Previous Year Questions 2024 Logical Reasoning - Logical Reasoning

(i) Words remain an enigma, their presence within human sphere is a unique mystery. they form the intricate tapestry that convinces us of our existence, blurring lines between fact and fiction. An engagement with words is the most captivating, enchanting, and sometimes daunting encounter with the world. A word, a symbolic entity formed from the ethereal, exists neither as animate nor inanimate, yet pulsates with life. it can emanate warmth or coldness, absorb emotions, or stand as dry as a rock. 
Words can provoke smiles and elicit joy. they are like glow-worms, momentarily dispelling the surrounding darkness and act as life-saving rafts amid the tumultuous ocean waves. Words grant us the ability to explore the universe, and "to see a world in a grain of sand." as William blake noted. they impart a semantic existence to the lifeless, and bestow aesthetic form upon the formless. Scriptures say the word is the world. i say the world within the word is the abode of faith.

Q1: What is the central theme of the passage?
(a) The history of the human language
(b) The impact of words on human existence
(c) The importance of storytelling
(d) The mystery of human cognition
Ans: (b)
Sol: The passage revolves around the impact of words on human existence, emphasizing their captivating, enchanting, and sometimes daunting nature. It explores the multifaceted role of words in shaping our perception of the world, making option (b) the central theme.
Incorrect options: 
(a): The passage does not focus on the history of human language but rather on the existential and profound impact of words on individuals. 
(c): While storytelling is indirectly mentioned as part of the intricate tapestry of words, it is not the central theme. The passage delves into the broader significance of words beyond storytelling. 
(d): The passage does touch upon the mystery of human cognition, but the central theme goes beyond cognition to explore the dynamic and profound nature of words in shaping human existence.

Q2: According to the passage, what does a 'word' symbolize?
(a) An inanimate object
(b) An animate entity
(c) A tangible entity
(d) An intangible concept
Ans: (d)
Sol: The passage characterizes a 'word' as a symbolic entity formed from the ethereal, existing neither as animate nor inanimate. It pulsates with life, emanating warmth or coldness, making option (d), symbolizing an intangible concept, the most fitting. 
Incorrect options: 
(a): The passage explicitly states that a 'word' exists neither as animate nor inanimate, refuting the idea that it symbolizes an inanimate object. 
(b): Similar to option (a), the passage negates the notion that a 'word' is an animate entity. It emphasizes the unique and ethereal nature of words. 
(c): While words form an intricate tapestry, the passage does not attribute a tangible existence to them. It underscores their symbolic and intangible nature, making option (c) incorrect.

Q3: How does the passage describe words' ability to affect emotions?
(a) Words can only evoke positive emotions.
(b) Words can absorb emotions and become emotion themselves.
(c) Words have no impact on emotions.
(d) Words can be devoid of emotions.
Ans: (b)
Sol: The passage describes words as having the ability to absorb emotions, stating that they can emanate warmth or coldness and provoke smiles or elicit joy. It suggests that words can become imbued with emotions, making option (b) the accurate description of words' impact on emotions. 
Incorrect options: 
(a): The passage does not limit words to evoking only positive emotions, as it acknowledges that words can both emanate warmth and coldness, suggesting a range of emotional impact. 
(c): The passage contradicts the notion that words have no impact on emotions, as it explicitly states that words can absorb and convey emotions.
(d): While the passage acknowledges that words can be as dry as a rock, it does not assert that words are devoid of emotions but rather that they have a dynamic and multifaceted nature.

Q4: "An engagement with words is the most captivating, enchanting, and sometimes daunting encounter with the world." 
Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the above statement?
(a) Words can be used to manipulate others.
(b) The power of words should be used carefully.
(c) Words can capture the atrocities of the world.
(d) Words can paint a picture of the world in all its different colours.
Ans: (d)
Sol: The statement highlights the captivating, enchanting, and daunting qualities of words when we engage with them. This suggests that words reflect the diverse shades of human experience-both positive and challenging. Therefore, option (d), "words can paint a picture of the world in all its different colours," best captures the meaning.

Incorrect options:

(a): The passage does not emphasize manipulation; it focuses on the enriching encounter with words.
(b): Although words are powerful, the author does not frame them in terms of caution or careful use.
(c): The passage highlights beauty and complexity, not just atrocities, making this too narrow.

Q5: Which of the following strengthens the author's idea of words being "like glow-worms momentarily dispelling the surrounding darkness"?
(a) Words help in understanding reality.
(b) Words illuminate the mind of the reader.
(c) Words help in escaping reality.
(d) Words cast darkness in the mind of the reader.
Ans: (b)
Sol: The comparison of words to glow-worms implies their power to bring light where there is darkness, providing clarity, hope, and guidance. Hence, option (b), "words illuminate the mind of the reader," is the most accurate reinforcement of the author's idea.

Incorrect options:

(a): Understanding reality is an effect of words, but the metaphor directly emphasizes illumination, not general comprehension.
(c): The passage never suggests that words are an escape from reality; instead, they enrich our engagement with it.
(d): This directly contradicts the glow-worm metaphor, which focuses on dispelling-not creating-darkness.

Q6: In the context of the passage, what is the significance of the "world within the word"? 
(a) it refers to the power of language to create inspiration, energy and faith. 
(b) It signifies the author's love for the global community. 
(c) it represents the mysteries hidden in language. 
(d) it describes the author's mission to explore different cultures.
Ans: (a)
Sol: The passage suggests that the "world within the word" represents the profound and transformative power of language. It conveys the idea that words, as symbolic entities, have the ability to inspire, energize, and instill faith. This aligns with the passage's emphasis on the captivating and enchanting nature of words.
Incorrect options:
(b): The passage does not indicate the author's love for the global community; the focus is on the impact and essence of words. 
(c): While the passage mentions words as an enigma, the "world within the word" is not specifically linked to hidden mysteries.
(d): The passage does not convey the author's mission to explore different cultures; it centers on the universal power of words.

(ii) Students have been abuzz over how artificial intelligence tools can do their homework and programmers over how these can increase their productivity or take away their jobs. As much as digitization has transformed the country in recent years, there is a widespread feeling that at some point around the horizon, Ai shall rejig everything in even more fundamental, fantastic, and frightening ways. This is why deciding how the coming changes should be regulated is very important. TRAI has made a strong case for an independent statutory authority to ensure the responsible development and use of Ai in the country, a global agency along similar lines shall likely be pitched at the G20 leaders' summit, and interestingly even American MNC Microsoft has floated a blueprint for AI governance in India. The great size and diversity of its "data points" make India of great interest to all developers of AI technologies.
But India is only at their receiving end, nowhere close to the US and China's advances. Although lately, it is becoming obvious how much state censorship is encumbering China's Large Language Modeling, the country is still very much in the game with PhDs in fields related to AI, investments in AI chip hardware design, and domestic generative models like Wu Dao. The scientific accomplishments of India's Chandrayaan mission have seen it being wooed for various international space collaborations. This promises spinoff technological benefits across Indian industry and is also geo-strategically useful. Likewise, it is only with sufficient AI prowess that India shall really get to play at the high table of global rulemaking for AI.
Knowing how much Indians' future shall be shaped by generative AI needs matching efforts to create indigenous models. In this and at this stage, a proactive government role is key, rather than just waiting on some large corporation to do the needful. Missing this bus will after all be even more costly than missing the chip research one. Plus, GOI alone can push academia-industry collaborations with the necessary weight and urgency. This does not let other institutions off the hook. A US judge has rejected the copyright for an Al-generated artwork. Indian courts should start engaging with the broader issue of non-human agency rather than wait for precedence to be set elsewhere. Indian schools need to think beyond the ban-ChatGPT mindset. Let us lead instead of only being led.
[Extracted from "First, get the tech: Unless India develops domestic AI heft, it wouldn't play any meaningful part in global regulatory efforts", Times of India]

Q7: Which of the following is the author most likely to agree with?
(a) The best way to deal with the advancement of AI is to leave its regulation to market forces.
(b) Government-driven control of AI is inefficient and shall promote red-tapism.
(c) Private companies with their large capital and infrastructure design the most efficient AI governance models.
(d) Government-led initiatives of AI regulation and development lead to efficient outcomes.
Ans: (d)
Sol: The passage advocates for a proactive government role in regulating and developing AI in India. It emphasizes the importance of an independent statutory authority to ensure responsible AI development. The author contends that relying solely on market forces or leaving it to private companies may not be sufficient for effective governance. Therefore, government-led initiatives are seen as crucial for efficient outcomes in AI regulation and development.
Incorrect options:
(a): The passage argues against leaving the regulation of AI solely to market forces, making option (a) contrary to the author's viewpoint. 
(b): The passage does not specifically address red-tapism but emphasizes the need for a proactive government role. 
(c): The passage does not express confidence in private companies designing the most efficient AI governance models; it underscores the necessity of government involvement.

Q8: Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the main argument of the passage?
(a) Governments that lead the initiative on regulating and responding to the advancement of AI tools benefit the most from them.
(b) Governments that don't engage with generative AI and remain at its receiving end stay risk-averse with nothing to lose.
(c) Governments that actively incentivize MNCs to participate in AI governance make the most out of the advancements in the field.
(d) Governments that explore models of public-private partnership strike the right balance in regulating generative AI.
Ans: (a)
Sol: The passage emphasizes the need for a proactive government role in regulating and developing AI, arguing that governments leading the initiative benefit the most. It underscores the importance of independent statutory authorities and global agencies in AI governance. Therefore, a government actively engaging in regulation and response to AI advancements aligns with the main argument. 
Incorrect options: 
(b): The passage argues against remaining at the receiving end and emphasizes the need for proactive government involvement, making option (b) contrary to the main argument. 
(c): The passage emphasizes the importance of a proactive government role rather than relying solely on incentivizing MNCs, making option (c) less relevant to the main argument. 
(d): While public-private partnerships are mentioned, the passage strongly advocates for a proactive government role, making option (d) less aligned with the primary argument.

Q9: Based only on the author's statement that "Indian courts should start engaging with the broader issue of non-human agency rather than wait for precedence to be set elsewhere," which of the following would the author be most likely to agree with?
(a) Courts should take the initiative by being innovative and laying down rules where no precedents exist.
(b) Courts should wait for precedents and, in the meantime, refrain from engaging with the challenges presented by generative AI.
(c) Courts should stop relying on precedents and decide cases on the basis of judicial wisdom.
(d) Precedents are the best possible safeguard against arbitrary decision-making.
Ans: (a)
Sol: The author would most likely agree that courts should take the initiative by being innovative and laying down rules where no precedents exist. The passage suggests a proactive approach, emphasizing the need for Indian courts to engage with the broader issue of non-human agency without waiting for precedents to be set elsewhere. 
Incorrect options: 
(b): The passage argues for proactive engagement rather than waiting for precedents, making option (b) contrary to the author's likely stance.
(c): The passage does not advocate for complete abandonment of precedents; instead, it emphasizes proactive engagement alongside precedents, making option (c) less aligned with the author's perspective. 
(d): The passage does not suggest that precedents are the best safeguard; instead, it encourages proactive engagement, making option (d) less aligned with the author's likely agreement.

Q10: If the information in the passage above is correct, which of the following must necessarily be true?
(a) AI regulation is the responsibility of the legislature alone.
(b) AI regulation is the responsibility of courts and can't be addressed through standalone statutory rules.
(c) AI regulation is a collaborative effort involving all the institutions of the State.
(d) AI regulation is the domain of private industry.
Ans: (c)
Sol: The passage emphasizes the importance of a collaborative effort for AI regulation, involving various institutions of the State. It specifically mentions TRAI's case for an independent statutory authority, global agency pitches, and the proactive role of the Indian government, highlighting a multi-institutional approach. 
Incorrect options: 
(a): The passage does not suggest that AI regulation is the sole responsibility of the legislature; it emphasizes collaboration among different institutions. 
(b): The passage does not exclusively assign the responsibility to the courts; it advocates for a comprehensive effort involving multiple institutions.
(d): The passage argues for a proactive government role and collaboration among institutions, suggesting that AI regulation is not solely the domain of private industry.

Q11: Based on the author's arguments, which of the following would result in weakening, rather than strengthening India's position at the forefront of generative AI?
(a) Investing in indigenous AI chip hardware design and domestic generative models.
(b) Exploring spinoff technological benefits with other scientific advancements like the Chandrayaan mission.
(c) Introducing generative models like Wu Dao, which have demonstrated success in other jurisdictions.
(d) Locally developing technologies such as indigenous AI models.
Ans: (c)
Sol: The passage advocates for India to lead in generative AI by developing indigenous models. Option (c) weakens India's position because introducing generative models like Wu Dao, which have demonstrated success elsewhere, suggests a reliance on foreign models instead of focusing on the development of indigenous ones. 
Incorrect options: 
(a) and (d): These options align with the passage's emphasis on investing in indigenous AI chip hardware design and domestic generative models, strengthening India's position. 
(b): Exploring spinoff technological benefits with other scientific advancements is consistent with the passage's argument about the importance of technological advancements.

Q12: The author states that, "missing this bus will, after all, be even more costly than missing the chip research one." For this statement to be true, with which of the following statements about chip research must the author most likely agree?
(a) India led chip research from its frontiers.
(b) India was right to leave regulation of chip industry and research to MNCs.
(c) India should have proactively played a role in responding to new research in chip technology.
(d) The failure to respond to new developments in chip technology was a bigger loss than the potential failure to regulate generative AI.
Ans: (c)
Sol: The author uses the comparison with chip research to stress that India already lost ground in that field due to a lack of proactive engagement. By warning that "missing this bus [AI] will be even more costly," the author clearly implies that India should have been more proactive in responding to advances in chip research. Hence, option (c) is the most fitting.

Incorrect options:

(a): While leadership would have been ideal, the author's point is about being proactive, not necessarily leading globally.
(b): The author argues against leaving such matters to MNCs; instead, he calls for government involvement.
(d): This misrepresents the comparison-the author suggests that failing in AI would be costlier than the earlier failure in chip research, not the other way around.

(iii) Imagine you have just been appointed as a consultant for a manufacturing company that is experiencing a decline in its production efficiency. The company produces a wide range of products, and the management is concerned about the overall output. Your task is to identify the root causes of this decline and recommend solutions.
As you begin your investigation, you gather information and observe the following:

• The company recently introduced a new production system that is more automated but requires highly specialized operators.
• The workforce has reported a lack of motivation and job satisfaction, which has led to increased absenteeism.
• There have been several breakdowns in the new machinery, leading to production delays and quality issues.
• The company's competitors have adopted similar automation technologies and are experiencing increased productivity.
• Customer complaints about product quality have increased in recent months.

Q13: Based on the information provided, which of the following is a potential root cause of the decline in production efficiency?
(a) The introduction of a new production system
(b) Lack of motivation and job satisfaction among the workforce
(c) Increased absenteeism
(d) Breakdowns in machinery
Ans: (b)
Sol: The information suggests that the lack of motivation and job satisfaction among the workforce is a potential root cause of the decline in production efficiency. This can lead to increased absenteeism, negatively impacting overall productivity. The dissatisfaction may be a result of the new automated system's specialised nature, potentially affecting employee engagement. 
Incorrect options: 
(a): The introduction of a new production system is mentioned, but the focus on lack of motivation suggests a more human-centric issue. 
(c): Increased absenteeism is a symptom, not a root cause. The lack of motivation is a more fundamental issue. 
(d): Breakdowns in machinery are mentioned but may be a consequence of the workforce-related problems, making it a secondary issue.

Q14: What makes the introduction of the new production system a potential contributing factor to the decline in efficiency?
(a) The system is highly automated
(b) It requires specialized operators
(c) The machinery is prone to breakdowns
(d) Competitors have adopted similar technologies
Ans: (b)
Sol: The introduction of a new production system that requires highly specialised operators is a potential contributing factor to the decline in efficiency. Specialised operators may be harder to find, and their absence can lead to issues in operating the new system, contributing to decreased efficiency. Incorrect options: 
(a): Automation alone is not a negative factor; it is the need for specialised operators that poses a potential challenge. 
(c): Breakdowns in machinery are a separate issue mentioned later in the passage and are not directly related to the system being automated. 
(d): The adoption of similar technologies by competitors does not directly explain the decline in the machinery's efficiency; it might even suggest that the technology itself is not the issue.

Q15: What is a critical difference between the company's situation and that of its competitors?
(a) Both the company and its competitors have introduced new production systems.
(b) The competitors have experienced increased customer complaints.
(c) The company's workforce lacks motivation and job satisfaction.
(d) The company's machinery is prone to breakdowns.
Ans: (c)
Sol: The most critical difference is that the company's workforce lacks motivation and job satisfaction, which has led to absenteeism and declining efficiency. Competitors, despite using similar automation technologies, are experiencing higher productivity, indicating that their workforce is more engaged.

Incorrect options:

(a): Both the company and its competitors introduced new production systems, so this is a similarity, not a difference.
(b): There is no mention of competitors facing customer complaints; in fact, the complaints are specific to this company.
(d): Machinery breakdowns are indeed another difference, but the passage emphasizes workforce motivation as the more fundamental factor behind efficiency gaps.

Q16: How might the increased absenteeism affect production efficiency?
(a) It might lead to increased quality issues.
(b) It might result in longer machinery breakdowns.
(c) It could lead to delays in production.
(d) It has no impact on production efficiency.
Ans: (c)
Sol: Increased absenteeism could lead to delays in production, affecting overall efficiency by slowing down the manufacturing process. Incorrect options: 
(a): Absenteeism is not directly linked to quality issues, so this is not a likely consequence. 
(b): Absenteeism might impact workforce availability, but it is not a direct cause of longer machinery breakdowns. 
(d): Increased absenteeism can impact production efficiency, so it is not accurate to say it has no impact.

Q17: What could be a possible solution to address the decline in production efficiency?
(a) Hire more specialized operators for the new system.
(b) Implement a motivation and job satisfaction program for the workforce.
(c) Upgrade the machinery to reduce breakdowns.
(d) Purchase new machinery to replace the automated system.
Ans: (b)
Sol: Implementing a motivation and job satisfaction programme for the workforce is a potential solution to address the decline in production efficiency by addressing the reported issues. 
Incorrect options: 
(a): Hiring more specialised operators may be a partial solution, but it does not directly address the reported lack of motivation and job satisfaction. 
(c): While upgrading machinery might help reduce breakdowns, the company would still need specialised operators. To tackle this issue, the company needs a workforce, but the workforce does not feel motivated to come to work. So, it goes back to the solution of implementing a motivation and job satisfaction programme for the workforce. 
(d): Purchasing new machinery is a significant investment and may not address the root cause of the decline in efficiency.

Q18: Based on the information provided, what is a potential consequence of increased customer complaints about product quality?
(a) It indicates that the company's competitors are also experiencing quality issues.
(b) It suggests that the company's products are meeting customer expectations.
(c) It may lead to a loss of customers and reputation damage.
(d) It shows that the company's automated system is performing well.
Ans: (c)
Sol: Increased customer complaints about product quality may lead to a loss of customers and reputation damage. Incorrect options: 
(a): This option assumes that the competitors are also experiencing quality issues, which is not supported by the information provided.
(b): This option assumes that increased customer complaints do not reflect a failure to meet customer expectations, which contradicts the typical understanding of customer complaints. 
(d): This option makes an assumption about the performance of the company's automated system, which is not explicitly mentioned in the passage.

(iv) In a world where aspirations for upward mobility are fervent, the opportunities for achieving such dreams remain limited. When one generation falls short, the mantle of ambition passes to the next, embedding within it a heavy burden of responsibility. Failing to meet these expectations can lead to profound sorrow, and in the direst cases, even to suicide. it's in this landscape that coaching institutes assume a significant role, cultivating an atmosphere of uncertainty among students and parents. A stark discrepancy emerges between preparation for board examinations and competitive tests, amplifying the inequalities that plague the education system. The coaching industry's massive marketing campaigns further exacerbate the situation, with some strategies veering into ethical grey areas. The tests themselves, designed to be more challenging than standardised exams, set the stage for feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt when not conquered. Our educational system is tailored to gauge an individual's merit through examinations. Eminent thinker Michael J Sandel dubs this system the "tyranny of merit", a sentiment echoed by the Supreme Court of india. Upholding the OBC reservation judgment, the Court called for a deeper evaluation of the "idea of merit", highlighting its nuanced nature. Merit as a concept remains shrouded in misunderstanding and often goes unexamined within school curriculum. Adapting to new living arrangements, sourcing nourishing meals, battling isolation, and grappling with commutes form the backdrop against, which education unfolds. For marginalised communities and gender minorities, these hurdles are often amplified. Social media algorithms exacerbate mental health concerns, sowing loneliness and impeding attention spans and creativity. Technology emerges as a potential equaliser in this landscape. Online platforms now offer preparation opportunities from the comfort of one's home. Government-curated or market-driven content could usher in a new era of accessibility.
[Extracted, with edits and revisions from "Kota suicides: Coaching institutes manufacture insecurity-moving beyond the tyranny of merit might help" authored by Akash Kumar and published in The Indian Express dated September 2, 2023]

Q19: As per the author, which one of the following is not likely leading to suicide among the students?
(a) Incorrect marketing strategies by the coaching institutes.
(b) Burdening of ambitions by one generation to another.
(c) Creation of hostile environment by the coaching institutes.
(d) Living in a surrounding with different background and culture.
Ans: (a)
Sol: The passage notes that coaching institutes' massive marketing campaigns "exacerbate the situation" and sometimes cross ethical boundaries. However, these campaigns are not identified as a direct cause of student suicides. Instead, suicide is linked to the burden of generational ambition, hostile environments in coaching centres, and the amplified challenges faced by marginalised communities.

Incorrect options:

(b): Passing ambitions from one generation to the next is described as a heavy burden that may, in extreme cases, lead to suicide.
(c): The creation of an atmosphere of uncertainty by coaching institutes is akin to a hostile environment, contributing to mental distress.
(d): The hurdles faced by marginalised groups and gender minorities in adapting to new living conditions are mentioned as amplifying risks.

Q20: Which of the following is not true regarding the education system as per the opinion of the author?
(a) It is primarily based on the merit of the students.
(b) Merit of the students is not the determining factor.
(c) Examination plays a pivotal role in the education system.
(d) An individual's merit cannot be identified without examination.
Ans: (b)
Sol: 

The passage critiques the education system as one that relies heavily on merit defined through examinations, even calling it the "tyranny of merit." This means that, in practice, merit is treated as the determining factor, though the concept itself is problematic and misunderstood. Hence, option (b) is not true.

Incorrect options:

(a): True - the education system is primarily based on student merit (though flawed).
(c): True - examinations are central to assessing merit.
(d): True - the system assumes that an individual's merit can only be judged through exams.

Q21: Which of the following strengthens the argument regarding the 'idea of merit' as per the above-mentioned passage?
(a) True merit is multifaceted and extends beyond performance in a single competitive examination.
(b) Pervasive inequalities can only be identified with the help of a single competitive examination.
(c) True merit is not multifaceted and does not extend beyond performance in a single competitive examination.
(d) The school education ensures the proper implementation of the idea of merit.
Ans: (a)
Sol: The passage suggests that the concept of merit is nuanced and extends beyond performance in a single competitive examination. This is validated through the statement 'Merit as a concept remains shrouded in misunderstanding and often goes unexamined within school curriculum.' The author cites Michael J. Sandel's idea of the "tyranny of merit" and the Supreme Court's call for a deeper evaluation of the idea of merit. 
Incorrect options:
(b): The passage argues against this statement by highlighting the stark discrepancy between preparation for board examinations and competitive tests, amplifying inequalities. 
(c): The passage contradicts this statement by emphasising the nuanced nature of merit beyond a single competitive examination. 
(d): The passage does not provide information about the role of school education in implementing the idea of merit, making this statement irrelevant to the argument.

Q22: Which of the following is correct regarding the inequalities mentioned by the author?
(a) There is no difference between the preparation of board and competitive examination.
(b) Education system accommodates the inequalities.
(c) Competitive examination leads to social equality.
(d) There are existing inequalities which are enlarged by the competitive examinations.
Ans: (d)
Sol: The passage suggests that a stark discrepancy exists between the preparation for board examinations and competitive tests, amplifying the inequalities in the education system. 
Incorrect options: 
(a): The passage explicitly states that there is a "stark discrepancy" between preparation for board examinations and competitive tests, indicating a difference. 
(b): The passage implies that the education system, particularly competitive examinations, contributes to amplifying inequalities, not accommodating them. 
(c): The passage does not suggest that competitive examinations lead to social equality; instead, it highlights the exacerbation of inequalities.

Q23: Which of the following statements reflects the use of online platforms for education as per the author?
(a) It provides equal opportunity to all the students irrespective of caste or creed.
(b) It encourages the students to prepare for examination.
(c) It should be the only means to education.
(d) It cannot be accessed by majority of the people due to technological impediments.
Ans: (b)
Sol: The passage highlights technology and online platforms as a potential equaliser, offering students preparation opportunities from home. While it does not explicitly mention caste or creed, the idea is that online platforms expand accessibility and reduce barriers, thus providing more equal opportunities.

Incorrect options:

(b): Online platforms do encourage preparation, but the passage emphasises their equalising role rather than just motivation.
(c): The author does not suggest exclusivity of online education; it is presented as one important avenue.
(d): The passage rejects the idea of inaccessibility, instead framing technology as a way to bridge gaps.

Q24: Which one of the following is not a challenge for quality education?
(a) Influence of social media.
(b) Mental health of the students and parents.
(c) Availability of online resources.
(d) Lack of competitive atmosphere among the peers.
Ans: (c)
Sol: The passage discusses various challenges for quality education, and it does not mention the availability of online resources as one of these challenges. Instead, it presents technology, including online platforms, as a potential equalizer. 
Incorrect options: 
(a): The passage mentions that social media algorithms exacerbate mental health concerns, indicating that social media is a challenge. 
(b): The passage discusses mental health concerns as a challenge for quality education. 
(d): The passage does not suggest that a lack of competitive atmosphere among peers is a challenge for quality education.