2016 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2016 · GS Paper I

Question 27: Environment and Ecology

The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

  1. 1.To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity
  2. 2.To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities
  3. 3.To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

a1 and 3 only
b2 only
c2 and 3 only
d1, 2 and 3

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

FAO's GIAHS programme recognises and safeguards traditional agricultural systems: their eco-friendly farm practices, landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and the knowledge systems of local communities. The status is a recognition and conservation tool. It is not a programme to deliver modern technology and finance to boost productivity, and it does not confer Geographical Indication tags, which are a separate intellectual property matter.

  • 1. GIAHS does not aim to introduce modern technology and boost productivity.
  • 2. Identifying and safeguarding traditional systems and their knowledge is the goal.
  • 3. GIAHS status does not confer Geographical Indication status.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 3 is not correct, (a), (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 3.

    What you needed to know: GIAHS status does not confer Geographical Indication status.

    The red flag in statement 3 is “all”. In UPSC’s papers, statements with “all” were true 41% of the time (76 statements). A hint, not a rule.

Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statements 1 or 2.

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) Statements 1 and 3 misdescribe the goal; GIAHS is about conservation.
  • (b) Right: only statement 2, safeguarding traditional systems, is the goal.
  • (c) Statement 3 is wrong: GIAHS gives no GI status.
  • (d) Statements 1 and 3 are wrong, so 'all three' fails.

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

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