030, with India needing to restore at least 30 million hectares of degraded land to meet this target.

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Adheesh Raman
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Asked: January 7, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction: Briefly define agricultural marketing in India, emphasizing its role in connecting farmers with consumers. Mention that agricultural marketing includes all activities such as storage, transportation, grading, and distribution of agricultural products. 2. Significance of Agricultural Marketing in India: Reduction ...

upsc: storage transport & marketing
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    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Significance of Agricultural Marketing in India Agricultural marketing plays a crucial role in the Indian economy by ensuring the smooth movement of agricultural products from farms to consumers. It encompasses various activities such as assembling, grading, storage, transportation, andRead more

    Model Answer

    Significance of Agricultural Marketing in India

    Agricultural marketing plays a crucial role in the Indian economy by ensuring the smooth movement of agricultural products from farms to consumers. It encompasses various activities such as assembling, grading, storage, transportation, and distribution, impacting both the financial and institutional aspects of agriculture.

    1. Reduction in Post-Harvest Losses: An efficient marketing system minimizes post-harvest losses, which currently account for 5-7% of India’s food production. By improving storage, transportation, and processing, agricultural marketing can help increase the marketable surplus and reduce wastage.
    2. Increase in Farm Income: A well-structured marketing system can improve price discovery, reduce the influence of middlemen, and ensure farmers receive better prices for their produce. This is critical in India, where more than half of the population is dependent on agriculture.
    3. Widening of Markets: Efficient agricultural marketing expands the market reach for farmers, both domestically and internationally, enabling them to access new markets and boost sales.
    4. Growth of Agro-based Industries: A strong marketing system supports the growth of food processing industries, which depend on agriculture for raw materials. However, only about 10% of India’s food production is processed, highlighting the need for growth in this sector.
    5. Adoption of New Technologies: With assured market access and better prices, farmers are more likely to invest in modern agricultural technologies, thus improving overall productivity.

    Government Initiatives to Improve Agricultural Marketing

    1. Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM): Launched in 2014, this initiative focuses on providing farmers with access to competitive markets, infrastructure, and better price realization. It includes schemes such as Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) and Agribusiness Development.
    2. E-NAM (National Agriculture Market): E-NAM aims to enhance transparency, improve price discovery, and extend farmers’ market reach through a digital platform. It facilitates farmers’ access to a larger number of markets.
    3. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): The government promotes the formation of FPOs to provide better market linkages and ensure sustainable marketing opportunities for farmers.
    4. Food Processing Schemes: Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) and the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLIS) support the growth of the food processing sector and the export of Indian food products.

    Conclusion

    The government’s initiatives are transforming the agricultural marketing landscape in India by improving market access, price discovery, and income for farmers. These efforts are expected to create a more efficient and transparent agricultural marketing system, benefiting both producers and consumers.

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Asked: January 7, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing: Introduction Define urban agriculture concisely, explaining it as the practice of growing food and non-food items within urban and peri-urban areas. Provide a brief overview of its significance in modern cities, citing how urban agriculture contributes to local food ...

upsc: agriculture & food management
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    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Definition of Urban Agriculture Urban agriculture involves the cultivation of food and non-food products within urban and peri-urban spaces, which can include activities such as vertical farming, rooftop gardens, aquaponics, and urban beekeeping. Globally, urban agriculture contributesRead more

    Model Answer

    Definition of Urban Agriculture
    Urban agriculture involves the cultivation of food and non-food products within urban and peri-urban spaces, which can include activities such as vertical farming, rooftop gardens, aquaponics, and urban beekeeping. Globally, urban agriculture contributes approximately 5-10% of legumes, vegetables, and tubers and up to 20% of all food supply, providing locally grown produce to city residents.

    Benefits of Urban Agriculture

    1. Health and Nutrition Benefits
      Urban agriculture reduces the supply chain by eliminating intermediaries, which helps maintain food nutrients and reduce food damage during transport. This local supply of fresh produce can reduce reliance on processed foods, potentially lowering the risk of lifestyle diseases related to poor diet. Source: FAO, Urban Agriculture Report 2021.
    2. Economic Benefits
      By shortening the distance between farm and consumer, urban agriculture strengthens the resilience of the food supply chain and reduces dependency on factors like oil prices and agricultural imports. It also supports job creation through the establishment of urban farming businesses, providing employment opportunities within local communities. Source: World Bank, Agriculture in Cities Review.
    3. Environmental Benefits
      Urban agriculture supports urban biodiversity, improves air quality, and can mitigate the urban heat island effect. It helps reduce carbon emissions by minimizing transportation needs and packaging. Additionally, green spaces in cities can act as carbon sinks and reduce stormwater runoff, particularly through techniques like aquaponics and street landscaping. Source: UN Environment Programme.
    4. Waste Management
      Organic waste can be composted for use in urban farms, reducing landfill needs and contributing to sustainable waste management. Source: Global Waste Management Outlook, UNEP.

    Challenges of Urban Agriculture

    1. Limited Access and High Costs
      Urban farming often requires costly private land or rooftop spaces, making it financially exclusive and limiting broader access. Source: Urban Land Institute Report.
    2. Water Demand
      Urban agriculture can strain city water resources since it often relies on potable municipal water, contributing to potential shortages. Source: World Resources Institute.
    3. Lack of Recognition
      Many governments lack formal policies supporting urban agriculture, and some view it as a nuisance. For instance, farming on the Yamuna floodplain in India has historically been disregarded in urban planning. Source: Ministry of Urban Development, India.
    4. Other Issues
      Urban farms face challenges like radiant heat from surrounding concrete structures, potential chemical contamination, and risks of theft or vandalism. Source: FAO, Challenges in Urban Agriculture.

    Urban agriculture holds great promise for sustainable city living, but recognizing its challenges is essential for effective integration into city planning.

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Asked: January 7, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing: Introduction Briefly introduce Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) by describing their role as the foundational village-level cooperative societies within India’s rural financial system. Define PACS and explain the three-tier cooperative credit structure in which they operate. Structure and Functioning of ...

upsc: banking & monetary policy
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    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are village-level cooperative credit societies that play a crucial role in India’s cooperative credit structure. They are the final tier in a three-layered structure headed by the State Cooperative Banks (SCB) at the state level and followedRead more

    Model Answer

    Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are village-level cooperative credit societies that play a crucial role in India’s cooperative credit structure. They are the final tier in a three-layered structure headed by the State Cooperative Banks (SCB) at the state level and followed by the District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) at the district level. Funds flow from SCBs to DCCBs, which then work directly with PACS to provide services to farmers. Each PACS is managed by elected members within the local farming community, ensuring farmer representation and accessibility.

    Significance of PACS in India

    1. Last-Mile Credit Facility PACS are primarily involved in short-term lending, often called crop loans, which is crucial for farmers to secure capital at the onset of the agricultural cycle. By offering timely access to credit, PACS help improve production and farm incomes. The village-level presence of PACS enables them to offer last-mile connectivity that mainstream banks may not provide.
    2. Financial Inclusion PACS contribute to financial inclusion in rural India by extending banking services to areas with limited access to formal banking institutions. Farmers who might otherwise lack access to credit are thus empowered, bringing more of the rural population into the financial ecosystem.
    3. Ease of Credit Access With simplified and minimal paperwork, PACS offer hassle-free credit services, facilitating faster loan disbursement and immediate access to funds. Office-bearers of the PACS often handle documentation, making the process seamless for farmers.
    4. Non-Credit Services Beyond credit, PACS provide essential services like farm advisory, quality input supply, equipment provisioning, output marketing, and technological support. This makes them multi-service centers for the rural community.
    5. Encouraging Savings and Credit Discipline By promoting a culture of saving, PACS empower farmers to reinvest in their farms and livelihoods. They also encourage credit discipline, reducing default risks, which strengthens the cooperative credit structure overall.
    6. Government Support The Union Budget 2023 allocated ₹2,516 crore for the digitization of 63,000 PACS, aimed at improving transparency and accountability.

    Through these services, PACS remain instrumental in supporting rural agricultural development and fostering financial stability at the grassroots level.

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Asked: January 7, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing When addressing the question, “What does the term ‘casualization of the workforce’ mean, and what are the disadvantages associated with this phenomenon in India?”, follow this structured approach: 1. Introduction Define the term “casualization of the workforce.” Briefly mention its ...

upsc: employment & skill development
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    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Understanding Casualization of the Workforce The term "casualization of the workforce" refers to a trend where employers increasingly hire workers on a temporary or contractual basis instead of providing permanent employment with associated social benefits, such as job security and emplRead more

    Model Answer

    Understanding Casualization of the Workforce

    The term “casualization of the workforce” refers to a trend where employers increasingly hire workers on a temporary or contractual basis instead of providing permanent employment with associated social benefits, such as job security and employee benefits. In India, this phenomenon has been on the rise, with the proportion of casual labor in urban areas increasing from 13.4% in 2019-20 to 14.1% in 2020-21 .

    Disadvantages of Casualization in India

    1. Job Insecurity: Casual workers face significant job insecurity, as they can be hired and fired at the employer’s discretion. This instability makes it challenging for them to make long-term life plans, such as purchasing a home or starting a family.
    2. Lack of Employment Benefits: Unlike permanent employees, casual workers often do not receive essential benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid leave. This lack of support can hinder their access to healthcare and financial security .
    3. Lower Wages: Casual laborers typically earn lower wages compared to their permanent counterparts for similar work. This wage disparity can make it difficult for them to support themselves and their families .
    4. Reduced Motivation: The combination of lower wages, lack of benefits, and unstable work schedules can lead to decreased motivation and productivity among casual workers .
    5. Weak Bargaining Power: Casualization diminishes workers’ bargaining power, as they are often not part of a collective bargaining unit. This situation makes it harder for them to negotiate better wages or working conditions .
    6. Impact on Women: Women are disproportionately represented in casual jobs, which often exposes them to exploitative conditions, lower wages, and fewer benefits .
    7. Lack of Skill Development: The temporary nature of casual jobs discourages workers from investing in skill development, limiting their future employment opportunities .

    While casualization can offer flexibility for both workers and employers, it is crucial for India to foster an ecosystem that encourages formalization in the labor market. This would provide better access to finance, infrastructure, and legal protections for workers.

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Asked: January 7, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing When addressing the question, “What are the effects of persistent economic inequality in India, and what challenges exist in tackling this issue?”, follow this structured approach: 1. Introduction Define economic inequality and its relevance in the Indian context. Briefly mention ...

upsc: inclusive growth & economic development
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    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Effects of Persistent Economic Inequality in India India's persistent economic inequality has far-reaching consequences that affect various aspects of society and the economy: Economic Risks: High levels of inequality can undermine economic growth and macroeconomic stability. When lowerRead more

    Model Answer

    Effects of Persistent Economic Inequality in India

    India’s persistent economic inequality has far-reaching consequences that affect various aspects of society and the economy:

    1. Economic Risks: High levels of inequality can undermine economic growth and macroeconomic stability. When lower-income households struggle to maintain health and accumulate capital, overall economic productivity suffers. Additionally, extreme inequality can erode trust and social cohesion, leading to conflicts that deter investment.
    2. Increased Social Polarization: Economic inequality hampers poverty reduction and social mobility. In a country already divided by religion, region, gender, and caste, rising inequality introduces another layer of division, exacerbating social tensions .
    3. Political Risks: Concentration of wealth can lead to a concentration of political power, marginalizing vulnerable populations in policy-making processes. This dynamic can foster crony capitalism and monopolistic practices, further entrenching inequality .
    4. Hampering of Social Justice: Inequality contributes to various health and social issues, including reduced life expectancy, higher infant mortality rates, and poor educational outcomes. These factors collectively hinder social justice and equity .
    5. Policy Risks: Growing inequality may provoke backlash against economic liberalization and fuel protectionist sentiments against globalization and market reforms.

    Challenges in Addressing Economic Inequality

    Several challenges complicate efforts to reduce economic inequality in India:

    • Proliferation of Low-Paid Jobs: The NITI Aayog has noted a significant prevalence of low-wage, low-productivity jobs, which restrict upward mobility for many citizens.
    • Low Investment in Health and Education: Economic inequalities limit the majority’s ability to invest in health and education, stunting human capital development. Furthermore, government spending in these sectors is minimal compared to developed nations .
    • Taxation Issues: Ineffective redistributive policies result in an uneven tax burden, disproportionately affecting the poor. For instance, the poorest half of the population bears nearly two-thirds of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) burden .
    • Social Factors: Caste and gender inequalities significantly restrict both intra-generational and inter-generational mobility, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disadvantage .

    To address these challenges, measures such as taxing the wealth of the richest 1%, easing the tax burden on marginalized groups, improving access to public services, and strengthening labor rights are essential for promoting equity and social justice in India.

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Asked: January 7, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing When addressing the question, “What are the reasons for the ongoing persistence of poverty in India, despite the various measures implemented for poverty eradication in recent years?”, follow this structured approach: 1. Introduction Define poverty and its implications on ...

upsc: inclusive growth & economic development
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    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Reasons for Persistent Poverty in India Despite significant efforts to eradicate poverty, India continues to grapple with persistent poverty, affecting approximately 228.9 million people, making it the country with the largest number of poor individuals globally . Several factors contriRead more

    Model Answer

    Reasons for Persistent Poverty in India

    Despite significant efforts to eradicate poverty, India continues to grapple with persistent poverty, affecting approximately 228.9 million people, making it the country with the largest number of poor individuals globally . Several factors contribute to this ongoing issue:

    1. Limited Fiscal Capacity: Both the central and state governments face constraints in their fiscal capacity, which limits their ability to allocate sufficient resources for poverty eradication initiatives. This financial limitation hampers the effectiveness of various schemes aimed at alleviating poverty.
    2. Corruption and Administrative Inefficiencies: Many poverty alleviation programs suffer from corruption and inefficiencies in administration, preventing benefits from reaching the most disadvantaged populations. This misallocation of resources undermines the intended impact of these initiatives .
    3. Agricultural Challenges: The fragmentation of land holdings and disguised unemployment due to surplus labor contribute to low agricultural productivity. As agriculture is a primary source of income for a significant portion of the population, these challenges hinder income growth and perpetuate poverty .
    4. Population Growth and Resource Limitations: Rapid population growth exacerbates the strain on limited resources, making it difficult to invest adequately in human capital. This lack of investment affects the overall well-being of the poor, limiting their opportunities for advancement .
    5. Inequitable Economic Growth: The lack of inclusive growth and inadequate wealth distribution means that the benefits of economic growth do not reach all segments of society. The trickle-down effect of economic progress is minimal, leaving many still in poverty .
    6. External Economic Shocks: International events such as wars and pandemics can destabilize macroeconomic conditions, leading to inflation and other economic challenges that further entrench poverty .

    To effectively tackle persistent poverty, India needs to shift its spending focus from broad subsidies to targeted support for vulnerable populations and increase public investment in long-term development initiatives .

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Asked: January 7, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing: 1. Introduction: Define Human Capital and its Link to Economic Growth (50-60 words) Definition of Human Capital: Human capital refers to the knowledge, skills, abilities, health, and education that people possess, which contribute to economic productivity. Human Capital’s Role in ...

upsc: inclusive growth & economic development
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    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Human Capital and Economic Growth Human capital refers to the collective skills, knowledge, experience, and abilities possessed by individuals within a society, which directly contributes to economic productivity and growth. A well-educated and skilled workforce is crucial for driving iRead more

    Model Answer

    Human Capital and Economic Growth

    Human capital refers to the collective skills, knowledge, experience, and abilities possessed by individuals within a society, which directly contributes to economic productivity and growth. A well-educated and skilled workforce is crucial for driving innovation, improving efficiency, and increasing productivity in various sectors. According to the World Bank, human capital is responsible for about two-thirds of the differences in income across countries, underscoring its pivotal role in fostering sustainable economic growth. A country’s investment in education, healthcare, and skills development directly correlates with its economic output and competitiveness in the global market.

    Addressing India’s Human Capital Deficit

    India faces a significant human capital deficit that affects its economic potential. The country’s human capital challenges include high dropout rates in education, inadequate healthcare, and the mismatch between skills development and market demands. The World Bank’s Human Capital Index (2018) ranks India 115th globally, signaling room for improvement. To overcome this deficit and boost economic growth, India must prioritize the following areas:

    1. Education and Skill Development: Focus on improving primary and secondary education systems, reducing dropout rates, and aligning vocational training with industry needs. A stronger focus on higher education, research, and innovation is also essential.
    2. Healthcare Investment: Improving healthcare infrastructure and access to quality medical services ensures a healthier, more productive workforce. The National Health Policy of India aims for universal health coverage and strengthening the healthcare system.
    3. Gender Equality: Addressing gender disparities in education and employment will enhance the overall productivity of the labor force, contributing to higher economic growth.
    4. Digital Literacy and Technology: Fostering digital skills will enable the workforce to adapt to technological advancements, improving productivity and opening up new economic opportunities.

    By prioritizing these areas, India can overcome its human capital deficit and drive sustainable economic growth.

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Asked: January 7, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing When addressing the question, “What are the challenges confronted by the food processing sector in India, and what measures has the government implemented to address these issues?”, follow this structured approach: 1. Introduction Briefly introduce the food processing sector ...

upsc: food processing
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    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Challenges in the Indian Food Processing Sector The food processing sector in India, while significant, faces several challenges that hinder its growth. Here are the key issues: 1. Lack of Cutting-Edge Infrastructure Many food processing businesses, especially small and medium enterprisRead more

    Model Answer

    Challenges in the Indian Food Processing Sector

    The food processing sector in India, while significant, faces several challenges that hinder its growth. Here are the key issues:

    1. Lack of Cutting-Edge Infrastructure

    Many food processing businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), struggle with inadequate infrastructure, such as insufficient post-harvest facilities and cold storage. This deficiency limits their ability to preserve and process food effectively (Source: Ministry of Food Processing Industries).

    2. Limited Access to Credit

    Access to finance is a persistent issue for SMEs in the food processing sector. The absence of a robust credit history mechanism makes it challenging for these enterprises to secure necessary funding, stifling their growth potential (Source: NABARD).

    3. Inefficient Supply Chain

    The supply chain in the food processing industry is often inefficient. Factors such as inadequate raw material availability, overreliance on Agricultural Produce & Livestock Market Committees (APMCs), and poor primary processing and distribution facilities lead to wastage and fragmented value chains (Source: Ministry of Food Processing Industries).

    4. Inadequate Quality Standards

    Enforcing quality and safety standards is difficult, particularly in the unorganized sector, where many entities operate without proper regulation. This results in issues like food adulteration, compromising consumer safety (Source: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India).

    5. Lack of Innovation and Research

    There is a notable deficiency in research and development, as well as a weak linkage between academia and the food industry. This lack of innovation limits advancements in processing technologies and quality assurance (Source: Ministry of Food Processing Industries).

    Government Initiatives

    To address these challenges, the Indian government has implemented several initiatives:

    1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY): This umbrella scheme aims to create modern infrastructure, improve access to finance for SMEs, and provide training (Source: Ministry of Food Processing Industries).
    2. Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME) Scheme: This program focuses on formalizing micro-enterprises in the unorganized sector, enhancing their capabilities (Source: Ministry of Food Processing Industries).
    3. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Food processing is a key sector under this scheme, designed to support global competitiveness and promote Indian food brands internationally (Source: Government of India).
    4. Mega Food Parks: The establishment of these parks provides world-class facilities and services to food processing clusters, facilitating better operations (Source: Ministry of Food Processing Industries).
    5. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The sector allows 100% FDI under the automatic route, encouraging more investment (Source: Government of India).

    Through these measures, the government aims to strengthen the food processing sector, enhancing its contribution to India’s GDP and economic growth.

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Asked: January 7, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Briefly introduce the context of pension schemes in India. State the significance of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Mention that the NPS replaced the OPS in 2004 due to financial sustainability concerns. Key Differences Between ...

upsc: socio-economic issues
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    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer 1. Nature of the Scheme NPS: A defined contribution pension scheme where both employees and employers contribute to the fund, and the returns are market-linked. OPS: A defined benefit pension system where government employees receive a fixed pension based on their last drawn salary, aloRead more

    Model Answer

    1. Nature of the Scheme

    • NPS: A defined contribution pension scheme where both employees and employers contribute to the fund, and the returns are market-linked.
    • OPS: A defined benefit pension system where government employees receive a fixed pension based on their last drawn salary, along with dearness relief adjustments twice a year.

    2. Eligibility and Risk

    • NPS: Open to all Indian citizens between the ages of 18 and 65. The pension amount depends on market performance, so it involves a degree of investment risk.
    • OPS: Exclusively available to government employees. It guarantees a fixed pension, with no associated risk.

    3. Tax Benefits

    • NPS: Contributions of up to ₹1.5 lakh annually are tax-deductible under Section 80C, with an additional ₹50,000 under Section 80CCD(1B).
    • OPS: No specific tax benefits are applicable to OPS subscribers.

    4. Pension Amount

    • NPS: 60% of the pension corpus can be withdrawn as a lump sum at retirement (with 60% being tax-free), while the remainder must be invested in annuities.
    • OPS: Provides a fixed pension amount of 50% of the last drawn salary, along with regular dearness relief adjustments.

    Rationale Behind the Introduction of NPS

    The New Pension Scheme (NPS) was introduced in 2004 to address the growing financial strain caused by the Old Pension Scheme. Several key factors led to this shift:

    • Increasing Pension Liabilities: The government’s pension obligations were escalating rapidly, especially due to rising life expectancy and improved healthcare. By 2020-21, the central government’s pension bill had increased by 58 times compared to 1991ustainable Nature of OPS:** OPS posed a financial burden, with pension liabilities threatening the fiscal health of state governments. For example, Himachal Pradesh‘s pension bill accounted for nearly 80% of the state’s own tax revenues .
    • Poand Flexibility: NPS introduced a system of portability, allowing employees to carry their pension across different jobs and locations, unlike OPS. This was designed to encourage retirement savings and provide a more sustainable financial solution .
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