Correct Answer: (d) Trust is important though it entails risk.

Explanation: The passage emphasizes that trust involves vulnerability and the willingness to expose oneself to potential betrayal. It highlights trust as essential in entrepreneurship, globalizing behavior, and economic activities. Thus, the central idea is that trust is crucial despite the inherent risks involved.

Option-wise analysis:

(a) Incorrect. The passage does not imply that trustworthiness cannot be expected in entrepreneurship; rather, it emphasizes the necessity of trust.

(b) Incorrect. The passage does not claim trustworthy people are the most vulnerable; it states that trust itself involves vulnerability.

(c) Incorrect. The passage does not explicitly state that no economic activity is possible without betrayal; rather, it suggests that economic activities involve trust, which carries the risk of betrayal.

(d) Correct. Clearly captures the essence of the passage: trust is essential even though it involves risk and vulnerability.

Correct Answer: (b) The present calculation of inflation rate does not correctly measure price rise of individual item/commodity.

Explanation: The passage clearly explains that inflation is represented by a single number, which is an aggregate measure across various commodities and services. It emphasizes that the price rise differs significantly for different items and for different groups of people (poor, middle class, rich). Thus, the single inflation number does not accurately reflect the actual price rise experienced by individuals or specific commodities. Hence, option (b) correctly captures the most logical, rational, and crucial message conveyed by the passage.

Option-wise analysis:

(a) Incorrect. The passage does not suggest using WPI exclusively or discarding CPI.

(b) Correct. Matches the main idea of the passage.

(c) Incorrect. The passage does not specifically mention under-representation of services.

(d) Incorrect. The passage does not imply that inflation data is useless; rather, it highlights limitations in the current method of calculation.

Correct Answer: (d) It permits citizens to have a variety of loyalties and allegiance.

Explanation:

1. Understanding the Passage: The passage states voluntary associations act as a “buffer” between individuals and the powerful State, implying they protect individuals by providing alternative affiliations.

2. Analyzing the Options:
   (a) Suggests conflict or opposition, which the passage doesn’t explicitly mention.
   (b) Talks about personal well-being, not directly addressing the State-individual relationship.
   (c) Highlights social participation, but doesn’t directly address protection from State power.
   (d) Clearly matches the passage by emphasizing multiple loyalties and allegiances, reducing State dominance.

3. Answer: Option (d) best reflects the passage’s meaning, as voluntary associations allow citizens multiple loyalties, acting as a protective buffer against State power.

Thus, the correct answer is option (d).

Explanation : 

Statement I (increase by 50% ⇒ factor unchanged)

Let n=2.
• 50% increase: 1.5·2 = 3
• Number of divisors of 2: d(2)=2 (1 and 2)
• Number of divisors of 3: d(3)=2 (1 and 3)
So d(2)=d(3). Hence I is true.

Statement II (increase by 150% ⇒ factor unchanged)

A simple example is n=6.
• 150% increase: 2.5·6 = 15
• d(6)=4 (1, 2, 3, 6)
• d(15)=4 (1, 3, 5, 15)
So d(6)=d(15). Hence II is true.

Since both statements are satisfied by concrete examples, the correct answer is (c) Both I and II.

Q1. Correct Option: (a) Corporate capitalism is important for economic growth of a State and also for democracy.

Explanation: The passage clearly emphasizes the importance of corporate capitalism in achieving economic growth and modernization. It states explicitly that no democracy has grown economically without corporate capitalism. The author highlights how corporate capitalism helps in modernizing the economy, transitioning from rural to urban areas, generating employment, and providing additional revenues for welfare measures. Thus, the critical message conveyed by the author is best reflected in option (a).

Option (b) is incorrect because the passage does not specifically link corporate capitalism to achieving political objectives. Option (c) is incorrect because the passage does not claim that economic survival is impossible without corporate capitalism, only that growth and modernization are closely linked to it. Option (d) is incorrect because the passage does not explicitly state mutual dependence between democracy and corporate capitalism; rather, it emphasizes the importance of corporate capitalism for economic growth within democracies.

Q2. Correct Option: (c) Both I and II

Explanation: Let’s examine each assumption separately:

Assumption I: “Corporate capitalism promotes the growth of labour force and provides more employment opportunities.”

• The passage explicitly states that corporate capitalism generates jobs and is essential to addressing unemployment challenges. Thus, assumption I is valid.

Assumption II: “Poor and marginalized sections of population are benefited by corporate capitalism due to trickle-down effect.”

• The passage clearly mentions that a vibrant corporate capitalist base leads to additional revenues for the State, which can then be used for greater welfare for marginalized sections and creating a more level playing field. This implies a trickle-down effect benefiting poorer sections. Thus, assumption II is also valid.

Therefore, both assumptions I and II are valid according to the passage. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q1. Correct Option: (d) In a democracy, the opposition is indispensable for the balance of political power and good governance.

Explanation: The passage emphasizes the importance of opposition in a democracy. It clearly states that a wise statesman learns more from opponents than from supporters, as opponents highlight dangers and keep the leader on the path of reason and good sense. The author further argues that national unity and good governance depend upon a balanced political power structure, where the administration cannot become arbitrary and the opposition does not become revolutionary. Thus, option (d) accurately captures the critical message conveyed by the author.

Q2. Correct Option: (d) Neither I nor II

Explanation: Let’s examine each assumption separately:

Assumption I: “In a democracy, a strong opposition is required only if the Head of Government is indifferent.”

• The passage does not suggest that opposition is needed only when the Head of Government is indifferent. Rather, it argues that opposition is always necessary to maintain balance, reason, and good governance, irrespective of the attitude or competence of the Head of Government. Thus, assumption I is invalid.

Assumption II: “The more aggressive the opposition, the better is the governance in a democracy.”

• The passage emphasizes the importance of opposition but does not imply that aggression or hostility from the opposition necessarily leads to better governance. Instead, it advocates for a balanced opposition that prevents arbitrary administration and revolutionary opposition. Aggression or hostility is not mentioned as beneficial. Thus, assumption II is also invalid.

Therefore, neither assumption I nor assumption II is valid according to the passage. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q1. Correct Answer: (b) Our total dependence on genetically honed crops entails possible food insecurity.

Explanation: The passage emphasizes the risks associated with relying heavily on genetically refined crops. It points out that selective breeding has optimized crops for current conditions, but at the cost of genetic diversity. This lack of genetic variation makes crops vulnerable to new or minor diseases, especially under changing climatic conditions. Thus, the central idea conveyed is that our heavy dependence on genetically honed crops could lead to potential food insecurity if unexpected diseases emerge or conditions change significantly.

Option (a) is incorrect because the passage does not explicitly state that climate change directly reduces crop productivity; rather, it highlights the vulnerability of genetically refined crops to diseases under changing conditions.

Option (c) is incorrect because the passage does not discuss alternative methods of ensuring food security beyond agricultural productivity.

Option (d) is incorrect because the passage does not suggest completely replacing genetically honed crops with wild varieties; it only highlights the risks associated with the lack of genetic diversity.

Thus, option (b) best captures the central idea of the passage.

Q2. Correct Answer: (a) I only

Explanation: Assumption I: “Global climate change can result in the migration of several plant diseases to new areas.” This assumption is valid. The passage explicitly mentions that changes in climate and atmospheric chemistry could make some plant infections more common in all climatic zones. This clearly implies that climate change could cause plant diseases to spread or migrate to new regions.

Assumption II: “Scientific understanding of the wild relatives of our present crops would enable us to strengthen food security.” This assumption is invalid. Although the passage mentions the loss of genetic variation due to selective breeding, it does not explicitly or implicitly suggest that studying wild relatives of crops would strengthen food security. The passage only highlights the vulnerability caused by genetic refinement, without mentioning wild relatives or their potential benefits.

Therefore, only assumption I is valid, making option (a) the correct choice.

Q1. Correct Answer: (c) Circular economy can be beneficial for sustainable growth.

Explanation: The passage highlights the rapid increase in global consumption of raw materials and the low rate of reuse. It specifically mentions the example of vehicle batteries, emphasizing the importance and benefits of recycling valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel. The passage suggests that reusing these materials makes practical sense, as it reduces dependency on complicated supply chains and mitigates environmental and labor risks. Thus, the most logical, rational, and pragmatic message conveyed by the passage is that adopting a circular economy—where materials are reused and recycled—can be beneficial for sustainable growth.

Option (a) is incorrect because the passage does not explicitly state that a green economy is impossible without reusing critical minerals. It only emphasizes the benefits of reuse.

Option (b) is incorrect because the passage does not suggest that every sector must immediately adopt reuse practices. It specifically discusses batteries and critical minerals.

Option (d) is incorrect because the passage does not claim that circular use of resources is the only option for survival. It merely highlights the benefits and practicality of reuse.

Thus, option (c) is the most appropriate choice.

Q2. Correct Answer: (b) II only

Explanation: Assumption I: “Automobile factories are examples of the circular economy.” This assumption is invalid. The passage does not explicitly or implicitly state that automobile factories currently exemplify circular economy practices. It only suggests that once batteries reach the end of their lives, they should ideally be recycled. This does not imply that automobile factories themselves are already examples of circular economy practices.

Assumption II: “Economic growth is compatible with circular use of mineral resources.” This assumption is valid. The passage clearly suggests that reusing materials (circular economy) makes economic sense, as it reduces dependency on complicated supply chains, mitigates risks, and recovers valuable materials. Thus, it implicitly assumes that economic growth and circular use of resources can coexist and complement each other.

Therefore, only assumption II is valid, making option (b) the correct choice.

Q1. Correct Option: (b) Low-carbon behaviour in people can be brought about by incentivising them.

Explanation: The passage clearly emphasizes that achieving net-zero carbon emissions requires significant behavioural changes by individuals and households. It further states explicitly that even these behavioural changes would require incentives provided by companies and governments through supply-side investments. Thus, the central idea conveyed is that low-carbon behaviour among people can be encouraged through incentives.

Other options explained: (a) Incorrect – The passage does not say household emissions alone can achieve net-zero carbon; it mentions both demand-side (household) and supply-side measures. (c) Incorrect – The passage does not explicitly discuss making goods and services cheaper through low-carbon technologies as the central idea. (d) Incorrect – The passage does not specifically mention subsidies for manufacturing industries.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q2. Correct Option: (a) I only

Explanation: Assumption I: “Supply-side investments in companies can result in low-carbon behaviour in people.” This assumption is valid. The passage explicitly states that behavioural changes (demand-side measures) would require companies and governments to provide incentives through supply-side investments. Thus, it assumes that supply-side investments can indeed lead to low-carbon behaviour among people.

Assumption II: “People are not capable of adapting low-carbon behaviour without the involvement of Government and Companies.” This assumption is invalid. The passage does not explicitly or implicitly state that people are incapable of adapting low-carbon behaviour independently. It only suggests that incentives from governments and companies would significantly help or accelerate the process, but it does not imply that people cannot adapt without external involvement.

Thus, only assumption I is valid.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q1. Correct Option: (b) Animal-based food is far less efficient than grain/plant-based food in terms of production and utilization.

Explanation: The passage clearly emphasizes the inefficiency involved in converting plant-based food (grains and legumes) into animal-based food. It explicitly states that only a small percentage (16% for chickens and 5-7% for larger animals) of calories fed to animals is recovered by humans. Thus, the central idea or crux of the passage is the inefficiency of animal-based food production compared to direct consumption of plant-based foods.

Other options explained: (a) Incorrect – The passage does not explicitly call for public policy or promotion of cereal-based foods. (c) Incorrect – The passage does not explicitly suggest replacing animal-based protein entirely with plant-based protein. (d) Incorrect – The passage does not state that inequality in food production and consumption is inevitable; rather, it highlights inefficiency in animal-based food production.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q2. Correct Option: (b) II only

Explanation: Assumption I: “The food manufacturing and processing industries in every country should align their objectives and processes in accordance with the changing needs of the societies.” This assumption is invalid because the passage does not discuss or imply anything about the food manufacturing industry’s objectives or processes. It focuses solely on the inefficiency of converting plant-based food into animal-based food.

Assumption II: “Wealthier societies tend to incur great loss of calories of food materials due to indirect utilization of their agricultural produce.” This assumption is valid because the passage explicitly states that as societies become wealthier, their consumption of animal products increases, leading to indirect utilization of grains and legumes as animal feed. This indirect utilization results in significant calorie loss, as indicated by the low conversion rates mentioned in the passage.

Thus, only assumption II is valid.

Hence, option (b) is correct.