Directions (1-10): Read the following passage carefully and answer
the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold
to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
the questions given below it. Certain words/phrases have been printed in bold
to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
Despite the economic crunch worldwide that saw pulverization of some of
the largest banking and finance giants, Indian banking houses have managed to
show positive growth this quarter. Some of India’s leading national banks have
posted a net profit rise of more than 40% over the last quarter amid global turmoil.
This would come as a big shot in the arm for the investors and consumers
of these banks even though apprehension is mounting on other banking and
broking firms worldwide. One of the main reasons behind the success of these
banks this quarter, would be their direct backing by the Government of India.
People take solace in their investments in public sector watching the bailout
packages being cashed out by governments all over the world to save big business
houses.
Other private banks in India have also reported a substantial net
profit over the last quarter. Given the internal and domestic scenario, one
cannot put this down as a mundane achievement. While others are on a
cost-cutting spree and firing employees, Indian companies are actually working
on boosting staffing in banking and broking sector. This can be seen as a big
boon in the days to come when the current recession eases and the economy
gradually comes back on to the fast track. The finance minister has assured
Indian public about the sound health of all Indian banks. This could also be
evident from the fact that there have been no mergers and takeovers in Indian
banking sector in a contrast to world scenario where finance houses are looking
for mergers to cut costs on operations. We definitely are not looking to thrive;
rather we are looking for growth. It is just that the pace of growth is a
little slow now as compared to a year or two before. These are hard times to
test the hard. The weak in business and career will be weeded out and it is
sometimes very beneficial for business in the long run.
profit over the last quarter. Given the internal and domestic scenario, one
cannot put this down as a mundane achievement. While others are on a
cost-cutting spree and firing employees, Indian companies are actually working
on boosting staffing in banking and broking sector. This can be seen as a big
boon in the days to come when the current recession eases and the economy
gradually comes back on to the fast track. The finance minister has assured
Indian public about the sound health of all Indian banks. This could also be
evident from the fact that there have been no mergers and takeovers in Indian
banking sector in a contrast to world scenario where finance houses are looking
for mergers to cut costs on operations. We definitely are not looking to thrive;
rather we are looking for growth. It is just that the pace of growth is a
little slow now as compared to a year or two before. These are hard times to
test the hard. The weak in business and career will be weeded out and it is
sometimes very beneficial for business in the long run.
Q1. What, according to the author, is the reason for the success
of Indian national banks in this quarter?
of Indian national banks in this quarter?
(a) Indian
national banks do not have any commitments in troubled foreign markets.
national banks do not have any commitments in troubled foreign markets.
(b) These
banks can never face financial crisis because of their sheer size.
banks can never face financial crisis because of their sheer size.
(c) These
banks are ready to give loans at a very low rate of interest.
banks are ready to give loans at a very low rate of interest.
(d) The
public is ready to invest in these banks because of the knowledge that these
banks get strong support from the Government.
public is ready to invest in these banks because of the knowledge that these
banks get strong support from the Government.
(e) None of
these
these
Q2. What
does the phrase ‘shot in the arm’ as used in the passage mean?
does the phrase ‘shot in the arm’ as used in the passage mean?
(a) Shock
(b) Fear
(c) Encouragement
(d) Anxiety
(e) None of
these
these
Q3. How,
according to the author, is the current recession beneficial?
according to the author, is the current recession beneficial?
(a)
Worldwide companies have realized that India is a strong power to reckon with.
Worldwide companies have realized that India is a strong power to reckon with.
(b) India is
surging ahead of the other Companies throughout the world.
surging ahead of the other Companies throughout the world.
(c) After
the recession is over international companies will turn to India for
investment.
the recession is over international companies will turn to India for
investment.
(d) Recession
is bringing down the prices of essential commodities.
is bringing down the prices of essential commodities.
(e) None of
these
these
Q4. What, according to the author, will be a big boon in the days to come?
(a) The
economy coming back on the fast track
economy coming back on the fast track
(b) The
slowing down of the economy
slowing down of the economy
(c) Increased
hiring in Indian financial sector in times of economic slowdown
hiring in Indian financial sector in times of economic slowdown
(d) The cost
cutting carried out by all the companies
cutting carried out by all the companies
(e) None of
these
these
Q5. Which of
the following statements is/are definitely true in the context of the passage?
the following statements is/are definitely true in the context of the passage?
(A) India
has not been affected by the economic slowdown.
has not been affected by the economic slowdown.
(B) India
banks are showing growth in this quarter despite the recession.
banks are showing growth in this quarter despite the recession.
(C) While
banking industry in the West was severely affected by recession in the past, it
is now gradually recovering and showing a positive growth.
banking industry in the West was severely affected by recession in the past, it
is now gradually recovering and showing a positive growth.
(a) Only (A)
(b) Only (B)
(c) Only (C)
(d) Only (A)
and (B)
and (B)
(e) Only (B)
and (C)
and (C)
Q6. Which of
the following strengthens the finance minister’s statement about the sound
health of Indian banks with respect to the passage?
the following strengthens the finance minister’s statement about the sound
health of Indian banks with respect to the passage?
(A) There
have been no acquisitions and mergers of Indian banks.
have been no acquisitions and mergers of Indian banks.
(B) The
Indian banks are recording a positive growth.
Indian banks are recording a positive growth.
(C) Layoffs
have been observed worldwide.
have been observed worldwide.
(a) Only (A)
and (B)
and (B)
(b) Only (A)
and (C)
and (C)
(c) Only (A)
(d) Only (B)
(e) All (A),
(B) and (C)
(B) and (C)
Directions
(7-8): Choose the word/group of words which is most similar in meaning to the
word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.
(7-8): Choose the word/group of words which is most similar in meaning to the
word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.
Q7. TURMOIL
(a) danger
(b) shock
(c) sadness
(d) fear
(e) chaos
Q8. PULVERIZATION
(a)
polarisation
polarisation
(b) mashing
(c) debasement
(d) fall
(e) crushing
Directions
(9-10): Choose the word/group of words which is most opposite in meaning of the
word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.
(9-10): Choose the word/group of words which is most opposite in meaning of the
word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.
Q9. THRIVE
(a) succeed
(b) deteriorate
(c) worry
(d) tremble
(e) strive
Q10. MUNDANE
(a)
extraordinary
extraordinary
(b) regular
(c) severe
(d) visionary
(e) routine
Directions (11-15): Read the
following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain
words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering
some of the questions.
following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain
words/phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering
some of the questions.
Modern
bio-technology, especially the creation of genetically modified crops, is often
presented as a magic solution or universal panacea for the problems of poverty,
inadequate nutrition and even environmental degradation across the world.
Conversely, there are people who present the picture of tech-generated monsters
and major human health hazards being created by science. Many of the
technological changes currently in the process of being utilized in agriculture
can have unforeseen consequences, and their safety and future viability are far
from secure.
bio-technology, especially the creation of genetically modified crops, is often
presented as a magic solution or universal panacea for the problems of poverty,
inadequate nutrition and even environmental degradation across the world.
Conversely, there are people who present the picture of tech-generated monsters
and major human health hazards being created by science. Many of the
technological changes currently in the process of being utilized in agriculture
can have unforeseen consequences, and their safety and future viability are far
from secure.
The
reality, as always, is far more complex than either of these two extremes. Even
today the total food production in the world is adequate to feed the hungry of
the world; the problem is rather one of unequal distribution, which deprives a
large part of the population of even their minimal nutritional requirements.
Similarly, farmers, especially in developing countries, face many problems such
as lack of infrastructure, poor or unstable market access, volatile
input and output prices etc that biotechnology does not address, much less
solve.
reality, as always, is far more complex than either of these two extremes. Even
today the total food production in the world is adequate to feed the hungry of
the world; the problem is rather one of unequal distribution, which deprives a
large part of the population of even their minimal nutritional requirements.
Similarly, farmers, especially in developing countries, face many problems such
as lack of infrastructure, poor or unstable market access, volatile
input and output prices etc that biotechnology does not address, much less
solve.
It is
true that transgenic plants can offer a range of benefits which are above and
beyond those which emerged from more traditional innovations in cultivation. It
is suggested that such new technology offers more effective pest resistance of
seeds and crops through genetic control mechanisms, which also reduces the need
for pesticide use and leads to improved yield. A basic question, of course, is
whether the new GM technology is safe, and whether this is absolutely crucial
since the effects may only be known much later. The jury is still very much out
on this matter, and the controversy does not appear to be resolved quickly.
true that transgenic plants can offer a range of benefits which are above and
beyond those which emerged from more traditional innovations in cultivation. It
is suggested that such new technology offers more effective pest resistance of
seeds and crops through genetic control mechanisms, which also reduces the need
for pesticide use and leads to improved yield. A basic question, of course, is
whether the new GM technology is safe, and whether this is absolutely crucial
since the effects may only be known much later. The jury is still very much out
on this matter, and the controversy does not appear to be resolved quickly.
The
trouble is that most governments in developing countries have relatively low
food and beverage regulatory standards, and public systems for monitoring and
surveillance of such items are poor or non-existent. This leaves them open
for entry and even dumping of a range of agricultural products of the new
technology, which may not pass regulatory standards in the more developed
countries.
trouble is that most governments in developing countries have relatively low
food and beverage regulatory standards, and public systems for monitoring and
surveillance of such items are poor or non-existent. This leaves them open
for entry and even dumping of a range of agricultural products of the new
technology, which may not pass regulatory standards in the more developed
countries.
Q11. Which
of the following is true in the context of the passage?
of the following is true in the context of the passage?
(a)
Genetically modified crops have been universally recognized as a solution to
poverty and environmental degradation.
Genetically modified crops have been universally recognized as a solution to
poverty and environmental degradation.
(b) The only
way to improve the deficit in food requirement and food production in the world
is adapting genetically modified crops.
way to improve the deficit in food requirement and food production in the world
is adapting genetically modified crops.
(c) Genetically
modified crops produce more yield as compared to yield from the traditional
methods
modified crops produce more yield as compared to yield from the traditional
methods
(d) Taking
advantage of absence of regulatory standards, scientists have been dumping new
products in the markets without appropriate approval.
advantage of absence of regulatory standards, scientists have been dumping new
products in the markets without appropriate approval.
(e) None is
true
true
Q12. Choose
the word/group of words which is most similar in meaning to OPEN
printed in bold as used in the passage.
the word/group of words which is most similar in meaning to OPEN
printed in bold as used in the passage.
(a)
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
(b) Capable
(c) Threatened
(d)
Uncertain
Uncertain
(e) Weak
Q13. Choose
the word/group of words which is most opposite in meaning to VOLATILE
printed in bold as used in the passage.
the word/group of words which is most opposite in meaning to VOLATILE
printed in bold as used in the passage.
(a)
Never-ending
Never-ending
(b) Meagre
(c) Valuable
(d)
Irreversible
Irreversible
(e) Stable
Q14. The
author of the given passage seems to be definitely
author of the given passage seems to be definitely
(a)
suggesting the use of traditional methods of agriculture as against
bio-technology by developing countries owing to their poor regulatory standards
suggesting the use of traditional methods of agriculture as against
bio-technology by developing countries owing to their poor regulatory standards
(b) in
favour of utilizing bio-technology as a tool for alleviation of poverty in the
world.
favour of utilizing bio-technology as a tool for alleviation of poverty in the
world.
(c) urging
the policy makers to improve infrastructural facilities so that farmers can
maximize the benefits of genetically modified crops
the policy makers to improve infrastructural facilities so that farmers can
maximize the benefits of genetically modified crops
(d) unconvinced
of the long-term effects and rationale for immediate requirement of genetically
modified products.
of the long-term effects and rationale for immediate requirement of genetically
modified products.
(e) None of
these
these
Q15. Why,
according to the author, is genetic modification of crops not an answer to the
problem of hunger in the world?
according to the author, is genetic modification of crops not an answer to the
problem of hunger in the world?
(A) People
being highly doubtful of the long-term effects of genetically modified crops,
do not buy the products grown by such methods.
being highly doubtful of the long-term effects of genetically modified crops,
do not buy the products grown by such methods.
(B) The
problem of hunger in the world is not due to inadequate production of food but
due to unequal distribution of it.
problem of hunger in the world is not due to inadequate production of food but
due to unequal distribution of it.
(C) Many
developing countries have banned genetically modified products as developed
countries have been using these countries as dumping grounds for new
genetically modified products.
developing countries have banned genetically modified products as developed
countries have been using these countries as dumping grounds for new
genetically modified products.
(a) Only A
(b) Only B
(c) Both B
and C
and C
(d) Both A
and C
and C
(e) None of
these
these
Solutions
S1. Ans.(d)
Sol. The public is ready to invest in
these banks because of the knowledge that these banks get strong support from
the Government.
these banks because of the knowledge that these banks get strong support from
the Government.
S2. Ans.(c)
Sol. shot in the arm definition. Something that boosts one’s spirits:
S3. Ans.(e)
Sol. None of these
S4. Ans.(c)
Sol. Increased hiring in Indian
financial sector in times of economic slowdown
financial sector in times of economic slowdown
S5. Ans.(b)
Sol. India banks are showing growth in
this quarter despite the recession.
this quarter despite the recession.
S6. Ans.(a)
Sol. Only (A) and (B)
S7. Ans.(e)
Sol. TURMOIL-a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
S8. Ans.(e)
Sol. pulverization-To pound, crush, or grind to a powder or dust.
S9. Ans.(b)
Sol. thrive-(of a child, animal, or plant) grow or develop well or vigorously.
S10. Ans.(a)
Sol. mundane-lacking interest or
excitement; dull.
excitement; dull.
S11. Ans.(c)
Sol. Genetically
modified crops produce more yield as compared to yield from the traditional
methods
modified crops produce more yield as compared to yield from the traditional
methods
S12. Ans.(a)
Sol. vulnerable-exposed to the
possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
S13. Ans.(e)
Sol. VOLATILE-liable to change rapidly
and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
S14. Ans.(d)
Sol. unconvinced
of the long-term effects and rationale for immediate requirement of genetically
modified products.
of the long-term effects and rationale for immediate requirement of genetically
modified products.
S15. Ans.(b)
Sol. The problem
of hunger in the world is not due to inadequate production of food but due to
unequal distribution of it.
of hunger in the world is not due to inadequate production of food but due to
unequal distribution of it.
