IIM SPECIAL VA 1 Retaker

IIM SPECIAL VA 1 Retaker
Q.7 There are two different blanks in each of the questions given below. Choose
the word from the given options which fits into both the blanks appropriately
adding a proper and logical meaning to the sentences.
(I) Tata Power is planning to increase its _______ of electric vehicle charging stations to
700 by next year.
(II) We are ________the locations where EVs are launched and we will be setting up
charging stations in those cities.
1. catalogue, degrade
2. gallant, converting
3. network, mapping
4. schemes, gaping
5. freebies, protruding
Solution:Only option (c) has the words which can satisfy both the blanks. The
sentences given are
Catalogue: a complete list of items, typically one in alphabetical or other systematic
order.
Gallant: charmingly attentive and chivalrous to women.
Protruding: sticking out; projecting.
Gaping: wide open.
(I) The RBI saw an _______ slowdown in growth early in 2019 and used the space to cut
interest rates
(II) Green shoots are now visible and need to be _______ to pull India out of its current
slowdown.
1. imminent, sustained
2. pertinent, detained
3. eminent, distilled
4. antidote, devalued
5. sample, violated
Solution:Only option (a) has the words which can satisfy both the blanks.
Imminent: about to happen.
Eminent: famous and respected within a particular sphere.
Distilled: having been purified by undergoing heating and condensation.
Devalued: reduce or underestimate the worth or importance of.
Pertinent: relevant or applicable to a particular matter.
Sustained: strengthen or support physically or mentally.
(I)General Bipin Rawat on Monday said that he came to know about the_______ of
Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft after they were deployed in Doklam.
(II) The XYZ Party’s win in the Delhi elections has inspired others to_______ its strategy.
1. contaminate, purify
2. dilapidate, decree
3. delicacy, disarm
4. capabilities, replicate
5. retreat, diminish
Solution:Only option (d) has the words which can satisfy both the blanks.
Contaminate: the action or state of making or being made impure by polluting or
poisoning.
Decree: an official order that has the force of law.
Dilapidate: in a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect.
Disarm: take a weapon or weapons away from (a person, force, or country).
Replicate: make an exact copy of; reproduce.
(I)The committee will recommend measurable performance incentives for states

to_______ agri exports as well as to promote crops
(II) China announced measures such as closing non-essential public venues and
_______ traffic restrictions to contain the epidemic.
1. encourage, stringent
2. draped, struck
3. drenched, stuck
4. devastate, stampede
5. neutral, stammer
Solution:Only option (a) has the words which can satisfy both the blanks.
Encourage: give support, confidence, or hope to (someone).
Stringent: strict, precise, and exacting.
Drenched: wet thoroughly; soak.
Devastate: destroy or ruin.
Stammer: speak with sudden involuntary pauses and a tendency to repeat the initial
letters of words.
(I) Expressing_______ over poor hygiene in the meat and fish sector (FSSAI) has been
auditing slaughter houses for the last six months.
(II) Hygiene in the country's fish and meat markets is "not good", he said but _______
confidence that the situation will improve.
1. disbelief, grave
2. cornered, caught
3. concern, radiated
4. bold, power
5. border, concession
Solution:Only option (c) has the words which can satisfy both the blanks.
Disbelief: inability or refusal to accept that something is true or real.
Grave: a hole dug in the ground to receive a coffin or dead body, typically marked by a
stone or mound. radiate: diverge or spread from or as if from a central point
Concession: a thing that is granted, especially in response to demands.
(I) Even though it_______ its targets of rolling out free Wi-Fi at railway stations, Google
said Monday it was ending its Station programme
(II) The Iran elections are not likely to be competitive or to provide the actual measure of
_______ support for the candidates.
1. contradicted, computed
2. surpassed, popular
3. tidy, legality
4. trailing, trawler
5. common, remote
Solution:Only option (b) has the words which can satisfy both the blanks.
Contradicted: decrease in size, number, or range.
Computed: reckon or calculate (a figure or amount).
Surpassed: exceed; be greater than.
Legality: the quality or state of being in accordance with the law.
Trawler: a fishing boat
Q.13 In the following questions, a grammatically correct and meaningful

sentence is given which is divided into five parts, where the first part is fixed and
highlighted , in the remaining parts of the sentence namely (A),(B),(C) and (D) You
have to arrange the four parts to make a contextually and grammatically
meaningful sentence (the meaning can be different from the one given in the
question). If no such rearrangement is possible mark (e) as your answer i.e. 'No
rearrangement required'.
The government plans to/ set up a 900-km power transmission link(A)/ wind energy
projects in Ladakh supply (B)/ that will help large solar and (C) /electricity across the
country. (D)
1. BCDA
2. CBDA
3. ACBD
4. DCAB
5. No rearrangement is required
Solution:The correct rearrangement of the parts of statement will be “ACBD” which will
make a grammatically correct and contextually meaningful statement. Hence, option (c)
is the most suitable answer choice. The correct statement thus formed will be:
“The government plans to set up a 900-km power transmission link that will help large
solar and wind energy projects in Ladakh supply electricity across the country.”

Nuclear scientists from/ used to launch ballistic missiles (A)/ the DRDO reached
Kandla port in (B)/Chinese ship carrying a machine(C)/ gujarat on Monday to inspect a.
(D)
1. DABC
2. BDCA
3. CDAB
4. ABCD
5. No rearrangement required
Solution:The correct rearrangement of the parts of statement will be “BDCA” which will
make a grammatically correct and contextually meaningful statement. The given
sentence talks about nuclear scientists from DRDO coming to inspect a vessel docked at
Kandla containing enhancements to launch missiles. Hence, option (b) is the most
suitable answer choice. The correct statement thus formed will be:
“Nuclear scientists from the DRDO reached Kandla port in Gujarat on Monday to inspect
a Chinese ship carrying a machine used to launch ballistic missiles.”

India is considered to /be one of the most open economies(A)/ for overseas investment
after(B)/ it eased regulations(C)/ for several sectors. (D)
1. ADCB
2. BACD
3. CDBA
4. DABC
5. No rearrangement required
Solution:In the given sentence the sentence elaborates on India being one of the most
open economies for overseas investment after relaxation of regulations. Hence, option
(e) is the most suitable answer choice which means the sentence requires no
rearrangement. The statement thus formed will be:
“India is considered to be one of the most open economies for overseas investment after
it eased regulations for several sectors.”

Chief of Defence Staff Gen /Bipin Rawat on Monday indicated that the Indian Navy(A)/
may not get approval for a third aircraft carrier(B)/ to strengthen its submarine fleet (C)/
anytime soon as the priority is. (D)
1. DACB
2. ABDC
3. CBDA
4. BCDA
Solution:The correct rearrangement of the parts of statement will be “ABDC” which will
statement talks about the Navy not being able to procure a third aircraft carrier anytime
soon. Hence, option (b) is the most suitable answer choice. The correct statement thus
formed will be:
“Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat on Monday indicated that the Indian Navy may
not get approval for a third aircraft carrier anytime soon as the priority is to strengthen its
submarine fleet.”

India's food regulator FSSAI/ improve hygiene and sanitation (A) / on Monday said it

has stepped up efforts to (B)/ in the country's meat and fish markets(C)/ looking at the
prevalent scenario. (D)
1. ACBD
2. CADB
3. DABC
4. BACD
Solution:The correct rearrangement of the parts of statement will be “BACD” which will
sentence talks about the efforts being increased by the FSSAI to improve the meat
market. Hence, option (d) is the most suitable answer choice. The correct statement thus
formed will be:
“India's food regulator FSSAI on Monday said it has stepped up efforts to improve
hygiene and sanitation in the country's meat and fish markets looking at the prevalent
scenario.”
Q.18 In each of the given question, a statement is divided in four parts. Identify
the part of the statement which contains grammatical error. If the given statement
is correct, mark option ‘e’, no error, as your answer.
The number of foreign tourists(A)/visiting Nepal are increasing (B)/day by day during
(C)/this tourist season. (D)
1. C
2. D
3. B
4. A
5. no error
Solution:There is an error in part (B) of the sentence. In order to correct it we will have
to replace ‘are’ with ‘is’ as after ‘The number of’ a ‘singular verb’ is used.
Basu met me yesterday(A)/ but he did not tell me that(B)/ he has resigned from(C)/ the
factory the previous week itself. (D)
1. D
2. A
3. B
4. C
5. no error
Solution:There is an error (C) of the given sentence. Here ‘has’ will be replaced with
‘had’ as in part (A) of the sentence ‘met-yesterday’ and the reporting verb in part (B) ‘did
not tell’ is in the past form hence the clause will be in the past prefect tense. Hence,
option (d) is the most suitable answer choice.
.20 In each of the given question, a statement is divided in four parts. Identify the
part of the statement which contains grammatical error. If the given statement is
correct, mark option ‘e’, no error, as your answer.
I have always (A)/considered myself for a batsmen(B)/ right from (C)/my early days of
cricket. (D)
1. C
2. D
3. B
4. A
5. no error
Solution:In the given sentence, the error lies in part (B), where ‘myself for a batsman’
will be replaced ‘myself to be a batsman’ as consider+ Object/Reflexive+ to be
+complement form is used. Hence, option (c) is the most suitable answer choice.
All secretaries and principal secretaries(A)/ have been asked to attend the(B)/ meeting
to be chaired from the(C)/ chief minister on Wednesday. (D)
1. B
2. C
3. A
4. D
5. no error
Solution:The usage of “from” in part (C) of the statement is incorrect. To correct the
statement ‘from’ will be replaced with ‘by’ to make the sentence error free. Hence, option
(b) is the most suitable answer choice.
.22 In each of the given question, a statement is divided in four parts. Identify the
part of the statement which contains grammatical error. If the given statement is
correct, mark option ‘e’, no error, as your answer.
Figures of government expenditure on the (A)/event show that over Rs 60 lakh was
spent(B)/ only on arranging food including breakfast, (C) / lunch and dinner for the
delegates at the three-day event. (D)
1. D
2. C
3. B
4. A
5. no error
Solution:In the given sentence there is no error. Hence the correct answer is option (e).
Q.23
With an aim to provide convenience(A)/ to its commuters by ensuring last mile(B)/
connectivity from the metro stations(C)/, the DMRC has joint hands with a Hyderabad
firm. (D)
1. D
2. C
3. B
4. A
5. no error
Solution:In the given sentence there is error in part (D) of the sentence. The word ‘joint’
will be replaced with ‘joined’ to make the sentence correct. Hence the correct answer is
option (a).
Q.24 Read the given passage carefully and answer the following questions.
Certain parts have been highlighted to help answer the questions.
It cannot possibly get messier than this. The telecom industry is in turmoil unable to pay
up its dues as per the Supreme Court verdict on adjusted gross revenues delivered in
October last; the Court is aghast that its order is not being complied with; and then there
is the government torn between revenue considerations, the need to uphold sanctity of
contracts, and ensuring that one of the players does not go under in the process of
honouring the verdict. Faced with the wrath of the Court, Bharti Airtel paid ₹10,000 crore
on Monday with the promise of paying the rest before mid-March when the court will
hear the case next. Vodafone Idea, the one hit the most by the judgment, on Monday
sought more time to pay up but the Court was in no mood to humour the company and
refused to hear the plea. The company eventually paid ₹2,500 crore by the evening. The
two companies, as indeed the others in the industry, have only themselves to blame for
the predicament that they find themselves in now. They could have paid up their annual
dues over the years — which were not material in relation to their respective turnovers
— under protest even as they litigated the case in the top court. That would have
obviated the need to pay interest and penalties now which are higher than the actual
dues. At the very least, they ought to have provided for the liability in their balance
sheets as a contingency, which they failed to do.
While they have to pay the price for this now, what can be done to ensure that the blow
is not fatal? If Vodafone shuts shop, not only will the industry be reduced to a duopoly,
with all the attendant consequences for customers but it will also lead to loss of about
15,000 direct jobs and several thousand more indirect ones. Worse, the cascading effect
will be felt across the economy as lenders face the consequences of the company going
bankrupt — non performing assets will rise. Telecom equipment suppliers may also go
down as their dues will not be paid. And what happens to the 212 million Vodafone
subscribers? It is doubtful whether the other two players can absorb them all. The
industry is critical to the government’s plans for a digital economy not to mention its
revenues, including from the upcoming 5G spectrum auctions. The government has to,
therefore, examine what it can do to save the situation without disrespecting the Court’s
verdict. Legislation to offer a staggered payment schedule that ensures that the net
present value of future payments is equal to the dues is one option experts are
suggesting. There could be other options that can be considered in conjunction with the
industry, including reducing the adjusted gross revenue-based licence fees and
spectrum usage charges. Whatever route it chooses _________(A), the government will
have to get the Court on its side at the next hearing on March 17. The need of the hour
is pragmatism laced with prudence on all sides to clean up this royal mess.
Q. What was the immediate effect of the strict stance taken by the Supreme court
against the non-payment of dues even after the final verdict?
1. Coughing up of dues to the tune of 10000 crore by one of the defaulters while the
other pleaded for more time finally having to pay 2500 crores.
2. Declaration of bankruptcy by affected companies
3. Sudden drop in the stock prices of the companies fearing loss of assets.
4. (a) and (c)
5. None of the above
Solution:Reading the first paragraph of the passage it can be deduced that the correct
answer is option(a).
The relevant sentences of the mentioned sentences have been quoted below:
“ Faced with the wrath of the Court, Bharti Airtel paid ₹10,000 crore on Monday
with the promise of paying the rest before mid-March when the court will hear the
case next. Vodafone Idea, the one hit the most by the judgment, on Monday
sought more time to pay up but the Court was in no mood to humour the company
and refused to hear the plea. The company eventually paid ₹2,500 crore by the
evening.”
Q. How could have the current situation being faced by the telecom giants be avoided?
1. Annual payments during the time of litigation which could have prevented interests
and penalties on the dues which has multiplied the amount massively
2. Acceptance of the terms and conditions set by the government without any litigation
which would have avoided any cost escalation.
3. Not participating in any spectrum sale till the litigation would be resolved.
4. (a) and (b)
Solution:Reading the second paragraph of the passage it can be deduced that the
correct answer is
option(a). The sentences of the passage which substantiate this are given below:
“The two companies, as indeed the others in the industry, have only themselves to
blame for the predicament that they find themselves in now. They could have paid up
their annual dues over the years — which were not material in relation to their respective
turnovers — under protest even as they litigated the case in the top court. That would
have obviated the need to pay interest and penalties now which are higher than the
actual dues.”
What will be the impact of Vodafone halting its operations in India?
1. The telecom market turning into a duopoly with a massive loss of employment.
2. Loss in government revenue as well as jolt to the plan of becoming a digital economy
3. Loss of telecom subscribers due to improper absorption in the remaining networks.
4. Reduction in telecom equipment suppliers and increase in non-performing assets.
5. All of the above
correct answer is
option(e). The relevant sentences of the mentioned sentences have been quoted below:
“If Vodafone shuts shop, not only will the industry be reduced to a duopoly, with all the
attendant consequences for customers but it will also lead to loss of about 15,000 direct
jobs and several thousand more indirect ones. Worse, the cascading effect will be felt
across the economy as lenders face the consequences of the company going bankrupt
— non performing assets will rise. Telecom equipment suppliers may also go down as
their dues will not be paid. And what happens to the 212 million Vodafone subscribers?
It is doubtful whether the other two players can absorb them all. The industry is critical to
the government’s plans for a digital economy not to mention its revenues, including from
the upcoming 5G spectrum auctions.”
Which of the following statements are true with respect to the passage given?
1. Airtel has been the most affected company by the recent ruling of the Supreme court.
2. All the defaulter companies showed immediate compliance to the order passed on
adjusted gross revenues.
3. The government of India will subsidize the penalty to be paid on Adjusted gross
revenue dues
4. The Reserve Bank of India will infuse liquidity into telecom sector to absorb losses
due to the Adjusted gross revenue.
Solution: Reading the passage carefully we can see that none of the sentences given
above are factually
correct hence the correct answer will be option (e).
Which of the following sentences can be used to fill the blank (A) in the given passage?
1. to soften the blow
2. to teach defaulters a lesson
3. a new era in the telecom sector
4. stop the digital India scheme.
Solution:The given blank can be filled using option (a). The given passage talks about
the ruling on Adjusted Gross Revenue and how the no-nonsense attitude shown by the
supreme court has spurred massive panic in the telecom sector.
Which of the following word is similar to critical as mentioned in the passage given?
1. vital
2. vehement
3. venomous
4. violent
Solution:Among the given words, ‘vital’ is the synonym of ‘critical’. Hence, option (a) is
the
most suitable answer choice.
Vehement: showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense.
Venomous: secreting venom; capable of injecting venom by means of a bite or sting.
How can the government diffuse the situation for the telecom sector to prevent it from
collapsing?
1. Offering a staggered payment schedule to the telecom companies
2. Reduction in the adjusted gross revenue-based licence fees and spectrum usage
charges
3. waiver of penalty on dues decreasing the financial burden on companies.
4. (a) and (b)
5. All of the above
Solution: Reading the second paragraph of the passage it can be deduced that the
correct answer is
option(d). The relevant sentences of the mentioned sentences have been quoted below:
“The government has to, therefore, examine what it can do to save the situation without
disrespecting the Court’s verdict. Legislation to offer a staggered payment schedule that
ensures that the net present value of future payments is equal to the dues is one option
experts are suggesting. There could be other options that can be considered in
conjunction with the industry, including reducing the adjusted gross revenue-based
licence fees and spectrum usage charges.”
Q.1 Read the passage given below and answer the questions based on the
information provided in the passage. Certain words have been highlighted to aid
in
answering the questions.
Have you ever wondered who was paying to recycle that plastic bottle you just threw
away? Until recently, it would have been collected and – to the extent possible –
recycled by municipalities with the use of public money. But this is changing and today
most used bottles are managed directly by their manufacturers.
This evolution came with the introduction of the concept of Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR). Put in simple terms, EPR shifts responsibility away from
municipalities onto producers for managing and recycling used products; although
municipalities and private recyclers may still be involved for certain tasks. This implies
that a soda company is required to finance and organise the recycling of its bottles when
they are discarded by consumers. The same applies of course to other sectors.
The movement first started in a few European countries in the early 1990s and
developed rapidly across industrialised countries. Today, most OECD countries have
implemented EPR policies in key sectors such as packaging, electronics, batteries, tyres
and vehicles. In recent years, emerging economies in Asia, Africa and Latin America
have also started to follow the move. There are now approximately 400 EPR
programmes in place around the world.
EPR policies have proven to be successful in both, increasing collection and recycling
rates, and in shifting the financial burden of waste management onto the shoulders of
producers. Sharp improvements in recycling rates can indeed be observed following the
introduction of such schemes, for example in Japan where the recycling of containers
and packaging waste increased by 27% between 1997 and 2000 (1.25 to 1.59 million
tons). In addition, these policies can reduce public spending and hence taxpayers’
money spent on waste management activities. In France for example, about 15% of the
budget spent on municipal waste management is now financed by producers via EPR
policies.
The OECD is playing an active role in encouraging and supporting governments in the
implementation of EPR policies. In 2001, the organization published a Guidance Manual
for Governments that provided the basic concepts and key policy recommendations on
the topic. A Global Forum will take place this month in Tokyo to take stock of the
evolution of EPR and will present a unique opportunity for a global, multi-stakeholder
audience to exchange on their experience in designing and implementing such
programmes. The outcomes of the discussions will help shape updated policy
recommendations.
OECD work on EPR forms part of a broader effort to move towards resource efficient
societies. The total volume of material resources extracted, harvested and consumed
worldwide reached 62 billion metric tonnes (Gt) in 2008, a 65% increase since 1980 and
an estimated 8 fold increase over the last century. It is projected to reach 100 Gt per
year by 2030, generating increasing pressures on environmental resources as well as
waste. Going for green growth and a resource efficient economy is thus a major
environmental, development and macroeconomic challenge today. In this context, the
use of policies that ensure sustainable materials management, building on the principles
of the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – is crucial. The OECD is therefore advising
governments on Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) policies aiming to reduce
the amount of resources that human economic activity requires and to diminish the
environmental impacts from their production and consumption.
As expressed by Simon Upton, Director at the OECD Environment Directorate,
“Sustainable materials management helps to address the social, environmental and
economic impacts throughout the life-cycle of a product or material. This
________(A)________and competitiveness. EPR policies are an effective tool to
engage producers in that process.”
EPR demonstrates that the involvement of all actors – governments, producers,
recyclers, consumers – is necessary to address global environmental challenges. So,
next time you drink a soda, just bear in mind to throw the bottle in the right bin, and the
whole chain will keep running.
Q. What is the role of OECD in the implementation of the EPR policies?
1. It publishes a Guidance Manual for Governments that provides information about the
GDP change after the implementation of the EPR policies.
2. Organise global forums to share experiences and exchange ideas about the
effectiveness of the EPR policies.
3. It provides monetary help to the developing nations to implement EPR policies
effectively.
4. Both (a) and (c)
5. None of these
Solution:Only statement (b) is correct and is justified by following lines of the passage –
“A Global Forum will take place this month in Tokyo to take stock of the evolution of EPR
and will present a unique opportunity for a global, multi-stakeholder audience to
exchange on their experience in designing and implementing such programmes.”
All other options are incorrect as they are not mentioned in the passage.
What is true about the Sustainable materials management as mentioned in the
passage?
1. The concept of Sustainable materials management is suggested by OECD to

governments for reduction in human economic activities.
2. Sustainable materials management aims at saving environment from harmful impacts

of production and consumption.
3. Sustainable materials management guides to three principles and they are reduce,
reuse and recycle.
4. All (a), (b) and (c)
5. Both (b) and (c)
Solution:(a) is wrong because Sustainable materials management reduces the amount

of resource usage for economic activities and not the economic activities.
Option (b) and (c) are justified by following lines of the passage-
“In this context, the use of policies that ensure sustainable materials management,
building on the principles of the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – is crucial. The OECD
is therefore advising governments on Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) policies
aiming to reduce the amount of resources that human economic activity requires and to
diminish the environmental impacts from their production and consumption.”
According Simon Upton how are the EPR policies an effective tool in plastic
management?
1. They guide governments to impose hefty fines on producers who use plastic
packings.
2. They engage producers in the process of recycling their own products.
3. These policies address the environmental impact of products during its life cycle.
4. Both (b) and (c)
5. All of the above
Solution:There is no mention of fines in the whole passage. Option (b) and (c) are
mentioned in following lines of the passage-
As expressed by Simon Upton, Director at the OECD Environment Directorate,
“Sustainable materials management helps to address the social, environmental and
economic impacts throughout the life-cycle of a product or material. EPR policies are an
effective tool to engage producers in that process.”
Q. Which of the following word is antonym to “diminish” as mentioned in the passage

given?
1. dwindle
2. curtail
3. expand
4. truncate
Solution:Among the given words, ‘expand’ is the antonym of ‘diminish’. Hence, option
(c) is the most suitable answer choice.
Dwindle means diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength.
Truncate means shorten (something) by cutting off the top or the end.
Curtail means reduce in extent or quantity; impose a restriction on.
Q. Which of the following statements are true with respect to the passage given?
1. Simon Upton was the director of OEDC Environment Directorate.
2. There are exactly 400 EPR programmes all around the world.
3. All Plastic bottles are managed by the municipalities.

4. Japan showed a drastic decrease of 27% in field of packaging waste.
Solution:Reading the passage carefully we can see that none of the sentences given
above are factually
correct hence the correct answer will be option (e). To support the answer read following
lines from the passage-
-for example in Japan where the recycling of containers and packaging waste increased
by 27% between 1997 and 2000 (1.25 to 1.59 million tons).
- There are now approximately 400 EPR programmes in place around the world.
- As expressed by Simon Upton, Director at the OECD Environment Directorate.
- today most used bottles are managed directly by their manufacturers.
Q. Which of the following sentences can be used to fill the blank (A) in the given
passage?
1. can decrease resource productivity
2. decreased resource productivity
3. can improved resource productivity
4. can improve resource productivity
Solution:In the given passage the effects of sustainable materials management are
discussed which are positive. In the given sentence the option which gives the correct
contextual meaning and makes sentence grammatically correct is option (d).
Q. Which of the following word is similar to “rapidly” as mentioned in the passage given?
1. leisurely
2. subtle
3. tardy
4. swiftly
Solution:Among the given words, ‘swiftly’ is the synonym of ‘rapidly’, they both means
“at high speed; quickly”. Hence, option (d) is the most suitable answer choice.
Leisurely means acting or done at leisure; unhurried or relaxed.
Tardy means delaying or delayed beyond the right or expected time; late.
Q.8 Each of the sentences given below contains a blank. Identify the most
suitable alternative among the five given options that fits into the blank to make
the sentence logical and meaningful.
The housing board had _____________the rates for flats under the scheme after they
did not receive the expected response from buyers.
1. accelerate
2. staled
3. slashed
4. slandered
5. both (c) and (d)
Solution:The most suitable word for the given blank is “slashed”. ‘Slashed’ means ‘a
sharp reduction in something, such as money or jobs’. All the other words are either
grammatically incorrect or contextually meaningless. Hence, option (c) is the correct
answer choice.
Slandered - the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a
person's reputation.
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo told passengers that no one ______________ with the
coronavirus would be allowed to board charter flights to the United States.
1. aided
2. purified
3. infected
4. sheltered
5. insulated
Solution:The most suitable word for the given blank is “infected”. ‘Infected’ means
‘,containing bacteria, dirt or other things that can cause disease. All the other words are
either grammatically incorrect or contextually meaningless. Hence, option (c) is the
correct answer choice.
To avoid offending his voters, the politician will _______________ from voting on the
unpopular bill.
1. embrace
2. indulge
3. pacify
4. menial
5. abstain
Solution:The most suitable word for the given blank is “abstain”. ‘Abstain’ means
‘formally decline to vote either for or against a proposal or motion’. All the other words
are either grammatically incorrect or contextually meaningless. Hence, option (e) is the
correct answer choice.
Menial means not requiring much skill and lacking prestige.
Pacify means quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of
Martha may appear quiet in social surroundings, but once she gets to know you, she is
really ___________________.
1. restrained
2. talkative
3. subdued
4. loquacious
5. both (b) and (d)
Solution:The most suitable words for the given blank are “talkative” and “loquacious”.
‘Loquacious’ means ‘tending to talk a great deal; talkative’. All the other words are either
grammatically incorrect or contextually meaningless. Hence, option (e) is the correct
answer choice.
Subdued - (of a person or their manner) quiet and rather reflective or depressed.
Restrained - not excessively showy or ornate; understated.
There are many excellent watch stores available online, however there are also some
_____________ones.
1. dubious
2. certain
3. staunch
4. staunched
5. none of the above
Solution:The most suitable word for the given blank is “dubious”. ‘Dubious’ means ‘not
to be relied upon; suspect’. All the other words are either grammatically incorrect or
contextually meaningless. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer choice.
Staunch - very loyal and committed in attitude.
Q.13 For each of the following sentences, four words are highlighted in bold and
numbered as (A), (B), (C) and (D). Some words have been swapped from their
places and interchanged with other words which are highlighted and labelled.
Choose the option which displays correct swapping of words making the
sentence grammatically correct and contextually meaningful. If all words are in
their places, choose option (e) “No Correction Required” as your answer.
The Supreme Court asked the government why it

was appointments(A) back reiteration(B) for holding(C) to various High Courts even
after recommendations(D) by the Collegium.
1. A-D and B-C
2. B-C
3. A-D
4. A-C and B-D
5. No Correction Required
Solution:The words positioned at (A) and (C) and at (B) and (D) are incorrectly placed.
‘The Supreme Court asked the government why it was holding back recommendations
for appointments to various High Courts even after reiteration by the Collegium’ is a
meaningful sentence.
So, interchanging the words present at (A) with (C) and (B) with (D) would yield a
grammatically correct and contextually meaningful sentence. Hence, option (d) is the
correct answer.
The renewable energy sector, which has witnessed the vast payment(A) of private
funding in power in the last six years, now faces(B) the real threat(C) of transforming
into non-performing assets (NPAs) due to lax bulk(D) for power supplied.
1. A-D
2. C-D and A-B
3. C-D
4. A-D and B-C
Solution:The words positioned at (A) and (D) are incorrectly placed.

‘The renewable energy sector, which has witnessed the vast bulk of private funding in
power in the last six years, now faces the real threat of transforming into non-performing
assets (NPAs) due to lax payment for power supplied’ is a meaningful sentence.
So, interchanging the words present at (A) with (D) would yield a grammatically correct
and contextually meaningful sentence. Hence, option (a) is the correct answer.
Climate is dependent(A) upon many factors, but recently UN-Water accepted(B) that

water is a major(C) factor influencing(D) the climate of any place.
1. A-D
2. C-D and A-B
3. C-D
4. A-D and B-C
Solution:All words are correctly placed. Hence, option (e) is the correct answer.
.16 For each of the following sentences, four words are highlighted in bold and
Low-income populations are possess(A) to causes of air pollution because they do

not overexposed(B) the defend(C) strength to financial(D) themselves against it.
1. A-D
2. D-C and A-B
3. C-B
4. A-D and B-C
Solution:The words positioned at (D) and (C) and at (A) and (B) are incorrectly placed.
‘Low-income populations are overexposed to causes of air pollution because they do not
possess the financial strength to defend themselves against it’ is a meaningful sentence.
So, interchanging the words present at (A) with (B) and (C) with (D) would yield a
grammatically correct and contextually meaningful sentence. Hence, option (b) is the
correct answer
Q.17 Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error in it.
The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the
answer. If there is no error, the answer is (e). (Ignore the errors of punctuation, if
any.)
The manager was (A) / accused the accountant (B) / for mishandling foreign (C) /
accounts of the firm(D).
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. No error
Solution:The error lies in part (A) of the sentence. To make the sentence grammatically
correct remove “was”.
any.)
Many a woman (A) / have not done their (B) / task of decorating (C) / the wedding hall
(D).
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. No error
Solution:The error lies in part (B) of the sentence. To make the sentence grammatically
correct replace “have” by “has” and “their’ by “her” because singular noun/pronoun/verb
will follow ‘many a’.
any.)
If the retired captain tried (A) / again, he can bring (B) / his team home (C) / with the
world cup (D).
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. No error
Solution:The error lies in part (B) of the sentence. The correct way to structure second
conditional sentences is to use the simple past tense in the if-clause and an auxiliary
modal verb (e.g., could, should, would, might) in the main clause (the one that expresses
the unrealistic or unlikely outcome).
any.)
Unless two or more members object (A) / to him financing the (B) / competitors, we shall
have to (C) / respect his decision (D).
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. No error
Solution:The error lies in part (B) of the sentence. To make the sentence grammatically
correct replace “him” by “his” because a possessive adjective comes before a gerund.
any.)
I remember meet (A) / him five years ago (B) / while we were on (C) / a trip to the
Himalayas (D).
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
5. No error
Solution:The error lies in part (A) of the sentence. To make the sentence grammatically
correct replace “meet” by “meeting” because Gerund comes after ‘remember’.
Q.13 In each of the following questions below, there are two blanks in each
sentence. Below each of the sentence, a table is given with two columns (A) and
(B) in which there are words. You have to choose one word from both the columns
to give grammatical and contextual meaning to the sentences.
India will join the select _______(A)of nations using petrol and diesel containing just 10
parts per million of sulphur as it looks to cut vehicular _______(B)
Column (A):
(1) launch
(2) release
(3) league
Column (B):
(4) inflate
(5) embrace
(6) emissions
1. (1-4)
2. (2-5)
3. (3-4)
4. (1-6)
5. (3-6)
Solution:Here, (3) i.e. ‘league’ meaning ‘a collection of people, countries, or groups that
combine for mutual protection or cooperation’ and (6) i.e. ‘emissions’ meaning ‘the
production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation’. Hence, option (e) is
the right answer choice.
Cancelled flights and quarantines _______(A) China’s _______(B) to put the country at

the center of commerce and culture
Column (A):
(1) deemed
(2) thwart
(3) empathy
Column (B):
(4) salient
(5) ambitions
(6) empire
1. (2-6)
2. (2-5)
3. (3-6)
4. (1-4)
5. (1-5)
Solution:Here, (2) i.e. ‘thwart’ meaning prevent (someone) from accomplishing

something. and (5) i.e. ‘ambitions’ meaning ‘a strong desire to do or achieve something’.
Hence, option (b) is the right answer choice.
The Bench even considered taking on board economists and environmentalists

to _______(A) the value of a tree, factoring in the value of the _______(B) of oxygen it
emits in its lifetime.
Column (A):
(1) estimate
(2) embark
(3) retaliate
Column (B):
(4) quantum
(5) confine
(6) inflame
1. (1-6)
2. (1-4)
3. (2-5)
4. (3-4)
Solution:Here, (1) i.e. ‘estimate’ meaning roughly calculate or judge the value, number,
quantity, or extent of. and (4) i.e. ‘quantum’ meaning ‘a required or allowed amount’.
Hence, option (b) is the right answer choice.
The Election Commission of India (EC) on Tuesday _______(A) its bid for linking

Aadhaar with voter identity card, in an _______(B) to clean up electoral rolls.
Column (A):
(1) revamped
(2) renewed
(3) refurbish
Column (B):
(4) inert
(5) effort
(6) repent
1. (1-6)
2. (2-6)
3. (2-5)
4. (3-4)
Solution:Here, (2) i.e. ‘renewed’ meaning ‘give fresh life or strength to’. and (5) i.e.
‘effort’ meaning ‘a vigorous or determined attempt’. Hence, option (c) is the right answer
choice.
Inert: lacking the ability or strength to move.
Refurbish: renovate and redecorate (something, especially a building)
Repent: feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin.
Revamped: give new and improved form, structure, or appearance to.
The Indian Navy in _______(A) with Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has carried out
extensive _______(B) for the fuel that will be supplied to run the various ships and
frigates of the Navy.
Column (A):
(1) accordance
(2) condemnation
(3) collaboration
Column (B):
(4) trials
(5) trivial
(6) tangle
1. (1-6)
2. (2-4)
3. (1-4)
4. (3-6)
5. (3-4)
Solution:Here, (3) i.e. ‘collaboration’ meaning ‘the action of working with someone to
produce something’. and (4) i.e. ‘trials’ meaning ‘a test of the performance, qualities, or
suitability of someone or something.’. Hence, option (e) is the right answer choice.
Trivial: of little value or importance.
Tangle: to involve in something that hampers, obstructs, or overgrows
Condemnation: the expression of very strong disapproval; censure.
Two Chinese crew members of a ship, which _______(A) from the novel coronavirus-hit

China, have been kept in _______(B) due to fever.
Column (A):
(1) arrived
(2) derived
(3) devised
Column (B):
(4) isolation
(5) insulated
(6) intoxicated
1. (1-6)
2. (2-4)
3. (1-4)
4. (3-6)
5. (3-4)
Solution:Here, (1) i.e. ‘arrived’ meaning reach a place at the end of a journey or a stage
in a journey’. and (4) i.e. ‘isolation’ meaning ‘far away from other places, buildings, or
people; remote.’. Hence, option (c) is the right answer choice.
Q.19 Read the given passage carefully and answer the following questions.
Certain parts have been highlighted to help answer the questions.
From quick sequencing of the whole genome of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that
causes COVID-19 — after alerting WHO in December 2019 about a cluster of
pneumonia cases of unknown cause — to quickly developing viral diagnostic tests,
China has done much to address the epidemic. As on Wednesday, mainland China had
74,185 cases and 2,004 deaths. Add to this the speed at which two new hospitals with
2,600 beds were built. Also, the many facilities that became temporary hospitals in the
face of growing cases is testimony to China’s ability to pull off the unimaginable in
containing the epidemic. Whether the decision to shut down huge cities to halt the viral
spread may have actually helped is debatable, but it is important to note that China has
done a lot after the initial delay in reporting the disease. However, China, given its
capabilities, could have contained the spread with very little effort and resources had it
been transparent and acted on time. Apparently, China did not apply the lessons it
learnt from the SARS outbreak despite strident global criticism. Downplaying and being
secretive about public health issues, particularly novel virus outbreaks, as it found out
during SARS, and then now, can be very counterproductive. This is in contrast to the
way Kerala handled the Nipah virus outbreaks in 2018-19. Transparency and timely
action helped the State contain the outbreaks within days, with few cases, deaths in
2018.
There is an eerie similarity between China’s SARS outbreak response in 2002-03 and
the current epidemic. If, during SARS, it initially withheld information and delayed by
three months reporting it to WHO, in the case of COVID-19 it systematically downplayed
its scale for nearly six weeks after pneumonia cases of unknown cause were first seen
on December 8, 2019. Shockingly, even as it reported the case cluster to WHO on
December 31, and the wet market, thought to be the outbreak hotspot, was closed on
January 1, people were kept in the dark. In fact, eight doctors who sounded an early
alarm were detained for “spreading rumours”. Ironically, even as about 900 patients
presented with symptoms each day by late December, as a daily reported, official
numbers stayed the same. In fact, after initially reporting 44 cases to WHO, the numbers
were reduced to 41 on January 11 and continued to remain the same till January 16,
when the city and province’s annual political congress ended. Even on January 16,
WHO was informed of only “limited” human spread, thus putting more people at infection
risk. The cases reported began rising slowly since January 17 to reach 121 on January
19 when a community dinner was held in Wuhan. It took a Chinese epidemiologist’s
revelation the next day about the outbreak’s severity for Wuhan to start acting decisively.
The lesson is that in the event of an outbreak, secrecy is a killer and
transparency _____(A).
What are some of the measures undertaken by China to showcase their prowess
regarding dealing with health emergencies?
1. Rapid detailing of the genome sequence of the virus causing the epidemic and
development of diagnostic tests.
2. Hospital construction at breakneck speeds to provide healthcare to as many as

possibly affected
3. Rapid testing using antibody kits
4. (a) and (b)
Solution:Reading the first paragraph of the passage it can be deduced that the correct
answer is option(c).
The relevant sentences of the mentioned paragraph have been quoted below:
“quick sequencing of the whole genome of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes
COVID-19 — after alerting WHO in December 2019 about a cluster of pneumonia cases
of unknown cause — to quickly developing viral diagnostic tests, China has done much
to address the epidemic. Add to this the speed at which two new hospitals with 2,600
beds were built. Also, the many facilities that became temporary hospitals in the face of
growing cases is testimony to China’s ability to pull off the unimaginable in containing
the epidemic.”
Q20 What is the distinction in the way Kerala handled information regarding a public
health situation compared to China?
1. Openness to circulate information regarding the public health emergency and
supplementing it with timely action to contain the outbreak
2. Calling in experts from the World Health Organisation to formulate standard operating
procedures.
3. Media briefings on a weekly basis to address concerns of the citizens.
4. (a) and (b)
correct answer is
option(a). The sentences of the passage which substantiate this are given below:
“Apparently, China did not apply the lessons it learnt from the SARS outbreak despite
strident global criticism. Downplaying and being secretive about public health issues,
particularly novel virus outbreaks, as it found out during SARS, and then now, can be
very counterproductive. This is in contrast to the way Kerala handled the Nipah virus
outbreaks in 2018-19. Transparency and timely action helped the State contain the
outbreaks within days, with few cases, deaths in 2018.”
Q21 What are some of the similarities between China’s approach to the SARS and
COVID-19 outbreak?
1. Hiding facts and figures related to the virus outbreak spreading misinformation among
people as well as authorities.
2. Non entry of NGOs from foreign countries to take stock of the situation
3. Limiting of exports to prevent spread of diseases.
4. Deporting of diplomats from China to prevent any global outrage
5. All of the above
correct answer is
option(a). The relevant sentences of the mentioned sentences have been quoted below:
“If, during SARS, it initially withheld information and delayed by three months reporting it
to WHO, in the case of COVID-19 it systematically downplayed its scale.”
Q22 Which of the statements can be considered as true with respect to the passage
given?
1. China reported the viral spread immediately.

2. China kept all business open as usual to prevent any economic losses.
3. India actively helped china to tackle the virus outbreak.
4. China has developed COVID Fund to tackle the virus spread
Solution:Reading the passage carefully we can see that none of the sentences given
above are factually
correct hence the correct answer will be option (e).
Q23 Which of the following sentences can be used to fill the blank (A) in the given
passage?
1. of the packet showcases the contents inside it
2. the creator
3. the saviour
4. to reduce black money in circulation
Solution:The given blank can be filled using option (c). The given passage talks about
the various measures taken by China to control the outbreak of Coronavirus showcasing
their achievements as well as pitfalls in tackling the emergency.
Q24 Which of the following word is dissimilar to transparent as mentioned in the

passage given?
1. occur
2. repeal
3. opaque
4. alternative
Solution:Among the given words, ‘opaque’ is the antonym of ‘transparent’. Hence,

option (c) is the
most suitable answer choice.
Repeal: revoke or annul (a law or act of parliament).
Opaque: not able to be seen through; not transparent
Q25. What measures could have been utilised by China to better manage the virus
spread?
1. Proper distribution of information regarding the virus spread.
2. True reporting of causalities as well as people affected by the disease.
3. Mass distribution of sanitizers
4. (a) and (b)
5. All of the above
correct answer is
option(d). The relevant sentences of the mentioned paragraph have been quoted below:
“Apparently, China did not apply the lessons it learnt from the SARS outbreak despite
strident global criticism. Downplaying and being secretive about public health issues,
particularly novel virus outbreaks, as it found out during SARS, and then now, can be
very counterproductive.”

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(I)The committee will recommend measurable performance incentives for states

Q.13 In the following questions, a grammatically correct and meaningful

5. No rearrangement is required

Q.14 In the following questions, a grammatically correct and meaningful

5. No rearrangement required

Q.15 In the following questions, a grammatically correct and meaningful

5. No rearrangement required

Q.16 In the following questions, a grammatically correct and meaningful

5. No rearrangement is required

Q.17 In the following questions, a grammatically correct and meaningful

India's food regulator FSSAI/ improve hygiene and sanitation (A) / on Monday said it

5. No rearrangement is required

2. Declaration of bankruptcy by affected companies

4. (a) and (c)

5. None of the above

4. (a) and (b)

5. None of the above

What will be the impact of Vodafone halting its operations in India?

3. Loss of telecom subscribers due to improper absorption in the remaining networks.

4. Reduction in telecom equipment suppliers and increase in non-performing assets.

5. All of the above

5. None of the above

2. to teach defaulters a lesson

3. a new era in the telecom sector

4. stop the digital India scheme.

5. None of the above

5. None of the above

1. Offering a staggered payment schedule to the telecom companies

3. waiver of penalty on dues decreasing the financial burden on companies.

4. (a) and (b)

5. All of the above

Q. What is the role of OECD in the implementation of the EPR policies?

4. Both (a) and (c)

1. The concept of Sustainable materials management is suggested by OECD to

2. Sustainable materials management aims at saving environment from harmful impacts

4. All (a), (b) and (c)

5. Both (b) and (c)

Solution:(a) is wrong because Sustainable materials management reduces the amount

2. They engage producers in the process of recycling their own products.

4. Both (b) and (c)

5. All of the above

Q. Which of the following word is antonym to “diminish” as mentioned in the passage

5. None of the above

1. Simon Upton was the director of OEDC Environment Directorate.

3. All Plastic bottles are managed by the municipalities.

5. None of the above

1. can decrease resource productivity

2. decreased resource productivity

3. can improved resource productivity

4. can improve resource productivity

5. None of the above

5. None of the above

5. both (c) and (d)

5. both (b) and (d)

5. none of the above

The Supreme Court asked the government why it

1. A-D and B-C

4. A-C and B-D

5. No Correction Required

2. C-D and A-B

4. A-D and B-C

5. No Correction Required

Cancelled flights and quarantines _(A) China’s _(B) to put the country at