MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. “Probity is essential for an effective government system and socio-economic development.” Analyze.
GS IV – Ethics-related issues
Introduction:
- Adherence to the highest values and beliefs is what is meant by probity. It serves as the cornerstone of moral precepts like integrity and honesty. It is essential for socioeconomic advancement and good governance because it guarantees that public servants respect the law, put the needs of the people first, and maintain accountability and transparency.
Numerous facets of socioeconomic development are impacted by probity in governance:
- Allocating resources: Effective and corrupt-free resource allocation is a sign of probity in government.
- Encourages competition: In order to create an egalitarian economy, probity eradicates cronyism, nepotism, and favouritism and encourages innovation and fair competition.
- Equity: It guarantees unbiased, just policies that respect every citizen, particularly the underprivileged.
- Probity lessens inequality by discouraging public servants from abusing their position of authority for private benefit.
- Inclusion: It guarantees that all citizens, without exception or discrimination, have equal access to and affordability of public services and facilities.
- Sustainability: Making decisions that take into account the social, economic, and environmental sustainability for both the present and the future generations is known as probity in governance.
- Boosts Resilience: By equipping authorities to efficiently manage natural disasters, climate change, and pandemics, it increases society’s resilience.
Way Forward:
- Effective government, trust, transparency, and societal advancement all depend on probity in governance. Everyone involved—officials, members of the public, media, civil society, and citizens—should work to advance and defend it.
Q2. What kind of subsidies—direct and indirect—are given to India’s agriculture industry? Also discuss the concerns the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has brought up regarding agricultural subsidies.
GS III – Agriculture related issues
Introduction:
- A subsidy is a type of financial support or aid that the government offers to particular economic sectors or individuals. Subsidies are primarily intended to lower the cost of products and services and promote economic growth.
India’s agricultural industry receives both direct and indirect subsidies:
- The government offers NPK fertiliser subsidies in order to lower the cost of fertilisers for farmers.
- In order to promote the adoption of HYV and genetically modified seed varieties, certified seeds are eligible for subsidies.
- Direct Cash Transfer of Rs. 6,000 per farmer each year by the central government under PM-Kisan yojana.
- There are subsidies available for the purchase of agricultural machinery and equipment. Sub-mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) Scheme, for instance.
- The Indian government offers farmers a guaranteed price for a number of important crops by setting a Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Concerns brought up by the WTO regarding agricultural subsidies:
- The MSP system is evaluated by the WTO as trade distorting, especially when it comes to rice where subsidies have exceeded set thresholds.
- The World Trade Organisation (WTO) regards the agricultural practices in India as harming the environment due to the excessive use of fertilisers and ground water extraction.
- Concern has also been raised about government assistance to local agricultural exporters who want to boost the volume of agricultural products they export.
- In summary
- In India, half of the workforce is employed in agriculture, therefore subsidies are crucial in reducing unemployment and food insecurity in this country. Trade policies should be shaped globally in a way that gives developing nations the leeway to raise the majority of their populations out of poverty.