Which of the following inferences is/are correct? 1. The source of the energy we consume is the key to the battle for cleaner air. 2. Bans are effective where the will is strong and the people are convinced that such bans are for the greater good of society. 3. There is judicial approval for a policy that intervenes fiscally to facilitate benevolent pricing for cleaner fuel. Select the answer using the code given below.

Passage

The key source of the battle for clean skies and clear lungs is the fuel we burn—from household chulhas to the thermal power plants. In most cases, it is biomass or coal. The Supreme Court banned the use of pet coke—the dirtiest of such fuels. The Delhi Government banned the use of coal, which was later extended to the entire National Capital Region. It was also agreed that the thermal power plants would clean up or shut down. Action on this has been patchy to say the least. The lesson from the transition to CNG is that people need alternatives for a ban to be effective. When diesel buses were stopped, CNG supply had to be assured. It also had to be feasible in terms of cost. The Supreme Court agreed that fiscal measures were needed to keep clean fuel cheaper than dirty fuel. Now even as coal is banned, the price of natural gas makes industry uncompetitive.

QUESTION

CSAT

Medium

Comprehension

Prelims 2026

Which of the following inferences is/are correct?

The source of the energy we consume is the key to the battle for cleaner air.
Bans are effective where the will is strong and the people are convinced that such bans are for the greater good of society.
There is judicial approval for a policy that intervenes fiscally to facilitate benevolent pricing for cleaner fuel.

Select the answer using the code given below.

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Answer: C — 1 and 3

Statement 1 — Correct. The passage opens: "The key source of the battle for clean skies and clear lungs is the fuel we burn—from household chulhas to the thermal power plants." This directly supports the inference that the source of energy we consume is key to the battle for cleaner air.

Statement 2 — Incorrect. The passage states that for a ban to be effective, "people need alternatives" (citing CNG availability after diesel buses were stopped, and fiscal measures to keep clean fuel cheaper than dirty fuel). The argument is about practical alternatives, not about public will or conviction. The statement misattributes the cause of effectiveness.

Statement 3 — Correct. The passage says: "The Supreme Court agreed that fiscal measures were needed to keep clean fuel cheaper than dirty fuel." This is exactly judicial approval for fiscal intervention to facilitate benevolent pricing for cleaner fuel.