In a low-carbon world, renewable energy technologies are hot business. For investors looking to redirect funds, wind turbines and solar panels, among other technologies, seem a straightforward choice. But renewables need to be further scrutinized before being championed as forging a path toward a low-carbon future. Both the direct and indirect impacts of renewable energy must be examined to ensure that a climate-smart future does not intensify social and environmental harm. As renewable energy production requires land, water, and labor, among other inputs, it imposes costs on people and the environment. Hydropower projects, for instance, have led to community dispossession and exclusion . . .Renewable energy supply chains are also intertwined with mining, and their technologies contribute to growing levels of electronic waste . . . Furthermore, although renewable energy can be produced and distributed through small-scale, local systems, such an approach might not generate the high returns on investment needed to attract capital. Although an emerging sector, renewables are enmeshed in long-standing resource extraction through their dependence on minerals and metals . . . Scholars document the negative consequences of mining . . . even for mining operations that commit to socially responsible practices[:] “many of the world’s largest reservoirs of minerals like cobalt, copper, lithium,[and] rare earth minerals”—the ones needed for renewable technologies— “are found in fragile states and under communities of marginalized peoples in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.” Since the demand for metals and minerals will increase substantially in a renewable-powered future . . . this intensification could exacerbate the existing consequences of extractive activities.
Among the connections between climate change and waste, O’Neill . . . highlights that “devices developed to reduce our carbon footprint, such as lithium batteries for hybrid and electric cars or solar panels[,] become potentially dangerous electronic waste at the end of their productive life.” The disposal of toxic waste has long perpetuated social injustice through the flows of waste to the Global South and to marginalized communities in the Global North . ..
While renewable energy is a more recent addition to financial portfolios, investments in the sector must be considered in light of our understanding of capital accumulation. As agricultural finance reveals, the concentration of control of corporate activity facilitates profit generation. For some climate activists, the promise of renewables rests on their ability not only to reduce emissions but also to provide distributed, democratized access to energy . . .But Burke and Stephens . . . caution that “renewable energy systems offer a possibility but not a certainty for more democratic energy futures.” Small-scale, distributed forms of energy are only highly profitable to institutional investors if control is consolidated somewhere in the financial chain. Renewable energy can be produced at the household or neighborhood level. However, such small-scale, localized production is unlikely to generate high returns for investors. For financial growth to be sustained and expanded by the renewable sector, production and trade in renewable energy technologies will need to be highly concentrated, and large asset management firms will likely drive those developments.
Based on the passage, we can infer that the author would be most supportive of which one of the following practices?
- The localised, small-scale development of renewable energy systems.
- More stringent global policies and regulations to ensure a more just system of toxic waste disposal.
- Encouragement for the development of more environment-friendly carbon-based fuels.
- The study of the coexistence of marginalised people with their environments.
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Let's examine each option individually:
Option A's assertion is contradicted by the last paragraph, where the author advocates for the financial viability of localized small-scale production. Consequently, this option is also incorrect.
Option B accurately states, "many of the world’s largest reservoirs of minerals like cobalt, copper, lithium, [and] rare earth minerals”—the ones needed for renewable technologies—are found in fragile states and under communities of marginalized peoples in Africa, Asia, and Latin America." The passage suggests that the intensification of demand for these minerals could worsen the existing consequences of extractive activities if proper disposal of toxic materials is not ensured.
Option C suggests, "Encouragement for the development of more environment-friendly carbon-based fuels." Yet, the author explicitly discusses reducing carbon footprint in the third paragraph, indicating a stance against carbon-based fuels. Hence, this option is incorrect.
Option D proposes, "The study of the coexistence of marginalized people with their environments." However, this passage primarily discusses the impact of renewable energy on marginalized communities, not their coexistence. Therefore, we can disregard this option.
So, the correct answer is (B):More stringent global policies and regulations to ensure a more just system of toxic waste disposal.
All of the following statements, if true, could be seen as supporting the arguments in the passage, EXCEPT:
- Marginalised people in Africa, Asia and Latin America have often been the main sufferers of corporate mineral extraction projects.
- The example of agricultural finance helps us to see how to concentrate corporate activity in the renewable energy sector
- One reason for the perpetuation of social injustice lies in the problem of the disposal of toxic waste.
- The possible negative impacts of renewable energy need to be studied before it can be offered as a financial investment opportunity.
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Read the final last of the passage, "For financial growth to be sustained and expanded by the renewable sector, production and trade in renewable energy technologies will need to be highly concentrated, and large asset management firms will likely drive those developments." Nowhere is it indicated that studying the negative impacts of renewable energy is necessary for its financial viability.
So, the correct answer is (D): The possible negative impacts of renewable energy need to be studied before it can be offered as a financial investment opportunity.
Which one of the following statements, if false, could be seen as best supporting the arguments in the passage?
- Renewable energy systems are not as profitable as non-renewable energy systems.
- Renewable energy systems are as expensive as non-renewable energy systems.
- The production and distribution of renewable energy through small-scale, localsystems is not economically sustainable.
- Renewable energy systems have little or no environmental impact.
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Referring to the passage, which states, "As renewable energy production requires land, water, and labor, among other inputs, it imposes costs on people and the environment. Hydropower projects, for instance, have led to community dispossession and exclusion..."
Hence, Option D is accurate as it is contradicted by the passage.
Option A is accurate as the non-renewable energy system tends to be more profitable.
Option B is valid because a significant investment is necessary to yield substantial returns.
Option C is also true, as stated in the passage: "Renewable energy can be produced at the household or neighborhood level. However, such small-scale, localized production is unlikely to generate high returns for investors."
So, the correct answer is (D): Renewable energy systems have little or no environmental impact.
Which one of the following statements, if true, could be an accurate inference from the first paragraph of the passage?
The author has reservations about the consequences of non-renewable energy systems.
- The author’s only reservation is about the profitability of renewable energy systems.
- The author has reservations about the consequences of renewable energy systems.
- The author does not think renewable energy systems can be as efficient as non-renewable energy systems.
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The author does not mention anything about non-renewable energy in the first paragraph of the provided passage. Therefore, Option A cannot be deduced from it. The profitability of renewable energy was not the author's sole concern. In reality, the author's apprehension revolves around whether the renewable energy system could function without harming the environment. Hence, Option B is inaccurate. However, this very concern of the author validates Option C as the correct choice. Option D cannot be inferred from the given passage.
The correct answer is (C): The author has reservations about the consequences of renewable energy systems.
Which one of the following statements best captures the main argument of the last paragraph of the passage?
- Most forms of renewable energy are not profitable investments for institutional investors.
- Renewable energy produced at the household or neighbourhood level is more efficient than mass-produced forms of energy.
- Renewable energy systems are not democratic unless they are corporate-controlled.
- The development of the renewable energy sector is a double-edged sword.
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Option A is incorrect because the passage acknowledges renewable technology as a thriving industry. However, it also notes that small-scale production and distribution of renewable energy may not yield substantial returns on investment.
The passage indicates that renewable energy produced at the household or neighborhood level is unlikely to yield significant profits for investors. However, it does not assert that renewable energy generated at this scale is more effective than mass-produced energy forms. Hence, Option B is inaccurate.
Option C contradicts the passage's discussion on the democratic distribution of renewable energy. As mentioned in "For some climate activists, the promise of renewables rests on their ability not only to reduce emissions but also to provide distributed, democratized access to energy... But Burke and Stephens... caution that 'renewable energy systems offer a possibility but not a certainty for more democratic energy futures."
Option D is valid because the passage delves into both the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy. As evidenced by "Both the direct and indirect impacts of renewable energy must be examined to ensure that a climate-smart future does not intensify social and environmental harm," the passage supports this notion.
The correct answer is (D): The development of the renewable energy sector is a double-edged sword.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
“Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, surely, to drive the great broad ways which commerce needs and which are the life-channels of a modern city, without destroying all history and all the humanity in between: the islands of the past.” (From Hilaire Belloc’s “The Crooked Streets”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?
- GATE CE - 2025
- General Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
- “His life was divided between the books, his friends, and long walks. A solitary man, he worked at all hours without much method, and probably courted his fatal illness in this way. To his own name there is not much to show; but such was his liberality that he was continually helping others, and fruits of his erudition are widely scattered, and have gone to increase many a comparative stranger’s reputation.”
(From E.V. Lucas’s “A Funeral”)
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true?- GATE CE - 2025
- General Aptitude
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the excerpt from a Handicrafts Manual: ‘Advanced Knitting Techniques’ and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
THE FAIR ISLE METHOD: Fair Isle knitting is a traditional technique that involves using two or more colours of yarn in a single row to create intricate patterns and designs. This method requires careful tension management to ensure even stitches and prevent puckering. To begin, select your colours and cast on the desired number of stitches. As you knit, alternate between colours every few stitches, carrying the unused yarn along the back of the work. Mastering the Fair Isle technique allows you to create stunning visual effects in garments, accessories, and home textiles.
THE CONTINENTAL STYLE: The Continental knitting style, often referred to as “picking,” involves holding the yarn in the left hand while the right hand manipulates the needles. This method allows for greater speed and efficiency, particularly when working with complex patterns or multiple colours. To practice this style, start by casting on your stitches and using your left hand to tension the yarn. With each stitch, simply “pick” the yarn with your right needle, forming a quick and fluid motion. As you become comfortable with this technique, you may find that your overall knitting speed and comfort improve significantly.
THE SHORT-ROW TECHNIQUE: Short-row knitting is an advanced technique that allows for the creation of shaped garments, such as sleeves and shoulders, without the need for complex shaping. To make a sleeve using this technique, begin by casting on the required number of stitches. Work a portion of the row, then turn your work and return without completing the full row to create the “short rows” that shape the curves of the sleeve. To prevent holes at the turn, wrap the stitch before you turn your work. Repeat this process as needed to achieve the desired shaping and dimension of the sleeve. Once you have shaped the sleeve, you can then sew the side seams to connect the pieces of your garment and finally, complete the edges to ensure a clean finish. This method not only helps shape curves but also adds dimension to your piece, allowing you to enhance fit and style.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the following passage and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
The Story of Coffee
Coffee, a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions around the globe, has a rich and captivating history that spans centuries. The story of coffee begins in the ancient highlands of Ethiopia, where, according to legend, a goat herder named Kaldi discovered the stimulating effects of coffee beans. One day, Kaldi noticed his goats frolicking with unusual energy after eating red berries from a certain tree. Curious, he tried the berries himself and experienced a newfound alertness. This discovery soon spread to monasteries, where monks used it to stay awake during long hours of prayer. From Ethiopia, coffee cultivation and consumption spread to the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Yemen, where the practice of roasting coffee beans and brewing the drink began to take shape. By the 15th century, coffee had become a popular beverage in the Islamic world, with coffee houses known as ‘qahveh khaneh’ emerging as social hubs for conversation, music, and intellectual exchange. These coffee houses became centers of culture and commerce, influencing the spread of coffee to Turkey and beyond, eventually reaching Europe. In Europe, coffee initially faced resistance from religious authorities who considered it a ‘Muslim drink’ and tried to ban it. However, its popularity persisted, and by the 17th century, coffee houses had sprung up in major European cities, becoming important gathering places for artists, writers, and thinkers. The stimulating effects of coffee were embraced during the Age of Enlightenment, where it was seen as a catalyst for intellectual discussion and innovation. The journey of coffee continued with the establishment of colonial plantations in tropical regions such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. These plantations fuelled the global demand for coffee, transforming it from a regional specialty to a major commodity. The industrial revolution further accelerated coffee production and consumption, leading to innovations in coffee brewing methods and the development of instant coffee. In the modern era, coffee has evolved into a deeply ingrained part of daily life for people worldwide. Its cultural significance spans from the bustling cafes of Paris to the quiet coffee farms of Colombia. Today, coffee remains not only a popular beverage but also a symbol of social interaction, productivity, and enjoyment. Whether sipped slowly over a conversation with friends or grabbed hastily on the way to work, the story of coffee continues to unfold, intertwining with the histories and cultures of countless societies across the globe.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
- Read the following passage and answer the following questions by choosing the most appropriate answer.
The intricate world of modern manufacturing is a web of precision and innovation, where even the tiniest components play a pivotal role. One such element, often overlooked but crucial, is the sub-subpart. Whether it’s a carpenter fashioning a bespoke piece of furniture or an automobile engineer designing the next generation of vehicles, the creation of sub-subparts is a fundamental process that demands meticulous craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. In the realm of woodworking, carpenters frequently work with sub-subparts like dowels, screws, and hinges. These minute components may appear insignificant, yet they determine the structural integrity and functionality of the final product. Crafting a dowel, for instance, begins with selecting the appropriate wood species, followed by precision cutting and shaping. The result is a perfectly cylindrical, sturdy sub-subpart that seamlessly joins two larger pieces of wood. The advent of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer numerical control (CNC) machines has revolutionised this process, enabling carpenters to create sub-subparts with unparalleled precision.
Similarly, in the automobile industry, sub-subparts are the unsung heroes of vehicle construction. Take, for instance, the ball bearing—a minuscule but essential component in the wheels and transmission system. Manufacturing these precision-engineered spheres involves intricate processes like forging, heat treatment, and precision machining. Modern techniques such as laser cutting and 3D printing have streamlined production, ensuring that these sub-subparts meet the demanding standards of the automotive sector. The manufacturing of sub-subparts is a testament to the convergence of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. Whether it’s a carpenter’s workshop or a high-tech automotive assembly line, the quest for perfection in sub-subpart creation remains unwavering. The attention to detail and precision required in these processes is a testament to the dedication of craftsmen and engineers alike.
To conclude, while sub-subparts may be small in size, their significance in various industries cannot be overstated. Whether it’s a carpenter working on a timeless piece of furniture or an automotive engineer striving for superior performance, the manufacturing of sub-subparts is a crucial step towards achieving excellence in craftsmanship and technology. This fusion of tradition and innovation accentuates the essence of modern manufacturing.- AILET BALLB (Hons.) - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in CAT exam
- For any natural Number 'n', let an be the largest number not exceeding \(\sqrt{n}\) , then a1 + a2 + a3... +a50 =
- CAT - 2024
- Number Systems
- The number of all positive integers up to 500 with non-repeating digits is
- CAT - 2024
- Number Systems
- The sum of all real values of $k$ for which $(\frac{1}{8})^k \times (\frac{1}{32768})^{\frac{4}{3}} = \frac{1}{8} \times (\frac{1}{32768})^{\frac{k}{3}}$ is
- CAT - 2024
- Logarithms
- When $10^{100}$ is divided by 7, the remainder is ?
- CAT - 2024
- Basics of Numbers
- In September, the incomes of \(K\), \(A\), and \(V\) are in the ratio \(8:6:5\). They rent a house, contributing \(15\%\), \(12\%\), and \(18\%\) of their respective incomes. In October, the rent remains the same, but the salaries of \(K\), \(A\), and \(V\) increase by \(10\%\), \(12\%\), and \(15\%\), respectively. What percentage of their total income is paid as house rent in October? (Round to the nearest percentage.)
- CAT - 2024
- Percentages