Current Affairs And Issues
Reading I
A. The following words have two different meanings. Match each word with the meaning used in the context of the text above.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| a. Glare | an intense blinding light |
| b. Curb | something that checks or restrains |
| c. Hail | to describe somebody |
| d. Commute | to travel regularly between workplace and home. |
| e. Serene | calm and peaceful |
| f. Liability | the state of being legally responsible for something |
| g. Deploy | to use something effectively |
| h. Autonomous | a vehicle that has the technology to drive itself |
| i. Perception | the ability to understand the true nature of something |
B. Choose the correct alternatives to complete the sentences below.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| a. One of the features of automated cars is that they have their own voice to welcome people into them. | (iii) |
| b. Driverless technology is being widely used particularly in the USA. | (i) |
| c. The positive impact of such technology on the environment is that it reduces carbon production. | (iii) |
| d. One of the problems with driverless technology is that it cannot deal with human drivers. | (ii) |
| e. One of the biggest challenges of the automated cars is human safety from it. | (ii) |
| f. The automated technology developed so far is partly trustworthy. | (ii) |
C. Answer the following questions.
a. Mention any three features of the driverless car.
=> Answer: The driverless car can be identified by these three features:
I. It travels slowly.
II. It can be called through a mobile app.
III. Its windscreen provides sufficient light inside the vehicle.
b. Describe the benefits of driverless technology.
=> Answer: Driverless technology has the possibility of making both workplaces and the environment safer. By taking people out of risky working situations, it can improve occupational safety while also increasing industrial efficiency. Another important advantage is its contribution to environmental sustainability, as it can lower carbon emissions and support lifestyles that place less pressure on the environment.
c. What, according to Camilla Fowler, is the special advantage of automated vehicles?
=> Answer: In Camilla Fowler's opinion, automated vehicles have a significant advantage because they can contribute to safer roads. Their ability to reduce the chances of fatal accidents makes them especially valuable from the perspective of road safety.
d. What are the problems with driverless vehicles in David Hynd’s views?
=> Answer: David Hynd believes that the presence of human drivers creates a major challenge for driverless vehicles. Automated cars operate according to programmed systems, whereas human motorists can make unexpected decisions. Therefore, autonomous vehicles have to cope with situations involving speeding, failure to obey traffic rules and other unpredictable actions by human drivers.
e. What are scientists doing to make driverless technology safer?
=> Answer: Scientists are concentrating on improving the ability of autonomous vehicles to operate in complex surroundings where human behaviour cannot always be predicted. They are developing safer and more effective systems and are constructing a testing ground where these vehicles can be exposed to complicated conditions before being used more widely.
f. Do you think driverless technology is safer than human-controlled driving? Why?
=> Answer: I think driverless technology could provide greater safety in the future because automated systems do not suffer from common human driving problems such as tiredness, distraction and unnecessary speeding. However, the technology still has to deal with unpredictable human drivers, legal changes and questions of liability. Therefore, autonomous vehicles have promising safety benefits, but the technology cannot yet be described as completely safe and reliable.
📚 Grammar I
a. “I broke the mirror.”
=> Answer: He admitted that he had broken the mirror.
b. “I’d go and see a doctor if I were you,” Pemba said to me.
=> Answer: Pemba advised me to see a doctor.
c. “I will send you out if you make a noise again,” said the librarian.
=> Answer: The librarian warned me not to make a noise again.
d. “I can come and help you plant rice,” said Raman.
=> Answer: Raman offered to help me plant rice.
e. “The classes start from next week,” said the assistant.
=> Answer: The assistant informed us that the classes start from the following week.
f. Sonam said to me, “Thank you so much for your help.”
=> Answer: Sonam thanked me for my help.
g. “OK. I will return your money by Saturday,” said Prakrit.
=> Answer: Prakriti promised to return my money by Saturday.
h. “I will really work hard and score good grades,” said Anupam.
=> Answer: Anupam agreed to work hard and get good grades.
i. “I am sorry for coming late,” said the speaker.
=> Answer: The speaker apologised for coming late.
✍️ Writing I
The use of AI in technology is not only making people’s lives easier but bringing new challenges. Write a newspaper article about the challenges brought by the advancement of AI in technology.
Ans:
Challenges Created by the Advancement of AI
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed many aspects of modern life. AI can perform tasks quickly and make numerous activities easier and more efficient. Despite these advantages, its increasing use has also introduced serious challenges concerning privacy, employment, ethics and society.
A particularly important concern is data privacy. AI technologies depend on large amounts of information to operate effectively. The collection and processing of such information create questions about the ownership and proper use of personal data. There is also a possibility that private information may be exposed through unauthorised access, data breaches or improper handling. Appropriate measures are therefore required to keep sensitive information secure and maintain public trust.
AI can also influence the way people communicate and interact through social media and digital platforms. Although these technologies can make information easily available, they may simultaneously contribute to the spread of false information and the manipulation of public opinion. Personalised algorithms can repeatedly show users material that agrees with their existing beliefs. This may create echo chambers and filter bubbles, reducing opportunities to encounter different opinions and potentially increasing social division.
The increasing use of AI raises several other questions as well. Job displacement, ethical concerns, misuse of technology and wider social consequences are among the issues that require careful attention. Technological development should therefore be guided in a manner that protects human interests.
In conclusion, AI has considerable potential to improve human life, but technological advancement should not take place without proper safeguards. Strong regulations, ethical standards and responsible practices are essential for limiting its negative consequences. A careful balance between innovation and social welfare can help ensure that AI contributes positively to humanity.
✉️ Writing II
Write a letter to the Mayor of your municipality or the Chairperson of your rural municipality requesting him/her to involve the representatives of children in the decision-making process related to children's issues in your municipality/rural municipality.
Ans:
Lalitpur
July 3, 2023
The Mayor
Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Kathmandu, Nepal
Dear Sir,
I am Shriram, an 18-year-old resident of Kathmandu. I am writing to request that children be given an opportunity to take part in decisions concerning issues that directly affect their lives. Their opinions and experiences should be considered when the municipality develops policies and programmes related to children's welfare.
Children have important perspectives to share on matters such as education, safety and environmental protection. Their participation could be strengthened by establishing a Children's Advisory Council. Through such a council, young people would have a suitable forum for presenting their views, discussing their concerns and contributing to the formulation of child-friendly policies.
Allowing children to participate in local decision-making would make policies more inclusive and practical. Since young people are directly affected by many decisions made by local authorities, their involvement could help decision-makers understand their actual needs. It would also encourage children to become responsible and active members of the community.
I therefore request you to consider this proposal positively and take the necessary steps to include children's representatives in relevant decision-making processes. Such an initiative would give young people a stronger voice and help them contribute meaningfully to the development of their community.
Sincerely,
Shriram Lamichhane
📖 Reading II
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct words given below.
[tackle, corporate, outrage, catalyse, at stake, net-zero, expertise]
a. The ______ headquarters of the company is in Dubai.
— corporate
b. According to Greta, the leaders are failing to ______ the key issues.
— tackle
c. Some viruses ______ the step in the production of other viruses.
— catalyse
d. His ______ in business helped him greatly to run the company.
— expertise
e. Nepal governing plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to ______.
— net-zero
f. He does not have good knowledge of the business. So, he has put his investment ______.
— at stake
g. His controversial remarks caused public ______.
— outrage
B. Write whether the following sentences are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Write ‘Not Given’ if the information is not found in the letter.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| a. Save the Children congratulates Antonio Guterres on his recent appointment as the General Secretary of the UN. | Not Given |
| b. The Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change was announced on the request of the children between 18-21 years of age. | False |
| c. The dissatisfaction is that the representation of children is not inclusive. | True |
| d. Greta Thunberg protested for the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. | True |
| e. The children demand their physical safety in the UK and Italy. | False |
| f. The children think that they can participate in decision making to fight against the climate crisis. | True |
C. Answer the following questions.
a. Where is the office of the UN Secretary General?
=> Answer: The office of the UN Secretary General is located at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017.
b. What is the purpose of writing this letter to Antonio Guterres?
=> Answer: The letter is intended to draw attention to the children's dissatisfaction with being left out of the Youth Advisory Group on climate change. It further requests that children receive an appropriate place in decision-making related to climate action.
c. Why was the Youth Advisory Group announced?
=> Answer: The Youth Advisory Group was introduced to assist the UN Secretary General by providing advice on how international efforts could be accelerated and climate action could be strengthened to address the climate crisis.
d. What roles have children played in the time of climate crisis?
=> Answer: Children have emerged as active participants in the fight against the climate crisis. They have organised and joined school strikes, addressed political and business leaders, and raised their voices in support of their right to live in a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
e. Describe Greta Thunberg and Fabrizio’s contributions.
=> Answer: Greta Thunberg gained international attention for climate activism after she began her solo protest in 2018. She has since remained involved in advocating for the rights of children and young people in climate-related matters. Fabrizio, a 16-year-old from Peru, has drawn attention to the threat climate change poses to children's future and has called upon leaders to respond promptly by supporting a green recovery.
f. What is the final demand of the children?
=> Answer: The children request that those below 18 years of age, including children and adolescents, should have representation in the Youth Advisory Group on climate change. They additionally demand a safe and appropriate platform through which children can participate in the preparatory activities related to COP26.
📚 Grammar II
A. Choose the correct alternatives to complete the sentences.
a. Abhilasha said that she witnessed the accident.
b. The teacher explained that the earth revolves round the sun.
c. Smarika says that she can’t stay here anymore.
d. Sachita says that she loves to listen to music.
e. My brother reported that he had completed his homework.
f. My father said that the sun was very hot.
g. Jenifer said that he wants to be a nurse.
B. Rewrite the following sentences in indirect speech.
a. Raima said that they had to cross the river and go ahead.
b. Smarika said that she would meet her friends the next day.
c. Chandani said that she couldn’t come to school the following day.
d. Dorje apologized and said that he could not lend any money that day.
e. The teacher said that they could solve the remaining problems themselves then.
f. The police said that the incident probably took place the day before.
g. I told him that I lived in Changunarayan those days.
h. They told us that they would like to join us too.
i. The Science teacher explained that the coal gives off thick smoke.
j. Resham said that she had never seen such a strange animal anywhere else.
k. The father said that he loved his children more than wealth.
✉️ Writing II
Write a letter to the Mayor of your municipality or the Chairperson of your rural municipality requesting him/her to involve the representatives of children in the decision-making process related to children's issues in your municipality/rural municipality.
Ans:
Lalitpur
July 3, 2023
The Mayor
Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Kathmandu, Nepal
Dear Sir,
I am Shriram, an 18-year-old resident of Kathmandu. I would like to bring to your attention the importance of allowing children to participate in decisions involving their welfare and everyday concerns. I respectfully request the municipality to include representatives of children when matters affecting them are discussed and decided.
Young people can contribute useful ideas and experiences in areas such as education, safety, and the environment. A Children's Advisory Council could provide an organised platform where children can communicate their needs, express their opinions and take part in discussions concerning policies designed for them.
Children's involvement would make local decision-making more inclusive and effective. Their direct experiences can help authorities understand child-related problems more accurately and develop measures that are better suited to their needs. Participation would also encourage young people to become responsible contributors to their community.
I sincerely hope that you will consider this request and take the necessary action to ensure meaningful representation of children. Providing them with such an opportunity would strengthen their participation in community affairs and support the creation of a better future.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Shriram Lamichhane