Model Answer

Introduction

Logistics plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of supply chains and facilitating economic growth. As India aims to establish itself as a global manufacturing hub, the logistics sector must overcome significant challenges that hinder its competitiveness. High logistics costs, estimated at 14–18% of GDP, far exceed global benchmarks of around 8%, emphasizing the urgent need for reform.

Key Challenges in India’s Logistics Sector

High Logistics Costs: The fragmented supply chain and over-dependence on road transport inflate costs, adversely affecting exports and domestic production.

Modal Imbalance: Currently, 66% of freight movement is via roads, while railways contribute only 31%. This skewed distribution undermines cost-efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Infrastructure Deficits: Delays in project execution due to land acquisition issues and bureaucratic hurdles impede the timely development of essential logistics infrastructure, such as dedicated freight corridors (DFCs).

Regulatory Fragmentation: Multiple ministries oversee logistics, leading to compliance complexities that increase transaction costs and delay goods movement.

Digital Divide: Uneven technology adoption means that small logistics players lag in efficiency and innovation. Most benefits from digital tools are concentrated among organized sectors.

Skilling Challenges: Over 90% of the logistics workforce is unorganized, lacking adequate training and development, leading to low productivity and unsafe working conditions.

Environmental Concerns: The logistics sector, dominated by diesel-based trucking, contributes significantly to carbon emissions, necessitating a shift towards greener practices.

Measures to Enhance Efficiency and Competitiveness

To address these challenges, India must adopt a multi-faceted approach:

1. Integrated Multimodal Transport Infrastructure: Accelerate the implementation of the PM Gati Shakti initiative, ensuring seamless coordination across roads, railways, and ports.
2. Infrastructure Development: Invest in multi-modal logistics parks and enhance connectivity through dedicated freight corridors to streamline cargo movement.
3. Digital Transformation: Implement a unified digital platform for logistics operations, ensuring all stakeholders can access real-time data and automated processes.
4. Skilling Initiatives: Launch a National Logistics Workforce Development Mission to enhance skills in modern supply chain technologies and promote career mobility.
5. Regulatory Reforms: Simplify compliance processes to facilitate easier registration and operation for logistics providers, particularly small operators.
6. Sustainability Initiatives: Encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and promote coastal shipping and inland waterways as greener alternatives.

Way Forward

In conclusion, addressing the structural bottlenecks in India’s logistics sector is crucial for enhancing the country’s global competitiveness in manufacturing. By implementing comprehensive measures that integrate technology, improve infrastructure, and promote sustainability, India can pave the way towards becoming a leading player in the global manufacturing landscape, aligning with sustainable development goals and fostering economic growth.

मॉडल उत्तर

प्रस्तावना

बाहरी अंतरिक्ष का सैन्यीकरण एक गंभीर चिंता का विषय बन गया है। भारत को अपनी अंतरिक्ष संपत्तियों की सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करने के लिए ठोस कदम उठाने की आवश्यकता है।

चुनौतियाँ

1. बढ़ता सैन्यीकरण:
   प्रमुख शक्तियाँ जैसे अमेरिका और चीन, अंतरिक्ष में अपने सैन्य गतिविधियों को बढ़ा रही हैं, जिससे प्रतिस्पर्धा बढ़ रही है।
2. साइबर और भौतिक खतरे:
   भारतीय उपग्रहों पर साइबर हमलों और भौतिक हमलों का खतरा बढ़ रहा है, जिससे उनके संचालन पर प्रभाव पड़ सकता है।
3. अंतरिक्ष में मलबा:
   बढ़ते अंतरिक्ष मलबे के कारण उपग्रहों के टकराव का जोखिम बढ़ गया है, जिससे उनकी सुरक्षा को खतरा है।

उपाय

1. अंतरिक्ष क्षमताओं में वृद्धि:
   स्वदेशी तकनीक का विकास और अनुसंधान में निवेश करना आवश्यक है।
2. अंतरराष्ट्रीय सहयोग:
   अन्य देशों के साथ सहयोग और संधियाँ करके सामूहिक सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित की जा सकती है।
3. रणनीतिक विनियमन:
   अंतरिक्ष में सैन्य गतिविधियों के लिए एक ठोस नियामक ढाँचा स्थापित करना चाहिए।

निष्कर्ष

भारत को अपनी अंतरिक्ष संपत्तियों की रक्षा के लिए एक समग्र दृष्टिकोण अपनाने की आवश्यकता है, ताकि बाहरी अंतरिक्ष में सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित की जा सके।

Model Answer

Introduction

Anonymity is a hallmark of civil service, providing bureaucrats with the freedom to operate without public scrutiny. In contrast to political executives, who are publicly accountable, civil servants often work behind the scenes. This structure has several advantages, particularly in the context of the growing influence of social media.

Protection from Political Pressures

Anonymity allows civil servants to function without the fear of political backlash. Political parties often react to populist sentiments, which can compromise objective governance. As noted by the Administrative Staff College of India, bureaucrats can make decisions based on expertise rather than public opinion, aiding in the implementation of sound policies.

Alignment with Parliamentary Governance

In a parliamentary system, ministers are directly accountable to the electorate, while civil servants are responsible to their superiors. This distinction supports the notion that bureaucrats should remain anonymous, allowing them to provide candid advice to various political administrations without bias. According to a report by the Institute of Governance Studies, this separation helps maintain the integrity of the civil service.

Maintaining Discipline and Morale

Anonymity protects civil servants from public criticism, which can foster a more disciplined and motivated workforce. A study by the World Bank on public sector management emphasized that a stable and insulated environment helps maintain high morale, thereby enhancing service delivery.

Erosion of Anonymity in the Age of Social Media

However, the rise of social media has begun to erode this anonymity. Increased media scrutiny often reveals the identities of senior bureaucrats, leading to a “name and blame” culture among politicians. Moreover, some civil servants have chosen to bypass official channels to voice grievances, further complicating their role. A report by the Centre for Policy Research highlights that this trend could undermine the impartiality of civil service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while anonymity in civil service is a vital asset that fosters objective governance, the challenges posed by social media necessitate a reevaluation of its implementation to ensure bureaucratic integrity remains intact.