Model Answer

Introduction

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) refers to the interactions between wild animals and humans that result in negative impacts on both parties. In India, this conflict is becoming increasingly severe due to factors such as habitat fragmentation, population growth, and climate change, posing significant challenges to both wildlife conservation and human safety.

Key Factors Driving Human-Wildlife Conflict

One of the primary contributors to HWC is habitat fragmentation caused by rapid urbanization and infrastructure development. As cities expand and agricultural lands proliferate, wildlife habitats are encroached upon, leading to increased encounters between wildlife and human populations. For example, over 300 lions in Gujarat have moved outside their protected areas, heightening conflicts.

Additionally, India’s growing population intensifies resource competition. As humans seek land for housing and agriculture, wildlife is forced into smaller habitats, leading to increased interactions. Climate change further exacerbates this issue by altering animal migration patterns and degrading their habitats, making it difficult for wildlife to find food and shelter.

Poor management practices, including inadequate scientific approaches to wildlife relocation, also play a role. For instance, political interests often override scientific recommendations, resulting in failed relocation efforts. Cultural and economic factors, such as local communities’ reliance on natural resources and wildlife tourism, complicate the situation further.

Impact of Human-Wildlife Conflict

The consequences of HWC are profound. Farmers experience significant economic losses due to crop damage and livestock predation, while human casualties from animal attacks continue to rise. Retaliatory killings of wildlife in response to these conflicts lead to a decline in biodiversity, threatening the ecological balance.

Strategies for Sustainable Coexistence

To mitigate HWC, India must adopt proactive measures. Establishing early warning systems can help communities anticipate wildlife movements and reduce encounters. Furthermore, improving compensation for affected individuals can alleviate some economic burdens.

Community engagement is crucial; involving local populations in conservation initiatives fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. Promoting eco-tourism can provide alternative livelihoods, reducing reliance on poaching or harmful practices.

Strengthening protected areas is essential, as expanding and connecting habitats will facilitate wildlife movement and reduce human-wildlife encounters. The integration of technology, such as AI and advanced surveillance systems, can enhance monitoring efforts, enabling timely interventions.

Lastly, reforming policies, particularly by enhancing the Environmental Impact Assessment process, will ensure that conservation concerns are adequately addressed in development projects.

Way Forward

In conclusion, addressing human-wildlife conflict in India requires a balanced approach that harmonizes development with conservation. By implementing effective strategies and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, India can pave the way for sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, securing both ecological integrity and human safety.

Model Answer

Introduction

E-technology is revolutionizing agriculture in India, enhancing productivity and income for farmers. Here are some key benefits:

1. Improved Decision-Making

E-technology provides farmers with essential information, allowing for better decision-making regarding their agricultural practices. For example, weather advisories enable timely sowing of seeds, which can significantly boost productivity.

2. Better Planning

Continuous monitoring of land through e-technology helps in early detection of issues, leading to efficient farming. Technologies like big data, satellite imagery, and drone patrolling facilitate optimal resource planning, such as water management, thereby increasing productivity and reducing manual labor.

3. Community Involvement

IT applications promote community engagement among farmers, improving coordination and collaboration. This leads to enhanced crop production and better income for farmers as they share resources and knowledge.

4. Agricultural Breakthroughs

E-technology enables swift dissemination of information regarding the latest agricultural innovations. Farmers can easily access new technologies and practices, which fosters collective progress in the agricultural sector.

Government Measures to Promote E-Technology

The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to integrate e-technology into agriculture:

• AGMARKNET: This e-governance portal provides real-time data on prices and commodity arrivals, ensuring transparency for producers, consumers, and policymakers.
• Kisan Suvidha App: A comprehensive app that offers farmers vital information on weather, market prices, plant protection, and agricultural advisories.
• Other Agricultural Apps: Various applications like Al-Sowing for optimal seed sowing dates, Crop Insurance for premium calculations, and Pusa Krishi for crop information have been launched.
• Bhuvan Platform: Developed by ISRO, this geo-platform provides valuable data for plantation, pest surveillance, and weather forecasting.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Central Agri Portal: A unified platform that facilitates government subsidies for modern agricultural machinery.
• e-NAM: This National Agriculture Market scheme supports e-marketing platforms and infrastructure in regulated markets.
• Unified Farmer Service Platform (UFSP): It ensures interoperability of various public and private IT systems in agriculture.

Further efforts are needed to enhance awareness, build digital infrastructure in rural areas, and encourage the adoption of e-technologies for increased agricultural productivity and income.

Model Answer

Introduction

The clean energy transition refers to the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. In India, this transition is not just an environmental imperative, but also an economic necessity that can enhance energy security, foster economic growth, and build climate resilience.

Significance of Clean Energy Transition

Energy Security: India’s heavy reliance on imports—85% of crude oil and 50% of natural gas—renders it vulnerable to global price shocks. Expanding domestic renewable energy can significantly enhance energy independence and reduce the import burden.

Economic Growth: The transition to clean energy is expected to create around one million jobs by 2030, particularly in solar, wind, and green hydrogen sectors. This shift can drive industrial expansion, innovation, and reduce economic disparities.

Climate Resilience: As one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, India faces severe environmental challenges. A clean energy transition can mitigate these risks by significantly reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, which is responsible for millions of deaths annually.

Key Challenges

Inadequate Infrastructure: The current electricity grid struggles to handle renewable energy’s variability, leading to frequent curtailments. Additionally, the lack of large-scale energy storage solutions is a significant barrier.

Fossil Fuel Lobby: With coal accounting for approximately 70% of India’s power generation, the fossil fuel lobby poses a substantial challenge. Significant subsidies and policy backing for coal slow the transition to cleaner alternatives.

Financial Stress on DISCOMs: Deeply indebted distribution companies limit investments in clean energy infrastructure. As of 2022-23, accumulated losses reached ₹6.5 lakh crore, affecting their operational viability.

Slow Adoption of Technologies: Dependence on imports for solar modules and wind turbines makes the transition vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.

Policy Measures to Accelerate Transition

Infrastructure Development: Modernizing the power grid and investing in large-scale energy storage solutions is crucial. Promoting decentralized renewable energy solutions can reduce transmission losses.

Financial Reforms: Strengthening the financial viability of DISCOMs through improved revenue collection and innovative financing mechanisms like green bonds can attract private investments.

Boosting Domestic Manufacturing: Expanding the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar PV and battery storage will encourage local manufacturing and reduce import dependence.

Streamlining Approvals: Implementing a single-window clearance system for land acquisition and environmental approvals can expedite project implementation.

Public Awareness and Education: Increasing public awareness about the benefits of clean energy can foster greater acceptance and support for renewable projects.

Way Forward

India’s clean energy transition is essential for enhancing energy security, driving economic growth, and ensuring environmental sustainability. By addressing challenges like inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and policy inconsistencies, India can accelerate its transition towards a sustainable energy future, aligning with global climate commitments and promoting sustainable development.

Model Answer

Introduction

In India, women face a disproportionately heavier burden of poverty compared to men due to various systemic issues. Understanding the causes of poverty among women and the measures taken to address it is crucial for promoting gender equality and economic empowerment.

Causes of Poverty Among Women

1. Unpaid Care Work: Women are primarily responsible for unpaid household work, spending approximately five hours daily on caregiving, while men spend only about half an hour. This imbalance leads to time poverty and limits women’s opportunities for paid employment.
2. Low Female Labour Force Participation Rate: Social stigma, violence, and unsafe working conditions deter women from entering the labor market. The Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) has declined from 30.3% in 1990 to just 20.5% in 2019.
3. Gender Gaps in Nutrition, Education, and Health: Women, especially in poorer households, face significant disparities in access to nutrition, education, and healthcare, further entrenching their poverty.
4. Low Wages: Women earn 34% less than men for the same work, which discourages them from seeking employment and perpetuates economic dependency.
5. Lack of Decent Work Conditions: A majority of women work in the informal sector, lacking employment contracts, legal rights, and social protections, which keeps them trapped in poverty.

Measures Taken to Address Poverty Among Women

1. Legislative Measures: The government has enacted laws such as the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, to promote women’s rights and workplace safety.
2. Government Schemes: Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and the One Stop Centre Scheme aim to address gender inequality and empower women.
3. National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW): This mission focuses on the overall development of women through various empowerment processes.
4. Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK): This initiative provides micro-finance services to uplift poor women socio-economically.
5. Support to Training and Employment Program for Women (STEP): This program aims to ensure sustainable employment for marginalized women.
6. Working Women Hostels: These hostels provide safe accommodation for working women, facilitating their employment opportunities.

Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction (50-75 words)

• Context: Introduce the issue of poverty among women in India and the significance of addressing gender disparities.
• Thesis Statement: State that the answer will explore the causes of poverty among women and the measures taken to mitigate this issue.

2. Causes of Poverty Among Women (100-125 words)

• Unpaid Care Work: Explain how women’s responsibility for unpaid domestic work limits their opportunities for paid employment.
  • Fact: Women spend around five hours daily on unpaid care work, while men spend only half an hour.
• Low Female Labour Force Participation Rate: Discuss the decline in women’s participation in the workforce due to social stigma and unsafe working conditions.
  • Fact: FLFPR decreased from 30.3% in 1990 to 20.5% in 2019.
• Gender Gaps in Nutrition, Education, and Health: Highlight disparities that affect women’s socio-economic status, particularly in poorer households.
• Low Wages: Address the wage gap where women earn 34% less than their male counterparts for the same work.
• Lack of Decent Work Conditions: Mention the prevalence of informal employment and its associated vulnerabilities.

3. Measures Taken to Address Poverty Among Women (100-125 words)

• Legislative Measures: Describe key laws aimed at empowering women.
  • Fact: Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
• Government Schemes: Outline initiatives aimed at reducing gender inequality.
  • Fact: Programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and One Stop Centre Scheme focus on empowerment.
• National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW): Discuss its role in promoting women’s development.
• Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK): Explain how this micro-finance initiative helps uplift poor women.
• Support to Training and Employment Program for Women (STEP): Mention efforts to ensure sustainable employment for marginalized women.
• Working Women Hostels: Discuss how these hostels facilitate safe accommodation for working women.

4. Conclusion (50-75 words)

• Summary: Recap the causes of poverty among women and the various measures taken to address these issues.
• Call for Action: Emphasize the importance of continued efforts and policies to empower women and reduce poverty effectively.

Model Answer

Introduction

The Indian Ocean Region (IOR), historically significant for its maritime routes and trade, has emerged as a focal point of geopolitical competition among major powers. With over 70% of global container traffic passing through its waters, the IOR plays a critical role in global trade and energy security, making it essential for India to enhance its influence in this strategically vital region.

Strategic Significance of the IOR

The IOR is crucial for India’s external trade, with nearly 80% of its trade and 90% of energy imports traversing these waters. The region’s geopolitical landscape is complex, with major powers like the US, China, and Russia vying for influence, thereby affecting regional stability. Maritime security concerns, particularly piracy and terrorism, further complicate the situation, necessitating a robust response from India.

India’s Foreign Policy Interests in the IOR

India’s foreign policy in the IOR is underpinned by historical ties, cultural links, and the objective of securing its maritime interests. Initiatives such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative aim to enhance regional cooperation. India’s cultural diplomacy, rooted in shared civilizational links, positions it as a natural leader in the region.

Challenges to India’s Influence

However, India’s influence is challenged by China’s expanding presence through its String of Pearls strategy, which includes military bases and strategic port investments. The growing military presence of Western powers further complicates India’s position, while environmental issues, such as climate change, threaten coastal security and stability in island nations.

Measures to Enhance India’s Influence

To address these challenges, India must focus on:

• Expanding Naval Capabilities: Developing a blue-water navy to ensure maritime security.
• Infrastructure Development: Investing in strategic projects like Chabahar Port and Sittwe Port to bolster trade connectivity.
• Strengthening Partnerships: Enhancing defense and economic ties with regional partners through multilateral platforms like BIMSTEC and IORA.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Promoting soft power through cultural exchanges and educational initiatives, thereby deepening ties with IOR nations.

Way Forward

The Indian Ocean Region holds immense strategic significance for India, shaping its foreign policy and regional stability. By enhancing its naval capabilities, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening partnerships, India can solidify its role as a leader in the IOR, fostering a balanced and prosperous maritime order in the face of growing geopolitical competition.