2024 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2024 · CSAT

Question 58: Logical Reasoning and Mental Ability

A Statement is given followed by two Conclusions numbered I and II. Consider the Statement and the Conclusions.

  1. StatementIndia is the world's largest producer of milk.
  2. Conclusion–IIndia is the world's largest exporter of milk.
  3. Conclusion–IIIndia does not import milk.

Which one of the following is correct?

aOnly Conclusion–I follows
bOnly Conclusion–II follows
cBoth Conclusion–I and Conclusion–II follow
dNeither Conclusion–I nor Conclusion–II follows

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).

Producing the most milk does not mean exporting the most: a country may consume most of its output, and export rankings depend on other things. Being the top producer also does not rule out some imports of milk or milk products. Neither conclusion is forced by the statement. Remember: a conclusion follows only if the statement leaves no other possibility.

  • I. Largest producer does not imply largest exporter.
  • II. Producing the most does not rule out imports.
Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong. Production rank does not decide export rank.
  • (b) Wrong. Being the top producer does not mean no imports.
  • (c) Wrong. Neither conclusion follows.
  • (d) Right. Both go beyond what the statement gives.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.