UPSC Prelims 2015 · CSAT

Question 43: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “Open defecation is disastrous when practised…” — Passage – 3 · as printed by UPSC

Which among the following is the most critical inference that can be made from the above passage ?

aThe Central and State governments in India do not have enough resources to afford a latrine for each household.

bOpen defecation is the most important public health problem of India.

cOpen defecation reduces the human capital of India’s workforce.

dOpen defecation is a public health problem in all developing countries.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The passage describes how open defecation spreads germs that stop the body absorbing nutrients, leaving children malnourished and stunted, killing many, and leaving mothers underweight with babies who may not reach full cognitive potential. The inference is that open defecation damages the health, size and abilities of the next generation of workers, reducing the human capital of India's workforce. 'Most important' problem and 'all developing countries' are broader claims than the text supports, and government resources are not discussed.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong: government resources and the cost of latrines are not discussed.
(b) Wrong: 'most important' is a ranking the passage does not make.
(c) Right: stunting, illness and reduced cognitive potential lower the quality of the workforce.
(d) Wrong: the passage speaks of India, not all developing countries.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.