Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. El Niño remains a major macroeconomic risk for India despite the declining share of agriculture in GDP. Examine how a weak monsoon can affect agriculture, inflation and economic growth. Suggest measures to drought-proof the Indian economy.
- Q. The right of an accused to legal representation is an essential part of the rule of law and fair trial. In this context, examine whether Bar Associations can collectively refuse to represent an accused.
Q. El Niño remains a major macroeconomic risk for India despite the declining share of agriculture in GDP. Examine how a weak monsoon can affect agriculture, inflation and economic growth. Suggest measures to drought-proof the Indian economy.
(UPSC GS Paper III: Agriculture, Inflation, Food Security, Economic Growth, Disaster)
Introduction:
El Niño, marked by abnormal warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, can weaken the Indian south-west monsoon. Though agriculture’s share in GDP has declined, India remains a monsoon-sensitive economy because agriculture supports nearly 46% of the workforce and influences food prices, rural demand and macroeconomic stability. Recent concerns have increased after a nearly 40% monsoon deficit in the first month.
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Impact of Weak Monsoon on Agriculture
A deficient monsoon directly affects the kharif crop cycle.
- Lower sowing: Paddy, pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals may witness delayed or reduced sowing.
- Crop switching: Farmers may shift from water-intensive crops to low-water crops such as pulses.
- Yield loss: Heat and moisture stress reduce productivity.
- Farm income shock: Lower output reduces farmers’ marketable surplus and purchasing power.
Thus, a weak monsoon creates both a production shock and an income shock in rural India.
Impact on Inflation
A weak monsoon can trigger supply-side food inflation.
- Prices of cereals, pulses, vegetables, edible oils, onions, potatoes and tomatoes may rise.
- Lower fodder availability can also raise milk and livestock-product prices.
- Food inflation can spill over into headline inflation, complicating RBI’s monetary policy.
This creates a growth-inflation trade-off, where policy must control prices without hurting recovery.
Impact on Economic Growth
The impact spreads beyond agriculture through the rural demand multiplier.
- Demand for tractors, two-wheelers, FMCG, farm equipment and rural construction weaken.
- Lower output may reduce agri-exports and increase imports.
- Food imports and fertiliser support can widen the current account deficit and fiscal burden.
- Poor reservoir storage can affect irrigation, drinking water and hydropower generation.
Measures to Drought-Proof the Economy
- Expand micro-irrigation, watershed development and groundwater recharge.
- Promote drought-resistant and short-duration crop varieties.
- Rationalise water-intensive cropping in stressed regions.
- Link IMD forecasts with crop advisories, fertiliser planning and market alerts.
- Strengthen buffer stocks, price stabilisation funds and import preparedness.
- Shift from only crop insurance to ex-ante risk reduction through public investment.
- Support rural demand through credit, MGNREGA and targeted income support.
Conclusion:
El Niño is a climatic shock, but its economic damage is not inevitable. India must move from reactive drought relief to proactive climate-resilient planning. Drought-proofing agriculture is essential for protecting food security, rural livelihoods and macroeconomic stability.
Q. The right of an accused to legal representation is an essential part of the rule of law and fair trial. In this context, examine whether Bar Associations can collectively refuse to represent an accused.
Introduction:
A Bar Association cannot collectively refuse to represent an accused or prevent advocates from appearing for a particular person. Such resolutions are unconstitutional, illegal and against professional ethics, as every accused has the right to a fair trial and legal representation.
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Constitutional Basis
Article 22(1): Right to Legal Representation
Article 22(1) provides that no arrested person shall be denied the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of his choice.
Article 21: Right to Fair Trial
The Supreme Court has held that the right to fair trial is part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21.
Article 14: Equality before Law
Even an unpopular accused is entitled to equal protection of law. Justice cannot depend on public opinion.
Article 39A: Equal Justice and Legal Aid
Article 39A directs the State to ensure equal access to justice and free legal aid for those facing economic or other disabilities.
Supreme Court’s View
In A.S. Mohammed Rafi v. State of Tamil Nadu (2010), the Supreme Court held that Bar Association resolutions refusing to defend an accused are null and void. The Court observed that every person, however disliked by society, has a right to be defended in a court of law.
Professional Ethics
Under the Bar Council of India Rules, an advocate is generally bound to accept briefs in courts where he practises. An individual advocate may refuse a case in special circumstances, but a Bar Association cannot impose a collective boycott or threaten members.
Why Legal Representation Matters
- Ensures fair trial and due process
- Prevents mob justice
- Protects the rights of the accused, victim and society
- Strengthens public trust in the judiciary
- Ensures that conviction is based on evidence, not emotion
Conclusion:
Legal representation does not mean support for the alleged crime. It is a constitutional safeguard that ensures justice through law, evidence and procedure. Therefore, Bar Associations must uphold professional ethics and the rule of law instead of obstructing access to justice.
