In the above statement, the author implies that:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (b) the existence of a non-commercialized sector in different underdeveloped countries renders the national income comparisons over countries difficult
The author says national income comparisons between underdeveloped and industrialised countries are hard because part of the underdeveloped countries' output never passes through commercial channels. So the non-commercialised sector is what makes such comparisons difficult.
- ✗ (a) 'The entire' output of industrialised countries is an overreach the statement does not make.
- ✓ (b) Output 'produced without passing through the commercial channels' is the stated reason the difficulties are 'particularly serious'.
- ✗ (c) A prescription ('should') the author never makes.
- ✗ (d) The author notes where such output exists; he does not call it a sign of underdevelopment.
Remember · For 'the author implies', restate the author's own cause-and-effect; options adding 'should', 'entire' or a fresh judgement go beyond it.
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2016, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·