Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
As a young boy, my son once asked me who is God’s mother? This question, I was totally unprepared for. I tried explaining to him, there was no one-word answer. Nothing came to mind. Wars have been fought over this question. Countries were formed and broken up over it. I tried throwing him off the scent by pointing at nothing in particular. However, as luck would have it, my mother crossed into the frame at that exact moment. Now try explaining to a five-year-old that his very own grandmother was God’s mother. Which means the guy who says he doesn’t have enough money to buy his own son a toy train... er... that guy is God?
As for Google supplying the answer, you try it. My son then realised that not only was his grandmother’s son not God, but also that his grandmother’s son may actually be less than human. Intellectually inadequate, wisdom less, and in terms of philosophy as a currency? Flat broke. But being a compassionate, well-meaning boy, he threw a dog a bone, he offered a less intimidating question. “Dad what is the secret to happiness”?
Two in a row! Folks what are the chances of that. Your child asking two provocative questions the ancients in all their wisdom, have not yet successfully manoeuvred. At this point, I did the only thing I could do to survive this assault. I turned away, and started digging my ear. Furiously. You know with the body language of a cardiac surgeon in the operation theatre. Such high intensity that serves as a do-not-disturb sign. Again, my son dug into his inner Florence Nightingale and threw me a rope, “Dad what is the secret of marriage”, he inquired, in an angelic voice. See, I’ll be super honest here, I’m not sure what exactly followed after that. All I know is I lost consciousness. Anyone, who has fainted recently, (some readers should know the feeling, having fainted after trying to digest this column), will know that you lose all sense of time after waking up. Suffice it to say, I have been living in fear of my son’s questions ever since that day.
But dear reader and the guy behind you, all that is in the past. Last month, my son returned from his University in Canada, all of 20, and bear in mind for the last 15 years he had left me off the hook. In fact, I was subject to much more compassionate, benign questions. Such as, “Dad can you move”? Or “Dad, Liverpool’s playing tonight, please don’t enter my room”? Or “Dad, for God’s sake, (this time God was in the question, but thankfully not the question), don’t dare use my phone charger?”.
Truth, here, scout’s honour, I revelled in these questions. Who would not. I could answer all of them with a finality. Truthfully. The answers being “Ok”. “Ok”. And “All right”. Yesterday, however, the pendulum swung again. My son, my pride and joy, my precious Mikhaail asked me another proverbial, “doosra”. “Dad, what the hell are we supposed to do with the 2,000 rupees notes”? Dear reader, I’m begging you, I’m pleading here. If anyone can answer this, can you for... er... God’s sake write in”?
Q. How did the author react when his son asked, "Dad what is the secret to happiness"?
Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
As a young boy, my son once asked me who is God’s mother? This question, I was totally unprepared for. I tried explaining to him, there was no one-word answer. Nothing came to mind. Wars have been fought over this question. Countries were formed and broken up over it. I tried throwing him off the scent by pointing at nothing in particular. However, as luck would have it, my mother crossed into the frame at that exact moment. Now try explaining to a five-year-old that his very own grandmother was God’s mother. Which means the guy who says he doesn’t have enough money to buy his own son a toy train... er... that guy is God?
As for Google supplying the answer, you try it. My son then realised that not only was his grandmother’s son not God, but also that his grandmother’s son may actually be less than human. Intellectually inadequate, wisdom less, and in terms of philosophy as a currency? Flat broke. But being a compassionate, well-meaning boy, he threw a dog a bone, he offered a less intimidating question. “Dad what is the secret to happiness”?
Two in a row! Folks what are the chances of that. Your child asking two provocative questions the ancients in all their wisdom, have not yet successfully manoeuvred. At this point, I did the only thing I could do to survive this assault. I turned away, and started digging my ear. Furiously. You know with the body language of a cardiac surgeon in the operation theatre. Such high intensity that serves as a do-not-disturb sign. Again, my son dug into his inner Florence Nightingale and threw me a rope, “Dad what is the secret of marriage”, he inquired, in an angelic voice. See, I’ll be super honest here, I’m not sure what exactly followed after that. All I know is I lost consciousness. Anyone, who has fainted recently, (some readers should know the feeling, having fainted after trying to digest this column), will know that you lose all sense of time after waking up. Suffice it to say, I have been living in fear of my son’s questions ever since that day.
But dear reader and the guy behind you, all that is in the past. Last month, my son returned from his University in Canada, all of 20, and bear in mind for the last 15 years he had left me off the hook. In fact, I was subject to much more compassionate, benign questions. Such as, “Dad can you move”? Or “Dad, Liverpool’s playing tonight, please don’t enter my room”? Or “Dad, for God’s sake, (this time God was in the question, but thankfully not the question), don’t dare use my phone charger?”.
Truth, here, scout’s honour, I revelled in these questions. Who would not. I could answer all of them with a finality. Truthfully. The answers being “Ok”. “Ok”. And “All right”. Yesterday, however, the pendulum swung again. My son, my pride and joy, my precious Mikhaail asked me another proverbial, “doosra”. “Dad, what the hell are we supposed to do with the 2,000 rupees notes”? Dear reader, I’m begging you, I’m pleading here. If anyone can answer this, can you for... er... God’s sake write in”?
Q. What is the passage's prevailing tone?
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Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
As a young boy, my son once asked me who is God’s mother? This question, I was totally unprepared for. I tried explaining to him, there was no one-word answer. Nothing came to mind. Wars have been fought over this question. Countries were formed and broken up over it. I tried throwing him off the scent by pointing at nothing in particular. However, as luck would have it, my mother crossed into the frame at that exact moment. Now try explaining to a five-year-old that his very own grandmother was God’s mother. Which means the guy who says he doesn’t have enough money to buy his own son a toy train... er... that guy is God?
As for Google supplying the answer, you try it. My son then realised that not only was his grandmother’s son not God, but also that his grandmother’s son may actually be less than human. Intellectually inadequate, wisdom less, and in terms of philosophy as a currency? Flat broke. But being a compassionate, well-meaning boy, he threw a dog a bone, he offered a less intimidating question. “Dad what is the secret to happiness”?
Two in a row! Folks what are the chances of that. Your child asking two provocative questions the ancients in all their wisdom, have not yet successfully manoeuvred. At this point, I did the only thing I could do to survive this assault. I turned away, and started digging my ear. Furiously. You know with the body language of a cardiac surgeon in the operation theatre. Such high intensity that serves as a do-not-disturb sign. Again, my son dug into his inner Florence Nightingale and threw me a rope, “Dad what is the secret of marriage”, he inquired, in an angelic voice. See, I’ll be super honest here, I’m not sure what exactly followed after that. All I know is I lost consciousness. Anyone, who has fainted recently, (some readers should know the feeling, having fainted after trying to digest this column), will know that you lose all sense of time after waking up. Suffice it to say, I have been living in fear of my son’s questions ever since that day.
But dear reader and the guy behind you, all that is in the past. Last month, my son returned from his University in Canada, all of 20, and bear in mind for the last 15 years he had left me off the hook. In fact, I was subject to much more compassionate, benign questions. Such as, “Dad can you move”? Or “Dad, Liverpool’s playing tonight, please don’t enter my room”? Or “Dad, for God’s sake, (this time God was in the question, but thankfully not the question), don’t dare use my phone charger?”.
Truth, here, scout’s honour, I revelled in these questions. Who would not. I could answer all of them with a finality. Truthfully. The answers being “Ok”. “Ok”. And “All right”. Yesterday, however, the pendulum swung again. My son, my pride and joy, my precious Mikhaail asked me another proverbial, “doosra”. “Dad, what the hell are we supposed to do with the 2,000 rupees notes”? Dear reader, I’m begging you, I’m pleading here. If anyone can answer this, can you for... er... God’s sake write in”?
Q. Why, according to the passage, did the author pass out when their son inquired about the marriage's secret?
Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
As a young boy, my son once asked me who is God’s mother? This question, I was totally unprepared for. I tried explaining to him, there was no one-word answer. Nothing came to mind. Wars have been fought over this question. Countries were formed and broken up over it. I tried throwing him off the scent by pointing at nothing in particular. However, as luck would have it, my mother crossed into the frame at that exact moment. Now try explaining to a five-year-old that his very own grandmother was God’s mother. Which means the guy who says he doesn’t have enough money to buy his own son a toy train... er... that guy is God?
As for Google supplying the answer, you try it. My son then realised that not only was his grandmother’s son not God, but also that his grandmother’s son may actually be less than human. Intellectually inadequate, wisdom less, and in terms of philosophy as a currency? Flat broke. But being a compassionate, well-meaning boy, he threw a dog a bone, he offered a less intimidating question. “Dad what is the secret to happiness”?
Two in a row! Folks what are the chances of that. Your child asking two provocative questions the ancients in all their wisdom, have not yet successfully manoeuvred. At this point, I did the only thing I could do to survive this assault. I turned away, and started digging my ear. Furiously. You know with the body language of a cardiac surgeon in the operation theatre. Such high intensity that serves as a do-not-disturb sign. Again, my son dug into his inner Florence Nightingale and threw me a rope, “Dad what is the secret of marriage”, he inquired, in an angelic voice. See, I’ll be super honest here, I’m not sure what exactly followed after that. All I know is I lost consciousness. Anyone, who has fainted recently, (some readers should know the feeling, having fainted after trying to digest this column), will know that you lose all sense of time after waking up. Suffice it to say, I have been living in fear of my son’s questions ever since that day.
But dear reader and the guy behind you, all that is in the past. Last month, my son returned from his University in Canada, all of 20, and bear in mind for the last 15 years he had left me off the hook. In fact, I was subject to much more compassionate, benign questions. Such as, “Dad can you move”? Or “Dad, Liverpool’s playing tonight, please don’t enter my room”? Or “Dad, for God’s sake, (this time God was in the question, but thankfully not the question), don’t dare use my phone charger?”.
Truth, here, scout’s honour, I revelled in these questions. Who would not. I could answer all of them with a finality. Truthfully. The answers being “Ok”. “Ok”. And “All right”. Yesterday, however, the pendulum swung again. My son, my pride and joy, my precious Mikhaail asked me another proverbial, “doosra”. “Dad, what the hell are we supposed to do with the 2,000 rupees notes”? Dear reader, I’m begging you, I’m pleading here. If anyone can answer this, can you for... er... God’s sake write in”?
Q. What kind of source is the passage, according to the passage?
Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
As a young boy, my son once asked me who is God’s mother? This question, I was totally unprepared for. I tried explaining to him, there was no one-word answer. Nothing came to mind. Wars have been fought over this question. Countries were formed and broken up over it. I tried throwing him off the scent by pointing at nothing in particular. However, as luck would have it, my mother crossed into the frame at that exact moment. Now try explaining to a five-year-old that his very own grandmother was God’s mother. Which means the guy who says he doesn’t have enough money to buy his own son a toy train... er... that guy is God?
As for Google supplying the answer, you try it. My son then realised that not only was his grandmother’s son not God, but also that his grandmother’s son may actually be less than human. Intellectually inadequate, wisdom less, and in terms of philosophy as a currency? Flat broke. But being a compassionate, well-meaning boy, he threw a dog a bone, he offered a less intimidating question. “Dad what is the secret to happiness”?
Two in a row! Folks what are the chances of that. Your child asking two provocative questions the ancients in all their wisdom, have not yet successfully manoeuvred. At this point, I did the only thing I could do to survive this assault. I turned away, and started digging my ear. Furiously. You know with the body language of a cardiac surgeon in the operation theatre. Such high intensity that serves as a do-not-disturb sign. Again, my son dug into his inner Florence Nightingale and threw me a rope, “Dad what is the secret of marriage”, he inquired, in an angelic voice. See, I’ll be super honest here, I’m not sure what exactly followed after that. All I know is I lost consciousness. Anyone, who has fainted recently, (some readers should know the feeling, having fainted after trying to digest this column), will know that you lose all sense of time after waking up. Suffice it to say, I have been living in fear of my son’s questions ever since that day.
But dear reader and the guy behind you, all that is in the past. Last month, my son returned from his University in Canada, all of 20, and bear in mind for the last 15 years he had left me off the hook. In fact, I was subject to much more compassionate, benign questions. Such as, “Dad can you move”? Or “Dad, Liverpool’s playing tonight, please don’t enter my room”? Or “Dad, for God’s sake, (this time God was in the question, but thankfully not the question), don’t dare use my phone charger?”.
Truth, here, scout’s honour, I revelled in these questions. Who would not. I could answer all of them with a finality. Truthfully. The answers being “Ok”. “Ok”. And “All right”. Yesterday, however, the pendulum swung again. My son, my pride and joy, my precious Mikhaail asked me another proverbial, “doosra”. “Dad, what the hell are we supposed to do with the 2,000 rupees notes”? Dear reader, I’m begging you, I’m pleading here. If anyone can answer this, can you for... er... God’s sake write in”?
Q. What is the author's opinion of their son's most recent query regarding the 2,000 rupee notes?
Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
There is a slow realisation that Africa, a continent, accounting for nearly 17% of the world’s population today and reaching 25% in 2050, needs to be studied closely. Why? Because India’s rise as a global player is inevitably linked to the kind of partnership it enjoys with Africa.
In the past 15 years and especially since 2014, India-Africa relations have developed steadily but more progress is achievable. In this context, the 20-member Africa Expert Group (AEG), established by the Vivekananda International Foundation, recently presented the VIF Report entitled ‘India-Africa Partnership: Achievements, Challenges and Roadmap 2023’.
The report examines the transitions unfolding in Africa: demographic, economic, political and social. From this blend of changes, stamped by the adverse impact of the pandemic and complicated geopolitics, emerges a continent that is set to transform itself. It is slowly heading toward regional integration and is devoted to democracy, peace and progress, even as Ethiopia, Sudan, the Central African Republic and other countries continue to battle with the challenges posed by insurgency, ethnic violence and terrorism.
Superimposed on this landscape is the sharpening competition among at least half a dozen external partners such as China, Russia, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates for strengthening their relations with parts of Africa to ensure market access, gain energy and mineral security, and increase political and economic influence. China stands apart, armed with a consistent and robust policy since 2000 to become virtually Africa’s biggest economic partner. An essay in the report aptly portrays China’s role as ‘the infrastructure developer’, ‘the resource provider’, and ‘the financier.’ It has invested enormously in Africa in terms of money, materials and diplomatic push.
Since 2007, Chinese leaders have visited the continent 123 times, while 251 African leaders have visited China. The VIF report notes that India has a substantive partnership with Africa and a rich fund of goodwill, but it is “essential for New Delhi to review its Africa policy periodically, stay resilient by making the required changes, and place a razor-like focus on its implementation”.
The central part is ‘Roadmap 2030’, a set of nearly 60 policy recommendations that are designed to deepen and diversify the India-Africa partnership. They cover two areas. First, political and diplomatic cooperation should be strengthened by restoring periodic leaders’ summits through the medium of the India-Africa Forum Summit; the last summit was in 2015. Besides, a new annual strategic dialogue between the chairperson of the African Union (AU) and India’s External Affairs Minister should be launched in 2023. Another recommendation relates to forging consensus among G-20 members on the AU’s entry into the G-20 as a full member. Action is now under way, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent communication to G-20 leaders requesting support for this proposal. The expert group has also suggested that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) should have a secretary exclusively in charge of African affairs to further enhance the implementation and impact of the Africa policy. Second, on defence and security cooperation, the government needs to increase the number of defence attachés deployed in Africa, expand dialogue on defence issues, widen the footprint of maritime collaboration, and expand lines of credit to facilitate defence exports. More can be done to increase the number of defence training slots and enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, cyber security and emerging technologies.
Q. What is the central focus of the VIF Report entitled 'India-Africa Partnership: Achievements, Challenges and Roadmap 2023'?
Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
There is a slow realisation that Africa, a continent, accounting for nearly 17% of the world’s population today and reaching 25% in 2050, needs to be studied closely. Why? Because India’s rise as a global player is inevitably linked to the kind of partnership it enjoys with Africa.
In the past 15 years and especially since 2014, India-Africa relations have developed steadily but more progress is achievable. In this context, the 20-member Africa Expert Group (AEG), established by the Vivekananda International Foundation, recently presented the VIF Report entitled ‘India-Africa Partnership: Achievements, Challenges and Roadmap 2023’.
The report examines the transitions unfolding in Africa: demographic, economic, political and social. From this blend of changes, stamped by the adverse impact of the pandemic and complicated geopolitics, emerges a continent that is set to transform itself. It is slowly heading toward regional integration and is devoted to democracy, peace and progress, even as Ethiopia, Sudan, the Central African Republic and other countries continue to battle with the challenges posed by insurgency, ethnic violence and terrorism.
Superimposed on this landscape is the sharpening competition among at least half a dozen external partners such as China, Russia, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates for strengthening their relations with parts of Africa to ensure market access, gain energy and mineral security, and increase political and economic influence. China stands apart, armed with a consistent and robust policy since 2000 to become virtually Africa’s biggest economic partner. An essay in the report aptly portrays China’s role as ‘the infrastructure developer’, ‘the resource provider’, and ‘the financier.’ It has invested enormously in Africa in terms of money, materials and diplomatic push.
Since 2007, Chinese leaders have visited the continent 123 times, while 251 African leaders have visited China. The VIF report notes that India has a substantive partnership with Africa and a rich fund of goodwill, but it is “essential for New Delhi to review its Africa policy periodically, stay resilient by making the required changes, and place a razor-like focus on its implementation”.
The central part is ‘Roadmap 2030’, a set of nearly 60 policy recommendations that are designed to deepen and diversify the India-Africa partnership. They cover two areas. First, political and diplomatic cooperation should be strengthened by restoring periodic leaders’ summits through the medium of the India-Africa Forum Summit; the last summit was in 2015. Besides, a new annual strategic dialogue between the chairperson of the African Union (AU) and India’s External Affairs Minister should be launched in 2023. Another recommendation relates to forging consensus among G-20 members on the AU’s entry into the G-20 as a full member. Action is now under way, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent communication to G-20 leaders requesting support for this proposal. The expert group has also suggested that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) should have a secretary exclusively in charge of African affairs to further enhance the implementation and impact of the Africa policy. Second, on defence and security cooperation, the government needs to increase the number of defence attachés deployed in Africa, expand dialogue on defence issues, widen the footprint of maritime collaboration, and expand lines of credit to facilitate defence exports. More can be done to increase the number of defence training slots and enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, cyber security and emerging technologies.
Q. Which of the following phrases, as employed in the passage, is an antonym for "substantive"?
Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
There is a slow realisation that Africa, a continent, accounting for nearly 17% of the world’s population today and reaching 25% in 2050, needs to be studied closely. Why? Because India’s rise as a global player is inevitably linked to the kind of partnership it enjoys with Africa.
In the past 15 years and especially since 2014, India-Africa relations have developed steadily but more progress is achievable. In this context, the 20-member Africa Expert Group (AEG), established by the Vivekananda International Foundation, recently presented the VIF Report entitled ‘India-Africa Partnership: Achievements, Challenges and Roadmap 2023’.
The report examines the transitions unfolding in Africa: demographic, economic, political and social. From this blend of changes, stamped by the adverse impact of the pandemic and complicated geopolitics, emerges a continent that is set to transform itself. It is slowly heading toward regional integration and is devoted to democracy, peace and progress, even as Ethiopia, Sudan, the Central African Republic and other countries continue to battle with the challenges posed by insurgency, ethnic violence and terrorism.
Superimposed on this landscape is the sharpening competition among at least half a dozen external partners such as China, Russia, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates for strengthening their relations with parts of Africa to ensure market access, gain energy and mineral security, and increase political and economic influence. China stands apart, armed with a consistent and robust policy since 2000 to become virtually Africa’s biggest economic partner. An essay in the report aptly portrays China’s role as ‘the infrastructure developer’, ‘the resource provider’, and ‘the financier.’ It has invested enormously in Africa in terms of money, materials and diplomatic push.
Since 2007, Chinese leaders have visited the continent 123 times, while 251 African leaders have visited China. The VIF report notes that India has a substantive partnership with Africa and a rich fund of goodwill, but it is “essential for New Delhi to review its Africa policy periodically, stay resilient by making the required changes, and place a razor-like focus on its implementation”.
The central part is ‘Roadmap 2030’, a set of nearly 60 policy recommendations that are designed to deepen and diversify the India-Africa partnership. They cover two areas. First, political and diplomatic cooperation should be strengthened by restoring periodic leaders’ summits through the medium of the India-Africa Forum Summit; the last summit was in 2015. Besides, a new annual strategic dialogue between the chairperson of the African Union (AU) and India’s External Affairs Minister should be launched in 2023. Another recommendation relates to forging consensus among G-20 members on the AU’s entry into the G-20 as a full member. Action is now under way, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent communication to G-20 leaders requesting support for this proposal. The expert group has also suggested that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) should have a secretary exclusively in charge of African affairs to further enhance the implementation and impact of the Africa policy. Second, on defence and security cooperation, the government needs to increase the number of defence attachés deployed in Africa, expand dialogue on defence issues, widen the footprint of maritime collaboration, and expand lines of credit to facilitate defence exports. More can be done to increase the number of defence training slots and enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, cyber security and emerging technologies.
Q. How many times have Chinese leaders traveled to Africa since 2007?, the text claims.
Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
There is a slow realisation that Africa, a continent, accounting for nearly 17% of the world’s population today and reaching 25% in 2050, needs to be studied closely. Why? Because India’s rise as a global player is inevitably linked to the kind of partnership it enjoys with Africa.
In the past 15 years and especially since 2014, India-Africa relations have developed steadily but more progress is achievable. In this context, the 20-member Africa Expert Group (AEG), established by the Vivekananda International Foundation, recently presented the VIF Report entitled ‘India-Africa Partnership: Achievements, Challenges and Roadmap 2023’.
The report examines the transitions unfolding in Africa: demographic, economic, political and social. From this blend of changes, stamped by the adverse impact of the pandemic and complicated geopolitics, emerges a continent that is set to transform itself. It is slowly heading toward regional integration and is devoted to democracy, peace and progress, even as Ethiopia, Sudan, the Central African Republic and other countries continue to battle with the challenges posed by insurgency, ethnic violence and terrorism.
Superimposed on this landscape is the sharpening competition among at least half a dozen external partners such as China, Russia, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates for strengthening their relations with parts of Africa to ensure market access, gain energy and mineral security, and increase political and economic influence. China stands apart, armed with a consistent and robust policy since 2000 to become virtually Africa’s biggest economic partner. An essay in the report aptly portrays China’s role as ‘the infrastructure developer’, ‘the resource provider’, and ‘the financier.’ It has invested enormously in Africa in terms of money, materials and diplomatic push.
Since 2007, Chinese leaders have visited the continent 123 times, while 251 African leaders have visited China. The VIF report notes that India has a substantive partnership with Africa and a rich fund of goodwill, but it is “essential for New Delhi to review its Africa policy periodically, stay resilient by making the required changes, and place a razor-like focus on its implementation”.
The central part is ‘Roadmap 2030’, a set of nearly 60 policy recommendations that are designed to deepen and diversify the India-Africa partnership. They cover two areas. First, political and diplomatic cooperation should be strengthened by restoring periodic leaders’ summits through the medium of the India-Africa Forum Summit; the last summit was in 2015. Besides, a new annual strategic dialogue between the chairperson of the African Union (AU) and India’s External Affairs Minister should be launched in 2023. Another recommendation relates to forging consensus among G-20 members on the AU’s entry into the G-20 as a full member. Action is now under way, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent communication to G-20 leaders requesting support for this proposal. The expert group has also suggested that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) should have a secretary exclusively in charge of African affairs to further enhance the implementation and impact of the Africa policy. Second, on defence and security cooperation, the government needs to increase the number of defence attachés deployed in Africa, expand dialogue on defence issues, widen the footprint of maritime collaboration, and expand lines of credit to facilitate defence exports. More can be done to increase the number of defence training slots and enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, cyber security and emerging technologies.
Q. What does the VIF Report titled "India-Africa Partnership: Achievements, Challenges, and Roadmap 2023" have as its main theme?
Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
There is a slow realisation that Africa, a continent, accounting for nearly 17% of the world’s population today and reaching 25% in 2050, needs to be studied closely. Why? Because India’s rise as a global player is inevitably linked to the kind of partnership it enjoys with Africa.
In the past 15 years and especially since 2014, India-Africa relations have developed steadily but more progress is achievable. In this context, the 20-member Africa Expert Group (AEG), established by the Vivekananda International Foundation, recently presented the VIF Report entitled ‘India-Africa Partnership: Achievements, Challenges and Roadmap 2023’.
The report examines the transitions unfolding in Africa: demographic, economic, political and social. From this blend of changes, stamped by the adverse impact of the pandemic and complicated geopolitics, emerges a continent that is set to transform itself. It is slowly heading toward regional integration and is devoted to democracy, peace and progress, even as Ethiopia, Sudan, the Central African Republic and other countries continue to battle with the challenges posed by insurgency, ethnic violence and terrorism.
Superimposed on this landscape is the sharpening competition among at least half a dozen external partners such as China, Russia, the United States, the European Union, Japan, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates for strengthening their relations with parts of Africa to ensure market access, gain energy and mineral security, and increase political and economic influence. China stands apart, armed with a consistent and robust policy since 2000 to become virtually Africa’s biggest economic partner. An essay in the report aptly portrays China’s role as ‘the infrastructure developer’, ‘the resource provider’, and ‘the financier.’ It has invested enormously in Africa in terms of money, materials and diplomatic push.
Since 2007, Chinese leaders have visited the continent 123 times, while 251 African leaders have visited China. The VIF report notes that India has a substantive partnership with Africa and a rich fund of goodwill, but it is “essential for New Delhi to review its Africa policy periodically, stay resilient by making the required changes, and place a razor-like focus on its implementation”.
The central part is ‘Roadmap 2030’, a set of nearly 60 policy recommendations that are designed to deepen and diversify the India-Africa partnership. They cover two areas. First, political and diplomatic cooperation should be strengthened by restoring periodic leaders’ summits through the medium of the India-Africa Forum Summit; the last summit was in 2015. Besides, a new annual strategic dialogue between the chairperson of the African Union (AU) and India’s External Affairs Minister should be launched in 2023. Another recommendation relates to forging consensus among G-20 members on the AU’s entry into the G-20 as a full member. Action is now under way, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent communication to G-20 leaders requesting support for this proposal. The expert group has also suggested that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) should have a secretary exclusively in charge of African affairs to further enhance the implementation and impact of the Africa policy. Second, on defence and security cooperation, the government needs to increase the number of defence attachés deployed in Africa, expand dialogue on defence issues, widen the footprint of maritime collaboration, and expand lines of credit to facilitate defence exports. More can be done to increase the number of defence training slots and enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, cyber security and emerging technologies.
Q. Which term from the paragraph best expresses Africa's dedication to democracy, peace, and advancement?
Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
Fourteen years old—“a bit of a dunce,” one of his ex-wives would later claim, interested only in cricket—Imran Khan confronted his first spiritual experience: Pir-ji, his mother’s religious advisor, had arrived to offer prayers and guidance. “The woman was sitting on the floor with three or four of her disciples. her head covered by a chador,” Imran later recalled. “She never looked up at me, I never saw her face.” Though Pir-ji miraculously divined that Imran had been evading Quran classes, she proclaimed the boy “would turn out all right.”
Though he did not know it then, the veil he stared into was the beginning of Imran’s ideological journey—and his destiny. For months now, the city of God that the cricketer-turned-Prime Minister promised to build has been disintegrating, torn by storms he himself unleashed. The Pakistan government is struggling to salvage an International Monetary Fund bailout Imran blew up during his last months in office. The jihadists he patronised are bringing the state to its knees.
Even though Imran ought to have been discredited by this downfall, he remains Pakistan’s most charismatic politician—and confident he can capitalise on the economic chaos in the early elections he hopes to force. To understand where Pakistan is headed, it is critical to understand the complex inner world of Imran Khan. The misogyny and jihadism illustrated in a sharp interview with journalist Isaac Chotiner last week speaks for the religious anxieties and sexual neurosis of a generation of young men. The world offers them nothing but hardship. Imran Khan is living proof that paradise is possible.
England, where Imran went to finish his school education, proved culturally traumatic: “I found it almost impossible to make friends with the British,” he recalled. “The English culture we knew through our English schoolmasters, books, stories and anecdotes of my parents’ generation had disappeared under a blitz of sex, drugs and rock and roll,” he wrote in his 2011 book, Pakistan: A Personal History. Even though Imran admitted he was not particularly observant, he “clung to my Muslim identity.” The struggle not to be seduced by the counterculture was constant. Together with the eminent businessman Vikram Mehta, Imran would visit to-be prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s “lodgings in Lady Margaret Hall every Sunday, when she would have an open house serving cheese and snacks all afternoon.” Former lover Kristiane Backer—MTV presenter, author and celebrity convert-to-Islam—revealed in her memoirs that the contest between the zeitgeist and Imran’s inherited culture was somewhat more colourful.
Q. Which of the following conclusions regarding Imran Khan's political ideas is a reasonable one given the information in the passage?
Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
Fourteen years old—“a bit of a dunce,” one of his ex-wives would later claim, interested only in cricket—Imran Khan confronted his first spiritual experience: Pir-ji, his mother’s religious advisor, had arrived to offer prayers and guidance. “The woman was sitting on the floor with three or four of her disciples. her head covered by a chador,” Imran later recalled. “She never looked up at me, I never saw her face.” Though Pir-ji miraculously divined that Imran had been evading Quran classes, she proclaimed the boy “would turn out all right.”
Though he did not know it then, the veil he stared into was the beginning of Imran’s ideological journey—and his destiny. For months now, the city of God that the cricketer-turned-Prime Minister promised to build has been disintegrating, torn by storms he himself unleashed. The Pakistan government is struggling to salvage an International Monetary Fund bailout Imran blew up during his last months in office. The jihadists he patronised are bringing the state to its knees.
Even though Imran ought to have been discredited by this downfall, he remains Pakistan’s most charismatic politician—and confident he can capitalise on the economic chaos in the early elections he hopes to force. To understand where Pakistan is headed, it is critical to understand the complex inner world of Imran Khan. The misogyny and jihadism illustrated in a sharp interview with journalist Isaac Chotiner last week speaks for the religious anxieties and sexual neurosis of a generation of young men. The world offers them nothing but hardship. Imran Khan is living proof that paradise is possible.
England, where Imran went to finish his school education, proved culturally traumatic: “I found it almost impossible to make friends with the British,” he recalled. “The English culture we knew through our English schoolmasters, books, stories and anecdotes of my parents’ generation had disappeared under a blitz of sex, drugs and rock and roll,” he wrote in his 2011 book, Pakistan: A Personal History. Even though Imran admitted he was not particularly observant, he “clung to my Muslim identity.” The struggle not to be seduced by the counterculture was constant. Together with the eminent businessman Vikram Mehta, Imran would visit to-be prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s “lodgings in Lady Margaret Hall every Sunday, when she would have an open house serving cheese and snacks all afternoon.” Former lover Kristiane Backer—MTV presenter, author and celebrity convert-to-Islam—revealed in her memoirs that the contest between the zeitgeist and Imran’s inherited culture was somewhat more colourful.
Q. Which of the following best sums up the passage's author's attitude toward Imran Khan?
Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
Fourteen years old—“a bit of a dunce,” one of his ex-wives would later claim, interested only in cricket—Imran Khan confronted his first spiritual experience: Pir-ji, his mother’s religious advisor, had arrived to offer prayers and guidance. “The woman was sitting on the floor with three or four of her disciples. her head covered by a chador,” Imran later recalled. “She never looked up at me, I never saw her face.” Though Pir-ji miraculously divined that Imran had been evading Quran classes, she proclaimed the boy “would turn out all right.”
Though he did not know it then, the veil he stared into was the beginning of Imran’s ideological journey—and his destiny. For months now, the city of God that the cricketer-turned-Prime Minister promised to build has been disintegrating, torn by storms he himself unleashed. The Pakistan government is struggling to salvage an International Monetary Fund bailout Imran blew up during his last months in office. The jihadists he patronised are bringing the state to its knees.
Even though Imran ought to have been discredited by this downfall, he remains Pakistan’s most charismatic politician—and confident he can capitalise on the economic chaos in the early elections he hopes to force. To understand where Pakistan is headed, it is critical to understand the complex inner world of Imran Khan. The misogyny and jihadism illustrated in a sharp interview with journalist Isaac Chotiner last week speaks for the religious anxieties and sexual neurosis of a generation of young men. The world offers them nothing but hardship. Imran Khan is living proof that paradise is possible.
England, where Imran went to finish his school education, proved culturally traumatic: “I found it almost impossible to make friends with the British,” he recalled. “The English culture we knew through our English schoolmasters, books, stories and anecdotes of my parents’ generation had disappeared under a blitz of sex, drugs and rock and roll,” he wrote in his 2011 book, Pakistan: A Personal History. Even though Imran admitted he was not particularly observant, he “clung to my Muslim identity.” The struggle not to be seduced by the counterculture was constant. Together with the eminent businessman Vikram Mehta, Imran would visit to-be prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s “lodgings in Lady Margaret Hall every Sunday, when she would have an open house serving cheese and snacks all afternoon.” Former lover Kristiane Backer—MTV presenter, author and celebrity convert-to-Islam—revealed in her memoirs that the contest between the zeitgeist and Imran’s inherited culture was somewhat more colourful.
Q. What text is this passage most likely to have come from?
Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
Fourteen years old—“a bit of a dunce,” one of his ex-wives would later claim, interested only in cricket—Imran Khan confronted his first spiritual experience: Pir-ji, his mother’s religious advisor, had arrived to offer prayers and guidance. “The woman was sitting on the floor with three or four of her disciples. her head covered by a chador,” Imran later recalled. “She never looked up at me, I never saw her face.” Though Pir-ji miraculously divined that Imran had been evading Quran classes, she proclaimed the boy “would turn out all right.”
Though he did not know it then, the veil he stared into was the beginning of Imran’s ideological journey—and his destiny. For months now, the city of God that the cricketer-turned-Prime Minister promised to build has been disintegrating, torn by storms he himself unleashed. The Pakistan government is struggling to salvage an International Monetary Fund bailout Imran blew up during his last months in office. The jihadists he patronised are bringing the state to its knees.
Even though Imran ought to have been discredited by this downfall, he remains Pakistan’s most charismatic politician—and confident he can capitalise on the economic chaos in the early elections he hopes to force. To understand where Pakistan is headed, it is critical to understand the complex inner world of Imran Khan. The misogyny and jihadism illustrated in a sharp interview with journalist Isaac Chotiner last week speaks for the religious anxieties and sexual neurosis of a generation of young men. The world offers them nothing but hardship. Imran Khan is living proof that paradise is possible.
England, where Imran went to finish his school education, proved culturally traumatic: “I found it almost impossible to make friends with the British,” he recalled. “The English culture we knew through our English schoolmasters, books, stories and anecdotes of my parents’ generation had disappeared under a blitz of sex, drugs and rock and roll,” he wrote in his 2011 book, Pakistan: A Personal History. Even though Imran admitted he was not particularly observant, he “clung to my Muslim identity.” The struggle not to be seduced by the counterculture was constant. Together with the eminent businessman Vikram Mehta, Imran would visit to-be prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s “lodgings in Lady Margaret Hall every Sunday, when she would have an open house serving cheese and snacks all afternoon.” Former lover Kristiane Backer—MTV presenter, author and celebrity convert-to-Islam—revealed in her memoirs that the contest between the zeitgeist and Imran’s inherited culture was somewhat more colourful.
Q. What was Imran Khan's initial perception of English culture when he went to England to finish his school education?
Directions: Kindly read the passage carefully and answer the questions given below.
Fourteen years old—“a bit of a dunce,” one of his ex-wives would later claim, interested only in cricket—Imran Khan confronted his first spiritual experience: Pir-ji, his mother’s religious advisor, had arrived to offer prayers and guidance. “The woman was sitting on the floor with three or four of her disciples. her head covered by a chador,” Imran later recalled. “She never looked up at me, I never saw her face.” Though Pir-ji miraculously divined that Imran had been evading Quran classes, she proclaimed the boy “would turn out all right.”
Though he did not know it then, the veil he stared into was the beginning of Imran’s ideological journey—and his destiny. For months now, the city of God that the cricketer-turned-Prime Minister promised to build has been disintegrating, torn by storms he himself unleashed. The Pakistan government is struggling to salvage an International Monetary Fund bailout Imran blew up during his last months in office. The jihadists he patronised are bringing the state to its knees.
Even though Imran ought to have been discredited by this downfall, he remains Pakistan’s most charismatic politician—and confident he can capitalise on the economic chaos in the early elections he hopes to force. To understand where Pakistan is headed, it is critical to understand the complex inner world of Imran Khan. The misogyny and jihadism illustrated in a sharp interview with journalist Isaac Chotiner last week speaks for the religious anxieties and sexual neurosis of a generation of young men. The world offers them nothing but hardship. Imran Khan is living proof that paradise is possible.
England, where Imran went to finish his school education, proved culturally traumatic: “I found it almost impossible to make friends with the British,” he recalled. “The English culture we knew through our English schoolmasters, books, stories and anecdotes of my parents’ generation had disappeared under a blitz of sex, drugs and rock and roll,” he wrote in his 2011 book, Pakistan: A Personal History. Even though Imran admitted he was not particularly observant, he “clung to my Muslim identity.” The struggle not to be seduced by the counterculture was constant. Together with the eminent businessman Vikram Mehta, Imran would visit to-be prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s “lodgings in Lady Margaret Hall every Sunday, when she would have an open house serving cheese and snacks all afternoon.” Former lover Kristiane Backer—MTV presenter, author and celebrity convert-to-Islam—revealed in her memoirs that the contest between the zeitgeist and Imran’s inherited culture was somewhat more colourful.
Q. What is the meaning of the word "zeitgeist" as used in the passage?
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.
After one particular show, I went up to chat with Jai. He did not return my greeting. A bit awkwardly I asked him, "Enjoyed the show?"
"Sure," he said and then snickered, "We love the entertainment but if you think any of these chaps are actually going to actually change because of your programmes, you are wrong."
"Why do you say that?" I asked him, not quite sure if I really wanted an answer. Jai started telling me his story. He was the son of a wealthy businessman from a posh South Delhi colony. He spoke disparagingly of his family, especially his father, and how he cared for none of them except his little sister. I listened.
We had made it a point not to ask any of the inmates why they were there. But Jai wanted to tell me anyway. He was in jail because he had become a contract killer and had gotten caught. He introduced us to his "friends" in the ward, unsmiling sidekicks who had gotten caught with him.
You see, a hierarchy existed in the ward. Those who had committed the worst crimes were at the top and those who travelled ticketless, at the bottom. He was obviously on top and the others were afraid of him.
About two months into our programmes, Jai asked us, "Are you getting paid for coming here? Why do you keep coming back?" I burst out laughing. We most certainly were not getting paid for visiting Tihar and I told him so. "Then why the hell do you keep coming?"
"Because you matter." said my guitarist friend who was standing next to me, very quietly.
Jai stared at him, shaking his head. He muttered a profanity under his breath and started walking away.
"Just one thing," I said, as I suddenly remembered something I had read. He paused and turned around. "They say anger is like acid. It does more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to the object on which it is poured."
Jai started walking back to me very, very slowly. I suddenly regretted having said anything... I actually thought he was going to hit me. He stopped a foot and a half away from me. I braced myself. Then his eyes went red and filled up. He sat down, put his face in his hands and sobbed.
We didn't say anything for a really long time. Neither did his cronies.
"Yeah." He finally said. "That's true. Thanks."
I don't remember what else we spoke about that day but what I do remember is walking out of the prison thinking how the hardest and most cynical hearts may not actually be so.
[Extracted with edits and revisions from 'Tales from the Jail: Christmas in Tihar & Other Stories']
Q. Why did Jai initially question the narrator and their team's motive for visiting the prison?
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.
After one particular show, I went up to chat with Jai. He did not return my greeting. A bit awkwardly I asked him, "Enjoyed the show?"
"Sure," he said and then snickered, "We love the entertainment but if you think any of these chaps are actually going to actually change because of your programmes, you are wrong."
"Why do you say that?" I asked him, not quite sure if I really wanted an answer. Jai started telling me his story. He was the son of a wealthy businessman from a posh South Delhi colony. He spoke disparagingly of his family, especially his father, and how he cared for none of them except his little sister. I listened.
We had made it a point not to ask any of the inmates why they were there. But Jai wanted to tell me anyway. He was in jail because he had become a contract killer and had gotten caught. He introduced us to his "friends" in the ward, unsmiling sidekicks who had gotten caught with him.
You see, a hierarchy existed in the ward. Those who had committed the worst crimes were at the top and those who travelled ticketless, at the bottom. He was obviously on top and the others were afraid of him.
About two months into our programmes, Jai asked us, "Are you getting paid for coming here? Why do you keep coming back?" I burst out laughing. We most certainly were not getting paid for visiting Tihar and I told him so. "Then why the hell do you keep coming?"
"Because you matter." said my guitarist friend who was standing next to me, very quietly.
Jai stared at him, shaking his head. He muttered a profanity under his breath and started walking away.
"Just one thing," I said, as I suddenly remembered something I had read. He paused and turned around. "They say anger is like acid. It does more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to the object on which it is poured."
Jai started walking back to me very, very slowly. I suddenly regretted having said anything... I actually thought he was going to hit me. He stopped a foot and a half away from me. I braced myself. Then his eyes went red and filled up. He sat down, put his face in his hands and sobbed.
We didn't say anything for a really long time. Neither did his cronies.
"Yeah." He finally said. "That's true. Thanks."
I don't remember what else we spoke about that day but what I do remember is walking out of the prison thinking how the hardest and most cynical hearts may not actually be so.
[Extracted with edits and revisions from 'Tales from the Jail: Christmas in Tihar & Other Stories']
Q. What did the narrator say to Jai that led to an emotional response from him?
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.
After one particular show, I went up to chat with Jai. He did not return my greeting. A bit awkwardly I asked him, "Enjoyed the show?"
"Sure," he said and then snickered, "We love the entertainment but if you think any of these chaps are actually going to actually change because of your programmes, you are wrong."
"Why do you say that?" I asked him, not quite sure if I really wanted an answer. Jai started telling me his story. He was the son of a wealthy businessman from a posh South Delhi colony. He spoke disparagingly of his family, especially his father, and how he cared for none of them except his little sister. I listened.
We had made it a point not to ask any of the inmates why they were there. But Jai wanted to tell me anyway. He was in jail because he had become a contract killer and had gotten caught. He introduced us to his "friends" in the ward, unsmiling sidekicks who had gotten caught with him.
You see, a hierarchy existed in the ward. Those who had committed the worst crimes were at the top and those who travelled ticketless, at the bottom. He was obviously on top and the others were afraid of him.
About two months into our programmes, Jai asked us, "Are you getting paid for coming here? Why do you keep coming back?" I burst out laughing. We most certainly were not getting paid for visiting Tihar and I told him so. "Then why the hell do you keep coming?"
"Because you matter." said my guitarist friend who was standing next to me, very quietly.
Jai stared at him, shaking his head. He muttered a profanity under his breath and started walking away.
"Just one thing," I said, as I suddenly remembered something I had read. He paused and turned around. "They say anger is like acid. It does more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to the object on which it is poured."
Jai started walking back to me very, very slowly. I suddenly regretted having said anything... I actually thought he was going to hit me. He stopped a foot and a half away from me. I braced myself. Then his eyes went red and filled up. He sat down, put his face in his hands and sobbed.
We didn't say anything for a really long time. Neither did his cronies.
"Yeah." He finally said. "That's true. Thanks."
I don't remember what else we spoke about that day but what I do remember is walking out of the prison thinking how the hardest and most cynical hearts may not actually be so.
[Extracted with edits and revisions from 'Tales from the Jail: Christmas in Tihar & Other Stories']
Q. Which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the passage?
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.
After one particular show, I went up to chat with Jai. He did not return my greeting. A bit awkwardly I asked him, "Enjoyed the show?"
"Sure," he said and then snickered, "We love the entertainment but if you think any of these chaps are actually going to actually change because of your programmes, you are wrong."
"Why do you say that?" I asked him, not quite sure if I really wanted an answer. Jai started telling me his story. He was the son of a wealthy businessman from a posh South Delhi colony. He spoke disparagingly of his family, especially his father, and how he cared for none of them except his little sister. I listened.
We had made it a point not to ask any of the inmates why they were there. But Jai wanted to tell me anyway. He was in jail because he had become a contract killer and had gotten caught. He introduced us to his "friends" in the ward, unsmiling sidekicks who had gotten caught with him.
You see, a hierarchy existed in the ward. Those who had committed the worst crimes were at the top and those who travelled ticketless, at the bottom. He was obviously on top and the others were afraid of him.
About two months into our programmes, Jai asked us, "Are you getting paid for coming here? Why do you keep coming back?" I burst out laughing. We most certainly were not getting paid for visiting Tihar and I told him so. "Then why the hell do you keep coming?"
"Because you matter." said my guitarist friend who was standing next to me, very quietly.
Jai stared at him, shaking his head. He muttered a profanity under his breath and started walking away.
"Just one thing," I said, as I suddenly remembered something I had read. He paused and turned around. "They say anger is like acid. It does more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to the object on which it is poured."
Jai started walking back to me very, very slowly. I suddenly regretted having said anything... I actually thought he was going to hit me. He stopped a foot and a half away from me. I braced myself. Then his eyes went red and filled up. He sat down, put his face in his hands and sobbed.
We didn't say anything for a really long time. Neither did his cronies.
"Yeah." He finally said. "That's true. Thanks."
I don't remember what else we spoke about that day but what I do remember is walking out of the prison thinking how the hardest and most cynical hearts may not actually be so.
[Extracted with edits and revisions from 'Tales from the Jail: Christmas in Tihar & Other Stories']
Q. Which of the following does the author imply when he refers to inmates who "travelled ticketless"?
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.
After one particular show, I went up to chat with Jai. He did not return my greeting. A bit awkwardly I asked him, "Enjoyed the show?"
"Sure," he said and then snickered, "We love the entertainment but if you think any of these chaps are actually going to actually change because of your programmes, you are wrong."
"Why do you say that?" I asked him, not quite sure if I really wanted an answer. Jai started telling me his story. He was the son of a wealthy businessman from a posh South Delhi colony. He spoke disparagingly of his family, especially his father, and how he cared for none of them except his little sister. I listened.
We had made it a point not to ask any of the inmates why they were there. But Jai wanted to tell me anyway. He was in jail because he had become a contract killer and had gotten caught. He introduced us to his "friends" in the ward, unsmiling sidekicks who had gotten caught with him.
You see, a hierarchy existed in the ward. Those who had committed the worst crimes were at the top and those who travelled ticketless, at the bottom. He was obviously on top and the others were afraid of him.
About two months into our programmes, Jai asked us, "Are you getting paid for coming here? Why do you keep coming back?" I burst out laughing. We most certainly were not getting paid for visiting Tihar and I told him so. "Then why the hell do you keep coming?"
"Because you matter." said my guitarist friend who was standing next to me, very quietly.
Jai stared at him, shaking his head. He muttered a profanity under his breath and started walking away.
"Just one thing," I said, as I suddenly remembered something I had read. He paused and turned around. "They say anger is like acid. It does more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to the object on which it is poured."
Jai started walking back to me very, very slowly. I suddenly regretted having said anything... I actually thought he was going to hit me. He stopped a foot and a half away from me. I braced myself. Then his eyes went red and filled up. He sat down, put his face in his hands and sobbed.
We didn't say anything for a really long time. Neither did his cronies.
"Yeah." He finally said. "That's true. Thanks."
I don't remember what else we spoke about that day but what I do remember is walking out of the prison thinking how the hardest and most cynical hearts may not actually be so.
[Extracted with edits and revisions from 'Tales from the Jail: Christmas in Tihar & Other Stories']
Q. Which of the following statements about Jai may we draw from the passage?
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.
The Centre has decided that awards, prizes and fellowships by various ministries and departments need a wholesale relook. The Ministry of Home Affairs, which is executing this directive, has moved much beyond its usual remit of awards for police officers and gallantry medals and irrupted into the world of scientific and medical research. India's scientific ministries recently made presentations to the Union Home Secretary, Ajay Bhalla, on awards given to scientists at different stages of their career. They also had to list out which were 'National Awards' and which were funded out of private endowments. Though a final call is yet to be taken, the quorum — and this consisted of the Secretaries, or the heads of each of these ministries — was of the opinion that most awards ought to be done away with and ministries could either retain only some of the National Awards or institute one or two 'high status' awards. The rationale for pruning, Mr. Bhalla has said, follows from a "vision" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding "Transformation of the Awards Ecosystem". In 2018, Mr. Modi had said that his government had modified the system of the Padma awards and ensured it recognised ordinary people doing selfless work rather than well-known personalities who repeatedly bag them. The awards, Mr. Bhalla has said, ought to be restricted, and have a transparent selection process.
Awards and prizes recognise achievement, but in science and medical research, they are also meant to spur younger scientists towards loftier, imaginative goals. Unlike in sport — or even gallantry awards — where it is relatively easier to define a set of benchmarks and confer medals on achievers, scientific research is open ended, circuitous and — as the history of science reveals — punctuated by lucky breaks. It is possible to train talented youth to be Olympians or international cricketers but impossible to create an Einstein or a Chandrasekhar. Almost every Nobel laureate in the modern era has won various secondary prizes and recognition in their early career and every year; there is as much debate on who was omitted as on the person who won. Recognising early career potential will remain fraught with subjectivity and, with fewer awards on offer, could provoke increased discontent. Contrary to the Prime Minister's vision, fewer awards may actually miss many more promising talents and amplify epaulettes to the already decorated. Awards cost ministries money but the meeting did not discuss whether cutting costs was a factor in the rationalisation. As it is unclear what existing problem the new scheme solves, the Centre should reconsider the merits of its proposal.
[Sourced from The Hindu, dated September 29, 2022]
Q. What concern does the passage raise regarding the Centre's proposal to reduce the number of awards?
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.
The Centre has decided that awards, prizes and fellowships by various ministries and departments need a wholesale relook. The Ministry of Home Affairs, which is executing this directive, has moved much beyond its usual remit of awards for police officers and gallantry medals and irrupted into the world of scientific and medical research. India's scientific ministries recently made presentations to the Union Home Secretary, Ajay Bhalla, on awards given to scientists at different stages of their career. They also had to list out which were 'National Awards' and which were funded out of private endowments. Though a final call is yet to be taken, the quorum — and this consisted of the Secretaries, or the heads of each of these ministries — was of the opinion that most awards ought to be done away with and ministries could either retain only some of the National Awards or institute one or two 'high status' awards. The rationale for pruning, Mr. Bhalla has said, follows from a "vision" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding "Transformation of the Awards Ecosystem". In 2018, Mr. Modi had said that his government had modified the system of the Padma awards and ensured it recognised ordinary people doing selfless work rather than well-known personalities who repeatedly bag them. The awards, Mr. Bhalla has said, ought to be restricted, and have a transparent selection process.
Awards and prizes recognise achievement, but in science and medical research, they are also meant to spur younger scientists towards loftier, imaginative goals. Unlike in sport — or even gallantry awards — where it is relatively easier to define a set of benchmarks and confer medals on achievers, scientific research is open ended, circuitous and — as the history of science reveals — punctuated by lucky breaks. It is possible to train talented youth to be Olympians or international cricketers but impossible to create an Einstein or a Chandrasekhar. Almost every Nobel laureate in the modern era has won various secondary prizes and recognition in their early career and every year; there is as much debate on who was omitted as on the person who won. Recognising early career potential will remain fraught with subjectivity and, with fewer awards on offer, could provoke increased discontent. Contrary to the Prime Minister's vision, fewer awards may actually miss many more promising talents and amplify epaulettes to the already decorated. Awards cost ministries money but the meeting did not discuss whether cutting costs was a factor in the rationalisation. As it is unclear what existing problem the new scheme solves, the Centre should reconsider the merits of its proposal.
[Sourced from The Hindu, dated September 29, 2022]
Q. What is the primary reason behind the Centre's decision to reevaluate awards, prizes, and fellowships given by various ministries and departments?
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.
The Centre has decided that awards, prizes and fellowships by various ministries and departments need a wholesale relook. The Ministry of Home Affairs, which is executing this directive, has moved much beyond its usual remit of awards for police officers and gallantry medals and irrupted into the world of scientific and medical research. India's scientific ministries recently made presentations to the Union Home Secretary, Ajay Bhalla, on awards given to scientists at different stages of their career. They also had to list out which were 'National Awards' and which were funded out of private endowments. Though a final call is yet to be taken, the quorum — and this consisted of the Secretaries, or the heads of each of these ministries — was of the opinion that most awards ought to be done away with and ministries could either retain only some of the National Awards or institute one or two 'high status' awards. The rationale for pruning, Mr. Bhalla has said, follows from a "vision" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding "Transformation of the Awards Ecosystem". In 2018, Mr. Modi had said that his government had modified the system of the Padma awards and ensured it recognised ordinary people doing selfless work rather than well-known personalities who repeatedly bag them. The awards, Mr. Bhalla has said, ought to be restricted, and have a transparent selection process.
Awards and prizes recognise achievement, but in science and medical research, they are also meant to spur younger scientists towards loftier, imaginative goals. Unlike in sport — or even gallantry awards — where it is relatively easier to define a set of benchmarks and confer medals on achievers, scientific research is open ended, circuitous and — as the history of science reveals — punctuated by lucky breaks. It is possible to train talented youth to be Olympians or international cricketers but impossible to create an Einstein or a Chandrasekhar. Almost every Nobel laureate in the modern era has won various secondary prizes and recognition in their early career and every year; there is as much debate on who was omitted as on the person who won. Recognising early career potential will remain fraught with subjectivity and, with fewer awards on offer, could provoke increased discontent. Contrary to the Prime Minister's vision, fewer awards may actually miss many more promising talents and amplify epaulettes to the already decorated. Awards cost ministries money but the meeting did not discuss whether cutting costs was a factor in the rationalisation. As it is unclear what existing problem the new scheme solves, the Centre should reconsider the merits of its proposal.
[Sourced from The Hindu, dated September 29, 2022]
Q. From the passage, which of the following statements can be inferred?
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.
The Centre has decided that awards, prizes and fellowships by various ministries and departments need a wholesale relook. The Ministry of Home Affairs, which is executing this directive, has moved much beyond its usual remit of awards for police officers and gallantry medals and irrupted into the world of scientific and medical research. India's scientific ministries recently made presentations to the Union Home Secretary, Ajay Bhalla, on awards given to scientists at different stages of their career. They also had to list out which were 'National Awards' and which were funded out of private endowments. Though a final call is yet to be taken, the quorum — and this consisted of the Secretaries, or the heads of each of these ministries — was of the opinion that most awards ought to be done away with and ministries could either retain only some of the National Awards or institute one or two 'high status' awards. The rationale for pruning, Mr. Bhalla has said, follows from a "vision" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding "Transformation of the Awards Ecosystem". In 2018, Mr. Modi had said that his government had modified the system of the Padma awards and ensured it recognised ordinary people doing selfless work rather than well-known personalities who repeatedly bag them. The awards, Mr. Bhalla has said, ought to be restricted, and have a transparent selection process.
Awards and prizes recognise achievement, but in science and medical research, they are also meant to spur younger scientists towards loftier, imaginative goals. Unlike in sport — or even gallantry awards — where it is relatively easier to define a set of benchmarks and confer medals on achievers, scientific research is open ended, circuitous and — as the history of science reveals — punctuated by lucky breaks. It is possible to train talented youth to be Olympians or international cricketers but impossible to create an Einstein or a Chandrasekhar. Almost every Nobel laureate in the modern era has won various secondary prizes and recognition in their early career and every year; there is as much debate on who was omitted as on the person who won. Recognising early career potential will remain fraught with subjectivity and, with fewer awards on offer, could provoke increased discontent. Contrary to the Prime Minister's vision, fewer awards may actually miss many more promising talents and amplify epaulettes to the already decorated. Awards cost ministries money but the meeting did not discuss whether cutting costs was a factor in the rationalisation. As it is unclear what existing problem the new scheme solves, the Centre should reconsider the merits of its proposal.
[Sourced from The Hindu, dated September 29, 2022]
Q. It might be claimed that the author
Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.
The Centre has decided that awards, prizes and fellowships by various ministries and departments need a wholesale relook. The Ministry of Home Affairs, which is executing this directive, has moved much beyond its usual remit of awards for police officers and gallantry medals and irrupted into the world of scientific and medical research. India's scientific ministries recently made presentations to the Union Home Secretary, Ajay Bhalla, on awards given to scientists at different stages of their career. They also had to list out which were 'National Awards' and which were funded out of private endowments. Though a final call is yet to be taken, the quorum — and this consisted of the Secretaries, or the heads of each of these ministries — was of the opinion that most awards ought to be done away with and ministries could either retain only some of the National Awards or institute one or two 'high status' awards. The rationale for pruning, Mr. Bhalla has said, follows from a "vision" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding "Transformation of the Awards Ecosystem". In 2018, Mr. Modi had said that his government had modified the system of the Padma awards and ensured it recognised ordinary people doing selfless work rather than well-known personalities who repeatedly bag them. The awards, Mr. Bhalla has said, ought to be restricted, and have a transparent selection process.
Awards and prizes recognise achievement, but in science and medical research, they are also meant to spur younger scientists towards loftier, imaginative goals. Unlike in sport — or even gallantry awards — where it is relatively easier to define a set of benchmarks and confer medals on achievers, scientific research is open ended, circuitous and — as the history of science reveals — punctuated by lucky breaks. It is possible to train talented youth to be Olympians or international cricketers but impossible to create an Einstein or a Chandrasekhar. Almost every Nobel laureate in the modern era has won various secondary prizes and recognition in their early career and every year; there is as much debate on who was omitted as on the person who won. Recognising early career potential will remain fraught with subjectivity and, with fewer awards on offer, could provoke increased discontent. Contrary to the Prime Minister's vision, fewer awards may actually miss many more promising talents and amplify epaulettes to the already decorated. Awards cost ministries money but the meeting did not discuss whether cutting costs was a factor in the rationalisation. As it is unclear what existing problem the new scheme solves, the Centre should reconsider the merits of its proposal.
[Sourced from The Hindu, dated September 29, 2022]
Q. Which of the following describes how the passage ends?
Directions: Study the following information carefully answer the question given beside.
Within hours of the National Council of Educational Research and Training’s (NCERT) decision to remove a chapter on the Mughals from the history textbooks for Class XII students, noted historians of the country issued a statement, denouncing the deletions.It all started with Babur when he defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in ‘[1]’ and went on to capture all of North India in his brief reign of four years. Babur’s victory was to usher in a prolonged period of political stability for the next nearly 200 years. His grandson Akbar ruled for almost 50 years, as did Akbar’s great-grandson ‘[2]’ while his son Jahangir and Shah Jahan ruled for over 20 years each, making sure there was consistency in state policy and the development of the empire was unimpeded. Their influence gradually reduced from 1707 onwards, and the last Mughal, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was only a symbolic leader of the Revolt of 1857. However, in this symbolism lay a message; common Indians, as evidenced by the sipahis’ uprising, considered Mughals to be their kings; hence the leadership role to Zafar.
[Extracted, with edits and revisions, from: “The Mughals | Empire-builders of medieval India, by Ziya us Slam”, The Hindu]
Q. Which of the following tombs is located outside of India?
Directions: Study the following information carefully answer the question given beside.
Within hours of the National Council of Educational Research and Training’s (NCERT) decision to remove a chapter on the Mughals from the history textbooks for Class XII students, noted historians of the country issued a statement, denouncing the deletions.It all started with Babur when he defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in ‘[1]’ and went on to capture all of North India in his brief reign of four years. Babur’s victory was to usher in a prolonged period of political stability for the next nearly 200 years. His grandson Akbar ruled for almost 50 years, as did Akbar’s great-grandson ‘[2]’ while his son Jahangir and Shah Jahan ruled for over 20 years each, making sure there was consistency in state policy and the development of the empire was unimpeded. Their influence gradually reduced from 1707 onwards, and the last Mughal, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was only a symbolic leader of the Revolt of 1857. However, in this symbolism lay a message; common Indians, as evidenced by the sipahis’ uprising, considered Mughals to be their kings; hence the leadership role to Zafar.[Extracted, with edits and revisions, from: “The Mughals | Empire-builders of medieval India, by Ziya us Slam”, The Hindu]
Q. The Mughal rulers of medieval India belonged to the:
Directions: Study the following information carefully answer the question given beside.
Within hours of the National Council of Educational Research and Training’s (NCERT) decision to remove a chapter on the Mughals from the history textbooks for Class XII students, noted historians of the country issued a statement, denouncing the deletions.It all started with Babur when he defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in ‘[1]’ and went on to capture all of North India in his brief reign of four years. Babur’s victory was to usher in a prolonged period of political stability for the next nearly 200 years. His grandson Akbar ruled for almost 50 years, as did Akbar’s great-grandson ‘[2]’ while his son Jahangir and Shah Jahan ruled for over 20 years each, making sure there was consistency in state policy and the development of the empire was unimpeded. Their influence gradually reduced from 1707 onwards, and the last Mughal, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was only a symbolic leader of the Revolt of 1857. However, in this symbolism lay a message; common Indians, as evidenced by the sipahis’ uprising, considered Mughals to be their kings; hence the leadership role to Zafar.[Extracted, with edits and revisions, from: “The Mughals | Empire-builders of medieval India, by Ziya us Slam”, The Hindu]
Q. Which year in the previous passage has been changed to '[1]'?
Directions: Study the following information carefully answer the question given beside.
Within hours of the National Council of Educational Research and Training’s (NCERT) decision to remove a chapter on the Mughals from the history textbooks for Class XII students, noted historians of the country issued a statement, denouncing the deletions.It all started with Babur when he defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in ‘[1]’ and went on to capture all of North India in his brief reign of four years. Babur’s victory was to usher in a prolonged period of political stability for the next nearly 200 years. His grandson Akbar ruled for almost 50 years, as did Akbar’s great-grandson ‘[2]’ while his son Jahangir and Shah Jahan ruled for over 20 years each, making sure there was consistency in state policy and the development of the empire was unimpeded. Their influence gradually reduced from 1707 onwards, and the last Mughal, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was only a symbolic leader of the Revolt of 1857. However, in this symbolism lay a message; common Indians, as evidenced by the sipahis’ uprising, considered Mughals to be their kings; hence the leadership role to Zafar.
[Extracted, with edits and revisions, from: “The Mughals | Empire-builders of medieval India, by Ziya us Slam”, The Hindu]
Q. Who was the last Mughal ruler, known for his symbolic leadership during the Revolt of 1857?
Directions: Study the following information carefully answer the question given beside.
Within hours of the National Council of Educational Research and Training’s (NCERT) decision to remove a chapter on the Mughals from the history textbooks for Class XII students, noted historians of the country issued a statement, denouncing the deletions.It all started with Babur when he defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in ‘[1]’ and went on to capture all of North India in his brief reign of four years. Babur’s victory was to usher in a prolonged period of political stability for the next nearly 200 years. His grandson Akbar ruled for almost 50 years, as did Akbar’s great-grandson ‘[2]’ while his son Jahangir and Shah Jahan ruled for over 20 years each, making sure there was consistency in state policy and the development of the empire was unimpeded. Their influence gradually reduced from 1707 onwards, and the last Mughal, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was only a symbolic leader of the Revolt of 1857. However, in this symbolism lay a message; common Indians, as evidenced by the sipahis’ uprising, considered Mughals to be their kings; hence the leadership role to Zafar.
[Extracted, with edits and revisions, from: “The Mughals | Empire-builders of medieval India, by Ziya us Slam”, The Hindu]
Q. Which Mughal ruler's victory in the First Battle of Panipat is mentioned as the starting point of Mughal rule in North India?