Minimalist IAS
CSAT 2020 paper

UPSC CSE CSAT 2020 · Question 5 · Reading comprehension

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

Passage—5

Although most of the Genetically Modified (GM) crops cultivated now are genetically engineered for a single trait, in future, crops genetically engineered for more than one trait will be the norm. Thus, biotechnology’s role in agriculture and the regulation of the same cannot be understood solely in the context of the current generation of GM crops. Instead, there is a need to take a comprehensive look, taking into account various aspects, including socio-economic impacts, so that the potential of the technology can be harnessed while minimizing negative impacts. Given the importance of biotechnology in developing varieties that can help in climate change mitigation and adaptation, not using biotechnology as a part of the climate change action plan cannot be an option. Domestic regulation of biotechnology cannot be viewed in isolation of trade policy and obligations under various international treaties and conventions.

CSAT 2020 · Q5

Reading comprehension Medium

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

  1. 1.Biotechnology regulation is an evolving process.
  2. 2.Participation of people is needed in policy decisions regarding biotechnology regulation.
  3. 3.Biotechnology regulation should take into account socio-economic aspects in decision-making.
  4. 4.Wider involvement of political executive in biotechnology regulation improves its effectiveness in dealing with the country’s trade policies and international obligations.

Which of the above assumptions are valid?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

The passage says regulation cannot be framed only for today's single-trait GM crops because multi-trait crops will be the norm — so regulation must keep evolving (1) — and it asks for a comprehensive look that includes socio-economic impacts (3). Public participation and the political executive are never mentioned.

  • ✓ 1. Regulation 'cannot be understood solely in the context of the current generation of GM crops' because future crops will differ — it has to keep changing with the technology.
  • ✗ 2. The passage does not mention public participation in policy decisions.
  • ✓ 3. It asks for a comprehensive look 'including socio-economic impacts'.
  • ✗ 4. The passage links domestic regulation to trade policy and treaties, but says nothing about the political executive or what improves effectiveness.

Remember · Accept an assumption only when a phrase of the passage supports it; reject statements that bring in new actors such as 'people' or 'political executive'.

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2020, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·

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