UPSC CARE Mains Practice 26th August 2025

hhUPSC CARE Mains Practice 26th August 2025hhhhhhhh

UPSC CARE Mains Practice 26th August 2025

MAIN QUESTIONS

Q1. India’s dairy model, built on smallholders and cooperatives, has ensured global price competitiveness and rural livelihoods. Yet, rising labour costs, low productivity, and structural challenges threaten its sustainability. Critically analyse India’s dairying model and suggest reforms for a “White Revolution 2.0.” (250 words, 15 marks)

Topic – Agriculture, Rural Economy, Food Security

Source: The Indian Express

Introduction	India is the largest milk producer globally (220+ million tonnes, ~23% of world total), powered by a unique labour-intensive, cooperative-led model. Initiatives like Operation Flood (1970) and the White Revolution transformed a milk-deficient nation into a self-sufficient one, ensuring livelihoods to 50+ million households. However, reliance on cheap family labour and low yields raises concerns about long-term sustainability.
Body	Cooperative Sector in Dairy Operation Flood and White Revolution Achievements of India’s Dairy Model Constitutional & Policy Support Key Challenges Way Forward – Towards a “White Revolution 2.0”
Conclusion	India’s dairy success rests on its cooperative, inclusive, labour-driven model. Yet, this labour-based cost advantage is unsustainable amid structural and productivity constraints. A multi-pronged reform strategy — blending smallholder empowerment, cooperative modernisation, and scientific innovation — is essential for sustaining competitiveness and unlocking White Revolution 2.0.

UPSC Syllabus	Agriculture, Rural Economy, Food Security
Why was this question asked?	Q. “Livestock rearing has become an important source of livelihood for farmers in India. Discuss the challenges and suggest measures.” (2015)
Introduction	India is the largest milk producer globally (220+ million tonnes, ~23% of world total), powered by a unique labour-intensive, cooperative-led model. Initiatives like Operation Flood (1970) and the White Revolution transformed a milk-deficient nation into a self-sufficient one, ensuring livelihoods to 50+ million households. However, reliance on cheap family labour and low yields raises concerns about long-term sustainability.
Body	Cooperative Sector in Dairy Cooperatives like Amul (Gujarat) and NDDB’s networks remain the backbone of India’s dairy sector. They ensure farmer-centric value chains, sharing 70–75% of the consumer price with producers. The cooperative structure promotes inclusivity by empowering landless workers and women. Operation Flood and White Revolution Launched in 1970 under Dr. Verghese Kurien, Operation Flood created the world’s largest dairy development program. It transformed India from a milk-deficient country into the largest global producer. The White Revolution pioneered rural-to-urban supply linkages, enhancing nutrition security and rural incomes. Achievements of India’s Dairy Model Price Competitiveness: Farmgate prices (~₹34/litre) comparable to US and New Zealand, lower than EU. Cooperative Strength: Amul/NDDB ensure 70–75% of consumer price goes to farmers (vs ~35% in US). Rural Livelihood Security: Regular income for landless, women and small farmers. Efficient Value Chain: Narrow farm-consumer price spread due to cooperative marketing efficiency. Constitutional & Policy Support The 97th Constitutional Amendment (2011) inserted Article 43B, recognising cooperatives in the Directive Principles. Cooperative principles also flow from 73rd Amendment (Panchayati Raj) enabling grassroots dairy societies. These provisions provide the legal foundation for cooperative-led rural development. Establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation (2021) to strengthen cooperative governance. Push for digitalisation, transparency, and multi-state cooperative reforms. Efforts to replicate the Amul model nationwide through dairy farmer producer organisations (FPOs). Key Challenges Low productivity: 1.6 tonnes/cow/year (India) vs 7.3 (EU), 11 (US). Labour dependence: Declining cheap/unpaid family labour due to urban migration and opportunity cost. Land scarcity: Limited fodder availability unlike NZ’s pastures. Tech gap: Automation, cold chains, genetic programs limited. Fragmentation: 110 million animals with millions of tiny producers. Way Forward – Towards a “White Revolution 2.0” Genetic improvement & breeding technologies for high-yield animals. Selective mechanisation suited to small farms (low-cost milking/fodder devices). Green fodder & silage banks to reduce feed cost. Expand FPOs & cooperatives nationwide, replicating Amul model. Promote value-added exports (cheese, yogurt, milk powder) to enhance farmer earnings.
Conclusion	India’s dairy success rests on its cooperative, inclusive, labour-driven model. Yet, this labour-based cost advantage is unsustainable amid structural and productivity constraints. A multi-pronged reform strategy — blending smallholder empowerment, cooperative modernisation, and scientific innovation — is essential for sustaining competitiveness and unlocking White Revolution 2.0.

Q 2. India–Fiji defence and security cooperation reflects India’s strategic outreach to the Pacific Islands. Analyse the recent developments and their significance for the Indo-Pacific region. (250 words, 15 marks)

Topic – India’s Foreign Policy / Indo-Pacific Relations

Source: Hindustan Times

Introduction	India and Fiji recently agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence and security during the visit of Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to India. The talks with India’s leadership emphasised enhancing maritime security, counter-terrorism efforts, and capacity building, while also framing Fiji as a hub for India’s engagement with the wider Pacific Islands. This reflects India’s proactive Indo-Pacific vision to ensure a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order.
Body	Historical and Cultural Background Strategic Significance of Fiji Recent Defence and Security Initiatives Trade and Development Cooperation Global Security and Climate Cooperation
Conclusion	The India–Fiji partnership blends historical diaspora ties with strategic cooperation in defence, maritime security, and climate resilience. By coupling people-centric projects with security collaboration, India cements its role as a responsible Pacific partner, reinforcing its Indo-Pacific vision of peace, inclusivity, and resilience against geopolitical competition.

UPSC Syllabus	India’s Foreign Policy / Indo-Pacific Relations
Why was this question asked?	Q. “Assess the contributions of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean. (2010, 12 Marks)”
Introduction	India and Fiji recently agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence and security during the visit of Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to India. The talks with India’s leadership emphasised enhancing maritime security, counter-terrorism efforts, and capacity building, while also framing Fiji as a hub for India’s engagement with the wider Pacific Islands. This reflects India’s proactive Indo-Pacific vision to ensure a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based regional order.
Body	Historical and Cultural Background Diplomatic ties since 1970, strengthened post-2014 with the launch of Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). Strong diaspora presence: ~37% of Fiji’s population is of Indian origin (descendants of “Girmitiyas”). Hindi is recognised as one of Fiji’s official languages. Cultural exchanges include scholarships under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Bollywood’s popularity in Fijian media. Strategic Significance of Fiji Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spans 1.3 million sq. km, crucial for monitoring maritime security, IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fishing, and climate-driven challenges. Largest standing military among Pacific Islands (~3,500 personnel). Acts as a “gateway” to Pacific diplomacy—key to balancing Chinese naval and aid presence in the region. Recent Defence and Security Initiatives Appointment of an Indian Defence Attaché in Suva (2025). Indian naval ship port call to Fiji; gifting of two sea ambulances. Setting up a cybersecurity training cell in Suva. Training, equipment, and maritime domain awareness sharing—highlighted in India’s 2023 Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) framework. Trade and Development Cooperation Bilateral trade: USD 90 million (2023–24), dominated by Indian exports of textiles, pharmaceuticals, machinery; imports of timber, fish, and agricultural products. India announced a 100-bed super-specialty hospital in Suva, supply of medicines under Janaushadhi, and gifting of 12 agri-drones and 2 mobile soil labs. NABARD–Fiji Development Bank pact for rural financing. Supported by India’s Development Partnership Administration (DPA) under MEA, financing small but impactful projects. Global Security and Climate Cooperation Both sides condemned terrorism (including April 2025 Pahalgam attack), affirming zero tolerance. Fiji’s “Oceans of Peace” vision aligns with India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Joint focus on climate resilience: Fiji, highly vulnerable to sea-level rise, benefits from India’s International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) membership.
Conclusion	The India–Fiji partnership blends historical diaspora ties with strategic cooperation in defence, maritime security, and climate resilience. By coupling people-centric projects with security collaboration, India cements its role as a responsible Pacific partner, reinforcing its Indo-Pacific vision of peace, inclusivity, and resilience against geopolitical competition.