UPSC CSE Prelims Paper 2 CSAT Question Paper (October 10, 2021);
UPSC CSE Prelims 2021 CSAT (Paper 2) was conducted on October 10, 2021, as part of the Preliminary Examination, which consists of two papers: GS Paper 1 (merit-based) and CSAT (qualifying, 33% required). The exam follows a three-stage selection process: Prelims, Mains (9 descriptive papers), and Interview (Personality Test). CSAT included 80 MCQs on logical reasoning, analytical ability, quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, and reading comprehension, with 1/3rd negative marking. Candidates who qualified Prelims proceeded to the Mains stage, followed by the Interview for final selection.
Q1.
Read the following passage and answer the question that follows. Your answers to these items should be based on the passage only. India faces a challenging immediate future in energy and climate policy-making. The problems are multiple: sputtering fossil fuel production capabilities; limited access to electricity and modern cooking fuel for the poorest; rising fuel imports in an unstable global energy context; continued electricity pricing and governance challenges leading to its costly deficits or surplus supply; and not least, growing environmental contestation around land, water and air. But all is not bleak: growing energy efficiency programmes; integrated urbanisation and transport policy discussion; inroads to enhancing energy access and security; and bold renewable energy initiatives, even if not fully conceptualised, suggest the promise of transformation. Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the passage given above?