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UPSC CSE CSAT 2025 · Paper II (CSAT) · Question 12 · Reading comprehension

With reference to the passage, the following assumptions have been made:

UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Question 12 — Reading comprehension.

Directions for the following 4 (four) items: Read the following two passages and answer the items that follow the passages. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Passage—1

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:

  1. I.Green energy production can be linked to/integrated with the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
  2. II.Effects of climate change are much more severe in coastal and mountainous regions.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) I only

The author treats a State's natural resources, such as wind, as opportunities to cut emissions within its response to warming, so linking green energy with climate strategy is assumed. The passage calls regional challenges distinctive, not more severe, so II is not assumed.

  • ✓ I The passage pairs each State's warming challenges with 'opportunities for reducing emissions depending on its natural resources', citing wind power in peninsular and offshore areas. Treating green energy as part of the climate response is taken for granted.
  • ✗ II Coastal States and Himalayan regions are cited as having their own distinct challenges, not more severe ones. The passage makes no comparison of severity between regions.

Remember · Watch comparatives like 'much more severe': if the passage only says 'distinctive' or 'unique', the comparison is not assumed.

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2025, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·

Cite this question: UPSC CSE CSAT 2025, Q12 — minimalistias.com/pyqs/csat/2025/q12

In the UPSC syllabus: Reading comprehension › Inference & assumptions See it and tick it covered →

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