MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Analyse the initiatives undertaken by the Indian government for biodiversity conservation and highlight the challenges encountered in their implementation. Suggest measures to strengthen these efforts with a focus on enhancing community participation.
GS II – Environmental Conservation
Introduction:
- Biodiversity conservation is crucial for ecological balance and sustainable development. The Indian government has undertaken various initiatives to preserve its diverse flora and fauna, aiming to address global environmental concerns.
Initiatives for Biodiversity Conservation by the Indian Government:
The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to conserve biodiversity:
- National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP): Formulated to conserve and sustainably use biological diversity in India.
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): Established to regulate access to biological resources and associated knowledge.
- People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs): Documenting local biodiversity across different states to enhance conservation efforts.
- National Mission for Green India (GIM): Aims to increase forest and tree cover, restore degraded ecosystems, and enhance biodiversity.
- Green Credit Scheme: Provides incentives to industries and communities for adopting eco-friendly practices.
- MISHTI Initiative: Focuses on mangrove and coastal ecosystem conservation for climate change mitigation.
- Amrit Mahotsav Dharohar Scheme: Promotes sustainable use of wetlands for biodiversity conservation and income generation.
Challenges in Biodiversity Conservation:
Despite these initiatives, the Indian government faces several challenges in biodiversity conservation:
- Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Due to urbanization, infrastructure development, and agricultural expansion.
- Climate Change: Alters ecosystems, affects species distribution, and exacerbates biodiversity loss.
- Invasive Species: Disrupt local ecosystems and threaten native species.
- Overexploitation: Unsustainable practices such as overfishing and illegal wildlife trade.
- Pollution: Contamination of air, water, and soil poses significant threats to biodiversity.
- Lack of Awareness: Insufficient public understanding of biodiversity’s importance and conservation efforts.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty and inequality driving overexploitation of natural resources.
Measures to Strengthen Biodiversity Conservation Efforts:
To enhance the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation efforts and promote community participation, the following measures are recommended:
- Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation planning and implementation.
- Education and Awareness: Launching awareness campaigns and educational programs on biodiversity conservation.
- Capacity Building: Training local communities in sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation techniques.
- Policy Support: Enacting and enforcing robust environmental laws and regulations.
- Incentives: Providing incentives for communities to engage in eco-friendly practices and biodiversity conservation initiatives.
- Research and Innovation: Investing in research and innovation to develop sustainable solutions for biodiversity conservation.
- International Collaboration: Collaborating with international organizations and neighboring countries for transboundary biodiversity conservation.
Conclusion:
- The Indian government’s efforts in biodiversity conservation are crucial for preserving the nation’s rich biological heritage. Strengthening these efforts through community involvement, education, policy support, and international collaboration will be essential in achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring a greener future for generations to come.
Q2. Analyse the recent surge in India’s defence production and its implications for national security and economic strategy. What measures should the government take to sustain and enhance this growth in the coming years?
GS II – Government Policies and Interventions
Introduction:
- India’s defence production for the financial year 2023-24 has achieved a historic milestone, reaching ₹1,26,887 crore, marking a substantial increase from the previous year. This surge highlights India’s efforts towards strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, reducing dependency on foreign imports, and enhancing self-reliance in the defence sector.
Implications for National Security and Economic Strategy:
- Enhanced National Security: The increase in defence production underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities amidst evolving regional and global security challenges. A robust domestic defence industry is crucial for maintaining strategic autonomy and preparedness.
- Economic Impacts: The growth in defence production contributes significantly to India’s economy through job creation, technological advancements, and increased industrial output. It also reduces the outflow of foreign exchange spent on defence imports, thereby contributing positively to the balance of payments.
- Technological Advancements: Indigenous defence production fosters technological innovation and advancements in critical defence technologies, which are pivotal for maintaining a cutting-edge military edge.
Measures for Sustaining and Enhancing Growth:
- R&D Investments: Increase investments in research and development to foster innovation and develop advanced defence technologies domestically.
- Private Sector Participation: Further incentivise and facilitate greater participation of the private sector in defence manufacturing through policy reforms, enhanced infrastructure, and technology transfer agreements.
- Export Promotion: Expand efforts to promote defence exports by simplifying export procedures, negotiating strategic partnerships, and offering competitive pricing for defence products in the global market.
- Infrastructure Development: Address infrastructural challenges by investing in industrial corridors, modernising defence production facilities, and enhancing logistical capabilities.
- Policy Reforms: Continuously refine and update defence procurement policies to streamline acquisition processes, encourage domestic manufacturing, and ensure transparency and efficiency.
Conclusion:
- The surge in India’s defence production in 2023-24 represents a significant stride towards achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. However, sustained efforts and strategic interventions are imperative to consolidate these gains, mitigate challenges, and propel India towards becoming a global hub for defence production.
