Q. With steady economic growth, higher literacy and increasing skill levels, the number of Indian middle-class families has gone up exponentially.
Direct results of the affluence have been changes in dietary patterns and energy consumption levels. People have moved to a higher protein-based diet like milk products, fish and meat, all of which need significantly more water to produce than cereal- based diets. Increasing use of electronic and electric machines/gadgets and motor vehicles needs more and more energy and generation of energy needs water.
Q. 1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage?
- a. People should be persuaded to continue with the mainly Indian traditional cereal-based diets.
- b. India needs to focus on developing agricultural productivity and capacity for more energy generation in the coming years.
- c. Modem technological developments result in the change of cultural and social behaviour of the people.
- d. Water management practices in India need to change dramatically in the coining years.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2022 CSAT Paper
Explanation :
Q1: Correct Answer – d. Water management practices in India need to change dramatically in the coining years.
Explanation – The passage discusses the increase in the number of Indian middle-class families and how this has led to changes in dietary patterns and energy consumption levels. The passage mentions that people have moved to a higher protein-based diet and that the use of electronic machines and motor vehicles has increased. Both of these changes require more water for production. Based on this information, it seems that option d – “Water management practices in India need to change dramatically in the coming years” – best reflects the crux of the passage.
