UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 : Questions on unsustainable exploitation of Earth’s resources and ecosystem for deep tech innovation (Week 102)

QUESTION 1

“There is no Planet B” is more than a slogan; it is a dire warning about the unsustainable exploitation of Earth’s resources. Discuss the implications of this statement in the context of India’s environmental challenges and policy responses.

QUESTION 2

India’s ambition to become a global technology leader hinges on its ability to develop a robust ecosystem for deep tech innovation. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in building such an ecosystem.

General points on the structure of the answers

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.

QUESTION 1: “There is no Planet B” is more than a slogan; it is a dire warning about the unsustainable exploitation of Earth’s resources. Discuss the implications of this statement in the context of India’s environmental challenges and policy responses.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— Clean air, safe water, nutritious food, and access to natural resources all contribute to a dignified and meaningful life.

— Earth Day is observed on April 22 to remind humanity of its obligation to maintain the Earth’s resources for future generations. It is a day to consider the planet’s health, educate communities on important environmental issues, and advocate for sustainable activities.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

— Since its beginning in 1970, Earth Day has shaped global environmental frameworks, facilitated international cooperation, and inspired historic agreements. However, it is frequently reduced to symbolic gestures—a social media post, a tree-planting event, a school skit. It is a powerful reminder to reflect, act, and transition from exploitation to stewardship.

— India, one of the world’s fastest growing economies, is taking a critical step towards sustainability. At the 2021 COP26 Summit in Glasgow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Panchamrit, a five-point agenda that includes achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030, and lowering the economy’s carbon intensity by 45%. These are ambitious targets that represent a clear change from rhetoric to duty.

— Solar energy has emerged as one of India’s most effective climate solutions. The International Solar Alliance, co-led by France, is transforming global energy diplomacy. Domestically, efforts such as the National Solar Mission and PM-KUSUM are empowering farmers to adopt solar-powered irrigation, while big solar parks in Gujarat and Rajasthan are transforming how India lights its homes and industries. Solar power now accounts for more than 15% of India’s renewable energy mix, and it is expanding.

— With programs such as FAME, the government is making electric vehicles more inexpensive and accessible. Indian Railways has pledged to reaching net-zero by 2030. Meanwhile, cities are extending their public transit networks and investing in cleaner fuels.

— India’s biodiversity and animal protection efforts have achieved substantial results. Project Tiger and Project Elephant have resulted in population rises. India now accounts for more than 75% of the world’s tiger population. Wetlands are protected by Ramsar designations. The Green India Mission is striving to improve forest cover, both in quantity and ecological quality.

— Urban air pollution remains a persistent threat, but initiatives such as the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) are gaining support. Cities will receive cash to monitor air quality, switch to cleaner fuels, and enhance waste management. While the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan began with a focus on sanitation, it has since expanded to include plastic waste separation and composting. Water conservation is also evolving, with major projects such as the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Namami Gange.

Conclusion:

— India’s agricultural industry is likewise adjusting. Organic farming is encouraged through programs like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. Micro-irrigation and climate-resilient farming techniques are gaining popularity.

— The implementation is inconsistent between states. Climate finance is not on the scale necessary. Development and conservation are still perceived as competing agendas, particularly in urban planning. Even if there are rules and norms in place, illegal encroachment, deforestation, and pollution continue.

— Sustainability is no longer a specialist topic. It is making inroads into mainstream governance, infrastructure development, business strategy, and public consciousness.

(Source: This Earth Day, a reminder: There is no Planet B)

Points to Ponder

How can the resources of Earth be used sustainably?

Read more about solar, wind and other renewable energy sources

Related Previous Year Questions

The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? (2023)

Each year a large amount of plant material, cellulose, is deposited on the surface of Planet Earth. What are the natural processes this cellulose undergoes before yielding carbon dioxide, water and other end products? (2022)

QUESTION 2: India’s ambition to become a global technology leader hinges on its ability to develop a robust ecosystem for deep tech innovation. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in building such an ecosystem.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— India is struggling to nurture innovative innovation at home, while Indian talent thrives in high-tech fields abroad.

— To become a global leader in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, India must overcome structural hurdles and shift its focus away from incremental, consumption-driven solutions. As the government’s focus on Viksit Bharat in 2047 takes momentum, innovation will play a significant role.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

— According to the 2024 Global Innovation Index, China ranks 11th, while India is 39th. This highlights the huge gap in innovation ecosystems.

— India’s startup boom, while spectacular in scope (over 100 unicorns and the world’s third-largest startup cluster), has been powered primarily by consumer-facing enterprises rather than deep-tech innovations.

Challenges in building such an ecosystem

— The ecosystem lacks the robust support needed for high-risk, long-gestation deep-tech ventures.

— The funding gap stifles entrepreneurs that seek to solve complex challenges.

— India’s educational and scientific facilities, as well as its ecosystem, fall behind. The country generates lakhs of engineers each year, but its colleges are rarely ranked among the world’s best in original research.

— Deep technology necessitates a highly motivated and skilled personnel, as well as cutting-edge laboratories. India cannot compete with the United States or China in this regard. As a result, Indian talent frequently moves to Silicon Valley.

— Despite governmental initiatives such as Make in India, most corporations continue to spend little on research and development.

— India’s venture capital (VC) ecosystem values quick returns above patient capital. In the United States, venture capitalists fund both decades-old companies like SpaceX and quantum startups; in India, the emphasis remains on low-risk, high-reward consumer apps.

Opportunities

— India has experienced areas of successful startup ventures. Digantara, a space startup, has begun on a very profound adventure. Similarly, Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos are making progress in space.

— Paytm and PhonePe, payment solution providers, have helped to usher in the country’s digital payment revolution. Cybersecurity firms have also thrived, but the majority of them have been purchased too quickly to establish their own inspiring story – another hurdle.

— India’s 4,000 deep-tech firms raised $1.6 billion in 2024, a 78% rise year on year.

Conclusion:

— So far, India’s global leadership aspirations in technology have been based on low-end fruit. However, today, technology and innovation are the most visible symbols of global power supremacy.

— It will need a tectonic shift, including enormous government investment, education reform, a cultural embracing of risk, and prolonged hand-holding.

(Source: India needs an ecosystem that better enables deep-tech innovation)

Points to Ponder

Read about Make in India

Read about private sector enterprises related to space technology

Related Previous Year Questions

What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government’s UDAN Scheme and its achievements. (2024)

Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard (2023)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

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