UPSC Prelims 2017 · CSAT

Question 5: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “In the last two decades, the world’s…” — Passage—5 · as printed by UPSC

Which of the following is the most crucial inference from the above passage?

aMore emphasis should be laid on the development of natural capital.

bThe growth driven by GDP only is neither desirable nor sustainable.

cThe economic performance of the countries of the world is not satisfactory.

dThe world needs more human capital under the present circumstances.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

World GDP rose about 50 per cent in two decades, but inclusive wealth rose only about 6 per cent: human capital grew by 8 per cent and natural capital fell by 30 per cent. So GDP-led performance has not become real wealth and has eroded natural capital. The inference is that growth driven by GDP alone is neither desirable nor sustainable. Option (a) is a recommendation about one asset, so it is narrower than the passage's point.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Natural capital is only one part of the picture; the wider point is about GDP-led growth, so this is too narrow.
(b) Correct: GDP up about 50 per cent, yet inclusive wealth up only about 6 per cent and natural capital down 30 per cent.
(c) GDP actually grew strongly; the complaint is about what that growth did to wealth, not that performance is poor.
(d) Human capital did grow, by 8 per cent; the passage does not say the world needs more of it.

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.