SBI PO Mains Model Papers 2

Directions (Q.146 - 155): Read the following passage carefully and answer the given question. Certain words are given in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
  Development and deployment of technologies specifically designed for the 2 - 3 billion rural poor can help improve their lifestyles and livelihoods while bringing them into the mainstream development process. Technology intervention will also help in rural employment generation. Thus we should encourage rural technology development and its availability on very soft terms for e.g. make freely available drug recipes, charge very little for technologies, etc. Most of the technology efforts in the past for providing basic facilities to rural areas have been based on a 'tinkering' approach, meaning a small adjustment here and there, and using 'low' or inappropriate technology. This approach, which has been mostly used by - aid agencies, normally resulted in changes like development of improved cookstoves or better bullock carts
  Tinkering, however, has barely made a dent in the quality of life of poor people. And often, the introductions of these technologies brought other problems such as increased workloads for women. Sophisticated - or 'high' - technology is needed to convert efficiently the locally available resources and materials into useful products. This is the hallmark of evolution where natural systems evolve into very efficient materials and energy converters. In this process, size reduction and sophistication of system takes place. Some of our designs and technologies are following the size reduction route, for example, computer chips and cell phones.
  Technology developers should follow this strategy in developing rural technologies. In fact, much more sophisticated thought and high technology is required for solving rural problems since the materials and energy resources available in these areas are fewer and often only available in 'dilute forms' The strategy of high technology should be used in poor areas of the world to allow maximum energy and materials to be extracted for useful end products
  A few strategies can actually help improve not only the quality of life of rural poor but also the overall scenario. For example, the use of renewable energy will help in improving local and ultimately global environment. Fossil fuels will be conserved. These can then be used as raw material for chemicals and value added products. Using less fossil fuel might help reduce world conflict since the pressure on fossil fuels from emerging economies like India and China could be lessened. Electricity and liquid fuel production from biomass would increase rural wealth and generate employment. New technologies will create huge market for technology providers. Providing clean fuel, light and clean water will help bring the 3 billion people into the mainstream of progress.
  The highest spiritual work for mankind is to help poor people improve their quality of life. As engineers and scientists we can do it by providing right -sized technologies at the right 'price' to the poor. It is a doable goal. What is needed is the direction and will of leaders.
  Finally, it should be pointed out that rural population has the great strength of being satisfied with few material comforts. The provision of high technology for meeting the basic needs of rural poor together with their strength may provide a new model of sustainable development and in the process may teach the world a lesson or two in sustainability.