Read the passage and answer the question:

India today presents a very mixed picture of hope and anguish of remarkable advances and at the same time of inertia; of a new spirit and also the dead hand of the past and of privileges; of an overall and growing unity and many disruptive tendencies. Withal there is a great vitality and ferment in people’s minds and activities.
It is remarkable thing that a country and people rooted in this remote past, who have shown so much resistance to change in the past; should now be marching forward rapidly and with resolute steps.

Choose one word for ‘a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged' :

Question

Read the passage and answer the question:

India today presents a very mixed picture of hope and anguish of remarkable advances and at the same time of inertia; of a new spirit and also the dead hand of the past and of privileges; of an overall and growing unity and many disruptive tendencies. Withal there is a great vitality and ferment in people’s minds and activities.
    It is remarkable thing that a country and people rooted in this remote past, who have shown so much resistance to change in the past; should now be marching forward rapidly and with resolute steps.

Choose one word for ‘a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged' :

Accepted Answer

The correct answer to the question is Option 4: "inertia." Here is a detailed explanation justifying why this option is correct and why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Explanation for Option 4 (Inertia):**
   - Inertia is defined as a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged. It is a term often used in physics to describe the resistance of any physical object to a change in its state of motion or rest. In a broader context, it refers to a lack of activity or progress, which aligns perfectly with the phrase "a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged" mentioned in the question. The passage highlights the contrast between progress and stagnation in India, and "inertia" aptly describes the resistance to change and the static nature of certain aspects of society.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**
   - **Option 1 (Anguish):** Anguish refers to severe mental or physical pain or suffering. It does not relate to a tendency to remain unchanged or inactive. Instead, it describes a state of distress or anxiety, which is not the focus of the question.
   
   - **Option 2 (Disruptive):** Disruptive means causing or tending to cause disruption, which is the opposite of remaining unchanged. It implies change, disturbance, or interruption, which contradicts the concept of inertia.
   
   - **Option 3 (Ferment):** Ferment refers to agitation or excitement among a group of people, typically concerning major change. It suggests activity and transformation, which is contrary to the idea of doing nothing or remaining unchanged.

In conclusion, Option 4, "inertia," is the correct choice as it accurately captures the essence of a tendency to remain unchanged, which is the focus of the question. The other options do not align with this concept and are therefore incorrect.