Direction : In the following passage, there are blanks, each preceded by a word given in bold. Every blank has four alternative words given in options (A), (B), (C) and (D). Find the word which best suits the place. If the given word suits the blank, mark 'no correction/change required' as the answer.

At the end of his rousing speech to the U.S. Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi quoted Walt Whitman to indicate that there was a “new symphony in play” between India and the U.S. The past two years bear out such lyricism in the bilateral relationship. Defence ties have been dissuaded (A) in three ways: in defence burking (B) procurement from the U.S. as well as co-development projects, which are worth over $14 billion; in coordination, cooperation and sharing of information between the two defence forces; and increasingly, on the idea of working together on operations on piracy and peacekeeping. However, it is the strategic relationship, with India’s positioning on non-alignment, that is the most dramatic score in the dissension (C). Although the Centre has drawn the line at an estrangement (D) and “joint patrols”, it is clear from the joint vision statement signed in New Delhi last year that the Modi government intends to move closer to the U.S. on defence issues. In recognition, during Mr. Modi’s visit the U.S. declared India a “major defence partner”, a designation specially created to describe this new relationship and one that is just short of a military alliance. In 2005, Manmohan Singh told the U.S. Congress of how “India’s growth and prosperity are in American interest”, and the heavy lifting has yielded annual bilateral trade of $107 billion now. On Wednesday, Mr. Modi took the theme forward by saying, “A stronger and bereft (E) India is in America’s strategic interest.”

Find the appropriate word in each case. (D)

The IMPROVEMENT

The following sentence has been split into four segments. Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error.

Every / curious child / want to / rip open a toy

Select the correct indirect form of the given sentence.

Nandini said, “I bought a pen yesterday.”

Fill in the blank with the correct English and Hindi version of the technical term from given options:
 The chairman was forced to _______ his post.
 अध्यक्ष को विवश होकर अपना पद _______ पड़ा।

Directions: Read the following passage and answer the questions as directed.

We expect individuals (I) to take charge of their lives, to assume responsibility for their decisions. But when individuals group together, a problem arises. Groups can’t take charge of themselves, nor can every member simultaneously take charge of the entire group. Someone from the group is invariably asked to show the way, to become the primary agent, to lead. Yet, not everyone who occupies high office is a leader. A person who merely (II) or has management skills is not a leader. Moreover, not everyone who assumes the role of a leader is able to play it well. What qualities then make for a leader? Which (A)virtues are required to provide ethical leadership? I suppose there is little new (III). But let me still give it a shot in the hope that it serves as a good reminder. And in the election year, why not focus on qualities necessary for political leadership?

If a person is chosen to lead the group, it is her responsibility to take care of the interest of each person of the entire group. This often (B)____ putting collective interest before her own interest or that of her

preferred group. For this to happen, she must first be able to identify the common good, to have a grasp of what is acceptable to all, to have an inclusive vision. This requires an infinite capacity to listen to others, to learn from them, to have the intellectual ability to critically examine and evaluate what everyone wants and needs, and then put them all together. Since this intellectual formulation can only be the first step, an estimate of the real quality of a decision is not known until it is implemented; ______(C) _______.
 This requires him to keep his ear to the ground, listen patiently to criticism to judge if his policies are working. He must not be defensive when criticised, or evade uncomfortable questions, but face criticism head on and be able to sift the wheat from the chaff. It also necessitates that a leader show flexibility and an ability for course correction by admitting mistakes. He should know that one’s stature is not diminished by accepting fallibility. A leader must be a good communicator, and that is greatly helped if he has a way with words. But all the rhetorical flourish is of no avail if the speech lacks sincerity and conviction. Finally, a good leader knows that nothing can be achieved without the collective expertise and wisdom of a support team.
 It is equally tempting to pick those one has taken a fancy to, who are personally loyal. But such people often lack spine. (D)Fearful people with poor ability can never offer good advice to their leader and could allow bad decisions to prevail that push the country down a ruinous path. Besides, they are often among the first to backstab the leader once out of power. Thus, personal likes and dislikes too must be set aside.

Which of the following words can replace the word given in bold in (A) without changing the meaning of the sentence?

In the following question, a sentence has been given in Direct/Indirect speech. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Indirect/Direct speech.

Aunt said to mother, "I will be in Surat on Friday."

In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank.

Rama was a naughty boy __(1)___lived in the village of Tenali. His mother did not __(2) ___ what to do with him since he ___(3)___ to study or do any work. One day __(4)__ took him to see a Guru. She told the __(5)___ man that she wanted him to take Rama Under his guardianship.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank No.5