2024 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2024 · GS Paper I

Question 91: International Relations and Current Affairs

Consider the following statements :

  1. Statement-IThere is instability and worsening security situation in the Sahel region.
  2. Statement-IIThere have been military takeovers/coups d’état in several countries of the Sahel region in the recent past.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
cStatement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
dStatement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

The Sahel, the belt south of the Sahara, has seen growing jihadist violence and worsening security. Military takeovers in several countries in recent years, such as Mali (2020 and 2021), Burkina Faso (2022) and Niger (2023), have deepened the instability. Both statements are correct, and the coups are a major part of why the situation has deteriorated, so Statement-II explains Statement-I.

  • I. The Sahel is unstable and its security situation has worsened.
  • II. Several Sahel countries have had coups, and this explains the instability.

How you could have got this

If you were sure Statement-I is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

What you needed to know: The Sahel is unstable and its security situation has worsened.

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: the coups explain the instability and worsening security.
  • (b) Wrong: Statement-II does explain Statement-I.
  • (c) Wrong: Statement-II is also correct.
  • (d) Wrong: Statement-I is also correct.

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

Practise this paper timedPrevious questionNext question

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