UPSC Prelims 2021 · CSAT

Question 52: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “Our cities are extremely vulnerable to…” — Passage – 2 · as printed by UPSC

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

aOur cities need to have well-defined administrative set-up with sufficient autonomy.

bEver increasing population densities is a hindrance in our efforts to achieve sustainable development.

cTo maintain and develop our cities we need to adopt sustainability related interventions.

dPublic-Private Partnership mode of development is the viable long-term solution for the infrastructure and sustainability problems of India.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The passage says cities are highly vulnerable to climate change because of dense populations and poor infrastructure, yet generate most of the country's output while lacking facilities for their people. It then stresses tackling air quality, transport and other problems to find sustainable solutions, with citizens involved in planning. The inference is that to maintain and develop cities we need sustainability-related interventions. It does not call for autonomous city administrations, blame population density as such, or recommend public-private partnership. Remember: choose the inference that follows from the passage's problems and its suggested remedy, not a specific institutional fix.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Administrative autonomy for cities is not discussed; the passage speaks of involving citizens in planning.
(b) Density is noted as a worry, but the passage does not call it a hindrance to sustainable development.
(c) Right: the cities' vulnerability and shortfalls point to sustainability-related interventions as the way forward.
(d) Public-private partnership is never mentioned, and 'long-term solution' is unsupported.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.