Target Exam

CUET

Subject

English

Chapter

Comprehension - (Narrative / Factual)

Question:

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow:-

In 1991, the 87-year-old J.R.D. Tata had been the chairman of the Tata Group for over 50 years. The group was known for its stability but lacked energy and dynamism. That year, a relatively young Ratan Tata, aged 53, was chosen as the new chairman. His selection raised doubts about his capabilities and acceptability, especially among the older leadership. However, these questions were answered over time, and Ratan Tata gradually earned acceptance, often by making tough changes.

Two decades later, as Ratan Tata planned his retirement in 2012, the Tata Group had transformed into a symbol of vibrancy and innovation. Under his leadership, the group embraced daring ideas, expanded overseas, and maintained a tight brand discipline. As Rahul Bajaj remarked, "Ratan Tata has changed the DNA-almost entirely for the better."

When India began its journey of liberalization, globalization, and privatization in 1991, the Tata Group underwent a significant transition with Ratan Tata taking over from J.R.D. Tata. The older leadership, loyal to J.R.D., initially resisted the change, as Ratan Tata had no major achievements to inspire confidence. Still, J.R.D.'s decision went unquestioned, and Ratan Tata's era began.

With the introduction of a younger leadership, the Tata Group evolved into a forward-thinking organization, pioneering bold strategies and maintaining its status as a leader in Indian industry.

Why Ratan Tata's appointment as chairman initially raise doubts among the senior members of the board?

Options:

He was inexperienced and unfamiliar with the Tata Group.

He opposed the group's traditional methods.

He was young and had no major achievements to his credit.

He was unwilling to take on the role.

Correct Answer:

He was young and had no major achievements to his credit.

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) → He was young and had no major achievements to his credit.

The passage explicitly states two reasons for the initial resistance:

  1. He was "a relatively young Ratan Tata, aged 53," suggesting age was a factor.

  2. The older leadership resisted the change "as Ratan Tata had no major achievements to inspire confidence."

Option 3 is the only choice that combines both of these key textual facts that led to the doubts.