Paragraph: Only with long experience and opening of his wares on many a beach where his language is not spoken,

CSAT 2024 / Chandan

Paragraph: 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.

Q1. When we meet other people while we travel, we learn to differentiate between
a) imagination and understanding
b) communities and nationalities
c) local values and universal values
d) friends and foes
Correct answer: c) local values and universal values

Q2. 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?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct answer: a) 1 and 2 only

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT

Explanation :

For Q1:
1. The passage discusses a merchant who learns through travel what aspects of his goods (including abstract concepts like justice, love, honor) are:
– “parochial” (local/specific to a place)
– “universal” (common across cultures)
2. The passage explicitly states these values are “valid everywhere but variously moulded and differently handled”
3. Therefore, c) “local values and universal values” is indeed correct, as travel helps distinguish between what’s culturally specific and what’s fundamentally common across cultures.

For Q2:
Let’s examine each assumption:
1. “Travel leads to an understanding of humans” – Valid ✓
The passage suggests travel helps understand how different cultures interpret common values.

2. “Travel helps those who wish to learn fundamental common values” – Valid ✓
Explicitly stated in the last line: “the art of learning fundamental common values is perhaps the greatest gain of travel”

3. “A person with long experience in travel can resolve differences amongst people” – Invalid ✗
The passage only mentions understanding differences, not resolving them.

Therefore, answer a) “1 and 2 only” is correct since only assumptions 1 and 2 are directly supported by the passage.

Paragraph: Only with long experience and opening of his wares on many a beach where his language is not spoken, Read More »

Paragraph: “The history of science is the real history of mankind.”

CSAT 2024 / Chandan

Paragraph: “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 has 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?

Q1. 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.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q2. 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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: b) 2 only

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT

Explanation :

Q1. Let’s examine if the author emphatically conveys either statement:

1. “Without science, mankind could not have continued to exist till today”
– The passage doesn’t make this claim
– The author only states that science and mankind’s history are interlinked, not that mankind’s existence depends on science

2. “Science will ultimately determine mankind’s destiny”
– Again, the passage doesn’t make this deterministic claim
– The author actually questions whether scientific progress inevitably leads to conflict or if the fault lies elsewhere

The author’s main point is about the inseparable relationship between science and mankind, not about existential dependency or destiny. Therefore, (d) Neither 1 nor 2 is correct.

Q2. Let’s examine both assumptions:

1. “The horrors of modern life are the inevitable result of the progress of science”
– The passage explicitly questions this assumption with “Is this the inevitable result of the progress of science or does the fault lie elsewhere?”
– The author suggests looking elsewhere for blame, so this assumption is incorrect

2. “The aspect of truth likely to be overlooked is that science is what man has made it”
– The passage states it’s “easy to overlook the relations between science and mankind”
– The author criticizes treating science as “some abstract third party” that can be blamed at convenience
– This implies that science is inseparable from human actions and choices
– This assumption aligns with the author’s message

Therefore, (b) 2 only is correct.

Paragraph: “The history of science is the real history of mankind.” Read More »

Paragraph: We take it for granted now that science has a social responsibility.

CSAT 2024 / Chandan

Paragraph:

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.

Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the thinking of the author about the science?
a) Science must value the commitment of the scientists.
b) Science is a product of civilized society and must be used for the promotion of scientific awareness in people.
c) Industrial revolution was made possible by the advancements in science.
d) Science must pursue truth but be responsible for social welfare.
Correct answer: d) Science must pursue truth but be responsible for social welfare.

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT

Explanation :

1. Key points from the paragraph:
– In the past (Newton, Galileo’s time), science was only seen as a way to describe the world
– The only responsibility scientists felt then was to tell the truth
– The idea of science having social responsibility emerged during the industrial revolution
– This change surprises us because we wrongly think the industrial revolution ended a better era

2. Looking at the options:
a) “Science must value the commitment of scientists” – Not mentioned in the passage
b) “Science is a product of civilized society…” – Not discussed in the passage
c) “Industrial revolution was made possible…” – The passage actually discusses how industrial revolution brought social responsibility to science, not the other way around
d) “Science must pursue truth but be responsible for social welfare” – This captures both aspects discussed: the original focus on truth (from Newton/Galileo’s time) and the modern social responsibility

3. Option d) best reflects the author’s thinking because:
– It acknowledges the historical aspect of pursuing truth
– It includes the modern view of social responsibility
– It combines both elements the passage presents as important

Paragraph: We take it for granted now that science has a social responsibility. Read More »

Paragraph: By the time children reach class 8, the bulk of them tend to be in the age range of 13 years to 15 years.

CSAT 2024 / Chandan

Paragraph:

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.

Q1. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. For effective school education, parents have a 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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q2. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea conveyed by the passage?
a) Total eradication of poverty in the country will resolve the issue of under-performance of our school-children.
b) Monetary incentives to parents and teachers is a strategy to improve the children’s academic performance.
c) Public policy should ensure that competencies and achievements of young people are aligned with their expectations.
d) India is not going to take advantage of the demographic dividend unless some school pass-outs go back to agriculture.
Correct answer: c) Public policy should ensure that competencies and achievements of young people are aligned with their expectations.

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT

Explanation :

Q1: Analysis of Assumptions

Let’s examine if the passage supports either assumption:

1. “Parents have a greater role than governments”
– The passage only mentions parents in the context of their expectations
– No comparison is made between parental and governmental roles
– This assumption cannot be derived from the passage

2. “Uniform curriculum may address the issues”
– The passage discusses problems with reading and arithmetic abilities
– It doesn’t suggest or imply that curriculum uniformity would solve these issues
– This assumption cannot be derived from the passage

Therefore, answer (d) “Neither 1 nor 2” is correct since neither assumption can be validated from the passage.

Q2: Central Idea

Key points from the passage:
– Students have poor academic competencies
– They have expectations of higher education
– There’s a gap between their abilities and expectations
– They can’t enter workforce until 18
– Most don’t want to return to agriculture

Looking at the options:
a) Poverty is not mentioned as a factor
b) Monetary incentives aren’t discussed
c) The passage highlights the mismatch between competencies and expectations
d) Agricultural focus isn’t presented as a solution

Option (c) best captures the central theme – there’s a need to align students’ actual competencies with their future expectations through public policy, as evidenced by the discussion of the gap between current abilities and future aspirations.

Paragraph: By the time children reach class 8, the bulk of them tend to be in the age range of 13 years to 15 years. Read More »

Paragraph: Not every voice on the internet commands the same kind of audience.

CSAT 2024 / Chandan

Paragraph:

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.

Q1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the above passage?

a) Constructed as a marketplace of views, social media ensures instant access to information.
b) Social media are not ideal or moral institutions but the products built by companies to make profits.
c) Social media have been created to strengthen democracies.
d) In today’s world, social media are inevitable for well-informed social life.
Correct answer: b) Social media are not ideal or moral institutions but the products built by companies to make profits.

Q2. 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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: c) Both 1 and 2

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT

Explanation :

Q1. Central Idea Analysis:
– The paragraph discusses how:
1. Not all voices have equal reach on the internet
2. Those with money can amplify their voices
3. Political discourse is affected by this imbalance
4. Social media prioritizes engagement over content quality
5. Content can be inflammatory but still gets promoted

Looking at the options:
– The paragraph doesn’t celebrate social media’s information access (a)
– It’s not about social media being inevitable (d)
– It doesn’t claim social media strengthens democracy (c)
– Option (b) aligns with the passage’s criticism of how social media operates as a profit-driven system rather than a democratic forum

The correct answer b) is indeed the best match as it captures the passage’s critique of social media as commercial entities rather than democratic institutions.

Q2. Assumptions Analysis:
Let’s examine each assumption:

1. “Internet is not inclusive enough”
– The passage states “Not every voice commands the same audience” and mentions how money can buy louder voices
– This implies inequitable access and influence, supporting this assumption

2. “Internet can adversely affect the quality of politics”
– The passage explicitly states “the quality of politics suffers”
– It mentions how political discourse becomes about “outshining opponents” and promotes inflammatory content

Both assumptions are clearly supported by the passage, making c) “Both 1 and 2” the correct answer.

Paragraph: Not every voice on the internet commands the same kind of audience. Read More »

Paragraph: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally.

CSAT 2024 / Chandan

Paragraph:

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 efficiency and food sustainability.

Q1. 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.
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 3 and 4
d) 1, 2 and 4
Correct answer: b) 2 and 3 only

Q2. 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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: a) 1 only

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT

Explanation :

Q1: Let’s examine each statement and compare with the passage:

1. “Current methods of food distribution are solely responsible” – The passage mentions wastage occurs “throughout the supply chain, from initial agricultural production to final household consumption.” So this statement is incorrect as it’s not solely distribution.

2. “Land productivity is adversely affected” – The passage states “wastage results in land degradation by about 45%,” so this is a valid inference.

3. “Reduction in loss and wastage results in lesser carbon footprint” – Since the passage mentions wasted food leads to 3.5 billion tonnes of CO2 production, reducing waste would logically reduce the carbon footprint. This is valid.

4. “Post-harvest technologies are not available” – The passage makes no mention of post-harvest technologies, so this cannot be inferred.

Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are valid inferences. Answer (b) is correct.

Q2: Let’s examine the assumptions:

1. “Food distribution mechanism needs to be reimagined” – This is a valid assumption because the passage discusses significant food loss throughout the supply chain, suggesting the current system needs improvement.

2. “Social and moral responsibility of all citizens” – While reducing food waste might be desirable, the passage doesn’t provide any basis for assuming it’s a social or moral responsibility. It only presents factual information about the consequences of food waste.

Therefore, only assumption 1 is valid. Answer (a) is correct.

Paragraph: According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally. Read More »

Paragraph: Today, if we consider cities such as New York, London and Paris as some of the most iconic cities in the world,

CSAT 2024 / Chandan

Paragraph:

Today, if we consider cities such as New York, London and Paris as some of the most iconic cities in the world,

it is because plans carrying a heavy systems approach were imposed on their precincts. The backbone of the systems theory is the process of translating social, spatial and cultural desirables into mathematical models using computing, statistics, optimization and an algorithmic way of formulating and solving problems. The early universities of the West which began to train professionals in planning, spawned some of the most ingenious planners, who were experts in these domains. This was because these very subjects were absorbed into the planning curriculum that had its roots in the social sciences, geography and architecture. Planning in India, and its education differ from the West.

Q1. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?
a) Curriculum for urban planning courses should have diverse and interdisciplinary approach.
b) In India, city administration is under bureaucracy which lacks formal training in urban planning and management.
c) In India, the management of urban areas is a local affair with a chronic problem of insufficient funds.
d) With high density of population and widespread poverty in our urban areas, planned development in them is very difficult.
Correct answer: a) Curriculum for urban planning courses should have diverse and interdisciplinary approach.

Q2. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:
1. India needs a new generation of urban professionals with knowledge relevant to modern urban practice.
2. Indian universities at present have no capacity or potential to impart training in systems approach.

Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: a) 1 only

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT

Explanation :

Q1 Analysis:
1. The passage discusses how iconic Western cities benefited from systems approach planning
2. It emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of planning education in Western universities, combining:
– Computing and statistics
– Social sciences
– Geography
– Architecture
3. The passage contrasts this with India’s different approach
4. Looking at the options, (a) is the most logical inference because:
– The passage shows success coming from diverse expertise
– It demonstrates how combining multiple disciplines led to effective planning
– Other options (b, c, d) discuss issues not directly supported by the passage

Q2 Analysis:
1. For Assumption 1: “India needs new urban professionals with modern knowledge”
– This is reasonable given the passage states India’s planning differs from the West
– The passage shows how Western success came from well-trained professionals
– This assumption aligns with the passage’s implications

2. For Assumption 2: “Indian universities have no capacity for systems approach”
– The passage only states that Indian planning education differs
– It doesn’t suggest Indian universities lack capacity or potential
– This is too extreme an assumption not supported by the text

Therefore:
– Answer (a) “1 only” is correct because while Assumption 1 can be reasonably inferred, Assumption 2 goes beyond what the passage supports.

Paragraph: Today, if we consider cities such as New York, London and Paris as some of the most iconic cities in the world, Read More »

Paragraph: As inflation rises, even governments previously committed to budget discipline are spending freely to help households.

CSAT 2024 / Chandan

Paragraph:

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.

Q1. Which of the following statements best 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:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: c) Both 1 and 2

Q2. 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?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: d) Neither 1 nor 2

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT

Explanation :

Q1. Let’s examine the given statements:

1. “Central banks cannot bring down inflation without budgetary backing”
– The passage states that “Without the fiscal backup, monetary policy eventually loses traction”
– It also mentions that higher interest rates can become inflationary instead of disinflationary without fiscal support
– This statement is supported by the passage

2. “The effects of monetary policy depend on the fiscal policies pursued by the government”
– The passage shows that government spending decisions affect how monetary policy works
– When governments continue to spend freely despite higher interest rates, it undermines the intended disinflationary effect
– Fiscal policy choices clearly influence monetary policy effectiveness
– This statement is also supported by the passage

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Both statements are logical inferences that can be made from the passage.

Q2. Let’s examine the assumptions:

1. “Fiscal policies of governments are solely responsible for higher prices”
– The passage discusses both monetary and fiscal factors affecting inflation
– It doesn’t suggest that fiscal policy is the sole cause of higher prices
– This is not a valid assumption

2. “Higher prices do not affect the long-term government bonds”
– The passage doesn’t discuss this relationship at all
– No information is provided about the effect of prices on government bonds
– This is not a valid assumption

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Neither assumption can be validated based on the information provided in the passage.

Paragraph: As inflation rises, even governments previously committed to budget discipline are spending freely to help households. Read More »

Q. In some code, letters P, Q, R, S, T represent numbers 4, 5, 10, 12, 15. It is not known which letter represents which number. If Q-S= 2S and T=R+S+3, then what is the value of P+R-T?

CSAT 2024 / Chandan

Q. In some code, letters P, Q, R, S, T represent numbers 4, 5, 10, 12, 15. It is not known which letter represents which number. If Q-S= 2S and T=R+S+3, then what is the value of P+R-T?

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) Cannot be determined due to insufficient data
Correct answer: b) 2

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT

Explanation :

Let’s determine the values of P, Q, R, S, and T based on the given conditions and the available numbers: 4, 5, 10, 12, 15.

Step 1: Analyze the Equation Q – S = 2S
This simplifies to:
Q = 3S

We need to find pairs (S, Q) where Q is three times S and both are among the available numbers:
– If S = 4, then Q = 12 (valid)
– If S = 5, then Q = 15 (valid)
– S = 10 would give Q = 30 (invalid)
– S = 12 would give Q = 36 (invalid)
– S = 15 would give Q = 45 (invalid)

So, the possible pairs are (S, Q) = (4, 12) or (5, 15).

Step 2: Analyze the Equation T = R + S + 3

Case 1: S = 4 and Q = 12
Substitute S = 4 into the equation:
T = R + 4 + 3 = R + 7

The remaining numbers are 5, 10, 15:
– If R = 5, then T = 12 (already assigned to Q, invalid)
– If R = 10, then T = 17 (invalid)
– If R = 15, then T = 22 (invalid)

This case yields no valid solution.

Case 2: S = 5 and Q = 15
Substitute S = 5 into the equation:
T = R + 5 + 3 = R + 8

The remaining numbers are 4, 10, 12:
– If R = 4, then T = 12 (valid)
– If R = 10, then T = 18 (invalid)
– If R = 12, then T = 20 (invalid)

Thus, the valid assignments are:
– S = 5
– Q = 15
– R = 4
– T = 12
– P = 10 (the only remaining number)

Step 3: Calculate P + R – T
P + R – T = 10 + 4 – 12 = 2

Answer: b) 2

Q. In some code, letters P, Q, R, S, T represent numbers 4, 5, 10, 12, 15. It is not known which letter represents which number. If Q-S= 2S and T=R+S+3, then what is the value of P+R-T? Read More »

Q. What will come in place of * in the sequence 3, 14, 39, 84, *, 258?

CSAT 2024 / Chandan

Q. What will come in place of * in the sequence 3, 14, 39, 84, *, 258?

a) 150
b) 155
c) 160
d)176
Correct answer: b) 155

Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT

Explanation :

To determine the missing number in the sequence 3, 14, 39, 84, *, 258, we’ll analyze the pattern based on the hint: “Use sum of number square & cube.”

Step-by-Step Reasoning:

1. Identify the Position (n) of Each Term:
n = 1: 3
n = 2: 14
n = 3: 39
n = 4: 84
n = 5: ?
n = 6: 258

2. Apply the Formula:
The pattern suggests that each term is the sum of the cube and square of its position number (n), plus the number itself.
Formula: Term = n³ + n² + n

3. Calculate Each Term Using the Formula:
For n = 1:
1³ + 1² + 1 = 1 + 1 + 1 = 3

For n = 2:
2³ + 2² + 2 = 8 + 4 + 2 = 14

For n = 3:
3³ + 3² + 3 = 27 + 9 + 3 = 39

For n = 4:
4³ + 4² + 4 = 64 + 16 + 4 = 84

For n = 5:
5³ + 5² + 5 = 125 + 25 + 5 = 155

For n = 6:
6³ + 6² + 6 = 216 + 36 + 6 = 258

4. Conclusion:
The missing term for n = 5 is 155.

Final Answer: b) 155

Q. What will come in place of * in the sequence 3, 14, 39, 84, *, 258? Read More »