Instructions: –
1. Attempt all the questions.
2. Once you have completed all the questions of a particular section click on the submit button for scores and explanations then move to the next sections.
3. For each correct answer, you receive 1 mark. For this mock, there is no negative marking.
English Language
I am standing on the beach in Santa Marta, a small port city on Colombia’s humid Caribbean coast. Around me, brightly dressed families are eating ice cream and grilled meat. Venezuelan refugees beg for coins, and shredded plastic bags are snagged in the cactuses. Offshore, cargo vessels idle on blue-grey waves, perhaps heading east towards the Atlantic, or west to Panama and the Pacific. The industrial port bristles with cranes and gantries. Looking inland, my view is curtailed by palm trees and crumbling apartment blocks. But somewhere beyond the urban sprawl, densely forested foothills rise towards the summits of a mountain range called the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This is the reason I’m here.
I’m not the first foreigner to have stood on this coast and imagined the forests and misty highlands that lie beyond. Near me on the seafront is the statue of Rodrigo de Bastidas, the Spanish explorer who founded this city in 1525, laying claim to the ancestral lands of the Indigenous people who lived here: a civilisation of farmers and goldsmiths known as the Tairona. In the centuries since the arrival of de Bastidas, Santa Marta has been the starting point for explorers, conquistadors, settlers, farmers, miners, loggers, narcotraffickers and, more recently, tourists. In their various ways, all have gazed towards that hinterland and seen the gleam of treasure. Even before my journey starts, I wonder if my presence here is also part of that extractive, questing lineage. I am a travel writer. I have come looking for treasure, too.
I have come to Santa Marta in search of a way into those mountains, to learn about a culture that has remained uncolonised. I have come to encounter the sacred landscape that culture has been protecting. At least, as I sweat here on this beach, that’s what I think I have come here for. In the end, this story isn’t about that journey at all.
Legal Reasoning
In contract law, the principle that a contract with a minor is void ab initio, meaning it never came into existence, serves as a fundamental protection for individuals who have not yet reached the age of majority. This legal doctrine recognizes the inherent vulnerability of minors in contractual relationships and safeguards their interests by relieving them of any legal obligation to perform under such agreements. Essentially, a minor cannot be legally compelled to fulfill the terms of a contract they entered into, regardless of the nature of the obligations outlined therein. This principle is grounded in the understanding that minors lack the full capacity to comprehend the implications of their actions and may be unduly influenced or taken advantage of in contractual negotiations.
Moreover, even if restitution of goods or money exchanged in the contract is contemplated, imposing contractual obligations upon the minor for such restitution is not permissible under the law. The rationale behind this restriction lies in the need to protect the minor’s limited resources and prevent undue hardship or exploitation. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Goods or funds exchanged may be restituted only to the extent that they have not become assimilated into the minor’s estate. This typically occurs when the goods or funds are earmarked or possess unique characteristics that distinguish them from the minor’s general assets. In such cases, restitution can be facilitated without unduly burdening the minor’s financial interests.
Furthermore, the prohibition extends to tort claims that seek to impose contractual obligations on the minor. Even if the underlying cause of action arises from a tortious act, attempting to enforce contractual obligations against a minor in this context is not permissible under the law. The rationale behind this restriction is to maintain consistency in legal principles and uphold the overarching policy of protecting minors from the consequences of their contractual incapacity.
However, it is essential to note that while minors are relieved of their contractual obligations, they still retain the right to enforce the contractual obligations of the other party. In other words, if a minor has performed their obligations under a contract, they have the legal right to compel the other party to fulfill their corresponding obligations. This principle serves to ensure fairness and equity in contractual relationships by preserving the rights of minors to seek redress for any breaches committed by the other party.
In summary, the legal framework surrounding contracts with minors is designed to balance the need to protect the interests of vulnerable individuals with the principles of fairness and equity in contractual dealings. While minors are shielded from the enforcement of contractual obligations, they retain the ability to enforce the obligations of the other party when they have fulfilled their own commitments. This delicate balance reflects society’s recognition of the unique vulnerabilities associated with minority status and underscores the importance of ensuring adequate legal safeguards are in place to protect minors in contractual relationships.
Logical Reasoning
The Ottoman Empire, which spanned from the late 13th century until the early 20th century, was a socio-economic powerhouse that exhibited a complex system of societal organization. This empire, which at its zenith covered Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, was characterized by a unique structure that facilitated its administration and economic activities.
At the heart of the Ottoman socio-economic system was the state’s control over land and its distribution. The land was divided into various categories, with the most significant being the ‘timar’ and ‘tax farming’ systems. The ‘timar’ system allowed for land to be granted to military officers in exchange for their service. This system was instrumental in maintaining a strong cavalry without the burden of a standing army. The ‘tax farming’ system, on the other hand, involved the state leasing out the right to collect taxes to private individuals, who would then pay the state a fixed sum and keep any surplus for themselves. This method of indirect tax collection was both a source of revenue and a means of extending the empire’s control over its vast territories.
The Ottoman economy was also marked by a guild system, which regulated the production of goods and the conduct of tradespeople and artisans. These guilds maintained quality control, set prices, and provided a structured environment for apprenticeship and training. They played a crucial role in the urban economic life, ensuring that the economic activities were well-organized and that the needs of the populace were met.
Trade was another cornerstone of the Ottoman economy, with the empire’s strategic position along the Silk Road enhancing its role as a commercial hub. The Ottomans facilitated trade by providing safety and stability along the trade routes. Moreover, the empire’s diverse population, which included Muslims, Christians, and Jews, contributed to a rich cultural exchange and a vibrant market that was fueled by a variety of goods and skills.
The Ottoman Empire’s socio-economic system was not without its challenges. The reliance on the ‘timar’ and ‘tax farming’ systems sometimes led to abuses and corruption. Additionally, the empire faced difficulties in maintaining the delicate balance between central control and local autonomy, particularly as the empire expanded.
Despite these challenges, the Ottoman socio-economic structure was remarkably resilient and adaptive. It allowed the empire to thrive for centuries, fostering a legacy of economic stability, cultural diversity, and administrative ingenuity. The system’s ability to integrate various ethnicities and religions into a cohesive economic strategy was particularly noteworthy, contributing to the empire’s longevity and historical significance.
Quantitative Techniques
Directions: Answer the questions based on the information given below.
The company’s employees reach the office by different modes of transportation. Of these, 21% walk, 25% take the bus, 19% take the train, 22% ride bicycles, and 13% drive cars.
The total number of employees = 1000
CLAT Previous Year Question Papers
General Knowledge
The recent escalation of violence in Lebanon, marked by a series of explosive incidents and Israel’s declaration of a new phase of war, reflects a profound crisis that reverberates through both regional and global contexts. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to critically analyze the implications of this renewed conflict, considering historical, geopolitical, and socio-economic dimensions that are at play. Lebanon’s intricate socio-political fabric has long been characterized by sectarian strife, foreign intervention, and a legacy of civil war. The current instability can be traced back to a myriad of factors, including the unresolved tensions from previous conflicts, the influence of external actors, and the significant internal challenges facing the Lebanese state. The presence of Hezbollah, a potent militia with strong ties to Iran, complicates the situation further. As Israel intensifies its military operations, the potential for Hezbollah to retaliate grows, raising fears of a broader conflict that could engulf the region.
Israel’s announcement of a new military campaign not only signals a shift in its strategic approach but also hints at a more aggressive posture aimed at countering perceived threats from both Hezbollah and Iranian influence in the region. This escalation invites a reassessment of security strategies for neighboring countries, particularly those in the Gulf and Europe, which must grapple with the repercussions of heightened military engagement. The specter of war looms large, threatening to destabilize not only Lebanon but also Syria, Iraq, and the broader Middle East. Moreover, the humanitarian implications of this conflict are dire. Lebanon is already grappling with a protracted economic crisis, exacerbated by a deteriorating infrastructure and a fragile health system, which have been further weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion in 2020. The renewed violence could lead to mass displacement, increased poverty, and a surge in humanitarian needs, placing additional burdens on an already beleaguered population. International aid organizations face immense challenges in delivering assistance amid escalating hostilities, and the specter of a humanitarian disaster looms large.
On a global scale, the ramifications of this conflict extend to energy markets and international relations. Lebanon’s geographical position at the crossroads of major energy routes in the Eastern Mediterranean renders it a critical player in the region’s energy dynamics. As tensions rise, there is potential for disruption in the supply chains of oil and gas, which could trigger fluctuations in global energy prices. Such developments would have far-reaching consequences for countries reliant on energy imports, particularly in Europe, where energy security has become an increasingly pressing issue. The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by the involvement of global powers. The United States, traditionally a staunch ally of Israel, faces a conundrum as public sentiment increasingly calls for a balanced approach that takes humanitarian concerns into account. Conversely, Russia’s growing influence in the region and its strategic partnerships with countries like Iran and Syria challenge the status quo, forcing Western nations to recalibrate their diplomatic strategies. The potential for a multi-faceted conflict involving various state and non-state actors necessitates a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical dynamics at play.