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Neeru Kumari

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Neeru Kumari
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Neeru KumariBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In:
  • 1

Draw attention to the opportunities, importance, and difficulties that the Indian food processing industry faces.

upsc: food processing
  1. Rubi Gautam
    Rubi Gautam Begginer

    The food processing sector offers a vital linkage between agriculture and industry.. With India moving from a position of scarcity to surplus in food production the prospects for increasing processing levels are enormous. Potential of Food Processing Sector in India Sunrise industry: Less than 10% oRead more

    The food processing sector offers a vital linkage between agriculture and industry.. With India moving from a position of scarcity to surplus in food production the prospects for increasing processing levels are enormous.

    Potential of Food Processing Sector in India

    • Sunrise industry: Less than 10% of India’s agri-output is processed and most of it is primary processing that offers lower value-addition. India’s significant agricultural production strength, along with low levels of current processing offer huge opportunities for growth.
    • Promising growth pattern: The sector grew at an Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR) of around 8.5% from 2014-18 and constituted as much as around 9 per cent and 11 per cent of Gross Value Added in the Manufacturing and Agriculture sector respectively. Also, cheaper workforce availability can be effectively utilized to setup large low cost production bases for domestic and export markets.
    • Market composition: India’s large and growing market, rising income, changing consumption patterns due to urbanization, changes in the gender composition of workforce, growing household consumption (which is expected to double by 2020) etc. are likely to give boost to growth of this sector.
    • Increased Investments: From 2014-19, FDI inflow into Indian food industry has been increasing steadily to the tune of USD 3.28 billion at a CAGR of more than 4%.

    Significance of Food Processing Sector

    • United Nations estimates that 40% of production is wasted. Similarly, the NITI Aayog estimated annual post-harvest losses of close to Rs. 90,000 crore. Thus, food processing is also significant from the point of reducing food waste.
    • With a growth rate of 10.35% in the 2010-17 period, this sector provides huge employment generation potential also.
    • Owing to the labour intensive nature of the food processing industry, it has a higher multiplier effect on the overall economy.
    • Moving up the value chain in the processed food sector is key to doubling farmer’s income by reducing food wastage; enhancing food exports and contributing to food security.

    Challenges facing the Food Processing Sector

    • There is a lack of efficient supply chain infrastructure and inadequate expansion of processing and storage capacity commensurate with agriculture production.
    • Minimization of losses in the perishable segment requires huge investment with a long payback period in farm gate infrastructure, storage & cold chain infrastructure and expansion of processing capacities.
    • Low level of food processing and value addition impacts our competitiveness & export performance.
    • Inadequate linkage of processors, exporters and bulk purchasers with farmers results in mismatch between industry requirements and supply of agri-produce by the farmers.
    • Inadequate and high cost of credit fails to attract prospective entrepreneurs in the food processing sector for investment.
    • Multiple permissions & clearances, inadequate marketing experience, tough labour laws, uniformity of standards applicable to small and large units act as disincentives for smaller establishments.
    • There is a lack of adequate emphasis on food safety standards along the food value chain to promote Good Hygiene Practice (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

    To realize the potential of this sector, the Government of India has accorded it ‘high priority’ status under its Make in India initiative. Furthermore, policy environment is being made conducive through efforts like relaxation of FDI norms, marketing reforms, and facilitation of infrastructure creation through schemes like National Mission on Food Processing, Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, Mega Food Parks Scheme, Agri export zones etc. This shall go a long way in making India the ‘Food Basket of the world’.

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Neeru KumariBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In:
  • 0

Describe inclusive growth and discuss its implications for India’s overall development.

upsc: inclusive growth & economic development
  1. Sunita Soni
    Sunita Soni Begginer

    India has made significant progress on several indicators of inclusive growth such as, skill development, financial inclusion, improvement in indices such as Human Development Index, Social Progress Index etc. However, the process of inclusive growth has not been completely actualised. Inclusive groRead more

    India has made significant progress on several indicators of inclusive growth such as, skill development, financial inclusion, improvement in indices such as Human Development Index, Social Progress Index etc. However, the process of inclusive growth has not been completely actualised. Inclusive growth is significant for overall development in India for following reasons:

    • Alleviating poverty and bridging income inequality: As per 2011 Census, about 22% of India’s population lives below the poverty line. Further, an Oxfam report reveals that India’s richest 1% holds more than four- times the wealth held by the bottom 70% of the country’s population. In such a situation,inclusive growth through equitable distribution of resources and sustainable economic growth, will help in lifting millions out of poverty and bridging the gap between the rich and poor.
    • Curbing unemployment: According to the National Sample Survey Office’s (NSSO) jah survey for 2017-18, the unemployment rate in India was over 6 per cent which is a 45-year high.Inclusive growth can ensure targeted development of physical infrastructure which is crucial for creation of large scale employment opportunities for the unskilled/semi-skilled workers in India.
    • Improving healthcare, water and sanitation facilities: Inclusive growth can lead to massive extension of affordable healthcare, control of drug prices, free availability of drinking water and sanitation facilities. This will help in tackling the issues like high infant and maternal mortality, high out-of-pocket health expenditure etc.
    • Enhancing the education sector: According to 2011 Census Data, nearly 26% Indians were not literate which is far below world average which is around 14%. Hence, inclusive growth by erasing illiteracy and massive expansion of primary and technical education can enhance labour productivity and gainful employment opportunity of the excluded agents in the current growth process. It will also lead to optimisation of India’s demographic dividend potential.
    • Inclusive agriculture: Since agriculture is the largest employment sector in India, its development has a direct correlation with the welfare of millions. Inclusive agriculture will help to tackle the challenges of low income for farmers, lack of access to institutional credit etc.
    • Environmental sustainability: Sustainable environmental development is one of the crucial elements of inclusive growth. Thus, inclusive growth will promote environmental sustainability by overcoming the problems like degradation of land, pollution etc.

    The government has undertaken several initiatives in this context such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Zojana, MGNREGA, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, PM-KISAN scheme etc. However, more measures are needed to attain multi-dimensional inclusive growth. Further, hitherto marginalised groups such as specially-abled, transgenders, elderly etc. need to be made active participants in the development process going forward.

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Neeru Kumari
  • 1
Neeru KumariBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In:
  • 1

Describe the goals and constraints of India’s Public Distribution System (PDS). What actions has the government done to address these restrictions?

upsc: public distribution system
  1. Kanhiya Lal
    Kanhiya Lal Begginer

    Public distribution system (PDS) is a government-sponsored mechanism entrusted with the work of distributing basic food and non-food commodities to the needy sections of the society at subsidised rates. The system is operated jointly by the Central and the state governments. It has following objectiRead more

    Public distribution system (PDS) is a government-sponsored mechanism entrusted with the work of distributing basic food and non-food commodities to the needy sections of the society at subsidised rates. The system is operated jointly by the Central and the state governments.

    It has following objectives

    • To provide essential consumer goods at cheap and subsidised prices.
    • To insulate consumers from the impact of rising prices of these commodities.
    • To maintain the minimum nutritional status of our population.
    • To put an Indirect check on the open market prices of various items.

    It is supplemental in nature and is not intended to make available the entire requirement of any of the commodities distributed under it to a household or section of the society. Yet, it acts as a safety net for a large section of the population.

    Limitations of PDS In India

    • Uneven coverage: Initially the PDS in India was perceived to have an urban bias. Even as PDS expanded across rural areas, its effectiveness in terms of timely and adequate availability especially in remote, inaccessible and backward areas remains meagre.
    • Limited benefits for poor: Rural poor have not benefited much from PDS and their dependence on the open market has been much higher than on PDS.
    • Economic burden: After inclusion of National Food Security Act, 2013, the burden of food subsidy has become huge. Also, procurement prices have been rising continuously due to rich farmers’ lobby and issue prices are getting lower due to populist policies. All of this together makes the PDS unsustainable.
    • Operational inefficiencies:
      • The economic cost of FCI food grains operation has been rising due to distribution cost, carrying cost, etc. and also due to inefficiencies caused by highly centralised and bureaucratic mode of operations.
      • Diversion of food grains to the open markets because of widespread prevalence of corruption and transportation losses form the major part of leakages.
      • PDS also suffers from exclusion and inclusion errors in identification of beneficiaries.
    • PDS results in price increase: Due to large procurement of food grains by the Government, net quantities available in the open market reduce. This leads to increase in price and adversely affects those who are excluded from the system.

    Some recent steps taken by government

    • Digital Record Keeping: Digitization of ration cards and End-to-End computerisation of Targeted PDS.
    • Adhar Linkage: Linking the ration card with Aadhar and installation of ePOS (electronic point of sale) devices at the fair price shops to track the sale of food grain to actual cardholders on a real time basis.
    • Integrated management of PDS (IM-PDS): The main objective of this scheme is to introduce a nation-wide portability of ration card holders to materialise the concept of One Nation One Ration Card.

    To improve the PDS further, Wadhwa Committee (2006) and Shanta Kumar Committee (2015) have suggested universalisation of PDS, gradual introduction of cash transfers (DBT) and food coupons. A Universal Basic Income may also be introduced to do away with multiple subsidies existing in India.

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Neeru Kumari
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Neeru KumariBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In:
  • 1

India’s railway industry is beset by problems with inadequate infrastructure, safety, and funding. Explain.

upsc: infrastructure
  1. Rajesh Meena
    Rajesh Meena Begginer

    India has the fourth largest railway network in the world that runs almost 21000 trains carrying 23 million passengers and 3 million tonnes of freight per day. It also is the largest public sector employer with around 1.3 million employees. Although Indian Railways (IR) have come a long way in termsRead more

    India has the fourth largest railway network in the world that runs almost 21000 trains carrying 23 million passengers and 3 million tonnes of freight per day. It also is the largest public sector employer with around 1.3 million employees. Although Indian Railways (IR) have come a long way in terms of the number of trains or the carrying capacity, there still remain wide gaps across the following areas that need a relook:

    • Safety issues: During 2013-2018, for example, an average of around 110 accidents took place every year, with around 890 casualties over the period 2010-18. During 2017-18 alone, Indian Railways reported 73 consequential train accidents. Although the number of accidents has decreased over the years, it still remains a cause of concern.
      • An alarming 85% of these accidents were caused by human failure. Other factors responsible for railway accidents are equipment failure, overaged tracks, wagons, coaches, bridges and poor signalling system etc.
      • The number of accidents at unmanned level crossings in India, still comprise almost 14% of the total number of consequential rail accidents.
      • According to the Khanna Railways Safety Review Committee Report, nearly 25 per cent of the total railway track in India is overaged and is due for replacement.
    • Insufficient Financing: Indian Railways has historically been financed mostly through internal accruals and budgetary support.
      • Over the past decade, the Centre’s share in capital receipts has stagnated and the railways own investment is negligible in the wake of no surpluses.
      • External financing in Indian Railways started only from the 7th FYP. However, the share of external budgetary sources has not increased commensurately starting from 17% in 7th FYP to only 27% in 2014-15.
      • Even limited private sector participation has not been fruitful because of lack of adequate involvement with regard to policy-making, operational functions etc.
      • Furthermore, there is a lack of corporate entities like IRCTC, RITES etc. that can borrow on behalf of Indian Railways. This not only limits its market access but also absolves the Indian Railways from a critical investor oversight.
    • Infrastructural problems: Infrastructural issues such as outdated wagons, lack of modern infrastructure, wearing of railway tracks, lack of passenger facilities including cleanliness at the railway stations, lack of security arrangement on the railways resulting in theft and dacoities, etc., are other issues that mire the Indian Railways.
      • This has an impact on the operational efficiency and safety of railway operations. For instance, adherence to schedules is often disturbed during winters owing to lack of portable GPS-based fog safe devices, and other technologies, especially in the Northern Railways.

    In this context, a slew of reforms to improve the functioning and redefine the role of Indian Railways must be in order. The government must implement all the appropriate recommendations of the Bibek Debroy Committee, execute safety action plans and other reforms to reinvigorate railway infrastructure in India. Many reforms are already underway such as elimination of all manned level crossings, setting up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Indian Railway Station Development Corporation (IRSDC), Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat, and modernisation of railway stations and the recent proposal to merge railway services from 2021.

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Neeru Kumari
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Neeru KumariBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In: ,
  • 1

Three functions are included in the Indian government budget: allocation, redistribution, and economic stabilization. Talk about it.

upsc: government budgeting & public financeupsc: mobilization of resources
  1. Sangeeta rathor
    Sangeeta rathor Begginer

    The Indian government's budget serves three primary functions in the economy: allocation, redistribution, and stabilization. Let's discuss each of these functions in detail: Allocation Function: The allocation function of the government's budget involves the distribution of resources and expenditureRead more

    The Indian government’s budget serves three primary functions in the economy: allocation, redistribution, and stabilization. Let’s discuss each of these functions in detail:

    1. Allocation Function:
      • The allocation function of the government’s budget involves the distribution of resources and expenditure across different sectors and activities.
      • This includes investments in public goods and services, such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.
      • The government uses the budget to direct resources towards areas that are vital for the country’s economic and social development, but may not be adequately addressed by the private sector.
    2. Redistribution Function:
      • The redistribution function of the government’s budget aims to reduce income and wealth inequality in the economy.
      • This is achieved through progressive taxation, where individuals and businesses with higher incomes or wealth pay a higher proportion of their income as taxes.
      • The government then uses the collected tax revenue to fund social welfare programs, subsidies, and targeted interventions that benefit the lower-income and marginalized sections of the population.
      • The goal is to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources and improve the overall standard of living.
    3. Stabilization Function:
      • The stabilization function of the government’s budget is aimed at maintaining macroeconomic stability and promoting economic growth.
      • During times of economic downturns or recessions, the government can use expansionary fiscal policies, such as increased government spending or tax cuts, to stimulate the economy and support employment and consumer demand.
      • Conversely, during periods of high inflation or economic overheating, the government can adopt contractionary fiscal policies, such as reducing government spending or increasing taxes, to cool the economy and maintain price stability.
      • The stabilization function helps the government to manage the business cycle and mitigate the adverse effects of economic fluctuations.

    In the context of the Indian economy, the government’s budget plays a crucial role in addressing these three functions. The allocation function is evident in the prioritization of investments in areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare, which are essential for the country’s long-term development

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Neeru Kumari
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Neeru KumariBegginer
Asked: July 20, 2024In:
  • 0

Make a distinction between foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign institutional investment (FII) and emphasize the contribution of FDI to India’s economic growth.

upsc: investment models
  1. Babita Singh
    Babita Singh Begginer

    Foreign Institutional Investment (FII) and FDI (Foreign Direct Investment), both, are important forms of foreign investment in a host country. However, there are several key differences between the two: Nature of investment: FII refers to investment by an institution established or incorporated outsRead more

    Foreign Institutional Investment (FII) and FDI (Foreign Direct Investment), both, are important forms of foreign investment in a host country. However, there are several key differences between the two:

    • Nature of investment: FII refers to investment by an institution established or incorporated outside a country, which invests in share market, hedge funds, pension funds, mutual funds etc. in another country. On the other hand, FDI refers to investment in the form of controlling ownership by a foreign company in an already existing company of another country or by setting up a subsidiary. As per SEBI guidelines, a threshold of 10% of equity ownership is required to qualify as a ‘foreign direct investor’.
    • Role played: FDI targets a specific enterprise and aims to increase the enterprises’ capacity and productivity or change its management control. Thus, capital inflow is translated into additional production. FII helps in increasing capital availability in general rather than enhancing the capital of a specific enterprise.
    • Stability: FDI is considered to be more stable than Fll, as it is a long-term and productive investment. FII is referred to as ‘hot money’ due to the short term nature of investment. It is also speculative, volatile and involves higher risk of capital flight.
    • Ease of entry and exit: FIl can easily enter and withdraw as they mostly invest in the secondary market. However, FDI cannot enter and exit easily due to the nature of investment. Further, the investment flows from FDIs are mostly in primary markets.

    Role of FDI in the economic development of India:

    • FDI is a non-debt financial resource, which helps to meet the capital requirements of a country for economic growth and capital formation. It also stimulates domestic investment and human capital formation in the country.
    • FDI allows bridging of the technology gap between foreign and domestic firms to boost the scale of production which is beneficial for the betterment Indian economy.
    • FDI increases employment opportunities in India, which is critical for utilizing our demographic dividend.
    • FDI contributes to integration into the global economy by boosting foreign trade flows through their broad international marketing network. They also promote export oriented activities that improve the export performance of the country.
    • FDI is a major source of foreign exchange inflow in the country which allows the government to generate adequate resources which help to stabilize the Balance of Payment.
    • FDI has the potential to bring social and environmental benefits to India through the dissemination of good practices and technologies within multinational enterprises, and through their subsequent spillovers to domestic enterprises.

    To attract FDI in India, the government has increasingly liberalized its FDI regime in various sectors including finance, defence, insurance etc. FDI inflow has seen growth in the last decades owing to these reforms. However, more reforms on subjects like land and labour as well as policy stability in terms of taxation etc.is required to make the economy more attractive for FDIS.

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Neeru Kumari
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Neeru KumariBegginer
Asked: June 29, 2024In:
  • 0

Examine how well the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) program, which was established to encourage farm mechanization in India, is working.  (Answer in 250 words)

upsc: technology missions in agriculture
  1. Priyakshi Saikia
    Priyakshi Saikia Begginer

    The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) has made significant strides in promoting farm mechanization in India. The program has particularly benefited small and marginal farmers by making advanced machinery more accessible. Important contribution and achievement made by SMAM: Increased MRead more

    The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) has made significant strides in promoting farm mechanization in India. The program has particularly benefited small and marginal farmers by making advanced machinery more accessible.

    Important contribution and achievement made by SMAM:

    1. Increased Mechanization: SMAM has significantly promoted the adoption of farm machinery, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
    2. Financial Support: Provides subsidies and financial assistance, making machinery affordable for small and marginal farmers.
    3. Reduction in Labor Costs: Mechanization has helped in reducing the dependency on manual labor, lowering overall labor costs.
    4. Enhanced Productivity: Adoption of advanced machinery has led to better crop management and higher yields.

    Some of the challenges encountered during the execution of this program are:

    1. Awareness and Accessibility: Limited awareness among farmers, especially in remote areas, about the program’s benefits and application process.
    2. Regional Disparities: Uneven distribution and availability of machinery services, leading to benefits being concentrated in certain regions.
    3. Implementation and Monitoring: Need for better implementation strategies and robust monitoring to ensure the program’s effectiveness.

    Recommendations to overcome shortcomings

    1. Improving Awareness: Conducting extensive outreach and training programs to educate farmers about SMAM.
    2. Ensuring Accessibility: Establishing more centers and service providers in remote areas to facilitate easier access to machinery.
    3. Strengthening Implementation: Enhancing the monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective utilization of funds and resources.
    4. Customized Solutions: Developing region-specific solutions to address the unique agricultural needs and challenges of different areas.

    Although SMAM has positively impacted farm mechanization in India, addressing the challenges related to awareness, accessibility, and implementation is crucial for its long-term success and uniform benefits across the country. Effective implementation and monitoring, along with addressing these gaps, can further bolster the success of SMAM in revolutionizing Indian agriculture.

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Neeru Kumari
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Neeru KumariBegginer
Asked: June 29, 2024In:
  • 0

Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) became India’s first port owned entirely by a landowner. What does the Landlord Port model mean to you? Which models are used in the various port management systems?  (Answer in 250 words)

upsc: infrastructure
  1. Santosh Singh
    Santosh Singh Learner

    Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) is one of the leading container ports of the country and is ranked 26th among the top 100 global ports. It is a container handling port accounting for around 50% of the total containerized cargo volume. The JNP became the first 100% Landlord Major Port of India. A LandlorRead more

    Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) is one of the leading container ports of the country and is ranked 26th among the top 100 global ports. It is a container handling port accounting for around 50% of the total containerized cargo volume. The JNP became the first 100% Landlord Major Port of India.
    A Landlord Port is characterized by its mixed public-private orientation. Under this model, the port authority acts as the regulatory body and landlord, while port operations (especially cargo handling) are carried out by private companies. Today, the Landlord Port is the dominant port model in larger and medium-sized ports.
    The features of the Landlord Port include:

    • The port authority manages the basic port assets by letting land and infrastructure to port operators in an efficient manner. It would also be involved in planning, lease negotiation, safety, navigation and overall coordinating functions.
    • Cargo services, marine service, ancillary services, berths etc. are privatised on captive/BOT(Build-Operate-Transfer) basis to the primary port users.
    • Port operators and other undertakings which need to be located in the port, lease the land, infrastructure and associated services and provide them to the secondary users cargo owners, ship owners and cargo ship owners.

    Other types of models employed in port management are as follows:

    • Public service port model: In this model, the public authority owns the land and all available assets-fixed and mobile-and performs all regulatory as well as operational tasks. The main objective is to provide a smooth and secured transaction through the port and create employment rather than focusing on profit.
    • Tool port model: It is close to the public service port model with the public authority owning all the land and providing all the infrastructure and superstructure including, cranes, port control equipment, and other supplies. The port operator uses the provided equipment to continue the port operation. A tool port is a transitional form between a public service port and a landlord port.
    • Corporatized port model: These ports are almost entirely privatized, with the exception that the ownership remains public and often assumed as a majority shareholder. The port authority essentially behaves as a private enterprise. This management model is unique since it is the only one where ownership and control are separated.
    • Private service port model: The port authority is entirely privatized with almost all the port functions under private control with the public sector retaining a standard regulatory oversight. Still, public entities can be shareholders and thus gear the port towards strategies that are deemed to be of public interest.

    The government enacted the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 to empower the ports and enable them to perform with greater efficiency on account of increased autonomy in decision-making and by modernizing their institutional framework. Further, as part of the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030, globally benchmarked targets have been defined to help India develop best-in-class port infrastructure.

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Neeru Kumari
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Neeru KumariBegginer
Asked: June 29, 2024In:
  • 0

What obstacles does the Assam Rifles encounter in managing borders and combating insurgencies in Northeast India? Talk about how the force needs to be reoriented in order to meet these difficulties. (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: border management
  1. Santosh Singh
    Santosh Singh Learner

    The Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force, which was originally raised in 1835 as Chachar Levy. It is tasked with the maintenance of law and order in the North-East along with the Indian Army and also guards the Indo-Myanmar border (IMB) in the region. Challenges faced by the Assam Rifles reRead more

    The Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force, which was originally raised in 1835 as Chachar Levy. It is tasked with the maintenance of law and order in the North-East along with the Indian Army and also guards the Indo-Myanmar border (IMB) in the region.
    Challenges faced by the Assam Rifles regarding security management in the North-East:

    • Dual control: While the administrative control of the force is with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), its operational control is with the Indian Army, which is under the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The MHA wants more units to be deployed along the border, while the MoD wants more troops in the hinterland for counter-insurgency operations.
    • Free Movement Regime: Movement of people of the same ethnicity on either side of the border in some states in the North-East complicates the task of maintaining a check on insurgency and smuggling.
    • Refugees: Influx of refugees may cause internal security issues like clashes with native population, involvement in illegal activities, etc.
    • Manpower: Out of total 46 battalions, approximately one third are deployed along the border, which roughly means that each battalion has a frontage of 100 km in a difficult terrain, which is open to infiltration by inimical elements, smugglers, illegal migrants, etc.
    • Training: While training is the responsibility of the Director General Assam Rifles (DGAR), sparing of manpower for the same is under the Army. Since the units are stretched because of deployment on the ground, there is a constant tussle to find convergence.

    To overcome these challenges there is requirement of reorientation of the Assam Rifles in the following manner:

    • Command and control: Placing the Assam Rifles under a single Ministry will ensure that a single head exercises powers over it with greater accountability.
    • Operationalisation of the Director General of the Assam Rifles (DGAR): With increasing focus on security concerns regarding China, operationalising the DGAR headquarters under the Eastern Command headquarters has become imperative.
    • Additional raisings: A minimum of one IG headquarter along with approximately 15 units will bring down the frontage of each unit to a manageable level (50 kms).
    • Fencing: The whole Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB) must be fenced starting from areas where it is possible and slowly expanded to difficult areas.
    • Revisiting the Free Movement Regime (FMR): Owing to the security concerns, the FMR needs to be revisited both in terms of distance and time period.
    • Budgetary support: The budgetary increase should enable modernisation and better administration of the force. As per the MHA’s annual report, the Assam Rifles budget in 2020-21 has increased by 20 percent from 2015-16 as compared to 31 percent to 48 percent for the other CAPFs.

    It is time to take cognizance of the multifarious threats existing in the North-East, recognize the capacity of the Assam Rifles and empower it fully to protect India’s borders and ensure stability in the North-East.

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Neeru Kumari
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Neeru KumariBegginer
Asked: June 29, 2024In:
  • 0

Why does biopiracy pose such a serious threat to the conventional knowledge that still exists in the poor world? What actions has the Indian government done to safeguard the country’s traditional knowledge base? (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: conservation
  1. Santosh Singh
    Santosh Singh Learner

    Biopiracy refers to a situation where traditional knowledge is used by others for profit, without permission from and with little or no compensation or recognition to the indigenous people. Traditional knowledge is a vast treasure of knowledge susceptible to misappropriation because of its immense pRead more

    Biopiracy refers to a situation where traditional knowledge is used by others for profit, without permission from and with little or no compensation or recognition to the indigenous people. Traditional knowledge is a vast treasure of knowledge susceptible to misappropriation because of its immense potential.
    Biopiracy is detrimental for the existing traditional knowledge of the developing world in the following ways:

    • A patent holder unfairly appropriates indigenous knowledge and resources for earning profits. Mostly, patents are filed in the developed nations on traditional knowledge available in the developing countries.
    • Many indigenous groups are at risk from biopiracy since their way of life depends on the local natural resources.
    • Farmers or communities may have to sacrifice their livelihood in addition to giving up their generational expertise when traditional knowledge is patented.
    • A well-established judicial system may get upset when unfair and unethical exploitation is carried out by claiming such patents.

    Some of the examples of misappropriation of existing traditional knowledge of the developing world include patents filed for the use of turmeric in wound healing, fungicidal effect of neem, ‘texmati’ rice, kava grown in the Pacific, quinoa from the Andes, hoodia from Africa, etc. Thus, it is imperative for the governments in the developing countries to take adequate measures in this regard.
    The steps taken by the government of India for protecting the existing traditional Indian knowledge include:

    • Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL): It seeks to prevent the granting of patents for products developed utilising traditional knowledge. It holds more than 2.6 lakh medicinal formulations from the ancient texts of India, including from the areas of Unani, Ayurveda, Siddha, etc. It also provides the information in international languages like German, French, Spanish, Japanese and English.
    • The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: It protects traditional knowledge, as it has the provision of requirement of prior permission by entities seeking protection of intellectual protection rights (IPR) based on knowledge/information obtained from Indian communities.
    • The Patents Act, 1970: Section 3 (p) of the Patent Act, 1970, bars patent protection for invention involving use of traditional knowledge or any duplication or aggregation of such knowledge.
    • TRIPS Agreement: It advocated five modes of traditional knowledge protection, which included disclosure requirements of traditional knowledge use, sui generis system of traditional knowledge protection, bilateral contract laws for traditional knowledge protection, etc. India is a party to the TRIPS Agreement.
    • Convention on Biological Diversity: The 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, while recognizing the role of traditional knowledge in environmental conservation, has also raised the requirement of revamping the international intellectual-property agreements. India is a party to this Convention.

    Traditional knowledge-based innovations are critical for developing countries like India, not only for the development of indigenous population but also for the country’s economic development. Though the Indian legislations, together with the TKDL, are significant and laudable advances towards the protection of traditional knowledge and the prevention of biopiracy, an enforceable international regime for the acknowledgment and protection of traditional knowledge is still needed.

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