UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies

Question 102: Science and Technology

Assertion (A): Information technology is fast becoming a very important field of activity in India. Reason (R): Software is one of the major exports of the country and India has a very strong base in hardware.

aBoth A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

bBoth A and R are true, but R is not a correct explanation of A

cA is true, but R is false

dA is false, but R is true

AnswerThe answer is (c).

A is true: information technology, especially software services, has become a major activity and earner of foreign exchange in India. R is only half true: software is a major export, but India does not have a strong hardware base; electronics hardware manufacturing has been weak and much of it is imported. Since R is partly false, A is true but R is false. Remember: India's strength is in software services, not hardware.

A. Information technology is a fast-growing, important field in India.
R. Software is a major export, but India's hardware base is weak.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong. R is not wholly true: India's hardware base is weak.
(b) Wrong. R is false in part, so it cannot be a true statement.
(c) Right. A is true; R is false because India's hardware base is not strong.
(d) Wrong. A is true.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.