2024 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2024 · GS Paper I

Question 22: Environment and Ecology

Consider the following statements :

  1. Statement-IMany chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution.
  2. Statement-IIMany chewing gums contain plastic as gum base.

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

aBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
bBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
cStatement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
dStatement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

Many chewing gums use a synthetic gum base made from polymers such as polyethylene and polyvinyl acetate, which are plastics. These do not biodegrade, so discarded gum sticks to pavements, drains and waterways and adds to litter and plastic pollution. Both statements are correct, and the plastic gum base is the reason the gum is a pollutant. Remember: synthetic gum base is plastic.

  • I. Discarded gum is non-biodegradable litter and a pollution source.
  • II. Many gums use plastic polymers as the gum base, and this explains Statement-I.

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: Discarded gum is non-biodegradable litter and a pollution source.

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) Right: the plastic gum base is why gum pollutes the environment.
  • (b) Wrong: Statement-II does explain Statement-I, because the plastic does not break down.
  • (c) Wrong: Statement-II is also correct.
  • (d) Wrong: Statement-I is also correct.

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

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.