UPSC Prelims 2017 · CSAT

Question 45: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “An innovative India will be inclusive…” — Passage—5 · as printed by UPSC

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

aInnovation and R&D is the only way to reduce rural to urban migration.

bEvery rapidly growing country needs to minimize the divergence between productivity in agriculture and other sectors.

cInclusive innovation and R&D can help create an egalitarian society.

dRapid urbanization takes place only when a country’s economic growth is rapid.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The passage says innovation and R&D can reduce inequality and ease the pressure of rapid urbanisation, and that inclusive innovation can lower costs and create income opportunities for poor people. The assumption it supports is that inclusive innovation and R&D can help build a more egalitarian society. Options claiming it is the only way, that every rapidly growing country must narrow a productivity gap, or that urbanisation happens only with rapid growth, assert more than the passage says.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Only way is too absolute: the passage says R&D can help, not that it is the sole route.
(b) The passage speaks of India's agriculture gap, not of every rapidly growing country.
(c) Correct: inclusive innovation can lower costs, create income for the poor and reduce inequality.
(d) The passage never says rapid urbanisation happens only in rapidly growing economies.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.