Question

Read the following passage carefully:

(1)	The craze for cosmetics has escalated globally, driven by evolving beauty standards and social media influence. The cosmetics industry thrives on innovation, offering various products catering to various skin types and preferences. In India, the cosmetics industry has witnessed a remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by rising ‘disposable incomes’, increased urbanisation, and changing lifestyles. In contemporary times, people are more aware about their personal grooming.
(2)	In the year 2024, the Indian cosmetics market generated revenue of approximately ₹ 1,34,000 crore and is projected to reach around ₹ 2,40,000 crore by 2028. This robust performance is driven as a result of strong e-commerce and growing demand for organic and premium product offerings due to increasing awareness of personal grooming, skin care routines among consumers, especially teenagers and young adults, who are the dominant demographic in cosmetics purchase, as they seek trendy and innovative solutions.
(3)	The cosmetics industry is broadly divided into various segments such as skin care, hair care, colour cosmetics, fragrances, and personal hygiene products. Skincare leads the segments, accounting for nearly 35% of the market, followed by hair care at 25%. Colour cosmetics, including make-up products have seen significant growth, especially post-pandemic, due to the rise of e-commerce and social media. E-commerce platforms have played a crucial role in expanding access to cosmetics especially in Tier II and Tier III cities. In fact, online sales contribute to around 25% of total cosmetics sales in India.
(4)	Over and above that, men’s grooming has emerged as a significant segment, valued at around ₹ 25,000 crore in the year 2024 with increasing demand for beard care, skin care and fragrances customised to men. This growth is fuelled by social media influencers, coupled with the increase of gender-neutral cosmetic formulations. This shows an aspirational pursuit of personal refinement, where appearance augments confidence, dismantling archaic stereotypes associated with male cosmetics consumption.
(5)	Though the cosmetics industry plays a vital role in the Indian economy, it faces several challenges including managing intense competition, complying with regulations, ensuring product quality and addressing ethical sourcing concerns. In addition, the industry struggles with copied products, adapting to changing consumer preferences and navigating the complexities of the supply chain.

Answer the following questions, based on the above passage:

1. Complete the sentence with a reason: 1
   The global demand for beauty products has intensified because of ______. Paragraph (1)
2. What does the phrase ‘thrives on innovation’ tell us about the cosmetic industry? Paragraph (1) 1
   1. The industry is slow-growing.
   2. The industry is growing and evolving by the day.
   3. The industry is becoming popular in rural areas.
   4. The industry is gradually becoming more expensive. 
3. Identify the word that indicates that the cosmetics industry is anticipated to grow. Paragraph (2) 1
4. Given that teenagers and young adults form the primary group for cosmetics purchases, what are the key factors that shape their buying decisions? Paragraph (2) 1
5. Select the option that is true for the Assertion and Reason given below. Paragraph (2) 1
   Assertion: The Indian cosmetics market generated a profit of approximately ₹ 1,34,000 crore in 2024.
   Reason: It became possible due to strong e-commerce and growing demand for organic and premium product offerings.
   1. Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
   2. Both the Assertion and the Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
   3. The Assertion is true, but the Reason is false.
   4. The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
6. How has the rise of e-commerce platforms impacted the revenue of the Indian cosmetics industry? Explain in 30-40 words. Paragraph (3) 1
7. Based on your understanding of Paragraph (3), fill in the blank with suitable options: 1
   The skincare segment currently dominates the Indian cosmetics industry. Currently its share is ______ (20%, 25%, 35%) approximately.
   
8. Complete the sentence suitably. 1
   That men’s grooming has increased the demand for gender-neutral cosmetic formulations symbolizes ______. Paragraph (4)
9. Mention any two major challenges faced by the cosmetics industry at present. Paragraph (5) 2

Answer 1

1. The global demand for beauty products has intensified because of evolving beauty standards and social media influence.
2. The industry is growing and evolving by the day.
3. Vital
4. The provided text does not contain information about the key factors that shape the buying decisions of tenages and young adults.
5. The Assertion is false, but the Reason is true.
6. The rise of e-commerce platforms has significantly boosted the indian cosmetics industry revenue by expanding market reach to new areas and increasing product accessibility.
7. The skincare segment currently dominates the Indian cosmetics industry. Currently its share is 35% approximately.
8. That men’s grooming has increased the demand for gender-neutral cosmetic formulations symbolizes changing societal norms and the breaking down of traditional gender barriers in the beauty industry.
9. • Managing intense competition and adapting to rapidly changing consumer preferences.
   • Ensuring product quality and addressing ethical sourcing/counterfeit (copied) products and supply‑chain complexities.