P1----

The latest National Family Health Survey-5 report is encouraging because it shows an overall
improvement in the country's public health parameters related to maternal and child well-being as a
result of increased contraceptive use. These gains are significant because they are indicators of a
steady, albeit slow, progress toward meeting India's commitment to the Sustainable Development
Goals. While the finding that rich and working-class women use family planning methods more than
poor women is not surprising, the region-specific statistical details should lead to fine-tuning of
population control policies and strategies.

Punjab, with its traditional preference for the male child, performed better in family planning this
time than in the previous survey in 2015-16, but there is still room for a more focused approach to
addressing gender discrimination. Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have been exemplary in reducing
child marriage, but Punjab has not done enough.

It is encouraging that knowledge of birth control methods is nearly universal among men and
women between the reproductive ages of 15 and 49 years. However, the fact that only 56.4 percent
use these methods indicates that the awareness and sensitization campaign for the lower
socioeconomic stratum needs to be stepped up with higher budget outlays and broader outreach. It
is critical for reaching the target replacement-level fertility rate of 2.1. (the rate at which a
population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next). It is directly related to lowering
maternal and infant mortality rates and improving children's health. However, one factor that has
remained consistent over time and requires course correction is the fact that the burden of family
planning remains on the woman. With a distorted perspective, 35% of Indian men believe that using
contraception is the responsibility of women, with Chandigarh topping the list with 69% of its men
holding this false belief. This is completely unfair.

1. If the information in the passage is correct, it implies that

(a)Men have increasingly taken part in family planning.

(b) Overall, birth control measures in India have improved.

(c) Almost all people who are aware of birth control methods use them.

(d) Punjab ranks last among states in terms of knowledge of birth control methods.

2.Which of the following pieces of evidence would strengthen the author's arguments in the
passage?

(a) Family planning that works in one part of India does not always work in another.

(b) Punjab needs more men to work on their farms all day to produce food for themselves.

(c) Because she can abort the unwanted child, the woman is better suited to work on family
planning.

(d) Contraceptives used by men in India have a 60% success rate, which is lower than that of women.

3. Which of the following areas, in the author's opinion, requires the most improvement?
(a) Punjab must do more to combat gender discrimination.

(b) The burden of family planning should be distributed more evenly.

(c) Child marriages must be reduced in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

(d) Female children must outnumber male children.

4. 'Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have been exemplary in reducing child marriage, but Punjab has
not done enough on this front.' The statement is mentioned in the passage by the author because 

(a) there is a direct relationship between child marriage and family planning.

(b) child marriage and family planning have an inverse relationship.

(c) no link exists between child marriage and family planning.

(d) the argument paves the way for the passage's conclusion.
P2-----

With the proliferation of private sector airlines and domestic and international airports over the last
few decades, air travel has grown exponentially as it has become more accessible and affordable.
The growing number of niche flyers in the special needs category stands out. However, the
necessary facilities and services to make these passengers feel at ease are woefully inadequate.
Rather, the industry appears to be largely driven by the cold profit motif, ignoring some warmer
common-sense instincts required to deal with differently abled people. The insensitivity and lack of
compassion extend throughout the flight spectrum, from the lack of clarity of services provided at
the time of booking tickets to airport amenities or check-ins, clear boarding rules, and in-flight
hospitality.

There are numerous reports of people objecting to their justifiable demands on flimsy grounds.
Many unfortunate incidents have occurred for wheelchair-bound passengers. Just last month, a
professor in Bangalore who frequently flies in his wheelchair was stopped (arbitrarily) because the
official on duty insisted that a chair powered by two batteries could fly, but not one powered by
four. The shocking episode on Sunday of a special child, accompanied by his parents, being denied
boarding because he was in a state of 'panic,' despite fellow passengers' readiness to fly with the
adolescent terrified by the commotion around him, should prompt some ground rules. Union
Aviation Minister Scindia is understandably shocked and has promised to investigate. The Union
Aviation Minister has served the airline with a notice demanding an explanation. He must go further
and strengthen rules that protect the rights of specially abled passengers to equality and inclusion.
Given that even 'normal healthy' passengers experience flying jitters, the airline industry must put
forth its best effort for the special ones, for whom the situation must be overwhelming. The 'not fit
for flying' label should be reserved for the most exceptional of circumstances.

In addition to the laws that protect these special flyers, the DPNA (disabled passenger with
intellectual or developmental disability in need of assistance) code should be widely distributed. It is
ironic that, while pets such as dogs, cats, and birds appear to be treated with care when travelling by
air, efforts to ensure the inclusion of the specially challenged are marked by inconsideration.

1. Which of the following is supported if the information in the given passage is correct?

(a) Airline passengers with special needs are treated in the same manner as pets such as dogs and
cats.

(b) Because even ordinary passengers experience flight jitters, the label "not fit for flying" should be
dropped.

(c) The airline company that refused to accommodate the special child must apologise and offer
compensation.

(d) None of the above.

2. Which of the following options represents the author's first claim in the passage?

(a) With the expansion of flights and airports, air travel has become more affordable and accessible.
(b) Significant improvements to the facilities and services required for passengers with special needs.

(c) With its expansion, the airline industry has become increasingly profit-driven.

(d) Wheelchair users suffer the most of all those who require special care and attention.

3. According to the information in the preceding passage, what could be one of the consequences of
the recent incident?

(a) Given the misuse of the 'not fit for flying' label by some airlines, the government would abolish it.

(b) Due to safety concerns, airlines would refuse to transport an increasing number of people with
special needs others.

(c) The airline that refuses to allow the special child to fly must provide compensation.

(d) Passengers in wheelchairs would be treated differently than other passengers.

4. What is the significance of the following statement in the context of the passage? "The special
needs child demonstrated signs of extreme agitation and violence before boarding the flight."

(a) This statement undermines the author's argument.

(b) This statement adds weight to the author's case.

(c) This statement undermines the airline's argument.

(d) This statement adds weight to the aviation ministry's case.

ANSWERS-

P1---

1-b, 2-a ,3-b, 4-a

P2---

1-d,2-b , 3-c, 4-a