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UPSC Prelims 2026 CSAT, question 17

Topic: Reading comprehension

Directions · Q16 to Q17

Directions for the next 2 (two) items :
Read the following passage and answer the items that follow. Your answers should be based solely on the passage.

Passage · Q16 to Q17

How is deflation done? Most countries use a method called ‘double deflation’, where input and output prices are deflated separately. Consider a manufacturer importing oil for use in production. If oil prices fall, output prices do not and quantities remain the same, real value added should not change. But if the same deflator is used for inputs and outputs, as in India, it would look as if the manufacturer had become more productive.

Q17

Which of the following assumptions is/are valid?

  1. Deflation strategies can be used to make manufacturers appear to be doing better than they actually are.

  2. When input and output prices are both deflated against a single input price, it is referred to as ‘double deflation’.

Select the answer using the code given below.

  1. (a) 1 onlyCorrect answer
  2. (b) 2 only
  3. (c) Both 1 and 2
  4. (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Solution.

Answer: (a) 1 only

  1. Statement 1 is correct: the passage states that using the same deflator for inputs and outputs when input prices fall makes it look as if the manufacturer has become more productive than in reality.
  2. Statement 2 is incorrect: the passage defines 'double deflation' as deflating input and output prices separately, not against a single input price.