IAS Mains Answer Writing-12 April 2026

1. Critically analyse India’s performance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Highlight key achievements, challenges, and the way forward.

Introduction

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015 under the UN 2030 Agenda, comprise 17 goals and 169 targets integrating social, economic, and environmental dimensions of development.

• India has aligned its policies with SDGs through institutions like NITI Aayog and periodic SDG India Index reports.

India’s Performance: Overview

• India’s SDG Index Score (NITI Aayog, 2023–24): ~71 (up from 57 in 2018).

• Shift from “performer” to “front-runner” category (Aspirant: 0–49, Performer: 50–64, Front-runner: 65–99).

• Uneven progress across goals and states.

Key Achievements

• Poverty Reduction and Social Welfare (SDG 1 & 2):

  • Significant decline in multidimensional poverty (NITI Aayog, 2023: ~13.5 crore people lifted out since 2015–16).

  • Food security through NFSA and PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.

• Health and Well-being (SDG 3):

  • Reduction in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to ~97 (SRS 2018–20).

  • Expansion of healthcare via Ayushman Bharat.

• Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6):

  • Near universal rural sanitation under Swachh Bharat Mission.

  • Jal Jeevan Mission expanding piped water coverage.

• Climate Action and Renewable Energy (SDG 13):

  • Rapid growth in renewables (~250+ GW installed capacity, 2025).

  • Leadership in global initiatives like International Solar Alliance.

• Digital and Financial Inclusion (SDG 9 & 10):

  • JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile) enabling direct benefit transfers.

  • Boost to fintech and inclusive growth.

Challenges and Gaps

• Hunger and Nutrition (SDG 2):

  • Persistent malnutrition and stunting (NFHS-5, 2019-21: ~35% children stunted).

  • India ranked 102 out of 123 countries (Global Hunger Index 2025)

• Quality Education (SDG 4):

  • Learning outcomes remain poor (ASER reports).

  • Digital divide exacerbated during COVID-19.

• Gender Inequality (SDG 5):

  • Low female labour force participation (~25%).

  • Gender-based violence and wage gaps persist.

• Environmental Sustainability (SDG 12, 13, 15):

  • Severe air pollution (many Indian cities among world’s most polluted).

  • Land degradation (~30% of land affected).

  • Biodiversity loss and deforestation pressures.

• Regional Disparities:

  • NITI Aayog’s SDG Index highlights a clear divide between front-runner states (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka) and aspirant states in central and eastern India, indicating uneven regional development.

• Data and Monitoring Issues: Gaps in real-time and disaggregated data for several SDG indicators.

Critical Evaluation

• Strengths: Strong policy alignment, flagship schemes, improved governance through digital tools.

• Limitations:

  • Implementation deficits at grassroots level

  • Resource constraints and dependence on public expenditure

  • Trade-offs between economic growth and environmental sustainability

• COVID-19 setback: Reversal in poverty reduction, education, and health outcomes.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Cooperative Federalism: Empower states with funds, capacity, and flexibility.

• Focus on Human Capital: Improve quality of education and healthcare outcomes.

• Green and Inclusive Growth: Promote circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy transition.

• Gender and Social Inclusion: Enhance women’s participation in workforce and decision-making.

• Data-driven Governance: Use AI, big data, and real-time dashboards for SDG monitoring.

• Community Participation: Localise SDGs at Panchayat and urban local body levels.

Conclusion

• India has made notable progress in several SDGs, particularly in poverty reduction, sanitation, and renewable energy.

• However, persistent challenges in nutrition, education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability highlight the need for inclusive, region-specific, and data-driven interventions.

• Achieving SDGs by 2030 will require a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

2. “Nuclear energy is considered crucial for meeting rising energy demands, yet it poses significant environmental concerns.“ Critically examine this statement.

Introduction

• With rapidly increasing energy demand and the urgency of climate change mitigation, nuclear energy is being revisited as a reliable, low-carbon energy source.

• India, with growing energy needs, views nuclear power as part of its long-term energy security strategy.

• However, environmental and safety concerns continue to limit its widespread acceptance.

Significance of Nuclear Energy in Meeting Energy Demand

• Low Carbon Emissions:

  • Nuclear power emits near-zero greenhouse gases during operation.

  • Helps countries meet commitments under the Paris Agreement.

• Reliable Base-load Power:

  • Unlike solar and wind, nuclear provides continuous and stable electricity.

  • High capacity factor (~80–90%).

• Energy Security:

  • Reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports (coal, oil, gas).

  • India’s 3-stage nuclear programme aims to utilise abundant thorium reserves.

• High Energy Density:

  • Small quantity of uranium produces large amounts of energy compared to fossil fuels.

  • Requires less land than solar or wind farms.

Environmental Concerns Associated with Nuclear Energy

• Radioactive Waste Management:

  • Long-lived radioactive waste remains hazardous for thousands of years.

  • Lack of permanent disposal solutions (deep geological repositories still limited).

• Risk of Nuclear Accidents:

  • Catastrophic events like Chernobyl disaster (1986) and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster (2011) highlight risks.

  • Long-term contamination of land, water, and health impacts.

• Thermal and Water Pollution:

  • Nuclear plants require large water for cooling → thermal pollution affecting aquatic ecosystems.

  • Siting issues near coastal or riverine ecosystems.

• Mining and Fuel Cycle Impacts:

  • Uranium mining leads to land degradation, radiation exposure, and displacement.

  • Environmental concerns in mining regions (e.g., Jharkhand).

• Security and Proliferation Risks:

  • Potential misuse of nuclear materials for weapons.

  • Risks of terrorism and sabotage.

Critical Evaluation

• Advantages:

  • Essential for decarbonisation alongside renewables.

  • Supports energy transition without compromising base-load supply.

  • Helps achieve net-zero targets (India aims net zero by 2070).

• Limitations:

  • High capital cost and long gestation period.

  • Public opposition due to safety fears (e.g., Kudankulam protests).

  • Waste disposal remains an unsolved global challenge.

  • Not entirely “clean” when full lifecycle is considered.

• Indian Context:

  • Nuclear energy contributes only ~3% of total electricity generation.

  • Plans to expand capacity to ~22 GW by 2031–32.

  • Focus on Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and future thorium-based reactors.

  • Strengthened regulatory oversight via Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

Way Forward

• Adopt advanced reactor technologies (Small Modular Reactors, thorium reactors).

• Strengthen waste management systems and research on recycling spent fuel.

• Ensure robust safety standards and transparent regulation.

• Integrate nuclear with renewable energy mix for balanced transition.

• Promote public awareness and stakeholder participation.

Conclusion

• Nuclear energy presents a paradox—it is both a solution to climate change and a source of environmental risk.

• While it is indispensable for ensuring energy security and low-carbon growth, its expansion must be guided by stringent safety norms, technological innovation, and sustainable waste management to truly align with environmental goals.

3. Outline the core ideas of Adam Smith’s ‘Wealth of Nations’. How far do they continue to influence contemporary economic thinking?

Introduction

• Published in 1776, Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations is regarded as the foundational text of modern economics.

• It revolutionised thinking by shifting focus from accumulation of wealth to productivity, markets, and human behaviour.

• Smith’s work remains a “monument to liberalism” with an enduring suspicion of concentrated power.

Core Ideas of Wealth of Nations

• Division of Labour:

  • Enhances productivity through specialisation

  • Example: Pin factory illustration

  • Considered the engine of economic growth

• Invisible Hand:

  • Individuals pursuing self-interest unintentionally promote societal welfare

  • Market coordination occurs without central planning

• Free Market Economy (Laissez-faire):

  • Minimal state intervention ensures efficient allocation of resources

  • Markets function best when left to competition

• Theory of Value and Wealth:

  • Wealth measured by productive capacity and output, not gold/silver (critique of mercantilism)

  • Emphasis on labour and production

• Role of Self-Interest:

  • Economic transactions driven by rational self-interest

  • Famous idea: we rely on the butcher, brewer, baker for our needs

• Limited but Essential Role of State:

  • Functions: defence, justice, public goods, infrastructure

  • State as facilitator, not controller

• Critique of Mercantilism:

  • Opposed trade restrictions and monopolies

  • Advocated free trade and competition

• Concern about Concentration of Power:

  • Smith warned that merchants and capitalists may collude and capture state policy

  • Early recognition of risks of monopolies and vested interests

Influence on Contemporary Economic Thinking

• Foundation of Market Economy:

  • Capitalist systems across the world are rooted in Smith’s ideas

  • India’s 1991 LPG reforms reflect shift towards market-based policies

• Global Trade Architecture: WTO principles and globalisation echo Smith’s advocacy of free trade

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Market incentives continue to drive startups, digital economy

• Policy Frameworks: Emphasis on deregulation, ease of doing business, and competition laws

Limitations and Evolving Relevance

• Market Failures: Externalities (climate change), public goods require state intervention

• Rising Inequality: Wealth concentration challenges assumption of broad welfare

• Digital Monopolies: Big Tech dominance contradicts competitive market ideal

• Expanded Role of State: Welfare schemes, regulation, and crisis management (e.g., COVID-19)

Critical Evaluation

• Smith’s ideas are foundational but not absolute

• Modern economies follow a mixed model combining:

  • Market efficiency (Smith)

  • State intervention (Keynesian influence)

Conclusion

• Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations continues to shape economic thought through its emphasis on markets, productivity, and individual incentives.

• However, in an era of inequality, market concentration, and global crises, its principles require adaptation within a framework of regulation and social justice.

• Thus, Smith remains relevant but must be reinterpreted for contemporary realities.