Read the passage and answer the following questions:
in contemporary India, the accounting profession, particularly Chartered Accountants (CAs), is witnessing an alarming surge in fatalities attributed primarily to excessive work-related stress. The profession's demanding nature-characterized by protracted hours, stringent deadlines, and intense mental exertion-has precipitated grave health repercussions. Despite being pivotal to the country's financial ecosystem, many CAs endure chronic sleep deprivation and psychological strain, culminating in life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrests and strokes. The deleterious effects of incessant work pressures are exacerbated during the fiscal year-end and tax filing seasons, where the workload intensifies manifold. The compulsion to deliver flawless outputs within unforgiving timeframes frequently compels professionals to forsake personal well-being. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic further aggravated these conditions by transitioning most work to virtual platforms, blurring the boundaries between professional and personal life, and extending working hours indefinitely. Compounding this predicament is the societal stigma attached to seeking psychological assistance, which dissuades many from obtaining necessary mental health support. The regulatory bodies and firms, albeit cognizant of this crisis, have been slow to implement effective measures to mitigate occupational hazards. In essence, the burgeoning mortality among Indian CAs is a clarion call for systemic reforms, encompassing workload management, mental health awareness, and institutional accountability, to safeguard the professionals who underpin India's economic stability.
The phrase 'a clarion call' in the passage most nearly means:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
In the context of the passage, 'a clarion call' refers to a strong, unmistakable request for action or change regarding the high mortality rates and work stress among Chartered Accountants in India. It implies an urgent and public appeal rather than a gentle suggestion or a quiet warning.