मॉडल उत्तर

प्रस्तावना

भारत में विकासात्मक आकांक्षाएँ तेजी से बढ़ रही हैं, लेकिन यह आवश्यक है कि इन्हें पर्यावरणीय स्थिरता के साथ संतुलित किया जाए। हाल ही में शुरू की गई केन-बेतवा नदी जोड़ो परियोजना इस संतुलन का एक प्रमुख उदाहरण है, जो विकास और पर्यावरण संरक्षण के बीच के टकराव को उजागर करती है।

प्रमुख चुनौतियाँ

1. निर्वनीकरण और आवास की क्षति: तेजी से हो रहे शहरीकरण और बुनियादी ढाँचे के विकास से पारिस्थितिकी संतुलन पर असर पड़ रहा है। FAO के अनुसार, भारत में 2015 से 2020 के बीच 668 हेक्टेयर प्रति वर्ष की दर से वनों की कटाई हुई है।
2. जल तनाव: भारत के 70-80% किसान भूजल पर निर्भर हैं, जिससे जल स्तर में चिंताजनक कमी आई है। NITI आयोग के अनुसार, 600 मिलियन भारतीय जल संकट का सामना कर रहे हैं।
3. वायु प्रदूषण: औद्योगिक विकास के परिणामस्वरूप वायु गुणवत्ता में गिरावट आई है। 2023 में, भारत के 50 सबसे प्रदूषित शहरों में से 39 थे, जिसमें दिल्ली और कानपुर शामिल हैं।
4. भूमि क्षरण: असंवहनीय कृषि प्रथाओं और वनों की कटाई के कारण लगभग 30% भूमि प्रभावित है।
5. जलवायु परिवर्तन: 2023 में भारत का ग्रीनहाउस गैस उत्सर्जन 6.1% बढ़ गया, जो वैश्विक कुल का 8% है।

रणनीतियाँ

1. नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा में परिवर्तन: भारत को हरित ऊर्जा स्रोतों को अपनाने की आवश्यकता है। ग्रीन हाइड्रोजन मिशन और सौर ऊर्जा के विस्तार जैसे कदम इस दिशा में महत्वपूर्ण हैं।
2. संधारणीय शहरीकरण: शहरी नियोजन में हरित बुनियादी ढाँचे का विकास और शून्य-अपशिष्ट नीतियाँ अपनाई जानी चाहिए।
3. वन संरक्षण: सामुदायिक वनरोपण और कृषि वानिकी को बढ़ावा देकर जैव विविधता और आजीविका को सुरक्षित किया जा सकता है।
4. जल संसाधन प्रबंधन: वर्षा जल संचयन, अपशिष्ट जल पुनर्चक्रण, और जलभृत पुनर्भरण को एकीकृत करना आवश्यक है।
5. परिवहन का विद्युतीकरण: इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों और हाइड्रोजन ईंधन-सेल वाहनों को प्रोत्साहित करना चाहिए।

निष्कर्ष

भारत की विकासात्मक आकांक्षाओं को पर्यावरणीय स्थिरता के साथ संतुलित करने के लिए एक समग्र दृष्टिकोण की आवश्यकता है। केन-बेतवा नदी जोड़ो परियोजना जैसे उदाहरणों से हमें यह समझने का अवसर मिलता है कि विकास के साथ-साथ पर्यावरण संरक्षण भी अनिवार्य है, जिससे हम सतत विकास लक्ष्यों [Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] की दिशा में आगे बढ़ सकें।

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

Impact of Quick Commerce on India’s Retail Landscape

Quick commerce, commonly referred to as q-commerce, is an innovative business model focusing on ultra-fast delivery of goods, typically within 10 to 30 minutes. The rise of companies like Zepto and Blinkit has transformed consumer behavior in India, prioritizing instant gratification and convenience. As the market for quick commerce is projected to grow to approximately $5.5 billion, it poses both opportunities and challenges in the retail landscape.

Impact on Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics

The primary impact of quick commerce is the significant shift in consumer preferences towards immediacy. Urban consumers increasingly rely on these platforms for essential goods, fundamentally altering shopping habits. Additionally, the competitive nature of quick commerce has put traditional retail, particularly local kirana stores, under pressure, leading to reduced footfall and sales.

Moreover, quick commerce has contributed to employment generation, particularly within the gig economy, offering flexible job opportunities. However, this growth raises concerns over worker rights and protections, as delivery personnel often face demanding conditions.

Regulatory Challenges

Despite its benefits, quick commerce presents several regulatory challenges:

1. Worker Exploitation: The gig model often lacks adequate labor protections, exposing delivery personnel to unsafe working conditions and financial instability.
2. Sustainability Concerns: The environmental impact, including rising carbon emissions and packaging waste, needs urgent attention, as frequent deliveries contribute to pollution.
3. Consumer Protection: Issues such as hidden fees, inconsistent service quality, and lack of transparency can erode consumer trust.
4. Impact on Local Businesses: The rapid growth of quick commerce can disrupt established local businesses, threatening their survival in an increasingly competitive environment.

Recommendations for Effective Regulation

To ensure sustainable growth of quick commerce, the government should consider the following regulatory measures:

• Strengthening Labor Protections: Enforce fair wages, health insurance, and safety regulations for gig workers to improve their working conditions.
• Implementing Environmental Standards: Mandate the adoption of green logistics practices to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint and promote sustainable operations.
• Enhancing Consumer Rights: Establish clear guidelines for pricing transparency, service quality, and accountability to protect consumers.
• Creating a Centralized Regulatory Authority: A governing body should oversee compliance, address disputes, and ensure fair practices in the quick commerce sector.
• Supporting Local Businesses: Encourage quick commerce platforms to integrate local MSMEs into their supply chains, promoting equitable growth and preserving traditional retail.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while quick commerce is revolutionizing India’s retail landscape by meeting the demand for instant delivery, it also presents significant regulatory challenges that must be addressed. A balanced approach that fosters innovation while ensuring labor rights, environmental sustainability, and consumer protection is essential for the sustainable growth of this emerging sector.

Model Answer

Introduction

Export-led growth is a strategy that focuses on increasing a country’s exports to boost its economic development. For India, aiming to become a developed nation by 2047, achieving sustained economic growth through this model is crucial. It is essential to understand the significance of export-led growth, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities it presents.

Significance of Export-Led Growth

One of the primary benefits of export-led growth is job creation. By expanding labor-intensive sectors like textiles and pharmaceuticals, India can generate millions of jobs, particularly for its young workforce. Moreover, focusing on exports helps in reducing the trade deficit and enhancing foreign exchange reserves, making the economy more resilient to external shocks.

Integrating into global value chains (GVCs) facilitates access to advanced technologies and best practices, improving productivity and innovation. This integration is vital for sectors aiming to compete globally. For instance, the expansion of manufacturing hubs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities can decentralize economic activity, promoting regional development and reducing disparities.

Key Challenges

Despite its significance, export-led growth faces several challenges. High logistics costs and outdated infrastructure hinder India’s competitiveness in the global market. The logistics cost-to-GDP ratio remains high compared to global benchmarks, which affects export efficiency. Additionally, India’s export basket is concentrated in a few sectors, making it vulnerable to economic fluctuations.

Weak integration into GVCs due to inadequate supply chain networks and low R&D investments further limits growth potential. Trade protectionism and rising tariffs pose significant risks, particularly in developed markets. Additionally, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggle to access affordable export financing, which restricts their ability to scale operations.

Opportunities

India has substantial opportunities to boost its export growth. Emerging sectors like renewable energy, electric vehicles, and high-value manufacturing present new avenues for expansion. Government initiatives, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the PM Gati Shakti plan, aim to enhance infrastructure and incentivize manufacturing.

The global shift towards digital trade and e-commerce also opens doors for Indian manufacturers to reach international markets. Strengthening trade ties through agreements with countries like Australia and UAE can further enhance export capabilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the export-led growth model holds significant potential for transforming India’s economy. While challenges exist, strategic focus on emerging sectors, technological advancements, and government policies can help overcome these hurdles. By effectively leveraging opportunities, India can achieve sustainable economic growth and work towards its goal of becoming a $20 trillion economy by 2047.

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.