Class 11 Reading Comprehension Unseen Passage will be presented as per the new first-semester English syllabus for Class XI published by the West Bengal Council in 2024. Students in Class 11 will receive a Reading Comprehension Unseen Passage, followed by five multiple-choice questions, each worth one mark.
To assist students in practicing these Reading Comprehension Unseen Passage Exercises and preparing for the English subject under the new semester system, several unseen passages for reading comprehension are provided along with answers.
This preparation is especially beneficial for the academic years 2024 and 2025. The first semester examinations for Class XI might commence in October or November 2024, based on information from the council.
Class 11 Reading Comprehension Unseen Passage 1:
1. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
New Jalpaiguri; June 18, 2024: Nine persons were killed and at least 40 injured after the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express from Agartala was hit by a goods train from the rear in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district, 11 km from New Jalpaiguri station. The incident took place at 8.55 am Monday. The dead include seven passengers, the loco pilot of the Amingaon (Assam)-Jharsuguda (Odisha) goods train, and another Railways staffer.
Such was the impact of the collision that three coaches at the rear of Kanchanjunga Express derailed between Rangapani and Chhatarhat stations, under the Northeast Frontier Railway zone. Rescue efforts began swiftly but it took a while to get the trapped passengers out because of the heavy rain in Siliguri since morning.
“The local people were very helpful,” said Abhishek Roy, Additional Superintendent of Police, Kurseong, from the accident spot. Mohammad Momirul, 32, was among the first to rush to the accident site after he heard a loud sound. Many in his village were celebrating Eid, and the festivities came to an abrupt halt as soon as the collision took place.
“The loco pilot was crushed under a wheel of the passenger train. He was dead already… I regret not being able to save a man who died holding my hand,” Momirul said. Around 150 people from Chotonirmal village, located just behind the railway tracks, were the first responders.
The accident, which took place on the main rail link from Kolkata to Siliguri, also affected long-distance train services. This is the highest toll in a railway accident since last year’s Balasore train collision, in which 296 people had died.
The Indian Railways, National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force worked “in close coordination” to carry out the rescue, he said. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also headed to the spot, aimed the Centre over the accident and said the Railways had compromised with passenger safety by not implementing the anti-collision device, or Kavach, in all its trains.
By 5.40 pm, the ‘up line’ for trains going towards New Jalpaiguri had been restored, and the ‘down line’ was set to be restored shortly. He said an investigation will be carried out to find the cause of the accident. “The Commissioner of Railway Safety will carry out the investigation. The investigation has already begun. We have got the data log and everything. We will find out the lapses which led to this incident and ensure that such lapses do not take place in the future,” he said. ( Extract From ‘The Indian Express’)
1. What was the cause of the accident involving the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express?
A) A landslide
B) A collision with a goods train
C) Derailment due to speed
D) Mechanical failure
2. How many people were killed in the accident?
A) Nine
B) Seven
C) Eleven
D) Eight
3. Which specific part of the Kanchanjunga Express derailed due to the collision?
A) Front coaches
B) Middle coaches
C) Rear coaches
D) Locomotive engine
Answer: C) Rear coaches
4. What factor made the rescue efforts challenging?
A) Lack of rescue equipment
B) Heavy rain in Siliguri
C) Night-time conditions
D) Remote location
5. Who criticized the Railways for compromising passenger safety by not implementing the anti-collision device?
A) Abhishek Roy
B) Mohammad Momirul
C) The Commissioner of Railway Safety
D) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
Class 11 Reading Comprehension Unseen Passage 2:
2. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
July 01, 2024: India’s long drought in ICC tournaments finally wound to a close on a glorious Saturday at Bridgetown in Barbados. The Men in Blue finally won a title, the ICC T20 World Cup, since the 2013 Champions Trophy at Birmingham in England. ‘Kapil’s Devils’ in the 1983 ODI World Cup and M.S. Dhoni’s men in the 2007 ICC World T20, were outsiders, who stunned the globe. Subsequently, every Indian squad has stepped into a multi-team cricket event as one of the favourites with the weight of expectations thrust upon by a gargantuan fandom and an Indian diaspora seeking a sense of identity.
Last November in the 2023 ODI World Cup, India was the team in form but failed to get past Australia in the summit clash at Ahmedabad. If catharsis was essential, it finally happened in the West Indian islands as Rohit Sharma’s men snatched a seven-run win over a doughty South African unit. Every cog fell in place, Virat Kohli regained his touch with an excellent 76 even as wickets fell around him in the final. All-rounders Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya reiterated their value, and Suryakumar Yadav pouched a stupendous catch when South Africa was seemingly in sight of victory. Rohit led astutely while bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah delivered thunderbolts that left the South Africans dumbstruck.
Aiden Markram’s men just ran into a stronger opposition at the last hurdle and their capitulation was an acknowledgment of the superior attributes that Bumrah and company possessed. Young seamer Arshdeep Singh too revealed a mature head as Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller threatened to seize the game. South Africa is yet to win any significant ICC silverware but surely the men from the Rainbow Nation won hearts. They made it tough for India and if a few moments on the razor’s edge had changed, Markram may well have lifted the cup. For India, Rohit, Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja’s retirements from T20Is signal the end of an era. Coach Rahul Dravid, who bowed out, will be missed too. Close on the heels of the run-fests during the Indian Premier League on flat surfaces, the T20 World Cup hosted in the West Indies and the United States offered a twist. The 22-yards, drop-in pitches or abrasive surfaces, were never conducive for the massive sixes associated with T20Is even if batters like Rohit, as he did against Australia, seemed to perform on a different plane. The championship’s fairytale was the manner in which Afghanistan fought towards the semifinal. Men, who learnt cricket in the refugee camps in Pakistan, while also dealing with the Taliban, were resilient and sport was the winner.
1. When did India win the ICC T20 World Cup in Barbados?
A) June 18, 2024
B) July 01, 2024
C) November 2023
D) June 29, 2024
2. Who led the Indian team to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup final?
A) Virat Kohli
B) M.S. Dhoni
C) Rohit Sharma
D) Jasprit Bumrah
3. Analyze the strategic importance of Suryakumar Yadav’s catch in the context of the match’s dynamics. Why was it considered stupendous?
A) It was taken early in the match, demoralizing the opposition.
B) It was a turning point when South Africa was close to victory.
C) It dismissed the best South African batsman early in the innings.
D) It was a difficult catch that required exceptional skill and timing.
4. Considering the emotional and social impact, what does India’s victory in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup symbolize for the Indian diaspora?
A) A reduction in expectations from future tournaments.
B) A strengthened sense of identity and pride.
C) A shift in focus towards individual achievements.
D) A decrease in interest in cricket.
5. Which team’s performance in the championship was considered a fairytale due to their resilience?
A) India
B) South Africa
C) Australia
D) Afghanistan
Class 11 Reading Comprehension Unseen Passage 3:
3. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The 2024 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as UEFA Euro 2024 (stylised as UEFA EURO 2024), or simply Euro 2024, is the ongoing 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship, the quadrennial international football championship organised by UEFA for the European men’s national teams of its member associations. Germany is hosting the tournament, which is taking place from 14 June to 14 July 2024. The tournament comprises 24 teams, with Georgia being the only team making their European Championship finals debut.
It is the third time that European Championship matches are played on German territory and the second time in reunified Germany, as West Germany hosted the tournament’s 1988 edition, and four matches of the multi-national Euro 2020 were played in Munich. It is the first time the competition is held in what was formerly East Germany, with Leipzig as a host city, as well as the first major tournament since the 2006 FIFA World Cup that Germany serves as a solo host nation. The tournament returned to its usual four-year cycle after the 2020 edition was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Italy were the defending champions, having won the 2020 final against England on penalties, but were eliminated in the round of 16 by Switzerland.
Germany is playing in the UEFA EURO 2024 opening match in Munich on Friday, 14 June. The Olympic Stadium in Berlin will be the venue of the final on Sunday, 14 July.
As the host country, Germany is automatically qualified to take part in the tournament. This will be the 14th consecutive time (since 1972) that the German national team is taking part in the finals of a European Football Championship. Germany has won three times to date. The other 23 teams to compete in the final rounds were determined in the qualifiers held between March and November 2023, with the remaining playoffs due to be held in March 2024.
The tournament is organised and hosted by UEFA and the DFB. Unlike in the case of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the Federal Government is not involved in organising the tournament but is only providing support – for example by issuing so-called government guarantees. Together with UEFA, the DFB, the Länder and the host cities, the Federal Government is taking UEFA EURO 2024 as an opportunity to demonstrate how a major sporting event can be realised in a sustainable manner. In this context, sustainability is understood to refer to environmental and economic aspects but in particular also to social concerns.
Germany has not hosted a Men’s European Football Championship since 1988; so it is hosting the tournament for the first time since reunification. Matches will be held in Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart.
By providing government guarantees, the Federal Government warrants that the general conditions for hosting the major sporting event as stipulated by UEFA are met. Within the permitted legal framework, a total of 18 guarantee and support letters were submitted by the federal ministries in charge, for example relating to the areas of security, legal protection, visas and work permits.
1. Which country is hosting the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament?
A) France
B) Germany
C) Italy
D) Spain
2. Which team is making its debut in the European Championship finals in UEFA Euro 2024?
A) Sweden
B) Switzerland
C) Georgia
D) Finland
3. How many times has Germany hosted European Championship matches, including UEFA Euro 2024?
A) Once
B) Twice
C) Three times
D) Four times
4. Which city will host the final match of UEFA Euro 2024?
A) Munich
B) Berlin
C) Leipzig
D) Frankfurt
5. What is one key aspect of sustainability that the Federal Government is focusing on for UEFA Euro 2024?
A) Technological innovation
B) Environmental and economic aspects
C) Cultural heritage
D) Fan engagement
Class 11 Reading Comprehension Unseen Passage 4:
4. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Forests are viewed as the lungs of the planet. Trees filter the air by decreasing CO2 and helping maintain a balance in the environment. They are fundamental for sustaining life on the planet and play a significant part in battling climate change. In any case, the danger of deforestation and degradation threatens the survival of forests around the world. To bring issues to light of their significance, 21 March is International Forest Day, a day that welcomes us to ponder their significance and to invest in their conservation and care.
This year, the International Day of Forests 2024 is outlined under the theme “Forests and innovation: new solutions for a better world”, the essential role of technology and innovation in the safeguarding of forest ecosystems
The United Nations General Assembly announced March 21 to be the International Day of Forests in 2012. The day aims to respect and promote the value of a wide range of forests. Countries are encouraged to take part in regional, global, and local drives to set up a scope of forest and tree-related campaigns, like planting campaigns.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Forum on Forests are the coordinators of the International Day of Forests.
As per the UNGA, “The United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other relevant organizations in the field are responsible for organizing the events and campaigns related to the World Forestry Day.”
The importance of the International Day of Forests is to spread awareness and give instruction at all levels to guarantee feasible forest management and biodiversity preservation. After all, healthy forests mean solid, healthy communities and prosperous economies.
1. When is the International Day of Forests celebrated?
A) March 21
B) April 22
C) June 5
D) July 11
2. What is the theme of the International Day of Forests 2024?
A) Forests and Climate Change
B) Forests and Biodiversity
C) Forests and innovation: new solutions for a better world
D) Forests and Community Development
3. Which organizations are responsible for organizing the International Day of Forests?
A) World Health Organization (WHO)
B) United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
C) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
D) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
4. What is the primary objective of the International Day of Forests?
A) To celebrate national parks
B) To raise awareness about forest conservation
C) To promote urban development
D) To fundraise for forest research
5. What role do forests play in the environment according to the passage?
A) Decreasing biodiversity
B) Increasing CO2 levels
C) Balancing the environment and filtering the air
D) Providing space for urbanization
Class 11 Reading Comprehension Unseen Passage 5:
5. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Kolkata | June 24: The weather department has issued an Orange alert (heavy to very heavy rain) for parts of North Bengal for the next couple of days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that parts of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts will experience heavy-to-very heavy rainfall on Monday and Tuesday. However, the Orange alert for Coochbehar and Darjeeling districts has been issued only for Tuesday.
Coochbehar, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and North Dinajpur districts are set to witness heavy rainfall (Yellow alert) on Monday. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty wind are likely to occur at one or two places over North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Malda, and Jalpaiguri districts on Monday.
Several districts in North Bengal, the IMD said, will witness heavy rainfall till Friday.
As per the weather office, an east-west trough is running from southeast Rajasthan to north Bangladesh across Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal at 0.9 km above mean sea level, and this is resulting in strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal leading to heavy to very heavy rainfall in North Bengal districts.
The IMD has warned about the possibility of landslides in the hilly areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. It has also stated that the water level in rivers like Teesta, Jaldhaka, Sankosh, and Torsa may rise as an impact of the rain.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army Corps of Engineers has constructed a 150-foot-long suspension bridge to reconnect areas cut off in North Sikkim due to persistent heavy rain. The suspension bridge was launched over waters flowing at speeds exceeding 20 knots, and the entire project was completed in less than 48 hours.
1. What type of alert has been issued for parts of North Bengal for the next couple of days?
A) Yellow alert
B) Orange alert
C) Red alert
D) Green alert
2. Which districts are expected to experience heavy-to-very heavy rainfall on Monday and Tuesday according to the IMD?
A) Coochbehar and Darjeeling
B) Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar
C) Kalimpong and Malda
D) North and South Dinajpur
3. What natural phenomenon is likely to occur in North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, Malda, and Jalpaiguri districts on Monday?
A) Flooding
B) Earthquake
C) Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty wind
D) Cyclone
4. Which districts have been issued a Yellow alert for heavy rainfall on Monday?
A) Coochbehar, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and North Dinajpur
B) Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar
C) South Dinajpur and Malda
D) Darjeeling and Alipurduar
5. What is causing the heavy-to-very heavy rainfall in North Bengal districts?
A) A cyclone from the Bay of Bengal
B) An east-west trough running from southeast Rajasthan to north Bangladesh
C) A low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea
D) High temperatures in the region
Class 11 Reading Comprehension Unseen Passage 6:
6. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The state of West Bengal, in the Eastern region of India, is home to a rich and bewildering variety of forests and wildlife Wing. From the famous Royal Bengal Tiger that stalks its prey with legendary cunningness in the Gangetic delta of famous Sundarbans, to the Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros grazing in the Terai/ Dooars grassland, the leopards lurking in the foothills of the Himalayas and Red Panda resting in bamboo groves of Himalayas.
The forests of this state has a rich assemblage of diverse habitats and vegetation designated with the help of eight different forest types. The diverse fauna and flora of West Bengal possess the combined characteristics of the Himalayan, sub-Himalayan and Gangetic plain.
Diversity is further reflected in different types of ecosystems available here like mountain ecosystem of the north, forest ecosystem extending over the major part of the state, freshwater ecosystem, semiarid ecosystem in the western part, mangrove ecosystem in the south and coastal marine ecosystem along the shoreline.
These diverse ecosystems have resulted in rich faunal diversity of the state and consists of 10,013 species out of a total of 89,451 species of animals present in our country, thus representing 11.19% of our country’s fauna.
West Bengal has 4692 sq.km. of forests under Protected Area (PA) network which is 39.50% of the State’s recorded forest area. With the Pakhi Bitan WLS Jalpaiguri District having an area of 14.09 sq.km, the latest notified WLS in the state, the total area under Protected Area has gone upto 4705.9362 sq.km (39.62% of Recorded Forest Area). The PA network includes 1502.8146 sq.km. in Sixteen Wild Life Sanctuaries, 1981.4817 sq.km. in six National Parks and the balance areas are being represented by buffer areas of the two Tiger Reserves, viz. Sundarbans Tiger Reserve and Buxa Tiger Reserve. There are two Elephant Reserves viz., Mayurjharna Elephant Reserve with an area of 414.00 Sq.km. and Eastern Dooars Elephant Reserve with an area of 977.51 Sq.km. In addition, there is one Biosphere Reserve viz. Sundarban Biosphere Reserve with an area of 9630 Sq.km. This includes the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary, West Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary and the Haliday Island Wildlife Sanctuary.
In West Bengal emphasis has been given to conservation and management of sustainable resources in order to achieve the goal of long-term biodiversity conservation. The overall strategy involves protection of critical habitats of endangered species.
The Bengal wilderness is also home of an array of highly endangered species like the Asian Elephant , Great one horned Rhino, Gaur, Serow, Red Panda, Black Necked Crane, Great pied Hornbill, Goliath Heron, Estuarine Crocodile, Salvator Lizards, Olive Ridley Marine Turtle, rare Batagur terrapin, let alone being the habitat for most of the cats of India, e.g. Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard and Marbled Cat, Leopard Cat, Golden Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat representing the lesser cats.
1. Why is the diversity of ecosystems important for the faunal diversity of West Bengal?
A) It reduces the need for conservation efforts.
B) It ensures a variety of habitats, supporting a wide range of species.
C) It makes it easier to manage forest areas.
D) It limits the spread of invasive species.
2. Which ecosystem is NOT mentioned as part of the diverse ecosystems in West Bengal?
A) Desert ecosystem
B) Forest ecosystem
C) Mangrove ecosystem
D) Mountain ecosystem
3. Which is the latest notified Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bengal?
A) Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
B) Buxa Tiger Reserve
C) Pakhi Bitan Wildlife Sanctuary
D) Eastern Dooars Elephant Reserve
4. Evaluate the role of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve in the conservation strategy of West Bengal.
A) It focuses only on the conservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger.
B) It includes multiple protected areas and aims to preserve diverse ecosystems.
C) It limits access to local communities and reduces biodiversity.
D) It has minimal impact on overall conservation efforts.
5. Discuss the significance of the different cat species found in West Bengal’s forests, such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, and Clouded Leopard.
A) They indicate a lack of biodiversity.
B) They represent the success of conservation efforts and habitat diversity.
C) They compete for the same resources, leading to ecological imbalance.
D) They are of little importance to the ecosystem.
Class 11 Reading Comprehension Unseen Passage 7:
7. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
July 3 (Reuters) – On the ceiling of a limestone cave on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, scientists have discovered artwork depicting three human-like figures interacting with a wild pig in what they have determined is the world’s oldest-known confidently dated cave painting – created at least 51,200 years ago.
The researchers used a new scientific approach to determine the minimum age of the newly disclosed painting inside the Leang Karampuang cave in the Maros-Pangkep region of South Sulawesi province by using a laser to date a type of crystal called calcium carbonate that formed naturally on top of the painting.
“The method is a significant improvement over other methods and should revolutionize rock art dating worldwide,” said Maxime Aubert, a specialist in archaeological science at Griffith University in Australia and one of the leaders of the research published on Wednesday in the journal Nature.
The scene, dominated by a representation of a pig measuring 36 inches by 15 inches (92 cm by 38 cm) that is standing upright along with three smaller human-like figures, is painted in a single shade of dark red pigment. There are other images of pigs in the cave as well.
The researchers interpreted the painting as a narrative scene, which they said would make it the oldest-known evidence of storytelling in art.
“The three human-like figures and the pig figure were clearly not depicted in isolation in separate parts of the rock art panel,” said Griffith University archeologist Adam Brumm, another of the study leaders.
“Rather, the juxtaposition of the figures – how they are positioned in relation to each other – and the manner in which they are interacting were clearly deliberate, and it conveys an unmistakable sense of action. There is something happening between these figures. A story is being told. Obviously, we don’t know what that story was,” Brumm added.
The researchers used the same dating method to reassess the age of another Sulawesi cave painting from a site called Leang Bulu’ Sipong 4, also depicting a narrative scene, this time depicting apparent part-human, part-animal figures hunting pigs and dwarf buffalo. It turned out to be at least 48,000 years old, upwards of 4,000 years earlier than previously thought.
“We, as humans, define ourselves as a species that tells stories, and these are the oldest evidence of us doing that,” Aubert said.
1. Where was the world’s oldest-known confidently dated cave painting discovered?
A) Java, Indonesia
B) Sulawesi, Indonesia
C) Borneo, Indonesia
D) Sumatra, Indonesia
2. What technique did researchers use to date the cave painting in Leang Karampuang cave?
A) Radiocarbon dating
B) Thermoluminescence
C) Laser dating of calcium carbonate crystals
D) Uranium-series dating
3. What does the cave painting in Leang Karampuang cave depict?
A) Human-like figures interacting with a wild pig
B) Hunting scenes with animals
C) Abstract geometric patterns
D) Daily life activities of early humans
4. How old is the newly disclosed painting in Leang Karampuang cave determined to be?
A) At least 40,000 years old
B) At least 48,000 years old
C) At least 51,200 years old
D) At least 60,000 years old
5. Which journal published the research on the world’s oldest-known confidently dated cave painting?
A) Science
B) Nature
C) Archaeology
D) Antiquity
Class 11 Reading Comprehension Unseen Passage 8:
8. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
New Delhi: Jul 4, 2024: The recent tragedy at Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, where over 120 lives were lost in a stampede during a satsang organised by self-proclaimed godman Bhole Baba, has sparked renewed discussions on the necessity of a national anti-superstition law in India. The incident underscores the hazards of blind faith and unregulated religious gatherings, where people rushed to seek blessings, resulting in a fatal overcrowding.
Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, has advocated for a national law akin to existing legislations in states like Karnataka and Maharashtra, which aim to prohibit superstitious practices. These state laws were established following tragic events and aim to safeguard individuals from exploitation and harmful rituals.
Narayan Sakar Vishwa Hari, also known as Bhole Baba, has a significant following, portraying himself as a healer capable of curing ailments and possessing magical powers. His controversial actions, including an arrest in 2000, related to claims of resurrecting a dead girl, highlight the exploitation of faith for personal gain.
States such as Maharashtra and Karnataka have enacted laws targeting human sacrifice, black magic, and other inhuman practices. Let’s have a look at the law in these states:-
Maharashtra: The Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013 was passed after the murder of anti-superstition activist Dr Narendra Dabholkar.
It enlists provisions for the prevention and eradication of human sacrifice and other inhuman practices. Punishment under the act is imprisonment of not less than six months and up to seven years, with a fine of not less than Rs 5,000 and up to Rs 50,000.
Karnataka: The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017 came into effect in January 2020. The law bans several practices related to black magic and superstition, like forcing a person to walk on fire at religious festivals and the practice of piercing rods from one side of the jaw to the other.
The law states that a court can direct the police to issue the name of a person convicted under the Act in local newspapers. “Inhuman, evil practices and black magic and advertisement, practice, propagation or promotion of such activities in violation of the Act” is punishable with up to seven years of imprisonment and with a fine ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000.
Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Assam: These states have enacted laws to prevent witch-hunting, a practice that has led to the torture and killing of women identified as witches.
The laws in the above-mentioned states impose penalties including imprisonment and fines to deter such practices, yet incidents like the Hathras stampede reveal the need for a cohesive national strategy.
Advocates for a national law argue that it would standardise legal measures, enhance enforcement across all states, raise public awareness, and protect vulnerable populations, particularly women subjected to witch-hunting.
However, implementing such a law faces challenges, including cultural sensitivities, political considerations, and the entrenched nature of superstitions.
The Hathras tragedy serves as a stark reminder of India’s pressing need to address superstitions comprehensively. While state laws provide a foundation, a national anti-superstition law could offer a unified approach to eradicate dangerous beliefs and ensure the safety of all citizens.
1. What event led to the renewed discussions on the necessity of a national anti-superstition law in India?
A) A fire in a temple
B) A stampede at a religious gathering
C) A flood during a festival
D) A mass poisoning incident
2. Which self-proclaimed godman was involved in the stampede incident at Hathras, Uttar Pradesh?
A) Ram Rahim Singh
B) Asaram Bapu
C) Bhole Baba
D) Sathya Sai Baba
3. What year was the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act passed?
A) 2010
B) 2013
C) 2015
D) 2017
4. What kind of practices does the Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017 aim to ban?
A) Animal sacrifices
B) Walking on fire at religious festivals
C) Offering gold to deities
D) Performing exorcisms
5. Which of the following states have enacted laws to prevent witch-hunting?
A) Bihar and Assam
B) Kerala and Tamil Nadu
C) Punjab and Haryana
D) Gujarat and Goa
Class 11 Reading Comprehension Unseen Passage 9:
9. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
India is set to transform the North and South Blocks of Delhi’s Raisina Hill complex into the world’s largest museum by 2025. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced this ambitious project and aims to create a museum almost twice the size of France’s Louvre.
The proposed museum will showcase India’s rich and diverse history, spanning over 5,000 years. Visitors can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of India’s cultural and historical heritage, all within a setting of grand architectural significance. By partnering with France, home to one of the world’s most famous museums, India is positioning itself as a global leader in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of cultural preservation and tourism promotion, adding to the heart of India’s capital while respecting its historical significance.
An agreement has been signed between France and India for this purpose. The tourism and culture minister expressed his pride in being part of the opportunity to execute the world’s largest museum project.
Shekhawat made these remarks during a media interaction in his Jodhpur Lok Sabha constituency, marking his first visit since taking the oath as a Union cabinet minister. “Once the Central Vista redevelopment project is complete and offices are shifted in 2025, the North and South Blocks will be converted into a museum, making it the world’s largest,” he said. “The museum will be almost double the size of the Louvre in Paris.”
The Union minister emphasized that the proposed museum will tell the story of India, covering more than 5,000 years of history. This extensive narrative will allow visitors to explore India’s past, from ancient civilizations to modern times, highlighting the country’s contributions to art, culture, science, and philosophy.
Additionally, Shekhawat announced that India will host the meeting of the World Heritage Committee next month. This is the first time the committee, of which India is a signatory, will convene in the country. He expressed confidence that India, currently ranked third in the world for the number of World Heritage sites, will gain another heritage site during this meeting.
The transformation of the North and South Blocks into a museum is part of the Central Vista redevelopment project. This larger initiative aims to revamp the central administrative area of New Delhi, ensuring that the historical and cultural significance of the area is preserved while modernizing the infrastructure.
The new museum will not only be a cultural landmark but also a major tourist attraction. It is expected to draw visitors from around the world, providing them with an immersive experience of India’s rich heritage. The partnership with France is seen as a testament to the global importance of this project and the recognition of India’s commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural legacy.
The creation of the world’s largest museum in Delhi by 2025 is a monumental step for India. It reflects the country’s dedication to celebrating its history and culture while fostering international collaboration and tourism. This project is set to become a beacon of India’s cultural pride and a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
1. What is the planned completion year for the transformation of the North and South Blocks into the world’s largest museum?
A) 2023
B) 2024
C) 2025
D) 2026
2. Which country is partnering with India to create the world’s largest museum?
A) United Kingdom
B) France
C) Germany
D) Italy
3. Who announced the project to transform the North and South Blocks into the world’s largest museum?
A) Narendra Modi
B) Amit Shah
C) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
D) Nirmala Sitharaman
4. What will the new museum in Delhi showcase?
A) India’s modern achievements
B) India’s rich and diverse history spanning over 5,000 years
C) The history of the British Raj in India
D) The technological advancements of India
5. Which project is the transformation of the North and South Blocks a part of?
A) Digital India
B) Make in India
C) Central Vista redevelopment project
D) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Class 11 Reading Comprehension Unseen Passage 10:
10. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Situated on the western coast of India, Somnath Temple is a symbol of spiritual importance and stunning architecture. As one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Somnath Mandir attracts both devotees and historians.
Within its ancient walls and beautiful carvings lies a lesser-known mystery: the Baan Stambh. This intriguing pillar invites curious minds to discover its origins and significance.
The history of Somnath Mandir tells a story of devotion, challenges, and strength. According to belief, it was first built in gold by the Moon God, Soma. Throughout its history, the temple has been rebuilt multiple times, from its destruction by Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century to its recent restoration after Indian independence.
There is a fascinating mystery called the “Baan Stambh” in the ancient Somnath Temple. On the south side of the temple, overlooking the sea, is a pillar called the “Baan Stambh.” An arrow is built on the top of the pillar, which points towards the sea. The existence of this pillar is mentioned in some ancient books from the 6th century.An inscription carved on the pillar in Sanskrit reads:”Aasamudranth Dakshin dhruv, paryanth abadhita jyotirmarg”(“There is no earth terrain from this point of the sea to the South Pole”).Now, the fascinating fact is that if you start travelling from Somnath Mandir towards the south, you will not find any mountain or piece of land until you reach the South Pole (Antarctica), 10,000 km away. This raises the intriguing question: how did our ancestors know this fact in the 6th century or thousands of years before that?The accurate placement of the Baan Stambh in line with the cardinal directions reveals the deep knowledge of ancient Indian astronomers. Its alignment with the southernmost point and celestial bodies makes it very significant in astronomy. This architecture shows how spirituality and science were closely connected in Indian culture.
1. What is the Somnath Temple known for?
A) Being a Buddhist shrine
B) Housing one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva
C) Being the oldest mosque in India
D) Being a Jain temple
2. Who is believed to have first built the Somnath Temple?
A) Lord Shiva
B) Mahmud of Ghazni
C) Moon God, Soma
D) King Ashoka
3. What is the “Baan Stambh”?
A) A sacred river near the temple
B) A pillar with an arrow pointing towards the sea
C) A shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu
D) A large bell used in temple ceremonies
4. What significant event happened to the Somnath Temple in the 11th century?
A) It was built for the first time
B) It was destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni
C) It was visited by Alexander the Great
D) It was turned into a museum
5. What is the significance of the inscription on the Baan Stambh?
A) It describes the history of Lord Shiva
B) It states that there is no land between Somnath and the South Pole
C) It tells the story of the Moon God
D) It marks the location of hidden treasures
Class 11 Unseen Passage Reading Comprehension Answers:
Answers set 1:
1. B) A collision with a goods train
2. A) Nine
3. C) Rear coaches
4. B) Heavy rain in Siliguri
5. D) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
Answers set 2:
1. B) July 01, 2024
2. C) Rohit Sharma
3. B) It was a turning point when South Africa was close to victory.
4. B) A strengthened sense of identity and pride.
5. D) Afghanistan
Answers set 3:
1. B) Germany
2. C) Georgia
3. C) Three times
4. B) Berlin
5. B) Environmental and economic aspects
Answers set 4:
1. A) March 21
2. C) Forests and innovation: new solutions for a better world
3. B) United Nations Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
4. B) To raise awareness about forest conservation
5. C) Balancing the environment and filtering the air
Answers set 5:
1. B) Orange alert
2. B) Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar
3. C) Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty wind
4. A) Coochbehar, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and North Dinajpur
5. B) An east-west trough running from southeast Rajasthan to north Bangladesh
Answers set 6:
1. B) It ensures a variety of habitats, supporting a wide range of species.
2. A) Desert ecosystem
3. C) Pakhi Bitan Wildlife Sanctuary
4. B) It includes multiple protected areas and aims to preserve diverse ecosystems.
5. B) They represent the success of conservation efforts and habitat diversity.
Answers set 7:
1. B) Sulawesi, Indonesia
2. C) Laser dating of calcium carbonate crystals
3. A) Human-like figures interacting with a wild pig
4. C) At least 51,200 years old
5. B) Nature
Answers set 8:
1. B) A stampede at a religious gathering
2. C) Bhole Baba
3. B) 2013
4. B) Walking on fire at religious festivals
5. A) Bihar and Assam
Answers set 9:
1. C) 2025
2. B) France
3. C) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
4. B) India’s rich and diverse history spanning over 5,000 years
5. C) Central Vista redevelopment project
Answers set 10:
1. B) Housing one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva
2. C) Moon God, Som
3. B) A pillar with an arrow pointing towards the sea
4. B) It was destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni
5. B) It states that there is no land between Somnath and the South Pole
