BPSC Mains PYQs

Technology: A Curse or a Blessing in the Context of Environmental Pollution?

In recent times, the role of technology in shaping human life has been undeniable. While it has made life easier, faster, and more comfortable, technology has also led to unforeseen environmental problems. The statement “technology being more of a curse than a blessing” can be argued in the context of environmental pollution, where technological advancements have contributed significantly to the degradation of the natural world.

Positive Contributions of Technology

Before discussing the negative impacts, it is important to note that technology has also played a major role in addressing some environmental challenges:

1. Clean Energy Technologies: Innovations in solar, wind, and hydropower have reduced reliance on fossil fuels and decreased carbon emissions. Electric vehicles (EVs) are another example of technology helping in reducing air pollution.
2. Waste Management: Advanced waste treatment technologies, like recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy plants, have helped in managing and processing waste more efficiently.

Negative Impact of Technology on Environmental Pollution

However, the dark side of technology has far outweighed its positive aspects in many cases. Below are some major ways in which technology has caused environmental pollution:

1. Industrialization and Air Pollution

• Example: The rise of industries fueled by technology, especially in the last century, has significantly contributed to air pollution. Factories release harmful gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), leading to global warming, acid rain, and smog.
• Fact: According to the Times of India, industrial emissions are a major source of particulate matter, which causes respiratory problems and contributes to severe air pollution, especially in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.

2. Automobile Pollution

• Example: The increased use of automobiles powered by internal combustion engines has led to a rise in carbon emissions. This is one of the primary contributors to air pollution in urban areas, causing serious health issues like asthma, lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Fact: A 2020 report by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests stated that vehicular emissions account for approximately 60% of the air pollution in major cities in India.

3. Plastic and E-Waste

• Example: Technology-driven products such as plastics, smartphones, and other electronics contribute significantly to land pollution. Plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, and e-waste contains toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which seep into the soil and water, contaminating them.
• Fact: As per the report published on Scribd, India generates over 2 million tons of e-waste annually, with a large portion of it improperly disposed of, contributing to environmental pollution.

4. Deforestation for Infrastructure Development

• Example: The demand for urbanization and infrastructure development, driven by technological advancements, has led to large-scale deforestation. Forests, which act as the lungs of the Earth, are cleared for the construction of buildings, roads, and factories. This disrupts ecosystems and leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and altered water cycles.
• Fact: As highlighted by environmental studies, deforestation is responsible for around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.

5. Exploitation of Natural Resources

• Example: Advanced technologies in mining and resource extraction have led to the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. The extraction of coal, oil, and minerals is often done irresponsibly, leading to land degradation, water contamination, and loss of habitat for many species.
• Fact: According to Jagran Josh, the over-reliance on mining for technological development has led to the depletion of resources and increased pollution levels in mining areas.

Conclusion: Technology’s Double-Edged Sword

While technology has undeniably contributed to human progress, its role in environmental pollution cannot be ignored. The rapid industrialization, vehicular emissions, e-waste disposal, and deforestation are all byproducts of technological advancements that have led to an increase in environmental degradation.

In conclusion, technology is more of a curse than a blessing when we look at its environmental cost. However, this view can be countered if technological advancements are used sustainably. Embracing green technologies and adopting better waste management systems can help mitigate the negative environmental impacts of technological progress. The real challenge lies in finding a balance between technological growth and environmental preservation.

Role of Technology in Agricultural Development of Bihar

Agriculture is the backbone of Bihar’s economy, with a significant portion of the state’s population relying on farming for their livelihood. The quality of life and health of the people in Bihar are deeply connected to food security, which depends largely on agricultural production and productivity. Technology plays a pivotal role in improving agricultural practices, enhancing food production, and ensuring food security.

Key Technological Innovations in Bihar’s Agriculture

1. Use of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) Seeds:
   • The introduction of HYV seeds has been one of the most significant technological advancements in Bihar. These seeds are genetically improved to produce higher yields compared to traditional varieties.
   • Example: The state has seen increased production of crops like rice, wheat, and maize through the adoption of HYV seeds. This has improved the food grain availability and helped meet the growing demand.
2. Drip Irrigation and Efficient Water Management:
   • Bihar’s agricultural sector faces challenges like erratic rainfall and inadequate irrigation infrastructure. The adoption of drip irrigation systems has enabled more efficient water use, especially in areas with water scarcity.
   • Example: In districts like Madhubani and Samastipur, farmers have adopted drip irrigation techniques, ensuring consistent water supply for crops, even during dry spells.
3. Precision Farming:
   • Precision farming involves using technology like GPS, drones, and sensors to monitor and manage crop growth. This technology helps farmers optimize input use (water, fertilizers, pesticides), reduces waste, and increases yields.
   • Example: In Bihar, the use of drone technology for monitoring crop health and applying fertilizers precisely has improved productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
4. Mobile Applications and Digital Platforms:
   • Several mobile apps and digital platforms are being used in Bihar to provide farmers with real-time information on weather forecasts, crop prices, market linkages, and best farming practices.
   • Example: The e-Choupal initiative and other platforms have empowered farmers in Bihar by connecting them with experts and providing them with knowledge on modern farming techniques.
5. Farm Mechanization:
   • The use of tractors, combine harvesters, and other machinery has helped reduce manual labor and increase the speed of agricultural operations, such as plowing, sowing, and harvesting.
   • Example: The introduction of mechanized farming in districts like Bhagalpur and Muzaffarpur has led to increased efficiency, allowing farmers to cultivate larger areas with less labor.
6. Cold Storage and Post-Harvest Technology:
   • Bihar has made strides in post-harvest technology, including the construction of cold storage facilities, which help reduce the wastage of perishable products like fruits and vegetables.
   • Example: The establishment of cold storage units in regions like Purnia and Buxar has enabled farmers to store their produce and sell it during off-seasons, improving their income and reducing losses.

Impact of Technology on Agricultural Productivity and Food Security in Bihar

• Increased Crop Yields: The use of improved seeds, better irrigation systems, and mechanization has led to a rise in crop yields, particularly in rice, wheat, and maize. This has directly contributed to food security by ensuring a steady supply of food grains for the population.
• Reduction in Crop Losses: Technology has helped reduce post-harvest losses, particularly in the case of fruits and vegetables. Cold storage and better packaging methods have allowed farmers to sell their produce at higher prices, improving their income.
• Improved Livelihoods: With the use of advanced technology, farmers in Bihar have been able to adopt more profitable and sustainable farming practices, which in turn have improved their standard of living and contributed to the overall economic development of the state.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

While technology has positively impacted agricultural development in Bihar, there are still several challenges:

• Awareness and Accessibility: Many farmers in Bihar still lack awareness about modern agricultural technologies, and access to these technologies remains limited, particularly in rural areas.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Despite progress, Bihar’s rural infrastructure, such as roads, irrigation facilities, and power supply, still requires significant improvement to support widespread technology adoption.
• Training and Education: Providing training to farmers on the use of new technologies is essential. Government and private sector initiatives need to focus on building capacity and providing technical know-how to the farming community.

Conclusion

Technology has played a significant role in transforming agriculture in Bihar by improving productivity, ensuring food security, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers. However, for Bihar to fully harness the potential of technological advancements, continued investment in infrastructure, education, and access to technology is essential. With the right support and policies, technology can be a game-changer in Bihar’s agricultural sector, leading to sustained growth and development in the state.

Bihar is endowed with a variety of natural resources that play a crucial role in its economic development. These resources include:

• Minerals: Limestone, mica, coal, bauxite, etc.
• Water Resources: Rivers like Ganges, Kosi, and Gandak provide irrigation and hydropower potential.
• Forest Resources: Rich biodiversity, timber, and medicinal plants.
• Agricultural Resources: Fertile soil, a major contributor to the state’s agrarian economy.
• Energy Resources: Coal and renewable energy sources like solar power.

Among these resources, two important ones that contribute significantly to Bihar’s economic development are coal and limestone.

1. Coal

Location:

• The Rajmahal Coalfield is the main coal-producing region in Bihar. It is located in the Sahibganj district of Jharkhand, but it plays a significant role in Bihar’s energy sector.

Importance in Bihar’s Economic Development:

• Power Generation: Coal from this region is a key source of fuel for thermal power plants, contributing to the electricity generation that supports industrial growth and infrastructure development in Bihar.
• Industries: Coal is essential for industries like cement, steel, and brick making, which are significant in Bihar’s economy.
• Employment: The coal industry generates direct and indirect employment, particularly in mining and transportation sectors.

Example: Bihar has historically been dependent on coal-based power plants to supply energy to its industries and households, particularly in areas like Patna and Muzaffarpur.

2. Limestone

Location:

• Kaimur Plateau in the south of Bihar, particularly in the districts of Rohtas, Kaimur, and Gaya, is known for its rich deposits of limestone.

Importance in Bihar’s Economic Development:

• Cement Industry: Limestone is a key raw material for the cement industry. Bihar is home to several cement manufacturing plants, and limestone from the Kaimur region is crucial for their operations.
• Construction and Infrastructure: The demand for limestone also supports the construction industry, contributing to infrastructure development like roads, bridges, and buildings.
• Revenue Generation: The extraction and sale of limestone contribute significantly to the state’s revenue.

Example: The Bihar Cement Plant in Sasaram, Rohtas district, uses limestone from the Kaimur region, which helps in producing high-quality cement for local and national markets.

In the NITI Aayog Health Index, 2021, Bihar ranked 18th out of 19 large states in India, reflecting a poor health performance when compared to other states. This ranking highlights the serious challenges the state faces in terms of health infrastructure, accessibility, and outcomes. Despite some improvements, Bihar continues to lag behind in several health-related indicators.

Factors Responsible for Bihar’s Poor Health Ranking

Several factors contribute to Bihar’s low ranking in the NITI Aayog Health Index. These include:

1. Weak Healthcare Infrastructure

• Insufficient Medical Facilities: Bihar suffers from a lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, primary health centers, and skilled healthcare workers. This leads to overcrowded hospitals and inadequate treatment facilities.
• Limited Rural Healthcare Services: A significant portion of Bihar’s population lives in rural areas, where healthcare services are not only sparse but also poorly equipped.

Example: Many areas in Bihar are underserved, leading to long travel times for patients seeking specialized care.

2. High Infant and Maternal Mortality Rates

• Bihar has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios (MMR) and infant mortality rates (IMR) in India. Poor nutrition, lack of prenatal care, and inadequate delivery facilities contribute to these alarming figures.

Fact: According to NITI Aayog’s report, Bihar’s MMR is significantly higher than the national average, which indicates a weak healthcare system for women and children.

3. Malnutrition and Poverty

• High levels of poverty and malnutrition are major contributors to the poor health conditions in Bihar. Malnutrition, especially among children, increases susceptibility to various diseases and stunts physical and cognitive development.
• Poor economic conditions make it difficult for many families to afford adequate healthcare or nutritional food.

Illustration: Bihar has one of the highest rates of underweight children in India, leading to chronic health issues that persist into adulthood.

4. Low Healthcare Spending

• The state’s budget allocation for healthcare is low compared to other states, making it difficult to improve healthcare infrastructure or provide quality care.
• Public health spending remains underfunded, which hampers efforts to build new health facilities or hire sufficient healthcare workers.

5. Lack of Awareness and Education

• A significant portion of the population in Bihar lacks awareness about preventive healthcare, hygiene, and nutrition. This leads to the spread of preventable diseases such as diarrhea, tuberculosis, and vector-borne diseases.

Example: The lack of health education, especially in rural areas, has contributed to the continued spread of diseases like malaria and dengue.

Steps Taken to Improve Health in Bihar

Despite these challenges, the state government, with the support of the central government, has taken several steps to improve the healthcare situation in Bihar.

1. Bihar Health Sector Reforms

• Bihar State Health Society: The state has undertaken various reforms to improve healthcare delivery, focusing on strengthening primary healthcare services, especially in rural areas.
• Free Medicines Scheme: The state has introduced schemes like free medicines and diagnostic services to improve accessibility and affordability of healthcare services.

2. National Health Mission (NHM)

• The National Health Mission, launched by the central government, aims to improve maternal and child health, increase immunization rates, and reduce mortality. Bihar has benefited from the NHM’s outreach programs.

Fact: The state has seen improvements in immunization rates and institutional deliveries under the NHM program.

3. Improvement in Health Indicators

• Bihar has recorded gradual improvements in health indicators such as life expectancy, infant mortality rates, and immunization coverage. However, the overall progress remains slow.

Example: The introduction of Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) has encouraged institutional deliveries, helping reduce maternal mortality.

4. COVID-19 Response

• Bihar’s healthcare infrastructure faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, but efforts were made to improve testing, treatment, and vaccination rates. The state has ramped up efforts in vaccination drives and providing COVID-specific care.

Fact: During the pandemic, Bihar became one of the states with the highest vaccination coverage, with over 90% of the eligible population receiving the vaccine by the end of 2021.

Are the Steps Taken Sufficient?

While the steps taken by the Bihar government and the central government have shown some positive effects, they are still not enough to address the state’s deep-rooted healthcare challenges.

Challenges to Effective Implementation

• Budget Constraints: Bihar still allocates a smaller portion of its budget to healthcare compared to other states, limiting the scope for comprehensive reforms.
• Inadequate Healthcare Workforce: There is a persistent shortage of healthcare workers, particularly doctors, nurses, and technicians, which hinders the effective delivery of services.
• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Much of Bihar’s healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas, remains underdeveloped. Even with reforms, the state continues to face issues like overcrowded hospitals and insufficient beds.

Need for Long-Term Solutions

• Bihar needs a more systematic approach to healthcare, focusing on long-term sustainability. This includes improving infrastructure, increasing public health expenditure, and enhancing healthcare awareness among the population.
• Collaboration with Private Sector: To improve healthcare access, the state can explore partnerships with private healthcare providers to establish new medical facilities in underserved areas.

Conclusion

Bihar’s low ranking in the NITI Aayog Health Index, 2021, is primarily due to factors such as poor healthcare infrastructure, high maternal and infant mortality rates, malnutrition, and insufficient government spending. While several steps have been taken to improve the situation, such as the introduction of health missions and schemes, these measures have not been sufficient to address the underlying challenges.

A more sustained and coordinated effort is required to uplift the healthcare sector in Bihar. The state needs to increase its budget allocation for healthcare, build better infrastructure, and ensure adequate training for healthcare workers to achieve meaningful improvements in public health outcomes.

The JEEVIKA Scheme is an initiative by the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS) aimed at promoting rural livelihoods and economic self-sufficiency, especially for women in Bihar. Established in 2006 with support from the World Bank, the program primarily focuses on empowering women through various means, including economic support, skill development, and access to financial resources. The goal is to uplift rural women from poverty and create sustainable livelihoods in rural Bihar.

Objectives of the JEEVIKA Scheme

1. Economic Empowerment of Women:
   • JEEVIKA aims to increase the income-generating opportunities for rural women through self-help groups (SHGs) and providing access to finance, skill development, and entrepreneurship training.
2. Financial Inclusion:
   • The scheme promotes financial literacy and inclusion, facilitating women’s access to savings, credit, and insurance services. Women are encouraged to manage their finances effectively through SHGs, which in turn boosts their financial independence.
3. Social Empowerment:
   • It focuses on social empowerment by enhancing women’s decision-making power within households and communities, thus enabling them to become leaders and active participants in the social and political life of their communities.
4. Improvement in Rural Livelihoods:
   • By providing access to credit and facilitating community-based economic activities, the scheme works towards improving the livelihoods of rural families, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, and small-scale industries.
5. Promotion of Gender Equality:
   • JEEVIKA works to bridge the gender gap by involving women in leadership roles and decision-making processes, both within their families and communities.

Role of the JEEVIKA Scheme in Women Empowerment in Bihar

The JEEVIKA Scheme has had a significant impact on women’s empowerment in Bihar. The program’s design and execution have helped women in rural areas to gain autonomy, both economically and socially. Below are the major contributions of JEEVIKA to women’s empowerment:

1. Economic Empowerment through Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

• Formation of SHGs: One of the core features of JEEVIKA is the creation of self-help groups (SHGs), which consist mainly of rural women. These groups help women pool their savings, access micro-loans, and start small businesses or engage in income-generating activities.
• Micro-Credit Access: SHGs enable women to access micro-credit, which they can use for personal or community-driven development projects. This financial access has helped women become more economically self-reliant.

Example: In Madhubani District, women involved in SHGs were able to start small businesses such as poultry farming, vegetable cultivation, and tailoring, thereby contributing to their families’ income and improving their socio-economic statusl Empowerment**

• Decision-making Power: JEEVIKA has empowered women by providing them with a platform to participate in community decision-making. Many women who were once confined to household roles now have a say in local governance and community matters.
• Leadership Roles: The scheme has created many female leaders who run SHGs and have a significant influence in their communities. This visibility and influence have broken traditional gender barriers in rural Bihar.

Example: In some areas, SHG leaders have become active members of local panchayats (village councils) and have played crucial roles in advocating for women’s rights and addressing local issues like education, healthcare, and sanitation.

3. Access to Training and Capacity Building

• The JEEVIKA scheme provides women with the necessary skills training to enhance their capabilities and engage in diverse activities such as handicraft making, animal husbandry, agriculture, and small business development.
• Through partnerships with various institutions, JEEVIKA offers vocational training, financial management courses, and leadership development programs.

Example: Women in rural Bihar who were trained under JEEVIKA have launched successful ventures in handicrafts like Madhubani painting, sari weaving, and lacquerware. This has not only enhanced their income but also preserved traditional art forms.

4. Improved Health and Education Outcomes

• As women gain economic independence, they also have greater control over household resources, leading to better health and educational outcomes for their families.
• Health awareness programs under JEEVIKA have led to better maternal and child health in rural areas. Additionally, women are now more likely to send their children, especially girls, to school.

Example: In regions where JEEVIKA has been active, there has been an increase in the female literacy rate, and more women are opting for family planning methods to manage reproductive health.

Conclusion: Evaluating the Impact of JEEVIKA on Women Empowerment

JEEVIKA has undoubtedly played a crucial role in empowering women in Bihar by providing them with the tools to achieve economic, social, and political empowerment. The establishment of SHGs has helped women gain financial independence, leadership roles, and active participation in community development.

While the scheme has seen notable successes, challenges remain. These include limited reach in some remote areas, the need for further capacity building, and overcoming resistance to women’s empowerment in deeply patriarchal regions. However, in the long term, JEEVIKA holds significant potential for transforming the lives of rural women, contributing not only to their personal empowerment but also to the overall development of Bihar.

In summary, JEEVIKA is a powerful tool for women’s empowerment, and its continued growth and expansion can make a transformative impact on the socio-economic fabric of rural Bihar.