UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper I
Question 35: Economy and Social Development
Consider the following statements with reference to the Sagarmala Programme of the Government of India : I. The Sagarmala Programme seeks to achieve port-led economic growth through cost-effective and sustainable coastal infrastructure. II. The success of the Sagarmala Programme is reflected in significant growth in coastal and inland waterway shipping, along with improved global port rankings. III. Sagarmala 2.0 aims to position India as a global maritime innovation hub aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 visions. Which of the following relationships among the above statements is/are correct ?
- 1.Statement II validates the effectiveness of the strategies envisioned in statement I.
- 2.Statement III extends the objectives of statement I by embedding them into a future-oriented innovation framework.
- 3.Statement I contradicts statement III by focusing only on traditional infrastructure instead of modern innovation.
Select the answer using the code given below :
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
Sagarmala aims at port-led development through cost-effective, sustainable coastal infrastructure (I). Reported growth in coastal and inland waterway shipping and better port rankings are evidence that the strategy works, so II validates I. Sagarmala 2.0 builds on the same goals and adds innovation, aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, so III extends I. Statement 3 wrongly says I contradicts III; building on earlier objectives is extension, not contradiction.
- 1. Growth in coastal shipping and port rankings supports the Programme's strategy.
- 2. Sagarmala 2.0 carries the original aims into an innovation framework.
- 3. Statement I is not limited to traditional infrastructure, and III continues it.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 3 is not correct, (c) and (d) go: each of them includes 3.
What you needed to know: Statement I is not limited to traditional infrastructure, and III continues it.
The red flag in statement 3 is “only”. In UPSC’s papers, statements with “only” were true 27% of the time (82 statements). A hint, not a rule.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Sagarmala 2.0 carries the original aims into an innovation framework.
Only (b) is left. You didn’t need statement 1.
This follows UPSC’s provisional key; the final key could change it.
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) Incomplete: relationship 2 also holds.
- (b) Right: II validates I, and III extends I.
- (c) Wrong: relationship 3 is false, as there is no contradiction.
- (d) Wrong: I does not contradict III.
Only the provisional key (27 May 2026) was found; the final key replaces it when found.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.