Reading Comprehension Questions

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.
Judicial activism in India has been a topic of great significance and debate. The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, has played a proactive role in shaping and interpreting laws to ensure justice and protect fundamental rights. Through landmark judgements, the court has expanded the scope of constitutional principles and acted as a check on the executive and legislative branches. However, this activism has sparked discussions about the limits of judicial power and the need to strike a balance between activism and restraint. Critics argue that excessive judicial intervention can encroach upon the domain of the other branches, while proponents see it as a necessary tool to safeguard democracy, uphold constitutional values and advance social justice. The evolution of judicial activism continues to influence the dynamics of governance in India.

Find the correct ANTONYM of the following word from the passage.

Proactive

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.While some herbal remedies may have proven health benefits, not all herbs are safe. It's important to research and consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal concoction. While we may use some herbs for minor ailments, such as a cold or headache, others may treat more serious conditions, such as cancer or heart disease. Not all herbal concoctions are natural and organic. Some may contain synthetic ingredients or preservatives, so it's important to read labels and research before using these concoctions. While herbal remedies may have some health benefits, they should not be used as a substitute for traditional medicine.Identify the tone of the passage.

In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.Student clubs are the place where students can (1) ______ their learning through interaction and discussion. Every activity in the club (2) ______ students to cultivate a different perception of life. The main purpose of the club is to provide a/an (3) ______ to showcase their talents and capabilities. It is the only place where students find time to (4) ______ themselves for their future. These activities not only benefit in shaping their interests and hobbies but also develop their leadership and social skills in a/an (5) ______ way.Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
A (1) ______ thunderstorm rolled across the Delta before dawn, and Sam was (2) _________ by the crack of lightning. He heard raindrops dropping hard against the open windows above the hallway. Then he heard them drip and (3)________ against the wall under the windows not far from his cell. The (4) _______- of his bed was suddenly cool. Maybe today (5) _________ not be so hot.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Residents of Bhavanpur, a village about 15 km outside Ahmedabad, have been protesting against their inclusion in the city's urban area by the local urban development authority.
Similar protests have been observed in villages elsewhere in Gujarat. It's a strange trend, the fruits of urban development seemingly rejected. Meanwhile, pollution in India's urban areas seems to have sparked off a reverse migration. Farmers from Haryana who had migrated to Delhi and Gurugram for work to escape an agricultural crisis are increasingly going back to their farms during winter, unable to take the toxic pollution. And it's not just big cities. India's urbanisation template is clearly ripe for change. Over 34% of India's current population lives in urban areas, rising by 3% since 2011. More importantly, while existing large urban agglomerations (those with a population above 50 lakh) have remained mostly constant in number since 2005 , smaller clusters have risen significantly (from 34 to 50 clusters with 10-50 lakh population). By some estimates, India's urban population could increase to 814 million by 2050. And yet, cities look and feel downtrodden, driven with poverty and poor infrastructure, with little semblance of urban planning. With an increase in urban population will come rising demands for basic services such as clean water, public transportation, sewage treatment and housing.

What was the protest of the residents of Bhavanpur about?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Residents of Bhavanpur, a village about 15 km outside Ahmedabad, have been protesting against their inclusion in the city's urban area by the local urban development authority.
Similar protests have been observed in villages elsewhere in Gujarat. It's a strange trend, the fruits of urban development seemingly rejected. Meanwhile, pollution in India's urban areas seems to have sparked off a reverse migration. Farmers from Haryana who had migrated to Delhi and Gurugram for work to escape an agricultural crisis are increasingly going back to their farms during winter, unable to take the toxic pollution. And it's not just big cities. India's urbanisation template is clearly ripe for change. Over 34% of India's current population lives in urban areas, rising by 3% since 2011. More importantly, while existing large urban agglomerations (those with a population above 50 lakh) have remained mostly constant in number since 2005 , smaller clusters have risen significantly (from 34 to 50 clusters with 10-50 lakh population). By some estimates, India's urban population could increase to 814 million by 2050. And yet, cities look and feel downtrodden, driven with poverty and poor infrastructure, with little semblance of urban planning. With an increase in urban population will come rising demands for basic services such as clean water, public transportation, sewage treatment and housing.

What are the views of the author of the passage?

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
A (1) ______ thunderstorm rolled across the Delta before dawn, and Sam was (2) _________ by the crack of lightning. He heard raindrops dropping hard against the open windows above the hallway. Then he heard them drip and (3)________ against the wall under the windows not far from his cell. The (4) _______- of his bed was suddenly cool. Maybe today (5) _________ not be so hot.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.While some herbal remedies may have proven health benefits, not all herbs are safe. It's important to research and consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal concoction. While we may use some herbs for minor ailments, such as a cold or headache, others may treat more serious conditions, such as cancer or heart disease. Not all herbal concoctions are natural and organic. Some may contain synthetic ingredients or preservatives, so it's important to read labels and research before using these concoctions. While herbal remedies may have some health benefits, they should not be used as a substitute for traditional medicine.Select the most appropriate title for the passage.

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Residents of Bhavanpur, a village about 15 km outside Ahmedabad, have been protesting against their inclusion in the city's urban area by the local urban development authority.
Similar protests have been observed in villages elsewhere in Gujarat. It's a strange trend, the fruits of urban development seemingly rejected. Meanwhile, pollution in India's urban areas seems to have sparked off a reverse migration. Farmers from Haryana who had migrated to Delhi and Gurugram for work to escape an agricultural crisis are increasingly going back to their farms during winter, unable to take the toxic pollution. And it's not just big cities. India's urbanisation template is clearly ripe for change. Over 34% of India's current population lives in urban areas, rising by 3% since 2011. More importantly, while existing large urban agglomerations (those with a population above 50 lakh) have remained mostly constant in number since 2005 , smaller clusters have risen significantly (from 34 to 50 clusters with 10-50 lakh population). By some estimates, India's urban population could increase to 814 million by 2050. And yet, cities look and feel downtrodden, driven with poverty and poor infrastructure, with little semblance of urban planning. With an increase in urban population will come rising demands for basic services such as clean water, public transportation, sewage treatment and housing.

How much percentage of India's current population lives in rural areas?

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.
Judicial activism in India has been a topic of great significance and debate. The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, has played a proactive role in shaping and interpreting laws to ensure justice and protect fundamental rights. Through landmark judgements, the court has expanded the scope of constitutional principles and acted as a check on the executive and legislative branches. However, this activism has sparked discussions about the limits of judicial power and the need to strike a balance between activism and restraint. Critics argue that excessive judicial intervention can encroach upon the domain of the other branches, while proponents see it as a necessary tool to safeguard democracy, uphold constitutional values and advance social justice. The evolution of judicial activism continues to influence the dynamics of governance in India.

According to the passage, what do critics argue regarding judicial activism?

In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.Student clubs are the place where students can (1) ______ their learning through interaction and discussion. Every activity in the club (2) ______ students to cultivate a different perception of life. The main purpose of the club is to provide a/an (3) ______ to showcase their talents and capabilities. It is the only place where students find time to (4) ______ themselves for their future. These activities not only benefit in shaping their interests and hobbies but also develop their leadership and social skills in a/an (5) ______ way.Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.While some herbal remedies may have proven health benefits, not all herbs are safe. It's important to research and consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal concoction. While we may use some herbs for minor ailments, such as a cold or headache, others may treat more serious conditions, such as cancer or heart disease. Not all herbal concoctions are natural and organic. Some may contain synthetic ingredients or preservatives, so it's important to read labels and research before using these concoctions. While herbal remedies may have some health benefits, they should not be used as a substitute for traditional medicine.Identify the statement that holds true according to the passage.

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.While some herbal remedies may have proven health benefits, not all herbs are safe. It's important to research and consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal concoction. While we may use some herbs for minor ailments, such as a cold or headache, others may treat more serious conditions, such as cancer or heart disease. Not all herbal concoctions are natural and organic. Some may contain synthetic ingredients or preservatives, so it's important to read labels and research before using these concoctions. While herbal remedies may have some health benefits, they should not be used as a substitute for traditional medicine.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word in the context of the passage.Substitute

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.
Judicial activism in India has been a topic of great significance and debate. The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, has played a proactive role in shaping and interpreting laws to ensure justice and protect fundamental rights. Through landmark judgements, the court has expanded the scope of constitutional principles and acted as a check on the executive and legislative branches. However, this activism has sparked discussions about the limits of judicial power and the need to strike a balance between activism and restraint. Critics argue that excessive judicial intervention can encroach upon the domain of the other branches, while proponents see it as a necessary tool to safeguard democracy, uphold constitutional values and advance social justice. The evolution of judicial activism continues to influence the dynamics of governance in India.

Select the most appropriate title of the passage.

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Residents of Bhavanpur, a village about 15 km outside Ahmedabad, have been protesting against their inclusion in the city's urban area by the local urban development authority.
Similar protests have been observed in villages elsewhere in Gujarat. It's a strange trend, the fruits of urban development seemingly rejected. Meanwhile, pollution in India's urban areas seems to have sparked off a reverse migration. Farmers from Haryana who had migrated to Delhi and Gurugram for work to escape an agricultural crisis are increasingly going back to their farms during winter, unable to take the toxic pollution. And it's not just big cities. India's urbanisation template is clearly ripe for change. Over 34% of India's current population lives in urban areas, rising by 3% since 2011. More importantly, while existing large urban agglomerations (those with a population above 50 lakh) have remained mostly constant in number since 2005 , smaller clusters have risen significantly (from 34 to 50 clusters with 10-50 lakh population). By some estimates, India's urban population could increase to 814 million by 2050. And yet, cities look and feel downtrodden, driven with poverty and poor infrastructure, with little semblance of urban planning. With an increase in urban population will come rising demands for basic services such as clean water, public transportation, sewage treatment and housing.

What does the term 'reverse migration' refer to?

In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.Student clubs are the place where students can (1) ______ their learning through interaction and discussion. Every activity in the club (2) ______ students to cultivate a different perception of life. The main purpose of the club is to provide a/an (3) ______ to showcase their talents and capabilities. It is the only place where students find time to (4) ______ themselves for their future. These activities not only benefit in shaping their interests and hobbies but also develop their leadership and social skills in a/an (5) ______ way.Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.

In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.Student clubs are the place where students can (1) ______ their learning through interaction and discussion. Every activity in the club (2) ______ students to cultivate a different perception of life. The main purpose of the club is to provide a/an (3) ______ to showcase their talents and capabilities. It is the only place where students find time to (4) ______ themselves for their future. These activities not only benefit in shaping their interests and hobbies but also develop their leadership and social skills in a/an (5) ______ way.Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.
Judicial activism in India has been a topic of great significance and debate. The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, has played a proactive role in shaping and interpreting laws to ensure justice and protect fundamental rights. Through landmark judgements, the court has expanded the scope of constitutional principles and acted as a check on the executive and legislative branches. However, this activism has sparked discussions about the limits of judicial power and the need to strike a balance between activism and restraint. Critics argue that excessive judicial intervention can encroach upon the domain of the other branches, while proponents see it as a necessary tool to safeguard democracy, uphold constitutional values and advance social justice. The evolution of judicial activism continues to influence the dynamics of governance in India.

What can be inferred about the Supreme Court's role in shaping laws?

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.While some herbal remedies may have proven health benefits, not all herbs are safe. It's important to research and consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal concoction. While we may use some herbs for minor ailments, such as a cold or headache, others may treat more serious conditions, such as cancer or heart disease. Not all herbal concoctions are natural and organic. Some may contain synthetic ingredients or preservatives, so it's important to read labels and research before using these concoctions. While herbal remedies may have some health benefits, they should not be used as a substitute for traditional medicine.Select the option that best describes the central theme of the passage.

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Residents of Bhavanpur, a village about 15 km outside Ahmedabad, have been protesting against their inclusion in the city's urban area by the local urban development authority.
Similar protests have been observed in villages elsewhere in Gujarat. It's a strange trend, the fruits of urban development seemingly rejected. Meanwhile, pollution in India's urban areas seems to have sparked off a reverse migration. Farmers from Haryana who had migrated to Delhi and Gurugram for work to escape an agricultural crisis are increasingly going back to their farms during winter, unable to take the toxic pollution. And it's not just big cities. India's urbanisation template is clearly ripe for change. Over 34% of India's current population lives in urban areas, rising by 3% since 2011. More importantly, while existing large urban agglomerations (those with a population above 50 lakh) have remained mostly constant in number since 2005 , smaller clusters have risen significantly (from 34 to 50 clusters with 10-50 lakh population). By some estimates, India's urban population could increase to 814 million by 2050. And yet, cities look and feel downtrodden, driven with poverty and poor infrastructure, with little semblance of urban planning. With an increase in urban population will come rising demands for basic services such as clean water, public transportation, sewage treatment and housing.

Why is the template of urban development NOT working successfully?

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
A (1) ______ thunderstorm rolled across the Delta before dawn, and Sam was (2) _________ by the crack of lightning. He heard raindrops dropping hard against the open windows above the hallway. Then he heard them drip and (3)________ against the wall under the windows not far from his cell. The (4) _______- of his bed was suddenly cool. Maybe today (5) _________ not be so hot.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
A (1) ______ thunderstorm rolled across the Delta before dawn, and Sam was (2) _________ by the crack of lightning. He heard raindrops dropping hard against the open windows above the hallway. Then he heard them drip and (3)________ against the wall under the windows not far from his cell. The (4) _______- of his bed was suddenly cool. Maybe today (5) _________ not be so hot.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.Student clubs are the place where students can (1) ______ their learning through interaction and discussion. Every activity in the club (2) ______ students to cultivate a different perception of life. The main purpose of the club is to provide a/an (3) ______ to showcase their talents and capabilities. It is the only place where students find time to (4) ______ themselves for their future. These activities not only benefit in shaping their interests and hobbies but also develop their leadership and social skills in a/an (5) ______ way.Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.

Read the given passage and answer the question that follows.
Judicial activism in India has been a topic of great significance and debate. The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, has played a proactive role in shaping and interpreting laws to ensure justice and protect fundamental rights. Through landmark judgements, the court has expanded the scope of constitutional principles and acted as a check on the executive and legislative branches. However, this activism has sparked discussions about the limits of judicial power and the need to strike a balance between activism and restraint. Critics argue that excessive judicial intervention can encroach upon the domain of the other branches, while proponents see it as a necessary tool to safeguard democracy, uphold constitutional values and advance social justice. The evolution of judicial activism continues to influence the dynamics of governance in India.

Identify the central theme of the passage.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
A (1) ______ thunderstorm rolled across the Delta before dawn, and Sam was (2) _________ by the crack of lightning. He heard raindrops dropping hard against the open windows above the hallway. Then he heard them drip and (3)________ against the wall under the windows not far from his cell. The (4) _______- of his bed was suddenly cool. Maybe today (5) _________ not be so hot.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

Find out the correct antonym of the following word mentioned in the passage:
"realize"

According to the passage in image_66e147.jpg, the future for the people of India is:

According to the passage in image_66e147.jpg, which of the following is NOT implied by the phrase 'Service of India' (भारत की सेवा)?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Satyajit Ray's films are rich in sociological elements which portray themes like faulty social structures, childhood experiences, poverty-stricken India, rural life, complexities in relationships and politics, religion, gender and on. Films like Devi or The Goddess and Mahapurush or The Godman show how religion becomes a breeding ground of superstitions and how the blind faith of people in ‘Godmen’, without analysing the reality, leave people trapped in the end. In Pather Panchali or Song of the Road, Ray shows how Apu and Durga enjoy their childhood despite their poverty. The innocence and mirth of childhood offers a sharp contrast with the disconsolate faces of other adults in the family who are affected by the present harsh situations. A critique of autocracy is found in his film Hirak Rajar Deshe or In the Country of the Diamond King which is an overall political satire. Although Satyajit Ray's films are deeply rooted in Bengali culture, they have a universal significance, and much of it is perhaps because his film making is heavily inspired by neo-realist principles.

Which film by Satyajit Ray deals with the theme of autocracy?

According to the passage in image_66e147.jpg, what must we do to realize our dreams?

What does the expression “drill into your heads” mean as used in the passage?

Find out the correct synonym of the following word mentioned in the passage:
"Obvious"

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Satyajit Ray's films are rich in sociological elements which portray themes like faulty social structures, childhood experiences, poverty-stricken India, rural life, complexities in relationships and politics, religion, gender and on. Films like Devi or The Goddess and Mahapurush or The Godman show how religion becomes a breeding ground of superstitions and how the blind faith of people in ‘Godmen’, without analysing the reality, leave people trapped in the end. In Pather Panchali or Song of the Road, Ray shows how Apu and Durga enjoy their childhood despite their poverty. The innocence and mirth of childhood offers a sharp contrast with the disconsolate faces of other adults in the family who are affected by the present harsh situations. A critique of autocracy is found in his film Hirak Rajar Deshe or In the Country of the Diamond King which is an overall political satire. Although Satyajit Ray's films are deeply rooted in Bengali culture, they have a universal significance, and much of it is perhaps because his film making is heavily inspired by neo-realist principles.

Which of the following is NOT a theme of any of Satyajit Ray’s movies, according to the passage?

Why does the author of the passage ask us to forget the history that we were taught at school?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Satyajit Ray's films are rich in sociological elements which portray themes like faulty social structures, childhood experiences, poverty-stricken India, rural life, complexities in relationships and politics, religion, gender and on. Films like Devi or The Goddess and Mahapurush or The Godman show how religion becomes a breeding ground of superstitions and how the blind faith of people in ‘Godmen’, without analysing the reality, leave people trapped in the end. In Pather Panchali or Song of the Road, Ray shows how Apu and Durga enjoy their childhood despite their poverty. The innocence and mirth of childhood offers a sharp contrast with the disconsolate faces of other adults in the family who are affected by the present harsh situations. A critique of autocracy is found in his film Hirak Rajar Deshe or In the Country of the Diamond King which is an overall political satire. Although Satyajit Ray's films are deeply rooted in Bengali culture, they have a universal significance, and much of it is perhaps because his film making is heavily inspired by neo-realist principles.

According to the passage, which of the following was a major inspiration for Satyajit Ray?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Satyajit Ray's films are rich in sociological elements which portray themes like faulty social structures, childhood experiences, poverty-stricken India, rural life, complexities in relationships and politics, religion, gender and on. Films like Devi or The Goddess and Mahapurush or The Godman show how religion becomes a breeding ground of superstitions and how the blind faith of people in ‘Godmen’, without analysing the reality, leave people trapped in the end. In Pather Panchali or Song of the Road, Ray shows how Apu and Durga enjoy their childhood despite their poverty. The innocence and mirth of childhood offers a sharp contrast with the disconsolate faces of other adults in the family who are affected by the present harsh situations. A critique of autocracy is found in his film Hirak Rajar Deshe or In the Country of the Diamond King which is an overall political satire. Although Satyajit Ray's films are deeply rooted in Bengali culture, they have a universal significance, and much of it is perhaps because his film making is heavily inspired by neo-realist principles.

Which film by Satyajit Ray deals with the portrayal of childhood?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Satyajit Ray's films are rich in sociological elements which portray themes like faulty social structures, childhood experiences, poverty-stricken India, rural life, complexities in relationships and politics, religion, gender and on. Films like Devi or The Goddess and Mahapurush or The Godman show how religion becomes a breeding ground of superstitions and how the blind faith of people in ‘Godmen’, without analysing the reality, leave people trapped in the end. In Pather Panchali or Song of the Road, Ray shows how Apu and Durga enjoy their childhood despite their poverty. The innocence and mirth of childhood offers a sharp contrast with the disconsolate faces of other adults in the family who are affected by the present harsh situations. A critique of autocracy is found in his film Hirak Rajar Deshe or In the Country of the Diamond King which is an overall political satire. Although Satyajit Ray's films are deeply rooted in Bengali culture, they have a universal significance, and much of it is perhaps because his film making is heavily inspired by neo-realist principles.

According to the passage, how has Mahapurush been translated?

Based on the text in image_66e147.jpg, what did India NOT forget during its endless search?

According to the passage in image_66e147.jpg, what has been the ambition of the greatest man of the author's generation?

Based on the reading passage, which of the following statements is correct?

Directions: Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The small Texas school that I went to had a tradition carried out every year during the eighth-grade graduation: a beautiful gold and green jacket (the school colours) was awarded to the student who had maintained the grade for eight years.
The scholarship jacket — a beautiful gold and green jacket had a big gold S on the left front side and your name written in gold letters on the pocket. My oldest sister, Rosie, had won the jacket a few years back, and I fully expected to also. I had been a straight ‘A’ student since the first grade and in the eighth grade had looked forward very much to own that jacket.
My father was a farm labourer who couldn’t earn enough money to feed eight children, so when I was six I was given to my grandparents to raise. We couldn’t participate in sports at school because there were registration fees, uniform costs, and trips out of town; so, even though our family was quite agile and athletic there would never be a school sports jacket for us. This one, the scholarship jacket, was our only chance. Another hour of sweating in basketball was coming up and I was walking up to the gym. Then I remembered my P.E. shorts and I had to walk all the way back and get them. I was almost back at my classroom door when I heard voices raised in anger as if in some sort of argument.
I recognized the voices: Mr. Schmidt, my history teacher, and Mr. Boone, my math teacher, seemed to be arguing about me. I heard them say ‘Martha’ and I couldn’t believe it. “Martha has a straight A-plus average and you know it.” That was Mr. Schmidt and he sounded very angry. “I refuse to do it! I don’t care who Joann’s father is, her grades don’t even begin to compare to Martha’s,” he continued. My heart sank.

Which of the following statements are true?
a) Grandfather was a farm labourer
b) Father couldn’t earn enough money to feed eight
c) The family could not pay for sports activities
d) The family was small
e) Martha was a bright student

Directions: Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The small Texas school that I went to had a tradition carried out every year during the eighth-grade graduation: a beautiful gold and green jacket (the school colours) was awarded to the student who had maintained the grade for eight years.
The scholarship jacket — a beautiful gold and green jacket had a big gold S on the left front side and your name written in gold letters on the pocket. My oldest sister, Rosie, had won the jacket a few years back, and I fully expected to also. I had been a straight ‘A’ student since the first grade and in the eighth grade had looked forward very much to own that jacket.
My father was a farm labourer who couldn’t earn enough money to feed eight children, so when I was six I was given to my grandparents to raise. We couldn’t participate in sports at school because there were registration fees, uniform costs, and trips out of town; so, even though our family was quite agile and athletic there would never be a school sports jacket for us. This one, the scholarship jacket, was our only chance. Another hour of sweating in basketball was coming up and I was walking up to the gym. Then I remembered my P.E. shorts and I had to walk all the way back and get them. I was almost back at my classroom door when I heard voices raised in anger as if in some sort of argument.
I recognized the voices: Mr. Schmidt, my history teacher, and Mr. Boone, my math teacher, seemed to be arguing about me. I heard them say ‘Martha’ and I couldn’t believe it. “Martha has a straight A-plus average and you know it.” That was Mr. Schmidt and he sounded very angry. “I refuse to do it! I don’t care who Joann’s father is, her grades don’t even begin to compare to Martha’s,” he continued. My heart sank.

The narrator says, “I looked forward very much to owning that jacket,” because:

Directions: Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The small Texas school that I went to had a tradition carried out every year during the eighth-grade graduation: a beautiful gold and green jacket (the school colours) was awarded to the student who had maintained the grade for eight years.
The scholarship jacket — a beautiful gold and green jacket had a big gold S on the left front side and your name written in gold letters on the pocket. My oldest sister, Rosie, had won the jacket a few years back, and I fully expected to also. I had been a straight ‘A’ student since the first grade and in the eighth grade had looked forward very much to own that jacket.
My father was a farm labourer who couldn’t earn enough money to feed eight children, so when I was six I was given to my grandparents to raise. We couldn’t participate in sports at school because there were registration fees, uniform costs, and trips out of town; so, even though our family was quite agile and athletic there would never be a school sports jacket for us. This one, the scholarship jacket, was our only chance. Another hour of sweating in basketball was coming up and I was walking up to the gym. Then I remembered my P.E. shorts and I had to walk all the way back and get them. I was almost back at my classroom door when I heard voices raised in anger as if in some sort of argument.
I recognized the voices: Mr. Schmidt, my history teacher, and Mr. Boone, my math teacher, seemed to be arguing about me. I heard them say ‘Martha’ and I couldn’t believe it. “Martha has a straight A-plus average and you know it.” That was Mr. Schmidt and he sounded very angry. “I refuse to do it! I don’t care who Joann’s father is, her grades don’t even begin to compare to Martha’s,” he continued. My heart sank.

The narrator’s ‘heart sank’. She was worried because:

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follows.
[Passage as provided in Q.96]

Identify the tone of the passage.

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow
Why does a person become overconfident? The reason lies in over assessment of his capabilities. Sometimes people over assess their competence and jump into situations that are beyond their control.
Napoleon Bonaparte who became Emperor of France would say that the word ‘impossible’ was common only amongst fools. The overconfident Napoleon invaded Russia in the winter of 1812. This proved to be a big disaster.
Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, endangering their chances in life. It is wisely said that any achievement is a result of two factors – one’s personal planning and support from the external world. Overconfident people take into account only their planning, generally ignoring external factors. As a result they are unable to foresee future developments. Hence, there is a greater risk of failure.
Then there is the question: how can one manage overconfidence? The formula is very simple. Before taking a decision discuss the matter with other informed people with an objective mind and when it is proved that you are about to go off the path, accept reality and say without delay, “I was wrong”.
Overconfidence is a flaw characterising people who lack the virtue of modesty. Modesty makes you a realist; you become a person who is cut down to size. People of this kind become very cautious; before taking an action they assess the whole situation. They adopt a realistic approach.
Overconfident people live within their own thoughts. They know themselves but they are unaware of others. Living inside their own cell they are unable to make use of the experiences of others. This kind of habit is highly damaging to all concerned.
There is a saying that the young man sees the rule and the old man sees the exception. With a slight change, I would like to say that the overconfident person sees the rule and the confident person sees the exception. Overconfident people are always at risk. It is said that taking risk is good but it must be well calculated, otherwise it becomes very dangerous.

Which of the following statements is NOT true?

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Children are the future of any country and a country that does not take care of this (1) ________ resource suffers later. A successful nation is that which makes its youth strong enough to lift this (2) ________ responsibility on their shoulders. (3) ________, this is not the case in our country. Education, which is a necessity, is still a (4) ________ here. Poor people (5) ________ to send their children to school.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follows.
Sparrows are little birds that can be found all throughout the world. Sparrows come in a wide variety of varieties. The length of a sparrow ranges from four to six inches. Their wonderful melody is well-liked and appreciated by a large number of people. On the ground, grass, low trees and bushes are all good sites for sparrows to make their homes. They nest in the cracks and crevices of buildings in urban areas. Nests are rarely constructed at great heights. Nests are constructed from twigs, grasses and other plant fibres. Their nests are usually modest, but well-built.

Four to six eggs are laid by female sparrows at a time. Reddish brown blotches appear on the eggs' white shells. Between eleven and fourteen days, they'll hatch. The young are taken care of by both, male and female parents. After hatching, the young are fed insects. Using their big feet, sparrows scrape seeds. Seeds are the primary food source for adult sparrows. Birds like sparrows can be found nearly anywhere there are people. These lovely birds are beloved by a large number of people all around the world.

Identify the central theme of the passage.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Children are the future of any country and a country that does not take care of this (1) ________ resource suffers later. A successful nation is that which makes its youth strong enough to lift this (2) ________ responsibility on their shoulders. (3) ________, this is not the case in our country. Education, which is a necessity, is still a (4) ________ here. Poor people (5) ________ to send their children to school.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Children are the future of any country and a country that does not take care of this (1) ________ resource suffers later. A successful nation is that which makes its youth strong enough to lift this (2) ________ responsibility on their shoulders. (3) ________, this is not the case in our country. Education, which is a necessity, is still a (4) ________ here. Poor people (5) ________ to send their children to school.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Children are the future of any country and a country that does not take care of this (1) ________ resource suffers later. A successful nation is that which makes its youth strong enough to lift this (2) ________ responsibility on their shoulders. (3) ________, this is not the case in our country. Education, which is a necessity, is still a (4) ________ here. Poor people (5) ________ to send their children to school.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
Children are the future of any country and a country that does not take care of this (1) ________ resource suffers later. A successful nation is that which makes its youth strong enough to lift this (2) ________ responsibility on their shoulders. (3) ________, this is not the case in our country. Education, which is a necessity, is still a (4) ________ here. Poor people (5) ________ to send their children to school.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow
Why does a person become overconfident? The reason lies in over assessment of his capabilities. Sometimes people over assess their competence and jump into situations that are beyond their control.
Napoleon Bonaparte who became Emperor of France would say that the word ‘impossible’ was common only amongst fools. The overconfident Napoleon invaded Russia in the winter of 1812. This proved to be a big disaster.
Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, endangering their chances in life. It is wisely said that any achievement is a result of two factors – one’s personal planning and support from the external world. Overconfident people take into account only their planning, generally ignoring external factors. As a result they are unable to foresee future developments. Hence, there is a greater risk of failure.
Then there is the question: how can one manage overconfidence? The formula is very simple. Before taking a decision discuss the matter with other informed people with an objective mind and when it is proved that you are about to go off the path, accept reality and say without delay, “I was wrong”.
Overconfidence is a flaw characterising people who lack the virtue of modesty. Modesty makes you a realist; you become a person who is cut down to size. People of this kind become very cautious; before taking an action they assess the whole situation. They adopt a realistic approach.
Overconfident people live within their own thoughts. They know themselves but they are unaware of others. Living inside their own cell they are unable to make use of the experiences of others. This kind of habit is highly damaging to all concerned.
There is a saying that the young man sees the rule and the old man sees the exception. With a slight change, I would like to say that the overconfident person sees the rule and the confident person sees the exception. Overconfident people are always at risk. It is said that taking risk is good but it must be well calculated, otherwise it becomes very dangerous.

An overconfident person rates his abilities _______ they are.

Read the passage and answer the questions given below it.
We are all aware of the danger posed to our lives by pollution. The evidence on pollution's dangers is powerful. It is linked not just to breathing problems but also to increased rates of heart attacks, strokes, cancer, dementia, premature birth and much more. Those who live with polluted air are more likely to die prematurely. It is especially important to protect those most vulnerable to dirty air's effects — children, older people and those with heart or lung conditions. Here are some things we can do to help protect ourselves and our family. One can begin by choosing one's route wisely. There are variations in pollution levels, within the same city — even the same neighborhood. It has been found that individuals take in different amounts of toxic air, depending on exactly where they live, and where their routines take them. This insight can help us to limit the pollution we are exposed to. When walking, running or biking, "the things you can vary are, where do you go and when do you go," said Darby Jack, Associate Professor of Environmental Health at Columbia University. By doing these two things we can bring about a reduction in exposure to pollution. Limiting exposure is particularly important during exercise, when we take in more air.

Thus staying clear of the busiest roads, even just by choosing a parallel route a block away, can halve the pollution one breathes in. Route choice is as important for drivers as for pedestrians, since exhaust fumes can become even more concentrated inside a car. Being careful about the time of day one travels can also be very helpful in protecting oneself against pollution. It has been found that travelling at less polluted times helps greatly because rush hours, as we all know, generally bring pollution peaks. "It's basically about awareness," said Frank Kelly, director of the Environmental Research Group at King's College, London. "You need to understand where you're being exposed the most, and then you need to be able to take measures to avoid that."

Select the correct option.
Air pollution is especially dangerous for

Read the passage and answer the questions given below it.
We are all aware of the danger posed to our lives by pollution. The evidence on pollution's dangers is powerful. It is linked not just to breathing problems but also to increased rates of heart attacks, strokes, cancer, dementia, premature birth and much more. Those who live with polluted air are more likely to die prematurely. It is especially important to protect those most vulnerable to dirty air's effects — children, older people and those with heart or lung conditions. Here are some things we can do to help protect ourselves and our family. One can begin by choosing one's route wisely. There are variations in pollution levels, within the same city — even the same neighborhood. It has been found that individuals take in different amounts of toxic air, depending on exactly where they live, and where their routines take them. This insight can help us to limit the pollution we are exposed to. When walking, running or biking, "the things you can vary are, where do you go and when do you go," said Darby Jack, Associate Professor of Environmental Health at Columbia University. By doing these two things we can bring about a reduction in exposure to pollution. Limiting exposure is particularly important during exercise, when we take in more air.

Thus staying clear of the busiest roads, even just by choosing a parallel route a block away, can halve the pollution one breathes in. Route choice is as important for drivers as for pedestrians, since exhaust fumes can become even more concentrated inside a car. Being careful about the time of day one travels can also be very helpful in protecting oneself against pollution. It has been found that travelling at less polluted times helps greatly because rush hours, as we all know, generally bring pollution peaks. "It's basically about awareness," said Frank Kelly, director of the Environmental Research Group at King's College, London. "You need to understand where you're being exposed the most, and then you need to be able to take measures to avoid that."

Select the correct option.
Choosing the timing of our daily routine is important because one can

Read the passage and answer the questions given below it.
We are all aware of the danger posed to our lives by pollution. The evidence on pollution's dangers is powerful. It is linked not just to breathing problems but also to increased rates of heart attacks, strokes, cancer, dementia, premature birth and much more. Those who live with polluted air are more likely to die prematurely. It is especially important to protect those most vulnerable to dirty air's effects — children, older people and those with heart or lung conditions. Here are some things we can do to help protect ourselves and our family. One can begin by choosing one's route wisely. There are variations in pollution levels, within the same city — even the same neighborhood. It has been found that individuals take in different amounts of toxic air, depending on exactly where they live, and where their routines take them. This insight can help us to limit the pollution we are exposed to. When walking, running or biking, "the things you can vary are, where do you go and when do you go," said Darby Jack, Associate Professor of Environmental Health at Columbia University. By doing these two things we can bring about a reduction in exposure to pollution. Limiting exposure is particularly important during exercise, when we take in more air.

Thus staying clear of the busiest roads, even just by choosing a parallel route a block away, can halve the pollution one breathes in. Route choice is as important for drivers as for pedestrians, since exhaust fumes can become even more concentrated inside a car. Being careful about the time of day one travels can also be very helpful in protecting oneself against pollution. It has been found that travelling at less polluted times helps greatly because rush hours, as we all know, generally bring pollution peaks. "It's basically about awareness," said Frank Kelly, director of the Environmental Research Group at King's College, London. "You need to understand where you're being exposed the most, and then you need to be able to take measures to avoid that."

Select the correct option.
If we select our route carefully we can

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow
Why does a person become overconfident? The reason lies in over assessment of his capabilities. Sometimes people over assess their competence and jump into situations that are beyond their control.
Napoleon Bonaparte who became Emperor of France would say that the word ‘impossible’ was common only amongst fools. The overconfident Napoleon invaded Russia in the winter of 1812. This proved to be a big disaster.
Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, endangering their chances in life. It is wisely said that any achievement is a result of two factors – one’s personal planning and support from the external world. Overconfident people take into account only their planning, generally ignoring external factors. As a result they are unable to foresee future developments. Hence, there is a greater risk of failure.
Then there is the question: how can one manage overconfidence? The formula is very simple. Before taking a decision discuss the matter with other informed people with an objective mind and when it is proved that you are about to go off the path, accept reality and say without delay, “I was wrong”.
Overconfidence is a flaw characterising people who lack the virtue of modesty. Modesty makes you a realist; you become a person who is cut down to size. People of this kind become very cautious; before taking an action they assess the whole situation. They adopt a realistic approach.
Overconfident people live within their own thoughts. They know themselves but they are unaware of others. Living inside their own cell they are unable to make use of the experiences of others. This kind of habit is highly damaging to all concerned.
There is a saying that the young man sees the rule and the old man sees the exception. With a slight change, I would like to say that the overconfident person sees the rule and the confident person sees the exception. Overconfident people are always at risk. It is said that taking risk is good but it must be well calculated, otherwise it becomes very dangerous.

According to the passage, overconfident people face a greater risk of failure because they:

Read the passage and answer the questions given below it.
We are all aware of the danger posed to our lives by pollution. The evidence on pollution's dangers is powerful. It is linked not just to breathing problems but also to increased rates of heart attacks, strokes, cancer, dementia, premature birth and much more. Those who live with polluted air are more likely to die prematurely. It is especially important to protect those most vulnerable to dirty air's effects — children, older people and those with heart or lung conditions. Here are some things we can do to help protect ourselves and our family. One can begin by choosing one's route wisely. There are variations in pollution levels, within the same city — even the same neighborhood. It has been found that individuals take in different amounts of toxic air, depending on exactly where they live, and where their routines take them. This insight can help us to limit the pollution we are exposed to. When walking, running or biking, "the things you can vary are, where do you go and when do you go," said Darby Jack, Associate Professor of Environmental Health at Columbia University. By doing these two things we can bring about a reduction in exposure to pollution. Limiting exposure is particularly important during exercise, when we take in more air.

Thus staying clear of the busiest roads, even just by choosing a parallel route a block away, can halve the pollution one breathes in. Route choice is as important for drivers as for pedestrians, since exhaust fumes can become even more concentrated inside a car. Being careful about the time of day one travels can also be very helpful in protecting oneself against pollution. It has been found that travelling at less polluted times helps greatly because rush hours, as we all know, generally bring pollution peaks. "It's basically about awareness," said Frank Kelly, director of the Environmental Research Group at King's College, London. "You need to understand where you're being exposed the most, and then you need to be able to take measures to avoid that."

Select the correct option.
It is not safe to be inside an air-conditioned car because

Directions: Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The small Texas school that I went to had a tradition carried out every year during the eighth-grade graduation: a beautiful gold and green jacket (the school colours) was awarded to the student who had maintained the grade for eight years.
The scholarship jacket — a beautiful gold and green jacket had a big gold S on the left front side and your name written in gold letters on the pocket. My oldest sister, Rosie, had won the jacket a few years back, and I fully expected to also. I had been a straight ‘A’ student since the first grade and in the eighth grade had looked forward very much to own that jacket.
My father was a farm labourer who couldn’t earn enough money to feed eight children, so when I was six I was given to my grandparents to raise. We couldn’t participate in sports at school because there were registration fees, uniform costs, and trips out of town; so, even though our family was quite agile and athletic there would never be a school sports jacket for us. This one, the scholarship jacket, was our only chance. Another hour of sweating in basketball was coming up and I was walking up to the gym. Then I remembered my P.E. shorts and I had to walk all the way back and get them. I was almost back at my classroom door when I heard voices raised in anger as if in some sort of argument.
I recognized the voices: Mr. Schmidt, my history teacher, and Mr. Boone, my math teacher, seemed to be arguing about me. I heard them say ‘Martha’ and I couldn’t believe it. “Martha has a straight A-plus average and you know it.” That was Mr. Schmidt and he sounded very angry. “I refuse to do it! I don’t care who Joann’s father is, her grades don’t even begin to compare to Martha’s,” he continued. My heart sank.

Complete the following sentence.
The narrator was brought up by her:

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.Hunger is an emotive word. Most of us reading this are fortunate to have enough to eat. We find the idea that the other people live in hunger deeply unsettling. Hence, it is also unsettling that the well-publicised 2022 Global Hunger Index has ranked India at 107 out of 121 countries. It has ranked India behind North Korea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Rwanda, Nigeria and Congo. This doesn't seem to make much sense. But people don't really like digging through the actual reports and methodology. They read the headline and comment on that and move on.The GHI report is jointly released by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, non-government organisations from Ireland and Germany, respectively. Both are good organisations with long and reputed track records. The report is a 60-page beautiful PDF document, with its heart in the right place. The formatting and language are perfect. It has beautiful pictures, such as of African farm women holding vegetables.At the same time, its rankings are highly questionable. Four criteria are used to determine the final index: prevalence of undernourishment, child stunting rate, child wasting rate, and child mortality. Thus, three of the four criteria are related to children. Child stunting rate is defined as the percentage of children that are two standard deviations below the reference height for a 5-year-old. Child wasting rate is defined as the percentage of children that are two standard deviations below the reference weight for a 5-year-old. The argument is that if our children are not tall enough or do not weigh enough, it is an indicator of national hunger. It is in these parameters that India scored poorly, hence the slippage in rank.The GHI report takes India's data from our own National Family Health Survey 2019-21. This in turn is prepared by the health and family welfare ministry, by surveying a sizable sample of over 61 lakh households. In this 700-plus page survey report also, there is data for India's child stunting and child wasting rates. It says 36% of Indian kids are stunted and 19% of the children are wasted. These are some of the highest values in the world. Plug these into the GHI criteria spreadsheet, India ranks low, behind even North Korea. We are a starving nation! Which of the following CANNOT be accepted by the general public in India regarding GHI?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
A potential flashpoint in the long-running boundary dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka was averted when the scheduled visit of two ministers in the Maharashtra government to Belgavi was called off. Unfortunately, this will not end the disruption endured by people in the area. Prohibitory orders have been imposed, public transport disrupted, and the atmosphere remains charged. The immediate trigger for this round of flare-ups is the conduct of senior functionaries in both governments and organisations with a stake in the issue.

The dispute goes back to reorganisation of states on linguistic lines in the 1950s. Multilingual regions were demarcated and Maharasthtra's governments have been unsatisfied with the allocation of Belgavi to Karnataka. A joint effort by governments in the two states in the 1960s to find a solution did not fructify. The dispute currently is in the Supreme Court. In other words, no amount of grandstanding by politicians on both sides is going to result in redrawing borders. However, that hasn't prevented them from periodically raking it up with the consequences borne by people in the region. As is the case with border areas, many inhabitants speak both languages even as politicians are ostensibly fighting the cause of speakers of one language.

India does need a more active national interstate council to manage tensions that arise out of disagreements over maps. However, an inactive council cannot condone the conduct of senior politicians as heated rhetoric causes collateral damage. India's painstaking transition to dismantling interstate fiscal barriers through the roll-out of GST is undermined when physical movement of goods and people get disrupted by escalating tension. The political class that set aside differences to arrive at a grand bargain and created a common market in India should not undo their achievement. One of India's strengths is the extent of multilingualism even when internal borders have been determined largely on linguistic basis. Politicians need to learn from common Indians.

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word 'impose'.

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.Hunger is an emotive word. Most of us reading this are fortunate to have enough to eat. We find the idea that the other people live in hunger deeply unsettling. Hence, it is also unsettling that the well-publicised 2022 Global Hunger Index has ranked India at 107 out of 121 countries. It has ranked India behind North Korea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Rwanda, Nigeria and Congo. This doesn't seem to make much sense. But people don't really like digging through the actual reports and methodology. They read the headline and comment on that and move on.The GHI report is jointly released by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, non-government organisations from Ireland and Germany, respectively. Both are good organisations with long and reputed track records. The report is a 60-page beautiful PDF document, with its heart in the right place. The formatting and language are perfect. It has beautiful pictures, such as of African farm women holding vegetables.At the same time, its rankings are highly questionable. Four criteria are used to determine the final index: prevalence of undernourishment, child stunting rate, child wasting rate, and child mortality. Thus, three of the four criteria are related to children. Child stunting rate is defined as the percentage of children that are two standard deviations below the reference height for a 5-year-old. Child wasting rate is defined as the percentage of children that are two standard deviations below the reference weight for a 5-year-old. The argument is that if our children are not tall enough or do not weigh enough, it is an indicator of national hunger. It is in these parameters that India scored poorly, hence the slippage in rank.The GHI report takes India's data from our own National Family Health Survey 2019-21. This in turn is prepared by the health and family welfare ministry, by surveying a sizable sample of over 61 lakh households. In this 700-plus page survey report also, there is data for India's child stunting and child wasting rates. It says 36% of Indian kids are stunted and 19% of the children are wasted. These are some of the highest values in the world. Plug these into the GHI criteria spreadsheet, India ranks low, behind even North Korea. We are a starving nation! Select the tone of the last line 'We are a starving nation!'

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow
Why does a person become overconfident? The reason lies in over assessment of his capabilities. Sometimes people over assess their competence and jump into situations that are beyond their control.
Napoleon Bonaparte who became Emperor of France would say that the word ‘impossible’ was common only amongst fools. The overconfident Napoleon invaded Russia in the winter of 1812. This proved to be a big disaster.
Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, endangering their chances in life. It is wisely said that any achievement is a result of two factors – one’s personal planning and support from the external world. Overconfident people take into account only their planning, generally ignoring external factors. As a result they are unable to foresee future developments. Hence, there is a greater risk of failure.
Then there is the question: how can one manage overconfidence? The formula is very simple. Before taking a decision discuss the matter with other informed people with an objective mind and when it is proved that you are about to go off the path, accept reality and say without delay, “I was wrong”.
Overconfidence is a flaw characterising people who lack the virtue of modesty. Modesty makes you a realist; you become a person who is cut down to size. People of this kind become very cautious; before taking an action they assess the whole situation. They adopt a realistic approach.
Overconfident people live within their own thoughts. They know themselves but they are unaware of others. Living inside their own cell they are unable to make use of the experiences of others. This kind of habit is highly damaging to all concerned.
There is a saying that the young man sees the rule and the old man sees the exception. With a slight change, I would like to say that the overconfident person sees the rule and the confident person sees the exception. Overconfident people are always at risk. It is said that taking risk is good but it must be well calculated, otherwise it becomes very dangerous.

Which word did NOT seem to exist for Napoleon?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follows.
[Passage as provided in Q.96]

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.
Melody

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.Hunger is an emotive word. Most of us reading this are fortunate to have enough to eat. We find the idea that the other people live in hunger deeply unsettling. Hence, it is also unsettling that the well-publicised 2022 Global Hunger Index has ranked India at 107 out of 121 countries. It has ranked India behind North Korea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Rwanda, Nigeria and Congo. This doesn't seem to make much sense. But people don't really like digging through the actual reports and methodology. They read the headline and comment on that and move on.The GHI report is jointly released by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, non-government organisations from Ireland and Germany, respectively. Both are good organisations with long and reputed track records. The report is a 60-page beautiful PDF document, with its heart in the right place. The formatting and language are perfect. It has beautiful pictures, such as of African farm women holding vegetables.At the same time, its rankings are highly questionable. Four criteria are used to determine the final index: prevalence of undernourishment, child stunting rate, child wasting rate, and child mortality. Thus, three of the four criteria are related to children. Child stunting rate is defined as the percentage of children that are two standard deviations below the reference height for a 5-year-old. Child wasting rate is defined as the percentage of children that are two standard deviations below the reference weight for a 5-year-old. The argument is that if our children are not tall enough or do not weigh enough, it is an indicator of national hunger. It is in these parameters that India scored poorly, hence the slippage in rank.The GHI report takes India's data from our own National Family Health Survey 2019-21. This in turn is prepared by the health and family welfare ministry, by surveying a sizable sample of over 61 lakh households. In this 700-plus page survey report also, there is data for India's child stunting and child wasting rates. It says 36% of Indian kids are stunted and 19% of the children are wasted. These are some of the highest values in the world. Plug these into the GHI criteria spreadsheet, India ranks low, behind even North Korea. We are a starving nation! Select the correct summary of the given passage.

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
[Same Passage as Above]

Reorganisation of states in the 1950s was done based on ________.

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.Hunger is an emotive word. Most of us reading this are fortunate to have enough to eat. We find the idea that the other people live in hunger deeply unsettling. Hence, it is also unsettling that the well-publicised 2022 Global Hunger Index has ranked India at 107 out of 121 countries. It has ranked India behind North Korea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Rwanda, Nigeria and Congo. This doesn't seem to make much sense. But people don't really like digging through the actual reports and methodology. They read the headline and comment on that and move on.The GHI report is jointly released by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, non-government organisations from Ireland and Germany, respectively. Both are good organisations with long and reputed track records. The report is a 60-page beautiful PDF document, with its heart in the right place. The formatting and language are perfect. It has beautiful pictures, such as of African farm women holding vegetables.At the same time, its rankings are highly questionable. Four criteria are used to determine the final index: prevalence of undernourishment, child stunting rate, child wasting rate, and child mortality. Thus, three of the four criteria are related to children. Child stunting rate is defined as the percentage of children that are two standard deviations below the reference height for a 5-year-old. Child wasting rate is defined as the percentage of children that are two standard deviations below the reference weight for a 5-year-old. The argument is that if our children are not tall enough or do not weigh enough, it is an indicator of national hunger. It is in these parameters that India scored poorly, hence the slippage in rank.The GHI report takes India's data from our own National Family Health Survey 2019-21. This in turn is prepared by the health and family welfare ministry, by surveying a sizable sample of over 61 lakh households. In this 700-plus page survey report also, there is data for India's child stunting and child wasting rates. It says 36% of Indian kids are stunted and 19% of the children are wasted. These are some of the highest values in the world. Plug these into the GHI criteria spreadsheet, India ranks low, behind even North Korea. We are a starving nation! Which of the following countries is NOT mentioned as better than India in GHI?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follows.
[Passage as provided in Q.96]

How many eggs are laid by female sparrows at a time?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow
Why does a person become overconfident? The reason lies in over assessment of his capabilities. Sometimes people over assess their competence and jump into situations that are beyond their control.
Napoleon Bonaparte who became Emperor of France would say that the word ‘impossible’ was common only amongst fools. The overconfident Napoleon invaded Russia in the winter of 1812. This proved to be a big disaster.
Overconfidence generally leads people into misadventures, endangering their chances in life. It is wisely said that any achievement is a result of two factors – one’s personal planning and support from the external world. Overconfident people take into account only their planning, generally ignoring external factors. As a result they are unable to foresee future developments. Hence, there is a greater risk of failure.
Then there is the question: how can one manage overconfidence? The formula is very simple. Before taking a decision discuss the matter with other informed people with an objective mind and when it is proved that you are about to go off the path, accept reality and say without delay, “I was wrong”.
Overconfidence is a flaw characterising people who lack the virtue of modesty. Modesty makes you a realist; you become a person who is cut down to size. People of this kind become very cautious; before taking an action they assess the whole situation. They adopt a realistic approach.
Overconfident people live within their own thoughts. They know themselves but they are unaware of others. Living inside their own cell they are unable to make use of the experiences of others. This kind of habit is highly damaging to all concerned.
There is a saying that the young man sees the rule and the old man sees the exception. With a slight change, I would like to say that the overconfident person sees the rule and the confident person sees the exception. Overconfident people are always at risk. It is said that taking risk is good but it must be well calculated, otherwise it becomes very dangerous.

'cut down to size' means to:

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.
Culture and civilization are two words, and their meanings are also different. Civilization is that quality of man by which he makes his external progress. Culture is that quality by which he makes his internal progress, learns compassion, love, and charity. Today, trains, motors and airplanes, long and wide roads and big houses, good food and good dress, these are the hallmarks of civilization, and the more abundance of these in a country, the more civilized we consider that country to be. But culture is something much more subtle than all of them. It is not the motor, but the art of making the motor; not the house, but the interest in making the house. Culture is not wealth, but virtue. Culture is not pomp, but humility and politeness. There is a saying that civilization is what we have, but culture is the quality that is hidden within us. We have houses, clothes, but all these things are evidence of our civilization, whereas culture is not visible in such a coarse way; it is a very subtle and great thing and it remains hidden in our every choice, every habit. Building a house is the work of civilization, but which design of the house we like—our culture tells us this. Inside man, lust, anger, greed, arrogance, attachment, and jealousy—these six vices are given by nature. But if these vices are left unchecked, man would fall so low that there would be no difference between him and an animal. Therefore, man puts a check on these vices. The more a man is able to control these vices, the higher his culture is considered to be. The nature of culture is that it grows through exchange. When people of two countries or races meet, their cultures affect each other. Therefore, from the point of view of culture, that race or country is considered very rich which has developed its culture by taking advantage of the cultures of as many countries or races as possible.

The basic nature of culture is that it:

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follows.
[Passage as provided in Q.96]

Identify a suitable title for the passage.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.
Culture and civilization are two words, and their meanings are also different. Civilization is that quality of man by which he makes his external progress. Culture is that quality by which he makes his internal progress, learns compassion, love, and charity. Today, trains, motors and airplanes, long and wide roads and big houses, good food and good dress, these are the hallmarks of civilization, and the more abundance of these in a country, the more civilized we consider that country to be. But culture is something much more subtle than all of them. It is not the motor, but the art of making the motor; not the house, but the interest in making the house. Culture is not wealth, but virtue. Culture is not pomp, but humility and politeness. There is a saying that civilization is what we have, but culture is the quality that is hidden within us. We have houses, clothes, but all these things are evidence of our civilization, whereas culture is not visible in such a coarse way; it is a very subtle and great thing and it remains hidden in our every choice, every habit. Building a house is the work of civilization, but which design of the house we like—our culture tells us this. Inside man, lust, anger, greed, arrogance, attachment, and jealousy—these six vices are given by nature. But if these vices are left unchecked, man would fall so low that there would be no difference between him and an animal. Therefore, man puts a check on these vices. The more a man is able to control these vices, the higher his culture is considered to be. The nature of culture is that it grows through exchange. When people of two countries or races meet, their cultures affect each other. Therefore, from the point of view of culture, that race or country is considered very rich which has developed its culture by taking advantage of the cultures of as many countries or races as possible.

'Civilization' means:

The other day I received an unusual and very gratifying gift: I was given a tree or rather, I was given half-a-dozen trees which would be planted on my behalf. I had been invited to give a talk at an organisation. After such events the speaker is usually given a token gift. Sometimes the gift is that of a pen, or something useful. Often, the gift is in the form of a plaque or a similar token. However well-meant, such gifts are destined to gather dust in forgotten corners. Which is why I was agreeably surprised to be given a scroll which attested that, on a designated plantation established for the purpose, trees would be added in my name as part of the ‘green’ movement sponsored by the organisation.
In an increasingly environment conscious world, the gift of a living tree or plant makes for a perfect present. The tradition of giving and receiving gifts has increasingly become a highly evolved marketing exercise. Apart from festivals like Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Eid and others, a whole new calendar of celebration events has been created to promote the giving of gifts: Mother’s Day, Father’s day, Teacher’s day, Valentine’s Day and so on.
What do you give to people — friends, relatives, spouses, children, parents, employees, clients, well-wishers who more or less have everything or at least everything that you could afford to give them as a gift?
Another box of chocolates? Another bottle of scent or after-shave? Another shirt or a kurta? Another another?
Thinking of unusual and pleasing presents which are also affordable is a full-time job. Like wedding planners and planners of theme parties, gift planners who select and make up gift packages for you to give on occasions like marriages and corporate events—are doing increasingly good business.
However, the best planned gifts of mine and thine often go awry. How often particularly during the so called ‘festive seasons’ when gift giving and gift receiving reach epidemic proportions— have you had the embarrassing experience of getting back as a present a gift you yourself had given to someone who, having no use for it and not realising that it was you who had gifted it to begin with had unwittingly returned your gift to you? Like musical chairs, musical gifts only too often go round and round.
This is true not only at the individual but also at the level of the state. Diplomatic protocol also demands exchange of gifts according to culture and tradition. Such tokens like the numbers of crudely made miniature Taj Mahals that India has presented to the reluctant hands of foreign guests must fill entire godowns across the globe.
How much more preferable a living tree than a crude model of the Taj possibly made of marble from an unauthorised quarry? If the giving of tree sapling were to be institutionalised, it could lead to another green revolution in the lucrative and growing field of gift giving, with a new, eco-friendly industry taking root in plantations and nurseries specially created for the purpose. People could feel good looking at the certificate that trees had been planted in their names. Next birthday, give someone you love a tree and one day the two of you might sit under the shade of the same tree

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as an occasion for giving gifts?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
[Same Passage as Above]

Identify the most suitable title for the passage.

The advancement of science has brought about profound changes in every aspect of our lives, from medical treatment to the way we communicate. The capacity of artificial intelligence, sometimes known as AI, to accomplish jobs that previously required human intellect has caused a revolution in a number of different sectors. The altering of organisms' genetic composition, which is made possible through genetic engineering, provides answers for issues relating to food security and renewable energy. Technologies that utilise renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, help to lower the emissions of greenhouse gases. Manufacturing has been radically altered with the introduction of 3D printing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled better resource management via the connection of previously disconnected ordinary products. Because of the tremendous effects these technologies have on society, their use must be carefully considered from an ethical standpoint.
Which of the following statements concerning the effects of scientific advancements may be derived from the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.
Culture and civilization are two words, and their meanings are also different. Civilization is that quality of man by which he makes his external progress. Culture is that quality by which he makes his internal progress, learns compassion, love, and charity. Today, trains, motors and airplanes, long and wide roads and big houses, good food and good dress, these are the hallmarks of civilization, and the more abundance of these in a country, the more civilized we consider that country to be. But culture is something much more subtle than all of them. It is not the motor, but the art of making the motor; not the house, but the interest in making the house. Culture is not wealth, but virtue. Culture is not pomp, but humility and politeness. There is a saying that civilization is what we have, but culture is the quality that is hidden within us. We have houses, clothes, but all these things are evidence of our civilization, whereas culture is not visible in such a coarse way; it is a very subtle and great thing and it remains hidden in our every choice, every habit. Building a house is the work of civilization, but which design of the house we like—our culture tells us this. Inside man, lust, anger, greed, arrogance, attachment, and jealousy—these six vices are given by nature. But if these vices are left unchecked, man would fall so low that there would be no difference between him and an animal. Therefore, man puts a check on these vices. The more a man is able to control these vices, the higher his culture is considered to be. The nature of culture is that it grows through exchange. When people of two countries or races meet, their cultures affect each other. Therefore, from the point of view of culture, that race or country is considered very rich which has developed its culture by taking advantage of the cultures of as many countries or races as possible.

The humanity of man lies in the fact that he:

Read the passage and answer the questions given below it.
We are all aware of the danger posed to our lives by pollution. The evidence on pollution's dangers is powerful. It is linked not just to breathing problems but also to increased rates of heart attacks, strokes, cancer, dementia, premature birth and much more. Those who live with polluted air are more likely to die prematurely. It is especially important to protect those most vulnerable to dirty air's effects — children, older people and those with heart or lung conditions. Here are some things we can do to help protect ourselves and our family. One can begin by choosing one's route wisely. There are variations in pollution levels, within the same city — even the same neighborhood. It has been found that individuals take in different amounts of toxic air, depending on exactly where they live, and where their routines take them. This insight can help us to limit the pollution we are exposed to. When walking, running or biking, "the things you can vary are, where do you go and when do you go," said Darby Jack, Associate Professor of Environmental Health at Columbia University. By doing these two things we can bring about a reduction in exposure to pollution. Limiting exposure is particularly important during exercise, when we take in more air.

Thus staying clear of the busiest roads, even just by choosing a parallel route a block away, can halve the pollution one breathes in. Route choice is as important for drivers as for pedestrians, since exhaust fumes can become even more concentrated inside a car. Being careful about the time of day one travels can also be very helpful in protecting oneself against pollution. It has been found that travelling at less polluted times helps greatly because rush hours, as we all know, generally bring pollution peaks. "It's basically about awareness," said Frank Kelly, director of the Environmental Research Group at King's College, London. "You need to understand where you're being exposed the most, and then you need to be able to take measures to avoid that."

Select the option that is incorrect.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.
Culture and civilization are two words, and their meanings are also different. Civilization is that quality of man by which he makes his external progress. Culture is that quality by which he makes his internal progress, learns compassion, love, and charity. Today, trains, motors and airplanes, long and wide roads and big houses, good food and good dress, these are the hallmarks of civilization, and the more abundance of these in a country, the more civilized we consider that country to be. But culture is something much more subtle than all of them. It is not the motor, but the art of making the motor; not the house, but the interest in making the house. Culture is not wealth, but virtue. Culture is not pomp, but humility and politeness. There is a saying that civilization is what we have, but culture is the quality that is hidden within us. We have houses, clothes, but all these things are evidence of our civilization, whereas culture is not visible in such a coarse way; it is a very subtle and great thing and it remains hidden in our every choice, every habit. Building a house is the work of civilization, but which design of the house we like—our culture tells us this. Inside man, lust, anger, greed, arrogance, attachment, and jealousy—these six vices are given by nature. But if these vices are left unchecked, man would fall so low that there would be no difference between him and an animal. Therefore, man puts a check on these vices. The more a man is able to control these vices, the higher his culture is considered to be. The nature of culture is that it grows through exchange. When people of two countries or races meet, their cultures affect each other. Therefore, from the point of view of culture, that race or country is considered very rich which has developed its culture by taking advantage of the cultures of as many countries or races as possible.

Culture is also different from civilization in the sense that culture:

The advancement of science has brought about profound changes in every aspect of our lives, from medical treatment to the way we communicate. The capacity of artificial intelligence, sometimes known as AI, to accomplish jobs that previously required human intellect has caused a revolution in a number of different sectors. The altering of organisms' genetic composition, which is made possible through genetic engineering, provides answers for issues relating to food security and renewable energy. Technologies that utilise renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, help to lower the emissions of greenhouse gases. Manufacturing has been radically altered with the introduction of 3D printing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled better resource management via the connection of previously disconnected ordinary products. Because of the tremendous effects these technologies have on society, their use must be carefully considered from an ethical standpoint.
According to the paragraph, which phrase describes computers capacity to undertake human-intelligence-based tasks?

[Questions 33 to 37 Passage Question] Since the dawn of history, India has started her endless quest, and countless centuries are filled with her grand successes. Through good fortune or ill, India has never lost sight of this quest or forgotten the ideals which gave her strength. Today we are ending a period of ill fortune and India discovers herself again. The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the greater triumphs and achievements that await us. Are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future? Future is not one of ease or resting but of incessant striving so that we may fulfil the pledges we have so often taken and the one we shall take today. The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us, but as long as there are tears and suffering, so long our work will not be over. And so we have to labour and to work hard, to give reality to our dreams. Those dreams are for India, but they are also for the world, for all the nations and peoples are too closely knit together today for any one of them to imagine that it can live apart. Peace has been said to be indivisible; so is freedom, so is prosperity now, and so also is disaster in this one world that can no longer be split into isolated fragments. To the people of India, whose representatives we are, we make an appeal to join with faith and confidence in this great adventure. This is no time for petty and destructive criticism, no time for ill-will or blaming others. We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell. The appointed time has come—the day appointed by destiny—and India stands forth again, after long struggle, awake and free. The past clings on to us still in some measure, and there is much to be done before we can fulfil the pledges we have so often taken. Yet the turning-point is past, and history begins anew for us, the history which we shall live and act and others will write about. It is a fateful moment for us, a new star rises, the star of freedom in the East. A new hope comes into being, a vision long cherished finds expression. May the star never set and that hope never be blurred! What did India not forget during its endless quest?

[Questions 33 to 37 Passage Question] Since the dawn of history, India has started her endless quest, and countless centuries are filled with her grand successes. Through good fortune or ill, India has never lost sight of this quest or forgotten the ideals which gave her strength. Today we are ending a period of ill fortune and India discovers herself again. The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the greater triumphs and achievements that await us. Are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future? Future is not one of ease or resting but of incessant striving so that we may fulfil the pledges we have so often taken and the one we shall take today. The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us, but as long as there are tears and suffering, so long our work will not be over. And so we have to labour and to work hard, to give reality to our dreams. Those dreams are for India, but they are also for the world, for all the nations and peoples are too closely knit together today for any one of them to imagine that it can live apart. Peace has been said to be indivisible; so is freedom, so is prosperity now, and so also is disaster in this one world that can no longer be split into isolated fragments. To the people of India, whose representatives we are, we make an appeal to join with faith and confidence in this great adventure. This is no time for petty and destructive criticism, no time for ill-will or blaming others. We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell. The appointed time has come—the day appointed by destiny—and India stands forth again, after long struggle, awake and free. The past clings on to us still in some measure, and there is much to be done before we can fulfil the pledges we have so often taken. Yet the turning-point is past, and history begins anew for us, the history which we shall live and act and others will write about. It is a fateful moment for us, a new star rises, the star of freedom in the East. A new hope comes into being, a vision long cherished finds expression. May the star never set and that hope never be blurred! The future for Indians is:

The other day I received an unusual and very gratifying gift: I was given a tree or rather, I was given half-a-dozen trees which would be planted on my behalf. I had been invited to give a talk at an organisation. After such events the speaker is usually given a token gift. Sometimes the gift is that of a pen, or something useful. Often, the gift is in the form of a plaque or a similar token. However well-meant, such gifts are destined to gather dust in forgotten corners. Which is why I was agreeably surprised to be given a scroll which attested that, on a designated plantation established for the purpose, trees would be added in my name as part of the ‘green’ movement sponsored by the organisation.
In an increasingly environment conscious world, the gift of a living tree or plant makes for a perfect present. The tradition of giving and receiving gifts has increasingly become a highly evolved marketing exercise. Apart from festivals like Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Eid and others, a whole new calendar of celebration events has been created to promote the giving of gifts: Mother’s Day, Father’s day, Teacher’s day, Valentine’s Day and so on.
What do you give to people — friends, relatives, spouses, children, parents, employees, clients, well-wishers who more or less have everything or at least everything that you could afford to give them as a gift?
Another box of chocolates? Another bottle of scent or after-shave? Another shirt or a kurta? Another another?
Thinking of unusual and pleasing presents which are also affordable is a full-time job. Like wedding planners and planners of theme parties, gift planners who select and make up gift packages for you to give on occasions like marriages and corporate events—are doing increasingly good business.
However, the best planned gifts of mine and thine often go awry. How often particularly during the so called ‘festive seasons’ when gift giving and gift receiving reach epidemic proportions— have you had the embarrassing experience of getting back as a present a gift you yourself had given to someone who, having no use for it and not realising that it was you who had gifted it to begin with had unwittingly returned your gift to you? Like musical chairs, musical gifts only too often go round and round.
This is true not only at the individual but also at the level of the state. Diplomatic protocol also demands exchange of gifts according to culture and tradition. Such tokens like the numbers of crudely made miniature Taj Mahals that India has presented to the reluctant hands of foreign guests must fill entire godowns across the globe.
How much more preferable a living tree than a crude model of the Taj possibly made of marble from an unauthorised quarry? If the giving of tree sapling were to be institutionalised, it could lead to another green revolution in the lucrative and growing field of gift giving, with a new, eco-friendly industry taking root in plantations and nurseries specially created for the purpose. People could feel good looking at the certificate that trees had been planted in their names. Next birthday, give someone you love a tree and one day the two of you might sit under the shade of the same tree

'Another box of chocolates? Another bottle of scent or after-shave?' What does the word 'another' signify here?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
[Same Passage as Above]

What is the passage based upon?

The advancement of science has brought about profound changes in every aspect of our lives, from medical treatment to the way we communicate. The capacity of artificial intelligence, sometimes known as AI, to accomplish jobs that previously required human intellect has caused a revolution in a number of different sectors. The altering of organisms' genetic composition, which is made possible through genetic engineering, provides answers for issues relating to food security and renewable energy. Technologies that utilise renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, help to lower the emissions of greenhouse gases. Manufacturing has been radically altered with the introduction of 3D printing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled better resource management via the connection of previously disconnected ordinary products. Because of the tremendous effects these technologies have on society, their use must be carefully considered from an ethical standpoint.
According to the passage, by linking which sort of products do the Internet of Things (IoT) provide improved resource management?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.On 14 November 2022, the POCSO Act completed a decade of being on the statute books in India. When enacted, it marked the culmination of years of campaigning for a dedicated domestic legislation to deal with sexual offenses against children. Ten years is a reasonable period of time to look back and reflect on how far it has been able to meet the objectives it set out to achieve.Objectives of the law: The need for a dedicated law to deal with sexual offenses against children emanated from a realisation that, by failing to account for the specific needs of child victims, the criminal justice system's response to such cases lacked the sensitivity required. To address this concern, the POCSO Act in addition to providing punishment for sexual offenses against children, provided certain safeguards to make children's interaction with the criminal justice system 'child-friendly'. For instance, the child victim should not see the accused at the time of testifying and that trial be held in camera. The evidence of a child shall be recorded within a period of 30 days. The trial court completes the trial, as far as possible, within a period of one year from the date of cognisance. The POCSO rules, 2020 also made a provision for appointment of support persons for victims to render assistance.Hurdles in implementation: Implementing a new law in a vast country like India is not an easy task. Though the child protection ecosystem is complex and involves the interplay of multiple actors, when it comes to courts, the delay in disposal of POCSO cases presents one of the biggest challenges in meeting the Act's objectives. There is a huge variation in the average case length across states. For instance, Chandigarh takes about six months (on average) to dispose of a case, Himachal Pradesh takes about two years 10 months. Slow disposals not only impact the accused who might be incarcerated during the duration of the trial but also negatively impact the child victim who might be retraumatised.Lessons learnt: Though the Act's implementation is far from perfect, the fact remains that the criminal justice system is more sensitive towards child victims today than it was a decade ago. Since some states are clearly performing better than others, certain best practices can be adopted by other states.Going forward, the government and the judiciary need to assess the gaps in implementation and strengthen the capacity of the various actors to meet the objectives of the Act. Select the most appropriate title for the passage.

Based on the reading passage, which of the following statements is correct?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.[Same Passage as Above]Which of the following statements is NOT correct, according to the passage?

The other day I received an unusual and very gratifying gift: I was given a tree or rather, I was given half-a-dozen trees which would be planted on my behalf. I had been invited to give a talk at an organisation. After such events the speaker is usually given a token gift. Sometimes the gift is that of a pen, or something useful. Often, the gift is in the form of a plaque or a similar token. However well-meant, such gifts are destined to gather dust in forgotten corners. Which is why I was agreeably surprised to be given a scroll which attested that, on a designated plantation established for the purpose, trees would be added in my name as part of the ‘green’ movement sponsored by the organisation.
In an increasingly environment conscious world, the gift of a living tree or plant makes for a perfect present. The tradition of giving and receiving gifts has increasingly become a highly evolved marketing exercise. Apart from festivals like Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Eid and others, a whole new calendar of celebration events has been created to promote the giving of gifts: Mother’s Day, Father’s day, Teacher’s day, Valentine’s Day and so on.
What do you give to people — friends, relatives, spouses, children, parents, employees, clients, well-wishers who more or less have everything or at least everything that you could afford to give them as a gift?
Another box of chocolates? Another bottle of scent or after-shave? Another shirt or a kurta? Another another?
Thinking of unusual and pleasing presents which are also affordable is a full-time job. Like wedding planners and planners of theme parties, gift planners who select and make up gift packages for you to give on occasions like marriages and corporate events—are doing increasingly good business.
However, the best planned gifts of mine and thine often go awry. How often particularly during the so called ‘festive seasons’ when gift giving and gift receiving reach epidemic proportions— have you had the embarrassing experience of getting back as a present a gift you yourself had given to someone who, having no use for it and not realising that it was you who had gifted it to begin with had unwittingly returned your gift to you? Like musical chairs, musical gifts only too often go round and round.
This is true not only at the individual but also at the level of the state. Diplomatic protocol also demands exchange of gifts according to culture and tradition. Such tokens like the numbers of crudely made miniature Taj Mahals that India has presented to the reluctant hands of foreign guests must fill entire godowns across the globe.
How much more preferable a living tree than a crude model of the Taj possibly made of marble from an unauthorised quarry? If the giving of tree sapling were to be institutionalised, it could lead to another green revolution in the lucrative and growing field of gift giving, with a new, eco-friendly industry taking root in plantations and nurseries specially created for the purpose. People could feel good looking at the certificate that trees had been planted in their names. Next birthday, give someone you love a tree and one day the two of you might sit under the shade of the same tree

What inference can be drawn from the passage?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.[Same Passage as Above]What is the view of the writer on one decade of the POCSO Act?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.[Same Passage as Above]Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.The POCSO Act deals with _______

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.Hunger is an emotive word. Most of us reading this are fortunate to have enough to eat. We find the idea that the other people live in hunger deeply unsettling. Hence, it is also unsettling that the well-publicised 2022 Global Hunger Index has ranked India at 107 out of 121 countries. It has ranked India behind North Korea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Rwanda, Nigeria and Congo. This doesn't seem to make much sense. But people don't really like digging through the actual reports and methodology. They read the headline and comment on that and move on.The GHI report is jointly released by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, non-government organisations from Ireland and Germany, respectively. Both are good organisations with long and reputed track records. The report is a 60-page beautiful PDF document, with its heart in the right place. The formatting and language are perfect. It has beautiful pictures, such as of African farm women holding vegetables.At the same time, its rankings are highly questionable. Four criteria are used to determine the final index: prevalence of undernourishment, child stunting rate, child wasting rate, and child mortality. Thus, three of the four criteria are related to children. Child stunting rate is defined as the percentage of children that are two standard deviations below the reference height for a 5-year-old. Child wasting rate is defined as the percentage of children that are two standard deviations below the reference weight for a 5-year-old. The argument is that if our children are not tall enough or do not weigh enough, it is an indicator of national hunger. It is in these parameters that India scored poorly, hence the slippage in rank.The GHI report takes India's data from our own National Family Health Survey 2019-21. This in turn is prepared by the health and family welfare ministry, by surveying a sizable sample of over 61 lakh households. In this 700-plus page survey report also, there is data for India's child stunting and child wasting rates. It says 36% of Indian kids are stunted and 19% of the children are wasted. These are some of the highest values in the world. Plug these into the GHI criteria spreadsheet, India ranks low, behind even North Korea. We are a starving nation! In which country is the organisation Welthungerhilfe based?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows.
Culture and civilization are two words, and their meanings are also different. Civilization is that quality of man by which he makes his external progress. Culture is that quality by which he makes his internal progress, learns compassion, love, and charity. Today, trains, motors and airplanes, long and wide roads and big houses, good food and good dress, these are the hallmarks of civilization, and the more abundance of these in a country, the more civilized we consider that country to be. But culture is something much more subtle than all of them. It is not the motor, but the art of making the motor; not the house, but the interest in making the house. Culture is not wealth, but virtue. Culture is not pomp, but humility and politeness. There is a saying that civilization is what we have, but culture is the quality that is hidden within us. We have houses, clothes, but all these things are evidence of our civilization, whereas culture is not visible in such a coarse way; it is a very subtle and great thing and it remains hidden in our every choice, every habit. Building a house is the work of civilization, but which design of the house we like—our culture tells us this. Inside man, lust, anger, greed, arrogance, attachment, and jealousy—these six vices are given by nature. But if these vices are left unchecked, man would fall so low that there would be no difference between him and an animal. Therefore, man puts a check on these vices. The more a man is able to control these vices, the higher his culture is considered to be. The nature of culture is that it grows through exchange. When people of two countries or races meet, their cultures affect each other. Therefore, from the point of view of culture, that race or country is considered very rich which has developed its culture by taking advantage of the cultures of as many countries or races as possible.

'Culture' means:

The advancement of science has brought about profound changes in every aspect of our lives, from medical treatment to the way we communicate. The capacity of artificial intelligence, sometimes known as AI, to accomplish jobs that previously required human intellect has caused a revolution in a number of different sectors. The altering of organisms' genetic composition, which is made possible through genetic engineering, provides answers for issues relating to food security and renewable energy. Technologies that utilise renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, help to lower the emissions of greenhouse gases. Manufacturing has been radically altered with the introduction of 3D printing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled better resource management via the connection of previously disconnected ordinary products. Because of the tremendous effects these technologies have on society, their use must be carefully considered from an ethical standpoint.
Which of the following best captures the underlying theme of the passage?

[Questions 33 to 37 Passage Question] Since the dawn of history, India has started her endless quest, and countless centuries are filled with her grand successes. Through good fortune or ill, India has never lost sight of this quest or forgotten the ideals which gave her strength. Today we are ending a period of ill fortune and India discovers herself again. The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity, to the greater triumphs and achievements that await us. Are we brave enough and wise enough to grasp this opportunity and accept the challenge of the future? Future is not one of ease or resting but of incessant striving so that we may fulfil the pledges we have so often taken and the one we shall take today. The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us, but as long as there are tears and suffering, so long our work will not be over. And so we have to labour and to work hard, to give reality to our dreams. Those dreams are for India, but they are also for the world, for all the nations and peoples are too closely knit together today for any one of them to imagine that it can live apart. Peace has been said to be indivisible; so is freedom, so is prosperity now, and so also is disaster in this one world that can no longer be split into isolated fragments. To the people of India, whose representatives we are, we make an appeal to join with faith and confidence in this great adventure. This is no time for petty and destructive criticism, no time for ill-will or blaming others. We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell. The appointed time has come—the day appointed by destiny—and India stands forth again, after long struggle, awake and free. The past clings on to us still in some measure, and there is much to be done before we can fulfil the pledges we have so often taken. Yet the turning-point is past, and history begins anew for us, the history which we shall live and act and others will write about. It is a fateful moment for us, a new star rises, the star of freedom in the East. A new hope comes into being, a vision long cherished finds expression. May the star never set and that hope never be blurred! Which of the following is NOT meant by 'service of India'?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
[Same Passage as Above]

What is the apple of discord (subject of dispute) mentioned in the passage?

The advancement of science has brought about profound changes in every aspect of our lives, from medical treatment to the way we communicate. The capacity of artificial intelligence, sometimes known as AI, to accomplish jobs that previously required human intellect has caused a revolution in a number of different sectors. The altering of organisms' genetic composition, which is made possible through genetic engineering, provides answers for issues relating to food security and renewable energy. Technologies that utilise renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, help to lower the emissions of greenhouse gases. Manufacturing has been radically altered with the introduction of 3D printing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled better resource management via the connection of previously disconnected ordinary products. Because of the tremendous effects these technologies have on society, their use must be carefully considered from an ethical standpoint.
Which technologies are stated in the text as utilising renewable or green energy sources?

The other day I received an unusual and very gratifying gift: I was given a tree or rather, I was given half-a-dozen trees which would be planted on my behalf. I had been invited to give a talk at an organisation. After such events the speaker is usually given a token gift. Sometimes the gift is that of a pen, or something useful. Often, the gift is in the form of a plaque or a similar token. However well-meant, such gifts are destined to gather dust in forgotten corners. Which is why I was agreeably surprised to be given a scroll which attested that, on a designated plantation established for the purpose, trees would be added in my name as part of the ‘green’ movement sponsored by the organisation.
In an increasingly environment conscious world, the gift of a living tree or plant makes for a perfect present. The tradition of giving and receiving gifts has increasingly become a highly evolved marketing exercise. Apart from festivals like Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Eid and others, a whole new calendar of celebration events has been created to promote the giving of gifts: Mother’s Day, Father’s day, Teacher’s day, Valentine’s Day and so on.
What do you give to people — friends, relatives, spouses, children, parents, employees, clients, well-wishers who more or less have everything or at least everything that you could afford to give them as a gift?
Another box of chocolates? Another bottle of scent or after-shave? Another shirt or a kurta? Another another?
Thinking of unusual and pleasing presents which are also affordable is a full-time job. Like wedding planners and planners of theme parties, gift planners who select and make up gift packages for you to give on occasions like marriages and corporate events—are doing increasingly good business.
However, the best planned gifts of mine and thine often go awry. How often particularly during the so called ‘festive seasons’ when gift giving and gift receiving reach epidemic proportions— have you had the embarrassing experience of getting back as a present a gift you yourself had given to someone who, having no use for it and not realising that it was you who had gifted it to begin with had unwittingly returned your gift to you? Like musical chairs, musical gifts only too often go round and round.
This is true not only at the individual but also at the level of the state. Diplomatic protocol also demands exchange of gifts according to culture and tradition. Such tokens like the numbers of crudely made miniature Taj Mahals that India has presented to the reluctant hands of foreign guests must fill entire godowns across the globe.
How much more preferable a living tree than a crude model of the Taj possibly made of marble from an unauthorised quarry? If the giving of tree sapling were to be institutionalised, it could lead to another green revolution in the lucrative and growing field of gift giving, with a new, eco-friendly industry taking root in plantations and nurseries specially created for the purpose. People could feel good looking at the certificate that trees had been planted in their names. Next birthday, give someone you love a tree and one day the two of you might sit under the shade of the same tree

What is customarily gifted to a guest speaker by organisations?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.[Same Passage as Above]Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word 'incarcerate'.

The other day I received an unusual and very gratifying gift: I was given a tree or rather, I was given half-a-dozen trees which would be planted on my behalf. I had been invited to give a talk at an organisation. After such events the speaker is usually given a token gift. Sometimes the gift is that of a pen, or something useful. Often, the gift is in the form of a plaque or a similar token. However well-meant, such gifts are destined to gather dust in forgotten corners. Which is why I was agreeably surprised to be given a scroll which attested that, on a designated plantation established for the purpose, trees would be added in my name as part of the ‘green’ movement sponsored by the organisation.
In an increasingly environment conscious world, the gift of a living tree or plant makes for a perfect present. The tradition of giving and receiving gifts has increasingly become a highly evolved marketing exercise. Apart from festivals like Diwali, Holi, Christmas, Eid and others, a whole new calendar of celebration events has been created to promote the giving of gifts: Mother’s Day, Father’s day, Teacher’s day, Valentine’s Day and so on.
What do you give to people — friends, relatives, spouses, children, parents, employees, clients, well-wishers who more or less have everything or at least everything that you could afford to give them as a gift?
Another box of chocolates? Another bottle of scent or after-shave? Another shirt or a kurta? Another another?
Thinking of unusual and pleasing presents which are also affordable is a full-time job. Like wedding planners and planners of theme parties, gift planners who select and make up gift packages for you to give on occasions like marriages and corporate events—are doing increasingly good business.
Hyper, the best planned gifts of mine and thine often go awry. How often particularly during the so called ‘festive seasons’ when gift giving and gift receiving reach epidemic proportions— have you had the embarrassing experience of getting back as a present a gift you yourself had given to someone who, having no use for it and not realising that it was you who had gifted it to begin with had unwittingly returned your gift to you? Like musical chairs, musical gifts only too often go round and round.
This is true not only at the individual but also at the level of the state. Diplomatic protocol also demands exchange of gifts according to culture and tradition. Such tokens like the numbers of crudely made miniature Taj Mahals that India has presented to the reluctant hands of foreign guests must fill entire godowns across the globe.
How much more preferable a living tree than a crude model of the Taj possibly made of marble from an unauthorised quarry? If the giving of tree sapling were to be institutionalised, it could lead to another green revolution in the lucrative and growing field of gift giving, with a new, eco-friendly industry taking root in plantations and nurseries specially created for the purpose. People could feel good looking at the certificate that trees had been planted in their names. Next birthday, give someone you love a tree and one day the two of you might sit under the shade of the same tree

What was the speaker's unusual gift?

Directions: Given below are four sentences that are jumbled. Pick the option that gives the correct order.
A. Sew the two rectangular pieces together all the way to make a double layer.
B. Finally, sew the elastic straps to the mask along the long edges.
C. Now make three evenly spaced pleats in the sewn rectangles.
D. In order to make a face mask, take 2 rectangular pieces of cotton fabric that measure about 7 inches by 9 inches.

Directions: Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
The small Texas school that I went to had a tradition carried out every year during the eighth-grade graduation: a beautiful gold and green jacket (the school colours) was awarded to the student who had maintained the grade for eight years.
The scholarship jacket — a beautiful gold and green jacket had a big gold S on the left front side and your name written in gold letters on the pocket. My oldest sister, Rosie, had won the jacket a few years back, and I fully expected to also. I had been a straight ‘A’ student since the first grade and in the eighth grade had looked forward very much to own that jacket.
My father was a farm labourer who couldn’t earn enough money to feed eight children, so when I was six I was given to my grandparents to raise. We couldn’t participate in sports at school because there were registration fees, uniform costs, and trips out of town; so, even though our family was quite agile and athletic there would never be a school sports jacket for us. This one, the scholarship jacket, was our only chance. Another hour of sweating in basketball was coming up and I was walking up to the gym. Then I remembered my P.E. shorts and I had to walk all the way back and get them. I was almost back at my classroom door when I heard voices raised in anger as if in some sort of argument.
I recognized the voices: Mr. Schmidt, my history teacher, and Mr. Boone, my math teacher, seemed to be arguing about me. I heard them say ‘Martha’ and I couldn’t believe it. “Martha has a straight A-plus average and you know it.” That was Mr. Schmidt and he sounded very angry. “I refuse to do it! I don’t care who Joann’s father is, her grades don’t even begin to compare to Martha’s,” he continued. My heart sank.

Complete the following sentence.
The school honored the best student in eighth grade with: