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  • How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis?

    Micro irrigation is a water-efficient irrigation technique that delivers water directly to plant roots using drip or sprinkler systems, reducing water wastage.

    18% of the world’s population but only 4% of global freshwater resources.

    ~85% of India’s freshwater is used in agriculture (FAO).

    Groundwater depletion:

    1,006 blocks are over-exploited or critical (CGWB, 2023).

    Punjab and Haryana – ~1 metre annual groundwater decline.

    Per capita water availability fell from 1,820 m³ (2001)1,486 m³ (2025).

    Role of Micro-Irrigation in Solving India’s Water Crisis

    Significant Water Saving – saves around 30-50% water compared to flood irrigation.

    Higher Water Use Efficiency (WUE)

    Sprinkler Irrigation – 75%

    Drip Irrigation – 90%

    Higher Yields: Eg- increases yields by 45% for wheat, 20% for gram, and 40% for soybean.

    Reduced Water Loss through evaporation, runoff, and deep percolation

    Lower Fertilizer Use: Through fertigation, fertilizers are applied directly to the plant roots along with water

    Reduced Groundwater Extraction – Eg- Drip in sugarcane in Maharashtra reduced water use by 22-25%.

    Improves Climate Resilience – Provides controlled irrigation during dry spells.

    Micro-irrigation can double irrigation coverage using existing water resources (NITI Aayog).

    Limitations of micro-irrigation

    Low Adoption – micro-irrigation covers only 7.6% of the net sown area

    High Initial Cost – Eg- Drip irrigation costs .

    Regular maintenance needs to avoid clogging, leakage, and damage is technically difficult for farmers.

    Technical Knowledge Gap: lack of know-how to correctly install, operate, and maintain micro-irrigation systems.

    Social and Cultural Barriers: Traditional farming practices and resistance to change.

    Regional imbalance – Eastern and northern states lag.

    Not Suitable for all crops– Eg-Flood irrigation is preferred for water-intensive crops like paddy

    Government Initiatives

    PMKSY – “Per Drop More Crop” – subsidies up to 55%.

    Micro-Irrigation Fund under NABARD – 10000 Cr

    Andhra Pradesh Micro-Irrigation Project (APMIP)

    Micro-irrigation is critical for achieving equitable, efficient and sustainable irrigation management. (“Vision for Sujalam Bharat”)

  • Distinguish between Capital Budget and Revenue Budget. Explain the components of both these Budgets.

    Under Article 112, the Budget comprises the Revenue Budget, which covers routine government income and expenditure, and the Capital Budget, which deals with asset creation and long-term liabilities.

    Difference Between Revenue Budget and Capital Budget

    Components of the Revenue Budget

    Revenue Receipts

    Tax Revenue – Income tax, corporate tax, GST, customs, excise, etc.

    Non-Tax Revenue – Dividends & profits from PSUs/RBI, fees, fines, interest receipts.

    Grants-in-Aid – External grants from other countries/institutions.

    Revenue Expenditure

    Salaries, Pensions & Administrative Costs

    Subsidies – food, fertiliser, petroleum.

    Interest Payments on past borrowings.

    Grants to States & UTs, grants for social services.

    Expenditure on Routine Government Operations – police, defence services (revenue), judiciary.

    Components of the Capital Budget

    Capital Receipts

    Borrowings – Market loans, external loans, treasury bills.

    Disinvestment Proceeds – Sale of government equity in PSUs.

    Recovery of Loans – Repayment from states, PSUs, and others.

    Small Savings & Provident Fund Collections

    Capital Expenditure

    Creation of Assets – Roads, railways, bridges, irrigation, defence capital.

    Loans and Advances – To states, UTs, PSUs, and financial institutions.

    Investment in PSUs and Infrastructure Projects

    A healthy fiscal structure requires containing revenue expenditure and prioritising capital expenditure to strengthen productivity and economic growth.

  • Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V- shapes recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer.

  • Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015.

    Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a given period. GDP in India is calculated by the National Statistical Office (NSO).

    The post-2015 GDP methodology aims to provide a more accurate, data-rich, and globally comparable picture of India’s economy. To improve reliability, there is a need for greater transparency.

  • “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.”Discuss in the light of India’s experience

    The World Bank defines infrastructure as “the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society, enterprise, or system.” It is prerequisite for rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth.

    Importance of Investment in Infrastructure for Rapid Growth

    A 1% increase in infrastructure investment can raise output by 0.4% in the same year and by 1.5% in 4 years. (IMF)

    Modern transport, logistics and energy infrastructure reduce time and transaction costs and increase competitiveness.

    Boosts Manufacturing & Exports – Eg- Port led development under Sagarmala project

    Crowds in domestic private investment and FDI –

    Facilitates Urbanisation and industrialization- Eg- industrial corridors, and smart cities support agglomeration economies and higher output.

    Energy Security through investments in renewables (48 % of the total installed capacity).

    Importance of Investment in Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth

    Bridges Rural-Urban Divide- Rural roads, irrigation networks and decentralised energy systems enhance market access and livelihoods. Eg- PMGSY

    Access to Basic Services – Water supply, sanitation, healthcare facilities, and DPI ensure equitable access for vulnerable groups. Eg- Jal Jeevan Mission

    Balanced Regional Growth- Connectivity in tribal, hilly, and northeastern regions improves mobility, education access, and economic opportunity.

    Employment Generation for low-skilled and semi-skilled workers. Eg- The PM Gati Shakti initiative is expected to create 1 crore+ jobs by 2030.

    Improves standard of living – Eg- over 4Cr houses constructed under PMAY

    Women Empowerment – Eg- SBM improving access to sanitation

    India’s Experience – Achievements and Challenges

    India has the second largest road network in the world (1.5 lakh km National Highway)

    Ports & Logistics: Sagarmala increased port capacity beyond 2,600 MTPA.

    Digital Infrastructure: Aadhaar, UPI, BharatNet deepened digital inclusion.

    Energy: Renewable capacity crossed 240+ GW, improving energy security.

    Challenges

    Lack Of Integrated Policy- India has the second largest infrastructure deficit in the world (after Brazil)

    Financing Constraints: NIP requires Rs 111 lakh crore.

    Delays in Land Acquisition & Clearances slowing project execution. Eg- Mumbai Metro

    Urban Infrastructure Deficits: Eg- 17% population living in slums

    Logistics Inefficiencies: 13-14% logistics cost compared to 8-10% global average

    Poor concession agreements and litigation in PPP projects

    Neglect of social infrastructure – Eg- health and education spending at 1.9% and 4% of GDP only

    Inadequate R&D expenditure (0.7% of GDP) hinder the adoption of innovative solutions.

    Way Forward

    Strengthen PPP Models with better risk-sharing and transparent concession agreements. (Kelkar Committee recommendations)

    Accelerate Gati Shakti Platform for integrated planning and faster clearances.

    Increase Sustainable Financing via green bonds, NIIF, and development finance institutions.

    Focus on Climate-Resilient Infrastructure in coastal, drought-prone and flood-prone regions.

    Sustainable and high-quality infrastructure is a essential for realisation of a $40 Trillion economy by 2047.

  • Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?

    The SCO, evolved from the Shanghai Five (1996), was founded in 2001, as a Eurasian political, economic, and security organisation. In the recent summit, Laos joined as a partner, expanding SCO’s strength to 27 nations (10 members, 17 partners).

    Aims and Objectives of SCO

    Security Cooperation

    Combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism (the “Three Evils”).

    Enhance regional peace and border stability.

    Economic Cooperation

    Promote regional trade, connectivity, and energy integration.

    Facilitate economic development and mutual prosperity.

    Political and Strategic Cooperation

    Strengthen multipolarity and collective global governance.

    Counterbalance Western unilateralism.

    Support UN-based international order.

    Cultural and People-to-People Ties – Enhance educational, tourism, and youth exchanges through SCO University, Cultural Forums, and Youth Camps.

    Critical Examination of SCO

    China-Pakistan-Russia Axis creates a complex geopolitical matrix with conflicting interests, especially in Afghanistan.

    China-Pakistan all weather relationship – Eg- India’s Defence Minister refused to sign the joint statement for omission of mention of Pahalgam terror attack

    China’s Wolf warrior diplomacy, Chequebook diplomacy disrespect for international rules and sovereignty erodes SCO’s credibility.

    Expansionist Agenda via BRI- Eg- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through Indian territory (PoK) – opposed by India.

    Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent fails to act decisively against cross-border terrorism, particularly state-sponsored terrorism.

    China’s use of veto in the UNSC to shield Pakistan-based global terrorists undermines anti-terror efforts.

    Limited trade integration -intra-SCO trade remains below 10%.

    Ideological mismatch -India’s democratic ethos vs authoritarian bloc politics.

    Expansion Dilemma- SCO’s enlargement, including Belarus, raises its global profile but dilutes regional focus.

    “identity crisis” – absence of enforcement mechanisms making it a mere talking shop. (Vivek Katju)

    SCO is increasingly seen as an “anti-West” forum and entry of Iran in SCO has made the situation difficult for India.

    Significance of SCO for India

    Strengthens India’s strategic outreach in Central Asia.

    India hosting the SCO Summit (2023) allowed it to promote democratic and rule-based values within a predominantly authoritarian grouping.

    Expand trade footprint in Eurasia- Provides access to large Central Asian markets for agriculture, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.

    Technological Cooperation- Opens avenues for collaboration in AI, quantum computing, and critical technologies.

    Energy Diplomacy – Access to Central Asian uranium reserves and hydrocarbons strengthens India’s energy security.

    Security Cooperation through RATS (Tashkent), enables counter-terror dialogue with China, Pakistan, and Central Asian states.

    Connectivity Initiatives- Supports Chabahar Port and INSTC as key trade routes to Eurasia, reducing dependence on Pakistan-controlled routes.

    Diplomatic Importance

    Enhances India’s strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.

    Acts as a bridge between South Asia and Eurasia.

    Complements India’s “Connect Central Asia” and “Act East” policies.

    Public Diplomacy- Enhances Track 2 diplomacy and cultural exchanges. Promotes academic, tourism, and youth linkages.

    Cultural Cooperation- Deepens ties in cultural, linguistic, and energy sectors.

    Way Forward

    Use SCO for counter-terrorism diplomacy and regional stability.

    Deepen energy cooperation and promote green connectivity.

    Coordinate with Russia and Central Asia for balanced engagement vis-à-vis China.

    Leverage SCO to push for multipolarity and inclusive growth.

    SCO can help realise India’s ambitions on “multi-alignment”, “strategic autonomy” and becoming a “balancing power” in the world.

  • The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.

    The AUKUS alliance, launched in 2021, is a security partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US aimed at countering China’s assertiveness. It reflects a new phase of minilateralism.

    Strength and Impact of AUKUS in countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region

    Nuclear Submarine Pact: Enables Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, enhancing undersea deterrence against China.

    Advanced Technology Sharing: Cooperation in AI, cyber warfare, quantum computing, and hypersonic weapons.

    Military Integration: Strengthens interoperability and intelligence sharing through Five Eyes alignment.

    Strategic Geography: Expands Western military reach across the South China Sea and Indian Ocean.

    Deterrence Architecture: Reinforces U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy and balances China’s maritime expansion.

    A stronger Australia aligns with India’s interest to counter China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy in the Indian Ocean.

    AUKUS Superseding Existing Partnerships

    May undermine the QUAD’s balanced agenda, tilting regional focus toward militarization.

    Weakens ASEAN centrality, creating apprehensions about regional autonomy.

    Creates trust deficit with France (after Australia canceled its French submarine deal).

    It may weaken the Five Eyes alliance – Eg- New Zealand has shown displeasure over AUKUS.

    Other Issues with AUKUS

    Risk of nuclear proliferation due to the transfer of nuclear submarine technology to a non-nuclear weapon state.

    Exclusionary alliance, leaving out India, Japan, and ASEAN nations.

    Potential arms race between US-led and China-Russia blocs.

    Perception of ‘Anglosphere dominance’, limiting inclusivity in regional security frameworks.

    China–Russia axis may strengthen – China called it as “wrong and dangerous path”

    Way Forward

    Align with Quad and ASEAN-led mechanisms to ensure synergy.

    Inclusive Security Architecture by incorporating voices from South and Southeast Asia.

    Confidence-Building Measures among China, ASEAN, and other regional actors to avoid escalation.

    AUKUS marks the reemergence of power geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific. It must evolve through consultation and cooperation to ensure that it complements rather than fragments the Indo-Pacific strategic order.

  • “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchial.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu?

    “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.” – Simone de Beauvoir

    Despite progress in education, employment, and leadership – from Kalpana Chawla to Nirmala Sitharaman – Indian society continues to be guided by deep-rooted patriarchal norms.

    Women Excelling in Various Fields

    Political Sphere:

    Droupadi Murmu became India’s first tribal woman President (2022).

    Over 46% of PRI representatives are women (MoPR, 2024).

    Economic Sphere: Women-led startups form 47.6% of DPIIT-recognized startups (2023).

    Science and Technology: Nigar Shaji, ISRO project director for Aditya-L1

    Sports: Avani Lekhara (Paralympics), Nikhat Zareen (boxing), and Smriti Mandhana (cricket).

    Academics: Women constitute 43% of STEM graduates

    Patriarchal Attitudes Persisting in Society

    The enduring Devī-Dāsī dichotomy-idolizing women as sacred yet accepting their subjugation-reveals deep-rooted cultural norms that legitimize gender inequality.

    Tokenism in representation: Eg-“Sarpanch Pati” culture undermines effective female leadership

    Unpaid care burden: Women spend 299 mins/day on unpaid work (NSSO), vs. 97 mins by men.

    Triple Burden – Household, Childcare, Work

    Media stereotypes: Gender-biased portrayals reinforce traditional roles.

    ‘Glass ceiling’ – women are less likely to be hired or promoted in sectors such as technology, finance, or engineering. (McKinsey)

    Interventions Needed to Change the Milieu

    Legal and Institutional Reforms

    Gender Sensitisation in Governance: Mandatory training for bureaucrats and police.

    Implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023): Ensure 33% reservation in legislatures.

    Strengthen POSH Act, 2013: Extend coverage to informal, gig, and agricultural sectors.

    Gender Audit Mechanisms: Periodic audits across ministries, corporates, and universities.

    Establish fast-track courts for crimes against women as per Nirbhaya Committee recommendations.

    Economic and Structural Interventions

    Property and Inheritance Rights: Enforce Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 effectively at the ground level.

    Labour Market Reforms: Provide maternity benefits, crèche facilities, and flexible work arrangements.

    Recognize and Monetize Unpaid Labour: Integrate unpaid domestic work into GDP measurement and social protection systems.

    Social and Cultural Interventions

    Curriculum Reform: Integrate gender-sensitivity and equality lessons from school level.

    Media Accountability: Enforce SC’s 2024 guidelines against gender stereotyping in films and advertisements.

    Community Mobilisation: Engage SHGs, PRIs, and youth clubs to challenge gender norms at local level.

    Faith-Based Dialogue: Partner with religious leaders to reinterpret traditions supporting equality.

    Behavioural and Psychological Change

    Male Inclusion Campaigns: Expand “Men for Women” and “HeForShe” initiatives to rural areas.

    Positive Role Modelling: Showcase success stories of women achievers in governance and innovation.

    Public Awareness Drives: Use Beti Bachao Beti Padhao 2.0 to challenge gender bias in families and media.

    Adopting ILO’s 5Rs (recognition, reduction, redistribution, reward, representation) can help in realising Nari Shakti and SDG 5.

  • Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model.

    Role of Civil Society and NGOs in Public Service Delivery

    Education – Run low-cost, community schools, teacher training, and literacy drives. Eg- Pratham’s Read India Campaign.

    Health and Nutrition – Provide mobile health units, maternal care, and nutrition programs. Eg- Akshaya Patra mid-day meals.

    Women Empowerment – Organize self-help groups and cooperatives to promote income generation. Eg- SEWA – women’s cooperatives in Gujarat.

    Rural Development – Implement watershed management and livelihood programs. Eg- WOTR – soil and water conservation in drought-prone regions.

    Governance & Accountability – Conduct awareness campaigns, social audits, and legal advocacy. Eg- MKSS pioneered Right to Information through Jan Sunwai model.

    Environment and Sustainability – Promote community-based natural resource management and renewable energy use. Eg- TERI

    Strengths of NGO-Civil Society Model

    Community-Centric Programs

    Flexible and Innovative low-cost models

    Last-Mile Reach

    Participatory Governance

    Fills governance and capacity gaps in public service delivery

    Challenges of this Alternative Model

    Funding Constraints – Dependence on foreign/donor funding.

    Fragmentation and Duplication – Poor coordination with government departments.

    Accountability and Transparency Deficit – Eg- CBI report: <10% NGOs file audited financial statements.

    Anti-Developmental Concerns – Eg- IB Report: NGO activism causing ~2% GDP loss.

    Regulatory Restrictions – Stringent FCRA, CSR, compliance laws.

    Elite and Urban Bias – Disconnect from grassroots realities.

    Sustainability Issues – Short-term donor-driven projects.

    Way Forward

    Vijay Kumar Committee Recommendations – Promote ‘Light regulation’ of NGOs.

    2nd ARC Recommendation – Establish an independent National Accreditation Council.

    Government-NGO Collaboration Platforms – Eg- Kerala’s Kudumbashree model.

    Diversified Funding – Reduce donor dependency.

    Outcome-Based Monitoring – Introduce impact assessment frameworks (NITI Aayog).

    NGOs are “integral cogs in the wheel of good governance”. A balanced partnership between genuine NGOs and the government is crucial for India’s inclusive and sustainable development.

  • Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification.

    As per UNDP (2022), Digital access is now a core dimension of human development. However, digital illiteracy and poor ICT access have created a digital divide, restricting equitable growth.

    Digital illiteracy and accessibility

    Internet Access: Only 43% of rural households have internet access (NFHS-5, 2021).

    Digital Literacy: Merely 10% of rural population is digitally literate (NSSO data, 2022).

    Infrastructure Gaps: More than 35 thousand Gram Panchayats lack connectivity under BharatNet.

    Device Ownership: Less than 15% of rural households have computers or tablets (NSSO).

    Gender Divide: Only 33% of rural women have mobile internet access (GSMA Report, 2023).

    Exclusion and inclusion errors in digital systems reduce trust in e-services. Eg- authentication errors in Aadhaar-linked DBT or ration delivery.

    Weak Common Service Centre (CSC) Infrastructure: poor connectivity, limited equipment, and untrained staff

    Lack of People-Centric Governance: Most government websites are only in English, not in vernacular languages, excluding non-English users.

    Education and Skill Development

    Limited online learning: Only 24% rural students could attend online classes during COVID-19 (ASER 2021).

    Digital exclusion restricts access to e-learning platforms like SWAYAM, PMGDISHA, and DIKSHA.

    Employment and Livelihoods

    Rural youth miss digital job opportunities in gig economy and e-commerce.

    Farmers lack access to digital market tools like e-NAM or Kisan Suvidha App.

    Financial Inclusion

    Inability to use UPI, digital banking, and DBT systems limits access to formal finance.

    Rural MSMEs struggle with e-payments and online compliance (GST, MCA21).

    Governance and Welfare Access – Eg- exclusion from Aadhaar-based DBT due to authentication errors and poor connectivity.

    Health and Social Services – Lack of ICT prevents use of telemedicine platforms (eSanjeevani) and digital health records.

    Gender and Social Inequality – Women, SC/ST, and elderly are most excluded due to low literacy and device ownership.

    However, there are some Achievements

    Expanding Digital Infrastructure

    BharatNet: Over 2.14 lakh Gram Panchayats connected with optical fibre; 97.6% villages have mobile coverage.

    5G rollout (2022-25): 4.7 lakh towers covering 99.6% districts.

    Massive Digital Empowerment

    PMGDISHA: Trained over 6.3 crore citizens in digital literacy.

    Common Service Centres (5.3 lakh) serve as ICT hubs in 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats.

    Financial and Payment Revolution

    UPI: Handles 85% of India’s digital payments, processing (June 2025). Enabled financial inclusion of 491 million individuals and 65 million merchants.

    e-Governance and Inclusion

    UMANG: 2,300+ services in 23 languages; 8.7 crore users.

    DigiLocker: 56 crore users; promotes paperless governance.

    Jan Soochna Portal (Rajasthan): Promotes proactive transparency.

    Way Forward

    Strengthen Digital Infrastructure: Accelerate BharatNet Phase-II to connect all Gram Panchayats

    Enhance Digital Literacy: Expand PMGDISHA and integrate digital literacy in school curricula (e-Kidz, IT clubs).

    Affordable Access: Subsidize data costs and promote public Wi-Fi hotspots (PM-WANI) in rural regions.

    Promote Local Language Content: Use platforms like BHASHINI for vernacular digital inclusion.

    Encourage PPP Models: Collaborate with private sector for last-mile connectivity and training. Eg- CSC-SPV.

    Inclusive Design: Ensure gender-sensitive and community-based ICT training modules.

    Bridging this digital divide is essential to achieve “Digital India for All” and realize the vision of inclusive growth under Viksit Bharat@2047.

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