UPSC Prelims 2019 · CSAT

Question 22: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “With the digital phenomenon restructuring most social…” — Passage - 2 · as printed by UPSC

Which one of the following is the most logical and rational corollary to the above passage ?

aGlobalization is not in the interests of India as it undermines its socio-economic structures.

bIndia should be careful to protect its digital sovereignty in global trade talks.

cIndia should charge monopoly rents from multinational companies in exchange for Big Data.

dThe loss of Big Data from India is proportional to the degree/value of its foreign trade.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

The passage warns that trade talks are now aiming at the digital area, that data from developing countries is collected freely and turned into intelligence in developed ones, and that this intelligence gains control over sectors and monopoly profits. The logical corollary is that India should guard its digital sovereignty in trade negotiations. The other options make a sweeping claim (globalisation is against India), propose a remedy the passage does not offer (charging rents), or assert an unsupported proportion.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong: too sweeping; the passage targets data extraction, not all globalisation.
(b) Right: protecting control of data follows from the warning about trade talks.
(c) Wrong: the passage criticises monopoly rents; it does not advise charging them.
(d) Wrong: no proportion between data loss and trade value is stated.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2019, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.