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Question 51

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026• Paper-2 (CSAT)

Consider the following three statements, namely S1, S2 and S3 :

S1. Protecting the environment is an existential exigency for humans, given the impact of environmental degradation on climate change.

S2. Scientific consensus has not been achieved with regard to the extent of the contribution of human intervention to climate change.

S3. Environmental activism includes climate alarmism and other extremist points of view that often become the focus of climate change deniers.

Which of the following relationships based on the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. S3 is a counterpoint to S1

  2. S3 is unconnected to S1 and S2

  3. S2 could be the reason for S3

Select the answer using the code given below.

  1. AOption (a)

    2 and 3 only

  2. BOption (b)

    1, 2 and 3

  3. COption (c)

    1 and 2 only

  4. DOption (d)

    3 only

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

3 only

Why this answer is correct

The logical analysis of the statements and their relationships is as follows:

Statement Analysis:

  • S1: Focuses on the existential necessity of protecting the environment due to the impact of climate change.
  • S2: Highlights that a scientific consensus has not been reached regarding the extent of human intervention in climate change.
  • S3: Describes how environmental activism includes climate alarmism or extremist views, which are then utilized by climate change deniers.

Evaluating the Relationships:

1. S3 is a counterpoint to S1:

This is incorrect. S1 argues for the necessity of environmental protection. S3 describes the nature of certain types of activism and how they are perceived. Describing the flaws or extremes of activism (alarmism) does not logically negate or act as a counterpoint to the fundamental need for environmental protection mentioned in S1.

2. S3 is unconnected to S1 and S2:

This is incorrect.

All three statements are closely thematically linked to the global discourse on climate change. S1 sets the stakes, S2 explains the scientific uncertainty, and S3 explains the socio-political reactions to that uncertainty. They are inherently connected.

3. S2 could be the reason for S3:

This is correct. The lack of scientific consensus (S2) on the exact extent of human contribution creates a vacuum of certainty. This uncertainty often leads different groups to adopt extremist points of view, such as climate alarmism (to spur action despite the uncertainty) or denial (using the lack of consensus as an excuse to reject the phenomenon). Thus, S2 provides the context or reason for the behaviors described in S3.

Conclusion:

Based on the logical deduction, only the third relationship is valid.

Therefore, the correct code is 3 only.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 4".

Question 52

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026• Paper-2 (CSAT)

Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :

 

List-I (Relationship category)List-II (Communication type)
A. Between cricket captain and team members1. Informal and firm
B. Between judge and lawyers in court2. Informal and open-ended
C. Between Vice Chancellor and Deputy Registrar3. Formal and open-ended
D. Between peers and coworkers4. Formal and firm
  1. AOption (a)

    a-1, b-3, c-4, d-2

  2. BOption (b)

    a-1, b-4, c-3, d-2

  3. COption (c)

    a-2, b-4, c-3, d-1

  4. DOption (d)

    a-2, b-3, c-4, d-1

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

a-1, b-4, c-3, d-2

Why this answer is correct

The logic for matching the relationship categories with their communication types is based on the nature of hierarchy and the setting of the interaction.

Analysis of the Relationships:

A. Between cricket captain and team members:

In a sports team, there is a strong bond and camaraderie among players, making the interaction Informal. However, to execute strategies and maintain discipline on the field, the captain must be Firm in their decision-making. Thus, it matches with 1. Informal and firm.

B. Between judge and lawyers in court:

The courtroom is a highly regulated and official environment. The communication follows strict legal protocols, making it Formal. The judge’s orders and rulings must be Firm to uphold the authority of the court. Thus, it matches with 4. Formal and firm.

C. Between Vice Chancellor and Deputy Registrar:

This is a standard administrative relationship within a university hierarchy. The communication is Formal due to the official designations, but it is often Open-ended to allow for administrative discussions, reporting, and problem-solving. Thus, it matches with 3. Formal and open-ended.

D. Between peers and coworkers:

Since peers are at the same hierarchical level, their interaction is usually Informal and relaxed. Their communication is Open-ended as it involves brainstorming, collaboration, and social dialogue without rigid constraints. Thus, it matches with 2. Informal and open-ended.

 

The Final Matching Table:

List-I (Relationship)List-II (Communication Type)
A. Between cricket captain and team members1. Informal and firm
B. Between judge and lawyers in court4. Formal and firm
C. Between Vice Chancellor and Deputy Registrar3. Formal and open-ended
D. Between peers and coworkers2. Informal and open-ended

 

Therefore, the correct match is a-1, b-4, c-3, d-2.

Hence, the correct answer is "Option 2".

Question 53

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026• Paper-2 (CSAT)

Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :

List-I (Tool of communication)List-II (Purpose)
A. Memorandum1. To record decisions
B. Flyer2. To inform confidentially
C. Bcc3. To intimate a directive
D. Minutes4. To disseminate non-targeted information
  1. AOption (a)

    a-1, b-4, c-2, d-3

  2. BOption (b)

    a-1, b-2, c-4, d-3

  3. COption (c)

    a-3, b-4, c-2, d-1

  4. DOption (d)

    a-3, b-2, c-4, d-1

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

a-3, b-4, c-2, d-1

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is a-3, b-4, c-2, d-1

Key Points

  • Memorandum (Memo): A Memorandum is a tool of Internal Communication used within an organization to convey information, policies, or instructions. Its primary purpose is to intimate a directive or a specific action required by the staff or departments.
  • Flyer: A Flyer is a form of paper advertisement or notice intended for wide distribution. It is typically handed out in public places or posted on boards to disseminate non-targeted information to a large, general audience rather than a specific individual.
  • Bcc (Blind Carbon Copy): In email communication, Bcc is used to send a copy of the message to a recipient whose identity is hidden from the other recipients. The main purpose is to inform confidentially, ensuring that the primary recipients are unaware that the Bcc recipient has also received the information.
  • Minutes: Minutes, or Minutes of a Meeting, are the official written record of the proceedings of a meeting. Their essential function is to record decisions, track progress on action items, and provide a legal or formal summary of what was discussed and agreed upon.

Additional Information

  • Circulars: These are used to communicate information to a large number of people within an organization simultaneously, often regarding general updates or changes in rules.
  • Cc (Carbon Copy): Unlike Bcc, the Cc field in an email is used to keep stakeholders in the loop where all recipients can see who else has received the message.
  • Notice: A Notice is a formal means of communication used to announce events, meetings, or instructions to a specific group of people, often displayed on a Notice Board.
  • Reports: Formal documents that present information in an organized format for a specific audience and purpose, often involving the analysis of data or findings.

Question 54

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026• Paper-2 (CSAT)

Which among the following actions would constitute the most appropriate directive(s) in resolving interpersonal conflict in an office with culturally diverse personnel?

  1. Direct personnel to practise activities that are the cultural markers of diverse groups

  2. Allow conflicts to resolve naturally over time to set an appropriate precedent of leadership

  3. Encourage personnel to seek each other's perspectives

Select the answer using the code given below.

  1. AOption (a)

    1 and 3

  2. BOption (b)

    2 only

  3. COption (c)

    3 only

  4. DOption (d)

    2 and 3

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

3 only

Why this answer is correct

Logic followed here is based on the principles of Organizational Behavior and Conflict Management within a culturally diverse environment. Effective leadership requires proactive strategies that bridge gaps in understanding rather than superficial measures or passive avoidance.

Analysis of the Directives:

1. Direct personnel to practise activities that are the cultural markers of diverse groups:

This directive is generally considered ineffective for conflict resolution. Forcing employees to adopt or practice specific cultural markers (like rituals or religious practices) can be seen as intrusive, insincere, or even a violation of personal boundaries. It does not address the root cause of interpersonal friction.

2. Allow conflicts to resolve naturally over time:

This approach reflects laissez-faire leadership or an avoidance strategy. In a professional office setting, leaving conflicts unaddressed often leads to an escalation of tension, reduced team cohesion, and a decline in productivity. It sets a poor precedent that the leadership is unwilling to maintain a professional standard of conduct.

3. Encourage personnel to seek each other's perspectives:

This is a fundamental technique in active listening and empathy building. In a culturally diverse personnel group, conflicts often arise from miscommunication or differing cultural norms. Encouraging employees to understand the viewpoint and context of others helps in de-escalating tension and finding a mutually acceptable resolution.

The most appropriate directive for resolving conflict is to promote cross-cultural communication and perspective-taking.

Therefore, among the given directives, only 3 constitutes an appropriate action for a leader.

Hence, the correct answer is 3 only.

Question 55

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026• Paper-2 (CSAT)

Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists :

List-I (Barrier to communication)List-II (Example)
A. Semantic1. Lack of feedback
B. Cognitive2. Misunderstanding the meaning of a word
C. Organisational3. Fear of social stigma
D. Affective4. Information overload
  1. AOption (a)

    a-3, b-1, c-4, d-2

  2. BOption (b)

    a-3, b-4, c-1, d-2

  3. COption (c)

    a-2, b-1, c-4, d-3

  4. DOption (d)

    a-2, b-4, c-1, d-3

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

a-2, b-4, c-1, d-3

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is a-2, b-4, c-1, d-3

Key Points

  • Semantic Barriers (A-2): These barriers are concerned with the encoding and decoding of messages. They arise when the same words or symbols carry different meanings for the sender and the receiver. Misunderstanding the meaning of a word or using technical jargon that the receiver does not understand are classic examples of semantic barriers.
  • Cognitive Barriers (B-4): These relate to the mental processes of the individual. Information overload occurs when a person is presented with more information than their brain can effectively process and categorize at one time, leading to a breakdown in communication because the receiver cannot absorb all the details.
  • Organisational Barriers (C-1): These barriers arise from the structure, rules, and environment within an organization. A lack of feedback is often an organizational issue where the hierarchy or communication flow does not provide a formal or informal channel for the receiver to respond, making the communication one-way and ineffective.
  • Affective Barriers (D-3): These are emotional or psychological barriers. Affective refers to feelings and attitudes. Fear of social stigma is a psychological state where an individual avoids communicating certain ideas or feelings due to the emotional dread of being judged or rejected by society.

Additional Information

  • Physical Barriers: These include environmental factors such as noise, distance, or technical glitches in the communication medium (e.g., poor telephone connection).
  • Cultural Barriers: These occur when people from different backgrounds use different customs, gestures, or social norms, which can lead to misinterpretation of non-verbal cues.
  • Psychological Barriers: Closely related to affective barriers, these include premature evaluation, lack of attention, and poor retention, which prevent the receiver from hearing the message objectively.
  • Filtering: This is a specific organisational barrier where information is manipulated so that it will be seen more favorably by the receiver, common in upward communication within a hierarchy.

Question 56

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026• Paper-2 (CSAT)

You are required to design a 'questionnaire' to be filled on-location by visitors, based on the following objective while writing a report :

“To determine the feasibility of setting up a family-oriented vacation resort in the vicinity of a lake destination in the mountains”

Which of the following heads would you include in the questionnaire to make it most appropriate for your purpose?

  1. Size of family

  2. Budget

  3. Number of earners in the family

  4. Food allergies and dietary restrictions

Select the answer using the code given below.

  1. AOption (a)

    1 and 3

  2. BOption (b)

    1, 2 and 4

  3. COption (c)

    1 and 2 only

  4. DOption (d)

    2 and 3

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

1 and 2 only

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 1 and 2 only

Key Points

  • To determine the feasibility of a family-oriented vacation resort, the most critical data points are those that directly influence the demand and economic viability of the project.
  • Size of family: This is a primary factor for a family-oriented resort. It helps designers and investors determine the room configuration (e.g., suites, interconnected rooms), the capacity of common areas, and the type of recreational facilities required for different age groups.
  • Budget: This is the cornerstone of any feasibility study. Knowing the price sensitivity and the average amount a family is willing to spend on accommodation and services allows the developer to position the resort (e.g., luxury, mid-range, or budget) and calculate the Return on Investment (ROI).
  • Number of earners in the family: While this provides a hint at socio-economic status, it is often considered intrusive and indirect. The total budget (Option 2) is a much more reliable and direct metric for feasibility than the internal financial structure of the family.
  • Food allergies and dietary restrictions: This is an operational detail. While important for guest satisfaction once the resort is running, it does not significantly impact the initial decision of whether or not setting up the resort is feasible or profitable.

Additional Information

  • A Feasibility Study in tourism involves market research, site analysis, and financial forecasting.
  • Primary Data Collection via questionnaires on-location helps in understanding the preferences of the target demographic (current visitors to the lake destination).
  • Other important factors for such a study would include seasonality, proximity to transport hubs, availability of utilities, and local environmental regulations regarding the mountain ecosystem.
  • The Questionnaire Design must focus on quantitative data that can be translated into statistical trends for the final feasibility report.

Question 57

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026• Paper-2 (CSAT)

With reference to 'circular letters', which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. Circular letters are usually addressed to a group of people.

  2. Non-standard and customized content is typical of circular letters.

  3. Circular letters are used to intimate appraisals and increments of employees within organisations.

  4. Circular letters are less cost-effective than personalised and specific recipient-directed letters.

Select the answer using the code given below.

  1. AOption (a)

    1 and 2

  2. BOption (b)

    2 and 4

  3. COption (c)

    1, 3 and 4

  4. DOption (d)

    1 only

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

1 only

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 1 only

Key Points

  • A circular letter is a form of mass communication used to transmit the same information to a large number of people at the same time. This confirms that Statement 1 is correct, as they are addressed to a group of people rather than a single individual.
  • The content of a circular letter is standardized and formal. Since the same letter is sent to many people, it does not contain customized or non-standard content specific to one person. Therefore, Statement 2 is incorrect.
  • Appraisals, salary increments, and promotions are highly confidential and personal matters. These are always communicated via individualized letters or private memos to maintain privacy, never through a public or group circular. Thus, Statement 3 is incorrect.
  • Circular letters are actually more cost-effective than personalized letters. Because one common draft is prepared and printed/emailed in bulk, it significantly reduces the administrative cost and time per recipient. This makes Statement 4 incorrect.

Additional Information

  • Internal Circulars are used within an organization to inform employees about policy changes, office holidays, or internal meetings.
  • External Circulars are used to reach out to customers, suppliers, or shareholders regarding new product launches, changes in business address, or changes in the partnership structure of a firm.
  • The primary advantage of a circular is that it ensures consistency in the information received by everyone in the target audience, preventing miscommunication.
  • A well-drafted circular letter should be concise, clear, and follow a professional tone suitable for the intended group.

Question 58

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026• Paper-2 (CSAT)

Three partners A, B and C entered into a business. A invested one-third of the capital for one-third duration. B invested one-fourth of the capital for one-fourth duration. C invested the remaining capital for the whole duration. Out of a profit of ₹ 17,000, how much profit will C get?

  1. AOption (a)

    ₹ 12,000

  2. BOption (b)

    ₹ 10,000

  3. COption (c)

    ₹ 12,500

  4. DOption (d)

    ₹ 10,750

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

₹ 12,000

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Ratio of Profit Share = (Investment × Time) for each partner.

Ratio A : B : C = (1/3 × 1/3) : (1/4 × 1/4) : [(1 − 1/3 − 1/4) × 1]

Ratio = 1/9 : 1/16 : 5/12 ⇒ Multiply by LCM(9, 16, 12) = 144.

Ratio = 16 : 9 : 60 | Total parts = 16 + 9 + 60 = 85 units.

85 units = ₹ 17,000 ⇒ 1 unit = ₹ 200.

C's share = 60 × 200 = ₹ 12,000.

∴ The correct answer is ₹ 12,000.

Alternate Method

Given:

Total Profit = ₹ 17,000

Let Total Capital = 12 units (LCM of 3 and 4) and Total Duration = 12 months.

Formula Used:

Profit Share ∝ (Capital × Time)

Calculations:

⇒ A's capital = 1/3 × 12 = 4 units; A's time = 1/3 × 12 = 4 months.

⇒ B's capital = 1/4 × 12 = 3 units; B's time = 1/4 × 12 = 3 months.

⇒ C's capital = 12 − (4 + 3) = 5 units; C's time = 12 months.

⇒ Ratio of Profit (A : B : C) = (4 × 4) : (3 × 3) : (5 × 12)

⇒ Ratio = 16 : 9 : 60

⇒ Sum of ratios = 16 + 9 + 60 = 85

⇒ C's share = (60 / 85) × 17,000

⇒ C's share = 60 × (17,000 / 85)

⇒ C's share = 60 × 200 = ₹ 12,000

∴ The correct answer is ₹ 12,000.

Additional Information

Basic Partnership Rule

Profit is always distributed in the ratio of the product of Capital (C) and Time (T): P1 : P2 = (C1 × T1) : (C2 × T2).

Active vs. Sleeping Partner

An Active partner manages the business and may receive a salary or percentage of profit before the remaining profit is split. A Sleeping partner only invests capital.

Compound Partnership

When partners invest different amounts for different time periods, it is called a Compound partnership. The profit sharing ratio is the ratio of their effective capitals.

Question 59

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026• Paper-2 (CSAT)

There are two chemicals which do not react with each other. A container contains 10 litres of the chemical A. One litre of this chemical is removed from it and one litre of the chemical B is poured. Then one litre of the mixture is removed from the container and one litre of B is poured. If this process of replacing one litre of the mixture by one litre of B is performed once more, then what is the volume of B that is present in the container approximately (in percentage)?

  1. AOption (a)

    25

  2. BOption (b)

    27

  3. COption (c)

    29

  4. DOption (d)

    31

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

27

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Remaining amount of Chemical A = 10 × (1 − 1/10)3 = 10 × 0.729 = 7.29 litres.

Amount of Chemical B = Total Volume − Final A = 10 − 7.29 = 2.71 litres.

Approximate percentage of Chemical B = (2.71 ÷ 10) × 100 = 27.1% ≈ 27%.

∴ The correct answer is 27%.

Alternate Method

Given:

Initial quantity of Chemical A (V) = 10 litres

Quantity replaced each time (x) = 1 litre

Number of operations (n) = 3

Formula Used:

Final quantity of original liquid = V × (1 − x ÷ V)n

Calculations:

⇒ Final volume of Chemical A = 10 × (1 − 1 ÷ 10)3

⇒ Final volume of Chemical A = 10 × (9 ÷ 10)3

⇒ Final volume of Chemical A = 10 × (729 ÷ 1000) = 7.29 litres

⇒ Final volume of Chemical B = Total Volume − Final A = 10 − 7.29 = 2.71 litres

⇒ Percentage of Chemical B = (2.71 ÷ 10) × 100

⇒ Percentage of Chemical B = 27.1% ≈ 27%

∴ The correct answer is 27%.

Additional Information

General Replacement Formula

For a container with volume V, if x litres are replaced with another liquid n times, the remaining quantity of the original liquid is V(1 − x/V)n.

Concentration in Mixtures

The concentration of the added liquid (B) is always [1 − (Final A / Total Volume)] × 100.

Successive Percentage Decrease

Replacing 1L from 10L is equivalent to a successive 10% decrease in the quantity of the original liquid for each operation.

Question 60

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026• Paper-2 (CSAT)

A shopkeeper employs a delivery boy and gives him a motorcycle for home delivery. For every delivery, the boy is given ₹ 5. At the end of the day, he also gets ₹ 2 for every kilometre of the distance covered in the day. The boy wants to earn more than ₹ 500 a day, but does not want to travel more than 100 km. Which of the following numbers of deliveries would definitely meet his target?

  1. AOption (a)

    80

  2. BOption (b)

    85

  3. COption (c)

    90

  4. DOption (d)

    The question cannot be answered due to insufficient data

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

The question cannot be answered due to insufficient data

Why this answer is correct

Shortcut Trick

Total daily earnings = (Deliveries × ₹5) + (Distance in km × ₹2).

Conditions: Earnings > ₹500 and Distance ≤ 100 km.

For 90 deliveries: ₹450 + 2 × Distance. This only exceeds ₹500 if Distance > 25 km.

Since the minimum distance per delivery is not given, the target cannot be guaranteed.

∴ The correct answer is The question cannot be answered due to insufficient data.

Alternate Method

Given:

Rate per delivery = ₹5

Rate per km = ₹2

Target Earnings > ₹500

Maximum Distance = 100 km

Formula Used:

Total Earnings (E) = 5n + 2D

Where n = number of deliveries and D = total distance in km.

Calculations:

⇒ Let us test the highest option, n = 90.

⇒ E = 5(90) + 2D = 450 + 2D

⇒ To satisfy E > 500: 450 + 2D > 500

⇒ 2D > 50 ⇒ D > 25 km

⇒ Although D ≤ 100 km, we are not told that 90 deliveries must cover more than 25 km.

⇒ If the boy makes 90 deliveries to very close locations (e.g., total 10 km), he earns 450 + 20 = ₹470, which is less than the target.

⇒ Without a minimum distance constraint per delivery, no number in the options (80, 85, 90) definitely meets the target.

∴ The correct answer is The question cannot be answered due to insufficient data.

Additional Information

Linear Inequalities

When solving for a target value with multiple variables, all independent variables must be constrained or linked to find a definite solution.

Insufficient Data in Aptitude

A solution is deemed indeterminable if the outcome depends on a variable whose range or relationship with other factors is not fully defined.

Definite vs Possible Outcomes

A definite outcome must hold true for all possible values of the variables within their given limits (e.g., for D between 0 and 100).