MAT September 2012: Language Comprehension Question Paper

1. Directions: Fill in the blanks. Pipes are not a safer __________ to cigarettes because, though pipe smokers do not inhale, they are still getting __________ lung and mouth cancers.

Preference, not free from

Answer, responsible for

Alternative, prone to

Rejoinder, involved in

Pipe smoking is not a safer alternative to cigarettes because, even though pipe smokers do not inhale, they are still prone to developing lung and mouth cancers.

Explanation

Pipe smoking is not a safer alternative to cigarettes because, even though pipe smokers do not inhale, they are still prone to developing lung and mouth cancers.

2. Directions: Rearrange the letters of the jumbled word to identify the correct word, and select the option from below which is opposite in meaning to that word. OSYIN

Happy

Quiet

Laugh

Sleep

The correct word that can be formed by rearranging the letters "OSYIN" is "noisy". The opposite of "noisy" is "quiet", which is the correct answer option.

Explanation

The correct word that can be formed by rearranging the letters "OSYIN" is "noisy". The opposite of "noisy" is "quiet", which is the correct answer option.

3. Identify the best way of writing the sentence in the context of correct usage of standard written English.

Excellence will come when the performer takes pride in doing his best

Excellence comes as the performer will take pride in doing his best

The excellence will come when the performer will take pride in doing his best

Excellence comes when the performer takes pride in doing his best

The best way of writing the sentence in the context of correct usage of standard written English is "Excellence comes when the performer takes pride in doing his best." This sentence uses the correct verb tense and eliminates unnecessary words, resulting in a clear and concise statement.

Explanation

The best way of writing the sentence in the context of correct usage of standard written English is "Excellence comes when the performer takes pride in doing his best." This sentence uses the correct verb tense and eliminates unnecessary words, resulting in a clear and concise statement.

4. Directions: Rearrange the letters of the jumbled word to identify the correct word, and select the option from below which is opposite in meaning to that word. SISPNHAPE

Surrender

Quickness

Richness

Sorrow

The correct word that can be formed by rearranging the letters of "SISPNHAPE" is "happiness". The opposite in meaning to happiness is "sorrow".

Explanation

The correct word that can be formed by rearranging the letters of "SISPNHAPE" is "happiness". The opposite in meaning to happiness is "sorrow".

5. Directions: Choose the order of the sentences marked A, B, C, D and E to form a logical paragraph. 1. But this time a curious philosophy has emerged. 2. However, it seems that a regulatory solution is yet far away. 3. It says that the more we know about a problem, the more uncertainty is introduced and the more it needs to be studied. 4. The recent debates on acid rain have pitted the environmentalists head to head against industry. 5. As a result, today we know more about acid rain and its effect than ever before.

ABDEC

DACEB

CEBAD

BADCE

The paragraph begins by stating that a curious philosophy has emerged, indicating that there is a new perspective or approach being discussed. It then mentions that a regulatory solution is still far away, implying that there is a problem or issue that needs to be addressed. The next sentence introduces the philosophy, which suggests that the more we learn about a problem, the more uncertainty is introduced and the more it needs to be studied. This philosophy could be relevant to the problem mentioned in the previous sentence. The fourth sentence talks about recent debates on acid rain, indicating a specific example of the problem being discussed. Finally, the last sentence states that as a result of these debates, we now know more about acid rain and its effects than ever before, concluding the paragraph. Therefore, the logical order of the sentences is DACEB.

Explanation

The paragraph begins by stating that a curious philosophy has emerged, indicating that there is a new perspective or approach being discussed. It then mentions that a regulatory solution is still far away, implying that there is a problem or issue that needs to be addressed. The next sentence introduces the philosophy, which suggests that the more we learn about a problem, the more uncertainty is introduced and the more it needs to be studied. This philosophy could be relevant to the problem mentioned in the previous sentence. The fourth sentence talks about recent debates on acid rain, indicating a specific example of the problem being discussed. Finally, the last sentence states that as a result of these debates, we now know more about acid rain and its effects than ever before, concluding the paragraph. Therefore, the logical order of the sentences is DACEB.

6. Directions: In this question choose the option which can be substituted for the given words. To form a plot of scheme, especially on to do something wrong or wicked or designed to cause harm

Machinate

Conspire

Fatal

Machete

The word "machinate" means to form a plot or scheme, especially with the intention of doing something wrong or wicked or designed to cause harm. The word "conspire" has a similar meaning and can be used as a substitute for "machinate" in this context. "Fatal" means causing death or leading to failure, and "machete" refers to a large knife used for cutting through vegetation.

Explanation

The word "machinate" means to form a plot or scheme, especially with the intention of doing something wrong or wicked or designed to cause harm. The word "conspire" has a similar meaning and can be used as a substitute for "machinate" in this context. "Fatal" means causing death or leading to failure, and "machete" refers to a large knife used for cutting through vegetation.

7. Identify the best way of writing the sentence in the context of correct usage of standard written English.

We can divide the problem into parts in the present case firstly by considering events which are localised on the x-axis

In the present case we can divide the problem into parts by considering events first which are localised as per x -axis

By considering firs t the events which are localised on the x-axis, in the present case we can divide the problem into parts

In the present case we can divide the problem into parts by first considering events which are localised on the x-axis

The best way of writing the sentence in the context of correct usage of standard written English is "In the present case we can divide the problem into parts by first considering events which are localised on the x-axis." This sentence maintains proper word order and uses correct grammar and punctuation. It effectively conveys the intended meaning without any unnecessary or confusing elements.

Explanation

The best way of writing the sentence in the context of correct usage of standard written English is "In the present case we can divide the problem into parts by first considering events which are localised on the x-axis." This sentence maintains proper word order and uses correct grammar and punctuation. It effectively conveys the intended meaning without any unnecessary or confusing elements.

8. Directions: Choose the order of the sentences marked A, B, C, D and E to form a logical paragraph. 1. A film director has to translate the given scenario into visual medium. 2. A novelist works in the written word. 3. Whereas the film director works in pictures, in visual movement. 4. The pictures may be supported by speech and sound. 5. But primarily the film is a pictorial art.

ABCDE

CDEAB

BCDEA

EDCBA

A film director works in pictures, translating the given scenario into a visual medium. The pictures may be supported by speech and sound, but primarily the film is a pictorial art. A novelist, on the other hand, works in the written word. Therefore, the logical order of the sentences is B (A film director has to translate the given scenario into visual medium), C (A novelist works in the written word), D (Whereas the film director works in pictures, in visual movement), E (The pictures may be supported by speech and sound), and A (But primarily the film is a pictorial art).

Explanation

A film director works in pictures, translating the given scenario into a visual medium. The pictures may be supported by speech and sound, but primarily the film is a pictorial art. A novelist, on the other hand, works in the written word. Therefore, the logical order of the sentences is B (A film director has to translate the given scenario into visual medium), C (A novelist works in the written word), D (Whereas the film director works in pictures, in visual movement), E (The pictures may be supported by speech and sound), and A (But primarily the film is a pictorial art).

9. Directions: Choose the order of the sentences marked A, B, C, D and E to form a logical paragraph. 1. Seconds later, the glaring object swept past and he thought he had outmanoeuvred it. 2. While flying over enemy territory, Jones received the warning of an oncoming missile. 3. He was proved wrong when he saw the vertical tail fins on fire. 4. Without wasting time, he slammed the throttles forward and made the plane roll into a high speed turn. 5. Hardly had he responded to the message when he actually saw whatever he dreaded most.

EDCBA

BCDEA

DAECB

BEDAC

The paragraph describes a situation where Jones, while flying over enemy territory, receives a warning about an oncoming missile. In response, he quickly accelerates and maneuvers the plane to evade the missile. Initially, he believes he has successfully avoided it, but then realizes he was wrong when he sees the tail fins of the missile on fire. The correct order of the sentences is BEDAC, as it follows a logical sequence of events.

Explanation

The paragraph describes a situation where Jones, while flying over enemy territory, receives a warning about an oncoming missile. In response, he quickly accelerates and maneuvers the plane to evade the missile. Initially, he believes he has successfully avoided it, but then realizes he was wrong when he sees the tail fins of the missile on fire. The correct order of the sentences is BEDAC, as it follows a logical sequence of events.

10. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage I Universal Health Coverage CUHC) has now been widely adopted by Canada and many other developing countries both as a developmental imperative and the moral obligation of a civilised society. India embraced this vision at its independence. However, insufficient funding of public facilities, combined with faulty planning and inefficient management over the years, has resulted in a dysfunctional health system that has been yielding poor health outcomes. Private health services have grown by default, without checks on cost and quality, escalating private out-of- pocket health expenditures and exacerbating health inequity. Out-of- pocket expenditure still remains at 71 percent of all spending, without coverage for outpatient care, medicines and basic diagnostic tests. The High Level Expert Group (HLEG) established by the Planning Commission has submitted a comprehensive framework for providing UHC in India. A health entitlement card should assure every citizen access to a national health package of essential primary, secondary and tertiary care, both inpatient and outpatient. The HLEG is very clear that services included under UHC must be tax funded and cashless at delivery. Contributory social insurance is not appropriate for countries like India where a large segment of the workforce -close to 93 percent-is in the unorganised sector and vast numbers are below or near the poverty line. Increasing the public spending on health is the first immediate requirement. However, even the doubling of public financing will not be adequate to support all the components of a fully evolved UHC Priorities need to be defined. Clearly, there is no alternative to progressively strengthening public facilities, and thereby reducing people's dependence on private providers. However, the public system may need to "contract-in" the services of willing private providers, to fill gaps in its capacity to deliver all the services assured under UHC Such "contracted-in" private providers will have to deliver cashless services and would be compensated on the basis of pre-determined cost per package of health services rather than "fee-for-service" for each visit or procedure. In such an arrangement, the private sector acts as an extension of the public sector where needed, and will not compete for the same set of services for the same people. It is time to recognise that everyone, not just the poor, needs to be protected against rising health costs that can impoverish any family. Apart from improving people's health, adopting UHC is likely to generate millions of new jobs, enhance productivity, and promote equity. It is implied in the passage that

About 30% of population in India is covered by health insurance

The private sector health care industry in India has grown essentially because the public healthcare systems are inefficient and/or inadequate

India adopted 'Universal Health Coverage' as early as in the year 1947

All these

The passage states that insufficient funding, faulty planning, and inefficient management have resulted in a dysfunctional health system in India, leading to poor health outcomes. As a result, private health services have grown without checks on cost and quality, exacerbating health inequity. This implies that the private sector health care industry in India has grown essentially because the public healthcare systems are inefficient and/or inadequate.

Explanation

The passage states that insufficient funding, faulty planning, and inefficient management have resulted in a dysfunctional health system in India, leading to poor health outcomes. As a result, private health services have grown without checks on cost and quality, exacerbating health inequity. This implies that the private sector health care industry in India has grown essentially because the public healthcare systems are inefficient and/or inadequate.

11. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage I Universal Health Coverage CUHC) has now been widely adopted by Canada and many other developing countries both as a developmental imperative and the moral obligation of a civilised society. India embraced this vision at its independence. However, insufficient funding of public facilities, combined with faulty planning and inefficient management over the years, has resulted in a dysfunctional health system that has been yielding poor health outcomes. Private health services have grown by default, without checks on cost and quality, escalating private out-of- pocket health expenditures and exacerbating health inequity. Out-of- pocket expenditure still remains at 71 percent of all spending, without coverage for outpatient care, medicines and basic diagnostic tests. The High Level Expert Group (HLEG) established by the Planning Commission has submitted a comprehensive framework for providing UHC in India. A health entitlement card should assure every citizen access to a national health package of essential primary, secondary and tertiary care, both inpatient and outpatient. The HLEG is very clear that services included under UHC must be tax funded and cashless at delivery. Contributory social insurance is not appropriate for countries like India where a large segment of the workforce -close to 93 percent-is in the unorganised sector and vast numbers are below or near the poverty line. Increasing the public spending on health is the first immediate requirement. However, even the doubling of public financing will not be adequate to support all the components of a fully evolved UHC Priorities need to be defined. Clearly, there is no alternative to progressively strengthening public facilities, and thereby reducing people's dependence on private providers. However, the public system may need to "contract-in" the services of willing private providers, to fill gaps in its capacity to deliver all the services assured under UHC Such "contracted-in" private providers will have to deliver cashless services and would be compensated on the basis of pre-determined cost per package of health services rather than "fee-for-service" for each visit or procedure. In such an arrangement, the private sector acts as an extension of the public sector where needed, and will not compete for the same set of services for the same people. It is time to recognise that everyone, not just the poor, needs to be protected against rising health costs that can impoverish any family. Apart from improving people's health, adopting UHC is likely to generate millions of new jobs, enhance productivity, and promote equity. It can be inferred from the passage that

Better health conditions prevailing in society lead to better impetus for development

Civilised societies usually enjoy better health conditions than uncivilised ones

Morality and development in society are two sides of the same coin

All these

The passage suggests that better health conditions lead to better impetus for development, as it states that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is seen as a developmental imperative. It also mentions that India embraced UHC as a vision at its independence, indicating that it is seen as a moral obligation of a civilized society. Therefore, it can be inferred that both morality and development in society are two sides of the same coin, and that better health conditions are essential for both.

Explanation

The passage suggests that better health conditions lead to better impetus for development, as it states that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is seen as a developmental imperative. It also mentions that India embraced UHC as a vision at its independence, indicating that it is seen as a moral obligation of a civilized society. Therefore, it can be inferred that both morality and development in society are two sides of the same coin, and that better health conditions are essential for both.

12. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage II In order to capitalise on the groundwork done for creation of a successful solar market through the launch of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, a recent report has suggested that India now needs to adopt greater transparency, benchmarking and monitoring, strategic approaches to finance, and technology- neutral policies for manufacturing to take the renewable energy mission forward. According to an independent report published by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC), it has been found that India's solar industry is at a crucial stage of its growth and needs strategic nurturing. The report is of the view that a productive solar manufacturing base is an important part of India's aspirations to become a major global solar player. Investing in solar manufacturing now could provide long- term strategic value for India. But to be a dominant player in the global arena, India needs to make prompt, smart and concerted investments in manufacturing. "The National Solar Mission deserves much credit for laying the groundwork for a successful solar market, but a lot of market uncertainty still permeates the solar ecosystem and affects development of manufacturing capacity," says the Director, India Initiative at NRDC It has pointed out that a range of systemic issues hinder domestic manufacturing in India. "Indian manufacturing is of a smaller scale and more fragmented, leading to higher costs," says the CEO, CEEW. The report finds that the Indian solar manufacturing sector requires systemic improvements in infrastructure, domestic low-cost financing, and raw materials. The director of NRDC said policy makers should also not lose sight of value added industries and job creating potential further downstream. Outlining the priorities, the report states that Government must bring together different financial institutions to strengthen the solar financing ecosystem, which would operate at the strategic level, project level and offer ancillary support (R&D, skill development). According to the passage, the solar industry in India

Is very much dependent on the National Solar Mission for its future growth

Is still in its launch phase

Needs governmental support to ensure its progress in the growth path

All these

The passage states that the solar industry in India is at a crucial stage of its growth and needs strategic nurturing. It mentions that the National Solar Mission has laid the groundwork for a successful solar market, but there is still market uncertainty and systemic issues that hinder domestic manufacturing. The passage also highlights the need for greater transparency, benchmarking, and monitoring, as well as strategic approaches to finance and technology-neutral policies for manufacturing. Therefore, all of the given options - that the solar industry is dependent on the National Solar Mission, is still in its launch phase, and needs governmental support for progress - are supported by the passage.

Explanation

The passage states that the solar industry in India is at a crucial stage of its growth and needs strategic nurturing. It mentions that the National Solar Mission has laid the groundwork for a successful solar market, but there is still market uncertainty and systemic issues that hinder domestic manufacturing. The passage also highlights the need for greater transparency, benchmarking, and monitoring, as well as strategic approaches to finance and technology-neutral policies for manufacturing. Therefore, all of the given options - that the solar industry is dependent on the National Solar Mission, is still in its launch phase, and needs governmental support for progress - are supported by the passage.

13. Directions: Fill in the blanks. Television serials are characterised by a/an __________ story line and __________ plots and sub-plots.

Unending, convoluted

Infantile, simple

Uniform, emotional

Extempore, routine

Television serials are often known for their unending storylines, which means that the plot continues indefinitely without a clear conclusion. Additionally, these serials are characterized by convoluted plots and sub-plots, meaning that they are intricate and complex, often involving multiple storylines and interwoven narratives.

Explanation

Television serials are often known for their unending storylines, which means that the plot continues indefinitely without a clear conclusion. Additionally, these serials are characterized by convoluted plots and sub-plots, meaning that they are intricate and complex, often involving multiple storylines and interwoven narratives.

14. Directions: Rearrange the letters of the jumbled word to identify the correct word, and select the option from below which is opposite in meaning to that word. BRENYA

Delight

Discover

Distant

Direct

not-available-via-ai

Explanation

not-available-via-ai

15. A sentence has been broken into four parts with an error in one of the parts. Identify the part that has an error.

I soon lost sight & recollection of ghastly fears

In the beauty of the scene as we drove along

Although had I known the language, or rather languages which my fellow passengers were speaking

I might not have been able to throw them off so easily

The error is in part C: "although had I known the language, or rather languages which my fellow passengers were speaking." The correct form should be "although I had known the language, or rather languages which my fellow passengers were speaking."

Explanation

The error is in part C: "although had I known the language, or rather languages which my fellow passengers were speaking." The correct form should be "although I had known the language, or rather languages which my fellow passengers were speaking."

16. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage I Universal Health Coverage CUHC) has now been widely adopted by Canada and many other developing countries both as a developmental imperative and the moral obligation of a civilised society. India embraced this vision at its independence. However, insufficient funding of public facilities, combined with faulty planning and inefficient management over the years, has resulted in a dysfunctional health system that has been yielding poor health outcomes. Private health services have grown by default, without checks on cost and quality, escalating private out-of- pocket health expenditures and exacerbating health inequity. Out-of- pocket expenditure still remains at 71 percent of all spending, without coverage for outpatient care, medicines and basic diagnostic tests. The High Level Expert Group (HLEG) established by the Planning Commission has submitted a comprehensive framework for providing UHC in India. A health entitlement card should assure every citizen access to a national health package of essential primary, secondary and tertiary care, both inpatient and outpatient. The HLEG is very clear that services included under UHC must be tax funded and cashless at delivery. Contributory social insurance is not appropriate for countries like India where a large segment of the workforce -close to 93 percent-is in the unorganised sector and vast numbers are below or near the poverty line. Increasing the public spending on health is the first immediate requirement. However, even the doubling of public financing will not be adequate to support all the components of a fully evolved UHC Priorities need to be defined. Clearly, there is no alternative to progressively strengthening public facilities, and thereby reducing people's dependence on private providers. However, the public system may need to "contract-in" the services of willing private providers, to fill gaps in its capacity to deliver all the services assured under UHC Such "contracted-in" private providers will have to deliver cashless services and would be compensated on the basis of pre-determined cost per package of health services rather than "fee-for-service" for each visit or procedure. In such an arrangement, the private sector acts as an extension of the public sector where needed, and will not compete for the same set of services for the same people. It is time to recognise that everyone, not just the poor, needs to be protected against rising health costs that can impoverish any family. Apart from improving people's health, adopting UHC is likely to generate millions of new jobs, enhance productivity, and promote equity. Which of the following statements is true in the context of the passage?

The private health care centres certainly provide better facilities than the government-run centres

The government of India proposes to issue health entitlement cards to all citizens for free health care

The UHC system is fully evolved in India but the government has to pump in more funds to keep it running smoothly

Implementing the UHC will create employment opportunities

Implementing the UHC will create employment opportunities. The passage states that adopting UHC is likely to generate millions of new jobs. This suggests that the implementation of UHC will create employment opportunities.

Explanation

Implementing the UHC will create employment opportunities. The passage states that adopting UHC is likely to generate millions of new jobs. This suggests that the implementation of UHC will create employment opportunities.

17. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage II In order to capitalise on the groundwork done for creation of a successful solar market through the launch of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, a recent report has suggested that India now needs to adopt greater transparency, benchmarking and monitoring, strategic approaches to finance, and technology- neutral policies for manufacturing to take the renewable energy mission forward. According to an independent report published by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC), it has been found that India's solar industry is at a crucial stage of its growth and needs strategic nurturing. The report is of the view that a productive solar manufacturing base is an important part of India's aspirations to become a major global solar player. Investing in solar manufacturing now could provide long- term strategic value for India. But to be a dominant player in the global arena, India needs to make prompt, smart and concerted investments in manufacturing. "The National Solar Mission deserves much credit for laying the groundwork for a successful solar market, but a lot of market uncertainty still permeates the solar ecosystem and affects development of manufacturing capacity," says the Director, India Initiative at NRDC It has pointed out that a range of systemic issues hinder domestic manufacturing in India. "Indian manufacturing is of a smaller scale and more fragmented, leading to higher costs," says the CEO, CEEW. The report finds that the Indian solar manufacturing sector requires systemic improvements in infrastructure, domestic low-cost financing, and raw materials. The director of NRDC said policy makers should also not lose sight of value added industries and job creating potential further downstream. Outlining the priorities, the report states that Government must bring together different financial institutions to strengthen the solar financing ecosystem, which would operate at the strategic level, project level and offer ancillary support (R&D, skill development). Which of the following statements is not implied in the passage?

A sound financial strategy is essential for developing a good solar energy market

Developing a sound solar energy industry would lead to development of other (related) industries as a spin-off benefit

The uncertainties in the solar system are affecting the growth of the solar energy industry

Solar energy could playa vital role in India's economic development

The passage suggests that the uncertainties in the solar ecosystem are affecting the development of manufacturing capacity in the solar energy industry. However, it does not directly state that these uncertainties are affecting the overall growth of the industry. Therefore, the statement "The uncertainties in the solar system are affecting the growth of the solar energy industry" is not implied in the passage.

Explanation

The passage suggests that the uncertainties in the solar ecosystem are affecting the development of manufacturing capacity in the solar energy industry. However, it does not directly state that these uncertainties are affecting the overall growth of the industry. Therefore, the statement "The uncertainties in the solar system are affecting the growth of the solar energy industry" is not implied in the passage.

18. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage V The tussle between coal mining and nature conservation has been long standing. But things have risen to a new level with the Group of Ministers (GoM) being set up to consider the various issues around coal mining. They have recently written to Chief Secretaries of all the coal-bearing states asking them to reapply for permissions to mine in very dense forests. However, environmental scientists and civil society groups worry about the GoM's decision to dilute the environmental safeguards currently in place and open up all forests to mining. They argue that there is an important need for some mechanism to be put in place that recognises certain forests in the country as being critical. And, therefore, not open to mining. Their first argument for forests is the various "ecosystem services" that humans derive from these forests. Hydrological, nutrient and nitrogen cycles help plants and food crops to grow. Carbon cycles regulate global climate. These cannot be replaced by afforestation programmes and artificial forests. Ecological scientists have estimated the net value of some of the more easily quantifiable ecosystem services to be around US $33 trillion a year; or more than twice the global GDP. They argue that any industrial projects that involve the destruction of forests must also factor in these ecological costs. Another concern is the large number of tribals and other forest dwellers who directly depend on forests for their livelihood. The current resettlement and rehabilitation policy for such people, in Madhya Pradesh for example, consists of one-tenth of an acre of land and the promise of one member of the household being employed in the mining project or thermal power plant after its completion. A body of work by the World Bank has highlighted the inadequacy of most of these rehabilitation packages. It argues that actual costs of displacing people are considerably more. These must be factored into the "real" costs of large development projects. Non-Government Organisations and activists across the board all accept the urgent need for India to produce more energy. But they express serious reservations about India locking itself into a carbon intense development path. It is implied in the passage that

The coal minister and environment minister are constantly in a tussle in the GoM meetings

Coal reserves have been discovered in several very dense forests that were earlier thought to be lacking in coal resources

A great many tribals depend on forest produce for their livelihood

None of these

The passage mentions that a concern regarding the tussle between coal mining and nature conservation is the large number of tribals and other forest dwellers who directly depend on forests for their livelihood. This implies that a great many tribals depend on forest produce for their livelihood, making this the correct answer. The passage does not provide any information about the coal minister and environment minister being constantly in a tussle in the GoM meetings or the discovery of coal reserves in very dense forests. Therefore, options A and B are not supported by the passage.

Explanation

The passage mentions that a concern regarding the tussle between coal mining and nature conservation is the large number of tribals and other forest dwellers who directly depend on forests for their livelihood. This implies that a great many tribals depend on forest produce for their livelihood, making this the correct answer. The passage does not provide any information about the coal minister and environment minister being constantly in a tussle in the GoM meetings or the discovery of coal reserves in very dense forests. Therefore, options A and B are not supported by the passage.

19. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage IV With the major economies of the United States and the euro zone still showing no let-up from their halting recovery, Indian apparel exporters continue to suffer from tepid demand. They are also, of late, compelled to make do with unpleasant non-tariff barriers (NTBs) such as rigorous standards. Apparently, the most galling one is insistence on fair labour standards. That includes not importing garments/ apparel made by child labour or forced labour or prison labour from exporting countries. While no one could fault the new perception of concerns for the vulnerable, the unilateral prescription of what constitutes proper labour practices continues to be a bone of contention. However, trading countries have braced themselves to face down any challenges with some of the exporting countries voluntarily taking on themselves the onus of putting in place a code of ethical standards so that their merchandise does not get jettisoned in the overseas markets on this count. Though India's merchandise exports overshot the target by a couple of billion dollars to reach $303 billion in 2011-12 fiscal year, the country could not achieve the target of $32.3 billion of textile and clothing exports as it fell short by a substantial value. Still, India ranks as the sixth largest exporter of apparel with a global market share of 3.25 percent, after China at 37 percent, the EU at 28 percent, Hong Kong at 7 percent, Bangladesh at 4.5 percent and Turkey at 3.6 percent. For a country that boasts of being the largest producer of King Cotton, the position behind tiny countries such as Bangladesh and Hong Kong has more to do with several domestic disabilities such as high cost of finance, lack of flexible labour policy and infrastructural impediments. Added to these travails is the emerging concern over and apprehension of India's apparel not making it to the traditional global markets if the orchestrated campaign for labour standards gets strident and stringent. Incidentally, the US and the European Union (EU) together account for 80 percent of India's total apparel exports and the retail stores in these countries, which stock up apparel from developing countries, have lately been crying hoarse over alleged harsh treatment to labourers in exporting countries. These concerns presumably arise out of the prodding from their own governments which find protectionist sentiments in times of trouble a facile course to resort to. It is against this sombre scenario that the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) worked out a comprehensive compliance code for ethical sourcing for the apparel exports from India. This stems from both a conviction, and recognition of the crucial linkages between ethical trade and economic growth. It can be inferred from the passage that

AEPC is as concerned about fair labour practices as are the developed nations

India fell short of its target for exports in 2011-12

India is the world's largest producer of textiles made of King Cotton

The US and EU are not really concerned over the fate of labourers in the developing countries

The passage mentions that India boasts of being the largest producer of King Cotton. This implies that India is the world's largest producer of textiles made of King Cotton.

Explanation

The passage mentions that India boasts of being the largest producer of King Cotton. This implies that India is the world's largest producer of textiles made of King Cotton.

20. A sentence has been broken into four parts with an error in one of the parts. Identify the part that has an error.

A temple was erected to him

At the foot of the Capitoline Hill

At which were deposited the

Public treasury & the laws of the State

The correct answer is "at which were deposited the".

The error in this part is the incorrect placement of the verb "were". The correct sentence should be "at which the public treasury & the laws of the State were deposited."

Explanation

The correct answer is "at which were deposited the".

The error in this part is the incorrect placement of the verb "were". The correct sentence should be "at which the public treasury & the laws of the State were deposited."

21. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage V The tussle between coal mining and nature conservation has been long standing. But things have risen to a new level with the Group of Ministers (GoM) being set up to consider the various issues around coal mining. They have recently written to Chief Secretaries of all the coal-bearing states asking them to reapply for permissions to mine in very dense forests. However, environmental scientists and civil society groups worry about the GoM's decision to dilute the environmental safeguards currently in place and open up all forests to mining. They argue that there is an important need for some mechanism to be put in place that recognises certain forests in the country as being critical. And, therefore, not open to mining. Their first argument for forests is the various "ecosystem services" that humans derive from these forests. Hydrological, nutrient and nitrogen cycles help plants and food crops to grow. Carbon cycles regulate global climate. These cannot be replaced by afforestation programmes and artificial forests. Ecological scientists have estimated the net value of some of the more easily quantifiable ecosystem services to be around US $33 trillion a year; or more than twice the global GDP. They argue that any industrial projects that involve the destruction of forests must also factor in these ecological costs. Another concern is the large number of tribals and other forest dwellers who directly depend on forests for their livelihood. The current resettlement and rehabilitation policy for such people, in Madhya Pradesh for example, consists of one-tenth of an acre of land and the promise of one member of the household being employed in the mining project or thermal power plant after its completion. A body of work by the World Bank has highlighted the inadequacy of most of these rehabilitation packages. It argues that actual costs of displacing people are considerably more. These must be factored into the "real" costs of large development projects. Non-Government Organisations and activists across the board all accept the urgent need for India to produce more energy. But they express serious reservations about India locking itself into a carbon intense development path. Which of the following statements is not implied in the passage?

Need for energy production has been felt only lately in India

Government of India's rehabilitation packages more or less suffice to help resettle the tribals from forests

India has got blocked in its development path

Afforestation programmes and artificial forests adequately make up for destruction of existing forest areas

The passage discusses the concerns raised by environmental scientists and civil society groups about the Group of Ministers' decision to dilute environmental safeguards and open up all forests to mining. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing certain forests as critical and not open to mining due to the ecosystem services they provide, such as hydrological and nutrient cycles, carbon regulation, and the livelihoods of tribal and forest-dwelling communities. It does not imply that afforestation programs and artificial forests adequately make up for the destruction of existing forest areas.

Explanation

The passage discusses the concerns raised by environmental scientists and civil society groups about the Group of Ministers' decision to dilute environmental safeguards and open up all forests to mining. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing certain forests as critical and not open to mining due to the ecosystem services they provide, such as hydrological and nutrient cycles, carbon regulation, and the livelihoods of tribal and forest-dwelling communities. It does not imply that afforestation programs and artificial forests adequately make up for the destruction of existing forest areas.

22. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage III Most Indians are not particularly worried about Indian Standard Times (IST), except for those who live in the Northeast where the sun rises around 4 a.m. in summer, and gets dark well before 4 p.m. in winter. Those of us who have to make overseas long distance calls and get into trouble with fractions are not even aware that we belong to a minority (three percent) of regions whose standard times are fractional hours off from GMT. India spans longitudes of 68° at the western end and 98° at the eastern boundary and, as there is a difference of one hour for every 15° of longitude, the two extremes differ by two hours. Thus, when the sun sets at 4 p.m. in Kohima, it sets at 6 p.m. in Porbunder. IST was fixed in 1906 midway at 82.5^o, or

hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Periodically, there are demands from the Northeast region for a separate time zone so that the clocks there may be advanced by an hour. There is a general misconception among those who worry about saving energy-such as the Planning Commission-that dividing the country into time zones will save "a lot of energy." The savings are almost always described by adjectives, for very few have estimated correctly the amount of savings that may accrue by altering IST or creating two time zones. There is also the practice in several countries, of "Daylight Saving Time" (DST), wherein the time in summer is advanced (or the clocks put forward) by one hour and retracted during winter. This enables people to enjoy sunlight longer in summer and avoid the inconveniences of late sunrises and early sunsets during winter. Our proposal for India is to introduce neither time zones nor DST, but to advance IST by half an hour to being six hours ahead of GMT, once and permanently. Such a suggestion has been made before, but until now no one has computed the energy savings that would accrue as a result, using a correct model and dependable data. Our fairly rigorous method has been vetted by national and international experts and is based on load demand data at five electrical zones of India, provided by the Power Grid Corporation of India. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency provided financial support for the study. What is the specific misconception of the Planning Commission in respect of energy saving, according to the passage?

Dividing the country into multiple time zones would surely save energy for the nation

The one and only way to save energy is to divide the country into time zones

Substantial energy savings could be effected by dividing the country into two time zones

None of these

The specific misconception of the Planning Commission, according to the passage, is that dividing the country into time zones will save "a lot of energy." The passage states that very few people have correctly estimated the amount of energy savings that may accrue by altering the Indian Standard Time (IST) or creating two time zones. Therefore, the Planning Commission's belief that substantial energy savings could be achieved by dividing the country into two time zones is a misconception.

Explanation

The specific misconception of the Planning Commission, according to the passage, is that dividing the country into time zones will save "a lot of energy." The passage states that very few people have correctly estimated the amount of energy savings that may accrue by altering the Indian Standard Time (IST) or creating two time zones. Therefore, the Planning Commission's belief that substantial energy savings could be achieved by dividing the country into two time zones is a misconception.

23. Directions: Choose the order of the sentences marked A, B, C, D and E to form a logical paragraph. 1. The more fundamental and far-reaching a scientific theory, the more speculative it is likely to be. 2. But speculation is its very life- blood. 3. A mature science tries to arrange facts in significant patterns to see the relationship between unrelated aspects of the universe. 4. Idle speculation has no place in science. 5. It is erroneous to believe that science is only concerned with pure facts.

DBAEC

AECBD

BDCEA

AECDB

A mature science tries to arrange facts in significant patterns to see the relationship between unrelated aspects of the universe. It is erroneous to believe that science is only concerned with pure facts. The more fundamental and far-reaching a scientific theory, the more speculative it is likely to be. But speculation is its very life-blood. Idle speculation has no place in science.

Explanation

A mature science tries to arrange facts in significant patterns to see the relationship between unrelated aspects of the universe. It is erroneous to believe that science is only concerned with pure facts. The more fundamental and far-reaching a scientific theory, the more speculative it is likely to be. But speculation is its very life-blood. Idle speculation has no place in science.

24. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage III Most Indians are not particularly worried about Indian Standard Times (IST), except for those who live in the Northeast where the sun rises around 4 a.m. in summer, and gets dark well before 4 p.m. in winter. Those of us who have to make overseas long distance calls and get into trouble with fractions are not even aware that we belong to a minority (three percent) of regions whose standard times are fractional hours off from GMT. India spans longitudes of 68° at the western end and 98° at the eastern boundary and, as there is a difference of one hour for every 15° of longitude, the two extremes differ by two hours. Thus, when the sun sets at 4 p.m. in Kohima, it sets at 6 p.m. in Porbunder. IST was fixed in 1906 midway at 82.5°, or

hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Periodically, there are demands from the Northeast region for a separate time zone so that the clocks there may be advanced by an hour. There is a general misconception among those who worry about saving energy-such as the Planning Commission-that dividing the country into time zones will save "a lot of energy." The savings are almost always described by adjectives, for very few have estimated correctly the amount of savings that may accrue by altering IST or creating two time zones. There is also the practice in several countries, of "Daylight Saving Time" (DST), wherein the time in summer is advanced (or the clocks put forward) by one hour and retracted during winter. This enables people to enjoy sunlight longer in summer and avoid the inconveniences of late sunrises and early sunsets during winter. Our proposal for India is to introduce neither time zones nor DST, but to advance IST by half an hour to being six hours ahead of GMT, once and permanently. Such a suggestion has been made before, but until now no one has computed the energy savings that would accrue as a result, using a correct model and dependable data. Our fairly rigorous method has been vetted by national and international experts and is based on load demand data at five electrical zones of India, provided by the Power Grid Corporation of India. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency provided financial support for the study. Which of the following statements is true as per the passage?

India is amongst the three percent of nations in the world which follow standard time patterns

India is among the minority of nations whose standard time is at variance with GMT

Days in North-East India generally begin at 4 a.m. and end at about 4 p.m

None of these

The passage states that India belongs to a minority of regions (three percent) whose standard times are fractional hours off from GMT. This means that India is among the minority of nations whose standard time is different from GMT.

Explanation

The passage states that India belongs to a minority of regions (three percent) whose standard times are fractional hours off from GMT. This means that India is among the minority of nations whose standard time is different from GMT.

25. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage V The tussle between coal mining and nature conservation has been long standing. But things have risen to a new level with the Group of Ministers (GoM) being set up to consider the various issues around coal mining. They have recently written to Chief Secretaries of all the coal-bearing states asking them to reapply for permissions to mine in very dense forests. However, environmental scientists and civil society groups worry about the GoM's decision to dilute the environmental safeguards currently in place and open up all forests to mining. They argue that there is an important need for some mechanism to be put in place that recognises certain forests in the country as being critical. And, therefore, not open to mining. Their first argument for forests is the various "ecosystem services" that humans derive from these forests. Hydrological, nutrient and nitrogen cycles help plants and food crops to grow. Carbon cycles regulate global climate. These cannot be replaced by afforestation programmes and artificial forests. Ecological scientists have estimated the net value of some of the more easily quantifiable ecosystem services to be around US $33 trillion a year; or more than twice the global GDP. They argue that any industrial projects that involve the destruction of forests must also factor in these ecological costs. Another concern is the large number of tribals and other forest dwellers who directly depend on forests for their livelihood. The current resettlement and rehabilitation policy for such people, in Madhya Pradesh for example, consists of one-tenth of an acre of land and the promise of one member of the household being employed in the mining project or thermal power plant after its completion. A body of work by the World Bank has highlighted the inadequacy of most of these rehabilitation packages. It argues that actual costs of displacing people are considerably more. These must be factored into the "real" costs of large development projects. Non-Government Organisations and activists across the board all accept the urgent need for India to produce more energy. But they express serious reservations about India locking itself into a carbon intense development path. Rehabilitation packages offered by the government to tribals displaced from forests due to mining activities 1. vary from state to state. 2. include instant employment for at least one member of the family. 3. do not take into account all the costs of displacing people.

A & B

B & C

A & C

A, B & C

The passage states that the current rehabilitation policy for tribals displaced from forests due to mining activities includes one member of the household being employed in the mining project or thermal power plant after its completion. However, the passage also mentions that a body of work by the World Bank has highlighted the inadequacy of most of these rehabilitation packages, arguing that the actual costs of displacing people are considerably more. Therefore, options B and C are correct, as the rehabilitation packages do include instant employment but do not take into account all the costs of displacing people.

Explanation

The passage states that the current rehabilitation policy for tribals displaced from forests due to mining activities includes one member of the household being employed in the mining project or thermal power plant after its completion. However, the passage also mentions that a body of work by the World Bank has highlighted the inadequacy of most of these rehabilitation packages, arguing that the actual costs of displacing people are considerably more. Therefore, options B and C are correct, as the rehabilitation packages do include instant employment but do not take into account all the costs of displacing people.

26. Identify the best way of writing the sentence in the context of correct usage of standard written English.

If the constants 'a' and 'b' were known, thus we should have the solution of our problem

We should thus have a solution to our problem, if the constants 'a' and 'b' are known

We should, if the constants 'a' and 'b' were known, thus have the solution of our problem

We should thus have the solution to our problem, if the constants 'a' and 'b' were known

The correct answer is "We should thus have a solution to our problem, if the constants 'a' and 'b' are known." This sentence is grammatically correct and follows the standard rules of written English. It uses proper word order and punctuation to convey the intended meaning clearly. The use of "if" followed by the present tense "are" is appropriate for discussing a hypothetical situation.

Explanation

The correct answer is "We should thus have a solution to our problem, if the constants 'a' and 'b' are known." This sentence is grammatically correct and follows the standard rules of written English. It uses proper word order and punctuation to convey the intended meaning clearly. The use of "if" followed by the present tense "are" is appropriate for discussing a hypothetical situation.

27. Directions: In this question choose the option which can be substituted for the given words. Very high-spirited, full of cheerfulness or enthusiasm

Eccentric

Eburmean

Sporting

Ebullient

The word "ebullient" means very high-spirited, full of cheerfulness or enthusiasm. It is the most suitable option among the given words as "eccentric" means unconventional or peculiar, "eburmean" is not a recognized word, and "sporting" means participating in sports or games. Therefore, "ebullient" is the correct substitute for the given words.

Explanation

The word "ebullient" means very high-spirited, full of cheerfulness or enthusiasm. It is the most suitable option among the given words as "eccentric" means unconventional or peculiar, "eburmean" is not a recognized word, and "sporting" means participating in sports or games. Therefore, "ebullient" is the correct substitute for the given words.

28. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage III Most Indians are not particularly worried about Indian Standard Times (IST), except for those who live in the Northeast where the sun rises around 4 a.m. in summer, and gets dark well before 4 p.m. in winter. Those of us who have to make overseas long distance calls and get into trouble with fractions are not even aware that we belong to a minority (three percent) of regions whose standard times are fractional hours off from GMT. India spans longitudes of 68° at the western end and 98° at the eastern boundary and, as there is a difference of one hour for every 15° of longitude, the two extremes differ by two hours. Thus, when the sun sets at 4 p.m. in Kohima, it sets at 6 p.m. in Porbunder. IST was fixed in 1906 midway at 82.5^o, or

hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Periodically, there are demands from the Northeast region for a separate time zone so that the clocks there may be advanced by an hour. There is a general misconception among those who worry about saving energy-such as the Planning Commission-that dividing the country into time zones will save "a lot of energy." The savings are almost always described by adjectives, for very few have estimated correctly the amount of savings that may accrue by altering IST or creating two time zones. There is also the practice in several countries, of "Daylight Saving Time" (DST), wherein the time in summer is advanced (or the clocks put forward) by one hour and retracted during winter. This enables people to enjoy sunlight longer in summer and avoid the inconveniences of late sunrises and early sunsets during winter. Our proposal for India is to introduce neither time zones nor DST, but to advance IST by half an hour to being six hours ahead of GMT, once and permanently. Such a suggestion has been made before, but until now no one has computed the energy savings that would accrue as a result, using a correct model and dependable data. Our fairly rigorous method has been vetted by national and international experts and is based on load demand data at five electrical zones of India, provided by the Power Grid Corporation of India. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency provided financial support for the study. What is the primary concern of the author in writing this article?

To align the clocks in the five different regions of India, in tune with the respective sunrise and sunset times

To align IST with GMT

To ensure that India advances its clock by half an hour only

That India should implement an effective method of energy savings

The primary concern of the author in writing this article is to ensure that India advances its clock by half an hour only. The author proposes this change as a way to save energy, but emphasizes the need to accurately estimate the amount of energy savings that would result from this adjustment. The author's suggestion has been vetted by experts and is based on load demand data, making it a reliable and well-supported proposal.

Explanation

The primary concern of the author in writing this article is to ensure that India advances its clock by half an hour only. The author proposes this change as a way to save energy, but emphasizes the need to accurately estimate the amount of energy savings that would result from this adjustment. The author's suggestion has been vetted by experts and is based on load demand data, making it a reliable and well-supported proposal.

29. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage I Universal Health Coverage CUHC) has now been widely adopted by Canada and many other developing countries both as a developmental imperative and the moral obligation of a civilised society. India embraced this vision at its independence. However, insufficient funding of public facilities, combined with faulty planning and inefficient management over the years, has resulted in a dysfunctional health system that has been yielding poor health outcomes. Private health services have grown by default, without checks on cost and quality, escalating private out-of- pocket health expenditures and exacerbating health inequity. Out-of- pocket expenditure still remains at 71 percent of all spending, without coverage for outpatient care, medicines and basic diagnostic tests. The High Level Expert Group (HLEG) established by the Planning Commission has submitted a comprehensive framework for providing UHC in India. A health entitlement card should assure every citizen access to a national health package of essential primary, secondary and tertiary care, both inpatient and outpatient. The HLEG is very clear that services included under UHC must be tax funded and cashless at delivery. Contributory social insurance is not appropriate for countries like India where a large segment of the workforce -close to 93 percent-is in the unorganised sector and vast numbers are below or near the poverty line. Increasing the public spending on health is the first immediate requirement. However, even the doubling of public financing will not be adequate to support all the components of a fully evolved UHC Priorities need to be defined. Clearly, there is no alternative to progressively strengthening public facilities, and thereby reducing people's dependence on private providers. However, the public system may need to "contract-in" the services of willing private providers, to fill gaps in its capacity to deliver all the services assured under UHC Such "contracted-in" private providers will have to deliver cashless services and would be compensated on the basis of pre-determined cost per package of health services rather than "fee-for-service" for each visit or procedure. In such an arrangement, the private sector acts as an extension of the public sector where needed, and will not compete for the same set of services for the same people. It is time to recognise that everyone, not just the poor, needs to be protected against rising health costs that can impoverish any family. Apart from improving people's health, adopting UHC is likely to generate millions of new jobs, enhance productivity, and promote equity. Which of the following statements is not necessarily true in the context of the passage?

Contributory social insurance works best where a large segment of the country's workforce is above the poverty line

The author of the passage feels that the government should outsource some of the health care services under the UHC to private players

Cost of health care is rising rapidly and could severely dent a family's finances

The primary objective behind issuing of UHC health entitlement cards is to avoid having to pay in cash when citizens avail health care services

The passage does not provide any information or opinion about the rising cost of healthcare or its potential impact on a family's finances. Therefore, it is not necessarily true in the context of the passage.

Explanation

The passage does not provide any information or opinion about the rising cost of healthcare or its potential impact on a family's finances. Therefore, it is not necessarily true in the context of the passage.

30. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage IV With the major economies of the United States and the euro zone still showing no let-up from their halting recovery, Indian apparel exporters continue to suffer from tepid demand. They are also, of late, compelled to make do with unpleasant non-tariff barriers (NTBs) such as rigorous standards. Apparently, the most galling one is insistence on fair labour standards. That includes not importing garments/ apparel made by child labour or forced labour or prison labour from exporting countries. While no one could fault the new perception of concerns for the vulnerable, the unilateral prescription of what constitutes proper labour practices continues to be a bone of contention. However, trading countries have braced themselves to face down any challenges with some of the exporting countries voluntarily taking on themselves the onus of putting in place a code of ethical standards so that their merchandise does not get jettisoned in the overseas markets on this count. Though India's merchandise exports overshot the target by a couple of billion dollars to reach $303 billion in 2011-12 fiscal year, the country could not achieve the target of $32.3 billion of textile and clothing exports as it fell short by a substantial value. Still, India ranks as the sixth largest exporter of apparel with a global market share of 3.25 percent, after China at 37 percent, the EU at 28 percent, Hong Kong at 7 percent, Bangladesh at 4.5 percent and Turkey at 3.6 percent. For a country that boasts of being the largest producer of King Cotton, the position behind tiny countries such as Bangladesh and Hong Kong has more to do with several domestic disabilities such as high cost of finance, lack of flexible labour policy and infrastructural impediments. Added to these travails is the emerging concern over and apprehension of India's apparel not making it to the traditional global markets if the orchestrated campaign for labour standards gets strident and stringent. Incidentally, the US and the European Union (EU) together account for 80 percent of India's total apparel exports and the retail stores in these countries, which stock up apparel from developing countries, have lately been crying hoarse over alleged harsh treatment to labourers in exporting countries. These concerns presumably arise out of the prodding from their own governments which find protectionist sentiments in times of trouble a facile course to resort to. It is against this sombre scenario that the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) worked out a comprehensive compliance code for ethical sourcing for the apparel exports from India. This stems from both a conviction, and recognition of the crucial linkages between ethical trade and economic growth. What is the meaning of the word 'tepid' as used in the first sentence of the passage?

Reduced

Decreasing

Erratic

Rising

The word "tepid" means reduced or lukewarm. In the context of the passage, it suggests that the demand for Indian apparel exports is not strong or enthusiastic. The major economies of the United States and the euro zone are still recovering slowly, which has resulted in reduced demand for Indian apparel exports.

Explanation

The word "tepid" means reduced or lukewarm. In the context of the passage, it suggests that the demand for Indian apparel exports is not strong or enthusiastic. The major economies of the United States and the euro zone are still recovering slowly, which has resulted in reduced demand for Indian apparel exports.

31. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage IV With the major economies of the United States and the euro zone still showing no let-up from their halting recovery, Indian apparel exporters continue to suffer from tepid demand. They are also, of late, compelled to make do with unpleasant non-tariff barriers (NTBs) such as rigorous standards. Apparently, the most galling one is insistence on fair labour standards. That includes not importing garments/ apparel made by child labour or forced labour or prison labour from exporting countries. While no one could fault the new perception of concerns for the vulnerable, the unilateral prescription of what constitutes proper labour practices continues to be a bone of contention. However, trading countries have braced themselves to face down any challenges with some of the exporting countries voluntarily taking on themselves the onus of putting in place a code of ethical standards so that their merchandise does not get jettisoned in the overseas markets on this count. Though India's merchandise exports overshot the target by a couple of billion dollars to reach $303 billion in 2011-12 fiscal year, the country could not achieve the target of $32.3 billion of textile and clothing exports as it fell short by a substantial value. Still, India ranks as the sixth largest exporter of apparel with a global market share of 3.25 percent, after China at 37 percent, the EU at 28 percent, Hong Kong at 7 percent, Bangladesh at 4.5 percent and Turkey at 3.6 percent. For a country that boasts of being the largest producer of King Cotton, the position behind tiny countries such as Bangladesh and Hong Kong has more to do with several domestic disabilities such as high cost of finance, lack of flexible labour policy and infrastructural impediments. Added to these travails is the emerging concern over and apprehension of India's apparel not making it to the traditional global markets if the orchestrated campaign for labour standards gets strident and stringent. Incidentally, the US and the European Union (EU) together account for 80 percent of India's total apparel exports and the retail stores in these countries, which stock up apparel from developing countries, have lately been crying hoarse over alleged harsh treatment to labourers in exporting countries. These concerns presumably arise out of the prodding from their own governments which find protectionist sentiments in times of trouble a facile course to resort to. It is against this sombre scenario that the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) worked out a comprehensive compliance code for ethical sourcing for the apparel exports from India. This stems from both a conviction, and recognition of the crucial linkages between ethical trade and economic growth. It is implied in the passage that

The US and EU together account for four-fifths of the imports

India has set up AEPC to expressly work out a code of ethics for Indian textile producers

Economic growth is certainly dependent on ethical trade practices

China is one of the major importers of textiles as are the US and EU

The passage states that the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) in India has worked out a comprehensive compliance code for ethical sourcing for apparel exports from India. This implies that India has set up AEPC to expressly work out a code of ethics for Indian textile producers.

Explanation

The passage states that the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) in India has worked out a comprehensive compliance code for ethical sourcing for apparel exports from India. This implies that India has set up AEPC to expressly work out a code of ethics for Indian textile producers.

32. A sentence has been broken into four parts with an error in one of the parts. Identify the part that has an error.

He has refused to accept the summons and should, therefore, be prosecuted under the provisions of Section 172 of IPC

The police may proceed to register a case against the absconder and proceed under the provisions of IPC

He may be prosecuted under the provisions of Section 172 of IPC for not responding to summons by the police

He will be prosecuted under the provisions of Section 172 ('Absconding to avoid service of summons or other proceeding') of IPC for not responding to police summons

The given sentence is grammatically correct and does not have any error.

Explanation

The given sentence is grammatically correct and does not have any error.

33. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage III Most Indians are not particularly worried about Indian Standard Times (IST), except for those who live in the Northeast where the sun rises around 4 a.m. in summer, and gets dark well before 4 p.m. in winter. Those of us who have to make overseas long distance calls and get into trouble with fractions are not even aware that we belong to a minority (three percent) of regions whose standard times are fractional hours off from GMT. India spans longitudes of 68° at the western end and 98° at the eastern boundary and, as there is a difference of one hour for every 15° of longitude, the two extremes differ by two hours. Thus, when the sun sets at 4 p.m. in Kohima, it sets at 6 p.m. in Porbunder. IST was fixed in 1906 midway at 82.5°, or

hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Periodically, there are demands from the Northeast region for a separate time zone so that the clocks there may be advanced by an hour. There is a general misconception among those who worry about saving energy-such as the Planning Commission-that dividing the country into time zones will save "a lot of energy." The savings are almost always described by adjectives, for very few have estimated correctly the amount of savings that may accrue by altering IST or creating two time zones. There is also the practice in several countries, of "Daylight Saving Time" (DST), wherein the time in summer is advanced (or the clocks put forward) by one hour and retracted during winter. This enables people to enjoy sunlight longer in summer and avoid the inconveniences of late sunrises and early sunsets during winter. Our proposal for India is to introduce neither time zones nor DST, but to advance IST by half an hour to being six hours ahead of GMT, once and permanently. Such a suggestion has been made before, but until now no one has computed the energy savings that would accrue as a result, using a correct model and dependable data. Our fairly rigorous method has been vetted by national and international experts and is based on load demand data at five electrical zones of India, provided by the Power Grid Corporation of India. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency provided financial support for the study.. It can be inferred from the passage that 1. Time, by clocks across India, would be same at any given point of the day. 2. People in North-East India go to bed well before people in Western India do. 3. People in the North-Eastern part of India work longer hours in summer than they do in winter.

A only

A & B

A & C

A, B & C

The passage states that India spans longitudes of 68° at the western end and 98° at the eastern boundary, resulting in a two-hour difference in sunset times between the two extremes. This implies that the time, by clocks across India, would be different at any given point of the day. Additionally, it is mentioned that those who live in the Northeast go to bed earlier than people in Western India due to the difference in daylight hours. Finally, it is stated that in the Northeast, the sun rises around 4 a.m. in summer and gets dark well before 4 p.m. in winter, indicating that people in the Northeast work longer hours in summer than they do in winter. Therefore, all three inferences can be drawn from the passage.

Explanation

The passage states that India spans longitudes of 68° at the western end and 98° at the eastern boundary, resulting in a two-hour difference in sunset times between the two extremes. This implies that the time, by clocks across India, would be different at any given point of the day. Additionally, it is mentioned that those who live in the Northeast go to bed earlier than people in Western India due to the difference in daylight hours. Finally, it is stated that in the Northeast, the sun rises around 4 a.m. in summer and gets dark well before 4 p.m. in winter, indicating that people in the Northeast work longer hours in summer than they do in winter. Therefore, all three inferences can be drawn from the passage.

34. Directions: Fill in the blanks. If mankind has to survive for long, it must __________ and deliberately renounce the fruits of and __________ whirling technology.

Willfully, wild

Honestly, responsible

Sincerely, labour

Effectively, sliding

To survive for long, mankind needs to consciously and willingly give up the benefits and uncontrollable nature of advanced technology. This implies that in order to ensure survival, humans must intentionally choose to detach themselves from the chaotic and unpredictable aspects of modern technology.

Explanation

To survive for long, mankind needs to consciously and willingly give up the benefits and uncontrollable nature of advanced technology. This implies that in order to ensure survival, humans must intentionally choose to detach themselves from the chaotic and unpredictable aspects of modern technology.

35. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage V The tussle between coal mining and nature conservation has been long standing. But things have risen to a new level with the Group of Ministers (GoM) being set up to consider the various issues around coal mining. They have recently written to Chief Secretaries of all the coal-bearing states asking them to reapply for permissions to mine in very dense forests. However, environmental scientists and civil society groups worry about the GoM's decision to dilute the environmental safeguards currently in place and open up all forests to mining. They argue that there is an important need for some mechanism to be put in place that recognises certain forests in the country as being critical. And, therefore, not open to mining. Their first argument for forests is the various "ecosystem services" that humans derive from these forests. Hydrological, nutrient and nitrogen cycles help plants and food crops to grow. Carbon cycles regulate global climate. These cannot be replaced by afforestation programmes and artificial forests. Ecological scientists have estimated the net value of some of the more easily quantifiable ecosystem services to be around US $33 trillion a year; or more than twice the global GDP. They argue that any industrial projects that involve the destruction of forests must also factor in these ecological costs. Another concern is the large number of tribals and other forest dwellers who directly depend on forests for their livelihood. The current resettlement and rehabilitation policy for such people, in Madhya Pradesh for example, consists of one-tenth of an acre of land and the promise of one member of the household being employed in the mining project or thermal power plant after its completion. A body of work by the World Bank has highlighted the inadequacy of most of these rehabilitation packages. It argues that actual costs of displacing people are considerably more. These must be factored into the "real" costs of large development projects. Non-Government Organisations and activists across the board all accept the urgent need for India to produce more energy. But they express serious reservations about India locking itself into a carbon intense development path. Environmental scientists are worried about

Civil society groups as the latter generally tend to rake up issues only to target the former

The GoM's decision to pour cold water on safety regulations

The potential loss of livelihood of tribals due to coal mining projects

The relaxing of norms to allow coal mining in all forests

The passage states that environmental scientists and civil society groups are worried about the Group of Ministers' decision to dilute environmental safeguards and open up all forests to mining. They argue that certain forests should be recognized as critical and not open to mining due to the important ecosystem services they provide. The scientists estimate the net value of these ecosystem services to be around US $33 trillion a year, highlighting the ecological costs that must be factored in when considering industrial projects that involve forest destruction. Additionally, there is concern for the livelihood of tribals and other forest dwellers who depend on forests, as the current resettlement and rehabilitation policies are deemed inadequate. Therefore, the correct answer is the relaxing of norms to allow coal mining in all forests.

Explanation

The passage states that environmental scientists and civil society groups are worried about the Group of Ministers' decision to dilute environmental safeguards and open up all forests to mining. They argue that certain forests should be recognized as critical and not open to mining due to the important ecosystem services they provide. The scientists estimate the net value of these ecosystem services to be around US $33 trillion a year, highlighting the ecological costs that must be factored in when considering industrial projects that involve forest destruction. Additionally, there is concern for the livelihood of tribals and other forest dwellers who depend on forests, as the current resettlement and rehabilitation policies are deemed inadequate. Therefore, the correct answer is the relaxing of norms to allow coal mining in all forests.

36. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage IV With the major economies of the United States and the euro zone still showing no let-up from their halting recovery, Indian apparel exporters continue to suffer from tepid demand. They are also, of late, compelled to make do with unpleasant non-tariff barriers (NTBs) such as rigorous standards. Apparently, the most galling one is insistence on fair labour standards. That includes not importing garments/ apparel made by child labour or forced labour or prison labour from exporting countries. While no one could fault the new perception of concerns for the vulnerable, the unilateral prescription of what constitutes proper labour practices continues to be a bone of contention. However, trading countries have braced themselves to face down any challenges with some of the exporting countries voluntarily taking on themselves the onus of putting in place a code of ethical standards so that their merchandise does not get jettisoned in the overseas markets on this count. Though India's merchandise exports overshot the target by a couple of billion dollars to reach $303 billion in 2011-12 fiscal year, the country could not achieve the target of $32.3 billion of textile and clothing exports as it fell short by a substantial value. Still, India ranks as the sixth largest exporter of apparel with a global market share of 3.25 percent, after China at 37 percent, the EU at 28 percent, Hong Kong at 7 percent, Bangladesh at 4.5 percent and Turkey at 3.6 percent. For a country that boasts of being the largest producer of King Cotton, the position behind tiny countries such as Bangladesh and Hong Kong has more to do with several domestic disabilities such as high cost of finance, lack of flexible labour policy and infrastructural impediments. Added to these travails is the emerging concern over and apprehension of India's apparel not making it to the traditional global markets if the orchestrated campaign for labour standards gets strident and stringent. Incidentally, the US and the European Union (EU) together account for 80 percent of India's total apparel exports and the retail stores in these countries, which stock up apparel from developing countries, have lately been crying hoarse over alleged harsh treatment to labourers in exporting countries. These concerns presumably arise out of the prodding from their own governments which find protectionist sentiments in times of trouble a facile course to resort to. It is against this sombre scenario that the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) worked out a comprehensive compliance code for ethical sourcing for the apparel exports from India. This stems from both a conviction, and recognition of the crucial linkages between ethical trade and economic growth. It is implied in the passage that 1. United States has put in place certain barriers to imports from countries using child labour in their manufacturing units. 2. only some of the exporting countries are really concerned about "ethical standards". 3. there cannot be one standard global definition for what constitutes fair labour practice.

A & C

A & B

A only

A, B & C

The passage implies that the United States has put in place barriers to imports from countries using child labor in their manufacturing units. It also suggests that only some of the exporting countries are concerned about "ethical standards" and that there cannot be one standard global definition for what constitutes fair labor practice. This can be inferred from the mention of the insistence on fair labor standards as a non-tariff barrier and the contention over the unilateral prescription of proper labor practices. Additionally, the passage mentions the concerns of retail stores in the US and EU over alleged harsh treatment to laborers in exporting countries.

Explanation

The passage implies that the United States has put in place barriers to imports from countries using child labor in their manufacturing units. It also suggests that only some of the exporting countries are concerned about "ethical standards" and that there cannot be one standard global definition for what constitutes fair labor practice. This can be inferred from the mention of the insistence on fair labor standards as a non-tariff barrier and the contention over the unilateral prescription of proper labor practices. Additionally, the passage mentions the concerns of retail stores in the US and EU over alleged harsh treatment to laborers in exporting countries.

37. Directions: In this question choose the option which can be substituted for the given words. A way of doing something, especially on ordered set of procedures or an orderly system

Presentation

Process

Method

Agendas

Agendas can be substituted for the given words because an agenda is a way of doing something, especially a set of procedures or an orderly system. It refers to a list of items to be discussed or accomplished in a meeting or event.

Explanation

Agendas can be substituted for the given words because an agenda is a way of doing something, especially a set of procedures or an orderly system. It refers to a list of items to be discussed or accomplished in a meeting or event.

38. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage II In order to capitalise on the groundwork done for creation of a successful solar market through the launch of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, a recent report has suggested that India now needs to adopt greater transparency, benchmarking and monitoring, strategic approaches to finance, and technology- neutral policies for manufacturing to take the renewable energy mission forward. According to an independent report published by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC), it has been found that India's solar industry is at a crucial stage of its growth and needs strategic nurturing. The report is of the view that a productive solar manufacturing base is an important part of India's aspirations to become a major global solar player. Investing in solar manufacturing now could provide long- term strategic value for India. But to be a dominant player in the global arena, India needs to make prompt, smart and concerted investments in manufacturing. "The National Solar Mission deserves much credit for laying the groundwork for a successful solar market, but a lot of market uncertainty still permeates the solar ecosystem and affects development of manufacturing capacity," says the Director, India Initiative at NRDC It has pointed out that a range of systemic issues hinder domestic manufacturing in India. "Indian manufacturing is of a smaller scale and more fragmented, leading to higher costs," says the CEO, CEEW. The report finds that the Indian solar manufacturing sector requires systemic improvements in infrastructure, domestic low-cost financing, and raw materials. The director of NRDC said policy makers should also not lose sight of value added industries and job creating potential further downstream. Outlining the priorities, the report states that Government must bring together different financial institutions to strengthen the solar financing ecosystem, which would operate at the strategic level, project level and offer ancillary support (R&D, skill development). As per the passage, which of the following factors is/are seen as disadvantageous to the Indian solar industry while competing in the global market? 1. Government's apathy towards this industry. 2. Robust manufacturing practices of the other global players. 3. Lack of adequate capital in the country for channelising into this industry.

A only

A & B

A & C

None of these

The passage states that the Indian solar industry is at a crucial stage of its growth and needs strategic nurturing. It also mentions that a productive solar manufacturing base is important for India's aspirations to become a major global solar player. However, it does not mention any specific factors that are disadvantageous to the Indian solar industry while competing in the global market. Therefore, none of the given factors (government's apathy, robust manufacturing practices of other global players, lack of adequate capital) are seen as disadvantageous according to the passage.

Explanation

The passage states that the Indian solar industry is at a crucial stage of its growth and needs strategic nurturing. It also mentions that a productive solar manufacturing base is important for India's aspirations to become a major global solar player. However, it does not mention any specific factors that are disadvantageous to the Indian solar industry while competing in the global market. Therefore, none of the given factors (government's apathy, robust manufacturing practices of other global players, lack of adequate capital) are seen as disadvantageous according to the passage.

39. Directions: In this question choose the option which can be substituted for the given words. To cancel (a law, agreement, etc.) formally or officially

Terminate

Adjure

Object

Abrogate

The word "abrogate" means to formally or officially cancel or terminate something, such as a law or agreement. It is the most suitable option to substitute for the given words "to cancel (a law, agreement, etc.) formally or officially". The other options do not convey the same meaning or do not fit the context appropriately.

Explanation

The word "abrogate" means to formally or officially cancel or terminate something, such as a law or agreement. It is the most suitable option to substitute for the given words "to cancel (a law, agreement, etc.) formally or officially". The other options do not convey the same meaning or do not fit the context appropriately.

40. Directions: Study the passages below and answer the questions that follow each passage. Passage II In order to capitalise on the groundwork done for creation of a successful solar market through the launch of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, a recent report has suggested that India now needs to adopt greater transparency, benchmarking and monitoring, strategic approaches to finance, and technology- neutral policies for manufacturing to take the renewable energy mission forward. According to an independent report published by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC), it has been found that India's solar industry is at a crucial stage of its growth and needs strategic nurturing. The report is of the view that a productive solar manufacturing base is an important part of India's aspirations to become a major global solar player. Investing in solar manufacturing now could provide long- term strategic value for India. But to be a dominant player in the global arena, India needs to make prompt, smart and concerted investments in manufacturing. "The National Solar Mission deserves much credit for laying the groundwork for a successful solar market, but a lot of market uncertainty still permeates the solar ecosystem and affects development of manufacturing capacity," says the Director, India Initiative at NRDC It has pointed out that a range of systemic issues hinder domestic manufacturing in India. "Indian manufacturing is of a smaller scale and more fragmented, leading to higher costs," says the CEO, CEEW. The report finds that the Indian solar manufacturing sector requires systemic improvements in infrastructure, domestic low-cost financing, and raw materials. The director of NRDC said policy makers should also not lose sight of value added industries and job creating potential further downstream. Outlining the priorities, the report states that Government must bring together different financial institutions to strengthen the solar financing ecosystem, which would operate at the strategic level, project level and offer ancillary support (R&D, skill development). Which of the following statements is/are implied in the passage in respect of the solar energy capability building in India? 1. A lot of work has already been done in this direction. 2. Transparency has been totally lacking with regard to the Indian government's research work done in this field. 3. India could soon be a global player in the area of solar energy.

A only

A & B

A & C

A, B & C

The passage suggests that a lot of work has already been done in the direction of solar energy capability building in India. It mentions the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission as the groundwork for creating a successful solar market. It also states that India needs to adopt greater transparency, benchmarking, and monitoring, strategic approaches to finance, and technology-neutral policies for manufacturing to take the renewable energy mission forward. However, there is no mention of transparency being totally lacking or India soon becoming a global player in the area of solar energy.

Explanation

The passage suggests that a lot of work has already been done in the direction of solar energy capability building in India. It mentions the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission as the groundwork for creating a successful solar market. It also states that India needs to adopt greater transparency, benchmarking, and monitoring, strategic approaches to finance, and technology-neutral policies for manufacturing to take the renewable energy mission forward. However, there is no mention of transparency being totally lacking or India soon becoming a global player in the area of solar energy.