UPSC CARE Mains Practice 20th March 2026
Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. Discuss the key changes introduced by the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. How do these changes impact the legal and social recognition of transgender persons in India? (GS Paper – 2- Polity and Governance – Issues Related to Transgenders – Welfare Schemes – Gender Equality)
- Q. “Community-led watershed management is key to enhancing climate resilience in rainfed regions.” Discuss with reference to recent examples from India. (GS Paper III – Environment – Water Conservation, Sustainable Agriculture)
Q. Discuss the key changes introduced by the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. How do these changes impact the legal and social recognition of transgender persons in India?
(GS Paper – 2- Polity and Governance – Issues Related to Transgenders – Welfare Schemes – Gender Equality)
Introduction:
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 seeks to modify the Transgender Persons Act, 2019, which was enacted following the NALSA v. Union of India (2014) judgment that recognised the right to self-identification of gender. The Bill introduces structural changes that significantly alter the existing rights-based framework.
Body
Key Changes in the Amendment Bill
- Abolition of Self-Identification:
The removal of Section 4(2) eliminates the right to self-declared gender identity, replacing it with state verification. - Medical Certification Requirement:
Introduction of a Medical Board (headed by a Chief Medical Officer) whose recommendation is mandatory for issuing identity certificates. - Narrower Definition:
Restricts recognition to socio-cultural groups (hijra, kinner) and persons with specific biological conditions, excluding gender-fluid and non-binary identities. - Enhanced Penal Provisions:
Introduces stringent punishments for crimes such as forced identity, trafficking, and bonded labour. - Increased Bureaucratic Oversight:
Higher-level administrative control in the National Council for Transgender Persons.
Impact on Legal and Social Recognition
- Erosion of Constitutional Rights:
The removal of self-identification contradicts the NALSA judgment and weakens the principles of dignity, autonomy, and equality under Articles 14, 19, and 21. - Shift to Medicalisation:
Treats gender identity as a medical condition, leading to clinical gatekeeping and potential discrimination. - Exclusion of Gender Diversity:
Gender-fluid and independent transgender individuals risk losing legal recognition and access to welfare schemes. - Legal Uncertainty:
Existing identity card holders may face ambiguity under the new framework. - Positive Aspect:
Stronger penal provisions enhance protection against exploitation and abuse.
Conclusion:
While the Bill aims to improve administrative clarity and strengthen legal protection, its restrictive and medicalised approach risks undermining the progressive spirit of the NALSA judgment. A balanced framework that safeguards self-identification while ensuring effective implementation is essential for achieving inclusive and rights-based transgender empowerment in India.
Q. “Community-led watershed management is key to enhancing climate resilience in rainfed regions.” Discuss with reference to recent examples from India. (GS Paper III – Environment – Water Conservation, Sustainable Agriculture)
(GS Paper III – Environment – Water Conservation, Sustainable Agriculture)
Introduction:
Rainfed regions in India, which depend largely on monsoon rainfall, face increasing challenges due to climate variability, soil erosion, and declining water retention. Community-led watershed management has emerged as a sustainable approach to address these issues.
Body
Role of Community-led Watershed Management
- Use of Local Knowledge:
Farmers possess deep understanding of land, such as identifying runoff channels and moisture-retaining areas. This enables context-specific planning. - Decentralised Interventions:
Measures like contour bunds, trenches, farm ponds, and check dams help reduce runoff and increase groundwater recharge. - Institutional Participation:
Community meetings and local institutions ensure equitable water sharing and maintenance of structures.
Case Study: Odisha
- In Chitapari village (Malkangiri), watershed interventions improved soil moisture, enabling cultivation of pulses and vegetables beyond the monsoon season.
- In Jamuguda village, a community-managed solar irrigation system supported 21 families, increasing cropping intensity and farm incomes (₹30,000–₹80,000 annually).
Significance
- Enhances climate resilience by coping with erratic rainfall
- Promotes sustainable agriculture through efficient water use
- Supports livelihood security and income diversification
- Strengthens decentralised water governance
Challenges
- Maintenance of structures over time
- Need for strong community institutions
- Limited financial and technical support
Conclusion:
Community-led watershed management demonstrates that effective water conservation is not only about infrastructure but also about local participation, ecological knowledge, and appropriate cropping systems. Scaling such models is essential for ensuring sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in India’s rainfed regions.
