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CSAT 2017 paper

UPSC CSE CSAT 2017 · Question 5 · Reading comprehension

Which of the following is the most crucial inference from the above passage?

Passage—5

In the last two decades, the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) has increased by 50 per cent, whereas inclusive wealth has increased by a mere 6 per cent. In recent decades, GDP-driven economic performance has only harmed inclusive wealth like human capital; and natural capital like forests, land and water. While the world’s human capital which stands at 57 per cent of total inclusive wealth grew by only 8 per cent, the natural capital which is 23 per cent of total inclusive wealth declined by 30 per cent worldwide in the last two decades.

CSAT 2017 · Q5

Reading comprehension Medium

Which of the following is the most crucial inference from the above passage?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) The growth driven by GDP only is neither desirable nor sustainable.

World GDP grew by 50 per cent while inclusive wealth grew by only 6 per cent, and natural capital actually fell by 30 per cent. GDP-driven growth is eating into the wealth it rests on, so growth driven by GDP alone is neither desirable nor sustainable.

  • ✗ (a) Natural capital is only one part of the story; the passage's criticism is of GDP-driven growth as a whole, which also held back human capital.
  • ✓ (b) GDP rose sharply while inclusive wealth barely moved and natural capital shrank — growth measured by GDP alone harms human and natural capital, so it can neither last nor be welcomed.
  • ✗ (c) The passage does not judge the countries' economic performance in general — GDP in fact grew by 50 per cent. It questions the kind of growth.
  • ✗ (d) Human capital grew slowly, but the passage does not argue that the world needs more of it; its target is GDP-only growth.

Remember · For the 'most crucial inference', prefer the option that captures the whole contrast (here GDP versus inclusive wealth), not one fragment of the data.

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2017, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·

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