Instructions: –
1. Attempt all the questions.
2. Once you have completed all the questions of a particular section click on the submit button for scores and explanations then move to the next sections.
3. For each correct answer, you receive 1 mark. For this mock, there is no negative marking.
English Language
Each set of questions in this section is based on a single passage. Please answer each question based on what is stated or implied in the corresponding passage. In some instances, more than one option may be the answer to the question; in such a case, please choose the option that most accurately and comprehensively answers the question.
In recent decades, urban green spaces have undergone a significant transformation, reflecting broader changes in societal values and urban planning philosophies. Traditionally, parks and green areas in cities were primarily designed for aesthetic purposes, serving as places of leisure and recreation. However, contemporary urban planning increasingly recognizes the multifaceted benefits of green spaces, integrating them into broader strategies for sustainable city development. The evolution of urban green spaces is driven by growing awareness of their environmental, social, and health benefits. Environmentally, green spaces help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce air pollution, and support biodiversity by providing habitats for various species. Socially, they foster community engagement and provide a venue for social interactions, which are essential for building cohesive urban communities. Health-wise, these spaces offer opportunities for physical activities, which are linked to improved mental and physical well-being.
Modern urban planning often incorporates innovative designs to maximize the functionality of green spaces. For instance, “green roofs” and “vertical gardens” are now common in many cities, allowing for greenery even in densely built areas. Additionally, the concept of “urban forests” is gaining traction, where larger areas of greenery are developed to enhance the ecological balance and provide extensive recreational spaces for urban residents.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain in the integration of green spaces into urban environments. Issues such as land scarcity, maintenance costs, and competing land uses can hinder the development and preservation of green areas. Moreover, the benefits of green spaces are not always evenly distributed across different urban neighborhoods, leading to disparities in access and quality. To address these challenges, city planners and policymakers are increasingly adopting holistic approaches that prioritize green infrastructure alongside other urban needs. Collaborative efforts involving local communities, environmental organizations, and government agencies are crucial in creating and maintaining inclusive and sustainable green spaces. As urban areas continue to expand and evolve, the role of green spaces will likely become even more critical in shaping livable and resilient cities. By understanding and addressing the complexities of urban green space management, cities can better balance development with environmental stewardship and public well-being.
Quantitative Techniques
One of my acquaintances started a small gadget manufacturing company. He aimed to manufacture 200 gadgets in the first month. The cost of producing one unit was Rs 500, and the company sold it at Rs 750. For the rest of the months following the setup of production, the cost of production fell sequentially by 5%, given the benefits of the increased scale coming in at the end of the period. With a fixed cost of the setup incurred at Rs 20,000, the production that followed increased by 20% month on month for the next few months. The company maintained the selling price per unit for the first three months. Then the company decided to raise the price to 10% after the three months, which matched the demand in the market. The company also reduced the quantity of production by 10% to adjust to the market. New Gadget The company also introduced a new gadget line in the fourth month, but only 150 units a month to start with. The new gadget' s production cost per unit was Rs 600, and the initial selling price was set at Rs 1,000. Production for the new gadget line was forecast to grow at 15% per month, while the cost per unit was expected to decline by 4% per month due to improvements in production technology. Monthly fixed cost for this new gadget line was 25,000. From the sixth month of its operation, when the company conducted a market analysis and understood that end consumer preferences were changing. In order to be competitive, the company decided to give a 7% discount on the selling price of any gadgets starting from the seventh month. Nevertheless, in order to keep profitability at the same level, they expected to achieve a 3% decline in the cost of production per gadget and starting from the seventh month. By the eighth month, the company saw that the market related to the original gadget was already stabilizing and there was a demand sticking to the same level. However, the demand for the new gadget line was increasing sharply. They therefore decided to increase their investment on the new gadget line and increase volume for the new line by 25% in the 9th month of production. All the while, the initial gadget line which has become less incremental at this point saw its production reduced by 5% as efforts were made to revamp quality. Fixed costs have remained constant between the two gadget lines even after making these adjustments. But in the tenth month, due to a sudden increase in raw material costs and some extra shipping days to get around external market factors to complete the production of gadgets on time, the production cost of both gadgets unexpectedly went up by 8%. To avoid hiking the prices, the firm temporarily absorb the costs in the hope that the market will stabilize within the next few months. Their forecast was that once the market came back into an equilibrium, they would be able to revert to their earlier cost structure and resume growing accordingly.
Logical Reasoning
Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, particularly for rural and backward communities. This technology allows patients in remote areas to access medical consultations and diagnostics through digital platforms, bridging the gap between rural populations and healthcare services that are often concentrated in urban centers. One of the primary benefits of telemedicine is its ability to provide timely medical attention without the need for extensive travel. Patients can consult with specialists, receive diagnoses, and even follow up on treatments from the comfort of their homes. This reduces the burden of long-distance travel, which can be both physically and financially taxing for rural residents. Additionally, telemedicine enhances the efficiency of healthcare delivery by streamlining appointment scheduling, reducing waiting times, and facilitating better management of chronic conditions. Through electronic health records and teleconsultations, healthcare providers can monitor patient progress and make informed decisions quickly. However, the adoption of telemedicine in rural areas also presents several challenges. Limited internet access and technological infrastructure can hinder the effectiveness of telemedicine services. Rural areas may lack the necessary broadband connections or digital devices required for effective telehealth interactions. Moreover, there may be issues related to data security and privacy, as sensitive health information is transmitted over digital networks.
Another concern is the potential for unequal access to telemedicine services within rural communities. Socioeconomic factors such as lower income levels and limited access to technology can exacerbate disparities in healthcare access. To address these challenges, investments in digital infrastructure and targeted outreach programs are essential to ensure that telemedicine benefits all segments of the rural population. In conclusion, while telemedicine holds significant promise for improving healthcare delivery in rural areas, its successful implementation depends on overcoming challenges related to technology access, data security, and equitable distribution of services. By addressing these issues, telemedicine can contribute to more inclusive and effective healthcare solutions for underserved communities.
Legal Reasoning
Under Hindu succession law, the principles governing the inheritance of property are distinguished between intestate and testamentary succession. Testamentary succession occurs when a person explicitly bequeaths their property through a valid will, while intestate succession applies when a person dies without a will. According to the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, which governs intestate succession among Hindus, the distribution of the deceased’s estate follows a specific order of heirs. The Act categorizes heirs into classes and specifies the order in which they are entitled to inherit. Class I heirs, which include the spouse, children, and mother of the deceased, take precedence over Class II heirs, which include the father, siblings, and more distant relatives. In the absence of Class I heirs, the property is distributed among Class II heirs according to specified shares.
Conversely, testamentary succession is governed by the provisions of a will, which must meet certain legal requirements to be valid. Under Hindu law, a will must be executed voluntarily, with the testator’s intent clearly expressed, and signed by the testator in the presence of at least two witnesses. If the will is valid, it takes precedence over the rules of intestate succession, and the estate is distributed according to the directions specified in the will. In the case of a Hindu who dies intestate, the estate is divided as per the statutory provisions, which aim to ensure equitable distribution among legal heirs. However, if the deceased has left a valid will, the distribution follows the testator’s wishes, provided they comply with the legal requirements for validity. The Hindu Succession Act also allows for the modification or revocation of a will, ensuring that it reflects the most current intentions of the testator.
Current Affairs & General Knowledge
The decision by Brazil to give up membership in China’s Belt and Road Initiative is a very significant turn of its policy on global infrastructure investments. Brazil is now the second BRICS nation to reject the ambitious Chinese-led initiative that seeks to connect over 60 countries through extensive infrastructure and trade networks. Under the leadership of President Lula da Silva, Brazil is forging new dimensions in cooperation with Chinese investors with a nuance toward non-alignment in the case of the BRI; hence, reshaping Brazilian foreign policy.
The BRI is one of the largest global infrastructure programs established by China in 2013, which emphasizes the importance of connectivity between Asia, Europe, and Africa through railways, highways, energy pipelines, and maritime ports. This move has, however, been criticized and met with skepticism by countries that fear its impacts on national sovereignty. For Brazil, fears about autonomy in strategic sectors, especially critical infrastructure appear to be a primary reason for why Brazil has thus decided on this project. The country’s officials have cited the requirement for projects to conform to Brazilian national priorities, assuring that they will be choosy on Chinese-backed projects and instead opt for mutually beneficial partnerships rather than dependency.
This is a cautious position that has been espoused by Brazilian authorities, such as former Foreign Minister Celso Amorim, who said that Brazil intends to maintain sovereignty over its infrastructure and economic trajectory. Amorim said the Brazil-China relationship was based on “mutual benefit,” steering clear of a binding agreement that might cede undue control to China. This reflects growing sentiment within the Brazilian administration that, while collaboration with China is essential, it should be on Brazil’s terms to avoid any influence imbalances.
This move will inevitably affect Brazil-China relations and Brazil’s status in BRICS. Brazil is following India’s lead when it comes to the BRI, where concerns about sovereignty and strategic autonomy have driven India’s opposition to joining the initiative. Other BRICS countries, like Russia and South Africa, have welcomed the BRI at different levels of involvement, but Brazil’s stance may be a wake-up call to reassess such commitments in the group. Brazil attracts Chinese investments without being an official member of the BRI, thus trying to strike a delicate balance: strengthening its infrastructure without becoming dependent on others. In a broader international perspective, the independent attitude from Brazil can be seen as another emerging trend in global alliances in economic cooperation where there is a need for an increasing independence of developing states in cooperation with the superpower. The decision of Brazil has brought out its efforts to diversify its policies on the economy, as this would attract investments from very diverse sources. This aspect will shape the landscape and profile of Brazil’s global relations, which may later serve as a model for various nations interested in achieving and maintaining balanced cooperation without impairing sovereignty.
