2019 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2019 · CSAT

Question 42: Reading Comprehension

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

On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :

  1. 1.The issue of effects of natural calamities on agriculture is not given due consideration by GM technology companies.
  2. 2.In the long run, GM technology will not be able to solve agricultural problems arising due to global warming.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid ?

a1 only
b2 only
cBoth 1 and 2
dNeither 1 nor 2

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The passage says corporations put their money into herbicide-tolerant and pest-resistant crops, while the farmers commission wants priority on resistance to drought, salinity and other stresses. So the effects of weather-related stress on farming are not getting due attention from GM companies: assumption 1. Assumption 2 goes against the passage, which suggests GM can help if priorities change; it never says GM cannot solve warming-related problems.

  • 1. Corporate investment goes to pest and herbicide traits, not stress tolerance.
  • 2. The passage suggests GM could help if priorities change; no long-run failure is stated.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.

    What you needed to know: Corporate investment goes to pest and herbicide traits, not stress tolerance.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (c) goes: it includes 2.

    What you needed to know: The passage suggests GM could help if priorities change; no long-run failure is stated.

Only (a) 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) Right: only 1 follows from the corporate focus on pest and herbicide traits.
  • (b) Wrong: 2 is a pessimistic claim the passage does not make.
  • (c) Wrong: 2 is not supported.
  • (d) Wrong: 1 is supported.

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.