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Passage
Many argue that rapid technological change will raise agricultural yields so much by late this century that any reduction caused by global warming would easily be more than offset. But technological change is a false panacea for several reasons. First, the green revolution has already slowed. Calculations based on UN Food and Agricultural Organization data show that grain yields, which rose at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent in the 1960s and 1970s, have risen at only a 1.6 per cent annual rate in the past quarter century. Although rising agricultural prices might provide incentives that would slow or reverse this decline, such a response is not assured. Second, even if there is no further slowdown, there is likely to be a close race between rising food demand and rising output. Global food demand is expected to approximately triple by the 2080s because of the higher world population and higher incomes. It also seems quite likely that a sizable share of land will be shifted to the production of biomass for ethanol fuel. As a result, there is a rather precarious balance between supply and demand, which would be seriously worsened by a major adverse shock from global warming
Which one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage? 
  • a)
    Like the green revolution, there is a dire need for technological boost to agricultural productivity.
  • b)
    With the rising demand for food and fuel, global community needs to come up with solutions which could address global warming as well.
  • c)
    Addressing the reasons for the decline in grain yield can help minimise the cases of malnutrition in developing countries.
  • d)
    Organic farming and controlled population growth can help in meeting the future challenge of food security. 
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
PassageMany argue that rapid technological change will raise agricultu...
  • Option (a) is incorrect. The passage mentions, “But technological change is a false panacea for several reasons.” Technology is not the focus of the passage. Author is drawing attention towards the precarious balance between supply and demand when it comes to food, and various challenges that may further deteriorate this balance. Hence, this is not the best message of the author.
  • Option (b) is correct. The passage mentions “Global food demand is expected to approximately triple by the 2080s because of the higher world population and higher incomes. It also seems quite likely that a sizable share of land will be shifted to the production of biomass for ethanol fuel. As a result, there is a rather precarious balance between supply and demand, which would be seriously worsened by a major adverse shock from global warming.” These lines show that food and fuel demand is increasing, and global warming is posing a challenge. So, there is a need to come up with some solutions to address the given challenges. Therefore, this statement best reflects the message of the author.
  • Option (c) is incorrect. The given statement is not correct because it only partially covers the concerns of the author. The author has focused on both supply and demand sides while talking about the precarious balance between food supply and demand. In the lines, “Second, even if there is no further slowdown, there is likely to be a close race between rising food demand and rising output. Global food demand is expected to approximately triple by the 2080s because of the higher world population and higher incomes.” he talks about the challenges on the demand side too. Also, the issue of malnutrition in developing countries has not been discussed in the passage.  Therefore, this statement is not correct.
  • Option (d) is incorrect. The given statement is not correct, because the context of organic farming and population control has not been covered in the passage. So, this cannot be the best message of the author. 
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PassageMany argue that rapid technological change will raise agricultural yields so much by late this century that any reduction caused by global warming would easily be more than offset. But technological change is a false panacea for several reasons. First, the green revolution has already slowed. Calculations based on UN Food and Agricultural Organization data show that grain yields, which rose at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent in the 1960s and 1970s, have risen at only a 1.6 per cent annual rate in the past quarter century. Although rising agricultural prices might provide incentives that would slow or reverse this decline, such a response is not assured. Second, even if there is no further slowdown, there is likely to be a close race between rising food demand and rising output. Global food demand is expected to approximately triple by the 2080s because of the higher world population and higher incomes. It also seems quite likely that a sizable share of land will be shifted to the production of biomass for ethanol fuel. As a result, there is a rather precarious balance between supply and demand, which would be seriously worsened by a major adverse shock from global warmingWhich one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage?a)Like the green revolution, there is a dire need for technological boost to agricultural productivity.b)With the rising demand for food and fuel, global community needs to come up with solutions which could address global warming as well.c)Addressing the reasons for the decline in grain yield can help minimise the cases of malnutrition in developing countries.d)Organic farming and controlled population growth can help in meeting the future challenge of food security.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
PassageMany argue that rapid technological change will raise agricultural yields so much by late this century that any reduction caused by global warming would easily be more than offset. But technological change is a false panacea for several reasons. First, the green revolution has already slowed. Calculations based on UN Food and Agricultural Organization data show that grain yields, which rose at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent in the 1960s and 1970s, have risen at only a 1.6 per cent annual rate in the past quarter century. Although rising agricultural prices might provide incentives that would slow or reverse this decline, such a response is not assured. Second, even if there is no further slowdown, there is likely to be a close race between rising food demand and rising output. Global food demand is expected to approximately triple by the 2080s because of the higher world population and higher incomes. It also seems quite likely that a sizable share of land will be shifted to the production of biomass for ethanol fuel. As a result, there is a rather precarious balance between supply and demand, which would be seriously worsened by a major adverse shock from global warmingWhich one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage?a)Like the green revolution, there is a dire need for technological boost to agricultural productivity.b)With the rising demand for food and fuel, global community needs to come up with solutions which could address global warming as well.c)Addressing the reasons for the decline in grain yield can help minimise the cases of malnutrition in developing countries.d)Organic farming and controlled population growth can help in meeting the future challenge of food security.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about PassageMany argue that rapid technological change will raise agricultural yields so much by late this century that any reduction caused by global warming would easily be more than offset. But technological change is a false panacea for several reasons. First, the green revolution has already slowed. Calculations based on UN Food and Agricultural Organization data show that grain yields, which rose at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent in the 1960s and 1970s, have risen at only a 1.6 per cent annual rate in the past quarter century. Although rising agricultural prices might provide incentives that would slow or reverse this decline, such a response is not assured. Second, even if there is no further slowdown, there is likely to be a close race between rising food demand and rising output. Global food demand is expected to approximately triple by the 2080s because of the higher world population and higher incomes. It also seems quite likely that a sizable share of land will be shifted to the production of biomass for ethanol fuel. As a result, there is a rather precarious balance between supply and demand, which would be seriously worsened by a major adverse shock from global warmingWhich one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage?a)Like the green revolution, there is a dire need for technological boost to agricultural productivity.b)With the rising demand for food and fuel, global community needs to come up with solutions which could address global warming as well.c)Addressing the reasons for the decline in grain yield can help minimise the cases of malnutrition in developing countries.d)Organic farming and controlled population growth can help in meeting the future challenge of food security.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for PassageMany argue that rapid technological change will raise agricultural yields so much by late this century that any reduction caused by global warming would easily be more than offset. But technological change is a false panacea for several reasons. First, the green revolution has already slowed. Calculations based on UN Food and Agricultural Organization data show that grain yields, which rose at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent in the 1960s and 1970s, have risen at only a 1.6 per cent annual rate in the past quarter century. Although rising agricultural prices might provide incentives that would slow or reverse this decline, such a response is not assured. Second, even if there is no further slowdown, there is likely to be a close race between rising food demand and rising output. Global food demand is expected to approximately triple by the 2080s because of the higher world population and higher incomes. It also seems quite likely that a sizable share of land will be shifted to the production of biomass for ethanol fuel. As a result, there is a rather precarious balance between supply and demand, which would be seriously worsened by a major adverse shock from global warmingWhich one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage?a)Like the green revolution, there is a dire need for technological boost to agricultural productivity.b)With the rising demand for food and fuel, global community needs to come up with solutions which could address global warming as well.c)Addressing the reasons for the decline in grain yield can help minimise the cases of malnutrition in developing countries.d)Organic farming and controlled population growth can help in meeting the future challenge of food security.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for PassageMany argue that rapid technological change will raise agricultural yields so much by late this century that any reduction caused by global warming would easily be more than offset. But technological change is a false panacea for several reasons. First, the green revolution has already slowed. Calculations based on UN Food and Agricultural Organization data show that grain yields, which rose at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent in the 1960s and 1970s, have risen at only a 1.6 per cent annual rate in the past quarter century. Although rising agricultural prices might provide incentives that would slow or reverse this decline, such a response is not assured. Second, even if there is no further slowdown, there is likely to be a close race between rising food demand and rising output. Global food demand is expected to approximately triple by the 2080s because of the higher world population and higher incomes. It also seems quite likely that a sizable share of land will be shifted to the production of biomass for ethanol fuel. As a result, there is a rather precarious balance between supply and demand, which would be seriously worsened by a major adverse shock from global warmingWhich one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage?a)Like the green revolution, there is a dire need for technological boost to agricultural productivity.b)With the rising demand for food and fuel, global community needs to come up with solutions which could address global warming as well.c)Addressing the reasons for the decline in grain yield can help minimise the cases of malnutrition in developing countries.d)Organic farming and controlled population growth can help in meeting the future challenge of food security.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of PassageMany argue that rapid technological change will raise agricultural yields so much by late this century that any reduction caused by global warming would easily be more than offset. But technological change is a false panacea for several reasons. First, the green revolution has already slowed. Calculations based on UN Food and Agricultural Organization data show that grain yields, which rose at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent in the 1960s and 1970s, have risen at only a 1.6 per cent annual rate in the past quarter century. Although rising agricultural prices might provide incentives that would slow or reverse this decline, such a response is not assured. Second, even if there is no further slowdown, there is likely to be a close race between rising food demand and rising output. Global food demand is expected to approximately triple by the 2080s because of the higher world population and higher incomes. It also seems quite likely that a sizable share of land will be shifted to the production of biomass for ethanol fuel. As a result, there is a rather precarious balance between supply and demand, which would be seriously worsened by a major adverse shock from global warmingWhich one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage?a)Like the green revolution, there is a dire need for technological boost to agricultural productivity.b)With the rising demand for food and fuel, global community needs to come up with solutions which could address global warming as well.c)Addressing the reasons for the decline in grain yield can help minimise the cases of malnutrition in developing countries.d)Organic farming and controlled population growth can help in meeting the future challenge of food security.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of PassageMany argue that rapid technological change will raise agricultural yields so much by late this century that any reduction caused by global warming would easily be more than offset. But technological change is a false panacea for several reasons. First, the green revolution has already slowed. Calculations based on UN Food and Agricultural Organization data show that grain yields, which rose at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent in the 1960s and 1970s, have risen at only a 1.6 per cent annual rate in the past quarter century. Although rising agricultural prices might provide incentives that would slow or reverse this decline, such a response is not assured. Second, even if there is no further slowdown, there is likely to be a close race between rising food demand and rising output. Global food demand is expected to approximately triple by the 2080s because of the higher world population and higher incomes. It also seems quite likely that a sizable share of land will be shifted to the production of biomass for ethanol fuel. As a result, there is a rather precarious balance between supply and demand, which would be seriously worsened by a major adverse shock from global warmingWhich one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage?a)Like the green revolution, there is a dire need for technological boost to agricultural productivity.b)With the rising demand for food and fuel, global community needs to come up with solutions which could address global warming as well.c)Addressing the reasons for the decline in grain yield can help minimise the cases of malnutrition in developing countries.d)Organic farming and controlled population growth can help in meeting the future challenge of food security.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for PassageMany argue that rapid technological change will raise agricultural yields so much by late this century that any reduction caused by global warming would easily be more than offset. But technological change is a false panacea for several reasons. First, the green revolution has already slowed. Calculations based on UN Food and Agricultural Organization data show that grain yields, which rose at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent in the 1960s and 1970s, have risen at only a 1.6 per cent annual rate in the past quarter century. Although rising agricultural prices might provide incentives that would slow or reverse this decline, such a response is not assured. Second, even if there is no further slowdown, there is likely to be a close race between rising food demand and rising output. Global food demand is expected to approximately triple by the 2080s because of the higher world population and higher incomes. It also seems quite likely that a sizable share of land will be shifted to the production of biomass for ethanol fuel. As a result, there is a rather precarious balance between supply and demand, which would be seriously worsened by a major adverse shock from global warmingWhich one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage?a)Like the green revolution, there is a dire need for technological boost to agricultural productivity.b)With the rising demand for food and fuel, global community needs to come up with solutions which could address global warming as well.c)Addressing the reasons for the decline in grain yield can help minimise the cases of malnutrition in developing countries.d)Organic farming and controlled population growth can help in meeting the future challenge of food security.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of PassageMany argue that rapid technological change will raise agricultural yields so much by late this century that any reduction caused by global warming would easily be more than offset. But technological change is a false panacea for several reasons. First, the green revolution has already slowed. Calculations based on UN Food and Agricultural Organization data show that grain yields, which rose at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent in the 1960s and 1970s, have risen at only a 1.6 per cent annual rate in the past quarter century. Although rising agricultural prices might provide incentives that would slow or reverse this decline, such a response is not assured. Second, even if there is no further slowdown, there is likely to be a close race between rising food demand and rising output. Global food demand is expected to approximately triple by the 2080s because of the higher world population and higher incomes. It also seems quite likely that a sizable share of land will be shifted to the production of biomass for ethanol fuel. As a result, there is a rather precarious balance between supply and demand, which would be seriously worsened by a major adverse shock from global warmingWhich one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage?a)Like the green revolution, there is a dire need for technological boost to agricultural productivity.b)With the rising demand for food and fuel, global community needs to come up with solutions which could address global warming as well.c)Addressing the reasons for the decline in grain yield can help minimise the cases of malnutrition in developing countries.d)Organic farming and controlled population growth can help in meeting the future challenge of food security.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice PassageMany argue that rapid technological change will raise agricultural yields so much by late this century that any reduction caused by global warming would easily be more than offset. But technological change is a false panacea for several reasons. First, the green revolution has already slowed. Calculations based on UN Food and Agricultural Organization data show that grain yields, which rose at an annual rate of 2.7 per cent in the 1960s and 1970s, have risen at only a 1.6 per cent annual rate in the past quarter century. Although rising agricultural prices might provide incentives that would slow or reverse this decline, such a response is not assured. Second, even if there is no further slowdown, there is likely to be a close race between rising food demand and rising output. Global food demand is expected to approximately triple by the 2080s because of the higher world population and higher incomes. It also seems quite likely that a sizable share of land will be shifted to the production of biomass for ethanol fuel. As a result, there is a rather precarious balance between supply and demand, which would be seriously worsened by a major adverse shock from global warmingWhich one of the following statements best reflects the message of the author of the passage?a)Like the green revolution, there is a dire need for technological boost to agricultural productivity.b)With the rising demand for food and fuel, global community needs to come up with solutions which could address global warming as well.c)Addressing the reasons for the decline in grain yield can help minimise the cases of malnutrition in developing countries.d)Organic farming and controlled population growth can help in meeting the future challenge of food security.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
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