With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. There is no need for the State to be involved in any manner in the handloom sector. II. Handloom products are no longer appealing and attractive in the rapidly changing modern world. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

1. A. I only
2. B. II only
3. C. Both I and II
4. D. Neither I nor II

Answer: D

Explanation

Assumption I is invalid. The passage states that the cultural link provides a “legitimate basis for the State to support the sector.” While the author critiques the *narrative* used to justify this support, they do not argue for a complete withdrawal of state involvement. Assumption II is also invalid. The passage attributes the lack of appeal to *how* handlooms are framed (as a rigid symbol of tradition), leading sections of the population to ignore them. It does not suggest that the products themselves are inherently unappealing or unattractive in the modern world, but rather that their perception needs to change. This question tests the ability to differentiate between the author’s critique of a narrative and a complete rejection of the underlying concept or product, a nuanced reading skill essential for UPSC CSAT.