Cause–Effect Pairing: I) State X imposes a higher sales tax on petroleum products than neighboring states. II) All petrol pumps in the state observe a “bandh” in protest.
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AIf statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect.
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BIf statement II is the cause and statement I is its effect.
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CIf both the statements I and II are independent causes.
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DIf both the statements I and II are effects of independent causes.
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: If statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect.
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The stems describe a policy action (tax increase) and an organized protest (bandh). We must identify the direction of causality.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- I) Higher sales tax on petroleum products in State X vs. neighbors.
- II) Statewide petrol pump bandh in protest.
Concept / Approach:Industry protests commonly follow price/tax hikes that reduce margins or demand. The bandh is a direct response to I.
Step-by-Step Solution:1) The policy shock (I) provides immediate grievance.2) Collective action (II) is a plausible effect.3) Reverse causality (II → I) lacks logic: protests do not precede a change they are protesting.
Verification / Alternative check:Temporal sequence and motive alignment favor I → II.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:(b) reverses order; (c) and (d) deny linkage despite obvious protest-cause structure.
Common Pitfalls:Overcomplicating straightforward policy–protest relationships.
Final Answer:I is the cause; II is its effect.