(e) Statement 1 - The results (manifested in the present) are always the function of the causes that existed in the past. Statement 2 - Murali has secured 1st rank in the exam (result manifested in the present) although he did not study hard (causes in the past). So, the Statement 2 does not supplement Statement 1. So, (c) is wrong. A is wrong, because if Statement 2 is right than Statement 1 can not be invalid as there are chances that Murali is an extraordinary or intelligent student or he might have adopted to unfair means to secure the 1st rank. For the same reason Statement 2 does not contradicts Statement 1. Thus (b) is also wrong. (d) is irrelevant and does not make any sense. (e) - Statement 1 will hold true even if Statement 2 is valid - is absolutely correct because of the various possible reasons discussed above.