UPSC Prelims 2016 CSAT Paper II · Q42 of 79 Comprehension medium

Passage

Climate adaptation may be rendered ineffective if policies are not designed in the context of other development concerns. For instance, a comprehensive strategy that seeks to improve food security in the context of climate change may include a set of coordinated measures related to agricultural extension, crop diversification, integrated water and pest management and agricultural information services. Some of these measures may have to do with climate changes and others with economic development.

What is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage ?

  1. (a) It is difficult to pursue climate adaptation in the developing countries
  2. (b) Improving food security is a far more complex issue than climate adaptation
  3. (c) Every developmental activity is directly or indirectly linked to climate adaptation
  4. (d) Climate adaptation should be examined in tandem with other economic development options ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• The passage explicitly states that climate adaptation may be rendered ineffective if policies are not designed in the context of other development concerns.

• It uses the example of food security to illustrate that a comprehensive strategy requires coordinated measures addressing both climate change and economic development.

• The core argument is that climate adaptation cannot be isolated; it must be integrated with broader developmental goals to be effective.

• Therefore, the logical inference is that climate adaptation must be examined alongside other economic development options to ensure policy coherence and effectiveness.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) It is difficult to pursue climate adaptation in the developing countries
The passage does not claim that climate adaptation is difficult in developing countries, but rather that it is ineffective if not integrated with other development policies.
(b) Improving food security is a far more complex issue than climate adaptation
The passage does not compare the complexity of food security versus climate adaptation; it only uses food security as an example of a sector requiring integrated policy.
(c) Every developmental activity is directly or indirectly linked to climate adaptation
The passage argues that climate adaptation is linked to development concerns, not that every single developmental activity is directly or indirectly linked to climate adaptation.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016, held on 7 August 2016. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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