Reading Comprehension

Rainfall in Thar Desert is

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

Thar Desert, also known as the great Indian desert. It is spread over four states in India, namely, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat and two states in Pakistan and covers an area of about 4,46,000 square kilometres. The average annual rainfall of the region varies from 100 to 500 mm. It is distributed very erratically, occurring mostly between July and September. One unique feature of this desert is that there is neither an oasis in it nor any artesian well. No native cactus or palm tree breaks the monotony of the vast expanse. Due to the diversified habitat, the vegetation and animal life in this arid region is very rich. About 23 species of lizards and 25 species of snakes are found here and several of them are endemic to the region. Some wild life species which are fast vanishing in other parts of India, are found in the desert in large numbers such as the Great Indian Bustard, the Blackbuck, the Indian gazelle and Wild ass. The increase of human and livestock population in the desert has led to a deterioration in the ecosystem resulting in degradation of soil fertility and vegetation.

Which word in the paragraph does not pertain to “endemic” species of reptiles?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

Thar Desert, also known as the great Indian desert. It is spread over four states in India, namely, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat and two states in Pakistan and covers an area of about 4,46,000 square kilometres. The average annual rainfall of the region varies from 100 to 500 mm. It is distributed very erratically, occurring mostly between July and September. One unique feature of this desert is that there is neither an oasis in it nor any artesian well. No native cactus or palm tree breaks the monotony of the vast expanse. Due to the diversified habitat, the vegetation and animal life in this arid region is very rich. About 23 species of lizards and 25 species of snakes are found here and several of them are endemic to the region. Some wild life species which are fast vanishing in other parts of India, are found in the desert in large numbers such as the Great Indian Bustard, the Blackbuck, the Indian gazelle and Wild ass. The increase of human and livestock population in the desert has led to a deterioration in the ecosystem resulting in degradation of soil fertility and vegetation.

According to the paragraph, the ecosystem is

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

Thar Desert, also known as the great Indian desert. It is spread over four states in India, namely, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat and two states in Pakistan and covers an area of about 4,46,000 square kilometres. The average annual rainfall of the region varies from 100 to 500 mm. It is distributed very erratically, occurring mostly between July and September. One unique feature of this desert is that there is neither an oasis in it nor any artesian well. No native cactus or palm tree breaks the monotony of the vast expanse. Due to the diversified habitat, the vegetation and animal life in this arid region is very rich. About 23 species of lizards and 25 species of snakes are found here and several of them are endemic to the region. Some wild life species which are fast vanishing in other parts of India, are found in the desert in large numbers such as the Great Indian Bustard, the Blackbuck, the Indian gazelle and Wild ass. The increase of human and livestock population in the desert has led to a deterioration in the ecosystem resulting in degradation of soil fertility and vegetation.

Which of the following endangered species is not found in Thar Desert?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

Thar Desert, also known as the great Indian desert. It is spread over four states in India, namely, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat and two states in Pakistan and covers an area of about 4,46,000 square kilometres. The average annual rainfall of the region varies from 100 to 500 mm. It is distributed very erratically, occurring mostly between July and September. One unique feature of this desert is that there is neither an oasis in it nor any artesian well. No native cactus or palm tree breaks the monotony of the vast expanse. Due to the diversified habitat, the vegetation and animal life in this arid region is very rich. About 23 species of lizards and 25 species of snakes are found here and several of them are endemic to the region. Some wild life species which are fast vanishing in other parts of India, are found in the desert in large numbers such as the Great Indian Bustard, the Blackbuck, the Indian gazelle and Wild ass. The increase of human and livestock population in the desert has led to a deterioration in the ecosystem resulting in degradation of soil fertility and vegetation.

The word “recurrence“ does not mean

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

An earthquake is a tremor of varied intensity in the earth's surface caused by the action of the end genetic forces of the earth. It causes immense damage to life and property of the region if its intensity is measured over 7 on the Richter scale. Studies have shown that over 60% of the country's area comes under the moderate and high seismic zones. In the past, a number of devastating earthquakes have been caused. Tsunamis-Earthquake measuring more than 7 on Richter scale in the sea bed may produce high sea waves called tsunamis. Such tsunamis were caused due to the earthquake near Sumatra coast on 26^th Dec. 2004, which led to a loss of more than 1.5 lakh people in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India. In India, heavy damage to life and property was caused in Andaman-Nicobar islands and Tamil Nadu coast. Severity of the tsunamis was a little minimised along the coasts having wider continental shelves and luxuriant growth of mangrove forests. Since Andaman area lies in the high seismic zone, the recurrence of tsunamis is not ruled out. The need is early warning system, planting of mangroves and building of protection walls.

How many countries in the world have been affected by tsunamis?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

An earthquake is a tremor of varied intensity in the earth's surface caused by the action of the end genetic forces of the earth. It causes immense damage to life and property of the region if its intensity is measured over 7 on the Richter scale. Studies have shown that over 60% of the country's area comes under the moderate and high seismic zones. In the past, a number of devastating earthquakes have been caused. Tsunamis-Earthquake measuring more than 7 on Richter scale in the sea bed may produce high sea waves called tsunamis. Such tsunamis were caused due to the earthquake near Sumatra coast on 26^th Dec. 2004, which led to a loss of more than 1.5 lakh people in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India. In India, heavy damage to life and property was caused in Andaman-Nicobar islands and Tamil Nadu coast. Severity of the tsunamis was a little minimised along the coasts having wider continental shelves and luxuriant growth of mangrove forests. Since Andaman area lies in the high seismic zone, the recurrence of tsunamis is not ruled out. The need is early warning system, planting of mangroves and building of protection walls.

In this paragraph, “luxuriant growth” pertains to

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

An earthquake is a tremor of varied intensity in the earth's surface caused by the action of the end genetic forces of the earth. It causes immense damage to life and property of the region if its intensity is measured over 7 on the Richter scale. Studies have shown that over 60% of the country's area comes under the moderate and high seismic zones. In the past, a number of devastating earthquakes have been caused. Tsunamis-Earthquake measuring more than 7 on Richter scale in the sea bed may produce high sea waves called tsunamis. Such tsunamis were caused due to the earthquake near Sumatra coast on 26^th Dec. 2004, which led to a loss of more than 1.5 lakh people in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India. In India, heavy damage to life and property was caused in Andaman-Nicobar islands and Tamil Nadu coast. Severity of the tsunamis was a little minimised along the coasts having wider continental shelves and luxuriant growth of mangrove forests. Since Andaman area lies in the high seismic zone, the recurrence of tsunamis is not ruled out. The need is early warning system, planting of mangroves and building of protection walls.

Which of the following is/are important measure(s) to minimise the loss of life and property by earthquakes?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

An earthquake is a tremor of varied intensity in the earth's surface caused by the action of the end genetic forces of the earth. It causes immense damage to life and property of the region if its intensity is measured over 7 on the Richter scale. Studies have shown that over 60% of the country's area comes under the moderate and high seismic zones. In the past, a number of devastating earthquakes have been caused. Tsunamis-Earthquake measuring more than 7 on Richter scale in the sea bed may produce high sea waves called tsunamis. Such tsunamis were caused due to the earthquake near Sumatra coast on 26^th Dec. 2004, which led to a loss of more than 1.5 lakh people in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India. In India, heavy damage to life and property was caused in Andaman-Nicobar islands and Tamil Nadu coast. Severity of the tsunamis was a little minimised along the coasts having wider continental shelves and luxuriant growth of mangrove forests. Since Andaman area lies in the high seismic zone, the recurrence of tsunamis is not ruled out. The need is early warning system, planting of mangroves and building of protection walls.

What percentage of the Indian area comes under moderate and high seismic zones?

Directions: Answer the given question based on the following passage:

An earthquake is a tremor of varied intensity in the earth's surface caused by the action of the end genetic forces of the earth. It causes immense damage to life and property of the region if its intensity is measured over 7 on the Richter scale. Studies have shown that over 60% of the country's area comes under the moderate and high seismic zones. In the past, a number of devastating earthquakes have been caused. Tsunamis-Earthquake measuring more than 7 on Richter scale in the sea bed may produce high sea waves called tsunamis. Such tsunamis were caused due to the earthquake near Sumatra coast on 26^th Dec. 2004, which led to a loss of more than 1.5 lakh people in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India. In India, heavy damage to life and property was caused in Andaman-Nicobar islands and Tamil Nadu coast. Severity of the tsunamis was a little minimised along the coasts having wider continental shelves and luxuriant growth of mangrove forests. Since Andaman area lies in the high seismic zone, the recurrence of tsunamis is not ruled out. The need is early warning system, planting of mangroves and building of protection walls.

What type of environment is man-made?

Directions: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the question that follows.

Nature is beautiful. It offers all that its organisms require to fulfill their basic needs. Once man was living on Earth like other animals, abiding all the natural systems without disturbing them but with the passage of time, mental capabilities of man have evolved and enabled him to understand the natural phenomena and to manipulate the environment to his advantage. This is quite evident from the fact that now man has developed a new environment called socio-cultural environment within the natural environment which comprises of the substances, articles and institutions created by man for his comforts and security. We also derive various natural resources from the environment in return. “Natural” means an ecosystem not influenced by man and resources mean that reserve stock of supply which living things can take from nature for sustenance of life. Natural resources can be defined as those natural reserve stocks of supply which man utilises for his sustenance and welfare. These are the sun, atmosphere, lithosphere and the hydrosphere.

For what purpose does man utilise natural resources?

Directions: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the question that follows.

Nature is beautiful. It offers all that its organisms require to fulfill their basic needs. Once man was living on Earth like other animals, abiding all the natural systems without disturbing them but with the passage of time, mental capabilities of man have evolved and enabled him to understand the natural phenomena and to manipulate the environment to his advantage. This is quite evident from the fact that now man has developed a new environment called socio-cultural environment within the natural environment which comprises of the substances, articles and institutions created by man for his comforts and security. We also derive various natural resources from the environment in return. “Natural” means an ecosystem not influenced by man and resources mean that reserve stock of supply which living things can take from nature for sustenance of life. Natural resources can be defined as those natural reserve stocks of supply which man utilises for his sustenance and welfare. These are the sun, atmosphere, lithosphere and the hydrosphere.

From where do we derive natural resources?

Directions: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the question that follows.

Nature is beautiful. It offers all that its organisms require to fulfill their basic needs. Once man was living on Earth like other animals, abiding all the natural systems without disturbing them but with the passage of time, mental capabilities of man have evolved and enabled him to understand the natural phenomena and to manipulate the environment to his advantage. This is quite evident from the fact that now man has developed a new environment called socio-cultural environment within the natural environment which comprises of the substances, articles and institutions created by man for his comforts and security. We also derive various natural resources from the environment in return. “Natural” means an ecosystem not influenced by man and resources mean that reserve stock of supply which living things can take from nature for sustenance of life. Natural resources can be defined as those natural reserve stocks of supply which man utilises for his sustenance and welfare. These are the sun, atmosphere, lithosphere and the hydrosphere.

What has enabled man to manipulate the environment?

Directions: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the question that follows.

Nature is beautiful. It offers all that its organisms require to fulfill their basic needs. Once man was living on Earth like other animals, abiding all the natural systems without disturbing them but with the passage of time, mental capabilities of man have evolved and enabled him to understand the natural phenomena and to manipulate the environment to his advantage. This is quite evident from the fact that now man has developed a new environment called socio-cultural environment within the natural environment which comprises of the substances, articles and institutions created by man for his comforts and security. We also derive various natural resources from the environment in return. “Natural” means an ecosystem not influenced by man and resources mean that reserve stock of supply which living things can take from nature for sustenance of life. Natural resources can be defined as those natural reserve stocks of supply which man utilises for his sustenance and welfare. These are the sun, atmosphere, lithosphere and the hydrosphere.

Directions: Read the following passages and answer the question that follow: For all its acknowledged importance, the quality of medical care in India is not well understood. Many studies of the demand for medical services identify quality as a major determinant of facility selection and use, and that such use should contribute to improvements in health status. However, quality of care is not clearly defined beyond easily observable facility characteristics such as the availability of medicines or functioning equipment. What is less well understood, but has greater relevance for both the use and outcomes of services, is the quality of the actual advice given in clinical settings. Medicine can be bought over the counter and is not specific to particular facilities or providers. But good advice from a provider with knowledge and experience is a service that patients cannot easily obtain by themselves.

According to the passage, which of the following problems that have beset medical care in India has more pertinence?

Which of the following statements are true as per the passage?

1. Gandhi ji was justified in breaking the salt law as it was passed by the British and we had practically no option but to disobey.
2. Only in limited cases, if we have a bad law today, the correct remedy may be Satyagraha or Civil disobedience.
3. For the repeal of a bad law, the proper democratic course of action would be to campaign against it.
4. We have better ways to register our disagreement and protests than the morchas, the bandhs and the gheraos.

While we have forgotten much of what Gandhi ji recommended regarding the use of Satyagraha against a foreign ruler, we see instances of it, day in and day out, in support of some cause or issue a group of people advocates. And this is happening 60 years after our country has had a fully democratic system with adult franchise. Whereas Satyagraha was intended to be peaceful, today's direct action is accompanied by threats and violence.

There have also been cases of direct action directed at private individuals or groups. Such action as practised today is openly coercive. A boycott of a play thought to be anti-Hindu or of a film thought to be obscene prevents those who disagree, from attending the performance and exposes the organisers to stone-throwing and arson, and, of course, financial loss. Gandhi ji was justified in breaking the salt law as it was passed by the British and we were powerless to rescind it. If we have a bad law today, the correct remedy can never be satyagraha or civil disobedience. The proper democratic course of action would be to campaign for its repeal. Similarly, if there is some evil which is rampant, the democratic course of action is to campaign for the enforcement of the law against it or, if there is no satisfactory law, for its enactment.

The right which democracy confers is to propound a particular view point; inherent in the right is the right of its opponents to disagree. The moment the proponents of a viewpoint adopt coercive tactics, not only are they acting unlawfully, they are also denying their opponents their democratic right to disagree. Every so often the morchas are organised by groups which either want disturbances or at least do not mind them. A morchais in these cases is accompanied by shattered windows, looted shops and smashed buses and cars. A more extreme form of such agitation is a bandh.  Even a peaceful bandh results in lakhs of people losing money.

No doubt the government ought to prevent such acts. But it is unsure of public support and afraid of the violence that often erupts if morchas or bandhs are sought to be prevented. It takes the easy path of inaction. At times, it is in sympathy with the cause and actively supports the agitation.

It is high time we woke up to what these pressure groups are doing and make them stop bullying the common man. If we keep on permitting interest groups to carry on as they have been doing, a day will come when we will witness the end of both the rule of law and democracy.