Comprehension
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used a BRICS summit in Russia recently to showcase ambitions for a more harmonious relationship between the world's two most populous countries after years of animosity.
The meeting between Xi and Modi, who have not held formal talks for five years, was one highlight of a summit. BRICS also gave an opportunity to the Russian President Vladimir Putin for showcasing that the West had failed to isolate Russia over the Ukraine war.
A final communique listed a number of projects aimed at facilitating trade between BRICS nations including an alternative payment system to the dollar but did not include details or timelines.
Just two days after New Delhi announced that it had reached a deal with Beijing to resolve a four-year military stand-off on their disputed Himalayan frontier, Xi told Modi that they should enhance communication and cooperation and effectively manage differences.
BRICS - an idea thought up inside Goldman Sachs two decades ago to describe the growing economic clout of China and other major emerging markets - is now a group that accounts for 45% of the world's population and 35% of the global economy.
Former Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill, who coined the BRIC term in 2001, told Reuters that he had little optimism for the BRICS club as long as China and India remained so divided.
"It seems to me basically to be a symbolie annual gathering where important emerging countries, particularly noisy ones like Russia, but also China, can basically get together and highlight how good it is to be part of something that doesn't involve the U.S. and that global governance isn't good enough,"
The 43-page final communique from the summit ranged from geopolitics and narcoties to artificial intelligence and even the preservation of Big Cats, but lacked detail on some major issues. It mentioned Ukraine just once.
(Excerpts from "Putin scores a BRICS win with rare Xi and Modi show of harmony" By Vladimir Soldatkin and Guy Faulconbridge, Reuters, October 23, 2024)
The meeting between Xi and Modi, who have not held formal talks for five years, was one highlight of a summit. BRICS also gave an opportunity to the Russian President Vladimir Putin for showcasing that the West had failed to isolate Russia over the Ukraine war.
A final communique listed a number of projects aimed at facilitating trade between BRICS nations including an alternative payment system to the dollar but did not include details or timelines.
Just two days after New Delhi announced that it had reached a deal with Beijing to resolve a four-year military stand-off on their disputed Himalayan frontier, Xi told Modi that they should enhance communication and cooperation and effectively manage differences.
BRICS - an idea thought up inside Goldman Sachs two decades ago to describe the growing economic clout of China and other major emerging markets - is now a group that accounts for 45% of the world's population and 35% of the global economy.
Former Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill, who coined the BRIC term in 2001, told Reuters that he had little optimism for the BRICS club as long as China and India remained so divided.
"It seems to me basically to be a symbolie annual gathering where important emerging countries, particularly noisy ones like Russia, but also China, can basically get together and highlight how good it is to be part of something that doesn't involve the U.S. and that global governance isn't good enough,"
The 43-page final communique from the summit ranged from geopolitics and narcoties to artificial intelligence and even the preservation of Big Cats, but lacked detail on some major issues. It mentioned Ukraine just once.
(Excerpts from "Putin scores a BRICS win with rare Xi and Modi show of harmony" By Vladimir Soldatkin and Guy Faulconbridge, Reuters, October 23, 2024)
Question: 1
Which statement reflects as a critique from the Western establishment?
Which statement reflects as a critique from the Western establishment?
Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
- BRICS currency cannot displace Dollars
- Asian economies will not impact Western economy
- India-China conflicts will impact progress of BRICS
- All of the above
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The critique from the Western establishment, as reflected in the provided comprehension, is that the ongoing conflicts between India and China could hinder the progress of BRICS. This sentiment is echoed by former economist Jim O'Neill's view, indicating skepticism about the BRICS group's efficacy if China and India remain divided, thus weakening the bloc's potential impact.
| Option | Critique |
| BRICS currency cannot displace Dollars | Reflects skepticism on currency impact |
| Asian economies will not impact Western economy | Reflects skepticism on economic impact |
| India-China conflicts will impact progress of BRICS | Reflects concern on BRICS unity |
Given this analysis, the correct answer is: India-China conflicts will impact progress of BRICS.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 2
The emergence of BRICS signals:
The emergence of BRICS signals:
Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
- Asian consolidation of economic power
- Diminishing European dominance
- Revival of Nonaligned movement
- A geopolitics without US dominance
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
BRICS, an association of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was originally conceptualized to reflect the shifting global economic power dynamics. The recent summit, as described, displays the strategic and geopolitical ambitions of these nations. The primary understanding from the meeting held in Russia, attended by leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the effort to advocate for a multipolar world. This effort includes:
- Enhanced Cooperation: Heads like Xi and Modi agreed on improving communication and cooperation between China and India, spotlighting efforts to reduce historical tensions and focusing on mutual interests.
- Alternative Systems: Discussion of an alternative payment system to reduce the dependency on the dollar reflects waning reliance on Western financial systems, indicating a shift toward more autonomous economic architecture.
- Geopolitical Implications: The main theme from the cumulative understanding of these strategic moves is to reduce US contiguity and influence in global governance. Russia, in particular, seeks to showcase that Western isolation attempts, given its Ukraine stance, have been ineffective.
- Symbolic Representation: While the actions are incremental, the BRICS summit is a symbolic demonstration that emerging powers aim to formulate a geopolitical equilibrium void of US dominance.
- Population and Economic Weight: BRICS accounts for 45% of the world's population and 35% of global GDP, underscoring its potential impact on global economics and politics.
The intersection of these elements from the summit supports the conclusion towards a geopolitics without US dominance as the defining indication of the BRICS emergence.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 3
Which one of the below is an outcome of 16th BRICS meeting?
Which one of the below is an outcome of 16th BRICS meeting?
Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
- Proposal to end Russia-Ukraine war
- To expand BRICS by including Scandinavian countries
- To reassign China’s claim of Taiwan
- Reducing tension between India and China
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The correct outcome of the 16th BRICS meeting is Reducing tension between India and China. This conclusion is based on the interactions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the summit held in Russia. Their meeting, which was a significant highlight, aimed at fostering a more harmonious relationship between the two populous nations after years of hostility.
The summit provided an opportunity for both leaders to announce collaborative efforts post New Delhi's decision to resolve a prolonged military standoff with Beijing along their contested Himalayan border. This emphasis on reducing tensions and increasing bilateral communication and cooperation was a key outcome of the summit discussions.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 4
The 16th BRICS achieved the following:
The 16th BRICS achieved the following:
Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
- Launch of BRICS currency
- De-escalation of Russian-Ukrainian conflict
- Diplomatic dialogue between India and China
- All of the above
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Based on the provided comprehension, the correct answer to the question about the 16th BRICS achievements is: Diplomatic dialogue between India and China.
The comprehension highlights a meeting between China's President Xi Jinping and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS summit. This meeting was significant because it was their first formal dialogue in five years and symbolized a potential easing of relations following a prolonged period of tension. This aligns with the answer option "Diplomatic dialogue between India and China."
The other options are not supported by the content:
- Launch of BRICS currency: The comprehension mentions alternative payment systems but no specific BRICS currency launch.
- De-escalation of Russian-Ukrainian conflict: The document briefly references Russia's involvement with the Ukraine war but does not detail any de-escalation efforts.
- All of the above: This is incorrect as the stated events do not all align with the situations described.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 5
What does the letter “S” in BRICS stand for?
What does the letter “S” in BRICS stand for?
Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- South America
- South Africa
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The letter “S” in BRICS stands for “South Africa.”
BRICS is an acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The addition of South Africa to the group expanded the acronym from BRIC to BRICS. This coalition aims to promote peace, security, and development among member countries and acts as a collective voice on global and regional issues.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Question: 6
The initiative of Big Cats Alliance refers to:
The initiative of Big Cats Alliance refers to:
Updated On: Sep 10, 2025
- Lions, Tigers and Jaguar
- Tigers, Jaguar and Leopard
- Lions, Cheetah and Snow Leopard
- All of the above
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
The initiative of Big Cats Alliance refers to the conservation efforts aimed at preserving the habitats and populations of big cats around the world. The options provided are:
1. Lions, Tigers and Jaguar
2. Tigers, Jaguar and Leopard
3. Lions, Cheetah and Snow Leopard
4. All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: The reference to "Big Cats" generally includes several species across different habitats. This initiative aims to preserve numerous big cat species whose populations are threatened. Such efforts often include lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cheetahs, and snow leopards—covering the various combinations mentioned in the options. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above", as it encompasses all the mentioned big cats under conservation efforts.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top CLAT Questions
- In the realm of contemporary literature, the interplay between character and setting is a nuanced dance that shapes the narrative’s essence. The setting, often described with painstaking detail, becomes more than a backdrop; it becomes a character, influencing the plot and character development.
Consider, for instance, the barren expanse of the desert in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake. The arid landscape mirrors the sense of isolation felt by the protagonist, Gogol, as he navigates his identity crisis in a foreign land. The relentless sun and vast sands are not mere descriptions; they are the silent witnesses to his inner turmoil.
On the other end of the literary spectrum, there is Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things. The lush, vibrant Kerala backwaters are not just the setting; they are a character woven into the fabric of the story. The teeming, humid landscape reflects the complex web of human relationships and secrets that unravel in the narrative. This interplay is not confined to contemporary literature alone. In Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy Macbeth, the eerie and foreboding setting of the Scottish moors casts a dark shadow over the characters’ actions. The moors, shrouded in mist and mystery, serve as an ever-present omen of the impending tragedy. - The crisis of justice that is the subject matter of discussion in the media today is in fact the crisis of “justice for the middle class”. The main difference between India and the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries is that whereas the middle class in these countries has reasonable access to justice, in India it does not. A vocal and powerful middle class has emerged in India since 1991. It is demanding reasonable access to justice. Much of the judicial reform effort will help meet this demand…
The question of justice for the poor is, however, an altogether different challenge. No country in the world has been able to secure justice for the poor. Most of the jails of the richest countries are filled with the poorest. The “masses” are more often victims of the criminal justice system than of crime. In India as well, jails are almost exclusively filled with the poor. The civil justice system is hardly accessible to them. They are often victimised by lawyers, touts and court staff. They are docket-excluded, a new type of untouchability. The language and the logic—and the colonial and feudal culture—of the judicial system are alien to them. It rarely takes cognisance of their needs and interests.
Their main concern, therefore, is to escape the attention of the justice system, criminal and civil. A landless Dalit person in the interior of Madhya Pradesh once gave me an insightful definition of a court from the perspective of the masses: “A court is a place where you are forcibly taken by the police to be punished; no one goes to a court.” In contrast, many lawyers and judges colloquially define a court as “a temple of justice where rights are protected”.
These sharply divergent visions mean that justice for one section is often injustice for another. Protecting the livelihood of traditional taxi and auto drivers from predatory pricing by corporate app-based taxi providers by imaginatively using the available tools of law to delay their incursion would be seen by the rich and by sections of the middle class as a failure of the judicial system, and possibly as also resulting in a downgrading of the “ease of doing business” measure. However, the masses would see such a judicial intervention as strong evidence of a good justice system. Although the conflict over competing visions of the nation and conflicting demands from social and economic segments have confined judicial reform of judicial administration mainly to “neutral” areas such as process reform, procedural law, technology, planning and court and case management, judge strength, and the workload of judges, there has been considerable improvement in these areas, and the judicial system has improved its performance.
[Extracted, with edits, from “Justice and the Two Ideas of India”, by G. Mohan Gopal, Frontline] - Everything she wanted was here, at Carignano, in Kasauli. Here, on the ridge of the mountain, in this quiet house. It was the place, and the time of life, that she had wanted and prepared for all her life-as she realized on the first day at Carignano, with a great, cool flowering of relief - and at last she had it. She wanted no one and nothing else. Whatever else came, or happened here, would be an unwelcome intrusion and distraction. This she tried to convey to the plodding postman with a cold and piercing stare from the height of the ridge onto his honest bull back. Unfortunately, he did not look up at her on the hilltop but stared stolidly down at the dust piling onto his shoes as he plodded on. A bullock-man, an oafish ox, she thought bitterly. She stepped backwards into the garden and the wind suddenly billowed up and threw the pine branches about as though to curtain her. She was grey, tall and thin and her silk sari made a sweeping, shivering sound and she fancied she could merge with the pine trees and be mistaken for one. To be a tree, no more and no less, was all she was prepared to undertake.
What pleased and satisfied her so, here at Carignano, was its barrenness. This was the chief virtue of all Kasauli of course-its starkness. It had rocks, it had pines, it had light and air. In every direction there was a sweeping view - to the north, of the mountains, to the south, of the plains. Occasionally an eagle swam through this clear unobstructed mass of light and air, that was all. And Carignano, her home on the ridge, had no more than that. Why should it? The sun shone on its white walls. Its windows were open the ones facing north opened on to the blue waves of the Himalayas flowing out and up to the line of ice and snow sketched upon the sky, while those that faced south looked down the plunging cliff to the plain stretching out, flat and sere to the blurred horizon.
Yes, there were some apricot trees close to the house. There were clumps of iris that had finished blooming. There was the kitchen with a wing of smoke lifting out of its chimney and a stack of wood outside its door. But these were incidental, almost unimportant.
[Extracted, with edits and revisions, from “Fire on the Mountain” by Anita Desai] - English literature is a vast and diverse field that has left an indelible mark on the world of letters. From the eloquent plays of William Shakespeare to the complex novels of Jane Austen and the profound poetry of William Wordsworth, English literature offers a window into the human experience. One of the luminaries of English literature is William Shakespeare, often hailed as the greatest playwright in the history of English language. His works, including Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet, are celebrated for their exploration of human nature, love, ambition, and tragedy. His characters, such as the tormented Hamlet and the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, continue to captivate readers and audiences worldwide.
The 19th century ushered in a new era of literary giants. Jane Austen’s novels, such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, provide incisive social commentary through the lens of wit and romance. Austen’s heroines, like Elizabeth Bennet and Elinor Dashwood, remain beloved literary figures known for their intelligence and resilience. The Romantic era brought forth poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who celebrated * 8 UG the beauty of nature and the emotional intensity of the individual. Wordsworth’s ‘‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’’ and Coleridge’s ‘‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’’ are testament to the power of the written words to evoke profound emotions and imagery. Moving towards 20th century, English literature continued to evolve. Virginia Woolf’s ground-breaking novel Mrs. Dalloway explored the inner thoughts and lives of its characters with a modernist narrative style. Dystopian visions, as seen in George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four provided stark warnings about the dangers of totalitarianism and the erosion of individual freedom.
Today, English literature is a global phenomenon, transcending borders and languages. Indian authors like Arundhati Roy, with her novel The God of Small Things, have won prestigious international literary awards. The book not only explores intricate family dynamics but also delves into the broader socio-political landscape of India. In summary, English literature is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the written word. It encompasses an array of authors, themes, and styles that continue to captivate and inspire readers across the world. - On the evening of the 10th, General Dyer arrived at Amritsar, and the Deputy-Commissioner handed over the civil power to him. He issued a proclamation by word of mouth that no meetings should be held. Two days later, after there had been no sort of riot, nor murder, General Dyer heard that a meeting was to be held at the Jallianwala Bagh. He proceeded there with about fifty troops, half British, half Indian, and a certain number of Ghurkas, armed with their kukris. The Jallianwala Bagh is an open space, half a mile square, which has one entry wide enough for three persons. The troops got in and lined up on a mound of debris. The walls, seven feet high, and the surrounding houses enclosed the people. There were, too, three alleys through which the people might have been able to pass. Within thirty seconds of the troops getting in, General Dyer gave orders to fire, and the crowd of people, estimated at anything from 5,000 to 20,000, who were sitting on the ground peacefully listening to the mob oratory, were fired on. The result of the troops’ fire into the mass of people we do not know. But we do know that Dyer’s own estimate of the casualties resulting from ten minutes continual individual firing, was 400 to 500 killed and 1,500 wounded. The people were not able to escape. They were people who had not offered any violence and who had not been warned. These people were shot down. After ten minutes, the ammunition was exhausted and the troops marched off, and they left 1,500 wounded there. There were men lying there for two days, dying of thirst, eating the ground, bleeding to death and nobody to look after them. Those who lived nearby came and carried away some of the wounded from the heap of dead and dying, but the unfortunate country people died there miserably of their wounds. This is what is done in 1919 in British India…
Centuries hence you will find Indian children brought up to this spot, just as they visit now the Cawnpore Well, and you can imagine the feelings of these Indians for generations over this terrible business.
[Col. Wedgwood, MP, speaking in the British Parliament, 22 December 1919]
View More Questions