Questions

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase.

to have an axe to grind

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the phrase.

the way in which a substance holds together; thickness or viscosity

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence.

Irresistible craving for alcoholic drinks

Read the passage carefully and select the best answer to each question out of the given four alternatives.

The conclusion of World Trade Organization’s 11th biennial ministerial conference at Buenos Aires was worrisome. From an Indian standpoint, there was no loss as status quo continues in the most important issue: the right to continue the food security programme by using support prices. But the inability of the negotiators to reach even one substantive outcome suggests that WTO’s efficacy is under question. As a 164-country multilateral organisation dedicated to crafting rules of trade through consensus, WTO represents the optimal bet for developing countries such as India. Strengthening WTO is in India’s best interest.

Perhaps the biggest threat to WTO’s efficacy today is the attitude of the US. The world’s largest economy appears to have lost faith in the organisation and has begun to undermine one of its most successful segments, the dispute redressal mechanism. This is significant as the US has been directly involved in nearly half of all cases brought to WTO. Separately, large groups of countries decided to pursue negotiations on e-commerce, investment facilitation and removal of trade obstacles for medium and small scale industries. By itself this should not weaken WTO. But it comes at a time when there is growing frustration with gridlock at WTO.

India did well to defend its position on its food security programme. The envisaged reform package which will see a greater use of direct cash transfers to beneficiaries will be in sync with what developed countries do. But it’s important for India to enhance its efforts to reinvigorate WTO. In this context, India’s plan to organise a meeting of some countries early next year is a step in the right direction. WTO represents the best available platform to accommodate interests of a diverse set of nations. Therefore, India should be at the forefront of moves to fortify it.

Which of the following is the most successful segments of the WTO mentioned in the passage?

Each item consists of six sentences of a passage. The first and sixth sentences are given in the beginning as S1 and S6. The middle four sentences in each have been jumbled up and labelled as P, Q, R and S. You are required to find the proper sequence of the four sentences and mark your response accordingly on the Answer Sheet.

S1 :We do not know, after 60 years of equation, how to protect ourselves against epidemics like cholera and plague.

S6 :This is the disastrous result of the system under which we are educated.

P :If our doctors could have started learning medicine at an earlier age, they would not make such a poor show as they do.

Q : I have seen hundreds of homes. I cannot say that I have found any evidence in them of knowledge of hygiene.

R : I consider it a very serious blot on the state of our education that our doctors have not found it possible to eradicate these diseases.

S :I have the greatest doubt whether our graduates know what one should do in case on is bitten by a snake.

The correct sequence should be

Ajanta and Ellora caves are situated in which state of India?

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the phrase.

A statement which is accepted as true without proof.

Gandhara Art is the combination of