Today, if we consider cities such as New York, London and Paris as some of the most iconic cities in the world, it is because plans carrying a heavy systems approach were imposed on their precincts.
The backbone of the systems theory is the process of translating social, spatial and cultural desirables into mathematical models using computing, statistics, optimization and an algorithmic way of formulating and solving problems. The early universities of the West which began to train professionals in planning, spawned some of the most ingenious planners, who were experts in these domains. This was because these very subjects were absorbed into the planning curriculum that had its roots in the social sciences, geography and architecture. Planning in India, and its education differ from the West.
Q1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?
a) Curriculum for urban planning courses should have diverse and interdisciplinary approach.
b) In India, city administration is under bureaucracy which lacks formal training in urban planning and management.
c) In India, the management of urban areas is a local affair with a chronic problem of insufficient funds.
d) With high density of population and widespread poverty in our urban areas, planned development in them is very difficult.
Correct answer: a) Curriculum for urban planning courses should have diverse and interdisciplinary approach.
Q2. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. India needs a new generation of urban professionals with knowledge relevant to modern urban practice.
2. Indian universities at present have no capacity or potential to impart training in systems approach.
Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: a) 1 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT Paper
Explanation Q1:
Let’s evaluate each option:
a) Curriculum for urban planning courses should have diverse and interdisciplinary approach.
This option aligns well with the passage. The text describes planning education in the West as incorporating various disciplines like social sciences, geography, architecture, mathematics, and computing.
b) In India, city administration is under bureaucracy which lacks formal training in urban planning and management.
The passage doesn’t provide any information about Indian city administration or the training of bureaucrats.
c) In India, the management of urban areas is a local affair with a chronic problem of insufficient funds.
The passage doesn’t mention anything about local management or funding issues in Indian urban areas.
d) With high density of population and widespread poverty in our urban areas, planned development in them is very difficult.
The passage doesn’t discuss population density, poverty, or difficulties in planned development in India.
Explanation Q2:
Assumption 1: India needs a new generation of urban professionals with knowledge relevant to modern urban practice.
This assumption can be reasonably inferred from the passage. The text emphasizes the importance of a systems approach, mathematical modeling, and interdisciplinary knowledge in creating iconic cities like New York, London, and Paris. It also states that “Planning in India, and its education differ from the West.” This implies that Indian urban planning might benefit from professionals trained in these modern approaches, suggesting that this assumption is valid.
Assumption 2: Indian universities at present have no capacity or potential to impart training in systems approach.
This assumption is not supported by the given information. While the passage mentions that planning education in India differs from the West, it doesn’t provide any specific details about the current state of Indian universities or their capacity to teach systems approaches. The text doesn’t rule out the possibility that Indian institutions could have or develop such capabilities. Therefore, this assumption goes beyond what can be reasonably inferred from the passage.
Given this analysis:
– Assumption 1 is valid
– Assumption 2 is not valid
Therefore, the correct answer is a) 1 only.