UPSC Prelims 2019 CSAT Paper II · Q25 of 79 Comprehension easy

Passage

The rural poor across the world, including India, have contributed little to human-induced climate change, yet they are on the frontline in coping with its effects. Farmers can no longer rely on historical averages for rainfall and temperature, and the more frequent and extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, can spell disaster. And there are new threats, such as sea level rise and the impact of melting glaciers on water supply. How significant are small farms ? As many as two billion people worldwide depend on them for their food and livelihood. Small-holder farmers in India produce 41 percent of the country's food grains, and other food items that contribute to local and national food security.

The above passage implies that 1. There is a potential problem of food insecurity in India. 2. India will have to strengthen its disaster management capabilities. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid ?

  1. (a) 1 only
  2. (b) 2 only
  3. (c) Both 1 and 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
  4. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Why the answer is (c)

• The passage states that small-holder farmers in India produce 41 percent of the country's food grains, which are critical for local and national food security.

• It highlights that these farmers face frequent and extreme weather events like droughts and floods, which can spell disaster for their production.

• Since a significant portion of food production is vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, there is a direct implication of a potential problem of food insecurity in India.

• The passage explicitly mentions that farmers can no longer rely on historical averages and face new threats, necessitating better coping mechanisms.

• Therefore, the implication that India will have to strengthen its disaster management capabilities to protect this vital sector is valid.

• Both assumptions logically follow from the risks posed to the primary source of food production described in the text.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 only
This option is incorrect because it ignores the valid implication that India must strengthen disaster management capabilities to cope with the frequent extreme weather events mentioned.
(b) 2 only
This option is incorrect because it overlooks the valid implication that the vulnerability of small-holder farmers, who produce 41% of food grains, creates a potential problem of food insecurity.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
This option is incorrect because both assumptions are valid implications derived from the passage's discussion on climate risks to food production and the need for coping mechanisms.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. 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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