Reading Comprehension — Set 12
Questions 111–120 of 120
Read the following passage and answer questions RC161–RC165. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved from the realm of science fiction to becoming a transformative force in everyday life. At its core, AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems, including learning, reasoning, and self-correction. Machine learning, a subset of AI, enables computers to learn from data without being explicitly programmed, while deep learning uses neural networks with many layers to process complex patterns. The applications of AI span virtually every industry. In healthcare, AI algorithms can diagnose diseases from medical images with accuracy rivalling experienced physicians. In agriculture, AI-powered drones monitor crops, detect pests, and optimise irrigation. Financial institutions use AI for fraud detection, risk assessment, and algorithmic trading. Even governance is being transformed — several governments are piloting AI systems for traffic management, public service delivery, and predictive policing. However, the rapid advancement of AI also raises profound concerns. Automation threatens to displace millions of workers across multiple sectors, creating what economists call 'technological unemployment'. Privacy is another major concern as AI systems often require vast amounts of personal data to function effectively. There are also fears about algorithmic bias — AI systems trained on historically biased data may perpetuate or even amplify existing social inequalities. Perhaps most existentially, some researchers warn about the risks of artificial general intelligence (AGI) — AI that exceeds human intelligence in all domains — though most experts consider this a distant possibility. India's National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, released in 2018, identifies five focus sectors: healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, and smart mobility. India aims to leverage AI to address its unique development challenges while becoming a global hub for AI innovation. According to the passage, what is the primary purpose of machine learning?
Correct Answer: B. To enable computers to learn from data without explicit programming
The passage directly states that 'machine learning, a subset of AI, enables computers to learn from data without being explicitly programmed'. This is the primary purpose of machine learning as described. It is distinct from deep learning which uses neural networks. The passage does not mention robots or any replacement relationship between machine learning and deep learning.
Which of the following applications of AI in healthcare is mentioned in the passage?
Correct Answer: B. Diagnosing diseases from medical images
The passage specifically states that 'AI algorithms can diagnose diseases from medical images with accuracy rivalling experienced physicians'. This is the healthcare application explicitly mentioned. The passage does not mention autonomous surgery, prescription of medicines, or drug development in connection with AI applications. The question tests careful reading of specific details given in the passage.
The term 'technological unemployment' as used in the passage refers to which phenomenon?
Correct Answer: C. Job displacement caused by automation
The passage states that 'automation threatens to displace millions of workers across multiple sectors, creating what economists call technological unemployment'. The term clearly refers to job displacement caused by automation — when machines or AI systems replace human workers. It is not related to economic recession, worker attitudes, or unemployment specifically among technology workers. The passage presents this as one of the major concerns about AI advancement.
What concern related to AI training data is highlighted in the passage?
Correct Answer: B. AI trained on biased data may amplify social inequalities
The passage specifically mentions 'algorithmic bias — AI systems trained on historically biased data may perpetuate or even amplify existing social inequalities'. This is the concern related to AI training data highlighted in the passage. The passage does not discuss energy consumption, data collection costs, or structured versus unstructured data. Algorithmic bias is presented as a significant social concern.
Which sector is NOT mentioned in India's National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence as a focus sector?
Correct Answer: B. Defence
The passage lists five focus sectors of India's National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence: healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, and smart mobility. Defence is not mentioned as one of the five focus sectors. The question requires the reader to identify the option that is NOT in the list. Healthcare, agriculture, and smart cities are all explicitly mentioned as focus sectors in the passage.
Read the following passage and answer questions RC166–RC170. Microplastics — plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimetres — have emerged as one of the most pervasive and concerning pollutants of our time. They originate from two primary sources: primary microplastics, which are manufactured at a small size for use in cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial abrasives; and secondary microplastics, which result from the breakdown of larger plastic items through weathering, UV radiation, and physical abrasion. The scale of microplastic contamination is staggering. Researchers have found microplastics in the deepest ocean trenches, the highest mountain peaks, Arctic ice cores, and even in human blood and breast milk. A landmark 2019 study estimated that the average person ingests approximately 5 grams of microplastics per week — roughly equivalent to a credit card — primarily through contaminated water, seafood, and packaged food. The health implications are a subject of intense ongoing research. Microplastics can carry toxic chemicals and heavy metals, potentially disrupting hormonal systems and causing oxidative stress. Nanoplastics — even smaller fragments — can cross cellular membranes and blood-brain barriers, raising particularly serious health concerns. Marine ecosystems have been severely affected, with microplastics entering the food chain from plankton to fish to larger predators, including humans. Addressing microplastic pollution requires action at multiple levels. Individual actions include reducing single-use plastic consumption and washing synthetic fabrics less frequently (as laundry releases synthetic fibres). Policy measures include banning microbeads in cosmetics (which several countries have done), improving plastic waste management, and advancing biodegradable alternatives. Research into plastic-eating enzymes and bacteria also offers hope for future remediation. According to the passage, what are the two primary sources of microplastics?
Correct Answer: B. Primary microplastics manufactured at small size and secondary microplastics from breakdown of larger plastics
The passage explicitly states that microplastics 'originate from two primary sources: primary microplastics, which are manufactured at a small size for use in cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial abrasives; and secondary microplastics, which result from the breakdown of larger plastic items'. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, ocean pollution, and air pollution are not described as the two primary sources in the passage. The passage provides a precise definition of both primary and secondary microplastics.
What quantity of microplastics does the passage suggest the average person ingests per week?
Correct Answer: B. 5 grams
The passage states that 'a landmark 2019 study estimated that the average person ingests approximately 5 grams of microplastics per week — roughly equivalent to a credit card'. The amount is specifically 5 grams per week, not kilograms, milligrams, or 50 grams. The passage also provides a helpful comparison — equivalent to the weight of a credit card — to make this quantity relatable. This is a factual detail directly stated in the passage.
Why are nanoplastics considered particularly concerning according to the passage?
Correct Answer: B. They can cross cellular membranes and blood-brain barriers
The passage states that 'nanoplastics — even smaller fragments — can cross cellular membranes and blood-brain barriers, raising particularly serious health concerns'. The ability to penetrate these biological barriers is what makes nanoplastics particularly dangerous. The passage does not claim they are more visible, impossible to remove, or cause immediate visible symptoms. Crossing the blood-brain barrier is especially significant because it means these particles can potentially affect brain function.
Which of the following individual-level actions to reduce microplastic pollution is mentioned in the passage?
Correct Answer: B. Washing synthetic fabrics less frequently
The passage specifically mentions 'washing synthetic fabrics less frequently (as laundry releases synthetic fibres)' as an individual action to reduce microplastic pollution. The passage does not recommend using only glass containers, eating only organic food, or avoiding all packaged products as stated actions. The passage provides a balanced approach including both individual actions and policy measures to address microplastic contamination.
What does the passage suggest about the future of microplastic remediation?
Correct Answer: C. Research into plastic-eating enzymes and bacteria offers hope for remediation
The passage concludes by noting that 'research into plastic-eating enzymes and bacteria also offers hope for future remediation'. This indicates scientific optimism about biological methods for addressing microplastic pollution. The passage does not suggest there is no hope, does not say only government policy can solve the problem, and does not advocate for complete elimination of plastics. The mention of plastic-eating enzymes and bacteria represents a promising area of scientific research highlighted by the passage.