UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT, question 13

Topic: Reading comprehension

Directions · Q11 to Q14

Directions for the following 4 (four) items :
Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow the passages. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage · Q13 to Q14

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.

Q13

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.Correct answer

Solution.

Answer: (d) Insecurity, more than poverty, is the main economic issue that Government policies must address.

The opening sentence states that 'insecurity, more than poverty, is the most acutely felt economic problem', affecting both those below and those just above the poverty line.
The closing sentence notes that many Government policies are intended to mitigate these economic insecurities, which matches option (d).