MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Discuss the role that civil society organisations have had in promoting women’s representation and effective, meaningful engagement in Indian state legislatures.
GS II – Indian Parliament
Introduction:
- The communities and organisations that operate outside of the government to assist and advocate for particular individuals and/or social issues are referred to as civil society. They influence policy-making by working behind the scenes. To make meaningful changes in a country the size of India, voluntary citizen groups are required.
Contributions:
- Increasing Awareness: To raise the essential awareness at the local level, civil society organisations have taught the public in small batches. Small organisations have attempted a number of measures in this direction, such as “50% reservation.”
- Policy Changes: Through pressure groups, these organisations exert legislative pressure on legislators to change laws. In order to pinpoint and explicitly address the main problem areas, they also conduct research and gather data in these areas.
- Building Capacity: These organisations have been teaching women and assisting them in acquiring the skills they need to take part in the legislative process. Civil organisations also provide forums where female leaders can gather to discuss strategies for increased political engagement as a group.
Way Forward:
- Consequently, it is impossible to discount the influence that civil society organisations have on India’s legislative process. The “Women Reservation Bill, 2023” was passed, which attests to the beneficial influence civil society organisations have on the country.
Q2. Describe how India’s cropping patterns have changed in relation to shifts in consumer behaviour and marketing circumstances.
GS I – Indian Agriculture
Introduction:
- Cropping patterns are intimately related to shifting consumer needs and marketing dynamics, as they are a reflection of these variables as well as economic and market dynamics.
Cropping patterns are influenced by shifting market conditions:
- Farmers now have more access to markets thanks to improved road and rail connectivity, which has encouraged the development of several commodities.
- The increased cultivation of certain crops, such as basmati rice and Alphonso mango, has resulted from their accessibility to worldwide markets.
- Government programmes such as the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism encourage farmers to cultivate the crops that fall under its purview.
- The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) was introduced to give crop growers easier access to the market and improved price discovery.
Cropping patterns are impacted by shifting consumption patterns:
- There is an increasing demand for foods high in protein, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, poultry, etc. due to rising income levels and urbanisation.
- Nutrient-dense and organic foods are in greater demand as a result of growing health consciousness.
- Exotic food has been more in demand as a result of the growing demand for chemical-free food and the expansion of hydroponic and aeroponic crops.
Way Forward:
- Numerous complicated elements, including as customer preferences, market dynamics, governmental regulations, and technology improvements, influence changes in cropping patterns.
