Reading Comprehension

In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been denoted by a letter. For each blank, five options are given. Choose the most appropriate word from the options that fits the blank appropriately.
The United States is home to several influential organizations that shape domestic and global affairs. One of the most important is the Federal Reserve, which regulates the nation's monetary policy to ensure economic ____________ (A). Another key institution is the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), responsible for overseeing the ____________ (B) of financial markets and protecting investors. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation from various threats, including cyberattacks and terrorism, ensuring national ____________ (C). Additionally, organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) work towards addressing issues such as climate change and pollution by enforcing ____________ (D) regulations. Finally, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) continues to lead advancements in space exploration and scientific discovery, contributing to America's reputation for ____________ (E) in technology.

1) Question

Which of the following word best fits in blank (A)?

indifference

hostility

turbulence

fragility

stability

Solution

Correct option is E

Here are the meanings of the given words along with their correctness for blank (A):
1. Indifference (उदासीनता) – Lack of interest or concern. Incorrect (The Federal Reserve's role is to manage economic conditions, not ignore them.)
2. Hostility (शत्रुता) – Aggressive or unfriendly behavior. Incorrect (The Fed aims for stability, not conflict.)
3. Turbulence (अशांति/अस्थिरता) – A state of disturbance or disorder. Incorrect (The Federal Reserve tries to prevent economic turmoil.)
4. Fragility (नाज़ुकता) – The quality of being easily broken or damaged. Incorrect (The Fed aims to strengthen, not weaken, the economy.)
5. Stability (स्थिरता) – A state of being steady and not changing. Correct (The Fed regulates monetary policy to ensure a stable economy.)
Correct Answer: (e) Stability ✅

2) Question

Which of the following word best fits in blank (B)?

disruption

regulation

evasion

distortion

negligence

Solution

Correct option is B

Here are the meanings of the given words along with their correctness for blank (B):
1. Disruption (विघटन) – A disturbance or interruption. Incorrect (The SEC's role is to ensure smooth functioning, not cause disruptions.)
2. Regulation (नियमन) – The act of controlling or managing according to rules. Correct (The SEC oversees financial markets by enforcing regulations.)
3. Evasion (टाल-मटोल/चोरीछुपी बचना) – The act of avoiding or escaping something. Incorrect (The SEC prevents evasion, rather than enabling it.)
4. Distortion (विकृति) – The act of twisting or misrepresenting something. Incorrect (The SEC works to maintain transparency, not distort markets.)
5. Negligence (लापरवाही) – Failure to take proper care. Incorrect (The SEC aims to prevent negligence, not promote it.)
Correct Answer: (b) Regulation ✅

3) Question

Which of the following word best fits in blank (C)?

exposure

vacancy

security

anxiety

indecision

Solution

Correct option is C

Here are the meanings of the given words along with their correctness for blank (C):
1. Exposure (उघाड़ना/सामना करना) – The state of being uncovered or unprotected. Incorrect (DHS works to protect, not expose, the nation to threats.)
2. Vacancy (रिक्तता/खालीपन) – An empty position or space. Incorrect (DHS is about protection, not job openings or emptiness.)
3. Security (सुरक्षा) – The state of being safe from danger or threats. Correct (DHS ensures national security by preventing threats.)
4. Anxiety (चिंता/व्याकुलता) – A feeling of worry or nervousness. Incorrect (DHS aims to reduce anxiety by providing protection.)
5. Indecision (दुविधा/अनिश्चितता) – The inability to decide. Incorrect (DHS makes firm decisions to ensure safety, not remain indecisive.)
Correct Answer: (c) Security ✅

4) Question

Which of the following word best fits in blank (D)?

voluntary

lax

irrelevant

environmental

arbitrary

Solution

Correct option is D

Here are the meanings of the given words along with their correctness for blank (D):
1. Voluntary (स्वैच्छिक) – Done by choice, not by force. Incorrect (EPA enforces regulations, meaning they are mandatory, not voluntary.)
2. Lax (ढीला/अनियमित) – Not strict or severe. Incorrect (EPA enforces strict environmental laws, not loose ones.)
3. Irrelevant (असंगत/अप्रासंगिक) – Not related or important. Incorrect (EPA deals with relevant regulations regarding pollution and climate change.)
4. Environmental (पर्यावरणीय) – Related to the environment. Correct (EPA enforces environmental regulations to protect nature.)
5. Arbitrary (मनमाना/स्वेच्छाचारी) – Based on personal choice rather than reason. Incorrect (EPA regulations are based on scientific research, not arbitrary decisions.)
Correct Answer: (d) Environmental ✅

5) Question

Which of the following word best fits in blank (E)?

stagnation

backwardness

redundancy

incompetence

innovation

Solution

Correct option is E

Here are the meanings of the given words along with their correctness for blank (E):
1. Stagnation (स्थिरता/ठहराव) – Lack of growth or progress. Incorrect (NASA is known for progress and advancements, not stagnation.)
2. Backwardness (पिछड़ापन) – Being behind in development. Incorrect (NASA leads in technology, not lags behind.)
3. Redundancy (अनावश्यकता/अतिरिक्तता) – Unnecessary repetition. Incorrect (NASA’s work is pioneering, not redundant.)
4. Incompetence (अयोग्यता/अक्षमता) – Lack of ability or skill. Incorrect (NASA is highly competent in technology and exploration.)
5. Innovation (नवाचार/नवीनता) – The introduction of new ideas and advancements. Correct (NASA is known for innovation in space and technology.)
Correct Answer: (e) Innovation ✅