UPSC CARE Mains Practice 12th March 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- The recent LPG shortage in India highlights structural vulnerabilities in the country’s energy system. Discuss the causes of the shortage and suggest measures to strengthen India’s energy security.
- Modern food systems dominated by ultra-processed foods and chemical-intensive agriculture are increasingly affecting gut microbiome diversity and human health. Examine the relationship between food systems, gut microbiome, and public health. Suggest measures to reform food systems for improving nutritional and public health outcomes.
The recent LPG shortage in India highlights structural vulnerabilities in the country’s energy system. Discuss the causes of the shortage and suggest measures to strengthen India’s energy security.
(GS Paper III – Indian Economy – Energy Security, Infrastructure – Issues related to Energy Security)
Introduction:
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is one of the most widely used household fuels in India. Recent supply disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions in West Asia have exposed structural weaknesses in India’s LPG supply chain and storage infrastructure.
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Causes of the LPG Shortage
The primary cause of the shortage is India’s high import dependency. Around 60% of India’s LPG demand is met through imports, and more than 85% of these imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making supply vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions.
Another major factor is the rapid expansion of LPG consumption following the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). The scheme added nearly 10 crore new LPG connections, increasing total domestic connections to about 33 crore. However, storage infrastructure did not expand proportionately.
India’s LPG system is designed for operational flow rather than long-term stockpiling. The country has only two underground LPG storage caverns at Visakhapatnam and Mangaluru, with a total capacity of 1.4 lakh tonnes, which is less than two days of national consumption.
Implications
Supply disruptions have led to long queues at distribution centres, affected commercial establishments such as restaurants, and increased concerns about energy security.
Way Forward
India must expand strategic LPG storage infrastructure through underground caverns and salt formations. Diversifying import sources and shipping routes can reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, developing storage in depleted gas reservoirs and improving domestic gas production can enhance resilience.
Conclusion:
Ensuring reliable LPG supply requires a shift from a short-term supply system to a long-term strategic energy security framework supported by robust storage capacity and diversified energy sources.
Q. Modern food systems dominated by ultra-processed foods and chemical-intensive agriculture are increasingly affecting gut microbiome diversity and human health. Examine the relationship between food systems, gut microbiome, and public health. Suggest measures to reform food systems for improving nutritional and public health outcomes.
(GS Paper III – Science and Technology)
Introduction:
The gut microbiome refers to the complex community of trillions of microorganisms living in the human gastrointestinal tract. It functions as a metabolic, immune, endocrine and neurological regulator of human health. Recent scientific research highlights that modern industrial food systems, characterised by ultra-processed foods, chemical inputs and reduced dietary diversity, are disrupting gut microbiome balance and contributing to several public health problems.
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Link between Food Systems and Gut Microbiome
Food systems strongly influence the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome.
1. Role of Diet Diversity and Fibre
Dietary diversity and fibre-rich foods support beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. These microbes produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) that protect the intestinal lining and reduce inflammation.
2. Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs)
Ultra-processed foods are high in fat, salt and sugar but low in fibre. Lack of fibre starves beneficial microbes, causing them to damage the protective gut mucus layer, leading to dysbiosis and intestinal disorders.
3. Chemical Exposure in Food Systems
Chemicals used in food production and processing—including pesticides, fertilisers, preservatives, emulsifiers and artificial sweeteners—can disrupt gut microbial balance. These chemicals may damage the gut barrier and contribute to metabolic diseases.
4. Antibiotic Use in Animal Farming
Excessive antibiotic use in poultry, dairy and aquaculture leads to antibiotic residues in food. This kills beneficial gut bacteria and contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Public Health Implications
Imbalance in gut microbiome (dysbiosis) can lead to:
- metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes
- immune and autoimmune diseases
- hormonal imbalance
- mental health issues through the gut–brain axis
- gastrointestinal diseases and systemic inflammation.
Measures to Reform Food Systems
1. Promote Sustainable Agriculture
Reducing chemical-intensive farming and encouraging organic and agroecological practices can reduce harmful residues in food.
2. Encourage Dietary Diversity
Policies should promote consumption of traditional, fibre-rich and locally produced foods.
3. Regulate Ultra-Processed Foods
Stronger regulation of HFSS foods, improved labelling and restrictions on misleading marketing are needed.
4. Reduce Antibiotic Use in Animal Husbandry
Strict monitoring of antibiotics in livestock and aquaculture can reduce AMR risks.
5. Strengthen Public Awareness
Nutrition education and promotion of healthy diets can improve gut health.
Conclusion:
Reforming food systems is essential for protecting gut microbiome diversity and improving public health. Transitioning towards sustainable, diverse and minimally processed food systems will not only improve nutrition but also support environmental sustainability and long-term health outcomes.
