AIR 38 · CSE 2023 · GS3 · 52 pages

Animesh Verma: GS3 answer copy

20 answers by Animesh Verma, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1What are the reasons behind the inefficient use of water in Indian agriculture? Suggest measures to improve water use efficiency.10 marks
  2. Q2What are the social, economic and environmental benefits of diversifying the food basket under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India?10 marks
  3. Q3Can re-energising the livestock sector be the key to sustainable livelihood and increasing the income of Indian farmers? Give reasons in support of your answer.10 marks
  4. Q4Do you agree that high economic growth in the post-reform period has not resulted in growth trickling down to the marginalised sections, rendering inclusive growth a major concern? Justify your answer.10 marks
  5. Q5Evaluate the outcome of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). How can Mission LiFE reinvigorate the NCAP in addressing the issue of air pollution?10 marks
  6. Q6Discuss the impact of wildfires on the ecosystem. Describe the significance of the UNEP's Fire Ready Formula in dealing with the menace of wildfires.10 marks
  7. Q7Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its new rocket called Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). What are its advantages? How can SSLVs be a game changer for ISRO in the years to come?10 marks
  8. Q8Why is biopiracy a cause of great concern to the existing traditional knowledge of the developing world? What steps have been taken by the government of India for protecting the existing traditional Indian knowledge?10 marks
  9. Q9What are the challenges faced by the Assam Rifles with regard to border management and tackling of insurgency in North-East India? Discuss how these challenges require a reorientation of the force.10 marks
  10. Q10The race to put weapons in space may soon pass the point of no return making space the next theatre of arms struggle. What are the possible reasons behind the weaponization of space? Discuss its implications.10 marks
  11. Q11Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNP) recently became the first 100% Landlord Port of India. What do you understand by the Landlord Port model? What are the different models employed in the management of ports?15 marks
  12. Q12Analyse the performance of the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme launched to promote farm mechanization in India.15 marks
  13. Q13Discuss the potential of digitization in harnessing the untapped potential of the food processing sector and resolving the challenges that it faces.15 marks
  14. Q14What is the significance of land record modernization in India? In this light, state the features of the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS).15 marks
  15. Q15The use of technology has played a key role in the success of the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' since its inception. Discuss. What further changes can be incorporated to make the scheme more farmer-friendly?15 marks
  16. Q16Discuss how the transition towards renewable energy has the potential to transform the lives of women in India and unlock their potential.15 marks
  17. Q17How does climate change exacerbate the challenges that India faces in eliminating hunger and malnutrition? Discuss in the context of India's commitment to achieve zero hunger by 2030.15 marks
  18. Q18What do you understand by digital twin technology? What are the benefits and challenges in its adoption?15 marks
  19. Q19Terrorism financing continues to remain a major challenge for the international community despite several efforts to curb it. Discuss.15 marks
  20. Q20Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) will progressively multiply the opportunities as well as challenges from the national security perspective. Discuss in the context of India.15 marks

The answers

Question 1 · 10 marks · 169 words written

What are the reasons behind the inefficient use of water in Indian agriculture? Suggest measures to improve water use efficiency.

Opening · a figure

The agriculture sector accounts for about 90% of the total groundwater extraction in India, leading to water use-inefficiency.

Body · points

Reasons- inefficient use of water:

  1. Unmetered agricultural feeders: Niti Aayog in its report on Indian Agriculture, 2023 highlighted power subsidies as one of the main causes.
  2. Over dependence on water-intensive crops like rice (high MSP), sugarcane (high FRP), etc.
  3. Traditional methods of irrigation: like flood irrigation, etc.
  4. Use of HYV seeds, green revolution side-effects -> require more water.
  5. Low awareness among farmers about depleting groundwater levels, etc.

Measures needed:

  1. Direct cash transfers to farmers & metered power supply for agriculture. (Niti Aayog report, 2023)
  2. Revisit the MSP policy which neglects crop diversification. (Shanta Kumar Committee)
  3. Use of micro-irrigation (eg: drip irrigation) - 40% water savings (Ashok Dalwai committee)
  4. Great implementing schemes like PM-KSY (Krishi Sinchayee Yojana) - per drop more crop, watershed management etc.

Close · a framework

Moreover, soil health cards (SHC) can be used to improve food security (SDG-2) & availability of water (SDG-6).