Read the passage given below and answer the questions that follow.

It is well accorded that COVID-19 extracts a huge toll on the mental health of patients and leaves behind a slew of neurological sequelae in its wake. However, what is alarming is the wide gamut of mental and neurological disorders seen even in those with milder symptoms. Such patients frequently reported being anxious, depressed and having difficulty in sleeping. A higher incidence of frank psychosis manifesting as disorganization of thought processes and personality disorders was also reported. Many survivors of COVID19 had to battle substance abuse in its immediate aftermath. There was a steep increase in the amount of alcohol consumed by regular drinkers. Persons who had stopped smoking and consuming alcohol resumed their habit in disconcerting numbers.

The occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinsonism is concerning as this would bring longterm disability in the form of impaired mobility and memory decline. It has been hypothesized that the causative mechanism for many of the neurological conditions due to COVID-19 may be the direct invasion of the nervous system by the virus, an increased tendency to blood clotting or an exaggerated immune response by the body. Various other factors like pre-existing psychiatric illness, prolonged quarantine, perceived lack of organizational support, and social stigma are risk factors. Anxiety, Nervousness, and Posttraumatic stress disorder are often fuelled by fear of infecting other family members, physical distancing, loneliness, and ________ at home in cramped quarters.

The pandemic has radically transformed the way businesses function and services delivered. Remote working disrupts a healthy-work life balance. Face to face contact and human interactions which were considered so essential for emotional well-being has taken a backseat. Lack of comforting physical contact like shaking hands and hugging friends is stressful and disconcerting. Online classes and home-schooling have placed a gargantuan burden both on students and parents. Lack of access to reliable computer hardware and spotty internet connections, particularly in rural areas and in the economically backward have created a new class divide. Children have been deprived of co-curricular activities, participation in group events and sports which is essential for their holistic development. Mental stress and fatigue have increased manyfold due to the rigours imposed by virtual learning.

According to the passage, what is alarming considering COVID-19's toll on mental health?

Rewrite the sentence in indirect speech.

Anitha said, "I've been learning Bharatanatyam for the past six months."

Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word. 

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

The Union Budget, 2018-19, has proposed to treat school education holistically without (1)__________ from pre-nursery to Class 1b: Samagra Shiksha - an overarching programme for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12 has been, therefore, (2) ______ with the broader goal of improving school effectiveness measured in terms of equal opportunities (3) _______ schooling and equitable learning outcomes. The Goal SDG-4.1 states that, “By 2030, ensure that all boys and girls complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education (4) _______ to relevant and effective learning outcomes”. Further the SDG 4.5 states that, “By 2030, eliminate gender (5)___________ in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations”.

Select the most appropriate option to fill blank 3.

Comprehension: In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each number. The modern-day student is extremely 1____ with technology. They do read quite a bit because of social media. While their writing skills may not be top notch, they do write, courtesy 2___ affinity to various platforms on the internet. However, one skill that has been 3______ affected is listening skills. They are extremely poor 4______ listeners. If this issue is not addressed, what we may be heading to in the future is a huge chunk of people across the globe, with poor skills of listening, and a huge number of passive listeners. Researchers say that listening is the prime ingredient for empathy and the world will be in extreme poverty in terms of number of 5_____ on the planet.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 2.

Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.

Comprehension: In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.
 Memory loss, with aging, is (1)_______ a natural and normal (2)_______. The symptoms range from forgetting simple daily life activities and (3)_______ familiar tasks such as driving or baking. However, there can be several other factors (4)_______ for it and these vary from person to person. Memory loss can be (5)______ or total depending upon the condition.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 1.

Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Fair and square