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UPSC Prelims 2025 CSAT, question 3

Topic: Reading comprehension

Directions · Q1 to Q4

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 · Q3 to Q4

The history of renewable energy suggests there is a steep learning curve, meaning that, as more is produced, costs fall rapidly because of economies of scale and learning by doing. The firms' green innovation is path-dependent : the more a firm does, the more it is likely to do in the future. The strongest evidence for this is the collapse in the price of solar energy, which became about 90% cheaper during the 2010s, repeatedly beating forecasts. Moving early and gradually gives economies more time to adjust, allowing them to reap the benefits of path-dependent green investment without much disruption. A late, more chaotic transition is costlier.

Q3

Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the passage ?

  1. (a) Economies of scale is essential for transition to green growth.
  2. (b) Modern technological progress is intensely linked to path-dependent innovations.
  3. (c) Countries with large economies are in a better position to adopt green technologies.
  4. (d) Timing plays a crucial role in the case of green technology development.Correct answer

Solution.

Answer: (d) Timing plays a crucial role in the case of green technology development.

  1. While the passage notes economies of scale and path-dependent green innovation (illustrated by solar energy), these premises lead to its central conclusion in the final two sentences.
  2. The author concludes that moving early and gradually allows economies to adjust and reap path-dependent benefits without disruption, whereas a late transition is chaotic and costlier, showing that timing plays a crucial role.