Question 1

Assertion–Reason (Evaluate Truth and Explanation): Assertion (A): Everyone enjoys being part of India’s festivals. Reason (R): India’s festivals are colorful.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Statements about culture must avoid universal quantifiers (“everyone”). We test each statement independently and then the explanatory link. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Universal claim about enjoyment by “everyone.” (R) Festivals in India are colorful—widely recognized as true. Concept / Approach: Universal claims are invalidated by counterexamples. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) (A) is false: enjoyment is subjective; some may not enjoy crowds/rituals/noise.2) (R) is true in general descriptive sense.3) A false cannot be explained by a true (and irrelevant) reason. Verification / Alternative check: Examples exist of individuals opting out, proving (A) false. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a)/(b) require (A) true; (c) claims (R) false; (e) denies (R). Common Pitfalls: Treating cultural descriptors as universal obligations. Final Answer: Option D: (A) false, (R) true.

Question 2

Assertion–Reason (Evaluate Truth and Explanation): Assertion (A): Mobile phones have penetrated the remotest areas of the country, and now almost everyone uses smartphones. Reason (R): Smartphones have replaced older phones and companies compete to …

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The assertion makes two strong claims—near-universal smartphone use and penetration into the remotest areas. The reason describes market dynamics. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Uses “almost everyone,” which is too strong; digital divides persist. (R) States that smartphones replaced older phones and firms compete—generally true as market trend. Concept / Approach: Separate descriptive market facts from over-generalized adoption claims. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) (A) is false due to affordability, age, accessibility, and preference gaps.2) (R) is largely true: rapid product cycles and migration from feature phones exist.3) A false assertion cannot be explained by a true reason. Verification / Alternative check: Even with wide 4G/5G availability, some remote zones/users lack smartphones. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a)/(b) require (A) true; (c) requires (R) false; (e) claims both false. Common Pitfalls: Equating high penetration with universality; ignoring last-mile constraints. Final Answer: Option D: (A) false, (R) true.

Question 3

Assertion–Reason (Evaluate Truth and Explanation): Assertion (A): The needle of a compass always points towards the North. Reason (R): The needle is painted red.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: We test a physical fact about magnetism against an irrelevant cosmetic reason. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Idealized: a magnetized needle aligns roughly with Earth’s magnetic field, pointing north–south (one tip “towards North”). (R) Claims paint color causes the effect. Concept / Approach: Magnetic alignment is due to torque on a magnetic dipole in Earth’s magnetic field; paint color is irrelevant. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) (A) True in principle (allowing for local declination/variation).2) (R) False: red paint is a convention to mark the north-seeking end; it does not cause alignment.3) Hence (R) cannot explain (A). Verification / Alternative check: Unpainted but magnetized needles still align; painted but unmagnetized ones do not. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a)/(b) require (R) true; (d)/(e) misstate (A). Common Pitfalls: Confusing indicators (paint) with causes (magnetism). Final Answer: Option C: (A) true, (R) false.

Question 4

Assertion–Reason (Evaluate Truth and Explanation): Assertion (A): Fewer people today are smokers compared to the past. Reason (R): With film stars not shown smoking in films, smoking is no longer glamorous.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The assertion claims a downward trend in smoking prevalence; the reason attributes it to portrayal in films. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Broadly true in many regions due to policy and awareness. (R) Overgeneralizes the causal driver to film portrayal alone. Concept / Approach: Reductions in smoking result from multi-factor interventions: taxation, bans, warnings, cessation aids, and social norms, not solely film depictions. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Accept (A) as generally true.2) (R) is not strictly true as a universal statement and is at best a minor factor.3) Therefore (R) neither is fully true nor explains (A). Verification / Alternative check: Places with strong tobacco control show declines regardless of film portrayals. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a)/(b) require (R) true; (d)/(e) contradict prevailing trends. Common Pitfalls: Attributing complex public-health outcomes to a single media factor. Final Answer: Option C: (A) true, (R) false.

Question 5

Assertion–Reason (Evaluate Truth and Explanation): Assertion (A): The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Reason (R): The Taj Mahal is a monument of love.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: We distinguish an aesthetic claim from a historical/cultural descriptor. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Widely held view about architectural beauty. (R) Describes symbolic purpose (“monument of love”). Concept / Approach: True statements do not necessarily form a correct explanatory pair. Beauty arises from design, symmetry, materials, craftsmanship—not merely the monument’s dedication. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) (A) True as a widely accepted aesthetic judgment.2) (R) True as a standard description of intent/symbolism.3) (R) does not logically explain the beauty asserted in (A). Verification / Alternative check: Non-“love” monuments can be beautiful; dedication is not a causal aesthetic factor. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a) claims explanatory adequacy that is missing; (c)/(d)/(e) mis-evaluate truth values. Common Pitfalls: Confusing symbolism with design-based beauty. Final Answer: Option B: Both true; (R) is not the correct explanation.

Question 6

Assertion–Reason (Two Reasons): Assertion (A): Indians are employed in large numbers in software companies across the world. Reason (R1): Indians have the advantage of English-medium education. Reason (R2): Indians are genetically intelligent.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: We evaluate which of the two proposed reasons plausibly supports the assertion about employment patterns in global software firms. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Many Indians work in global software companies. (R1) English-medium education provides communication and documentation advantages. (R2) A genetic-intelligence claim is presented. Concept / Approach: Valid explanations should be evidence-based and non-essentialist. Language proficiency, large STEM graduate base, cost arbitrage, and ecosystem maturity are widely cited contributors. Genetic essentialism is unscientific and not an acceptable explanatory basis. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Accept (A) as broadly true.2) (R1) plausibly contributes (communication/client interaction, global collaboration, documentation).3) (R2) is a flawed, biased generalization lacking scientific grounding and is not an acceptable reason. Verification / Alternative check: Additional valid factors (training, policy, industry clusters) reinforce that (R1) can be a reason even without (R2). Why Other Options Are Wrong: (b) assigns weight to (R2); (c) validates both; (d) discards a sound factor (R1); (e) hedges without justification. Common Pitfalls: Accepting essentialist/genetic explanations for complex socioeconomic outcomes. Final Answer: Option A: Only (R1) is the reason.

Question 7

Assertion–Reason (Two Reasons): Assertion (A): R. K. Laxman was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award. Reason (R1): R. K. Laxman was a renowned Indian author who wrote in English. Reason (R2): R. K. Laxman created the iconic “Common Man” character.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This Assertion–Reason item tests whether each proposed reason genuinely supports the recognition of R. K. Laxman with the Padma Vibhushan. The award is India’s second-highest civilian honour, typically conferred for exceptional and distinguished service. We must judge the truth of (A), then evaluate (R1) and (R2) as possible explanations. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) states Laxman received the Padma Vibhushan. (R1) identifies him primarily as an English-language author. (R2) credits him with creating the “Common Man,” the widely recognized cartoon figure. Concept / Approach: To validate an explanation, confirm factual correctness and causal relevance. The reason should accurately reflect the person’s distinguished contribution for which such an honour is typically bestowed. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Truth of (A): R. K. Laxman is celebrated for decades of influential cartooning; the assertion is acceptable as a statement of national recognition.2) Evaluate (R1): Though Laxman did write columns and books, his identity and renown rest chiefly on cartooning—not on being an “English author.” Thus (R1) mischaracterizes his primary contribution and is not a good reason.3) Evaluate (R2): The “Common Man” is Laxman’s signature creation and an enduring cultural symbol. This precisely captures the nature of his distinguished contribution and thus provides a sound explanatory link to (A). Verification / Alternative check: His career-defining work was political and social satire via cartoons, consistently associated with the “Common Man.” The honour aligns with that cultural impact. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a) validates the wrong reason; (c) accepts both, but (R1) is inaccurate; (d) rejects both, ignoring (R2)’s clear relevance; (e) hedges without need, since (R2) alone suffices. Common Pitfalls: Confusing primary contribution (cartooning) with ancillary writing; assuming any published author label is an adequate explanation for the award. Final Answer: Option B: Only (R2) is the reason.

Question 8

Assertion–Reason (Two Reasons): Assertion (A): A number of activists want total prohibition on alcoholic drinks. Reason (R1): Consuming alcohol kills people. Reason (R2): Consumption of alcohol is very often a social ill.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The stem asks which stated reason better explains activist demands for prohibition. We must check the factual strength and generality of (R1) and (R2) and whether they plausibly motivate calls for prohibition. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Many activists argue for total prohibition. (R1) “Consuming alcohol kills people” is an absolutist claim. (R2) Alcohol is often linked to social ills (violence, accidents, addiction, productivity loss). Concept / Approach: Sound reasons should be framed without sweeping universalities. Public-health and social-order arguments typically focus on harm prevalence and externalities, not absolute fatality claims. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) (R1) is overstated: alcohol consumption does not inevitably kill; risk depends on dose, pattern, and context.2) (R2) aligns with well-documented social harms—domestic violence, road injuries, absenteeism, community disorder—which frequently anchor prohibition demands.3) Therefore, (R2) is a valid explanatory reason, (R1) is not. Verification / Alternative check: Policy debates typically cite measurable social costs and public-health data rather than absolute fatal outcomes. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a) privileges an absolute falsehood; (c) wrongly accepts both; (d) rejects all reasons despite (R2) being sound; (e) unnecessary hedging. Common Pitfalls: Treating complex risk as absolute; ignoring the difference between mortality risk and broader social harms. Final Answer: Option B: Only (R2) explains (A).

Question 9

Assertion–Reason (Two Reasons): Assertion (A): Humans are gregarious (social) animals. Reason (R1): Humans are selfish. Reason (R2): Humans are gifted with the power of logic and thinking.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The assertion states a broad anthropological observation: humans tend to live in groups and build cooperative institutions. We examine whether each reason causally explains that sociality. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Humans are gregarious/social. (R1) Humans are selfish. (R2) Humans possess logic/reasoning. Concept / Approach: Explanations for human sociality typically reference cooperation, interdependence, kin and reciprocal altruism, culture, language, and shared norms—none of which is captured by “selfishness.” Pure cognitive capacity (logic) does not by itself entail gregarious behavior. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Evaluate (R1): Selfishness, if taken literally, often predicts conflict rather than cooperation; while enlightened self-interest can support cooperation, “humans are selfish” is not a direct or sufficient explanation for gregariousness.2) Evaluate (R2): Reasoning ability enables planning and institutions but does not necessitate sociability; solitary rational agents are conceivable. Logic is at best a facilitator, not the cause.3) Hence neither (R1) nor (R2) is an adequate reason for (A). Verification / Alternative check: Classic explanations involve survival benefits of cooperation, division of labour, and cultural evolution—distinct from raw selfishness or abstract logic. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a) and (b) over-assign causal power to single traits; (c) accepts both without justification; (e) is vague and unnecessary. Common Pitfalls: Equating “rational” with “social”; assuming selfishness directly yields group living. Final Answer: Option D: Neither (R1) nor (R2) is the reason.

Question 10

Assertion–Reason (Two Reasons): Assertion (A): The bridge built over the railway track collapsed within a year of its construction. Reason (R1): The bridge had a faulty design. Reason (R2): Kickbacks were paid by the contractor to the engineers.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Infrastructure failures are often multi-causal. We assess whether a technical cause (faulty design) and a governance/ethics cause (kickbacks) can both explain an early bridge collapse. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Catastrophic failure within a year suggests serious defects. (R1) Faulty design can directly cause inadequate load paths, underestimated forces, or material/spec errors. (R2) Kickbacks may distort procurement, oversight, and quality control, raising failure risk. Concept / Approach: In safety-critical systems, collapse likely reflects chains of failure: design, materials, construction, inspection, and governance. A technical flaw (R1) can be compounded by corrupt practices (R2) that reduce scrutiny and quality. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) R1 plausibly explains structural insufficiency (e.g., under-designed girders or bearings).2) R2 plausibly explains how such a flaw could pass through approvals or how substandard materials/workmanship might be accepted.3) Both (R1) and (R2) can jointly contribute to (A); accepting both as reasons is coherent. Verification / Alternative check: Accident investigations frequently identify both technical and organizational causes. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a) and (b) ignore the other plausible dimension; (d) rejects plausible reasons; (e) is needlessly hedged where both are clearly relevant. Common Pitfalls: Seeking a single cause; overlooking governance failures in technical disasters. Final Answer: Option C: Both (R1) and (R2) are reasons.

Question 11

Assertion–Reason (Two Reasons): Assertion (A): Youth music preferences have shifted from Indian ghazals/Bollywood to American hip hop and rock. Reason (R1): American music is more lively. Reason (R2): Ghazals and Bollywood music are difficult to und…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: This item involves cultural preference shifts. We must see whether the stated reasons could plausibly contribute to the asserted change, recognizing that music taste is multi-factorial and subjective. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Claims a shift in youth preferences. (R1) Says American genres are “more lively.” (R2) Says ghazals/Bollywood are “difficult to understand.” Concept / Approach: While both reasons are value-laden, they capture plausible perceived attributes affecting youth choices: tempo/energy for (R1); linguistic/poetic complexity or formalism for (R2). Explanations in cultural domains need not be absolute to be contributory. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Youth may perceive hip hop/rock as higher-energy, dance-friendly—supporting (R1).2) Ghazals can have intricate Urdu/poetic vocabularies; some Bollywood lyrics/styles may feel dated or narrative-specific—supporting (R2) as a contributing barrier.3) Together these can shift aggregate preferences even if many counterexamples exist. Verification / Alternative check: Other drivers (globalization, streaming platforms, peer influence) also operate, but (R1) and (R2) remain credible contributors. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a) or (b) over-privilege a single factor; (d) denies reasonable influences; (e) is unnecessary hedging when both are plausible. Common Pitfalls: Treating cultural claims as universal; ignoring plurality of drivers. Final Answer: Option C: Both (R1) and (R2) are reasons.

Question 12

Assertion–Reason (Two Reasons): Assertion (A): White-collar crimes are increasing rapidly. Reason (R1): People in the private sector are under great stress to earn good money. Reason (R2): The law is slack on white-collar crimes.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: White-collar crimes (fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, corporate bribery) can be influenced by both individual incentives/pressures and institutional deterrence. We ask whether each reason could contribute to a rise in such crimes. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Observes an increase in white-collar crimes. (R1) Highlights financial/competitive stress as motive pressure. (R2) Points to weak enforcement or lenient penalties as enabling factors. Concept / Approach: Crime incidence generally responds to motive and opportunity (or weak deterrence). If both pressure (R1) and lax enforcement (R2) exist, the expected risk–reward calculus may tilt toward more violations. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) (R1) plausibly increases temptation to cheat when rewards are high and oversight imperfect.2) (R2) reduces expected costs (probability * penalty), further encouraging malfeasance.3) Jointly, these drivers can explain a rise in white-collar crime, supporting (A). Verification / Alternative check: Empirical patterns often show spikes where regulation or enforcement lags innovation/complexity. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a) or (b) exclude a relevant co-driver; (d) denies plausible mechanisms; (e) hedges without need. Common Pitfalls: Attributing complex outcomes to a single cause; ignoring deterrence effects. Final Answer: Option C: Both (R1) and (R2) are reasons.

Question 13

Assertion–Reason (Two Reasons): Assertion (A): Capital punishment has been abolished in many countries. Reason (R1): Very few serious crimes occur in most countries. Reason (R2): Most religions consider killing humans to be a sin.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The assertion concerns the policy reality that many states have abolished the death penalty. We evaluate whether moral–religious reasoning or crime incidence explains this abolition. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Abolition exists across numerous jurisdictions. (R1) Claims serious crime is rare—factually doubtful as a global explanation. (R2) Notes religious/moral opposition to killing humans. Concept / Approach: Abolition movements typically cite moral principles (sanctity of life), human-rights norms, risk of wrongful execution, lack of deterrence evidence, and discriminatory application. Low crime rates are not a necessary or general driver. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) (R1) is weak: many abolitionist countries still face serious crimes; abolition often preceded crime declines.2) (R2) is historically consistent with ethical/religious arguments against state killing, which, along with human-rights reasoning, plausibly motivates abolition.3) Thus, accept (R2) and reject (R1) as an explanation. Verification / Alternative check: Abolition correlates more with normative frameworks than with uniform low crime incidence. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a) privileges an inaccurate empirical claim; (c) wrongly includes (R1); (d) denies a core moral driver; (e) needless hedging. Common Pitfalls: Assuming policy change implies crime scarcity; ignoring normative/legal factors. Final Answer: Option B: Only (R2) is the reason.

Question 14

Assertion–Reason (Two Reasons): Assertion (A): The government will impose a new service tax to keep the country clean. Reason (R1): Cleanliness is essential for healthy living. Reason (R2): The country needs money to keep itself clean.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The stem links a proposed cleanliness-oriented tax with two reasons—one normative (public health), one fiscal (funding). We assess whether both can jointly justify the policy. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) A service tax earmarked for cleanliness is planned. (R1) Hygiene and sanitation are essential for health (reduced disease burden). (R2) Public services require revenue streams; cleanliness efforts have ongoing costs. Concept / Approach: Public finance decisions often combine normative goals (improve health/externalities) with practical budget needs. Both reasons can simultaneously hold and motivate the same policy. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) (R1) is valid and provides the “why” (policy objective).2) (R2) is valid and provides the “how” (resource mobilization).3) Hence both reasons together support (A). Verification / Alternative check: Real-world sanitation programs require sustained investment beyond initial campaigns; taxes/fees often fund them. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a) or (b) ignore the complementary nature of the reasons; (d) denies obvious rationales; (e) is unnecessary hedging. Common Pitfalls: Thinking policy needs a single justification; neglecting fiscal feasibility. Final Answer: Option C: Both (R1) and (R2) are reasons.

Question 15

Assertion–Reason (Two Reasons): Assertion (A): “Religion is the opium of the people.” Reason (R1): Opium is soothing. Reason (R2): Religion is good.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The assertion paraphrases a famous metaphor likening religion’s social/psychological role to opium’s palliative effects. We must decide which reason best captures that metaphorical linkage. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Religion functions like “opium” for people. (R1) Opium is soothing (palliative, pain-dulling). (R2) Religion is good (a moral value claim). Concept / Approach: The metaphor emphasizes comfort/soothing/escape from hardship—not a moral evaluation. Thus a statement about opium’s palliative feature aligns; a blanket moral valuation does not address the analogy’s mechanism. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) (R1) captures the operative aspect of the metaphor—soothing or numbing pain (psychological relief).2) (R2) asserts “goodness,” which neither explains the metaphor nor follows from it; the metaphor is descriptive/critical rather than a moral endorsement.3) Therefore only (R1) supports (A). Verification / Alternative check: Readings of the phrase stress relief/escapism elements rather than a moral appraisal. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (b) elevates an irrelevant moral claim; (c) includes (R2) without justification; (d) denies the aptness of (R1); (e) hedges needlessly. Common Pitfalls: Confusing descriptive metaphors with moral judgments; reading “opium” as praise. Final Answer: Option A: Only (R1) explains the assertion.

Question 16

Assertion–Reason (Two Reasons): Assertion (A): Man–animal conflict is on the rise. Reason (R1): Over the years, humans have become more hostile and aggressive. Reason (R2): There is a clash of interests between humans and animals.

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The assertion notes rising human–wildlife conflict. We must evaluate whether a generalized claim about human hostility or a structural “clash of interests” better explains the trend. Given Data / Assumptions: (A) Conflict incidents are increasing. (R1) Posits increased human hostility/aggression over time. (R2) Posits structural conflict due to overlapping needs (land, water, food, safety). Concept / Approach: Human–wildlife conflict typically emerges from habitat fragmentation, encroachment, resource competition, crop depredation, and settlement expansion—classic interest clashes—rather than shifts in individual-level hostility traits. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) (R1) is speculative and anthropomorphic; it lacks direct explanatory power for spatial–ecological drivers.2) (R2) correctly identifies the structural cause: overlapping resource use increases encounters and conflict probability.3) Therefore, accept (R2) and reject (R1) as the explanatory reason. Verification / Alternative check: Case studies often point to corridor loss, shrinking prey bases, water sources, and cropland interfaces as conflict hotspots. Why Other Options Are Wrong: (a) overstates (R1); (c) includes an unhelpful generalization; (d) rejects a valid structural account; (e) unnecessary hedging. Common Pitfalls: Explaining ecological conflicts via personality traits rather than landscape and resource dynamics. Final Answer: Option B: Only (R2) explains the assertion.

Question 17

Assertion–Reason (Evaluate which reason(s) truly explain the assertion) Assertion (A): The average weight of an urban person has witnessed an increase over the past few decades. Reason (R1): Food is available in abundance. Reason (R2): Intake of foo…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Urban weight gain is typically multi-factorial, but exam questions of the Assertion–Reason type ask whether the proposed reasons directly and plausibly account for the assertion. Here, we must examine whether abundance of food (R1) and/or a specific dietary pattern plus sedentary lifestyle (R2) serve as reasons for rising average urban weight. Given Data / Assumptions: Assertion: Average urban weight has increased over decades. R1: Food is available in abundance. R2: Diets trend toward high-fat/refined foods, and lifestyles are more sedentary. No additional constraints or time/place qualifiers beyond “urban” and “past few decades.” Concept / Approach: Weight gain (long-run) follows from sustained positive energy balance: calories in > calories out. Abundance (R1) is a contextual enabler but does not by itself force higher intake. In contrast, R2 directly addresses both sides of the energy-balance equation: higher-calorie, lower-satiety foods (intake) and reduced physical activity (expenditure), which jointly increase the probability of sustained caloric surplus. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Test R1 → A: Food abundance may coexist with stable weights when cultural habits, pricing, or awareness limit intake; abundance is neither necessary nor sufficient.2) Test R2 → A: Diets rich in fats/refined cereals elevate energy density; sedentary habits reduce expenditure → likely surplus → gradual weight gain.3) Compare explanatory power: R2 provides a proximate mechanism; R1 is only a background condition. Verification / Alternative check: Populations with abundant food but high activity or whole-food diets may avoid weight gain; conversely, populations with ultra-processed, high-fat/refined diets and sedentary routines show rising average BMI—consistent with R2. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Option A over-credits abundance. Option C wrongly claims both are reasons; R1 is too general. Option D denies clear causal pathways from R2. Common Pitfalls: Confusing availability with consumption; assuming abundance guarantees overeating. Final Answer: If only reason 2 (R2) and not reason 1 (R1) is the reason for the assertion (A).

Question 18

Assertion–Reason (Holiday rail demand) Assertion (A): The Indian Railways will run many special trains during the holiday season. Reason (R1): There is a lot of movement of people during the holiday season across the world (and in India). Reason (R2…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Transport systems add capacity when demand spikes. The question is whether general surge in holiday travel (R1) and observed overcrowding (R2) both justify running special trains (A). Given Data / Assumptions: A: Railways will run multiple specials in holiday periods. R1: Holiday seasons involve large population movements. R2: Trains become overcrowded during these times. Railways can deploy temporary capacity to manage demand and alleviate crowding. Concept / Approach: Supply–demand logic: heightened demand (R1) is a direct cause for adding capacity; overcrowding (R2) is a symptomatic indicator of insufficient capacity and hence a practical reason to add trains. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) R1 → A: Anticipated excess demand makes running specials a proactive planning decision.2) R2 → A: If crowding is already occurring, specials are a reactive mitigation to disperse loads, improve safety, and service quality.3) Thus, both R1 and R2 meaningfully support A. Verification / Alternative check: Historically, rail and bus systems issue extra services on festivals, summer vacations, and long weekends precisely due to R1 and R2. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A or B alone understate the planning plus mitigation rationale; D denies clear operational reasons. Common Pitfalls: Treating R2 as only an effect; in planning terms, overcrowding is also a prompt to add services. Final Answer: If both (R1) and (R2) are reasons for the assertion (A).

Question 19

Assertion–Reason (Why is saffron the costliest spice?) Assertion (A): Saffron is the costliest spice in the world. Reason (R1): Cultivation and production of saffron are painstaking and expensive. Reason (R2): Saffron is highly sought after as a spi…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Saffron’s price reflects extreme labor inputs (stigmas hand-harvested from crocus flowers) and strong culinary/pharmacological demand. The Assertion–Reason test asks whether costliest pricing (A) is explained by production cost (R1) and demand (R2). Given Data / Assumptions: A: Saffron is the costliest spice. R1: Production is painstaking and expensive (very low yield per flower, intense manual labor). R2: Saffron remains highly desired (flavor, color, perceived health/cultural value). Concept / Approach: Price level is co-determined by supply-side scarcity/cost and demand-side willingness to pay. Saffron exhibits both: high marginal cost and limited supply (R1) plus persistent demand (R2). Step-by-Step Solution: 1) R1 → A: High costs and low yields constrain supply → higher equilibrium prices.2) R2 → A: Robust demand sustains those high prices over time.3) Together, R1+R2 provide a complete economic explanation. Verification / Alternative check: If either component vanished (cheap mechanized production or weak demand), price would fall—confirming both reasons matter. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A or B alone are incomplete; D denies clear economics. Common Pitfalls: Assuming a single-cause explanation for market prices when both supply and demand contribute. Final Answer: If both (R1) and (R2) are reasons for the assertion (A).

Question 20

Assertion–Reason (Pamir = “Roof of the World”)  Assertion (A): The Pamir Mountains have been given the name “Roof of the World.” Reason (R1): The Pamirs are in Asia. Reason (R2): The Pamirs protect Asia from natural calamities. Choose which reason(s…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: The epithet “Roof of the World” references very high elevations and central highland plateaus. The task is to test whether the given reasons logically explain the title. Given Data / Assumptions: A: Pamirs are termed the “Roof of the World.” R1: The Pamirs are in Asia (a geographic location fact). R2: The Pamirs protect Asia from natural calamities (a vague and unsubstantiated claim). Concept / Approach: The nickname arises from altitude/physiography (very high terrain at the junction of multiple ranges). R1 is true but locational and not explanatory; R2 is not a recognized reason for the epithet. Step-by-Step Solution: 1) Check R1: Being in Asia does not entail “roof” status; many Asian ranges are not so called.2) Check R2: “Protecting Asia” neither defines nor historically underpins the moniker.3) Hence, neither R1 nor R2 explains A. Verification / Alternative check: An appropriate reason would mention extreme elevations and high plateau characteristics; neither R1 nor R2 does. Why Other Options Are Wrong: A/B/C attribute explanatory power that is missing. Common Pitfalls: Accepting true-but-irrelevant facts (R1) as reasons; relying on unverified generalities (R2). Final Answer: If neither (R1) nor (R2) is the reason for the assertion (A).

Assertion and Reason Questions