Current Affairs

Model Answer

Introduction

Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, employing 46.1% of the workforce but contributing only 17.7% to GDP. This paradox highlights the urgent need to address the challenges hindering agricultural productivity and to enhance sustainability and efficiency within the sector.

Challenges Hindering Agricultural Productivity

1. Land Fragmentation: The average farm size in India has declined significantly, leading to fragmented landholdings that reduce economies of scale. Approximately 86.1% of farmers own less than 2 hectares, making modern farming techniques less viable.
2. Dependence on Monsoon: With only 55% of net sown area under irrigation, India’s agriculture remains vulnerable to erratic rainfall patterns. Nearly 45% of farmland is exposed to drought risks, severely affecting crop yields.
3. Soil Degradation: Intensive farming practices and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers have led to soil degradation and loss of fertility. Soil erosion results in the loss of about 1 millimeter of topsoil annually, further threatening productivity.
4. Low Investment in R&D: India invests less than 0.5% of its agricultural GDP in research and development. This lack of investment limits the adoption of high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties, which are vital for sustainable growth.
5. Market Inefficiencies: Farmers receive only 30-40% of the final consumer price due to inefficient APMC markets and excessive middlemen. This reduces their earnings and discourages investment in better agricultural practices.

Measures to Enhance Agricultural Productivity

1. Land Consolidation: Promoting cooperative farming and land pooling mechanisms can help small farmers access modern technologies and improve efficiency. Streamlining land leasing laws will also ensure better land utilization.
2. Improving Irrigation: Expanding micro-irrigation projects and integrating watershed management practices are crucial for enhancing water use efficiency. Government initiatives like PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana can play a pivotal role.
3. Strengthening R&D: Increasing public-private partnerships for agricultural research will foster innovation and technology adoption. Expanding programs focused on high-yielding seeds can address productivity issues.
4. Revamping Agricultural Marketing: Enhancing market access through digital platforms like e-NAM can reduce middlemen and ensure better price realization for farmers. Investing in rural logistics and cold storage is also essential to minimize post-harvest losses.
5. Promoting Sustainable Practices: Encouraging organic farming and climate-smart agriculture will align with global sustainability goals. Government incentives for sustainable farming practices can provide additional income sources for farmers.

Way Forward

To unlock the full potential of Indian agriculture, a comprehensive approach that combines technological advancements, policy reform, and sustainable practices is essential. By addressing the challenges faced by farmers and enhancing their incomes, India can ensure food security and long-term growth in the agricultural sector.

Model Answer

Introduction

Tribal communities in India are integral to the nation’s socio-cultural fabric and biodiversity. Their rich traditions, languages, and sustainable practices contribute significantly to the preservation of the environment. The recent Union Budget 2025-26 reflects a commendable commitment to tribal welfare, with a 46% increase in allocations aimed at enhancing their living standards through initiatives like PM JANMAN and Eklavya Model Schools.

Tribal communities serve as custodians of India’s biodiversity, with nearly 60% of the country’s forest cover located in tribal districts. They play a crucial role in combating deforestation and illegal mining, thus ensuring ecological balance. Additionally, their unique cultural heritage enriches national identity and fosters tourism.

Challenges

However, despite these contributions, tribal communities face significant challenges. Land alienation due to industrial projects and inadequate implementation of the Forest Rights Act have resulted in widespread displacement, pushing many into poverty. Health indicators among tribal populations are alarming, with high rates of malnutrition, sickle cell anemia, and limited healthcare access. Educational barriers, including language difficulties and high dropout rates, further exacerbate their marginalization. Economic marginalization is evident as traditional livelihoods decline due to market exploitation and legal restrictions.

Government Initiatives

• The government has launched various initiatives to address these issues, such as the Forest Rights Act, which aims to empower tribals by recognizing their land rights. However, the implementation remains weak, with only 50% of claims approved.
• Eklavya Model Schools also face challenges in execution, including delays and insufficient infrastructure.

Overall Strategy

• To ensure the sustainable and inclusive development of tribal communities, a comprehensive strategy is essential. First, effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act is crucial to empower tribals and secure their land rights.
• Second, enhancing healthcare access through mobile health units can bridge the gap in health services.
• Strengthening educational opportunities by improving Eklavya Schools and providing vocational training can ensure better outcomes for tribal youth.
• Moreover, promoting sustainable livelihoods through expanded minimum support prices for minor forest produce and encouraging tribal entrepreneurship will help improve economic conditions.
• Finally, involving tribal communities in decision-making processes will ensure that their voices are heard and their needs addressed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the empowerment of tribal communities is vital for achieving inclusive growth in India. By addressing the existing challenges through a holistic approach, we can pave the way for a more equitable future for tribal populations, ensuring that they are active participants in the nation’s development.

Model Answer

Introduction

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is a vital ecological zone that not only supports a rich biodiversity but also serves as a crucial water source for millions. However, its ecological fragility poses significant challenges to sustainable development. The region is increasingly prone to climate-induced disasters, such as avalanches and landslides, exacerbated by rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns. Unsustainable infrastructure projects, often developed without adequate environmental assessments, further destabilize the region, leading to land subsidence and increased disaster risks.

Body

Moreover, glacial retreat due to global warming threatens long-term water availability, increasing competition for this precious resource. Biodiversity is also at risk; habitat destruction and human encroachment have led to the decline of unique species like the snow leopard and red panda. Geopolitical tensions, particularly along the borders with China and Pakistan, complicate development efforts, diverting resources towards military infrastructure rather than ecological conservation. Additionally, unregulated tourism has resulted in overcrowding and waste mismanagement, severely impacting fragile ecosystems.

To address these multifaceted challenges, a strategic roadmap for sustainable development must be adopted. First, eco-sensitive infrastructure development is essential. Implementing stringent Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and promoting disaster-resistant building codes can minimize ecological damage. Second, sustainable tourism policies should be enforced, including carrying capacity limits and eco-tourism models that engage local communities.

Integrated water management is critical; establishing a Himalayan River Basin Management Authority can facilitate transboundary cooperation and ensure sustainable water resource management. Biodiversity conservation strategies, such as implementing eco-sensitive zones and community-led conservation efforts, are crucial for preserving the unique flora and fauna of the region.

Additionally, a comprehensive disaster risk management framework should be developed to enhance preparedness for natural calamities. Finally, promoting sustainable livelihoods through organic farming and renewable energy projects can boost local economies while reducing environmental impact.

Way Forward

In conclusion, a balanced approach to development in the IHR is imperative to ensure ecological conservation while meeting the region’s developmental needs. Collaborative efforts among government agencies, local communities, and environmental organizations are essential for fostering a sustainable future for the Himalayan ecosystem.

Model Answer

Introduction

The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), set to launch in mid-2026, marks a transformative shift in India’s climate policy framework. By facilitating the trading of greenhouse gas emissions credits, India aims to bolster its efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 while promoting sustainable industrial growth.

Potential Advantages of CCTS

1. Industrial Competitiveness: The CCTS incentivizes industries to adopt cleaner technologies, ultimately reducing operational costs and enhancing competitiveness in global markets. For instance, companies investing in low-carbon processes can gain a competitive edge, particularly in sectors like steel and cement.
2. Compliance with Global Standards: With the EU’s implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Indian exporters will face higher tariffs unless they control emissions. A robust CCTS prepares industries for these regulations, reducing potential financial losses.
3. Climate Diplomacy: An effective carbon market enhances India’s credibility in global climate negotiations, attracting climate finance. This aligns with India’s commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
4. Revenue Generation: The CCTS creates new revenue streams for both industries and the government. Companies can sell surplus carbon credits, promoting circular revenue generation, while the government can auction credits to fund green infrastructure.
5. Encouragement of Renewable Energy: By making carbon-intensive energy sources less financially viable, the CCTS encourages a shift towards renewables, supporting India’s goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite its potential, the CCTS faces significant challenges:

1. Weak Emission Reduction Targets: The current focus on emissions intensity rather than absolute reductions may lead to an excess supply of credits, dampening market prices.
2. Inadequate Compliance Mechanisms: High non-compliance rates due to weak penalties undermine the scheme’s credibility.
3. Limited Sectoral Coverage: Key polluting sectors, such as thermal power and agriculture, are currently excluded, limiting the scheme’s impact.
4. Measurement and Verification Issues: The lack of reliable systems for measuring and verifying emissions raises concerns about the integrity of carbon credits.
5. Lack of Secondary Market: The absence of a structured market for trading carbon credits hampers price discovery and overall market activity.

Measures to Enhance Effectiveness

To address these challenges, several measures can be adopted:

1. Strengthening Emission Targets: Setting ambitious and realistic emission reduction targets is essential to ensure a robust carbon market.
2. Expanding Sectoral Coverage: Gradually including more sectors, especially major emitters, will maximize the market’s depth.
3. Integrating with Renewable Energy Markets: Creating a unified trading platform for carbon credits and renewable energy certificates can enhance market efficiency.
4. Enhancing Monitoring Framework: Implementing robust monitoring and verification systems is crucial for maintaining investor confidence.
5. Promoting Private Sector Participation: Offering tax incentives and support for clean technology investments will encourage private sector involvement.

Conclusion

India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme holds immense potential for driving emissions reductions and fostering sustainable industrial growth. To realize this potential, it is crucial to address the existing challenges through a well-structured approach that strengthens regulatory mechanisms and expands market participation. A successful CCTS can position India as a leader in climate action while contributing to sustainable economic development.

Model Answer

Introduction

Nuclear energy is a pivotal component in addressing India’s escalating energy demands, providing a reliable alternative to fossil fuels. With the current energy crisis characterized by over-dependence on coal and volatile fossil fuel markets, the role of nuclear energy in diversifying the energy mix becomes increasingly crucial.

Current Role of Nuclear Energy

As of now, nuclear energy contributes merely 1.6% to India’s total energy generation. However, ambitious plans aim to increase this capacity from 7.5 GW to 100 GW by 2047, with the goal of supplying 25% of India’s electricity by 2050. This transition is essential for mitigating climate change impacts and ensuring energy independence, as nuclear power emits near-zero carbon dioxide.

Challenges Faced by the Nuclear Sector

Despite its potential, India’s nuclear sector grapples with several challenges. Firstly, its limited share in the energy mix highlights a sluggish expansion, with current capacities far below targets. Financially, nuclear projects require substantial capital investments, which deter private and foreign investments due to long gestation periods and regulatory bottlenecks. Additionally, reliance on imported uranium exposes the sector to geopolitical risks, while safety concerns stemming from past incidents like the Fukushima disaster fuel public opposition. Bureaucratic inefficiencies and outdated technology further exacerbate project delays, and the absence of a long-term radioactive waste disposal solution raises environmental concerns.

Policy Reforms Needed

To revitalize the nuclear sector, several policy reforms are necessary. Enhancing private sector participation by amending the Atomic Energy Act can facilitate investment and innovation. Fostering indigenous technology through public-private partnerships will reduce reliance on foreign technology while streamlining regulatory processes by establishing a National Nuclear Energy Authority can expedite project approvals without compromising safety. Financial support through Sovereign Green Bonds can alleviate high capital costs, while extensive public awareness campaigns can help build trust and reduce opposition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nuclear energy holds immense potential for enhancing India’s energy security and supporting sustainable development. By implementing comprehensive reforms to address the existing challenges, India can unlock the full potential of its nuclear energy sector, thereby contributing to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.