Comprehension

Read the passage carefully and answer the question given below by selecting the correct option: 
On September 30, 2001, I (Dr APJ Abdul Kalam) found myself on a journey from Ranchi to Bokaro in Jharkhand. The helicopter carrying me crashed just before landing, its engine failing with a thud upon impact. Miraculously, all on board escaped unharmed. Grateful to God, I proceeded with my scheduled programme in Bokaro, unfazed by the incident. That night, doctors suggested a tranquilliser to ease perceived shock, leading to an early and disturbed sleep, filled with contemplation.
Amidst this intense dream, I stood in a moonlit desert with five revered figures: Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Emperor Asoka, Abraham Lincoln, and Caliph Omar. Asoka’s reflection on the Kalinga war symbolised a shift from conquest to compassion, inspiring a doctrine of non-violence, Ahimsa Dharma. 
In this profound dream-conversation, these figures shared wisdom on humanity’s deep divisions caused by violence. They emphasised peace, equality, and the significance of ethical values in human consciousness. Asoka, having witnessed the consequences of his victories, highlighted the futility of causing suffering and the triumph of a peaceful kingdom.
Awakening from this vivid dream, I contemplated the contrasting forces of good and destruction in the world. The challenges faced by humanity, from conflicts to natural disasters and terrorism, prompted deep reflection. Yet, despite these challenges, I held a determined belief
in finding an everlasting solution.
Motivated by this dream and a desire to contribute to the greater good, I made a significant decision. Shifting focus from my scientific career, awards, and teams, I aimed to discover India’s true essence in its children. This marked a transcendence of personal achievements, emphasising the importance of nurturing enlightened individuals and fostering the inner, higher self in the youth. My commitment was to contribute to the enduring intelligence of India through meaningful interaction with joyous, young minds.
APJ Abdul Kalam ’Ignited Minds’

Question: 1

What event prompted the author’s contemplation in the passage?

Updated On: Jan 16, 2026
  • Meeting the revered figures
  • The helicopter crash
  • The scheduled programme in Bokaro
  • Doctors’ suggestions for a tranquilliser
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To ascertain the event that initiated Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's reflection within the passage, attention must be directed to the salient details preceding the contemplative moment. The narrative recounts a critical occurrence: a helicopter carrying Dr. Kalam experienced a crash shortly before its intended landing, resulting in an improbable survival for all occupants. This alarming incident, immediately preceding Kalam's introspection and decision-making, unequivocally points to the helicopter crash as the primary impetus for his profound contemplation. In the aftermath of survival and profound gratitude, the experience fostered introspection, setting the stage for his vision and subsequent deliberations on global challenges and his own life choices.

Consequently, the accurate response to the inquiry is: The helicopter crash.

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Question: 2

In Abdul Kalam’s dream, who among the historical figures symbolised a shift from conquest to compassion?

Updated On: Mar 26, 2026
  • Mahatma Gandhi
  • Albert Einstein
  • Emperor Asoka
  • Abraham Lincoln
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

In Abdul Kalam’s dream, the historical figure symbolizing a transition from conquest to compassion was Emperor Asoka. The passage details a dream experienced by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, featuring figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Emperor Asoka, Abraham Lincoln, and Caliph Omar. They engaged in discussions concerning human divisions and the necessity of peace. Within this dream, Emperor Asoka's reflection on his post-Kalinga war transformation is pivotal. This event marked his evolution from a conqueror to a proponent of compassion and non-violence (Ahimsa Dharma), thus establishing him as the correct answer due to this shift.
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Question: 3

What concept was born in Asoka’s mind in the dream, according to Abdul Kalam?

Updated On: Jan 16, 2026
  • Karma
  • Ahimsa Dharma
  • Nirvana
  • Moksha
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The query concerns the principle that arose in Emperor Asoka's thoughts, following a dream experienced by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, as detailed in the provided text.

The text recounts Kalam's dream, wherein he engaged with historical personages, including Emperor Asoka. During this dream, Asoka contemplated the Kalinga war and recognized the imperative to transition from conquest to empathy, thus initiating the principle of non-violence. This principle is identified as Ahimsa Dharma.

Consequently, the accurate response to the question is Ahimsa Dharma, signifying the transition to non-violence and compassion that Asoka adopted post the Kalinga war.

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Question: 4

What significant decision did Abdul Kalam make after awakening from the dream?

Updated On: Mar 26, 2026
  • Shift focus from scientific career to nurturing enlightened individuals.
  • Continue with his scheduled programme despite the incident.
  • Pursue more awards and accolades in his scientific field.
  • Explore the moonlit desert with the historical figures from the dream.
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Abdul Kalam's "Ignited Minds" recounts a pivotal moment after a vivid dream featuring historical figures. This dream prompted contemplation on global violence and divisions, with the figures stressing peace, equality, and ethics. Upon waking, Kalam resolved to redirect his career from science to cultivating enlightened individuals, driven by the dream's inspiration and a desire to foster youth's higher selves and harness India's enduring intelligence. Consequently, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's significant decision post-dream was to pivot from his scientific pursuits to nurturing enlightened individuals, aligning with the correct option.

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Question: 5

Find a word from the passage that has a similar meaning to the word ‘Deep’

Updated On: Mar 26, 2026
  • Unfazed
  • Profound
  • Higher
  • Vivid
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The provided text is from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's "Ignited Minds," detailing an event and a vision that spurred significant understanding. The term "profound" is used in relation to a crucial dream-conversation with historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Emperor Asoka. This dream represents deep contemplation on humanity's division by conflict and the pursuit of peace and equality. Therefore, in this context, "profound" means "deep," indicating substantial, insightful realizations experienced during the dream.

Correct Answer: Profound

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Question: 6

Select an antonym for the word “tranquilliser”

Updated On: Jan 16, 2026
  • Sedative
  • Stimulant
  • Calming
  • Soothing
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

An antonym for "tranquilliser" is required. The passage describes doctors offering a tranquilliser to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam following a helicopter crash to mitigate apparent shock, indicating its function is to induce calmness or relaxation. Evaluating the provided terms:

  • "Sedative": Analogous to a tranquilliser, both causing calmness.
  • "Stimulant": Contrasts with a tranquilliser; it heightens alertness and activity.
  • "Calming": Produces an effect comparable to a tranquilliser.
  • "Soothing": Offers comfort, similar to the effects of a tranquilliser.

Based on these definitions, "Stimulant" is the accurate antonym for "tranquilliser" because stimulants invigorate or energize, rather than pacify the body or mind.

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