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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 2013
Pollution & Environmental Laws
Question No. 90Interactive Test Mode
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+2-0.66

Q90. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? 1. Arsenic 2. Sorbitol 3. Fluoride 4. Formaldehyde 5. Uranium Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India?

  1. Arsenic
  2. Sorbitol
  3. Fluoride
  4. Formaldehyde
  5. Uranium Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2013 • Environment and Ecology

Correct Answer: Option (C) — 1, 3 and 5 only

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified
  • Arsenic (1), Fluoride (3), and Uranium (5) are well-documented groundwater pollutants across various aquifers in India (e.g., Gangetic plains, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh).
  • Sorbitol (2) is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and laxative; it is not a drinking water contaminant.
  • Formaldehyde (4) is an industrial preservative and resin component, not a recognized prevalent pollutant in natural Indian drinking water sources.
Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Sorbitol is a harmless nutritive sugar substitute and not a groundwater contaminant. Eliminating 2 instantly removes options (b) and (d).

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2013 (Q90)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicEnvironment and Ecology → Pollution & Environmental Laws
Official Answer KeyOption (C) — 1, 3 and 5 only

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2013 Q90

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2013 GS Paper I Question 90 (Environment and Ecology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2013 Environment and Ecology (Pollution & Environmental Laws) question is Option (C): "1, 3 and 5 only". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2013 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Environment and Ecology" and micro-topic "Pollution & Environmental Laws". You can explore all repeated questions from Pollution & Environmental Laws in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Pollution & Environmental Laws UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Sorbitol is a harmless nutritive sugar substitute and not a groundwater contaminant. Eliminating 2 instantly removes options (b) and (d).

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Next QuestionDue to improper/indiscriminate disposal of hold and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? 1. Beryllium 2. Cadmium 3. Chromium 4. Heptachlor 5. Mercury 6. Lead 7. Plutonium Select the correct answer using the codes given below: