UPSC CARE Mains Practice 18th March 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- The definition of “industry” under Indian labour law has been a subject of long-standing judicial debate. In this context, discuss the significance of the 1978 Bangalore Water Supply judgment and examine the key issues before the Supreme Court in its current reconsideration. (GS Paper III – Economy (Industrial Growth, Labour Reforms))
- “The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) is a key initiative to promote the ‘Sweet Revolution’ in India.” Examine its objectives, achievements, and challenges. How can it contribute to rural livelihoods, agricultural productivity, and sustainable development? (250 words) (GS Paper III – Environment, Biodiversity, Disaster Management; GS Paper IV – Awareness & Behaviour)
Q. The definition of “industry” under Indian labour law has been a subject of long-standing judicial debate. In this context, discuss the significance of the 1978 Bangalore Water Supply judgment and examine the key issues before the Supreme Court in its current reconsideration.
(GS Paper III – Economy (Industrial Growth, Labour Reforms))
Introduction:
The definition of “industry” under Indian labour law determines the scope of worker protections under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and the Industrial Relations Code, 2020. The landmark 1978 Bangalore Water Supply judgment adopted a broad interpretation, which is now under reconsideration by a nine-judge Supreme Court bench.
Body
Significance of the 1978 Judgment
- The Court adopted a worker-centric and expansive approach, bringing institutions like hospitals, educational bodies, and charities within the ambit of “industry”.
- It laid down the Triple Test:
- systematic activity
- employer-employee cooperation
- production/distribution of goods or services
- It clarified that profit motive is irrelevant, thus widening coverage.
- The dominant nature test was introduced to classify multi-activity institutions. This significantly expanded labour rights and access to dispute resolution.
Issues and Challenges
- Over-expansion led to a “docket explosion” in labour courts.
- Inclusion of welfare and public institutions created administrative and functional challenges.
- The 1982 Amendment Act, intended to narrow the definition, was never notified, leading to continued ambiguity.
- Subsequent judgments produced conflicting interpretations, creating legal uncertainty.
Key Issues Before the Supreme Court
- Whether the Triple Test remains valid in current economic conditions.
- Legal impact of the unimplemented 1982 amendment and Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
- Whether government welfare activities qualify as industries.
- Clarification of sovereign functions (defence, law and order, etc.) and their exclusion.
Conclusion:
The Court must evolve a balanced definition that protects workers while ensuring economic efficiency. The ruling will shape India’s labour jurisprudence by harmonising social justice with institutional and economic realities.
Q. “The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) is a key initiative to promote the ‘Sweet Revolution’ in India.” Examine its objectives, achievements, and challenges. How can it contribute to rural livelihoods, agricultural productivity, and sustainable development? (250 words) (GS Paper III – Environment, Biodiversity, Disaster Management;
GS Paper IV – Awareness & Behaviour)
Introduction:
The National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) is a Central Sector Scheme launched under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat to promote scientific beekeeping and honey production in India. With an outlay of ₹500 crore (2020–26), it aims to usher in a “Sweet Revolution” by enhancing farmers’ income, improving crop productivity through pollination, and boosting exports.
Body
Objectives of NBHM
NBHM adopts a holistic and integrated approach through three Mini Missions:
- Productivity Enhancement: Promoting pollination-based agriculture
- Post-Harvest Management: Processing, storage, branding, and marketing
- Research & Innovation: Region-specific technology development
Key objectives include:
- Enhancing income and employment in rural areas
- Strengthening infrastructure (labs, processing units, cold storage)
- Promoting traceability systems (Madhukranti Portal)
- Encouraging FPOs, SHGs, and agri-startups
- Empowering women and small farmers
Achievements of NBHM
- India produced ~1.4 lakh MT of honey (2024)
- Exports reached 1.07 lakh MT worth $177 million (2023–24)
- India became the 2nd largest global exporter (from 9th in 2020)
- Establishment of:
- 6 Honey Testing Labs & 47 Mini Labs
- 26 processing units & multiple infrastructure facilities
- Formation of 97 Beekeeper FPOs
- Launch of Madhukranti Portal for traceability
Contribution to Rural Economy and Agriculture
1. Enhancing Farmers’ Income
- Provides additional livelihood for farmers and landless labourers
2. Boosting Agricultural Productivity
- Bees improve crop yields through pollination
- Supports integrated farming systems
3. Promoting Exports and Value Addition
- High demand for Indian honey globally
- Diversification into value-added products (wax, propolis, royal jelly)
4. Women Empowerment
- Inclusion of SHGs and rural women in beekeeping
Challenges
- Quality concerns and adulteration issues
- Lack of standardisation and certification
- Limited awareness and training among farmers
- Climate change impacting bee populations
- Weak market linkages and price realisation
Way Forward
- Strengthen quality control and export standards
- Promote R&D and region-specific bee species
- Expand digital traceability systems
- Integrate with schemes like FPOs and PM-Surya Ghar (agro-energy link)
- Enhance skill development and capacity building
Conclusion:
NBHM represents a transformative intervention in India’s agricultural economy, linking livelihoods, sustainability, and export growth. By strengthening pollination services and rural enterprises, it has the potential to drive a sustainable “Sweet Revolution”, contributing to inclusive growth and ecological balance.
