Logical Reasoning Questions for CLAT | QB Set 42

Air India’s deal to buy 470 planes from France’s Airbus and the United States’ Boeing is important not just because it is the largest biggest purchase by any carrier but also because it has geo-economic and geopolitical ramifications. Tata group chairman N Chandrasekaran said the $70-billion deal happened at a time when the airliner plans to become “a world-class proposition.” The purchase, which beats the previous record of American Airlines’ 460-plane deal in 2011, would modernise Air India’s fleet and help it to “dramatically” expand its network, he told the media. Air India has retired most of its older planes; it plans to induct the first new aircraft into service by the end of this calendar year. This is the best piece of news about Air India in the last few years. As a public sector carrier, it was beset with a host of problems, from mounting losses to its marginalisation in the business. Privatisation didn’t end its woes; in 2022, it recorded its lowest-ever market share—8.7 per cent. In the last few months too, it hit the headlines for wrong reasons—the so-called peegate. The announcement regarding purchase of hundreds of aircraft has not just given a new profile to the airline but also informed the world that the India Story is vibrant and interesting. Also, this enhances the image of corporate India against the backdrop of the controversies over the Adani Group.

Further, the deal brings India closer to the Western camp. US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed Air India’s deals. Sunak has pointed out that Airbus will manufacture the wings in the UK and a A350 aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce’s XWB engines. He is happy because his country’s aerospace industry employs more than 111,000 people. On his part, President Biden noted that the sale of over 200 Boeing aircraft will support over a million jobs in the US and help Air India meet its transportation demands, according to a White House release. The release also highlighted “the strength of the US-India economic partnership.” President Macron emphasized not just the economic aspect of the deal but also said that the Air India-Airbus contract “marks a new stage in India and France’s strategic partnership.” It may be recalled that India is already buying Raphae fighter aircraft from France. The dominant domestic market place IndiGo is also reportedly in the process of buying 500 jets. In fact, Indian carriers are said to be on a shopping spree, intending to buy almost 1,700 aircraft in the next few years. While an imminent boom in the aviation sector is heartening, there are a few things the authorities must ensure. The first and foremost is infrastructure. Airport expansion must be high on the priority list. Generally, our airports are crowded and badly managed. Also, the Government must expedite reforms so that smaller towns also get access to air travel. And, of course, passenger behaviour has to improve.

Questions:
1. Which of the following metaphorical titles best represents the passage?
(a) A New Dawn for Air India: The Story of a Phoenix Rising from the Ashes
(b) A Sky Full of Opportunities: The Bright Future of India’s Aviation Sector
(c) The Flight to Western Dominance: India’s Strategic Partnership with the West
(d) From Peegate to Profit: The Journey of Air India to Record-Breaking Success

2. What specific feature of the Air India deal with Airbus and Boeing has a positive impact on the UK, as mentioned in the passage?
(a) The fact that Airbus will manufacture the wings in the UK
(b) The number of planes being purchased by Air India
(c) The engines that will be used in the A350 aircraft
(d) The additional jobs that will be created in India’s aviation sector

3. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the author’s arguments?
(a) Air India’s purchase of new aircraft will lead to increased air traffic and congestion at airports.
(b) Tata group’s profits are negatively impacted by the $70-billion deal.
(c) The purchase of new aircraft will have an impact on Air India’s market share or reputation.
(d) The purchase of hundreds of aircraft by Air India does not represent a positive sign for India’s economy.

4. What is the main infrastructure challenge that the authorities must address to ensure the success of the recent aircraft purchase by Indian carriers?
(a) Improving passenger behavior
(b) Accelerating economic reforms
(c) Expanding airport facilities
(d) Enhancing aircraft manufacturing capabilities

5. Which of the following statements would be most relevant to the passage’s discussion of Air India’s recent aircraft purchase?
(a) Air India has launched a new customer loyalty program.
(b) The cost of airline tickets has increased due to rising fuel prices.
(c) The new aircraft purchased by Air India will modernize its fleet and help it to expand its network.
(d) The price of Airbus and Boeing stock has risen in response to Air India’s purchase.

6. Which of the following is the author of the passage most likely to agree with?
(a) India’s aviation sector is currently in a state of decline and is unlikely to recover.
(b) The purchase of hundreds of aircraft by Air India is a major boost for India’s image and economy.
(c) The Indian government should focus on developing road and rail infrastructure rather than airports.
(d) The purchase of Airbus and Boeing aircraft will have no impact on India’s relations with the Western world.