Current affairs and Issues

A. The following words have two different meanings. Match each word with the meaning in the context of the text above.
Answer:

a. glare : an intense blinding light
b. curb: a stone edging to a pavement or raised path
c. hail : to call somebody in order to attract their attention
d. commute: to travel regularly between workplace and home
e. serene: calm and peaceful
f. liability: the state of being legally responsible for something
g. deploy: to use something effectively
h. autonomous: a vehicle that has the technology to drive itself
i. perception: the ability to understand the true nature of something

B. Choose the correct alternatives to complete the sentences below.
Answer:

a. One of the features of automated cars is that…….
Ans:  they have their own Voice to welcome people in them.

b. Driverless technology is being widely used particularly in….
Ans:  the USA

c. The positive impact of the technology on the environment is…..
Ans:  it reduces carbon production.

d. One of the problems with driverless technology is that….
Ans:  it can’t deal with human drivers.

e. One of the biggest challenges of the automated cars is …
Ans:- human safety from It

f. The automated technology developed so far is
Ans:  partly trustworthy

C. Answer the following questions.
Answer:

a. Mention any three features of the driverless car.
Ans:  Any three features of the driverless car are, it needs no driver, it helps lowering carbon emissions and welcomes passengers in its own system.

b. Describe the benefits of driverless technology.
Ans: The benefits of driverless technology are: it needs no driver and it provides safe travels.

c. What, according to Camilla Fowler, is the special advantage of automated vehicles?
Ans: According to Camilla Fowler, the special advantage of automated vehicles is there will be fewer fatalities.

d. What are the problems with driverless vehicles in David Hynd’s views?
Ans:  In David Hynd’s views, the problem with the driverless vehicles is there will not be peace and serene in the vehicles.

e. What are scientists doing to make driverless technology safer?
Ans: The scientists are making test drives in different places and terrains to make driverless technology safer.

f. Do you think driverless technology is safer than human- controlled driving? Why?
Ans:  I think, driverless technology is not safer than human- controlled driving because the men have more sense than the machines.

 

D. Think of any three other areas where artificial intelligence (AI) has been used. What is the benefits of using AI in these areas? Share your ideas with class.
Answer:
Artificial Intelligence, or AL, is a term that refers to computer software and systems that are programmed to think and respond like human beings.

AI has the ability to learn, analyze, and make decisions based on data that it has collected. AI can be used in various areas, such as robotics, healthcare, finance, transportation, and more.

Artificial Intelligence can be used in various areas, such as robotics, healthcare, finance, transportation, autonomous vehicles, facial recognition, security, online commerce, language processing, natural language understanding, and many more. AI has the potential to revolutionize many industries and create smarter, more efficient processes.

The benefits of Artificial Intelligence are numerous. Some of which are discussed here. Al can provide increased accuracy and speed in data analysis and decision making processes, reduce manual labor and costs, and help eliminate human errors.

Additionally, AI can help companies optimize their processes and operations, enabling them to make better decisions and improve customer service. In the same way, AI is helping to create new opportunities for businesses, such as the development of personalized AI systems and chat boxes.

Grammar I

A. Match the following statements with the correct reported speech and notice how the statements are changed.
Answer:

a. Khushi said, “I go to school every day by bus.”
Ans: Khusi said that she went to school every day by bus.

b. Karma said to me, “1 am sorry for coming late.”
Ans: Karma apologised for coming late.

c. Susan says, “I will leave for Bhanu next week.”
Ans: Susan says that she will eave for Bhanu the following.

d. Tshering said, ” I will surely meet you this Saturday.”
Ans: Tshering promised me to meet that Saturday.

e. “The bus leaves at six,” said the agent.
Ans: The agent informed us that the bus left at six.

f. “I have already finished my project work,” said She.
Ans: She said that she had alreadv finished her project work.

g. “I work from home these days,” , said Yanjal.
Ans: Yanjal said that he worked from house those days.

B. Complete the following sentences with the correct reporting verbs. [advised, admitted, warned, offered, thanked, agreed, informed, agreed, apologised, promised]
Answer:

a. “I broke the mirror.”
Ans: He admitted that he had broken the mirror.

b. “I’d go and see a doctor if I were you,” Pemba said to me.
Ans: Pemba advised me to see a doctor.

c. “I will send you out if you make a noise again,” said the librarian.
Ans: The librarian warned me not to make a noise again.

d. “I can come and help you plant rice,” said Raman.
Ans: Raman offered to help me plant rice.

e. “The classes start from next week,” said the assistant.
Ans: The assistant informed us that the classes start from the following week.

f. Sonam said to me, “Thank you so much for your help.”
Ans: Sonam thanked me for my help.

g. “OK, I will return your money by Saturday,” said Prakriti.
Ans: Prakriti promised to return my money by Saturday.

h. “I will really work hard and score good grades,” said Anupam.
Ans: Anupam agreed to work hard and get good grades.

i. “I am sorry for coming late,” said the speaker.
Ans: The speaker apologised for coming late.

Writing I

The use of AI in the technology is not only making people’s life easier but bringing new challenges. Write a newspaper article about the challenges brought by the advancement of AI in technology
Answer:

The challenges in technology brought by using Artificial Intelligence include the need for proper security protocols to protect sensitive data, the lack of ethical frameworks to govern AI decision-making, the need for reliable data sources, and the challenge of creating algorithms that are able to handle complex tasks. Additionally, AI can be expensive to implement, require extensive computing power, and require significant amounts of time and resources to develop.

Artificial Intelligence can present a number of challenges. One of the main challenges is privacy concerns, as there can be a risk of data leaks if AI systems are not properly secured. Additionally, AI systems can lack the ability to reason and make ethical decisions, which can lead to mistakes and unintendedconsequences.

Finally, AI systems are still relatively new, and therefore their effectiveness is often unproven. Companies must be aware of these potential risks before investing in AI technologies.

Furthermore, AI is often expensive to implement, require extensive computing power, and require significant amounts of time and resources to develop. Equally important fact is that, reliable data sources are needed to train AI systems, as inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to incorrect results.

Overall, in order for us to fully realize the potential benefits of AI, these challenges must be taken into consideration and addressed. Companies must ensure that their AI systems are secure, ethical, and backed by reliable data sources in order to maximize their effectiveness. With the right precautions and safeguards in place, AI can provide tremendous value and improve many aspects of our lives.

Reading II: Open Letter To UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

A. Fill in the blanks with the correct words given below.
[tackle, corporate, outrage, catalyse, at stake, net-zero, expertise]
Answer:

a. The ….. headquarters of the company is in Dubai.
Ans: corporate

b. According to Greta, the leaders are failing to ……. the key issues.
Ans: tackle

c. Some viruses ….. the step in the production of other viruses.
Ans: catalyse

d. His ….. in business helped him greatly to run the company.
Ans: expertise

e. Nepal governing plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to …….
Ans: net-zero

f. He does not have good knowledge of the business. So, he has put his investment …..
Ans: at stake

g. His controversial remarks caused public ……
Ans: outrage

B. Write whether the following sentences are ‘True’ or ‘False’. Write ‘Not Given’ if the information is not found in the letter.
Answer:

a. Save the Children congratulates Antonio Guterres on his recent appointment as the General Secretary of the UN.
Ans: Not Given

b. The Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change was announced at the request of children between 18-21 years of age.
Ans: False

c. The dissatisfaction is that the representation of children is not inclusive.
Ans: True

d. Greta Thunberg protested for the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
Ans: True

e. The children demand their physical safety in the UK and Italy.
Ans: Not Given

f. The children think that they can participate in decision-making to fight against the climate crisis.
Ans: True

C. Answer the following questions.
Answer:

a. Where is the office of the UN Secretary-General?
Ans: The office of the UN Secretary-General is in New York.

b. What is the purpose of writing this letter to Antonio Guterres?
Ans: The purpose of writing this letter to Antonio Guterres is to request him to include children and adolescents younger than 18 in the Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change.

c. Why was the Youth Advisory Group announced?
Ans: The Youth Advisory Group was announced to advise Antonio Guterres on accelerating global action and the ambition to tackle the worsening climate crisis.

d. What roles have children played in the time of climate crisis?
Ans: Children have played the role of agents of change in the climate debate using their channels of influence – schools, social media, and street protests – to catalyze global activism on the climate crisis.

e. Describe Greta Thunberg and Fabrizio’s contributions.
Ans: Greta Thunberg sparked the global movement through an inspiring solo protest in 2018 and children like Fabrizio are vocal in their anxiety that our dash to economic recovery will scupper climate change and net-zero commitments.

f. What is the final demand of the children?
Ans: The final demand of the children is to make the Youth Advisory Group on climate change inclusive of children and adolescents younger than 18, respecting their right to be heard and to contribute their children a safe space to influence these upcoming preparatory events.

D. As a student, what roles can you play to control climate change and its effects?
Answer:
Climate change is a term used to describe the long-term changes in global average temperature, precipitation patterns, sea levels, and other climatic variables. These changes are caused by both natural processes, such as shifts in ocean currents, and human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforesting land. Increasing emissions from these activities have led to an unnatural rate of climate change and rising global temperatures.

The effects of climate change are numerous and often vary depending on location and severity. Some of the more common effects include rising sea levels, coastal flooding, and melting glaciers; increased risks of extreme weather, such as droughts, floods, and hurricanes; health problems caused by air and water pollution; changes in vegetation and ecosystems; and disruptions to food and water sources.

These effects can have a dramatic impact on human life, economies, and the environment. Students can play a role in controlling climate change and its effects by educating their peers on the importance of sustainability, advocating for changes to local and global policies, and participating in conservation programs. Additionally, students can get involved in community projects that promote renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, or participate in carbon-offsetting activities.

Finally, students also can become ambassadors for organizations that are committed to reducing emissions and creating sustainable solutions. As a student, I try every possible measure to control climate change.

Grammar II

A. Choose the correct alternatives to complete the sentences.
Answer:

a. Abhilasha said that she witnessed the accident.
b. The teacher explained that the earth revolves round the sun.
c. Smarika says that she can’t stay there anymore.
d. Sachita says that she loves to listen to music.
e. My brother reported that he had completed his homework.
f. My father said that the sun is very hot.
g. Jenifer said that she wanted to be a nurse.

B. Rewrite the following sentences in indirect speech.
Answer:

a. Raima said, “We had to cross the river and go ahead.
Ans: Raima said that they had to cross the river and go ahead.

b. Smarika said, ” I will meet you tomorrow, friends.”
Ans: Smarika said that she would meet her friends the following day.

c. “I can’t come to school tomorrow,” Chandani said.
Ans: Chandani said that she couldn’t come to school the following day.

d. Dorje said, “Sorry, I cannot lend you any money today.”
Ans: Dorje said that he could not lend me any money that day and apologized for it.

e. The teacher said, “Now, you can solve the remaining problems yourselves.”
Ans: The teacher said that we could solve the remaining problems ourselves then.

f. The police said, “The incident probably took place yesterday.”
Ans: The police said that the incident probably took place the day before.

g. I said to him, “I live in Changunarayan these days.”
Ans: I told him that I lived in Changunarayan those days.

h. They said to us, “We would like to join you too.”
Ans: They told us that they would like to join us too.

i. The Science teacher said, “The coal gives off thick smoke.”
Ans: The Science teacher said that the coal gave off thick smoke.

j. Resham said, “I have never seen such a strange animal anywhere else.”
Ans: Resham said she had never seen such a strange animal anywhere.

k. “I love my children more than wealth,” the father said.
Ans: The father said that he loved his children more than wealth.

Writing II

Write a letter to the Mayor of your municipality or the Chairperson of your rural municipality requesting him/her to involve the representatives of children in the decision-making process related to children’s issues in your municipality/rural municipality.
Answer:

Banepa Municipality, Kavre
Date: 25th Baishakh 2080
Dear Mayor,
Banepa Municipality, Kavre.

Subject: A humble request
I am writing to request that the representatives of children be involved in the decision-making process related to children’s issues in our municipality. We recognize the importance of creating a safe and healthy environment for all children, and believe that their voices’ should be heard and taken into consideration when making decisions related to their wellbeing.
The involvement of children in the decision-making process is essential for ensuring that their needs are being met and featured in local initiatives. This can ensure that their rights and interests are taken into account and their views represented. We believe that this will lead to better decision-making and improved outcomes for all children.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could make this possible in our municipality by involving children in the policymaking process and providing them with an equal platform to voice their concerns.

Thanking you.
Sincerely yours, 

ABC