Practice SBI PO 2024 Prelims English PYQ – 16 Mar 2025 Shift 1 (40 Questions with Solutions)

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below.

India’s population dynamics (A) have been a subject of extensive debate among policymakers, business leaders, and social commentators. The discussion encompasses concerns about both the rapid increase in numbers and the simultaneous drop in fertility rates, creating a complex demographic landscape that will shape the country's future.

One of the most notable trends observed over the past few decades is the steady decline in population growth. The Census data from 2001-2011 showed a population growth rate of 17.70 per cent, down from 21.54 per cent in the previous decade. This marked the slowest growth rate in sixty years. The last time such a low growth rate was recorded (B) was in 1951, when it stood at 13.31 per cent. Experts attribute this decline to multiple factors, including increased urbanization, better access to healthcare, and widespread awareness regarding family planning.

A major contributing factor to the declining (C) population growth is the reduction in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR). Over the 2001-2011 period, the TFR dropped to 2.2 from 2.5 in the previous decade. This indicates that, on average, each couple had fewer children than before. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level fertility rate, meaning that India is inching closer to a stabilization phase where the number of births is just enough to replace the existing population.

However, the declining fertility rate has speculated (D) mixed reactions. While some experts view it as a positive shift toward a more balanced population, others worry about potential future challenges. A rapidly aging population, coupled with a ______________ workforce, could impact economic growth and strain social welfare systems. Countries like Japan and some European nations have already faced economic slowdowns due to declining birth rates, and India must prepare for similar challenges.

As India moves forward, policymakers must strike a balance between population control and workforce sustainability. Encouraging responsible family planning while ensuring economic stability will be crucial in shaping the nation’s demographic future. The coming decades will determine whether India can successfully navigate these shifting population trends.

According to the passage, which factor is NOT mentioned as a reason for India's declining population growth?

(I) Increased urbanization leading to lifestyle changes and smaller families. (II) Greater awareness and accessibility of family planning measures. (III) Rising unemployment rates discouraging people from having more children.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below.

India’s population dynamics (A) have been a subject of extensive debate among policymakers, business leaders, and social commentators. The discussion encompasses concerns about both the rapid increase in numbers and the simultaneous drop in fertility rates, creating a complex demographic landscape that will shape the country's future.

One of the most notable trends observed over the past few decades is the steady decline in population growth. The Census data from 2001-2011 showed a population growth rate of 17.70 per cent, down from 21.54 per cent in the previous decade. This marked the slowest growth rate in sixty years. The last time such a low growth rate was recorded (B) was in 1951, when it stood at 13.31 per cent. Experts attribute this decline to multiple factors, including increased urbanization, better access to healthcare, and widespread awareness regarding family planning.

A major contributing factor to the declining (C) population growth is the reduction in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR). Over the 2001-2011 period, the TFR dropped to 2.2 from 2.5 in the previous decade. This indicates that, on average, each couple had fewer children than before. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level fertility rate, meaning that India is inching closer to a stabilization phase where the number of births is just enough to replace the existing population.

However, the declining fertility rate has speculated (D) mixed reactions. While some experts view it as a positive shift toward a more balanced population, others worry about potential future challenges. A rapidly aging population, coupled with a ______________ workforce, could impact economic growth and strain social welfare systems. Countries like Japan and some European nations have already faced economic slowdowns due to declining birth rates, and India must prepare for similar challenges.

As India moves forward, policymakers must strike a balance between population control and workforce sustainability. Encouraging responsible family planning while ensuring economic stability will be crucial in shaping the nation’s demographic future. The coming decades will determine whether India can successfully navigate these shifting population trends.

Which of the words has been incorrectly used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below.

India’s population dynamics (A) have been a subject of extensive debate among policymakers, business leaders, and social commentators. The discussion encompasses concerns about both the rapid increase in numbers and the simultaneous drop in fertility rates, creating a complex demographic landscape that will shape the country's future.

One of the most notable trends observed over the past few decades is the steady decline in population growth. The Census data from 2001-2011 showed a population growth rate of 17.70 per cent, down from 21.54 per cent in the previous decade. This marked the slowest growth rate in sixty years. The last time such a low growth rate was recorded (B) was in 1951, when it stood at 13.31 per cent. Experts attribute this decline to multiple factors, including increased urbanization, better access to healthcare, and widespread awareness regarding family planning.

A major contributing factor to the declining (C) population growth is the reduction in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR). Over the 2001-2011 period, the TFR dropped to 2.2 from 2.5 in the previous decade. This indicates that, on average, each couple had fewer children than before. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level fertility rate, meaning that India is inching closer to a stabilization phase where the number of births is just enough to replace the existing population.

However, the declining fertility rate has speculated (D) mixed reactions. While some experts view it as a positive shift toward a more balanced population, others worry about potential future challenges. A rapidly aging population, coupled with a ______________ workforce, could impact economic growth and strain social welfare systems. Countries like Japan and some European nations have already faced economic slowdowns due to declining birth rates, and India must prepare for similar challenges.

As India moves forward, policymakers must strike a balance between population control and workforce sustainability. Encouraging responsible family planning while ensuring economic stability will be crucial in shaping the nation’s demographic future. The coming decades will determine whether India can successfully navigate these shifting population trends.

Identify which of the following statements is correct as per the passage.

(I) A declining fertility rate could lead to an aging population, which may impact social welfare systems. (II) Countries like Japan and some European nations have faced economic challenges due to a falling birth rate. (III) A fertility rate of 2.1 is considered high for a developing country like India.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below.

India’s population dynamics (A) have been a subject of extensive debate among policymakers, business leaders, and social commentators. The discussion encompasses concerns about both the rapid increase in numbers and the simultaneous drop in fertility rates, creating a complex demographic landscape that will shape the country's future.

One of the most notable trends observed over the past few decades is the steady decline in population growth. The Census data from 2001-2011 showed a population growth rate of 17.70 per cent, down from 21.54 per cent in the previous decade. This marked the slowest growth rate in sixty years. The last time such a low growth rate was recorded (B) was in 1951, when it stood at 13.31 per cent. Experts attribute this decline to multiple factors, including increased urbanization, better access to healthcare, and widespread awareness regarding family planning.

A major contributing factor to the declining (C) population growth is the reduction in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR). Over the 2001-2011 period, the TFR dropped to 2.2 from 2.5 in the previous decade. This indicates that, on average, each couple had fewer children than before. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level fertility rate, meaning that India is inching closer to a stabilization phase where the number of births is just enough to replace the existing population.

However, the declining fertility rate has speculated (D) mixed reactions. While some experts view it as a positive shift toward a more balanced population, others worry about potential future challenges. A rapidly aging population, coupled with a ______________ workforce, could impact economic growth and strain social welfare systems. Countries like Japan and some European nations have already faced economic slowdowns due to declining birth rates, and India must prepare for similar challenges.

As India moves forward, policymakers must strike a balance between population control and workforce sustainability. Encouraging responsible family planning while ensuring economic stability will be crucial in shaping the nation’s demographic future. The coming decades will determine whether India can successfully navigate these shifting population trends.

Choose the most suitable word to fill in the blank.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below.

India’s population dynamics (A) have been a subject of extensive debate among policymakers, business leaders, and social commentators. The discussion encompasses concerns about both the rapid increase in numbers and the simultaneous drop in fertility rates, creating a complex demographic landscape that will shape the country's future.

One of the most notable trends observed over the past few decades is the steady decline in population growth. The Census data from 2001-2011 showed a population growth rate of 17.70 per cent, down from 21.54 per cent in the previous decade. This marked the slowest growth rate in sixty years. The last time such a low growth rate was recorded (B) was in 1951, when it stood at 13.31 per cent. Experts attribute this decline to multiple factors, including increased urbanization, better access to healthcare, and widespread awareness regarding family planning.

A major contributing factor to the declining (C) population growth is the reduction in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR). Over the 2001-2011 period, the TFR dropped to 2.2 from 2.5 in the previous decade. This indicates that, on average, each couple had fewer children than before. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level fertility rate, meaning that India is inching closer to a stabilization phase where the number of births is just enough to replace the existing population.

However, the declining fertility rate has speculated (D) mixed reactions. While some experts view it as a positive shift toward a more balanced population, others worry about potential future challenges. A rapidly aging population, coupled with a ______________ workforce, could impact economic growth and strain social welfare systems. Countries like Japan and some European nations have already faced economic slowdowns due to declining birth rates, and India must prepare for similar challenges.

As India moves forward, policymakers must strike a balance between population control and workforce sustainability. Encouraging responsible family planning while ensuring economic stability will be crucial in shaping the nation’s demographic future. The coming decades will determine whether India can successfully navigate these shifting population trends.

Identify which of the following statements is incorrect based on the passage.

(I) India’s population growth rate has been consistently increasing over the past six decades. (II) The slowest population growth rate in 60 years was recorded in the 2001-2011 period. (III) The passage suggests that the declining fertility rate is beneficial for long-term economic growth.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below.

India’s population dynamics (A) have been a subject of extensive debate among policymakers, business leaders, and social commentators. The discussion encompasses concerns about both the rapid increase in numbers and the simultaneous drop in fertility rates, creating a complex demographic landscape that will shape the country's future.

One of the most notable trends observed over the past few decades is the steady decline in population growth. The Census data from 2001-2011 showed a population growth rate of 17.70 per cent, down from 21.54 per cent in the previous decade. This marked the slowest growth rate in sixty years. The last time such a low growth rate was recorded (B) was in 1951, when it stood at 13.31 per cent. Experts attribute this decline to multiple factors, including increased urbanization, better access to healthcare, and widespread awareness regarding family planning.

A major contributing factor to the declining (C) population growth is the reduction in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR). Over the 2001-2011 period, the TFR dropped to 2.2 from 2.5 in the previous decade. This indicates that, on average, each couple had fewer children than before. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level fertility rate, meaning that India is inching closer to a stabilization phase where the number of births is just enough to replace the existing population.

However, the declining fertility rate has speculated (D) mixed reactions. While some experts view it as a positive shift toward a more balanced population, others worry about potential future challenges. A rapidly aging population, coupled with a ______________ workforce, could impact economic growth and strain social welfare systems. Countries like Japan and some European nations have already faced economic slowdowns due to declining birth rates, and India must prepare for similar challenges.

As India moves forward, policymakers must strike a balance between population control and workforce sustainability. Encouraging responsible family planning while ensuring economic stability will be crucial in shaping the nation’s demographic future. The coming decades will determine whether India can successfully navigate these shifting population trends.

Which of the following is the closest synonym of the word "drop" as used in the passage?

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below.

India’s population dynamics (A) have been a subject of extensive debate among policymakers, business leaders, and social commentators. The discussion encompasses concerns about both the rapid increase in numbers and the simultaneous drop in fertility rates, creating a complex demographic landscape that will shape the country's future.

One of the most notable trends observed over the past few decades is the steady decline in population growth. The Census data from 2001-2011 showed a population growth rate of 17.70 per cent, down from 21.54 per cent in the previous decade. This marked the slowest growth rate in sixty years. The last time such a low growth rate was recorded (B) was in 1951, when it stood at 13.31 per cent. Experts attribute this decline to multiple factors, including increased urbanization, better access to healthcare, and widespread awareness regarding family planning.

A major contributing factor to the declining (C) population growth is the reduction in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR). Over the 2001-2011 period, the TFR dropped to 2.2 from 2.5 in the previous decade. This indicates that, on average, each couple had fewer children than before. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level fertility rate, meaning that India is inching closer to a stabilization phase where the number of births is just enough to replace the existing population.

However, the declining fertility rate has speculated (D) mixed reactions. While some experts view it as a positive shift toward a more balanced population, others worry about potential future challenges. A rapidly aging population, coupled with a ______________ workforce, could impact economic growth and strain social welfare systems. Countries like Japan and some European nations have already faced economic slowdowns due to declining birth rates, and India must prepare for similar challenges.

As India moves forward, policymakers must strike a balance between population control and workforce sustainability. Encouraging responsible family planning while ensuring economic stability will be crucial in shaping the nation’s demographic future. The coming decades will determine whether India can successfully navigate these shifting population trends.

Why is a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 2.1 considered important, according to the passage? (I) It ensures that the number of births is just enough to replace the existing population. (II) It helps prevent population decline, which could lead to labor shortages and economic stagnation. (III) It guarantees that economic growth will accelerate without any demographic challenges.

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question given below.

India’s population dynamics (A) have been a subject of extensive debate among policymakers, business leaders, and social commentators. The discussion encompasses concerns about both the rapid increase in numbers and the simultaneous drop in fertility rates, creating a complex demographic landscape that will shape the country's future.

One of the most notable trends observed over the past few decades is the steady decline in population growth. The Census data from 2001-2011 showed a population growth rate of 17.70 per cent, down from 21.54 per cent in the previous decade. This marked the slowest growth rate in sixty years. The last time such a low growth rate was recorded (B) was in 1951, when it stood at 13.31 per cent. Experts attribute this decline to multiple factors, including increased urbanization, better access to healthcare, and widespread awareness regarding family planning.

A major contributing factor to the declining (C) population growth is the reduction in India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR). Over the 2001-2011 period, the TFR dropped to 2.2 from 2.5 in the previous decade. This indicates that, on average, each couple had fewer children than before. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level fertility rate, meaning that India is inching closer to a stabilization phase where the number of births is just enough to replace the existing population.

However, the declining fertility rate has speculated (D) mixed reactions. While some experts view it as a positive shift toward a more balanced population, others worry about potential future challenges. A rapidly aging population, coupled with a ______________ workforce, could impact economic growth and strain social welfare systems. Countries like Japan and some European nations have already faced economic slowdowns due to declining birth rates, and India must prepare for similar challenges.

As India moves forward, policymakers must strike a balance between population control and workforce sustainability. Encouraging responsible family planning while ensuring economic stability will be crucial in shaping the nation’s demographic future. The coming decades will determine whether India can successfully navigate these shifting population trends.

Which of the following is the closest synonym of the word "steady" as used in the passage?

Directions: 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 or phrase that fits the blank.

In a significant move aimed at (A) ________ children's mental health and online safety, Australia’s House of Representatives has passed a bill that would (B) ________ young children from accessing social media platforms. The legislation, which is now set to be debated in the Senate, proposes a strict age verification system to ensure compliance. Under the bill, children under the age of 16 would be barred from creating accounts on social media platforms, while those between 16 and 18 would require parental (C) ________.

The government argues that excessive social media use negatively impacts children's well-being, leading to increased anxiety, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. Advocates of the bill (D) ________ it as a necessary step in protecting young minds from online dangers. “This is about prioritizing children's mental health over corporate profits,” said an Australian MP in support of the legislation.

However, critics argue that the ban may be difficult to enforce and could (E) ________ children toward unregulated online spaces. Some also raise concerns about privacy risks associated with age verification measures.

If the bill passes the Senate, Australia would join a growing number of countries (F) ________ stricter online safety laws for minors. As digital technology continues to evolve, the debate over balancing internet freedom with child protection remains a crucial issue worldwide.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank (A).

Directions: 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 or phrase that fits the blank.

In a significant move aimed at (A) ________ children's mental health and online safety, Australia’s House of Representatives has passed a bill that would (B) ________ young children from accessing social media platforms. The legislation, which is now set to be debated in the Senate, proposes a strict age verification system to ensure compliance. Under the bill, children under the age of 16 would be barred from creating accounts on social media platforms, while those between 16 and 18 would require parental (C) ________.

The government argues that excessive social media use negatively impacts children's well-being, leading to increased anxiety, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. Advocates of the bill (D) ________ it as a necessary step in protecting young minds from online dangers. “This is about prioritizing children's mental health over corporate profits,” said an Australian MP in support of the legislation.

However, critics argue that the ban may be difficult to enforce and could (E) ________ children toward unregulated online spaces. Some also raise concerns about privacy risks associated with age verification measures.

If the bill passes the Senate, Australia would join a growing number of countries (F) ________ stricter online safety laws for minors. As digital technology continues to evolve, the debate over balancing internet freedom with child protection remains a crucial issue worldwide.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank (B).