Model Answer:

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Environmental NGOs and activists play a crucial role in influencing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) outcomes for major projects in India. Their involvement includes:

• Raising public awareness about potential environmental impacts
• Conducting independent studies to challenge or supplement official EIAs
• Mobilizing local communities and stakeholders
• Filing legal petitions and Public Interest Litigations (PILs)
• Pressuring government bodies for transparency and compliance

Four notable examples of NGO and activist influence on EIA outcomes:

1. Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) and Sardar Sarovar Project:
– NBA challenged the EIA process, highlighting inadequate rehabilitation plans
– Resulted in World Bank withdrawing funding and project modifications

2. Vedanta’s Bauxite Mining Project, Niyamgiri Hills, Odisha:
– Local activists and international NGOs exposed violations in the EIA
– Supreme Court mandated local gram sabha consultations, leading to project cancellation

3. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, Tamil Nadu:
– People’s Movement Against Nuclear Energy questioned the EIA’s adequacy
– Led to additional safety measures and delayed project implementation

4. Mumbai Coastal Road Project:
– NGOs like Conservation Action Trust highlighted EIA shortcomings
– Resulted in temporary work suspension and ongoing legal battles

These examples demonstrate how environmental NGOs and activists have significantly influenced EIA outcomes through various strategies, often leading to project modifications or cancellations.

Conclusion: NGOs and activists serve as crucial watchdogs, enhancing the EIA process’s effectiveness and environmental governance in India.

Model Answer:

Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is a landmark legislation aimed at safeguarding the digital personal data of Indian citizens. It responds to the urgent need for robust data protection in India’s expanding digital economy, replacing the withdrawn Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019.

Key features of the Act include:

1. Scope: It covers digital personal data processing within India and outside India if it involves profiling Indian citizens or offering them goods or services.

2. Data Fiduciary and Principal: The Act introduces these concepts, clearly defining roles and responsibilities of entities processing data and individuals whose data is processed.

3. Consent Mechanism: Data collection requires clear, precise, and easily understandable terms. Data principals have the right to withdraw consent.

4. Purpose Limitation: Data fiduciaries must limit collection to specified, lawful purposes and delete data once the purpose is fulfilled.

5. Data Protection Obligations: Fiduciaries must implement reasonable security safeguards and notify authorities and principals of data breaches.

6. Rights of Data Principals: Individuals are granted rights to access information, correction, erasure, and nomination of another person to exercise these rights in case of death or incapacity.

7. Data Protection Board: An independent body is established to enforce compliance and impose penalties for violations.

The Act balances data protection with innovation, addressing unique challenges in the Indian digital landscape while aligning with global standards.

Conclusion: The Act marks a crucial step towards ensuring data privacy in India’s digital age, aiming to protect individual rights while fostering innovation and economic growth.

Model Answer:

Narco-terrorism

Narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across India due to the convergence of drug trafficking networks and terrorist organizations. This phenomenon has manifested in several ways:

• Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle: India’s proximity to these major drug-producing regions has made it vulnerable to narco-terrorism, especially in border states.

• Financial nexus: Drug trade provides significant funding for terrorist activities, enabling the purchase of weapons and recruitment of operatives.

• Cross-border smuggling: Porous borders, particularly in the Northeast and Northwest, facilitate the movement of drugs and terrorists.

• Socio-economic impact: Drug addiction in vulnerable regions creates a cycle of crime and instability, further fueling terrorism.

To counter narco-terrorism, the following measures are crucial:

1. Enhanced border security:
• Increase surveillance using advanced technology
• Strengthen border fencing and patrolling

2. Intelligence and coordination:
• Improve intelligence gathering and sharing among agencies
• Foster international cooperation for joint operations

3. Legal framework:
• Implement stricter laws against drug trafficking
• Expedite trials related to narco-terrorism cases

4. Socio-economic interventions:
• Develop alternative livelihood programs in affected areas
• Strengthen rehabilitation and de-addiction facilities

5. Technology integration:
• Utilize data analytics for predictive policing
• Employ drone surveillance in high-risk areas

Conclusion: Combating narco-terrorism requires a multi-faceted approach combining stringent law enforcement, socio-economic measures, and international cooperation to address this complex threat effectively.

Model Answer:

Intellectual property rights (IPR)

Intellectual property rights (IPR) for life materials are at the forefront of global debates, balancing innovation with ethical concerns. The current scenario is characterized by:

• Increasing patents on genes, organisms, and biological processes
• Ongoing discussions on TRIPS agreement and its impact on developing nations
• Ethical debates surrounding the patenting of life forms, as seen in cases like the Myriad Genetics controversy over BRCA gene patents

India has emerged as the second-largest patent filer globally, particularly in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. However, the commercialization of these patents remains limited due to several factors:

1. Weak industry-academia collaboration:
• Lack of synergy between research institutions and commercial entities
• Example: Despite groundbreaking research in stem cells at institutions like NCCS Pune, commercial applications remain limited

2. Insufficient funding:
• Inadequate investment in R&D and commercialization processes
• Example: Indian biotech startups receive significantly less funding compared to their counterparts in the US or China

3. Regulatory hurdles:
• Complex approval processes and bureaucratic red tape
• Example: Delays in clinical trial approvals have hindered the development of indigenous vaccines

4. Skill gap:
• Shortage of professionals skilled in translating research into marketable products
• Limited expertise in areas like bioinformatics and genetic engineering

5. Infrastructure limitations:
• Inadequate facilities for scaling up innovations
• Lack of state-of-the-art equipment in many research institutions

6. Market access challenges:
• Difficulty in penetrating global markets due to stringent regulations and competition
• Limited domestic market for high-end biotechnology products

Conclusion: Addressing these challenges through policy reforms, increased funding, and skill development is crucial for India to leverage its patent potential and drive innovation commercialization.

Model Answer:

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)

Electronic toll collection on Indian highways is transitioning from RFID-based FASTag to a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based tolling system. This new technology uses satellite tracking for a “Pay-as-You-Use” model, where tolls are calculated based on distance traveled.

Advantages of GNSS-based tolling include:
• Seamless, contactless transactions eliminating toll booths
• Reduced congestion and improved traffic flow
• Fairer “Pay-as-You-Use” model
• Decreased revenue leakage and toll evasion

Limitations and challenges:
• High initial investment in infrastructure and On-Board Units (OBUs)
• Interoperability issues with existing systems
• Privacy concerns due to continuous vehicle tracking

Proposed changes for seamless transition:
• Phased rollout with GNSS coexisting alongside FASTag
• Creation of dedicated GNSS lanes at toll plazas
• Global bidding process for GNSS infrastructure
• Full implementation expected by 2025

Potential hazards:
• Technological vulnerabilities (system failures, GPS signal issues)
• Cybersecurity risks and data misuse threats
• Social resistance to adopting new technology

The government aims to address these challenges through careful implementation and robust data protection mechanisms. The transition to GNSS-based tolling aligns with India’s goals of modernizing highway infrastructure and improving efficiency.

Conclusion: GNSS-based tolling promises enhanced efficiency but requires balancing technological advancements with privacy concerns and user adoption challenges.

Model Answer:

Industrial pollution of river water

Industrial pollution of river water is a critical environmental challenge in India, threatening ecosystems and public health. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach combining various mitigation measures and government initiatives.

Mitigation Measures:

• Technological Solutions: Implementation of advanced effluent treatment plants and adoption of cleaner production technologies to reduce pollutant discharge at source.

• Regulatory Measures: Enforcement of stricter emission standards and regular monitoring of industrial effluents to ensure compliance.

• Economic Instruments: Application of the polluter pays principle and provision of incentives for industries adopting clean technologies, encouraging responsible environmental practices.

• Waste Management: Promotion of efficient waste management systems and recycling initiatives to minimize industrial waste entering river systems.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between government, industries, and civil society to develop and implement effective pollution control strategies.

Government Initiatives:

• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): A comprehensive program aimed at abating pollution and rejuvenating the Ganga river ecosystem.

• Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Policy: Mandating industries to treat and reuse their wastewater, significantly reducing river pollution.

• Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs): Establishment of shared facilities for small and medium enterprises to treat their effluents collectively.

• Legislative Framework: Enforcement of the Environmental (Protection) Act and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act to regulate industrial activities and protect water bodies.

• National Green Tribunal (NGT): Empowering this specialized body to handle environmental disputes and enforce regulations effectively.

Conclusion: Combating industrial river pollution requires synergy between robust mitigation measures and proactive government initiatives, ensuring sustainable industrial development and environmental protection.

Model Answer:

Millets : Ensuring health and nutritional security

Millets, traditional grains cultivated in India for millennia, play a crucial role in ensuring health and nutritional security. These small-seeded grasses include varieties like jowar, bajra, ragi, and minor millets.

Nutritional profile and health benefits:
• Rich in proteins (10-12% compared to 6-8% in rice), dietary fiber, and micronutrients
• High iron content (4.7mg/100g in finger millet vs. 0.7mg/100g in rice)
• Low glycemic index, aiding diabetes management
• High fiber content supports cardiovascular health and weight management
• Gluten-free nature suitable for celiac disease patients

Role in nutritional security:
• Combat malnutrition through high nutrient density
• Address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron and calcium
• Enhance dietary diversity, offering an alternative to wheat and rice

Food security advantages:
• Climate resilience: Drought-tolerant, suitable for semi-arid regions
• Low input requirement: Can be grown in marginal lands
• Storage longevity ensures year-round availability

Government initiatives promote millet cultivation and consumption. The Odisha Millets Mission, launched in 2017, increased millet production by 120% in three years, improving farmer incomes and nutritional outcomes.

Challenges persist:
• Low productivity and lack of processing technologies
• Limited consumer awareness

To address these, India must:
• Invest in research for high-yielding varieties and modern processing methods
• Promote millets through public distribution system and mid-day meal schemes
• Raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of millets

Conclusion: Millets offer a nutrient-dense, climate-resilient solution to India’s health and nutritional security challenges, aligning with sustainable development goals.

Model Answer:

Land reforms in India

Land reforms in India, aimed at redistributing land and improving agrarian relations, have seen varied success across different states. Several key factors contributed to their effective implementation in some regions:

1. Political Will and Commitment:
• Strong political leadership at the state level, as seen in West Bengal under the Left Front government
• Prioritization of land reforms in policy-making
• Resistance to pressure from landed interests

2. Effective Legislation and Implementation:
• Well-drafted, comprehensive land reform laws, such as Kerala’s Land Reforms Act, 1963
• Closure of legal loopholes to prevent evasion
• Timely amendments to address emerging challenges

3. Administrative Efficiency:
• Dedicated land reform bureaucracy
• Proper land records and surveys
• Swift resolution of land disputes, as demonstrated by Kerala’s land tribunals

4. Social Awareness and Participation:
• Grassroots movements supporting land reforms, like the Bhoodan Movement in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
• Education and awareness programs for beneficiaries
• Active involvement of civil society organizations

5. Economic Support Systems:
• Provision of credit and inputs to new landowners
• Development of rural infrastructure
• Market linkages for small and marginal farmers, as implemented in Gujarat’s contract farming model

The success of land reforms also depended on regional factors. For instance, in Jammu and Kashmir, the “land to the tiller” policy was effectively implemented due to the absence of a strong landlord class. Similarly, in Tripura, the tribal autonomous district councils played a crucial role in implementing land reforms in tribal areas.

Conclusion: Successful land reforms resulted from a synergy of political will, effective legislation, administrative efficiency, social participation, and economic support.

Model Answer:

Persistent high food inflation in India stems from multiple interconnected factors:

• Supply-side constraints: Inefficient agricultural practices, inadequate storage and distribution infrastructure, and climate change impacts on crop yields contribute significantly to food price volatility.

• Demand-side pressures: Rising incomes and changing dietary preferences towards protein-rich foods increase demand, pushing prices upward.

• Structural issues: Fragmented agricultural markets, an inefficient public distribution system, and Minimum Support Price policies distort market dynamics and contribute to inflationary pressures.

• External factors: Global food price fluctuations and exchange rate volatility affect import costs, influencing domestic food prices.

• Policy-induced factors: Occasional trade restrictions and export bans disrupt market equilibrium, exacerbating price instability.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) employs various monetary policy tools to control inflation, including food inflation:

• Adjusting the repo rate to influence overall interest rates
• Conducting Open Market Operations to manage liquidity
• Modifying Cash Reserve Ratio and Statutory Liquidity Ratio to control money supply

However, the effectiveness of these measures in controlling food inflation is limited:

• Monetary policy primarily affects demand-side factors, while food inflation is often supply-driven.
• There’s a time lag between policy implementation and observable effects.
• Aggressive monetary tightening may negatively impact overall economic growth.

Conclusion: RBI’s monetary policy, while important for overall inflation management, has limited efficacy in controlling persistent food inflation due to its complex, supply-driven nature.

Model Answer:

Public expenditure on social services

Public expenditure on social services in India post-1991 reforms has shown a gradual increase, though often inadequate compared to needs. The pattern varies across sectors:

• Education: Steady rise, focusing on universalization of primary education (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan) and later expanding to secondary and higher education.

• Health: Slower growth initially, but accelerated after 2005 with the National Rural Health Mission.

• Social protection: Expansion of schemes like MGNREGA, albeit with implementation challenges.

This expenditure pattern aligns with inclusive growth objectives in several ways:

• Increased focus on rural areas and marginalized groups
• Emphasis on human capital development through education and health initiatives
• Introduction of rights-based approaches (Right to Education, Food Security Act)

However, shortcomings persist:

• Regional disparities in expenditure and outcomes
• Inadequate attention to quality alongside quantitative expansion
• Challenges in last-mile delivery and leakages

The consonance between social sector expenditure and inclusive growth has been partial. While access to basic services has improved, addressing structural inequalities and creating sustainable livelihoods remains challenging. Significant gaps persist in tackling urban poverty and emerging issues like skill development, highlighting the need for more targeted and efficient social spending.

Conclusion: Social sector expenditure has increased post-reforms, but its effectiveness in achieving inclusive growth remains partial, necessitating continued focus and improved implementation.