UPSC – CSE Prelims 2021
CURRENT AFFAIRS – ECONOMY – HEALTH
1. With reference to Water Credit’, consider the following statements:
- It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector.
- It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank.
- It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on subsidies.
Which of the statements given above are correct? (UPSC CSE 2021)
(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (C)
Explanation:
Statement 2: It is an initiative of water.org |
- Water.org is a global nonprofit organization working to bring water and sanitation to the world.
- Its main objective is to make it safe, accessible, and cost-effective.
- WaterCredit is a powerful solution and the first to put microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector.
- Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Water Credit is not a global initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the World Bank.
- It is actually a program developed by Water.org, a nonprofit organization co-founded by actor Matt Damon and social entrepreneur Gary White.
- While Water.org may collaborate with other international development organizations and governments, it was not initiated by WHO or the World Bank.
- Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
- One of the primary objectives of WaterCredit is to empower low-income communities to finance their own water and sanitation solutions.
- Instead of relying solely on government subsidies or charity, WaterCredit allows people to take out affordable microloans, thus helping them access clean water and sanitation facilities. The model emphasizes self-reliance and sustainable financing to address water challenges, reducing dependency on external financial aid or subsidies
- Hence, statement 3 is correct.