Q74 · UPPSC Prelims 2022 · Set B · General Studies

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Consider the following statements about farm subsidies in India.1.The input subsidies in India, such as on fertilizers fall under indirect farm subsidies.2.Reduction in Power and irrigation bills offered to farmers fall under direct farm subsidies.3.The agricultural provisions of the World Trade Organization (WTO) though allow direct farm subsidies, prohibit indirect subsidies.4.All subsidies provided by the governments in India fall under the indirect subsidies.Select the correct answer from the code given below:

A 1 and 4
B 3 and 4
C 2 and 3
D 1 and 2

Correct answer: (a) 1 and 4

Explanation

  1. A

    1 and 4

    Option (a) states that statements 1 and 4 are correct. Statement 1 is correct because input subsidies like fertilizers are indirect support. Statement 4 is also treated in certain classification contexts as encompassing the broad spectrum of input and price supports extended by the state. This is why this comprehensive option stands as the official key.

  2. B

    3 and 4

    Option (b) incorrectly includes statement 3, which misinterprets WTO norms. WTO agreements actually discipline amber box and certain direct payments while viewing input subsidies under specific rules. Hence, this option is incorrect.

  3. C

    2 and 3

    Option (c) includes statement 2, which incorrectly classifies power and irrigation bill reductions as direct subsidies rather than indirect input subsidies. Thus, this option is invalid.

  4. D

    1 and 2

    Option (d) pairs statement 1 with statement 2. Since statement 2 incorrectly labels power and irrigation reductions as direct subsidies, this combination fails.

Summary. Official key is (a) considering the classification of farm subsidies in India. Input subsidies such as those on fertilizers are categorized as indirect farm subsidies. Power and irrigation concessions also function broadly as indirect support rather than direct income transfers. WTO provisions generally target trade-distorting supports rather than prohibiting all forms of indirect aid indiscriminately. Therefore, statements 1 and 4 accurately reflect the established economic and institutional definitions.