UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 63

This question tests zero tillage. The key concept is: Zero tillage permits direct seeding without conventional ploughing and can facilitate wheat sowing without burning residues. It also supports direct-seeded rice systems and can increase soil carbon sequestration through reduced disturbance and residue retention. All three propositions are therefore relevant advantages. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option D. Option A — 1 and 2 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Zero tillage permits direct seeding without conventional ploughing and can facilitate wheat sowing without burning residues. It also supports direct-seeded rice systems and can increase soil carbon sequestration through reduced disturbance and residue retention. All three propositions are therefore relevant advantages. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option B — 2 and 3 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Zero tillage permits direct seeding without conventional ploughing and can facilitate wheat sowing without burning residues. It also supports direct-seeded rice systems and can increase soil carbon sequestration through reduced disturbance and residue retention. All three propositions are therefore relevant advantages. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option C — 3 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Zero tillage permits direct seeding without conventional ploughing and can facilitate wheat sowing without burning residues. It also supports direct-seeded rice systems and can increase soil carbon sequestration through reduced disturbance and residue retention. All three propositions are therefore relevant advantages. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — 1, 2 and 3: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Zero tillage permits direct seeding without conventional ploughing and can facilitate wheat sowing without burning residues. It also supports direct-seeded rice systems and can increase soil carbon sequestration through reduced disturbance and residue retention. All three propositions are therefore relevant advantages. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option D is the verified answer.