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    Question

    In the question given below, a passage is given

    followed by three statements which may or may not be inferred from the passage. Select the correct statements that can be inferred.     Passage: The Global Maritime Council has reported a significant shift in international shipping routes as melting Arctic ice opens the "Northern Sea Route" for longer periods each year. While this route reduces travel time between East Asia and Europe by up to 40% compared to the Suez Canal, it requires specialized ice-class vessels that are more expensive to build and maintain. Captain Elena Vance, a logistics expert, noted that insurance premiums for Arctic transit remain nearly triple those of traditional routes due to the unpredictable nature of floating ice and the lack of deep-water rescue ports along the Siberian coast. Statements: 1. Shipping companies will save money on every trip by using the Northern Sea Route instead of the Suez Canal. 2. The Northern Sea Route is currently not navigable throughout the entire year. 3. Operating a vessel in the Arctic involves higher financial risks regarding safety and recovery than traditional routes.
    A Only 1 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Only 1 and 2 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Only 2 and 3 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Only 1 and 3 Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E All of the above Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    Statement 1 cannot be inferred. While the passage mentions a 40% reduction in travel time, it also highlights significantly higher costs: "more expensive to build and maintain" ships and "insurance premiums... nearly triple." We cannot conclude that the time savings translate to an overall monetary saving for "every trip." Statement 2 can be inferred. The passage states the route is opening for "longer periods each year" due to melting ice. This implies that it is not open all year round; if it were already open 365 days a year, it could not open for "longer periods" than it currently does. Statement 3 can be inferred. The passage mentions that insurance premiums are triple because of "unpredictable nature of floating ice" and a "lack of deep-water rescue ports." High insurance premiums are a direct indicator of high financial risk, and the lack of rescue infrastructure specifically points to recovery risks.

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