UPSC Prelims 2002 · General Studies

Question 141: Science and Technology

Assertion (A): Drinking of whisky increases the frequency of urination. Reason (R): Alcohol intake speeds up the secretion of vasopressin in the body.

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

bBoth A and R are individually 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).

Assertion A is true: drinking alcohol increases urine output. Reason R is false: alcohol suppresses, not speeds up, the release of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), so the kidneys reabsorb less water and more urine is made. So A is true and R is false.

A. Drinking whisky raises the frequency of urination.
R. Alcohol suppresses vasopressin release.

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) R is false, so it cannot explain A.
(b) R is false, not just a weak explanation.
(c) Right: A is true and R is false.
(d) A is true, so this option fails.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2002, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.