2023 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2023 · CSAT

Question 21: Reading Comprehension

Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC
Passage beginning “To tackle the problem of pollution in…”

Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational implication conveyed by the passage ?

aArbitrary curbs on vehicles to reduce pollution are difficult to implement.
bKnee-jerk reactions cannot solve the problem of pollution but an evidence-based approach will be more effective.
cA heavy penalty should be enforced on those driving without periodic pollution tests.
dIn the absence of laws to deal with the problems of pollution, the administration tends to make arbitrary decisions.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).

The passage says that drastic steps such as odd-even schemes, closures and bans on vehicle types have not cleaned the air, and that arbitrary bans are unfair, even on vehicles that passed official tests. Its remedy is reliable, scientific information on where pollutants come from and which technologies work. So the message is that knee-jerk measures fail while an evidence-based approach is better. Heavy penalties and missing laws are not discussed.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong: difficulty of implementation is not the point; the passage calls arbitrary bans unfair and ineffective.
  • (b) Right: knee-jerk curbs do not work; evidence on sources and technologies is what is needed.
  • (c) Wrong: penalties for skipping tests are not proposed.
  • (d) Wrong: the absence of laws is not discussed.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.