Read the passage carefully and answer the question given below by selecting the correct option:
On September 30, 2001, I (Dr APJ Abdul Kalam) found myself on a journey from Ranchi to Bokaro in Jharkhand. The helicopter carrying me crashed just before landing, its engine failing with a thud upon impact. Miraculously, all on board escaped unharmed. Grateful to God, I proceeded with my scheduled programme in Bokaro, unfazed by the incident. That night, doctors suggested a tranquilliser to ease perceived shock, leading to an early and disturbed sleep, filled with contemplation.
Amidst this intense dream, I stood in a moonlit desert with five revered figures: Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Emperor Asoka, Abraham Lincoln, and Caliph Omar. Asoka’s reflection on the Kalinga war symbolised a shift from conquest to compassion, inspiring a doctrine of non-violence, Ahimsa Dharma.
In this profound dream-conversation, these figures shared wisdom on humanity’s deep divisions caused by violence. They emphasised peace, equality, and the significance of ethical values in human consciousness. Asoka, having witnessed the consequences of his victories, highlighted the futility of causing suffering and the triumph of a peaceful kingdom.
Awakening from this vivid dream, I contemplated the contrasting forces of good and destruction in the world. The challenges faced by humanity, from conflicts to natural disasters and terrorism, prompted deep reflection. Yet, despite these challenges, I held a determined belief
in finding an everlasting solution.
Motivated by this dream and a desire to contribute to the greater good, I made a significant decision. Shifting focus from my scientific career, awards, and teams, I aimed to discover India’s true essence in its children. This marked a transcendence of personal achievements, emphasising the importance of nurturing enlightened individuals and fostering the inner, higher self in the youth. My commitment was to contribute to the enduring intelligence of India through meaningful interaction with joyous, young minds.
APJ Abdul Kalam ’Ignited Minds’
What event prompted the author’s contemplation in the passage?
- Meeting the revered figures
- The helicopter crash
- The scheduled programme in Bokaro
- Doctors’ suggestions for a tranquilliser
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
In order to determine what event prompted Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's contemplation in the passage, we should focus on the key elements described just before the contemplation scene. The passage narrates a significant incident where a helicopter carrying Dr. Kalam crashed just before landing, leading to a miraculous escape for everyone on board. This dramatic event followed by Kalam's reflection and decision-making process strongly suggests that the helicopter crash was the catalyst for his deep contemplation. Amidst gratitude and survival, the experience induced introspection and set the scene for the dream and subsequent reflections on humanity's challenges and his personal decisions.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: The helicopter crash.
Approach Solution -2
The helicopter crash prompted APJ Abdul Kalam's contemplation as mentioned in the passage, leading to reflection and a shift towards nurturing young minds.
Context: The tragic incident of the helicopter crash had a profound impact on APJ Abdul Kalam, which led to a moment of deep introspection. It was during this period of contemplation that he realized the importance of focusing on the future generation's growth and development.
Key Reflection: The realization that the country's future lies in the hands of the younger generation made Kalam redirect his focus from his scientific pursuits to more significant societal contributions. This shift encouraged him to dedicate himself to educating and inspiring young minds, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Change in Perspective: Before the crash, his efforts were primarily directed at advancing technology and working on defense projects. However, the reflection triggered by the crash became a turning point in his life. It led him to view his responsibilities through a broader lens, which included contributing to the personal and academic growth of future generations.
Final Thought: This moment of reflection and the subsequent change in priorities define a crucial turning point in APJ Abdul Kalam's life and his lasting legacy as a mentor, teacher, and visionary who believed in the power of young minds to transform the world. His shift towards nurturing young minds was not just about teaching them but empowering them to think critically and innovate for the betterment of society.
In Abdul Kalam’s dream, who among the historical figures symbolised a shift from conquest to compassion?
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Albert Einstein
- Emperor Asoka
- Abraham Lincoln
The Correct Option is C
Approach Solution - 1
Approach Solution -2
Emperor Asoka symbolized the shift from conquest to compassion after reflecting on the Kalinga war, leading to his embrace of non-violence, Ahimsa Dharma.
Context: After the devastating Kalinga war, Emperor Asoka underwent a profound transformation. The horrors of the war and the suffering it caused made him reflect deeply on the nature of conquest and its consequences on human lives.
Realization of the Harmful Effects of Violence: The massive loss of life and the destruction caused during the war led Asoka to recognize the futility of violence in achieving true peace and prosperity. He understood that the real power of a ruler lies in compassion and the ability to lead with wisdom, not through force.
Embrace of Non-Violence (Ahimsa Dharma): In response to this realization, Asoka converted to Buddhism and adopted the principles of Ahimsa, or non-violence, which became central to his governance. He sought to lead by example, promoting peace, tolerance, and the welfare of all beings through his policies.
Final Thought: Emperor Asoka's shift from a warrior to a compassionate ruler marked a significant moment in history. His transformation demonstrates the power of reflection and the capacity for change, illustrating that true strength lies in promoting peace and non-violence over conquest.
What concept was born in Asoka’s mind in the dream, according to Abdul Kalam?
- Karma
- Ahimsa Dharma
- Nirvana
- Moksha
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
The question asks about the concept that emerged in Emperor Asoka's mind, according to the dream experienced by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, as described in the passage.
The passage details Kalam's dream interaction with historical figures, including Emperor Asoka. In the dream, Asoka reflected on the Kalinga war and realized the importance of moving from conquest to compassion, which inspired the doctrine of non-violence. This concept is referred to as Ahimsa Dharma.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is Ahimsa Dharma, as it represents the shift towards non-violence and compassion that Asoka embraced after the Kalinga war.
Approach Solution -2
Asoka reflected on the Kalinga war in Abdul Kalam's dream, which led to the birth of Ahimsa Dharma (non-violence) in his mind.
Context: In a moment of deep reflection, Asoka, through Abdul Kalam's dream, revisits the horrors of the Kalinga war. This reflection serves as a catalyst for the profound change in Asoka's mindset, leading him to reconsider the path of violence.
Realization and Transformation: As Asoka ponders over the devastating consequences of the war, he feels a deep sense of remorse for the bloodshed and suffering it caused. This leads to the birth of a new understanding within him—Ahimsa Dharma, or the principle of non-violence, takes root in his mind.
Adoption of Non-Violence: The vision of non-violence profoundly changes Asoka’s approach to governance and personal conduct. Embracing the teachings of Buddhism, he chooses to rule with compassion, prioritizing peace and the welfare of his people over military conquest.
Final Thought: The reflection on the Kalinga war, experienced in Abdul Kalam's dream, not only marked a turning point in Asoka's life but also symbolized a broader shift in ancient India's approach to leadership and ethics. His embrace of Ahimsa Dharma remains one of the most significant transformations in history.
What significant decision did Abdul Kalam make after awakening from the dream?
- Shift focus from scientific career to nurturing enlightened individuals.
- Continue with his scheduled programme despite the incident.
- Pursue more awards and accolades in his scientific field.
- Explore the moonlit desert with the historical figures from the dream.
The Correct Option is A
Approach Solution - 1
The passage from Abdul Kalam's "Ignited Minds" describes a transformative moment in his life. After experiencing a vivid dream involving influential historical figures, he contemplated the challenges of violence and divisions in the world. The figures highlighted the importance of peace, equality, and ethical values.
Upon awakening, Kalam reflected on these themes and made a significant decision: to shift his focus from his scientific career towards nurturing enlightened individuals. This decision was inspired by the dream and his desire to contribute to the greater good, emphasizing the need to foster the higher self in youth and focusing on the enduring intelligence of India.
Therefore, the significant decision Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam made after awakening from his dream was to shift focus from his scientific career to nurturing enlightened individuals, as per the correct answer in the given options.
Approach Solution -2
Kalam shifted his focus from scientific achievements to nurturing and enlightening young minds, emphasizing a commitment to future generations.
Context: Throughout his illustrious career, Kalam made significant contributions to India's scientific advancements. However, after moments of reflection, he recognized that his true purpose was to empower the future generations, shifting his focus from technological achievements to the holistic development of young minds.
Realization and Change in Direction: Kalam realized that while scientific progress was important, the development of young people, particularly in the fields of education and values, would have a far greater and lasting impact on society. He believed that nurturing the youth was key to building a better future for India.
Commitment to Enlightening Young Minds: Kalam dedicated his later years to inspiring and mentoring young students, encouraging them to dream big and work hard. He became a symbol of hope and motivation, emphasizing the need for education, discipline, and vision to empower the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Final Thought: Kalam's shift in focus represents a profound lesson in leadership: true success lies not just in individual achievements, but in the ability to inspire and guide others towards greatness. His commitment to future generations continues to inspire millions across the globe.
Find a word from the passage that has a similar meaning to the word ‘Deep’
- Unfazed
- Profound
- Higher
- Vivid
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
The passage extracted is from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's "Ignited Minds," recounting an incident and a dream that led to profound realizations. Within this context, the word "profound" emerges from a pivotal dream-conversation held with historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Emperor Asoka. This dream symbolizes deep introspection about humanity's divide by violence and efforts towards peace and equality. Thus, 'profound' in this context aligns with the meaning 'deep' as it signifies significant, thoughtful insights during the dream.
Correct Answer: Profound
Approach Solution -2
The word “profound” refers to deep thoughts or insights, which align with the depth of contemplation mentioned in Abdul Kalam's passage.
Context: The word "profound" is often used to describe something that has a significant depth, whether in terms of thought, emotion, or understanding. In the context of Abdul Kalam’s passage, it aptly captures the deep level of reflection and insight he experienced during his moments of contemplation.
Meaning of "Profound": When Kalam reflects on his life and his mission, he does so with profound thoughts, meaning his insights are not shallow or fleeting but are rooted in deep, meaningful contemplation. The use of this term emphasizes the seriousness and depth of his reflections.
Alignment with Kalam's Reflection: The use of the word "profound" in this context highlights the transformative nature of Abdul Kalam’s thoughts as he shifted his focus from scientific achievements to the nurturing of young minds. His reflections were not surface-level but instead led to a deep realization that shaped his future endeavors.
Final Thought: The depth of Kalam’s contemplation, as reflected in the use of the word “profound,” mirrors the significance of his personal transformation, illustrating how deep thought can lead to a broader and more meaningful purpose in life.
Select an antonym for the word “tranquilliser”
- Sedative
- Stimulant
- Calming
- Soothing
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
The task is to find an antonym for the word "tranquilliser." In the passage, after a helicopter crash, doctors suggested a tranquilliser to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to ease perceived shock, which implies its use is to calm or relax. Considering the options:
- "Sedative": Similar to tranquilliser; both induce calmness.
- "Stimulant": Opposite of tranquilliser; increases alertness and activity.
- "Calming": Similar in effect to a tranquilliser.
- "Soothing": Provides comfort, akin to tranquilliser effects.
Given these explanations, the word "Stimulant" is the correct antonym for "tranquilliser" as stimulants wake up or excite rather than calming the body or mind.
Approach Solution -2
The word “stimulant” is the opposite of “tranquilliser,” as a stimulant increases activity or alertness, while a tranquilliser induces calmness or reduces anxiety.
Context: The term "stimulant" refers to substances that increase activity in the body or mind, enhancing alertness or energy. In contrast, a "tranquilliser" is a substance that induces calmness, relaxation, and reduces anxiety or stress. These terms are opposites in their effects on the human system.
Definition of Stimulant: A stimulant, such as caffeine or certain medications, works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, promoting heightened alertness, increased physical activity, and improved focus.
Definition of Tranquilliser: A tranquilliser, on the other hand, works by calming the nervous system, reducing stress, and inducing a sense of relaxation or sleep. Medications like benzodiazepines or sedatives fall under this category.
Final Thought: The contrasting effects of stimulants and tranquillizers demonstrate how different substances can influence the mind and body in opposing ways—one energizing and the other calming. Their usage depends on the specific needs of the individual, whether to increase activity or reduce anxiety.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
Meta is recalibrating content on its social media platforms as the political tide has turned in Washington, with Mark Zuckerberg announcing last week that his company plans to fire its US fact-checkers. Fact-checking evolved in response to allegations of misinformation and is being watered down in response to accusations of censorship. Social media does not have solutions to either. Community review — introduced by Elon Musk at X and planned by Zuckerberg for Facebook and Instagram — is not a significant improvement over fact-checking. Having Washington lean on foreign governments over content moderation does not benefit free speech. Yet, that is the nature of the social media beast, designed to amplify bias.
Information and misinformation continue to jostle on social media at the mercy of user discretion. Social media now has enough control over all other forms of media to broaden its reach. It is the connective tissue for mass consumption of entertainment, and alternative platforms are reworking their engagement with social media. Technologies are shaping up to drive this advantage further through synthetic content targeted precisely at its intended audience. Meta’s algorithm will now play up politics because it is the flavour of the season.
The Achilles’ Heel of social media is informed choice which could turn against misinformation. Its move away from content moderation is driven by the need to be more inclusive, yet unfiltered content can push users away from social media towards legacy forms that have better moderation systems in place. Lawmakers across the world are unlikely to give social media a free run, even if Donald Trump is working on their case. Protections have already been put in place across jurisdictions over misinformation. These may be difficult to dismantle, even if the Republicans pull US-owned social media companies further to the right.
Media consumption is, in essence, evidence-based judgement that mediums must adapt to. Content moderation, not free speech, is the adaptation mechanism. Musk and Zuckerberg are not exempt- IPMAT - 2025
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
According to the French philosopher Jean Baudrillard, commodities available for consumption are not inherently negative things. Baudrillard tried to interpret consumption in modern societies by engaging with the ’cargo myth’ prevalent among the indigenous Melanesian people living in the South Pacific. The Melanesians did not know what aeroplanes were. However,they saw that these winged entities descended from the air for white people and appeared to make them happy. They also noted that aeroplanes never descended for the Melanesian people. The Melanesian natives noted that the white people had placed objects similar to the aeroplane on the ground. They concluded that these objects were attracting the aeroplanes in the air and bringing them to the ground. Through a magical process, the aeroplanes were bringing plenty to the white people and making them happy. The Melanesian people concluded that they would need to place objects that simulated the aeroplane on the ground and attract them from the air. Baudrillard believes that the cargo myth holds an important analogy for the ways in which consumers engage with objects of consumption.
According to Baudrillard, the modern consumer ”sets in place a whole array of sham objects, of characteristic signs of happiness, and then waits for happiness to alight”. For instance, modern consumers believe that they will get happiness if they buy the latest available version of a mobile phone or automobile. However, consumption does not usually lead to happiness. While consumers should ideally be blaming their heightened expectations for their lack of happiness, they blame the commodity instead.
They feel that they should have waited for the next version of a mobile phone or automobile before buying the one they did. The version they bought is somehow inferior and therefore cannot make them happy. Baudrillard argues that consumers have replaced ’real’ happiness with ’signs’ of happiness. This results in the endless deferment of the arrival of total happiness. In Baudrillard’s words, ”in everyday practice, the blessings of consumption are not experienced as resulting from work or from a production process; they are experienced as a miracle”. Modern consumers view consumption in the same magical way as the Melanesian people viewed the aeroplanes in the cargo myth. Television commercials also present objects of consumption as miracles. As a result, commodities appear to be distanced from the social processes which lead to their production. In effect, objects of consumption are divorced from the reality which produces them.- IPMAT - 2025
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
CONVERSATION ANALYSIS: Read the following transcript and choose the answer that is closest to each of the questions that are based on the transcript.
Lucia Rahilly (Global Editorial Director, The McKinsey Podcast): Today we’re talking about the next big arenas of competition, about the industries that will matter most in the global business landscape, which you describe as arenas of competition. What do we mean when we use this term?
Chris Bradley (Director, McKinsey Global Institute): If I go back and look at the top ten companies in 2005, they were in traditional industries such as oil and gas, retail, industrials, and pharmaceuticals. The average company was worth about $250 billion. If I advance the clock forward to 2020, nine in ten of those companies have been replaced, and by companies that are eight times bigger than the old guards.
And this new batch of companies comes from these new arenas or competitive sectors. In fact, they’re so different that we have a nickname for them. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, it’s wizards versus muggles.
Arena industries are wizardish; we found that there’s a set of industries that play by very different set of economic rules and get very different results, while the rest, the muggles (even though they run the world, finance the world, and energize the world), play by a more traditional set of economic rules.
Lucia Rahilly: Could we put a finer point on what is novel or different about the lens that you applied to determine what’s a wizard and what’s a muggle?
Chris Bradley: Wizards are defined by growth and dynamism. We looked at where value is flowing and the places where value is moving. And where is the value flowing? What we see is that this set of wizards, which represent about ten percent of industries, hog 45 percent of the growth in market cap. But there’s another dimension or axis too, which is dynamism. That is measured by a new metric we’ve come up with called the ”shuffle rate.” How much does the bottom move to the top? It turns out that in this set of wizardish industries, or arenas, the shuffle rate is much higher than it is in the traditional industry.
Lucia Rahilly: So, where are we seeing the most profit?
Chris Bradley: The economic profit, which is the profit you make minus the cost for the capital you employ is in the wizard industries. It’s where R&D happens; they’re two times more R&D intensive. They’re big stars, the nebulae, where new business is born.- IPMAT - 2025
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
- On the first day of January 2025, the Indian Meteorological Department [IMD] announced that 2024 was the hottest year on record. A study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water shows that nearly eight out of ten Indians live in districts that are at risk of either a flood, a cyclone, or a drought. Nearly twenty three States in India are heatwave-prone. In the summer of 2024, India recorded more than 44,000 cases of heatstroke and over 300 heat-related mortalities, as per the bulletin of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Water reservoirs and the energy demand that keeps India powered are impacted too. During a ten-day long heatwave in Delhi, peak power demand was 16% higher than the previous year.
- IPMAT - 2025
- Verbal and Logical Ability
- Reading Comprehension
- What is a classical dance ?
A dance which is created or choreographed and performed according to the tenets of the Natya Shastra is called a classical dance. The two broad aspects of classical dancing are the tandava and the lasya. Power and force are typical of the tandava; grace and delicacy, of the lasya. Tandava is associated with Shiva, and lasya with Parvati. Dance which is pure in movement is called nritta, and dance which is interpretative in nature is called nritya. A dancer in the classical tradition has to have years of training before he or she can begin to perform on the stage.
What are the main schools of classical dancing ?
Bharata Natyam, Kathakali, Manipuri, Kathak. Bharata Natyam is the oldest and most popular dance-form of India. Earlier, it was known by various names. Some called it Bharatam, some Natyam some Desi Attam and some Sadir.
The districts of Tanjore and Kanchipuram of Tamil Nadu were the focal points in the development of Bharata Natyam. It was danced as a solo performance by devadasis (temple dancers) on all auspicious occasions. Later, kings and rich people lent their patronage to it and it started shedding its purely sacred character.- Maharashtra Class X Board - 2025
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in CUET exam
- A and B can complete a task in the ratio 3:2. If together they complete the task in 20 days, how long will A alone take?
- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Time and Work
Identify the part of the sentence that contains a grammatical error:
Each of the boys have submitted their assignment on time.- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- If \( 3 \times 4 = 25 \), \( 5 \times 2 = 27 \), \( 6 \times 3 = 39 \), then what is \( 7 \times 5 = ? \)
- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Logical Reasoning
Rearrange the following parts to form a meaningful and grammatically correct sentence:
P. a healthy diet and regular exercise
Q. are important habits
R. that help maintain good physical and mental health
S. especially in today's busy world- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Sentence Arrangement
- Rearrange the parts to form a logical sentence:
A) the city's new policy
B) has significantly improved
C) air quality
D) over the past year- CUET (UG) - 2025
- Sentence Arrangement