GS3 Weekly [2nd – 7th Feb 2015] [The Undercover group] (Insightsonindia.com)

Topic: mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

Q) The main idea behind setting payment banks is to deepen financial inclusion in the

country. Briefly describe the main features of payment banks and discuss the ways in which

they increase financial inclusion. (200 Words)

http://www.business-standard.com/article/finance/increased-competition-profitability-

remain-key-concerns-for-payment-banks-115020100220_1.html

Ans: Payment banks are setup on the recommendation of Nachiket Mor Committee and will

be will be registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013, and

licensed and governed under Banking Regulation Act, 1949.Payment banks are entities that

allow you to only open savings and current accounts. A payments bank can be a mobile

service provider, supermarket chain, non-banking finance company, corporate business

correspondent.

Features:

1) Has to use the word payments bank in the name of the bank.

2)Minimum capital entry of Rs100Cr

2) Payment banks can accept demand deposits upto Rs10000\-

) Can issue Debit cards,internet banking and can work as business correspondents but no

credit cards can be issued.

4) Payment banks would provide remittance, cross border remittance and payment services

5) Payments Bank cannot undertake lending activities.

6) Bank can also undertake utility bill payments

7)Allowed to distribute mutual fund products, insurance products and pension products

Ways in which Financial inclusion will be done:

1) They are providing small savings accounts and payments / remittance services to migrant

labor workforce, low income households, small businesses, other unorganized sector

entities by enabling transactions in a technology driven environment.

2) Use of mobile phone is extensive and which will help in tapping the rural areas.

3)Payments banks will create the infrastructure which will provide access points to send and

take out cash

4) As payment banks would be able to invest in government bonds, this would enable the

providers to offer higher interest rates on deposits that might attract inactive money parked

in savings bank accounts.

5) Payment banks need to have at least 25 per cent of physical access points, including BCs,

in rural centres.

So one fully operational they will definitely increase the financial inclusion and will be

helpful in bring prosperity to lower income groups.

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-

technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights;

Q) The Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy Bill in UK parliament has run into controversial

waters due to “alleged Frankenstein future.” In this context Explain what is the

Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy and what are the pros and cons of such a technological

development on humankind? (200 Words)

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/commons-to-vote-on-

mitochondrial-therapy/article6846340.ece

Ans: MRT treats women with mitochondrial disease by replacing the defective mitochondria

carried by a woman with the healthy mitochondria of a donor. The egg is then fertilised with

the partner’s sperm through IVF. The embryo thus created is one technically cleansed of the

mutated mitochondrial DNA that the mother originally carried.

Pros:

1. Every individual has the right to safe and effective health care as well as access to all

current therapeutic innovations for the alleviation and prevention of mitochondrial

diseases.

2. Most pathogenic mtDNA mutations affect children, who frequently suffer catastrophic

organ failure. In adults, the symptoms worsen with age and often become debilitating.

3. mtDNA makes up only 0.1% of the entire human DNA,distinct from the nuclear DNA,

which accounts for 99.9% of a person’s genetic makeup and determine one’s physical

appearance and personality. So the women can have a child who is 99.9% genetically

identical to her and her partner.

The Church opposes the technique on the grounds that the manipulation of the nuclear DNA

of two women and a man would create three-parent babies, leading to what they warn is a

“Frankenstein future”.

however,other NGOs have also opposed it because:

1. concerns about the safety and utility of mitochondrial replacement

2. may be used to modify gametes or early embryos and so manipulate the characteristics of

future children (designer babies).

3. It would not be helpful to those already suffering from mitochondrail disease, and the

women with mitochondrial disease have much safer alternatives, including pre-implantation

genetic diagnosis and the use of third-party eggs with conventional IVF.

The question raised by these proposals is whether a risky technique, which would at best

benefit a small number of women, justifies shredding a global agreement with profound

significance for the human future.

However ,MRT is NOT genetic manipulation, but rather a technological innovation and an

expansion of in vitro fertilization. The latest evidence indicates that mitochondrial

replacement techniques are safe and effective in primates, although further research will be

necessary to fully understand the long-term effects of MRT.

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-

technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights;

Q) For the ambitious goal of “Make in India” to be a success it is essential to know one’s

“strengths” by understanding the geographic distribution and potential of various domestic

energy sources and “weaknesses” in the form of the constraints involved in exploiting them.

Comment. (200 Words)

http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/charting-energy/99/

Ans: Make In India which is conglomerate Scheme of Myriad of goals which are To be

Achieved By India ,if it were to emerge as Leader in 21st century. Electricity amendment

Act,LArr ordinance, Defence Procurement ,MMDR ordinance, Coal sector Ordinance are

Welcome Move. Although such moves may appear to glider for Development, However they

also come with Certain issues which ,if overlooked may be Detrimental to Development

Itself. Also Use of Proper tools of ICT will Be the way forward.

The way ahead

1 IESS - Indian Energy Sec. Scenario tool of PC envisage 10k Km for Energy Production.

Making such land, to determine availability will be a challenge need to be overcome.

2 To fulfil new commitment of 100GW of Solar by 2022, Roof top (Recently on NTPC plant)

Solar on populated areas, Canal Tops, Water Tops with Canister flow design will be key here

3 Coastal areas are till date least harnessed, urgency in development beyond political

interest in need. Wind Energy and tidal Energy can be best suited here. Solar atlas and Wind

recourses atlas can be handy tools of NIWE for the same

4 GIS based tool which give the Overall status of projects causing externalities to

environment, indicating different colour based on factors of pipeline, Forest, terrain type

can be used.

Also in various scenarios PPP models are used in which government enters into the

agreement with private with little domain knowledge. In such Models revisiting clause and

Jean tirole work of economic of supervisory control can come useful and beneficial to both.

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-

technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights;

Q) Carl Djerassi and his team were the first to synthesise a progestin callednorethindrone,

which would be used to make oral contraceptives. Discuss the role of oral contraceptives in

empowering women? Enumerate some popular contraceptive options available in recent

times. (200 Words)

http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/birth-of-the-pill/

Ans: Empowering women – that is, creating conditions that build their confidence, self-

reliance and ability to make strategic life choices – is increasingly seen as a key to achieving

broad development goal.

Contraception is not only a method of birth control but also it has social and health

implications for the woman and her children.

It acts as a tool of empowerment for women because

1.allows women to, if not discard the social responsibility to reproduce, chose when to start

motherhood, control the number of children, or chose not to have children at all.

2. It helps her to keep adequate spacing between the children and hence she can plan

economically about her resources and needs.

3. Mainly it gives her control over her body and she doesn't have to depend on her partner

for contraception.

4. It saves her from unwanted pregnancy and subsequent abortions, the accompanying

complications with illegal abortions.

5. Its empowers her socially since a better health for the female makes her more responsive

to various governmental initiatives which focus on women.

6. Without the concern of multiple and successive childbirth the female can have a

successful career and is no longer tied to the home and motherhood

Other contraceptives include

1. Temporary contraceptives like condoms, spermicidal gels

2. Medium term like copper-T, contraceptives patches

3. Permanent like tubal ligation

Hence the role of contraception in women empowerment needs to be acknowledged.

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects

on industrial growth;

Q) Indian economic diplomacy needs to be more proactive in the multilateral arena and take

a leadership role. Discuss the various forums in which this can be done and how? And why is

it important for India’s development in each case. (200 Words)

http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/rathin-roy-yes-we-can-to-economic-

diplomacy-115020201465_1.html

Ans: India’s pursuance of a socialist form of governance and a closed economy after

independence was primarily responsible for the minor role played by India in multilateral

economic forums such as the IMF, WTO, SAARC etc. However, since India’s liberalization and

its subsequent stupendous growth, its economic influence has grown and presently India

holds the potential to play leadership roles in such forums.

The current government’s initiative to boost trade and cooperation in South Asia, by

revitalizing the SAARC is a commendable step and can be strengthened by constituting a

SAFTA. However, it would require greater cooperation between India and Pakistan to be

successful. Economic growth of the SA region will enable India to pursue its programmes in

SE-Asia as it would strengthen initiatives such as the BIMSTEC, the BCIM corridor etc.

On the global level, the growing influence of the developing countries in forums such as the

IMF and WTO should be harnessed by India, in continuation of its role as the leader of the

Non-Aligned countries. Also, initiatives like the NDB and AIIB should be focused upon by to

ensure lesser dependence of developing countries upon the West-dominated institutions

like WB. Joining one of the mega-RTAs (Regional Trade Agreements) will also ensure greater

integration with global

trade.

In an increasingly globalized world, India needs to take proactive steps based on sound

economic principles rather than on political considerations. Playing a leading role in such

forums will not only enable India to achieve its present economic goals, but also raise its

stock among countries of Africa, South America etc. thus easing our investment flow in such

regions in the future.

Topic: Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of

buffer stocks and food security;

Q) The finance minister plans to scrap the supply of subsidised kerosene through the public

distribution system (PDS) is a long overdue. Comment. (200 Words)

http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/a-fuels-errand/99/

Ans: Several commodities that are deemed as essentials for existence and survival are

provided through PDS outlets. These include food grains such as rice, sugar, pulses, oil,

kerosene etc. Recent plans of the Indian Finance ministry to scrap the supply of subsidised

kerosene through PDS is deemed to be long overdue due to the following reasons :

1 Kerosene is no longer a preferred source of fuel used for cooking purposes. Especially in

urban areas that almost wholly depend on LPG cylinders as cooking fuel.

2 Subsidies in various forms eat away the Governments revenues and removing unnecessary

subsidies will benefit the economy. This saved expense can be utilised for developmental

activities and in spending on social benefit schemes.

3 A very small percentage of people in rural regions depend on kerosene for lighting

purposes. Alternative arrangements can be easily made for the same by the government by

providing access to electricity.

4 Kerosene when used as a fuel is a polluting agent that causes black carbon accumulation

in the environment. This creates air pollution and related health problems for people.

In post independence India, the Public Distribution System played a huge role in eliminating

stark poverty. In spite of criticisms and charges of corruption and inefficiency, PDS continues

to remain a lifeline that provides basic necessities at extremely subsidised prices to the poor

and deprived.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact

assessment;

Q) “The raging debate between environment and development is even more intense now as

the country is on an ambitious growth path and there is scant regard for people’s rights or

natural resources.” Critically analyse the statement in the light of recent moves of the

government. (200 Words)

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/leaving-people-out-of-

development/article6854146.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/dispossession-development-and-

democracy/article6854143.ece

Ans: From some recent moves, it is evident that in a hurry for rapid development or

industrialisation, the government has lost sight of affected people’s right and protection of

environment.

The proposed Land acquisition ordinance does away with the provisions of public hearing

and social impact assessment (SIA) in many projects including PPP model which covers

more than 90% of land acquisition. Without a SIA, no proper assessment and hence

rehabilitation of ‘affected people’ can take place thus virtually going back to the notorious

law of 1894.

The HLC constituted by government to “streamline” six environmental laws had made some

outraging recommendations such as- diluting the role of NGT, the only effective tool for

environmentalists; dispensing with projects of “strategic” or “national importance”; calling

for “genuine public participation” etc.

Last year, an IB report described some NGOs and activists as main villain for development.

And recently funding of many reputed NGOs have been blocked awaiting scrutiny

of home ministry depicting the attitude of the government towards dissent and fenzy

for pushing for its agenda.

Few months back some dilution had been made taking away tribals’ consent provision in

some linear projects near national parks or reserved area.

Such moves will create serious conflict in long term. Thus government must avoid such

developmental fundamentalism and join hands with local people to attain its ambitious

goals which inclusive and sustainable development.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,

development and employment;

Q) Critically examine the reasons behind the decline in GDP growth rate in the post 2011

period even though recovery of Indian economy from 2008 Global financial crisis was swift

and sharp. What are the reforms needed to solve the critical socio-economic problems

faced by the country? Suggest. (200 Words)

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/the-twist-in-the-growth-

story/article6858226.ece

Ans: Even though India was successful in overcoming the 2008 Global financial crisis and

achieving a high growth rate of over 8%, the India’s growth story saw a twist when the GDP

growth rate declined to about 5% post 2011.

Reasons behind the decline-

1. Production side constraints-

a. Manufacturing sector has taken a setback due to irregularities in availability of raw

materials like iron ore, coal, etc owing to the court decisions.

b. Agricultural sector slowed due to decreased productivity as a result of inadequate

infrastructure, weak monsoon, etc.

c. Service sector recorded slow growth due to dismal performance in trade, transportation,

etc

2. Demand side problems- Low investment as a result of–

a. Domestic issues like policy paralysis due to delayed approvals, land acquisition,

corruption, etc. shortfall in tax revenue, retrospective tax laws, high interest rates and tight

monetary policy, high subsidy burden of Government, decrease in demand due to inflation,

etc

b. International reasons like ripple effect of tapering of Quantitative Easing by US and other

geo-political tensions, high international commodity prices, particularly that of oil, etc

Reforms needed in-

a) Short run - speedy completion of projects and ensuring productive employment of labor

and resources.

b) Medium term- improving the investment confidence by removing administrative bottle-

necks and enacting investor friendly schemes like the recent Make in India campaign, tax

regime and infrastructural development and ensuring the productivity of capital remains

high

c) Long run- Increasing impetus on indigenization and self-sufficiency and providing a stable

macroeconomic environment with low inflation, low CAD and modest fiscal deficit.

Topic: issues relating to intellectual property rights;

Q) There is a deep linkage between intellectual property protection, innovation and

economic development of the country. Comment. (200 Words)

http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/global-intellectual-property-

index-india-s-dismal-run-continues-115020500019_1.html

Ans: http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/1701/5358/original.jpg

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Q) A Draft Civil Aviation policy by the central government aims to free the aviation sector

from its ills. What are the problems plaguing the Civil Aviation Sector? How does the policy

initiative aim to liberate the aviation sector? Examine. (200 Words)

http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/civil-aviation-policy-to-get-delayed-

again-as-industry-awaits-consensus-115020501144_1.html

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/government-framing-new-draft-civil-aviation-policy-

safety-security-air-traffic-nda-upa/1/399858.html

Ans: India has experienced extraordinary growth in civil aviation over the past decade and is

forecast to be one of the world’s largest aviation markets in just a few years.

To achieve and afford the promise of civil aviation, India faces challenges posed by

1. Infrastructure :Lack of aviation safety infrastructure and few number of airports

2. Aviation fuel : high charges on fuel, state surcharge from 4-30%,high imports

3. Finance: most air carriers in financial distress, impact of fall of rupee as 70%

transactions are dollar based

4. Size of fleet: small and unfavourable in comparison with other countries. Ex :

Indonesia has only 20% of India’s population but a larger fleet than India

5. Role of govt: stiff legal and bureaucratic obstacles ex: kingfisher case –to

repossess aircrafts

6. 5/20 rule: restricts international expansion of domestic carriers making

investment less lucrative

7. DGCA: lacks requisite authority and resources

8. MRO: import of resources for maintenance, repair and overhaul operations

9. Others: intervention of multiple agencies and bureaus in civil aviation policy

ex: FDI

The new civil aviation policy is a progressive step in the right direction, because it proposes

to

• enhance regional air connectivity,

• develop six major metro airports as international hubs,

• create more airports through PPP mode,

• rationalise jet fuel cost,

• promote air cargo, MRO and helicopter operations and improve passenger

facilitation.

• facilitate the hub-and-spoke model

• Corporatisation of AAI

• special package for north-east

Along with these measures, India should learn from the experience of other BRIC nations

and also partner with countries like USA which are natural partners, and promote more

consensus, private participation in civil aviation to achieve the full potential of its civil

aviation industry

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday

life;

Q) Solid Waste Management (SWM) requires a comprehensive approach from waste

collection to disposal. What are the problems associated with SWM in the country? Give

innovative solutions on to tackle the problems. (200 Words)

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/residents-forced-to-leave-waste-in-plastic-bags-

as-collectors-do-not-carry-containers/article6863715.ece

Ans: Efficient solid waste management is one of the key aspects of urbanization which the

country is being unable to achieve owing to various problems starting from collection to its

disposal.

Problem starts from collection itself where there is no differentiation between

biodegradable and non-biodegradable(ex-plastics) waste at source which results in mixture

of both.Further lack of cent percent waste collection mechanism results into disposal of

waste in the nearby areas by the public resulting into degradation of environment.Among

the waste which is collected there is no proper plan for its transportation,storage,disposal

and its treatment.Even the waste collectors are not having adequate infrastructure.Most of

the times it is being disposed in the nearby landfill sites which not only impacts the

environment(ex-degrades land,pollution) but also becomes insects breeding site adversely

impacting the health of local population.

Moreover there is no monitoring/regulation done by respective governments,pollution

control boards in case of other types of waste like e-waste,medical waste which when

disposed also have negative impact on humans.Further of the waste which receives

treatment most of the it is not done scientifically.Use of incinerator resulting into heavy

pollution and other issues testifies the argument.

Therefore the government should work in synergy with the civil society in order to create

awareness among the public about the importance of waste management via ICT.This will

enable waste segregation at source itself.Further adequate support should be given by the

government via door to door waste collection mechanism added with their scientific storage

and disposal along with treatment.Also once the infrastructure is being in place the

government can also come up with penal provisions for those not following waste

management at their respective levels.Also schemes like buy back policy in case of e-waste

can be expanded for wide coverage.

A collaborative effort between the government,civil society and public is the need of the

hour for effective waste management.Lessons can be learnt from countries like Sweden

who once was also once facing similar problem but with adequate plans put in place the

country is not only treating their waste but is also importing waste from neighbouring

countries in order to utilize it like in producing electricity etc.

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday

life;

Q) What are E-cigarettes? What are the potential health risks involved by smoking them ?

How do these differ from the conventional cigarettes? Explain. (200 Words)

http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/policy-and-issues/who-wants-regulation-on-

ecigarettes/article6362889.ece

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-31146418

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/E-cigarettes-found-to-be-harmful-for-

immune-system/articleshow/46130704.cms

Ans: E-Cigarette: It is a battery powered electronic device resembling a cigarette which gives

a feel of smoking. It does not contain any tobacco but it uses chemical called nicotine, in

liquid form. A tiny atomizer is attached inside the device to convert this liquid into vapor. So

they produce aerosol not smoke.

How do they differ from conventional cigarettes?

1. Do not contain tobacco

2. Do not produce smoke

3. Ejects lesser amount of free radicals (about one-hundredth of conventional ones)

4. Lesser nicotine content

Potential health risks:

a) Although in much lesser quantity, it still emits free radicals which damage DNA and other

molecules within cells resulting in cell death.

b) Nicotine intake from this cigarette is similar to that of conventional ones.

c) Recent research has confirmed that it weakens the immunes system in the lungs and

makes them more susceptible for respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary

diseases (COPD)

d) WHO claims it to be effective in quitting smoking habit.

Hence contrary to popular perception it is not an alternative to conventional cigarette and

its use must be regulated and awareness must be generated regarding its harmful effects.

Topic: Disaster Management.

Q) On the brink of celebrating a decade since the passing of the Disaster Management Act of

2005, India’s disaster management system has seen a significant shift from a relief-driven

response to being more proactive, with an emphasis on disaster prevention, mitigation and

preparedness. Critically comment. (200 Words)

http://www.epw.in/perspectives/decade-disaster-risk-management-india.html

Ans: India's disaster management has come a long way from being relief driven response as

seen in super cyclone (1999), Gujarat earthquake (2001) and Tsunami

on western coast (2004) to a proactive one with successful handling of cyclone Phalin where

in a multitude of agencies such as IMD, NDRF, CRPF, IAF, state authorities coordinated to

carry out world's largest emergency evacuation operations involving nine lakh people;

thereby minimizing loss of lives.

However still much needs to be done:

1. State apathy: Some states have not even established state disaster management

authority and many among those that have, are not functioning efficiently; recent J&K

showed the lacunae in disaster management.

2. Faulty practices: absence of detailed mapping of risk zones, marking of safe zones were

people can head to in emergencies, lack of crowd management systems & early warning

systems such as Doppler weather radars in Uttrakhand, Poor knowledge of standard

operating procedures during disasters to people and state authorities.

3. Lack of involvement of local governance bodies: makes disaster risk planning a top-down

model. These bodies can catalyze social mobilization and offer traditional wisdom essential

to mitigate disasters.

4. Disaster proofing of infrastructure: is unknown in India. Often building codes are not

adhered. engineers, architects and local masons should be trained to build and design

robust & resilient structures.

5. Lack of community awareness: regarding disaster plans level hampers the preparation

level needed for disaster mitigation.

6. Risk financing and insurance in India is nascent; damage to uninsured assets threatens of

livelihood of community members; forcing them

into poverty.

It is essential to look into these shortfalls to take disaster preparedness to higher level.

Topic: Land Reforms; Environmental conservation;

Q) The Andhra Pradesh government’s plan to convert an agrarian economy into a

“throbbing urban agglomeration” full of life and economic activity has its flip-sides too.

Critically analyse the move in respect of social, economic and environmental aspects. (200

Words)

http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/capital-punishment

Ans:

Post Secession, New Greenfield Capital At massive scale By AP government is an example of

Competitive Federalism where One state is trying to Outsmart Other state[s] ,and

Particularly Telangana which was given Hyderabad ,Cybercity of India. Recent Move is

welcome However Such Move May cause Negative externalities to environment endowed

with rich Natural resources climatic condition and One of Best soils in India.

AP govt came with innovating land pooling , a statutory framework in which farmer give

land to developers w/o payment and get 1000 yrds of developed area after few years worth

of crores

~All such steps bypassing SIA, consent from community etc under LARR 2013

~AP announced 50 k acre of fertile land for greenfield capital while Chandigarh had used

only 9k and later 6k that too Barren land , such high area will only give windfall profits to

developers and no one else

~Also political leaders and developers saying to a farmer:" if you dont give we will make

your land as green belt thus the land will be of no use to you also "

~area has taking apprx 30 villages having one of best soils and climate in country losing

1000cr of multi crop variety each year

~Also farmers thinking of crore rs profits in 5 yrs while Chandigarh still have areas of 12

lakhs only after 60 yrs

~no thought about the landless leaving them desitute besides mere Abysmally low Pension

for just 10 years

It is good to Compete and thrive for excellence but mere populism and Leading Project with

Vested interests will Be Deleterious and Nothing else.

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday

life;

Q) Unscientific usage of fertilisers and pesticides is causing great harm to the ecosystem

across time and space. Substantiate with examples and suggest steps to tackle this issue.

(200 Words)

http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/mass-death-decoded

Ans: After independence the use of fertilizers in India in the last 50 years has grown nearly

170 times.

Given the differences in the intensity of agriculture and cropping patterns across the

country there are wide variations in the extent of fertilizer consumption patterns across

India.

Example: states like Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, West Bengal

and Uttar Pradesh have very high average fertilizer consumption per hectare in comparison

to the states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa, Goa and North-

eastern states.

Use of various pesticides, like insecticides, weedicides, fungicides, rodenticides as the

cropping pattern is becoming more intensive use is also increasing. Consumption of

insecticide in agriculture has been increased more than 100% from 1971 to 1994-95.

Impacts:

--deleterious effects on human health and that of the environment.

--Children exposed to pesticides have increased rates of leukemia and brain cancer, and

pregnant women with exposure have higher miscarriage rates

-- Phosphorus from fertilizer can cause algae to accumulate in lakes and ponds, killing fish by

robbing them of oxygen.

--Fertilizers can also contaminate water with an overabundance of phosphates and nitrates,

making it unsafe for consumption.

Reducing pesticide use can provide growers with direct economic benefits by decreasing the

cost of inputs and increasing net returns. Some alternative methods may be more costly

than conventional chemical-intensive agricultural practices, but often these comparisons fail

to account for the high environmental and social costs of pesticide use. The economic and

environmental impact of our farm policies on pesticide reduction also deserves scrutiny and

policies that encourage adoption of ecologically sound farming practices need to be

implemented.