2023 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2023 · GS Paper I

Question 76: Economy and Social Development

Consider the following statements :

  1. Statement-IAccording to the United Nations' 'World Water Development Report, 2022', India extracts more than a quarter of the world's groundwater withdrawal each year.
  2. Statement-IIIndia needs to extract more than a quarter of the world's groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world's population living in its territory.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
cStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
dStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

Statement I is correct: the UN World Water Development Report 2022 notes that India is the world's largest user of groundwater, extracting more than a quarter of the global total. Statement II is wrong as an explanation: the bulk of groundwater drawn in India goes to irrigation, not to meet drinking water and sanitation needs. India's share of about 18 percent of the world's population does not account for the quarter of global withdrawals.

  • I. India extracts more than a quarter of global groundwater withdrawal.
  • II. Most groundwater goes to irrigation, not drinking water and sanitation.

How you could have got this

If you were sure Statement-I is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

What you needed to know: India extracts more than a quarter of global groundwater withdrawal.

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) Statement II is false, so it cannot explain Statement I.
  • (b) Statement II is false, so 'both correct' fails.
  • (c) Correct: Statement I is true, Statement II is false.
  • (d) Statement I is true, so this reverses the position.

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 I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.