Current Affairs

Model Answer

Introduction

The shipbuilding industry is a crucial component of India’s maritime economy, contributing to both economic growth and national security. Despite substantial investments, such as the ₹5.8 lakh crore under the Sagarmala Programme, the sector remains stagnant, reflecting significant structural challenges that hinder its growth.

Key Structural Challenges

One of the primary challenges is the lack of a competitive ecosystem. Indian shipbuilders face long construction timelines and inconsistent quality, making them less competitive internationally. Additionally, high capital costs pose a barrier, as shipbuilding is capital-intensive and Indian manufacturers struggle to secure affordable financing compared to global competitors who benefit from state-backed support.

The sector also suffers from a heavy dependence on imported raw materials. Critical components like marine-grade steel and navigation systems are often sourced from abroad, which increases costs and vulnerability in supply chains. Furthermore, infrastructure bottlenecks hinder growth; many shipyards operate outdated machinery, while port congestion exacerbates logistical inefficiencies.

Another significant issue is the weak domestic market for new vessels. Indian shipping companies frequently prefer to purchase second-hand foreign ships due to high costs and longer delivery times for new builds. Lastly, the repair and maintenance ecosystem remains underdeveloped, with India’s share in the global ship repair market being less than 1%, leading to lost opportunities for Indian shipyards.

Policy Measures for Revival

To revitalize the shipbuilding sector, several policy measures can be implemented. First, strengthening domestic manufacturing of shipbuilding components is crucial. This can be achieved through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to encourage local production.

Establishing a dedicated Shipbuilding and Maritime Financing Institution will provide low-interest loans and support exports, ensuring that shipbuilders have access to necessary capital. Moreover, revamping existing infrastructure through modernization of shipyards and the establishment of maritime Special Economic Zones (SEZs) will enhance operational efficiency.

Implementing a Buy Indian Policy can ensure that future government and defense orders are placed with Indian shipyards, promoting domestic demand. Additionally, integrating shipbuilding with renewable energy initiatives can align with India’s Net Zero 2070 goals by developing low-emission vessels.

Lastly, enhancing research and development through a National Maritime Innovation Hub will foster innovation and skill development, ensuring the industry remains competitive in advanced technologies.

Way Forward

The Indian shipbuilding sector holds immense potential for economic growth and security. However, overcoming existing structural challenges requires comprehensive policy interventions and coordinated efforts from the government and industry stakeholders. By addressing these challenges, India can strengthen its position in the global shipbuilding landscape and secure a sustainable maritime future.

Model Answer

Introduction

Forest fires in India have surged tenfold over the past two decades, leading to significant economic losses estimated at ₹1.74 lakh crore annually. Various factors contribute to this increasing trend.

Body

Firstly, climate change plays a crucial role, with rising temperatures and erratic monsoon patterns creating conditions conducive to fires. For instance, unseasonal heat waves and prolonged dry spells have made forests more flammable. Secondly, human activities, such as agricultural expansion and the prevalent slash-and-burn technique, exacerbate fire risks. Reports indicate that human activities account for approximately 75% of all wildfires in India.

Moreover, inadequate fire management systems, characterized by insufficient surveillance and response mechanisms, hinder effective firefighting efforts. As of 2019, India had only 3,377 fire stations, far below the required number. Additionally, the ecological makeup of certain regions, particularly fire-prone pine forests, accentuates the risk.

Government Initiative

To mitigate this menace, India must adopt several measures. Empowering local communities through initiatives like Van Panchayats can enhance fire preparedness. Integrating technology, such as AI and satellite monitoring, can aid in early detection of fire-prone areas. Transitioning to fire-resistant afforestation practices and strengthening the implementation of existing laws will also be vital.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing forest fires in India requires a multi-faceted approach involving community engagement, technological advancements, and robust legal frameworks to ensure sustainable forest management.

Model Answer

Introduction

Natural farming is an ecological, sustainable agricultural method that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, relying instead on ecological processes and indigenous resources. In India, where agriculture is a key component of the economy and rural livelihoods, the government’s initiative, the National Mission on Natural Farming, aims to support over 1 crore farmers across 7.5 lakh hectares. This approach presents a viable alternative to the chemical-intensive farming practices that have led to soil degradation and increased costs for farmers.

Potential Benefits of Natural Farming

Natural farming offers numerous benefits:

• Enhances Soil Health: By eliminating synthetic inputs, it promotes microbial activity and restores soil fertility, addressing the issue of degraded land, which affects 30% of India’s agricultural land.
• Reduces Water Consumption: Techniques like mulching and cover cropping enhance water retention, crucial in a country where groundwater resources are under severe stress.
• Lowers Cultivation Costs: By relying on bio-inputs such as Jeevamrut and Beejamrut, farmers can significantly reduce their input costs, which is vital for the 86% of farmers who are small and marginal.
• Enhances Climate Resilience: Natural farming practices minimize greenhouse gas emissions and have shown greater resilience during extreme weather events, aiding adaptation to climate change.
• Promotes Food Security: By encouraging diverse cropping systems, it enhances nutritional security, crucial for a large portion of the population that struggles to afford a healthy diet.
• Strengthens Rural Livelihoods: The labor-intensive nature of natural farming can generate employment opportunities in rural areas, countering job losses due to mechanization.

Challenges Faced by Natural Farming

Despite its potential, natural farming faces significant challenges:

• Lack of Scientific Validation: There are inadequate long-term studies to prove its sustainability across different agro-climatic zones, leading to skepticism among farmers.
• Uncertainty in Crop Yields: Initial yield declines can deter farmers from transitioning, especially in high-dependency regions for food security.
• Absence of Certification Standards: Without a standardized certification framework, farmers struggle to differentiate their products in the market, limiting access to premium pricing.
• Limited Market Linkages: The lack of organized value chains makes it difficult for farmers to sell their produce at fair prices.
• High Labor Requirements: The labor-intensive nature of natural farming can be a barrier, especially in areas facing labor shortages.
• Climate Sensitivity: The effectiveness of natural farming varies significantly across different climatic regions, posing challenges in implementation.

Measures to Overcome Challenges

To address these challenges, several measures can be implemented:

• Strengthening Research: Investing in long-term, multi-location trials to validate natural farming practices is essential.
• Reforming Subsidies: Redirecting existing fertilizer subsidies towards bio-input production and natural farming extension services will support farmers’ transition.
• Developing Certification Frameworks: Establishing a national-level Natural Farming Certification System (NFCS) can help farmers gain market access.
• Enhancing Market Linkages: Creating dedicated supply chains for natural farming products can ensure fair pricing and better market access.
• Promoting Farmer Training: Implementing a structured Farmer-to-Farmer Learning Model can enhance knowledge sharing and capacity building.
• Integrating with Existing Programs: Linking natural farming practices with watershed management and agroforestry programs can improve resilience and sustainability.

Way Forward

Natural farming presents a sustainable alternative to chemical-intensive agriculture, offering numerous benefits, including improved soil health and reduced input costs. However, to realize its full potential, it is crucial to address the existing challenges through targeted research, policy reforms, and robust support systems for farmers. A balanced approach that combines scientific validation and institutional backing will be vital for the long-term success of natural farming in India.

Model Answer

Introduction

Articles 355 and 356 of the Indian Constitution are crucial for maintaining the federal structure and ensuring governance stability. Article 356 allows the President to impose President’s Rule in a state when there is a failure of constitutional machinery, while Article 355 mandates the Union to protect states against external aggression and internal disturbances.

Explanation of Articles

Article 356 empowers the President to take over the administration of a state, effectively centralizing power. In contrast, Article 355 serves as a constitutional obligation for the Union to ensure that governance is maintained in all states, thus safeguarding their integrity.

Implications on Federal Structure

The invocation of these articles often leads to the centralization of authority, undermining the autonomy of state governments. This has been a contentious issue, as frequent imposition of President’s Rule can weaken elected state governments and diminish public trust in democratic processes. For instance, President’s Rule has been imposed 134 times since 1950, with states like Manipur facing it 11 times, indicating a trend of political instability and misuse.

Historical Context

Historical instances, such as the 48 impositions of President’s Rule between 1966 and 1977, illustrate the potential for misuse. The Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in the S.R. Bommai case (1994) emphasized that the use of Article 356 should be conditional and subject to judicial review, reinforcing the necessity for checks and balances.

Safeguards Against Misuse

To prevent misuse, several recommendations have been proposed. The Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions recommend invoking Article 356 only in exceptional circumstances, after exhausting all alternatives. Judicial oversight should be strengthened, and clear definitions of “failure of constitutional machinery” should be established to prevent subjective interpretations.

Way Forward

In conclusion, while Articles 355 and 356 are essential for maintaining governance stability, their application must be carefully monitored to uphold the federal structure. A balanced approach that respects state autonomy while ensuring timely intervention in cases of genuine crisis is crucial for preserving the democratic integrity of India. Strengthening judicial scrutiny and ensuring clear guidelines will help mitigate the risks of misuse, fostering a robust federal framework.