Mains PYQs - GS-III (2025) (Q. 4 - 6)

4. Elaborate on the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India. (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction:

Describe supply chain management – planning, sourcing and logistics.

Main Body

Scope of supply chain management of agricultural commodities

• Multimodal logistics
• Storage & cold chain facilities
• Primary post-harvest works - Sorting, grading, and packaging.
• Processing and value addition
• Digital marketing.

Significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities

• Reduces postharvest losses
• Enhanced farmer’s income
• Improves food security
• Price stabilization
• Promotes agri-exports and sustainable agriculture.
• Strengthens rural economy.

Conclusion:

Give a positive conclusion - An efficient agricultural supply chain is essential for transforming Indian agriculture from a production-centric to a market-oriented and value-driven sector.

5. The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India’s contributions to the international fusion energy project – International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy? (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction:

Describe India’s fusion energy programme (or) the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).

Main Body

India’s contribution

• India is a full partner in the ITER project, contributing 9% of its in-kind components and funding while gaining 100% access to all generated intellectual property.
• Material contribution
• Cryostat
• In-wall shielding blocks
• Cryogenic & cooling system
• On-site assembly and support

Implications

• Reduce fossil fuel dependence
• Promotes energy security – limitless fuel source.
• Produce minimal waste.
• Promotes India’s R&D ecosystem
• Helps achieve India’s net zero target.
• Strengthen international scientific cooperation.
• Enhanced operational safety.

Conclusion:

Conclude in a progressive manner – linking India’s contribution and growth.

6. How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047? How can biotechnology play a crucial role in this endeavour? (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction:

Describe India’s energy independence.

Main Body

How can India achieve energy independence?

• Expanding renewable energy capacity – solar, wind, etc.
• Scale up green hydrogen production
• Promotes EV’s and battery manufacturing.
• R&D support under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Expanding indigenous nuclear energy production.
• Implement smart grids & digitisation.

Crucial role of biotechnology

• Production of 2G and 3G biofuels
• Production of biogas and bio-CNG
• Produce climate-resilient and energy-efficient crops.
• Enhanced carbon sequestration using engineered microbes.
• Use microbes for treating industrial and agricultural waste.

Conclusion:

Conclude in a positive and progressive manner.