UPSC Prelims 2019 · CSAT

Question 41: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “What stands in the way of the…” — Passage - 1 · as printed by UPSC

Which one of the following is the most logical, rational and crucial message conveyed by the above passage ?

aPublic research institutions should take the lead in GM technology and prioritise the technology agenda.

bDeveloping countries should raise this issue in WTO and ensure the abolition of Intellectual Property Rights.

cPrivate corporations should not be allowed to do agribusiness in India, particularly the seed business.

dPresent Indian circumstances do not favour the cultivation of genetically modified crops.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The passage argues that the intellectual property regime creates private monopolies, that corporate-led GM technology chases short-run profit through herbicide and pest resistance that pests soon overcome, and it cites the farmers commission's call to prioritise traits such as drought and salinity tolerance. The crucial message is that public research institutions should lead and set the priorities. Abolishing property rights, barring private firms or ruling GM out entirely goes beyond the text.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right: public-led research is the route to prioritising the stress-resistance traits the passage favours.
(b) Wrong: the passage criticises the regime but does not call for abolishing it.
(c) Wrong: too extreme; the passage does not ban private seed business.
(d) Wrong: the passage urges careful adoption with the right priorities, not rejection.

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.