We are given two statements:

Statement I:
The meteorological department predicts deficient rainfall during monsoon season.
→ This is related to weather/climate.

Statement II:
The GDP growth estimates have been revised downwards by the government.
→ This is related to economic performance.

Now check each possibility:

1. Is Statement I the cause and Statement II the effect?

No.
A rainfall prediction cannot cause the government to revise GDP growth estimates directly.
GDP revisions depend on multiple economic indicators, not weather predictions.

So cause–effect relationship is not possible.

2. Are both statements effects of a common cause?

No.

Rainfall prediction is an effect of meteorological data.
GDP revision is an effect of economic and financial data.

These two sources of information are completely different → no common cause.

3. Are they effects of independent causes?

Yes.

Statement I is caused by climate analysis.
Statement II is caused by economic analysis.

Each comes from different, unrelated causes.

Correct Answer:

✅ Both the statements I and II are effects of independent causes.

Statement and Argument