UPSC CSE Prelims 2025

Correct Option (4)

The question requires evaluating the validity of two statements based on given inequality chains.

Evaluation of Statement I:

The given chain is A ≤ B > C < D > E > F ≥ G = H.

To determine if B is always greater than E, we analyze the relevant segment: B > C < D > E.

• From the chain, we know B > C.
• We also know D > C and D > E.

Based on these relations, a consistent and definitive relationship between B and E cannot be established. Consider the following scenarios:

• If C = 5, D = 10, E = 8:
• If B = 6 (satisfies B > C), then B < E (6 < 8).
• If B = 12 (satisfies B > C), then B > E (12 > 8).

Since B is not always greater than E, Statement I is incorrect.

Evaluation of Statement II:

The given chain is P > Q = R ≥ S = T ≤ U = V > W.

To determine if S is always less than V, we analyze the relevant segment: S = T ≤ U = V.

• From S = T and T ≤ U, it follows that S ≤ U.
• From U = V, it follows that S ≤ V.

The statement asserts that S is always less than V (S < V). However, the derived relationship S ≤ V implies that S can be less than V or S can be equal to V. If S = V, the condition "S is always less than V" is not satisfied.

Therefore, Statement II is incorrect.

Since both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect, Option 4, "Neither I nor II", is the correct answer.

Incorrect Options:

Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect because, as established in the evaluation above, neither Statement I nor Statement II is correct.