Synopsis : Mains Marathon Answers – UPSC Mains Current Affairs Questions – September 5

Archives

1. Critically examine the working of various crop insurance schemes. (GS 3)

Link 

Synopsis:

• In the introduction you can start with why crop insurance is very necessary for agriculture and why government implements crop insurance schemes
• What are the crop insurance schemes launched so far.Mention the names of important schemes like
  • Weather based national crop insurance scheme
  • NAIS
  • MNAIS
  • Pradhan Mantri fasal bhima yojana and write a few words on the importance of these schemes
    • PMFBY proposes better use of technology to speed up the claim process.
    • Promises to address the issues of high premium, linkage to crop loans and cap on claims.
    • Incorporate technology in agriculture.
    • Lowering premium rates
  • Elaborate on the failure of these schemes.The following issues can be probed like
    • Implementation problems
    • Delays in financial aid and the states role in it.
    • Institutional problems where you can analyse the role of Agricultural Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC) as well.
    • Lack of proper maintenance of records
    • The intended beneficiaries did not receive the benefits.
    • Small farmers are not effectively covered.
    • Farmers suicides are still very rampant.
    • One of the main reasons for overall agrarian crisis in India.
    • Lack of adequate funds
    • Inadequacy of compensation when there is crop failure
    • Lack of awareness about these schemes
    • NAIS and MNAIS had failed to address the issues of high premium.
    • PMFBY:-
      • Ambiguity over unit of insurance
      • Lack of clarity on who is covered in the scheme
      • Only covers weather risks
    • Write note on the measures needed for the success of these schemes like
      • Social audits
      • Digital transfer of money
      • Cross checks by various authorities
      • Integration and consolidations of schemes etc are needed.

2. Discuss the role of embankments in prevention of floods. Suggest measures needed to manage the embankments effectively.(GS 1)

The Hindu

Synopsis:

• In the Introduction you can mention what is embankment and situation of floods in India.
• Elaborate on the role of embankments in the prevention of floods.
  • Restricting the floodwater to a narrow stretch.
  • Help due to markings of the embankments.
  • How people living near embankments get benefitted.
  • How it can mend the river to flow along a desired course.
  • How the velocity of flow of river water can be controlled.

• How can embankments be managed effectively suggest various measures like
  • Involve the community that is close to the embankment
  • Mention how embankment management committees should be empowered.
  • Role of technology
  • Plantations near embankment
• In the conclusion you can mention the way ahead needed and can also show how participatory embankment management is a future forward.

3. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?(GS 3)

(UPSC Previous Year Question Paper)

PIB | Business Standard

Synopsis:

• In the introduction elaborate why space science has become so important in India and India’s standing at the international level with respect to space science.
• Now elaborate in details the various achievements of India in the field of space science by mentioning successful missions from various perspectives like international, economic, technological etc like:
  • Mangalyaan
  • Successful launch of GSLV with Indigenous Cryogenic Stage
  • Development of Next Generation Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III
  • GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation)
  • Chandrayaan
  • IRNSS etc

• Now answer the question showing the space technology role in socio economic development.In economic development the following areas can be emphasised in detail:
  • Agriculture
    • Precision farming
    • Identification of diseases of crops
    • Wasteland mapping etc
  • Employment opportunities

• • Resources
  • Development of both scientific and space manufacturing industry and bring in more investment
  • Satellite communication-providing alerts and position location services for aircraft and ships in distress.

• In social development the following areas can be covered:-
  • Disaster management
  • Ignite young minds
  • Finding prospective groundwater zones
  • Tele fishery
  • Biodiversity information system
  • Tele medicine
• In the conclusion. end on a positive note showing the further potential of this technology.