Read the following passage about Innovation Meets Geopolitical Rivalry and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the...

Read the following passage about Innovation Meets Geopolitical Rivalry and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

The 2025 Web Summit in Lisbon, frequently dubbed "Davos for geeks," attracted over 70,000 participants, including 2,500 startups and 1,000 investors from diverse international markets and emerging economies. This prestigious gathering showcased cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous vehicle technology. However, underlying tensions surrounding technological sovereignty, trade disputes, and semiconductor supply chain vulnerabilities significantly overshadowed the innovation displays throughout the comprehensive four-day conference schedule.

Artificial intelligence and chip competition dominated proceedings among global technology corporations. U.S. manufacturer Qualcomm unveiled revolutionary processors designed to challenge industry giants Nvidia and AMD, whose premium semiconductors face stringent export restrictions to China. Distinguished speakers, including Microsoft President Brad Smith and Squirrel AI co-founder Joleen Liang, explored how generative algorithms are revolutionizing educational methodologies and industrial applications across multiple sectors. Sports technology witnessed remarkable growth, with nearly thirty percent of early-2025 investments targeting AI-driven athletic performance enhancement and health monitoring systems.

Robotics and self-driving technologies captured substantial attention from venture capital firms worldwide. Major corporations like Amazon Robotics, Boston Dynamics, Uber, Lyft, and Waymo presented their ambitious strategies for robotaxis and automated transportation solutions. Uber announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Nvidia to integrate automation systems across thousands of vehicles by 2027, demonstrating the accelerating convergence of mobility and artificial intelligence in urban transportation networks.

European technological independence emerged as a critical concern among policymakers and industry leaders. EU digital commissioner Henna Virkkunen emphasized Europe's excessive reliance on American data-center "hyperscalers," while Maya Noel from France Digitale advocated for substantial investment in European alternatives to maintain economic autonomy. Simultaneously, platforms like Roblox introduced enhanced age verification protocols amid increasing regulatory pressure from Brussels to safeguard young users. Ultimately, while technological innovations captivated audiences, the summit revealed deeper geopolitical struggles over data governance, market control, and strategic technological self-sufficiency across continental boundaries.

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Question 23: Which of the following was NOT mentioned at the 2025 Web Summit?

A. AI processors by Qualcomm

B. Quantum computing breakthroughs

C. Robotaxis development plans

D. Age verification systems

Question 24: The word “dubbed” in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _________.

A. acclaimed                                B. undesignated                        C. renowned                                        D. distinguished

Question 25: The word “stringent” in paragraph 2 could be best replaced by _________.

A. lenient                                        B. flexible                                C. rigorous                                        D. permissive

Question 26: The word “their” in paragraph 3 refers to _________.

A. venture capital firms worldwide

B. policymakers and industry leaders

C. technology corporations globally

D. Major corporations like Amazon Robotics, Boston Dynamics, Uber, Lyft, and Waymo

Question 27: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. At the same time, platforms like Roblox implemented better age verification due to growing EU pressure to protect young users.

B. As a result, companies such as Roblox established new verification systems following European demands for improved online safety measures.

C. Meanwhile, digital platforms like Roblox developed advanced verification procedures as EU authorities increased content regulation for minors.

D. Therefore, online services, including Roblox, adopted new-age confirmation technologies while European legislators strengthened youth monitoring policies.

Question 28: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Qualcomm collaborated with Nvidia to develop revolutionary processors that will challenge AMD's dominance in the semiconductor market by 2027.

B. Nearly forty percent of early-2025 investments were directed toward AI-driven athletic performance enhancement and health monitoring systems.

C. Uber announced a partnership with Nvidia to integrate automation systems across thousands of vehicles by 2027.

D. EU digital commissioner Maya Noel emphasized Europe's excessive reliance on American data-center hyperscalers and advocated for European alternatives.

Question 29: In which paragraph does the writer mention what percentage of sports-tech investment is targeted at AI?

A. Paragraph 2                                B. Paragraph 1                                C. Paragraph 4                                D. Paragraph 3

Question 30: In which paragraph does the writer mention who advocated for European technological alternatives?

A. Paragraph 1                                B. Paragraph 2                                C. Paragraph 4                                D. Paragraph 3