Correct answer: B. curbs
Explanation:
The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is “curbs”. Here’s why:
“Curbs” refers to restrictions or limitations, which fits the context of the decision to impose restrictions on the withdrawal of high-value banknotes. The word conveys the idea of limiting or controlling the ability of account-holders to withdraw money, which aligns with the government’s action.

Why the other options are not correct:
A. Action refers to something being done, but it doesn’t specifically convey the idea of restrictions or limitations on withdrawals.
C. Penalty refers to punishment or a fine, which is not the context here. The decision to withdraw high-value banknotes is more about limiting access than punishing account-holders.
D. Sanction generally refers to a penalty or formal approval, neither of which fits the context of limiting withdrawal amounts.
E. Taxes refers to compulsory financial contributions, which doesn’t make sense in this context where the government is limiting withdrawal amounts.
Thus, “curbs” (option B) is the best choice because it accurately conveys the idea of restrictions being placed on bank account withdrawals.

Correct answer: B. quandary
Explanation:
The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is “quandary”. Here’s why:
“Quandary” refers to a state of uncertainty or dilemma, which fits the context of the sentence. Banks are described as being in a difficult and confusing situation due to the increase in liabilities and decrease in assets, leading to a “quandary” where they are unsure of how to proceed.

Why the other options are not correct:
A. Pathetic refers to something deserving pity or causing sorrow, which doesn’t fit the context of a financial situation. The sentence is about a difficult financial situation, not one that evokes pity.
C. Unenviable refers to something undesirable or difficult, but “quandary” better captures the sense of confusion and indecision in a challenging situation.
D. Estranged refers to being alienated or disconnected, which does not fit in the context of a situation involving financial difficulties and decision-making.
E. Degrading refers to something that lowers dignity or respect, which is not the appropriate word here, as the focus is on a difficult financial situation, not on a loss of dignity.
Thus, “quandary” (option B) is the best choice, as it conveys the sense of a difficult and uncertain situation faced by the banks.

Correct answer: D. stagnated
Explanation:
The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is “stagnated”. Here’s why:
“Stagnated” means to stop moving or progressing, which fits well in the context where the banks’ assets have “almost stagnated.” This suggests that the assets did not grow or develop and remained static or idle, likely due to the negative impact of the demonetization decision.
Why the other options are not correct:
A. Withdrew means to take something back or remove it, but it doesn’t fit in the context of assets being “almost stagnant.” It would imply an active action of removing assets, which doesn’t align with the sentence’s meaning.
B. Gathered means to collect or accumulate, which doesn’t fit because the sentence is describing assets that didn’t grow or increase but rather remained unchanged.
C. Suspended means to temporarily halt or stop something, but it doesn’t align with the idea of assets that haven’t grown, which “stagnated” captures better.
E. Minimize refers to making something smaller or less, but it does not convey the sense of assets remaining idle or inactive.
Thus, “stagnated” (option D) is the best choice, as it appropriately describes the condition of the assets not growing or progressing.

Correct answer: A. mounting
Explanation:
The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is “mounting”. Here’s why:
“Mounting” refers to something that is increasing or growing, particularly in a way that suggests it is becoming more serious or difficult to manage. In the context of the sentence, it describes the growing problem of bad loans, which have put pressure on the public sector banks. The word “mounting” effectively conveys the idea of an escalating issue, such as the growing number of bad loans.

Why the other options are not correct:
B. Increase refers to a rise in number or amount but is too general in this context. It doesn’t emphasize the ongoing or escalating nature of the problem like “mounting” does.
C. Varying refers to differences or changes, which doesn’t fit the context of the sentence where the problem of bad loans is escalating.
D. Multiplying refers to a rapid increase, but it implies a faster or more extreme growth than “mounting”. The sentence doesn’t suggest that the bad loans are growing at such a rapid pace.
E. Overestimated means something is judged as more than it is, which doesn’t fit with the context of describing the growing issue of bad loans.
Thus, “mounting” (option A) is the best choice because it accurately conveys the idea of an increasing problem that is becoming more difficult to manage.

Correct answer: D. inadvertently
Explanation:
The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is “inadvertently”. Here’s why:
“Inadvertently” means something done without intention or by accident. This fits in the context of the sentence because it suggests that the actions or decisions were not done on purpose but happened as a result of oversight or lack of awareness.

Why the other options are not correct:
A. Independently means done without reliance on others, which doesn’t fit the context of something happening accidentally or unintentionally.
B. Unknowingly means without knowledge, but it does not fully capture the idea of something happening without intention in the same way “inadvertently” does.
C. Willy-nilly means done without plan or order, often in a haphazard manner, but it is more informal and doesn’t convey the idea of something happening by accident or without intention as precisely as “inadvertently”.
E. Proved means demonstrated or shown to be true, which does not fit with the intended meaning of something happening by accident.
Thus, “inadvertently” (option D) is the best choice, as it accurately conveys the idea of something happening unintentionally or by accident.

Correct answer: D. rue
Explanation:
The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is “rue”. Here’s why:
“Rue” means to regret or feel sorrow for something that has happened. In the context of the sentence, it suggests that the BCCI will likely regret the day the IPL spot-fixing scandal began, as it led to negative consequences.

Why the other options are not correct:
A. “Remembers” suggests recalling something from memory, but the context is about regret, not just remembering the incident.
B. “Recall” also means to remember, which doesn’t fit the context of expressing regret about a situation.
C. “Justified” implies that the BCCI’s actions were correct, which contradicts the implication of regret in the sentence.
E. “Rejoices” means to feel great joy, which clearly doesn’t fit the context of feeling regret about the scandal.
Thus, “rue” (option D) is the best choice, as it accurately conveys the idea of regret.

Correct answer: B. isolated
Explanation:
The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is “isolated”. Here’s why:
“Isolated” fits in the context of the sentence as it implies that the BCCI has become detached or separate from the situation, possibly due to its uncoordinated or poor strategic choices.

Why the other options are not correct:
A. “Victim” suggests being harmed or affected negatively, but it doesn’t fit the context of the BCCI taking strategic actions.
C. “Superpower” implies being highly influential or dominant, which contradicts the tone of the sentence.
D. “Unparallel” means without comparison, which doesn’t seem to fit the context of the BCCI’s state in this situation.
E. “Invincible” implies being unbeatable or undefeatable, which doesn’t match the context of a battle that seems strategically unsound.
Thus, “isolated” (option B) is the best choice, as it fits with the idea of the BCCI being disconnected in its actions.

Correct answer: A. indicated
Explanation:
The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is “indicated”. Here’s why:
“Indicated” fits the context as it suggests that something may have pointed out or drawn attention to the BCCI’s notice, which aligns with the idea of a shift in governance perceptions that the BCCI might have missed or overlooked.

Why the other options are not correct:
B. “Caught” implies being trapped or captured, which doesn’t fit with the intended meaning of a perception change being noticed.
C. “Escaped” suggests something eluding or avoiding attention, which doesn’t align with the idea of something coming to the BCCI’s attention.
D. “Come” is grammatically incomplete in this context and doesn’t work well with the rest of the sentence.
E. “Incurred” refers to something being experienced or brought upon, especially in the context of costs or consequences, which doesn’t fit the meaning here.
Thus, “indicated” (option A) is the best choice, as it suggests the changing perception may have pointed out something that the BCCI failed to recognize.

Correct answer: A. rigorous
Explanation:
The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is “rigorous”. Here’s why:
“Rigorous” fits well in the context, as it suggests a thorough and strict overhaul, which aligns with the idea of significant reform or change in FIFA’s governance.

Why the other options are not correct:
B. “Reverse” suggests something that goes backward or undoes a process, which doesn’t fit the context of an overhaul, which is typically forward-moving and transformative.
C. “Inward” refers to something directed toward the inside, which doesn’t match the context of a broad change like an overhaul.
D. “Unending” means something that has no end, which doesn’t fit with the idea of a reform that is structured and specific.
E. “Invasive” suggests something that intrudes or disrupts, which doesn’t fit the context of governance reform in a positive sense.
Thus, “rigorous” (option A) is the best choice, as it conveys the idea of a thorough, strict overhaul.

Correct answer: C. criticized
Explanation:
The most appropriate word to fill in the blank is “criticized”. Here’s why:
“Criticized” fits the context, as it suggests that the Sports Ministry has openly pointed out issues or raised concerns regarding the controversial appointments in the Indian Olympic Association, which aligns with the tone of governance scrutiny.

Why the other options are not correct:
A. “Chastising” means to scold or rebuke severely, which is slightly too harsh for this context of pointing out issues.
B. “Appreciation” suggests positive feedback, which doesn’t align with the context of vocal opposition to the appointments.
D. “Expressions” refers to the act of conveying something, which doesn’t fully capture the critical nature of the Ministry’s stance.
E. “Nagging” suggests constant, repetitive complaints, which doesn’t fit the formal tone of the Sports Ministry’s actions.
Thus, “criticized” (option C) is the best choice, as it accurately reflects the Sports Ministry’s actions of voicing concerns.