UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice

UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 38)

UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today’s answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-3 to check your progress.

What is nano di-ammonium phosphate (Nano DAP)? Why does the government want to expand its use?

Describe the blue economy and explain its significance. Does India have a blue economy policy?

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

— Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.

— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required.

Way forward/ conclusion

— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.

— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.

Self Evaluation

— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.

QUESTION 1: What is nano di-ammonium phosphate (Nano DAP)? Why does the government want to expand its use?

Introduction:

— DAP, or di-ammonium phosphate, is the second most commonly used fertiliser in India after urea.

— It is high in phosphorus (P) that stimulates root establishment and development — without which plants cannot grow to their normal size, or will take too long to mature.

— Nano DAP contains 8% Nitrogen and 16% Phosphorus by volume. Unlike conventional DAP, which comes in granular form. The Nano DAP produced by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) is in liquid form.

Body:

Why does the government want to expand its use?

— This tiny particle size makes Nano DAP more efficient than its conventional counterpart, enabling the fertiliser “to enter easily inside the seed surface or through stomata and other plant openings”.

— Better assimilation of the fertiliser inside the plant system in turn leads to “higher seed vigour, more chlorophyll, photosynthetic efficiency, better quality and increase in crop yields.”

— Since the government provides significant subsidies on DAP, the adoption of a more inexpensive fertiliser will likely be a significant relief to the government’s subsidy burden.

Benefits

— It is more pocket-friendly.

— Nano DAP is significantly more convenient.

Conclusion:

— Most crucially, India now imports a large amount of fertiliser to meet domestic demand. The use of domestically made Nano DAP (produced in Kalol, Gujarat) is expected to greatly minimise this import load.

— This revolutionary step will not only take Indian agriculture forward in foodgrain production but it will also make India self-reliant in fertiliser production.

— The adoption of Nano DAP will help in achieving self-sufficiency in fertilisers and greatly benefit our farmers.

(Source: Amit Shah launches IFFCO’s nano DAP fertilizer, In Interim Budget 2024, Sitharaman says use of Nano DAP to be expanded: What is this made-in-India fertiliser?)

Points to Ponder

IFFCO

Nano DAP

Related Previous Year Question

How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (2017)

QUESTION 2: Describe the blue economy and explain its significance. Does India have a blue economy policy?

Introduction:

— The term “blue economy” can simply refer to economic activity associated to the sea and coasts, and it is widely assumed to include a sustainability component.

— The European Commission defines it as “all economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts. It covers a wide range of interlinked established and emerging sectors.”

— The World Bank says blue economy is the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.”

Body:

— The blue economy is very important for a country like India, which has a large coastline, a variety of fish and other ocean produce, and many tourism prospects.

— Sitharaman said, “a scheme for restoration and adaptation measures, and coastal aquaculture and mariculture with integrated and multi-sectoral approach will be launched.”

— Restoration and adaptation will ensure the health of the oceans is not harmed while carrying out economic activities.

Does India have a blue economy policy?

— A draft policy framework on India’s Blue Economy was first released in July 2022.

— According to the PIB, the policy document included “key recommendations on the National Accounting Framework for Blue Economy and Ocean Governance, Coastal Marine Spatial Planning and Tourism Priority, Marine Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Fish Processing.” Manufacturing, emerging industries, trade, technology, services and skill development, logistics, infrastructure, and shipping, coastal and deep-sea mining, offshore energy and security, strategic dimensions, and international engagement.”

Conclusion:

— According to ANI, the Finance Minister also announced the establishment of five integrated aquaparks and stated that the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) would be expanded to “enhance aquaculture productivity from the existing three to five tonnes per hectare; double exports to Rs 1 lakh crore; and generate 55 lakh employment opportunities in the near future.”

(Source: Interim budget mentions blue economy 2.0: What this means)

Points to Ponder

Coastal aquaculture

Mariculture