IBPS PO General Awareness: Statement & Conclusion questions with solutions

Q1. Statement I: The central government started building 500 beds (DRDO) in Mumbai after 5000 COVID cases in a single day. Statement II: Amid COVID surge, two RCB players withdrew their names from the ongoing IPL. What is the relationship between these statements?

1. If both Statements I and II are effects of some common causes.
2. If Statement II is the cause and Statement I is its effect.
3. If both Statements I and II are independent causes.
4. If both Statements I and II are effects of independent causes.

Answer: If both Statements I and II are effects of some common causes.

Common cause = COVID-19 surge. Statement I (government builds beds) = effect of COVID surge. Statement II (RCB players withdraw) = effect of COVID surge. Both are independent effects of the same common cause (COVID-19). Answer: Both are effects of a common cause.

Q2. Statement: Should jobs be offered only to wards of government employees in all government offices? Arguments: I. No. It denies opportunity to many deserving individuals and government may lose in the long run. II. No. It is against the principle of equality — government owes responsibility to all citizens.

1. if only argument I is strong
2. if only argument II is strong
3. if either I or II is strong
4. if both I and II are strong.

Answer: if both I and II are strong.

Argument I: Denying opportunity to deserving candidates is a strong practical argument — government loses talent if only relatives get jobs. ✓ Strong. Argument II: Violates equality principle — constitutional argument that the government must treat all citizens equally. ✓ Strong. Both arguments are strong and valid.

Q3. Statements: 1. Government passed a bill to demonetize ₹2000 notes, making ₹500 the highest denomination. 2. Economists think the highest denomination of currency should be ₹500. Conclusions: I. Government is afraid of economists and is heeding to their demands. II. The government's decision is in sync with expert recommendations.

1. only conclusion I follows
2. only conclusion II follows
3. both the conclusions follow
4. neither conclusion I nor II follows.

Answer: only conclusion II follows

Conclusion I: 'Afraid' implies a causal fear-based relationship — cannot be inferred from the facts. ✗. Conclusion II: Government's action (₹500 highest) matches economists' recommendation (₹500 highest) — in sync with expert view. ✓. Answer: Only II follows.