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All questions of 2017 for UPSC CSE Exam

Consider the given statement and the two conclusions that follow.
Statement:
Morning walk is good for health.
Conclusions:
1. All healthy people go for morning walk.
2. Morning walk is essential for maintaining good health.
What is/are the valid conclusion/ conclusions?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor2
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Chandana A.s answered
Its a suggestion that mng walk is gud fr health so it does not imply that all ppl do walk in the morning n it is not necessary that u need to walk in morning to stay healthy.. u can do other exercise too ryt.. so both statements are not necessary.. n statements are assertive not suggeative

P = (40% of A) + (65% of B) and Q = (50% of A) + (50% of B), where A is greater than B. In this context, which of the following statements is correct? 
  • a)
    P is greater than Q.
  • b)
    Q is greater than P.
  • c)
    P is equal to Q
  • d)
    None of the above can be concluded with certainty.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Case I: A = 100, B = 99; A > B
P = (100 × 40%) + (99 × 65%) = 40 + 64.35 = 104.35
Q = (100 × 50%) + (99 × 50%) = 50 + 49.5 = 99.5
⇒ P > Q
Case II: A = 150, B = 100; A > B
P = (150 × 40%) + (100 × 65%) = 60 + 65 = 125
Q = (150 × 50%) + (100 × 50%) = 75 + 50 = 125
⇒ P = Q
Case III: A = 100, B = 50; A > B
P = (100 × 40%) + (50 × 65%) = 40 + 32.5 = 72.5
Q = (100 × 50%) + (50 × 50%) = 50 + 25 = 75
⇒ P = Q

In how many different ways can a train navel from F to A without passing through any station more than once?
  • a)
    1
  • b)
    2
  • c)
    3
  • d)
    4
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sahana Bajaj answered
For travelling F to A, possible routes are: 
(i) F D E A 
(ii) F D E C A 
(iii) F D E G C A 
(iv) F D H G C A 
Number of possible routes are 4, so option (d) is correct

If the route between G and C is closed, which one of the following stations need not be passed through while travelling from H to C?
  • a)
    E
  • b)
    D
  • c)
    A
  • d)
    B
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Saanvi Iyer answered
If the route between G and C is closed, then possible route for travelling H to C, 
H → G → B → F → D → E → C 
Station A is not in this route. 
So the correct option is (c).

There has been a significant trend worldwide towards regionalism in government, resulting in a widespread transfer of powers downwards towards regions and communities since 1990s. This process, which involves the creation of new political entities and bodies at a sub-national level and an increase in their content and powers, is known as devolution. Devolution has been characterized as being made up of three factors—political legitimacy, decentralization of authority and decentralization of resources. Political legitimacy here means a mass demand from below for the decentralization process, which is able to create a political force for it to take place. In many cases, decentralization is initiated by the upper tier of government without sufficient political mobilization for it at the grassroots level, and in such cases the decentralization process often does not fulfil its objectives.
Q. Which among the following is the most logical, rational and critical inference that can be made from the above passage?
  • a)
    Emergence of powerful mass leaders is essential to create sub-national political entities and thus ensure successful devolution and decentralization.
  • b)
    The upper tier of government should impose devolution and decentralization on the regional communities by law or otherwise.
  • c)
    Devolution, to be successful, requires a democracy in which there is free expression of the will of the people at lower level and their active participation at the grassroots level.
  • d)
    For devolution to take place, a strong feeling of regionalism in the masses is essential.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Our understanding of passage: decentralization due to grass-root demand seems good but that which is initiated in the upper levels may miss its target. Now let us evaluate the options:
(a) Emergence of powerful mass leaders is essential to create sub-national political entities and thus ensure successful devolution and decentralization….The passage is not talking about the emergence of strong leaders to create sub-national entities thus ensuring devolution…OUT
(b) The upper tier of government should impose devolution and decentralization on the regional communities by law or otherwise….The last statement of the passage counters this option by stating that the devolution initiated by upper tier my miss its objective..OUT
(c) Devolution, to be successful, requires a democracy in which there is free expression of the will of the people at lower level and their active participation at the grassroots level…The passage suggests that devolution engendered by mass demand from below has political legitimacy and for it can be inferred that it can happen when people at lower level should be able to freely express themselves and participate actively in the process….ANSWER
(d) For devolution to take place, a strong feeling of regionalism in the masses is essential…The passage suggests that devolution can happen if initiated by upper tiers as well, even though it may not work as intended, and thus strong regional feeling is not a prerequisite for devolution ……OUT

Who is specialized in Geography?
  • a)
    B
  • b)
    D
  • c)
    E
  • d)
    Cannot be determined as data are inadequate
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Akanksha Saha answered
1. Who is the lecturer from City A?

2. How many lecturers are there in total?

3. Which city does Lecturer G belong to?

While travelling from C to H, which one of the following stations must be passed through?
  • a)
    G
  • b)
    E
  • c)
    B
  • d)
    F
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Ipsita Bajaj answered
There are two possible route for travelling from C to H, 
C → A → E → D → H 
C → A → E → G → B → F → D → H 
We have to cross station A and station E in both the route. 
So According to the option, correct answer is E.

The man who is perpetually hesitating which of the two things he will do first, will do neither. The man who resolves, but suffers his resolution to be changed by the first counter-suggestion of a friend—who fluctuates from opinion to opinion and veers from plan to plan-can never accomplish anything. He will at best be stationary and probably retrograde in all. It is only the man who first consults wisely, then resolves firmly and then executes his purpose with inflexible perseverance, undismayed by those petty difficulties which daunt a weaker spirit—that can advance to eminence in any line.

Q.
The keynote that seems to be emerging from the passage is that
  • a)
    we should first consult wisely and then resolve firmly
  • b)
    we should reject suggestions of friends and remain unchanged
  • c)
    we should always remain broad-minded
  • d)
    we should be resolute and achievement-oriented
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Again summing-up the passage – we should take wise consul, then take a resolution and stand our ground. If we keep vacillating we will never reach anywhere.
Now let us evaluate the options:
(a) we should first consult wisely and then resolve firmly…YES, it is a contender for answer choice but let us go on with other options first.
(b) we should reject suggestions of friends and remain unchanged….The passage is about our ability to stay focused and not about rejecting the suggestions of friends. In fact rejecting a suggestion just for the sake of it might be counter-productive as it may be a wise suggestion.
(c) we should always remain broad-minded……………It is not really clear what the option means by being ‘broad-minded’ so this option can be avoided at this stage.
(d) we should be resolute and achievement-oriented…..YES, this is another contender for the answer choice and but compared with option (a), we see that what option (a) says is stated very clearly in the passage and thus it should be preferred over option (d).
Hence option (a) should be marked as answer choice as the most appropriate among the options given.

With reference to the above information, consider the following statement
1. Some supporters of 'party X' knew Z
2. Some supporters of 'party X', who opposed Z's campaign strategy, knew Z.
3. No supporters of 'party X' supported Z's campaign strategy.
Which of the statements given above, is/are not correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 and3 only
  • c)
    3 only
  • d)
    1,2 and3
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

The given statements can be analyzed as follows:

Statement 1: Some supporters of party X knew Z
- This statement is correct as it does not specify whether the supporters of party X supported or opposed Z's campaign strategy.

Statement 2: Some supporters of party X, who opposed Z's campaign strategy, knew Z.
- This statement is also correct as it specifies that only some supporters of party X who opposed Z's campaign strategy knew Z, without making any generalization about all supporters of party X.

Statement 3: No supporters of party X supported Z's campaign strategy.
- This statement is NOT correct as it makes a generalization about all supporters of party X, which is not specified in the given information.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - only statement 1 is correct.

In a school, there are five teachers A, B, C, D and E. A and B teach Hindi and English. C and B teach English and Geography. D and A teach Mathematics and Hindi. E and B teach History and French. Who teaches maximum numb, of subjects?  
  • a)
    A
  • b)
    B
  • c)
    D
  • d)
    E
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kirti Singh answered
Explanation:

To determine which teacher teaches the maximum number of subjects, we need to analyze the given information and identify the subjects taught by each teacher.

Given information:
- A and B teach Hindi and English.
- C and B teach English and Geography.
- D and A teach Mathematics and Hindi.
- E and B teach History and French.

Subjects taught by each teacher:
- A: Hindi, English, Mathematics
- B: Hindi, English, Geography, History, French
- C: English, Geography
- D: Mathematics, Hindi
- E: History, French

Counting the subjects:
- A teaches 3 subjects.
- B teaches 5 subjects.
- C teaches 2 subjects.
- D teaches 2 subjects.
- E teaches 2 subjects.

Conclusion:
From the analysis, we can see that Teacher B teaches the maximum number of subjects, which is 5. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B'.

The medium term challenge for Indian manufacturing is to move from lower to higher tech sectors, from lower to higher value-added sectors, and from lower to higher productivity sectors. Medium tech industries are primarily capital intensive and resource processing; and high tech industries are mainly capital and technology intensive. In order to push the share of manufacturing in overall GDP to the projected 25 per cent, Indian manufacturing needs to capture the global market in sectors showing a rising trend in demand. These sectors are largely high technology and capital intensive.
Q. Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage? 
  • a)
    India’s GDP displays high value-added and high productivity levels in medium tech and resource processing industries.
  • b)
    Promotion of capital and technology intensive manufacturing is not possible in India.
  • c)
    India should push up the public investments and encourage the private investments in research and development, technology upgradation and skill development.
  • d)
    India has already gained a great share in global markets in sectors showing a rising trend in demand.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

In our words passage means: manufacturing should move from lower to higher end and that we should make inroads into booming global sectors. Let us evaluate the options now:
(a) India’s GDP displays high value-added and high productivity levels in medium tech and resource processing industries…If this were true why would we need to shift from medium to high end?…OUT
(b) Promotion of capital and technology intensive manufacturing is not possible in India…Passage is in the form of what we should do and is not talking about if it is possible to do or not…OUT
(c) India should push up the public investments and encourage the private investments in research and development, technology upgradation and skill development….This is what can be inferred from the passage doing this would lead to what the passage seems to suggest…ANSWER
(d) India has already gained a great share in global markets in sectors showing a rising trend in demand…No we have not gained a firm ground in global markets and hence passage suggests that we should make foray into such sectors….OUT

Many farmers use synthetic pesticides to kill infesting insects. The consumption of pesticides in some of the developed countries is touching 3000 grams/hectare. Unfortunately, there are reports that these compounds possess inherent toxicities that endanger, the health of the farm operators, consumers and the environment. Synthetic pesticides are generally persistent in environment. Entering in food chain they destroy the microbial diversity and cause ecological imbalance. Their indiscriminate use has resulted in development of resistance among insects to insecticides, upsetting of balance in nature and resurgence of treated populations. Natural pest control using the botanical pesticides is safer to the user and the environment because they break down into harmless compounds within hours or days in the presence of sunlight. Plants with pesticidal properties have been in nature for millions of years without any ill or adverse effects on the ecosystem. They are easily decomposed by many microbes common in most soil. They help in the maintenance of biological diversity, of predators and the reduction of environmental contamination and human health hazards. Botanical pesticides formulated from plants are biodegradable and their use in crop protection is a practical sustainable alternative.
Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding bio pesticides?
1. They are not hazardous to human health.
2. They are persistent in environment.
3. They are essential to maintain the biodiversity of any ecosystem.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    1 and 2 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    1,2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aravind Basu answered
1. They are not hazardous to human health…Yes, as per the passage
2. They are persistent in environment….No, they breakdown fast
3. They are essential to maintain the biodiversity of any ecosystem…They maintain biodiversity as mentioned in the passage but passage nowhere claims that they are ‘essential’ for maintaining the biodiversity.
Since only statement 1 is correct answer is option (a):
(a) 1 only

Disruption of traditional institutions, identifications and loyalties is likely to lead to ambivalent situations. It is possible that some people may renew their identification with traditional groups whereas others align themselves with new groups and symbols emergent from processes of political development. In addition, political development tends to foster group awareness of a variety of class, tribe, region, clan, language, religion, occupation and others.

Q. Which one of the following is the best explanation of the above passage?
  • a)
    Political development is not a unilinear process for it involves both growth and decay.
  • b)
    Traditional societies succeed in resisting positive aspects of political development.
  • c)
    It is impossible for traditional societies to break away from lingering loyalties.
  • d)
    Sustenance of traditional loyalties is conducive to political development.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aaditya Goyal answered
Alignment along traditional and new groups may lead to ambivalent situations. Political development creates new identities along which people may align themselves severing ties with traditional institutions. Now let us evaluate the options:
(a) Political development is not a unilinear process for it involves both growth and decay…That is not a unilinear process can be made out from the fact that it creates multitude of group awareness. This option is still in race and now let’s checkout other options.
(b) Traditional societies succeed in resisting positive aspects of political development…No, infact people align themselves along new groups and symbols..OUT
(c) It is impossible for traditional societies to break away from lingering loyalties…’Impossible’ is too strong a word especially when passage sage people do align with new symbols and groups engendered by political development….OUT
(d) Sustenance of traditional loyalties is conducive to political development…The passage does not make any case for continuation of traditional loyalties…OUT
Since option (b), (c) and (d) have been ruled out, we can mark option (a) as the answer.

Many farmers use synthetic pesticides to kill infesting insects. The consumption of pesticides in some of the developed countries is touching 3000 grams/hectare. Unfortunately, there are reports that these compounds possess inherent toxicities that endanger the health of the farm operators, consumers and the environment. Synthetic pesticides are generally persistent in environment. Entering in food chain they destroy the microbial diversity and cause ecological imbalance. Their indiscriminate use has resulted in development of resistance among insects to insecticides, upsetting of balance in nature and resurgence of treated populations. Natural pest control using the botanical pesticides is safer to the user and the environment because they break down into harmless compounds within hours or days in the presence of sunlight. Plants with pesticidal properties have been in nature for millions of years without any ill or adverse effects on the ecosystem. They are easily decomposed by many microbes common in most soil. They help in the maintenance of biological diversity, of predators and the reduction of environmental contamination and human health hazards. Botanical pesticides formulated from plants are biodegradable and their use in crop protection is a practical sustainable alternative.

On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made.
1. Synthetic pesticides should never be used in modem agriculture.
2. One of the aims of sustainable agriculture is to ensure minimal ecological imbalance.
3. Botanical pesticides are more effective as compared to synthetic pesticides.

Q. Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    1,2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kunal Roy answered
Our summary of the passage: The passage is about synthetic Vs botanical. And we underline the properties, this is what we get –
Synthetic: toxic, enter food chain, persistent, destroy diversity, cause imbalance, insects develop resistance
Botanical: in use for millions of years, break down into harmless compounds in presence of sunlight, no ill/adverse effects on ecosystems, maintain biodiversity, easily broken down by microbes, reduced contamination and health hazard , practical sustainable alternative.
  1. Synthetic pesticides should never be used in modem agriculture….Nowhere mentioned
  2. One of the aims of sustainable agriculture is to ensure minimal ecological imbalance….True
  3. Botanical pesticides are more effective as compared to synthetic pesticides…No comparison of respective efficacies.
Since only the second statement is correct the answer is option (b).
(b) 2 only

There is no harm in cultivating habits so long as they are not injurious. Indeed, most of us are little more than bundle of habits. Take away our habits and the residuum would hardly be worth bothering about. We could not get on without them. They simplify the mechanism of life. They enable us to do a multitude of things automatically, which, if we had to give fresh and original thought to them each time, would make existence an impossible confusion.

Q.
The author suggests that habits:
  • a)
    tend to make our lives difficult
  • b)
    add precision to our lives
  • c)
    make it easier for us to live
  • d)
    tend to mechanize our lives
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Sravya Bose answered
Let us evaluate the options:
(a) tend to make our lives difficult…The passage suggests just the opposite…OUT
(b) add precision to our lives…..The passage talks about making our lives easy and not precise…OUT
(c) make it easier for us to live…This is definitely suggested in the passage in the statement, They simplify the mechanism of life…..YES…but before locking it as answer we will also look at option d
(d) tend to mechanize our lives…The passage does mentions that habits enable us to handle several chorus automatically but it does not suggest that habits make our life mechanical which is sort of a pessimistic view of the author’s view and the passage does not seem to be a pessimistic take on habits….OUT

We live in digital times. The digital is not just something we use strategically and specifically to do a few tasks. Our very perception of who we are, how we connect to the world around us, and the ways in which we define our domains of life, labour and language are hugely structured by the digital technologies. The digital is everywhere and; like air, invisible. We live within digital systems, we live with intimate gadgets, we interact through digital media, and the very presence and imagination of the digital has dramatically restructured our lives. The digital, far from being a tool, is a condition and context that defines the shapes and boundaries of our understanding of the self, the society, and the structure of governance. 
Q. Which among the following is the most logical and essential message conveyed by the above passage? 
  • a)
    All problems of governance can be solved by using digital technologies.
  • b)
    Speaking of digital technologies is speaking of our life and living.
  • c)
    Our creativity and imagination cannot be expressed without digital media.
  • d)
    Use of digital systems is imperative for the existence of mankind in future.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Pritam Shah answered
The passage is about the omnipresence of digital world. That it has come to shape the context that defines our understanding i.e. it may appear invisible but has become an integral part of our existence. Now let us evaluate the options:
(a) All problems of governance can be solved by using digital technologies…..’All’ ? Sweeping statement. Nevertheless, the passage is about the permanency of the digital world and not about how digital tech can solve governance problems….OUT
(b) Speaking of digital technologies is speaking of our life and living…YES..when we talk of life and living we unconsciously also talk of digital techs which have so smoothly entered our lives that we do not even notice their existence..but let us evaluate remaining options first.
(c) Our creativity and imagination cannot be expressed without digital media..Again sweeping statement! We may have to love with digital tech all around us but that does not mean our creativity cannot be expressed without digital means. What about our creativity on the walls of the archaeological sites that we so lovingly adorn (aka desecrate) with our drawings?….OUT
(d) Use of digital systems is imperative for the existence of mankind in future….That digital tech has become part of our daily living does not mean we cannot survive without it i.e. it is not imperative!…OUT
In the light of above, the answer choice is option (b).

The IMF has pointed out that the fast growing economies of Asia face the risk of falling into ‘middle-income trap’. It means that average incomes in these countries, which till now have been growing rapidly, will stop growing beyond a point—a point that is well short of incomes in the developed West. The IMF identifies a number of causes of middle-income trap—none of which is surprising—from infrastructure to weak institutions, to less than favourable macroeconomic conditions. But the broad, overall cause, says IMF, is a collapse in the growth of productivity. 
Q. Which among the following is the most logical, rational and critical inference that can be made from the above passage?
  • a)
    Once a country reaches middle-income stage, it runs the risk of falling productivity which leads to stagnant incomes.
  • b)
    Falling into middle-income trap is a general characteristic of fast growing economies.
  • c)
    There is no hope at all for emerging Asian economies to sustain the growth momentum.
  • d)
    As regards growth of productivity, the performance of Asian economies is not satisfactory.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Atharva Chawla answered
Our understanding : Asian economies – risk of income being plateau out – due to collapse of productivity growth. Now let us evaluate the options:
(a) Once a country reaches middle-income stage, it runs the risk of falling productivity which leads to stagnant incomes…Yes, the passage is about the middle-income trap phenomenon which befalls the growing economies if corrective action is not taken. So this is an answer-candidate. But before marking it as the final answer let us evaluate other options.
(b) Falling into middle-income trap is a general characteristic of fast growing economies….No, the passage says that economies of Asia face this risk and not that it is a general characteristic of fast growing economies….OUT
(c) There is no hope at all for emerging Asian economies to sustain the growth momentum….’no hope’ ? Again very strong uncorroborated statement. Of course there is light at the end of the tunnel by boosting productivity growth….OUT
(d) As regards growth of productivity, the performance of Asian economies is not satisfactory …The passage is making an assertion based on past experience that fast growing economies are facing a risk of falling into middle-income trap. The passage is no where commenting that these economies are not performing well. In fact, it says that they are fast emerging economies….OUT
Thus based on above elimination of options (b), (c) and (d), we get option (a) as the answer.

Really I think that the poorest he that is in England has a life to live, as the greatest he, and therefore truly, I think it is clear that every man that is to live under a government ought first by his own consent to put himself under the government, and I do think that the poorest man in England is not at all bound in a strict sense to that government that he has not had a voice to put himself under.
Q. The above statement argues for:
  • a)
    distribution of wealth equally to all
  • b)
    rule according to the consent of the governed
  • c)
    rule of the poor
  • d)
    expropriation of the rich
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Krish Dasgupta answered
B. Rule according to the consent of the governed

Explanation:
The statement argues that every individual living under a government should willingly choose to be governed by that government. It asserts that the poorest man in England, like the greatest, should have the freedom to consent to the government under which he lives. Therefore, the statement supports the idea of rule according to the consent of the governed.

The argument can be further explained in the following points:

1. Equal treatment: The statement emphasizes that every person, regardless of their social or economic status, should have an equal opportunity to participate in the decision-making process regarding the government that governs them. This implies that the consent of the governed should be sought, regardless of their wealth or poverty.

2. Individual consent: The argument highlights the importance of individual consent in political governance. It suggests that a person should not be bound by a government if they have not given their consent to be governed by it. This implies that the legitimacy of a government comes from the voluntary consent of the governed.

3. Democratic principles: The idea of rule according to the consent of the governed aligns with democratic principles. In a democratic system, the power to govern is derived from the consent of the people. This means that individuals have the right to participate in the political process and have a say in the formation and functioning of their government.

4. Inclusivity and representation: By advocating for the consent of the governed, the argument promotes inclusivity and representation in governance. It suggests that every individual, regardless of their socio-economic background, should have a voice in the government that governs them. This ensures that the interests and concerns of all members of society are taken into account.

In conclusion, the statement argues for rule according to the consent of the governed, emphasizing the importance of individual consent and equal treatment in the political governance of a country.

During the summer in the Arctic Ocean, sea ice has been melting earlier and faster, and the winter freeze has been coming later. In the last three decades, the extent of summer ice has declined by about 30 per cent. The lengthening period of summer melt threatens to undermine the whole Arctic food web, atop which stand polar bears.

Q.
Which among the following is the most crucial message conveyed by the above passage?
  • a)
    Climate change has caused Arctic summer to be short but temperature to be high.
  • b)
    Polar bears can be shifted to the South Pole to ensure their survival.
  • c)
    Without the presence of polar bears, the food chains in Arctic region will disappear.
  • d)
    Climate change poses a threat to the survival of polar bears.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The passage asks for the most crucial massage. As we can see that the passage goes on to lament the conditions in the Arctic and closes the passage with the assertion that these conditions threaten the food chain atop which sits the polar bear. Basically the passage was a built-up to drive home the point that polar bears are at risk due to conditions that Arctic now faces. Now let us evaluate the options:
(a) Climate change has caused Arctic summer to be short but temperature to be high…The passage does talks about the havoc that climate change is wreaking in the Arctic region but that is not the most crucial message. The whole revelation about increasing melt and delayed winter freeze is to drive home the point of its effect on the food chain in Arctic and thus this, in itself, is not the most crucial message of the passage……………..OUT
(b) Polar bears can be shifted to the South Pole to ensure their survival…….This is one-of-a-kind solution for the survival of the Polar bears but this is not what the passage proffers. The passage is not even discussing any solution, plausible or adventurous……OUT
(c) Without the presence of polar bears, the food chains in Arctic region will disappear….Again the passage is not discussing the effect of presence or absence of Polar bear on the Arctic food chain…..OUT
(d) Climate change poses a threat to the survival of polar bears…..This is the most plausible among the options given that qualifies as the most crucial message of the passage as it syncs with what the passage eventually leads to…..ANSWER

There is a milk sample with50% water in it. If 1/3rd of this milk is added to equal amount of pure milk, then water in the new mixture will fall down to
  • a)
    25%
  • b)
    30%
  • c)
    35%
  • d)
    40%
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Varun Kapoor answered
let the 100 ml amount is the 1/3rd of milk where a 50ml is water and 50ml is milk.
Now, 100ml of pure milk added to milk and water solution.
Therefore 200 ml of milk mixture contain 50ml water.
which 25% of a total mixture.
Water in the new mixture will fall down to 50% to 25%.

Over the last decade, Indian agriculture has become more robust with record production of food grains and oilseeds. Increased procurement, consequently, has added huge of food grains in the granaries. India is one of the world’s top producers of rice, wheat, milk, fruits and vegetables. India is still home to a quarter of all undernourished people in the world. On an average, almost half of the total expenditure of nearly half of the households is on food.
Q. Which among the following is the most logical corollary to the above passage? 
  • a)
    Increasing the efficiency of farm-to-fork value chain is necessary to reduce the poverty and malnutrition.
  • b)
    Increasing the agricultural productivity will automatically eliminate the poverty and malnutrition in India.
  • c)
    India’s agricultural productivity is already great and it is not necessary to increase it further.
  • d)
    Allocation of more funds for social welfare and poverty alleviation programmes will ultimately eliminate the poverty and malnutrition in India.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ipsita Reddy answered
Before we start evaluating the options let us understand what is meant by ‘corollary’. For our purpose it simply means what follows from what is given i.e. which of the given options can follow from the arguments presented in the passage.
Now our take on passage: It presents an irony. Water, water everywhere not a drop to drink. Enough production, enough storage still high levels of hunger.
(a) Increasing the efficiency of farm-to-fork value chain is necessary to reduce the poverty and malnutrition…YES this should indeed happen if the arguments of the passage are true. So this is a contender for answer choice. But let us evaluate other options.
(b) Increasing the agricultural productivity will automatically eliminate the poverty and malnutrition in India….The passase is arguing just the opposite. That there is enough productions still malnutrition and hunger and it is not getting eliminated automatically…OUT
(c) India’s agricultural productivity is already great and it is not necessary to increase it further…Passage is presenting a case for handling malnutrition and not agricultural production and adjectives likes ‘great’ are too good to be trusted…OUT
(d) Allocation of more funds for social welfare and poverty alleviation programmes will ultimately eliminate the poverty and malnutrition in India…..The passage is trying to relate production and storage with hunger and malnutrition and not discussing welfare programmes….OUT
Thus the only option that fits the bill is option (a) and is the answer.

If for a sample data, Mean < Median < Mode, then the distribution is
  • a)
    symmetric
  • b)
    skewed to the right
  • c)
    neither symmetric nor skewed
  • d)
    skewed to the left
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rajdeep Roy answered
In symmetric distribution Mean, median and mode all are equal. So, option (a) is incorrect.  When data is skewed to the left, the mean and the median are both less than the mode. In addition, as a rule, the mean is less than the median. 
Hence, the correct option is (d).

We have hard work ahead. There is no resting for any of us till we redeem our pledge in full, till we make all the people of India what destiny intends them to be. We are citizens of a great country, on the verge of bold advance, and we have to live up to that high standard. All of us, to whatever religion we may belong, are equally the children of India with, equal rights, privileges and obligations. We cannot encourage communalism or narrow-mindedness, for no nation can be great whose people are narrow in thought or action.

Q.
The challenge the author of the above passage throws to the public is to achieve
  • a)
    a high standard of living, progress and privileges
  • b)
    equal privileges, fulfilment of destiny and political tolerance
  • c)
    spirit of adventure and economic parity
  • d)
    hard work, brotherhood out national unity
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Swati Das answered
In first glance, the passage seems to be some kind of exhortation by the author to work for the achievement of the high ideals. Now let us evaluate the options:
(a) a high standard of living, progress and privileges….The tone and tenor of the exhortation suggests that is not about standard of living but is about greater things…OUT
(b) equal privileges, fulfilment of destiny and political tolerance…..privilege and political tolerance is not what the challenge is about. The author does use the word destiny but the usage appears to be more figurative in the sense that people should achieve what they are capable of….OUT
(c) spirit of adventure and economic parity….spirit of adventure? The passage does not exhort people to become adventurous…OUT
(d) hard work, brotherhood and national unity….This gels most with the tone of the passage…ANSWER

In a test, Randhir obtained more marks than the total marks obtained by Kunal and Debu. The total marks obtained by Kunal and Shankar are more than those of Randhir. Sonal obtained more marks than Shankar. Neha obtained more marks than Randhir. Who amongst them obtained highest marks?
  • a)
    Randhir
  • b)
    Neha
  • c)
    Sonal
  • d)
    Data are inadequate
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

To determine who obtained the highest marks among Randhir, Kunal, Debu, Shankar, Sonal, and Neha, let's analyze the given information step by step:

1. Randhir obtained more marks than the total marks obtained by Kunal and Debu.

2. The total marks obtained by Kunal and Shankar are more than those of Randhir.

3. Sonal obtained more marks than Shankar.

4. Neha obtained more marks than Randhir.

Based on these statements, we can draw the following conclusions:

- Randhir > (Kunal + Debu)
- (Kunal + Shankar) > Randhir
- Sonal > Shankar
- Neha > Randhir

Now, let's try to compare the marks obtained by each individual and see if we can determine the highest scorer.

1. Comparing Randhir and Kunal:
Randhir > (Kunal + Debu)
Since we don't have any information about Debu's marks, we cannot make a direct comparison between Randhir and Kunal.

2. Comparing Randhir and Shankar:
(Kunal + Shankar) > Randhir
Again, we don't have direct information about Kunal's marks, so we cannot compare Randhir and Shankar.

3. Comparing Sonal and Shankar:
Sonal > Shankar
This comparison is clear, with Sonal obtaining more marks than Shankar.

4. Comparing Neha and Randhir:
Neha > Randhir
Here, we have a direct comparison between Neha and Randhir, with Neha obtaining more marks.

Based on the given information, we cannot definitively determine who obtained the highest marks among Randhir, Neha, and Sonal. The data provided is insufficient to make a conclusive decision.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - Data are inadequate.

In the last two decades, the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) has increased 50 percent, whereas inclusive wealth has increased by a mere 6 percent. In recent decades, GDP-driven economic performance, has only harmed inclusive wealth like human capital; and natural capital like forests, land and water. While the world’s human capital which stands at 57 percent of total inclusive wealth grew by only 8 percent, the natural which is 23 percent of total inclusive wealth declined by 30 per cent worldwide in the last two decades.

Q.
Which of the following is the most crucial inference from the above passage?
  • a)
    More emphasis should be laid on the development of natural capital.
  • b)
    The growth driven by GDP only is neither desirable nor sustainable.
  • c)
    The economic performance of the countries of the world is not satisfactory.
  • d)
    The world needs more human capital under the present circumstances.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Madhurima Saha answered
Has witnessed significant advancements in various fields including technology, science, medicine, and communication. These developments have had a profound impact on our daily lives and have reshaped the way we live, work, and interact with each other.

One of the most notable advancements has been in the field of technology. The rise of the internet and the proliferation of smartphones have revolutionized the way we access information, communicate, and conduct business. This has led to a global interconnectedness that has transformed industries and opened up new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

In addition to technology, there have been significant advancements in the fields of science and medicine. Scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries in areas such as genetics, neuroscience, and space exploration. These advancements have led to improved healthcare treatments, increased our understanding of the human body and mind, and expanded our knowledge of the universe.

Furthermore, the last two decades have seen a growing awareness and concern for environmental issues. The effects of climate change have become more apparent, leading to a greater emphasis on sustainable practices and renewable energy sources. This has prompted governments, businesses, and individuals to take steps towards reducing their carbon footprint and adopting more eco-friendly practices.

Another notable development has been the advancement of social media and online communication platforms. These platforms have transformed the way we connect with others, share information, and engage in social and political discussions. They have also given rise to new forms of activism and social movements, allowing individuals to have a greater impact on society and bring about change.

Overall, the last two decades have been marked by significant advancements in various fields, bringing about unprecedented changes in our society and daily lives. As we move forward, it is likely that these advancements will continue to shape the world and create new opportunities and challenges for future generations.

There are 4 horizontal and 4 vertical lines, parallel and equidistant to one another on a board. What is the maximum number of rectangles and squares that can be formed?
  • a)
    16
  • b)
    24
  • c)
    36
  • d)
    42
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Pranab Nambiar answered
4 vertical and 4 horizontal lines 
Squares are: a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, (abde), (bcef), (degh), (efhi), ABCD 
Rectangles are: (ab), (bc), (de), (ef), (gh), (hi), (ad), (dg), (be), (eh), (cf), (fi), 
(abc), (def), (ghi), (adg), (beh), (cfi), 
(abcdef), (defghi), (adgbeh), (behcfi) 
Required number = 14 + 22 = 36

An innovative India will be inclusive as well as technologically advanced, improving the lives of all Indians. Innovation and R&D can mitigate increases in social inequality and relieve the pressures created by rapid urbanization. The growing divergence in productivity between agriculture and knowledge-intensive manufacturing and services threatens to increase income inequality. By encouraging India’s R&D labs and universities to focus on the needs of poor people and by improving the ability of informal firms to absorb knowledge, an innovation and research agenda can counter this effect. Inclusive innovation can lower the cost of goods and services and create income – earning opportunities for the poor people. 
Q. Which among the following is the most logical and rational assumption that can be made from the above passage?
  • a)
    Innovation and R&D is the only way to reduce rural to urban migration.
  • b)
    Every rapidly growing country needs to minimize the divergence between productivity in agriculture and other sectors.
  • c)
    Inclusive innovation and R & D can help create an egalitarian society.
  • d)
    Rapid urbanization takes place only when a country’s economic growth is rapid.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Ujwal Sengupta answered
Our understanding of the passage: Invest in R&D as it can stem inequality. Now let us evaluate the options:
(a) Innovation and R&D is the only way to reduce rural to urban migration….R&D is essential as made out by the passage but that it is the ‘only way’ has not been mentioned anywhere in the passage….OUT
(b) Every rapidly growing country needs to minimize the divergence between productivity in agriculture and other sectors….The passage is concerned about R&D and inequality and not about agriculture and other sectors, so it cannot be most logical assumption….OUT
(c) Inclusive innovation and R&D can help create an egalitarian society….Yes, this is the case that the passage intends to make. It claims that inclusive innovation and R&D can reduce inequality and create a just society…now let’s check out last option before finalizing this as answer choice.
(d) Rapid urbanization takes place only when a country’s economic growth is rapid…Urbanization is not even what the passage is about. Only reference to is while claiming that R&D can tackle the issues arising out of rapid urbanization…OUT
Thus our final answer is option (c).

By 2020, when the global economy is expected to run short of 56 million young people, India, with its youth surplus of 47 million, could fill the gap. It is in this context that labour reforms are often cited as the way to unlock double-digit growth in India. In 2014, India’s labour force was estimated to be about 40 per cent of the population, but 93 per cent of this force was in unorganized sector. Over the last decade, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of employment has slowed to 0.5 per cent, with about 14 million jobs created during last year when the labour force increased by about 15 million.

Q.
Which of the following is the most rational inference from the above passage?
  • a)
    India must control its population growth so as to reduce its unemployment rate.
  • b)
    Labour reforms are required in India to make optimum use of its vast labour force productively
  • c)
    India is poised to achieve the double-digit growth very soon
  • d)
    India is capable of supplying skilled young people to oil countries.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Divyansh Ghosh answered
The passage, in our words, can be re-written as – a shortage of labour force is imminent and if India wants to tap into this opportunity with its young labour force, labour reforms are a necessity. Everything else is customary paraphernalia to underscore this suggestion.
Now let us evaluate the options and check which one comes closest to our understanding of the passage:
(a) India must control its population growth so as to reduce its unemployment rate…Passage is about labour reforms and not population control…..OUT
(b) Labour reforms are required in India to make optimum use of its vast labour force productively…This is what gels well with our understanding of the passage…ANSWER
(c) India is poised to achieve the double-digit growth very soon…..Passage suggests that India can achieve double-digit growth if we take care of labour reforms and not that such growth is automatic and imminent……OUT
(d) India is capable of supplying skilled young people to oil countries……Supplying young people to other countries? And oil countries in specific??…..OUT

Productive jobs are vital for growth and a good job is the best form of inclusion. More than half of our population depends on agriculture, but the experience of other countries suggests that the number of people dependent on agriculture will have to shrink if per capita incomes in agriculture are to go up substantially. While industry is creating jobs, too many such jobs are low-productivity non-contractual jobs in the unorganized sector, offering low incomes, little protection, and no benefits. Service jobs are relatively of high productivity, but employment growth in services has been slow in recent years. 
Q. Which among the following is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?
  • a)
    We must create conditions for the faster growth of highly productive service jobs to ensure employment growth and inclusion.
  • b)
    We must shift the farm workers to the highly productive manufacturing and service sectors to ensure the economic growth and inclusion.
  • c)
    We must create conditions for the faster growth of productive jobs outside of agriculture even while improving the productivity of agriculture.
  • d)
    We must emphasize the cultivation of high-yielding hybrid varieties and genetically modified crops to increase the per capita income in agriculture.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Gauri Menon answered
Passage clearly mentioned that productive jobs are vital for growth. 
Option (b) says shifting of farmer which is out of context. 
Option (d) is also incorrect. 
Option (c) says that condition for the faster growth of productive jobs should be created outside the agriculture which is not correct as we have to create condition for inclusive growth. 
Hence the correct option is (a).

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