UPSC Prelims 2017 CSAT Paper II · Q47 of 79 Comprehension medium

Passage

Passage—7 Many farmers use synthetic pesticides to kill infesting insects. The consumption of pesticides in some of the developed countries is touching 3000 grams/hectare. Unfortunately, there are reports that these compounds possess inherent toxicities that endanger the health of the farm operators, consumers and the environment. Synthetic pesticides are generally persistent in environment. Entering in food chain they destroy the microbial diversity and cause ecological imbalance. Their indiscriminate use has resulted in development of resistance among insects to insecticides, upsetting of balance in nature and resurgence of treated populations. Natural pest control using the botanical pesticides is safer to the user and the environment because they break down into harmless compounds within hours or days in the presence of sunlight. Plants with pesticidal properties have been in nature for millions of years without any ill or adverse effects on the ecosystem. They are easily decomposed by

On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made : 1. Synthetic pesticides should never be used in modern agriculture. 2. One of the aims of sustainable agriculture is to ensure minimal ecological imbalance. 3. Botanical pesticides are more effective as compared to synthetic pesticides. Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct?

  1. (a) 1 and 2 only
  2. (b) 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
  3. (c) 1 and 3 only
  4. (d) 1, 2 and 3

Why the answer is (b)

• Assumption 1 is incorrect because the passage highlights the dangers of synthetic pesticides but does not state they should 'never' be used; it only suggests botanical alternatives are safer, implying a preference rather than an absolute ban.

• Assumption 2 is correct because the passage explicitly states that synthetic pesticides cause 'ecological imbalance' and that natural pest control is safer, implying that sustainable agriculture aims to prevent such imbalances.

• Assumption 3 is incorrect because the passage compares safety and environmental impact (breakdown time, toxicity) but provides no data or statement regarding the comparative 'effectiveness' of botanical versus synthetic pesticides in killing insects.

• Therefore, only Assumption 2 is logically supported by the text, making option (b) the correct answer.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2 only
Option (a) is incorrect because Assumption 1 is an extreme generalization not supported by the passage, which does not advocate for the complete elimination of synthetic pesticides.
(c) 1 and 3 only
Option (c) is incorrect because both Assumption 1 (absolute ban) and Assumption 3 (comparative effectiveness) are not supported by the passage's focus on safety and environmental persistence.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Option (d) is incorrect because it includes Assumptions 1 and 3, which are not valid inferences from the provided text regarding usage bans or efficacy comparisons.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

Reading the answer is not the same as getting it right under a clock. Practise this question with UPSC's negative marking, and anything you miss goes into an error notebook until you get it right twice.

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