UPSC Prelims 2018 · CSAT
Question 75: Data Interpretation
With reference to the above table, the following assumptions have been made :
- 1.Nowadays, prosperity of an already high performing State cannot be sustained without making further large investments in its telecom infrastructure.
- 2.Nowadays, a very high Tele-density is the most essential condition for promoting the business and economic growth in a State.
| States | Per capita income ($) | GDP growth rate (%) | Tele-density |
|---|---|---|---|
| State 1 | 704 | 9·52 | 70·27 |
| State 2 | 419 | 5·31 | 35·88 |
| State 3 | 254 | 10·83 | 50·07 |
| State 4 | 545 | 9·78 | 5·94 |
| State 5 | 891 | 10·8 | 76·12 |
| State 6 | 1077 | 11·69 | 77·5 |
| State 7 | 900 | 8·88 | 104·86 |
| State 8 | 395 | 5·92 | 6 |
| State 9 | 720 | 7·76 | 82·25 |
| State 10 | 893 | 9·55 | 96·7 |
| State 11 | 363 | 4·7 | 57·7 |
| State 12 | 966 | 7·85 | 63·8 |
| State 13 | 495 | 9·37 | 52·3 |
| State 14 | 864 | 5·46 | 97·9 |
| State 15 | 497 | 7·48 | 62·3 |
| State 16 | 777 | 7·03 | 93·8 |
| State 17 | 335 | 5·8 | 49·9 |
| State 18 | 599 | 7·49 | 47·84 |
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
An assumption is valid only if the data supports it, and the table gives just three numbers per state. It says nothing about telecom investment sustaining prosperity (assumption 1). It also contradicts the claim that very high tele-density is the most essential condition for growth (assumption 2): State 4 grows fast (9.78) with tele-density under 6, and State 14 has very high tele-density but slow growth (5.46). Neither assumption is valid.
- 1. The table shows nothing about investment or sustaining prosperity.
- 2. State 4 grows fast with low tele-density; State 14 has high tele-density with slow growth.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: The table shows nothing about investment or sustaining prosperity.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) goes: it includes 2.
What you needed to know: State 4 grows fast with low tele-density; State 14 has high tele-density with slow growth.
Only (d) is left. This one needs every statement.
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) Nothing in the table concerns investment or sustaining prosperity.
- (b) State 4 and State 14 contradict the claim of tele-density as the essential condition.
- (c) Neither assumption is supported.
- (d) Correct: the table supports neither assumption.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.