UPSC Prelims 2023 · CSAT
Question 33: Reading Comprehension
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
- 1.Organic farming is inherently unsafe for both farmers and consumers.
- 2.Farmers and consumers need to be educated about eco-friendly food.
Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
The passage questions the claim that organic farming is inherently safer: the industry is young and poorly regulated in India, so farmers and consumers are confused and may misuse inputs, for example manure with toxic contamination or plant sprays whose right dose is unstudied. That does not make organic farming inherently unsafe, so statement 1 overreaches. The confusion and misuse do imply a need to educate farmers and consumers, so statement 2 is valid.
- 1. The risk comes from poor regulation and misuse, not from organic farming being inherently unsafe.
- 2. Confusion and misuse among farmers and consumers imply a need for education.
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 risk comes from poor regulation and misuse, not from organic farming being inherently unsafe.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (d) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Confusion and misuse among farmers and consumers imply a need for education.
Only (b) 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) Wrong: statement 2 is also valid.
- (b) Right: only statement 2 is valid.
- (c) Wrong: statement 1 overreaches.
- (d) Wrong: statement 2 is valid.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.