UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 66

This question tests pulse cropping patterns. The key concept is: Black gram can be grown in both kharif and rabi seasons in India. Green gram does not account for nearly half of total pulse production, and the broad claim that rabi pulse production has declined over three decades is not correct in the form stated. Thus statement 1 is the valid one. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option A. Option A — 1 only: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Black gram can be grown in both kharif and rabi seasons in India. Green gram does not account for nearly half of total pulse production, and the broad claim that rabi pulse production has declined over three decades is not correct in the form stated. Thus statement 1 is the valid one. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. 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: Black gram can be grown in both kharif and rabi seasons in India. Green gram does not account for nearly half of total pulse production, and the broad claim that rabi pulse production has declined over three decades is not correct in the form stated. Thus statement 1 is the valid one. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option C — 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: Black gram can be grown in both kharif and rabi seasons in India. Green gram does not account for nearly half of total pulse production, and the broad claim that rabi pulse production has declined over three decades is not correct in the form stated. Thus statement 1 is the valid one. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — 1, 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: Black gram can be grown in both kharif and rabi seasons in India. Green gram does not account for nearly half of total pulse production, and the broad claim that rabi pulse production has declined over three decades is not correct in the form stated. Thus statement 1 is the valid one. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. 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 A is the verified answer.