2011 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2011 · GS Paper I

Question 58: Economy and Social Development

With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct ?

  1. 1.Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced.
  2. 2.It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming.
  3. 3.In some areas of farming, receding of ground water table can be checked.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below :

a1 only
b2 and 3 only
c1 and 3 only
d1, 2 and 3

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Micro-irrigation, which includes drip and sprinkler systems, delivers small amounts of water close to the roots, so less water is lost to evaporation and run-off. Fertiliser can be given through the water, with less leaching and loss, and reduced pumping can help check the fall of the ground water table. It is not the only means of irrigation in dryland farming, where rainwater harvesting and other methods are used. So statements 1 and 3 are correct.

  • 1. Fertiliser given through the water is lost less.
  • 2. It is not the only irrigation method in dryland farming.
  • 3. Efficient water use can slow the fall of ground water tables.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them includes 2.

    What you needed to know: It is not the only irrigation method in dryland farming.

    The red flag in statement 2 is “only”. In UPSC’s papers, statements with “only” were true 27% of the time (82 statements). A hint, not a rule.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 3 out.

    What you needed to know: Efficient water use can slow the fall of ground water tables.

Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statement 1.

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) Right on statement 1 but misses the ground water benefit.
  • (b) Includes statement 2, which is false, and omits statement 1.
  • (c) Right: less nutrient loss and a check on falling water tables.
  • (d) Includes statement 2, which wrongly calls it the only means in dryland farming.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2011, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.