Which of the following words best fits blank (D)? 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 (D): Sentence: “Government schemes have been launched to ______ the welfare of cattle and improve the quality of indigenous breeds…” The sentence clearly implies improvement, support, and enhancement. Correct answer: (d) promote Now meanings, examples, and explanation: (a) ignore Meaning (English): To pay no attention to Meaning (Hindi): अनदेखा करना Example: He chose to ignore the warning signs. Why incorrect: Government schemes are meant to help, not neglect welfare. (b) threaten Meaning (English): To cause danger or harm Meaning (Hindi): धमकी देना / खतरा पैदा करना Example: Pollution threatens marine life. Why incorrect: Schemes are not meant to harm cattle welfare. (c) abandon Meaning (English): To leave completely Meaning (Hindi): त्याग देना, छोड़ देना Example: They had to abandon the project. Why incorrect: This contradicts the purpose of welfare schemes. (d) promote Meaning (English): To support, encourage, or improve Meaning (Hindi): बढ़ावा देना, प्रोत्साहित करना Example: The campaign aims to promote education. Why correct: It fits perfectly with “welfare” and “improve,” showing enhancement and support. (e) conceal Meaning (English): To hide something Meaning (Hindi): छिपाना Example: He tried to conceal the truth. Why incorrect: Hiding welfare makes no sense in this context. Final takeaway: The sentence clearly conveys improvement and encouragement, so “promote” is the most appropriate choice.