UPSC prelims CSAT reading comprehension: previous year questionsUPSC प्रीलिम्स CSAT पठन बोध: पिछले वर्षों के प्रश्न

83 questions from the prelims papers of 2018 to 2025, newest first. Read the question, try it, then open the answer: it comes from the official UPSC answer key, with a short explanation.2018 से 2025 तक के प्रीलिम्स पेपरों से 83 प्रश्न, नए पहले। प्रश्न पढ़िए, हल कीजिए, फिर उत्तर खोलिए: वह आधिकारिक UPSC उत्तर-कुंजी से है, साथ में छोटी व्याख्या।

UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 1प्रश्न 1
Maintaining an ecosystem just to conserve biodiversity will affect its commercial potential as well as the livelihoods dependent on the ecosystem. There is also a conflict between using an ecosystem only for livelihoods, for commercial exploitation, or strictly for conservation. Deforestation caused due to commercial exploitation will lead to indirect harm like floods, siltation problems and microclimatic instability, apart from adversely affecting livelihoods dependent on forests. These conflicts are particularly acute in developing countries where the dependence of people on the ecosystem is significant, and commercial exploitation has the potential to boost national income.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage?
1. Conservation of biodiversity is not an issue to be worried about when some people depend on ecosystems for their livelihoods.
2. Commercial exploitation of forests goes against the fundamental rights of the people dependent on forests for food and shelter.
3. Sustenance of livelihood and degradation of ecosystem while being together exacerbate one another, leading to conflicts and imbalance.
4. Commercial exploitation of ecosystems should be completely stopped.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Sustenance of livelihood and degradation of ecosystem while being together exacerbate one another, leading to conflicts and imbalance.
The passage is about the conflict between different uses of an ecosystem (livelihoods, commercial use, conservation) and how each use harms the others, with degradation hurting livelihoods in turn. Option (c) captures this tension and imbalance. Option (b) brings in fundamental rights, which the passage never mentions, and (d) is an extreme the author does not propose; the author even notes that commercial use can boost national income. Option (a) contradicts the concern for conservation.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 2प्रश्न 2
Maintaining an ecosystem just to conserve biodiversity will affect its commercial potential as well as the livelihoods dependent on the ecosystem. There is also a conflict between using an ecosystem only for livelihoods, for commercial exploitation, or strictly for conservation. Deforestation caused due to commercial exploitation will lead to indirect harm like floods, siltation problems and microclimatic instability, apart from adversely affecting livelihoods dependent on forests. These conflicts are particularly acute in developing countries where the dependence of people on the ecosystem is significant, and commercial exploitation has the potential to boost national income.
With reference to above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. No country needs to depend on ecosystems to boost national income. II. Resource-rich countries need to share their resources with those of scant resources so as to prevent the degradation of ecosystems. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Neither I nor II
Assumption I goes against the passage, which says that in developing countries commercial exploitation of ecosystems can boost national income. Assumption II talks about sharing resources between rich and poor countries, which the passage does not discuss at all. So neither assumption is valid.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 3प्रश्न 3
The history of renewable energy suggests there is a steep learning curve, meaning that, as more is produced, costs fall rapidly because of economies of scale and learning by doing. The firms' green innovation is path-dependent : the more a firm does, the more it is likely to do in the future. The strongest evidence for this is the collapse in the price of solar energy, which became about 90% cheaper during the 2010s, repeatedly beating forecasts. Moving early and gradually gives economies more time to adjust, allowing them to reap the benefits of path-dependent green investment without much disruption. A late, more chaotic transition is costlier.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the passage?
1. Economies of scale is essential for transition to green growth.
2. Modern technological progress is intensely linked to path-dependent innovations.
3. Countries with large economies are in a better position to adopt green technologies.
4. Timing plays a crucial role in the case of green technology development.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Timing plays a crucial role in the case of green technology development.
The passage builds up to its conclusion: moving early and gradually lets economies gain from path-dependent green investment, while a late transition is chaotic and costlier. That is a point about timing, so (d) is the central idea. Economies of scale (a) and path dependence (b) are only the mechanisms used to explain why early action pays, and the size of economies (c) is never discussed.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 4प्रश्न 4
The history of renewable energy suggests there is a steep learning curve, meaning that, as more is produced, costs fall rapidly because of economies of scale and learning by doing. The firms' green innovation is path-dependent : the more a firm does, the more it is likely to do in the future. The strongest evidence for this is the collapse in the price of solar energy, which became about 90% cheaper during the 2010s, repeatedly beating forecasts. Moving early and gradually gives economies more time to adjust, allowing them to reap the benefits of path-dependent green investment without much disruption. A late, more chaotic transition is costlier.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Path-dependent green investments will eventually most likely benefit growth as well as public finances in a country like India. II. If other green technologies follow the same pattern as that of solar energy, there will most likely be an easy green transition. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Both I and II
The author's argument rests on the belief that early, path-dependent green investment brings benefits to an economy at lower cost, which supports assumption I for any country, including India. The author also uses solar energy as the model case of falling costs; the argument that an early transition can be smooth assumes other green technologies can follow a similar learning curve, which is assumption II. The official key treats both as valid.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 11प्रश्न 11
Each State in India faces a distinctive set of challenges regarding the impact of warming, but also offers its own set of opportunities for reducing emissions depending on its natural resources. For example, coastal States need to take action to protect their shores from sea level rise, districts that are drier need to prepare for variable monsoon precipitation. Himalayan regions have their own unique challenges, and selected parts of peninsular India and offshore areas offer great opportunities for harnessing wind power. These various aspects need to be considered for developing clear and sustainable goals for the future.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and pragmatic message conveyed by the author of the passage?
1. The mitigation and adaptation strategies to address/tackle the climate change is essentially the responsibility of each State.
2. India is too diverse to implement any effective strategy or programme to address/tackle the climate change.
3. It is basically the responsibility of the Union Government to implement the climate action plans and ensure net zero emissions.
4. India needs to formulate effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies at the State/region level.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) India needs to formulate effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies at the State/region level.
The passage stresses that each State or region has its own climate challenges (sea level rise, variable monsoon, Himalayan issues) and its own opportunities for cutting emissions (wind power), and that these must be considered when setting goals. So the practical message is region-specific planning, option (d). Option (a) shifts the whole responsibility to the States, which the passage does not say; (b) is defeatist and (c) is not discussed.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 12प्रश्न 12
Each State in India faces a distinctive set of challenges regarding the impact of warming, but also offers its own set of opportunities for reducing emissions depending on its natural resources. For example, coastal States need to take action to protect their shores from sea level rise, districts that are drier need to prepare for variable monsoon precipitation. Himalayan regions have their own unique challenges, and selected parts of peninsular India and offshore areas offer great opportunities for harnessing wind power. These various aspects need to be considered for developing clear and sustainable goals for the future.
With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Green energy production can be linked to/integrated with the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. II. Effects of climate change are much more severe in coastal and mountainous regions. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) I only
The passage treats wind power from peninsular and offshore areas as an opportunity for reducing emissions that must be considered while setting climate goals, so it assumes green energy can be built into climate strategies (I is valid). It says coastal and Himalayan regions face distinctive or unique challenges, but never that the effects there are much more severe than elsewhere, so II is not valid.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 13प्रश्न 13
If the social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem in India, insecurity, more than poverty, is the most acutely felt economic problem. Besides those below the official poverty line, even those just over the poverty line are subject to multiple economic insecurities of various kinds (due to wealth and/or health risks, market fluctuations, job-related uncertainties). Many Government policies are actually intended towards mitigating these insecurities.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the passage?
1. India's political executive should be aware that poverty and social inequality and the consequent sense of insecurity is the main social problem.
2. In India, poverty is the primary reason for social inequality and insecurity.
3. Poverty and social inequality are so intricately linked that they pose an unmanageable crisis for India.
4. Insecurity, more than poverty, is the main economic issue that Government policies must address.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Insecurity, more than poverty, is the main economic issue that Government policies must address.
The passage says insecurity, more than poverty, is the most acutely felt economic problem, that it affects even people above the poverty line, and that many government policies aim to reduce it. Option (d) states this directly. Option (a) mixes up the social and economic problems, (b) makes poverty the cause of inequality, which the passage never claims, and (c) calls the situation unmanageable, which is not said.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 14प्रश्न 14
If the social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem in India, insecurity, more than poverty, is the most acutely felt economic problem. Besides those below the official poverty line, even those just over the poverty line are subject to multiple economic insecurities of various kinds (due to wealth and/or health risks, market fluctuations, job-related uncertainties). Many Government policies are actually intended towards mitigating these insecurities.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. People above the poverty line also are prone to suffer from anxiety about economic insecurity. II. Eradication of poverty can result in peace and social equality in the country. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) I only
The passage says that even those just over the poverty line face many economic insecurities, so assumption I is valid. The passage does not link removing poverty to peace or social equality; in fact it treats insecurity and inequality as problems separate from poverty, so II is not valid.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 21प्रश्न 21
One of the dismal realities of the agricultural sector in independent India has been that it never experienced a high-growth phase, unlike the non-agricultural economy. The highest decadal growth (compound annual growth rate or CAGR) for agriculture has been just 3.5% in the 1980s. Also, after experiencing a spurt in decadal growth during the 1980s, agricultural growth suffered relative stagnation thereafter. This is in sharp contrast to non-agricultural growth, which consistently increased from the 1980s to 2000s.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the corollary to the above passage?
1. The benefit of economic reforms percolates down more slowly to the agriculture sector than in other sectors of the economy.
2. For India, the green revolution was not as useful as it was expected to be.
3. India lagged behind other countries in adapting mechanized and modern farming.
4. Rural-to-urban migration resulted in the stagnant agriculture sector.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) The benefit of economic reforms percolates down more slowly to the agriculture sector than in other sectors of the economy.
The passage contrasts agriculture, which stagnated after the 1980s, with the non-agricultural economy, which kept growing faster from the 1980s to the 2000s (the period of economic reforms). A natural corollary is that the gains of growth and reforms have reached agriculture more slowly than other sectors, option (a). The passage says nothing about the green revolution, comparisons with other countries, or migration, so (b), (c) and (d) bring in outside ideas.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 22प्रश्न 22
One of the dismal realities of the agricultural sector in independent India has been that it never experienced a high-growth phase, unlike the non-agricultural economy. The highest decadal growth (compound annual growth rate or CAGR) for agriculture has been just 3.5% in the 1980s. Also, after experiencing a spurt in decadal growth during the 1980s, agricultural growth suffered relative stagnation thereafter. This is in sharp contrast to non-agricultural growth, which consistently increased from the 1980s to 2000s.
With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made: The growing divergence between the fortunes of the agricultural and non-agricultural economy in India could have been reduced/contained by: I. adapting large-scale cultivation of commercial crops and viable corporate farming. II. providing free insurance for all crops and heavily subsidizing seeds, fertilizers, electricity and farm machinery at par with developed countries. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Neither I nor II
The passage only describes the gap between agricultural and non-agricultural growth. It does not discuss any remedy, such as corporate farming, commercial crops, free insurance or subsidies. Both statements are policy suggestions from outside the passage, so neither is a valid assumption.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 23प्रश्न 23
In our country, handlooms are equated with a culture that ensures a continuity of tradition. This idea has become part of the public policy-framing and provides a legitimate basis for the State to support the sector. But the notion of tradition as a single, linear entity is being strongly contested today. The narratives dominant in defining culture/tradition in a particular way are seen to have emerged as the identities and histories of large sections. The discounted and, at times, forcibly stifled identities are fighting for their rightful place in history. Against this backdrop, when we promote handloom as a traditional industry, it is not surprising that large sections of our population choose to ignore it.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage?
1. We need to free the handloom industry from the limited narrative linked to preserving cultural heritage.
2. Continued State support to the handloom industry ensures the preservation of some of our glorious art forms and old traditions.
3. Household units of the handloom sector should be modernized and made an economically viable organized industry.
4. Handloom products need to be converted to machine-made designer products so as to make them more popular.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) We need to free the handloom industry from the limited narrative linked to preserving cultural heritage.
The author argues that promoting handloom only as a symbol of a single tradition makes large sections of people ignore it, because that idea of tradition is contested. The logical message is to stop tying handloom only to the narrow heritage narrative, option (a). Option (b) repeats the very view the author questions. Modernisation (c) and machine-made products (d) are not discussed in the passage.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 24प्रश्न 24
In our country, handlooms are equated with a culture that ensures a continuity of tradition. This idea has become part of the public policy-framing and provides a legitimate basis for the State to support the sector. But the notion of tradition as a single, linear entity is being strongly contested today. The narratives dominant in defining culture/tradition in a particular way are seen to have emerged as the identities and histories of large sections. The discounted and, at times, forcibly stifled identities are fighting for their rightful place in history. Against this backdrop, when we promote handloom as a traditional industry, it is not surprising that large sections of our population choose to ignore it.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. There is no need for the State to be involved in any manner in the handloom sector. II. Handloom products are no longer appealing and attractive in the rapidly changing modern world. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Neither I nor II
The passage questions the reason given for State support (tradition), not the support itself, so I is not valid. It says some people ignore handloom because of how it is promoted as a traditional industry, not because the products have lost their appeal in the modern world, so II is not valid either.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 31प्रश्न 31
In our country, regrettably, teaching and learning for the examination have been our forte but the new demands of society and the future of work require critical and independent thinking, learning through doing, asking questions from multiple disciplinary perspectives on the same issue, using evidence for building arguments, and reflecting and articulation. Higher education should not "either be a mere servant of the government policy or a passive respondent to public mood." Higher learning is all about how to think rather than what to think. Teaching has to be re-invented.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage?
1. India does not have enough resources for promoting quality education in its universities.
2. The institutions of higher learning in the country should not be under the control of the Government.
3. Classroom approach to higher education should be done away with.
4. Classroom needs to be reimagined and teaching needs to be re-invented.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Classroom needs to be reimagined and teaching needs to be re-invented.
The passage criticises exam-oriented teaching and says that new needs call for critical thinking, learning by doing and multidisciplinary questioning, ending with 'Teaching has to be re-invented.' Option (d) captures this. The passage does not speak about resources (a), does not ask for freedom from government control in general (b), and wants classroom teaching changed, not abolished (c).
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 32प्रश्न 32
In our country, regrettably, teaching and learning for the examination have been our forte but the new demands of society and the future of work require critical and independent thinking, learning through doing, asking questions from multiple disciplinary perspectives on the same issue, using evidence for building arguments, and reflecting and articulation. Higher education should not "either be a mere servant of the government policy or a passive respondent to public mood." Higher learning is all about how to think rather than what to think. Teaching has to be re-invented.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Higher education is a constantly evolving subject that needs to align towards new developments in all spheres of society. II. In our country, sufficient funds are not allocated for promoting higher education. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) I only
The author says the new demands of society and the future of work require a different kind of learning and that teaching must be re-invented, which assumes higher education has to keep changing with developments in society (I is valid). Funding is never mentioned, so II has no basis in the passage.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 33प्रश्न 33
If there is inequality in the pattern of population growth, there is greater inequality in food production and utilization. As societies become wealthier, their consumption of animal products increases. This means that a greater proportion of such basic foodstuff as grains and legumes that could feed humans directly is instead being converted into feed for poultry and large farm animals. Yet this conversion of plant-based food into animal food for humans is far from efficient. Only 16% of the calories fed to chickens are recovered by us when we eat them. This conversion rate goes down to five to seven per cent in large animals that are fed grain to add fat and some protein before slaughter.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage?
1. There is an urgent need for a public policy to promote the consumption of cereal-based foods in wealthier societies.
2. Animal-based food is far less efficient than grain/plant-based food in terms of production and utilization.
3. Plant-based protein should replace the animal-based protein in our daily diets.
4. Inequality in food production and consumption is inevitable in any fast changing society.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) Animal-based food is far less efficient than grain/plant-based food in terms of production and utilization.
The core of the passage is the inefficiency of turning grains into animal food: only 16% of calories fed to chickens, and 5 to 7% for large animals, come back to humans. Option (b) states this. Options (a) and (c) are prescriptions the author does not make, and (d) is a generalisation about fast changing societies that the passage does not draw.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 34प्रश्न 34
If there is inequality in the pattern of population growth, there is greater inequality in food production and utilization. As societies become wealthier, their consumption of animal products increases. This means that a greater proportion of such basic foodstuff as grains and legumes that could feed humans directly is instead being converted into feed for poultry and large farm animals. Yet this conversion of plant-based food into animal food for humans is far from efficient. Only 16% of the calories fed to chickens are recovered by us when we eat them. This conversion rate goes down to five to seven per cent in large animals that are fed grain to add fat and some protein before slaughter.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. The food manufacturing and processing industries in every country should align their objectives and processes in accordance with the changing needs of the societies. II. Wealthier societies tend to incur great loss of calories of food materials due to indirect utilization of their agricultural produce. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) II only
Wealthier societies eat more animal products, so more of their grain goes to animal feed, and most of those calories are lost in conversion. This supports II. The passage says nothing about food manufacturing and processing industries, so I is not valid.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 41प्रश्न 41
Over the next 30 years, many countries are promising to move to net-zero carbon, implying that household emissions will have to be cut to close to nothing. A leading climate scientist reckons that, at best, half the reduction might be achieved through demand-side measures, such as behavioural changes by individuals and households. And even that would require companies and governments to provide more incentives to change through supply-side investments to make low-carbon options cheaper and more widely available.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage?
1. Moving to net-zero carbon is possible only by the reduction in household emissions.
2. Low-carbon behaviour in people can be brought about by incentivising them.
3. Cheaper goods and services can be made available to people by using low-carbon technologies.
4. Manufacturing industries that use low-carbon technologies should be provided with subsidies.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) Low-carbon behaviour in people can be brought about by incentivising them.
The passage says behavioural change by households can deliver at most half the cut, and even that needs companies and governments to give incentives by making low-carbon options cheaper and more available. So the central idea is that people's low-carbon behaviour depends on incentives, option (b). Option (a) says 'only', which the passage does not claim. Option (c) reverses the logic (the passage wants low-carbon options made cheaper, not cheaper goods through low-carbon technology), and subsidies for manufacturers (d) are not mentioned.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 42प्रश्न 42
Over the next 30 years, many countries are promising to move to net-zero carbon, implying that household emissions will have to be cut to close to nothing. A leading climate scientist reckons that, at best, half the reduction might be achieved through demand-side measures, such as behavioural changes by individuals and households. And even that would require companies and governments to provide more incentives to change through supply-side investments to make low-carbon options cheaper and more widely available.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Supply-side investments in companies can result in low-carbon behaviour in people. II. People are not capable of adapting low-carbon behaviour without the involvement of Government and Companies. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) I only
The passage expects supply-side investments that make low-carbon options cheaper and more available to encourage behavioural change, so I is a valid assumption. II goes too far: the passage says more incentives are needed to achieve the reduction, not that people are incapable of any low-carbon behaviour on their own.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 43प्रश्न 43
In only 50 years, the world's consumption of raw materials has nearly quadrupled, to more than 100 billion tons. Less than 9% of this is reused. Batteries of old vehicles contain materials such as lithium, cobalt, manganese and nickel that are pricey and can be hard to obtain. Supply chains are long and complicated. Buyers' risks are being aggravated by their suppliers' poor environmental and labour standards. Reusing materials makes sense. Once batteries reach the ends of their lives, they should go back to a factory where their ingredients can be recovered and put into new batteries.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and pragmatic message conveyed by the passage?
1. Green economy is not possible without reusing critical minerals.
2. Every sector of economy should adapt the reuse of material resources immediately.
3. Circular economy can be beneficial for sustainable growth.
4. Circular use of material resources is the only option for some industries for their survival.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Circular economy can be beneficial for sustainable growth.
The passage points to soaring raw material use, very little reuse, costly and risky supply chains, and says reusing materials makes sense, with old batteries recycled into new ones. The balanced message is that a circular economy (reusing materials) helps sustainable growth, option (c). Options (a) and (d) use extreme words ('not possible without', 'only option'), and (b) demands immediate action in every sector, which the passage does not say.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 44प्रश्न 44
In only 50 years, the world's consumption of raw materials has nearly quadrupled, to more than 100 billion tons. Less than 9% of this is reused. Batteries of old vehicles contain materials such as lithium, cobalt, manganese and nickel that are pricey and can be hard to obtain. Supply chains are long and complicated. Buyers' risks are being aggravated by their suppliers' poor environmental and labour standards. Reusing materials makes sense. Once batteries reach the ends of their lives, they should go back to a factory where their ingredients can be recovered and put into new batteries.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Automobile factories are examples of the circular economy. II. Economic growth is compatible with circular use of mineral resources. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) II only
The author recommends reusing materials such as battery minerals, which assumes that reuse can go along with continued economic activity, so II is valid. The passage says old batteries should go back to a factory for recovery; it does not say automobile factories already are examples of a circular economy, so I is not valid.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 51प्रश्न 51
It is hard to predict how changes in the climate and the atmosphere's chemistry will affect the prevalence and virulence of agricultural diseases. But there is a risk that such changes will make some plant infections more common in all climatic zones, perhaps catastrophically so. Part of the problem is that centuries of selective breeding have refined the genomes of most high-value crops. They are spectacular at growing in today's conditions but genetic variations that are not immediately useful to them have been bred out. This is good for yields but bad for coping with changes. A minor disease or even an unknown one could suddenly rampage through a genetically honed crop.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage?
1. Global climate change adversely affects the productivity of crops.
2. Our total dependence on genetically honed crops entails possible food insecurity.
3. Our food security should not depend on agricultural productivity alone.
4. Genetically honed crops should be replaced with their wild varieties in our cultivation practices.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) Our total dependence on genetically honed crops entails possible food insecurity.
The passage warns that selectively bred, genetically uniform crops have lost useful variation, so a minor or unknown disease, made more likely by climate change, could sweep through them. That is a risk to our food supply, option (b). Option (a) is too general; the passage is about disease risk, not productivity in general. Options (c) and (d) are remedies the author does not propose.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 52प्रश्न 52
It is hard to predict how changes in the climate and the atmosphere's chemistry will affect the prevalence and virulence of agricultural diseases. But there is a risk that such changes will make some plant infections more common in all climatic zones, perhaps catastrophically so. Part of the problem is that centuries of selective breeding have refined the genomes of most high-value crops. They are spectacular at growing in today's conditions but genetic variations that are not immediately useful to them have been bred out. This is good for yields but bad for coping with changes. A minor disease or even an unknown one could suddenly rampage through a genetically honed crop.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Global climate change can result in the migration of several plant diseases to new areas. II. Scientific understanding of the wild relatives of our present crops would enable us to strengthen food security. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Both I and II
The passage says climate change may make some plant infections more common in all climatic zones, which implies diseases spreading into areas where they were not common before (I). It also says breeding has removed genetic variation that helps crops cope with change; the natural implication is that the variation still present in wild relatives is valuable, so understanding them can help protect our food supply (II). The official key treats both as valid.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 53प्रश्न 53
"A good statesman, like any other sensible human being, learns more from his opponents than from his fervent supporters. For his supporters will push him to disaster unless his opponents show him where the dangers are. So if he is wise he will often pray to be delivered from his friends, because they will ruin him. But, though it hurts, he ought also to pray never to be left without opponents; for they keep him on the path of reason and good sense. The national unity of free people depends upon a sufficiently even balance of political power to make it impracticable for the administration to be arbitrary and for opposition to be revolutionary and irreconcilable."
Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage?
1. Without opposition parties, the administration in a democracy gets to become more responsible.
2. Democracy needs to have revolutionaries in opposition to keep the government alert.
3. Rulers in a democracy need the support of opposition for their political survival.
4. In a democracy, the opposition is indispensable for the balance of political power and good governance.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) In a democracy, the opposition is indispensable for the balance of political power and good governance.
The author says opponents keep a statesman on the path of reason and that national unity depends on an even balance of power, so that neither the government is arbitrary nor the opposition revolutionary. Option (d) captures this. Option (a) is the opposite of the message, (b) contradicts the warning against a revolutionary opposition, and (c) speaks of the opposition's support for survival, whereas the passage values the opposition for checking and correcting the ruler.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 54प्रश्न 54
"A good statesman, like any other sensible human being, learns more from his opponents than from his fervent supporters. For his supporters will push him to disaster unless his opponents show him where the dangers are. So if he is wise he will often pray to be delivered from his friends, because they will ruin him. But, though it hurts, he ought also to pray never to be left without opponents; for they keep him on the path of reason and good sense. The national unity of free people depends upon a sufficiently even balance of political power to make it impracticable for the administration to be arbitrary and for opposition to be revolutionary and irreconcilable."
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. In a democracy, a strong opposition is required only if the Head of Government is indifferent. II. The more aggressive the opposition, the better is the governance in a democracy. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Neither I nor II
The passage says every statesman needs opponents, not only an indifferent one, so I is not valid. It wants an even balance of power in which the opposition is not revolutionary and irreconcilable, so it does not say that a more aggressive opposition means better governance; II is not valid either.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 61प्रश्न 61
There has been no democracy that has grown economically without corporate capitalism. It helps in modernizing the economy and enabling the transition from rural to urban, and agriculture to industry and services, which are inevitable with growth. It generates jobs - and there is no other way to fix a country's unemployment challenge without a further impetus to private business. Big companies can operate on a large scale and become competitive both domestically and externally. A vibrant corporate capitalist base also leads to additional revenues for the State - which in turn, can be used for greater welfare for the marginalized and creating a more level playing field in terms of opportunities.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage?
1. Corporate capitalism is important for economic growth of a State and also for democracy.
2. Corporate capitalism is imperative for a modern State to achieve its political objectives.
3. No State can ensure its economic survival for long without the role of corporate capitalism.
4. Corporate capitalism and democracy have mutual dependence for their continued existence.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) Corporate capitalism is important for economic growth of a State and also for democracy.
The passage opens by saying no democracy has grown economically without corporate capitalism, and then lists its benefits: modernisation, jobs, competitiveness and revenue that the State can spend on welfare and a more level playing field for the marginalized. Option (a) best sums up this role in growth and in a fairer democratic society. Option (b) speaks of political objectives, (c) of economic 'survival' of any State, and (d) of mutual dependence for existence; none of these is argued in the passage.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 62प्रश्न 62
There has been no democracy that has grown economically without corporate capitalism. It helps in modernizing the economy and enabling the transition from rural to urban, and agriculture to industry and services, which are inevitable with growth. It generates jobs - and there is no other way to fix a country's unemployment challenge without a further impetus to private business. Big companies can operate on a large scale and become competitive both domestically and externally. A vibrant corporate capitalist base also leads to additional revenues for the State - which in turn, can be used for greater welfare for the marginalized and creating a more level playing field in terms of opportunities.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: I. Corporate capitalism promotes the growth of labour force and provides more employment opportunities. II. Poor and marginalized sections of population are benefited by corporate capitalism due to trickle-down effect. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. Neither I nor II
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Both I and II
The passage says corporate capitalism generates jobs and is the only way to tackle unemployment, and that it helps the shift from agriculture to industry and services, which supports I. It also says the extra revenue it brings to the State can be used for the welfare of the marginalized and a more level playing field, so the benefits of corporate growth flow down to the poor, which supports II. Both are valid.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 63प्रश्न 63
"A network of voluntary associations stands as a 'buffer' between the relatively powerless individual and the potentially powerful State."
Which one of the following statements reflects the best explanation of the above passage?
1. It emphasizes the inability of the State to enforce its will in practice against the opposition of certain groups within it.
2. It is a cooperative organization for the promotion of the well-being and development of the personality of its members.
3. It takes individuals out of a state of isolation and gives them a chance to participate in the common endeavour.
4. It permits citizens to have a variety of loyalties and allegiance.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) It takes individuals out of a state of isolation and gives them a chance to participate in the common endeavour.
A lone individual is weak before a powerful State. Voluntary associations act as a buffer by bringing individuals together, so they are no longer isolated and can act jointly, which is what option (c) says. Option (a) overstates the point by claiming the State cannot enforce its will; (b) describes the internal purpose of an association, not its buffer role; and (d) about multiple loyalties does not explain the buffer idea.
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 71प्रश्न 71
A single number for inflation is an aggregate across different commodities and services - the price rise differs for different items of consumption. So, the single number is arrived at by assigning weights to different commodities and services. For WPI, the weights in production are used; for CPI, the consumption basket is used. But people are not homogeneous. The consumption basket is vastly different for the poor, the middle classes, and the rich. Hence, the CPI is different for each of these classes and a composite index requires averaging the baskets.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and crucial message conveyed by the passage?
1. We must use WPI exclusively in measuring price rise and CPI should be done away with.
2. The present calculation of inflation rate does not correctly measure price rise of individual item/commodity.
3. Inflation data under-presents services in the consumption basket.
4. Knowledge of inflation rate is not really of any use to anybody in the country.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) The present calculation of inflation rate does not correctly measure price rise of individual item/commodity.
The passage explains that a single inflation figure is a weighted average: prices of different items rise by different amounts, and the composite CPI even averages the baskets of different classes. So the headline number cannot show the price rise of any particular item, option (b). The passage does not recommend dropping CPI (a), does not say services are under-represented (c), and does not say inflation data is useless (d).
UPSC 2025 CSAT, question 72प्रश्न 72
Trust stands commonly defined as being vulnerable to others. Entrepreneurship implies trust in others and willingness to expose oneself to betrayal. Trust in expert systems is the essence of globalizing behaviour; trust itself emerges as a super-commodity in the social market and defines the characteristics of goods and services in a global market. Trusting conduct also means holding others in good esteem, and an optimism that they are, or will be, competent in certain respects.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage?
1. Trustworthiness cannot be expected in entrepreneurship.
2. Trustworthy people are the most vulnerable people.
3. No economic activity is possible without being exposed to betrayal.
4. Trust is important though it entails risk.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Trust is important though it entails risk.
The passage defines trust as being vulnerable and willing to risk betrayal, yet calls it the essence of globalizing behaviour and a super-commodity in the market. So trust is valuable even though it involves risk, option (d). Option (b) confuses those who trust with those who are trustworthy, (a) is not stated, and (c) overgeneralises from entrepreneurship to all economic activity.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 1प्रश्न 1
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally. Food is lost or wasted throughout the supply chain, from initial agricultural production to final household consumption. The increasing wastage also results in land degradation by about 45%, mainly due to deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and excessive groundwater extraction. The energy spent over wasted food results in about 3.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide production every year. Decay also leads to harmful emissions of other gases in the atmosphere. Addressing the loss and wastage of food in all forms is critical to complete the cycle of food sufficiency and food sustainability.
Which of the following statements best reflect the most logical and rational inferences that can be made from the passage? 1. The current methods of food distribution are solely responsible for the loss and wastage of food. 2. Land productivity is adversely affected by the prevailing trend of food loss and wastage. 3. Reduction in the loss and wastage of food results in lesser carbon footprint. 4. Post-harvest technologies to prevent or reduce the loss and wastage of food are not available. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 3 and 4
4. 1, 2 and 4
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) 2 and 3 only
The passage links growing food wastage to land degradation of about 45%, so land productivity suffers (2 follows). It also says the energy spent on wasted food produces about 3.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide a year and decay releases other gases, so cutting waste lowers the carbon footprint (3 follows). Statement 1 fails because of the word 'solely': the passage says food is lost all along the chain, from production to household use, not only in distribution. Statement 4 is never discussed; the passage says nothing about whether post-harvest technologies exist. Hence 2 and 3 only.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 2प्रश्न 2
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally. Food is lost or wasted throughout the supply chain, from initial agricultural production to final household consumption. The increasing wastage also results in land degradation by about 45%, mainly due to deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and excessive groundwater extraction. The energy spent over wasted food results in about 3.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide production every year. Decay also leads to harmful emissions of other gases in the atmosphere. Addressing the loss and wastage of food in all forms is critical to complete the cycle of food sufficiency and food sustainability.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. The food distribution mechanism needs to be reimagined and made effective to reduce the loss and wastage of food. 2. Ensuring the reduction of wastage and loss of food is a social and moral responsibility of all citizens. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Both 1 and 2
The passage says food is wasted throughout the supply chain and that addressing loss 'in all forms' is critical. This takes for granted that the way food moves from farm to consumer must be improved (assumption 1). It also includes final household consumption as a stage of waste, so the author assumes ordinary citizens share the responsibility for cutting waste (assumption 2). Both assumptions underlie the call to address waste in all forms, so both are valid.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 3प्रश्न 3
As inflation rises, even governments previously committed to budget discipline are spending freely to help households. Higher interest rates announced by central banks are supposed to help produce modest fiscal austerity, because to maintain stable debts while paying more to borrow, governments must cut spending or raise taxes. Without the fiscal backup, monetary policy eventually loses traction. Higher interest rates become inflationary, not disinflationary, because they simply lead governments to borrow more to pay rising debt-service costs. The risk of monetary unmooring is greater when public debt rises, because interest rates become more important to budget deficits.
Which of the following statements best reflects/reflect the most logical and rational inference/inferences that can be made from the passage? 1. Central banks cannot bring down inflation without budgetary backing. 2. The effects of monetary policy depend on the fiscal policies pursued by the government. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Both 1 and 2
The passage says that 'without the fiscal backup, monetary policy eventually loses traction' and that higher rates can even become inflationary if governments simply borrow more. So a central bank cannot bring down inflation on its own without budget support (1 follows), and whether monetary policy works depends on what the government does with its spending and taxes (2 follows). Both inferences are drawn directly from the passage.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 4प्रश्न 4
As inflation rises, even governments previously committed to budget discipline are spending freely to help households. Higher interest rates announced by central banks are supposed to help produce modest fiscal austerity, because to maintain stable debts while paying more to borrow, governments must cut spending or raise taxes. Without the fiscal backup, monetary policy eventually loses traction. Higher interest rates become inflationary, not disinflationary, because they simply lead governments to borrow more to pay rising debt-service costs. The risk of monetary unmooring is greater when public debt rises, because interest rates become more important to budget deficits.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Fiscal policies of governments are solely responsible for higher prices. 2. Higher prices do not affect the long-term government bonds. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
The passage discusses how fiscal and monetary policy interact; it never says government spending is the only cause of inflation, so the word 'solely' makes assumption 1 invalid. Long-term government bonds and the effect of prices on them are not discussed at all, so assumption 2 has no basis either. Neither assumption is needed for the argument.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 11प्रश्न 11
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.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?
1. Curriculum for urban planning courses should have diverse and interdisciplinary approach.
2. In India, city administration is under bureaucracy which lacks formal training in urban planning and management.
3. In India, the management of urban areas is a local affair with a chronic problem of insufficient funds.
4. With high density of population and widespread poverty in our urban areas, planned development in them is very difficult.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) Curriculum for urban planning courses should have diverse and interdisciplinary approach.
The passage credits the success of iconic Western cities to planners trained in a curriculum that combined computing, statistics and optimization with social sciences, geography and architecture, and then notes that Indian planning education is different. The natural inference is that planning courses should be diverse and interdisciplinary. Options (b), (c) and (d) bring in bureaucracy, funding, population density and poverty, none of which the passage mentions.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 12प्रश्न 12
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.
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?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) 1 only
By contrasting well-trained Western planners with the different state of Indian planning education, the author implicitly assumes that India needs planners trained in modern, systems-based urban practice (1 is valid). The passage only says Indian planning education differs from the West; it does not say Indian universities have no capacity or potential to teach the systems approach. That is an extreme claim, so 2 is not valid.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 13प्रश्न 13
Not every voice on the internet commands the same kind of audience. When anonymous private entities with high capital can pay for more space for their opinions, they are effectively buying a louder voice. If political discourse in the digital sphere is a matter of outshining one's opponent till the election is won, then the quality of politics suffers. The focus of social media is restricted to the promotion of content that generates more user engagement, regardless of how inflammatory the content may be.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the above passage?
1. Constructed as a marketplace of views, social media ensures instant access to information.
2. Social media are not ideal or moral institutions but the products built by companies to make profits.
3. Social media have been created to strengthen democracies.
4. In today's world, social media are inevitable for well-informed social life.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) Social media are not ideal or moral institutions but the products built by companies to make profits.
The passage stresses that wealthy players can buy a louder voice and that platforms promote whatever generates engagement, however inflammatory. The point is that social media work as commercial products driven by money and engagement, not as neutral or moral spaces, which is option (b). Options (a), (c) and (d) praise social media, which is the opposite of the passage's critical tone.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 14प्रश्न 14
Not every voice on the internet commands the same kind of audience. When anonymous private entities with high capital can pay for more space for their opinions, they are effectively buying a louder voice. If political discourse in the digital sphere is a matter of outshining one's opponent till the election is won, then the quality of politics suffers. The focus of social media is restricted to the promotion of content that generates more user engagement, regardless of how inflammatory the content may be.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Internet is not inclusive enough. 2. Internet can adversely affect the quality of politics in a country. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Both 1 and 2
The opening line says not every voice on the internet gets the same audience, and those with money can buy a louder voice, so the internet does not give equal space to all (1 is valid). The passage also says that if digital political discourse is about outshining opponents, the quality of politics suffers (2 is valid). Both are valid.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 21प्रश्न 21
By the time children reach class 8, the bulk of them tend to be in the age range of 13 years to 15 years. But in our country, about a quarter of all children in class 8 struggle with reading simple texts and more than half are still unable to do basic arithmetic operations like division. Every year about 25 million young boys and girls from elementary school move into the life that lies for them beyond compulsory schooling. They cannot enter the workforce at least in the organized sector till they are 18. For many families, these children are the first from their families ever to get this far in school. Parents and children expect that such 'graduates' from school will go on to high school and college. Hardly anyone wants to go back to agriculture. On the other hand, abilities in terms of academic competencies are far lower than they should be even based on curricular expectations of class 8.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. For effective school education, parents have greater role than the governments. 2. School curriculum that conforms to today's requirements and is uniform for the entire country may address the issues brought out. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
The passage describes the gap between what class 8 children can actually do and what they and their parents expect. It does not compare the roles of parents and governments, so 1 is not assumed. It also does not blame the curriculum or suggest a uniform national curriculum; in fact it says competencies are low even against the existing class 8 curricular expectations, so the problem is learning, not the design of the syllabus. Neither assumption is valid.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 22प्रश्न 22
By the time children reach class 8, the bulk of them tend to be in the age range of 13 years to 15 years. But in our country, about a quarter of all children in class 8 struggle with reading simple texts and more than half are still unable to do basic arithmetic operations like division. Every year about 25 million young boys and girls from elementary school move into the life that lies for them beyond compulsory schooling. They cannot enter the workforce at least in the organized sector till they are 18. For many families, these children are the first from their families ever to get this far in school. Parents and children expect that such 'graduates' from school will go on to high school and college. Hardly anyone wants to go back to agriculture. On the other hand, abilities in terms of academic competencies are far lower than they should be even based on curricular expectations of class 8.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage?
1. Total eradication of poverty in the country will resolve the issue of under-performance of our school-children.
2. Monetary incentives to parents and teachers is a strategy to improve the children's academic performance.
3. Public policy should ensure that competencies and achievements of young people are aligned with their expectations.
4. India is not going to take advantage of the demographic dividend unless some school pass-outs go back to agriculture.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Public policy should ensure that competencies and achievements of young people are aligned with their expectations.
The passage sets high expectations (high school, college, no return to agriculture) against very low actual abilities (poor reading and arithmetic in class 8). The central concern is this mismatch, so policy should bring competencies in line with expectations, option (c). Poverty, monetary incentives and the demographic dividend are not discussed, and the passage does not argue that pass-outs should return to farming.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 23प्रश्न 23
We take it for granted now that science has a social responsibility. The idea would not have occurred to Newton or Galileo. They thought of science as an account of the world as it is, and the only responsibility that they acknowledged was to tell the truth. The idea that science is a social enterprise is modern, and it begins at the industrial revolution. We are surprised that we cannot trace a social sense further back, because we nurse the illusion that the industrial revolution ended a golden age.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the thinking of the author about the science?
1. Science must value the commitment of the scientists.
2. Science is a product of civilized society and must be used for the promotion of scientific awareness in people.
3. Industrial revolution was made possible by the advancements in science.
4. Science must pursue truth but be responsible for social welfare.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Science must pursue truth but be responsible for social welfare.
The author contrasts the old view (Newton and Galileo, whose only duty was to tell the truth) with the modern view, taken for granted now, that science has a social responsibility. Together these give option (d): science still pursues truth but must also answer for social welfare. Option (c) reverses the passage, which says the social idea of science began at the industrial revolution, not that science caused it; (a) and (b) are not discussed.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 31प्रश्न 31
"The history of science is the real history of mankind." In this striking epigram, a nineteenth-century writer links science with its background. Like most epigrams, its power lies in emphasizing by contrast an aspect of truth which may be easily overlooked. In this case, it is easy to overlook the relations between science and mankind, and to treat the former as some abstract third party, which can sometimes be praised for its beneficial influences, but frequently and conveniently blamed for the horrors of war. Science and mankind cannot be divorced from time to time at men's convenience. Yet we have seen that, in spite of countless opportunities of improvement, the opening years of the present period of civilization have been dominated by international conflict. Is this the inevitable result of the progress of science or does the fault lie elsewhere?
Which of the following is/are emphatically conveyed by the author of the passage? 1. Without science, mankind could not have continued to exist till today. 2. It is the science that will ultimately determine the destiny of mankind. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
The author's point is that science and mankind are bound together and that science should not be treated as a separate third party to be praised or blamed at our convenience. He does not claim that mankind could not have survived without science (1), nor that science alone will decide humanity's future (2); indeed he asks whether the fault for conflict lies elsewhere, that is, with people. Neither statement is conveyed.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 32प्रश्न 32
"The history of science is the real history of mankind." In this striking epigram, a nineteenth-century writer links science with its background. Like most epigrams, its power lies in emphasizing by contrast an aspect of truth which may be easily overlooked. In this case, it is easy to overlook the relations between science and mankind, and to treat the former as some abstract third party, which can sometimes be praised for its beneficial influences, but frequently and conveniently blamed for the horrors of war. Science and mankind cannot be divorced from time to time at men's convenience. Yet we have seen that, in spite of countless opportunities of improvement, the opening years of the present period of civilization have been dominated by international conflict. Is this the inevitable result of the progress of science or does the fault lie elsewhere?
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. The horrors of modern life are the inevitable result of the progress of science. 2. The aspect of truth likely to be overlooked is that science is what man has made it. Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) 2 only
The passage says the easily overlooked truth is the relation between science and mankind: science is not an abstract third party but a human creation, so it reflects what people make of it (2 is correct). Assumption 1 is only raised as a question at the end ('Is this the inevitable result...?'), and the author hints that the fault may lie elsewhere, so it is not assumed.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 33प्रश्न 33
Only with long experience and opening of his wares on many a beach where his language is not spoken, will the merchant come to know the worth of what he carries, and what is parochial and what is universal in his choice. Such delicate goods as justice, love and honour, courtesy, and indeed all the things we care for, are valid everywhere but they are variously moulded and often differently handled, and sometimes nearly unrecognizable if you meet them in a foreign land, and the art of learning fundamental common values is perhaps the greatest gain of travel to those who wish to live at ease among their fellows.
When we meet other people while we travel, we learn to differentiate between
1. imagination and understanding
2. communities and nationalities
3. local values and universal values
4. friends and foes
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) local values and universal values
The passage says that by opening his wares on many foreign beaches the merchant learns 'what is parochial and what is universal in his choice'. Parochial means local, so travel teaches us to tell local values from universal ones, option (c). The other pairs are not mentioned.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 34प्रश्न 34
Only with long experience and opening of his wares on many a beach where his language is not spoken, will the merchant come to know the worth of what he carries, and what is parochial and what is universal in his choice. Such delicate goods as justice, love and honour, courtesy, and indeed all the things we care for, are valid everywhere but they are variously moulded and often differently handled, and sometimes nearly unrecognizable if you meet them in a foreign land, and the art of learning fundamental common values is perhaps the greatest gain of travel to those who wish to live at ease among their fellows.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Travel leads to an understanding of humans. 2. Travel helps those who wish to learn fundamental common values. 3. A person with long experience in travel can resolve differences amongst people. Which of the assumptions given above are valid?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) 1 and 2 only
Through travel one learns how values like justice, love and courtesy are moulded differently in different places, which is an understanding of people (1 is valid). The passage says learning fundamental common values is the greatest gain of travel for those who wish to live at ease among others (2 is valid). It never says that an experienced traveller can resolve differences among people; travel helps the traveller himself live at ease, so 3 goes beyond the passage.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 41प्रश्न 41
Conventional classrooms, by emphasizing fixed duration over learning effectiveness, resign themselves to variable outcomes. The tyranny of the classroom is that every learner is subjected to the same set of lectures in the same way for the same duration. In the end, a few learners shine, some survive, and the rest are left behind. After the fixed duration, the classroom model moves on, with not a thought spared for those left behind. This is how we end up with 10 percent employability in our graduates after a decade and half of formal education. Repeating the same ineffectual script in the realm of skill education will not produce different results.
Which of the following statements best reflects/reflect the most logical and rational inference/inferences that can be made from the passage? 1. In conventional classroom learning, the central goal is duration of learning rather than attainment of competency. 2. Conventional classrooms encourage one-size-fits-all approach and stamp out all differentiation. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Both 1 and 2
The passage says conventional classrooms emphasize 'fixed duration over learning effectiveness' and move on after the fixed time regardless of who has learnt, so duration rather than competency is the goal (1 follows). It also calls it the tyranny of the classroom that every learner gets the same lectures in the same way for the same time, which is a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores differences between learners (2 follows). Both inferences are supported.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 42प्रश्न 42
Conventional classrooms, by emphasizing fixed duration over learning effectiveness, resign themselves to variable outcomes. The tyranny of the classroom is that every learner is subjected to the same set of lectures in the same way for the same duration. In the end, a few learners shine, some survive, and the rest are left behind. After the fixed duration, the classroom model moves on, with not a thought spared for those left behind. This is how we end up with 10 percent employability in our graduates after a decade and half of formal education. Repeating the same ineffectual script in the realm of skill education will not produce different results.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. As a large number of workers in our country are employed in unorganized sector, India does not need to change its present conventional classroom system of education. 2. Even with its present conventional classroom system of education, India produces sufficient number of skilled workers to fully realize the benefits of demographic dividend. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Both assumptions go against the passage. The author criticises the conventional classroom and warns against repeating it in skill education, so he clearly thinks it must change (1 is invalid). He also points to only 10 percent employability among graduates, which contradicts the claim that the present system produces enough skilled workers (2 is invalid). The unorganized sector and the demographic dividend are not mentioned at all.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 43प्रश्न 43
When a child reaches adolescence, there is apt to be a conflict between the parents and the child, since the latter considers himself to be by now quite capable of managing his own affairs, while the former are filled with parental solicitude, which is often a disguise for love of power. Parents consider, usually, that the various moral problems which arise in adolescence are peculiarly their province. The options they express, however, are so dogmatic that the young seldom confide in them, and usually go their own way in secret.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. The adolescent does not feel comfortable with his parents because they tend to be dominating and assertive. 2. The adolescent of modern times does not have much respect for parents. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) 1 only
The passage says parental concern is often a disguise for love of power and that parents' views are so dogmatic that the young seldom confide in them. So the adolescent is uncomfortable because the parents are dominating and assertive (1 is valid). The passage does not speak of 'modern times' or of a lack of respect; the young simply avoid confiding and go their own way, so 2 is not supported.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 44प्रश्न 44
When a child reaches adolescence, there is apt to be a conflict between the parents and the child, since the latter considers himself to be by now quite capable of managing his own affairs, while the former are filled with parental solicitude, which is often a disguise for love of power. Parents consider, usually, that the various moral problems which arise in adolescence are peculiarly their province. The options they express, however, are so dogmatic that the young seldom confide in them, and usually go their own way in secret.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the above passage?
1. Parents in general may not be of much help when children are on their way to becoming adults.
2. When children reach adolescence, involvement of parents in their lives is unnecessary.
3. Modern-day nuclear families are not capable of bringing up children properly.
4. In modern societies, adolescents tend to be stubborn, disobedient and careless.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) Parents in general may not be of much help when children are on their way to becoming adults.
Because parents are dogmatic, adolescents seldom confide in them and go their own way in secret, so parents usually end up being of little help as children grow into adults, option (a). Option (b) is too strong: the passage does not say parental involvement is unnecessary, only that it is often ineffective. Nuclear families (c) and stubborn adolescents (d) are not discussed.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 51प्रश्न 51
When an international team of scientists pumped a carbon dioxide and water mix into underground basalt rocks, basic chemistry took over. The acidic mixture dissolved rocks' calcium and magnesium and formed limestone. Basically carbon dioxide is converted into stone, exclaimed the scientists.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical suggestion implied by the passage?
1. It is a cheap and practical method to produce limestone at commercial level for building purposes.
2. This can be used as one of the methods of carbon sequestration.
3. Basalt rock can be made a good source of calcium and magnesium minerals by this method.
4. Good rock-dissolving acid can be produced by mixing carbon dioxide and water.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) This can be used as one of the methods of carbon sequestration.
The key result is that carbon dioxide pumped underground is turned into stone, that is, locked away permanently. The practical suggestion is to use this to capture and store carbon (carbon sequestration), option (b). The passage says nothing about cost or commercial limestone production (a), the calcium and magnesium are used up rather than obtained (c), and the acid is only a step in the process, not the useful outcome (d).
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 52प्रश्न 52
Geographers analyzed 175 satellite images of ocean colour, which is an indicator of phytoplankton productivity at the ocean's surface, and found that giant icebergs are responsible for storing up to 20 percent of carbon in the Southern Ocean. The researchers discovered that melting water from giant icebergs which contains iron and other nutrients, supports hitherto unexpectedly high levels of phytoplankton growth.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Giant icebergs have a bearing on primary productivity and food chains of the Southern Ocean. 2. Melting of giant icebergs can produce climate change effects and impact world fisheries. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Both 1 and 2
Melt water from giant icebergs brings iron and nutrients that support unexpectedly high phytoplankton growth. Phytoplankton are the primary producers at the base of ocean food chains, so icebergs affect primary productivity and food chains (1 is valid). The icebergs also account for storing up to 20 percent of carbon in the Southern Ocean, so changes in them affect carbon storage and hence climate, and greater plankton growth affects fish stocks (2 is valid). The official key treats both as valid.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 53प्रश्न 53
Evolution has endowed caterpillars that feed on corn with a unique ability, they can induce the plant to turn off its defence against insect predators. This helps caterpillars to eat more and grow faster. The agent that causes this effect is the caterpillar's faeces or frass. The find could throw new light on compounds associated with plant response to pathogens like fungi or bacteria.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical message conveyed by the passage?
1. Farmers can use caterpillars to feed on weeds in their crop fields/plantations.
2. This finding can help in the development of clinically useful antimicrobial compounds.
3. This finding can help in the development of organic, ecologically sustainable pesticides.
4. Caterpillars can be genetically modified to be predators of the other plant pests.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) This finding can help in the development of organic, ecologically sustainable pesticides.
The passage is about how a natural substance (caterpillar frass) switches a plant's defences on or off, and says the find could throw light on compounds linked to how plants respond to fungi and bacteria. Understanding and managing plant defence with natural compounds points to organic, ecologically sustainable pest control, option (c). Option (b) is tempting because of 'fungi or bacteria', but the passage is about plant responses, not clinical (medical) drugs. Options (a) and (d) are not suggested.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 61प्रश्न 61
In a robust democracy, reality, howsoever inconvenient it may be, finds its expression both in the speech of political leaders and the other social forms of assertion. The existence of the real has to be transparent, both through its circulation in and by the media as well as its argumentative articulation in deliberative democracy. A normatively responsible media through its communication effect has the responsibility to circulate the content of reality without distortion.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the above passage?
1. Responsible media should not distort the real in an ideal democracy.
2. Fake news seems inherent in the life of an ideal democracy.
3. There should not be any kind of restrictions on the freedom of expression in an ideal democracy.
4. Irresponsible media and political leaders cannot be effectively controlled in an ideal democracy.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) Responsible media should not distort the real in an ideal democracy.
The passage ends by saying a normatively responsible media has the responsibility to circulate the content of reality without distortion, in a robust democracy where reality must be transparent. That is option (a). Fake news (b) is never described as inherent, the passage does not argue against all restrictions (c), and it says nothing about controlling irresponsible media or leaders (d).
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 62प्रश्न 62
Now-a-days there is a growing trend to use interconnected home devices. As consumers increasingly network their homes, the connected home device manufacturers and service providers will seek to overcome "thin profit margins by gathering more of our personal data - with or without our agreement - turning the home into a corporate storefront". Corporate marketers will have powerful incentives to observe consumer behaviour to understand the buying needs and preferences of the device owners.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical message implied by the passage?
1. Knowledge of consumer behaviour leads to more capital expenditure in manufacturing sector.
2. Knowledge of consumer behaviour stimulates the growth of commerce and trade and thus helps in the overall economic development of the country.
3. Interconnected devices give a lot of comfort to home users and improve the overall quality of life.
4. Interconnected devices can be at security risk and home users may have privacy risk.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Interconnected devices can be at security risk and home users may have privacy risk.
The passage warns that device makers and service providers will gather more personal data 'with or without our agreement' and that marketers will watch consumer behaviour inside the home. The practical message is that connected home devices carry privacy and security risks for users, option (d). Options (a) and (b) see data gathering as an economic benefit, which is not the passage's concern, and (c) praises comfort, which is not mentioned.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 63प्रश्न 63
Green growth involves rethinking growth strategies with regard to the impacts on environmental sustainability and the environmental resources available to poor and vulnerable groups. In rethinking growth, we need to focus on the current reality of a resource-constrained world. Resource intensive and, in particular energy intensive processes will need to make way for more efficient and resource frugal development strategies if we are to avoid an economic dead end or a world in which only a small elite is able to enjoy affluence in the midst of a sea of poverty.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the above passage?
1. Environmental sustainability is inimical to our objective of achieving a high rate of GDP growth.
2. Poverty eradication is not possible without a rapid economic growth and the consequent environmental degradation.
3. Maintaining high environmental standards is now a prerequisite for achieving a steady, sufficient and inclusive growth.
4. With large populations, rampant poverty and limited resources of today's world, environmental degradation cannot be prevented and inequalities are inevitable.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Maintaining high environmental standards is now a prerequisite for achieving a steady, sufficient and inclusive growth.
The passage argues that in a resource-constrained world, resource and energy intensive processes must give way to efficient, frugal strategies, or we face an economic dead end and a small affluent elite amid widespread poverty. So caring for the environment is a precondition for growth that lasts and includes the poor, option (c). Options (a) and (b) set environment against growth, which the passage rejects, and (d) is fatalistic, while the passage says the bad outcomes can be avoided.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 71प्रश्न 71
Unlike religion and science, poetry does not posit or expect any belief in absolute truths. Those forces or individuals who claim to have absolute truths in their grasp tend to turn dictatorial and tyrannical. Truth usually does not admit any contradictions or imperfections. It is unitarian. It is, therefore, not of much use for poetry. Poetry abides by the plurality of life and existence. Perhaps poetry follows reality which is plural, anachronistic, full of contradictions. Against the tyranny of truth, poetry remains a partisan of democratic reality. Against the arrogance of power, wealth and hierarchy, poetry proposes both humility and defiance.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the above passage?
1. It is the poetry, not science or religion, which recognizes and accepts imperfections in humans.
2. Truth is revealed through science or religion and poetry is anathema to truth.
3. Poetry is romantic, imaginary and is about feeling whereas science and religion are about truth.
4. In a world of violence, tyranny and bigotry, poetry is a form of dynamic resistance.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) In a world of violence, tyranny and bigotry, poetry is a form of dynamic resistance.
The passage ends with poetry standing against the 'tyranny of truth' and proposing humility and defiance against the arrogance of power, wealth and hierarchy. Its message is that poetry resists tyranny and absolutism, option (d). Option (a) is tempting because the passage mentions imperfections, but it speaks of contradictions in reality, not imperfections in humans. Option (b) overstates the point and (c) brings in romance and feeling, which are not discussed.
UPSC 2024 CSAT, question 72प्रश्न 72
The flower was not invented to please us. It flaunted its petals and spread its perfume to attract an insect. The insect carries the pollen from flower to flower so that pollen is not carried away by wind and thus not wasted. What we call a flower's beauty is merely a by-product and a human invention. The perfume is not there to please us, it pleases us because it is there and we have been conditioned to it.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. The author of the passage believes that flowers are creations of Nature's luxury. 2. The author of the passage does not believe in the usefulness of flowers except as things of beauty. Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
The author explains that petals and perfume serve a practical purpose: attracting insects that carry pollen efficiently. So flowers are functional, not a luxury of Nature (1 is invalid). The author also treats beauty as a mere by-product and a human invention, and stresses the flower's use in pollination, which is the opposite of statement 2. Neither assumption is valid.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 1प्रश्न 1
We often hear about conflicts among different States in India over river waters. Of the 20 major river systems, 14 are already water-stressed; 75% of the population lives in water-stressed regions, a third of whom live in water-scarce areas. Climate change, the demands of rising population and the need for agriculture to keep pace, and increased rate of urbanization and industrialization will exacerbate water stress. According to the Constitution of India, water is a State subject and not that of the Union, except for regulation of inter-State rivers. Key to ensuring balance between competing demands of various stakeholders is a basin-based approach to allocate water amongst constituent regions and States. Allocating fair share of water to them requires assessments based on objective criteria, such as specificities of the river basin, size of dependent population, existing water use and demand, efficiency of use, projected future use, etc. while ensuring the environmental needs of the river and aquifers.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most rational, practical and immediate action required to ensure fair and equitable allocation of water to different stakeholders?
1. A national, pragmatic, legal and policy framework for water allocation should be made.
2. All river systems of the country should be linked and huge aquifers created.
3. Water channels between regions of water surplus and regions of water deficit should be created.
4. To mitigate water crisis, water demand of sectors such as agriculture and industry should be reduced.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) A national, pragmatic, legal and policy framework for water allocation should be made.
The passage says water is mostly a State subject, disputes arise among States, and fair sharing needs a basin-based approach using objective criteria. That calls for a common national legal and policy framework for allocation, which is option (a). Linking all rivers or building channels between surplus and deficit regions are large engineering projects, not an immediate allocation mechanism, and the passage never suggests them. Cutting demand of agriculture and industry may ease stress but does not decide a fair share among stakeholders.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 2प्रश्न 2
More than half of Indian women and almost a quarter of Indian men of working age suffer from anaemia. According to studies, they are anywhere from 5 - 15% less productive than they could be, as a result thereof. India also has the largest tuberculosis burden in the world, costing 170 million workdays to the country annually. But what is just as important as lost productivity now is lost potential in the future. It is becoming increasingly clear that on many measures of cognitive ability, malnourished Indian children perform two or three times worse than their adequately nourished peers. For an economy that will be more dependent on highly skilled workers, this poses a significant challenge. And it is one that really should be addressed given India's demographic outlook.
Which one of the following statements best reflects what is implied by the passage?
1. Education system must be strengthened in rural areas.
2. Large scale and effective implementation of skill development programme is the need of the hour.
3. For economic development, health and nutrition of only skilled workers needs special attention.
4. For rapid economic growth as envisaged by us, attention should be paid to health and nutrition of the people.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) For rapid economic growth as envisaged by us, attention should be paid to health and nutrition of the people.
The passage links anaemia, tuberculosis and child malnutrition to lost productivity today and lost cognitive potential tomorrow, and says an economy needing skilled workers must address this. So health and nutrition of the people are a precondition for growth, option (d). Skill development (b) sounds close, but the passage's point is that poor health and nutrition undermine the ability to become skilled, so the root issue is nutrition, not training. Option (c) wrongly limits attention to skilled workers only, and rural education (a) is not discussed.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 3प्रश्न 3
In India, a majority of farmers are marginal and small, less educated and possess low adaptive capabilities to climate change, perhaps because of credit and other constraints. So, one cannot expect autonomous adaptation to climate change. Even if it was possible, it would not be sufficient to offset losses from climate change. To deal with this, adaptation to climate change is paramount, alongside a fast mitigation response. Another solution is to have a planned or policy-driven adaptation, which would require the government to come up with policy recommendations. Perception is a necessary pre-requisite for adaptation. Whether farmers are adapting agricultural practices to climate change depends on whether they perceive it or not. However, this is not always enough for adaptation. It is important how a farmer perceives the risks associated with climate change.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage?
1. Adaptation to climate change and mitigation response are basically the responsibilities of the government.
2. Climate change causes a change in government policies regarding land use patterns in the country.
3. Risk perceptions of farmers are important for motivating them for taking adaptation decisions.
4. Since mitigation is not possible, governments should come up with policies for quick response to climate change.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Risk perceptions of farmers are important for motivating them for taking adaptation decisions.
The passage ends on its main point: perception is a pre-requisite for adaptation, and what matters is how a farmer perceives the risks of climate change. So risk perception drives adaptation decisions, option (c). Option (a) is tempting because the passage mentions policy-driven adaptation, but it presents that as one more solution, not as the government's sole responsibility. Land use policy (b) is not discussed, and (d) is wrong because the passage calls for a fast mitigation response, not that mitigation is impossible.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 11प्रश्न 11
The emissions humans put into the atmosphere now will affect the climate in the middle of the century and onwards. Technological change, meanwhile, could make a future transition away from fossil fuels cheap or it might not, leaving the world with a terrible choice between sharply reducing emissions at huge cost or suffering through the effects of unabated warming. Businesses that do not hedge against the threat of uncertain outcomes fail. The world cannot afford such recklessness on climate change.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the crucial message conveyed by the author of the passage?
1. Businesses that cause emissions may need to close down or pay for pollution in future.
2. The only solution is technological development related to the issues of climate change.
3. Waiting to deal with carbon emissions until technology improves is not a wise strategy.
4. Since future technological change is uncertain, new industries should be based on renewable energy sources.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Waiting to deal with carbon emissions until technology improves is not a wise strategy.
The author warns that today's emissions affect the climate decades later and that future technology may or may not make the switch cheap. Betting on that uncertain technology is called reckless, like a business that does not hedge. So waiting for technology before acting is unwise, option (c). Option (b) contradicts the passage, which says technology is uncertain. Options (a) and (d) bring in closures, pollution charges and renewable-based industries, none of which the passage discusses.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 12प्रश्न 12
Environmental problems cause health problems. Substantial changes in lifestyle can reduce environmental or health problems, but this idea appears almost impossible to adopt. With environmental problems, individual efforts can be perceived as having a negligible effect and therefore lead to inertia. With health, on the other hand, individual choices can make the difference between life and death, literally. And yet, barring a few, there seems to be the same collective lethargy towards making their choices.
Which one of the following statements best implies the most rational assumption that can be made from the passage?
1. We are likely to spend more money on cure than prevention.
2. It is the job of the government to solve our environmental and public health problems.
3. Health can be protected even if environmental problems go on unattended.
4. Loss of traditional lifestyle and the influence of western values led to some unhealthy ways of living.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) We are likely to spend more money on cure than prevention.
Lifestyle change would prevent both environmental and health problems, yet people show lethargy and do not make those preventive choices. If prevention is neglected, problems will arise and will have to be treated later, so we are likely to end up spending more on cure than on prevention, option (a). Option (b) shifts responsibility to the government, which the passage never does; (c) contradicts the first sentence that environmental problems cause health problems; and (d) brings in western values, which are not mentioned.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 13प्रश्न 13
Many people are not eating the right food. For some, it is simply a decision to stick with food they enjoy but which is not too healthy. This is leading to an increase in non-communicable diseases. This in turn leads to major burden on our health-care systems that have the potential to derail the economic progress which is essential for the poor to improve their lives. For others, it is about limited access to nutritious food or a lack of affordability, leading to monotonous diets that do not provide the daily nutrients for them to develop fully. Part of the reason nutrition is under threat worldwide is that our food systems are not properly responding to nutritional needs. Somewhere along that long road from farm to fork, there are serious detours taking place.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage?
1. The scheme of Universal Basic Income should be implemented worldwide as a way of poverty alleviation.
2. We must place food-based nutrition at the centre of our policy debate.
3. Nutritional status of food should be improved by creating appropriate genetically modified crops.
4. Using modern food processing technologies, we must fortify food items with required nutrient elements.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) We must place food-based nutrition at the centre of our policy debate.
The passage describes poor diets from choice and from lack of access, the resulting disease burden that threatens economic progress, and food systems that are not responding to nutritional needs from farm to fork. The central message is that nutrition through food must become a core policy concern, option (b). Universal Basic Income, GM crops and fortification are specific remedies the passage never mentions, so they go beyond it.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 21प्रश्न 21
To tackle the problem of pollution in cities, policy makers think that drastic actions like temporary use of odd-even number scheme for vehicles, closing schools, factories, construction activities, and banning the use of certain type of vehicles are a way forward. Even then the air is not clean. Vehicles more than 15 years old comprise one percent of the total; and taking them off the road will not make any difference. Banning certain fuels and car types arbitrarily is not proper. Diesel engines produce more PM 2.5 and less CO2 than petrol or CNG engines. On the other hand, both diesel and CNG engines produce more NOx than petrol engines. No one has measured the amount of NOx that CNG engines are emitting. Arbitrary bans on vehicles that have passed mandated fitness tests and periodic pollution tests are unfair. What is needed is the scientific and reliable information about the source of pollutants on a continuing basis and the technologies that will work to reduce pollution from them.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational implication conveyed by the passage?
1. Arbitrary curbs on vehicles to reduce pollution are difficult to implement.
2. Knee-jerk reactions cannot solve the problem of pollution but an evidence-based approach will be more effective.
3. A heavy penalty should be enforced on those driving without periodic pollution tests.
4. In the absence of laws to deal with the problems of pollution, the administration tends to make arbitrary decisions.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) Knee-jerk reactions cannot solve the problem of pollution but an evidence-based approach will be more effective.
The passage criticises drastic, arbitrary measures (odd-even, closures, bans) that have not cleaned the air, and ends by saying what is needed is scientific, reliable data on pollution sources and technologies that work. That is the contrast between knee-jerk reactions and an evidence-based approach, option (b). Option (a) is tempting, but the passage objects that such curbs are ineffective and unfair, not that they are hard to implement. Penalties (c) and the absence of laws (d) are not discussed.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 22प्रश्न 22
Good corporate governance structures encourage companies to provide accountability and control. A fundamental reason why corporate governance has moved onto the economic and political agenda worldwide has been the rapid growth in international capital markets. Effective corporate governance enhances access to external financing by firms, leading to greater investment, higher growth and employment. Investors look to place their funds where the standards of disclosure, of timely and accurate financial reporting, and of equal treatment to all stakeholders are met.
Which of the following statements best reflects the logical inference from the passage given above?
1. It is an important agenda of the countries around the world to ensure access to good external financing.
2. Good corporate governance improves the credibility of the firms.
3. International capital markets ensure that the firms maintain good corporate governance.
4. Good corporate governance paves the way for robust supply chains.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) Good corporate governance improves the credibility of the firms.
Good governance brings accountability, disclosure and accurate, timely reporting, and investors put money where these standards are met. That means governance makes a firm more credible in the eyes of investors, option (b). Option (a) misreads the passage: what is on the global agenda is corporate governance, not external financing as such. Option (c) reverses cause and effect, since capital markets are the reason governance gained attention, not a guarantee of it. Supply chains (d) are never mentioned.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 23प्रश्न 23
Elephants are landscape architects, creating clearings in the forest, preventing overgrowth of certain plant species and allowing space for the regeneration of others, which in turn provide sustenance to other herbivorous animals. Elephants eat plants, fruits and seeds, propagating the seeds when they defecate in other places as they travel. Elephant dung provides nourishment to plants and animals and acts as a breeding ground for insects. In times of drought, they access water by digging holes which benefits other wildlife.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational inference that can be drawn from the passage?
1. The home range of elephants needs to be a vast area of rich biodiversity.
2. Elephants are the keystone species and they benefit the biodiversity.
3. Rich biodiversity cannot be maintained in the forests without the presence of elephants.
4. Elephants are capable of regenerating forests with species as per their requirement.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) Elephants are the keystone species and they benefit the biodiversity.
Every example in the passage (clearings, seed dispersal, dung, water holes) shows elephants shaping the habitat in ways that support many other plants and animals. A species with such a large effect on its ecosystem is a keystone species that benefits biodiversity, option (b). Option (c) is too strong: the passage shows elephants help, not that biodiversity is impossible without them. Option (d) wrongly suggests elephants regenerate forests to suit their own needs, and (a) about home range is not discussed.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 31प्रश्न 31
In India, the segregation of municipal waste at source is rare. Recycling is mostly with the informal sector. More than three-fourths of the municipal budget goes into collection and transportation, which leaves very little for processing/resource recovery and disposal. Where does waste-to-energy fit into all this? Ideally it fits in the chain after segregation (between wet waste and the rest), collection, recycling, and before getting to the landfill. Which technology is most appropriate in converting waste to energy depends on what is in the waste (that is biodegradable versus non-biodegradable component) and its calorific value. The biodegradable component of India's municipal solid waste is a little over 50 per cent, and biomethanation offers a major solution for processing this.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Collection, processing and segregation of municipal waste should be with government agencies. 2. Resource recovery and recycling require technological inputs that can be best handled by private sector enterprises. Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
The passage describes the state of waste handling (rare segregation, informal recycling, most of the budget spent on collection) and where waste-to-energy fits in the chain. It says nothing about who should do collection, processing or segregation, so assumption 1 is not made. It also does not compare public and private capability in recycling or resource recovery, so assumption 2 has no basis either. Neither is a valid assumption.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 32प्रश्न 32
In India, the segregation of municipal waste at source is rare. Recycling is mostly with the informal sector. More than three-fourths of the municipal budget goes into collection and transportation, which leaves very little for processing/resource recovery and disposal. Where does waste-to-energy fit into all this? Ideally it fits in the chain after segregation (between wet waste and the rest), collection, recycling, and before getting to the landfill. Which technology is most appropriate in converting waste to energy depends on what is in the waste (that is biodegradable versus non-biodegradable component) and its calorific value. The biodegradable component of India's municipal solid waste is a little over 50 per cent, and biomethanation offers a major solution for processing this.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage?
1. Generation of energy from municipal solid waste is inexpensive.
2. Biomethanation is the most ideal way of generating energy from municipal solid waste.
3. Segregation of municipal solid waste is the first step in ensuring the success of waste-to-energy plants.
4. The biodegradable component of India's municipal solid waste is not adequate to provide energy from waste efficiently/effectively.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Segregation of municipal solid waste is the first step in ensuring the success of waste-to-energy plants.
The passage opens by noting that segregation at source is rare, then says waste-to-energy ideally comes after segregation, and that the right technology depends on the composition of the waste. So segregation is the starting point on which waste-to-energy depends, option (c). Option (b) overstates the passage, which calls biomethanation a major solution for the biodegradable part only, not the ideal way for all waste. Cost (a) is not discussed, and (d) contradicts the passage, which treats the 50 per cent biodegradable share as suitable for biomethanation.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 33प्रश्न 33
There is a claim that organic farming is inherently safer and healthier. The reality is that because the organic farming industry is still young and not well-regulated in India, farmers and consumers, alike, are not only confused about what products are best for them, but sometimes use products in ways that could harm them as well. For example, since organic fertilizers are difficult to obtain on a large scale in India, farmers often use farmyard manure, which may contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Certain plant sprays, such as Datura flower and leaf spray, have an element called atropine. If it is not applied in the right dose, it can act on the nervous system of the consumer. Unfortunately, how much and when to use it are not well-researched or regulated issues.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Organic farming is inherently unsafe for both farmers and consumers. 2. Farmers and consumers need to be educated about eco-friendly food. Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) 2 only
The passage blames the risks on a young, poorly regulated industry and on confusion and misuse (wrong manure, wrong dose of sprays), not on organic farming itself, so assumption 1 (inherently unsafe) goes too far. Since farmers and consumers are confused about which products suit them and use them wrongly, the passage assumes they need better knowledge and guidance, so assumption 2 is valid. Only 2 is correct.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 34प्रश्न 34
There is a claim that organic farming is inherently safer and healthier. The reality is that because the organic farming industry is still young and not well-regulated in India, farmers and consumers, alike, are not only confused about what products are best for them, but sometimes use products in ways that could harm them as well. For example, since organic fertilizers are difficult to obtain on a large scale in India, farmers often use farmyard manure, which may contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Certain plant sprays, such as Datura flower and leaf spray, have an element called atropine. If it is not applied in the right dose, it can act on the nervous system of the consumer. Unfortunately, how much and when to use it are not well-researched or regulated issues.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical message conveyed by the author of the passage?
1. In India, organic farming should not be promoted as a substitute for conventional farming.
2. There are no safe organic alternatives to chemical fertilizers.
3. In India, farmers need to be guided and helped to make their organic farming sustainable.
4. The aim of organic farming should not be to generate huge profits as there is still no global market for its products.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) In India, farmers need to be guided and helped to make their organic farming sustainable.
The author's concern is that organic farming in India is young, unregulated and poorly researched, so farmers use the wrong inputs or wrong doses. The practical message is that farmers need guidance and support to practise it safely and sustainably, option (c). Option (a) is tempting, but the author does not reject organic farming, only its current unguided practice. Option (b) is an overstatement, and profits and global markets (d) are never mentioned.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 35प्रश्न 35
Food consumption patterns have changed substantially in India over the past few decades. This has resulted in the disappearance of many nutritious foods such as millets. While food grain production has increased over five times since independence, it has not sufficiently addressed the issue of malnutrition. For long, the agriculture sector focussed on increasing food production particularly staples, which led to lower production and consumption of indigenous traditional crops/grains, fruits and other vegetables, impacting food and nutrition security in the process. Further, intensive, monoculture agriculture practices can perpetuate the food and nutrition security problem by degrading the quality of land, water and food derived through them.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. To implement the Sustainable Development Goals and to achieve zero-hunger goal, monoculture agriculture practices are inevitable even if they do not address malnutrition. 2. Dependence on a few crops has negative consequences for human health and the ecosystem. 3. Government policies regarding food planning need to incorporate nutritional security. 4. For the present monoculture agriculture practices, farmers receive subsidies in various ways and government offers remunerative prices for grains and therefore they do not tend to consider crop diversity. Which of the above assumptions are valid?
1. 1, 2 and 4 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) 2 and 3 only
Assumption 2 is valid: the passage says focus on a few staples hurt nutrition and that monoculture degrades land, water and food. Assumption 3 is valid: since more grain did not solve malnutrition, food planning must aim at nutrition, not just quantity. Assumption 1 contradicts the passage, which presents monoculture as part of the problem, not as inevitable, and the SDGs are not mentioned. Assumption 4 brings in subsidies and remunerative prices, which the passage never discusses. So only 2 and 3 are valid.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 41प्रश्न 41
Scientists studied the vernal window - transition period from winter to the growing season. They found that warmer winters with less snow resulted in a longer lag time between spring events and a more protracted vernal window. This change in the spring timetable has ecological, social and economic consequences - for agriculture, fisheries and tourism. As the ice melts earlier, the birds don't return, causing a delay, or lengthening in springtime ecological events.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Global warming is causing spring to come early and for longer durations. 2. Early spring and longer period of spring is not good for bird populations. Which of the above assumptions is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) 1 only
The passage links warmer winters with less snow to earlier ice melt and a more protracted (longer) vernal window, which is what assumption 1 says in terms of warming, an early and longer spring. Assumption 2 goes beyond the text: the passage says that when ice melts early the birds do not return on time, delaying springtime events, but it says nothing about harm to bird populations themselves. So only assumption 1 is valid.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 42प्रश्न 42
A global analysis of nitrogen use efficiency - a measure of the amount of nitrogen a plant takes in to grow versus what is left behind as pollution - says that using too much fertilizers will lead to increased pollution of waterways and the air. Currently, the global average for nitrogen use efficiency is approximately 0.4, meaning 40 per cent of the total nitrogen added to cropland goes into the harvested crop while 60 per cent is lost to the environment, says a study. More than half of the world's population is nourished by food grown with fertilizers containing synthetic nitrogen, which is needed to produce high crop yields. Plants take the nitrogen they need to grow, and the excess is left in the ground, water and air. This results in significant emissions of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse and ozone depleting gas, and other forms of nitrogen pollution, including eutrophication of lakes and rivers and contamination of river water.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and crucial message implied by the passage?
1. An enhanced efficiency of use of nitrogen is imperative for both food production and environment.
2. Production of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers cannot be stopped as it will adversely affect global food security.
3. Alternatives to crops that require excess of nitrogen should be identified and cultivated.
4. Conventional agriculture using synthetic fertilizers should be replaced with agroforestry, agroecosystems and organic farming.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) An enhanced efficiency of use of nitrogen is imperative for both food production and environment.
The passage has two sides: synthetic nitrogen is needed for the high yields that feed over half the world, yet 60 per cent of applied nitrogen is lost and pollutes air and water. The balanced message is to raise nitrogen use efficiency so that food production continues while pollution falls, option (a). Option (b) captures only the food side and misses the pollution concern. Options (c) and (d) propose replacing crops or farming systems, which the passage does not suggest.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 43प्रश्न 43
Along with sustainable lifestyles, climate justice is regarded as a significant principle in environmental parlance. Both the principles have bearings on political and economic choices of the nation. So far, in our climate change summits or compacts, both the principles have eluded consensus among nations. Justice, in the judicial sense, is well defined. However, in the context of climate change, it has scientific as well as socio-political connotations. The crucial question in the next few years will be how resources, technologies and regulations are used to support the victims of climate change. Justice in climate is not confined to actions relating to mitigation, but includes the wider notion of support for adaptation to climate change and compensation for loss and damage.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and crucial message conveyed by the passage?
1. Climate justice should be ingrained in detail in the rules of all the new climate compacts/agreements.
2. Environmental resources are unevenly distributed and exploited across the globe.
3. There is an impending issue of dealing with a huge number of climate change victims/climate refugees.
4. Climate change in all its connotations is mostly due to developed countries and therefore their share of burden should be more.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) Climate justice should be ingrained in detail in the rules of all the new climate compacts/agreements.
The passage says climate justice has so far eluded consensus in climate summits and compacts, and that it must cover not just mitigation but support for adaptation and compensation for loss and damage. The logical message is that this wider idea of justice must be built clearly into the rules of future climate agreements, option (a). Option (c) picks up the word victims, but the passage does not speak of a huge number of climate refugees; it uses victims to explain what justice must cover. Options (b) and (d) about uneven resources and blaming developed countries are not stated.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 51प्रश्न 51
Sourcing food from non-agricultural lands (uncultivated systems such as forests, wetlands, pastures, etc) in addition to agricultural lands enables a systemic approach to food consumption. It allows rural and tribal communities to sustain themselves for the whole year and steer clear of natural disasters and season-induced shortfalls of agricultural food. Since the productivity of trees is often more resilient to adverse weather conditions than annual crops, forest foods often provide a safety net during periods of food shortages caused by crop failure; forest foods also make important contributions during seasonal crop production gaps.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational message conveyed by the author of the passage?
1. Food yielding trees should replace other trees in rural and tribal areas and community owned lands.
2. Food security cannot be ensured in India with the present practice of conventional agriculture.
3. Wastelands and degraded areas in India should be converted into agroforestry systems to help the poor.
4. Agroecosystems should be developed in addition to or along with conventional agriculture.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Agroecosystems should be developed in addition to or along with conventional agriculture.
The passage values food from forests, wetlands and pastures in addition to agricultural land, because these act as a safety net during crop failures and seasonal gaps. So uncultivated food systems should complement, not replace, conventional farming, option (d). Option (b) overstates the case by saying conventional agriculture cannot ensure food security. Replacing other trees (a) or converting wastelands (c) are not suggested anywhere.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 52प्रश्न 52
While awareness on use/misuse and abuse of antibiotics is common knowledge, as is the impact of dosing poultry with antibiotics, the environmental impact of antibiotics-manufacturing companies not treating their waste has scarcely been discussed at any length or seriousness thus far. Pollution from antibiotics factories is fuelling the rise of drug-resistant infections. The occurrence of drug-resistant bacteria surrounding the pharma manufacturing plants is well known.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and practical message conveyed by the passage?
1. It is necessary to put proper effluent treatment protocols in place.
2. It is necessary to promote environmental awareness among people.
3. Spread of drug-resistant bacteria cannot be done away with, as it is inherent in modern medical care.
4. Pharma-manufacturing companies should be set up in remote rural areas, away from crowded towns and cities.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) It is necessary to put proper effluent treatment protocols in place.
The neglected problem the passage highlights is antibiotic factories not treating their waste, which breeds drug-resistant bacteria around the plants. The practical remedy is proper treatment of factory effluents, option (a). General public awareness (b) is not the gap, since the passage says awareness of antibiotic misuse is already common. Option (c) is defeatist and unsupported, and moving plants to remote areas (d) would shift the pollution, not stop it.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 53प्रश्न 53
Benefits of good quality school education accrue only when students complete and leave school after having acquired the gateway skills. Like one learns to walk before running, similarly one picks up advanced skills only after picking the basic foundational skills. The advent of the knowledge economy poses new challenges, and one of the severe consequences of having an uneducated workforce will be our inability to keep pace with the global economy. Without a strong learning foundation at the primary level, there can be no improvement in higher education or skill development.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the crux of the passage?
1. To become a global power, India needs to invest in universal quality education.
2. India is unable to become a global power because it is not focussing or promoting knowledge economy.
3. Our education system should focus more on imparting skills during higher education.
4. Parents of many school children are illiterate and are unaware of the benefits of quality education.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (a) To become a global power, India needs to invest in universal quality education.
The passage argues that foundational school learning is the base for higher education and skills, and that an uneducated workforce will leave the country unable to keep pace with the global economy. So investing in good quality education for all is the key to competing globally, option (a). Option (c) reverses the emphasis, since the passage stresses the primary level, not higher education. Option (b) makes a claim about India's present status that the passage does not make, and parents' literacy (d) is not discussed.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 61प्रश्न 61
The paradox of choice is illustrated by the story of Buridan's ass. Jean Buridan, the 14th century philosopher, wrote about free will and the inability to choose due to numerous choices and uncertainties. In the story, a donkey stands between two equally appealing stacks of hay. Unable to decide which to eat, it starves to death. Changes in technology and innovations such as smart phones and tablets only exacerbate our glut of choices. Constant connectivity and overconsumption of real-time data and social media can leave little room for self-reflection and rest, making decisions more difficult. Life is about choices. Many people are overwhelmed with attractive life choices, yet find themselves unhappy and anxious.
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical message implied by the above passage?
1. Modern technology enfeebles societal structure and makes life difficult.
2. Modern life is full of uncertainties and endless difficult choices.
3. We are influenced by the opinion of others and have no courage to follow our own convictions.
4. In our lives, having too few choices may not be a good thing, but having too many can be equally as difficult.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) In our lives, having too few choices may not be a good thing, but having too many can be equally as difficult.
The paradox of choice, the starving donkey and people overwhelmed by attractive options all make one point: an excess of choices can paralyse decisions and cause unhappiness, just as lack of choice is undesirable. That is option (d). Option (b) is tempting, but it only describes modern life, while the passage's point is about the downside of too many choices. Option (a) blames technology for weakening society, which goes beyond the text, and (c) about others' opinions is not discussed.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 62प्रश्न 62
Household finance in India is unique. We have a tendency to invest heavily in physical assets such as gold and property. Steps to encourage the financialization of savings are critical. A populace accustomed to traditional processes will not simply jump into financialization. Hurdles to change include onerous bureaucracy, a scepticism of organized financial institutions, a lack of basic information about which of the myriad services and providers is best for each family, and how (and even if) one can make the transition between them if necessary.
Regarding the financialization of household savings, which of the following statements best reflect the solutions that are implied by the passage? 1. A flexible environment is needed to develop solutions. 2. Households need customised solutions. 3. Innovations in financial technology are required. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Each solution answers a hurdle named in the passage. Onerous bureaucracy and difficulty in switching between providers point to the need for a flexible environment (1). Not knowing which service is best for each family points to customised solutions for households (2). Scepticism, lack of information and cumbersome processes are the kind of gaps that financial technology innovations can address by making services simpler and more accessible (3). So all three are implied.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 63प्रश्न 63
Pharmaceutical patents grant protection to the patentee for the duration of the patent term. The patentees enjoy the liberty to determine the prices of medicines, which is time-limited to the period of monopoly, but could be unaffordable to the public. Such patent protection offered to the patentees is believed to benefit the public over the longer term through innovations and research and development (R&D), although it comes at a cost, in the nature of higher prices for the patented medicine. The patent regime and price protection - through a legally validated high price for the medicine during the currency of the patent - provide the patentee with a legitimate mechanism to get returns on the costs incurred in innovation and research.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Patent protection given to patentees puts a huge burden on public's purchasing power in accessing patented medicines. 2. Dependence on other countries for pharmaceutical products is a huge burden for developing and poor countries. 3. Providing medicines to the public at affordable prices is a key goal during the public health policy design in many countries. 4. Governments need to find an appropriate balance between the rights of patentees and the requirements of the patients. Which of the above assumptions are valid?
1. 1 and 2
2. 1 and 4
3. 3 and 4
4. 2 and 3
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) 1 and 4
Assumption 1 is valid: the passage says patented medicines carry higher prices that could be unaffordable to the public. Assumption 4 is valid: the passage weighs the patentee's legitimate need for returns on R&D against the cost borne by the public, which implies a balance must be struck. Assumption 2 about dependence on other countries is not mentioned. Assumption 3 about the goals of public health policy in many countries goes beyond what the passage discusses. So 1 and 4.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 64प्रश्न 64
India should ensure the growth of the digital economy while keeping personal data of citizens secure and protected. No one will innovate in a surveillance-oriented environment or in a place where an individual's personal information is compromised. The ultimate control of data must reside with the individuals who generate it; they should be enabled to use, restrict or monetise it as they wish. Therefore, data protection laws should enable the right kind of innovation - one that is user-centric and privacy protecting.
Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: 1. Protection of privacy is not just a right, but it has value to the economy. 2. There is a fundamental link between privacy and innovation. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (c) Both 1 and 2
The passage ties data protection to the growth of the digital economy and says individuals should be able to monetise their data, so privacy is treated as economically valuable, not only as a right (1). It also says no one will innovate where surveillance prevails or personal information is compromised, and that laws should enable privacy-protecting innovation, which assumes a basic link between privacy and innovation (2). Both are valid.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 71प्रश्न 71
In India, while the unemployment rate is a frequently used measure of poor performance of the economy, under conditions of rising school and college enrolment, it paints an inaccurate picture. The reported unemployment rate is dominated by the experience of younger Indians who face higher employment challenges and exhibit greater willingness to wait for the right job than their older peers. The unemployment challenge is greater for people with secondary or higher education, and rising education levels inflate unemployment challenges.
Which one of the following statements most likely reflects as to what the author of the passage intends to say?
1. Enrolment in schools and colleges is high but there is no quality education.
2. Unemployment must be seen as a function of rising education and aspirations of young Indians.
3. There are no labour-intensive industries to accommodate the huge number of unemployed people.
4. The education system should be properly designed so as to enable the educated people to be self-employed.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) Unemployment must be seen as a function of rising education and aspirations of young Indians.
The author argues that the unemployment rate misleads because it is dominated by young, better-educated people who are willing to wait for the right job, and that rising education levels inflate measured unemployment. So unemployment should be read in the light of rising education and the aspirations of the young, option (b). Quality of education (a), lack of labour-intensive industries (c) and self-employment (d) are not discussed in the passage.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 72प्रश्न 72
"Science by itself is not enough, there must be a force and discipline outside the sciences to coordinate them and point to a goal. It is not possible to run a course aright when the goal itself has not been rightly placed. What science needs is philosophy - the analysis of scientific method and the coordination of scientific purposes and results; without this, any science must be superficial. Government suffers, precisely like science, for lack of philosophy. Philosophy bears to science the same relationship which statesmanship bears to politics: movement guided by total knowledge and perspective, as against aimless and individual seeking. Just as the pursuit of knowledge becomes scholasticism when divorced from the actual needs of men and life, so the pursuit of politics becomes a destructive bedlam when divorced from science and philosophy."
Which one of the following statements best reflects the most rational, logical and practical message conveyed by the passage?
1. Modern statesmen need to be well trained in scientific methods and philosophical thinking to enable them to have a better perspective of their roles, responsibilities and goals.
2. It is not desirable to have Governments managed by empirical statesmen unless well mixed with others who are grounded in learning and reflect wisdom.
3. As the statesmen/bureaucrats are the products of a society, it is desirable to have a system of education in a society that focuses on training its citizens in scientific method and philosophical thinking from a very early age.
4. It is desirable that all scientists need to be philosophers as well to make their work goal-oriented and thus purposeful and useful to the society.
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (b) It is not desirable to have Governments managed by empirical statesmen unless well mixed with others who are grounded in learning and reflect wisdom.
The passage says government, like science, suffers without philosophy, and that politics divorced from science and philosophy becomes destructive bedlam. The practical lesson is that those who govern from practical experience alone should be balanced by people grounded in learning and wisdom, option (b). Option (a) is tempting, but it demands that statesmen themselves be trained as scientists and philosophers, while the passage only asks that government be guided by such knowledge. Option (c) on early education and (d) on every scientist being a philosopher go beyond the text.
UPSC 2023 CSAT, question 73प्रश्न 73
"The last end of the state is not to dominate men, nor to restrain them by fear; rather it is so to free each man from fear that he may live and act with full security and without injury to himself or his neighbour. The end of the state, I repeat, is not to make rational beings into brute beasts and machines. It is to enable their bodies and their minds to function safely. It is to lead men to live by, and to exercise, a free reason; that they may not waste their strength in hatred, anger and guile, nor act unfairly toward one another."
Based on the above passage, which one of the following terms best expresses the ultimate goal of the state?
1. Personal safety
2. Health of body and mind
3. Communal harmony
4. Liberty
Answer and explanationउत्तर और व्याख्या
Answer:उत्तर: (d) Liberty
The passage says the end of the state is not domination or fear but to free each man from fear, so that he can live and act securely and exercise a free reason. Freedom is the common thread, so liberty, option (d), best expresses the ultimate goal. Personal safety (a) and the safe functioning of body and mind (b) are mentioned, but as parts of what it means to be free; fair dealing among people (c) is presented as a result of living by free reason, not as the end itself.

Questions and answer keys are published by the Union Public Service Commission (upsc.gov.in). Explanations are written by IndiaDigital; if one looks wrong, use the report link under it.प्रश्न और उत्तर-कुंजियाँ संघ लोक सेवा आयोग (upsc.gov.in) द्वारा प्रकाशित हैं। व्याख्याएँ IndiaDigital ने लिखी हैं; कोई गलत लगे तो उसके नीचे दिए लिंक से बताइए।

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