Reading Comprehension for IBPS Clerk Prelims 2017 (DAY-24)

Directions (1-15): Read the passage and answer the following questions according to the passage. (Source: The Hindu)

There are good reasons why the ‘Heart of Asia’ conference, part of a 14-nation process begun in 2011 to facilitate the development and security of Afghanistan, is so named. The obvious one is geographical, as Afghanistan lies at the junction of Central, South and East Asia, and also of the ancient trading routes from China and India to Europe. Today it is also a focal point for the region’s biggest challenge of terrorism; some of the far-reaching battles against al-Qaeda, Islamic State, etc. will be decided on the battlegrounds of Afghanistan. For India, putting terror centre stage at the Heart of Asia declaration in Amritsar was thus timely and necessary. In tandem, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi focussed their concerns on cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, something even Pakistan’s traditional allies at the conference, including China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Turkey, found difficult to counter. The case Mr. Ghani made was clear: progress and development in Afghanistan are meaningless and unsustainable without peace, and peace is contingent on Pakistan ending support to terror groups such the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba. He dared Pakistan to use its proposed development grant to Afghanistan to fight terror on its own soil.

However, if every window for engagement with Pakistan is closed for India and Afghanistan, the two countries must closely consider what their next step will be. A lack of engagement may, in the short term, yield some pressure on Pakistan’s leadership to act, as it did briefly after the Pathankot attack. But in the long run it may deplete the two countries of their limited leverage as Pakistan’s neighbours. It may, for all the affirmations of mutual ties, also succeed in driving more obstacles to trade between India and Afghanistan. In the past year, the cornering of Pakistan by its South Asian neighbours has only yielded deeper ties for Islamabad with Beijing and Moscow, pushed Kabul closer to Central Asia, and moved New Delhi towards multilateral groupings to the east and south. As a result, the measures India and Afghanistan have envisaged in order to avoid Pakistan, such as land trade from the Chabahar port and a dedicated air corridor between Delhi and Kabul, may prove to be insufficient by the time they are put in place, even as Afghanistan is connected more closely via a rail line from China’s Yiwu and Tehran. The Heart of Asia process thus remains critical to forging cooperation to realise Afghanistan’s potential to be a vibrant Asian “hub”.

Q1. What according to the author was the initial agenda for the ‘Heart of Asia’ conference?

(a) To strategically invade the intruders of peace and to rage war against terrorism

(b) To make Afghanistan from the Asian ‘Hub’ to the trading central between East Asia and Europe

(c) To bring out Afghanistan’s potential as Asian ‘Hub’ and to facilitate development and security in Afghanistan.

(d) To plan the strategy of utilizing it’s potential as the focal point of terrorism and attack Pakistan

(e) All of the above were included in the agenda of the ‘Heart of Asia’ conference 

Q2. In Mr. Ghani’s view, what is mandatory for sustainable development and to attain peace in Afghanistan?

(a) To rage war again Pakistan and bring this terrorism to a full stop

(b) To join hands with Haqqani and Lashkar-e-Taiba

(c) India should invade Pakistan for betterment of neighbouring countries

(d) Pakistan should end its support to terror groups

(e) India and Afghanistan needs to cease all sorts of trade and link with Pakistan

Q3. According to the author; is lack of engagement with Pakistan a good option in the long run?

(a) No, because the measures India and Afghanistan have taken may prove to be insufficient by the time they are put in place.

(b) No, because this may lead to more trade difficulties among all countries of middle and south east Asia.

(c) Yes, because that is the only sure shot solution to get over with terrorism.

(d) Yes, as Pakistan is not willing to stop supporting terror groups and by secluding it with international ties, cross-border terrorism will come to a halt.

(e) No, because China and Central Asia have other plans to deal with the situation.

Q4. What is the theme for this passage?

(a) The Heart of Asia against Pakistan

(b) Afghanistan amidst cross-border terrorism

(c) The prevalent issue of Terrorism by Pakistan

(d) India and Afghanistan against their neighbour

(e) India befriends Afghanistan

Q5. In the given passage, why Afghanistan is being considered as the ‘focal point’ of terrorism?

(a) New terror groups are being formed in Afghanistan and fighting in India.

(b)al-Qaeda and Islamic state operate through Afghanistan and are funded by its government

(c) Pakistan and Afghanistan support groups such as Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba

(d) Many battles against big terror groups are fought on the battlegrounds of Afghanistan.

(e) All of the above statements are the reason for Afghanistan being considered as the ‘focal point’ of terrorism.

Q6. What are the measures foreseen by India and Afghanistan to avoid their neighbouring country? 

(a) Including Russia and Europe to tackle the situation.

(b) Forging cooperation to realise Afghanistan’s potential to be a vibrant Asian “hub”.

(c) Starting land trade from the Chabahar port and a dedicated air corridor between Delhi and Kabul

(d) Deepening ties of Islamabad with Beijing and Moscow and, pushing Kabul closer to Central Asia

(e) Driving more obstacles to trade between India and Afghanistan.

Q7. Which major issue was discussed by President of Afghanistan and the Prime Minister of India?

(a) Cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan

(b) Strengthening ties between India and Afghanistan

(c) Putting pressure on Pakistan for all its wrong deeds

(d) Measures to avaid another attack like the Pathankot attack

(e) Including China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to the Heart of Asia treaty

Q8. Which among the following statement is not true according to the passage?

(a) Lack of engagement , in the short term, yield some pressure on Pakistan’s leadership to act on the current scenario of cross-border terrorism.

(b) Pakistan ending support to terror group such as the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba will not be of much influence in the situation of cross-border terrorism.

(c) Afghanistan is the focal point for the region’s biggest challenge of terrorism.

(d) Cornering of Pakistan by its South Asian neighbours has only yielded deeper ties for Islamabad with Beijing and Moscow.

(e)India and Afghanistan are planning for better interconnectivity such as land trade from the Chabahar port and a dedicated air corridor between Delhi and Kabul.

Q9. Why Pakistan is being considered as the breeding ground for cross-border terrorism?

(a) Pakistan is initiating World War III

(b) Pakistan’s allies are supporting it in ceasing trade with India and Afghanistan

(c) Pakistan has opposed the ‘Heart of Asia’ conference

(d) Islamabad has close ties with Bejing and Moscow.

(e) Pakistan is providing support to terror groups such the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Q10. According to the author, what impact will it have if India and Afghanistan cease engagement with Pakistan?

(a) A lack of engagement may, in the short term, yield some pressure on Pakistan’s leadership to act

(b) In the long run, such initiative may succeed in driving more obstacles to trade between India and Afghanistan.

(c) It will definitely put pressure on Pakistan to surrender it’s terror groups, and it will be a measure confirming peace among international borders.

(d) Both (a) and (b)

(e) All of the above 

Q11. Which of the following words is SIMILAR in the meaning of the word ‘contingent’ as used in the passage?  

(a) Conditional

(b) Versatile

(c) Shabby

(d) Inductive

(e) Casual

Q12. Which of the following words is OPPOSITE in the meaning of the word ‘allies’ as used in the passage?  

(a) Fragile

(b) Associate

(c) Opponent

(d) Dependent

(e) Establishment

Q13. Which of the following words is OPPOSITE in the meaning of the word ‘affirmations’ as used in the passage?  

(a) Proclaim

(b) Declaration

(c) Assertion

(d) Denial

(e) Enemy

Q14. Which of the following words is SIMILAR in meaning of the word ‘envisaged’ as used in the passage?  

(a) Rage

(b) Foresee

(c) Turmoil

(d) Cautious

(e) Erode

Q15. Which of the following words is SIMILAR in meaning of the word ‘forging’ as used in the passage?  

(a) Caucus

(b) Establish

(c) Parley

(d) Disband

(e) Disapprove

Solutions

S1. Ans.(c)

Sol. There are good reasons why the ‘Heart of Asia’ conference, part of a 14-nation process begun in 2011 to facilitate the development and security of Afghanistan, is so named. The Heart of Asia process thus remains critical to forging cooperation to realise Afghanistan’s potential to be a vibrant Asian “hub”.

S2. Ans.(d)

Sol. The case Mr. Ghani made was clear: progress and development in Afghanistan are meaningless and unsustainable without peace, and peace is contingent on Pakistan ending support to terror groups such the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

S3. Ans.(a)

Sol. Refer Last Para, ‘As a result, the measures India and Afghanistan have envisaged in order to avoid Pakistan, such as land trade from the Chabahar port and a dedicated air corridor between Delhi and Kabul, may prove to be insufficient by the time they are put in place…’

S4. Ans.(b)

Sol. This is the relevant theme for this passage. 

S5. Ans.(d)

Sol. Today it is also a focal point for the region’s biggest challenge of terrorism; some of the far-reaching battles against al-Qaeda, Islamic State, etc. will be decided on the battlegrounds of Afghanistan.

S6. Ans.(c)

Sol. ‘As a result, the measures India and Afghanistan have envisaged in order to avoid Pakistan, such as land trade from the Chabahar port and a dedicated air corridor between Delhi and Kabul…’

S7. Ans.(a)

Sol. ‘In tandem, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi focussed their concerns on cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan…’

S8. Ans.(b)

Sol. Option is not true, because according to the passage Mr. Ghani has stressed on the fact that to attain peace in Afghanistan it is important that Pakistan stop supporting terror groups. Refer Para 1.

S9. Ans.(e)

Sol. Refer Para 1, ‘…on Pakistan ending support to terror groups such the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba.’

S10. Ans.(d)

Sol. Refer Para 2, ‘A lack of engagement may, in the short term, yield some pressure on Pakistan’s leadership to act, as it did briefly after the Pathankot attack. But in the long run it may deplete the two countries of their limited leverage as Pakistan’s neighbours. It may, for all the affirmations of mutual ties, also succeed in driving more obstacles to trade between India and Afghanistan.’

S11. Ans.(a)

Sol. Contingent means occurring or existing only if (certain circumstances) are the case; dependent on.

S12. Ans.(c)

Sol. Ally means a state formally cooperating with another for a military or other purpose.

S13. Ans.(d)

Sol. Affirmation is the action or process of affirming something which is state emphatically or publicly. Denial is its antonym.

S14. Ans.(b)

Sol. Envisage means to contemplate or conceive of as a possibility or a desirable future event.

S15. Ans.(b)

Sol. Forging refers to create (something) strong, enduring, or successful. Establish is its synonym.

Read More

Cloze - Test for IBPS Clerk Prelims 2017 (DAY-23)

Directions (1-10): In the following passage, there are some blanks to be filled by appropriate word from the given options. Choose the correct word and mark it as your answer.

Demonetisation of high denomination bank notes was in ----1---- of a series of measures taken by our Government during the last two years. It is a bold and decisive---2----. For several decades, tax evasion for many has become a way of life. This compromises the larger public interest and creates unjust enrichment in favour of the tax evader, to the detriment of the poor and---3----. This has bred a parallel economy which is unacceptable for an inclusive---4----. Demonetisation seeks to create a new ‘normal’ wherein the GDP would be bigger, cleaner and real. This exercise is part of our Government’s ---5---- to eliminate corruption, black money, counterfeit currency and terror funding. Like all reforms, this measure is obviously---6-----, as it seeks to change the retrograde---7----. Drop in economic activity, if any, on account of the currency squeeze during the remonetisation ---8-----is expected to have only a ---9------ impact on the economy. I am reminded here ---10-----what the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, had said: “A right cause never fails”.

Q1.

(a) continue

(b) continuation

(c) contribute

(d) contrive

(e) console

Q2.

(a) marigold

(b) manner

(c) meagre

(d) measure

(e) merrier

Q3.

(a) deprived

(b) decided

(c) deciduous

(d) detrimental

(e) diminish

Q4.

(a) sonorous

(b) socio-economic

(c) sociology

(d) social

(e) society

Q5.

(a) repetition

(b) repulsive

(c) resolve

(d) reprimand

(e) ruckus

Q6.

(a) dissolute

(b) dissolve

(c) disbursal

(d) disturbing

(e) disruptive

Q7.

(a) carte blanche

(b) status quo

(c) bona fide

(d) faux pas

(e) ad nauseam

Q8.

(a) period

(b) paranoid

(c) parabola

(d) panoramic

(e) pandemonium

Q9.

(a) intransitive

(b) transitive

(c) transient

(d) transverse

(e) travesty

Q10.

(a) with

(b) off

(c) about

(d) of

(e) around

Solutions

S1. Ans (b)

Sol. continuation -the action of carrying something on over time or the state of being carried on.

S2. Ans (d)

Sol. measure-assess the importance, effect, or value of (something).

S3. Ans (a)

Sol. deprived-suffering a severe and damaging lack of basic material and cultural benefits.

S4. Ans (e)

Sol. Society- is correct word.

S5. Ans (c)

Sol. resolve-settle or find a solution to (a problem or contentious matter).

S6. Ans (e)

Sol. disruptive-innovative or groundbreaking.

S7. Ans (b)

Sol. status quo- the existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues.

S8. Ans (a)

Sol. period-a length or portion of time.

S9. Ans (c)

Sol. transient- lasting only for a short time; impermanent.

S10. Ans (d)

Sol. Preposition ‘of’ is correct.

Read More

Reading Comprehension for IBPS Clerk Prelims 2017 (DAY-22)

Directions (1-10): In the given passage, answer the following questions according to the idea expressed in the passage.

Promotion of a digital economy is an integral part of Government’s strategy to clean the system and weed out corruption and black money. It has a transformative impact in terms of greater formalisation of the economy and mainstreaming of financial savings into the banking system. This, in turn, is expected to energise private investment in the country through lower cost of credit. India is now on the cusp of a massive digital revolution. 

A shift to digital payments has huge benefits for the common man. The earlier initiative of our Government to promote financial inclusion and the JAM trinity were important precursors to our current push for digital transactions. Already there is evidence of increased digital transactions. The BHIM app has been launched. It will unleash the power of mobile phones for digital payments and financial inclusion. 125 lakh people have adopted the BHIM app so far. The Government will launch two new schemes to promote the usage of BHIM; these are, Referral Bonus Scheme for individuals and a Cashback Scheme for merchants. 

Aadhar Pay, a merchant version of Aadhar Enabled Payment System, will be launched shortly. This will be specifically beneficial for those who do not have debit cards, mobile wallets and mobile phones. A Mission will be set up with a target of 2,500 crore digital transactions for 2017-18 through UPI, USSD, Aadhar Pay, IMPS and debit cards. Banks have targeted to introduce additional 10 lakh new PoS terminals by March 2017. They will be encouraged to introduce 20 lakh Aadhar based PoS by September 2017. Increased digital transactions will enable small and micro enterprises to access formal credit. Government will encourage SIDBI to refinance credit institutions which provide unsecured loans, at reasonable interest rates, to borrowers based on their transaction history.

The digital payment infrastructure and grievance handling mechanisms shall be strengthened. The focus would be on rural and semi urban areas through Post Offices, Fair Price Shops and Banking Correspondents. Steps would be taken to promote and possibly mandate petrol pumps, fertilizer depots, municipalities, Block offices, road transport offices, universities, colleges, hospitals and other institutions to have facilities for digital payments, including BHIM App. A proposal to mandate all Government receipts through digital means, beyond a prescribed limit, is under consideration. Government will strengthen the Financial Inclusion Fund to augment resources for taking up these initiatives. Government will consider and work with various stakeholders for early implementation of the interim recommendations of the Committee of Chief Ministers on digital transactions.

The Committee on Digital Payments constituted by Department of Economic Affairs has recommended structural reforms in the payment eco system, including amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act,2007. Government will undertake a comprehensive review of this Act and bring about appropriate amendments. To begin with, it is proposed to create a Payments Regulatory Board in the Reserve Bank of India by replacing the existing Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems. Necessary amendments are proposed to this effect in the Finance Bill 2017. As we move faster on the path of digital transactions and cheque payments, we need to ensure that the payees of dishonoured cheques are  able to realise the payments. Government is therefore considering the option of amending the Negotiable Instruments Act suitably.

Q1. What is the aim of digital economy according to this passage?

(a) to earn money in digits

(b) to energise private investment in the country through lower cost of credit.

(c) an economy where people borrow from government.

(d) a system that checks hawala money.

(e) None of the above

Q2. How many additional new PoS terminals will be introduced by Banks till March 2017.

(a) 20 lakh

(b) 5 lakh

(c) 15 lakh

(d) 10 lakh

(e) None of the above

Q3. What is the name of the App that has provided increased digital transactions?

(a) POCKETS

(b) SBI BUDDY

(c) UPI

(d) BHIM

(e) None of the above

Q4. How many people have adopted the BHIM app so far?

(a) 125 lakh

(b) 125 crore

(c) 125 million

(d) 15 lakh

(e) None of the above

Q5. Which of the following is inappropriate statement according to the given Passage?

(a) Aadhar Pay, a merchant version of Aadhar Enabled Payment System, will be launched shortly

(b) Digital Economy will help to weed out the corruption from the system

(c) Government is considering the option of amending the Negotiable Instruments Act suitably.

(d) The Increased digital transactions will disable small and micro enterprises to access formal credit.

(e) None of the above

Q6. What will be the appropriate Title for the given passage?

(a) Digital Money

(b) Online Transactions

(c) Digital Economy

(d) Economical Survey

(e) None of the above

Q7. Name the Scheme to be launched shortly by the government which will be beneficial for those who do not have debit cards, mobile wallets and mobile phones

(a) UPI

(b) Aadhar Pay

(c) Jan Dhan Yojna

(d) BHIM

(e) None of the above

Q8. What are the two new schemes to be launched by The Government to promote the usage of BHIM?

(a) unlimited free transactions for pregnant women and cashback for merchants

(b) cashback for senior citizens and free download for kids

(c) Referral Bonus Scheme for individuals and a Cashback Scheme for merchants.

(d) Referral Bonus Scheme for merchants and a Cashback Scheme for individuals.

(e) None of the above

Q9. What is the meaning of the phrase ‘Weed out’ as used in the given passage?

(a) to eliminate anything unwanted

(b) To smoke weed

(c) to reprimand

(d) to demolish

(e) None of the above

Q10. What is the name of the board that will replace Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems in the Reserve Bank of India?

(a) a Supervisory board

(b) a demonization board  

(c) a Payments Regulatory Board

(d) an online payment board

(e) None of the above

SOLUTIONS

S1. Ans.(b) 

Sol. to energise private investment in the country through lower cost of credit.

S2. Ans.(d) 

Sol. 10 lakh

S3. Ans.(d) 

Sol. BHIM

S4. Ans.(a) 

Sol. 125 lakh

S5. Ans.(d) 

Sol. The Increased digital transactions will disable small and micro enterprises to access formal credit.

S6. Ans.(c) 

Sol. Digital Economy

S7. Ans.(b) 

Sol. Aadhar Pay

S8. Ans.(c) 

Sol. Referral Bonus Scheme for individuals and a Cashback Scheme for merchants.

S9. Ans.(a) 

Sol. to eliminate anything unwanted

S10. Ans.(c) 

Sol. a Payments Regulatory Board 

Read More

Reading Comprehension for IBPS Clerk Prelims 2017 (DAY-21)

Directions (1-10): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

Despite the economic crunch worldwide that saw pulverization of some of the largest banking and finance giants, Indian banking houses have managed to show positive growth this quarter. Some of India’s leading national banks have posted a net profit rise of more than 40% over the last quarter amid global turmoil. This would come as a big shot in the arm for the investors and consumers of these banks even though apprehension is mounting on other banking and broking firms worldwide. One of the main reasons behind the success of these banks this quarter, would be their direct backing by the Government of India. People take solace in their investments in public sector watching the bailout packages being cashed out by governments all over the world to save big business houses.

Other private banks in India have also reported a substantial net profit over the last quarter. Given the internal and domestic scenario, one cannot put this down as a mundane achievement. While others are on a cost-cutting spree and firing employees, Indian companies are actually working on boosting staffing in banking and broking sector. This can be seen as a big boon in the days to come when the current recession eases and the economy gradually comes back on to the fast track. The finance minister has assured Indian public about the sound health of all Indian banks. This could also be evident from the fact that there have been no mergers and takeovers in Indian banking sector in a contrast to world scenario where finance houses are looking for mergers to cut costs on operations. We definitely are not looking to thrive; rather we are looking for growth. It is just that the pace of growth is a little slow now as compared to a year or two before. These are hard times to test the hard. The weak in business and career will be weeded out and it is sometimes very beneficial for business in the long run.

Q1. What, according to the author, is the reason for the success of Indian national banks in this quarter?

(a) Indian national banks do not have any commitments in troubled foreign markets.

(b) These banks can never face financial crisis because of their sheer size.

(c) These banks are ready to give loans at a very low rate of interest.

(d) The public is ready to invest in these banks because of the knowledge that these banks get strong support from the Government.

(e) None of these

Q2. What does the phrase ‘shot in the arm’ as used in the passage mean?

(a) Shock

(b) Fear

(c) Encouragement

(d) Anxiety

(e) None of these

Q3. How, according to the author, is the current recession beneficial?

(a) Worldwide companies have realized that India is a strong power to reckon with.

(b) India is surging ahead of the other Companies throughout the world.

(c) After the recession is over international companies will turn to India for investment.

(d) Recession is bringing down the prices of essential commodities.

(e) None of these

Q4. What, according to the author, will be a big boon in the days to come?

(a) The economy coming back on the fast track

(b) The slowing down of the economy

(c) Increased hiring in Indian financial sector in times of economic slowdown

(d) The cost cutting carried out by all the companies

(e) None of these

Q5. Which of the following statements is/are definitely true in the context of the passage?

(A) India has not been affected by the economic slowdown.

(B) India banks are showing growth in this quarter despite the recession.

(C) While banking industry in the West was severely affected by recession in the past, it is now gradually recovering and showing a positive growth.

(a) Only (A)

(b) Only (B)

(c) Only (C)

(d) Only (A) and (B)

(e) Only (B) and (C)

Q6. Which of the following strengthens the finance minister’s statement about the sound health of Indian banks with respect to the passage?

(A) There have been no acquisitions and mergers of Indian banks.

(B) The Indian banks are recording a positive growth.

(C) Layoffs have been observed worldwide.

(a) Only (A) and (B)

(b) Only (A) and (C)

(c) Only (A)

(d) Only (B)

(e) All (A), (B) and (C)

Directions (7-8): Choose the word/group of words which is most similar in meaning to the word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.

Q7. TURMOIL

(a) danger

(b) shock

(c) sadness

(d) fear

(e) chaos

Q8. PULVERIZATION

(a) polarisation

(b) mashing

(c) debasement

(d) fall

(e) crushing

Directions (9-10): Choose the word/group of words which is most opposite in meaning of the word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.

Q9. THRIVE

(a) succeed

(b) deteriorate

(c) worry

(d) tremble

(e) strive

Q10. MUNDANE

(a) extraordinary

(b) regular

(c) severe

(d) visionary

(e) routine

Directions (11-15): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

Modern bio-technology, especially the creation of genetically modified crops, is often presented as a magic solution or universal panacea for the problems of poverty, inadequate nutrition and even environmental degradation across the world. Conversely, there are people who present the picture of tech-generated monsters and major human health hazards being created by science. Many of the technological changes currently in the process of being utilized in agriculture can have unforeseen consequences, and their safety and future viability are far from secure.

The reality, as always, is far more complex than either of these two extremes. Even today the total food production in the world is adequate to feed the hungry of the world; the problem is rather one of unequal distribution, which deprives a large part of the population of even their minimal nutritional requirements. Similarly, farmers, especially in developing countries, face many problems such as lack of infrastructure, poor or unstable market access, volatile input and output prices etc that biotechnology does not address, much less solve.

It is true that transgenic plants can offer a range of benefits which are above and beyond those which emerged from more traditional innovations in cultivation. It is suggested that such new technology offers more effective pest resistance of seeds and crops through genetic control mechanisms, which also reduces the need for pesticide use and leads to improved yield. A basic question, of course, is whether the new GM technology is safe, and whether this is absolutely crucial since the effects may only be known much later. The jury is still very much out on this matter, and the controversy does not appear to be resolved quickly.

The trouble is that most governments in developing countries have relatively low food and beverage regulatory standards, and public systems for monitoring and surveillance of such items are poor or non-existent. This leaves them open for entry and even dumping of a range of agricultural products of the new technology, which may not pass regulatory standards in the more developed countries.

Q11. Which of the following is true in the context of the passage?

(a) Genetically modified crops have been universally recognized as a solution to poverty and environmental degradation.

(b) The only way to improve the deficit in food requirement and food production in the world is adapting genetically modified crops.

(c) Genetically modified crops produce more yield as compared to yield from the traditional methods

(d) Taking advantage of absence of regulatory standards, scientists have been dumping new products in the markets without appropriate approval.

(e) None is true

Q12. Choose the word/group of words which is most similar in meaning to OPEN printed in bold as used in the passage.

(a) Vulnerable

(b) Capable

(c) Threatened

(d) Uncertain

(e) Weak

Q13. Choose the word/group of words which is most opposite in meaning to VOLATILE printed in bold as used in the passage.

(a) Never-ending

(b) Meagre

(c) Valuable

(d) Irreversible

(e) Stable

Q14. The author of the given passage seems to be definitely

(a) suggesting the use of traditional methods of agriculture as against bio-technology by developing countries owing to their poor regulatory standards

(b) in favour of utilizing bio-technology as a tool for alleviation of poverty in the world.

(c) urging the policy makers to improve infrastructural facilities so that farmers can maximize the benefits of genetically modified crops

(d) unconvinced of the long-term effects and rationale for immediate requirement of genetically modified products.

(e) None of these

Q15. Why, according to the author, is genetic modification of crops not an answer to the problem of hunger in the world?

(A) People being highly doubtful of the long-term effects of genetically modified crops, do not buy the products grown by such methods.

(B) The problem of hunger in the world is not due to inadequate production of food but due to unequal distribution of it.

(C) Many developing countries have banned genetically modified products as developed countries have been using these countries as dumping grounds for new genetically modified products.

(a) Only A

(b) Only B

(c) Both B and C

(d) Both A and C

(e) None of these

Solutions

S1. Ans.(d) 

Sol. The public is ready to invest in these banks because of the knowledge that these banks get strong support from the Government.

S2. Ans.(c) 

Sol. shot in the arm definition. Something that boosts one's spirits:

S3. Ans.(e) 

Sol. None of these

S4. Ans.(c) 

Sol. Increased hiring in Indian financial sector in times of economic slowdown

S5. Ans.(b) 

Sol. India banks are showing growth in this quarter despite the recession.

S6. Ans.(a) 

Sol. Only (A) and (B)

S7. Ans.(e) 

Sol. TURMOIL-a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.

S8. Ans.(e) 

Sol. pulverization-To pound, crush, or grind to a powder or dust.

S9. Ans.(b) 

Sol. thrive-(of a child, animal, or plant) grow or develop well or vigorously.

S10. Ans.(a) 

Sol.  mundane-lacking interest or excitement; dull.

S11. Ans.(c) 

Sol.  Genetically modified crops produce more yield as compared to yield from the traditional methods

S12. Ans.(a) 

Sol.  vulnerable-exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.

S13. Ans.(e) 

Sol.  VOLATILE-liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.

S14. Ans.(d) 

Sol.  unconvinced of the long-term effects and rationale for immediate requirement of genetically modified products.

S15. Ans.(b) 

Sol.  The problem of hunger in the world is not due to inadequate production of food but due to unequal distribution of it.

Read More