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ANKITBegginer
Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.
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This answer was edited.
India is a mineral-rich country and a part of ancient Gondwanaland, with an abundance of resources hidden beneath it's soil, still struggles to make significant contributions to its GDP through its mining industry, despite the vast potential. Mining Industry of India India's mining industry, a vitalRead more
India is a mineral-rich country and a part of ancient Gondwanaland, with an abundance of resources hidden beneath it’s soil, still struggles to make significant contributions to its GDP through its mining industry, despite the vast potential.
Mining Industry of India
India’s mining industry, a vital sector, extracts minerals and ores contributing significantly to GDP. GDP contribution of the mining industry varies from 1.80℅ to 1.90℅ (at current price), it is approximately 10℅ of all industrial contribution to GDP. But it is a very least contribution, despite having a large availability of geological reserves. for Instance – according to data ( ministry of coal,2024) we have 352.13 billion mt coal reserves and we have extracted its 0.28℅ only till now.
Reasons behind least contribution –
- limited Exploration and Extraction – mineral resources remain under-explored and under-extracted, hindering industry growth. for example – India has significant iron ore resources, but extraction rates (1.13℅ of total reserves) are low due to lack of exploration.
- Environmental Issues – mining’s adverse environmental impact makes the society and government cautious. It is a resistance for growing industry. for example – Vedanta copper smelting plant in Tamil Nadu highlights the Environment concerns.
- Dependence on Imported Minerals – India lacks certain minerals, relying on imports. for instance – India imports most of it’s Gold and Silver from UAE , despite having significant reserves.
- Lack of Technological advancement – the industry’s efficiency and productivity suffer due to inadequate technological adoption. for instance – India still uses traditional methods for coal mining, whereas advanced countries use mechanized mining.
- Regulatory hurdles – Stringent laws and policies regulate the mining industry, stifling it’s development. For instance – Supreme Court of India suspended iron ore mining in Goa due to environment concerns and Legal hurdles.
Harsh SinghBegginer
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India has witnessed several agricultural revolutions since independence, transforming the sector and improving food security and poverty alleviation. *Types of Revolutions:* 1. *Green Revolution (1960s-1970s)*: Introduction of high-yielding wheat and rice varieties, irrigation, fertilizers, and pestRead more
India has witnessed several agricultural revolutions since independence, transforming the sector and improving food security and poverty alleviation.
*Types of Revolutions:*
1. *Green Revolution (1960s-1970s)*: Introduction of high-yielding wheat and rice varieties, irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides.
– Increased food grain production by 200%.
– Made India self-sufficient in food production.
2. *White Revolution (1970s)*: National Dairy Development Board’s “Operation Flood” initiative.
– Increased milk production from 20 million tons (1970) to 176 million tons (2019).
– Empowered rural women through dairy cooperatives.
3. *Yellow Revolution (1990s)*: Focus on oilseeds production.
– Increased oilseeds production from 10 million tons (1990) to 30 million tons (2019).
– Reduced edible oil imports.
4. *Blue Revolution (2000s)*: Focus on fisheries and aquaculture.
– Increased fish production from 4 million tons (2000) to 12 million tons (2019).
– Generated employment and income for coastal communities.
5. *Evergreen Revolution (2010s)*: Focus on sustainable agriculture practices.
– Promotes organic farming, crop diversification, and climate-resilient agriculture.
– Aims to increase productivity while preserving natural resources.*Impact on Poverty Alleviation and Food Security:*
1. Reduced poverty: Agricultural growth generated employment and income opportunities.
2. Improved food security: Increased food production and availability.
3. Enhanced nutrition: Diversified crops and livestock improved dietary diversity.
4. Empowered rural communities: Cooperatives and self-help groups enabled collective decision-making.
5. Increased exports: Agricultural exports contributed to India’s economic growth.*Challenges and Future Directions:*
1. Sustainability: Addressing environmental concerns and climate change.
2. Inclusivity: Ensuring benefits reach small and marginal farmers.
3. Technological advancements: Leveraging technology for precision agriculture.
4. Market access: Improving market linkages for farmers.
5. Policy support: Continuing government initiatives and investments.
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Harsh SinghBegginer
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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 AchievedIndia 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.
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Harsh SinghBegginer
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Allelopathy refers to the direct or indirect harmful effects of one plant on another through the release of chemical compounds into the environment. These compounds, called allelochemicals, can inhibit growth, reduce yield or even kill neighboring plants. *Role in Irrigated Agriculture:* AllelopathyRead more
Allelopathy refers to the direct or indirect harmful effects of one plant on another through the release of chemical compounds into the environment. These compounds, called allelochemicals, can inhibit growth, reduce yield or even kill neighboring plants.
*Role in Irrigated Agriculture:*
Allelopathy significantly impacts cropping systems in irrigated agriculture:
*Benefits:*
1. Weed control: Allelopathic crops suppress weed growth, reducing competition for water and nutrients.
2. Improved crop yields: By inhibiting neighboring plants, allelopathic crops can increase resource availability.
3. Soil health: Allelochemicals can enhance soil fertility and structure.*Challenges:*
1. Crop selection: Incompatible crop combinations can lead to reduced yields.
2. Soil pollution: Persistent allelochemicals can harm subsequent crops.
3. Water contamination: Allelochemicals can leach into water sources.*Major Cropping Systems:*
1. Rice-Wheat System: Rice allelopathy suppresses weeds, benefiting wheat.
2. Maize-Soybean System: Maize allelopathy enhances soybean growth.
3. Sugarcane-Based Systems: Sugarcane allelopathy controls weeds and promotes soil health.
4. Cotton-Based Systems: Cotton allelopathy reduces weed growth.*Management Strategies:*
1. Crop rotation and intercropping
2. Allelopathic crop breeding
3. Integrated pest management (IPM)
4. Soil conservation practices
5. Irrigation management to minimize allelochemical leaching*Examples of Allelopathic Crops:*
1. Rice (Oryza sativa)
2. Wheat (Triticum aestivum)
3. Maize (Zea mays)
4. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)
5. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
6. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
7. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)*Research and Future Directions:
1. Identifying allelopathic compounds and mechanisms
2. Developing allelopathic crop varieties
3. Investigating allelopathy’s role in organic farming
4. Integrating allelopathy with precision agriculture
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Harsh SinghBegginer
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Water-use efficiency (WUE) refers to the ratio of beneficial water use to total water withdrawal. It measures how effectively water is utilized in various sectors, such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use. *Water-Use Efficiency (WUE) Formula:* WUE = (Beneficial Water Use / Total Water WithdraRead more
Water-use efficiency (WUE) refers to the ratio of beneficial water use to total water withdrawal. It measures how effectively water is utilized in various sectors, such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use.
*Water-Use Efficiency (WUE) Formula:*
WUE = (Beneficial Water Use / Total Water Withdrawal) x 100
*Role of Micro-Irrigation in Increasing WUE:*
Micro-irrigation, also known as precision irrigation, is a technique that supplies water directly to the roots of plants, reducing evaporation and runoff.
*Benefits of Micro-Irrigation:*
1. Increased water savings (up to 50%)
2. Improved crop yields (up to 30%)
3. Reduced energy consumption
4. Enhanced fertilizer and pesticide efficiency
5. Decreased soil erosion*Types of Micro-Irrigation:*
1. Drip Irrigation
2. Sprinkler Irrigation
3. Micro-Sprinkler Irrigation
4. Bubbler Irrigation*How Micro-Irrigation Increases WUE:*
1. Precise water application reduces waste
2. Targeted water delivery to roots minimizes evaporation
3. Reduced runoff and deep percolation
4. Improved soil moisture monitoring
5. Optimized irrigation scheduling*Case Studies:*
1. India’s National Mission on Micro-Irrigation (NMMI) has increased WUE by 40-50%
2. Israel’s drip irrigation systems have achieved WUE of 90-95%
3. California’s micro-irrigation projects have saved 20-30% of water*Challenges and way forward:*
1. High initial investment costs
2. Limited awareness and adoption among farmers
3. Water quality concerns
4. Integration with other water-saving technologies
5. Policy support and incentives for micro-irrigation adoption
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Indian agriculture faces significant challenges, including diminishing and degraded land and water resources, drought, flooding, and global warming, which generate unpredictable weather patterns . These issues hinder sustainable and profitable growth in the sector. To address these concerns, the govRead more
Indian agriculture faces significant challenges, including diminishing and degraded land and water resources, drought, flooding, and global warming, which generate unpredictable weather patterns . These issues hinder sustainable and profitable growth in the sector. To address these concerns, the government has initiated the fourth wave of revolution in agriculture, introducing technological advancements to improve yields and promote population involvement.
*Key Challenges:*
– Diminishing Land and Water Resources: Decreasing availability of arable land and water affects agricultural productivity.
– Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns impact crop yields and farming schedules.
– Food Wastage: Approximately one-third of food produced is lost or wasted in transit.*Recent Advancements:*
– *Agriculture 4.0*: Precision farming methods utilizing IoT, big data, artificial intelligence, and robotics to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
– *Digital Technologies*: Drones, aerial imaging, and GPS technology improve crop monitoring, fertilization, and pest management.
– *Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning*: AI/ML-powered technologies forecast crop yields, weather conditions, and price trends.
– *Hydroponics and Vertical Farming*: Soilless cultivation methods reduce water consumption and increase crop yields.
– *Government Initiatives*: India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA) framework promotes Agri-tech businesses and digitalization.*Emerging Trends:*
– *Agricultural Drone Technology*: Enhances crop monitoring and maintenance.
– *Diversification of Agriculture*: Increased focus on high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and spices.
– *Horticulture Production*: Growing demand for diverse horticulture crops.
– *Development of Agriculture in Backward Areas*: Introduction of dryland farming, horticulture, and floriculture.These advancements and initiatives aim to transform Indian agriculture, promoting sustainability, efficiency, and profitability .
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Rice is the major cereal crop grown in India: Significance Rice is one of the widely cropped crops in India, and it is grown within almost all states. It turns out to be the major food for more than half of India's population. Production India is the second-largest rice producer and a significant riRead more
Rice is the major cereal crop grown in India:
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Significance
Rice is one of the widely cropped crops in India, and it is grown within almost all states. It turns out to be the major food for more than half of India’s population.
Production
India is the second-largest rice producer and a significant rice exporter too. The three major rice-growing states are West Bengal, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
Growing
Unlike other crops, rice is grown partially with water.
In India, some other cereal crops produced include wheat, jowar, bajra, and millet.
Canada has 4 profound effects of nanotechnology on environmental sustainability: The Environmental Benefits of Nanotechnology. The ability to build devices with nanoscale precision is known as nanotechnology, and it has become an invaluable weapon in fighting environmental threats. Developing possibRead more
Canada has 4 profound effects of nanotechnology on environmental sustainability: The Environmental Benefits of Nanotechnology.
The ability to build devices with nanoscale precision is known as nanotechnology, and it has become an invaluable weapon in fighting environmental threats. Developing possibilities to use nanomaterials has already led to the emergence of trends that are likely to revolutionize different industries.
Clean Energy Technologies
-Enhanced Solar Cells: The power generation ability of solar cells can be improved by way of nanotechnology in fabricating the devices which helps to increase light collection efficiency while reducing production cost.
-Next Generation Batteries: With the incorporation of nanotechnology into batteries it would be possible to increase the charging rate and overall energy density making it more efficient and sustainable.
– Fuel Cell Technologies: Fuel cells are devices that convert hydrogen to energy and with nanotechnology these devices will be produced in a way that they will be more energy effective and last longer which will contribute to the use of clean energy.
Water Purification and Conservation
-Nanofiltration Membranes: Unique membranes that may be used to turn normal water to purify contaminated water fit for human consumption and other utility.
-Nano-Deployment in Water Treatment: The use of nanomaterials in water helps to improve the quality of water without the harmful addition of chemicals since they are able to degrade pollutants as well as act as sterilizing agents.
Agriculture for Sustainability
-Nanopesticides: This method allows the use of focus on usage pesticides which are more efficient and environmentally friendly.
-Nanofertilizers: These fertilizers are helpful in increasing the efficiency of plant nutrient absorption and thus may reduce the over reliance on fertilisers.
-Nano-Material-Based Sensors: These sensors can monitor soil and plant health thus promoting precision farming and reducing waste.
Environmental Remediation
Nanomaterial-Based Catalysts Nanomaterial-based catalysts can be used to enhance the degradation of toxic substances in water and soil.
Sorbent Materials Made From Nanomaterials These materials are promising in the detoxification of air and water.
Though there is great optimism on the use of nanotechnology for supporting environmental sustainability, one would have to really take the necessary steps to analyze each step of potential risks and ensure responsible usage to guarantee its safe and beneficial use. On one hand, we shall exploit the power of nanomaterials, on the other, we shall be aware of their potential consequences.
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