Statement: Heavy rains hit the state during October, just before the State Assembly elections, and caused heavy damage to standing crops in most parts of the state. Courses of Action: I. Elections should be postponed to give candidates the opportunity to campaign. II. The Government should announce a relief package for those who are affected. Which course(s) of action logically follow(s)?
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AOnly I follows
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BOnly II follows
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CEither I or II follows
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DIf both I and II follows
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ENeither I nor II follows
Answer
Correct Answer: Only II follows
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Natural calamities damaging crops require immediate relief and recovery measures. Election schedules, once announced, are ordinarily maintained unless conduct is impossible; campaigning convenience is not a sufficient ground for postponement.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Event: Heavy rains with widespread crop loss.
- Needs: Compensation, input support, credit relief, and restoration.
- Elections: Scheduled; no claim that polling logistics are impossible.
Concept / Approach:Assess relevance and necessity. Relief (II) directly addresses citizens’ hardship. Postponement (I) serves political actors’ convenience rather than voter welfare, absent evidence that election administration is infeasible.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) I (postpone elections): Not justified merely to allow campaigning; democratic schedules should be preserved unless logistics or safety demand otherwise.2) II (announce relief): Directly addresses damage to farmers through compensation, subsidized inputs, and credit restructuring.3) Therefore, only II follows.Verification / Alternative check:Standard disaster response includes ex-gratia payments, input subsidies, interest subvention, and expedited insurance claims.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• I / Either / Both: I is not logically required by the statement.• Neither: Ignores urgent relief needs.Common Pitfalls:Conflating political convenience with public interest; delaying relief pending elections.
Final Answer:Only II follows.