UPSC Prelims 2018— Question 62

**Concept and analysis:** General relativity predicts that gravity is associated with the curvature of spacetime, that light follows curved paths in gravitational fields, and that the geometry of spacetime evolves in cosmological settings. The observed expansion of the universe is described within relativistic cosmology. Thus all three phenomena can be related to predictions and consequences of Einstein's general theory of relativity. The question is testing precise UPSC-level identification rather than a broad association. The key is to distinguish the exact institutional, constitutional, historical, geographical, economic or scientific feature being asked. **Option-wise evaluation** **Option A:** Incorrect. It selects 1 and 2 only, but that combination does not match the verified statement-level assessment; it either includes a false statement or omits a true one. **Option B:** Incorrect. It selects 3 only, but that combination does not match the verified statement-level assessment; it either includes a false statement or omits a true one. **Option C:** Incorrect. It selects 1 and 3 only, but that combination does not match the verified statement-level assessment; it either includes a false statement or omits a true one. **Option D:** Correct. It selects statements 1, 2, 3; these are the statements supported by the relevant constitutional, economic, historical, scientific or geographical facts. **UPSC takeaway:** The safest way to solve this type of question is to anchor the answer in the defining feature of the concept and then test every option against that feature. Closely related institutions or terms are often used as distractors. In statement-based questions, do not judge the option as a whole before checking each statement independently. In factual questions, compare the wording of each option with the exact definition, location, institutional role, chronology or scientific property. The correct answer follows from that verification rather than from familiarity with a keyword.