TS ICET 19th August 2021 Shift-2

Read the following passage and answer the questions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems and world of work. The economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic is devastating_: tens of millions of people are at risk of falling into extreme poverty, while the number of undeernourished people, currently estimated at nearly 690 million, could increase by up to 132 million by the end of the year.

Millions of enterprises face an existential threat. Nearly half of the world's 3.3 billion global workforce are at risk of losing their livelihood. Informal economy workers are particularly vulnerable because the minority lack social protection and access to quality healthcare and have lost access to productive assets. Without the means to eam an income during lockdowns, many are unable to feed themselves and their families. For most, no income means no food, or at best. less food and less nutritious food.

Now is the time for global solidarity and support, especially with the most vulnerable in our societies, particularly in the emerging and developing world. Only together can we overcome the intertwined health and social and economic impacts of the pandemic and prevent its escalation into a protracted humanitarian and food security catastrophe with the potential loss of already achieved development gains.

We must recognise this opportunity to build back better, as noted in the Policy Brief issued by the United Nations Secretary-General. We are committed to pooling our expertise and experience to support countries in their crisis response measures and efforts to achieve the sustainable Development Goals. We need to develop long-term sustainable strategies to address the challenges facing the health and agri-foods sectors. Priority should be given to addressing underlying food secuity and malnutrition challenges, tackling rural poverty, in particular through more and better jobs in the rural economy, extending social protection to all, facilitating, safe migration pathways and promoting the formalization of the informal economy.

Read the following passage and answer the questions.

There was a time when the late Prime Minister of India, P.V. Narasimha Rao was asked by a journalist, "Sir, why do you always answer a question with a question?" Pat came the reply "Why shouldn't I answer a question with a question?" Such is the spontaneity of repartee that it leaves the person at the receiving end dumbfounded and speechless.
The word 'repartee' owes its origin to the French word repertoir which is a retort. Sir Sullivan states. "I have used the word 'artless' in my title for good reason, for if there be even a suggestion of premeditation about a repartee, it ceases to be what it is meant for-its power is gone ..., repartee is the saying of something on the spur of the moment which, by the unanimous consent of the hearers, leaves the person replied to practically destitute of speech by way of defence".
While repartee may be considered as the peak of wit, it necessarily needs to meet two conditions. First, it's always a rejoinder and second, it is delivered with lightning speed. The rejoinder need not always be a response to a spoken delivery and could include a response to an irritating action. Timing is the essence of repartee! It is different from 'staircase wit' which is when we think of a rather witty reply but only once we've left the door and are heading down the staircase. A repartee is typically delivered with courtesy although sometimes along with cleverness. It is distinct from an acrimonious reply but is brutal in its action. Which is why the Irish refer to it as an "insult with its dress suit on".