UPSC Prelims 2018 · CSAT

Question 7: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “Global population was around 1·6 billion…” — Passage—1 · as printed by UPSC

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

aProsperity of agriculture sector is of critical importance to India.

bIndian economy greatly depends on its agriculture.

cIndia should take strict measures to control its rapid population growth.

dIndia's farming communities should switch over to other occupations to improve their economic conditions.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The passage says nearly half of India's people depend on agriculture now, and that even in about 2030, when India becomes the most populous country, around two-fifths will still depend on it despite growth in services and manufacturing. If that many livelihoods rest on farming now and later, the prosperity of the farm sector is critically important. Note that the passage speaks of the share of people dependent, not of the economy's output.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Correct: so many livelihoods depend on farming that its prosperity is critical.
(b) The passage gives the share of people dependent on farming, not the economy's dependence in output.
(c) Population control is never discussed or recommended.
(d) Moving farmers to other jobs is a policy the passage does not suggest.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.