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UPSC Prelims 2026 CSAT, question 71

Topic: Logical reasoning

Q71

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. (a) 2 and 3 only
  2. (b) 1, 2 and 3
  3. (c) 1 and 2 only
  4. (d) 3 onlyCorrect answer

Solution.

Answer: (d) 3 only

  1. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect: S3S_3 (that climate change deniers seize upon extremist or alarmist activism) does not refute S1S_1's premise that protecting the environment is essential, nor is S3S_3 unconnected to S1S_1 and S2S_2.
  2. Statement 3 is correct: the lack of scientific consensus on the exact extent of human contribution (S2S_2) explains why climate change deniers focus on extreme or alarmist claims within environmental activism (S3S_3).