English Comprehension PYQs (Page 19)

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

Question 361

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

**Direction: In the passage given below there are 6 phrases given in bold.

Each blank has four alternative words given in options (1), (2), (3) and (4). You have to tell which will best suit the respective bank. Mark (5) as your answer if the phrase given in bold after the blank is your answer, i.e., 'No improvement required'.**

The rapid digitisation of the global education sector has shifted from a convenience to a structural necessity. With the sudden onset of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), traditional pedagogical models are being completely overhauled. However, as institutions rush to integrate customised large language models into their curricula, they are confronting with a digital divide (A) that deepens existing socioeconomic disparities. For AI tools to truly democratise learning, developers must focus on localising content, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all framework. Moreover, schools must be cautious about over-relying on automated grading engines, which often fail to assess critical thinking and tend to view unique perspectives like anomalies (B) in student writing.

Advocates argue that personalised AI tutors can offer real-time feedback, effectively functioning as a scalable equaliser for underprivileged classrooms. Yet, this optimistic outlook ignores the fact that millions of students still lack stable broadband access, rendering the promise of AI-driven equity to a distant dream (C). Educational boards must realise that technology should supplement, rather than supplant, human instruction. Instead of blindly procuring software licenses, administrations need to invest in training educators on how to leverage these tools responsibly (D). Only when teachers are empowered can technology transform classrooms into centres of active innovation, rather than spaces of passive consumption.

Furthermore, data privacy remains a monumental concern as ed-tech platforms quietly harvest vast troops of student behavioural analytics. Critics have raised the red flag over the lack of stringent guardrails (E) protecting minors from targeted algorithm manipulation. Without robust legislative frameworks, the commercialisation of student data could lead to systemic profiling. If governments fail to intervene decisively at this junction, the commercial interests of tech conglomerates will inevitably triumph over student welfare (F), cementing inequities for generations to come.

Which of the following words most appropriately replaces the blank labelled (E)?

AOption (a)
raised a red flag over the lack of stringent guardrails
BOption (b)
risen the red flag over the lack of stringent guardrails
COption (c)
raised red flags across the lack of stringent guardrails
DOption (d)
aroused the red flag over the lack of stringent guardrails
EOption (e)
No replacement required

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

E.

No replacement required

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'No replacement required'.

Key Points

The sentence discusses critics expressing alarm or warning regarding the lack of safety measures in student data privacy.
The idiom "raise the red flag" (or "raise a red flag") means to signal a warning that something is wrong or potentially dangerous.
The verb "raised" is the past tense of the transitive verb "raise", which correctly takes the object "the red flag".
The preposition "over" is appropriately used to indicate the subject or reason for the concern.
Since the phrase as written in the passage is grammatically sound and idiomatically correct, no changes are needed.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option E'.

Complete Passage: The rapid digitisation of the global education sector has shifted from a convenience to a structural necessity. With the sudden onset of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), traditional pedagogical models are being completely overhauled. However, as institutions rush to integrate customised large language models into their curricula, they are confronted with a digital divide that deepens existing socioeconomic disparities. For AI tools to truly democratise learning, developers must focus on localising content, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all framework. Moreover, schools must be cautious about over-relying on automated grading engines, which often fail to assess critical thinking and tend to view unique perspectives as anomalies in student writing.

*Advocates argue that personalised AI tutors can offer real-time feedback, effectively functioning as a scalable equaliser for underprivileged classrooms. Yet, this optimistic outlook ignores the fact that millions of students still lack stable broadband access, rendering the promise of AI-driven equity a distant dream. Educational boards must realise that technology should supplement, rather than supplant, human instruction. Instead of blindly procuring software licenses, administrations need to invest in training educators on how to leverage these tools responsibly.

Only when teachers are empowered can technology transform classrooms into centres of active innovation, rather than spaces of passive consumption.*

Furthermore, data privacy remains a monumental concern as ed-tech platforms quietly harvest vast troops of student behavioural analytics. Critics have raised the red flag over the lack of stringent guardrails protecting minors from targeted algorithm manipulation. Without robust legislative frameworks, the commercialisation of student data could lead to systemic profiling. If governments fail to intervene decisively at this junction, the commercial interests of tech conglomerates will inevitably triumph over student welfare (F), cementing inequities for generations to come.

Additional Information

Risen (Option B): "Rise" is an intransitive verb (it does not take an object), so it cannot be used with "the red flag".
Across (Option C): The preposition "across" does not correctly link the act of raising a warning to the specific subject of the concern; "over" or "regarding" is preferred.
Aroused (Option D): While "arouse" is a transitive verb, it means to evoke a feeling or response (e.g., arouse suspicion) and does not fit the specific "red flag" idiom.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 362

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

**Direction: In the passage given below there are 6 phrases given in bold.

Each blank has four alternative words given in options (1), (2), (3) and (4). You have to tell which will best suit the respective bank. Mark (5) as your answer if the phrase given in bold after the blank is your answer, i.e., 'No improvement required'.**

The rapid digitisation of the global education sector has shifted from a convenience to a structural necessity. With the sudden onset of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), traditional pedagogical models are being completely overhauled. However, as institutions rush to integrate customised large language models into their curricula, they are confronting with a digital divide (A) that deepens existing socioeconomic disparities. For AI tools to truly democratise learning, developers must focus on localising content, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all framework. Moreover, schools must be cautious about over-relying on automated grading engines, which often fail to assess critical thinking and tend to view unique perspectives like anomalies (B) in student writing.

Advocates argue that personalised AI tutors can offer real-time feedback, effectively functioning as a scalable equaliser for underprivileged classrooms. Yet, this optimistic outlook ignores the fact that millions of students still lack stable broadband access, rendering the promise of AI-driven equity to a distant dream (C). Educational boards must realise that technology should supplement, rather than supplant, human instruction. Instead of blindly procuring software licenses, administrations need to invest in training educators on how to leverage these tools responsibly (D). Only when teachers are empowered can technology transform classrooms into centres of active innovation, rather than spaces of passive consumption.

Furthermore, data privacy remains a monumental concern as ed-tech platforms quietly harvest vast troops of student behavioural analytics. Critics have raised the red flag over the lack of stringent guardrails (E) protecting minors from targeted algorithm manipulation. Without robust legislative frameworks, the commercialisation of student data could lead to systemic profiling. If governments fail to intervene decisively at this junction, the commercial interests of tech conglomerates will inevitably triumph over student welfare (F), cementing inequities for generations to come.

Which of the following words most appropriately replaces the blank labelled (F)?

AOption (a)
would inevitably triumph over student welfare
BOption (b)
will be inevitably triumphing over student welfare
COption (c)
will inevitably triumph against student welfare
DOption (d)
shall inevitably triumphing over student welfare
EOption (e)
No replacement required

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

E.

No replacement required

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'No replacement required'.

Key Points

The sentence follows the structure of a Type 1 Conditional sentence, which describes a probable future result based on a condition.
The grammatical pattern for Type 1 conditionals is: If + present simple (fail), ... future simple (will + triumph).
The phrase "triumph over" is the correct idiomatic expression used to indicate achieving a victory or superiority over an opponent or obstacle.
Since the original phrase "will inevitably triumph over student welfare" perfectly adheres to these grammatical rules and idiomatic usage, no changes are necessary.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 5'.

Complete Passage: The rapid digitisation of the global education sector has shifted from a convenience to a structural necessity. With the sudden onset of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), traditional pedagogical models are being completely overhauled. However, as institutions rush to integrate customised large language models into their curricula, they are confronted with a digital divide that deepens existing socioeconomic disparities. For AI tools to truly democratise learning, developers must focus on localising content, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all framework. Moreover, schools must be cautious about over-relying on automated grading engines, which often fail to assess critical thinking and tend to view unique perspectives as anomalies in student writing.

*Advocates argue that personalised AI tutors can offer real-time feedback, effectively functioning as a scalable equaliser for underprivileged classrooms. Yet, this optimistic outlook ignores the fact that millions of students still lack stable broadband access, rendering the promise of AI-driven equity a distant dream. Educational boards must realise that technology should supplement, rather than supplant, human instruction. Instead of blindly procuring software licenses, administrations need to invest in training educators on how to leverage these tools responsibly.

Only when teachers are empowered can technology transform classrooms into centres of active innovation, rather than spaces of passive consumption.*

Furthermore, data privacy remains a monumental concern as ed-tech platforms quietly harvest vast troops of student behavioural analytics. Critics have raised the red flag over the lack of stringent guardrails protecting minors from targeted algorithm manipulation. Without robust legislative frameworks, the commercialisation of student data could lead to systemic profiling. If governments fail to intervene decisively at this junction, the commercial interests of tech conglomerates will inevitably triumph over student welfare, cementing inequities for generations to come

Additional Information

Option A: "Would" is used in Type 2 conditionals (hypothetical situations), which would require the first part of the sentence to be in the past tense ("If governments failed...").
Option C: "Against" is sometimes used with triumph, but "triumph over" is the standard idiom for established victory or dominance.
Options B & D: These options use "triumphing" incorrectly. In Option B, the continuous form "will be triumphing" is unnecessarily wordy for a certain outcome, and in Option D, "shall triumphing" is grammatically incorrect.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 363

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

A passage is given below followed by several conclusions which can be drawn from the facts stated in the passages. You have to examine each inference separately in the context of the passage, decide upon its truth or falsity, and choose the conclusion that best supports the passage.

Physics is pure science that seeks to understand the behaviour of matter without regard to whether it will afford any practical benefit. Engineering is the correlative applied science in which physical theories are put to some specific use, such as building a bridge or a nuclear reactor. Engineers obviously rely heavily on the discoveries of physicists, but an engineer's knowledge of the world is not the same as the physicist's knowledge. In fact, an engineer's know-how will often depend on physical theories that are false from the point of view of pure physics. There are some reasons for this. First, false theories in the purest and strictest sense are sometimes very good approximations to the true ones and often have the added virtue of being much easier to work with. Second, sometimes the true theories apply only under highly idealized conditions, which can only be created under controlled experimental situations. The engineer finds that in the real world, theories rejected by physicists yield more accurate predictions than the ones that they accept.

The passage, if true, is best supported by which of the following conclusions?

AOption (a)
The relationship between pure and applied science is strictly linear, with the pure science directing applied science, and never the other way round.
BOption (b)
Though engineering draws heavily from pure science, it contributes to knowledge, by incorporating the constraints and conditions in the real world.
COption (c)
The unique task of the engineer is to identify, understand, and interpret the design constraints to produce a successful result.
DOption (d)
Engineering and physics fundamentally differ on matters like building a bridge or a nuclear reactor.
EOption (e)
Sometimes the true theories apply not only under highly idealized conditions but also under normal conditions.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

B.

Though engineering draws heavily from pure science, it contributes to knowledge, by incorporating the constraints and conditions in the real world.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Though engineering draws heavily from pure science, it contributes to knowledge, by incorporating the constraints and conditions in the real world.

Key Points

The passage broadly talks about the difference between purse science and applied science, i.e. engineering. Further the author says that engineers might find even those theories of physics useful that from the point of view of pure physics are false.

Option 2 precisely captures that. It says that engineering incorporates the constraints and conditions of physics in the real world.
Option 1 says the relationship is strictly linear, but that is not the case. Had that been the case, the false theories of pure science could not have been used by engineers for accurate predictions.
Option 3 goes out because it does not even mention the word pure science. It solely focuses on engineers, ignoring the relationship between purse science and engineering.
Option 4 gives a summary that is totally different from the what the passage discusses.
Option 5 is eliminated since it is mentioned in the passage that "sometimes the true theories apply only under highly idealized conditions" The passage does not mention theory applied under normal conditions.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 364

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

A passage is given below followed by several conclusions which can be drawn from the facts stated in the passages. You have to examine each inference separately in the context of the passage, decide upon its truth or falsity, and choose the conclusion that best supports the passage.

Virtual currency is a type of digital currency that is only available in electronic form and not in physical form. It is stored and transacted in only through designated software, mobile or computer applications, or through dedicated digital wallets, and the transactions occur over the Internet or over secure dedicated networks. Virtual currency is considered to be a subset of the digital currency group, which also includes cryptocurrencies. Such virtual currencies are often represented in terms of tokens and may remain unregulated without a legal tender. Unlike regular money, it relies on a system of trust and may not be issued by a central bank or other banking regulatory authority. Due to the lack of a centralized regulatory authority, such virtual currencies are prone to wide swings in their valuations. They derive their value based on the underlying mechanism, like mining in cases of cryptocurrencies, or the backing by the underlying asset. Virtual currencies usually have restricted usage, and it may be in circulation only among the members of a specific online community or a virtual group of users who transact online on dedicated networks.

The passage if true, is best supported by which of the following conclusions?

AOption (a)
Virtual currencies are less volatile and not subjected to various risks.
BOption (b)
Virtual coins are necessary to be regulated by the government and hence don’t have wide swings and variations.
COption (c)
To have virtual currencies in circulation there must be some underlying mechanism to verify transactions backed by some reward.
DOption (d)
Virtual money is always safer than paper currencies as they are traceable digitally.
EOption (e)
Without a legal tender, virtual currencies use and transactions are always safe and secure.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

C.

To have virtual currencies in circulation there must be some underlying mechanism to verify transactions backed by some reward.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option (3) i.e. To have virtual currencies in circulation there must be some underlying mechanism to verify transactions backed by some reward.

Key Points

This paragraph we can understand that this para revolves around the virtual currencies and their mechanism and what are their weak points. Now, let's look at the options:

Option (1) is false:-
Virtual currencies are more volatile and subjected to various risks as compared to paper currencies since they are not regulated by government or by any exchange material value like gold. They are totally agreed by the users in the network and are subjected to frequent changes. Therefore Option (1) is false.
Option (2) is false:-
Virtual coins are not necessarily to be regulated by the government and hence do have wide swings and variations as clearly mentioned in the paragraph. Therefore option (2) is also false.
Option (3) summarizes the paragraph:-
To have virtual currencies in circulation there must be some underlying mechanism to verify transactions backed by some reward as otherwise, nobody will be interested in checking out these transactions. Option (3) is therefore correct.
Option (4) is false:-
Virtual money is not always safer than paper currencies as they are traceable digitally as they are prone to dangers like double spending where the user might use the same currency twice. Option (4) is hence false.
Option (5) is false:-
Without a legal tender, no currency can be safe for use and transaction. Option (5) is also false.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 365

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

A passage is given below followed by several conclusions which can be drawn from the facts stated in the passages. You have to examine each inference separately in the context of the passage, decide upon its truth or falsity, and choose the conclusion that best supports the passage.

Just as some people like to play football or cricket, similarly some men like to climb mountains. This is often very difficult to do, for mountains are not just big hills. Paths are usually very steep.

Some mountain sides are straight up and down, so it may take hours to climb as little as one hundred feet. There is always the danger that you may fall off and be killed or injured. Men talk about conquering a mountain. It is a wonderful feeling to reach the top of a mountain after climbing for hours, and maybe even days. You look down and see the whole country below you. You feel like a king. One can cite of an incident where two Italian prisoners of war escaped from a prison camp in Kenya during the war. They did not try to get back to their own country, for they knew that was impossible. Instead, they climbed to the top of Mount Kenya, and then they came down again and gave themselves up. They had wanted to get that feeling of freedom that one has, after climbing a difficult mountain. Freedom or liberty makes an individual's life worthwhile and living an independent life, free of any restriction is what one desires.

The passage, if true, is best supported by which of the following conclusions?

AOption (a)
People do not like mountaineering as much as they like football or cricket
BOption (b)
The two prisoners wanted to escape from the prison, so they climbed the mountain
COption (c)
In spite of the risk being involved, people still climb mountains for the thrill of the sport
DOption (d)
Mountaineering is not a popular sport because their are no spectators for the post
EOption (e)
It is a great feeling of both being liberated and conquering as one feels after climbing a mountain.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

E.

It is a great feeling of both being liberated and conquering as one feels after climbing a mountain.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is option 5) i.e It is a great feeling of both being liberated and conquering as one feels after climbing a mountain.

The first option is not true completely cause there are few breed of people who prefer offbeat sports like mountaineering.
The second option talks partly about the two prisoners and is not true to the statement in the passage.
The third option is about the thrill which leads to the mountaineering which is not the best supported conclusion.
The fourth option is true but it does not capture the true essence of the passage.
The final option talks about the man idea behind the passage and reflects the interest behind the sport of mountaineering.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 366

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

The structural fragmentation of African aviation infrastructure remains an enduring testament to uneven globalisation, where the skies of the continent are tethered to protectionist legacies and prohibitive fiscal frameworks. A comparative mapping of regional transit networks reveals a stark dissonance: a commuter routing from Lagos to Yaoundé often incurs a fiscal premium and temporal expenditure that dwarfs a transcontinental voyage from Frankfurt to Berlin. This disparity is not merely a product of geographical scale but is rooted in the sluggish implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)—an ambitious initiative by the African Union aimed at deregulation. While the Yamoussoukro Decision theoretically mandated the liberalisation of scheduled and non-scheduled intra-African air transport services, national flag carriers continue to operate behind a defensive bulwark of bilateral air service agreements (BASAs). These protectionist constructs artificially suppress competition, leaving population accessibility index scores languishing at historic lows across Sub-Saharan hubs.

Compounding this internal insularity is the shadow of international regulatory scrutiny. Several Central and West African carriers remain __________ blacklisted by the European Union Air Safety Committee due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures. This regulatory ban creates an asymmetric market paradigm where foreign mega-carriers dominate profitable intercontinental routes, repatriating capital while domestic airlines are relegated to fragmented, low-yield domestic loops. Furthermore, jet fuel (Jet A-1) logistics within landlocked African nations carry an exorbitant logistical premium, sometimes costing up to 80% more than the global benchmark due to deficient rail links and arbitrary port tariffs. Consequently, the average ticket price per kilometer in Africa remains the highest globally, effectively pricing out the nascent middle class that the African Union relies upon to drive post-pandemic trade integration.

Which of the following best describes the core structural paradox of African aviation as discussed in the passage?

AOption (a)
The ambition to achieve complete deregulation through SAATM is consistently undermined by state-backed protectionism and colonial-era BASAs.
BOption (b)
Domestic air travel within Africa is more expensive than intercontinental flights because domestic carriers are blacklisted by the EU.
COption (c)
The abundance of national flag carriers has led to a hyper-competitive market that drives down the population accessibility index.
DOption (d)
African carriers choose to focus on low-yield domestic loops because they are safer than high-risk intercontinental routes.
EOption (e)
The high cost of Jet A-1 fuel is a direct consequence of the liberalisation policies mandated by the African Union.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

A.

The ambition to achieve complete deregulation through SAATM is consistently undermined by state-backed protectionism and colonial-era BASAs.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

The passage establishes a structural paradox by contrasting the African Union's policy goals with the economic reality of the continent's aviation sector.
While the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the Yamoussoukro Decision aim for deregulation and liberalization, actual progress is hindered by protectionist legacies.
National flag carriers utilize Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) as "defensive bulwarks" to suppress competition, which directly contradicts the intended goal of a unified, accessible sky.
This tension between theoretical integration and practical protectionism is the primary cause of the "stark dissonance" in pricing and accessibility.

Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Core Paradox: The attempt to create a unified, deregulated market (SAATM) is structurally blocked by individual nations maintaining protectionist bilateral agreements (BASAs) to shield their own carriers.

Additional Information

B: While the passage mentions EU blacklisting, it is presented as a factor that compounds "internal insularity" and affects intercontinental dominance, not the primary structural cause of the internal price disparity.
C: The passage states that the market suffers from suppressed competition rather than "hyper-competition."
D: Carriers are "relegated" to low-yield loops due to market barriers and regulatory bans, not because they "choose" them for safety reasons.
E: High fuel costs are attributed to logistical premiums and deficient infrastructure (rail/ports), not to the liberalization policies themselves.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 367

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

The structural fragmentation of African aviation infrastructure remains an enduring testament to uneven globalisation, where the skies of the continent are tethered to protectionist legacies and prohibitive fiscal frameworks. A comparative mapping of regional transit networks reveals a stark dissonance: a commuter routing from Lagos to Yaoundé often incurs a fiscal premium and temporal expenditure that dwarfs a transcontinental voyage from Frankfurt to Berlin. This disparity is not merely a product of geographical scale but is rooted in the sluggish implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)—an ambitious initiative by the African Union aimed at deregulation. While the Yamoussoukro Decision theoretically mandated the liberalisation of scheduled and non-scheduled intra-African air transport services, national flag carriers continue to operate behind a defensive bulwark of bilateral air service agreements (BASAs). These protectionist constructs artificially suppress competition, leaving population accessibility index scores languishing at historic lows across Sub-Saharan hubs.

Compounding this internal insularity is the shadow of international regulatory scrutiny. Several Central and West African carriers remain __________ blacklisted by the European Union Air Safety Committee due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures. This regulatory ban creates an asymmetric market paradigm where foreign mega-carriers dominate profitable intercontinental routes, repatriating capital while domestic airlines are relegated to fragmented, low-yield domestic loops. Furthermore, jet fuel (Jet A-1) logistics within landlocked African nations carry an exorbitant logistical premium, sometimes costing up to 80% more than the global benchmark due to deficient rail links and arbitrary port tariffs. Consequently, the average ticket price per kilometer in Africa remains the highest globally, effectively pricing out the nascent middle class that the African Union relies upon to drive post-pandemic trade integration.

According to the author, the comparison between travel routes like Lagos/Yaoundé and Frankfurt/Berlin serves to highlight:

AOption (a)
The geographic superiority and technological advancements of European aviation hubs over African ones.
BOption (b)
The financial and logistical inefficiencies governing intra-continental transit in Africa versus liberalized European models.
COption (c)
The successful implementation of bilateral air service agreements within the European Union.
DOption (d)
The impact of the European Union's air safety ban on West African aviation corridors.
EOption (e)
The direct relationship between travel distance and fiscal expenditure in global aviation.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

B.

The financial and logistical inefficiencies governing intra-continental transit in Africa versus liberalized European models.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

The author uses the comparison between Lagos/Yaoundé and Frankfurt/Berlin to demonstrate the "stark dissonance" in travel costs and time within Africa compared to Europe.
The passage notes that a short intra-African flight often incurs a fiscal premium (higher cost) and temporal expenditure (more time) that exceeds a much longer European flight.
This comparison is used to highlight logistical and financial inefficiencies resulting from protectionist policies and the lack of market deregulation (the sluggish implementation of SAATM).
Therefore, the comparison serves to underscore the disparity between African transit and liberalized models like those found in Europe.

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Correct Sentence from Passage: "A commuter routing from Lagos to Yaoundé often incurs a fiscal premium and temporal expenditure that dwarfs a transcontinental voyage from Frankfurt to Berlin."

Additional Information

A: Geographic superiority... – Incorrect. The author explicitly states the disparity is "not merely a product of geographical scale."
C: Bilateral air service agreements... – Incorrect. The passage mentions these as "protectionist constructs" that hinder African aviation, rather than focusing on their success in the EU.
D: European Union's air safety ban – Incorrect. While the ban is mentioned later, it is not the primary point of the Lagos/Yaoundé comparison.
E: Direct relationship between distance and expenditure – Incorrect. The text argues that in Africa, shorter distances often cost more than longer ones elsewhere, contradicting a direct linear relationship.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 368

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

The structural fragmentation of African aviation infrastructure remains an enduring testament to uneven globalisation, where the skies of the continent are tethered to protectionist legacies and prohibitive fiscal frameworks. A comparative mapping of regional transit networks reveals a stark dissonance: a commuter routing from Lagos to Yaoundé often incurs a fiscal premium and temporal expenditure that dwarfs a transcontinental voyage from Frankfurt to Berlin. This disparity is not merely a product of geographical scale but is rooted in the sluggish implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)—an ambitious initiative by the African Union aimed at deregulation. While the Yamoussoukro Decision theoretically mandated the liberalisation of scheduled and non-scheduled intra-African air transport services, national flag carriers continue to operate behind a defensive bulwark of bilateral air service agreements (BASAs). These protectionist constructs artificially suppress competition, leaving population accessibility index scores languishing at historic lows across Sub-Saharan hubs.

Compounding this internal insularity is the shadow of international regulatory scrutiny. Several Central and West African carriers remain __________ blacklisted by the European Union Air Safety Committee due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures. This regulatory ban creates an asymmetric market paradigm where foreign mega-carriers dominate profitable intercontinental routes, repatriating capital while domestic airlines are relegated to fragmented, low-yield domestic loops. Furthermore, jet fuel (Jet A-1) logistics within landlocked African nations carry an exorbitant logistical premium, sometimes costing up to 80% more than the global benchmark due to deficient rail links and arbitrary port tariffs. Consequently, the average ticket price per kilometer in Africa remains the highest globally, effectively pricing out the nascent middle class that the African Union relies upon to drive post-pandemic trade integration.

What can be inferred regarding the "European Union Air Safety Committee" bans mentioned in the text?

AOption (a)
They are punitive measures intended to systematically favor European mega-carriers on profitable routes.
BOption (b)
They stem primarily from a lack of standardized mechanical maintenance protocols inside individual aircraft.
COption (c)
They reflect institutional vulnerabilities in the regulatory frameworks of the domestic civil aviation authorities of the affected nations.
DOption (d)
They have successfully forced the African Union to accelerate the implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision.
EOption (e)
They apply exclusively to landlocked African nations suffering from high jet fuel premiums.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

C.

They reflect institutional vulnerabilities in the regulatory frameworks of the domestic civil aviation authorities of the affected nations.

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

The passage explicitly states that the blacklisting of several Central and West African carriers is due to "systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities."
It further clarifies that these bans are not a result of "isolated mechanical failures," pointing instead toward organizational and regulatory weaknesses.
Therefore, it can be inferred that the bans reflect vulnerabilities within the institutional and regulatory frameworks of the domestic authorities responsible for safety.
Thus, Option 3 is the most accurate inference based on the text provided.

Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Correct Sentence: "Several Central and West African carriers remain blacklisted by the European Union Air Safety Committee due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures."

Additional Information

Option A: While the text mentions that the ban creates a paradigm where foreign carriers dominate, it does not state that the intent of the committee is to punish African carriers or systematically favor European ones.
Option B: This is directly contradicted by the text, which says the issues are "rather than isolated mechanical failures."
Option D: The text mentions that implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision is "sluggish," but there is no evidence suggesting the EU bans have successfully accelerated this process.
Option E: The text mentions jet fuel premiums specifically for landlocked nations, but the EU safety blacklist is attributed to systemic oversight deficits in Central and West African regions generally, not exclusively landlocked ones.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 369

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

The structural fragmentation of African aviation infrastructure remains an enduring testament to uneven globalisation, where the skies of the continent are tethered to protectionist legacies and prohibitive fiscal frameworks. A comparative mapping of regional transit networks reveals a stark dissonance: a commuter routing from Lagos to Yaoundé often incurs a fiscal premium and temporal expenditure that dwarfs a transcontinental voyage from Frankfurt to Berlin. This disparity is not merely a product of geographical scale but is rooted in the sluggish implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)—an ambitious initiative by the African Union aimed at deregulation. While the Yamoussoukro Decision theoretically mandated the liberalisation of scheduled and non-scheduled intra-African air transport services, national flag carriers continue to operate behind a defensive bulwark of bilateral air service agreements (BASAs). These protectionist constructs artificially suppress competition, leaving population accessibility index scores languishing at historic lows across Sub-Saharan hubs.

Compounding this internal insularity is the shadow of international regulatory scrutiny. Several Central and West African carriers remain __________ blacklisted by the European Union Air Safety Committee due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures. This regulatory ban creates an asymmetric market paradigm where foreign mega-carriers dominate profitable intercontinental routes, repatriating capital while domestic airlines are relegated to fragmented, low-yield domestic loops. Furthermore, jet fuel (Jet A-1) logistics within landlocked African nations carry an exorbitant logistical premium, sometimes costing up to 80% more than the global benchmark due to deficient rail links and arbitrary port tariffs. Consequently, the average ticket price per kilometer in Africa remains the highest globally, effectively pricing out the nascent middle class that the African Union relies upon to drive post-pandemic trade integration.

Which of the following sentences can be inferred from the passage?

A. The implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is delayed.

B. European Union's Air Safety Committee places bans based on isolated mechanical failures.

C. Population accessibility index scores are high across Sub-Saharan hubs.

AOption (a)
Only A
BOption (b)
Only B
COption (c)
Only C
DOption (d)
Both A and B
EOption (e)
All A, B, and C

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

A.

Only A

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'Option A'.

Key Points

A) The implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is delayed.
This can be inferred from the passage. The text describes the implementation of SAATM as "sluggish," which indicates it is progressing slowly or is delayed relative to its ambitious goals.
B) European Union's Air Safety Committee places bans based on isolated mechanical failures.
This cannot be inferred from the passage. The passage explicitly states that several carriers are blacklisted due to "systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures."
C) Population accessibility index scores are high across Sub-Saharan hubs.
This cannot be inferred from the passage. The passage states that protectionist constructs leave population accessibility index scores "languishing at historic lows across Sub-Saharan hubs."

Therefore, the correct answer is Only A.

Additional Information

Only B: Incorrect because the passage states bans are due to systemic oversight deficits, not mechanical failures.
Only C: Incorrect because the passage states accessibility scores are at historic lows, not high.
Both A and B: Incorrect because while A is correct, B contradicts the passage.
All A, B, and C: Incorrect because B and C are factually opposite to the information provided in the passage.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 370

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

The structural fragmentation of African aviation infrastructure remains an enduring testament to uneven globalisation, where the skies of the continent are tethered to protectionist legacies and prohibitive fiscal frameworks. A comparative mapping of regional transit networks reveals a stark dissonance: a commuter routing from Lagos to Yaoundé often incurs a fiscal premium and temporal expenditure that dwarfs a transcontinental voyage from Frankfurt to Berlin. This disparity is not merely a product of geographical scale but is rooted in the sluggish implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)—an ambitious initiative by the African Union aimed at deregulation. While the Yamoussoukro Decision theoretically mandated the liberalisation of scheduled and non-scheduled intra-African air transport services, national flag carriers continue to operate behind a defensive bulwark of bilateral air service agreements (BASAs). These protectionist constructs artificially suppress competition, leaving population accessibility index scores languishing at historic lows across Sub-Saharan hubs.

Compounding this internal insularity is the shadow of international regulatory scrutiny. Several Central and West African carriers remain __________ blacklisted by the European Union Air Safety Committee due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures. This regulatory ban creates an asymmetric market paradigm where foreign mega-carriers dominate profitable intercontinental routes, repatriating capital while domestic airlines are relegated to fragmented, low-yield domestic loops. Furthermore, jet fuel (Jet A-1) logistics within landlocked African nations carry an exorbitant logistical premium, sometimes costing up to 80% more than the global benchmark due to deficient rail links and arbitrary port tariffs. Consequently, the average ticket price per kilometer in Africa remains the highest globally, effectively pricing out the nascent middle class that the African Union relies upon to drive post-pandemic trade integration.

What will fit in the blank taken from the passage: Several Central and West African carriers remain __________ blacklisted by the European Union Air Safety Committee due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures.

AOption (a)
regularly
BOption (b)
indefinitely
COption (c)
sporadically
DOption (d)
arbitrarily
EOption (e)
occasionally

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

B.

indefinitely

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is 'indefinitely'.

Key Points

The word "indefinitely" means for an unlimited or unspecified period of time. (अनिश्चित काल के लिए)
In the context of the passage, because the blacklisting is due to "systemic deficits" rather than "isolated failures," the carriers remain on the list until those deep-seated issues are resolved, making "indefinitely" the most appropriate fit.
The other options: "regularly," "sporadically," "arbitrarily," and "occasionally" do not fit the formal regulatory context of a safety ban.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option B'.

Complete Sentence: Several Central and West African carriers remain indefinitely blacklisted by the European Union Air Safety Committee due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures.

Additional Information

Regularly (नियमित रूप से): means at uniform intervals or times.
Sporadically (छिटपुट रूप से): means occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places; scattered or isolated.
Arbitrarily (मनमाने ढंग से): means on the basis of random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
Occasionally (कभी-कभी): means at infrequent or irregular intervals; now and then.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 371

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

The structural fragmentation of African aviation infrastructure remains an enduring testament to uneven globalisation, where the skies of the continent are tethered to protectionist legacies and prohibitive fiscal frameworks. A comparative mapping of regional transit networks reveals a stark dissonance: a commuter routing from Lagos to Yaoundé often incurs a fiscal premium and temporal expenditure that dwarfs a transcontinental voyage from Frankfurt to Berlin. This disparity is not merely a product of geographical scale but is rooted in the sluggish implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)—an ambitious initiative by the African Union aimed at deregulation. While the Yamoussoukro Decision theoretically mandated the liberalisation of scheduled and non-scheduled intra-African air transport services, national flag carriers continue to operate behind a defensive bulwark of bilateral air service agreements (BASAs). These protectionist constructs artificially suppress competition, leaving population accessibility index scores languishing at historic lows across Sub-Saharan hubs.

Compounding this internal insularity is the shadow of international regulatory scrutiny. Several Central and West African carriers remain __________ blacklisted by the European Union Air Safety Committee due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures. This regulatory ban creates an asymmetric market paradigm where foreign mega-carriers dominate profitable intercontinental routes, repatriating capital while domestic airlines are relegated to fragmented, low-yield domestic loops. Furthermore, jet fuel (Jet A-1) logistics within landlocked African nations carry an exorbitant logistical premium, sometimes costing up to 80% more than the global benchmark due to deficient rail links and arbitrary port tariffs. Consequently, the average ticket price per kilometer in Africa remains the highest globally, effectively pricing out the nascent middle class that the African Union relies upon to drive post-pandemic trade integration.

According to the passage, which of the following statements is correct?

A) The passage suggests that transcontinental voyages between European cities are cheaper and faster than intra-African flights.

B) Population accessibility index scores are languishing at historic lows globally.

C) Jet fuel logistics within landlocked African nations have low logistical premiums.

AOption (a)
Only A
BOption (b)
Only B
COption (c)
Only C
DOption (d)
Both A and B
EOption (e)
All A, B, and C

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

A.

Only A

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

Statement A: The passage suggests that transcontinental voyages between European cities are cheaper and faster than intra-African flights.
This statement is correct as the passage states that a flight from Lagos to Yaoundé often incurs a fiscal premium and temporal expenditure that "dwarfs" a voyage from Frankfurt to Berlin, implying the European route is significantly cheaper and faster.
Statement B: Population accessibility index scores are languishing at historic lows globally.
This statement is incorrect. The passage specifically mentions that these scores are languishing at historic lows across "Sub-Saharan hubs," not globally.
Statement C: Jet fuel logistics within landlocked African nations have low logistical premiums.
This statement is incorrect. The passage mentions that jet fuel logistics in these nations carry an "exorbitant logistical premium," costing up to 80% more than the global benchmark.
Hence, only statement A is identified as correct based on the text.

Therefore, the correct answer is: ‘Only A’.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 372

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

The structural fragmentation of African aviation infrastructure remains an enduring testament to uneven globalisation, where the skies of the continent are tethered to protectionist legacies and prohibitive fiscal frameworks. A comparative mapping of regional transit networks reveals a stark dissonance: a commuter routing from Lagos to Yaoundé often incurs a fiscal premium and temporal expenditure that dwarfs a transcontinental voyage from Frankfurt to Berlin. This disparity is not merely a product of geographical scale but is rooted in the sluggish implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)—an ambitious initiative by the African Union aimed at deregulation. While the Yamoussoukro Decision theoretically mandated the liberalisation of scheduled and non-scheduled intra-African air transport services, national flag carriers continue to operate behind a defensive bulwark of bilateral air service agreements (BASAs). These protectionist constructs artificially suppress competition, leaving population accessibility index scores languishing at historic lows across Sub-Saharan hubs.

Compounding this internal insularity is the shadow of international regulatory scrutiny. Several Central and West African carriers remain __________ blacklisted by the European Union Air Safety Committee due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures. This regulatory ban creates an asymmetric market paradigm where foreign mega-carriers dominate profitable intercontinental routes, repatriating capital while domestic airlines are relegated to fragmented, low-yield domestic loops. Furthermore, jet fuel (Jet A-1) logistics within landlocked African nations carry an exorbitant logistical premium, sometimes costing up to 80% more than the global benchmark due to deficient rail links and arbitrary port tariffs. Consequently, the average ticket price per kilometer in Africa remains the highest globally, effectively pricing out the nascent middle class that the African Union relies upon to drive post-pandemic trade integration.

According to the passage, which of the following statements is incorrect?

A) Bilateral air service agreements suppress competition among African air carriers.

B) The African Union relies on the nascent middle class for post-pandemic trade integration in aviation.

C) International regulatory scrutiny only focuses on mechanical failures of African carriers.

AOption (a)
Only A
BOption (b)
Only B
COption (c)
Only C
DOption (d)
Both A and C
EOption (e)
All A, B, and C

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

C.

Only C

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option C.

Key Points

Statement A: Bilateral air service agreements suppress competition among African air carriers.
This statement is correct as the passage explicitly states that "national flag carriers continue to operate behind a defensive bulwark of bilateral air service agreements (BASAs)" and that these "protectionist constructs artificially suppress competition."
Statement B: The African Union relies on the nascent middle class for post-pandemic trade integration in aviation.
This statement is correct as the passage mentions the "nascent middle class that the African Union relies upon to drive post-pandemic trade integration."
Statement C: International regulatory scrutiny only focuses on mechanical failures of African carriers.
This statement is incorrect. The passage clarifies that carriers are blacklisted "due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures."
Hence, Statement C is identified as incorrect based on the information provided in the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is: ‘Only C’.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 373

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

The structural fragmentation of African aviation infrastructure remains an enduring testament to uneven globalisation, where the skies of the continent are tethered to protectionist legacies and prohibitive fiscal frameworks. A comparative mapping of regional transit networks reveals a stark dissonance: a commuter routing from Lagos to Yaoundé often incurs a fiscal premium and temporal expenditure that dwarfs a transcontinental voyage from Frankfurt to Berlin. This disparity is not merely a product of geographical scale but is rooted in the sluggish implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)—an ambitious initiative by the African Union aimed at deregulation. While the Yamoussoukro Decision theoretically mandated the liberalisation of scheduled and non-scheduled intra-African air transport services, national flag carriers continue to operate behind a defensive bulwark of bilateral air service agreements (BASAs). These protectionist constructs artificially suppress competition, leaving population accessibility index scores languishing at historic lows across Sub-Saharan hubs.

Compounding this internal insularity is the shadow of international regulatory scrutiny. Several Central and West African carriers remain __________ blacklisted by the European Union Air Safety Committee due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures. This regulatory ban creates an asymmetric market paradigm where foreign mega-carriers dominate profitable intercontinental routes, repatriating capital while domestic airlines are relegated to fragmented, low-yield domestic loops. Furthermore, jet fuel (Jet A-1) logistics within landlocked African nations carry an exorbitant logistical premium, sometimes costing up to 80% more than the global benchmark due to deficient rail links and arbitrary port tariffs. Consequently, the average ticket price per kilometer in Africa remains the highest globally, effectively pricing out the nascent middle class that the African Union relies upon to drive post-pandemic trade integration.

Which of the following words is similar in meaning to "insularity" in the context of the passage?

AOption (a)
openness
BOption (b)
isolation
COption (c)
transparency
DOption (d)
exposure
EOption (e)
sociability

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

B.

isolation

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option B i.e., isolation.

Key Points

The word "insularity" refers to the state of being isolated or detached, often used to describe a lack of interest in cultures, ideas, or people outside one's own experience, or a state of being geographically or politically separated. (संकीर्णता/पृथकता)
Example: The cultural insularity of the remote community made them resistant to modern technological changes.
"Isolation" refers to the process or fact of being separate or alone, which aligns with the context of the passage describing the fragmented and inward-looking nature of African aviation networks. (अलगाव)
Example: The island's geographical isolation from the mainland preserved its unique ecosystem for centuries.
Hence, we can infer that the word most similar in meaning to 'insularity' is 'isolation'.

Therefore, the correct answer is- isolation.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

Openness (खुलापन/स्पष्टता): The quality of being receptive to new ideas or being honest and direct.
Example: The company promotes a culture of openness where employees are encouraged to share their feedback.
Transparency (पारदर्शिता): The condition of being transparent; specifically, the quality of being done in an open way without secrets.
Example: The government promised more transparency in the allocation of public funds.
Exposure (अनावण/प्रदर्शन): The state of having no protection from something harmful or the revelation of an identity or fact.
Example: Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to severe skin damage.
Sociability (मिलनसारिता): The quality of being sociable or enjoying the company of others.
Example: His natural sociability made him the perfect candidate for the public relations role.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 374

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

The structural fragmentation of African aviation infrastructure remains an enduring testament to uneven globalisation, where the skies of the continent are tethered to protectionist legacies and prohibitive fiscal frameworks. A comparative mapping of regional transit networks reveals a stark dissonance: a commuter routing from Lagos to Yaoundé often incurs a fiscal premium and temporal expenditure that dwarfs a transcontinental voyage from Frankfurt to Berlin. This disparity is not merely a product of geographical scale but is rooted in the sluggish implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)—an ambitious initiative by the African Union aimed at deregulation. While the Yamoussoukro Decision theoretically mandated the liberalisation of scheduled and non-scheduled intra-African air transport services, national flag carriers continue to operate behind a defensive bulwark of bilateral air service agreements (BASAs). These protectionist constructs artificially suppress competition, leaving population accessibility index scores languishing at historic lows across Sub-Saharan hubs.

Compounding this internal insularity is the shadow of international regulatory scrutiny. Several Central and West African carriers remain __________ blacklisted by the European Union Air Safety Committee due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures. This regulatory ban creates an asymmetric market paradigm where foreign mega-carriers dominate profitable intercontinental routes, repatriating capital while domestic airlines are relegated to fragmented, low-yield domestic loops. Furthermore, jet fuel (Jet A-1) logistics within landlocked African nations carry an exorbitant logistical premium, sometimes costing up to 80% more than the global benchmark due to deficient rail links and arbitrary port tariffs. Consequently, the average ticket price per kilometer in Africa remains the highest globally, effectively pricing out the nascent middle class that the African Union relies upon to drive post-pandemic trade integration.

Which of the following words is similar in meaning to "dissonance" in the context of the passage?

AOption (a)
harmony
BOption (b)
conformity
COption (c)
discord
DOption (d)
agreement
EOption (e)
unity

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

C.

discord

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is Option (C) i.e., Discord.

Key Points

The word "dissonance" refers to a lack of agreement or harmony between people or things; in the context of the passage, it refers to the discrepancy or inconsistency between travel costs and distances. (असंगति)
Example: There is a noticeable dissonance between the company's public image and its internal practices.
"Discord" means a lack of harmony or agreement between things, or a state of disagreement. It is the most suitable synonym for dissonance as used in the text. (विवाद/विसंगति)
Example: The discord between the two reports made it difficult for the committee to reach a decision.
Hence, we can infer that the word similar in meaning to 'dissonance' is 'discord'.

Therefore, the correct answer is- Discord.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

Harmony (सामंजस्य): The state of being in agreement or concord.
Example: The team worked in perfect harmony to complete the project ahead of schedule.
Conformity (अनुपालन/अनुरूपता): Compliance with standards, rules, or laws.
Example: The building was constructed in conformity with the latest safety regulations.
Agreement (सहमति): Harmony or accordance in opinion or feeling.
Example: After hours of debate, the two parties finally reached an agreement.
Unity (एकता): The state of being united or joined as a whole.
Example: The crisis brought a sense of unity to the divided community.

IBPS PO Mains Memory Based Paper (Held On: 12 October 2025) (Previous Year Paper)·English Language

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Question 375

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2025• English Language• English Language

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

The structural fragmentation of African aviation infrastructure remains an enduring testament to uneven globalisation, where the skies of the continent are tethered to protectionist legacies and prohibitive fiscal frameworks. A comparative mapping of regional transit networks reveals a stark dissonance: a commuter routing from Lagos to Yaoundé often incurs a fiscal premium and temporal expenditure that dwarfs a transcontinental voyage from Frankfurt to Berlin. This disparity is not merely a product of geographical scale but is rooted in the sluggish implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)—an ambitious initiative by the African Union aimed at deregulation. While the Yamoussoukro Decision theoretically mandated the liberalisation of scheduled and non-scheduled intra-African air transport services, national flag carriers continue to operate behind a defensive bulwark of bilateral air service agreements (BASAs). These protectionist constructs artificially suppress competition, leaving population accessibility index scores languishing at historic lows across Sub-Saharan hubs.

Compounding this internal insularity is the shadow of international regulatory scrutiny. Several Central and West African carriers remain __________ blacklisted by the European Union Air Safety Committee due to systemic deficits in civil aviation oversight authorities, rather than isolated mechanical failures. This regulatory ban creates an asymmetric market paradigm where foreign mega-carriers dominate profitable intercontinental routes, repatriating capital while domestic airlines are relegated to fragmented, low-yield domestic loops. Furthermore, jet fuel (Jet A-1) logistics within landlocked African nations carry an exorbitant logistical premium, sometimes costing up to 80% more than the global benchmark due to deficient rail links and arbitrary port tariffs. Consequently, the average ticket price per kilometer in Africa remains the highest globally, effectively pricing out the nascent middle class that the African Union relies upon to drive post-pandemic trade integration.

Which of the following words is opposite in meaning to "premium" in the context of the passage?

AOption (a)
surcharge
BOption (b)
discount
COption (c)
addition
DOption (d)
levy
EOption (e)
increase

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

B.

discount

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: discount.

Key Points

The word "premium" means an amount to be paid over and above the normal price; it refers to a higher cost, extra charge, or surcharge in a financial context. (अतिरिक्त शुल्क)
Example: Many customers are willing to pay a premium for organic produce because they believe it is healthier.
"discount" refers to a deduction from the usual cost of something, which represents a reduction in price rather than an addition. (छूट)
Example: Since I bought the laptop during the holiday sale, I received a significant discount.
Hence, we can infer that the opposite of 'premium' in the context of fiscal costs is 'discount'.

Therefore, the correct answer is- discount.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

Surcharge (अधिभार/अतिरिक्त शुल्क): An additional charge or fee added to the usual cost of a good or service.
Example: The airline added a fuel surcharge to the ticket price due to rising oil costs.
Addition (जोड़/वृद्धि): The action or process of adding something to something else.
Example: The new library is a wonderful addition to our town's infrastructure.
Levy (लेवी/कर): An official fee or tax imposed by a government or authority.
Example: The city council voted to impose a new levy on plastic bags to reduce waste.
Increase (वृद्धि/बढ़त): A rise in the size, amount, or degree of something.
Example: There has been a steady increase in the price of essential commodities lately.

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language

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Question 376

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (36-43): Read the following passage and answer the given questions. Certain words are highlighted to answer some of the questions.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognized as a key component of success in both personal and professional realms. While men and women may possess similar overall levels of EQ, research consistently shows that they tend to excel in different emotional competencies. Women often score higher in areas such as empathy, interpersonal relationships, and social responsibility, whereas men tend to perform better in assertiveness, stress tolerance, and self-regard (or confidence). These differences lay the foundation for the distinct emotional approaches each gender brings to the workplace, shaped by both biological factors and the powerful process of socialization.

Socialization plays a significant role in determining these gender-specific strengths. From an early age, boys and girls receive different messages about how they should behave. Boys are often ______ to be competitive, confident, assertive, and decisive, and are taught that winning is of primary importance. Girls, on the other hand, are socialized to be nurturing, empathetic, and emotionally expressive. They learn to value relationships and cooperation over competition. These early experiences influence the development of specific emotional intelligence skills, with boys becoming more assertive and confident and girls excelling in empathy and interpersonal communication.

As boys and girls grow into adults, these learned behaviors are reinforced by societal norms and expectations. In the workplace, these socialized behaviors manifest in ways that can impact professional roles and leadership opportunities. Men’s strengths in assertiveness and self-regard often give them an advantage in competitive environments, helping them excel in leadership positions. Meanwhile, women’s strengths in empathy and interpersonal relationships make them highly effective in teamwork and collaborative settings, though these skills are sometimes undervalued in leadership hierarchies.

These gender-based differences in emotional intelligence may contribute to the leadership gender gap. Men's natural tendencies toward assertiveness and confidence can help them rise in hierarchical structures, while women’s empathy and relational strengths are often better suited for team-oriented roles. Recognizing and valuing these differences can help organizations leverage the diverse emotional strengths of both genders, fostering a more balanced and inclusive leadership landscape.

According to the passage, which of the following statement(s) is/ are true?

(I) Emotional intelligence (EQ) is primarily shaped by biological factors, with little influence from socialization.

(II) Women tend to excel in empathy, social responsibility, and interpersonal relationships according to research.

(III) Assertiveness and stress tolerance are often considered key emotional competencies where men perform better.

AOption (a)
Only (I) is true
BOption (b)
Only (II) is true
COption (c)
Both (II) and (III) are true
DOption (d)
Only (III) is true
EOption (e)
All statements are true

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

C.

Both (II) and (III) are true

Explanation not yet available.

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language

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Question 377

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (36-43): Read the following passage and answer the given questions. Certain words are highlighted to answer some of the questions.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognized as a key component of success in both personal and professional realms. While men and women may possess similar overall levels of EQ, research consistently shows that they tend to excel in different emotional competencies. Women often score higher in areas such as empathy, interpersonal relationships, and social responsibility, whereas men tend to perform better in assertiveness, stress tolerance, and self-regard (or confidence). These differences lay the foundation for the distinct emotional approaches each gender brings to the workplace, shaped by both biological factors and the powerful process of socialization.

Socialization plays a significant role in determining these gender-specific strengths. From an early age, boys and girls receive different messages about how they should behave. Boys are often ______ to be competitive, confident, assertive, and decisive, and are taught that winning is of primary importance. Girls, on the other hand, are socialized to be nurturing, empathetic, and emotionally expressive. They learn to value relationships and cooperation over competition. These early experiences influence the development of specific emotional intelligence skills, with boys becoming more assertive and confident and girls excelling in empathy and interpersonal communication.

As boys and girls grow into adults, these learned behaviors are reinforced by societal norms and expectations. In the workplace, these socialized behaviors manifest in ways that can impact professional roles and leadership opportunities. Men’s strengths in assertiveness and self-regard often give them an advantage in competitive environments, helping them excel in leadership positions. Meanwhile, women’s strengths in empathy and interpersonal relationships make them highly effective in teamwork and collaborative settings, though these skills are sometimes undervalued in leadership hierarchies.

These gender-based differences in emotional intelligence may contribute to the leadership gender gap. Men's natural tendencies toward assertiveness and confidence can help them rise in hierarchical structures, while women’s empathy and relational strengths are often better suited for team-oriented roles. Recognizing and valuing these differences can help organizations leverage the diverse emotional strengths of both genders, fostering a more balanced and inclusive leadership landscape.

Which of the following statements is incorrect based on the passage?

AOption (a)
Men’s assertiveness and self-regard give them an advantage in hierarchical leadership positions.
BOption (b)
Women’s relational strengths are particularly well-suited for competitive, high-pressure roles in leadership.
COption (c)
Boys are often encouraged to be decisive and assertive from an early age.
DOption (d)
Socialization influences the development of emotional competencies for both genders.
EOption (e)
Emotional intelligence skills learned in childhood are reinforced by societal norms as individuals grow older.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

B.

Women’s relational strengths are particularly well-suited for competitive, high-pressure roles in leadership.

Explanation not yet available.

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language

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Question 378

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (36-43): Read the following passage and answer the given questions. Certain words are highlighted to answer some of the questions.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognized as a key component of success in both personal and professional realms. While men and women may possess similar overall levels of EQ, research consistently shows that they tend to excel in different emotional competencies. Women often score higher in areas such as empathy, interpersonal relationships, and social responsibility, whereas men tend to perform better in assertiveness, stress tolerance, and self-regard (or confidence). These differences lay the foundation for the distinct emotional approaches each gender brings to the workplace, shaped by both biological factors and the powerful process of socialization.

Socialization plays a significant role in determining these gender-specific strengths. From an early age, boys and girls receive different messages about how they should behave. Boys are often ______ to be competitive, confident, assertive, and decisive, and are taught that winning is of primary importance. Girls, on the other hand, are socialized to be nurturing, empathetic, and emotionally expressive. They learn to value relationships and cooperation over competition. These early experiences influence the development of specific emotional intelligence skills, with boys becoming more assertive and confident and girls excelling in empathy and interpersonal communication.

As boys and girls grow into adults, these learned behaviors are reinforced by societal norms and expectations. In the workplace, these socialized behaviors manifest in ways that can impact professional roles and leadership opportunities. Men’s strengths in assertiveness and self-regard often give them an advantage in competitive environments, helping them excel in leadership positions. Meanwhile, women’s strengths in empathy and interpersonal relationships make them highly effective in teamwork and collaborative settings, though these skills are sometimes undervalued in leadership hierarchies.

These gender-based differences in emotional intelligence may contribute to the leadership gender gap. Men's natural tendencies toward assertiveness and confidence can help them rise in hierarchical structures, while women’s empathy and relational strengths are often better suited for team-oriented roles. Recognizing and valuing these differences can help organizations leverage the diverse emotional strengths of both genders, fostering a more balanced and inclusive leadership landscape.

According to the passage, which of the following statement(s) is/ are true?

(I) Women's emotional intelligence strengths are undervalued in hierarchical structures, particularly in leadership positions.

(II) Men tend to perform better in teamwork and collaborative settings due to their confidence.

(III) Societal expectations reinforce the emotional competencies that boys and girls develop early in life.

AOption (a)
Only (I) is true
BOption (b)
Both (I) and (III) are true
COption (c)
Both (II) and (III) are true
DOption (d)
Only (II) is true
EOption (e)
All statements are true

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

B.

Both (I) and (III) are true

Explanation not yet available.

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language

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Question 379

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (36-43): Read the following passage and answer the given questions. Certain words are highlighted to answer some of the questions.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognized as a key component of success in both personal and professional realms. While men and women may possess similar overall levels of EQ, research consistently shows that they tend to excel in different emotional competencies. Women often score higher in areas such as empathy, interpersonal relationships, and social responsibility, whereas men tend to perform better in assertiveness, stress tolerance, and self-regard (or confidence). These differences lay the foundation for the distinct emotional approaches each gender brings to the workplace, shaped by both biological factors and the powerful process of socialization.

Socialization plays a significant role in determining these gender-specific strengths. From an early age, boys and girls receive different messages about how they should behave. Boys are often ______ to be competitive, confident, assertive, and decisive, and are taught that winning is of primary importance. Girls, on the other hand, are socialized to be nurturing, empathetic, and emotionally expressive. They learn to value relationships and cooperation over competition. These early experiences influence the development of specific emotional intelligence skills, with boys becoming more assertive and confident and girls excelling in empathy and interpersonal communication.

As boys and girls grow into adults, these learned behaviors are reinforced by societal norms and expectations. In the workplace, these socialized behaviors manifest in ways that can impact professional roles and leadership opportunities. Men’s strengths in assertiveness and self-regard often give them an advantage in competitive environments, helping them excel in leadership positions. Meanwhile, women’s strengths in empathy and interpersonal relationships make them highly effective in teamwork and collaborative settings, though these skills are sometimes undervalued in leadership hierarchies.

These gender-based differences in emotional intelligence may contribute to the leadership gender gap. Men's natural tendencies toward assertiveness and confidence can help them rise in hierarchical structures, while women’s empathy and relational strengths are often better suited for team-oriented roles. Recognizing and valuing these differences can help organizations leverage the diverse emotional strengths of both genders, fostering a more balanced and inclusive leadership landscape.

Which of the following words has the similar meaning as “lay” (as used in the passage)?

AOption (a)
Establish
BOption (b)
Cover
COption (c)
Remove
DOption (d)
Complicate
EOption (e)
Dismiss

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

A.

Establish

Explanation not yet available.

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024 Previous Year Paper·English Language

View full paper

Question 380

IBPS Probationary Officer (PO) 2024• English Language• English Language

Directions (36-43): Read the following passage and answer the given questions. Certain words are highlighted to answer some of the questions.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is increasingly recognized as a key component of success in both personal and professional realms. While men and women may possess similar overall levels of EQ, research consistently shows that they tend to excel in different emotional competencies. Women often score higher in areas such as empathy, interpersonal relationships, and social responsibility, whereas men tend to perform better in assertiveness, stress tolerance, and self-regard (or confidence). These differences lay the foundation for the distinct emotional approaches each gender brings to the workplace, shaped by both biological factors and the powerful process of socialization.

Socialization plays a significant role in determining these gender-specific strengths. From an early age, boys and girls receive different messages about how they should behave. Boys are often ______ to be competitive, confident, assertive, and decisive, and are taught that winning is of primary importance. Girls, on the other hand, are socialized to be nurturing, empathetic, and emotionally expressive. They learn to value relationships and cooperation over competition. These early experiences influence the development of specific emotional intelligence skills, with boys becoming more assertive and confident and girls excelling in empathy and interpersonal communication.

As boys and girls grow into adults, these learned behaviors are reinforced by societal norms and expectations. In the workplace, these socialized behaviors manifest in ways that can impact professional roles and leadership opportunities. Men’s strengths in assertiveness and self-regard often give them an advantage in competitive environments, helping them excel in leadership positions. Meanwhile, women’s strengths in empathy and interpersonal relationships make them highly effective in teamwork and collaborative settings, though these skills are sometimes undervalued in leadership hierarchies.

These gender-based differences in emotional intelligence may contribute to the leadership gender gap. Men's natural tendencies toward assertiveness and confidence can help them rise in hierarchical structures, while women’s empathy and relational strengths are often better suited for team-oriented roles. Recognizing and valuing these differences can help organizations leverage the diverse emotional strengths of both genders, fostering a more balanced and inclusive leadership landscape.

Based on the passage, which of the following can be logically inferred about gender differences in emotional intelligence?

AOption (a)
Women’s strengths in empathy and interpersonal relationships make them more suitable for leadership roles than men.
BOption (b)
Men’s performance in assertiveness and confidence is exclusively the result of societal conditioning, with no biological factors involved.
COption (c)
Organizations that recognize and value both genders' emotional strengths can create more balanced and effective leadership.
DOption (d)
Women are less likely to succeed in competitive environments because they lack confidence and assertiveness.
EOption (e)
Emotional intelligence competencies between men and women are so different that they cannot effectively collaborate in professional settings.

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

C.

Organizations that recognize and value both genders' emotional strengths can create more balanced and effective leadership.

Explanation not yet available.

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