UPSC Prelims 2018 CSAT Paper II · Q74 of 58 Data Interpretation medium

Passage

Directions for the following 2 (two) items : The following table gives the GDP growth rate and Tele-density data of different States of a country in a particular year. Study the table and answer the two items that follow. States | Per capita income ($) | GDP growth rate (%) | Tele-density State 1 | 704 | 9.52 | 70.27 State 2 | 419 | 5.31 | 35.88 State 3 | 254 | 10.83 | 50.07 State 4 | 545 | 9.78 | 5.94 State 5 | 891 | 10.8 | 76.12 State 6 | 1077 | 11.69 | 77.5 State 7 | 900 | 8.88 | 104.86 State 8 | 395 | 5.92 | 6 State 9 | 720 | 7.76 | 82.25 State 10 | 893 | 9.55 | 96.7 State 11 | 363 | 4.7 | 57.7 State 12 | 966 | 7.85 | 63.8 State 13 | 495 | 9.37 | 52.3 State 14 | 864 | 5.46 | 97.9 State 15 | 497 | 7.48 | 62.3 State 16 | 777 | 7.03 | 93.8 State 17 | 335 | 5.8 | 49.9 State 18 | 599 | 7.49 | 47.84

With reference to the above table, which of the following is/are the most logical and rational inference/inferences that can be made? 1. Higher per capita income is generally associated with higher Tele-density. 2. Higher GDP growth rate always ensures higher per capita income. 3. Higher GDP growth rate does not necessarily ensure higher Tele-density. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Why the answer is (c)

• Statement 1 is valid because states with the highest per capita incomes (State 6: $1077, State 7: $900, State 5: $891) also exhibit high tele-density (77.5, 104.86, 76.12), while lower income states generally have lower tele-density, indicating a positive correlation.

• Statement 2 is invalid because 'always' is too absolute; for instance, State 3 has a high GDP growth rate of 10.83% but a low per capita income of $254, whereas State 6 has a slightly higher growth rate of 11.69% and a much higher income of $1077, showing growth does not guarantee high income.

• Statement 3 is valid because State 4 has a high GDP growth rate of 9.78% but a very low tele-density of 5.94, while State 7 has a lower growth rate of 8.88% but a much higher tele-density of 104.86, proving growth does not ensure high tele-density.

• Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are the logical inferences, making option (c) the correct answer.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 only
Option (a) is incorrect because it excludes statement 3, which is a valid inference supported by the data showing high GDP growth does not guarantee high tele-density.
(b) 2 and 3
Option (b) is incorrect because it includes statement 2, which is false as higher GDP growth does not always ensure higher per capita income, and excludes statement 1, which is a valid general trend.
(d) 3 only
Option (d) is incorrect because it excludes statement 1, which is a valid inference as the data generally shows a positive association between per capita income and tele-density.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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