MAINS QUESTIONS
Q1. “Thirty-three years after the Rio Earth Summit of 1992, critically evaluate the lessons learnt in global climate governance and the continued relevance of Rio’s principles for the Global South, with special reference to India.” (250 words, 15 marks)
Topic – Rio Earth Summit (1992)
Source: The Down to earth
UPSC Syllabus: Important Climate Summit
Why was this question asked?
Q. Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November,2021. When was this idea first floated inthe International Solar Alliance (ISA)? [2021]
Model Answer:
Introduction
The Rio Earth Summit (1992) was a landmark moment in environmental diplomacy. It produced the UNFCCC, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the UNCCD on desertification, while embedding the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). For the first time, climate equity was recognised globally. Thirty-three years later, its legacy continues to guide climate justice debates, especially for countries like India, which played a pivotal role in shaping the agenda.
Body
- Achievements of Rio: A Foundation for Equity
- India’s Role at Rio
- Impact on Global Climate Governance
- India’s Domestic Impact and Policy Evolution
- Path Ahead for India and the Global South
Conclusion
Thirty-three years on, Rio’s principles remain the moral compass of global climate governance. For India, Rio was not only a diplomatic success but also the foundation for its long-term climate strategy. As equity concerns deepen amidst protectionism and climate finance deficits, India must continue to lead the Global South in ensuring that development and environmentalism progress together—reviving the original soul of Rio in a turbulent world.
Final Answer:
Introduction
The Rio Earth Summit (1992) was a landmark moment in environmental diplomacy. It produced the UNFCCC, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the UNCCD on desertification, while embedding the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). For the first time, climate equity was recognised globally. Thirty-three years later, its legacy continues to guide climate justice debates, especially for countries like India, which played a pivotal role in shaping the agenda.
Body
Achievements of Rio: A Foundation for Equity
- Enshrined Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), acknowledging historical emissions by the Global North.
- Affirmed sovereignty over natural resources and the idea of sustainable consumption.
- Mobilised the Global South to reject a binding Forest Convention and instead secure CBD and UNCCD, strengthening their voice.
India’s Role at Rio
- India, alongside China and the G77, was a key negotiator advocating fairness in carbon space allocation.
- Asserted that the atmosphere is a global commons, and developed nations must vacate ecological space by reducing emissions.
- Emphasised technology transfer and climate finance as enablers for sustainable growth in developing nations.
- Played a unifying role in consolidating Global South positions against inequitable obligations.
Impact on Global Climate Governance
- Positive: Rio’s equity principles informed Kyoto Protocol (1997) and shaped India’s consistent stance at COPs.
- Negative: The Paris Agreement (2015) diluted CBDR into voluntary pledges, undermining Rio’s fairness.
- Globalisation post-1990s shifted emissions to developing countries while finance and technology support remained inadequate.
India’s Domestic Impact and Policy Evolution
- India integrated Rio’s principles into national strategies:
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC, 2008) with missions on energy efficiency, solar, and sustainable habitat.
- Panchamrit pledge at COP26 (2021): Net-zero by 2070, 50% energy from renewables by 2030.
- Initiatives like International Solar Alliance (ISA) embody Rio’s cooperative spirit.
- India continues to balance development imperatives with climate obligations, resisting pressure for premature decarbonisation.
Path Ahead for India and the Global South
- Push for climate justice in trade, finance, and technology rules.
- Champion South-South cooperation in green technology and adaptation.
- Advocate for climate finance beyond loans, linking it to debt relief.
- Strengthen neolocalisation and resilience models rooted in local economies, echoing CSE’s emphasis on development-oriented environmentalism.
Conclusion
Thirty-three years on, Rio’s principles remain the moral compass of global climate governance. For India, Rio was not only a diplomatic success but also the foundation for its long-term climate strategy. As equity concerns deepen amidst protectionism and climate finance deficits, India must continue to lead the Global South in ensuring that development and environmentalism progress together—reviving the original soul of Rio in a turbulent world.
Q 2. An integrated approach to agriculture is essential for enhancing farmers’ income and ensuring sustainability. Discuss with reference to recent initiatives promoting natural farming, bio-farming, and water conservation. (250 words, 15 marks)
UPSC Syllabus: Sustainable Agriculture
Why was this question asked?
Q. How was India benefitted from the contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively? (2019)
Topic – Sustainable Agriculture
Source: The Hindu
Introduction
Agriculture sustains nearly 46% of India’s workforce (PLFS 2023-24) but contributes only about 17% to GDP (Economic Survey 2024-25). The Dalwai Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income (2017) emphasized that merely increasing yields is insufficient; farmers need a multi-dimensional, integrated approach combining diversification, sustainability, and value addition.
Body
- The Need for Integration
- Diversification into Horticulture and Allied Activities
- Sustainable Farming Practices
- Water Conservation and Resource Efficiency
- Value Addition, Markets, and Reforms
Conclusion
An integrated approach—diversification + sustainability + water efficiency + value addition—offers a pathway to double farmers’ income, reduce vulnerability, and ensure ecological balance. Backed by the Dalwai Committee’s roadmap, NITI Aayog recommendations, and ongoing natural farming missions, this approach can transform Indian agriculture into a resilient, market-linked, and environmentally sustainable sector.
Final Answer:
Introduction
Agriculture sustains nearly 46% of India’s workforce (PLFS 2023-24) but contributes only about 17% to GDP (Economic Survey 2024-25). The Dalwai Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income (2017) emphasized that merely increasing yields is insufficient; farmers need a multi-dimensional, integrated approach combining diversification, sustainability, and value addition.
Body
The Need for Integration
- Income stagnation: Real farm income growth has slowed to ~2% per annum (NITI Aayog, 2024).
- Fragmented practices: Over-reliance on cereals and chemical inputs has degraded soil and water.
- Climate stress: IPCC warns India’s yields may fall by 10–40% by 2050 without adaptive measures.
Diversification into Horticulture and Allied Activities
- Horticulture output (2023-24): ~351 million tonnes, surpassing foodgrain output (~329 million tonnes, MoA&FW).
- Provides 3–4x income per hectare compared to cereals.
- Integration with livestock, fisheries, poultry ensures year-round livelihood security and nutrition.
Sustainable Farming Practices
- Natural Farming: Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) minimizes external inputs, uses jeevamrit, bijamrit, mulching; reduces costs and enhances soil fertility.
- Bio-farming: Employs bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, crop residues; promotes microbial activity and reduces chemical dependency.
- Government push: Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) under PKVY (2020) and promotion of chemical-free corridors along the Ganga.
- Economic Survey 2022-23 notes organic/natural products fetch 20–30% higher market prices.
Water Conservation and Resource Efficiency
- Groundwater crisis: 63% of irrigation is groundwater-dependent (Central Ground Water Board, 2023).
- Water-use efficiency: Micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler) raises efficiency to 70–80% vs 30–40% in flood irrigation.
- Initiatives: PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Atal Bhujal Yojana, Rajasthan’s watershed projects, and traditional rainwater harvesting models like Johads and Kunds.
Value Addition, Markets, and Reforms
- Dalwai Committee: 70% of income enhancement must come from beyond crop yields—processing, branding, and non-farm activities.
- E-NAM & FPOs: 1,400+ mandis linked; 10,000 FPOs target by 2027 to improve bargaining power.
- Food processing: Adds 25–30% more value; Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana supports cold chains and agro-industries.
- Certification & GI tags: Help farmers secure premium markets globally.
Conclusion
An integrated approach—diversification + sustainability + water efficiency + value addition—offers a pathway to double farmers’ income, reduce vulnerability, and ensure ecological balance. Backed by the Dalwai Committee’s roadmap, NITI Aayog recommendations, and ongoing natural farming missions, this approach can transform Indian agriculture into a resilient, market-linked, and environmentally sustainable sector.