Which of the following words best fits blank (C)? In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been denoted by a letter. For each blank, five options are given. Choose the most appropriate word from the options that fits the blank appropriately. The cow has always held a ______(A) place in Indian society, revered not only for its religious significance but also for its immense contribution to rural livelihoods. Farmers across the country have long been ______(B) on cattle for milk, manure, and draught power, making the cow an inseparable part of agricultural life. The dairy industry, which has grown ______(C) over the decades, now stands as one of the largest in the world, providing employment to millions of households. Government schemes have been launched to ______(D) the welfare of cattle and improve the quality of indigenous breeds through scientific intervention. Despite rapid urbanisation, the bond between rural communities and their cattle remains deeply ______(E), reflecting a way of life that has endured for centuries.

Explanation

Let’s analyze blank (C): Sentence: “The dairy industry, which has grown ______ over the decades, now stands as one of the largest in the world…” The phrase “over the decades” suggests gradual, consistent growth. Correct answer: (c) steadily Now meanings, examples, and explanation: (a) narrowly Meaning (English): By a small margin; barely Meaning (Hindi): थोड़े अंतर से, मुश्किल से Example: He narrowly escaped the accident. Why incorrect: It refers to a small margin, not growth over time. (b) carelessly Meaning (English): Without attention or caution Meaning (Hindi): लापरवाही से Example: She handled the glass carelessly. Why incorrect: Growth cannot logically be described as “careless.” (c) steadily Meaning (English): In a consistent and gradual way Meaning (Hindi): लगातार, स्थिर रूप से Example: The company has grown steadily over the years. Why correct: It perfectly matches the idea of gradual, continuous growth over decades. (d) abruptly Meaning (English): Suddenly and unexpectedly Meaning (Hindi): अचानक www.freshersnow.com Example: The meeting ended abruptly. Why incorrect: “Over the decades” contradicts the idea of sudden growth. (e) barely Meaning (English): Only just; hardly Meaning (Hindi): मुश्किल से, बहुत कम Example: He barely passed the exam. Why incorrect: It suggests minimal growth, which contradicts “one of the largest in the world.” Final takeaway: The context clearly indicates gradual, continuous development, making “steadily” the best fit.