Logical Reasoning Questions for CLAT 2026 | QB Set 2

The rapidly increasing spread of the JN.1 variant across the globe has led to the prevalence of this variant, a descendent of the BA.2.86 Omicron lineage, reaching over 27%, marking an eight-fold increase in just a month. First identified in Luxembourg in late August this year, the JN.1 variant has also become the dominant variant in a few countries. The variant is very likely to become the dominant strain globally. Compared with the parent lineage BA.2.86, the JN.1 variant carries an additional mutation (L455S) in the spike protein, which enhances its immune evasion significantly. Like other Omicron sublineages, the JN.1 variant too has high transmissibility. The winter season in the northern hemisphere will thus make it easier for the virus to spread. Despite increased immune escape capability and transmissibility, no major outbreak has been reported so far. Prompted by the presence of the JN.1 variant in most countries and its rapidly increasing spread, the World Health Organization classified JN.1 as a separate variant of interest a couple of days ago; JN.1 was previously tracked as part of BA.2.86 but now accounts for “vast majority” of the BA.2.86 lineage. Based on available limited evidence, the global health body has noted that JN.1 is not associated with increased disease severity compared with other circulating variants. Evidence from countries that have reported a surge in cases and hospitalisations driven by the JN.1 variant does not suggest higher fatality.

Though the first COVID-19 case caused by the JN.1 variant was detected in Kerala during routine surveillance, Goa has reported the greatest number of cases so far — 19. India has so far reported 21 JN.1 cases in all. All the 21 cases have been clinically mild, requiring home isolation. In the last fortnight, India has registered a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. While universal masking should surely not be made mandatory at this point in time, it is highly desirable that high-risk individuals mask up especially in poorly ventilated closed spaces as COVID-19 deaths in people with comorbidities are still being reported in India. In a welcome move, all patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) are being tested for COVID-19, and positive cases are sequenced as part of the revised surveillance guidelines. Likewise, there should be sustained focus on genome sequencing for novel variants. Finally, India should learn from past mistakes and refrain from shaming States that report more cases and/or novel variants. States that have better surveillance and display greater integrity in testing and reporting are bound to register more cases. Public health should neither be communalised nor politicised.

Questions

1. What is the most reasonable conclusion based on the information provided in the article?
(a) The JN.1 variant is less severe than other circulating variants.
(b) The JN.1 variant is likely to become the dominant global strain.
(c) The winter season will hinder the spread of the JN.1 variant.
(d) The World Health Organization has not classified JN.1 as a separate variant.

2. What can be inferred from the information in the article?
(a) The JN.1 variant causes more severe illness compared to other variants.
(b) The JN.1 variant was first identified in India.
(c) Universal masking is currently mandatory in India.
(d) The winter season is likely to facilitate the spread of the JN.1 variant.

3. Which assumption underlies the argument in the article?
(a) The JN.1 variant is less transmissible than its parent lineage.
(b) The World Health Organization’s classification of JN.1 as a separate variant is unwarranted.
(c) The JN.1 variant is associated with higher disease severity compared to other variants.
(d) The JN.1 variant’s additional mutation in the spike protein enhances immune evasion.

4. What can be inferred about the COVID-19 cases caused by the JN.1 variant in India?
(a) All JN.1 cases in India have resulted in hospitalization.
(b) Goa has reported the least number of JN.1 cases in India.
(c) The JN.1 variant has caused severe illness in all reported cases.
(d) JN.1 cases in India have been clinically mild and required home isolation.

5. What is the tone of the article?
(a) Alarmist
(b) Optimistic
(c) Neutral
(d) Cautious

6. Which statement would strengthen the argument presented in the article?
(a) The JN.1 variant has a lower transmissibility compared to other Omicron sublineages.
(b) The World Health Organization has recommended specific measures to contain the JN.1 variant.
(c) The winter season has no impact on the spread of respiratory viruses.
(d) The JN.1 variant has caused a higher fatality rate than other variants.

7. Which statement would weaken the argument presented in the article?
(a) The JN.1 variant is associated with higher disease severity compared to other variants.
(b) The JN.1 variant has a lower transmissibility than its parent lineage.
(c) All reported JN.1 cases in India have required hospitalization.
(d) The winter season is expected to inhibit the spread of the JN.1 variant.

8. What is the most appropriate course of action suggested in the article?
(a) Implementing mandatory universal masking globally.
(b) Shaming States that report more cases and/or novel variants.
(c) Focusing on genome sequencing for novel variants.
(d) Ignoring the presence of the JN.1 variant in surveillance.

Answers:

1. (b) The JN.1 variant is likely to become the dominant global strain.
   
2. (d) The winter season is likely to facilitate the spread of the JN.1 variant.
   
3. (d) The JN.1 variant’s additional mutation in the spike protein enhances immune evasion.
   
4. (d) JN.1 cases in India have been clinically mild and required home isolation.
   
5. (d) Cautious
   
6. (b) The World Health Organization has recommended specific measures to contain the JN.1 variant.
   
7. (b) The JN.1 variant has a lower transmissibility than its parent lineage.
   
8. (c) Focusing on genome sequencing for novel variants.