MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Analyse how agroecological zones and climate affect the cultivation of important crops.
GS III – Indian Agriculture
Introduction:
- Climate and agroecological zones are key determinants of the global patterns of major crop cultivation. The complex interactions between temperature, precipitation, soil composition, topography, and other environmental factors greatly impact the selection of crops that are able to flourish in a given area.
The impact of climate on crop cultivation:
Regimes of Temperature:
- For optimum growth, different crops require different temperatures.
- Rice, sugarcane, and tropical fruits are examples of crops that thrive in tropical climates.
- Cereals that do well in colder climates, like wheat and barley, do well in temperate zones.
Trends in Precipitation:
- Crop selection is influenced by rainfall; water-intensive crops are grown in areas with abundant rainfall.
- Dry and semi-arid regions could require crops that can withstand drought, such sorghum and millets.
Seasonal Change:
- Seasonal variations and monsoons affect the cropping schedule.
- In India, the Kharif and Rabi seasons provide excellent examples of how crops adapt to particular climate periods.
The impact of agroecological zones on agricultural cultivation:
The composition of soil:
- Certain soil types are better suited for growing different crops. (e.g., paddy fields for rice, well-drained soil for potatoes).
- Crop yields and quality are influenced by soil fertility.
Topography:
- Crop varieties are impacted by altitude’s effects on temperature and atmospheric pressure.
- Adapted crops may be required in mountainous areas because of their difficult topography.
- Agroecological zones influence pest and disease diversity, which affects crop selection and control strategies.
- In some zones, diversity of ecosystems aids in natural pest management.
Climate and Agroecological Zone Interaction:
- Microclimate decisions in a given area are influenced by localised climate fluctuations.
- To increase yields, farmers might choose crops that are compatible with particular microclimates.
- Effects of Climate Change:
- Adaptive crop production practices are required due to changes in climate patterns.
- Sustainable agricultural methods become essential for reducing dangers associated with climate change.
- A thorough understanding of these factors is essential for global food security and sustainable agriculture. Climate and agroecological zones play a crucial role in crop cultivation. Given the ongoing challenges of climate change, it is imperative to adopt resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.
Q2. What contributions did early nationalists and revolutionaries make during this crucial juncture in India’s freedom movement, and how did the First World War affect the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement?
GS I – Modern Indian History
Introduction:
- India suffered significant consequences from World War I (1914–1918), which fueled the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement, a pivotal period in the country’s struggle for independence. Driven by economic hardships and a yearning for autonomy, the movement was spearheaded by pioneering nationalists and revolutionaries who were instrumental in forming India’s resistance narrative during the conflict.
First World War’s Effect on the Boycott and Swadeshi Movement:
Economic Upheavals:
- The war caused turbulence in the world economy, which negatively impacted trade and business in India.
- Indians’ financial plight was made worse by economic policies imposed by the British government.
- Public dissatisfaction was exacerbated by rising inflation and a shortage of supplies.
Sensations of Nationalism:
- Nationalistic feelings and a yearning for independence were sparked by the war.
- When the imperial power ignored the Indians’ economic worries throughout the crisis, they felt deceived.
- The importance of self-reliance and self-governance increased.
The Swadeshi Movement’s Comeback:
- The Swadeshi Movement saw a comeback after it first arose in 1905 in reaction to Bengal’s division.
- Indians were exhorted to support homegrown goods and shun imported items.
- Mahatma Gandhi popularised the spinning wheel as a representation of independence.
Banned British Products:
- There was a lot of support for the boycott of British products.
- Public burnings of foreign goods, large-scale protests, and non-cooperation all became essential components of the movement.
- Boycotting British products evolved into a non-violent way of opposing colonialism.
Early Nationalists and Revolutionaries’ Contributions:
Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership:
- Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance theory, or satyagraha, served as the movement’s compass.
- He encouraged Indians to use the spinning wheel to make their own cloth, stressing the value of independence.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s role:
- The masses responded favourably to Tilak’s declaration that “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”.
- Through his writings and speeches, he fostered a spirit of nationalism and resistance against British control.
The role that Bipin Chandra Pal played:
- Pal supported indigenous enterprises and worked to bring the masses together, which helped to spark the Swadeshi Movement.
- He promoted independence as a strategy for escaping financial reliance.
Revolutionary Groups:
- Important contributions were made by revolutionaries such as Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and others who were motivated by the notion of armed struggle against British rule.
- Notable examples of revolutionary resistance were the Chittagong Armoury Raid, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the Kakori Case.
- The Indian masses’ discontent was channelled into a unified struggle against British rule by the First World War, which also served as a catalyst for the Boycott and Swadeshi Movement. The contributions of early nationalists and revolutionaries during this crucial period laid the groundwork for a more assertive and organised freedom movement in the years to come.
