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CSAT 2019 paper

UPSC CSE CSAT 2019 · Question 61 · Reading comprehension

Which one of the following is the most logical, rational and crucial inference that can be derived…

Directions for the following 7 (seven) items: Read the following five passages and answer the items that follow each passage. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage—1

India’s economic footprint, given its population, still remains small compared to the US, the European Union or China. It has much to learn from other economies, yet must implement solutions that fit its unique circumstances. India especially needs an effective long-term regulatory system based on collaboration rather than the current top-down approach. Regulations seek desirable outcomes yet are repeatedly used as political tools to push one agenda or another. Often, regulations fail to consider impacts on jobs and economic growth — or less restrictive alternatives. Regulations may be used to protect local markets at the expense of more widely shared prosperity in the future. Additionally, regulations inevitably result in numerous unintended consequences. In today’s hyper competitive global economy, regulations need to be viewed as “weapons” that seek cost-justified social and environmental benefits while improving the economic well-being of most citizens.

CSAT 2019 · Q61

Reading comprehension Medium

Which one of the following is the most logical, rational and crucial inference that can be derived from the above passage?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) In a competitive global economy, India must use regulations strategically.

The passage closes by saying that in a hyper competitive global economy regulations must be seen as 'weapons' that seek cost-justified social and environmental benefits while improving citizens' economic well-being. That is a call to use regulation strategically.

  • ✗ (a) India's small footprint is noted, but the passage does not claim better regulation will bring the economy to a size matching its population.
  • ✓ (b) Regulations as 'weapons' in a 'hyper competitive global economy', chosen for cost-justified benefits — this is strategic use.
  • ✗ (c) The criticisms (political tools, unintended consequences) are of regulations in general; the passage does not say India's rules block global integration.
  • ✗ (d) Jobs and growth are impacts regulations often ignore, but the passage wants them balanced with social and environmental benefits, not made dominant.

Remember · The concluding sentence often carries the crucial inference; reject options that make one of several listed concerns 'dominant'.

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2019, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·

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