Question

Instructions: Choose the correct synonymous word or description for each quoted word in the passage below.

“The Jan Lokpal Bill, also 'referred to' (126) as the citizens' ombudsman bill, is a proposed 'independent' (127) anti-corruption law in India. Anti-corruption social activists proposed it as a more effective improvement on the original Lokpal Bill, which is currently being proposed by the government of India. The Jan Lokpal Bill aims to effectively 'deter' (128) corruption, redress 'grievances' (129) of citizens, and protect whistle-blowers. If made into law, the bill would create an independent 'ombudsman' (130) body called the Lokpal. It would be empowered to register and investigate complaints of corruption against politicians and bureaucrats without prior government approval.” (Source: Wikipedia)

(127) 'independent' means:

• A. self-centered
• B. impartial
• C. self-seeking
• D. self-possessed

Hint:

Here “independent” describes freedom from outside control, matching “impartial”, not a selfish personality trait.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Since “independent” here describes a law or institution (not a person's personality), the correct synonym should relate to freedom from outside control, not selfish behaviour.

1. Self-centered and self-seeking: Both describe a selfish personality trait, which does not fit describing a law's structure.
2. Self-possessed: Describes calm, composed behaviour in a person, again not relevant to a law's independence.
3. Impartial: Describes something free from bias or outside control, matching exactly how an anti-corruption law is meant to work without political interference.

So the correct answer is option B, impartial.