Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.
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India, a nation celebrated for its vibrant diversity and economic aspirations, concurrently navigates a labyrinth of persistent social challenges that often impede its journey towards genuinely inclusive development. While significant economic growth has lifted millions out of poverty, the benefits have not been uniformly distributed, leading to widening disparities. The pervasive issue of inequality is multi-dimensional, extending beyond mere income gaps to encompass unequal access to quality education, healthcare, and digital literacy. The historical stratification of society, particularly the enduring influence of the caste system, continues to perpetuate disadvantages for certain communities, despite constitutional provisions for affirmative action. Gender inequality remains another formidable barrier. Women, though increasingly visible in public life, frequently confront systemic discrimination, gender-based violence, and a significant wage gap. Their participation in the formal workforce, while growing, is still considerably lower than men's, reflecting deeply entrenched patriarchal norms that limit opportunities and autonomy. Moreover, the strain on public health infrastructure is acute. India battles a dual burden of communicable and non - communicable diseases. Malnutrition and a lack of adequate sanitation, especially in rural and urban slum areas, contribute to high rates of infant mortality and morbidity. The recent pandemic starkly exposed the vulnerabilities of an overburdened healthcare system, underscoring the urgent need for greater investment and equitable distribution of medical resources. Simultaneously, environmental degradation poses an existential threat, particularly to vulnerable populations. Rapid industrialization and urban sprawl have led to alarming levels of air and water pollution, exacerbating respiratory illnesses and contaminating vital water sources. Deforestation contributes to ecological imbalances and climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, which disproportionately affect agricultural communities and those reliant on natural resources. These issues are interconnected, forming a vicious cycle where poverty intensifies environmental vulnerability, and environmental harm further entrenches poverty and ill-health. Addressing these challenges necessitates a holistic approach: strengthening governance, promoting ethical leadership, fostering robust public-private partnerships, and, crucially, empowering citizens through education and genuine participation. It demands a commitment to fostering a society where progress is measured not just by economic indicators, but by the well-being, equity, and dignity afforded to every single individual.
How does environmental degradation, such as pollution and deforestation, primarily impact society in India ?
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Correct option: B — It disproportionately affects the poorest segments and agricultural communities.
It disproportionately affects the poorest segments and agricultural communities. The passage explains that environmental degradation disproportionately affects agricultural communities and those reliant on natural resources and the poorest segments of society.
