Logical (Critical) Reasoning Questions for CLAT | QB Set 67

Europe and Japan face significant shortages in skilled workers for sectors like quantum computing, infrastructure, and healthcare. According to Robert Habeck, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, the largest challenge to growth is workforce shortages. In response, India is tapping into this global demand through labour mobility agreements crafted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with countries like Israel, Germany, and Japan.  These agreements encourage circular migration, where workers gain skills abroad and return to benefit their home countries. For example, 997 youth from Maharashtra, with only high school certificates, are set to begin jobs in Israel with a monthly salary of Rs 1.37 lakh. This movement is not considered a “brain drain” but rather a win-win situation, allowing both Israel and India to benefit from skill development. 

Historically, the permanent migration of highly qualified professionals, such as doctors and engineers, from India has led to a “brain drain.” However, most remittances to India now come from manual workers in the Middle East, not high-income professionals in Western countries. To meet global skill shortages, India’s National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and state institutions like MITRA are training workers to meet international standards. These efforts include booster training and fast-tracked passport services. In Israel, for example, ITI Pune fabricated machines to meet specific testing requirements for construction workers.  Ultimately, circular migration agreements ensure that India’s workforce gains global exposure and returns with valuable experience, positioning the country as a key player in meeting global workforce demands.

Question 1

The passage suggests that circular migration agreements are beneficial for both India and the countries hiring Indian workers. What assumption underlies this argument?

A) Countries like Israel and Germany are unable to develop their own skilled workers.
B) Workers who migrate for short-term jobs are likely to return with improved skills that benefit India.
C) Indian workers are inherently more skilled than workers from other countries.
D) Brain drain no longer poses any threat to India’s economic growth.

Question 2

Which of the following can be inferred about the impact of circular migration on India’s economy?

A) Circular migration will reduce the remittances India receives from its workers abroad.
B) Circular migration allows India to improve its domestic workforce without the negative effects of permanent migration.
C) India’s reliance on remittances from manual labourers in the Middle East will decrease as more professionals move to Western countries.
D) Circular migration agreements primarily benefit high-income professionals rather than manual workers.

Question 3

Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument that circular migration benefits both India and the countries involved?

A) Indian workers who migrate temporarily often prefer to settle permanently in their host countries.
B) Most Indian workers return home without gaining significant new skills.
C) Host countries, like Israel, offer advanced training programs that boost the skills of Indian workers, making them more valuable upon their return.
D) India faces declining interest in international job placements due to domestic job market improvements.

Question 4

The passage argues that circular migration does not lead to brain drain. Which of the following statements would most weaken this argument?

A) Many Indian workers prefer to stay in the host country rather than return to India.
B) Indian professionals moving to Western countries contribute to India’s economy through remittances.
C) Skilled workers returning to India after working abroad do not find suitable jobs in their home country.
D) The majority of remittances still come from manual labourers in the Middle East.

Question 5

Based on the passage, what is the most likely reason India is focusing on international skill development programs like those offered by NSDC and MITRA?

A) To ensure that India reduces its dependency on remittances from workers in the Middle East.
B) To position India as a global leader in labour mobility and help fill skill shortages in sectors like quantum computing and healthcare worldwide.
C) To encourage more professionals to permanently migrate to Western countries.
D) To phase out its reliance on international labour agreements and focus on domestic skill development.

Answers and Explanations:

Question 1: Answer – B
The assumption here is that workers who migrate for short-term jobs will return with improved skills that benefit India. This underlies the argument that circular migration is not a loss (“brain drain”) but a win-win, as it allows workers to bring valuable skills back home.

Question 2: Answer – B
The passage emphasises that circular migration avoids the negative effects of permanent migration by ensuring workers return with enhanced skills. This benefits India’s domestic economy without the loss of talent associated with permanent migration.

Question 3: Answer – C
If host countries like Israel offer advanced training that enhances the skills of Indian workers, it would strengthen the argument that both India and the host country benefit from circular migration. This aligns with the goal of skill development mentioned in the passage.

Question 4: Answer – A
If many Indian workers prefer to stay in the host country, this would weaken the argument that circular migration avoids brain drain. It would suggest that these workers are not returning to India, thus contributing to the loss of skilled labour.Question 5: Answer – B
The focus on international skill development programs aligns with India’s strategy to meet global workforce demands, particularly in high-skill sectors like quantum computing and healthcare. This positions India as a key player in filling global skill shortages.