[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 9 March 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same
Answer the following questions in 150 words:
General Studies – 1
1. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) empower women and make them self-reliant by inculcating the habit of savings and proper use of financial resources. Analyse.
Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India
Introduction
A self-help group (SHG) is a village-based financial intermediary committee normally consist of 10–20 local women or men. When the formal financial system fails to help the needy, then small groups volunteer to cater to the needs of the financially weak by collecting, saving and lending the money on a micro scale. SHGs have gained wide recognition in most developing countries in Asia where their presence is quite pervasive.
In India, women self-help groups have been a source of empowerment, fostering economic independence, social stature & community resilience.
Role of SHG’s in women empowerment
• Capital formation: Through micro-finance, many SHG’s have created valuable assets and capital in the rural areas and are sustaining livelihoods.
• Access to credit: SHGs provide better access to credit at acceptable and convenient terms. The members have been able to obtain loans for emergent productive and non-productive purposes on comparatively easy terms. This has reduced their dependence on local moneylenders to a large extent. Government initiative such as SHG-Bank linkage program is also increasing their financial inclusion and easy access to credit from formal institutions.
• Government initiative such as SHG-Bank linkage program is also increasing their financial inclusion and easy access to credit from formal institutions.
• Poverty Alleviation: The approach of poverty alleviation through SHG is the most effective means and suits the ongoing process of reforms based on the policy of decentralization. SHGs have given the poor the access to microfinance and consequently led to important changes in their access to productive resources such as land, water, knowledge, technology and credit.
• SHGs have given the poor the access to microfinance and consequently led to important changes in their access to productive resources such as land, water, knowledge, technology and credit.
• Employment generation: Self-employment activities such as collective farming, bee-keeping, horticulture, sericulture have been taken up by SHG’s.
• Social welfare: There are many successful cases where SHG women have come together to close liquor shops in their village.
• Rural infrastructure: Schemes such as Aajeevika express have helped SHG’s in creating transport in rural areas.
• Women empowerment: SHGs have been able to improve the skills of women to do various things by managing the available natural resources. It is estimated that more than 25 million rural women of India have been benefited by the Self Help Groups (SHG). As a group they can help each other to learn so many things along with the money management because most of the women in the rural areas have a very little knowledge for the management of money. g. Kudumbashree in Kerala has been a huge success. Kudumbashree café is an exemplary example of nurturing entrepreneurship through SHG’s.
• It is estimated that more than 25 million rural women of India have been benefited by the Self Help Groups (SHG).
• As a group they can help each other to learn so many things along with the money management because most of the women in the rural areas have a very little knowledge for the management of money.
• g. Kudumbashree in Kerala has been a huge success. Kudumbashree café is an exemplary example of nurturing entrepreneurship through SHG’s.
• They also act as a delivery mechanism for various services like entrepreneurial training, livelihood promotion activity and community development programs.
Challenges faced
• There are issues like regional imbalance, less than ideal average loan size, lack of monitoring and training support by self-help group federations.
• Escalating non-performing assets of self-help group loans with banks.
• Several studies have also found issues related to governance, quality, transparency and irregularity in their functions.
• Low levels of literacy among the rural women.
• The study found that over time groups were disintegrating on account of coordination issues.
• Rural micro-enterprises run by SHG members suffer from critical bottlenecks, whether in raising funds for start-up, growth and working capital or accessing high-quality technical assistance.
Way Forward
• Government programs can be implemented through SHGs.
• This will not only improve the transparency and efficiency but also bring our society closer to Self-Governance as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi.
• Constant and enduring structural handholding support from the self-help group promoting institutions (SHPIs).
• Frequent awareness camps can be organised by the Rural Development department authorities to create awareness about different schemes.
• Periodic capacity-building of all members, to make the group the collective.
• With the Government’s focus on digital financial inclusion, investing in training of group members for transition towards technological platforms.
• It is important to invest in providing the right kind of support to maximize the impact these groups can have on livelihoods.
• Emphasising SHG movement on women’s entrepreneurship as an engine of growth in rural India.
• There should not be any discrimination among members based on caste, religion or political affiliations
Conclusion
SHG approach is an enabling, empowering, and bottom-up approach for rural development that has provided considerable economic and non-economic externalities to low-income households in developing countries. SHG approach is being hailed as a sustainable tool to combat poverty, combining a for-profit approach that is self-sustaining, and a poverty alleviation focus that empowers low-income households. It is increasingly becoming a tool to exercise developmental priorities for governments in developing countries.
*Value addition*
*Evolution of SHGs*
• The concept evolved over decades and was pioneered by Noble laureate Mohammad Yunus as Self Help Groups (SHGs) in 1970s.
• SHG movement in India gained momentum after 1992, when NABARD realized its potential and started promoting it.
• NABARD’s SHG-Bank Linkage Program (SBLP) connected group members to formal financial services.
• Over the last two decades, the SBLP has proven to be a great medium for social and economic empowerment for rural women.
• India has witnessed state-led promotion of SHGs through a three-tiered architecture of community institutions at group, village and cluster level.
• In 1999, Government of India, introduced Swarn Jayanti Gram Swarojgaar Yojana (SGSY) to promote self- employment in rural areas through formation and skilling of SHGs.
2. The idea that women should not be tied to the name of their husbands reflects a broader conversation about gender equality and the need to challenge traditional patriarchal norms. Discuss.
Reference: The Hindu
Introduction
For centuries, the tradition of women taking their husbands’ surnames upon marriage has been a seemingly unchallenged norm. However, in recent years, a growing number of women are choosing to keep their maiden names, sparking a conversation that goes deeper than just a name change. This act of defiance signifies a fight against a system rooted in patriarchy and a demand for gender equality.
Reasons why women should keep their maiden name
• Individual Identity: A woman’s name is a part of her identity, built over years of achievements and personal connections. Changing it can feel like erasing a part of herself.
• Professional Recognition: Women who have established themselves professionally might struggle to rebuild recognition under a new name.
• Equality in Marriage: Marriage is increasingly seen as a partnership of equals. Keeping separate surnames signifies that the wife doesn’t become subsumed by the husband’s identity.
• Challenging Patriarchy: The tradition of women taking husbands’ surnames reinforces the idea that a woman becomes part of the husband’s family, perpetuating a historical power imbalance.
Gender bias and discrimination faced by women opting to keep their maiden name
• Women have often complained of harassment when they have taken the path less trodden. For instance, women who have decided not to opt for their husband’s surname after marriage face a barrage of unnecessary questions and a mountain of paperwork while, say, opening a joint bank account, or during a child’s admission in school, or applying for a passport.
• A society that is already battling caste-based hierarchies should not add to the discrimination by giving an upper hand to anyone in a relationship, but work towards safer spaces without gender bias, difference and humiliation.
• In India, the most populous country in the world, stark gender disparities persist, both politically and socially. Women do most of the unpaid work at home, and are often edged out of the labour force for various reasons.
• What a girl or a woman can — and cannot — do, is often laid down by the men in the family; sometimes women too acquiesce to such indignities in the name of tradition.
The larger conversation
• Redefining Gender Roles: The tradition of taking the husband’s surname reinforces the outdated notion that a woman becomes part of the husband’s family, diminishing her own identity. Keeping one’s name challenges this patriarchal structure and advocates for a partnership of equals within marriage.
• Reproductive Rights: A woman’s right to bodily autonomy extends to decisions about her reproductive health. This includes the freedom to choose whether or not to have children, and on what terms. Equality in marriage necessitates respect for a woman’s reproductive choices.
• Financial Independence: Economic dependence can create an imbalance of power within a marriage. Financial independence for women, achieved through careers, equal contribution to shared finances, and access to separate accounts, fosters a more equitable and empowered partnership.
• Unpaid Work Distribution: Household chores and childcare are often considered “women’s work,” leading to an unequal burden. Sharing these responsibilities fairly, through open communication and an active division of labor, creates a more balanced and supportive marriage environment.
Conclusion
The fight for gender equality within marriage requires a holistic approach. Keeping one’s maiden name is a powerful symbol of this fight, a public declaration that a woman maintains her autonomy and identity even as she enters a partnership. It’s a stepping stone towards a future where marriages are built on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and the recognition of women as equal partners in every aspect of their lives. That being said, if a woman wants to add her husband’s name out of her own volition without being influenced, then it is a choice to be made. But unfortunately in India, especially in the rural India, the awareness of rights, about gender norms and patriarchy is too less to make a choice on their own as women themselves believe that it should be the norm. Only education and financial independence can liberate a woman from the shackles of patriarchy and raise her voice against it.
General Studies – 2
3. India’s evolving stance on Israel, alongside its historical support for the Palestinian cause, illustrates a diplomatic balancing act. Analyse.
Reference: Insights on India
Introduction
Though India officially recognised Israel in 1950, the two countries established full diplomatic ties only on 29th January 1992. India was among 164 United Nations (UN) member states to have diplomatic ties with Israel.
The ongoing attacks by Hamas (Arab sponsored Jihadist outfit) on Israel has prompted India to express solidarity with Israel, highlighting the complex nature of India’s relations with both Israel and Palestine. Over the past seven decades, India’s stance on these nations has undergone significant shifts, reflecting its evolving foreign policy priorities and diplomatic considerations.
Evolution of Relations between India and Israel:
• Outright hate: For two countries that came into being in the same year — 1947, though Israel formally became free in 1948 — and from the same colonial master, the British, India’s relations with the newly created nation bordered on outright hostility, with New Delhi voting against the creation of the State of Israel at the UN in 1947 and also against its admission to the UN in 1949.
• For two countries that came into being in the same year — 1947, though Israel formally became free in 1948 — and from the same colonial master, the British, India’s relations with the newly created nation bordered on outright hostility, with New Delhi voting against the creation of the State of Israel at the UN in 1947 and also against its admission to the UN in 1949.
• Grudging acceptance: In 1950, India recognised Israel as a separate country, allowing it to appoint an honorary consul in Mumbai — a local Jewish resident — in 1951. That was upgraded to a consulate in 1953, leading to a slow uptick in bilateral ties — most notably in 1956 when the Israeli foreign minister Moshe Sharett visited India in the backdrop of the Suez crisis.
• In 1950, India recognised Israel as a separate country, allowing it to appoint an honorary consul in Mumbai — a local Jewish resident — in 1951.
• That was upgraded to a consulate in 1953, leading to a slow uptick in bilateral ties — most notably in 1956 when the Israeli foreign minister Moshe Sharett visited India in the backdrop of the Suez crisis.
• Secret Alliance: The 1962 India-China war was the first time that India reached out to Israel for help with arms and ammunition, with then Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru writing to his Israeli counterpart Ben Gurion, who responded by sending ships loaded with weapons. Even as the two nations publicly maintained distance — thanks to Tel Aviv’s pro-Washington stance and India’s founding of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961, which was a de facto pro-Soviet forum — Israel responded to India’s call for help in the 1971 war with Pakistan and the 1999 Kargil war. Today, India is Israel’s largest weapons buyer while Israel is the second largest weapons supplier for India, after Russia. Not just weapons, India’s spy agency RAW, established in 1968 during Indira Gandhi’s tenure as PM, actively collaborated with Mossad, the Israeli Intelligence agency.
• The 1962 India-China war was the first time that India reached out to Israel for help with arms and ammunition, with then Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru writing to his Israeli counterpart Ben Gurion, who responded by sending ships loaded with weapons.
• Even as the two nations publicly maintained distance — thanks to Tel Aviv’s pro-Washington stance and India’s founding of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961, which was a de facto pro-Soviet forum — Israel responded to India’s call for help in the 1971 war with Pakistan and the 1999 Kargil war.
• Today, India is Israel’s largest weapons buyer while Israel is the second largest weapons supplier for India, after Russia.
• Not just weapons, India’s spy agency RAW, established in 1968 during Indira Gandhi’s tenure as PM, actively collaborated with Mossad, the Israeli Intelligence agency.
• The thaw: It was in 1992, with P V Narasimha Rao as PM that India finally established diplomatic relations with Israel — with several factors contributing to the decision. Chief among them were the crumbling of the Soviet Union and the start of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in 1991, involving not just Tel Aviv and the PLO, led by Yasser Arafat, but also Arab countries like Syria, Jordan and Lebanon — both of which gave New Delhi the necessary leeway to correct its pro-Soviet and pro-Arab tilt in its global diplomacy. India’s public stance against Israel was seemingly an economic and political necessity to keep the oil-rich West Asian nations and certain domestic political constituents happy — with Arafat reportedly ready to help Indira Gandhi rally Muslim votes in India in her favour.
• It was in 1992, with P V Narasimha Rao as PM that India finally established diplomatic relations with Israel — with several factors contributing to the decision.
• Chief among them were the crumbling of the Soviet Union and the start of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in 1991, involving not just Tel Aviv and the PLO, led by Yasser Arafat, but also Arab countries like Syria, Jordan and Lebanon — both of which gave New Delhi the necessary leeway to correct its pro-Soviet and pro-Arab tilt in its global diplomacy.
• India’s public stance against Israel was seemingly an economic and political necessity to keep the oil-rich West Asian nations and certain domestic political constituents happy — with Arafat reportedly ready to help Indira Gandhi rally Muslim votes in India in her favour.
• Open season: The first inkling that the tide had turned in Israel’s favour came in 2015 when India abstained from voting against Israel at the UN Human Rights Commission. That was followed by the first ever visit of an Indian PM to Israel when Modi paid a three-day visit in 2017 — even though it did vote against the move by US to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
• The first inkling that the tide had turned in Israel’s favour came in 2015 when India abstained from voting against Israel at the UN Human Rights Commission.
• That was followed by the first ever visit of an Indian PM to Israel when Modi paid a three-day visit in 2017 — even though it did vote against the move by US to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Areas of Co-operation:
• Economic Relations: Trade, technology and tourism are the three key areas in India-Israel economic relations. Over the last 25 years, bilateral trade has increased from $200 million to more than $4 billion (excluding defence) in 2016-17. Given India’s large market and huge consumer base, the numbers are low compared to India’s economic relations with other countries. Israel will invest $68.6 million to boost cooperation with India in areas like tourism, technology, agriculture and innovation over a period of four years. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and its Israeli counterpart are exploring partnerships, and the two sides are also focusing on cyber security collaboration to safeguard their financial markets
• Trade, technology and tourism are the three key areas in India-Israel economic relations.
• Over the last 25 years, bilateral trade has increased from $200 million to more than $4 billion (excluding defence) in 2016-17.
• Given India’s large market and huge consumer base, the numbers are low compared to India’s economic relations with other countries.
• Israel will invest $68.6 million to boost cooperation with India in areas like tourism, technology, agriculture and innovation over a period of four years.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) and its Israeli counterpart are exploring partnerships, and the two sides are also focusing on cyber security collaboration to safeguard their financial markets
• Defence Ties: India already has robust defence ties with Israel which is expected to strengthen further. India is the largest arms buyer from Israel; trade is to the tune of approximately $600 million. If defence ties keep increasing at the same rate, Israel may replace Russia as India’s largest arms supplier. Last year, India signed the biggest weapons deal in Israeli defence history, which is nearly $2 billion. This will provide India with an advanced defence system of medium-range surface-to-air missiles, launchers and communications technology.
• India already has robust defence ties with Israel which is expected to strengthen further.
• India is the largest arms buyer from Israel; trade is to the tune of approximately $600 million.
• If defence ties keep increasing at the same rate, Israel may replace Russia as India’s largest arms supplier.
• Last year, India signed the biggest weapons deal in Israeli defence history, which is nearly $2 billion.
• This will provide India with an advanced defence system of medium-range surface-to-air missiles, launchers and communications technology.
• Counter Terrorism and Cyber Security: In counter terrorism, intelligence gathering and retaliation, Israel has an exceptional good record and India need to learn from Israel how they have been able to mount surgical strikes all over. Both India and Israel are vulnerable to cyber-attack. Cyber security would be very important concern of all governments.
• In counter terrorism, intelligence gathering and retaliation, Israel has an exceptional good record and India need to learn from Israel how they have been able to mount surgical strikes all over.
• Both India and Israel are vulnerable to cyber-attack. Cyber security would be very important concern of all governments.
• Water and Agriculture: India and Israel are set to jointly develop new crop varieties and share post-harvest technologies following the success of the 10-year-old Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project (IIAP). Israel has become one of the foremost technology superpowers in areas such as rainwater harvesting, use of oceanic water and using that for irrigation in the driest land. Israel has mastered water conservation techniques and India can learn from it. It helps India to face its water stressed condition. Another area of potential cooperation is cleaning polluted rivers.
• India and Israel are set to jointly develop new crop varieties and share post-harvest technologies following the success of the 10-year-old Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project (IIAP).
• Israel has become one of the foremost technology superpowers in areas such as rainwater harvesting, use of oceanic water and using that for irrigation in the driest land.
• Israel has mastered water conservation techniques and India can learn from it.
• It helps India to face its water stressed condition.
• Another area of potential cooperation is cleaning polluted rivers.
Geo-political significance of India Israel ties and recent developments
• India – Israel share concern about rising terrorism across the West Asian region, considering the fact that both have been victims of terror attacks.
• On Kashmir issue (broadly Pakistan) , Israel has stood by India, either by providing crucial intelligence inputs or weapons during wars.
• PM Modi’s Approach: Prime Minister Modi’s approach has balanced India’s ties with Israel and Palestine. He visited Israel in 2017, signalling a shift in focus.
• De-hyphenation: Modi achieved a de-hyphenation of the relationship by separately visiting Palestine in 2018.
• Wider Regional Engagement: India has deepened ties with Israel and West Asian nations like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Iran over the past decade.
Conclusion:
For too long, India has, under the guise of maintaining its strategic autonomy, shied away from explicit friendships in the international scenario. The India-Israel relationship must continue to expand. What just needs to be done away with is the normative posturing of the relationship which could potentially endanger India’s international relations and also its domestic situation.
General Studies – 3
4. National income serves as a critical tool for to understand and evaluate the economic health and progress of a nation. Discuss. Throw light on its shortcomings.
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Introduction
National Income is the total value of all final goods and services produced by the country in certain year. The growth of National Income helps to know the progress of the country. In other words, the total amount of income accruing to a country from economic activities in a year’s time is known as national income. It includes payments made to all resources in the form of wages, interest, rent and profits. However, National income is not the sum of all incomes earned by all citizens, but only those incomes which accrue due to participation in the production process.
The Net National Product at factor cost is known as National Income.
NNP @Factor Cost = National Income = NNP @Market Price – Taxes + Subsidies
However, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation defines National Income of India as Net National Income at Market Price.
Importance of National Income
• Economic Policy National income figures are an important tool of macroeconomic analysis and policy. National income estimates are the most comprehensive measures of aggregate economic activity in an economy. It is through such estimates that we know the aggregate yield of the economy and can lay down future economic policy for development.
• National income figures are an important tool of macroeconomic analysis and policy.
• National income estimates are the most comprehensive measures of aggregate economic activity in an economy.
• It is through such estimates that we know the aggregate yield of the economy and can lay down future economic policy for development.
• Economic Planning National income statistics are the most important tools for long-term and short-term economic planning. A country cannot possibly frame a plan without having a prior knowledge of the trends in national income. The Planning Commission in India also kept in view the national income estimates before formulating the five-year plans.
• National income statistics are the most important tools for long-term and short-term economic planning.
• A country cannot possibly frame a plan without having a prior knowledge of the trends in national income.
• The Planning Commission in India also kept in view the national income estimates before formulating the five-year plans.
• Economy’s Structure National income statistics enable us to have clear idea about the structure of the economy. It enables us to know the relative importance of the various sectors of the economy and their contribution towards national income. From these studies we learn how income is produced, how it is distributed, how much is spent, saved or taxed.
• National income statistics enable us to have clear idea about the structure of the economy.
• It enables us to know the relative importance of the various sectors of the economy and their contribution towards national income.
• From these studies we learn how income is produced, how it is distributed, how much is spent, saved or taxed.
• Inflationary and Deflationary Gaps National income and national product figures enable us to have an idea of the inflationary and deflationary gaps. For accurate and timely anti- inflationary and deflationary policies, we need regular estimates of national income.
• National income and national product figures enable us to have an idea of the inflationary and deflationary gaps.
• For accurate and timely anti- inflationary and deflationary policies, we need regular estimates of national income.
• Budgetary Policies Modern governments try to prepare their budgets within the framework of national income data and try to formulate anti-cyclical policies according to the facts revealed by the national income estimates. Even the taxation and borrowing policies are so framed as to avoid fluctuations in national income.
• Modern governments try to prepare their budgets within the framework of national income data and try to formulate anti-cyclical policies according to the facts revealed by the national income estimates.
• Even the taxation and borrowing policies are so framed as to avoid fluctuations in national income.
• National Expenditure: National income studies show how national expenditure is divided between consumption expenditure and investment expenditure. It enables us to provide for reasonable depreciation to maintain the capital stock of a community. Too liberal allowance of depreciation may prove harmful as it may unnecessarily lead to a reduction in consumption.
• National income studies show how national expenditure is divided between consumption expenditure and investment expenditure.
• It enables us to provide for reasonable depreciation to maintain the capital stock of a community.
• Too liberal allowance of depreciation may prove harmful as it may unnecessarily lead to a reduction in consumption.
• Distribution of Grants-in-aid National income estimates help a fair distribution of grants-in-aid by the federal governments to the state governments and other constituent units.
• National income estimates help a fair distribution of grants-in-aid by the federal governments to the state governments and other constituent units.
• Standard of Living Comparison National income studies help us to compare the standards of living of people in different countries and of people living in the same country at different times.
• National income studies help us to compare the standards of living of people in different countries and of people living in the same country at different times.
• International Sphere National income studies are important even in the international sphere as these estimates not only help us to fix the burden of international payments equitably amongst different nations but also enable us to determine the subscriptions and quotas of different countries to international organisations like the UNO, IMF, IBRD. etc.
• National income studies are important even in the international sphere as these estimates not only help us to fix the burden of international payments equitably amongst different nations but also enable us to determine the subscriptions and quotas of different countries to international organisations like the UNO, IMF, IBRD. etc.
• Defence and Development National income estimates help us to divide the national product between defence and development purposes. From such figures we can easily know how much can be spared for war by the civilian population.
• National income estimates help us to divide the national product between defence and development purposes.
• From such figures we can easily know how much can be spared for war by the civilian population.
• Public Sector National income figures enable us to know the relative roles of public and private sectors in the economy. If most of the activities are performed by the state, we can easily conclude that public sector is playing a dominant role.
• National income figures enable us to know the relative roles of public and private sectors in the economy.
• If most of the activities are performed by the state, we can easily conclude that public sector is playing a dominant role.
Shortcomings of National Income
• The informal sector, which constitutes a significant part of India’s economy, is often not accounted for in national income estimates.
• The quality and accuracy of data due to the lack of records or poor record-keeping
used for calculating national income in India are often inadequate, leading to inaccurate estimates.
The non-monetized sectors, such as agriculture, are often not accounted for in national income estimates, leading to an underestimation of the actual level of output.
• Inability to capture the effects of inflation, changes in technology, and changing market conditions
• Unrecorded transactions, such as those in the black economy, are not captured in national income accounting, leading to an underestimation of the actual level of output.
• Exclusion of non-monetary transactions, such as barter and non-market production
• Differences in accounting practices and standards between countries may affect comparability.
Way forward to improve National income calculation
• Efforts should be made to account for the informal sector in national income estimates, such as conducting surveys to collect data on informal economic activities.
• Steps should be taken to improve the quality and accuracy of data used for national income accounting in India, such as investing in statistical infrastructure and capacity building.
• Non-monetized sectors, such as agriculture, should be accounted for in national income estimates, such as by valuing output based on input costs.
• Efforts should be made to capture unrecorded transactions, such as by conducting surveys or using alternative data sources, to provide a more accurate estimate of national income.
Conclusion
In India, National Income is calculated by the combined method. It combines two methods i.e product or output method and the income method. This is done to overcome the problem of deficiency of statistics. The product method endeavours to find out the net contribution to national income of all producing units. The income method adds up income and payments accruing of factors of production. This method is used in the tertiary sector like government services banking etc and also in the commodity sector if output data is not available.
5. Doubling the income of India’s farmers requires a comprehensive and integrated strategy that addresses the various challenges faced by the agricultural sector. Analyse.
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Introduction
In 2016, the Government had set the target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022-23. To achieve this goal, the government had set up a committee to recommend changes to all parts of the agricultural production and supply chain. The Committee listed its recommendations in a 14-volume report. At the time, by the government’s own calculations, a farming household in India earned an average of INR 8,059 per month, or about INR 97,000 per year. The Government is likely to miss the target as less than a year remains in the timeline. No individual state is likely to achieve it either.
Challenges in achieving the goal of Doubling Farmer’s Income
• Decreasing Profitability in agriculture sector: Profitability has been declining in recent years due to plummeting agricultural prices and rising cultivation costs. Recently, prices of critical inputs such as fuel and fertilizers have risen sharply as well. Further there have been issues in land and labour productivity on farms, post-harvest processing, agricultural research and extension, among others.
• Web of Middlemen: There exists a strong web of intermediaries that enjoy maximum profit and leaves bare minimum revenue for the farmers. A major share of the income is cornered by the middlemen.
• Policy Lacunae: According to many experts, the policies to achieve the growth rates have not been clearly articulated by the Centre to the states. This becomes extremely crucial considering agriculture is a State subject. In addition, there have been issues in the implementation of policy initiatives. For example, many States have opted out of PMFBY due to implementation issues.
• High Input costs: Land degradation has become a major challenge and cost of farming is constantly rising with usage of fertilizer, pesticides, expensive seed varieties, machinery, labour cost, rise in fuel prices, vagaries of monsoon. This further complicates the livelihood of farmers In India, farmers are poor due to low productivity (yield per hectare) of all major crops. Growth in rural lending has decreased and indeed most of the rural lending is indirect rather than direct.
• In India, farmers are poor due to low productivity (yield per hectare) of all major crops.
• Growth in rural lending has decreased and indeed most of the rural lending is indirect rather than direct.
• Credit, finance and Insurance: Raising the MSP, price deficiency payments or income support schemes can only be a partial solution to the problem of providing remunerative returns to farmers. A functional institutional credit system which is accessible and accountable to all cultivators. This covers not only land-owning farmers but also sharecroppers, tenants, adivasi and women farmers, and animal-rearers. Credit products for agriculture need to be tailor-made based on cropping and rain cycle, specific to a particular region. The regional offices of commercial banks should contribute in this exercise. Registration of all cultivators and providing Kisan credit cards. The period of crop loan should be extendable to four years, given that, on average, every second or third year the spatial distribution of rain pattern is erratic in India.
• A functional institutional credit system which is accessible and accountable to all cultivators.
• This covers not only land-owning farmers but also sharecroppers, tenants, adivasi and women farmers, and animal-rearers.
• Credit products for agriculture need to be tailor-made based on cropping and rain cycle, specific to a particular region. The regional offices of commercial banks should contribute in this exercise. Registration of all cultivators and providing Kisan credit cards.
• The period of crop loan should be extendable to four years, given that, on average, every second or third year the spatial distribution of rain pattern is erratic in India.
• Land holdings: The average size of farm holdings declined from 2.3 hectares in 1970-71 to 1.08 hectares in 2015-16. Policies for land consolidation along with land development activities in order to tackle the challenge of the low average size of holdings. Farmers can voluntarily come togetherand pool land to gain the benefits of size. Through consolidation, farmers can reap the economies of scale both in input procurement and output marketing.
• Policies for land consolidation along with land development activities in order to tackle the challenge of the low average size of holdings.
• Farmers can voluntarily come togetherand pool land to gain the benefits of size. Through consolidation, farmers can reap the economies of scale both in input procurement and output marketing.
• Remunerative Prices: Extending reach of minimum support price which has been dedicated to few crops and in a narrow geographical area is important. Set up of Futures and Trade markets, tie up of farmer and private companies for procurement should be looked into as alternative methods against distress sale.
• Set up of Futures and Trade markets, tie up of farmer and private companies for procurement should be looked into as alternative methods against distress sale.
Reforms to envision doubling of farmer’s income
• Intervention of the Government: The government schemes will not help them double their income unless the government policies on agriculture are comprehensive, grant freedom of technology and market, and infuse more money into infrastructure development. Ad hoc policies and schemes will not help farmers as long as the government intervenes in the market to control prices to keep the consumers happy at the cost of farmers.
• Ad hoc policies and schemes will not help farmers as long as the government intervenes in the market to control prices to keep the consumers happy at the cost of farmers.
• Need for Technology & New Practices: The country needs to increase the use of quality seed, fertiliser and power supply for agriculture. Adoption of agronomic practices like precision farming to raise production and income of farmers substantially. Since India is a diverse country where the majority of agriculture is monsoon dependent therefore interventions are needed which include research, technology promotion, extension, post-harvest management, processing and marketing, in consonance with the comparative advantage of each State/region and its diverse agro-climatic features.
• Since India is a diverse country where the majority of agriculture is monsoon dependent therefore interventions are needed which include research, technology promotion, extension, post-harvest management, processing and marketing, in consonance with the comparative advantage of each State/region and its diverse agro-climatic features.
• Expansion in Required Areas: Area under irrigation has to be expanded by 1.78 million hectares and area under double cropping should be increased by 1.85 million hectares every year. Besides, the area for fruits and vegetables is required to increase by 5% each year.
• Besides, the area for fruits and vegetables is required to increase by 5% each year.
• Improvement in Livestock Management: In the case of livestock, improvement in herd quality, better feed, increase in artificial insemination, reduction in calving interval and lowering age at first calving are the potential sources of growth.
• Need for Comprehensive Reforms: About one-third of the increase in farmers’ income is easily attainable through better price realization, efficient post-harvest management, competitive value chains and adoption of allied activities. This requires comprehensive reforms in market, land lease and raising of trees on private land.
• This requires comprehensive reforms in market, land lease and raising of trees on private land.
• Enhance Participation: Most of the development initiatives and policies for agriculture are implemented by the States. Therefore, it is essential to mobilise States and UTs to own and achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ income.
• Need to Liberalise Agriculture: To attract responsible private investments in production and the market. Similarly, FPO (Farmers Producer Organisation)/FPC (Farmers Producer Company) can play a big role in promoting small farm businesses.
Conclusion
To achieve government’s goal of doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022-23, the Dalwai Committee points out that farmers real incomes need to grow at 10.4 per annum, that is 2.8 times the growth rate achieved historically. To secure future of agriculture and to improve livelihood of half of India’s population, adequate attention needs to be given to improve the welfare of farmers and raise agricultural income. It is essential to mobilize States and UTs to own and achieve the goal of doubling farmers’ income with active focus on capacity building (technology adoption and awareness) of farmers that will be the catalyst to boost farmers’ income.
Answer the following questions in 250 words(15 marks each):
General Studies – 1
6. Neo-Vaishnavism might embrace a more inclusive approach, reaching out to people of different backgrounds, cultures, and faiths. Discuss the neo-Vaishnavite tradition introduced by the 15th-16th century reformer saint Srimanta Sankardeva.
Reference: Indian Express
Introduction
The neo-Vaishnavite tradition, introduced by Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th-16th century, marked a significant cultural and religious movement in Assam. It started on the theme of working towards the upliftment of the backward classes and minimization of the rigidity of caste distinctions.The first attempt to bring the backward tribes, castes and classes into the fold of Vaishnavism was made by Srimanta Sankaradeva himself who accepted his disciple irrespective of their caste, tribe, class or religion. To achieve his goal, Sankaradeva established a new democratic order through the institution of Namghar, which is considered as the centre of the intellectual and cultural activities of villagers.
The traditional Majuli masks in Assam were given a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Centre. Majuli, the largest river island in the world and the seat of Assam’s neo-Vaishnavite tradition, has been home to the art of mask-making since the 16th century.
Sankardeva, born in 1449, witnessed a society fragmented by various religious practices, including Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism, some of which involved harmful rituals like animal and human sacrifices. To address these issues, he established the Eksarana-Nam-Dharma, a form of Neo-Vaishnavism that sought to reform the socio-cultural landscape of Assam.
This movement emphasized a monotheistic approach, focusing on a single deity, Vishnu, and discouraged idol worship and complex rituals. Instead, it promoted a simple, egalitarian form of devotion through congregational chanting and prayer in community spaces known as ‘Naamghars’ and ‘Kirtanghars’. These places became the epicenter of social and cultural life, serving multiple functions as clubs, theaters, courts, and discussion halls.
Even, neo-Vaishnava faith developed a new kind of Philosophy, art and music in the form of ‘Borgeets’, ‘Ankiya Nats’ or ‘Bhaonas’ (a theatre form introduced for the first time by Srimanta Sankaradeva and which became increasingly popular with the masses, centred around themes from the Bhagavata-Purana and the Ramayana) as well as the ‘Satriya Dance’ as modes of conveying the principles of ‘Ek-Sarana-Nama-Dharma’, based on the devotion to one single God ‘Lord Krishna’ or ‘Vishnu.’
He made a great effort to make accessible his ideas among common masses and so in most of his works, he used the Assamese language of the period, so that common people could read and understand them easily. But for theatrical cause in his songs and dramas he used ‘Brajavali’, which is an artificial mixture of Braj language and Assamese.
The fundamental teachings and tenets of Neo-Vaishnavism were expounded by Sankaradeva and Madhavdeva in their great works, ‘KirtanGhosa’ and ‘Nama Ghosa’
Moreover, some followers established Satra institution to spread the Vaishnava Faith in the later period, which takes a key role in spreading the ideology of Vaishnava faith in Assam. Sankardeva’s teachings and the establishment of ‘Sattras’—monastic centers—played a pivotal role in unifying people across different strata of society, fostering a sense of community and spiritual fraternity. His efforts led to a cultural synthesis that transcended caste, creed, and religion, embedding the values of democracy and socialism within the religious framework.
Conclusion
The Neo-Vaishnavite movement initiated by saint Sankaradeva in Assam in the first decade of the 16th century and reached its climax towards the middle of the 17th century. The legacy of Sankardeva’s Neo-Vaishnavism continues to influence Assamese society, promoting a message of universal brotherhood, peace, and devotion to a singular divine entity. It stands as a testament to his role not only as a religious leader but also as a social reformer who shaped the cultural identity of Assam.
General Studies – 2
7. The anti-defection law is intended to bring stability to the political system and discourage opportunistic defections. However, more often than not, there have been instances where political events have led to doubts regarding the perceived need and utility of this law. Examine.
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Introduction
Defection is “desertion by one member of the party of his loyalty towards his political party” or basically it means “When an elected representative joins another party without resigning his present party for benefits”. The institutional malaise is defection and party-hopping is state- neutral, party-neutral, and politics-neutral.
In Bihar, MLAs from the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal have moved to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while the elections to the Rajya Sabha that were held recently saw cross-voting in favour of the BJP in Himachal Pradesh. The MLAs concerned have now been disqualified under the anti-defection law. In the Andhra Pradesh Assembly too there have been disqualifications under this law.
Background
• For a very long time, the Indian political system was impacted by political defections by members of the legislature. This situation brought about greater instability and chaos in the political system.
• Thus, in 1985, to curb the evil of political defections,the 52nd constitution amendment act on Anti-defection lawwas passed and the 10th Schedule was added in the Indian Constitution.
• The main intent of the law was to combat “the evil of political defections” which may be due to reward of office or other similar considerations.
• The law applies to both Parliament and state assemblies. However, there are several issues in relation to the working of this law.
• 91st Constitution Amendment Act-2003was enacted and was aimed at limiting the size of the Council of Ministers to debar defectors from holding public offices, and to strengthen the anti-defection law.
Flaws of the current Anti-defection law
• Does not prevent Defection: The Anti-defection law has failed to curb “horse trading” and defection, leading to toppling of governments through machinations of corrupt legislators. Eg: The 17-MLA’s of coalition government resigned in Karnataka, leading to change in government. The 17 MLA’s later contested from the party that formed new government.
• Eg: The 17-MLA’s of coalition government resigned in Karnataka, leading to change in government. The 17 MLA’s later contested from the party that formed new government.
• Wholesale defection: The law prevents individual defections, but not wholesale defections. Eg: Congress government in Madhya Pradesh lost majority due to resignations of MLA’s.
• Eg: Congress government in Madhya Pradesh lost majority due to resignations of MLA’s.
• Against the true spirit of representative democracy:The anti-defection law seeks to provide a stable government by ensuring the legislators do not switch sides. However, this law also enforces a restriction on legislators from voting in line with their conscience, judgement and interests of his electorate.
• However, this law also enforces a restriction on legislators from voting in line with their conscience, judgement and interests of his electorate.
• Impedes legislative control on government:The anti-defection law impedes the oversight function of the legislature over the government, by ensuring that members vote based on the decisions taken by the party leadership. In short, if legislators are not able to vote on laws independently, they would not act as an effective check on the government. The Anti-Defection Law, in effect, dilutes the separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislature – and centralises power in the hands of the executives.
• In short, if legislators are not able to vote on laws independently, they would not act as an effective check on the government.
• The Anti-Defection Law, in effect, dilutes the separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislature – and centralises power in the hands of the executives.
• Role of presiding officer of the house:The law lays down that legislators may be disqualified on grounds of defection by the Presiding Officer of a legislature based on a petition by any other member of the House. However, there are many instances when presiding officers play a part with the vested interests of a political party/government in power. Also, the law does not specify a time period for the Presiding Officer to decide on a disqualification plea. The decision thus is sometimes based on the whims and fancies of the presiding officer.
• However, there are many instances when presiding officers play a part with the vested interests of a political party/government in power.
• Also, the law does not specify a time period for the Presiding Officer to decide on a disqualification plea.
• The decision thus is sometimes based on the whims and fancies of the presiding officer.
• Affects the debate and discussion:The Anti-Defection Law has created a democracy of parties and numbers in India, rather than a democracy of debate and discussion. In this way, it does not make a differentiation between dissent and defection and weaken the Parliamentary deliberations on any law.
• In this way, it does not make a differentiation between dissent and defection and weaken the Parliamentary deliberations on any law.
Steps to be taken
• To be used for major decision making: Several experts have suggested that the law should be valid only for those votes that determine the stability of the government. e.g. passage of the annual budget or no-confidence motions as recommended by Dinesh Goswami Committee.
• Non-partisan authority: Various commissions including National Commission to review the working of the constitution (NCRWC) have recommended that rather than the Presiding Officer, the decision to disqualify a member should be made by the President (in case of MPs) or the Governor (in case of MLAs) on the advice of the Election Commission.
• Independent committee for disqualification: Justice Verma in Hollohan judgment said that tenure of the Speaker is dependent on the continuous support of the majority in the House and therefore, he does not satisfy the requirement of such independent adjudicatory authority. Also, his choice as the sole arbiter in the matter violates an essential attribute of the basic feature. Thus, the need for an independent authority to deal with the cases of defection.
• Also, his choice as the sole arbiter in the matter violates an essential attribute of the basic feature.
• Thus, the need for an independent authority to deal with the cases of defection.
• Intra-party democracy: 170th Law Commission report underscored the importance of intra-party democracy by arguing that a political party cannot be a dictatorship internally and democratic in its functioning outside. Thus, the parties should listen to the opinions of the members and have discussions on the same. This would give the freedom of speech and expression to its members and promote inner-party democracy.
• Thus, the parties should listen to the opinions of the members and have discussions on the same. This would give the freedom of speech and expression to its members and promote inner-party democracy.
• Limiting Speaker’s discretion: Recent Supreme Court Judgement ruled that Speaker must decide on disqualification within three months of receiving application. It cannot be the discretion of the Speaker to take no action.
Conclusion
There is a need to prevent unholy defections that lead to instability in the governance system of the nation. The current law is clearly flawed and has not effectively curbed defection due to lure of power and money. There is a need for a more rationalised version of anti-defection laws which will help establish a truly representative democracy.
8. In the context of recent SC judgement on Article 105(2) and 194(2) and parliamentary functioning, it again highlights that probity is a crucial aspect that underlines the ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability of parliamentary members and processes. Discuss.
Reference: The Hindu
Introduction
Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) overturned a 25-year-old majority opinion in the P V Narasimha Rao v State (CBI/Spe) Case, 1998 also known as the JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) bribery case. The SC stated that the bribery is not protected by parliamentary privileges. The previous ruling had stated that lawmakers who accepted bribes could not be prosecuted for corruption if they followed through with voting or speaking in the House as agreed.
Article 105(2) of the Constitution, no person shall be held liable for publishing any reports, discussions etc. of the house under the authority of the member of the house.
Background of the case and evolution
• In the *1993 P V Narasimha Rao case, certain members (MPs)of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) were accused of accepting bribes in exchange for voting against a No-Confidence motion.* This case highlighted allegations of corruption within the parliamentary system, raising concerns about the integrity of legislative processes and the accountability of elected representatives.
• This case highlighted allegations of corruption within the parliamentary system, raising concerns about the integrity of legislative processes and the accountability of elected representatives.
• Court’s Observation in 1998 Case: The Supreme Court’s ruling in 1998 established immunity for MPs (Members of Parliament) and Member of Legislative Assembly(MLAs) from prosecution in bribery cases as long as they fulfilled their end of the bargain. The Supreme Court held that the bribe takers who cast their vote against the no-confidence motion were immune from criminal prosecution under Parliamentary Privilege (Article 105(2)). This decision underscored the importance of stability in governance and the functioning of parliamentary democracy. The court’s observation prioritised the smooth operation of the government over individual accountability, suggesting that prosecuting lawmakersfor bribery could potentially disrupt the stability of the government.
• The Supreme Court held that the bribe takers who cast their vote against the no-confidence motion were immune from criminal prosecution under Parliamentary Privilege (Article 105(2)).
• This decision underscored the importance of stability in governance and the functioning of parliamentary democracy.
• The court’s observation prioritised the smooth operation of the government over individual accountability, suggesting that prosecuting lawmakersfor bribery could potentially disrupt the stability of the government.
About the Supreme Court Judgement
• The7-Judge Constitution Bench overturned the 5-Judge Bench verdict of V. Narasimha Rao v. State Case, 1998. Wherein it was established that the Member of Parliaments and Member of Legislative Assemblies enjoyed immunity if they cast vote in the House after taking bribes for it.
• Wherein it was established that the Member of Parliaments and Member of Legislative Assemblies enjoyed immunity if they cast vote in the House after taking bribes for it.
• The SC emphasised the detrimentalimpact of bribery on democratic principles and governance.
• The court highlighted thataccepting a bribe is a separate criminal act, unrelated to the core duties of lawmakers within the Parliament or legislative assembly. The Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act deals with ‘offence relating to public servant being bribed’.
• The Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act deals with ‘offence relating to public servant being bribed’.
• Therefore, the immunity provided under Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitutiondoes not extend to cases of bribery. This decision signifies a shift towards prioritising accountability and integrity in governance over stability alone, aiming to uphold the ideals of a responsible,responsive, and representative democracy in India.
• This decision signifies a shift towards prioritising accountability and integrity in governance over stability alone, aiming to uphold the ideals of a responsible,responsive, and representative democracy in India.
Conclusion
The Court has made it clear that parliamentary privilege, enshrined in Article 105 (for MPs) and Article 194 (for State legislators) is aimed at protecting the freedom of speech and independence of the legislators in their functioning in the House and cannot extend to bribery, as it is not essential to the casting of the vote or in deciding how to cast it. A key rationale that weighed with the Constitution Bench in 1998 was that parliamentary privilege was essential to protecting members from persecution for anything said or any vote in the House. The majority feared that limiting this privilege might have serious consequences and felt that public indignation over the conduct of some MPs accepting a bribe should not lead to the court construing the Constitution so narrowly that it removes the guarantee for effective parliamentary participation and debate.
Value Addition
Parliamentary privileges
• Parliamentary privileges are special rights, immunities and exemptions enjoyed by the members of the Parliament and their committees.
• These privileges aredefined in Article 105 of the Indian Constitution.
• Article 194 guarantees same privileges to the Members of Legislative Assemblies of states.
• Article 194 guarantees same privileges to the Members of Legislative Assemblies of states.
• Article 194 guarantees same privileges to the Members of Legislative Assemblies of states.
• Under these privileges, the members of Parliament are exempted from any civil liability (but not criminal liability) for any statement made or act done in the course of their duties.
• Parliament has not made any special law to exhaustively codify all the privileges. They are rather based on five sources:
• Constitutional provisions
• Various laws made by Parliament
• Rules of both the Houses
• Parliamentary conventions
• Judicial interpretations
• Privileges of Individual Member:
• Freedom of Speechin Parliament (Article 105(1))
• Immunity to a Member from any proceedings in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him in Parliament or any Committee thereof [Article 105(2)].
• Immunity to a person from proceedings in any court in respect of the publication by or under the authority of either House of Parliament of any report, paper, votes or proceedings (Article 105(2)).
• Prohibition on the Courts to inquire into the validity of any proceedings in Parliament on the ground of any alleged irregularity of procedure. [Article 122(1)].
• Freedom from arrest of Members in civil casesduring the continuance of the meeting of the House or of a Committee thereof and forty days before its commencement and forty days after its conclusion (Section 135A of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908).
• Collective Privilege of House:
• Right of the House to receive immediate intimation of the arrest, detention, conviction, imprisonment and release of a Member.
• Immunity from arrest and service of legal process within the precincts of the House without obtaining the permission of the Chairman/ Speaker.
• Protection of publication of the proceedings of a secret sitting of the House.
• The evidence tendered before a Parliamentary Committee and its report and proceedings cannot be disclosed or published by anyone until these have been laid on the Table of the House.
• Members or officers of the House cannot give evidence or produce in courts of law, documents relating to the proceedings of the House without the permission of the House.
General Studies – 3
9. White Revolution 2.0 in India aims to revitalize the dairy sector and extend the success of the original White Revolution to other agricultural domains. Discuss steps to bring about White Revolution 2.0.
Reference: Indian Express. , Insights on India
Introduction
The huge increase in milk supply through concerted efforts on a cooperative level is known as the White Revolution. Forty-eight years after Operation Flood – that made India the world’s largest milk producer – India continues to be on the lookout for the next breakthrough in agricultural produce and productivity. White Revolution 2.0 has effectuated dairy firms’ marketing strategy for milk and milk products, resuscitating the outlook of product-market mix.
The government’s latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for 2022-23 shows milk emerging as India’s top food spend item, both in rural and urban areas.
Milk production in India:
• India emerged as the largest milk producer and consumer in 2019.
• Niti Aayog estimates that the country is expected to increase its milk production to 330 million metric tonnes (mt) in 2033–34 from the current level of 176 mt.
• Currently India has 17% of world output of dairy products, surpassing USA in 1998 as world’s largest producer of dairy. All this was achieved by operation Flood which was launched in 1970’s.
• According to market research company IMARC, the milk and dairy products industry reached Rs7.9 lakh crore in 2017.
• In 2016, the milk sector alone was valued at Rs3 lakh crore and is projected to scale Rs7.3 lakh crore by 2021.
• The per capita milk availability in India has gone up from 126 gm per day in 1960 to 359 gm per day in 2015.
Potential of White Revolution 2.0:
• Post-liberalisation and Milk and Milk Products Order (2002) was abolished, dairy businesses observed a radical shift toward a strategic product diversification towards functional and traceable foods like nutrition-based health drinks, packaged milk products (such as paneer), and frozen/probiotic products and so on.
• Market structure, conduct, and performance has dramatically changed post 2000s. Besides the established cooperative federations like Amul, other state cooperative federations and multinationals (namely, Nestle, Danon, and Lactalis) are aggressively harnessing the untapped business potential.
• White revolution 2.0 can strengthen the scope of vertical integration between cattle feed industries, dairy machinery firms, producer cooperatives unions, state marketing federations, advertising and marketing firms, logistics and distribution agencies.
• The dairy industry in India is unique. With six lakh villages housing about 90 crore people, dairying is not just a large economic activity but also an integral part of our social and cultural heritage
• Can help small farmers to reduce dependence on crop sales
• Can increase source of income of farmers in low yielding areas like Marathwada, Bundelkhand etc
• India is surrounded by countries and regions that are milk-deficient, such as the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
• There is ample scope for export of value-added milk products to Bangladesh, China, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, the UAE, Oman and other gulf countries, all of which are located close to India.
• At present, the population of South Asia alone is growing at 1.3 per cent a year; it is likely to be 2.2 billion by 2050. This presents an opportunity for India’s dairy industry
Challenges to White Revolution 2.0:
• The Indian cows and buffaloes are generally low yielding and non-descript because of the lack of healthy cattle-feed and fodder, tropical heat and diseases.
• Despite lack of water and gradually declining arable land, dairy farming is on the rise.
• Free trade agreements, or FTAs, for instance, will allow EU government-subsidised products to be imported from Europe with little entry barriers. This will pose a big challenge to cow-farmers.
• Due to unhygienic production, handling conditions and high temperatures, the quality of milk is adversely affected.
• Because of inadequate marketing facilities, most of the marketable surplus is sold in the form of ghee which is the least remunerative of all milk products.
Measures needed:
• Increase in the market share depends on how dairy firms’ capabilities and their resources are utilised given the opportunities and threats emanating from emerging markets economies.
• Contract/corporate dairying and emerging global dairy trade are required to rope in dairy supply chains stakeholders in order to expand their outreach and “on-the-go” product positioning into the target segment.
• Digital technology-enabled dairy firms need to identify their compatible partners and competitors for co-creation through product-process innovation via relationship/value-based marketing.
• Freshness in milk, and convenience to store milk or milk products can be a technology innovation brought in by large dairy firms in association start-ups.
• Education and Training at Panchayat level for small and medium size farmers
• Subsidizing cattle production and encouraging cattle markets
• Facility of logistics for produced milk
• Improved Veterinary facility specially in artificial insemination of cattle
• Encouraging private sector firm to procure dairy produced at rural level
• Low interest loans for small and medium scale farmers for cattle purchase
• Encouraging rural women to take up animal husbandry
• Insurance of cattle against diseases like Anthrax, Foot and Mouth, Peste des Ruminantes, etc.
• Nurture dairy entrepreneurs through effective training of youth at the village level coupled with dedicated leadership and professional management of farmers’ institutions.
• Agricultural practices, sanitation, quality of drinking water & fodder, type and quality of pipelines – all of these need to be aligned to the goal of healthy milk
10. India’s three-stage nuclear policy aims to address India’s energy needs and ensure its strategic autonomy; it has faced scrutiny on various fronts. Examine.
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Introduction
India’s three-stage nuclear power programme was formulated by Homi Bhabha in the 1950s to secure the country’s long term energy independence, through the use of uranium and thorium reserves found in the monazite sands of coastal regions of South India. The ultimate focus of the programme is on enabling the thorium reserves of India to be utilised in meeting the country’s energy requirements.
Prime Minister Modi witnessed the start of the process of core-loading the indigenous prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) at the Madras Atomic Power Station in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. A statement from his office called the occasion “a historic milestone in India’s nuclear power programme”.
Three stage nuclear power program:
• Stage 1- Pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR): The first stage involved using natural uranium to fuel PHWR to produce electricity and Plutonium-239 as a byproduct. PHWRs were chosen for the first stage because: In 1960s, India had the efficient reactor design in terms of uranium utilisation. Using Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors over Light Water Reactors was a correct and wise decision. While Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors used unenriched uranium, Light Water Reactors required enriched uranium. Further, India could domestically produce the components of PWHR, as opposed to LWRs. Also the byproduct plutonium-293 would be used in the second stage.
• In 1960s, India had the efficient reactor design in terms of uranium utilisation.
• Using Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors over Light Water Reactors was a correct and wise decision. While Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors used unenriched uranium, Light Water Reactors required enriched uranium.
• Further, India could domestically produce the components of PWHR, as opposed to LWRs. Also the byproduct plutonium-293 would be used in the second stage.
• Stage 2- Fast breeder reactor (FBR): The second stage involves using plutonium-239 to produce fuel, which would be used in Fast Breeder Reactors. Plutonium 239 undergoes fission to produce energy. Once a sufficient amount of plutonium-239 is built up, thorium will be used in the reactor, to produce Uranium-233. This uranium is crucial for the third stage.
• Stage 3- Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR): The main purpose of stage-3 is to achieve a sustainable nuclear fuel cycle. The advance nuclear system would be used a combination of Uranium-233 and Thorium. India has vast thorium which would be exploited, using a thermal breeder reactor. Thorium use was reserved for the last stage as despite of having significant availability, use of Thorium in production of energy has been full of certain challenges. It cannot be used directly. Thorium absorbs the neutrons, which can more efficiently produce more Plutonium in Fast Breeder Reactor for a faster growth. Thus, the ultimate objective of the above programme is to create capacity to use Thorium for sustainable production of nuclear energy and make India energy independent.
• The advance nuclear system would be used a combination of Uranium-233 and Thorium.
• India has vast thorium which would be exploited, using a thermal breeder reactor.
• Thorium use was reserved for the last stage as despite of having significant availability, use of Thorium in production of energy has been full of certain challenges. It cannot be used directly.
• Thorium absorbs the neutrons, which can more efficiently produce more Plutonium in Fast Breeder Reactor for a faster growth.
• Thus, the ultimate objective of the above programme is to create capacity to use Thorium for sustainable production of nuclear energy and make India energy independent.
challenges in nuclear policy of India and its shortcomings
• Safety and waste management is a major challenge. Incidents like Chernobyl, Fukushima are serious cause of concern. If nuclear energy is generated adhering to the highest standards of safety, there is less possibility of catastrophic accidents.
• Availability of fissile material is also a cause of concern. Nuclear fuel is not available easily and need diplomatic efforts.
• Land acquisition and selection of location for Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is also major problem in the country. NPP’s like Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu have met with several delays due to the land acquisition related challenges.
• As India is not a signatory of NPT and NSG, nuclear supply is severely contained by sanctioned against India. This situation has changed after 2009 waiver and bilateral civil nuclear energy agreements with many countries.
• Reprocessing and enrichment capacity also required boost in India. For this India needs advanced technology to fully utilise the spent fuel and for enhancing its enrichment capacity.
Way forward and conclusion
To ensure the safety and security of using nuclear power there is need toensure maintenance of the skills base, continued effective safety regulation. Fostering progress on facilities for waste disposal and management must be given serious consideration. It is also important to maintain and reinforce international non-proliferation arrangements.
Nuclear power can help to improve energy security. For a rapidly developing economy such as India, it can make a vitally important contribution to growth. Besides, nuclear power can also reduce the impact of volatile fossil fuel prices and mitigate the effects of climate change. India needs to come up with a durable energy strategy to meet present and future energy demands of its population and industries.
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