Despite the economic crunch worldwide that saw pulverization of some of the largest banking and finance giants, Indian banking houses have managed to show positive growth this quarter. Some of India’s leading national banks have posted a net profit rise of more than 40% over the last quarter amid global turmoil. This would come as a big shot in the arm for the investors and consumers of these banks even though apprehension is mounting on other banking and broking firms worldwide. One of the main reasons behind the success of these banks this quarter, would be their direct backing by the Government of India. People take solace in their investments in public sector watching the bailout packages being cashed out by governments all over the world to save big business houses.
1. What, according to the author, is the reason for the success of Indian national banks in this quarter?
(a) Indian national banks do not have any commitments in troubled foreign markets.
(b) These banks can never face financial crisis because of their sheer size.
(c) These banks are ready to give loans at a very low rate of interest
(d) The public is ready to invest in these banks because of the knowledge that these banks get strong support from the Government.
(e) None of these
2. What does the phrase ‘shot in the arm’ as used in the passage mean ?
(a) Shock
(b) Fear
(c) Encouragement
(d) Anxiety
(e) None of these
3. How, according to the author, is the current recession beneficial?
(a) Worldwide companies have realised that India is a strong power to reckon with.
(b) India is surging ahead of the other Companies throughout the world.
(c) After the recession is over international companies will turn to India for investment.
(d) Recession is bringing down the prices of essential commodities.
(e) None of these
4. What, according to the author, will be a big boon in the days to come?
(a) The economy coming back on the fast track
(b) The slowing down of the economy
(c) Increased hiring in Indian financial sector in times of economic slowdown
(d) The cost cutting carried out by all the companies
(e) None of these
5. Which of the following statements is/are definitely true in the context of the passage?
(1) India has not been affected by the economic slowdown.
(2) Indian banks are showing growth in this quarter despite the recession.
(3) While banking industry in the West was severely affected by recession in the past, it is now gradually recovering and showing a positive growth.
(a) Only (1)
(b) Only (2)
(c) Only (3)
(d) Only (1) and (2)
(e) Only (2) and (3)
6. Which of the following strengthens the finance minister’s statement about the sound health of Indian banks with respect to the passage?
(1) There have been no acquisitions and mergers of Indian banks.
(2) The Indian banks are recording a positive growth.
(3) Layoffs have been observed worldwide.
(a) Only (1) and (2)
(b) Only (1) and (3)
(c) Only (1)
(d) Only (2)
(e) All (1), (2) and (3)
Directions (Q. 7-8): Choose the word/group of words which is most similar in meaning to the word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.
7. TURMOIL
(a) danger
(b) shock
(c) sadness
(d) fear
(e) chaos
8. PULVERIZATION
(a) polarisation
(b) mashing
(c) debasement
(d) fall
(e) crushing
Directions (Q.9-10): Choose the word/group of words which is most opposite in meaning of the word/group of words printed in bold as used in the passage.
9. THRIVE
(a) succeed
(b) deteriorate
(c) worry
(d) tremble
(e) strive
10. MUNDANE
(a) extraordinary
(b) regular
(c) severe
(d) visionary
(e) routine
