Statement and Conclusion Questions

• Statement — None of the bank unions could comprehend that the information-technology wave was unstoppable; unless banks learned to swim along with the tide, they would be swept away. Conclusions — I. A time will come when banks are rendered redundant by information technology. II. Information technology is yet to make its impact on banks.
• Statement — The Indian cement industry witnessed strong consumption growth: Apr–Dec 1999 cement consumption grew by ~17.5% over the same period in 1998. Conclusions — I. There was a marked growth in civil construction in 1999. II. Repair works were carried out on a massive scale in 1999.
• Statement — In the budget speech, the Union Finance Minister declared that expenditure growth would be curbed and structural changes in the composition of expenditure would be brought about. Conclusions — I. Expenditure growth has begun to take its toll on India’s growth. II. More than the amount of expenditure, its composition has affected the country’s growth.
• Statement — Medical advancement has increased life expectancy and people’s expectation to live longer and healthier; however, spiralling medical costs are a real spoilsport. Conclusions — I. Advancement in medical science caters only to the moneyed classes. II. The medical profession has become a means of amassing wealth at the cost of ethics.
• Statement — Because private Indian channels and films often portray “modern” women, many Pakistanis (who widely watch these media) believe that Indian women are totally under Western influence. Conclusions — I. Films and visual media largely depict the culture of a country. II. Women in Pakistan are still uninfluenced by Western culture.
• Statement — The Chief Minister of State A expressed serious concern over a 32% drop-out rate in government schools. Conclusions — I. There is a growing concern in State A over students leaving school. II. State A is trying all out to increase its literacy rate.
• Statement — “It is time for bureaucrats to mould their approach from negative energy to positive energy.” Conclusions — I. Bureaucracy is mired in red-tape and empire-building. II. As the permanent executive in democracies, bureaucrats can change societal dynamics.
• Statement — Declaration of strike by teachers at the time of paper evaluation has become an incurable disease and a great threat to the government. Conclusions — I. Paper evaluation is the most important duty of teachers. II. Teachers are always in search of an opportunity to get their demands fulfilled.
• Statement — Pollution-related problems made the people of country X realise that while economic growth is important, environmental conservation is also necessary. Conclusions — I. Initially, people of country X concentrated only on economic growth. II. Economic growth has been achieved at the cost of environmental balance.
• Statement — In India, many women perceive dowry as the only share they will receive from their parental property; what they object to are the extortionist demands. Conclusions: I. Indian women do not have any share in their parental property. II. Extortionist demands by the bridegroom’s side are a common practice in Indian society.
• Statement — The workplace of today (and certainly tomorrow) is no longer an exclusive “man’s world”; it is transforming into a fairer “person’s world” where men and women work together as individuals. Conclusions: I. Sexual bias toward men at the workplace is gradually being removed. II. Women are as efficient as their male counterparts.
• Statement — In the Union Budget 2000–01, defence allocation was raised to Rs 58,587 crore from Rs 45,694 crore. Conclusions: I. The Government is paying greater attention to national security. II. The difference in allocation is due to inflation.
• Statement — If India aims to become an IT superpower over the next decade, it must acknowledge the need to produce a large pool of professionals. Conclusions: I. India is already on the verge of becoming an IT superpower. II. India already has adequate IT professionals; to retain them, better rewards are needed to prevent migration.
• Statement — “A 5% increase in freight and passenger fares will yield only Rs 500 crore in the remaining part of the current financial year.” — the Railway Minister. Conclusions: I. At least a 10% increase was being expected. II. The Railway Minister is a rich man.
• Statement — The Centre is disinvesting in profit-making PSUs to meet its deficit; this is wrong. Conclusions: I. The Centre should disinvest only in loss-making PSUs. II. The Centre has a surplus.
• Statement — “As we globalise, economics drives political relationships, not the other way around. That is what is happening between India and the US.” Conclusions: I. Indo-US relationships are improving. II. Trade between India and the US is diminishing.
• Statement — “For locating buyers, negotiating with importers, securing buying agencies and orders, and exporting your goods, write to us.” Conclusions: I. The advertiser is an export house. II. All dealings of the advertiser are carried out only through correspondence.
• Statement — “In the event of a major attack against India or Indian forces anywhere by biological or chemical weapons, India will retain the option of retaliating with nuclear weapons.” — Cabinet Committee on Security. Conclusions: I. India possesses no biological or chemical weapons. II. A biological or chemical attack on India is likely to cause mass destruction.
• Statement — Gold demand fell in the first half due to rising prices, and the trend is likely to continue in the second half. Conclusions: I. Customers are highly price-sensitive. II. There will be no improvement in demand in the second half.
• Statement — The Government of state X ordered a fresh inquiry into the mysterious death of a leopard at a state zoo. Conclusions: I. The leopard is a pet domestic animal. II. The leopard is a wild animal.