Comprehension

Passage: During the Indra Jatra festival, the Kumari is carried in a chariot through the streets of Kathmandu. Thousands of people gather to receive her blessings. Q44. On what occasion is the Kumari carried in a chariot?

Passage: Once the Kumari reaches puberty, she retires and a new girl is chosen. She then returns to a normal life with her family. Q45. When does a girl stop being the Kumari?

Passage: The tradition of the Kumari reflects the deep-rooted cultural and religious harmony in Nepal, combining elements of both Hinduism and Buddhism. Q46. What does the Kumari tradition symbolize according to the passage?

Passage: She must remain calm and composed at all times, as her reactions are believed to predict the fortune of those seeking her blessing. Q47. What is believed to happen if the Kumari shows an emotional reaction?

Passage: While she is the Kumari, she is educated within the palace and follows strict daily rituals. Q48. How is the Kumari educated?

Passage: The term 'manifestation' in the text refers to the physical appearance of a spiritual being. Q49. What is a synonym for 'manifestation' in this context?

Passage: Many argue about the rights of the child vs the preservation of culture in the case of the Kumari. Q50. What is the central debate mentioned in the passage?

Passage: Migration for employment has become a significant part of Nepal's economy. Remittance, the money sent home by migrants, accounts for more than a quarter of the country's GDP. Q51. What is 'remittance'?

Passage: Most Nepali migrant workers go to countries in the Gulf and Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia, Qatar, and the UAE. Q52. Which country is NOT mentioned as a common destination for Nepali workers?

Passage: Remittance has helped reduce poverty and improve the standard of living for many families in rural Nepal. Q53. What is one positive effect of remittance mentioned in the passage?

Passage: However, the departure of young, able-bodied workers has led to a shortage of labor in agriculture and other local industries. Q54. What is a negative consequence of high migration?

Passage: The 'brain drain' refers to the migration of highly skilled and educated individuals to developed countries. Q55. What does 'brain drain' mean?

Passage: Families often rely solely on remittance, which makes them vulnerable to global economic shocks. Q56. Why is relying only on remittance risky for families?

Passage: Ensuring the safety and rights of migrant workers in foreign countries remains a major challenge for the government. Q57. What is the government's concern regarding migrant workers?

Passage: The term 'GDP' stands for Gross Domestic Product, a measure of a country's economic activity. Q58. Based on the context, what does GDP represent?

Passage: Social costs, such as the separation of families and the psychological impact on children left behind, are often overlooked. Q59. What does the word 'overlooked' mean in this context?

Passage: Migration is a 'double-edged sword' for Nepal, bringing money but creating social and labor problems. Q60. What does the metaphor 'double-edged sword' imply?

Passage: Deforestation in the Terai region of Nepal has led to several environmental issues, including soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. Forests are being cleared for agriculture and human settlements. Q61. What are the two main reasons for clearing forests mentioned in the passage?

Passage: Soil erosion during the monsoon season causes floods that destroy crops and displace families. Q62. When is soil erosion most problematic according to the passage?

Passage: Community forest programs in Nepal have been successful in involving local people in forest management and conservation. Q63. What has been successful in forest conservation in Nepal?