UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 112: Science and Technology
People drinking water from a shallow hand pump are likely to suffer from all of the following diseases, except
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Shallow hand pumps draw water that can be contaminated by sewage and surface seepage, so people using them risk water-borne infections such as cholera, typhoid and jaundice (hepatitis). Fluorosis comes from excess fluoride dissolved in groundwater from rocks, not from microbes or surface contamination. Remember: infections - contamination; fluorosis - fluoride in water.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Cholera spreads through contaminated water.
- (b) Typhoid spreads through contaminated water.
- (c) Jaundice (hepatitis) can spread through contaminated water.
- (d) Right: fluorosis comes from fluoride in the water, not from contamination.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.