Paragraph: If the social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem in India…
If the social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem in India, insecurity, more than poverty, is the most acutely felt economic problem. Besides those below the official poverty line, even those just over the poverty line are subject to multiple economic insecurities of various kinds (due to wealth and/or health risks, market fluctuations, job-related uncertainties). Many Government policies are actually intended towards mitigating these insecurities.
Q1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the passage?
(a) India’s political executive should be aware that poverty and social inequality and the consequent sense of insecurity is the main social problem.
(b) In India, poverty is the primary reason for social inequality and insecurity.
(c) Poverty and social inequality are so intricately linked that they pose an unmanageable crisis for India.
(d) Insecurity, more than poverty, is the main economic issue that Government policies must address.
Q2. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
I. People above the poverty line also are prone to suffer from anxiety about economic insecurity.
II. Eradication of poverty can result in peace and social equality in the country.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II
UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT
Q1. Correct Option: (d) Insecurity, more than poverty, is the main economic issue that Government policies must address.
Explanation: The passage clearly emphasizes that while social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem, insecurity (rather than poverty itself) is the most acutely felt economic problem. It explicitly states that even those who are just above the poverty line face multiple economic insecurities. The passage also mentions that many government policies are aimed at mitigating these insecurities. Thus, option (d) accurately captures the critical message conveyed by the passage.
Options (a), (b), and (c) either incorrectly emphasize poverty as the primary issue or incorrectly link poverty and social inequality as the main crisis. The passage specifically highlights insecurity as the key economic issue, making option (d) the correct choice.
Q2. Correct Option: (a) I only
Explanation: Assumption I: “People above the poverty line also are prone to suffer from anxiety about economic insecurity.” This assumption is clearly valid, as the passage explicitly states that even those just above the poverty line face multiple economic insecurities. Thus, assumption I is correct.
Assumption II: “Eradication of poverty can result in peace and social equality in the country.” This assumption is not supported by the passage. The passage does not suggest or imply that removing poverty alone would automatically lead to peace and social equality. It rather emphasizes insecurity as a separate and significant issue beyond poverty itself. Thus, assumption II is invalid.
Therefore, only assumption I is valid, making option (a) the correct choice.
