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The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (Answer in 250 words) [UPSC 2024]
Model Answer Introduction The groundwater potential of the Gangetic Valley is on a serious decline, which poses significant threats to food security in India. This region is crucial for the country's agricultural output, but the depletion of groundwater resources jeopardizes its ability to sustain cRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The groundwater potential of the Gangetic Valley is on a serious decline, which poses significant threats to food security in India. This region is crucial for the country’s agricultural output, but the depletion of groundwater resources jeopardizes its ability to sustain crop yields.
Decline in Groundwater Potential
Impact on Food Security
Conclusion
To safeguard India’s food security, immediate and collaborative efforts are required, including sustainable groundwater management and the adoption of water-efficient farming practices. A proactive approach is essential to preserve the agricultural backbone of the Gangetic Valley and ensure long-term food sustainability for the nation.
See lessWhat is meant by 'India's export hotspots'? Discuss their key characteristics and how they contribute to the growth of India's exports. (200 words)
Model Answer Introduction 'India's export hotspots' refer to specific regions in the country that excel in export activities due to their unique characteristics. These areas are crucial to India's overall export growth, contributing significantly to its economy and international trade. Defining CharRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
‘India’s export hotspots’ refer to specific regions in the country that excel in export activities due to their unique characteristics. These areas are crucial to India’s overall export growth, contributing significantly to its economy and international trade.
Defining Characteristics of India’s Export Hotspots
Contribution to India’s Export Growth
Conclusion
India’s export hotspots play a critical role in driving the country’s export growth by offering competitive advantages such as infrastructure, skilled labor, and proximity to resources. Continued government support will help maximize their contribution to India’s export success.
See lessWhy do natural resource-rich regions in India not always show the highest levels of economic development? (200 words)
Model Answer Introduction India is endowed with abundant natural resources, including coal, iron ore, and bauxite. Regions like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh are rich in these resources, yet they exhibit some of the lowest per capita incomes in the country. The phenomenon where resource-rich rRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India is endowed with abundant natural resources, including coal, iron ore, and bauxite. Regions like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh are rich in these resources, yet they exhibit some of the lowest per capita incomes in the country. The phenomenon where resource-rich regions do not always experience high economic development is often referred to as the “resource curse.”
Lack of Diversification
One of the primary reasons these regions fail to reach high economic development is their overdependence on natural resource extraction. Mining and extraction activities dominate the economy, but there is limited industrial diversification. This heavy reliance on a single sector makes these regions vulnerable to commodity price fluctuations and market volatility. For example, Assam’s dependence on oil and gas extraction has made its economy unstable when global oil prices drop.
Environmental and Social Issues
Resource extraction often brings about environmental degradation, such as land displacement and pollution, which further hampers development. For instance, the mining activities in Jharkhand, like those around the Jaduguda mines, have caused severe environmental damage, including health problems such as increased cancer cases due to radioactive waste. The tribal populations in these areas are often marginalized and excluded from benefiting from the resources in their regions due to political disenfranchisement.
Challenges in Governance and Infrastructure
The governance in these regions is often weak, with policy-making focused more on exploitation rather than sustainable development. Infrastructure in remote, resource-rich areas is underdeveloped, making it difficult to implement government initiatives. Poor connectivity and the lack of basic services such as healthcare and education are significant barriers to development.
Lack of Skilled Labor
Resource-rich regions also face a shortage of skilled labor, which prevents them from diversifying into knowledge-based industries. The lack of human capital and professional skills limits these regions’ ability to develop industries beyond resource extraction, further stalling economic progress.
Conclusion
Despite their resource wealth, these regions need structural reforms, including diversification of industries, sustainable resource management, improved infrastructure, and better governance. Empowering local communities, particularly tribal populations, and increasing their participation in decision-making processes will be crucial to ensuring more equitable and sustainable development in these resource-rich areas.
See lessDiscuss the approach towards increasing the emphasis on non-conventional energy sources across various regions of India. (200 words)
Model Answer Introduction India has been increasingly emphasizing the use of non-conventional or renewable energy sources to address issues like energy security, climate change, and sustainable development. These sources, including solar, wind, biomass, and tidal energy, are gaining prominence in vaRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India has been increasingly emphasizing the use of non-conventional or renewable energy sources to address issues like energy security, climate change, and sustainable development. These sources, including solar, wind, biomass, and tidal energy, are gaining prominence in various regions of India as part of the national strategy to reduce reliance on conventional fossil fuels.
Growing Emphasis on Non-Conventional Energy in Different Regions
Government Initiatives
The Indian government has introduced several initiatives to promote renewable energy:
Conclusion
India’s growing focus on non-conventional energy sources across different regions reflects its commitment to sustainable development, energy security, and environmental preservation. With continued support and innovation, India aims to lead in the global renewable energy sector.
See lesssave trees!!
You might be right to question what kind of impact our reading habit makes on the environment! It's not as easy as saying: "e-books are always better." Take a detailed look: Paper Books: Pros: Durable: Can last for generations. Screen-free: It's kinder on the eyes during low-light conditions. TactilRead more
You might be right to question what kind of impact our reading habit makes on the environment! It’s not as easy as saying: “e-books are always better.” Take a detailed look:
Paper Books:
Pros:
Durable: Can last for generations.
Screen-free: It’s kinder on the eyes during low-light conditions.
Tactile: The feel of holding and turning pages can be a pleasurable experience while reading.
Cons:
Deforestation: To produce paper, trees have to be cut down.
Excessive use of Water: Some paper work uses colossal quantities of water.
Transportation: Books must be transported that increases carbon footprint.
Waste: There is potential waste from discarded books which can help towards the landfill.
E-readers:
Advantages
No Deforestation: No cutting down of trees to get paper is involved.
Less Transport: You can download your e-books electronically which reduce transport.
Less Waste: E-readers hold thousands of books such that there is no need for physical storage.
Disadvantages:
Manufacturing Impact: Manufacturing e-readers uses electricity and resources as well as such minerals which prove to be harsh on the earth.
E-waste: Unsold e-readers become the part of electronic waste which might be dangerous most of the times unless disposed and recycled in time.
Energy Used: E-readers work only on electricity whose source can sometimes be fossil fuels.
Too Much Screen Time Harms Sleep Pattern and Vision System.
Heavy Reader: If you read many books, e-readers tend to be less environmentally impactful.
Occasional Reader: If you read a book every now and then, then paper books may be more environmentally friendly.
Determining Factors: Find the number of books you tend to read, the kind of energy source powering your devices, and eco-friendly disposal practices for both the book and e-reader.
Beyond the Choice:
Knowledge of the Environmentally Friendly Options:
Buying secondhand books.
See lessSupport publishers who print on recycled and sustainably sourced paper.
Recycle e-readers and paper responsibly.
Borrow from the library.
Audio books.
And sometimes, the most sustainable option for you will depend on your reading habits and options available to you locally.
How can we balance the growing global energy demand with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change, while ensuring energy equity and accessibility for developing regions?
Balancing global energy demand with the need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change while ensuring energy access for developing countries is a tough ask. Transition to Renewable Energy: -Scale up: Rapidly deploy solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower. -Grid modernization: Invest in smaRead more
Balancing global energy demand with the need to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change while ensuring energy access for developing countries is a tough ask.
Transition to Renewable Energy:
-Scale up: Rapidly deploy solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower.
-Grid modernization: Invest in smart grids and energy storage (batteries, pumped hydro) as renewables increase.
Energy Efficiency:
Improve energy efficiency: Implement policies and technologies to improve energy efficiency in buildings, transport and industry. This includes energy efficient appliances, building insulation and electrification of transport.
Nuclear Power:
-Advanced nuclear: Take advantage of advanced nuclear technologies (small modular reactors) to provide low carbon baseload power.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):
Deploy CCS: Invest in carbon capture and storage to reduce emissions in existing fossil fuel power plants and industrial processes.
SDGs
Ensure universal access to energy for all. It’s one of the SDGs we need to act on apart from climate.
Energy equity: Make sure the benefits of this transition are more equitably shared particularly between developing countries.
International Cooperation:
International cooperation: Promote international cooperation in research, development and deployment of clean energy technologies and technology transfer to developing nations.
Financial support: Developed nations may provide financial and technical assistance to help developing nations transition to clean energy and deal with climate change impacts.
See lessWhat are the environmental and economic impacts of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources?
Sustainable farming is the key to climate change mitigation. It is all about soil improvement, water conservation, and the reduction of toxic materials. -Soil Health: Practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping, and crop rotation are helpful in the improvement of soil structure, growth of orgaRead more
Sustainable farming is the key to climate change mitigation. It is all about soil improvement, water conservation, and the reduction of toxic materials.
See less-Soil Health: Practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping, and crop rotation are helpful in the improvement of soil structure, growth of organic matter, and water retention. A healthy soil stores a lot of carbon which rids the air of carbon dioxide and helps to moderate global warming.
-Water conservation by techniques like drip irrigation and rain harvesting are more efficient, therefore, using water less and keeping water clean.
Less Chemical Use
-IPM: The application of natural enemies in a smart way, such as rotation, other naturally occurring predators, and organic control, only increase the growth of biodiversity and the least amount of water pollution and this is the reasons why fewer pesticide are used.
-Less Use of Fertilizers: Using organic fertilizers and less chemical ones helps diminish the nutrient runoff and enhance the soil capacity to store nutrients in every way.
Give an account of the current status and the targets to be achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the country. Discuss in brief the importance of National Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). (200 words)(2016)
India's Renewable Energy Status and Targets Current Status of Renewable Energy India has achieved considerable success in renewable energy, ranking as the world's 3rd largest producer. In 2023, India's installed renewable energy capacity is 179.5 GW, which comprises: - Solar Power: ~72 GW - Wind EneRead more
India’s Renewable Energy Status and Targets Current Status of Renewable Energy
India has achieved considerable success in renewable energy, ranking as the world’s 3rd largest producer. In 2023, India’s installed renewable energy capacity is 179.5 GW, which comprises:
– Solar Power: ~72 GW
– Wind Energy: ~46 GW
– Bioenergy: ~10 GW
– Small Hydro: ~5 GW
Targets to be Achieved
India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 to meet its Net Zero emissions target by 2070. The key goals include:
– 175 GW renewable energy by 2022 (achieved ~120 GW).
– 450 GW by 2030, revised to 500 GW under COP26 commitments.
– Increasing solar energy through schemes like PM-KUSUM and the
Rooftop Solar Programme.
Significance of the National Programme on LEDs LED, which aims at the provision of an essential reduction in energy usage by LEDs. They have distributed over 37 crore LED bulbs while saving annually around 48 billion kWh.
There has been a reduction in CO₂ emissions by almost ~39 million tons annually.
Promotes energy efficiency, reduces electricity bills, and enhances sustainability.
India’s renewable energy push and adoption of LED is critical for the country’s energy security and sustainability. Strong implementation will ensure a cleaner, greener future.
See lessAgriculture
Agricultural systems managed in sustainable ways help substantially decrease climate change effects on farming operations. Carbon Sequestration: The farming practices of Conservation Agriculture raise the levels of soil organic matter through no-till farming combined with cover cropping and reducedRead more
Agricultural systems managed in sustainable ways help substantially decrease climate change effects on farming operations.
Carbon Sequestration:
The farming practices of Conservation Agriculture raise the levels of soil organic matter through no-till farming combined with cover cropping and reduced tillage to capture atmospheric carbon dioxide as a carbon sink.
The practice of agroforestry combines agricultural production with woodland elements which increases carbon storage capacity while supplying protective shade and eroding dangerous environmental conditions and boosting soil quality and ecosystem diversity.
Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Greenhouse gas emissions reduce due to the fact that efficient irrigation systems cut down water consumption which results in lower pumping and water treatment requirements.
Through organic approaches farmers decrease their application of synthetic fertilizers which lowers emissions of nitrogen oxide gas which stands among the strongest greenhouse gases.
Improved feed management methods paired with methane reduction approaches for livestock production systems create large-scale measures to combat climate change.
Climate Change Adaptation:
Crops resilient to drought and heat now can be cultivated as a method to strengthen farms through climate change adaptations.
Multiple crops planted together reduce the vulnerability of a farmer because weather fails fail to impact all crops in the field.
Farmers who implement rainwater collection combined with efficient irrigation methods become better able to handle irrigation shortages and drought conditions.
See lessHow post harvest practices and processing works as a deciding factor for a farmer's hardwork in India. Elaborate.
Post-harvest practices involving processing contribute a great deal to the income and livelihood of Indian farmers. This is how: -Antidote to Losses: A major part of the produce is lost to the country for post-harvest damage by inadvertent handling, poor storage, and inept transportation. European fRead more
Post-harvest practices involving processing contribute a great deal to the income and livelihood of Indian farmers. This is how:
-Antidote to Losses: A major part of the produce is lost to the country for post-harvest damage by inadvertent handling, poor storage, and inept transportation. European farmers are suffering huge losses of economic resources due to post-harvest losses. Proper sorting, grading, cleaning, and storage in an effective post-harvest management scheme must, therefore, take the lead in reducing these losses while helping to increase farmers’ returns.
-Higher Quality: Post-harvest handling upgrades the quality and shelf life. Consumers may prefer this quality, and therefore the price in the market may increase.
-Value Addition: Different processes provide raw produce added value. Such processes, for instance, include drying, canning, pasteurization, and freezing; these methods turn raw produce into finished products like juice, jam, and pickles. This adds value and gives farmers alternative income.
-Market Access: Improvement in post-harvest practices allows farmers to gain increased access to multiple markets. The produce being cultivated takes off to other levels, enhancing quality and safety that allows farmers to sell in higher-end markets, meeting high-demand buyers like processors, exporters, and retailers.
-Reduced dependence on middlemen: Value addition activities can sever these ties and reduce futility-reaching middlemen who predominantly determine prices and bargain with farmers on low-cost options. Better prices for produce and incomes shall be realized.
Critical Points Affecting Indian Post-Harvest Practices
Post-harvest losses: There isn’t enough infrastructure regarding cold storages. Poor transport infrastructure and a lack of the presence of processing units thus lead to huge post-harvest losses.
Lack of awareness: Most farmers lack knowledge of suitable post-harvest handling techniques and the need for quality management.
Limited access to technology: Smallholder farmers do not have access to modern post-harvest technologies such as refrigeration, cold storage, and processing equipment.
See lessLack of market information: Most farmers lack access to market information, which leads to poor decision-making on pricing, marketing channels, and value-addition opportunities.