Reading Comprehension questions are crucial for success in bank exams, typically accounting for 5 – 10 questions in Sbi Po clerk Ibps prelims and mains exam, although this can vary by exam and organization. These questions assess your ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written information.
Reading comprehension Passage 1
Read the below passage carefully and and give answers accordingly .
Several economic indicators released over the past week are bad news for the Finance Ministry and Reserve Bank of India’s hopes of a growth rebound in the second half of
2024-25 — at least for the October-December quarter.
While GDP growth slipping to 5.4% in the second quarter was termed a transient blip, policymakers have acknowledged slowing consumption demand led by restrained spending trends in urban India. They have also exuded optimism about a festive boost from cities along with a resilient rural demand outlook lifting the momentum.
The latest data points are also important as
they are part of the final gauges for the Finance Ministry to assess before it finalises its economic blueprint for
2025-26 in the February 1 Union Budget. Bank credit growth has slowed for the fifth straight month in November, while core infrastructure sectors — about 40%
of industrial output — expanded at a four-month high pace of 4.3%. However, production levels were 3.3% below October with six of eight sectors operating at
lower capacities. The Purchasing Managers’ Index shows factory activity levels through November and December
were the worst through 2024, even as input cost inflation spurred price hikes that would hit demand somewhat over time.
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) receipts for December, based on transactions concluded in November, do not have much succour to offer either, especially on the consumption engine of the economy. Gross revenues were at a three-month low of almost ₹1.77 lakh crore, and just 7.3% higher than last year, marking the joint-second slowest uptick in three and a half years.
December’s revenues, in fact, mark the fourth straight month of below-10% growth, with the pace decelerating every passing month, and the year-to-date rise in revenues is now just 8.6%, making the 11% growth estimate in the Budget a tall task to catch up with in the final quarter.
Answer the following questions based on above passages
Here are three reading comprehension questions based on the passage provided:
Question 1: What is the main reason for the Finance Ministry and Reserve Bank of India’s concerns regarding the economic growth in the second half of 2024-25?
a) Increased government spending
b) Slowing consumption demand and restrained spending in urban India
c) High inflation rates
d) Expansion of the industrial output
Question 2: What does the latest data indicate about the state of the bank credit growth and core infrastructure sectors?
a) Bank credit growth has increased, while core infrastructure sectors have shrunk.
b) Bank credit growth has slowed for the fifth straight month, while core infrastructure sectors expanded at a four-month high pace.
c) Both bank credit growth and core infrastructure sectors have grown significantly.
d) Bank credit growth has remained steady, and core infrastructure sectors are declining.
Question 3:
What challenge does the Purchasing Managers’ Index reveal about factory activity levels in November and December?
a) Factory activity reached its peak for 2024.
b) Factory activity was the worst during November and December in 2024.
c) Factory activity levels showed consistent growth throughout the months.
d) The index did not reflect any changes in factory activity.
Question 4:
What was the growth rate of the GST receipts for December compared to the previous year?
a) 7.3% b) 8.6% c) 10% d) 11%
Question 5: What was the total gross GST revenue for December?
a) ₹1.77 lakh crore. b) ₹1.60 lakh crore.
c) ₹1.90 lakh crore. d) ₹2 lakh crore
Question 6:
Which of the following statements is true about the GST growth rate in December?
a) The growth rate has been above 10% for the last four months.
b) The GST growth rate in December is the highest in the last three and a half years.
c) The growth rate has decelerated every passing month since September.
d) The growth rate for December was 15%.
Question 7: Which word can complete the sentence ” While GDP growth slipping to 5.4% in the second quarter was termed a transient _____, “
a) surge. b) improvement. c) blip. d) crash
Question 8 :What would be the synonym for the word succour as used in the passage?
a) Assistance. b) Criticism. c) Obstruction. d) Indifference.
Question 9 :What would be the Antonym for the word Guages as used in the passage?
a) Measures . b) Assesses. c) Sleuths. d) Estimates .
Question 10 : Which of the following phrases can replace the words “lifting the momentum”?
(A.) Amplifying the drive
(B). Diminishing the force
C. Depleting the energy
D. Easing the pace
Answer 1: b) Slowing consumption demand and restrained spending in urban India
Answer 2: b) Bank credit growth has slowed for the fifth straight month, while core infrastructure sectors expanded at a four-month high pace.
Answer 3: b) Factory activity was the worst during November and December in 2024.
Answer 4: a) 7.3%
Answer 5 : a) ₹1.77 lakh crore
Answer 6 : c) The growth rate has decelerated every passing month since September.
Answer 7: c) blip
Answer 8: a) Assistance
Explanation:In the passage, the word succour refers to help or support that could alleviate a challenging situation. It is used to indicate that the GST receipts did not provide much relief to the economy. The synonym to succour are assistance, backing, sustenance, rescue.
Answer 9: Estimates.
Gauges means an instrument for measuring the amount of something. Its synonyms are Measure, Evaluate, Assess While its Antonyms are Guess, Overlook, Ignore, Estimate
Answer 10 : A. Amplifying the drive
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