RPSC RAS Mains Answer Writing

Introduction

India reached 50% non-fossil installed capacity in 2025, five years early, and now targets another 500 GW over the next decade.

Strengths

• Non-fossil sources form about 55% of 558.89 GW capacity.
• PLI for solar modules is building domestic manufacturing.

Challenges

• Capacity is not generation; coal still dominates actual supply.
• Storage and transmission lag behind solar additions.

Global leadership

• ISA (about 130 members) projects India as voice of Global South.
• USD 25 million to the Africa Solar Facility builds goodwill.
• Exporting PM-KUSUM model, starting with Mauritius.

Way forward

• Scale battery and pumped storage with viability gap funding.

Introduction

Eight Next Generation Corvettes on Navy in-house designs, built by GRSE and GSL, mark a step from licensed production to indigenous design.

Progress

• Production rose from ₹46,429 crore (2014–15) to about ₹1.78 lakh crore.

Way forward

• Raise defence R&D and involve private industry and start-ups (iDEX).

Introduction

Bonded labour persists despite Article 23 and the 1976 Abolition Act, largely because release is not followed by rehabilitation.

Gaps

• Delay in release certificates denies scheme benefits.
• Vigilance committees are often inactive.

Court's directions

• Uniform procedure for assistance within 7 days of release.
• Centre's SOP to be implemented within six months.
• Guidelines with NHRC; verification ordinarily within 24 hours.

Significance

• Treats identification, release and rehabilitation as one continuum.
• Strengthens Article 21 dignity with Article 23.
• Fixes accountability on district administration.

Conclusion

• Converging rehabilitation with housing, land and skills schemes can end the cycle of bondage.

Introduction

Only six States have Legislative Councils, created or abolished under Article 169 by Parliament on an Assembly resolution.

Arguments for

• Brings experts, teachers and graduates into law-making.

Conclusion

• Councils add value only if reformed to deepen expertise and local-body voice.

Introduction

In a 48-hour operation, a Navy warship, maritime patrol aircraft and MARCOS airdropped from a C-17 freed all 20 crew of the Azini.

Why piracy is back

• Naval attention diverted by Red Sea attacks.
• Weak governance and poverty in coastal Somalia.

India's role

• Continuous anti-piracy deployments in the Gulf of Aden since 2008.
• IFC-IOR at Gurugram shares maritime information.
• MAHASAGAR vision projects India as a security partner.

Challenges

• Vast area against limited ships and aircraft.
• Legal gaps in prosecuting captured pirates.
• Coordination among multiple navies.

Way forward

• Use the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022 for prosecution.

Introduction

Murasu made landfall near Ongole with 110–120 km/h winds, showing the recurring cyclone risk on India's east coast.

Evolution

• Accurate IMD track forecasts with Doppler radars and satellites.

Way forward

• Shift from zero-casualty to zero-loss with resilient infrastructure and insurance.

Introduction

Biosphere reserves, under UNESCO's MAB Programme (1971), combine a protected core with buffer and transition zones for sustainable use.

Indian experience

• 18 reserves, 13 in UNESCO's network; Cold Desert added in 2025.
• Nilgiri communities turn invasive Lantana into crafts.
• Five-year Integrated Management Plans piloted in four reserves.

Challenges

• Limited funding under a Centrally Sponsored sub-scheme.
• Conflicts over resource use in buffer zones.
• Invasive species and climate change.

Significance

• Learning sites for sustainable development.
• Link to Kunming–Montreal GBF targets.
• Recognise community knowledge and rights.

Way forward

• Give reserves legal backing and dedicated funds.

Introduction

Rules under the VB-G RAM G Act, which replaced MGNREGA, require any complaint on scheme implementation to be resolved within 15 days.

Positive features

• Multiple channels: in person, post, digital platform, helplines.

Conclusion

• Grievance rules work best when backed by independent social audit units and public disclosure.

Introduction

India's COP31 agenda centres on a Climate Finance Work Programme and developed countries' Article 9.1 obligations.

Why finance divides

• The USD 100 billion goal was met late and partly through loans.
• Developing countries need trillions for adaptation and transition.

Other view

• Developed nations want a wider contributor base, including China.
• They stress private finance and carbon markets.
• Fiscal stress limits public budgets.

India's approach

• Voluntary GGA indicators to protect policy space.
• Leadership through ISA and land restoration (26 million ha).
• Supports voluntary, not mandatory, carbon markets.

Way forward

• Clear definitions of climate finance and grant-based adaptation funding.

Introduction

Using VELC on Aditya-L1, IIA scientists showed a coronal mass ejection expanding asymmetrically, improving models of solar eruptions.

Space weather

• CMEs cause geomagnetic storms on Earth.

Significance for India

• Protects over 50 Indian satellites, including NavIC.

Way forward

• Set up a national space-weather forecasting service.