"The social order is a sacred right which is the basis of all other rights. Nevertheless, this right does not come from nature, and must therefore be founded on conventions." With reference to the above passage, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Conventions are the sources of rights of man. 2. Rights of man can be exercised only when there is a social order. Select the correct answer using the code given below

The passage states: "The social order is a sacred right which is the basis of all other rights. Nevertheless, this right does not come from nature, and must therefore be founded on conventions."

Let's analyze each statement:

1. Conventions are the sources of rights of man.

   • The passage explicitly states that "The social order... is the basis of all other rights."
   • It then clarifies that this "right [social order]... must therefore be founded on conventions."
   • If the social order, which is the basis of all rights, is founded on conventions, it logically follows that conventions are the ultimate source of these rights. This statement is strongly supported by the passage.

2. Rights of man can be exercised only when there is a social order.

   • The passage states that "The social order... is the basis of all other rights."
   • "Basis" implies a fundamental foundation or prerequisite. If social order is the basis, it suggests that these rights depend on social order for their existence and legitimacy.
   • However, the statement uses the strong qualifier "only when" for their exercise. While the social order provides the framework for true and legitimate rights, and without it, rights might not properly exist or be recognized, the passage does not explicitly state that the act of exercising any claim or freedom is absolutely impossible without a social order. It's a strong inference, but "only when" makes it an absolute claim about exercisability, which might be considered an overreach beyond what is directly stated by "basis." The passage focuses on the origin and foundation of rights, not necessarily the absolute conditions for their attempted exercise. Given the precision required in UPSC questions, this absolute claim might be considered not directly or fully supported.

Based on this analysis, Statement 1 is a direct and strong inference from the text, while Statement 2, though plausible, makes an absolute claim about "exercisability" that might be considered not explicitly or fully supported by the word "basis" alone, leaving room for a very subtle distinction. Therefore, A is the most accurate answer.

The final answer is A