Comprehension

A familiar sequence of events unfolds in the National Capital Region before the advent of winter. The monsoon retreats, dries the air and the wind drops. The pollution from construction, industry, road transport, hitherto being masked through the year, becomes more visible. However, the period also coincides with a unique practice in northern India where farmers in Punjab, Haryana and eastern Uttar Pradesh, in a bid to hurriedly clear their fields of rice straw to make space for wheat, set fire to the chaff. This long-standing practice is now facing criticism because of its emerging link to Delhi’s noxious air quality. The stubble smoke carries over into Delhi through long-range wind transport. Finally, the third element during the season is Deepavali and the bursting of crackers. The season is also marked by more social gatherings such as weddings or related celebrations that again see a demand for crackers. While there is an official ban on crackers, except so-called ’green crackers’ that are not widely available, the additional smoke from all of these add to the bad air, spiking air quality meters into the ’very poor’ and ’severe’ categories. This provokes a public outcry and concerns from the Supreme Court of India and a harried response from the Government that pushes for restrictions on free movement and construction. Invariably, the weather improves and all is forgiven. The recur rent tragedy of addressing the problem of air pollution in Delhi is that it invariably descends into a blame game. The Centre blames the Delhi government, because it belongs to a different political dispensation, which in turn quite conveniently blames farmers in Punjab. What is never addressed head-on is that the air pollution crisis is not a problem that can be solved overnight. The lockdown last year provided compelling evidence that taking vehicles off the road and a cessation in industrial and  construction activity led to clearer skies. Source apportionment studies by various institutions have shown that the contribution of stubble burning varies significantly, from as low as 4% on some days in October-November to as much as 40%. But the running of power plants and construction are also necessary activities that cannot be shut at a moment’s notice. The move to ban the entry of trucks too is not any more effective than waiting for the wind to blow over, and has consequences for the economy. The way for ward is to view winter air pollution as a natural disaster and target root causes. Road dust is the dominant source of particulate matter and the most significant impediment to clean air, and unfortunately the least amenable to an easy fix. The emphasis must be on concerted and consistent efforts, and not annual blame games.

Question: 1

What is the main message from the passage?

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To find the main message of a passage, look beyond the individual details and identify the author's overall argument or recommendation. Often, this is stated most clearly in the concluding sentences. The author's critique of the current situation and their proposed "way forward" are key indicators.
Updated On: Oct 13, 2025
  • The fire crackers should be completely banned as they are not necessary and one of the sources of pollution.
  • Close down only main polluting industries like we done during lockdown.
  • Take a comprehensive effort to address the root cause of pollution rather than blaming each other.
  • Take punitive action against farmers who burns the stubble which can vary from as low as 4% on some days in October-November to as much as 40%.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks for the main message or central argument of the passage regarding air pollution in Delhi.

Step 2: Synthesizing the Passage's Argument
The passage describes the various causes of winter pollution (industry, transport, stubble burning, crackers). It then criticizes the typical response, which it calls a "blame game" where different parties blame each other instead of finding a real solution. The passage concludes by stating the "way forward": "target root causes" and that the "emphasis must be on concerted and consistent efforts, and not annual blame games." This points to a need for a comprehensive, collaborative, and long-term approach.

Step 3: Evaluating the Options


(A), (B), and (D): These options each focus on a single cause of pollution (crackers, industries, farmers). While the passage mentions these, its main point is that focusing on just one aspect and blaming one group is the problem. These options represent the fragmented approach the author is criticizing.

(C) Take a comprehensive effort to address the root cause of pollution rather than blaming each other: This option perfectly captures the central message. It reflects the author's critique of the "blame game" and the call for "concerted efforts" to "target root causes."


Step 4: Final Answer
The overarching theme of the passage is the failure of the "blame game" and the need for a holistic, root-cause-focused solution. Option (C) is the only one that encapsulates this main message.
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Question: 2

According to the passage, winter air pollution should be viewed as a...

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Sometimes a passage will make a counter-intuitive or specific recommendation. Questions will often test whether you've noticed this specific point. Look for signal phrases like "The way forward is..." or "The solution is to..." to find these key recommendations.
Updated On: Oct 13, 2025
  • Manmade disaster
  • Natural disaster
  • Problem that can be solved overnight
  • Environmental problem
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks how the passage suggests winter air pollution should be perceived or framed.

Step 2: Locating the Specific Recommendation in the Passage
The passage contains a direct recommendation on how to view the issue. It states: "The way forward is to view winter air pollution as a natural disaster and target root causes."

Step 3: Analyzing the Options


(A) Manmade disaster: While the causes are manmade (pollution), the passage specifically suggests viewing it as a natural disaster to change the response approach.

(B) Natural disaster: This directly matches the phrase used in the passage as the recommended "way forward." The author suggests adopting this perspective to foster a more serious and less blame-oriented response, similar to how societies respond to earthquakes or floods.

(C) Problem that can be solved overnight: This is explicitly contradicted by the passage, which states, "...the air pollution crisis is not a problem that can be solved overnight."

(D) Environmental problem: This is a general and true statement, but the passage proposes a more specific and strategic viewpoint. The author's unique suggestion is to frame it as a "natural disaster."


Step 4: Final Answer
The passage explicitly recommends viewing winter air pollution as a "natural disaster" to improve the way it is managed. Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer.
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