MPSC Rajyaseva · CSAT (Paper 2 — Qualifying)
Reading comprehension passages in Marathi and English.
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Q1 · Comprehension · EASY
Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows: "India's Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s transformed the country from a food-deficient nation to one of self-sufficiency in food grains. The introduction of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, coupled with expanded irrigation and increased use of fertilizers, led to substantial increases in agricultural production. However, the benefits were unevenly distributed. Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh saw dramatic gains, while eastern regions and rainfed areas lagged behind. Critics point out that the intensive use of chemical inputs has led to soil degradation, water depletion, and reduced biodiversity. Despite these environmental concerns, the Green Revolution prevented famines and provided a foundation for India's economic development." What is the main criticism of the Green Revolution mentioned in the passage?
Q2 · Comprehension · EASY
Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows: "The concept of 'soft power' in international relations refers to the ability of a country to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or payment. India has considerable soft power assets including its democratic values, cultural heritage, diaspora, Bollywood cinema, yoga, and cuisine. The spread of Indian festivals like Diwali being celebrated in foreign capitals, the popularity of Indian music and dance forms, and the global influence of Indian philosophy and spirituality all contribute to India's soft power. However, effectively leveraging soft power requires sustained investment in cultural diplomacy, educational exchanges, and projecting a consistent national image. While military and economic power remain important, soft power can complement these by creating goodwill and reducing resistance to a nation's policies." According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a component of India's soft power?
Q3 · Comprehension · MEDIUM
Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows: "The Right to Information Act, 2005, has been hailed as a landmark legislation in India's fight against corruption and for promoting transparency in governance. By empowering citizens to seek information from public authorities, the Act has exposed numerous scams and instances of misuse of public funds. Information commissions at the central and state levels have been established to hear appeals and ensure compliance. However, the Act faces challenges including reluctance of some officials to provide information, delayed responses, and inadequate infrastructure of information commissions. There have also been concerns about RTI activists facing harassment and even violence. Despite these obstacles, civil society organizations continue to use RTI as a powerful tool for social accountability, and millions of applications are filed annually across the country." Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
Q4 · Comprehension · MEDIUM
Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows: "Urban flooding has become an increasingly serious problem in Indian cities, with even moderate rainfall causing waterlogging and disruption. The primary causes are rapid and unplanned urbanization, encroachment on wetlands and drainage channels, inadequate stormwater drainage systems, and improper solid waste management leading to clogged drains. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru have experienced severe flooding in recent years, causing loss of life and property. The solution requires a multi-pronged approach: protecting and restoring natural drainage systems, upgrading stormwater infrastructure, enforcing building regulations that mandate rainwater harvesting and permeable surfaces, improving solid waste management, and developing early warning systems. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of extreme rainfall events, making such measures even more urgent." Which of the following statements best captures the author's perspective on solving urban flooding?
Q5 · Comprehension · HARD
Read the passage carefully and answer the question that follows: "The doctrine of separation of powers, though not explicitly mentioned in the Indian Constitution, is implicit in its provisions. The Constitution distributes governmental powers among three organs - the legislature makes laws, the executive implements them, and the judiciary interprets them and ensures constitutional compliance. However, unlike the strict separation found in the US system, the Indian model incorporates checks and balances with some overlap. For instance, the President, part of the executive, has legislative functions like summoning Parliament and promulgating ordinances. Ministers, who are part of the executive, must be members of Parliament, creating an executive-legislative overlap. The judiciary can declare laws unconstitutional through judicial review, checking legislative power. This system of mutual checks prevents concentration of power while ensuring coordination among organs. Critics argue that judicial activism sometimes leads to judicial overreach into policy domains, while others contend that an assertive judiciary is necessary to protect fundamental rights when other organs fail." Based on the passage, what distinguishes the Indian separation of powers model from the American model?