UPSC Prelims 2016 · CSAT

Question 48: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “About 15 per cent of global greenhouse…” — Passage-8 · as printed by UPSC

Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage ?

aOrganic farming should immediately replace mechanised and chemical dependant agricultural practices all over the world

bIt is imperative for us to modify our land use practices in order to mitigate climate change

cThere are no technological solutions to the problem of greenhouse gas emissions

dTropical areas are the chief sites of carbon sequestration

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

The passage says agriculture accounts for about 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, land use and forestry for another 17% (mostly tropical deforestation), and peatlands hold as much carbon as the Amazon forest. The sensible inference is that changing how land is used matters for climate mitigation. Replacing all mechanised farming with organic farming at once, ruling out technology fixes, or naming the tropics the chief carbon sinks are not supported.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) 'Immediately' and 'all over the world' go beyond the passage.
(b) Right: land use accounts for a large share of emissions, so modifying it helps mitigation.
(c) Not stated: the passage says nothing about technology solutions.
(d) The passage speaks of emissions from the tropics, not of them being the chief sinks.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious question Next question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2016, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.