UPSC Prelims 2021 · GS Paper I
Question 14: Economy and Social Development
With reference to ‘WaterCredit’, consider the following statements :
- 1.It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector.
- 2.It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank.
- 3.It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on subsidies.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
WaterCredit is an initiative of Water.org, a non-profit organisation, that applies microfinance to water and sanitation. It helps lenders offer small, affordable loans so poor households can pay for taps, toilets and water connections themselves, rather than depend on subsidies or charity. It is not a joint initiative of the World Health Organization and the World Bank. Remember: WaterCredit means microfinance for water and sanitation.
- 1. It applies microfinance tools to water and sanitation.
- 2. It is an initiative of the non-profit Water.org, not of the WHO and the World Bank.
- 3. Its aim is to let poor households meet water needs through affordable credit rather than subsidies.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (a), (b) and (d) go: each of them includes 2.
What you needed to know: It is an initiative of the non-profit Water.org, not of the WHO and the World Bank.
Only (c) is left. You didn’t need statements 1 or 3.
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) Wrong: statement 2 is false, as it is not a WHO or World Bank initiative.
- (b) Wrong: statement 2 is false, and statement 1 is correct.
- (c) Right: statements 1 and 3 are correct.
- (d) Wrong: statement 2 is false.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.