ENGLISH LANGUAGE
"I am not, by nature, a gregarious person. Although I love people, and have often, on an impulse, made friends with complete strangers, I am also a lover of solitude. Naturally, one writes best when one is alone.
But I prefer walking alone to walking with others. That ladybird or the wild rose would escape my attention if I was engaged in a lively conversation with a companion. Not that the ladybird is going to change my life. But by acknowledging its presence, stopping to admire its beauty, I have done obeisance to the natural scheme of things, of which I am only a small part.
Contemplating that tiny creature, or the flower on which it rests, gives one the hope—better, the certainty—that there is more to life than interest rates, dividends, market forces, and infinite technology.
As a writer, I have known hope and despair, success and failure, and some recognition, but also long periods of neglect and critical dismissal. Yet I have no regrets. Living in India has given me freedoms—friendship, solitude, and compassion—letting me live unconventionally without censure. I may write for myself, but I also write to get published. A handful of readers enjoy my work, and they are my soulmates, my alter-egos, keeping me going through lean times."
Extract from Ruskin Bond's reflections on his life as a writer. The extract is sourced from an excerpt published on HarperCollins Publishers India's website.
Questions:
What does the author say about writing?
(A) Writing is best done in solitude
(B) Writing requires interaction with others
(C) Writing is only about gaining recognition
(D)Writing depends solely on inspiration
Answer: (A) Writing is best done in solitude
Why does the author prefer walking alone?
(A) To avoid distractions from conversations
(B) To enjoy walking faster than others
(C) To focus on deep thoughts and ideas
(D) To appreciate small beauties in nature
Answer: (D) To appreciate small beauties in nature
What does the author suggest about nature's beauty?
(A) It is insignificant in daily life
(B) It offers hope and strength amidst challenges
(C) It is meant only for writers to admire
(D) It is too complex to understand
Answer: (B) It offers hope and strength amidst challenges
What freedoms does the author enjoy in India?
(A) Financial security and fame
(B) Solitude, friendship, and compassion
(C) Access to modern technology
(D) Strict societal rules
Answer: (B) Solitude, friendship, and compassion
What does the author refer to as his "soulmates"?
(A) His friends and family
(B) His loyal readers
(C) Fellow authors and critics
(D) Strangers he meets during walks
Answer: (B) His loyal readers
What message does the author convey about life?
(A) It is driven by market forces and technology
(B) It is enriched by small, meaningful experiences
(C) It is about gaining fame and wealth
(D) It is determined by others’ opinions
Answer: (B) It is enriched by small, meaningful experiences
CURRENT AFFAIRS INCLUDING GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
In January 2025, the negotiations for the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered their 14th round, with both nations aiming to finalize the deal by mid-2025. This agreement is expected to enhance bilateral trade, which currently stands at $40 billion annually, and deepen cooperation in key sectors like technology, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.
The FTA holds immense potential for both economies. For India, the agreement could provide greater access to the UK market for its textiles, IT services, and agricultural products. Conversely, the UK seeks reduced tariffs on Scotch whisky, automobiles, and high-end machinery. However, negotiations have been slowed by disagreements over labour mobility, rules of origin, and data protection standards.
One of the most contentious issues is the demand for liberalized visa norms for Indian professionals. The UK, facing domestic pressure to control immigration post-Brexit, remains cautious on this front. On the other hand, India is pushing for favourable terms to address its growing skilled labour exports.
The FTA is also viewed through a geopolitical lens. For the UK, securing trade ties with India is a cornerstone of its "Global Britain" strategy, aimed at strengthening relationships beyond Europe post-Brexit. For India, this agreement aligns with its vision of economic expansion and strategic autonomy in the global arena.
Observers note that the success of the FTA will hinge on political will and mutual compromise. The agreement's finalization could set a precedent for future trade pacts between emerging and developed economies.
Extract: India-UK Free Trade Agreement: Progress and Challenges
Questions:
What is the current annual bilateral trade between India and the UK?
(A) $20 billion
(B) $30 billion
(C) $40 billion
(D) $50 billion
Answer:
(C) $40 billion
Which sector is India expected to gain better access to in the UK market under the FTA?
(A) Automobiles
(B) Textiles
(C) Scotch whisky
(D) High-end machinery
Answer:
(B) Textiles
What is a major point of contention in the India-UK FTA negotiations?
(A) Renewable energy collaboration
(B) Visa norms for Indian professionals
(C) Reduction of agricultural subsidies
(D) Tariffs on technology products
Answer:
(B) Visa norms for Indian professionals
What is the UK's primary strategy for strengthening ties post-Brexit called?
(A) Global Britain
(B) Brexit Boost
(C) International Trade Plan
(D) Strategic Britain
Answer:
(A) Global Britain
What is India seeking in the negotiations to address its skilled
labor
exports?
(A) Reduced tariffs on Scotch whisky
(B)
Favorable
visa terms
(C) Increased investment in agriculture
(D) Relaxation of environmental standards
Answer:
(B)
Favorable
visa terms
Which sector is the UK particularly interested in reducing tariffs on?
(A) Pharmaceuticals
(B) Agricultural products
(C) Automobiles
(D) Textiles
Answer:
(C) Automobiles
LEGAL REASONING
Natural justice is a fundamental principle underlying the legal systems of many democratic nations, including India. It encompasses two key principles: nemo judex in causa sua (no one shall be a judge in their own cause) and audi alteram partem (hear the other side). These principles aim to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the decision-making process, especially in quasi-judicial and administrative proceedings.
In India, natural justice is embedded in Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and the right to life and personal liberty, respectively. Courts have consistently emphasized the importance of these principles in various landmark cases.
For example, in Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), the Supreme Court held that the right to be heard is an essential component of personal liberty. Similarly, in A.K. Kraipak v. Union of India (1969), the Court ruled that the rules of natural justice apply even in administrative decisions to prevent arbitrariness.
However, the doctrine of natural justice is not absolute. Situations such as emergency provisions, legislative actions, or instances where the application of natural justice would defeat the purpose of the decision may lead to its exclusion. This is referred to as the exclusion of natural justice. Nevertheless, the courts ensure that such exclusions do not lead to undue harm or arbitrariness.
The evolving nature of Indian jurisprudence highlights the growing emphasis on balancing natural justice with efficiency and public interest. As the judiciary continues to expand its scope, natural justice remains a cornerstone of fair legal processes.
Extract: The Doctrine of Natural Justice in Indian Law
Questions:
What is the meaning of
nemo judex in causa
sua
?
(A) Everyone shall have a fair trial
(B) No one shall be a judge in their own cause
(C) Hear the other side
(D) Justice delayed is justice denied
Answer:
(B) No one shall be a judge in their own cause
Which Articles of the Indian Constitution are closely associated with the principles of natural justice?
(A) Articles 15 and 19
(B) Articles 14 and 21
(C) Articles 32 and 226
(D) Articles 19 and 22
Answer:
(B) Articles 14 and 21
In which case did the Supreme Court highlight the importance of the right to be heard as part of personal liberty?
(A) A.K.
Kraipak
v. Union of India
(B)
Kesavananda
Bharati v. State of Kerala
(C) Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
(D) Minerva Mills v. Union of India
Answer:
(C) Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
What is the term used for situations where the principles of natural justice are not applied?
(A) Doctrine of waiver
(B) Exclusion of natural justice
(C) Doctrine of necessity
(D) Doctrine of proportionality
Answer:
(B) Exclusion of natural justice
What was the significance of
A.K.
Kraipak
v. Union of India (1969)
?
(A) It limited the application of natural justice to judicial decisions.
(B) It stated that natural justice is not applicable in administrative decisions.
(C) It emphasized the applicability of natural justice to administrative decisions.
(D) It introduced the concept of the exclusion of natural justice.
Answer:
(C) It emphasized the applicability of natural justice to administrative decisions.
Which of the following is a key principle of natural justice?
(A) Doctrine of estoppel
(B) Audi alteram partem
(C) Rule of law
(D) Separation of powers
Answer:
(B) Audi alteram partem
LOGICAL REASONING
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the importance of environmental sustainability. Governments, businesses, and individuals are increasingly recognizing the need to reduce carbon footprints and conserve natural resources. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower are seen as vital alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Additionally, practices like recycling, reducing waste, and sustainable agriculture are gaining popularity. Many nations have set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are investing heavily in green technologies. While challenges remain, including the high costs of transitioning to renewable energy, there is a strong global movement towards protecting the environment for future generations.
Which of the following is a primary reason for the growing focus on environmental sustainability as outlined in the paragraph?
(A) The depletion of fossil fuels
(B) The increasing realization of the need to reduce carbon footprints and conserve natural resources
(C) The rise in the popularity of renewable energy sources
(D) A shift towards industrialization and economic growth
Answer: (B) The increasing realization of the need to reduce carbon footprints and conserve natural resources
How do governments, businesses, and individuals contribute to environmental sustainability, according to the passage?
(A) By focusing solely on the development of green technologies
(B) By advocating for a reduction in industrial activity
(C) By recognizing the need to reduce carbon footprints and conserve resources
(D) By increasing reliance on fossil fuels to drive growth
Answer: (C) By recognizing the need to reduce carbon footprints and conserve resources
What could be a potential consequence of the high costs associated with transitioning to renewable energy, as mentioned in the paragraph?
(A) A delay in global efforts to combat climate change
(B) A decline in the adoption of green technologies worldwide
(C) An increase in reliance on traditional energy sources
(D) A global shift towards unsustainable practices
Answer: (A) A delay in global efforts to combat climate change
Which of the following best describes the tone of the paragraph regarding the global movement towards environmental protection?
(A) Pessimistic, as it focuses on the challenges without offering solutions
(B) Optimistic, highlighting the global shift towards sustainability despite challenges
(C) Neutral, simply outlining facts without taking a position
(D) Critical, focusing on the inefficiency of global efforts to protect the environment
Answer: (B) Optimistic, highlighting the global shift towards sustainability despite challenges
The phrase "many nations have set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions" most likely implies that:
(A) All nations have agreed to the same emission targets
(B) There is global consensus on emission reduction goals
(C) Some nations are prioritizing environmental goals over economic ones
(D) Nations are indifferent to the global environmental crisis
Answer: (C) Some nations are prioritizing environmental goals over economic ones
The paragraph suggests that the growing popularity of practices like recycling, reducing waste, and sustainable agriculture indicates that:
(A) These practices are being adopted only in developed nations
(B) Public awareness and involvement in environmental sustainability are on the rise
(C) Economic growth is being hampered by these practices
(D) Governments are solely responsible for the adoption of these practices
Answer: (B) Public awareness and involvement in environmental sustainability are on the rise
QUANTITATIVE TECHNIQUES
According to the India Decoding Jobs Report 2025, India's hiring landscape is poised for growth in 2025, with an overall hiring intent showing a notable increase of 19% compared to the previous year.
The report highlights that the Information Technology (IT) sector is expected to lead this growth, with a projected 20% increase in hiring.
Additionally, the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector is anticipated to experience a 15% rise in recruitment, while the Retail and Telecommunications sectors are projected to see a 10% and 8% increase, respectively.
Emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Big Data Analytics, are expected to drive significant job creation, with roles in these fields anticipated to grow by 25% in 2025.
However, the agriculture and manufacturing sectors are projected to have a slower hiring growth, with increases of 5% and 3%, respectively.
Overall, the report indicates a positive trend in India's employment market, with a diverse range of sectors contributing to the anticipated job growth in 2025.
Questions:
By what percentage is India's overall hiring intent expected to increase in 2025 compared to the previous year?
(A) 15%
(B) 19%
(C) 20%
(D) 25%
Answer:
(B) 19%
Which sector is projected to experience the highest hiring growth in 2025?
(A) Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI)
(B) Retail
(C) Telecommunications
(D) Information Technology (IT)
Answer:
(D) Information Technology (IT)
What is the projected hiring growth percentage for the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector in 2025?
(A) 8%
(B) 10%
(C) 15%
(D) 20%
Answer:
(C) 15%
By what percentage are roles in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Big Data Analytics expected to grow in 2025?
(A) 15%
(B) 20%
(C) 25%
(D) 30%
Answer:
(C) 25%
Which sector is projected to have the slowest hiring growth in 2025?
(A) Agriculture
(B) Manufacturing
(C) Retail
(D) Telecommunications
Answer:
(A) Agriculture