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UPSC Prelims 2026 CSAT, question 27

Topic: Reading comprehension

Directions · Q26 to Q28

Directions for the next 3 (three) items :
Read the following passage and answer the items that follow. Your answers should be based solely on the passage.

Passage · Q26 to Q28

When SARS-CoV-2 was first detected in 2019, it was a truly novel virus for the world. At that time, no one in the world had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or had specific immunity against it. In contrast, people across the world have been exposed to HMPV for decades and the virus is well-studied. HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 belong to two very different virus families with fundamentally different characteristics and epidemiology, with strong seasonality seen in HMPV, unlike SARS-CoV-2. Both viruses cause different severity of symptoms, particularly over the long term, and the affected population segments do not fully overlap. In general, HMPV causes milder illness with deaths being very rare and with no long-term post-viral symptoms.

Q27

Which of the following reflect the intent of the writer in the above passage?

  1. To evolve methodologies for objective analysis of the two viruses

  2. To establish the epidemiological similarities and differences between the two viruses

  3. To offer a better understanding of the remedies of HMPV when analysed in conjunction with SARS-CoV-2

Select the answer using the code given below.

  1. (a) 1 and 2
  2. (b) 2 and 3
  3. (c) 1 and 3
  4. (d) None of the aboveCorrect answer

Solution.

Answer: (d) None of the above

  1. Statement 1 is incorrect: the author does not propose research methodologies for analysing viruses.
  2. Statement 2 is incorrect: the passage contrasts the two viruses to highlight their fundamental epidemiological differences rather than establishing epidemiological similarities.
  3. Statement 3 is incorrect: the passage does not discuss medical remedies or treatments for HMPV.