Mains Questions From Today’s Current Affairs:
Question 1:
Khadi Prakritik Paint, made from cow dung, sparks discussion about innovation, sustainability, and rural empowerment. Critically assess this paint’s environmental and rural development effects. Given these factors, offer policy strategies to boost its acceptance and overcome obstacles.
Model Answer:
Introducing Khadi Prakritik Paint: A concise overview of this paint, emphasising its eco-friendly composition and positive impact on rural communities.
Advantages:
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- Environmental impact: Emphasise the paint’s biodegradability, low energy consumption, and minimal waste generation in comparison to regular paints.
- Explore the impact of rural development on creating additional income opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs, stimulating local economies, and fostering skill enhancement.
- Other advantages: Highlighting its natural ability to fight bacteria and fungi, as well as the possibility of generating sustainable livelihoods through the use of cow dung.
Difficulties:
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- Scaling up production: Let’s discuss how to ensure a steady supply of top-notch cow dung without compromising on affordability and quality control.
- Increasing awareness and improving accessibility for consumers: Highlight the importance of increasing awareness and enhancing market access, particularly in urban areas.
- Clearing up misunderstandings: Emphasise the importance of tackling misconceptions surrounding cow dung paint and informing consumers about its scientific support and advantages.
Proposed actions:
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- Financial incentives: Suggest offering subsidies or tax breaks to manufacturers and consumers as a way to promote adoption.
Suggest ways to inform the public about the benefits and positive impact of the paint. - Research and development: Support ongoing efforts to enhance production efficiency, improve quality, and explore additional uses of cow dung.
- Infrastructure development: Promote the establishment of collection centres and processing facilities in rural areas to streamline dung procurement.
- Financial incentives: Suggest offering subsidies or tax breaks to manufacturers and consumers as a way to promote adoption.
In summary: Highlight the benefits of Khadi Prakritik Paint in promoting a sustainable and inclusive future. Highlight the significance of tackling challenges with effective policies and working together to ensure positive outcomes.
Question 2:
Concerns regarding potential abuse of Khadi Prakritik Paint’s production technique are brought up by the animal rights discussion. Examine these issues in light of sustainable development and animal welfare. Provide suggestions for methods to guarantee moral behaviour and shield animals from potential harm.
Model Answer:
Introduction: Let’s touch upon the growing popularity of Khadi Prakritik Paint and address the concerns that have been raised regarding its use of cow dung, which some people have raised as a potential animal welfare issue.
Concerns about the well-being of animals:
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- Examining the consequences of high demand for cow dung: Exploring scenarios that may result in overgrazing, lack of rest, or inadequate nutrition for cows.
Types of Breeds and Methods of Milking: Address concerns regarding the use of cow dung from cows bred exclusively for milk production and its potential impact on their welfare.
Sourcing and treatment with ethical considerations: Emphasise the significance of ensuring the ethical collection and treatment of cows during the dung procurement process.
- Examining the consequences of high demand for cow dung: Exploring scenarios that may result in overgrazing, lack of rest, or inadequate nutrition for cows.
Considerations for sustainable development:
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- Striking a balance between environmental and ethical goals: Highlight the importance of considering both the paint’s positive impact on the environment and the ethical treatment of animals throughout the production process.
- Long-term sustainability: Examine the long-term viability of using cow dung as a primary resource and investigate alternative materials or practices for managing dung.
- Engaging the community: Promote the inclusion of local communities in the development and implementation of ethical dung procurement and utilisation practices.
Tips for maintaining ethical practices:
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- Suggest the implementation of independent certification schemes to ensure ethical treatment of cows and sustainable dung collection practices.
- Training and awareness: Teach individuals involved in cow dung collection and farming about the importance of animal welfare guidelines and responsible husbandry practices.
- Get the community involved in monitoring and reporting any unethical treatment of cows during the dung procurement process.
Research and development: Aid in the investigation of sustainable materials or better cow dung management systems that reduce animal impact.
In summary: Consider the advantages and difficulties of Khadi Prakritik Paint in relation to animal welfare issues. Promote a comprehensive approach that values the well-being of the environment and animals in the production process.
Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective.
Read Current Affair related to above Questions if you have missed:
Relevance to the UPSC Prelims and Mains syllabus under the following topics:
UPSC Prelims:
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- Current Affairs and Science & Technology: Questions could test your knowledge about the paint’s composition, unique properties, and environmental benefits. Expect factual recall and basic understanding of its production process.
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- Governance and Social Issues: Questions might focus on the paint’s role in rural development, its potential to empower farmers and entrepreneurs, and any associated challenges like scaling up production or raising awareness.
UPSC Mains:
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- Essay: The paint could be used as a relevant example within broader themes like sustainability, innovation, rural development, or environmental consciousness. Analyze its impact on various stakeholders and potential challenges/opportunities for wider adoption.
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- General Studies Paper III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment & Disaster Management): Questions could delve deeper into the scientific aspects of the paint, analyzing its environmental impact, potential for circular economy, or challenges in scaling up production while maintaining quality and affordability.
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- General Studies Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude): The ethical implications of using cow dung, concerns about animal welfare, and potential exploitation of rural communities could be discussed within the framework of ethical governance and sustainable development.
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