UPSC CSP 2021 - GS Paper 2 CSAT Solutions

Directions for the following 2 (two) items :

Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage-1

The best universities like Harvard and MIT, despite having the luxury of having some truly excellent teachers on their payroll, are increasingly embracing the "flipped classroom" format, where students listen to video lectures at home, and spend class time applying their knowledge, solving problems, discussing examples etc. professors guide that discussion and fill in wherever necessary, explaining those bits that seem to be eluding the students and throwing in advanced ideas that happen to be topical. These universities have made their video lectures available free for anyone in the world. They are also encouraging colleges and universities all over the world to integrate these online courses into their own pedagogy, picking the pieces that are appropriate for their needs and building a package around them.

Q 61. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the passage given above?

(a) Efficacy of universities would be better in online mode of conducting classroom tuition as compared conventional method.

(b) Availability of higher education can be made easier and cheaper without diluting the content.

(c) We need not invest much in infrastructure related to higher education and yet develop better human and social capital.

(d) Private sector institutions in higher education as well as coaching institutes can take advantage of this opportunity and thrive well.

Ans. (b)

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect - The passage talks about the universities choosing the online mode of education. But it does not compare the two methods. Hence, option (a) is incorrect.

Option (b) is correct - The passage seems to revolve around how such courses are being provided for free and improved access for students far and wide (all over the world). Hence, option (b) is correct.

Option (c) is incorrect - The passage doesn’t discourage investment on infrastructure as its central theme. Also, social capital is an idea not central to the passage. Hence Option (c) is incorrect.

Option (d) is incorrect- The passage does not talk about public or private, universities or coaching institutions.. Hence Option (d) is incorrect.

Passage-2

Our cities are extremely vulnerable to climate change because of large concentrations of populations and poor infrastructure. Moreover, population densities are increasing in them but we have not yet developed the systems to address climate change impacts. Our cities contribute to 65 percent of the GDP, but there are not enough facilities to cater to the needs of the people. It is important to address the issues of air quality, transport, etc., that are vital to identifying sustainable solutions. We need to involve citizens in city planning and create an ecosystem that meets the needs of people.

Q 62. Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the passage given above?

(a) Our cities need to have well-defined administrative set-up with sufficient autonomy.

(b) Ever increasing population densities is a hindrance in our efforts to achieve sustainable development.

(c) To maintain and develop our cities we need to adopt sustainability related interventions.

(d) Public-Private Partnership mode of development is the viable long-term solution for the infrastructure and sustainability problems of India.

Ans. (b)

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect - The passage does not discuss idea of autonomy. Hence option (a) is incorrect.

Option (b) is correct - The passage mostly talks about the problem of climate change due to increasing population density and sustainable solutions are needed to tackle effects of climate change. Hence, it can be inferred that Ever increasing population densities is a hindrance in our efforts to achieve sustainable development.

Option (c) is incorrect - We need to adopt sustainability related interventions to address climate change impacts and not to maintain and develop our cities as per the passage. Hence the option (c) is incorrect.

Option (d) is incorrect - The passage does not discuss Public-private partnership. Hence, it can not be argued as an inference of the passage. Hence option (d) is incorrect.

Q 63. Jay and Vijay spent an equal amount of money to buy some pens and special pencils of the same quality from the same store. If Jay bought 3 pens and 5 pencils, and Vijay bought 2 pens and 7 pencils, then which one of the following is correct ?

(a) A pencil costs more than a pen.

(b) The price of a pencil is equal to that of a pen

(c) The price of a pen is two times the price of a pencil

(d) The price of a pen is three times the price of a pencil

Ans. (c)

Explanation

Let the price of a pen and a pencil be Rs. p and Rs. b respectively.

As per the question,

3p + 5b = 2p + 7b

=> p = 2b

So, price of a pen is twice as that of a pencil.

Q 64. P scored 40 marks more than Q in an examination. If Q scored 10% less marks than P, then how much did Q score.

(a) 360

(b) 380

(c) 400

(d) 420

Ans. (a)

Explanation

As per the question, P scored 40 marks more than Q.

So, if marks of Q is x, then the marks of P will be x + 40.

Q scored 10% less marks than P. Therefore, x is 90% of the marks of P (ie. x+40)

So, x = 90% of (x + 40)

=> 10x = 9x + 360

=> x = 360

So, Q scored 360 marks.

Q 65. A person P asks one of his three friends X as to how much money he had. X replied, "If Y given me Rs. 40, then Y will have half of as much as Z, but if Z gives me Rs. 40, then three of us will have equal amount." What is the total amount of money that X, Y and Z have ?

(a) Rs. 420

(b) Rs. 360

(c) Rs. 300

(d) Rs. 270

Ans. (b)

Explanation

Let the amount of money with X, Y and Z be x, y and z.

As per the question,

If Y gives X Rs. 40, then Y will have half of as much as Z.

That is, y – 40 = z/2

Or z = 2y - 80 ……(i)

If Z gives X Rs. 40, then all three will have equal amount.

That is, x + 40 = y = z – 40

So, x = y – 40

And z = y + 40 ……(ii & iii)

Using statements (i), (ii) & (iii), we get:

2y – 80 = y + 40

Or y = 120

So, x = y – 40 = 120 – 40 = 80

And z = y + 40 = 120 + 40 = 160

So, money with X, Y and Z will be Rs. 80, Rs. 120, and Rs. 160.

Total amount of money with X, Y and Z = x + y + z = 80 + 120 + 160 = Rs. 360

Q 66. In a code language 'MATHEMATICS' is written as 'LBSIDNZUHDR'. How is CHEMISTRY' written in that code language?

(a) DIDLHRSSX

(b) BIDNHTSSX

(c) BIDLHTSSX

(d) DGFLIRUQZ

Ans. (b)

Explanation

In a code language 'MATHEMATICS' is written as 'LBSIDNZUHDR'.

The pattern used in the above coding is as follows:

M (13) -> L (12), i.e. reduction of 1

A (1) -> B (2), i.e. increase of 1

T (20) -> S (19), i.e. reduction of 1

H (8) -> I (9), i.e. increase of 1

And so on.

So, the code of CHEMISTRY will be: BIDNHTSSX

Q 67. At which one of the following times, do the hour hand the minute hand of the clock make an angle of 180° with each other?

(a) At 7:00 hours

(b) Between 7:00 hours and 7:05 hours

(c) At 7:05 hours

(d) Between 7:05 hours and 7:10 hours

Ans. (d)

Explanation

By looking at the below clocks answer is clearly visible.

Angle of 180^o means that they must be directly opposite to each other. This will happen sometime after 7:05, approx. 7:06 or 7:07.

Q 68. In an objective type test of 90 questions, 5 marks are allotted for every correct answer and 2 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. After attempting all the 90 questions, a student got a total of 387 marks. What is the number of incorrect response ?

(a) 9

(b) 13

(c) 27

(d) 43

Ans. (a)

Explanation

Let no. of correct questions be c and no. of wrong answers be w

Since student attempts all 90 questions, c+w = 90 …..(i)

Total marks scored = 5c -2w

Given, total marks scored by the student = 387 = 5c -2w ………(ii)

Solving equations (i) & (ii), we get

c = 81, w = 9

Q 69. Consider the following addition problem : 3P+4P+PP=PQ2; where P, Q and R are different digits.

What is the arithmetic mean of all such possible sums?

(a) 102

(b) 120

(c) 202

(d) 220

Ans. (c)

Explanation

3P + 4P + PP + PP = RQ2

Or 30 + P + 40 + P + 10P + P + 10P + P = 100R + 10 Q + 2

Or 24P + 70 = 100R + 10 Q + 2

Or 20P + 70 + 4P = 100R + 10 Q + 2

The unit digit of the resultant is 2. It will be obtained when 4 is multiplied by P. So, P must be 3, or 8.

If P = 3, then:

24P + 70 = 24 × 3 + 70 = 72 + 70 = 142

If P = 8, then:

24P + 70 = 24 × 8 + 70 = 192 + 70 = 262

Arithmetic sum of 142 and 262 = (142 + 262)/2 = 202

Q 70. Consider the following multiplication problem :

(PQ)×3=RQQ, where P, Q and R are different digits and R≠ 0.

What is the value of (P+R)÷Q?

(a) 1

(b) 2

(c) 5

(d) Cannot be determined due to insufficient data

Ans. (b)

Explanation

PQ × 3 = RQQ

Or (10P + Q) × 3 = 100R + 10Q + Q

Or 30P + 3Q = 100R + 11Q

Or 30P = 100R + 8Q

The last digit of 30P will be 0, as well as that of 100R. So, the last digit of 8Q must also be 0.

So, the value of Q must be 5.

Hence, 30P = 100R + 8Q = 100R + 40

Or 3P = 10R + 4

If R = 1, then P = 14/3 (not an integer)

If R = 2, then P = 24/3 = 8

If R = 3, then P = 34/3 (not an integer, and in double digits)

So, P = 8, Q = 5, and R = 2

That is, 85 × 3 = 255

So, (P + R)/Q = (8 + 2)/5 = 10/5 = 2

Directions for the following 4 (four) items :

Read the following four passages and answer the items that follow. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage -1

Nothing can exist in a natural state which can be called good or bad by common assent, since every man who is in natural state consults only his own advantage, and determines what is good or bad according to his own fancy and insofar as he has regard for his own advantage alone, and holds himself responsible to no one save himself by any law; and therefore sin cannot be conceived in a natural state, but only a civil state, which is decreed by common consent what is good or bad, and each one holds himself responsible to the state.

Q 71. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the passage given above?

(a) The conceptions of what is right or wrong exist due to the formation of a state.

(b) Unless a ruling authority decides as to what is right or wrong, no man would be morally right.

(c) Man is inherently immoral and selfish in a natural state.

(d) The idea of what is right or wrong is necessary for the survival of human species.

Ans. (a)

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: Passage clearly mentions that nothing can be called good or bad in their natural state. It also mentions "sin cannot be conceived in a natural state, but only a civil state, which is decreed by common consent what is good or bad, and each one holds himself responsible to the state."

Option (b) is incorrect. The author says nothing can be called good or bad in their natural state.

Option (c) is incorrect: The passage does not intend to carry this message as central idea.

Option (d) is incorrect: It seems like a far-fetched inference rather than the central idea .

Passage-2

In the immediate future, we will see the increasing commodification of many new technologies – artificial intelligence and robotics, 3D manufacturing, custom made biological and pharmaceutical products, lethal autonomous weapons and driverless cars. This will pose conundrums. The moral question of how a driverless car will decide between hitting jaywalker and swerving and damaging the car has often been debated. The answer is both simple- save the human life- and complex. At which angle should the car swerve- just enough to save the jaywalker or more than enough? If the driverless car is in Dublin, who would take the decision ? The Irish Government, or the car’s original code writer in California, or a software programmer in Hyderabad to whom maintenance is outsourced ? If different national jurisdictions have different fine print on prioritizing a human life, how will it affect insurance and investment decisions, including transnational ones?

Q 72. Which of the following statements best reflect the rational, plausible, and practical implications that can be derived from the passage given above?

1. Too much globalization is not in the best interests of any country.

2. Modern technologies are increasingly blurring the economic borders.

3. Innovation and capital have impinged on the domain of the state.

4. Public policy of every country should focus on developing its own supply chains.

5. Geopolitics will have to reconcile to many ambiguities and uncertainties.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 4 and 5 only

(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2, 3 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans. (c)

Statement 1 is incorrect:. There is not much emphasis on globalization. Also, it is irrational to extend the argument of the passage as anti-globalization.

Statement 2 is correct: This can be inferred through the lines, "If the driverless car is in Dublin…………… including transnational ones?"

Statement 3 is correct too. Passage discusses both technology and capital encroach on the domain of the state nowadays.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Supply chains are not mentioned in the passage. Further, no plausible inference about solution aspect can be found in the passage which is all about the problem only.

Statement 5 is correct: The passage refers to and discusses these ambiguities and uncertainties, "If different national jurisdictions have different fine print on prioritizing a human life, how will it affect insurance and investment decisions, including transnational ones?" "how a driverless car will decide between hitting a jaywalker and swerving and damaging the car" etc.

Hence Option (c) is correct

Passage-3

The resolution of bankruptcy cases of Indian banks under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code should help bring non-performing assets (NPA) situation under some control. Despite the slow pace of resolution by the National Company Law Tribunal, the Code can be helpful in cleaning up bank books in future credit cycles. The recapitalization of public sector banks too can help increase the capital cushion of banks and induce them to lend more and boost economic activity. But bad debt resolution and recapitalization are only a part of the solution as they, by themselves, can do very little to rein in reckless lending that has pushed the Indian banking system to its current sorry state. Unless there are systemic reforms that address the problem of unsustainable lending, future credit cycles will continue to stress the banking system.

Q 73. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational and practical suggestion implied by the passage given above?

(a) Lending by the banks should be closely monitored and regulated by the central Government.

(b) Interests rates should be kept low so as to induce banks to lend more, promote credit growth and thereby boost economic activity.

(c) Merger of many banks into a few large banks alone in the long-term solution to make them viable and prevent their bad performance.

(d) Indian banking system requires structural reforms as a long-term solution for bad loans problem.

Ans. (d)

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect: The author is not suggesting “monitoring and regulation” that too by the central Government. Far-fetched and hence, incorrect.

Option (b) is incorrect: This statement is beyond the scope of the passage.

Option (c) is incorrect: This statement is beyond the scope of the passage.

Option (d) is correct: The author suggests systemic reforms to address the problem of unsustainable lending otherwise in long term, the problem will come back.

Passage-4

In India, the objective of macroeconomics policy is to enhance the economic welfare of the people, and any one wing of such macro policy, monetary or fiscal, cannot independently work without active support of another.

Q 74. Which one of the following statements best reflects the corollary to the passage given above?

(a) The central bank cannot work independently of the Government.

(b) Government should regulate financial markets and institutions closely.

(c) Market economy is not compatible with the socialist policies of the Government.

(d) Financial sector reforms are required for enhancing the economic welfare of the people.

Ans. (a)

Explanation

Option (a) is correct: The passage states that monetary and fiscal wings of macroeconomic policy, cannot independently work without support of another. In India, the Central Bank is the monetary policy wing, while the government is fiscal policy wing. Therefore, the statement in option (a) is a corollary to the passage.

Option (b) is incorrect: Passage is about macroeconomic policy and not regulation.

Option (c) is incorrect: Passage is about macroeconomic policy and not Type of economy.

Option (d) is incorrect: Beyond the scope of passage.

Q 75. Consider the following table :

Who is the fastest run scorer in the Test Match ?

(a) A

(b) B

(c) C

(d) D

Ans. (b)

Explanation

Fastest run scorer means the batsman that has the highest ratio of runs scored : balls faced.

The Highest ratio is that of batsman B.

Q 76. Half of the villagers of a certain village have their own houses. One-fifth of the villagers cultivate paddy. One-third of the villagers are literate. Four-fifth of the villagers are under 25 years of age. Which one of the following statements is certainly correct?

(a) All the villagers who have their own houses are literate.

(b) Some villagers are under 25 years of age are literate.

(c) Only half of the villagers who cultivate paddy are literate.

(d) No villager under 25 years of age has his own house.

Ans. (b)

Explanation

Option (a) is incorrect:

50% of the villagers have their own house while only 33.33% of the villagers are literate. So, this statement is impossible.

Option (b) is correct:

80% of the villagers are under 25 years of age, and 33.33% of the villagers are literate, so at least some (80+33.3-100=13.3% of total population) of the villagers under 25 years of age must be literate.

Option (c) is incorrect:

20% of the villagers cultivate paddy and 33.33% of the villagers are literate.

There is no way to ascertain how much these two groups overlap. This statement cannot be confirmed.

Option (d) is incorrect:

80% of the villagers are under 25 years of age.

50% of the villagers have their own house.

So, there is a definite overlap (minimum 30% of total population and maximum 50%)

Q 77. Consider two Statements and a Question:

Statement 1: The last day of the month is a Wednesday.

Statement 2: The third Saturday of the month was the seventeenth day.

Question: What day is the fourteenth of the given month?

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the Statements and the Question?

(a) Statement 1 alone is sufficient to the answer of the Question

(b) Statement 2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question

(c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are required to answer the Question

(d) Neither Statement 1 alone nor Statement 2 alone is sufficient to answer the Question

Ans. (b)

Explanation

statement 1:

The last day of the month is a Wednesday. However, we do not know the number of days in the month, so we cannot find the day on the 14^th of that month.

Hence, statement 1 alone is not sufficient.

statement 2:

17^th of that month is the third Saturday. So, 14^th of that month must be a Wednesday.

Hence, statement 2 alone is sufficient.

Q 78. Which day is 10^th October, 2027 ?

(a) Sunday

(b) Monday

(c) Tuesday

(d) Saturday

Ans. (a)

Explanation

We know that, 10^th October 2021 is a Sunday. (Your exam day!!!)

So, 10^th October 2022 will be Sunday + 1, i.e. Monday.

10^th October 2023 will be Monday + 1, i.e. Tuesday.

10^th October 2024 will be Tuesday + 2, i.e. Thursday. We added 2, as 2024 is a leap year.

10^th October 2025 will be Thursday + 1, i.e. Friday.

10^th October 2026 will be Friday + 1, i.e. Saturday.

10^th October 2027 will be Saturday + 1, i.e. Sunday.

Q 79. Consider two Statements and four Conclusions given below. You have to take the Statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from the commonly known facts. Read all Conclusions and then decide which of the given Conclusion(s) logically follows/follow from the Statements, disregarding the commonly known facts.

Statement-1 : Some greens are blues.

Statements-2 : Some blues are blacks.

Conclusion-1 : Some greens are blacks.

Conclusion-2 : No green is black.

Conclusion-3 : All greens are blacks.

Conclusion-4 : All blacks are greens.

Which one of the following is correct?

(a) Conclusion-1 and Conclusion-2 only

(b) Conclusion-2 and Conclusion-3 only

(c) Conclusion-3 and Conclusion-4 only

(d) Neither Conclusion 1 nor 2 nor 3 nor 4

Ans. (d)

Explanation

The statements can be represented in the form of Venn diagram:

As we can see from the Venn diagram, none of the conclusions are correct.

Q 80. What is the value of ‘X’ in the sequence 2, 7, 22, 67, 202, X, 1822?

(a) 603

(b) 605

(c) 607

(d) 608

Ans. (c)

Explanation

The given sequence is 2, 7, 22, 67, 202, X, 1822

The pattern being followed here is given below:

2 × 3 + 1 = 7

7 × 3 + 1 = 22

22 × 3 + 1 = 67

67 × 3 + 1 = 202

202 × 3 + 1 = 607

607 × 3 + 1 = 1822