Explanation
- A
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II explains Statement-I
Both correct and II explains I. Coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger (and others) worsened Sahel security.
- B
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
Both correct but II does not explain I. The coups are a direct driver of the instability named in I.
- C
Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
I correct, II incorrect. The takeovers did happen.
- D
Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
I incorrect, II correct. The Sahel security crisis is real.
Summary. Official key is (a). The Sahel has seen a cluster of military takeovers. Those coups and the jihadist insurgencies around them are why the security situation has worsened. Statement-II therefore explains Statement-I.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2018 · Q3 · General Studies · 2 marks
As per the NSSO 70th Round "Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households", consider the following statements: 1. Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agricultural households among its rural households. 2. Out of the total agricultural households in the country, a little over 60 percent belong to OBCs. 3. In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agricultural households reported to have received maximum income from source other than agricultural activities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2026 · Q52 · General Studies · 2 marks
In a multi-ethnic district where both economic competition and historical grievances frequently led to community tensions, a flashpoint has arisen with a Government decision to allocate land for a waste management facility near a tribal hamlet, sparking protests by the tribal community, which claimed that the land was sacred and critical to their cultural identity. At the same time, urban residents and local industries supported the project, citing severe solid waste challenges and health concerns due to lack of a proper disposal site. The conflict has escalated with road blockades, social media campaigns, and allegations of police excesses. As a responsible Government official, you are tasked with resolving the situation through mediation, ensuring a sustainable outcome that balances environmental needs, tribal rights, and urban public health. Consider the following statements with reference to the above: 1. A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives. 2. The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group. 3. Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform - including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives - to build mutual understanding and help de-escalate tensions. 4. Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and sharing findings transparently with both sides to facilitate evidence-based decision-making. Which of the statements given above would contribute to the resolution process?