Q52 · UPSC Prelims 2026 · Set A · Economy

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In a multi-ethnic district where both economic competition and historical grievances frequently led to community tensions, a flashpoint has arisen with a Government decision to allocate land for a waste management facility near a tribal hamlet, sparking protests by the tribal community, which claimed that the land was sacred and critical to their cultural identity. At the same time, urban residents and local industries supported the project, citing severe solid waste challenges and health concerns due to lack of a proper disposal site. The conflict has escalated with road blockades, social media campaigns, and allegations of police excesses. As a responsible Government official, you are tasked with resolving the situation through mediation, ensuring a sustainable outcome that balances environmental needs, tribal rights, and urban public health. Consider the following statements with reference to the above:1.A successful conflict resolution process must begin with acknowledging the cultural concerns of the protesting tribal community before discussing technical alternatives.2.The Government should move ahead with the project without delay to address urban health concerns, which outweigh the sentiments of a small group.3.Creating a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform - including tribal leaders, environmental experts, and municipal representatives - to build mutual understanding and help de-escalate tensions.4.Conducting an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and sharing findings transparently with both sides to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.Which of the statements given above would contribute to the resolution process?

Page facts
Exam
Union Public Service Commission — Civil Services Examination (UPSC)
Board
UPSC
Stage
Prelims
Year
2026
Paper
UPSC Prelims — Prelims General Studies Paper I (General Studies)
Booklet
Set A
Question
Q52
Topic
Economy
Syllabus
Indian economy, budget, schemes — Prelims GS Paper I.
A 1, 3 and 4 only
B 2, 3 and 4 only
C 1 and 2 only
D 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct answer: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only

Explanation

(a) Official key: Statement 1 correctly highlights that building trust in a multi-ethnic conflict requires acknowledging cultural concerns first. Statement 3 ensures inclusive representation through a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform to de-escalate tensions. Statement 4 ensures objectivity and transparency through an independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for evidence-based decision-making. Therefore, 1, 3 and 4 constitute a valid and sustainable approach.

Summary. Official key is (a). Sustainable governance and conflict resolution in multi-ethnic settings require acknowledging cultural rights, fostering multi-stakeholder dialogue, and relying on independent social and environmental assessments, making statements 1, 3, and 4 correct while statement 2 is counterproductive.

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