UPSC Prelims 2020 · CSAT

Question 62: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “India has tremendous potential for solar…” — Passage—2 · as printed by UPSC

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

aIndia's commitment to reduce emissions by 33% is unlikely to be achieved.

bIndia should import gas rather than invest in renewable resources.

cGetting renewable resources to market too soon may be costly.

dIndia should put in more efforts in the exploration of natural gas.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The passage says some renewable technologies are still moving along their cost and learning curves; the government has set an emissions target and backs a gas push, yet business houses hold back from heavy investment in renewables while the technology is immature. The logical inference is that bringing renewables to market too early may be costly. It makes no claim about missing the target, importing gas, or exploring for gas.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) No judgement is made on whether the target will be met.
(b) The passage does not argue for imports over renewables.
(c) Right: unready technology and wary investors point to the cost of an early push.
(d) Gas exploration is not recommended.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.