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Express view on L&T chairman’s remarks: The CEOs who lack vision, empathy
or ideas

There is a crisis of imagination and no amount of perks, ESOPs or staggering six-figure salaries seem
to square up to it. The future of productivity, if industry bros are to be believed, lies not in work-life
balance but in work-work sublimation. After Narayana Murthy’s prescription of a 70-hour work week
in 2023, Larsen and Toubro (L&T) chairman S N Subrahmanyan has urged employees to put in 90
hours at work every week and to even forgo weekends in the pursuit of professional excellence. In
between, corporate leaders of all stripes — from Bhavish Agarwal of OLA to Bombay Shaving
Company’s CEO Shantanu Deshpande — have advocated harsher work regimens for a variety of
reasons, ranging from character building to nation building. After all, as Subrahmanyan said in the
annual company meeting, “How long can you stare at your wife, how long can the wife stare at the
husband?” He could well be saying, “Who wouldn’t want to sacrifice their health, relationships, and
interests in exchange for more targets?” To a work force struggling with high stress, low income,
fewer opportunities and inadequate support systems, the hard bottom line and cold condescension
could not be clearer: Turnover above all.

Of course, this hasn’t exactly been a secret from employees at the receiving end of HR’s exhortations
to colour-coded festival celebrations, attendance regularisation, impractical targets and support for
little else. As it is, employees in Asian countries work an average of nearly 49 hours a week in contrast
to 37.9 hours per week in North America and about 37-odd hours in Europe. But when it comes from
those at the top of the pyramid, such statements show a shocking lack of consideration for the
human cost of such benchmarks. The suggestion that more hours translate to greater productivity
and success has no basis in facts. It overlooks employee well-being, both physical and mental, familial
demands, and long-term sustainability. A 24/7 work culture presupposes the luxury of a structure of
support and care in homes, out of the realm of possibility for a majority on account of income or
availability.

In a country where even the prime minister valorises working for 22 hours, bucking the trend is hard
work. It requires an intuitive acumen to align individual needs with corporate demands and the
ability to internalise what the International Labour Organisation highlights in its Preamble: “Labour is
not a commodity”. That’s a bottomline most CEOs fail to read. [Practice Exercise]

 Red/blue coloring of words in the sentence indicates subject verb relationship; where ‘red’
denotes ‘subject’ and ‘blue’ denotes ‘verb’.
 Presuppose (verb) – to accept something as true or existing and act on that basis, before it
has been shown to be true

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Vocabulary
1. Remark (noun) – Comment, statement, 12. In the pursuit of (phrase) – In search of,
observation, note striving for, working toward, chasing

2. Empathy (noun) – Understanding,

compassion, sensitivity, consideration
13. Stripe (noun) – Type, kind, category,
variety

3. Perk (noun) – Benefit, advantage, bonus,

14. Advocate (verb) – Recommend, support,
privilege
promote, champion

4. ESOPs (noun) – ESOP stands for Employee

15. Regimen (noun) – Routine, plan, system,
Stock Ownership Plan. It's a benefit plan
schedule
that gives employees a stake in the
company they work for. 16. Stare (at) (verb) – Look at, gaze, fixate,
observe

5. Staggering (adjective) – Astonishing, 17. Bottom line (noun) – Main point, core
overwhelming, shocking, immense issue, fundamental factor

18. Cold (adjective) – Indifferent, unemotional,

6. Square up (phrasal verb) – Balance, match, unsympathetic, aloof
make up for, equate
19. Condescension (noun) – Arrogance,
patronizing attitude, superiority, disdain
7. Productivity (noun) – Efficiency, output,
performance, production
20. Turnover (noun) – Revenue, sales,
8. Lie (verb) – Exist, reside, rest, be found
earnings, income

21. Exhortation (noun) – Urging,

9. Sublimation (noun) – Transformation,
encouragement, plea, persuasion
redirection, elevation
22. Regularisation (noun) – Standardisation,
10. Urge (verb) – Encourage, push, motivate,
formalisation, normalisation
recommend

11. Forgo (verb) – Give up, relinquish, sacrifice,

abstain

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23. In contrast to (phrase) – Opposite to, 32. On account of (phrase) – Because of, due
unlike, differing from, contrary to to, owing to

33. Valorise (verb) – Glorify, praise, celebrate,

24. At the top of the pyramid (phrase) – At honour
the highest level, leading position, at the
34. Buck the trend (phrase) – Go against the
peak
norm, resist change, oppose the general
25. Consideration (noun) – Thought, care, direction
attention, regard
35. Intuitive (adjective) – Instinctive,
26. Benchmark (noun) – Standard, criterion, insightful, natural, inherent
measure, yardstick
36. Acumen (noun) – Insight, sharpness,
27. Translate (verb) – Convert, interpret, expertise, intelligence
change, explain
37. Align (with) (verb) – Coordinate, match,
28. Overlook (verb) – Ignore, neglect, adjust, bring in line
disregard, fail to notice
38. Internalise (verb) – Absorb, embrace,
29. Well-being (noun) – Welfare, health, adopt, accept
happiness, comfort
39. Highlight (verb) – Emphasise, underline,
30. Sustainability (noun) – Endurance, stress, draw attention to
viability, durability, stability
40. Preamble (noun) – Introduction, preface,
31. Out of the realm of possibility (phrase) – opening, foreword
Unlikely, improbable, unattainable,
impossible

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Summary of the Editorial

1. Crisis of Imagination in Leadership: The call for 90-hour work weeks reflects a leadership crisis
where vision, empathy, and innovative solutions are replaced by outdated metrics like overwork.
This approach disregards the broader context of employee well-being.
2. Unrealistic Expectations: In a world already grappling with high work hours, especially in Asia,
demanding 90-hour weeks ignores the physical, mental, and social toll on employees. This
expectation alienates the workforce and fails to address systemic issues like burnout and low
productivity.
3. Myth of Overwork Equals Productivity: Research consistently debunks the idea that longer hours
lead to higher productivity. Overworked employees are more prone to mistakes, mental health
issues, and disengagement, which ultimately harm organizational goals.
4. Erosion of Work-Life Balance: Subrahmanyan's remarks undermine the importance of a balanced
life, suggesting professional achievements should come at the cost of personal relationships and
health. This diminishes the holistic well-being of employees.
5. Insensitive Communication: The comment, “How long can you stare at your wife, how long can the
wife stare at the husband?” trivializes personal relationships and fails to acknowledge the
significance of family and leisure in sustaining an individual’s productivity and happiness.
6. Cultural Contradictions: While some countries emphasize shorter work hours to enhance creativity
and satisfaction, India’s growing culture of valorizing extreme work regimens risks perpetuating a
cycle of stress and diminishing returns.
7. Neglect of Ground Realities: For the majority of employees, who lack support structures at home
or sufficient income, the notion of devoting nearly all waking hours to work is unfeasible and
inequitable.
8. Missed Opportunity for Real Leadership: Instead of pushing unrealistic hours, leaders should focus
on creating environments that foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation within sustainable
boundaries.
9. Need for Empathy: True leadership requires understanding the workforce’s challenges and aligning
corporate goals with humane policies. Acknowledging the International Labour Organisation’s
principle that “labour is not a commodity” should guide such strategies.
10. Potential Backlash: Such statements risk alienating talent, especially among younger professionals
who value work-life balance and well-being. Companies advocating extreme work cultures may
struggle with retention and recruitment.
11. Cultural Influence of Overwork: India’s work culture, influenced by leaders like the prime minister
who glorify extreme dedication, risks perpetuating a toxic cycle that harms employees’ long-term
health and productivity.
12. Balancing Corporate and Human Needs: Effective leadership should strike a balance between
achieving corporate objectives and safeguarding employees' physical and mental health. This
ensures long-term growth and sustainability.
13. Ethical Considerations: Overburdening employees in pursuit of profit compromises ethical
workplace practices and violates the social contract between employers and employees.

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14. Global Lessons Ignored: Advanced economies with shorter workweeks have proven that focusing
on efficiency, innovation, and employee well-being yields better outcomes than overburdening
employees.
15. Call for Change: CEOs need to abandon outdated, exploitative practices and embrace progressive
strategies that value human capital, prioritize work-life balance, and foster inclusive growth.

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Practice Exercise: SSC Pattern Based

1. What is the tone of the passage? *Editorial page+
A. Motivational
B. Neutral
C. Nostalgic
D. Critically sarcastic
2. What is the average number of hours employees work per week in Asian countries, as stated
in the passage?
A. 37 hours
B. 37.9 hours
C. 49 hours
D. 22 hours
3. Which statement from the passage highlights a key argument against excessively long work
hours?
A. How long can you stare at your wife, how long can the wife stare at the husband?
B. Employees in Asian countries work an average of nearly 49 hours a week.
C. The suggestion that more hours translate to greater productivity and success has no basis
in facts.
D. Corporate leaders have advocated harsher work regimens for a variety of reasons.
4. From the passage, it can be inferred that all of the following are true about the CEO's
perspective on work culture EXCEPT that:
A. They believe longer working hours lead to greater productivity.
B. They disregard the importance of employee well-being.
C. They advocate for sacrificing personal relationships for professional success.
D. They focus on aligning corporate goals with individual needs.
5. Which one of the following statements best summarizes the author’s position on excessive
work culture promoted by corporate leaders?
A. It builds stronger character and aligns with national development goals.
B. It is an unsustainable practice that undermines employee well-being and productivity.
C. It reflects an innovative approach to maximizing professional success.
D. It is necessary to compete with global work culture standards.
Comprehension:
In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and
select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
A few months after Conrads death, the nobles met at Aix-la-Chapelle and elected Henry to be
their king. At this time, it was the (1)________ in Europe to hunt various birds, such as the wild
duck and partridge, with falcons. The falcons were long-winged birds of prey,

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(2)________ hawks. They were trained to (3)________ on their masters wrist and wait
patiently until they were told to fly. Then they would swiftly (4) ________ at their prey and
bear it to the ground. Henry was very fond of falconry and hence was known as Henry the
Fowler, or Falconer. As soon as the other dukes had elected him king, a messenger was sent to
Saxony to (5)________ him of the honour done for him. After a search of some days, he was at
last found, far up in the Hartz Mountains, hunting with his falcons.
6. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.
A. ritualistic
B. conventions
C. custom
D. motive
7. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.
A. subjugating
B. favouring
C. resembling
D. echoing
8. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 3.
A. perch
B. sitting
C. lurch
D. chirp
9. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.
A. flight
B. dashed
C. leapt
D. dart
10. Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 5.
A. convey
B. nullify
C. communicate
D. inform
11. Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
To read between the lines
A. To read aloud
B. To grasp the hidden meaning
C. To read without concentration
D. To whisper
12. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word in the given sentence.
His industrious attitude was the reason for his promotion.
A. Efficient
B. Hazy

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C. Lazy
D. Pricey
13. Select the most appropriate homophone to fill in the blank.
These people are artists. ________ skills are extraordinary.
A. They’re
B. They or
C. Their
D. There
14. There is a spelling error in the given sentence. Select the option that contains the
INCORRECTLY spelt word.
They adressed the special gathering perfectly
A. perfectly
B. gathering
C. adressed
D. special
15. Select the most appropriate homonym to fill in the blank.
The prince is the ____________to the throne.
A. heir
B. air
C. err
D. ere
16. Select the most appropriate pair of words to fill in the blanks.
Shyam has reserved a ________ in the train for his wife as she will be giving ________ to his
child soon
A. berth; birth
B. birth; birth
C. berth; berth
D. birth; berth
17. Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.
A. Consciencious
B. Conscious
C. Conspicuous
D. Conscience
18. Select the most appropriate option that can replace the bracketed word segment in the
following sentence.
Men (allowed) for Olympic artistic swimming for the first time at the 2024 Paris Games, the IOC
confirmed on Thursday.
A. are likely
B. have permitted
C. are eligible
D. will approve

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19. Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given
sentence.
As there was no one to look thorough the orphan, he had to take refuge in the orphanage
A. look down upon
B. look after
C. look through
D. look upon
20. Complete the following sentence.
He ________ to the manager about the terrible food in the hostel
A. He said a big complaint.
B. He terribly complained.
C. He said a complaint.
D. He made a complaint
21. Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
The __________ purpose of the coaching was to identify the talented players.
A. mane
B. mean
C. main
D. mine
22. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.
Terminate
A. Mark
B. Begin
C. Die
D. Conclude
23. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.
Peace
A. Refusal
B. Harmony
C. Strange
D. Turmoil
24. Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined words in the following
sentence.
I cannot go out tonight because I will preparing of my interview tomorrow
A. I have been prepare to
B. I have to prepare for
C. I will have prepare for
D. I had to prepare to
25. Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given
sentence.
The player was declared fit and in excellent health to play the final matches.

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A. right as rain
B. up in the arms
C. left out in cold
D. on cloud nine

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Answers
1. D 2. C 3.C 4. D 5. B 6. C 7. C 8. A 9. D 10. D 11.B
12. C 13.C 14.C 15.A 16.A 17.A 18.C 19.B 20.D 21.C 22.B
23. D 24.B 25.A [Practice Exercise]
Explanations
1. D) Critically sarcastic
The passage uses irony and sarcasm to highlight how unrealistic and insensitive calls for 70- or
90-hour workweeks can be. The author critiques corporate leaders’ cavalier approach to
employee well-being with pointed remarks (e.g., “How long can you stare at your wife…”) and
a tone laced with sarcasm and disbelief.
A: The passage does not encourage or uplift; rather, it questions and criticizes the demands
placed on employees.
C: There is no longing for the past; the focus is on current corporate attitudes.
B: The author clearly takes a stance and criticizes overwork culture, so the passage is not
neutral.
2. C) 49 hours
Correct, as the passage explicitly mentions that employees in Asian countries work an average
of nearly 49 hours a week.
A: Incorrect, this is approximately the average for Europe, not Asia.
B: Incorrect, this is the average for North America.
D: Incorrect, this refers to the hours supposedly worked by the prime minister, not the average
for employees.
3. C) The suggestion that more hours translate to greater productivity and success has no basis
in facts.
C: Correct, as this directly critiques the misconception that longer work hours result in better
outcomes.
A: Incorrect, this sarcastic remark reflects a leader's disregard for work-life balance, not an
argument against long hours.
B: Incorrect, this is a factual statement about work hours, not an argument against them.
D: Incorrect, this describes advocacy for longer work hours, not a critique of the concept.
4. D) They focus on aligning corporate goals with individual needs.
A. Correct: The passage states that CEOs like Narayana Murthy and S N Subrahmanyan promote
longer working hours, believing it leads to professional excellence and higher productivity.
B. Correct: The passage criticizes the CEOs for neglecting the physical and mental well-being of
employees in favor of achieving targets.
C. Correct: The L&T chairman’s remark about staring at one’s spouse reflects the lack of
consideration for personal relationships.
D. Incorrect: The author highlights that most CEOs fail to align corporate goals with individual
needs, as demonstrated by their neglect of employee well-being and long-term sustainability.

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5. B) It is an unsustainable practice that undermines employee well-being and productivity.

A: While some CEOs claim that harsher work regimens build character and benefit the nation,
the author criticizes this viewpoint for disregarding human costs.
B: The author argues that excessive work culture is unsustainable, harming employee health,
relationships, and long-term productivity.
C: The passage does not view this approach as innovative but rather as detrimental and lacking
empathy.
D: The author points out that employees in Asian countries already work more hours on
average than their counterparts in North America and Europe, so this practice is not about
competing globally but reflects flawed priorities.
6. C) Custom' का use होगा क्योंकक "custom" का अथथ होता है ऩारॊ ऩररक अभ्यास या प्रचऱन। यहाॊ यह
उल्ऱेख ककया गया है कक उस समय यूरोऩ में विभिन्न ऩक्षऺयों का भिकार एक सामान्य प्रचऱन था।
इसभऱए 'custom' सही विकल्ऩ है । जबकक 'ritualistic' का अथथ होता है धाभमथक या आधधकाररक रस्म,
'conventions' का अथथ है ऩारॊ ऩररक मानदॊ ड, और 'motive' का अथथ है उद्देश्य या कारण, जो इस context में
सही नहीॊ है।
 'Custom' will be used because it means a traditional practice or habitual way of doing
something. The passage mentions that hunting various birds with falcons was a
common practice in Europe at that time, making 'custom' the appropriate choice.
Whereas, 'ritualistic' implies religious or formal rituals, 'conventions' refer to traditional
norms, and 'motive' means a reason or purpose, which don't fit in this context.
7. C) Resembling' का use होगा क्योंकक "resembling" का अथथ होता है ककसी चीज़ के समान होना या
उसकी तरह ददखना। sentence में falcons का िणथन करते हुए कहा गया है कक ये long-winged birds of
prey होते हैं, hawks की तरह। इसभऱए 'resembling' यहाॉ सही है। जबकक 'subjugating' का अथथ है अधीन
करना, 'favouring' का अथथ है ऩऺ ऱेना, और 'echoing' का अथथ है गूॊजना, जो इस context में सही नहीॊ है ।
 ‘Resembling' will be used because it means being similar to or looking like something.
The sentence describes falcons as long-winged birds of prey, like hawks. Hence,
'resembling' is fitting here. Whereas, 'subjugating' means to bring under control,
'favouring' means showing preference, and 'echoing' implies a sound being repeated,
which don't fit in this context.
8. A) Perch' का use होगा क्योंकक "perch" का अथथ होता है ककसी ऊॉचे स्थान ऩर बैठना। sentence में
mention ककया गया है कक बाज अऩने माभऱक की कऱाई ऩर बैठते हैं और तब तक धैयऩ
थ ूिक
थ प्रतीऺा करते
हैं जब तक उन्हें उड़ने के भऱए कहा नहीॊ जाता। इसभऱए 'perch' यहाॉ सही है । जबकक 'sitting' का अथथ है

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बैठना, 'lurch' का अथथ है अचानक झटका या दहऱना, और 'chirp' का अथथ है चहकना, जो इस context में
सही नहीॊ हैं।
 'Perch' will be used because it means to sit or rest on something high. The sentence
mentions that the falcons sit on their master's wrist and wait patiently until told to fly.
Thus, 'perch' is appropriate here. Whereas, 'sitting' means just sitting, 'lurch' means a
sudden jerk or movement, and 'chirp' means to make a short, sharp sound (like birds),
which don't fit in this context.
9. D) Dart' का उऩयोग होगा क्योंकक "dart" का अथथ होता है जल्दी से और अचानक से ककसी चीज़ की ओर
जाना। िाक्य में बताया गया है कक जैसे ही उन्हें उड़ने के भऱए कहा गया, िे अऩने भिकार की ओर तेजी से
बढे और उसे जमीन ऩर धगरा ददया, इसभऱए 'dart' यहाॊ सही है । जबकक 'flight' का अथथ है उड़ान, 'dashed'
का अथथ है तेजी से िागना या दौड़ना, और 'leapt' का अथथ है छऱाॊग ऱगाना, जो इस सॊदिथ में सही नहीॊ है ।
 'Dart' will be used because it means to move quickly and suddenly towards something.
The sentence mentions that as soon as they were told to fly, they would swiftly dart at
their prey and bear it to the ground, making 'dart' appropriate here. Whereas, 'flight'
means flying, 'dashed' means to run quickly, and 'leapt' means to jump, which don't fit
in this context.
10. D) 'Inform' का उऩयोग होगा क्योंकक "inform" का अथथ है ककसी को ककसी बात की सच
ू ना दे ना या
जानकारी दे ना। िाक्य में बताया गया है कक एक दत
ू िेजा गया था ताकक उसे राजा चन
ु े जाने के सम्मान के
बारे में बताया जा सके, इसभऱए 'inform' यहाॉ सही है। जबकक 'convey' का अथथ है ककसी सॊदेि या
जानकारी को ऩहुॉचाना, 'nullify' का अथथ है रद्द करना, और 'communicate' का अथथ है ककसी सॊदेि या
विचार को साझा करना, जो इस सॊदिथ में सही नहीॊ हैं।
 ‘Inform' will be used because it means to give someone information or notify them
about something. The sentence mentions that a messenger was sent to tell him about
the honor done to him, so 'inform' is appropriate here. Whereas, 'convey' means to
transport or communicate a message, 'nullify' means to cancel, and 'communicate'
means to share information or ideas, which don't fit in this context.
11. B) ‘effects' के बदऱे 'affects' का प्रयोग होगा क्योंकक 'effects' एक noun है जबकक यहाॉ verb की
आिश्यकता है ; जैस—
े Loud noise affects our ability to concentrate.
 'affects' will be used instead of 'effects' because 'effects' is a noun whereas a verb is
required here; Like— Loud noise affects our ability to concentrate.
12. C) Industrious (adjective) – Diligent, hard-working, busy, assiduous. श्र
Antonym: Lazy (adjective) – Unwilling to work or use energy, idle, inactive.

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 Efficient (adjective) – Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or

expense, organized, methodical. प्रिािी
 Hazy (adjective) – Vague, indistinct, unclear, foggy. धध
ुॊ ऱा
 Pricey (adjective) – Expensive, costly, high-priced. मॊहगा
13. C) Their' का use होगा क्योंकक "their" का अथथ होता है ककसी का स्िाभमत्ि ददखाना। sentence में
mention ककया गया है कक ये ऱोग कऱाकार हैं और उनकी skills असाधारण हैं, इसभऱए 'their' यहाॉ सही
है । जबकक 'They’re' का अथथ है िे हैं, 'They or' का कोई अथथ नहीॊ है , और 'There' का अथथ है िहाॉ, जो इस
context में सही नहीॊ हैं।
 'Their' will be used because it shows possession. The sentence mentions that these
people are artists and their skills are extraordinary, making 'their' fitting here. Whereas,
'They’re' means they are, 'They or' is meaningless, and 'There' means at that place,
which don't fit in this context.
14. C) The correct spelling of ‘adressed’ is ‘addressed’ which means “to speak to; to direct one’s
attention to” ऩता भऱखा हुआ, अभििावित
15. A) Heir' का उऩयोग होगा क्योंकक "heir" का अथथ है िह व्यक्क्त जो ककसी के बाद सॊऩक्त्त या ऩद का
अधधकारी होता है । sentence में mention ककया गया है कक वप्रॊस भसॊहासन का अधधकारी है , इसभऱए 'heir'
यहाॉ सही है। जबकक 'air' का अथथ है हिा, 'err' का अथथ है गऱती करना, और 'ere' का अथथ है ऩहऱे, जो इस
context में सही नहीॊ है ।
 'Heir' will be used because it means a person who inherits or is entitled to inherit the
rank, title, position, etc., of another. The sentence mentions that the prince is entitled
to the throne, making 'heir' fitting here. Whereas, 'air' means the atmosphere, 'err'
means to make a mistake, and 'ere' means before, which don't fit in this context.
16. A) berth' का use होगा क्योंकक "berth" का अथथ होता है ट्रे न में सोने की जगह। 'birth' का use होगा
क्योंकक "birth" का अथथ होता है बच्चे का जन्म। sentence में mention ककया गया है कक Shyam ने अऩनी
ऩत्नी के भऱए ट्रे न में सोने की जगह reserved की है क्योंकक िह जल्द ही उनके बच्चे को जन्म दे ने िाऱी हैं।
इसभऱए 'berth' और 'birth' यहाॉ सही हैं। जबकक अन्य विकल्ऩ context में सही नहीॊ हैं।
 'berth' will be used because it means a sleeping place in a train. 'birth' will be used
because it means the act of giving birth to a child. The sentence mentions that Shyam
has reserved a sleeping place in the train for his wife as she will be giving birth to their
child soon, making 'berth' and 'birth' fitting here. The other options do not fit in this
context.

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17. A) The correct spelling of 'Consciencious' is 'Conscientious' which means “wishing to do one's
work or duty well and thoroughly” ईमानदार, कतथव्यऩरायण.
18. C) 'allowed' के बदऱे 'are eligible' का प्रयोग होगा क्योंकक िाक्य िविष्य की घटना का उल्ऱेख कर रहा
है ; जैस—
े "Men are eligible for Olympic artistic swimming for the first time at the 2024 Paris
Games, the IOC confirmed on Thursday."
 'are eligible' will be used instead of 'allowed' because the sentence is referring to a
future event; like— "Men are eligible for Olympic artistic swimming for the first time at
the 2024 Paris Games, the IOC confirmed on Thursday."
19. B) Look after (phrasal verb) – To take care of someone or something. क ।
 Look down upon (phrasal verb) – To regard someone or something with disdain or a
sense of superiority. क छ झ ।
 Look through (phrasal verb) – To examine something, typically quickly. छ
ध् ।
 Look upon (phrasal verb) – To regard or consider someone or something in a particular
way. क दृ ट ।
20. D) Made a complaint' का use होगा क्योंकक "made a complaint" का अथथ होता है औऩचाररक रूऩ से
भिकायत करना। िाक्य में उल्ऱेख ककया गया है कक उसने हॉस्टऱ के ियानक िोजन के बारे में प्रबॊधक से
भिकायत की, इसभऱए 'made a complaint' यहाॉ सही है । जबकक 'said a big complaint' का कोई अथथ
नहीॊ बनता, 'terribly complained' का structure गऱत है , और 'said a complaint' िी गऱत structure
है ।
 'Made a complaint' will be used because it means to formally express dissatisfaction.
The sentence mentions that he complained to the manager about the terrible food in
the hostel, making 'made a complaint' fitting here. Whereas, 'said a big complaint' is
meaningless, 'terribly complained' is structurally incorrect, and 'said a complaint' is also
an incorrect structure.
21. C) The correct answer is 'main' because "main" का अथथ होता है मुख्य या सबसे महत्िऩूण।थ िाक्य में
बताया गया है कक कोधचॊग का मख्
ु य उद्देश्य प्रततिािाऱी खखऱाडड़यों की ऩहचान करना था, इसभऱए 'main'
यहाॉ सही है। जबकक 'mane' का अथथ है घोड़े या िेर का अयाऱ, 'mean' का अथथ है औसत या घदटया, और
'mine' का अथथ है मेरा या खदान, जो इस context में सही नहीॊ है।
 'Main' will be used because it means primary or most important. The sentence
mentions that the primary purpose of the coaching was to identify the talented players,
making 'main' fitting here. Whereas, 'mane' means the long hair on the neck of a horse

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or lion, 'mean' means average or cruel, and 'mine' means belonging to me or a pit from
which minerals are extracted, which don't fit in this context.
22. B) Terminate (verb) – Bring to an end, finish, conclude, stop. समाप्त करना
Antonym: Begin (verb) – Start, commence, initiate, set in motion. िरू
ु करना
 Mark (verb) – To make a visible impression or stain on. धचक्न्हत करना
 Die (verb) – To cease to live, pass away. मरना
 Conclude (verb) – Bring something to an end, finish, complete. समाप्त करना
23. D) Peace (noun) – A state of tranquility or quiet, free from disturbance, conflict, or war. िाॊतत
Antonym: Turmoil (noun) – A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. अिाॊतत
 Refusal (noun) – The act of refusing or declining an offer or request. अस्िीकार
 Harmony (noun) – Agreement or concord, a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of
parts. मेऱ
 Strange (adjective) – Unfamiliar, unusual, or surprising; difficult to understand or explain.
अजीब
24. B) 'I have to prepare for' will be the correct substitution because the sentence indicates that
the speaker needs to prepare for the interview tomorrow. 'Have to' is used to indicate
obligation, and 'prepare for' is used when getting ready for something; Like— I cannot go out
tonight because I have to prepare for my interview tomorrow.
25. A) right as rain (idiom) – In perfect health or condition. ट ।
 Up in the arms (idiom) – Angry or very upset about something. ।
 Left out in the cold (idiom) – Ignored or excluded from something. क्षि क
।
 On cloud nine (idiom) – Extremely happy or elated. ।

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