Directions (1-5): In each of the given questions a statement is given in bold which is then followed by three paragraphs. You have to find the paragraph(s) from where it is inferred. Choose the option with the best possible outcome as your choice.
Q1. Targeting risk factors is key to reducing deaths due to cardiovascular diseases
(I) While most of the predominant risk factors for cardiovascular disease present no startling medical revelation, it is significant that the single largest risk factor is a low education level. Any plans that target the risk factors and prevent the onset of non-communicable diseases will clearly have to be truly game-changing and incorporate the environmental angle as well.
(II) A great amount of out-of-pocket expenditure (according to Health Ministry data for 2014-15, nearly 62.6 % of India’s total health expenditure) often frustrates continuation of treatment or adherence to drug regimens. While some States have shown limited successes with government-sponsored health insurance schemes, the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat Yojana will have to take much of the burden of hospitalization for complications of non-communicable diseases.
(III) The 24-week-long hospital-based, multi-centric randomised and controlled pilot trial was conducted at seven sites – six in Tamil Nadu and one in Karnataka, on 116 men and 84 women who were on more than two oral hypoglycemic agents with inadequate glycemic control (HbA1c of between 7.5% and 10.5%).
(a) Only [I]
(b) Only [II]
(c) Only [III]
(d) Both [I] & [III]
(e) None of these
Q2. A wider direct tax base is good news — but the share of direct taxes in the total is still low
(I) The steps taken by the Union government over the last few years to widen its tax base may finally be yielding some rewards. The total number of tax returns filed in the country increased by over 80% over the last four financial years, according to data released by the Central Board of Direct Taxes on Monday: from 3.79 crores in 2013-14 to 6.85 crores in 2017-18. But the contribution of direct taxes to the total amount of taxes collected by the government, which is currently 52.29%, is still below what it was when Narendra Modi became Prime Minister.
(II) Amidst increasing global tax competition, India is likely to face pressure to bring down corporate tax rates if it wants to maintain its stature as an attractive investment destination. Efforts to draft a new direct tax code, however, are yet to yield fruit due to bureaucratic delays. The government will do well to address this issue.
(III) The real GDP growth as well as the real GDP growth rate are derived from the nominal GDP data by removing the effect of inflation. So, if nominal GDP growth in a particular year is 12% and inflation is 4%, then the real GDP growth will be 8%.
(a) Only [I]
(b) Only [II]
(c) Only [III]
(d) Both [I] & [III]
(e) None of these
Q3. Russia could be imagining a greater role for itself in reshaping the region’s geopolitics
(I) Renowned for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, Gandhi, affectionately called the “Father of the Nation,” led India to independence through peaceful civil disobedience. His teachings on truth, nonviolence, and simplicity inspired millions worldwide. Gandhi’s commitment to social justice extended beyond political realms, advocating for harmony between different religious and ethnic communities.
(II) Mahatma Gandhi’s influence reached far beyond his role in India’s struggle for freedom. His philosophy of nonviolence, or “Satyagraha,” not only inspired other civil rights movements but also laid the foundation for the broader concept of peaceful resistance. Gandhi’s commitment to truth and justice influenced leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
(III) In substance and without ruffling Beijing’s feathers, Russia is already shaping the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific. Having been reassured that India is not band -wagoning with the U.S. and genuinely believes in open and inclusive security and order building ideas, Russia could now begin the process of imagining a role in the Indo-Pacific that brings its vast diplomatic experience and strategic heft into the open.
(a) Only [I]
(b) Only [II]
(c) Only [III]
(d) Both [I] & [III]
(e) None of these
Q4. A close reading of UAPA Tribunal orders shows how fundamental principles of fair procedure are being given a miss
(I) In allowing the government vast amounts of leeway in proving its case, tribunals depart from some of the most fundamental principles of fair procedure and act as little more than judicial rubber stamps. And this is made starkly evident by a recent UAPA Tribunal Order (issued on August 23, 2019) confirming the government’s ban on the Jamaat-e-Islami, Jammu, and Kashmir (“JeI, J&K”).
(II) Last month, amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (“UAPA”), India’s signature anti-terrorism legislation, allowing the central government to designate individuals as “terrorists”, caused a furor. Critics warned that vesting such sweeping powers in the hands of the political executive would prove to be a recipe for abuse, and for political and social persecution.
(III) Fiscal deficit is the most-watched variable, because if a government borrows more, it leaves a smaller pool of money for the private sector to borrow from. That, in turn, leads to higher interest rates, thus disincentivising borrowings by the private sector and further dragging down economic activity in the form of lower consumption and production.
(a) Only [I]
(b) Only [II]
(c) Only [III]
(d) Both [I] & [III]
(e) None of these
Q5. Disaster management plans must be prioritized
(I) The Minister said the country has stocks of 70 lakh tonnes of urea, 20 lakh tonnes of Di Ammonium Phosphate, 10 lakh tonnes of Muriate of Potash, 40 lakh tonnes of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and 20 lakh tonnes of single super phosphate at present. When asked about the subsidy, he said it is likely to come down and is estimated at around ₹1.7-1.8 lakh crore.
(II) With successfully exporting a trial shipment of fresh bananas to the Netherlands through sea route, India is now aiming to increase exports of this fruit to $1 billion in the next five years, an official said. At present, exports of most of the fruits from India are happening by air route because of lower volumes and different ripening periods
(III) In the face of such danger, India is not doing enough to boost its coastal and inland defences. It also needs to do more to build resilience in the sectors of agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, energy, transport, health, and education. The priority for spending at the national and State levels for disaster management needs to rise. Adequate resources must also be allocated for implementing climate action plans that most States have now prepared.
(a) Only [I]
(b) Only [II]
(c) Only [III]
(d) Both [I] & [III]
(e) None of these
Solutions:
S1. Ans. (a)
Sol. Here, paragraph (I) deduces the given statement quite well. Other options do not have any relevance with the given sentence.
S2. Ans. (a)
Sol. Here, the paragraph (I) clearly deduces the given statement. Other options are either out of context or they don’t contain complete information about the given statement.
S3. Ans. (c)
Sol. Here, paragraph (III) deduces the given statement. Other options do not fit the context of the statement.
S4. Ans. (a)
Sol. Here, paragraph (I) deduces the given statement clearly. Other options are out of context.
S5. Ans. (c)
Sol. Paragraph (III) justifies the given statement. Rest of the options do not contain proper information regarding the same.
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