Good Morning Friends,
Following are today’s Mains Marathon Questions.
About Mains Marathon – This is an initiative of ForumIAS to help/aid aspirants in their writing skills, which is crucial to conquering mains examination.
Every morning, we post 2-3 questions based on current affairs. The questions framed are meaningful and relevant to the exam.
Write your answers in the comment box, given below.
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Questions
Why is it important to develop a resilient and indigenous supply chain of key minerals for clean energy technologies? Suggest measures to secure the supply of strategic minerals.
Democratic decentralization in India has not been as envisioned by the Constitution. Elaborate and suggest reforms to strengthen Democratic decentralization in India.
Please allot marks too
Good answer! Many relevant points, but some important points have been missed.
Briefly highlight the use of rare earths in clean energy like manufacturing of wind turbines, solar cells, batteries etc. Highlight as India transitions to clean energy, it will create dependence on imports for these elements just like oil/gas.
Similarly, there are institutional factors why India is lacking domestic production of these elements despite having 5th largest reserves. Addressing those factors can be quoted here like creating a Department of Rare earths, separating rights to explore atomic minerals from rare earths and allowing private companies in mining etc. Read here.
Good answer! Many relevant points, but some important points have been missed.
Briefly highlight the use of rare earths in clean energy like manufacturing of wind turbines, solar cells, batteries etc. Highlight as India transitions to clean energy, it will create dependence on imports for these elements just like oil/gas.
Similarly, there are institutional factors why India is lacking domestic production of these elements despite having 5th largest reserves. Addressing those factors can be quoted here like creating a Department of Rare earths, separating rights to explore atomic minerals from rare earths and allowing private companies in mining etc. Read here.
Answer 1.
Looks great! Under import dependence, also include the angle of future dependence on imports of rare earths. So even if we reduce oil dependence, we’ll be dependent upon imports of these elements so domestic reserves must be developed.
There are several challenges in domestic production, they need to be addressed especially with respect to regulatory arrangement of mining at present. That needs to be corrected and allow private mining of rare earths. Refer this article.
Please review
Great answer! Nothing much to suggest here.
In issues, the aspect of lack of powers to decide on spending the funds can be added (it is top-driven). You can mention 11th/12th Schedules and some subjects on which local bodies can be given taxation powers etc.
Overall very comprehensive!
Thank you
Good answer! You have a tendency to put some irrelevant points in the answer. It doesn’t serve the purpose, wastes time and increases word limit. e.g., in the first half, simply mention these elements are crucial for green energy transition (wind mills, batteries etc.). Lack of domestic production of these elements will create dependence on imports just like oil. Other points like natural disasters are not relevant here.
Similarly in suggestions, provide arguments related to enhancing domestic production (India has 5th largest reserves of Rare earths). For those points, read this article.
Okay, I will surely keep in mind to stick to what is asked and write the relevant stuff only from now on, Thank you.
Please
allot marks too
Please review
Great answer! In the first half, You can mention some applications where the elements are used (windmills, batteries etc.). Suggestions are appropriate. Add the aspect of measures required to boost domestic production. Read this article for content on this dimension.
Thank you very much
Please review
Great answer! You can classify the issues under the headings of Funds/Functions/Functionaries. Also mention that staff is not trained enough to undertake functions. Mention some subjects under 11th and 12th Schedule to be devolved.
Also You can avoid unnecessary words like ‘another major problem is…’ This will save You time (and words) while writing.
Thank you, will keep this in mind
Good answer! There is scope for improvement though. Introduction can be shortened. Mention that critical components in clean energy technologies require these elements. As share of green energy increases, it will create dependence on foreign countries for these minerals, just like dependence on oil at present. Briefly highlight issues in lack of indigenous supply chains, and then provide suggestions. India has 5th largest reserves of rare earths but hasn’t been able to recover them economically. Refer this article for the reasons. Same can be provided in suggestions.
Good answer! In the introduction do highlight the aspect why these minerals are critical for transition to clean energy. In reasons highlight why India hasn’t been able to utilize its domestic reserves because of rare earths being classified along with atomic minerals mining of which is in exclusive domain of Govt. agencies (IREL). R&D is poor. So private participation of mining of rare earths has to promoted.
Plss Evaluate