Reading Comprehension Questions

Multiple choice

The main purpose behind Beijing's intervention in North Korea is to …….

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the given question:
Though the last twenty five years have seen China dazzle the world with its excellent economic performance, it has shied away from playing the kind of active role in international affairs that would be commensurate with its economic weight. This is because traditionally China’s politics have been defined by the need for economic development above all else.
In the past, China’s authorities have tended to down play the country’s international clout, choosing to stress instead its development, country status and limited military capabilities. Such modest rhetoric was intended to allay the fears that China’s rise was causing across its immediate neighborhood. That Beijing is finally acknowledging its status as a major player in the international system is evidenced by the fact that the president has personally developed a theory of international relations; the concept of harmonious world. The concept, encompassing broad notions of multilateralism, prosperity for all though common development and tolerance for diversity has left the world opinion perplexed. These are commendable objectives, but the theory is short on specifics regarding the means to achieve them.
China’s recent willingness to be a more active player internationally stems from the complex factors. The country’s economic strength having acquired the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world- is undeniable and reports favor it to be the largest economy in the next quarter of a century. For sustained double- digit economic growth, China thus has no choice but to become more active internationally. Moreover as a major proportion of the oil and other natural resources that China needs to feed its growing economy are imported Beijing has to aggressively woo the countries rich in energies resources, which also represent emerging markets for Chinese products. To ensure a stable security environment within the region and thus facilitate economic growth, China played an active role in facilitating negotiations with North Korea. Destabilization of a potential flash point like the Korean peninsula would lead to a flood of refugees crossing the border, interrupting careful plans for economic rejuvenation of China’s North-East. China’s growing influence has caused a shift in the geopolitical status quo and its influence is beginning to replace that of the United States and European powers in Africa. China’s new diplomacy though has had its share of critics who have expressed their unease at China’s military modernization programme and its willingness to deal with regimes widely condemned as corrupt and oppressive. Despite this when Africa was in need of aid and infrastructure or the US needed help in negotiating with Korea they turned to China. By taking a lead in a variety of international and regional forums, initiating bilateral and military exchange and dispensing aid and technical assistance in parts of the worlds where traditional powers are cautious to trend, China has signaled that its days of sitting on the sidelines, content to let other shape world affairs are emphatically over.

  1. Ensure that the US acknowledges China's growing military influence

  2. Prevent any hindrances to its domestic economic development programme

  3. Protect its financial investment in neighboring countries

  4. Provide humanitarian assistance to one of its strongest allies Korea

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The passage states that China intervenes in North Korea to ensure a stable security environment to facilitate its own economic growth and avoid refugee issues that would interrupt its economic plans.

Multiple choice

Which of the following CANNOT be said about China's international relations theory?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the given question:
Though the last twenty five years have seen China dazzle the world with its excellent economic performance, it has shied away from playing the kind of active role in international affairs that would be commensurate with its economic weight. This is because traditionally China’s politics have been defined by the need for economic development above all else.
In the past, China’s authorities have tended to down play the country’s international clout, choosing to stress instead its development, country status and limited military capabilities. Such modest rhetoric was intended to allay the fears that China’s rise was causing across its immediate neighborhood. That Beijing is finally acknowledging its status as a major player in the international system is evidenced by the fact that the president has personally developed a theory of international relations; the concept of harmonious world. The concept, encompassing broad notions of multilateralism, prosperity for all though common development and tolerance for diversity has left the world opinion perplexed. These are commendable objectives, but the theory is short on specifics regarding the means to achieve them.
China’s recent willingness to be a more active player internationally stems from the complex factors. The country’s economic strength having acquired the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world- is undeniable and reports favor it to be the largest economy in the next quarter of a century. For sustained double- digit economic growth, China thus has no choice but to become more active internationally. Moreover as a major proportion of the oil and other natural resources that China needs to feed its growing economy are imported Beijing has to aggressively woo the countries rich in energies resources, which also represent emerging markets for Chinese products. To ensure a stable security environment within the region and thus facilitate economic growth, China played an active role in facilitating negotiations with North Korea. Destabilization of a potential flash point like the Korean peninsula would lead to a flood of refugees crossing the border, interrupting careful plans for economic rejuvenation of China’s North-East. China’s growing influence has caused a shift in the geopolitical status quo and its influence is beginning to replace that of the United States and European powers in Africa. China’s new diplomacy though has had its share of critics who have expressed their unease at China’s military modernization programme and its willingness to deal with regimes widely condemned as corrupt and oppressive. Despite this when Africa was in need of aid and infrastructure or the US needed help in negotiating with Korea they turned to China. By taking a lead in a variety of international and regional forums, initiating bilateral and military exchange and dispensing aid and technical assistance in parts of the worlds where traditional powers are cautious to trend, China has signaled that its days of sitting on the sidelines, content to let other shape world affairs are emphatically over.

  1. The theory is ambiguous in nature

  2. The theory reflects China's realization that it occupies a vital place in global affairs

  3. It promotes the concept of common development for all nations

  4. It is a theory which explains China's sustained growth rate

  5. It emphasizes achieving prosperity through universal development

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

 China's sustained growth is a cause, not an effect, of its theory on international relations. 

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an outcome of Beijing's role in Africa?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the given question:
Though the last twenty five years have seen China dazzle the world with its excellent economic performance, it has shied away from playing the kind of active role in international affairs that would be commensurate with its economic weight. This is because traditionally China’s politics have been defined by the need for economic development above all else.
In the past, China’s authorities have tended to down play the country’s international clout, choosing to stress instead its development, country status and limited military capabilities. Such modest rhetoric was intended to allay the fears that China’s rise was causing across its immediate neighborhood. That Beijing is finally acknowledging its status as a major player in the international system is evidenced by the fact that the president has personally developed a theory of international relations; the concept of harmonious world. The concept, encompassing broad notions of multilateralism, prosperity for all though common development and tolerance for diversity has left the world opinion perplexed. These are commendable objectives, but the theory is short on specifics regarding the means to achieve them.
China’s recent willingness to be a more active player internationally stems from the complex factors. The country’s economic strength having acquired the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world- is undeniable and reports favor it to be the largest economy in the next quarter of a century. For sustained double- digit economic growth, China thus has no choice but to become more active internationally. Moreover as a major proportion of the oil and other natural resources that China needs to feed its growing economy are imported Beijing has to aggressively woo the countries rich in energies resources, which also represent emerging markets for Chinese products. To ensure a stable security environment within the region and thus facilitate economic growth, China played an active role in facilitating negotiations with North Korea. Destabilization of a potential flash point like the Korean peninsula would lead to a flood of refugees crossing the border, interrupting careful plans for economic rejuvenation of China’s North-East. China’s growing influence has caused a shift in the geopolitical status quo and its influence is beginning to replace that of the United States and European powers in Africa. China’s new diplomacy though has had its share of critics who have expressed their unease at China’s military modernization programme and its willingness to deal with regimes widely condemned as corrupt and oppressive. Despite this when Africa was in need of aid and infrastructure or the US needed help in negotiating with Korea they turned to China. By taking a lead in a variety of international and regional forums, initiating bilateral and military exchange and dispensing aid and technical assistance in parts of the worlds where traditional powers are cautious to trend, China has signaled that its days of sitting on the sidelines, content to let other shape world affairs are emphatically over.

  1. America's influence in the region has reduce

  2. the amount of aid from Europe and other countries has double

  3. instability in the region

  4. the balance of power in Africa has shifted in favors of Europe over the US

  5. none of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The passage states: 'China's growing influence has caused a shift in the geopolitical status quo and its influence is beginning to replace that of the United States and European powers in Africa.' This directly supports option A, though the option itself contains a grammatical error ('has reduce' should be 'has reduced').

Multiple choice

Which of the following is TRUE in the context of the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the given question:
Though the last twenty five years have seen China dazzle the world with its excellent economic performance, it has shied away from playing the kind of active role in international affairs that would be commensurate with its economic weight. This is because traditionally China’s politics have been defined by the need for economic development above all else.
In the past, China’s authorities have tended to down play the country’s international clout, choosing to stress instead its development, country status and limited military capabilities. Such modest rhetoric was intended to allay the fears that China’s rise was causing across its immediate neighborhood. That Beijing is finally acknowledging its status as a major player in the international system is evidenced by the fact that the president has personally developed a theory of international relations; the concept of harmonious world. The concept, encompassing broad notions of multilateralism, prosperity for all though common development and tolerance for diversity has left the world opinion perplexed. These are commendable objectives, but the theory is short on specifics regarding the means to achieve them.
China’s recent willingness to be a more active player internationally stems from the complex factors. The country’s economic strength having acquired the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world- is undeniable and reports favor it to be the largest economy in the next quarter of a century. For sustained double- digit economic growth, China thus has no choice but to become more active internationally. Moreover as a major proportion of the oil and other natural resources that China needs to feed its growing economy are imported Beijing has to aggressively woo the countries rich in energies resources, which also represent emerging markets for Chinese products. To ensure a stable security environment within the region and thus facilitate economic growth, China played an active role in facilitating negotiations with North Korea. Destabilization of a potential flash point like the Korean peninsula would lead to a flood of refugees crossing the border, interrupting careful plans for economic rejuvenation of China’s North-East. China’s growing influence has caused a shift in the geopolitical status quo and its influence is beginning to replace that of the United States and European powers in Africa. China’s new diplomacy though has had its share of critics who have expressed their unease at China’s military modernization programme and its willingness to deal with regimes widely condemned as corrupt and oppressive. Despite this when Africa was in need of aid and infrastructure or the US needed help in negotiating with Korea they turned to China. By taking a lead in a variety of international and regional forums, initiating bilateral and military exchange and dispensing aid and technical assistance in parts of the worlds where traditional powers are cautious to trend, China has signaled that its days of sitting on the sidelines, content to let other shape world affairs are emphatically over.

  1. china's current political standing internationally is disproportionate to its financial strength

  2. China is a reluctant participant in military dialogues

  3. the harmonious world theory is only utilitarian remedy to the current challenges facing the world

  4. the US has recognized and acknowledged China's growing international reputation

  5. China has stopped dealing with corrupt countries of international pressure.

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The passage states that when the US needed help in negotiating with Korea, they turned to China, indicating an acknowledgment of China's role.

Multiple choice

Why has China traditionally been a passive spectator in global affairs?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the given question:
Though the last twenty five years have seen China dazzle the world with its excellent economic performance, it has shied away from playing the kind of active role in international affairs that would be commensurate with its economic weight. This is because traditionally China’s politics have been defined by the need for economic development above all else.
In the past, China’s authorities have tended to down play the country’s international clout, choosing to stress instead its development, country status and limited military capabilities. Such modest rhetoric was intended to allay the fears that China’s rise was causing across its immediate neighborhood. That Beijing is finally acknowledging its status as a major player in the international system is evidenced by the fact that the president has personally developed a theory of international relations; the concept of harmonious world. The concept, encompassing broad notions of multilateralism, prosperity for all though common development and tolerance for diversity has left the world opinion perplexed. These are commendable objectives, but the theory is short on specifics regarding the means to achieve them.
China’s recent willingness to be a more active player internationally stems from the complex factors. The country’s economic strength having acquired the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world- is undeniable and reports favor it to be the largest economy in the next quarter of a century. For sustained double- digit economic growth, China thus has no choice but to become more active internationally. Moreover as a major proportion of the oil and other natural resources that China needs to feed its growing economy are imported Beijing has to aggressively woo the countries rich in energies resources, which also represent emerging markets for Chinese products. To ensure a stable security environment within the region and thus facilitate economic growth, China played an active role in facilitating negotiations with North Korea. Destabilization of a potential flash point like the Korean peninsula would lead to a flood of refugees crossing the border, interrupting careful plans for economic rejuvenation of China’s North-East. China’s growing influence has caused a shift in the geopolitical status quo and its influence is beginning to replace that of the United States and European powers in Africa. China’s new diplomacy though has had its share of critics who have expressed their unease at China’s military modernization programme and its willingness to deal with regimes widely condemned as corrupt and oppressive. Despite this when Africa was in need of aid and infrastructure or the US needed help in negotiating with Korea they turned to China. By taking a lead in a variety of international and regional forums, initiating bilateral and military exchange and dispensing aid and technical assistance in parts of the worlds where traditional powers are cautious to trend, China has signaled that its days of sitting on the sidelines, content to let other shape world affairs are emphatically over.

  1. To safeguard its oil resources

  2. To conceal its economic predicament

  3. Economic dominance of the US

  4. To maintain security in its vicinity

  5. To focus on domestic economic growth

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Correct Answer: To focus on domestic economic growth The answer can be found in the line "This is because traditionally China’s politics have been defined by the need for economic development above all else." 

Multiple choice

What has been the fallout of China's increased participation in world affairs?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the given question:
Though the last twenty five years have seen China dazzle the world with its excellent economic performance, it has shied away from playing the kind of active role in international affairs that would be commensurate with its economic weight. This is because traditionally China’s politics have been defined by the need for economic development above all else.
In the past, China’s authorities have tended to down play the country’s international clout, choosing to stress instead its development, country status and limited military capabilities. Such modest rhetoric was intended to allay the fears that China’s rise was causing across its immediate neighborhood. That Beijing is finally acknowledging its status as a major player in the international system is evidenced by the fact that the president has personally developed a theory of international relations; the concept of harmonious world. The concept, encompassing broad notions of multilateralism, prosperity for all though common development and tolerance for diversity has left the world opinion perplexed. These are commendable objectives, but the theory is short on specifics regarding the means to achieve them.
China’s recent willingness to be a more active player internationally stems from the complex factors. The country’s economic strength having acquired the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world- is undeniable and reports favor it to be the largest economy in the next quarter of a century. For sustained double- digit economic growth, China thus has no choice but to become more active internationally. Moreover as a major proportion of the oil and other natural resources that China needs to feed its growing economy are imported Beijing has to aggressively woo the countries rich in energies resources, which also represent emerging markets for Chinese products. To ensure a stable security environment within the region and thus facilitate economic growth, China played an active role in facilitating negotiations with North Korea. Destabilization of a potential flash point like the Korean peninsula would lead to a flood of refugees crossing the border, interrupting careful plans for economic rejuvenation of China’s North-East. China’s growing influence has caused a shift in the geopolitical status quo and its influence is beginning to replace that of the United States and European powers in Africa. China’s new diplomacy though has had its share of critics who have expressed their unease at China’s military modernization programme and its willingness to deal with regimes widely condemned as corrupt and oppressive. Despite this when Africa was in need of aid and infrastructure or the US needed help in negotiating with Korea they turned to China. By taking a lead in a variety of international and regional forums, initiating bilateral and military exchange and dispensing aid and technical assistance in parts of the worlds where traditional powers are cautious to trend, China has signaled that its days of sitting on the sidelines, content to let other shape world affairs are emphatically over.

  1. International scrutiny of its economics policies

  2. Its influence and prestige has grown substantially

  3. Its growth rate has stabilized

  4. Growth of corruption among its politicians

  5. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

 China's growing influence has caused a shift in the geopolitical status quo and its influence is beginning to replace that's if the United States and European powers in Africa. 

Multiple choice

By establishing separate women police cells, all of the the following are likely to be realized EXCEPT _____.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the given question:

In the debates following in the international day for the elimination of violence against women observed a few days ago, some critical issues have come to the fore. is it time to advocate for a completely separate apparatus of courts, law enforcement mechanisms and laws for women> what are the strengths and limits of such a proposal?
The issue of separate courts for women or family disputes has been a subject of debate for many years. A number of states have already set up special courts for women, including Maharashtra, with proposals pending in Karnataka and Delhi. These courts have taken on different incarnations at the state level with the Maharashtra courts designated as family courts to deal with family disputes and matrimonial matters; the Delhi courts are intended to deal exclusively with rapes cases. However the idea behind the special courts is to deal speedily with atrocities against women.
In 2006, a bill to set up special courts for women was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The courts are intended to deal primarily with offences of rape, criminal assault, mental injury and sexual harassment against women. The courts are to be presided over by a chief judge, with additional judges appointed depending on the requirement in specific cases and at least half of the judge’s posts are to be reserved for women
The idea behind these special courts is that they will provide speedy justice to women and to be women friendly as well. These courts are also intended to provide a more private space for women, especially to rape victims who are frequently traumatized by the trial process that currently exists.
The idea of separate women police cells has also been mooted from time to time. The centre has been advising state governments regarding the steps that need to be taken, especially at the level of law enforcement, to afford greater protection to women and in particular  to prevent crimes against them. These advisories include gender sensitization of police, adopting appropriate measures for swift and effective punishment to public servants found guilty of custodial violence against women, minimizing delays In investigations of murder, rape and torture of women and setting up “crimes against women cells’ in districts where they do not exist.
The national commission for women has also undertaken visits to various states to review the status of women and conduct its own investigations in certain cases of serious incidents of crime against women. The commission’s finding indicate that’s the level of sensitivity and care with which crimes against women are handled is woefully inadequate. It has also observed that the filing of FIRs even in acutely abusive or violent cases continues to be a problem. The setting up of women police cells is one of the ways in which to alleviate these problems.
While proposals for separate courts, police cells and specific laws for women are demands that women themselves are making, there is a need to be attentive to the ways in which such initiatives might actually boomerang. Addressing women’s issues of violence in a separate courts structure could sequester women’s issues into a dark corner, where reports of violence and abuse become muted. The role of media in bringing the spotlight to bear on issues of violence has been crucial.

  1. Greater protection to women

  2. Prevention of crimes against women

  3. Quicker and effective punishment to guilty of crimes against women

  4. Punitive action against media unduly highlighting the crimes

  5. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The passage discusses the benefits of special courts and police cells for women, such as protection and speed. It does not suggest punitive action against the media; rather, it highlights the media's role as crucial for bringing attention to these issues.

Multiple choice

The author of the passage seems to be -

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the given question:

In the debates following in the international day for the elimination of violence against women observed a few days ago, some critical issues have come to the fore. is it time to advocate for a completely separate apparatus of courts, law enforcement mechanisms and laws for women> what are the strengths and limits of such a proposal?
The issue of separate courts for women or family disputes has been a subject of debate for many years. A number of states have already set up special courts for women, including Maharashtra, with proposals pending in Karnataka and Delhi. These courts have taken on different incarnations at the state level with the Maharashtra courts designated as family courts to deal with family disputes and matrimonial matters; the Delhi courts are intended to deal exclusively with rapes cases. However the idea behind the special courts is to deal speedily with atrocities against women.
In 2006, a bill to set up special courts for women was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The courts are intended to deal primarily with offences of rape, criminal assault, mental injury and sexual harassment against women. The courts are to be presided over by a chief judge, with additional judges appointed depending on the requirement in specific cases and at least half of the judge’s posts are to be reserved for women
The idea behind these special courts is that they will provide speedy justice to women and to be women friendly as well. These courts are also intended to provide a more private space for women, especially to rape victims who are frequently traumatized by the trial process that currently exists.
The idea of separate women police cells has also been mooted from time to time. The centre has been advising state governments regarding the steps that need to be taken, especially at the level of law enforcement, to afford greater protection to women and in particular  to prevent crimes against them. These advisories include gender sensitization of police, adopting appropriate measures for swift and effective punishment to public servants found guilty of custodial violence against women, minimizing delays In investigations of murder, rape and torture of women and setting up “crimes against women cells’ in districts where they do not exist.
The national commission for women has also undertaken visits to various states to review the status of women and conduct its own investigations in certain cases of serious incidents of crime against women. The commission’s finding indicate that’s the level of sensitivity and care with which crimes against women are handled is woefully inadequate. It has also observed that the filing of FIRs even in acutely abusive or violent cases continues to be a problem. The setting up of women police cells is one of the ways in which to alleviate these problems.
While proposals for separate courts, police cells and specific laws for women are demands that women themselves are making, there is a need to be attentive to the ways in which such initiatives might actually boomerang. Addressing women’s issues of violence in a separate courts structure could sequester women’s issues into a dark corner, where reports of violence and abuse become muted. The role of media in bringing the spotlight to bear on issues of violence has been crucial.

  1. Apprehensive about the effectiveness of special courts, lawas and separate cells for women

  2. In favour of status quo regarding measure to deal with cases against women

  3. A strong opponent of the idea of having separate laws and courts for women

  4. Unduly and irrationally against the male members

  5. Treating women folk too much vulnerable to crimes

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The author acknowledges the potential benefits but warns that such initiatives could 'boomerang' and sequester women's issues, showing a balanced but cautious/apprehensive perspective.

Multiple choice

Which of the following was/were the points of debate that followed the celebration of International day for Elimination of Violence against Women?

(A) Propriety of setting up separate courts for dealing with matters related to atrocities against women (B) Whether there should be a seprate women police cell (C) Whether there should be a separate set of laws devised exclusively to deal with problems related to women

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the given question:

In the debates following in the international day for the elimination of violence against women observed a few days ago, some critical issues have come to the fore. is it time to advocate for a completely separate apparatus of courts, law enforcement mechanisms and laws for women> what are the strengths and limits of such a proposal?
The issue of separate courts for women or family disputes has been a subject of debate for many years. A number of states have already set up special courts for women, including Maharashtra, with proposals pending in Karnataka and Delhi. These courts have taken on different incarnations at the state level with the Maharashtra courts designated as family courts to deal with family disputes and matrimonial matters; the Delhi courts are intended to deal exclusively with rapes cases. However the idea behind the special courts is to deal speedily with atrocities against women.
In 2006, a bill to set up special courts for women was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The courts are intended to deal primarily with offences of rape, criminal assault, mental injury and sexual harassment against women. The courts are to be presided over by a chief judge, with additional judges appointed depending on the requirement in specific cases and at least half of the judge’s posts are to be reserved for women
The idea behind these special courts is that they will provide speedy justice to women and to be women friendly as well. These courts are also intended to provide a more private space for women, especially to rape victims who are frequently traumatized by the trial process that currently exists.
The idea of separate women police cells has also been mooted from time to time. The centre has been advising state governments regarding the steps that need to be taken, especially at the level of law enforcement, to afford greater protection to women and in particular  to prevent crimes against them. These advisories include gender sensitization of police, adopting appropriate measures for swift and effective punishment to public servants found guilty of custodial violence against women, minimizing delays In investigations of murder, rape and torture of women and setting up “crimes against women cells’ in districts where they do not exist.
The national commission for women has also undertaken visits to various states to review the status of women and conduct its own investigations in certain cases of serious incidents of crime against women. The commission’s finding indicate that’s the level of sensitivity and care with which crimes against women are handled is woefully inadequate. It has also observed that the filing of FIRs even in acutely abusive or violent cases continues to be a problem. The setting up of women police cells is one of the ways in which to alleviate these problems.
While proposals for separate courts, police cells and specific laws for women are demands that women themselves are making, there is a need to be attentive to the ways in which such initiatives might actually boomerang. Addressing women’s issues of violence in a separate courts structure could sequester women’s issues into a dark corner, where reports of violence and abuse become muted. The role of media in bringing the spotlight to bear on issues of violence has been crucial.

  1. A and B only

  2. B and C only

  3. A and C only

  4. All of these

  5. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The passage mentions debates regarding separate courts, separate police cells, and separate laws for women as critical issues that came to the fore.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is/are the objectives if setting up special courts for wiomrn? (A) Hastily disposing of the cases involving women so that the time so saced could be utilized for setting other disputes (B) Providing privacy for hearing so that probable embarrassment of women, particularly rape victims is avoided (C)Frequently traumatizing the accused of rape victims so that they are duly penalized for their misdeed.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the given question:

In the debates following in the international day for the elimination of violence against women observed a few days ago, some critical issues have come to the fore. is it time to advocate for a completely separate apparatus of courts, law enforcement mechanisms and laws for women> what are the strengths and limits of such a proposal?
The issue of separate courts for women or family disputes has been a subject of debate for many years. A number of states have already set up special courts for women, including Maharashtra, with proposals pending in Karnataka and Delhi. These courts have taken on different incarnations at the state level with the Maharashtra courts designated as family courts to deal with family disputes and matrimonial matters; the Delhi courts are intended to deal exclusively with rapes cases. However the idea behind the special courts is to deal speedily with atrocities against women.
In 2006, a bill to set up special courts for women was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The courts are intended to deal primarily with offences of rape, criminal assault, mental injury and sexual harassment against women. The courts are to be presided over by a chief judge, with additional judges appointed depending on the requirement in specific cases and at least half of the judge’s posts are to be reserved for women
The idea behind these special courts is that they will provide speedy justice to women and to be women friendly as well. These courts are also intended to provide a more private space for women, especially to rape victims who are frequently traumatized by the trial process that currently exists.
The idea of separate women police cells has also been mooted from time to time. The centre has been advising state governments regarding the steps that need to be taken, especially at the level of law enforcement, to afford greater protection to women and in particular  to prevent crimes against them. These advisories include gender sensitization of police, adopting appropriate measures for swift and effective punishment to public servants found guilty of custodial violence against women, minimizing delays In investigations of murder, rape and torture of women and setting up “crimes against women cells’ in districts where they do not exist.
The national commission for women has also undertaken visits to various states to review the status of women and conduct its own investigations in certain cases of serious incidents of crime against women. The commission’s finding indicate that’s the level of sensitivity and care with which crimes against women are handled is woefully inadequate. It has also observed that the filing of FIRs even in acutely abusive or violent cases continues to be a problem. The setting up of women police cells is one of the ways in which to alleviate these problems.
While proposals for separate courts, police cells and specific laws for women are demands that women themselves are making, there is a need to be attentive to the ways in which such initiatives might actually boomerang. Addressing women’s issues of violence in a separate courts structure could sequester women’s issues into a dark corner, where reports of violence and abuse become muted. The role of media in bringing the spotlight to bear on issues of violence has been crucial.

  1. only A

  2. only B

  3. only C

  4. A and C only

  5. none of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The passage states that special courts are intended to provide a more private space for women, especially rape victims, to avoid the trauma of the current trial process.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is NOT similar in meaning to the word “boomerang” as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the given question:

In the debates following in the international day for the elimination of violence against women observed a few days ago, some critical issues have come to the fore. is it time to advocate for a completely separate apparatus of courts, law enforcement mechanisms and laws for women> what are the strengths and limits of such a proposal?
The issue of separate courts for women or family disputes has been a subject of debate for many years. A number of states have already set up special courts for women, including Maharashtra, with proposals pending in Karnataka and Delhi. These courts have taken on different incarnations at the state level with the Maharashtra courts designated as family courts to deal with family disputes and matrimonial matters; the Delhi courts are intended to deal exclusively with rapes cases. However the idea behind the special courts is to deal speedily with atrocities against women.
In 2006, a bill to set up special courts for women was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The courts are intended to deal primarily with offences of rape, criminal assault, mental injury and sexual harassment against women. The courts are to be presided over by a chief judge, with additional judges appointed depending on the requirement in specific cases and at least half of the judge’s posts are to be reserved for women
The idea behind these special courts is that they will provide speedy justice to women and to be women friendly as well. These courts are also intended to provide a more private space for women, especially to rape victims who are frequently traumatized by the trial process that currently exists.
The idea of separate women police cells has also been mooted from time to time. The centre has been advising state governments regarding the steps that need to be taken, especially at the level of law enforcement, to afford greater protection to women and in particular  to prevent crimes against them. These advisories include gender sensitization of police, adopting appropriate measures for swift and effective punishment to public servants found guilty of custodial violence against women, minimizing delays In investigations of murder, rape and torture of women and setting up “crimes against women cells’ in districts where they do not exist.
The national commission for women has also undertaken visits to various states to review the status of women and conduct its own investigations in certain cases of serious incidents of crime against women. The commission’s finding indicate that’s the level of sensitivity and care with which crimes against women are handled is woefully inadequate. It has also observed that the filing of FIRs even in acutely abusive or violent cases continues to be a problem. The setting up of women police cells is one of the ways in which to alleviate these problems.
While proposals for separate courts, police cells and specific laws for women are demands that women themselves are making, there is a need to be attentive to the ways in which such initiatives might actually boomerang. Addressing women’s issues of violence in a separate courts structure could sequester women’s issues into a dark corner, where reports of violence and abuse become muted. The role of media in bringing the spotlight to bear on issues of violence has been crucial.

  1. Pull back

  2. Bounce back

  3. Rebound

  4. Ricochet

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In the context of the passage, 'boomerang' means to have an unintended negative consequence or to backfire. 'Pull back' does not share this meaning.