RBI Assistant Prelims Mock Test - 9 - Bank Exams MCQ

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows.

The latest estimates on economic output and growth, while not a surprise, reaffirm the fact that the ongoing six-quarter slump is still in search of a bottom. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 4.5% from a year earlier in the July-September quarter, marking the slowest pace of expansion in six-and-a-half years. If one were to strip out government final consumption expenditure, which jumped by 15.6%, real GDP growth would have been an even more anaemic 3.1%. Of serious concern should be the stagnation in investment, reflected in the mere 1% growth in gross fixed capital formation. While the government's decision in September to cut the corporate tax rate was clearly aimed at spurring the private sector, the indications till now are far from encouraging. Clearly, with consumption spending, the mainstay of demand, yet to regain traction, companies are likely opting to retain any gains from a lower tax outgo as cash for a rainy day rather than raise capacity or make new investments. While the National Statistical Office's data on private final consumption expenditure suggests a slight pick-up to a 5.1% expansion, from the preceding quarter's 3.1%, it is still only about half the year-earlier period's 9.8% rate. Also, the sustainability of the uptick in consumption spending remains a moot point given that several other pointers, including tepid retail sales during the Deepavali festival season, offer little room for cheer.

An analysis of the Gross Value Added (GVA) reveals that six of the eight sectors posted decelerations from the fiscal first quarter. And even though agriculture, forestry and fishing grew by 2.1% in the second quarter, nudging up from 2% in the April-June period, the pace was underwhelming when seen both in the context of the 5.1% pace posted a year earlier and the above average monsoon rains in 2019. Significantly, manufacturing shrank by 1%, in marked contrast to the year-earlier period's 6.9% growth, again pointing to the widespread demand drought. A separate release from the government, showing output at the eight infrastructure industries that constitute the core sector contracted by 5.8% in October belies all the brave talk on the part of government officials that the momentum would revive in the third quarter. While six of the eight segments reported year-on-year declines, of particular worry is the 12.4% contraction in electricity output, hinting as it does at a lack of demand for power at the nation's factories. It is high time officials helming the economy put aside the bravado and bluster and acknowledge the seriousness of the structural elements behind the slowdown by initiating meaningful policy reforms, even while taking steps to spur consumption through innovative fiscal measures.

Q. Which of the following is opposite in meaning to 'tepid'?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows.

The latest estimates on economic output and growth, while not a surprise, reaffirm the fact that the ongoing six-quarter slump is still in search of a bottom. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 4.5% from a year earlier in the July-September quarter, marking the slowest pace of expansion in six-and-a-half years. If one were to strip out government final consumption expenditure, which jumped by 15.6%, real GDP growth would have been an even more anaemic 3.1%. Of serious concern should be the stagnation in investment, reflected in the mere 1% growth in gross fixed capital formation. While the government's decision in September to cut the corporate tax rate was clearly aimed at spurring the private sector, the indications till now are far from encouraging. Clearly, with consumption spending, the mainstay of demand, yet to regain traction, companies are likely opting to retain any gains from a lower tax outgo as cash for a rainy day rather than raise capacity or make new investments. While the National Statistical Office's data on private final consumption expenditure suggests a slight pick-up to a 5.1% expansion, from the preceding quarter's 3.1%, it is still only about half the year-earlier period's 9.8% rate. Also, the sustainability of the uptick in consumption spending remains a moot point given that several other pointers, including tepid retail sales during the Deepavali festival season, offer little room for cheer.

An analysis of the Gross Value Added (GVA) reveals that six of the eight sectors posted decelerations from the fiscal first quarter. And even though agriculture, forestry and fishing grew by 2.1% in the second quarter, nudging up from 2% in the April-June period, the pace was underwhelming when seen both in the context of the 5.1% pace posted a year earlier and the above average monsoon rains in 2019. Significantly, manufacturing shrank by 1%, in marked contrast to the year-earlier period's 6.9% growth, again pointing to the widespread demand drought. A separate release from the government, showing output at the eight infrastructure industries that constitute the core sector contracted by 5.8% in October belies all the brave talk on the part of government officials that the momentum would revive in the third quarter. While six of the eight segments reported year-on-year declines, of particular worry is the 12.4% contraction in electricity output, hinting as it does at a lack of demand for power at the nation's factories. It is high time officials helming the economy put aside the bravado and bluster and acknowledge the seriousness of the structural elements behind the slowdown by initiating meaningful policy reforms, even while taking steps to spur consumption through innovative fiscal measures.

Q. The National Statistical Office's data suggests that

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows.

The latest estimates on economic output and growth, while not a surprise, reaffirm the fact that the ongoing six-quarter slump is still in search of a bottom. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 4.5% from a year earlier in the July-September quarter, marking the slowest pace of expansion in six-and-a-half years. If one were to strip out government final consumption expenditure, which jumped by 15.6%, real GDP growth would have been an even more anaemic 3.1%. Of serious concern should be the stagnation in investment, reflected in the mere 1% growth in gross fixed capital formation. While the government's decision in September to cut the corporate tax rate was clearly aimed at spurring the private sector, the indications till now are far from encouraging. Clearly, with consumption spending, the mainstay of demand, yet to regain traction, companies are likely opting to retain any gains from a lower tax outgo as cash for a rainy day rather than raise capacity or make new investments. While the National Statistical Office's data on private final consumption expenditure suggests a slight pick-up to a 5.1% expansion, from the preceding quarter's 3.1%, it is still only about half the year-earlier period's 9.8% rate. Also, the sustainability of the uptick in consumption spending remains a moot point given that several other pointers, including tepid retail sales during the Deepavali festival season, offer little room for cheer.

An analysis of the Gross Value Added (GVA) reveals that six of the eight sectors posted decelerations from the fiscal first quarter. And even though agriculture, forestry and fishing grew by 2.1% in the second quarter, nudging up from 2% in the April-June period, the pace was underwhelming when seen both in the context of the 5.1% pace posted a year earlier and the above average monsoon rains in 2019. Significantly, manufacturing shrank by 1%, in marked contrast to the year-earlier period's 6.9% growth, again pointing to the widespread demand drought. A separate release from the government, showing output at the eight infrastructure industries that constitute the core sector contracted by 5.8% in October belies all the brave talk on the part of government officials that the momentum would revive in the third quarter. While six of the eight segments reported year-on-year declines, of particular worry is the 12.4% contraction in electricity output, hinting as it does at a lack of demand for power at the nation's factories. It is high time officials helming the economy put aside the bravado and bluster and acknowledge the seriousness of the structural elements behind the slowdown by initiating meaningful policy reforms, even while taking steps to spur consumption through innovative fiscal measures.

Q. What is the main purpose of the author for writing this passage?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows.

The latest estimates on economic output and growth, while not a surprise, reaffirm the fact that the ongoing six-quarter slump is still in search of a bottom. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 4.5% from a year earlier in the July-September quarter, marking the slowest pace of expansion in six-and-a-half years. If one were to strip out government final consumption expenditure, which jumped by 15.6%, real GDP growth would have been an even more anaemic 3.1%. Of serious concern should be the stagnation in investment, reflected in the mere 1% growth in gross fixed capital formation. While the government's decision in September to cut the corporate tax rate was clearly aimed at spurring the private sector, the indications till now are far from encouraging. Clearly, with consumption spending, the mainstay of demand, yet to regain traction, companies are likely opting to retain any gains from a lower tax outgo as cash for a rainy day rather than raise capacity or make new investments. While the National Statistical Office's data on private final consumption expenditure suggests a slight pick-up to a 5.1% expansion, from the preceding quarter's 3.1%, it is still only about half the year-earlier period's 9.8% rate. Also, the sustainability of the uptick in consumption spending remains a moot point given that several other pointers, including tepid retail sales during the Deepavali festival season, offer little room for cheer.

An analysis of the Gross Value Added (GVA) reveals that six of the eight sectors posted decelerations from the fiscal first quarter. And even though agriculture, forestry and fishing grew by 2.1% in the second quarter, nudging up from 2% in the April-June period, the pace was underwhelming when seen both in the context of the 5.1% pace posted a year earlier and the above average monsoon rains in 2019. Significantly, manufacturing shrank by 1%, in marked contrast to the year-earlier period's 6.9% growth, again pointing to the widespread demand drought. A separate release from the government, showing output at the eight infrastructure industries that constitute the core sector contracted by 5.8% in October belies all the brave talk on the part of government officials that the momentum would revive in the third quarter. While six of the eight segments reported year-on-year declines, of particular worry is the 12.4% contraction in electricity output, hinting as it does at a lack of demand for power at the nation's factories. It is high time officials helming the economy put aside the bravado and bluster and acknowledge the seriousness of the structural elements behind the slowdown by initiating meaningful policy reforms, even while taking steps to spur consumption through innovative fiscal measures.

Q. Which of the following words is similar in meaning to 'anaemic'?

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows.

The latest estimates on economic output and growth, while not a surprise, reaffirm the fact that the ongoing six-quarter slump is still in search of a bottom. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 4.5% from a year earlier in the July-September quarter, marking the slowest pace of expansion in six-and-a-half years. If one were to strip out government final consumption expenditure, which jumped by 15.6%, real GDP growth would have been an even more anaemic 3.1%. Of serious concern should be the stagnation in investment, reflected in the mere 1% growth in gross fixed capital formation. While the government's decision in September to cut the corporate tax rate was clearly aimed at spurring the private sector, the indications till now are far from encouraging. Clearly, with consumption spending, the mainstay of demand, yet to regain traction, companies are likely opting to retain any gains from a lower tax outgo as cash for a rainy day rather than raise capacity or make new investments. While the National Statistical Office's data on private final consumption expenditure suggests a slight pick-up to a 5.1% expansion, from the preceding quarter's 3.1%, it is still only about half the year-earlier period's 9.8% rate. Also, the sustainability of the uptick in consumption spending remains a moot point given that several other pointers, including tepid retail sales during the Deepavali festival season, offer little room for cheer.

An analysis of the Gross Value Added (GVA) reveals that six of the eight sectors posted decelerations from the fiscal first quarter. And even though agriculture, forestry and fishing grew by 2.1% in the second quarter, nudging up from 2% in the April-June period, the pace was underwhelming when seen both in the context of the 5.1% pace posted a year earlier and the above average monsoon rains in 2019. Significantly, manufacturing shrank by 1%, in marked contrast to the year-earlier period's 6.9% growth, again pointing to the widespread demand drought. A separate release from the government, showing output at the eight infrastructure industries that constitute the core sector contracted by 5.8% in October belies all the brave talk on the part of government officials that the momentum would revive in the third quarter. While six of the eight segments reported year-on-year declines, of particular worry is the 12.4% contraction in electricity output, hinting as it does at a lack of demand for power at the nation's factories. It is high time officials helming the economy put aside the bravado and bluster and acknowledge the seriousness of the structural elements behind the slowdown by initiating meaningful policy reforms, even while taking steps to spur consumption through innovative fiscal measures.

Q. What is the reason for the continuation of the six-quarter slump?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Plastic waste is one of the world’s most pressing human health and environmental concerns. Plastic constitutes the third highest waste source globally, with the total volume of plastic waste growing in-line with increases in the global population and per capita consumption. Malaysia is tracking global trends in both the overall generation of plastic waste and the consumption of single-use plastics and since 2017 has been the world’s largest importer of plastic waste. These elements create a number of major challenges for the country’s waste management system. This review outlines the current state of plastic waste production and management in Malaysia, including options for landfill, recycling and incineration. It presents information on the scale and both the human and ecological risks of plastic waste in the country (i.e., microplastics, landfill, incineration), outlines key plastic waste management policy initiatives (including plastics alternatives such as biodegradable plastics) and highlights key constraints on the success of these. Significant internal constraints stem from the inconsistent application of policy initiatives by state governments, in addition to the lack of public awareness and interest in household recycling. The paper closes by discussing options for and constraints on the switch to biodegradable alternatives and proposes a model of plastic management based on a circular economy approach and solid waste management hierarchy. Success in reducing the problems posed by plastic in Malaysia will require sustained effort at many levels, but positive experiences in other countries give some cause for optimism.

Plastic packaging accounts for more than a third of the production of all plastic polymers and constitutes 42 and 40 per cent of the plastic demand in the USA and Europe, respectively. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), single-use plastics, which include grocery bags, containers and bottles, constitute the majority of plastic packaging. These plastics, which are designed for immediate disposal after use, are often discarded within the same year of production. Their increased use has contributed significantly to the increased generation of plastic wastes. In 2016, plastic wastes constitute over 12 per cent of the global waste composition, the third-highest after food and paper wastes. Geyer et al. estimated that there will be 12,000 million metric tonnes of plastic waste on Earth by 2050 if current trends in plastic consumption persist.

Plastics are typically generated and remoulded until they reach the end of their useful life, at which point a product is disposed of and becomes waste. There are two main routes after this point: (1) landfilling, which results in leakage out of the plastic system and (2) recovery through incineration and recycling for energy and resources. Landfill, a form of solid waste management that is favoured by most countries in the world, often involves the burial of wastes while waste recovery involves the reuse and recycling of plastic wastes as secondary raw materials. UNEP statistics suggest that only 21 per cent of plastic wastes are recovered, with incineration and recycling constituting 12 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively, of disposal methods, and the remainder of plastics are disposed in landfill.

Plastic wastes, which contain flame retardants, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, can leach from landfills and bioaccumulate. In many developing countries, the mismanagement of plastic wastes poses a threat to both the ecosystem and human health. As one of the world’s major importer of plastic waste, together with the increasing urbanisation and population growth rates, Malaysia too faces problems with the management of waste, in particularly plastic wastes. Additionally, as a biodiversity hotspot with some of the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs, plastic waste is a major concern in Malaysia, threatening both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Q. Which of the following best describes the main idea of the passage?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Plastic waste is one of the world’s most pressing human health and environmental concerns. Plastic constitutes the third highest waste source globally, with the total volume of plastic waste growing in-line with increases in the global population and per capita consumption. Malaysia is tracking global trends in both the overall generation of plastic waste and the consumption of single-use plastics and since 2017 has been the world’s largest importer of plastic waste. These elements create a number of major challenges for the country’s waste management system. This review outlines the current state of plastic waste production and management in Malaysia, including options for landfill, recycling and incineration. It presents information on the scale and both the human and ecological risks of plastic waste in the country (i.e., microplastics, landfill, incineration), outlines key plastic waste management policy initiatives (including plastics alternatives such as biodegradable plastics) and highlights key constraints on the success of these. Significant internal constraints stem from the inconsistent application of policy initiatives by state governments, in addition to the lack of public awareness and interest in household recycling. The paper closes by discussing options for and constraints on the switch to biodegradable alternatives and proposes a model of plastic management based on a circular economy approach and solid waste management hierarchy. Success in reducing the problems posed by plastic in Malaysia will require sustained effort at many levels, but positive experiences in other countries give some cause for optimism.

Plastic packaging accounts for more than a third of the production of all plastic polymers and constitutes 42 and 40 per cent of the plastic demand in the USA and Europe, respectively. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), single-use plastics, which include grocery bags, containers and bottles, constitute the majority of plastic packaging. These plastics, which are designed for immediate disposal after use, are often discarded within the same year of production. Their increased use has contributed significantly to the increased generation of plastic wastes. In 2016, plastic wastes constitute over 12 per cent of the global waste composition, the third-highest after food and paper wastes. Geyer et al. estimated that there will be 12,000 million metric tonnes of plastic waste on Earth by 2050 if current trends in plastic consumption persist.

Plastics are typically generated and remoulded until they reach the end of their useful life, at which point a product is disposed of and becomes waste. There are two main routes after this point: (1) landfilling, which results in leakage out of the plastic system and (2) recovery through incineration and recycling for energy and resources. Landfill, a form of solid waste management that is favoured by most countries in the world, often involves the burial of wastes while waste recovery involves the reuse and recycling of plastic wastes as secondary raw materials. UNEP statistics suggest that only 21 per cent of plastic wastes are recovered, with incineration and recycling constituting 12 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively, of disposal methods, and the remainder of plastics are disposed in landfill.

Plastic wastes, which contain flame retardants, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, can leach from landfills and bioaccumulate. In many developing countries, the mismanagement of plastic wastes poses a threat to both the ecosystem and human health. As one of the world’s major importer of plastic waste, together with the increasing urbanisation and population growth rates, Malaysia too faces problems with the management of waste, in particularly plastic wastes. Additionally, as a biodiversity hotspot with some of the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs, plastic waste is a major concern in Malaysia, threatening both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Q. What are the internal constraints affecting plastic waste disposal?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Plastic waste is one of the world’s most pressing human health and environmental concerns. Plastic constitutes the third highest waste source globally, with the total volume of plastic waste growing in-line with increases in the global population and per capita consumption. Malaysia is tracking global trends in both the overall generation of plastic waste and the consumption of single-use plastics and since 2017 has been the world’s largest importer of plastic waste. These elements create a number of major challenges for the country’s waste management system. This review outlines the current state of plastic waste production and management in Malaysia, including options for landfill, recycling and incineration. It presents information on the scale and both the human and ecological risks of plastic waste in the country (i.e., microplastics, landfill, incineration), outlines key plastic waste management policy initiatives (including plastics alternatives such as biodegradable plastics) and highlights key constraints on the success of these. Significant internal constraints stem from the inconsistent application of policy initiatives by state governments, in addition to the lack of public awareness and interest in household recycling. The paper closes by discussing options for and constraints on the switch to biodegradable alternatives and proposes a model of plastic management based on a circular economy approach and solid waste management hierarchy. Success in reducing the problems posed by plastic in Malaysia will require sustained effort at many levels, but positive experiences in other countries give some cause for optimism.

Plastic packaging accounts for more than a third of the production of all plastic polymers and constitutes 42 and 40 per cent of the plastic demand in the USA and Europe, respectively. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), single-use plastics, which include grocery bags, containers and bottles, constitute the majority of plastic packaging. These plastics, which are designed for immediate disposal after use, are often discarded within the same year of production. Their increased use has contributed significantly to the increased generation of plastic wastes. In 2016, plastic wastes constitute over 12 per cent of the global waste composition, the third-highest after food and paper wastes. Geyer et al. estimated that there will be 12,000 million metric tonnes of plastic waste on Earth by 2050 if current trends in plastic consumption persist.

Plastics are typically generated and remoulded until they reach the end of their useful life, at which point a product is disposed of and becomes waste. There are two main routes after this point: (1) landfilling, which results in leakage out of the plastic system and (2) recovery through incineration and recycling for energy and resources. Landfill, a form of solid waste management that is favoured by most countries in the world, often involves the burial of wastes while waste recovery involves the reuse and recycling of plastic wastes as secondary raw materials. UNEP statistics suggest that only 21 per cent of plastic wastes are recovered, with incineration and recycling constituting 12 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively, of disposal methods, and the remainder of plastics are disposed in landfill.

Plastic wastes, which contain flame retardants, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, can leach from landfills and bioaccumulate. In many developing countries, the mismanagement of plastic wastes poses a threat to both the ecosystem and human health. As one of the world’s major importer of plastic waste, together with the increasing urbanisation and population growth rates, Malaysia too faces problems with the management of waste, in particularly plastic wastes. Additionally, as a biodiversity hotspot with some of the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs, plastic waste is a major concern in Malaysia, threatening both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Q. The author will, most likely, not agree to which of the following facts?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Plastic waste is one of the world’s most pressing human health and environmental concerns. Plastic constitutes the third highest waste source globally, with the total volume of plastic waste growing in-line with increases in the global population and per capita consumption. Malaysia is tracking global trends in both the overall generation of plastic waste and the consumption of single-use plastics and since 2017 has been the world’s largest importer of plastic waste. These elements create a number of major challenges for the country’s waste management system. This review outlines the current state of plastic waste production and management in Malaysia, including options for landfill, recycling and incineration. It presents information on the scale and both the human and ecological risks of plastic waste in the country (i.e., microplastics, landfill, incineration), outlines key plastic waste management policy initiatives (including plastics alternatives such as biodegradable plastics) and highlights key constraints on the success of these. Significant internal constraints stem from the inconsistent application of policy initiatives by state governments, in addition to the lack of public awareness and interest in household recycling. The paper closes by discussing options for and constraints on the switch to biodegradable alternatives and proposes a model of plastic management based on a circular economy approach and solid waste management hierarchy. Success in reducing the problems posed by plastic in Malaysia will require sustained effort at many levels, but positive experiences in other countries give some cause for optimism.

Plastic packaging accounts for more than a third of the production of all plastic polymers and constitutes 42 and 40 per cent of the plastic demand in the USA and Europe, respectively. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), single-use plastics, which include grocery bags, containers and bottles, constitute the majority of plastic packaging. These plastics, which are designed for immediate disposal after use, are often discarded within the same year of production. Their increased use has contributed significantly to the increased generation of plastic wastes. In 2016, plastic wastes constitute over 12 per cent of the global waste composition, the third-highest after food and paper wastes. Geyer et al. estimated that there will be 12,000 million metric tonnes of plastic waste on Earth by 2050 if current trends in plastic consumption persist.

Plastics are typically generated and remoulded until they reach the end of their useful life, at which point a product is disposed of and becomes waste. There are two main routes after this point: (1) landfilling, which results in leakage out of the plastic system and (2) recovery through incineration and recycling for energy and resources. Landfill, a form of solid waste management that is favoured by most countries in the world, often involves the burial of wastes while waste recovery involves the reuse and recycling of plastic wastes as secondary raw materials. UNEP statistics suggest that only 21 per cent of plastic wastes are recovered, with incineration and recycling constituting 12 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively, of disposal methods, and the remainder of plastics are disposed in landfill.

Plastic wastes, which contain flame retardants, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, can leach from landfills and bioaccumulate. In many developing countries, the mismanagement of plastic wastes poses a threat to both the ecosystem and human health. As one of the world’s major importer of plastic waste, together with the increasing urbanisation and population growth rates, Malaysia too faces problems with the management of waste, in particularly plastic wastes. Additionally, as a biodiversity hotspot with some of the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs, plastic waste is a major concern in Malaysia, threatening both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Q. Which of the following words can replace the word ‘pressing’ which has been given in bold in the first paragraph?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Plastic waste is one of the world’s most pressing human health and environmental concerns. Plastic constitutes the third highest waste source globally, with the total volume of plastic waste growing in-line with increases in the global population and per capita consumption. Malaysia is tracking global trends in both the overall generation of plastic waste and the consumption of single-use plastics and since 2017 has been the world’s largest importer of plastic waste. These elements create a number of major challenges for the country’s waste management system. This review outlines the current state of plastic waste production and management in Malaysia, including options for landfill, recycling and incineration. It presents information on the scale and both the human and ecological risks of plastic waste in the country (i.e., microplastics, landfill, incineration), outlines key plastic waste management policy initiatives (including plastics alternatives such as biodegradable plastics) and highlights key constraints on the success of these. Significant internal constraints stem from the inconsistent application of policy initiatives by state governments, in addition to the lack of public awareness and interest in household recycling. The paper closes by discussing options for and constraints on the switch to biodegradable alternatives and proposes a model of plastic management based on a circular economy approach and solid waste management hierarchy. Success in reducing the problems posed by plastic in Malaysia will require sustained effort at many levels, but positive experiences in other countries give some cause for optimism.

Plastic packaging accounts for more than a third of the production of all plastic polymers and constitutes 42 and 40 per cent of the plastic demand in the USA and Europe, respectively. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), single-use plastics, which include grocery bags, containers and bottles, constitute the majority of plastic packaging. These plastics, which are designed for immediate disposal after use, are often discarded within the same year of production. Their increased use has contributed significantly to the increased generation of plastic wastes. In 2016, plastic wastes constitute over 12 per cent of the global waste composition, the third-highest after food and paper wastes. Geyer et al. estimated that there will be 12,000 million metric tonnes of plastic waste on Earth by 2050 if current trends in plastic consumption persist.

Plastics are typically generated and remoulded until they reach the end of their useful life, at which point a product is disposed of and becomes waste. There are two main routes after this point: (1) landfilling, which results in leakage out of the plastic system and (2) recovery through incineration and recycling for energy and resources. Landfill, a form of solid waste management that is favoured by most countries in the world, often involves the burial of wastes while waste recovery involves the reuse and recycling of plastic wastes as secondary raw materials. UNEP statistics suggest that only 21 per cent of plastic wastes are recovered, with incineration and recycling constituting 12 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively, of disposal methods, and the remainder of plastics are disposed in landfill.

Plastic wastes, which contain flame retardants, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, can leach from landfills and bioaccumulate. In many developing countries, the mismanagement of plastic wastes poses a threat to both the ecosystem and human health. As one of the world’s major importer of plastic waste, together with the increasing urbanisation and population growth rates, Malaysia too faces problems with the management of waste, in particularly plastic wastes. Additionally, as a biodiversity hotspot with some of the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs, plastic waste is a major concern in Malaysia, threatening both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Q. According to the passage which of the following statements is true?

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Plastic waste is one of the world’s most pressing human health and environmental concerns. Plastic constitutes the third highest waste source globally, with the total volume of plastic waste growing in-line with increases in the global population and per capita consumption. Malaysia is tracking global trends in both the overall generation of plastic waste and the consumption of single-use plastics and since 2017 has been the world’s largest importer of plastic waste. These elements create a number of major challenges for the country’s waste management system. This review outlines the current state of plastic waste production and management in Malaysia, including options for landfill, recycling and incineration. It presents information on the scale and both the human and ecological risks of plastic waste in the country (i.e., microplastics, landfill, incineration), outlines key plastic waste management policy initiatives (including plastics alternatives such as biodegradable plastics) and highlights key constraints on the success of these. Significant internal constraints stem from the inconsistent application of policy initiatives by state governments, in addition to the lack of public awareness and interest in household recycling. The paper closes by discussing options for and constraints on the switch to biodegradable alternatives and proposes a model of plastic management based on a circular economy approach and solid waste management hierarchy. Success in reducing the problems posed by plastic in Malaysia will require sustained effort at many levels, but positive experiences in other countries give some cause for optimism.

Plastic packaging accounts for more than a third of the production of all plastic polymers and constitutes 42 and 40 per cent of the plastic demand in the USA and Europe, respectively. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), single-use plastics, which include grocery bags, containers and bottles, constitute the majority of plastic packaging. These plastics, which are designed for immediate disposal after use, are often discarded within the same year of production. Their increased use has contributed significantly to the increased generation of plastic wastes. In 2016, plastic wastes constitute over 12 per cent of the global waste composition, the third-highest after food and paper wastes. Geyer et al. estimated that there will be 12,000 million metric tonnes of plastic waste on Earth by 2050 if current trends in plastic consumption persist.

Plastics are typically generated and remoulded until they reach the end of their useful life, at which point a product is disposed of and becomes waste. There are two main routes after this point: (1) landfilling, which results in leakage out of the plastic system and (2) recovery through incineration and recycling for energy and resources. Landfill, a form of solid waste management that is favoured by most countries in the world, often involves the burial of wastes while waste recovery involves the reuse and recycling of plastic wastes as secondary raw materials. UNEP statistics suggest that only 21 per cent of plastic wastes are recovered, with incineration and recycling constituting 12 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively, of disposal methods, and the remainder of plastics are disposed in landfill.

Plastic wastes, which contain flame retardants, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, can leach from landfills and bioaccumulate. In many developing countries, the mismanagement of plastic wastes poses a threat to both the ecosystem and human health. As one of the world’s major importer of plastic waste, together with the increasing urbanisation and population growth rates, Malaysia too faces problems with the management of waste, in particularly plastic wastes. Additionally, as a biodiversity hotspot with some of the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs, plastic waste is a major concern in Malaysia, threatening both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Q. Which of the following is true as per the passage?

I. Since 2017 China has been the world’s largest importer of plastic waste.

II. Constitutes 42 and 40 per cent of the plastic demand in the USA and Europe, respectively.

III. Plastic constitutes the third highest waste source globally, with the total volume of plastic waste growing in-line with increases in the global population and per capita consumption

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Plastic waste is one of the world’s most pressing human health and environmental concerns. Plastic constitutes the third highest waste source globally, with the total volume of plastic waste growing in-line with increases in the global population and per capita consumption. Malaysia is tracking global trends in both the overall generation of plastic waste and the consumption of single-use plastics and since 2017 has been the world’s largest importer of plastic waste. These elements create a number of major challenges for the country’s waste management system. This review outlines the current state of plastic waste production and management in Malaysia, including options for landfill, recycling and incineration. It presents information on the scale and both the human and ecological risks of plastic waste in the country (i.e., microplastics, landfill, incineration), outlines key plastic waste management policy initiatives (including plastics alternatives such as biodegradable plastics) and highlights key constraints on the success of these. Significant internal constraints stem from the inconsistent application of policy initiatives by state governments, in addition to the lack of public awareness and interest in household recycling. The paper closes by discussing options for and constraints on the switch to biodegradable alternatives and proposes a model of plastic management based on a circular economy approach and solid waste management hierarchy. Success in reducing the problems posed by plastic in Malaysia will require sustained effort at many levels, but positive experiences in other countries give some cause for optimism.

Plastic packaging accounts for more than a third of the production of all plastic polymers and constitutes 42 and 40 per cent of the plastic demand in the USA and Europe, respectively. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), single-use plastics, which include grocery bags, containers and bottles, constitute the majority of plastic packaging. These plastics, which are designed for immediate disposal after use, are often discarded within the same year of production. Their increased use has contributed significantly to the increased generation of plastic wastes. In 2016, plastic wastes constitute over 12 per cent of the global waste composition, the third-highest after food and paper wastes. Geyer et al. estimated that there will be 12,000 million metric tonnes of plastic waste on Earth by 2050 if current trends in plastic consumption persist.

Plastics are typically generated and remoulded until they reach the end of their useful life, at which point a product is disposed of and becomes waste. There are two main routes after this point: (1) landfilling, which results in leakage out of the plastic system and (2) recovery through incineration and recycling for energy and resources. Landfill, a form of solid waste management that is favoured by most countries in the world, often involves the burial of wastes while waste recovery involves the reuse and recycling of plastic wastes as secondary raw materials. UNEP statistics suggest that only 21 per cent of plastic wastes are recovered, with incineration and recycling constituting 12 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively, of disposal methods, and the remainder of plastics are disposed in landfill.

Plastic wastes, which contain flame retardants, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, can leach from landfills and bioaccumulate. In many developing countries, the mismanagement of plastic wastes poses a threat to both the ecosystem and human health. As one of the world’s major importer of plastic waste, together with the increasing urbanisation and population growth rates, Malaysia too faces problems with the management of waste, in particularly plastic wastes. Additionally, as a biodiversity hotspot with some of the world’s most biodiverse coral reefs, plastic waste is a major concern in Malaysia, threatening both the terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

Q. Given in bold is the word ‘constraints’. Which word among the given options is the antonym of the given word

Directions: In this question, a sentence with four words printed in bold is given. These are numbered as 1, 2, 3, and 4. One of these four words printed in bold may be either wrongly spelt or inappropriate in context of the sentence. Find out the one wrongly spelt or with inappropriate usage. If all the words are correctly spelt and also appropriate in context of the sentence, mark 5, i.e. 'All Correct' as the answer.

The media baron (1) called the politician's bluff (2) by taking the latter (3) to court. (4) All correct (5)

The following statements have been broken into parts which may or may not have an error. Identify the part that may have an error.

Black, Asian and mixed-heritage (A)/ people are much less likely to (B)/ develop cancer then white people, (C)/ in England, an analysis suggests. (D) / No error (E)

Directions: In the following sentence, there is a blank space. Below are five words out of which one can be used to fill the blank to make the sentence grammatically and coherently correct. Find the most appropriate word that fits into the blank contextually.

Firmans were issued by the Mughal Emperor _____ the rights of English company in Chennai.

Fill in the two blanks with appropriate words.

It can be ______ to remove your shoes as you deplane on the island, ______ them away in your suitcase and not put them back on again until it's time to depart.

Directions: In the following sentence, there is a blank space. Below are five words out of which one can be used to fill the blank to make the sentence grammatically and coherently correct. Find the most appropriate word that fits into the blank contextually.

Another traditionally serious problem that has been _____ for many years is the dumping of dead bodies in the Ganga.

Fill in the two blanks with appropriate words.

In the ________ years a legend arose that the medieval village remained ________ below the surface of the earth.

Directions: In the following sentence, there is a blank space. Below are five words out of which one can be used to fill the blank to make the sentence grammatically and coherently correct. Find the most appropriate word that fits into the blank contextually.

A mood swing, snarky words or even a ______ comment sometimes cause far emotional more damage than expected.

The following statements have been broken into parts which may or may not have an error. Identify the part that may have an error.

Lower levels of smoking among most black(A)/ and Asian groups are one reason they are at lower risk(B)/ of some lifestyle cancers - such as bowel, breast and lung(C)/ - than white people, the study suggests.(D) / No error (E)

Directions: In the following sentence four words or phrases have been underlined. One underlined part in the sentence is not acceptable in standard English. Pick up that part and mark its number. If the sentence is correct as given, select 'No error' as your answer.

He told the members (1) of his staff that (2)/ each one should carry out (3)/ his task oneself. (4)

A paragraph has been given with the sentences in a jumbled format. Rearrange them and answer the questions that follow.

A. Corbezzolo honey tricks the palate.

B. Instead of the sweetness one would expect, this extremely rare honey, born in the mountains of the Italian island of Sardinia, is surprisingly bitter.

C. And just like a fine wine, it also pairs perfectly with several traditional Sardinian dishes.

D. It is derived from the white, bell-shaped flowers of the wild strawberry tree.

E. Also with notes of leather, liquorice and smoke.

F. Nomadic beekeepers have been setting up beehives in the region to collect this aromatic treat.

Which of the following should be the SECOND statement after rearrangement?

A paragraph has been given with the sentences in a jumbled format. Rearrange them and answer the questions that follow.

A. Corbezzolo honey tricks the palate.

B. Instead of the sweetness one would expect, this extremely rare honey, born in the mountains of the Italian island of Sardinia, is surprisingly bitter.

C. And just like a fine wine, it also pairs perfectly with several traditional Sardinian dishes.

D. It is derived from the white, bell-shaped flowers of the wild strawberry tree.

E. Also with notes of leather, liquorice and smoke.

F. Nomadic beekeepers have been setting up beehives in the region to collect this aromatic treat.

Which of the following should be the FOURTH statement after rearrangement?

A paragraph has been given with the sentences in a jumbled format. Rearrange them and answer the questions that follow.

A. Corbezzolo honey tricks the palate.

B. Instead of the sweetness one would expect, this extremely rare honey, born in the mountains of the Italian island of Sardinia, is surprisingly bitter.

C. And just like a fine wine, it also pairs perfectly with several traditional Sardinian dishes.

D. It is derived from the white, bell-shaped flowers of the wild strawberry tree.

E. Also with notes of leather, liquorice and smoke.

F. Nomadic beekeepers have been setting up beehives in the region to collect this aromatic treat.

Which of the following should be the SIXTH statement after rearrangement?

A paragraph has been given with the sentences in a jumbled format. Rearrange them and answer the questions that follow.

A. Corbezzolo honey tricks the palate.

B. Instead of the sweetness one would expect, this extremely rare honey, born in the mountains of the Italian island of Sardinia, is surprisingly bitter.

C. And just like a fine wine, it also pairs perfectly with several traditional Sardinian dishes.

D. It is derived from the white, bell-shaped flowers of the wild strawberry tree.

E. Also with notes of leather, liquorice and smoke.

F. Nomadic beekeepers have been setting up beehives in the region to collect this aromatic treat.

Which of the following should be the FIRST statement after rearrangement?

A paragraph has been given with the sentences in a jumbled format. Rearrange them and answer the questions that follow.

A. Corbezzolo honey tricks the palate.

B. Instead of the sweetness one would expect, this extremely rare honey, born in the mountains of the Italian island of Sardinia, is surprisingly bitter.

C. And just like a fine wine, it also pairs perfectly with several traditional Sardinian dishes.

D. It is derived from the white, bell-shaped flowers of the wild strawberry tree.

E. Also with notes of leather, liquorice and smoke.

F. Nomadic beekeepers have been setting up beehives in the region to collect this aromatic treat.

Which of the following should be the THIRD statement after rearrangement?

A paragraph has been given with the sentences in a jumbled format. Rearrange them and answer the questions that follow.

A. Corbezzolo honey tricks the palate.

B. Instead of the sweetness one would expect, this extremely rare honey, born in the mountains of the Italian island of Sardinia, is surprisingly bitter.

C. And just like a fine wine, it also pairs perfectly with several traditional Sardinian dishes.

D. It is derived from the white, bell-shaped flowers of the wild strawberry tree.

E. Also with notes of leather, liquorice and smoke.

F. Nomadic beekeepers have been setting up beehives in the region to collect this aromatic treat.

Which of the following should be the FIFTH statement after rearrangement?