UPSC Prelims 2016 · CSAT
Question 22: Reading Comprehension
Which of the following can lead to food security problem ?
- 1.Using agricultural and forest residues as feedstock for power generation
- 2.Using biomass for carbon capture and storage
- 3.Promoting the cultivation of energy crops
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Food security is hit where biomass takes land or crops that food needs. The passage ties this to energy crops, which can compete with food production and raise food prices (3). Residues from farms and forests are by-products, not food, and biomass with carbon capture is a technology question, so neither threatens food supply directly (1 and 2 out). Remember: look for competition over land, crops or prices.
- 1. Residues are by-products and do not take food crops.
- 2. Carbon capture with biomass is a technology matter, not a competitor for food.
- 3. Energy crops can compete with food production and affect food prices.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (a), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 2.
What you needed to know: Carbon capture with biomass is a technology matter, not a competitor for food.
Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statements 1 or 3.
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) Residues and carbon capture do not compete with food.
- (b) Right: energy crops compete with food production.
- (c) Carbon capture with biomass is not a food-supply issue.
- (d) Statements 1 and 2 do not threaten food.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.