UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2023

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: According to the United Nations' 'World Water Development Report, 2022', India extracts more than a quarter of the world's groundwater withdrawal each year. Statement-II: India 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?

  1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
  2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
  3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
  4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer

Correct Answer

Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Explanation

India indeed extracts more than a quarter of the world's groundwater annually per the UN World Water Development Report 2022 (Statement-I true). However, the framing of Statement-II as a stated 'need' for such extraction (implying it is necessary/justified for drinking water needs) is not an accurate representation and is considered incorrect.

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