Unseen Passage For Class 10 with Answers

Discursive Passage for Class 10

Unseen Passage: Bharat Ratna to Dhyan Chand

The government indicated on Tuesday that it was considering conferring the country’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, on Dhyan Chand. The home ministry has forwarded several recommendations to the PMO for awarding the legendary hockey player. It is now up to PM Narendra Modi to forward his name to the President. In reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said, “The recommendations for the Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister to the President.

of India. Although no formal recommendations for Bharat Ratna are necessary, recommendations have been received from several quarters for Bharat Ratna for Late Major Dhyan Chand. These recommendations have been forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office.” Speculation is rife over the identity of this year’s Bharat Ratna awardees, even as the government has ordered five medallions from the RBI Mint. Two names discussed most frequently are those of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and of senior BJP leader Atal Behari Vajpayee.

There has been a growing demand for conferring the award on Dhyan Chand ever since cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar was given the award this year. The sports ministry had lasFt year recommended Dhyan Chand’s name too, but the PMO nodded in favour of Tendulkar who had just announced his retirement from international cricket.

Many quarters called this a bias in favour of the more popular sport cricket and maintained that Dhyan Chand’s contribution to sports and the nation was greater than Tendulkar’s and that he should have been considered first.

Several noted people have already expressed favourable views on conferring the award on Dhyan Chand. Cricketer Virender Sehwag, during a CRPF function on Tuesday, said, “I am not on the panel so I can’t decide whether Dhyan Chand should get the award. But I believe all great sports men who have contributed immensely to any sport must be awarded. Sachin Tendulkar has already got the Bharat Ratna. Others too should be considered.” Meanwhile, several BJP MPs, responding to news of Dhyan Chand’s name having been included in the probable awardees list, expressed happiness. Sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal was quoted as saying: “If Major Dhyan Chand is given the Bharat Ratna, we will all be really happy.”

Born in 1905, Dhyan Chand earned the moniker of ‘Hockey Wizard’ for his superb skills and ball control. He won three Olympic gold medals for India between 1928 and 1936. Dhyan Chand retired from the game in 1948 and was awarded the Padma Bhushan eight years later. He retired from the Indian Army with the rank of Major and passed away in New Delhi in 1979 at the age of 79. The National Stadium, where the first ever Asian Games were held in 1951, is named after the great player and at the entrance, houses a giant statue of the legendary player.

Question & Answer

Question. What is the intention of the government regarding conferring the Bharat Ratna award
this year?
Ans. The intention of the government is to confer the country’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna on Dhyan Chand.

Question. Who has to forward Dhayan Chand’s name to the President of India for the award?
Ans. The PM Narendra Modi has to forward Dhyan Chand ’s name to the President of India for the award.

Question. What has the government ordered to the RBI Mint?
Ans. The government has ordered five medallions from the RBI Mint.

Question. Who was the first sportsman to be awarded the Bharat Ratna award?
Ans. Sachin Tendulkar was the first sportsman to be awarded the Bharat Ratna award.

Question. Is Dhyan Chand’s contribution to sports and the nation lesser than Tendulkar’s?
Ans. No, Dhyan Chand’s contribution to sports and the nation is greater than that of Tendulkar’s.

Question. What does Sehwag say about the award?
Ans. Sehwag says that the Bharat Ratna award should be conferred on Dhyan Chand.

Question. What was the moniker that Dhyan Chand earned during his lifetime?
Ans. Dhyan Chand earned the moniker of “Hockey Wizard” in his life time.

Question. What is the National Stadium named after?
Ans. The National Stadium, Delhi is named after the great “Hockey Wizard”, Dhyan Chand.

Unseen Passage for Class 10 with answers pdf

Unseen Passage: Looking To Make A Fresh Start

Yesterday, the nation heard its first Independence Day speech by a prime minister born after Independence. Expectations were sky high. And Narendra Modi did deliver, while posting some surprises along the way. 

For years the norm has been ho-hum speeches and abstract statistics, while doling out favours to different sectors, communities and states. Modi turned that formula on its head, taking it out for a John F Kennedy spin — Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. Do ‘jan bhagidhari’ instead of always asking ‘mujhe kya milega’. 

He also broke with the formulaic fetishising of diversity. He spoke to a shared national character by speaking to shared shame — like rapes. A good speech is judged by its style and substance, but above all by its impact. The PM’s words on reducing rapes drew huge applause at Red Fort but they derive their true power from the possibility of how they will be heard in the millions of households where they were beamed. 

No sooner do girls enter puberty that parents become super vigilant, keeping a constant check on where they are going, who they are meeting. From the grand heights of Red Fort, the PM spoke the plainest commonsense — It would be better all round if parents quizzed their sons more and daughters less. After all every rapist and almost every extremist is someone’s son. 

He laid out an ambitious goal of a toilet in every school within a year, saying it was at this level that giving dignity to the poor started. Speaking extempore, he’s shown an ability to meld small details — the difficulty that poor women face in relieving themselves — with a larger vision and agenda for implementation: a manufacturing revolution, financial inclusion and digital makeover. 

While Modi may have passed the oratorical test big questions remain: of implementation. For example, take his invitation to the world to ‘Make in India’ everything from paper to plastic, satellite to submarines. This won’t be heeded until India makes big improvements in infrastructure, the land acquisition logjam, labour laws et al. 

He indicated a greater role for states by reading the obituary of the Planning Commission. Federalist direction was echoed in urging every MP to develop model villages by the next elections. Since there are more MPs from BJP than other parties, it’s an example of how this PM treads development and electoral tracks simultaneously. 

Modi was very conscious of addressing all Indians as directly as possible. But he sent a message across the border too — If our ancestors threw the coloniser out together, can’t we just get along now? Instead of fighting each other, let’s fight poverty together. This year, India’s Independence Day speech is sure to get some attention in the neighbourhood too.

Questions & Answer

Questions. How did the nation hear the first Independence Day speech of Narendra Modi?
Ans. The nation heard the first Independence Day speech of Narendra Modi with great expectations and hopes.

Questions.  What did Modi remind the people like John F. Kennedy?
Ans. Like John F. Kennedy, Modi reminded his countrymen what they can do for their nation than asking what the nation can do for them.

Questions. How did the PM speak to a shared national character?
Ans. The Prime Minister spoke freely to a shared national character by speaking to a shared shame — like rapes.

Questions. When and why do parents become super vigilant?
Ans. Parents become super vigilant when their daughters attain puberty, keeping a constant watch on their activities.

Questions. Why did the PM ask the parents to quiz their sons more than their daughters?
Ans. The PM asked the parents to quiz their sons more than their daughters as every rapist and extremist is someone’s son.

Questions. Did the PM deliver a prepared and written speech on the Independence Day?
Ans. No, the Prime Minister made an extempore speech on the Independence Day.

Questions. What invitation did Modi send to the nations of the world regarding India?
Ans. Modi invited the advanced nations of the world to invest in India and make things in India.

Questions. What should we do instead of fighting each other?
Ans.  Instead of fighting each other, we should fight poverty together.

Short Unseen Passage Class 10 with questions and answers

Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow:

Long, long ago, in a big forest, there were many trees. Among the cluster of trees, there was a very tall pine tree. He was so tall that he could talk to the stars in the sky. He could easily look over the heads of the other trees. One day late in the evening, the pine tree saw a ragged, skinny girl approaching him. He could see her only because of his height. The little girl was in tears. The pine tree bent as much as he could and asked her: “What is the matter? Why are you crying?”

The little girl, still sobbing, replied, “I was gathering flowers for a garland for goddess Durga, who I believe, would help my parents to overcome their poverty and I have lost my way”. The pine tree said to the little girl, “It is late in the evening. It will not be possible for you to return to your house, which is at the other end of the forest. Sleep for the night at this place.” The pine tree pointed out to an open cave-like place under him. The little girl was frightened of wild animals. The girl quickly crept into the cave-like place. The pine tree was happy and pleased with himself. He stood like a soldier guarding the place. The little girl woke up in the morning and was amazed to see the pine tree standing guard outside the cave. Then her gaze travelled to the heap of flowers that she had gathered the previous
night. The flowers lay withering on the ground. The pine tree understood what was going on in the girl’s mind. He wrapped his branches around the nearby flower trees and shook them gently. The little girl’s eyes brightened. But a great surprise awaited her. The pine tree brought out a bag full of gold coins which had been lying for years in the hole in its trunk and gave it to the girl. With teary eyes she thanked her benefactor and went away.

Answer the following questions:

(a) Why was the girl crying?
Ans. The little girl was crying because she had lost her way while gathering flowers for a garland for goddess Durga.

(b) Where did the pine tree want the little girl to sleep for the night?
Ans. The pine tree wanted the little girl to sleep in an open cave-like place under the tree itself.

(c) Why was the little girl disappointed when she looked at the flowers and what did the tree do to make her happy?
Ans. The little girl was disappointed because the flowers that she had gathered the previous night laid withered on the ground. The tree wrapped his branches around the nearby flower trees and shook them gently so that the little girl may become happy getting so many flowers.

(d) What lesson does this short story teach us?
Ans. The short story teaches us to help others in their time of need

Do as directed:

(e) What is meant by the word ‘cluster’? 
(i) Group
(ii) team
(iii) class
(iv) party

(f) What is meant by the word ‘approaching’? 
(i) Calling
(ii) touching
(iii) coming close
(iv) running towards

(g) What is meant by the word ‘wild’? 
(i) Cunning
(ii) dirty
(iii) unpolished
(iv) dangerous

(h) What is meant by the word ‘withering’? 
(i) Dead
(ii) shrunk
(iii) colorless
(iv) unhappy

Case based factual Passage for Class 10

Unseen Passage: Life Is Beautiful

My childhood had always been a sheltered one. My parents along with my teachers, tried to instill good ethics in me. But sharing was one moral value which I was never comfortable with. “Why should I give?” was my question. During one vacation to my hometown, I was at the railway station with my parents. As we were waiting for a train, something caught my  attention. Two small children, perhaps siblings, were seeking alms nearby. Though they appeared at ease, I was shocked by their overall untidiness. When they approached us, my father promptly gave the older one, some money.

Those were the days when I was constantly reminded of the virtues of ”sharing‟ things with others. So, when my mother nudged me, I knew why and the look my mother gave me, confirmed. I had a pack of my favorite chocolates in my pocket and, even though I pretended to have forgotten about it, she remembered them. I was devastated. With a heavy heart I fished out one and placed reluctantly on the outstretched hand of the girl. She flashed a smile and the duo moved on. But my gaze never left them as I wanted to know about the fate of my chocolate. After a while I saw her unwrap it. She then did something which moved me.

Without a moment’s hesitation, she put the chocolate in her brother’s mouth and watched his face brighten up as he savored it. Her action puzzled me. Why did she not eat it herself? Regret and shame overcame me when I realized that I had deliberately given only one chocolate. I quickly decided to give her one more chocolate voluntarily. Strangely, my action made me feel better than I had thought. As our train approached the station, the girl rushed to give me something. It was a small paper doll which she had made with the wrapper of the chocolates. I was speechless. Was she trying to convey a “Thank you”? That little girl taught me the joy of sharing and also answered one big question of “Why should I give? I now ask Why not, as sharing is all about loving. Happiness abounds when shared. Years have rolled by and I still cherish that valuable lesson I learnt during that vacation. Sometimes life teaches us things we fail to learn from classrooms. I still think of that girl and her brother and wonder where they would be now….. Those sparkling eyes and beautiful smile.

Complete the sentences on the basis of your reading of the passage:

(a) As a child, the author learnt moral values from ______________________.

(b) The author saw two siblings begging when she was on her way ____________________

(c) The author’s mother forced her to _________________________________.

(d) Before parting the girl presented ________________________to the author.

(e) The author interpreted the little girl’s act as a way of __________________.

(f) The author felt ashamed of ______________________________________

(g) The little girl derived happiness by:
(i) Throwing it (ii) giving it to another beggar (iii) putting it in her younger brother’s mouth

(h) The author learnt from the little girl:
(i) The joy of sharing (ii) everything can’t be shared (iii) kindness

Unseen Passage for Class 10 with questions and answers pdf

Unseen Passage: New Safety Rules For E-Rickshaws Soon

Importing motors, batteries and other parts from China to assemble e-rickshaws and selling them in India by fly-by-night operators won’t be possible any more with the road transport ministry set to tighten norms governing safety and quality of such vehicles. The new norms and mandatory tests would take care of safety concerns including roll over, brake, battery quality, speed, installation of rear view mirrors for drivers and other parameters for all vehicle parts besides passing gradient test since e-rickshaws also need to cross flyovers. All new models will have to undergo about 28 tests and must comply with the norms before these are registered and are allowed to ply. 

However, the biggest catch is how the government would regularize the thousands of e-rickshaws that are already plying or standing idle after the Delhi high court order. TOI has learnt that there will be one-time registration of these battery-operated vehicles. The mechanism that is being mooted is the e-rickshaw association would prepare a list of e-rickshaw models and certify them before submitting it to the state government, in case of the capital it would be Delhi government by a cut off date. The transport department would then submit it to test agencies notified under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules such as ICAT and IRAI. After getting the certificate from test agencies the department would register e-rickshaws of that model. 

But this provision is set to face severe criticism since pulling power tests on 53 e-rickshaws by TERI showed that the components and processes used in the manufacturing of these vehicles are not standardized. “Therefore, the performances of e-rickshaws belonging to the same model vary,” it had concluded. 

S P Singh of IFTRT, a think tank on transport issues, said, “These vehicles have over 150 variants with different size, structure, material, wheels and tyres, mismatch in payload and gross vehicle weight. Any attempt to retrospective regularization is illegal.

” He added e-rickshaw kits were imported, assembled and sold in Delhi and other cities and were purchased ignoring notices issued since 2012. Since the manufacturers and assemblers have shortchanged the public exchequer and have sold unsafe, non-certified vehicles for greed they should be directed to take back these vehicles and refund the money to buyers. “There cannot be trade off between road safety and business gains,” Singh said.

Questions & Answer

Questions. What attitude is the transport ministry going to adopt towards the e-ricks operators?
Ans. The transport ministry is set to tighten norms governing safety and quality of e-rickshaws.

Questions. What tests will have to be cleared by all new models of e-rickshaws?
Ans. All new models will have to undergo 28 tests, and must comply with the safety norms before they are registered.

Questions. What is the biggest catch in the government’s ambitious plans?
Ans. The biggest catch in this ambitious plan of the government is the regularisation of thousands of rickshaws that are already plying or standing idle after the High Court’s order.

Questions. When will the department register e-rickshaws of a particular model?
Ans. The department will register a particular model of e-rickshaw only, after it has cleared all the 28 tests.

Questions. Do the e-rickshaws of the same model give the same performance?
Ans. No, the e-rickshaws of the same model may not give the same kind of performance.

Questions. How have the assemblers deceived the public and the exchequer?
Ans. The assemblers who deceived the public and the exchequer must be directed to take back these vehicles and refund the money to buyers.

Questions. What is the opinion of a think-tank on transport issues?.
Ans. The think-tank on transport issues opined that e-rickshaws have over 150 variants with different size, structure, material, wheels and tyres, mismatch in payload and gross vechicle weight.

Questions. Can there be any trade off between road safety and business gains?
Ans. No, there can’t be any trade off between road safety and business gains.

Unseen Passage: Mixed show: Industrial growth slows to 3.4%, retail inflation nears 8%

The country’s industrial output growth slowed to 3.4% in June, while retail inflation inched to nearly 8% in July, posing fresh challenges for policymakers, who are battling to revive growth and tame inflation.

Data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Tuesday showed industrial output in June rose 3.4% year-on-year from a decline of 1.8% in June 2013 and slower than the upwardly revised 5% expansion in May 2014.

Separate data showed retail inflation rose 7.96% in July, compared to previous month’s 7.46%, largely driven by pressure on fruits, vegetables and beverages prices. Retail inflation is close to the Reserve Bank of India’s target of keeping it at 8% by January 2015. “Inflation uncertainty exists, given that the monsoon outcome, though improving is
still below-normal. Under these conditions, inflationary expectations would tend to get embedded till the harvest season sets in,” said Madan Sabnavis, chief economist at CARE ratings.

“Depending on the spread of rainfall, a clearer picture would emerge in September-October on the exact impact on output. Therefore, RBI is likely to maintain a cautious stance in the next policy too,” Sabnavis said in a note.

Economists said although the factory data for June was disappointing but the overall picture showed some recovery, though not a significant turnaround. The Narendra Modi government has vowed to steer the economy out of two consecutive years of sub 5% growth. “Industrial growth too disappointed as it slowed to 3.4% in June after growing at 5% in May. However, its overall performance in first quarter of FY-15 is sign

alling a gradual recovery,” ratings agency Crisil said in a note. “Given the first quarter IIP growth and assuming that the construction sector grew at the same rate as in FY-14, industrial GDP is likely to have grown around 3.3% in first quarter of FY15,” the agency said.

Electricity and mining posted handsome growth but manufacturing remained sluggish and continued to be a concern. The manufacturing sector rose 1.8% in June compared to a contraction of 1.7% in the same month last year.

The electricity sector grew 15.7% in June compared to zero growth in June 2013, while the mining sector, which borne the brunt of policy delays, grew 4.3% compared to a contraction of 4.6% in June 2013.

The consumer goods sector continued to remain sluggish and declined 10% compared to a contraction of 1.5% in June 2013, while consumer durables fell 23.4% in June compared to a decline of 10.1% in June 2013.

The industrial sector has remained sluggish for a significant period due to a string of factors such as policy and regulatory delays, high input costs, slowing demand, investment and high interest rates. But the approval to a number of stalled projects is expected to steer a recovery in the months ahead and should augur well for the overall growth.

Questions & Answer

Questions. What fresh challenges are posed for the economic policy makers in India?
Ans. Slowing down of the country’s industrial output growth to 3.4% and the inching of the retail inflation to almost 8% have recently posed fresh problems for the economic policy makers in India.

Questions. Why does inflation uncertainty exist even today?
Ans. Monsoon outcome has been quite erratic so far this year. Though improving, it is still below the normal. Only in September-October, a clearer picture will emerge. Till then inflation uncertainty will continue in India.

Questions. Name the sectors that have posted handsome growth. Why does the manufacturing sector remain a cause of concern?
Ans. Electricity and mining sectors have posted handsome growth. Electricity sector grew 15.7% while the mining sector grew 4.3% compared to the last year. The manufacturing sector remained sluggish at 1.8% and continues to be a cause of concern.

Questions. Give the main reasons for the sluggish growth of the industrial sector.
Ans. A string of factors were responsible for the sluggish growth of the industrial sector. Policy and regulatory delays, high input costs, slowing demand, investment and high interest rates only slowed down the growth of the industrial sector.

Vocabulary

Question. The synonym for the ‘high prices’ is:
(a) inflation
(b) depression
(c) dearness
(d) boom

Question. ‘Something fixed firmly in something’ is:
(a) embedded
(b) included
(c) inclusive
(d) studied

Question. The opposite of the word ‘fast’ in the passage is:
(a) sluggish
(b) slow
(c) decreased
(d) static

Question. The noun form of the word ‘disappoint’ is:
(a) disappointed
(b) disappointing
(c) disappointment
(d) none of these

Unseen Passage for Class 10 with questions and answers

Unseen Passage: The Pm Knows He Is A Servant

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden Independence Day speech from the ramparts of Red Fort was a departure from earlier speeches by earlier prime ministers on many counts. However, from a philosophical viewpoint, him saying, ‘Mein pradhan mantri nahin, pradhan sevak hoon’ — ‘I am not prime minister; I am first servant’ could restore to public memory, the true place of elected representatives, as servants of the people who have chosen them to act on their behalf. Gandhiji was the one who first said, ‘President means Chief Servant’. And in the 1970s, Robert Greenleaf, with his book on servant leadership, brought the issue of good leadership back into public discourse.

Clearly, those in governance are not meant to ride roughshod over people and exploit them for their own personal beliefs and ends or exult in the power that such positions bring, or see it as one more accomplishment to include in a CV, memoir or biography. Leaders are meant to take their responsibilities seriously, whether the position has come through popular mandate or nomination. In a democracy, the keyword is ‘service’ just as seva or service is an integral part of any spiritual seeker’s path to salvation.

“I’m not here to rule; I’m here to serve,” said Modi, implying that he is different. If you have doubts, he would articulate that fact, to convince you. “I came here all prepared to criticise Modi’s speech,” confessed M K Gandhi’s grandson Tushar Gandhi to the moderator on a TV show that was analysing the I-Day speech. “But I can’t find fault with the speech!” Most Modi bashers – and those who Modi refers to as the ‘elite who hate me’ – might be upset that Modi’s speech presented him as a Mr Goody Two-Shoes, with a fabulous Humility Quotient full of good intentions.

Sages have advised seekers that when you lack a certain virtue, try, try and succeed. In the beginning, if you don’t feel humble but wish to become humble, then try faking humility. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, “If you can’t make it, fake it!” The idea is that with repeated auto-suggestion, you begin to acquire the virtue over time, and lo and behold, one day you are that humble person you have been trying to be. Humility is perhaps among the most difficult virtues to cultivate or acquire at a time when everything is so focused on satiation of the individual’s wants or wishes. And hence the aggressive attitude we see all around us. If you think it is aggression at work, relationships and markets, that makes things work, it is a skewed view. You could be soft-spoken and open and yet achieve results without getting trodden all over, if only you allow the spirit of service to stay topmost in whatever you do. As Krishna points out in the Gita, Do your duty without an eye on the fruits of your action. Good thoughts and work are bound to produce good results.

Even business models are now being constructed with humility included as a parameter for good leadership; it is no longer considered a sign of low self-esteem or poor confidence. Dada J P Vaswani points out that humility is an attitude which allows for others’ greatness, and thus helps the manager create the right perspective which enables him – not just to manage, direct and order people – but to help them discover their best potential, by helping them to transform themselves.

Question & Answer 

Question. How does Modi echo Gandhiji in his maiden Independence Day speech?
Ans. Modi’s maiden speech delivered on the Independence Day echoes the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi. Modi declares that he is not the Prime Minister but the first servant of the people. Gandhiji was the one who said, “President means Chief Servant”.

Question. What is the keyword in democracy and how?
Ans. The keyword in democracy is the ‘service’ of the people. ‘Seva’ or ‘Service’ of the people is an integral part of a democratic system. Leaders are there not to rule over the people but to serve them.

Question. Why is humility perhaps the most difficult virtue to be cultivated or acquired?
Ans. Humility is perhaps among the most difficult virtues to be cultivated or acquired by human beings. They are always busy in the satiation of their individual wants and desires.

Question. How does Dada J P Vaswani define humility?
Ans. Dada J P Vaswani defines humility as an attitude which allows for others’ greatness. It helps people to discover their best potential by helping them to transform themselves.

Vocabulary

Question. Wide and protective walls of a fort are called:
(a) moat
(b) ramparts
(c) fortifications
(d) shelters

Question. A long and serious discussion is called:
(a) speech
(b) debate
(c) discourse
(d) sermon

Question. The opposite of the word ‘common’ is:
(a) great
(b) grand
(c) privilege
(d) elite

Question. Synonym for ‘saints and wisemen’ is:
(a) sages
(b) holymen
(c) priests
(d) clergy

Unseen Passage with questions and answers for Class 10

Unseen Passage: Property Rights Boost For Christian Moms

The Narendra Modi government is readying an amendment in the Indian Succession Act of 1925 that will allow Christian women to get rights in the property of their deceased children. As per Sections 41 to 48 of Indian Succession Act, 1925, governing Christians, it gives mothers no right to inherit property of deceased children who have not left behind any will. All such properties are to be inherited by the father. If the father is not alive, the properties go to the siblings.

Section 41 of the Act provides that rules of distribution where the intestate has left no lineal descendants shall be contained in Sections 42 to 48, “after deducting the widow’s share if he has left a widow”.

The law ministry had asked the Law Commission to give its recommendations on removing this inequality against women in the Succession Act that continued since the British era, though Britain itself removed this gender-based discrimination in the 1950s.

The Law Commission on Friday gave its report to the government proposing changes in Sections 41 to 48 of the Act. The Indian Succession Act, 1925 is “archaic in nature and fosters an approach that solidifies distinctions based on gender and thus prejudicial and unfair to status of women and Christian mother of deceased intestate”, the law panel said, recommending repeal of these provisions.

Christians are the third largest religious community in India, after Hindus and Muslims. The government has been receiving representations from community leaders seeking removal of this anomaly which deprived a mother of her rightful share in her children’s wealth. The government will soon bring an amendment in Parliament based on the recommendations of the Law Commission, sources said.

“A plain reading of provisions built in Sections 42 to 46 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925 reveals how the scheme envisioned therein incorporates a preferential approach towards men and is unfair and unjust towards Christian women,” Law Commission chairman Justice A P Shah said.

Provisions in Sections 42 to 46 reveal how the scheme envisioned is unfair and unjust. According to Section 42, where the deceased’s father is living and there are no lineal descendants, father succeeds to property and mother gets no share. Preferential approach is writ large, the law panel said.

Further, even in case where the deceased’s father does not survive, provisions of Section 43 require the mother to equally share with brothers or sisters of the deceased, rather being entitled to what her husband was entitled to.

“Unfairness runs through provisions of Sections 44 and 45 as well, and it is only when neither father, brother, sister or the children of the deceased intestate are living that the property goes to the mother under Section 46 — a situation to a great extent created by forces of divine circumstances,” the commission said, strongly recommending repeal of all such provisions and giving mother first and equal rights as father

Questions & Answer 

Questions. Why is the Indian Succession Act 1925 governing Christians being amended?
Ans. The Indian Succession Act 1925 is being amended because it doesn’t allow Christian women to have rights in the property of their deceased children.

Questions. What has the Law Ministry asked the Law Commission to do in this regard?
Ans. The Law Ministry has asked the Law Commission to give its recommendations on removing this inequality against women in the Succession Act that has continued since the British era.

Questions. Why and what have the Christians of India been representing to the government of India?
Ans. The government has been receiving representation from the Christians of India to remove this anomaly which deprives a mother of her rightful share in the property.

Questions. How will the proposed amendments affect the rights of mothers?
Ans. The repeal of such discriminating provisions will give mother their first and equal rights in the property of their deceased children.

Vocabulary

Questions. The opposite of the word ‘alive’ in the passage is:
(a) deceased
(b) died
(c) dead
(d) death

Questions. Synonym for ‘brothers and sisters’ is:
(a) siblings
(b) children
(c) wards
(d) descendants

Questions. The most appropriate option for the word ‘remove’ in the passage is:
(a) eliminate
(b) extract
(c) option
(d) repeal

Questions. Choose the right verb of the word ‘discrimination’:
(a) discriminate
(b) discriminating
(c) discriminated
(d) none of these

English Unseen Passage for Class 10 pdf with answers

Unseen Passage: Journey With Confidence And Viveka

The journey looks difficult and lonesome, the goal very far away; what do we do? Anything and everything may look difficult at times, but you should never lose confidence in yourself and feel that you have no motivation and drive. As long as you are confident of your own abilities to achieve what you wish in life, I do not think that you will ever feel lonely.

We are constantly under the sway of our mind, performing and desiring according to our likes and dislikes, but we should realise that our likes and dislikes are not the final destination. Sometimes we may have to go against our likes and dislikes as part of viveka, the ability to discriminate between what is just, proper and correct and what is wrong. With viveka and confidence, that tiny spark will eventually become a torch.

There is a song: ‘When the day is dark and dreary and the way is hard to find, don’t let your heart be weary, just keep this thought in mind: It is better to light one little candle than to stumble in the dark; it is better to light one little candle, all you need is a tiny spark.’ When we are confronted by darkness, we get nervous and tense, not realising that the spark can be produced by many methods. We can use a lighter, match, flint, wood, anything, because everything which surrounds us in this universe has the power to assist us in our evolution. Every circumstance, even if difficult, helps you grow. Have confidence.

Can yoga change our destiny? Yes, it can. First, know what our destiny is and what we mean by destiny. If we know ourselves, our mind, personality, behaviour, actions and reactions; if we direct our actions and transform our negative tendencies into positive ones with a clear mind, inner tranquillity and inner vitality; if we go beyond the normal frame
of mind, emotions and behaviour and develop a better perspective, then we can definitely direct our own lives and thus change our destiny.

There are two paths: one is the path of ignorance; the other is of knowledge. Usually human beings live in the area of ignorance, a lack of total knowledge. We may be sharp intellectually, we may be brilliant in our career, but we do not know our mind or personality; we do not really know any thing about ourselves. One can be a scientist, great mathematician or philosopher, but when it comes to the human personality there is lack of understanding. We do not know what we think, what we believe, what we experience or how to understand these experiences, and we do not know what to rationalise and what not to rationalise. There are so many things which we can and cannot understand.

When we walk the path of knowledge, our awareness and consciousness bloom. We see everything clearly with a new perspective. It is like sitting in a room in total darkness and looking around, and then sitting in a room filled with bright light and looking around. There are two viewpoints here. When we are in the bright room we can see every detail; when we are in the dark room we cannot see much.

Through the growth of awareness, development of consciousness and awakening of our inner faculties, we can reconstruct our life and personality.

Questions & Answer 

Questions. How are we constantly under the sway of our mind?
Ans. We are always under the sway of our mind. We are always performing and desiring according to our likes and dislikes.

Questions. What should we do when we are confronted by darkness?
Ans. When we are confronted by darkness, we should not get nervous and tense. It is better to light one little candle than to stumble in the dark.

Questions. Define the two paths of life.
Ans. There are two paths of life. The first is the path of ignorance. The other is the path of knowledge. When our minds are in the grip of ignorance, we lack knowledge. When our minds, ideas and actions are illuminated, we are on the noble path
of life.

Questions. How can we reconstruct our life and personality?
Ans.  We can certainly reconstruct our life and personalities. We can do so through the growth of awareness, development of consciousness and awakening of our inner faculties.

Vocabulary

Questions. Choose the opposite of the word ‘fade’ from those given below:
(a) bloom
(b) open
(c) blow
(d) shine

Questions. Synonym for the word ‘inspiration’ in the passage is:
(a) discouragement
(b) motivation
(c) encouragement
(d) support

Questions. The noun form of ‘transform’ is:
(a) transformed
(b) transforming
(c) transformation
(d) none of these

Questions. The adjective form of the word ‘negation’ is:
(a) negating
(b) negated
(c) negative
(d) none of these

Comprehension Passages for Class 10

Read the following passage carefully.

BENEFITS OF POLITENESS

(1) Politeness has been well-defined as benevolence in trifles. It is the desire to put those whom we meet perfectly at ease, and save them from every kind of petty discomfort and annoyance. The limited part of benevolence called politeness requires only an inclination to make them happy temporarily, while they are in our presence, and can be done without any sacrifice on our part or only with a slight sacrifice of our personal comfort.
(2) Politeness is said to be one of the most important characteristics of a civilised person.Politeness is the art of choosing from among your thoughts. It must be implemented in every walk of life. When we deal with people elder to us, we are polite. But an honest polite person is polite with everyone, including people of lower status, workers, and even children. Not just with humans, we must also be polite with animals as they help us.
(3) Politeness is a skill, and like any other skill, can be mastered with practice. The greatest enemy of politeness is ego. To be a polite person, you have to sacrifice your ego. It is difficult for an egoist to be polite. You have to imply politeness in your thinking, speech, and action. Actions speak louder than words. Polite actions will render fine results.Politeness will reduce your stress and boost you to be productive. Apart from your present benefits, you protect your future. Being polite makes you mentally healthy.
(4) Different rules of behaviour have to be observed depending on whether we are in the street or the drawing room, at home or school, among friends or with strangers, and so on. Our behaviour also varies on the basis of the country we hail from as there is great diversity of social etiquette between the cultures of different countries.
(5) Politeness, besides being a duty that we owe to others, is a valuable possession for ourselves. It costs nothing, and yet may, in many cases, bring much profit. The great advantage of this excellence of conduct was very clearly expressed by Dr Johnson when he said that the difference between a well-bred and an ill-bred man is that the former immediately attracts your liking and the latter your dislike.

On the basis of your reading of the given passage, choose the correct option. 

Question. Define politeness.
(a) Doing something without any sacrifice.
(b) An inclination to make people happy temporarily.
(c) The desire to put those whom we meet perfectly at ease.
(d) A skill to annoy someone’s personal comfort.

Question. Our behaviour varies on the basis of:
(a) diversity of social etiquette
(b) the country we hail from
(c) the excellence of conduct
(d) politeness in thinking, speech and action

Question. Which of the following best explains the phrase ‘actions speak louder than words’?
(a) What someone actually does means more than what they say will do.
(b) What someone says shows their intentions and feelings more clearly than what they do.
(c) People are more likely to believe what you say than what you do.
(d) Words have a greater impact than actions on someone.

Question. Based on your reading of the passage, choose the incorrect statement from the following.
(a) There is great diversity of social etiquette between the cultures of different countries.
(b) Being polite makes you mentally weak.
(c) The greatest enemy of politeness is ego.
(d) Politeness is a skill.

Question. ‘Being polite will render fine results’. Substitute the underlined word with the most appropriate option from the following.
(a) Give
(b) Leave
(c) Support
(d) Surrender

Solved Unseen Passages for Class 10

Read the following passage carefully. 

ZOO OR NO ZOO

(1) The funding crisis at many zoos has reopened the debate over the value of zoos and whether they should be allowed to exist at all.
(2) People who are in favour of zoos argue that they perform an essential role in conserving rare animal species. Conservationists estimate that today at least 1,000 species of animals are threatened. Over the past 20 years, zoos have developed programmes designed to help preserve endangered species. This involves breeding animals in captivity in
‘captive breeding programmes’ and then reintroducing them into their natural habitats, to replenish the number living in the wild.
(3) Zoos cooperate with each other in order to ensure the success of their breeding programmes. Animals are passed from one zoo to another in order to prevent inbreeding. If animals that are closely related to one another mate, there is a danger that they will produce deformed offspring.
(4) If zoos were forced to close, it would be disastrous for world conservation, say zoo supporters, adding that most animals in captivity would have to be killed.
(5) According to the National Federation of Zoos, it does not take much imagination to realise that the closure of all zoos would mean the deliberate destruction of wildlife on a scale never before witnessed.
(6) Opponents of zoos accept that some species have been saved from extinction by the captive breeding programmes, but they argue that this offers no solution to the worldwide conservation crisis.
(7) The number of animals protected by zoos is tiny compared with the overall problem. It costs millions to save the Arabian oryx from dying out; but could that amount be available for every species that is endangered? The value of zoo-breeding programmes is also questioned as some species, such as the African elephant, do not reproduce well in captivity.
(8) Captive animals are often kept in poor and inhumane conditions, the opponents say.In the worst zoos, animals are still displayed for the purpose of public entertainment. When animals are placed in impoverished and unsuitable surroundings, they often behave in abnormal and neurotic ways. It is common for polar bears to constantly pace
up and down or twist their heads. This behaviour is now recognised by scientists as a sign of stress and frustration.
(9) When children visit zoos where animals are acting in neurotic and abnormal ways, they are not being educated. Instead, opponents say, they are being given information that is inaccurate.

On the basis of your reading of the given passage, choose the correct option. 

Question. What has reopened the debate over the values of zoos?
(a) Existence of many zoos
(b) Funding crisis at many zoos
(c) Cruelty towards animals
(d) None of these

Question. Why do zoos cooperate with each other?
(a) To help preserve endangered species
(b) To ensure the success of their breeding programmes
(c) To conserve rare animal species
(d) None of these

Question. Based on your reading of the passage, choose the incorrect statement from the following.
(a) The number of animals protected by zoos is tiny compared with the overall problem.
(b) It is common for polar bears to constantly pace up and down or twist their head.
(c) Conservationists estimate that today at least 1,000 species of animals are threatened.
(d) Animals are passed from one zoo to another in order to prevent infection.

Question. Why do opponents say that the children are not being educated by visiting zoos?
(a) Because animals are displayed only for the purpose of public entertainment
(b) Because animals are placed in impoverished and suitable surroundings
(c) Because the children are provided with inaccurate information about the way animals act
(d) All of these

Question. Which of the following explains the word ‘opponent’?
(a) A person who advises others
(b) A person who engages in a fight
(c) A person who supports something or someone
(d) A person who disagrees with something or someone

Case based Unseen Passage for Class 10

Read the following passage carefully. 

1. “Why does humanity need Superman?”, wrote Lois Lane, the reporter from the Superman series. It’s a very relevant question in our context too. Why do we need superheroes? We are all enchanted by the action sequences in superhero movies, and also by how the superhero can always save the day – and with good reasons.

2. If you’re trying to guess what it is, you can forget about powers like super-strength, laser vision, or — our personal favourite — the ability to consume any type of matter in the universe. The underlying reason we’re so enamoured of them is quite possibly the best superhero power – the way they can inspire and motivate us. From the smallest boy and girl wonders, to the oldest Captains – each superhero has had their own lesson to impart unto all of us.

3. Whether it’s Batman saving Gotham city, Superman saving humanity, or our very own Krissh saving his fellow countrymen – we need superheroes because they give us the hope and strength we need to fight the injustice we encounter today. It’s like Batman once said, “Sometimes the truth isn’t good enough. Sometimes people deserve more. Sometimes people deserve to have their faith rewarded.”

4. Yes, it’s true that we need faith today, when we know a lot tends to go wrong, whether it is with regard to terrorism, or growing crime – people need the hope and strength they get from superheroes. That’s why we need superheroes, because of how they give us a sense of right, which helps us fight the injustice happening around us. It was best summarised by Superman when he said that “There is a superhero in all of us, we just need the courage to put on the cape,” and by Batman in the Dark Knight, when he said that “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”

5. So, every time we choose to see a superhero movie, it gives us a nudge to fight the unjust with our own ideas or capabilities. Every child and adult that watches superhero movies will be motivated to rise above the injustice happening in the real world. It’s not just about the power, but also the principle.

6. You and I can also be a superhero just by helping our neighbours, and by standing against what is wrong. Whether the situation is political or apolitical, injustice can be fought with thoughts of righteousness and courage.

7. From the day we are born, we are told that power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely, but superheroes fan our subconscious desire for greatness. They also teach us that the greatest power is the integrity that keeps us from going down the wrong path. None of us will ever leap a tall building in a single bound, change the course of a mighty river, or bend steel with our bare hands but we can always return that lost wallet with its contents intact, tell the truth when it matters, stand our ground when it’s easier to walk away and unto others as we would want them to do unto us.

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any eight out of the ten questions by choosing the correct option.

Question. Identify the sentence where the word “bestow” has been used incorrectly.
(a) He was ever-ready to take blame on himself and bestow praise on others.
(b) During the ceremony, the Prime Minister will bestow medals of honour to the brave soldiers who rescued their comrades.
(c) The king will bestow a title and land to the man who saved the princess.
(d) If you want to avoid a misunderstanding, I bestow you to consider your words before speaking.

Question. According to the writer, how can a common man become a superhero?
1. Bend steel, change the course of rivers
2. Stand up against injustice, return that wallet intact
3. Help around the neighbourhood
(a) Only 1
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1 and 2

Question. Select the option that makes the correct use of “righteousness”, as used in the passage, to fill in the blank space.
(a) Both sides in the dispute adopted a tone of moral ……………….. .
(b) The newspaper reports are a ……………….. of gossip.
(c) She was confused about obligation and ……………….. .
(d) Cultural contexts bring ……………….. in international relations.

Question. What is the central idea of the passage?
(a) Fight the injustice
(b) Superheroes are necessary
(c) Help your neighbours
(d) Save humanity

Question. What are the two meanings of “encounter” as used in the passage?
1. To experience something unpleasant 2. To experience something unexpected
3. To affect something 4. To cover with a thin layer
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 3

Question. Despite our age and status in life, few enigmatic qualities endear us to superheroes.
Select the correct options from below:
1. Give our subconscious a desire for greatness
2. Have a lesson to bestow
3. Inspire and motivate us
4. Give us hope to fight the bad
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Question. “There is a superhero in all of us, we just need the courage to put on the cape.” By this, Superman is implying that:
(a) the cape is heavy and not everyone can bear it
(b) we all have special powers
(c) the ability to fight the unjust with our own ideas or capabilities is present in all of us
(d) society needs superheroes

Question. Choose the option that suits best as the title for the passage.
(a) Humans are superheroes
(b) Humanity needs Superheroes
(c) Superheroes are vital to humans’ lives
(d) Humans should help each other

Question. What are the two things we need to fight injustice today?
(a) Superpower and superhero
(b) Truth and faith
(c) Hope and strength
(d) Hope and confidence

Question. The author attempts to ……………….. the readers to fight the unjust.
(a) motivate
(b) nudge
(c) rebuke
(d) put

Case based factual Passage for Class 10

Read the following passage carefully. 

Road Fatalities

Over 80% of fatalities in road accidents in India happened due to speeding and dangerous or careless driving, a comparative analysis of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data since 2014 shows.
While this corroborates the popular perception of how people drive on the road in a country where getting a driving licence is often said to be too easy. Experts said most of the fatal accidents are recorded by police under speeding and dangerous driving categories in the FIR as there are no other provisions in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for such offences.
According to the latest NCRB report on accidental deaths, 83.2% of road fatalities were on account of these two types of violations and the rest 16.8% of fatalities were due to reasons including drunk driving, bad weather conditions and mechanical defect. In 2014, when such causes of fatal crashes were first compiled, 89.4% of the deaths were due to speeding and dangerous or careless driving as per the police records and this was the highest ever.
“We face a host of challenges ranging from poor system of issuing driving licences to almost zero scientific investigation of fatal crashes, which are provided in the law. Most of our national highways and state highways, which pass through villages, have no pedestrian crossings. On the top of this, in all fatal cases, police automatically registers them under section 279 (negligent driving resulting death) of the IPC,” said road safety expert Rohit Baluja, who has been a regular guest faculty at Indian Police Academy, Hyderabad. Confirming this, traffic adviser in Punjab government, Navdeep Asija said in case of all fatal accidents, the provisions of IPC are slapped. “In IPC, any crime or offence has to be lodged against a human being and hence there cannot be any charge against a road, vehicle or any other object. That’s why police data may not indicate the exact reason of crashes.
But it is also a fact that violation of traffic rules is rampant on roads and only electronic surveillance can put a check on them,” he added.
Baluja said there is a need to define what is dangerous driving and the norms for fixing speed limits. “In Delhi, the speed limit is same across major roads, residential areas and markets during day time and at night as well. No authorities are held responsible for deficiencies on their part,” he pointed out.
Though the amended Motor Vehicle Act has included a provision to hold road owning agencies, contractors and consultants in case of fatal accidents due to faulty road construction or design, the government is yet to notify the process for this.
                                            [Source: Times of India]

Based on your understanding of the passage, answer any six out of the eight questions by choosing the correct option.

Question. Based on your understanding of the passage, choose the option that lists accurate speed limit rules authorised in Delhi.
1. Different speed limits for major roads and residential areas.
2. Same speed limit for major roads and residential areas.
3. Same speed limit during day time and at night as well.
(a) Only 1
(b) Both 1 and 2
(c) Both 2 and 3
(d) Only 2

Question. According to the latest NCRB report, what percentage of total fatal road accidents occur due to high speed driving and rash driving?
(a) 16.8%
(b) 32.3%
(c) 27.5%
(d) 83.2%

Question. Choose the option that lists statement that is NOT TURE.
(a) Police data may not indicate the exact reason of crashes.
(b) Fatal accidents may occur due to faulty road construction.
(c) Violation of traffic rules is hardly observed on roads.
(d) IPC stands for Indian Penal Code.

Question. In the line “….. the norms for fixing speed”, the word “norm” DOES NOT refer to:
(a) a model
(b) a standard
(c) usual
(d) exception

Question. As per the amended Motor Vehicle Act, who among these are also held responsible for fatal road accidents?
(a) Road contractors
(b) Road consultants
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)

Question. According to NCRB, which of these factors is/are responsible for fatal road accidents?
(a) High speed driving
(b) Rash driving
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) Neither (a) nor (b)

Question. In which year were the causes of fatal crashes first compiled?
(a) 2014
(b) 2012
(c) 2016
(d) 2018

Question. According to the traffic adviser in Punjab government, any crime of offence must be lodged against:
(a) the road
(b) the vehicle
(c) the human being
(d) All of these