UPSC CSE 2025 · PYQ · Reading Comprehension / Central Idea · medium
If social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem in India, then insecurity, even more than poverty, is the most acutely felt economic problem. Those below the official poverty line, and in addition, those who are just above the poverty line, are affected by various types of economic insecurities (due to asset and/or health risks, market fluctuations, employment-related uncertainties). The aim of many government policies in fact is to reduce these insecurities.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by this passage?
A.The political executive in India should be aware that poverty and social inequality, and the resultant sense of insecurity is the main social problem.
B.In India, poverty is the primary cause of social inequality and insecurity.
C.Poverty and social inequality are so intricately linked that they present an unmanageable crisis for India.
D.Insecurity, even more than poverty, is the main economic issue that must be addressed by government policies.✓ Correct
Explanation
The passage explicitly states that insecurity, even more than poverty, is the most acutely felt economic problem, and that many government policies aim to reduce these insecurities. Option (d) directly matches this critical message. Option (a) conflates social and economic problems. Option (b) reverses the causal emphasis. Option (c) is exaggerated and not supported by the passage.
💡 Practice unlimited UPSC CSE PYQs + AI-tracked progress on each topic. Sign up free →
More Reading Comprehension / Central Idea questions