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Examine how well India’s policies and initiatives—like the Soil Health Card Scheme and the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana—advance sustainable agriculture in addressing issues like water scarcity, soil degradation, and the climate resilience of farming communities.
Analyze how India’s urban development programs, like the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and the Smart Cities Mission, affect the sustainable management of cities, which includes affordable housing, effective transportation, and a smaller environmental footprint.
Impact of India's Urban Development Initiatives on Sustainable Management of Cities India’s urban development initiatives, notably the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), have significantly influenced the sustainable management of cities. ThesRead more
Impact of India’s Urban Development Initiatives on Sustainable Management of Cities
India’s urban development initiatives, notably the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), have significantly influenced the sustainable management of cities. These programs aim to enhance urban infrastructure, improve quality of life, and address critical urban challenges such as affordable housing, efficient transportation, and environmental sustainability.
Smart Cities Mission
Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission aims to develop 100 smart cities across India, focusing on integrating technology and infrastructure to improve urban living standards.
1. Affordable Housing
2. Efficient Transportation
3. Reduction of Environmental Footprint
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
Launched in 2015, AMRUT aims to provide basic amenities and infrastructure improvements in urban areas, with a focus on water supply, sewerage, and green spaces.
1. Affordable Housing
2. Efficient Transportation
3. Reduction of Environmental Footprint
Conclusion
The Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT have had a significant impact on the sustainable management of Indian cities. Affordable housing, efficient transportation, and environmental sustainability are key focus areas, with both initiatives incorporating technology, data-driven planning, and infrastructure improvements. Recent examples from cities such as Surat, Indore, and Ahmedabad illustrate the progress made in these areas. By addressing critical urban challenges and enhancing quality of life, these initiatives contribute to the broader goals of sustainable urban development and improved urban resilience.
See lessRoadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Define green financing and its significance. Fact: India needs $10 trillion to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 (International Financial Services Centres Authority). Mention India’s climate goals and global commitments (e.g., COP26 net-zero pledge). 2. Strategies to Improve Access to ...
Model Answer India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, announced at COP 26, necessitates a $10 trillion investment, according to the International Financial Services Centres Authority. Below are strategies India can adopt to enhance access to green finance and achieve its climate aRead more
India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, announced at COP 26, necessitates a $10 trillion investment, according to the International Financial Services Centres Authority. Below are strategies India can adopt to enhance access to green finance and achieve its climate and sustainable development goals:
To make green financing a cornerstone of Mission 2070, India must implement a holistic policy framework and foster strong domestic and international financial collaboration. Initiatives like carbon pricing, innovative financial instruments, and advocacy on global platforms will be pivotal in ensuring a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
See lessExplain the several initiatives India is taking to meet the “Sustainable Development Goals.” (200 Words) [UPPSC 2023]
Efforts Being Made in India to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) **1. National Policies and Strategies SDG India Index: Launched by NITI Aayog, the SDG India Index tracks progress across states and union territories. The 2022 Index provides a detailed report on achievements and gaps, drivRead more
Efforts Being Made in India to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
**1. National Policies and Strategies
**2. Economic and Social Programs
**3. Environmental Conservation
**4. Health and Education
**5. Digital Initiatives
Conclusion
India is making substantial efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through national policies, social programs, environmental conservation, health, education initiatives, and digital transformation. These coordinated actions are essential for sustainable and inclusive growth.
See lessTalk about how climate change could affect agriculture in India. In this regard, what actions has the government taken? (Answer in 200 words)
The world is currently experiencing significant climate change, leading to increased temperatures, rising sea levels, changes in cultivation patterns, and crop production, among other effects. According to data from 2022-23, around 18-19% of India's GDP is contributed by agriculture and related actiRead more
The world is currently experiencing significant climate change, leading to increased temperatures, rising sea levels, changes in cultivation patterns, and crop production, among other effects. According to data from 2022-23, around 18-19% of India’s GDP is contributed by agriculture and related activities. Consequently, climate change can have a noticeable impact on Indian agriculture.
• Challenging for specific crops: Crops like beet, broccoli, wheat , Cauliflower and other kharif crops tend to grow better in colder weather. An increase in temperature raises a challenge in their cultivation.
• Water Scarcity: The rising temperature levels also deplete the freshwater supply. India has approximately 4% of the world’s total freshwater reserve, 80% of which is utilized for agriculture. In India, agriculture without adequate irrigation is nearly impossible.
• Decrease in food supply: In case of challenging cultivation environment crop failure becomes common which poses a further negative impact on the availability of food crops in the long run. In India most food crops experience crop failure at a rate of 30-25 per cent.
Given the current situation, the Government of India has implemented sufficient research programs, actions, and schemes in response.
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: As the name suggests the organisation not only focuses on sustainable Agricultural practices but also studies soil health, Climatic science, monitoring, modelling and networking.
• National Action Plan on Climate Change: Set up in 2008 by the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change; the primary aim of the organisation is to protect restore and enhance India’s diminishing forest cover so as to bring climate change under control.
The government also carries out numerous other activities to mitigate climate change. Agriculture is a significant part of the Indian economy, and its vulnerability to climate change is a cause of concern that requires immediate attention.
Discuss the role of international development assistance in addressing the structural barriers to sustainable development in developing nations.
Getting governance-Governance development assistance can enhance governance systems and the institution efficiency and accountability in fighting corruption. Human Capital-Aid can help develop human capital by enhancing availability of quality education, health care and also enhance available resourRead more
Getting governance-Governance development assistance can enhance governance systems and the institution efficiency and accountability in fighting corruption.
Human Capital-Aid can help develop human capital by enhancing availability of quality education, health care and also enhance available resource for human safety nets.
Promoting inclusive growth-Employment creation through development assistances would promote business and cultivate sustained economic structures on the public.
Equality and fairness purposes of aid could deal with Gender, Ethnic, or any other inequalities within the society, in a way that resources channeled to such a society would be equitably distributed among all factions of that society.
Strengthening Coping capacity- development assistance may help prepare countries for climate change, natural disasters and other hazards.
Promoting or Supporting Sustainable Development-Such aid can promote conservation of the environment and sustainability of natural recourses for the future.
See lessBenefits of GMOs in Increasing Ecological Diversity in Degraded Ecosystems: Soil Restoration: GMOs could be used to improve the quality of soil through nitrogen-fixation and phytoremediation that diverse plants and animals can live within it. Pollinator Resources: GMO plants with pest resistance wilRead more
It leads to more diversity of plants with GMOs that mimic the characteristics of native species, provide shelter to specialist species, and prevent invasive species from flourishing over them in order to regain ecological balance.
It increases carbon sequestration through carbon-fortified GMOs, thereby supporting plant as well as microbial diversity.
High-Risk Controversies Associated with Genetically Modified Organisms:
1. Unintended Effects on Organisms and Ecosystems
Metabolic and Growth Change: Genetic manipulation of an organism can alter the metabolism and growth, and interaction with the environment.
Influence on Ecosystem: GMO can influence the ecosystem. Its changes can be passed to the wild populations, resulting in the transformation of local biodiversity.
2. Human Health Issues
New Allergens: The introduction of GMOs could also introduce some new allergens, hence the major threat to consumers who may face allergic reactions especially with allergenic genes of common allergens like nuts or milk being used.
Antibiotic Resistance: Transfer of antibiotic-resistant genes from GM foods to the gut flora is still another health risk
3. Gene Transfer Hazards
Horizontal Gene Transfer: The risk of transferring genes to non-target organisms is negligible, but it might cause ecological imbalances and enhance resistance to pesticides or antibiotics.
Vertical Gene Transfer: If the GMOs cross-breed with the wild species, new transgenes may change the survival rate of the GMOs besides affecting the wild populations as well as in the experiments conducted with transgenic fish.
4. Super Pests and Weeds Evolution
Development of Resistance: The selective pressure allows pests and weeds to develop resistance, making them “superbugs” and “superweeds.”
Increased Herbicide Intensity: The complexity can lead to higher dosages or different herbicides that may damage adjacent ecosystems and raise their chemical content.
5. Impact on Beneficial Organisms and Ecosystems
Impacts on Non-Target Organisms: Aggression effects can be triggered to advantageous insects and other species due to GMO traits associated with pest resistance.
Soil Quality: Residues from herbicide or pest-resistant plants can impact key soil organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and nematodes.
6. Viral Resistance and Disease Spread
Novel Virus Reassembly: The emergence of transgenic viral resistance can lead to new viruses assembled from existing viruses, which may introduce new plant diseases into a region.
7. Food Biotechnology Safety Issues
Allergenic and Toxic Components: Gene transfer may also lead to new allergenic proteins or toxins, such as those already identified to be linked to some GM bean varieties.
Mutation Potential: Gene insertion may also cause new mutations that do not express any predictable impacts on human health.
8. Ethical and Socioeconomic Concerns
Tampering with Nature: Ethical concerns and long-term effects of manipulating organisms in nature
Food Labeling: Should GMO food be labeled for public awareness?
Intellectual Property: Corporate players control ownership rights over GMO seeds, which can indirectly affect the rights of farmers and the marketplace at large
Explain the “Indian Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. (125 Words) [UPPSC 2018]
Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India 1. SDG Framework India is actively pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015. These goals focus on eradicating poverty, promoting economic growth, and ensuring environmental sustainability. 2. KeyRead more
Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India
1. SDG Framework
India is actively pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015. These goals focus on eradicating poverty, promoting economic growth, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
2. Key Initiatives
3. Challenges
India faces challenges in poverty alleviation, inequality, and climate resilience. Persistent efforts and robust policy implementation are essential to meet these goals effectively.
See lessThe food processing business in India has not expanded at the same rate as other developed nations.” Talk about it. (125 Words) [UPPSC 2020]
Leaving No One Behind" and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Concept: "Leaving no one behind" is a core principle of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. It emphasizes inclusive development, ensuring that progress benefits all segments of society, particRead more
Leaving No One Behind” and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Concept: “Leaving no one behind” is a core principle of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015. It emphasizes inclusive development, ensuring that progress benefits all segments of society, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized populations.
Application: The principle mandates equal opportunities and access to resources and benefits. For instance, the SDG 10 focuses on reducing inequality within and among countries, while SDG 1 aims to end poverty in all forms.
Recent Examples: During the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts were made to ensure vaccines and aid reached underprivileged communities and low-income countries. Programs like the COVAX initiative illustrate the commitment to this principle, striving to provide equitable access to vaccines and medical supplies.
In summary, “leaving no one behind” is about ensuring that sustainable development benefits everyone and no group is excluded from the progress.
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Soil Health Card Scheme: The Soil Health Card Scheme aims to provide farmers with information about the nutrient status of their soil and recommend appropriate measures to improve soil health. This initiative has several benefits: Improved Soil Management: By providing farmers with personalized soilRead more
Soil Health Card Scheme:
The Soil Health Card Scheme aims to provide farmers with information about the nutrient status of their soil and recommend appropriate measures to improve soil health. This initiative has several benefits:
However, challenges remain in ensuring the scheme’s effectiveness:
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):
The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana promotes organic farming and climate-smart agricultural practices. This program has the following advantages:
However, challenges persist in the implementation of the PKVY:
- Limited Adoption: The transition from conventional to organic farming requires significant changes in farming practices and may involve initial yield reductions. Some farmers may face challenges in adopting and sustaining organic farming practices.
- Access to Markets: Ensuring fair market access and remunerative prices for organic produce can be a challenge. Developing robust market linkages and creating awareness among consumers about the benefits of organic products are essential for the success of the PKVY
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