UPSC Prelims 2020 · CSAT

Question 3: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “One of the biggest ironies around…” — Passage—3 · as printed by UPSC

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

aRivers and other wetlands should be protected under Ramsar Convention.

bEngineering water systems should be modernized and further augmented.

cWetlands need to be reinforced as more than just open sources of water.

dWater supply should not be free of cost so as to prevent its misuse or overuse.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The passage points out that water comes from rivers and wetlands but is treated as separate from them, and that public policy usually builds engineering to increase supply instead of strengthening the ecosystems that produce water. The logical inference is that wetlands should be valued and reinforced as part of the water system, not treated as mere open sources of water. Remember: the passage criticises supply-side engineering that ignores ecology.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) The Ramsar Convention is never mentioned; the passage is about treating wetlands as part of water supply, not a particular treaty.
(b) Against the passage: it criticises efforts that only augment supply through engineering and ignore ecological systems.
(c) Right: wetlands and rivers are the source and should be strengthened as ecosystems, not seen merely as water stores.
(d) Pricing, misuse and overuse of water are not discussed.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.