Practice IBPS PO 2025 Prelims Question Paper – 23 Aug 2025 Shift 2 (Memory-Based, with Solutions)

Rearrange the following sentences to form a meaningful paragraph.

(A) In all, this cycle repeats several times during a typical night’s sleep.

(B) Human sleep is divided into REM and non-REM stages.

(C) Whereas comparatively non-REM sleep includes stages of deep, restorative rest.

(D) During REM sleep, dreams are most vivid and brain activity is high.

(E) Each stage plays a vital role in physical and mental recovery.

Rearrange the following sentences to form a meaningful paragraph.

(A) Many users share personal data without realizing the consequences.

(B) This can lead to identity theft and targeted surveillance.

(C) Internet privacy is a growing concern in the digital age.

(D) Companies often collect and store user information for various purposes.

(E) Therefore, users must take steps to protect their online identity.

Rearrange the following sentences to form a meaningful paragraph.

(A) Oceans absorb a significant amount of the Earth's heat.

(B) This heat absorption regulates global climate and weather patterns.

(C) These changes highlight the link between oceans and climate change.

(D) Warmer oceans disrupt marine ecosystems and intensify storms.

(E) However, excess heat is causing ocean temperatures to rise.

Rearrange the following sentences to form a meaningful paragraph.

(A) On one hand, reading enhances vocabulary.

(B) It improves concentration and strengthens language skills.

(C) Developing a regular reading habit has multiple cognitive benefits.

(D) On the other hand, in a world of distractions, reading offers a focused mental exercise.

(E) These advantages make reading an essential lifelong habit.

Read the following passage and answer the given questions.

In recent years, China’s economy has expanded rapidly, with consumer spending playing a pivotal role. From groceries to luxury items, nearly every purchase now passes through digital payment gateways such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. These platforms have revolutionized the financial landscape, providing convenience and speed. However, beneath this innovation lies a growing concern: the overcharging practices of these payment firms.

Merchants across sectors have complained that the transaction fees are often higher than advertised. Small firms, in particular, feel the burden, as they rely heavily on digital payments to stay competitive in a market where cash is steadily declining. Many local businesses, unable to bear the pressure of mounting costs, have folded within months of adopting these systems. This _____________ how dependence on a few gateways can distort fair competition.

A recent report highlights that while international credit card companies charge between 1% and 3% per transaction, some Chinese gateways impose hidden charges that push the effective rate even higher. The issue is not just about percentages; merchants also face delays in settlement, mandatory promotional tie-ins, and penalties for using alternative platforms. These tactics create an environment where firms have little choice but to comply.

Interestingly, consumers remain largely unaware of the scale of overcharging because the extra costs are often folded into the final prices of goods and services. In a way, the weather of the broader economy—rising inflation, slowing exports, and unpredictable growth—makes these charges even harder to digest. Instead of encouraging financial freedom, these practices contribute to a sense of dependency on a few dominant players.

Observers warn that if unchecked, this trend could harm innovation in the long run. The monopolistic grip of payment giants not only squeezes small firms but also discourages new entrants from experimenting with alternative solutions. Unless greater transparency and regulatory oversight are introduced, the promise of a seamless digital economy may end up costing more than it delivers.

What is the central irony described in the passage regarding digital payment gateways in China?

Read the following passage and answer the given questions.

In recent years, China’s economy has expanded rapidly, with consumer spending playing a pivotal role. From groceries to luxury items, nearly every purchase now passes through digital payment gateways such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. These platforms have revolutionized the financial landscape, providing convenience and speed. However, beneath this innovation lies a growing concern: the overcharging practices of these payment firms.

Merchants across sectors have complained that the transaction fees are often higher than advertised. Small firms, in particular, feel the burden, as they rely heavily on digital payments to stay competitive in a market where cash is steadily declining. Many local businesses, unable to bear the pressure of mounting costs, have folded within months of adopting these systems. This _____________ how dependence on a few gateways can distort fair competition.

A recent report highlights that while international credit card companies charge between 1% and 3% per transaction, some Chinese gateways impose hidden charges that push the effective rate even higher. The issue is not just about percentages; merchants also face delays in settlement, mandatory promotional tie-ins, and penalties for using alternative platforms. These tactics create an environment where firms have little choice but to comply.

Interestingly, consumers remain largely unaware of the scale of overcharging because the extra costs are often folded into the final prices of goods and services. In a way, the weather of the broader economy—rising inflation, slowing exports, and unpredictable growth—makes these charges even harder to digest. Instead of encouraging financial freedom, these practices contribute to a sense of dependency on a few dominant players.

Observers warn that if unchecked, this trend could harm innovation in the long run. The monopolistic grip of payment giants not only squeezes small firms but also discourages new entrants from experimenting with alternative solutions. Unless greater transparency and regulatory oversight are introduced, the promise of a seamless digital economy may end up costing more than it delivers.

How does the overall state of the economy affect the problems caused by digital payment platforms, according to the passage?

Read the following passage and answer the given questions.

In recent years, China’s economy has expanded rapidly, with consumer spending playing a pivotal role. From groceries to luxury items, nearly every purchase now passes through digital payment gateways such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. These platforms have revolutionized the financial landscape, providing convenience and speed. However, beneath this innovation lies a growing concern: the overcharging practices of these payment firms.

Merchants across sectors have complained that the transaction fees are often higher than advertised. Small firms, in particular, feel the burden, as they rely heavily on digital payments to stay competitive in a market where cash is steadily declining. Many local businesses, unable to bear the pressure of mounting costs, have folded within months of adopting these systems. This _____________ how dependence on a few gateways can distort fair competition.

A recent report highlights that while international credit card companies charge between 1% and 3% per transaction, some Chinese gateways impose hidden charges that push the effective rate even higher. The issue is not just about percentages; merchants also face delays in settlement, mandatory promotional tie-ins, and penalties for using alternative platforms. These tactics create an environment where firms have little choice but to comply.

Interestingly, consumers remain largely unaware of the scale of overcharging because the extra costs are often folded into the final prices of goods and services. In a way, the weather of the broader economy—rising inflation, slowing exports, and unpredictable growth—makes these charges even harder to digest. Instead of encouraging financial freedom, these practices contribute to a sense of dependency on a few dominant players.

Observers warn that if unchecked, this trend could harm innovation in the long run. The monopolistic grip of payment giants not only squeezes small firms but also discourages new entrants from experimenting with alternative solutions. Unless greater transparency and regulatory oversight are introduced, the promise of a seamless digital economy may end up costing more than it delivers.

Which of the following statements can be inferred to be TRUE based on the passage?

(I) Digital payment systems were initially perceived as tools to improve financial accessibility.

(II) Delays in settlement and penalties are part of the challenges faced by merchants using Chinese digital payment platforms.

(III) Consumers have protested en masse against overcharging practices by payment firms.

Read the following passage and answer the given questions.

In recent years, China’s economy has expanded rapidly, with consumer spending playing a pivotal role. From groceries to luxury items, nearly every purchase now passes through digital payment gateways such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. These platforms have revolutionized the financial landscape, providing convenience and speed. However, beneath this innovation lies a growing concern: the overcharging practices of these payment firms.

Merchants across sectors have complained that the transaction fees are often higher than advertised. Small firms, in particular, feel the burden, as they rely heavily on digital payments to stay competitive in a market where cash is steadily declining. Many local businesses, unable to bear the pressure of mounting costs, have folded within months of adopting these systems. This _____________ how dependence on a few gateways can distort fair competition.

A recent report highlights that while international credit card companies charge between 1% and 3% per transaction, some Chinese gateways impose hidden charges that push the effective rate even higher. The issue is not just about percentages; merchants also face delays in settlement, mandatory promotional tie-ins, and penalties for using alternative platforms. These tactics create an environment where firms have little choice but to comply.

Interestingly, consumers remain largely unaware of the scale of overcharging because the extra costs are often folded into the final prices of goods and services. In a way, the weather of the broader economy—rising inflation, slowing exports, and unpredictable growth—makes these charges even harder to digest. Instead of encouraging financial freedom, these practices contribute to a sense of dependency on a few dominant players.

Observers warn that if unchecked, this trend could harm innovation in the long run. The monopolistic grip of payment giants not only squeezes small firms but also discourages new entrants from experimenting with alternative solutions. Unless greater transparency and regulatory oversight are introduced, the promise of a seamless digital economy may end up costing more than it delivers.

Which of the following statements is/are FALSE according to the passage?

(I) The majority of consumers are well-informed about the extra transaction charges added by payment firms.

(II) The convenience of digital payments has completely eliminated financial dependency on dominant platforms.

(III) All Chinese digital gateways charge uniformly between 1% and 3% per transaction.

Read the following passage and answer the given questions.

In recent years, China’s economy has expanded rapidly, with consumer spending playing a pivotal role. From groceries to luxury items, nearly every purchase now passes through digital payment gateways such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. These platforms have revolutionized the financial landscape, providing convenience and speed. However, beneath this innovation lies a growing concern: the overcharging practices of these payment firms.

Merchants across sectors have complained that the transaction fees are often higher than advertised. Small firms, in particular, feel the burden, as they rely heavily on digital payments to stay competitive in a market where cash is steadily declining. Many local businesses, unable to bear the pressure of mounting costs, have folded within months of adopting these systems. This _____________ how dependence on a few gateways can distort fair competition.

A recent report highlights that while international credit card companies charge between 1% and 3% per transaction, some Chinese gateways impose hidden charges that push the effective rate even higher. The issue is not just about percentages; merchants also face delays in settlement, mandatory promotional tie-ins, and penalties for using alternative platforms. These tactics create an environment where firms have little choice but to comply.

Interestingly, consumers remain largely unaware of the scale of overcharging because the extra costs are often folded into the final prices of goods and services. In a way, the weather of the broader economy—rising inflation, slowing exports, and unpredictable growth—makes these charges even harder to digest. Instead of encouraging financial freedom, these practices contribute to a sense of dependency on a few dominant players.

Observers warn that if unchecked, this trend could harm innovation in the long run. The monopolistic grip of payment giants not only squeezes small firms but also discourages new entrants from experimenting with alternative solutions. Unless greater transparency and regulatory oversight are introduced, the promise of a seamless digital economy may end up costing more than it delivers.

Choose the most suitable word for the given blank.

Read the following passage and answer the given questions.

In recent years, China’s economy has expanded rapidly, with consumer spending playing a pivotal role. From groceries to luxury items, nearly every purchase now passes through digital payment gateways such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. These platforms have revolutionized the financial landscape, providing convenience and speed. However, beneath this innovation lies a growing concern: the overcharging practices of these payment firms.

Merchants across sectors have complained that the transaction fees are often higher than advertised. Small firms, in particular, feel the burden, as they rely heavily on digital payments to stay competitive in a market where cash is steadily declining. Many local businesses, unable to bear the pressure of mounting costs, have folded within months of adopting these systems. This _____________ how dependence on a few gateways can distort fair competition.

A recent report highlights that while international credit card companies charge between 1% and 3% per transaction, some Chinese gateways impose hidden charges that push the effective rate even higher. The issue is not just about percentages; merchants also face delays in settlement, mandatory promotional tie-ins, and penalties for using alternative platforms. These tactics create an environment where firms have little choice but to comply.

Interestingly, consumers remain largely unaware of the scale of overcharging because the extra costs are often folded into the final prices of goods and services. In a way, the weather of the broader economy—rising inflation, slowing exports, and unpredictable growth—makes these charges even harder to digest. Instead of encouraging financial freedom, these practices contribute to a sense of dependency on a few dominant players.

Observers warn that if unchecked, this trend could harm innovation in the long run. The monopolistic grip of payment giants not only squeezes small firms but also discourages new entrants from experimenting with alternative solutions. Unless greater transparency and regulatory oversight are introduced, the promise of a seamless digital economy may end up costing more than it delivers.

Choose the word that can best replace the word “weather” in the passage.