Passage

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 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.

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.

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None of the above ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• Intent 1 is not reflected: the passage offers no method for analysing the viruses.

• Intent 2 is not reflected: the passage stresses only differences (virus family, seasonality, severity, long-term effects). It does not set out similarities.

• Intent 3 is not reflected: remedies or treatment are not discussed at all.

• Hence none of the above: (d).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2: The passage gives no methodology and does not set out similarities.
(b) 2 and 3: The passage discusses neither similarities nor remedies.
(c) 1 and 3: Neither methodology nor remedies are discussed.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.