Direction: In the following passage, some of the words are missing. Find suitable words from the options given below these questions to make the paragraph meaningful.
Digital India can be the prime ___A___ behind making a reality of the government’s promise of minimum government, and maximum governance. Such a transformation requires technology to be firm ___B___ into government, something that the Digital India project lists as one of its foremost objectives. Embedding technology into government ___C___ will do three things; transform the government and make it more transparent and efficient, transform the lives of citizens especially those at the bottom of the ___D___ pyramid and make our economy more efficient and competitive. A 2014 McKinsey Global Institute report predicts that the large-scale ___E___ of technology through Digital India positions India with the biggest opportunity yet to accelerate economic growth.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank A A. factors B. might C. force D. Impact E. hindrance
Correct answer: A. factors
Explanation:
The correct word to fill in the blank is “factors”. Here’s why:
“Factors” refers to elements or conditions that contribute to a particular result or situation. In the context of the passage, it suggests that there are multiple reasons or elements that contribute to the decline of bird populations or any related environmental issue.
Why the other options are not correct:
B. Might refers to possibility or power and doesn’t fit the context of discussing elements that influence an outcome.
C. Force refers to strength or power but doesn’t fit in the context of multiple contributing elements to a situation, as “factors” does.
D. Impact refers to the effect of something, but it is not plural in nature as required by the sentence, which suggests a range of contributing elements.
E. Hindrance refers to something that obstructs or delays progress, which is not suitable in this context, where we are likely talking about contributing elements rather than obstacles.
Thus, “factors” (option A) is the best choice as it correctly implies the various contributing elements in a situation.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank B A. stuck B. planted C. routed D. inserted E. embedded
Correct answer: E. embedded
Explanation:
The correct word to fill in the blank is “embedded”.
“Embedded” refers to something that is firmly fixed or ingrained within something else, which fits the context where the word likely describes something deeply integrated or set within a particular environment, system, or situation.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Stuck implies that something is attached or caught, but it doesn’t convey the sense of being deeply integrated or part of a system in the way “embedded” does.
B. Planted refers to placing something with the intention of growth, but it doesn’t convey the idea of being firmly established or integrated within a system.
C. Routed refers to directing something along a path or way, but it is not appropriate in the context of something being fixed or ingrained.
D. Inserted means placed inside something but doesn’t imply the deep, lasting integration that “embedded” suggests.
Thus, “embedded” (option E) is the most appropriate choice as it implies something that is deeply integrated or fixed within a system or context.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank C A. offices B. hierarchies C. processes D. details E. organisation
Correct answer: C. processes
Explanation:
The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is “processes”.
“Processes” refers to the series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular result. In this context, embedding technology into government processes makes the operations of government more efficient and transparent, which aligns with the sentence’s objective of enhancing governance.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Offices refers to physical spaces where people work, but it doesn’t convey the integration of technology into the systems or activities of government.
B. Hierarchies refers to the structure of authority or ranks in an organization, but it doesn’t fit with the idea of embedding technology to improve government functioning.
D. Details refers to small parts of information, which is not relevant to the context of integrating technology into the functioning of government.
E. Organisation refers to the overall structure or system, but “processes” is more specific and relates directly to how work is done in the government.
Thus, “processes” (option C) is the most appropriate choice as it describes the activities and workflows within government that would benefit from technological integration.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank D A. hypothetical B. proverbial C. mythical D. classified E. infamous
Correct answer: B. proverbial
Explanation:
The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is “proverbial”. Here’s why:
“Proverbial” refers to something that is well-known or commonly referred to, often in the form of a saying or phrase. In this context, “the bottom of the proverbial pyramid” suggests that it is a commonly recognized or figurative position, aligning with the idea of those who are at the lower levels of society or economy.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Hypothetical refers to something based on a hypothesis or assumption, not a widely recognized concept, making it unsuitable for this context.
C. Mythical refers to something that exists only in myths or legends, which does not fit in the context of a real-world economic or social pyramid.
D. Classified refers to something that is secret or confidential, which is unrelated to the context of a societal structure or the pyramid.
E. Infamous refers to something widely known for negative reasons, which does not fit the context of describing a level in the pyramid.
Thus, “proverbial” (option B) is the best choice, as it fits the idea of a widely understood or figuratively referenced position in society, especially when referring to the bottom of the economic or social pyramid.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank E A. hypothetical B. proverbial C. mythical D. classified E. infamous
Correct answer: A. hypothetical
Explanation:
The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is “hypothetical”.
“Hypothetical” refers to something that is based on a hypothesis or a situation that is imagined for the sake of discussion or argument. In this context, “the large-scale hypothetical of technology through Digital India” suggests the use of technology is an imagined or theoretical concept that has yet to be fully realized.
Why the other options are not correct:
B. Proverbial refers to something widely known or mentioned, often in a figurative sense, but it doesn’t fit the context of large-scale technological implementation through Digital India.
C. Mythical refers to something legendary or not real, which doesn’t align with the idea of technology being applied in real-world scenarios.
D. Classified refers to something secret or confidential, which is unrelated to the context of discussing large-scale technology implementation.
E. Infamous refers to something widely known for negative reasons, which doesn’t fit in the context of technology driving growth or progress.
Thus, “hypothetical” (option A) is the best choice because it aligns with the concept of an imagined or theoretical scenario, which fits the discussion around the potential of Digital India.
Direction: In the following passage, some of the words are missing. Find suitable words from the options given below these questions to make the paragraph meaningful.
Delhi’s air quality deteriorates with unfailing ___A___ at this time of the year, with large swathes of north India in the grip of a suffocating smog, but the State governments that can make it easier for millions to breathe do not act with any sense of ___B___. That it has turned into a public health emergency ___C___ the capital, with the air quality index touching highly hazardous levels in some parts, necessitating the closure of primary schools, has further lowered its standing. It is unconscionable for governments, through ___D___ and inaction, to subject citizens to such toxic air, and cause extreme suffering especially ___E___ people with respiratory ailments and impaired lung function.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank A A. sometimes B. always C. regularity D. regular
Correct answer: D. regular
Explanation:
The correct word to fill in the blank is “regular”.
“Regular” is an adjective that describes something happening consistently or at fixed intervals. In this case, it refers to the consistent deterioration of air quality that occurs every year at the same time. This fits the context of the sentence, which is talking about a recurring issue of air pollution during a specific period.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Sometimes means something that happens occasionally, but the sentence suggests the air quality deteriorates consistently at a certain time each year, so “sometimes” is not suitable here.
B. Always means something that happens all the time, which would imply that air quality is always bad, not just at a specific time each year. This does not fit the context of the passage.
C. Regularity is a noun, but the sentence requires an adjective to describe the frequency of the event. “Regular” is the correct adjective in this case.
Thus, the correct choice is “regular” (option D), as it accurately describes the recurring and consistent nature of the air quality deterioration.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank B A. panic B. urgency C. laid back D. accomplished
Correct answer: B. urgency
Explanation:
The correct word to fill in the blank is “urgency”. Here’s why:
“Urgency” refers to the need for immediate action or attention, which fits the context of the sentence. The State governments should act with a sense of urgency, given the seriousness of the air quality issue, and the need to address it quickly for the well-being of the people.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Panic refers to an uncontrollable feeling of fear or anxiety, which is not the intended meaning in the sentence. While the situation is critical, it doesn’t suggest panic, but rather the need for responsible, immediate action.
C. Laid back describes a relaxed or easygoing attitude, which is the opposite of what is needed in a crisis. The sentence is highlighting the lack of action, not a relaxed approach.
D. Accomplished refers to someone who has achieved something successfully, but it does not fit the context of the need for action in response to a serious issue.
Thus, the correct choice is “urgency” (option B), as it appropriately conveys the need for prompt action in response to the air quality problem.
18. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank C A. onto B. under C. on D. in
Option: D
The drop in air quality has turned into a public health emergency and this has happened in Delhi. This is the correct answer. Onto Delhi and under Delhi are absurd. Between in and on, in is used to denote a location of something inside a space while on generally, denotes something above a surface or within proximity.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank D A. steps B. measures C. unconcerned D. indifference
Correct answer: D. indifference
Explanation:
Upon reconsidering the context, “indifference” is indeed the most appropriate choice for the blank.
“Indifference” refers to a lack of concern or interest, which fits the context of the sentence, where the government is not acting with the necessary urgency in response to the pollution crisis. The government’s failure to act is not due to a lack of measures but rather a lack of concern or care for the issue. This fits the description of “unconcerned” in the sentence, implying that the government is indifferent to the problem.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Steps refers to actions or stages, but it does not convey the sense of the government being passive or not concerned with taking action. It implies action, whereas the sentence is describing the absence of necessary action.
B. Measures refers to actions or interventions, but this doesn’t match the context of the sentence as it implies that the government does not take any steps due to indifference rather than a lack of measures.
C. Unconcerned means not caring or showing interest, but “indifference” captures this idea better and is more commonly used in this context to describe the lack of attention to the issue.
Thus, “indifference” (option D) is the best choice, as it describes the government’s lack of action due to a lack of concern.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank E A. among B. since C. in D. thereon
Correct answer: A. among
Explanation:
The correct word to fill in the blank is “among”. The sentence is discussing people who are affected by the toxic air, particularly those with respiratory issues. “Among” is used to indicate being part of a group, which fits perfectly in this context, as it refers to people who are suffering within a specific group (those with respiratory problems).
Why the other options are not correct:
B. Since refers to a time point or origin, but it doesn’t fit with the idea of being part of a group. The sentence is not talking about a specific starting point in time but about people affected by the issue.
C. In refers to being inside something but doesn’t convey the idea of being part of a group, which is what “among” does.
D. Thereon indicates something happening after a certain point, which doesn’t align with the context of people suffering from the effects of air quality.
Thus, “among” (option A) is the most suitable choice because it accurately refers to people who are suffering within a group.