Directions (Qs. 1 - 10): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given after reading it. Certain words/ phrases have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.
The Joshimath earthquake zone in India is a region that has been heavily affected by seismic activity for centuries. Located in the Himalayan Mountain range, the region is known for its high seismic activity, which has caused numerous earthquakes over the years, resulting in the loss of many lives and damage to infrastructure. The region is situated in the Northern part of India and stretches across the state of Uttarakhand, which borders China to the North and Nepal to the East with a highly complex multiple rock formations and fault zones. The Joshimath earthquake zone is an area of high seismicity, with many faults and fractures running through the region. The most active fault in the region is the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT), which is responsible for most of the seismic activity in the region. The region has been hit by several devastating earthquakes in the past. The most significant earthquake in recent times was the 2013 Uttarakhand earthquake, which had a magnitude of 5.8 on the Richter scale. The earthquake caused massive landslides, resulting in the loss of many lives and extensive damage to infrastructure. The flash floods occurred at that time also led to the closure of the famous Kedarnath temple for many months, which is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus in India. The 2013 earthquake was not the first time that the region had been hit by seismic activity. In 1991, the region was hit by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake that caused extensive damage to the region. The earthquake also led to the closure of the Nanda Devi National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The high seismic activity in the region is due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The ........ (5) ........ has led to the formation of the Himalayan Mountain range and the formation of numerous faults and fractures in the region. The movement of these faults and fractures has led to the high seismic activity in the region. The seismic activity in the region has a significant impact on the people living in the area. The Joshimath region is home to many rural communities, which are heavily reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods. The earthquakes have caused extensive damage to the farmland, making it difficult for farmers to continue their livelihoods. The earthquakes have also led to the loss of livestock, which is another significant source of income for rural communities. The earthquakes in the region have also had a significant impact on the tourism industry. The region is home to many pilgrimage sites and trekking routes, which attract a large number of tourists every year. The earthquakes have led to the closure of many of these sites, leading to a significant impact on the tourism industry.
The Indian government has taken several measures to mitigate the impact of seismic activity in the Joshimath earthquake zone. It has set up a National Centre for Seismology (NCS), which is responsible for monitoring seismic activity in the region. The NCS has set up a network of seismometers across the region, which allows them to monitor seismic activity in real-time. The government has also taken measures to strengthen infrastructure in the region. It has undertaken several projects to construct earthquake-resistant buildings and bridges. The government has also taken measures to ........ (10) ........ the road network in the region, making it easier for relief efforts to reach affected areas in the event of an earthquake. The Indian government has also
taken measures to improve disaster preparedness in the region. The government has set up a disaster management authority in the state of Uttarakhand, which is responsible for coordinating relief efforts in the event of an earthquake. Earthquakes can strike at any time, and it is essential for individuals to be aware of the potential dangers and know how to respond in the event of an earthquake. The government has to conduct several awareness campaigns such as learning about earthquakes and its threats, developing an emergency plan for evacuation, securing homes, participating in drills, staying informed, and spreading awareness to educate people on how to prepare for an earthquake and how to respond in the event of disasters, etc. so that individuals can be better prepared and take appropriate measures to minimize the impact of earthquakes on their lives and communities.
1. What can be the suitable title of the above passage?
A) The sinking Joshimath
B) Earthquake and its effects
C) Government failure in Joshimath
D) Exploring the great Himalayas
E) Uttarakhand geography
Explanation: The given passage is describing about Joshimath earthquake zone which is located in the great Himalayan Mountain range. It is a region that has been heavily affected by natural disasters such as flash floods, earthquakes, etc. and known for its high seismic activity, which has caused numerous earthquakes over the years, resulting in the loss of many lives and damage to infrastructure. As the Joshimath region people are heavily reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods, the earthquakes have caused extensive damage to the farmland, making it difficult for farmers to continue their livelihoods. The earthquakes have also led to the loss of livestock, which is another significant source of income for rural communities. So, the title ‘The sinking Joshimath’ can be the suitable title of the above passage.
Ans: A
2. According to the passage, what are the reasons for the Joshimath to become a high seismic activity zone?
A) Because Joshimath is located in the great Himalayan Mountain range, the region which is known for its high seismic activity.
B) Because the geological structure of the Joshimath region is highly complex, with multiple rock formations and fault zones.
C) Because the Indian subcontinent is moving towards the North and colliding with the Eurasian plate, which has led to the formation of the Himalayan mountain range. This collision has caused the development of several faults in the region, making it highly susceptible to seismic activity.
D) Because of the melting glaciers which can lead to landslides and rockfalls, can also trigger earthquakes.
E) All of the above.
Explanation: All of the above options are collectively served as the reasons for Joshimath to become a high seismic activity zone. The combination of tectonic activity, geological instability, glacial melting, human activities, and climate change makes Joshimath a high seismic activity zone.
Ans: E
3. Choose the word which is most similar in meaning of the word devastating printed in bold in the passage.
A) Rejuvenating B) Enjoying C) Uplifting D) Destructive E) Beneficial
Explanation: The word "devastating" is an adjective that describes something (here, earthquakes and landslides in Joshimath) that causes a lot of destruction or damage, or something that is extremely upsetting or shocking. The word is often used to describe a situation or event that has had a very negative impact on people or things.
Ans: D
4. Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word extensive printed in bold in the passage.
A) Wide-ranging B) Minimal C) Expansive D) Comprehensive E) Broad
Explanation: The word "extensive" is an adjective that describes something that is large in size or amount, or covers a wide area or range. It can also refer to something that is thorough or comprehensive. The word ‘minimal’ will be its antonym.
Ans: B
5. Choose a correct word from the options for ........ (5) ........ in the passage, that suits appropriately to the context of the sentence and make the paragraph meaningful and grammatically correct.
A) collection B) collusion C) collision D) connection E) contraction
Explanation: The term "collision" is commonly used in the context of earthquakes to describe the movement of tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are massive slabs of rock that make up the Earth's crust and uppermost mantle. When two plates collide, one plate is forced beneath the other in a process called subduction. This can lead to the formation of mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes. The collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates is responsible for the high seismic activity in the Himalayan region, which includes earthquakes in places like Joshimath in India.
Ans: C
6. According to the passage, what are the measures taken by the Indian government to mitigate the impact of seismic activity in the Joshimath earthquake zone?
I. The government has set up a National Centre for Seismology (NCS), which is responsible for monitoring seismic activity in the region.
II. The government has taken measures to strengthen the road network in the region, making it easier for relief efforts to reach affected areas in the event of an earthquake.
III. The government is giving money for the people to get their home needs.
A) III and I B) I and II C) II only D) III only E) All the above
Explanation: The Indian government has taken several measures to mitigate the impact of seismic activity in the Joshimath earthquake zone. It has set up a National Centre for Seismology (NCS), which is responsible for monitoring seismic activity in the region. The NCS has set up a network of seismometers across the region, which allows them to monitor seismic activity in realtime. The government has also taken measures to strengthen the road network in the region, making it easier for relief efforts to reach affected areas in the event of an earthquake (refer paragraph 2). So, option B is the correct choice.
Ans: B
7. Which of the following statement is NOT TRUE according to the passage?
I. The earthquakes in the Joshimath region made a significant impact on the tourism industry of that area.
II. The 1991 earthquake of 6.8 magnitude, that hit the Joshimath region had led to the closure of the Nanda Devi National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
III. The people in Joshimath region are living a peaceful life because they feel assure of the government measures to mitigate the effects of earth quakes.
A) I and II B) II and III C) III only D) I only E) II only
Explanation: Even though the Indian government has taken several measures to mitigate the impact of seismic activity in the Joshimath earthquake zone, survival in that region is very dangerous because of its highly complex geological structure with multiple rock formations and fault zones. Earthquakes can happen anytime in these types of areas.
Ans: C
8. Choose the word which is most similar in meaning of the word reliant printed in bold in the passage.
A) Independent B) Self-sufficient C) Confident D) Dependent E) Autonomous
Explanation: The word "reliant" is an adjective that describes something or someone that depends on or relies on something else. It can also refer to something or someone that places trust or confidence in something else. According to the paragraph, the rural communities in Joshimath are depending on agriculture for their livelihoods.
Ans: D
9. Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning of the word monitoring printed in bold in the passage.
A) Ignoring B) Scrutinizing C) Examining D) Inspecting E) Surveying
Explanation: The word "monitoring" is a noun that refers to the act of observing, tracking, or checking something over time. It can also refer to the process of gathering data or information about a system, process, or situation in order to make informed decisions or take appropriate action. The word ‘ignoring’ will be its antonym.
Ans: A
10. Choose a correct word from the options for ........ (10) ........ in the passage, that suits appropriately to the context of the sentence and make the paragraph meaningful and grammatically correct.
A) straighten B) divide C) cripple D) abandon E) strengthen
Explanation: The word "strengthen" is a verb that means to make something stronger or more resilient. In the context of earthquakes, the term "strengthen" can also refer to the process of making emergency response systems more effective or improving disaster preparedness measures. This may involve training first responders, establishing evacuation plans, improving communication networks, strengthening transportation networks, etc.
Ans: E
