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.

Q1. Correct Option: (d) Classroom needs to be reimagined and teaching needs to be re-invented.

Explanation: The passage emphasizes that the traditional method of teaching and learning, which focuses primarily on examinations, is inadequate for meeting the demands of modern society and the future workplace. It argues for a shift towards critical thinking, independent thought, practical learning, interdisciplinary questioning, evidence-based reasoning, and reflective articulation. The author explicitly states that “Teaching has to be re-invented,” clearly indicating that the central idea is about reimagining classrooms and reinventing teaching methods. Thus, option (d) best captures the central idea conveyed by the passage.

Other options explained: (a) Incorrect – The passage does not discuss resources or funding issues explicitly. (b) Incorrect – The passage does not argue explicitly against government control; rather, it suggests higher education should not merely serve government policy or public mood passively. (c) Incorrect – The passage does not suggest completely doing away with classroom teaching, but rather rethinking and reinventing it.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q2. Correct Option: (a) I only

Explanation: Assumption I: “Higher education is a constantly evolving subject that needs to align towards new developments in all spheres of society.” This assumption is valid because the passage clearly indicates that the traditional methods of teaching and learning are insufficient for contemporary societal demands. It emphasizes the need for higher education to adapt to new societal and workplace requirements, thus implicitly assuming that higher education must evolve continuously.

Assumption II: “In our country, sufficient funds are not allocated for promoting higher education.” This assumption is invalid because the passage does not mention or imply anything about funding or financial resources. The passage focuses on the quality and approach of teaching rather than financial constraints.

Thus, only assumption I is valid.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q1. Correct Option: (a) We need to free the handloom industry from the limited narrative linked to preserving cultural heritage.

Explanation:
The passage clearly argues that the current narrative equating handlooms solely with tradition and cultural heritage is problematic. It states that the notion of tradition as a single, linear entity is being contested, and that this limited narrative has led large sections of the population to ignore handlooms. Thus, the author logically suggests that we must move beyond this narrow definition and free the handloom industry from being exclusively associated with preserving cultural heritage. Hence, option (a) best captures the author’s intended message.

Option (b) contradicts the author’s viewpoint by supporting continued state support based on tradition alone. Option (c) and (d) introduce ideas (modernization, machine-made products) not discussed or implied in the passage.

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

Explanation:
The assumptions given are:

I. “There is no need for the State to be involved in any manner in the handloom sector.”
The passage does not suggest or imply that the State should completely withdraw from supporting the handloom sector. It only criticizes the narrow cultural narrative used as a basis for state support, not the involvement itself.

II. “Handloom products are no longer appealing and attractive in the rapidly changing modern world.”
The passage does not imply that handloom products lack appeal or attractiveness. Rather, it suggests that the limited narrative of tradition is causing large sections of people to ignore handlooms, not necessarily because the products themselves are unattractive or outdated.

Thus, neither assumption I nor assumption II is valid based on the given passage. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Explanation : 

Q1. Correct Option: (a) The benefit of economic reforms percolates down more slowly to the agriculture sector than in other sectors of the economy.

Explanation: The passage clearly highlights the disparity between agricultural and non-agricultural sectors in terms of growth rates. It specifically mentions that agriculture never experienced a high-growth phase, unlike the non-agricultural economy. After a brief growth spurt in the 1980s, agriculture growth stagnated, whereas non-agricultural growth consistently increased. Thus, the logical inference (corollary) is that economic reforms and growth benefits have reached agriculture more slowly compared to other sectors. Hence, option (a) correctly reflects the corollary.

Other options (b), (c), and (d) introduce ideas (Green Revolution effectiveness, mechanization compared to other countries, rural-to-urban migration) that are not directly supported or implied by the passage.

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

Explanation: The passage describes the stagnation and slow growth of India’s agricultural sector compared to the non-agricultural sector. However, it does not suggest or imply any specific measures or solutions to address this divergence. The given assumptions:

I. “Adapting large-scale cultivation of commercial crops and viable corporate farming.” II. “Providing free insurance for all crops and heavily subsidizing seeds, fertilizers, electricity and farm machinery at par with developed countries.”

are not mentioned or implied in the passage. The passage neither explicitly nor implicitly supports these assumptions as valid solutions to reduce or contain the divergence between agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.

Thus, neither assumption I nor assumption II is valid based on the given passage. Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q1. Correct Option: (d) Insecurity, more than poverty, is the main economic issue that Government policies must address.

Explanation: The passage clearly emphasizes that while social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem, insecurity (rather than poverty itself) is the most acutely felt economic problem. It explicitly states that even those who are just above the poverty line face multiple economic insecurities. The passage also mentions that many government policies are aimed at mitigating these insecurities. Thus, option (d) accurately captures the critical message conveyed by the passage.

Options (a), (b), and (c) either incorrectly emphasize poverty as the primary issue or incorrectly link poverty and social inequality as the main crisis. The passage specifically highlights insecurity as the key economic issue, making option (d) the correct choice.

Q2. Correct Option: (a) I only

Explanation: Assumption I: “People above the poverty line also are prone to suffer from anxiety about economic insecurity.” This assumption is clearly valid, as the passage explicitly states that even those just above the poverty line face multiple economic insecurities. Thus, assumption I is correct.

Assumption II: “Eradication of poverty can result in peace and social equality in the country.” This assumption is not supported by the passage. The passage does not suggest or imply that removing poverty alone would automatically lead to peace and social equality. It rather emphasizes insecurity as a separate and significant issue beyond poverty itself. Thus, assumption II is invalid.

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

Q1. Correct Answer: (d) India needs to formulate effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies at the State/region level.

Explanation: The passage clearly emphasizes that each state in India faces unique challenges and opportunities related to climate change. It highlights examples such as coastal states needing protection from sea-level rise, dry districts preparing for variable monsoon precipitation, Himalayan regions facing unique challenges, and certain peninsular and offshore areas having potential for wind power. Thus, the author logically suggests that India should develop climate strategies tailored specifically to the needs and resources of each state or region. Option (d) best captures this pragmatic and rational message.

Option-wise analysis: (a) Incorrect. The passage does not imply that climate change mitigation and adaptation are solely the responsibility of each state. Rather, it suggests region-specific strategies. (b) Incorrect. The passage does not suggest that India’s diversity makes it impossible to implement effective strategies. Instead, it emphasizes the need for region-specific approaches. (c) Incorrect. The passage does not explicitly state that climate action is primarily the Union Government’s responsibility. (d) Correct. This option aligns closely with the author’s message of developing region-specific strategies.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q2. Correct Answer: (a) I only

Explanation: Assumption I: “Green energy production can be linked to/integrated with the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.”

• Valid assumption. The passage explicitly mentions that certain regions in peninsular India and offshore areas offer opportunities for harnessing wind power, clearly indicating that renewable energy (green energy) can be integrated into climate change mitigation strategies.

Assumption II: “Effects of climate change are much more severe in coastal and mountainous regions.”

• Invalid assumption. The passage mentions coastal and Himalayan regions as examples of areas facing unique challenges, but it does not explicitly state or imply that these regions face “much more severe” effects compared to other regions. It simply highlights their distinctive challenges.

Thus, only assumption I is valid.

Hence, option (a) “I only” is correct.

Q1. Correct Option: (d) Timing plays a crucial role in the case of green technology development.

Explanation: The passage emphasizes the importance of timing in adopting green technologies. It clearly states that moving early and gradually allows economies to adjust smoothly, reaping benefits from path-dependent green investments. Conversely, a late and chaotic transition is described as costlier. Thus, the central idea revolves around the significance of timing in green technology development.

Option (a) is incorrect because, although economies of scale are mentioned, they are not presented as the central idea. Option (b) is incorrect because the passage specifically discusses green technology rather than modern technological progress in general. Option (c) is incorrect because the passage does not discuss the size of economies as a factor in adopting green technologies.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

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

Explanation: Assumption I: “Path-dependent green investments will eventually most likely benefit growth as well as public finances in a country like India.” This assumption is valid because the passage clearly suggests that path-dependent green investments lead to falling costs and economic benefits. Although India is not explicitly mentioned, the logic presented in the passage about economies of scale, learning by doing, and falling costs strongly implies that countries like India would benefit economically and financially from such investments.

Assumption II: “If other green technologies follow the same pattern as that of solar energy, there will most likely be an easy green transition.” This assumption is also valid. The passage explicitly mentions solar energy as an example of a successful green technology whose costs fell dramatically due to economies of scale and learning by doing. It implies that if other green technologies follow a similar trajectory, the transition to green energy would be smoother and easier.

Thus, both assumptions I and II are valid.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q1. Correct Option: (c) Sustenance of livelihood and degradation of ecosystem while being together exacerbate one another, leading to conflicts and imbalance.

Explanation: The passage clearly highlights the conflict between conservation, livelihoods, and commercial exploitation. It emphasizes that maintaining ecosystems solely for biodiversity conservation can negatively impact livelihoods and commercial potential. Conversely, commercial exploitation can lead to environmental degradation, indirectly harming livelihoods through floods, siltation, and climate instability. Thus, the critical message conveyed is that livelihood sustenance and ecosystem degradation are interconnected and intensify each other’s negative impacts, causing conflicts and imbalance. Option (c) accurately captures this central idea.

Option (a) is incorrect because the author does not dismiss biodiversity conservation as unimportant. Option (b) is incorrect because the passage does not explicitly mention fundamental rights violations. Option (d) is incorrect because the author does not advocate completely stopping commercial exploitation but rather highlights the conflicts arising from it.

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

Explanation: Assumption I (“No country needs to depend on ecosystems to boost national income.”) is invalid because the passage explicitly states that commercial exploitation of ecosystems has the potential to boost national income, especially in developing countries. Thus, the passage acknowledges that countries do depend on ecosystems economically.

Assumption II (“Resource-rich countries need to share their resources with those of scant resources so as to prevent the degradation of ecosystems.”) is also invalid because the passage does not discuss or imply any international resource-sharing arrangement or cooperation between resource-rich and resource-poor countries.

Therefore, neither assumption I nor assumption II is valid based on the given passage.