UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 24

Correct answer: Option B. Agricultural markets in India have historically been regulated at the state level through Agricultural Produce Market Committee legislation. APMC laws create regulated market yards and prescribe rules for the marketing of notified agricultural produce. The other Acts listed deal with different subjects such as essential commodities, grading, or food products. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “Essential Commodities Act, 1955” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option B: “Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act enacted by States” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Option C: “Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “Food Products Order, 1956 and Meat and Food Products Order, 1973” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.