Study the following information carefully: Other than being an essential source of water for Indian agriculture, the monsoon plays a critical role in flushing out pollutants over Asia. However, recently increased pollution — particularly from coal burning — could potentially weaken this ability of the monsoon. Which of the following can be logically inferred from the given statement?

Question

Accepted Answer

**Solution:**

1. The statement highlights that the monsoon is vital for Indian agriculture and also helps in removing pollutants from the atmosphere.

2. It further mentions that increased pollution, especially from coal burning, might reduce the monsoon's effectiveness in flushing out pollutants.

3. Option (a) states that the recent high levels of particulate matter indicate that air pollution is becoming a significant issue. This aligns directly with the statement's concern about increased pollution affecting the monsoon's cleansing ability.

4. Options (b), (c), and (d) introduce additional information about climate change effects, rainfall patterns, and government response, which are not explicitly supported or implied by the given statement.

5. Therefore, only option (a) can be logically deduced from the provided information.

**Answer:** (a)

Answer

Answer

Answer

Answer