Assumption

Passage-1 burden of becoming eco-friendly. Delhi, for example, can help

Many people in India feel that if we cut our defence by generating its own clean electricity using solar rooftop
expenditure on weapon-building, we can create a climate of panels or even help poor States finance their clean energy
peace with our neighbours, subsequently reducing the projects. It is no secret that State Electricity Boards, which
conflict or creating a no-war situation. People who proclaim control 95% of the distribution network, are neck-deep in
such ideas are either the victims of war or the propagators of losses. These losses further discourage State utilities from
false argument. adopting renewable energy as it is more expensive than fossil
1. With reference to the above passage, which of the fuels.
following is the most valid assumption? [2015] 3. Which among the following is the most logical and
(a) Building of weapons system by us has instigated our rational assumption the can be made from the above
neighbours to wage wars against us. passage?[2015]
(b) The spending greater on weapon-building by us would (a) The richer States must lead in the production and
lessen the possibility of armed conflict with our neighbours. adoption of renewable energy.
(c) It is necessary to have state of the art weapons systems (b) The poor States always have to depend on rich States for
for national security. electricity.
(d) Many people in India believe that we are wasting our (c) The State Electricity Boards can improve their finances by
resources weapon-building. undertaking clean energy projects.
(d) The high economic disparity between the rich and poor
Passage-2 States is the major cause of high carbon emissions in India.
Foods travel more than the people who eat them. Grocery
stores and supermarkets are loaded with preserved and Passage-4
processed foods. This, however, often leads to environmental Our municipal corporations are understaffed. The issue of
threats, such as pollution generated by long distance food skills and competencies of the staff poses an even greater
transportation and wastage of food during processing and challenge. Urban services delivery and infrastructure are
transportation, destruction of rain forests, reduced complex to plan and execute. They require a high degree of
nutritional content, increased demand for preservation and specialization and professionalism. The current framework
packaging. Food insecurity also increases as the produce within which municipal employees, including senior
comes from regions that are not feeding their own management, are recruited does not adequately factor in the
population properly. technical and managerial competencies required. Cadre and
2. With reference to the above passage, which of the recruitment rules only specify the bare minimum in academic
following statements is/are true?[2015] qualifications. There is no mention of managerial or technical
1.Consuming regionally grown food and not depending on competencies, or of relevant work experience. This is the
long travelled food is a part of eco-friendly behaviour. case with most municipal corporations. They also suffer from
2. Food processing industry puts a burden on our natural weak organisation design and structure.
resources. 4. Which among the following is the most logical and
Select the correct answer using the code given below: rational assumption that can be made from the above
(a) 1 only passage?[2015]
(b) 2 only (a) The task of providing urban services is a complex issue
(c) Beth 1 and 2 which requires the organisational expansion of municipal
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 bodies all over the country.
(b) Our cities can provide better quality of life if our Iocal
Passage-3 government bodies have adequate staff with required skills
The richer States have a responsibility to cut down carbon and competencies.
emissions and promote clean energy investments. These are (c) Lack of skilled staff is due to the absence of institutions
the States that got electricity, grew faster and now have high which offer the requisite skills in city management.
per capita income, making them capable of sharing India's
 Assumption
(d) Our country is not taking advantage of the demographic which minimise, if not prevent, the abuse of discretionary
dividend to manage the problems associated with rapid power. Government work must be conducted within a
urbanization. framework of recognised rules and principles, and decisions
should be similar and predictable.
Passage-5 6.Which among the following is the most logical assumption
Individuals, groups and leaders who promote human that can be made from the above passage?[2015]
development operate under strong institutional, structural (a) Government should always be given wide discretionary
and political constraints that affect policy options. But power in all matters of administration.
experience suggests broad principles for shaping an (b) The supremacy of rules and safeguards should prevail as
appropriate agenda for human development. One important opposed to the influence of exclusive discretion of authority.
finding from several decades of human development (c) Parliamentary democracy is possible only if the
experience is that focusing exclusively on economic growth is Government has wider discretionary power.
problematic. While we have good knowledge about how to (d) None of the above statements is a logical assumption that
advance health and education, the causes of growth are can be made from this passage
much less certain and growth is often elusive. Further, an
unbalanced emphasis on growth is often associated with Passage-7
negative environmental consequences and adverse Accountability, or the lack of it, in governance generally, and
distributional effects. The experience of China, with its civil services, in particular, is a major factor underlying the
impressive growth record, reflects these broader concerns deficiencies in governance and public administration.
and underlines the importance of balanced approaches that Designing an effective framework for accountability has been
emphasize investments in the non-income aspects of human a key element of the reform agenda. A fundamental issue is
development. whether civil services should be accountable to the political
5. With reference to the above passage, the following executive of the day or to society at large. In other words,
assumptions have been made:[2015] how should internal and external accountability be reconciled
1. Higher economic growth is essential to ensure reduction in Internal accountability is sought to be achieved by internal
economic disparity. performance monitoring, official supervision by bodies like
2. Environmental degradation is sometimes a consequence of the Central Vigilance Commission and Comptroller and
economic growth. Auditor General, and judicial review of executive decisions.
Which of the above assumption/assumptions? is/are valid Articles 311 and 312 of the Indian Constitution provide job
(a) 1 only security and safeguards to the civil services, especially the All
(b) 2 only India Services. The framers of the Constitution had envisaged
(c) Both 1 and 2 that provision of these safeguards would result in a civil
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 service that is not totally subservient to the political executive
but will have the strength to function in larger public interest.
Passage-6 The need to balance internal and external accountability is
Governments may have to take steps which would otherwise thus built into the Constitution. The issue is where to draw
be an infringement on the Fundamental Rights of individuals, the line. Over the years, the emphasis seems to have tilted in
such as acquiring a person's land against his will, or refusing favour of greater internal accountability of the civil services
permission for putting up a building, but the larger public to the political leaders of the day who in turn are expected to
interest for which these are done must be authorized by the be externally accountable to the society at large through the
people (Parliament). Discretionary powers to the election process. This system for seeking accountability to
administration can be done away with. It is becoming more society has not worked out, and has led to several adverse
and more difficult to keep this power within limits as the consequences for governance.
government has many numbers of tasks to perform. Where Some special measures can be considered for improving
discretion has to be used, there must be rules and safeguards accountability in civil services. Provisions of articles 311 and
to prevent misuse of that power. Systems have to be devised 312 should be reviewed and laws and regulations framed to
 Assumption
ensure external accountability of civil services. The proposed (c) 1 and 3 only
Civil Services Bill seeks to address some of these (d) 1, 2 and 3
requirements. The respective roles of professional civil
services and the political executive should be defined so that Passage-9
professional managerial functions and management of civil Biomass as fuel for power, heat, and transport has the
services are depoliticized. For this purpose, effective highest mitigation potential of all renewable sources. It
statutory civil service boards should be created at the centre comes from agriculture and forest residues as well as from
and in the states. Decentralization and devolution of energy crops. The biggest challenge in using biomass residues
authority to bring government and decision making closer to is a long-term reliable supply delivered to the power plant at
the people also helps to enhance accountability. reasonable costs; the key problems are logistical constraints
7. With reference to the passage, the following assumptions and the costs of fuel collection. Energy crops, if not managed
have been made:[2016] properly, compete with food production and may have
1. Political executive is an obstacle to the accountability of undesirable impacts on food prices. Biomass production is
the civil services to the society. also sensitive to the physical impacts of a changing climate.
2. In the present framework of Indian polity, the political Projections of the future role of biomass are probably
executive is no longer accountable to the society. overestimated, given the limits to the sustainable biomass
Which of these assumptions is/are valid? supply, unless breakthrough technologies substantially
(a) I only increase productivity. Climate-energy models project that
(b) 2 only biomass use could increase nearly four-fold to around 150-
(c) Both 1 and 2 200 exajoules, almost a quarter of world primary energy in
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 2050. However the maximum sustainable technical potential
of biomass resources (both residues and energy crops)
Passage-8 without disruption of food and forest resources ranges from
In general, religious traditions stress our duty to god, or to 80-170 exajoules a year by 2050, and only part of this is
some universal ethical principle. Our duties to one another realistically and economically feasible. In addition, some
derive from these. The religious concept of rights is primarily climate models rely on biomass-based carbon capture and
derived from our relationship to this divinity or principle and storage, an unproven technology, to achieve negative
the implication it has on our other relationships. This emissions and to buy some time during the first half of the
correspondence between rights and duties is critical to any century. Some liquid biofuels such as corn-based ethanol,
further understanding of justice. But, for justice to be mainly for transport, may aggravate rather than ameliorate
practiced; virtue, rights and duties cannot remain formal carbon emissions on a life-cycle basis. Second generation
abstractions. They must be grounded in a community biofuels, based on ligno-cellulosic feed stocks such as straw,
(common unity) bound together by a sense of common union biogas, grass and wood hold the promise of sustainable
(communion). Even as a personal virtue, this solidarity is production that is high-yielding and emit low levels of
essential to the practice and understanding of justice. greenhouse gases, but these are still in the R & D stage.
8. With reference to the passage, the following assumptions 9. With reference to the passage, following assumptions
have been made:[2016] have been made:[2016]
1. Human relationships are derived from their religious 1. Some climate-energy models suggest that the use of
traditions biomass as a fuel for power generation helps in mitigating
2. Human beings can be duty bound only if they believe in greenhouse gas emissions
god 2. It is not possible to use biomass as a fuel for power
3. Religious traditions are essential to practice and generation without disrupting food and forest resources
understand justice Which of these assumptions is/are valid?
Which of these assumption(s) is/are valid? (a) 1 only
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
 Assumption
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Passage-10 Passage-12
All humans digest mother's milk as infants, but until cattle There is more than a modicum of truth in the assertion that
began being domesticated 10,000 years ago, children once "a working knowledge of ancient history is necessary to the
weaned no longer needed to digest milk. As a result, they intelligent interpretation of current events". But the sage
stopped making the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the who uttered these words of wisdom might well have added
sugar lactose into simple sugars. After humans began herding something on the benefits of studying particularly the famous
cattle, it became tremendously advantageous to digest milk, battles of history for the lessons they contain for those of us
and lactose tolerance evolved independently among cattle who lead or aspire to leadership. Such a study will reveal
herders in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Groups not certain qualities and attributes which enabled the winners to
dependant on cattle, such as the Chinese and Thai, remain win-and certain deficiencies which caused the losers to lose.
lactose intolerant. And the student will see that the same pattern recurs
10. Which among the following is the most logical consistently, again throughout the centuries
assumption that can be made from the above 12. With reference to the above passage, the following
passage?[2016] assumptions have been made:[2017]
(a) About 10,000 years ago, the domestication of animals 1. A study of the famous battles of history would help us
took place in some parts of the world understand the modern warfare.
(b) A permanent change in the food habits of a community 2. Studying the history is essential for anyone who aspires to
can bring about a genetic change in its members be a leader.
(c) Lactose tolerant people only are capable of getting simple Which of these assumptions is/are valid?
sugars in their bodies (a) 1 only
(d) People who are not lactose tolerant cannot digest any (b) 2 only
dairy product (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Passage-11
The greatest blessing that technological progress has in store Passage-13
for mankind is not, of course, an accumulation of material An innovative India will be inclusive as well as technologically
possessions. The amount of these that can be effectively advanced, improving the lives of all Indians. Innovation and
enjoyed by one individual in one lifetime is not great. But R&D can mitigate increases in social inequality and relieve the
there is not the same narrow limit to the possibilities of the pressures created by rapid urbanization. The growing
enjoyment of leisure. The gift of leisure may be abused by divergence in productivity between agriculture and
people who have had no experience of making use of it. Yet knowledge-intensive manufacturing and services threatens to
the creative use of leisure by a minority in societies has been increase income inequality. By encouraging India's R&D labs
the mainspring of all human progress beyond the primitive and universities to focus on the needs of poor people and by
level. improving the ability of informal firms to absorb knowledge,
11. With reference to the above passage, the following an innovation and research agenda can counter this effect.
assumptions have been made:[2017] Inclusive innovation can lower the costs of goods and services
1. People always see the leisure time as a gift and use it for and create income-earning opportunities for the poor people.
acquiring more material possessions. 13. Which among the following is the most logical and
2. Use of leisure by some people to produce new and original rational assumption that can be made from the above
things has been the chief source of human progress. passage?[2017]
Which of these assumptions is/are valid? (a) Innovation and R&D is the only way to reduce rural to
(a) 1 only urban migration.
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
 Assumption
(b) Every rapidly growing country needs to minimize the Passage-15
divergence between productivity in agriculture and other It is no longer enough for us to talk about providing for
sectors. universal access to education. Making available schooling
(c) Inclusive innovation and R&D can help create an facilities is an essential prerequisite, but is insufficient to
egalitarian society. ensure that all children attend school and participate in the
(d) Rapid urbanization takes place only when a country's learning process. The school may be there, but children may
economic growth is rapid. not attend or they may drop out after a few months. Through
school and social mapping, we must address the entire gamut
Passage-14 of social, economic, cultural and indeed linguistic and
Many farmers use synthetic pesticides to kill infesting insects. pedagogic issues. Factors that prevent children from weaker
The consumption of pesticides in some of the developed sections and disadvantaged groups, are also girls, from
countries is touching 3000 grams/hectare. Unfortunately, regularly attending and complementing elementary
there are reports that these compounds possess inherent education. The focus must be on the poorest and most
toxicities that endanger the health of the farm operators, vulnerable since these groups are the most disempowered
consumers and the environment. Synthetic pesticides are and at the greatest risk of violation or denial of their right to
generally persistent in environment. Entering in food chain education.
they destroy the microbial diversity and cause ecological The right to education goes beyond free and compulsory
imbalance. Their indiscriminate use has resulted in education to include quality education for all. Quality is an
development of resistance among insects to insecticides, integral part of the right to education. If the education
upsetting of balance in nature and resurgence of treated process lacks quality, children are being denied their right.
populations. Natural pest control using the botanical The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act
pesticides is safer to the user and the environment because lays down that the curriculum should provide for learning
they break down into harmless compounds within hours or through activities, exploration and discovery. This places an
days in the presence of sunlight. Plants with pesticidal obligation on us to change our perception of children as
properties have been in nature for millions of years without passive receivers of knowledge, and to move beyond the
any ill or adverse effects on the ecosystem. They are easily convention of using textbooks as the basis of examinations.
decomposed by many microbes common in most soils. They The teaching-learning process must become stress-free; and a
help in the maintenance of biological diversity of predators massive programme for curricular reform should be initiated
and the reduction of environmental contamination and to provide for a child-friendly learning system, that is more
human health hazards. Botanical pesticides formulated from relevant and empowering. Teacher accountability systems
plants are biodegradable and their use in crop protection is a and processes must ensure that children are learning, and
practical sustainable alternative. that their right to learn in a child-friendly environment is not
14. On the basis of the above passage, the following violated. Testing and assessment systems must be
assumptions have been made:[2017] reexamined and redesigned to ensure that these do not force
1. Synthetic pesticides should never be used in modern children to struggle between school and tuition centres, and
agriculture. bypass childhood.
2. One of the aims of sustainable agriculture is to ensure 15. With reference to the above passage, the following
minimal ecological imbalance. assumptions have been made:[2018]
3. Botanical pesticides are more effective as compared to 1. The Right to Education guarantees teachers' accountability
synthetic pesticides. for the learning process of children.
Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct? 2. The Right to Education guarantees 100% enrolment of
(a) 1 and 2 only children in the schools
(b) 2 only 3. The Right to Education intends to take full advantage of
(c) 1 and 3 only demographic dividend.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 Which of the above assumptions in/are valid?
(a) 1 only
 Assumption
(b) 2 and 3 only 2. Deforestation invariably leads to floods and desertification.
(c) 3 only Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
Passage-16 (c) Both 1 and 2
'Desertification' is a term used to explain a process of decline (d) Neither 1 nor 2
in the biological productivity of an ecosystem, leading to total
loss of productivity. While this phenomenon is often linked to Passage-17
the arid, semi-arid and sub-humid ecosystems, even in the A diversity of natural assets will be needed to cope with
humid tropics, the impact could be most dramatic. climate change and ensure productive agriculture, forestry,
Impoverishment of human-impacted terrestrial ecosystems and fisheries. For example, crop varieties are needed that
may exhibit itself in a variety of ways: accelerated erosion as perform well under drought, heat, and enhanced CO2. But
in the mountain regions of the country, salinization of land as the private-sector and farmer-led process of choosing crops
in the semi-arid and arid 'green revolution' areas of the favours homogeneity adapted to past or current conditions,
country, e.g., Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, and site not varieties capable of producing consistently high yields in
quality decline-a common phenomenon due to general warmer, wetter, or drier conditions. Accelerated breeding
decline in tree cover and monotonous monoculture of programmes are needed to conserve a wider pool of genetic
rice/wheat across the Indian plains. A major consequence of resources of existing crops, breeds, and their wild relatives.
deforestation is that it relates to adverse alterations in the Relatively intact ecosystems, such as forested catchments,
hydrology and related soil and nutrient losses The mangroves, wetlands, can buffer the impacts of climate
consequences of deforestation invariably arise out of site change. Under a changing climate, these ecosystems are
degradation through erosive losses. Tropical Asia, Africa and themselves at risk, and management approaches will need to
South America have the highest levels of erosion. The already be more proactive and adaptive. Connections between
high rates for the tropics are increasing at an alarming rate natural areas, such as migration corridors, may be needed to
(e.g., through the major river systems- Ganga and facilitate species movements to keep up with the change in
Brahmaputra, in the Indian context), due to deforestation and climate.
ill-suited land management practices subsequent to forest 17. With reference to the above passage, the following
clearing. In the mountain context, the declining moisture assumptions have been made:[2018]
retention of the mountain soils, drying up of the underground 1. Diversification of livelihoods acts as a coping strategy for
springs and smaller rivers in the Himalayan region could be climate change.
attributed to drastic changes in the forest cover. An indirect 2. Adoption of monocropping practice leads to the extinction
consequence is drastic alteration in the upland-lowland of plant varieties and their wild relatives.
interaction, mediated through water. The current concern Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
the tea planter of Assam has is about the damage to tea (a) 1 only
plantations due to frequent inundation along the flood-plains (b) 2 only
of Brahmaputra, and the damage to tea plantation and the (c) Both 1 and 2
consequent loss in tea productivity is due to rising level of the (d) Neither 1 nor 2
river bottom because of siltation and the changing course of
the river system. The ultimate consequences of site Passage-18
desertification are soil degradation, alteration in available All actions to address climate change ultimately involve costs.
water and its quality, and the consequent decline in food, Funding is vital in order for countries like India to design and
fodder and fuel- wood yields essential for the economic well- implement adaptation and mitigation plans and projects. The
being of rural communities. problem is more severe for developing countries like India,
16. With reference to desertification', as described in the which would be one of the hardest hit by climate change,
passage, the following assumptions have been made:[2018] given its need to finance development. Most countries do
1. Desertification is a phenomenon in tropical areas only. indeed treat climate change as real threat and are striving to
 Assumption
address it in a more comprehensive and integrated manner toward his home 250 miles away. The trek of this solitary
with the limited resources at their disposal. tiger highlights a crisis. Many wildlife reserves exist
as islands of fragile habitat in a vast sea of humanity, yet
18. With reference to the above passage, the following tigers can range over a hundred miles, seeking prey, mates
assumptions have been made:[2018] and territory. Nearly a third of India's tigers live outside tiger
1. Climate change is not a challenge for developed countries. reserves, a situation that is dangerous for both human and
2. Climate change is a complex policy issue and also a animal. Prey and tigers can only disperse if there are
development issue for many countries. recognized corridors of land between protected areas to
3. Ways and means of finance must be found to enable allow unmolested passage.
developing countries to enhance their adaptive capacity. 20. With reference to the above passage, the following
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? assumptions have been made: [2018]
(a) 1 and 2 only 1. The strategy of conservation ofwildlife by relocating them
(b) 3 only from one protected area to another is not often successful.
(c) 2 and 3 only 2. India does not have suitable legislation to save the tigers,
(d) 1, 2 and 3 and its conservation efforts have failed which forced the
tigers to live outside protected areas.
Passage-19 Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
India's educational system is modelled on the mass education (a) 1 only
system that developed in the 19th century in Europe and (b) 2 only
later spread around the world. The goal of the system is to (c) Both 1 and 2
condition children as 'good' citizens and productive workers. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
This suited the industrial age that needed the constant supply
of a compliant workforce with a narrow set of capabilitiesOur Passage-21
educational institutes resemble factories with bells, uniforms Political theorists no doubt have to take history of injustice,
and batch-processing of learners, designed to get learners to for example, untouchability, seriously. The concept of
conform. But, from an economic point of view, the historical injustice takes note of a variety of historical wrongs
environment today is verydifferent. It is a complex, volatile that continue into the present in some form or the other and
and globally Interconnected world. tend to resist repair. Two reasons might account for
19. With reference to the above passage, the following resistance to repair. One, not only are the roots of injustice
assumptions have been made:[2018] buried deep in history, injustice itself constitutes economic
1. India continues to be a developing country essentially due structures of exploitation, ideologies of discrimination and
to its faulty education system. modes of representation. Two, the category of historical
2. Today's learners need to acquire new-age skill-sets. injustice generally extends across a number of wrongs such
3. A good number of Indians go to some developed countries economic deprivation, social discrimination and lack of
for education because the educational systems there are a recognition. This category is complex, not only because of the
perfect reflection of the societies in which they function. overlap between a number of wrongs, but because one or the
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? other wrong generally discrimination, tends to acquire partial
(a) 1 and 3 only autonomy from others. This is borne out by the history of
(b) 2 only repair in India.
(c) 2 and 3 only 21. On the basis of the above passage, the following
(d) 1, 2 and 3 assumptions have been made:[2019]
1. Removal of economic discrimination leads to removal of
Passage-20 social discrimination.
A male tiger was removed from Pench Tiger Reserve and was 2 Democratic polity is the best way to repair historical
relocated in Panna National Park. Later, this tiger trekked wrongs.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
 Assumption
(a) 1 only (c) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only (d) 1,2 and 3
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Passage-24
Inequality is visible, even statistically measurable in many
Passage-22 instances, but the economic power that drives it is invisible
Education plays a great transformatory role in life, and not measurable. Like the force of gravity, power is the
particularly so in this rapidly changing and globalizing world. organising principle of inequality, be it of income, or wealth,
Universities are the custodians of the intellectual capital and gender, race, religion and region. Its effects are seen in a
promoters of culture and specialized knowledge. Culture is an pervasive manner in all spheres, but the ways in which
activity of thought, and receptiveness to beauty and human economic power pulls and tilts visible economic variables
feelings. A merely well informed man is only a bore on God's remain invisibly obscure.
earth. What we should aim at is produring men who possess 24. On the basis of the above passage, the following
both culture and expert knowledge. Their expert knowledge assumptions have been made:[2019]
will give them a firm ground to start from and their culture 1.Economic power is the only reason for the existence of
will lead them as deep as philosophy and as high as art. inequality in a society.
Together it will impart meaning to human existence. 2. Inequality of different kinds, income, wealth, etc.
22. On the basis of the above passage, the following reinforces power.
assumptions have been made: [2019] 3. Economic power can be analysed more through its effects
1. A society without well educated peoplecannot be than by direct empirical methods.
transformed into a modernsociety. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
2. Without acquiring culture, a person's education is not (a) 1 and 2 only
complete. (b) 3 only
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (c) 1 and 3 only
(a) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 Passage-25
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Around 56 million years ago, the Atlantic Ocean had not fully
opened and animals, perhaps including our primate
Passage-23 ancestors, could walk from Asia to North America through
Soil, in which nearly all our food grows, is a living resource Europe and across Greenland. Earth was warmer than it is
that takes years to form. Yet it can vanish in minutes. Each today, but as the Palaeocene epoch gave way to Eocene, it
year 75 billion tonnes of fertile soil is lost to erosion. That is was about to get much warmer still - rapidly and radically.
alarming and not just for food producers. Soil can trap huge The cause was a massive geologically sudden release of
quantities of carbon dioxide in the form of organic carbon carbon. During this period called Palaeocene Eocene Thermal
and prevent it from escaping into the atmosphere. Maximum or PETM, the carbon injected into the atmosphere
23. On the basis of the above passage, the following was roughly the amount that would be injected today if
assumptions have been made:[2019] humans burned all the Earth's reserves of coal, oil and natural
1 Large scale soil erosion is a major reason for widespread gas. The PETM lasted for about 1,50,000 years, until the
food insecurity in the world. excess carbon was reabsorbed. It brought on drought, floods,
2 Soil erosion is mainly anthropogenic insect plagues and a few extinctions. Life on Earth survived -
3. Sustainable management of soils helps in combating indeed, it prospered-but it was drastically different.
climate change. 25. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? have been made:
(a) 1 and 2 only 1. Global warming has a bearing on the planet's biological
(b) 3 only evolution.
 Assumption
2 Separation of land masses causes the release of huge damage caused by more extreme weather storms, floods,
quantities of carbon into the atmosphere. heat waves and droughts.
3. Increased warming of Earth's atmosphere can change the 27. On the basis of the above passage, the following
composition of its flora and fauna. assumptions have been made[2019]
4 The present man-made global warming will finally lead to 1. Governments and companies need to be adequately
conditions similar to those which happened 56 million years prepared to face the climate change
ago. 2. Extreme weather events will reduce the economic growth
Which of the assumptions given above are valid? [2019] of governments and companies in future.
(a) 1 and 2 3. Ignoring climate change is a huge risk for investors.
(b) 3 and 4 Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
(c) 1 and 3 (a) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 4 (b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
Passage-26 (d) 1,2 and 3
The rural poor across the world, including India, have
contributed little to human-induced climate change, yet they Passage-28
are on the frontline in coping with its effects. Farmers can no Access to schooling for those coming of school age is close to
longer rely on historical averages for rainfall and universal, but access to quality exhibits sharp gradient with
temperature, and the more frequent and extreme weather socio-economic status. Quotas for the weaker sections in
events, such as droughts and floods, can spell disaster. And private schools is a provision introduced by the Right of
there are new threats, such as sea level rise and the impact of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. The
melting glaciers on water supply. How significant are small quotas have imposed a debate on issues of social integration
farms? As many as two billion people worldwide depend on and equity in education that private actors had escaped by
them for their food and livelihood. Small-holder farmers in and large. The idea of egalitarian education system with
India produce 41 percent of the country's food grains, and equality of opportunity as its primary goal appears to be
other food items that contribute to local and national food outside the space that private school principals inhabit.
security. Therefore, the imposition of the quotas has led to resistance,
26. The above passage implies that[2019] sometimes justified.
1. There is a potential problem of food insecurity in India. 28. With reference to the above passage, the following
2. India will have to strengthen its disaster management assumptions have been made:[2019]
capabilities. 1 Making equality of opportunity a reality is the fundamental
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? goal of the Indian education system.
(a) 1 only 2. The present Indian school system is unable to provide
(b) 2 only egalitarian education.
(c) Both 1 and 2 3. Abolition of private schools and establishment of more
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 government schools is the only way to ensure egalitarian
education.
Passage-27 Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
A changing climate, and the eventual efforts of governments (a) 1 and 2 only
(however reluctant) to deal with it, could have a big impact (b) 2 only
on investors' returns. Companies that produce or use large (c) 2 and 3 only
amounts of fossil fuels will face higher taxes and regulatory (d) 3 only
burdens. Some energy producers may find it impossible to
exploit their known reserves, and be left with "stranded Passage-29
assets" deposits of oil and coal that have to be left in the What stands in the way of the widespread and careful
ground. Other industries could be affected by the economic adoption of "Genetic Modification (GM) technology is an
 Assumption
'Intellectual Property Rights' regime that seeks to create (a) 1 and 2 only
private monopolies for such technologies. If GM technology is (b) 3 only
largely corporate driven, it seeks to maximize profits and that (c) 1 and 3 only
too in the short run. That is why corporations make major (d) 1, 2 and 3
investments for herbicide-tolerant and pest-resistant crops.
Such properties have only a short window, as soon enough, Passage-31
pests and weeds will evolve to overcome such resistance. This India's economic footprint, given its population, still remains
suits the corporations. The National Farmers Commission small compared to the US, the European Union or China. It
pointed out that priority must be given in genetic has much to learn from other economies, yet must
modification to the incorporation of genes that can help implement solutions that fit its unique circumstances. India
impart resistance to drought, salinity and other stresses. especially needs an effective long-term regulatory system
29. On the basis of the above passage, the following based on collaboration rather than the current top-down
assumptions have been made:[2019] approach. Regulations seek desirable outcomes yet are
1. The issue of effects of natural calamities on agriculture is repeatedly used as political tools to push one agenda or
not given due consideration by GM technology companies. another. Often, regulations fail to consider impacts on jobs
2. In the long run, GM technology will not be able to solve and economic growth or less restrictive alternatives.
agricultural problems arising due to global warming. Regulations may be used to protect local markets at the
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? expense of more widely shared prosperity in the future.
(a) 1 only Additionally, regulations inevitably result in numerous
(b) 2 only unintended consequences. In today's hyper competitive
(c) Both 1 and 2 global economy, regulations need to be viewed "weapons"
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 that cost-justified social and environmental benefits while
improving the economic well-being of most citizens.
Passage-30 31. On the basis of the above passage, the following
Diarrhoeal deaths among Indian children. are mostly due to assumptions have been made: In today's global
food and water contamination. Use of contaminated economy,[2019]
groundwater and unsafe chemicals in agriculture, poor 1.regulations are not effectively used to protect local
hygiene in storage and handling of food items to food cooked markets.
and distributed in unhygienic surroundings; there are myriad 2. social and environmental concerns are generally ignored by
factors that need regulation and monitoring. People need to the governments across the world while implementing the
have awareness of adulteration and ways of complaining to regulations.
the relevant authorities. Surveillance of food-borne diseases Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
involves a number of government agencies and entails a good (a) 1 only
training of inspection staff. Considering the proportion of the (b) 2 only
urban population that depends on street food for its daily (c) Both 1 and 2
meals, investing in training and education of street vendors is (d) Neither 1 nor 2
of great significance.
30. On the basis of the above passage, the following Passage-32
assumptions have been made:[2019] Temperatures have risen nearly five times as rapidly on the
1. Food safety is a complex issue that calls for a multipronged Western Antarctic Peninsula than the global average over the
solution. past five decades. Researchers have now found that melting
2. Great investments need to be made in developing the glaciers are causing a loss of species diversity among benthos
manpower surveillance and training. in the coastal waters off the Antarctic Peninsula, impacting an
3. India needs to make sufficient legislation for governing entire seafloor ecosystem. They believe increased levels of
food processing industry. suspended sediment in water to be the cause of the
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? dwindling biodiversity in the coastal region.
 Assumption
32. On the basis of the above passage, the following rice once thrived; now only up to a hundred are grown there.
assumptions have been made:[2019] In China, 90 percent of the wheat varieties cultivated just a
1. Regions of glaciers warm faster than other regions due to century ago have disappeared. Farmers in the past
global warming painstakingly bred and developed crops well suited to the
2. Global warming can lead to seafloor sedimentation in some peculiarities of their local climate and environment. In the
areas, recent past, our heavy dependence on a few high yielding
3.Melting glaciers can reduce marine biodiversity in some varieties and technology-driven production and distribution
areas. of food is causing the dwindling of diversity in food crops. If
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? some mutating crop disease or future climate change
(a) 1 and 2 only decimates the few crop plants we have come to depend on to
(b) 3 only feed our growing population, we might desperately need
(c) 2 and 3 only some of those varieties we have let go extinct.
(d) 1, 2 and 3 34. On the basis of the above passage, the following
assumptions have been made:[2019]
Passage-33 1. Humans have been the main reason for the large scale
A research team examined a long-term owl roost. Owls prey extinction of plant species.
on small mammals and the excreted remains of those meals 2.Consumption of food mainly from locally cultivated crops
that accumulated over the time, provide us an insight into the ensures crop diversity.
composition and structure of small mammals over the past 3.The present style of production and distribution of food will
millennia. The research suggested that when the Earth went finally lead to the problem of food scarcity in the near
through a period of, rapid warming about 13,000 years ago, future.
the small mammal community was stable and resilient. But, 4.Our food security may depend on our ability to preserve the
from the last quarter of the nineteenth century, human-made locally cultivated varieties of crops.
changes to the environment had caused an enormous drop in Which of the above assumptions are valid?
biomass and energy flow. This dramatic decline in energy (a) 1 and 3
flow means modern ecosystems are not adapting as easily as (b) 2 and 4
they did in the past. (c)2 and 3
33. On the basis of the above passage, the following (d) 1 and 4
assumptions have been made:[2019]
1. Global warming is a frequently occurring natural Passage-35
phenomenon. In India, the current focus on the right to privacy is based on
2. The impending global warming will not adversely affect some new realities of the digital age. A right is a substantive
small mammals. right only if it works in all situations, and for everyone. A right
3. Humans are responsible for the loss of the Earth's natural to free expression for an individual about her exploitation, for
resilience. instance, is meaningless without actual availability of security
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? that guarantees that private force cannot be used to thwart
(a) 1 and 2 only this right. The role of the State, therefore, is not just to
(b) 3 only abstain from preventing rightful free expression, but also to
(c) 2 and 3 only actively ensure that private parties are not able to block it.
(d) 1,2 and 3 35. On the basis of the above passage, the following
assumptions have been made:[2020]
Passage-34 1. State should have some institutions to ensure its
Food varieties extinction is happening all over the world and appropriate role in a digital society.
it is happening fast. For example, of the 7,000 apple varieties 2. State should ensure that private parties do not violate the
that were grown during the nineteenth century, fewer than a citizens right to privacy.
hundred remain. In the Philippines, thousands of varieties of
 Assumption
3. Digital economy is not compatible with the idea of not be left to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The current FDI
violating the citizens' privacy. inflows are volatile over time and, across sectors and regions,
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? which is a necessary consequence of their search for the
(a) 1 and 2 highest returns. The adverse consequences are unstable
(b) 3 only employment and an accentuation of income and regional
(c)1 and 3 inequalities. A probable positive consequence of foreign
(d)2 only investment is the inflow of new technology and its
subsequent diffusion. However, the technology diffusion is
Passage-36 not at all certain because the existing state of physical and
Although most of the Genetically Modified (GM) crops human capital in India may prove inadequate for the
cultivated now are genetically engineered for a single trait, in diffusion.
future, crops genetically engineered for more than one trait 37. With reference to the above passage, the following
will be the norm. Thus, biotechnology's role in agriculture and assumptions have been made:[2020]
the regulation of the same cannot be understood solely in the 1.Relying on foreign investment in the long run is not an
context of the current generation of GM crops. Instead, there economically sound policy.
is a need to take a comprehensive look, taking into account 2. Policies must be undertaken to reduce volatility in foreign
various aspects, including socio-economic impacts, so that private investment.
the potential of the technology can be harnessed while 3. Policies must be undertaken to strengthen domestic
minimizing negative impacts. Given the importance of private investment.
biotechnology in developing varieties that can help in climate 4. Public investment should be given priority over private
change mitigation and adaptation, not using biotechnology as investment.
a part of the climate change action plan cannot be an option. 5. Substantial public investment in education and health
Domestic regulation of biotechnology cannot be viewed in should be undertaken.
isolation of trade policy and obligations under various Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
international treaties and conventions. (a) 1, 2 and 4
36. With reference to the above passage, the following (b) 1, 3 and 5
assumptions have been made:[2020] (c) 2, 4 and 5
1. Biotechnology regulation is an evolving process. (d) 3 only
2. Participation of people is needed in policy decisions
regarding biotechnology regulation. Passage-38
3. Biotechnology regulation should take into account socio- Our urban bodies cannot possibly ensure sustainable delivery
economic aspects in decision-making. of water in our cities unless financing mechanisms are put in
4. Wider involvement of political cxecutive in biotechnology place. Water delivery requires heavy investment in collecting
regulation improves its effectiveness in dealing with the it from a natural source, treating it to make it potable, and
country's trade policies and international obligations. laying a distribution network of pipes for delivery to the
Which of the above assumptions are valid? users. It also quires investments in sewerage infrastructure
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only and sewage treatment plants so that the sewers can carry the
(b) 1 and 3 only wastewater to these plants to ensure that no untreated
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only sewage is discharged back into natural water bodies. If our
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 cities were rich enough to meet the entire cost, water could
be delivered free. They are not.
Passage-37 38. With reference to the above passage, the following
Private investment in general is volatile. Foreign private assumptions have been made:[2020]
investment is more volatile because the available investment 1. Rich cities only can ensure sustainable delivery of water.
avenues are significantly greater (i.e., the entire world). 2. Sustainable delivery of water in cities means much more
Therefore, the responsibility of providing employment cannot than supplying water to households.
 Assumption
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? practice that the water level of a reservoir should be kept
(a) 1 only below a certain level before the onset of monsoon season.
(b) 2 only This is so that when monsoon rains come, there is space to
(c) Both 1 and 2 store the excess rainwater and also so that water can be
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 released in a regulated manner. But the authorities store the
maximum amount of water in reservoirs even before the
Passage-39 close of the monsoon, only to ensure greater electricity
In India, agriculture still engages about half of its workforce, generation and irrigation.
and about 85 per cent of its farms are small and marginal. 40. With reference to the above passage, the following
Compared to China and Vietnam, which have experienced assumptions have been made:[2020]
fast structural and rural transformation, India's story is of 1. High risks involved in holding maximum water in reservoirs
slow transformation. As a result, poverty reduction in India are due to our over-dependence on hydropower projects.
was at a much slower pace during 1988-2014, compared to 2. Storage capacity of dams should not be fully used before or
China and Vietnam. India's poverty reduction was slow during during monsoon season.
1988-2005, but during 2005-2012, it accelerated 3. Role of dams in flood control is underestimated in India.
dramatically-almost three times faster than during the earlier Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
period. What did India do during this period? Research (a) 1 and 2 only
reveals that the relative price scenario changed significantly (b) 2 only
(by more than 50%) in favour of agriculture in the wake of (c) 3 only
rising global prices. This boosted private investments in (d) 1, 2 and 3
agriculture by more than 50%. As a result, agri-GDP growth
touched 4.1% during 2007-2012 as against 2.4% during 2002- Passage-41
2007. The net surplus of agri-trade touched $25 billion in Economic liberalization in India was shaped largely by the
2013-2014; real farm wages rose by 7% per annum. All this economic problems of the government than by the economic
led to unprecedented fall in poverty. priorities of the people or by the long-term development
39. With reference to the above passage, the following objectives. Thus, there were limitations in conception and
assumptions have been made:[2020] design which have been subsequently validated by
1. Structural and rural transformation is impossible when experience. Jobless growth, persistent poverty and rising
farms are mainly small and marginal. inequality have mounted as problems since economic
2. A good price incentive can trigger investments in liberalization began. And all these years later, four quiet
agriculture. crises confront the economy, agriculture, infrastructure,
3. India needs to build value chains for high-value agri- industrialization and education as constraints on the
products like livestock and horticulture. country's future prospects. These problems must be resolved
4. Higher global prices of agricultural commodities are if economic growth has to be sustained and transformed into
essential for India's poverty reduction. meaningful development.
Which of the above assumptions are valid? 41. With reference to the above passage, the following
(a) 1 and 3 assumptions have been made:[2020]
(b) 2 and 4 1. India's economy needs to be greatly integrated with global
(c) 2 and 3 economy so as to create large number of jobs and to sustain
(d) 3 and 4 its growth momentum.
2. Economic liberalization would cause large economic
Passage-40 growth which would reduce poverty and create sufficient
In India, authorities always look to store the maximum employment in the long run.
amount of water in reservoirs during the monsoon season, Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
which is then used for irrigation and generation of electricity (a) 1 only
during the summer months. It is an internationally accepted (b) 2 only
 Assumption
(c) Both 1 and 2 2. Through genome editing, the chosen genes can be altered
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 precisely in a manner akin to the natural process that helps
plants to adapt to the environmental factors.
Passage-42 Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
India has tremendous potential for solar energy. We all (a) 1 only
realize that we have to stop burning fossil fuels to meet our (b) 2 only
energy needs. © Both 1 and 2
But certain renewable resources are still going through their (d) Neither 1 nor 2
cost curves and learning curves to get the required amount of
output. The Indian Government has strongly committed to its Passage-44
targets of reducing emissions by 33 per cent by 2030, and Approximately 80 percent of all flowering plant species are
towards this it has initiated a strong push towards a gas- pollinated by animals, including birds and mammals, but the
based economy and has also invested heavily in renewable main pollinators are insects. Pollination is responsible for
energy. However, business houses are wary of investing too providing us with a wide variety of food, as well as many
heavily in renewable energy at a time when the technology is plant-derived medicines. At least one-third of the world's
not yet ready. agricultural crops depend upon pollination. Bees are the most
42. With reference to the above passage, the following dominant taxa when it comes to pollination and they are
assumptions have been made:[2020] crucial to more than four hundred crops. Pollination is an
1.Governments often provide inefficient and costly subsidies essential service that is the result of intricate relationships
for technologies that may not be ready in the near future. between plants and animals, and the reduction or loss of
2. India's commitment of reducing emissions by 33% by 2030 either affects the survival of both. Effective pollination
shall be on the basis of gas-based economy. requires resources, such as refuges of pristine natural
Which of the above assumptions is/arevalid? vegetation.
(a) 1 only 44. On the basis of the passage given above, the following
(b) 2 only assumptions have been made:[2021]
(c) Both 1 and 2 1. Sustainable production of India's cereal food grains is
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 impossible without the diversity of pollinating animals.
2 Monoculture of horticultural crops hampers the survival of
Passage-43 insects.
Genome editing is different from genome modification. 3. Pollinators become scarce in cultivated areas devoid of
Genome editing typically involves finding the part of a plant natural vegetation.
genome that could be changed to render it less vulnerable to 4. Diversity in insects induces diversity of plants.
disease, or resistant to certain herbicides, or to increase Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
yields. Researchers use 'molecular scissors to dissect the (a) 1 only
genome and repair it, which is a process that occurs naturally (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
when plants are under attack from diseases and can throw up (c) 1 and 2 only
new mutations that enable the plant to survive future (d) 3 and 4 only
attacks. This evolutionary process can effectively be speeded
up now that it is possible to examine plant genomes in detail Passage-45
in laboratories, and create mechanisms through which the Researchers were able to use stem cells to gauge the
relevant genes can be altered very precisely. neurotoxic effects of the environmental pollutant. Bisphenol
43. With reference to the above passage, the following A (BPA). They used a combination of biochemical and cell-
assumptions have been made:[2020] based assays to examine the gene expression profile during
1. Genome editing does not require the transfer of genes the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells upon
from one plant to another. treatment with BPA, a compound known to cause heart
diseases, diabetes, and developmental abnormalities in
 Assumption
humans. They were able to detect and measure BPA toxicity personal, domestic and community hygiene. There is no
towards the proper specification of primary germ layers, such doubt that personal cleanliness brings down the rate of
as endoderm and ectoderm, and the establishment of neural infectious diseases. But the entry of the market into this
progenitor cells. domain has created a false sense of security that gets
45. On the basis of the passage given above, the following conditioned and reinforced by the onslaught of
assumptions have been made:[2021] advertisements. Experience in Western Europe shows that
1 BPA may alter embryonic development in vivo. along with personal hygiene, general improvements in
2. Biochemical and cell-based assays are useful in finding out environmental conditions and components like clean water,
treatments for pollution-induced diseases. sanitation and food security have brought down infant/child
3. Embryonic stem cells could serve as a model to evaluate death/infection rates considerably. The obsession with hand
the physiological effects of environmental pollutants. hygiene also brings in the persisting influence of the market
Which of the above assumptions are valid? on personal health, overriding or marginalising the negative
(a)1 and 2 only impact on ecology and the emergence of resistant germs.
(b) 2 and 3 only 47. On the basis of the passage given above, the following
(c) 1 and 3 only assumptions have been made:[2021]
(d) 1,2 and 3 1. People who are obsessed with personal hygiene tend to
ignore the community hygiene.
Passage-46 2. Emergence of multi-drug resistant germs can be prevented
Fig trees (genus Ficus) are considered sacred in India, East by personal cleanliness.
Asia and Africa and are common in agricultural and urban 3. Entry of the market in the domain of hygiene increases the
landscapes where other large trees are absent. In natural risk of infectious diseases.
forests, fig trees provide food for wildlife when other 4. Scientific and micro-level interventions are not sufficient to
resources are scarce and support a high density and diversity bring down the burden of infectious diseases.
of frugivores (fruit-eating animals). If frugivorous birds and 5. It is community hygiene implemented through public
bats continue to visit fig trees located in sites with high health measures that is really effective in the battle against
human disturbance, sacred fig trees may promote frugivore infectious diseases.
abundance. Under favourable microclimate, plenty of Which of the above assumptions are valid?
seedlings of other tree species would grow around fig trees. (a) 1 and 2 only
46. On the basis of the passage given above, the following (b) 3 and 4 only
assumptions have been made [2021] (c) 4 and 5 only
1. Fig trees can often be keystone species in natural forests. (d) 1, 2 and 4 only
2 Fig trees can grow where other large woody species cannot
grow. Passage-48
3. Sacred trees can have a role in biodiversity conservation. Policy makers and media have placed the blame for
4. Fig trees have a role in the seed dispersal of other tree skyrocketing food prices on a variety of factors, including high
species. fuel prices, bad weather in key food producing countries, and
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? the diversion of land to non-food production. Increased
(a) 1 and 2 only emphasis, however, has been placed on a surge in demand
(b) 3 only for food from the most populous emerging economies. It
(c) 2 and 4 only seems highly probable that mass consumption in these
(d) 1,3 and 4 only countries could be well poised to create a food crisis.
48. With reference to the above passage, the following
Passage-47 assumptions have been made:[2021]
A social and physical environment riddled with poverty, 1. Oil producing countries are one of the reasons for high
inequities, unhygienic and insanitary conditions generates the food prices.
risk of infectious diseases. Hygiene has different levels:
 Assumption
2 If there is a food crisis in the world in the near future, it will (d) Men do not understand their own religious denomination.
be in the emerging economies.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? Passage-51
(a) 1 only Inequality violates a basic democratic norm: the equal
(b) 2 only standing of citizens. Equality is a relation that obtains
(c) Both 1 and 2 between persons in respect of some fundamental
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 characteristic that they share in common. Equality is, morally
speaking, a default principle. Therefore, persons should not
Passage-49 be discriminated on grounds such as race, caste, gender,
A central message of modern development economics is the ethnicity, disability, or class. These features of human
importance of income growth, by which is meant growth in condition are morally irrelevant. The idea that one should
Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In theory, rising GDP creates treat persons with respect not only because some of these
employment and investment opportunities. As incomes grow persons possess some special features or talent, for example
in a country where the level of GDP was once low, skilled cricketers, gifted musicians, or literary giants, but
households, communities, and governments are increasingly because persons are human beings, is by now part of
able to set aside some funds for the production of things that commonsense morality.
make for a good life. Today GDP has assumed such a 51. With reference to the above passage, the following
significant place in the development lexicon, that if someone assumptions have been made:[2021]
mentions "economic growth", we know they mean growth in 1. Equality is a prerequisite for people to participate in the
GDP. multiple transactions of society from a position of confidence.
49. With reference to the above passage, the following 2. Occurrence of inequality is detrimental to the survival of
assumptions have been made:[2021] democracy.
1. Rising GDP is essential for a country to be a developed 3. Equal standing of all citizens is an idea that cannot actually
country. be realised even in a democracy.
2 Rising GDP guarantees a reasonable distribution of income 4. Right to equality should be incorporated into our values
to all households. and day-to-day political vocabulary.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? Which of the above assumptions are valid?
(a) 1 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (c) 1 and 4 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (d) 3 and 4 only

Passage-50 Passage-52
With respect to what are called denominations of religion, if Can a democracy avoid being a welfare state for long? Why
everyone is left to be a judge of his own religion, there is no cannot mass welfare be left entirely to the markets? There is
such thing as religion that is wrong; but if they are to be a a built-in tension between markets and democracy. Markets
judge of each other's religion, there is no such thing as a do not work on a one-person-one-vote principle as
religion that is right, and therefore all the world is right or all democracies do. What one gets out of the market place
the world is wrong in the matter of religion. depends on one's endowments, skills, purchasing power and
50. What is the most logical assumption that can be made the forces of demand and supply. Markets reward individual
from the passage given above?[2021] initiative and skill, and may also lift many from the bottom
(a) No man can live without adhering to some religious rungs of society, but some people never get the opportunity
denomination. to develop skills that markets demand; they are simply too
(b) It is the duty of everyone to propagate one's religious poor and too handicapped; or skill formation takes too long.
denomination. By creating jobs, markets may be able to help even unskilled
(c) Religious denominations tend to ignore the unity of man.
 Assumption
people, but capitalism has always witnessed bursts of (c) Both 1 and 2
unemployment. (d) Neither 1 nor 2
52. With reference to the above passage, the following
assumptions have been made:[2021] 54. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions
1. Modern democracies rely on the market forces to enable have been made:[2022]
them to be welfare states. 1. Poor countries need to bring about change in their existing
2. Markets ensure sufficient economic growth necessary for farming techniques
democracies to be effective. 2. Developed countries have better Infrastructure and they
3. Government programmes are needed for those left behind waste less food.
in economic growth. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (a) 1 only
(a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(b) 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3
55. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions
Passage-53 have been made [2022]
In some places in the world, the productivity of staples such 1. Growing enough food for future generations will be a
as rice and wheat has reached a plateau. Neither new strains challenge.
nor fancy agrochemicals are raising the yields. Nor is there 2. Corporate farming is a viable option for food security in
much unfarmed land left that is suitable to be brought under poor countries.
the plough. If global temperature continues to rise, some Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
places will become unsuitable for farming. Application of (a) 1 only
technology can help overcome these problems Agricultural (b) 2 only
technology is changing fast. Much of this change is brought (c) Both 1 and 2
about by affluent farmers in the West/Americas. Techniques (d) Neither 1 nor 2
developed in the West are being adapted in some places to
make tropical crops more productive. Technology is of little Passage-54
use if it is not adapted. In the developing world, that applies Natural selection cannot anticipate future environments on
as much to existing farming techniques as it does to the latest the earth. Therefore, the set of existing organisms can never
advances in genetic modification. Extending to the be fully prepared for environmental catastrophes that await
smallholders and subsistence farmers of Africa and Asia the life. An outcome of this is the extinction of those species
best of today's agricultural practices, in such simple matters which cannot overcome environmental adversity. This failure
as how much fertilizers apply and when, would lead to a to survive, in modern terms, can be attributed to the
greatly increased availability of food for humanity. So would genomes which are unable to withstand geological vagaries
roads and storage facilities, things like better road to allow or biological mishaps (infections, diseases and so on). In
for the carriage of and reduce wastage surpluses to markets biological evolution on the earth, extinction of species has
53. Based on the above passage, the assumptions have been been a major feature. The earth may presently have up to ten
made [2022] million species, yet more than 90% of species that have ever
1. Development of agricultural technology is confined to lived on the earth are now extinct. Once again, the creationist
developed countries. doctrines fail to satisfactorily address why a divine creator
2. Agricultural technology is not adapted in developing will firstly bother to create millions of species and then allow
countries them to perish. The Darwinian explanation for extinct life is
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? once again simple, elegant and at once convincing-organisms
(a) I only go extinct as a function of environmental biological assaults
(b) 2 only for which their inheritance deems them ill-equipped.
 Assumption
Therefore, the so-called Darwinian theory of evolution is not Passage-56
a theory at all. Evolution happens-this is a fact. The Environmental problems cause health problems. Substantial
mechanism of evolution (Darwin proposed natural selection) changes in lifestyle can reduce environmental or health
is amply supported by scientific data. Indeed, to date no problems, but this idea appears almost impossible to adopt.
single zoological, botanical, geological, paleontological, With environmental problems, individual efforts can be
genetic or physical evidence has refuted either of the central perceived as having a negligible effect and therefore leads to
two main Darwinian ideas. If religion is not taken into inertia. With health, on the other hand, individual choices can
consideration, Darwinian laws are acceptable just like the make the difference between life and death, literally. And
laws proposed by Copernicus, Galileo, Newton and Einstein- yet, barring a few, there seems to be the same collective
sets of natural laws that explain natural phenomena in the lethargy towards making their choices.
universe. 58. Which one of the following statements best implies the
56. With reference to the passage, the following most rational assumption that can be made from the
assumptions have been made [2022] passage?[2023]
1. Only species that have the ability to overcome (a) We are likely to spend more money on cure than
environmental catastrophes will survive and perpetuate. prevention.
2. More than 90% of the species on the earth are in the (b) It is the job of the government to solve our environmental
danger of getting extinct due to drastic changes in the and public health problems.
environment. (c) Health can be protected even if environmental problems
3. Darwin's theory explains all the natural phenomena. go unattended.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? (d) Loss of traditional lifestyle and the influence of western
(a) 1 only values led to some unhealthy ways of living.
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only Passage-57
(d) 1, 2 and 3 In India, the segregation of municipal waste at source is rare.
Recycling is mostly with the informal sector. More than three-
Passage-55 fourths of the municipal budget goes into collection and
To encourage research is one of the functions of a university. transportation, which leaves very little for
Contemporary universities have encouraged research, not processing/resource recovery and disposal. Where does
only in those cases where research is necessary, but on all waste-to-energy fit into all this? Ideally it fits in the chain
sorts of entirely unprofitable subjects as well. Scientific after segregation (between wet waste and the rest),
research is probably never completely valueless. However collection, recycling, and before getting to the landfill. Which
silly and insignificant it may seem, however mechanical and technology is most appropriate in converting waste to energy
unintelligent the labours of the researchers, there is always a depends on what is in the waste (that is biodegradable versus
chance that the results may be of value to the investigator of non-biodegradable component) and its calorific value. The
talent, who can use the facts collected for him by uninspired biodegradable component of India's municipal solid waste is a
but industrious researchers as the basis of some fruitful little over 50 per cent, and biomethanation offers a major
generalization. But where research is not original, but solution for processing this.
consists in the mere rearrangement of existing materials, 59. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions
where its object is not scientific but literary or historical, then have been made:[2023]
there is a risk of the whole business becoming merely futile. 1. Collection, processing and segregation of municipal, waste
57. The author's assumption about scientific research is that should be with government agencies.
[2022] 2. Resource recovery and recycling require technological
(a) it is never very valuable inputs that can be best handled by private sector enterprises.
(b) it is sometimes very valuable Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct?
(c) it is never without some value (a) 1 only
(d) it is always very valuable (b) 2 only
 Assumption
(c) Both 1 and 2 1. To implement the Sustainable Development Goals and to
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 achieve zero-hunger goal, monoculture agriculture practices
are inevitable even if they do not address malnutrition.
Passage-58 2. Dependence on a few crops has negative consequences for
There is a claim that organic farming is inherently safer and human health and the ecosystem.
healthier. The reality is that because the organic farming 3. Government policies regarding food planning need to
industry is still young and not well-regulated in India, farmers incorporate nutritional security.
and consumers, alike, are not only confused about what 4. For the present monoculture agriculture practices, farmers
products are best for them, but sometimes use products in receive subsidies in various ways and government offers
ways that could harm them as well. For example, since remunerative prices for grains and therefore they do not tend
organic fertilizers are difficult to obtain on a large scale in to consider crop diversity.
India, farmers often use farmyard manure, which may contain Which of the above assumptions are valid?
toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Certain plant sprays, such (a) 1,2 and 4 only
as Datura flower and leaf spray, have an element called (b) 2 and 3 only
atropine. If it is not applied in the right dose, it can act on the (c) 3 and 4 only
nervous system of the consumer. Unfortunately, how much (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
and when to use it are not well-researched or regulated
issues. Passage-60
60. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions Scientists studied the vernal window transition period from
have been made:[2023] winter to the growing season. They found that warmer
1. Organic farming is inherently unsafe for both farmers and winters with less snow resulted in a longer lag time between
consumers. spring events and a more protracted vernal window. This
2. Farmers and consumers need to be educated about eco- change in the spring timetable has ecological, social and
friendly food. economic consequences for agriculture, fisheries and
Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct? tourism. As the ice melts earlier, the birds don't return,
(a) 1 only causing a delay, or lengthening in springtime ecological
(b) 2 only events.
(c) Both 1 and 2 62. With reference to the above passage, the following
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 assumptions have been made [2023]
1. Global warming is causing spring to come early and for
Passage-59 longer durations.
Food consumption patterns have changed substantially in 2. Early spring and longer period of spring is not good for bird
India over the past few decades. This has resulted in the populations.
disappearance of many nutritious foods such as millets. While Which of the above assumptions is/are correct?
food grain production has increased over five times since (a) I only
independence, it has not sufficiently addressed the issue of (b) 2 only
malnutrition. For long, the agriculture sector focussed on (c)Both 1 and 2
increasing food production particularly staples, which led to (d) Neither 1 nor 2
lower production and consumption of indigenous traditional
crops/grains, fruits and other vegetables, impacting food and Passage-61
nutrition security in the process. Further, intensive, Pharmaceutical patents grant protection to the patentee for
monoculture agriculture practices can perpetuate the food the duration of the patent term. The patentees enjoy the
and nutrition security problem by degrading the quality of liberty to determine the prices of medicines, which is time-
land, water and food derived through them. limited to the period of monopoly, but could be unaffordable
61. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions to the public. Such patent protection offered to the patentees
have been made:[2023] is believed to benefit the public over the longer term through
 Assumption
innovations and research and development (R&D), although it Passage-63
comes at a cost, in the nature of higher prices for the According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, one-
patented medicine. The patent regime and price protection third of food produced for human consumption is lost or
through a legally validated high price for the medicine during wasted globally. Food is lost or wasted throughout the supply
the currency of the patent provide the patentee with a chain, from initial agricultural production to final household
legitimate mechanism to get returns on the costs incurred in consumption. The increasing wastage also results in land
innovation and research. degradation by about 45%, mainly due to deforestation,
63. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions unsustainable agricultural practices, and excessive
have been made:[2023] groundwater extraction. The energy spent over wasted food
1. Patent protection given to patentees puts a huge burden results in about 3-5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide
on public's purchasing power in accessing patented production every year. Decay also leads to harmful emissions
medicines. of other gases in the atmosphere. Addressing the loss and
2. Dependence on other countries for pharmaceutical wastage of food in all forms is critical to complete the cycle of
products is a huge burden for developing and poor countries. food sufficiency and food sustainability
3. Providing medicines to the public at affordable prices is a 65. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions
key goal during the public health policy design in many have been made:[2024]
countries. 1. The food distribution mechanism needs to be re-imagined
4. Governments need to find an appropriate balance between and made effective to reduce the loss and wastage of food.
the rights of patentees and the requirements of the patients. 2. Ensuring the reduction of wastage and loss of food is a
Which of the above assumptions are valid? social and moral responsibility of all citizens.
(a) 1 and 2 Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
(b) 1 and 4 (a) 1 only
(c) 3 and 4 (b) 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Passage - 62
India should ensure the growth of the digital economy while Passage-64
keeping personal data of citizens secure and protected. No As inflation rises, even governments previously committed to
one will innovate in a surveillance-oriented environment or in budget discipline are spending freely to help households.
a place where an individual's personal information is Higher interest rates announced by central banks are
compromised. The ultimate control of data must reside with supposed to help produce modest fiscal austerity, because to
the individuals who generate it; they should be enabled to maintain stable debts while paying more to borrow,
use, restrict or monetise it as they wish. Therefore, data governments must cut spending or raise taxes. Without the
protection laws should enable the right kind of innovation fiscal backup, monetary policy eventually loses traction.
that is user-centric and privacy protecting. one Higher interest rates become inflationary, not disinflationary,
64. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions because they simply lead governments to borrow more to
have been made:[2023] pay rising debt-service costs. The risk of monetary unmooring
1. Protection of privacy is not just a right, but it has value to is greater when public debt rises, because interest rates
the economy. become more important to budget deficits.
2. There is a fundamental link between privacy and 66. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions
innovation. have been made:[2024]
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid? 1. Fiscal policies of governments are solely responsible for
(a) 1 only higher prices.
(b) 2 only 2. Higher prices do not affect the long-term government
(c) Both 1 and 2 bonds.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
 Assumption
(a) 1 only 2. Internet can adversely affect the quality of politics in a
(b) 2 only country.
(c) Both 1 and 2 Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
Passage-65 (c) Both 1 and 2
Today, if we consider cities such as New York, London and (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Paris as some of the most iconic cities in the world, it is
because plans carrying a heavy systems approach were Passage-67
imposed on their precincts. The backbone of the systems By the time children reach class 8, the bulk of them tend to
theory is the process of translating social, spatial and cultural be in the age range of 13 years to 15 years. But in our
desirables into mathematical models using computing, country, about a quarter of all children in class 8 struggle with
statistics, optimization and an algorithmic way of formulating reading simple texts and more than half are still unable to do
and solving problems. The early universities of the West basic arithmetic operations like division. Every year about 25
which began to train professionals in planning, spawned million young boys and girls from elementary school move
some of the most ingenious planners, who were experts in into the life that lies for them beyond compulsory schooling.
these domains. This was because these very subjects were They cannot enter the workforce at least in the organized
absorbed into the planning curriculum that had its roots in sector till they are 18. For many families, these children are
the social sciences, geography and architecture. Planning in the first from their families ever to get this far in school.
India, and its education differ from the West Parents and children expect that such graduates' from school
67. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions will go on to high school and college. Hardly anyone wants to
have been made:[2024] go back to agriculture. On the other hand, abilities in terms of
1. India needs a new generation of urban professionals with academic competencies are far lower than they should be
knowledge relevant to modern urban practice. even based on curricular expectations of class 8.
2. Indian universities at present have no capacity or potential 69. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions
to impart training in systems approach. have been made:[2024]
Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct? 1. For effective school education, parents have greater role
(a) 1 only than the governments.
(b) 2 only 2. School curriculum that conforms to today's requirements
(c) Both 1 and 2 and is uniform for the entire country may address the issues
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 brought out.
Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
Passage-66 (a) 1 only
Not every voice on the internet commands the same kind of (b) 2 only
audience. When anonymous private entities with high capital (c) Both 1 and 2
can pay for more space for their opinions, they are effectively (d) Neither 1 nor 2
buying a louder voice. If political discourse in the digital
sphere is a matter of outshining one's opponent till the Passage-68
election is won, then the quality of politics suffers. The focus "The history of science is the real history of mankind. In this
of social media is restricted to the promotion of content that striking epigram, a nineteenth-century writer links science
generates more user engagement, regardless of how with its background. Like most epigrams, its power lies in
inflammatory the content may be. emphasizing by contrast an aspect of truth which may be
68. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions easily overlooked. In this case, it is easy to overlook the
have been made:[2024] relations between science and mankind, and to treat the
1. Internet is not inclusive enough. former as some abstract third party, which can sometimes be
praised for its beneficial influences, but frequently and
 Assumption
conveniently blamed for the horrors of war. Science and Passage-70
mankind cannot be divorced from time to time at men's When a child reaches adolescence, there is apt to be a
convenience. Yet we have seen that, in spite of countless conflict between the parents and the child, since the latter
opportunities of improvement, the opening years of the considers himself to be by now quite capable of managing his
present period of civilization have been dominated by own affairs, while the former are filled with parental
international conflict. Is this the inevitable result of the solicitude, which is often a disguise for love of power. Parents
progress of science or does the fault lie elsewhere? consider, usually, that the various moral problems which arise
70. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions in adolescence are peculiarly their province. The options they
have been made:[2024] express, however, are so dogmatic that the young seldom
1. The horrors of modern life are the inevitable result of the confide in them, and usually go their own way in secret.
progress of science. 72. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions
2. The aspect of truth likely to be overlooked is that science is have been made:[2024]
what man has made it. 1. The adolescent does not feel comfortable with his parents
Which of the assumptions given above is/are correct? because they tend to be dominating and assertive.
(a) 1 only 2. The adolescent of modern times does not have much
(b) 2 only respect for parents.
(c) Both 1 and 2 Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
(d) Neither I nor 2 (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
Passage-69 (c) Both 1 and 2
Conventional classrooms, by emphasizing fixed duration over (d) Neither 1 nor 2
learning effectiveness, resign themselves to variable
outcomes. The tyranny of the classroom is that every learner Passage-71
is subjected to the same set of lectures in the same way for Geographers analyzed 175 satellite images of ocean colour,
the same duration. In the end, a few learners shine, some which is an indicator of phytoplankton productivity at the
survive, and the rest are left behind. After the fixed duration, ocean's surface, and found that giant icebergs are responsible
the classroom model moves on, with not a thought spared for for storing up to 20 percent of carbon in the Southern Ocean.
those left behind. This is how we end up with 10 percent The researchers discovered that melting water from giant
employability in our graduates after a decade and half of icebergs which contains iron and other nutrients, supports
formal education. Repeating the same ineffectual script in the hitherto unexpectedly high levels of phytoplankton growth.
realm of skill education will not produce different results. 73. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions
71. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:[2024]
have been made:[2024] 1. Giant icebergs have a bearing on primary productivity and
1. As a large number of workers in our country are employed food chains of the Southern Ocean.
in unorganized sector, India does not need to change its 2. Melting of giant icebergs can produce climate change
present conventional classroom system of education. effects and impact world fisheries.
2. Even with its present conventional classroom system of Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
education, India produces sufficient number of skilled (a) 1 only
workers to fully realize the benefits of demographic dividend. (b) 2 only
Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid? (c) Both 1 and 2
(a) 1 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 Passage-72
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 The flower was not invented to please us. It flaunted its
petals and spread its perfume to attract an insect. The insect
carries the pollen from flower to flower so that pollen is not
 Assumption
carried away by wind and thus not wasted. What we call a
flower's beauty is merely a by-product and a human
invention. The perfume is not there to please us, it pleases us
because it is there and we have been conditioned to it.
74. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions
have been made:[2024]
1. The author of the passage believes that flowers are
creations of Nature's luxury.
2. The author of the passage does not believe in the
usefulness of flowers except as things of beauty.
Which of the assumptions given above is/are valid?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2