UPSC CSE Prelims

Correct Option: B (2 and 3 only) Explanation: The CGWA derives its authority from the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. India leads the world in groundwater use/groundwater irrigation area, while the quoted 36% district figure is not the accepted official classification. Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis: 1. Incorrect - The asserted 36% of all districts classed as critical or over-exploited is not the accepted aggregate official figure. 2. Correct - CGWA was constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 3. Correct - India has the world’s largest area irrigated from groundwater resources. Option-wise Analysis: A. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 1 (The asserted 36% of all districts classed as critical or over-exploited is not the accepted aggregate official figure); omits correct item 2 (CGWA was constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986); omits correct item 3 (India has the world’s largest area irrigated from groundwater resources). B. Correct-includes all and only valid statements/items 2, 3. C. Incorrect-omits correct item 3 (India has the world’s largest area irrigated from groundwater resources). D. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 1 (The asserted 36% of all districts classed as critical or over-exploited is not the accepted aggregate official figure); omits correct item 2 (CGWA was constituted under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986). Review note: Groundwater-assessment data and the definition of assessed units change over time; percentage must be tied to a named assessment.