Questions

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.

According to the passage, which of the following statement is NOT true?

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.

To impose costs on one of the parties at the end of a ________________ litigation is common; it is meant, among other things, to act as a ___________________ against litigants abusing the process and the system of the law. But to seek pre-deposits with a view to prioritising a certain kind of case over another, by __________________ early dates of hearing to those that are capable of paying huge ___________ of money, is simply staggering. It reinforces a scheme of classism that ought to have no place in any court of law, let ______________ the apex court of the land.

capable of paying huge ___________ of money

In the following question, the sentence given with blank to be filled in with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by selecting the appropriate option.

People came out on the streets and ____________ firecrackers to celebrate the victory.

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

A person who moves stealthily about or loiters near a place with a view to committing a crime

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.

It is basic to a democracy that its citizens remain in harmony _______ one another. At the very least, they should _______ treat each other as enemies. Enmity is spreadonly by vested interests that hope to thrive _________ polarising citizens. The ______________ between professed love for the country and infecting the people with hatred remains ignored. There is no instance in history of the policy of ‘divide and rule’ _____________ people’s welfare.

remain in harmony _______ one another.

Choose the most appropriate answer:The present chairman of ISRO is

Who took charge as the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in 2017?

Lutheranism is an example of a christian