UPSC Prelims 2017 · CSAT

Question 61: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “An air quality index (AQI) is a…” — Passage—1 · as printed by UPSC

Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?

aOur governments are not responsible enough to keep our cities pollution free.

bThere is absolutely no need for air quality indices in our country.

cAir quality index is not helpful to the residents of many of our large cities.

dIn every city, public awareness about pollution problems should increase.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The passage explains that an air quality index helps most where pollution is normally low and spikes only occasionally, because people can then take quick precautions. In many large Indian cities, though, pollution stays far above safe levels for much of the year, so the index sits in the worst band day after day and residents can do little but ignore it. The reasonable inference is that the index is not helpful to residents of many large cities.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) The responsibility of governments is never discussed.
(b) No need at all is too strong; the index is useful where pollution spikes only occasionally.
(c) Correct: persistently high pollution makes the index of little practical use to residents.
(d) Raising public awareness is not argued; the passage says awareness cannot help when levels stay high.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.