UPSC CARE Mains Practice 6th January 2026

Mains Practice Questions for the Day

Critically examine the achievements and limitations of the Paris Agreement after a decade of its implementation. How should India navigate global climate commitments while pursuing development? (GS Paper III: Climate change, Sustainable development, Energy transition)

Introduction:

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, marked a paradigm shift in global climate governance by ensuring universal participation through nationally determined contributions. As it completes ten years, its outcomes demand critical evaluation.

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Achievements

The Agreement succeeded in mainstreaming climate action globally. Nearly all nations committed to mitigation and adaptation under a common framework. It institutionalised mechanisms such as NDCs, global stocktakes, and transparency frameworks. Climate action became embedded in national development strategies, while renewable energy and climate finance markets expanded significantly.

Limitations

However, the Agreement’s reliance on voluntary commitments weakened accountability. Current NDCs place the world on a 2.5–2.9°C warming path, far from agreed targets. Persistent climate finance gaps, dilution of CBDR principles, and mitigation-centric bias marginalised adaptation needs of vulnerable countries. Trade measures like CBAM further constrain developing economies.

India’s Approach

India has demonstrated climate leadership by achieving 50% non-fossil electricity capacity ahead of schedule and committing to net zero by 2070. Yet, with low per capita emissions and development imperatives, India rightly emphasises equity, adaptation, and climate finance.

Way Forward

Climate governance must move towards enforceable commitments, assured finance, and equal emphasis on adaptation. India should continue advocating development-aligned climate pathways while strengthening domestic resilience.

Conclusion:

The Paris Agreement remains indispensable but incomplete. Its success depends on reconciling climate ambition with development justice—an approach India is uniquely positioned to champion.

Despite its economic significance, India’s marine fisheries sector continues to face stagnation and inequality. Analyse the key challenges and suggest measures for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. (GS Paper III – Agriculture, Fisheries, External Trade, Food Processing, Export Competitiveness)

Introduction:

India’s marine fisheries sector is a critical pillar of the rural and coastal economy, contributing 1.24% to agricultural GVA, providing livelihoods to over 16 million people. However, despite its importance, the sector remains marked by ecological degradation, economic inequality, and governance gaps.

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Structural Challenges in Marine Fisheries

Overfishing and Resource Depletion

Nearly 30% of marine fish stocks are overexploited, leading to declining catches and threatening long-term sustainability, as highlighted by CMFRI.
Economic Inequality and Access Asymmetry

While small-scale fishers constitute around 80–90% of the workforce, mechanised fleets capture nearly 70% of the total catch, marginalising artisanal communities.
Ecological Stress and Bycatch

Over 50% of trawl hauls consist of juvenile and low-value bycatch, much of which is diverted to the fishmeal and fish oil industry, undermining future stock regeneration.
Post-Harvest Losses and Market Failures

Inadequate cold chains and processing infrastructure result in around 20% post-harvest losses, disproportionately affecting small fishers reliant on middlemen and informal credit.
Fragmented Governance and Weak Enforcement

Disparate Marine Fisheries Regulation Acts (MFRAs) across 13 coastal states allow regulatory arbitrage, weak monitoring, and laundering of illegal catch.

Government Initiatives and Their Impact

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aims to create 5.5 million jobs, double exports, and promote sustainable fisheries through infrastructure and value-chain investments.
Uniform 61-day monsoon fishing ban supports stock regeneration.
Satellite-based PFZ advisories and GIS mapping improve productivity and planning.
FIDF (₹7,522 crore) addresses harbour, cold-chain, and hatchery gaps.
NFDB and Matsya Setu App promote scientific practices and capacity building.

While these measures have improved productivity and exports, their benefits remain uneven, with sustainability and equity outcomes still limited.

Way Forward

Enact a Unified National Fisheries Code with standardised mesh sizes, MLS norms, and scientific catch limits.
Empower coastal communities through rights-based governance and community-managed marine protected areas.
Regulate the fishmeal industry and incentivise alternative uses of juvenile catch.
Strengthen institutional credit, skills training, and value addition.
Deepen global cooperation through FAO and IORA to combat IUU fishing.

Conclusion:

India’s marine fisheries sector stands at a crossroads. Aligning growth with ecological sustainability and social justice—within the broader Blue Economy framework—is essential to transform fisheries into a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready sector.