Q5
Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) Explain the properties and functions of enzymes in plants. (10 marks) (b) Write the methods of production of seed tubers from true potato seeds (TPS) under protected cultivation. (10 marks) (c) Discuss the systematic position, nature of damage and management of insect and mite pests of brinjal. (10 marks) (d) What is the scenario of hunger and malnutrition in the country? Discuss the initiatives taken by the government for their mitigation. (10 marks) (e) Illustrate how technology is improving the efficiency of public distribution system in the country. (10 marks)
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक प्रश्न का उत्तर लगभग 150 शब्दों में दीजिए : (a) पौधों में एन्जाइमों के गुणों और कार्यों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (10 अंक) (b) संरक्षित खेती के अंतर्गत सत्य आलू बीजों (टी. पी. एस.) से बीज कंदों के उत्पादन की विधियों को लिखिए। (10 अंक) (c) बैंगन के कीट और माइट पीड़कों की व्यवस्थित स्थिति, नुकसान की प्रकृति और प्रबंधन की विवेचना कीजिए। (10 अंक) (d) देश में भूख एवं कुपोषण का परिदृश्य क्या है? इनके शमन के लिए सरकार द्वारा की गई पहलों का वर्णन कीजिए। (10 अंक) (e) देश में सार्वजनिक वितरण प्रणाली की दक्षता में तकनीकी कैसे सुधार कर रही है, उदाहरण सहित स्पष्ट कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Directive word: Explain
This question asks you to explain. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.
See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.
How this answer will be evaluated
Approach
The directive 'explain' demands clear exposition of concepts with causal linkages. Allocate approximately 30 words (20% time) per sub-part given equal 10-mark weighting: (a) define enzymes with 2-3 properties and functions like nitrogen fixation; (b) outline TPS nursery stages from sowing to minituber production; (c) classify brinjal pests systematically with damage symptoms and IPM; (d) present NFHS-5/5 data on malnutrition followed by POSHAN Abhiyaan and PMGKAY; (e) detail technology interventions in PDS like e-POS, Aadhaar seeding, and GPS tracking. Conclude each part with a forward-looking or integrative statement.
Key points expected
- (a) Enzymes: Define as biocatalysts; cite properties (specificity, pH/temperature sensitivity, protein nature); functions include photosynthesis (RuBisCO), respiration (cytochrome oxidase), nitrogen fixation (nitrogenase), and hormone regulation (IAA oxidase)
- (b) TPS production: Protected nursery sowing → seedling raising → transplanting to net house/greenhouse → minituber formation → field multiplication; mention CIP-CPRI collaboration and virus-free advantage
- (c) Brinjal pests: Systematic position of shoot and fruit borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae); damage symptoms; management through pheromone traps, Bt brinjal (controversy), acaricides, and biocontrol
- (d) Hunger/malnutrition: NFHS-5 data (35.5% stunting, 32.1% underweight under 5); double burden with obesity; government initiatives: POSHAN Abhiyaan, PMGKAY, Annapurti, fortified rice distribution, Saksham Anganwadi
- (e) PDS technology: e-POS devices for biometric authentication, Aadhaar seeding, GPS-enabled vehicles, automated fair price shops, One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) portability, blockchain pilots in Tamil Nadu/Kerala
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept correctness | 25% | 12.5 | Precise scientific terminology across all parts: enzyme classification (oxidoreductases, hydrolases), TPS botanical stages (cotyledonary to tuberization), correct taxonomic orders for brinjal pests, accurate NFHS-5 statistics, and specific technology names in PDS | Broadly correct concepts with minor errors: vague enzyme functions, incomplete TPS stages, mixed-up pest families, approximate malnutrition data, generic mention of 'computerization' without specifics | Fundamental errors: calling enzymes hormones, confusing TPS with tissue culture, misidentifying pest orders, outdated NFHS-4 data presented as current, conflating PDS with midday meal scheme |
| Quantitative reasoning | 15% | 7.5 | Specific data points: enzyme optimum temperatures (RuBisCO at 25°C), TPS seed rate (50-100 g/ha), pest economic threshold levels, NFHS-5 percentages with year, PDS coverage figures (80 crore beneficiaries), technology penetration rates | Rounded estimates without sources: 'high temperature sensitivity,' 'thousands of minitubers,' 'millions of children malnourished,' 'large PDS network' without scale | No quantitative content or invented statistics; confused units (kg vs tonnes); incorrect comparisons across time periods without adjustment |
| Indian context examples | 20% | 10 | India-specific references: ICAR-CPRI Shimla for TPS, Bt brinjal controversy (Mahyco-Monsanto, 2010 moratorium, Bangladesh adoption contrast), PMGKAY 2020-2022 expansion, ONORC 2019 launch, Tamil Nadu's PDS reforms, POSHAN 2.0 2021 restructuring | Generic Indian references without specificity: 'Indian Council research,' 'government schemes,' 'some states implemented technology' without naming which | Western-centric examples only: Arabidopsis research, Idaho potato systems, USA SNAP program; or complete absence of Indian context despite question's clear domestic focus |
| Diagram / process | 20% | 10 | Clear process descriptions: enzyme action mechanism (lock-key/induced fit), TPS production flowchart stages, brinjal pest damage progression with seasonal incidence, malnutrition intergenerational cycle, PDS supply chain with technology insertion points | Linear lists without interconnection: bullet points for enzyme types, sequential but non-integrated TPS steps, isolated pest descriptions, parallel scheme listings without integration | No structural organization: random fact dumping, missing cause-effect in processes, no temporal or spatial sequencing where required by question |
| Policy / extension angle | 20% | 10 | Critical policy analysis: enzyme biofortification potential, TPS cost-benefit for small farmers, IPM policy in brinjal (NMEP integration), malnutrition program convergence critique, PDS technology challenges (exclusion errors, connectivity gaps) with solutions | Descriptive policy listing without evaluation: scheme names and objectives only, no implementation gaps, no beneficiary perspective, no sustainability concerns | Absence of policy dimension: purely technical answers for (d) and (e), no mention of government role, or irrelevant political commentary without agricultural grounding |
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