CSAT 2023

Q. In India, a majority of farmers are marginal and small, less educated and possess low adaptive capabilities to climate change, perhaps because of credit and other constraints. So, one cannot expect autonomous adaptation to climate change.

Even if it was possible, it would not be sufficient to offset losses from climate change. To deal with this, adaptation to climate change is paramount, alongside a fast mitigation response. Another solution is to have a planned or policy-driven adaptation, which would require the government to come up with policy recommendations. Perception is a necessary pre-requisite for adaptation. Whether farmers are adapting agricultural practices to climate change depends on whether they perceive it or not. However, this is not always enough for adaptation. It is important how a farmer perceives the risks associated with climate change.

Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage?

(a) Adaptation to climate climate change and mitigation response are basically the responsibilities of the government.
(b) Climate change causes a change in government policies regarding land use patterns in the country.
(c) Risk perceptions of farmers are important for motivating them for taking adaptation decisions.
(d) Since mitigation is not governments should should come possible, up with policies for quick response to climate change.

Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 CSAT

Model Answer:

Q1: Correct Answer – (c) Risk perceptions of farmers are important for motivating them for taking adaptation decisions.

Explanation – 
The correct answer is (c) Risk perceptions of farmers are important for motivating them for taking adaptation decisions. This is the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author because the passage discusses the importance of farmers’ perception of climate change risks and how it affects their ability to adapt. The passage also mentions that adaptation to climate change is paramount, suggesting that farmers need to make adaptation decisions based on their risk perceptions.

More Questions:

Q. The last end of the state is not to dominate men, nor to restrain them by fear; rather it is so to free each man from fear that he may live and act with full security and without injury to himself or his neighbour. The end of the state, I repeat, is not to make rational beings into brute beasts and machines. It is to enable their bodies and their minds to function safely. It is to lead men to live by, and to exercise, a free reason; that they may not waste their strength in hatred, anger and guile, nor act unfairly toward one another.

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