2020 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2020 · CSAT

Question 65: Reading Comprehension

Passage—4 · as printed by UPSC
Passage beginning “Many people understand the connection between solid…”Passage beginning “Many people understand the connection between solid…”

In the context of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message of the passage?

aIn India, the drainage networks are not separate for sewerage and storm water.
bUrban local bodies do not have enough resources and legislative authority to deal with the problems of waste management.
cSolid waste management should be integrated with the maintenance of drainage and sewerage networks.
dBad management of solid waste and sewerage systems by our municipalities is the reason for drinking water shortages in our cities.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The passage says people link waste to health through dry garbage attracting vermin, but miss another link: poor solid waste handling together with weak drainage and untreated sewage dumped into storm drains chokes them, leaving stagnant water that breeds mosquitoes and water-borne disease. The critical message is that solid waste management has to be seen together with drainage and sewerage upkeep.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Whether the networks are separate is a detail, not the message.
  • (b) Resources and legal authority of local bodies are not discussed.
  • (c) Right: the harm arises from waste, drainage and sewage failing together.
  • (d) The passage is about water-borne disease from stagnant water, not drinking-water shortage.

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.