Q. Policy makers and media have placed the blame for skyrocketing food prices on a variety of factors, including high fuel prices, bad weather in key food producing countries, and the diversion of land to non-food production.
Increased emphasis, however, has been placed on a surge in demand for food from the most populous emerging economies. It seems highly probable that mass consumption in these countries could be well poised to create a food crisis.
Q 1. With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. Oil producing countries are one of the reasons for high food prices.
2. If there is a food crisis in the world in the near future, it will be in the emerging economies.
Which of the above statements is/are valid?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Question from UPSC Prelims 2021 CSAT Paper
Explanation :
Q1: Correct Answer – (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation – The passage describes various factors that have been blamed for the increase in food prices, including high fuel prices, bad weather in key food producing countries, and the diversion of land to non-food production. It also mentions that increased emphasis has been placed on a surge in demand for food from the most populous emerging economies and that mass consumption in these countries could potentially create a food crisis.
Based on this information provided in the passage, neither assumption 1 nor assumption 2 is valid. Assumption 1 states that “Oil producing countries are one of the reasons for high food prices,” but the passage only mentions high fuel prices as a factor and does not specifically mention oil producing countries. Assumption 2 states that “If there is a food crisis in the world in the near future, it will be in the emerging economies,” but while the passage does mention that mass consumption in emerging economies could potentially create a food crisis, it does not state that this will necessarily happen or that it will only happen in emerging economies.
Therefore, statement (d) “Neither 1 nor 2” is correct.