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Question

Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2021 (Prelims) CSAT Previous Year Paper (10-Oct-2021)

India, benefiting from its Gondwanaland heritage, is geologically rich, endowed with vast reserves of coal, iron ore, and various minerals. Despite this immense potential, the mining sector's contribution to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains notably low.

This paradox stems from several challenges. Regulatory hurdles are significant, with complex licensing, protracted environmental clearances, and land acquisition issues often delaying or stalling projects. Technological backwardness in many operational mines leads to inefficiencies and lower output. Inadequate infrastructure for transportation and logistics further inflates costs and hinders timely delivery. Moreover, increasing environmental concerns and social resistance from local communities, particularly indigenous populations affected by displacement, frequently lead to conflicts. While India's economy has diversified towards services and manufacturing, the mining sector faces insufficient investment in modernization and faces the additional strain of illegal mining, which bypasses official economic contribution. These factors collectively prevent the sector from realizing its full economic potential.

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Important Questions from GS1

  1. Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period. 

  2. Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India. 

  3. How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of the balance of power?

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