UPSC Prelims 2020 · CSAT
Question 44: Reading Comprehension
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
- 1.High risks involved in holding maximum water in reservoirs are due to our over-dependence on hydropower projects.
- 2.Storage capacity of dams should not be fully used before or during monsoon season.
- 3.Role of dams in flood control is underestimated in India.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
The passage says authorities keep reservoirs as full as possible even before the monsoon ends, to maximise electricity and irrigation, although accepted practice is to leave room before the monsoon for excess rain and regulated release. UPSC counts all three assumptions as valid: reservoirs should not be fully used in advance (2), the risk stems from filling for power (1), and the flood-control function of dams is being neglected (3).
- 1. The passage links filling reservoirs to the wish for more power and irrigation.
- 2. Accepted practice is to keep reservoir levels low before the monsoon, which fuller storage violates.
- 3. Flood-absorbing space is given up for power and irrigation, which implies flood control is undervalued.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (c) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: The passage links filling reservoirs to the wish for more power and irrigation.
- Then, if you were sure statement 3 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 3 out.
What you needed to know: Flood-absorbing space is given up for power and irrigation, which implies flood control is undervalued.
Only (d) is left. You didn’t need statement 2.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Omits 3, which UPSC accepts.
- (b) 2 is valid, but UPSC also accepts 1 and 3.
- (c) 3 alone leaves out 1 and 2.
- (d) Right per UPSC: all three are accepted.
Worth knowing: Statement 1 blames hydropower alone, while the passage names irrigation too, so it is a stretch; UPSC's key still counts all three valid.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.