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XAT 2020 — Decision Making Question 18

Simple EquationsEasy
Passage / Data

Read the following paragraph carefully and answer the question that follows:

A powerful, intelligent king Vanamali once ruled over an ancient kingdom, Vanarajya. The kingdom was known for its high mountains and sprawling plains, and ninety percent of its land was under forest cover. Trade in forest produce was the mainstay of its economy, supported by subsistence agriculture.
With the increase of population, over time the forest in the plains was cleared for agriculture. The forest in the mountains continued to supply nutrient-enriched water and abundant forest produce to the plains. As a result, agricultural yields were bountiful. The plains prospered as compared to the mountains.

Vanamali, afraid of further deforestation, issued a diktat against felling of trees in the mountains. In due course, thanks to the booming agriculture, the king along with plains people began to prosper. However, mountain people became relatively poor, thanks to Vanamali’s diktat.
Which of the following options should mountain people choose to BEST protect their long-term interests?

Answer & solution

Correct answer: Charge a premium on forest produce and issue hunting permits.

  • Charge a premium on forest produce and issue hunting permits.

  • B

    Stop the flow of rivers to the plains.

  • C

    Seek employment in the plains.

  • D

    Sell forest produce exclusively to the neighbouring kingdoms.

  • E

    Ignore Vanamali’s diktat and divert forest land for agriculture.

Solution

Option 2 is incorrect as stopping the flow of rivers will lead to flooding problems for the mountain people. Option 3 does not guarantee that all the mountain people will get employed in the plains. Thus it is incorrect. Selling forest produce exclusively in the neighbouring kingdoms will not solve their problems as there is no guarantee that it will bring in more money or that there is a demand for their produce in the other kingdoms. Eliminate option 4. Option 5 is incorrect as if they ignore the king’s diktat, they will be punished. Only option 1 is correct as it will ensure a steady income to the mountain people.
Hence, option (a).

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XAT 2020 Decision Making Q18: Vanamali, afraid of further deforestation, issued a diktat against felling of trees in the mountains. In due c — Solution | TheCATExam