UPSC Prelims 2023 · CSAT

Question 32: Reading Comprehension

Passage beginning “In India, the segregation of municipal waste…” — Passage – 1 · as printed by UPSC

Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage ?

aGeneration of energy from municipal solid waste is inexpensive.

bBiomethanation is the most ideal way of generating energy from municipal solid waste.

cSegregation of municipal solid waste is the first step in ensuring the success of waste-to-energy plants.

dThe biodegradable component of India's municipal solid waste is not adequate to provide energy from waste efficiently/effectively.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The passage notes that segregation at source is rare and that waste-to-energy sits in the chain after segregation, collection and recycling, with the right technology depending on what the waste contains. Its focus is the order of steps, and segregation comes first. So the crux is that segregation is the first step for waste-to-energy plants to succeed. The passage does not call the energy cheap or biomethanation the best route, and it treats the biodegradable share, a little over half, as a resource, not a shortfall.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Wrong: cost is not discussed.
(b) Wrong: biomethanation is called a major solution for the biodegradable part, not the most ideal route overall.
(c) Right: segregation comes first in the chain leading to waste-to-energy.
(d) Wrong: the biodegradable share is a little over half and treatable; the passage does not call it inadequate.

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.