READING COMPREHENSION :
A Sobbing little girl stood near a small school from which she had been turned away because it was too crowded. “I can’t go to school”, she sobbed to a priest as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the priest guessed the reason and, talking by hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the school class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to study.
Some years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kindhearted priest, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside were found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, “This is to help make the little school bigger so more children can go to school”.
For more years she had saved for this offering of love. When the priest tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do.
Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the stage, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his assistants to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.
A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the school could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 percent payment.
Religious members too made large subscriptions. Cheques came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl’s gift had increased up to $250, 000 huge sums for that time. Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. The school building houses hundreds of scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at school time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved , made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind priest.
How did the little girl die?
READING COMPREHENSION :
A Sobbing little girl stood near a small school from which she had been turned away because it was too crowded. “I can’t go to school”, she sobbed to a priest as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the priest guessed the reason and, talking by hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the school class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to study.
Some years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kindhearted priest, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside were found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, “This is to help make the little school bigger so more children can go to school”.
For more years she had saved for this offering of love. When the priest tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do.
Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the stage, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his assistants to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.
A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the school could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 percent payment.
Religious members too made large subscriptions. Cheques came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl’s gift had increased up to $250, 000 huge sums for that time. Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. The school building houses hundreds of scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at school time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved , made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind priest.
What was found on the girl’s body after her death?
READING COMPREHENSION :
A Sobbing little girl stood near a small school from which she had been turned away because it was too crowded. “I can’t go to school”, she sobbed to a priest as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the priest guessed the reason and, talking by hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the school class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to study.
Some years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kindhearted priest, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside were found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, “This is to help make the little school bigger so more children can go to school”.
For more years she had saved for this offering of love. When the priest tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do.
Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the stage, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his assistants to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.
A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the school could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 percent payment.
Religious members too made large subscriptions. Cheques came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl’s gift had increased up to $250, 000 huge sums for that time. Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. The school building houses hundreds of scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at school time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved , made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind priest.
In what manner did the relator help in making the little girl’s dream come true?
READING COMPREHENSION :
A Sobbing little girl stood near a small school from which she had been turned away because it was too crowded. “I can’t go to school”, she sobbed to a priest as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the priest guessed the reason and, talking by hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the school class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to study.
Some years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kindhearted priest, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside were found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, “This is to help make the little school bigger so more children can go to school”.
For more years she had saved for this offering of love. When the priest tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do.
Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the stage, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his assistants to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.
A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the school could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 percent payment.
Religious members too made large subscriptions. Cheques came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl’s gift had increased up to $250, 000 huge sums for that time. Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. The school building houses hundreds of scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at school time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved , made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind priest.
What was the real reason behind the girl not being allowed into the school?
READING COMPREHENSION :
A Sobbing little girl stood near a small school from which she had been turned away because it was too crowded. “I can’t go to school”, she sobbed to a priest as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the priest guessed the reason and, talking by hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the school class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to study.
Some years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kindhearted priest, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside were found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, “This is to help make the little school bigger so more children can go to school”.
For more years she had saved for this offering of love. When the priest tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do.
Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the stage, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his assistants to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.
A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the school could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 percent payment.
Religious members too made large subscriptions. Cheques came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl’s gift had increased up to $250, 000 huge sums for that time. Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. The school building houses hundreds of scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at school time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved , made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind priest.
Which of the following can be the most appropriate title for the passage?
READING COMPREHENSION :
A Sobbing little girl stood near a small school from which she had been turned away because it was too crowded. “I can’t go to school”, she sobbed to a priest as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the priest guessed the reason and, talking by hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the school class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to study.
Some years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kindhearted priest, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside were found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, “This is to help make the little school bigger so more children can go to school”.
For more years she had saved for this offering of love. When the priest tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do.
Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the stage, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his assistants to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.
A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the school could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 percent payment.
Religious members too made large subscriptions. Cheques came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl’s gift had increased up to $250, 000 huge sums for that time. Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. The school building houses hundreds of scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at school time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved , made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind priest.
Which of the following characteristics can be attributed to the little girls from the story?
i) She was brave.
ii) She was selfish.
iii) She loved.
READING COMPREHENSION :
A Sobbing little girl stood near a small school from which she had been turned away because it was too crowded. “I can’t go to school”, she sobbed to a priest as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the priest guessed the reason and, talking by hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the school class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to study.
Some years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kindhearted priest, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside were found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, “This is to help make the little school bigger so more children can go to school”.
For more years she had saved for this offering of love. When the priest tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do.
Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the stage, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his assistants to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.
A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the school could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 percent payment.
Religious members too made large subscriptions. Cheques came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl’s gift had increased up to $250, 000 huge sums for that time. Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. The school building houses hundreds of scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at school time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved , made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind priest.
Which of the following cannot be said about the priest?
i) He was insensitive.
ii) He puts his thoughts into action.
iii) He was compassionate.
READING COMPREHENSION :
A Sobbing little girl stood near a small school from which she had been turned away because it was too crowded. “I can’t go to school”, she sobbed to a priest as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the priest guessed the reason and, talking by hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the school class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to study.
Some years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kindhearted priest, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside were found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, “This is to help make the little school bigger so more children can go to school”.
For more years she had saved for this offering of love. When the priest tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do.
Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the stage, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his assistants to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.
A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the school could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 percent payment.
Religious members too made large subscriptions. Cheques came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl’s gift had increased up to $250, 000 huge sums for that time. Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. The school building houses hundreds of scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at school time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved , made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind priest.
What was little girl’s idea behind wanting to build a bigger school?
READING COMPREHENSION :
A Sobbing little girl stood near a small school from which she had been turned away because it was too crowded. “I can’t go to school”, she sobbed to a priest as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the priest guessed the reason and, talking by hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the school class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to study.
Some years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kindhearted priest, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside were found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, “This is to help make the little school bigger so more children can go to school”.
For more years she had saved for this offering of love. When the priest tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do.
Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the stage, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his assistants to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.
A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the school could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 percent payment.
Religious members too made large subscriptions. Cheques came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl’s gift had increased up to $250, 000 huge sums for that time. Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. The school building houses hundreds of scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at school time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved , made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind priest.
How was the priest instrumental in fulfilling the little girl’s dream?
READING COMPREHENSION :
A Sobbing little girl stood near a small school from which she had been turned away because it was too crowded. “I can’t go to school”, she sobbed to a priest as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the priest guessed the reason and, talking by hand, took her inside and found a place for her in the school class. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to study.
Some years later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kindhearted priest, who had befriended their daughter, to handle the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found which seemed to have been rummaged from some trash dump. Inside were found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, “This is to help make the little school bigger so more children can go to school”.
For more years she had saved for this offering of love. When the priest tearfully read that note, he knew instantly what he would do.
Carrying this note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the stage, he told the story of her unselfish love and devotion. He challenged his assistants to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building.
A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a realtor who offered them a parcel of land worth many thousands. When told that the school could not pay so much, he offered it for a 57 percent payment.
Religious members too made large subscriptions. Cheques came from far and wide. Within five years the little girl’s gift had increased up to $250, 000 huge sums for that time. Her unselfish love had paid large dividends. The school building houses hundreds of scholars, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside at school time.
In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved , made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind priest.
What was the final outcome of the 57 cents saved by the little girl?
READING COMPREHENSION :
Activity in the services sector shrank in September as new orders sank, a new survey shows. To add to these worries, overall economic activity is seen to be nearly stagnating, while employment levels fell for the second successive month.
The seasonally adjusted Service sector Business Activity Index fell to 49.8 from 53.8 in August, HSBC Purchasing Managers Index, which is based on a survey of 350 private sector executives, showed. Any reading of less than 50 indicates contraction, while economic activity is seen to be growing if the index is over 50. This is the first time since April 2009 that the services sector, that accounts for more than half the Indian economy, has slipped into negative terrain.
The decline in services sector activity could be attributed to lower demand for offshoring and IT and IT-enabled services from the US and Europe, where several economics are grappling with debt problems. There is also an impact on financial services as banking activity has slowed down on account of higher interest rates and investors are wary of parking their funds in stock markets.
At the moment, manufacturing activity is continuing to grow, though at a much slower pace. As a result, the HSBC India Composite Index-which covers manufacturing and services sector-stood at 50.2 in September, compared to 54.5 in August.
The trend is in line with expectations that the India economy will grow at less than 8% during the current financial year, with agriculture providing the only silver lining. Last year the economy expanded 8.5% prompting the government to predict 9% growth this year. But over the last few months, as the global economic situation deteriorated and higher interest rates slowed down the tempo, the government too is lowering its forecasts although not to the extent that others have done.
But it isn’t just services which are shrinking. The survey shows employment fell for the second successive month, increasing worries for policymakers, who want rapid economic growth to take care of the growing population that is joining the workforce.
Typically, a near-stagnant economy will encourage the central bank to start lowering interest rates to spur economic activity. But given the inflationary pressures, RBI is in no mood to do so and the debate is whether it will resort to further rate hikes or pause after increasing key policy rates a dozen times over the last 19 months. It is due to review its monetary policy later this month. The HSBC survey showed that inflation pressures are firmly in place though the rate is moderating a little. “We are getting close to the end of RBI’s tightening cycle, but we are not quite there yet.” An economist observed.
Which of the following sector(s) is/are covered under HSBC India Composite Index?
READING COMPREHENSION :
Activity in the services sector shrank in September as new orders sank, a new survey shows. To add to these worries, overall economic activity is seen to be nearly stagnating, while employment levels fell for the second successive month.
The seasonally adjusted Service sector Business Activity Index fell to 49.8 from 53.8 in August, HSBC Purchasing Managers Index, which is based on a survey of 350 private sector executives, showed. Any reading of less than 50 indicates contraction, while economic activity is seen to be growing if the index is over 50. This is the first time since April 2009 that the services sector, that accounts for more than half the Indian economy, has slipped into negative terrain.
The decline in services sector activity could be attributed to lower demand for offshoring and IT and IT-enabled services from the US and Europe, where several economics are grappling with debt problems. There is also an impact on financial services as banking activity has slowed down on account of higher interest rates and investors are wary of parking their funds in stock markets.
At the moment, manufacturing activity is continuing to grow, though at a much slower pace. As a result, the HSBC India Composite Index-which covers manufacturing and services sector-stood at 50.2 in September, compared to 54.5 in August.
The trend is in line with expectations that the India economy will grow at less than 8% during the current financial year, with agriculture providing the only silver lining. Last year the economy expanded 8.5% prompting the government to predict 9% growth this year. But over the last few months, as the global economic situation deteriorated and higher interest rates slowed down the tempo, the government too is lowering its forecasts although not to the extent that others have done.
But it isn’t just services which are shrinking. The survey shows employment fell for the second successive month, increasing worries for policymakers, who want rapid economic growth to take care of the growing population that is joining the workforce.
Typically, a near-stagnant economy will encourage the central bank to start lowering interest rates to spur economic activity. But given the inflationary pressures, RBI is in no mood to do so and the debate is whether it will resort to further rate hikes or pause after increasing key policy rates a dozen times over the last 19 months. It is due to review its monetary policy later this month. The HSBC survey showed that inflation pressures are firmly in place though the rate is moderating a little. “We are getting close to the end of RBI’s tightening cycle, but we are not quite there yet.” An economist observed.
Which of the following will not show contraction in the services sector business?
READING COMPREHENSION :
Activity in the services sector shrank in September as new orders sank, a new survey shows. To add to these worries, overall economic activity is seen to be nearly stagnating, while employment levels fell for the second successive month.
The seasonally adjusted Service sector Business Activity Index fell to 49.8 from 53.8 in August, HSBC Purchasing Managers Index, which is based on a survey of 350 private sector executives, showed. Any reading of less than 50 indicates contraction, while economic activity is seen to be growing if the index is over 50. This is the first time since April 2009 that the services sector, that accounts for more than half the Indian economy, has slipped into negative terrain.
The decline in services sector activity could be attributed to lower demand for offshoring and IT and IT-enabled services from the US and Europe, where several economics are grappling with debt problems. There is also an impact on financial services as banking activity has slowed down on account of higher interest rates and investors are wary of parking their funds in stock markets.
At the moment, manufacturing activity is continuing to grow, though at a much slower pace. As a result, the HSBC India Composite Index-which covers manufacturing and services sector-stood at 50.2 in September, compared to 54.5 in August.
The trend is in line with expectations that the India economy will grow at less than 8% during the current financial year, with agriculture providing the only silver lining. Last year the economy expanded 8.5% prompting the government to predict 9% growth this year. But over the last few months, as the global economic situation deteriorated and higher interest rates slowed down the tempo, the government too is lowering its forecasts although not to the extent that others have done.
But it isn’t just services which are shrinking. The survey shows employment fell for the second successive month, increasing worries for policymakers, who want rapid economic growth to take care of the growing population that is joining the workforce.
Typically, a near-stagnant economy will encourage the central bank to start lowering interest rates to spur economic activity. But given the inflationary pressures, RBI is in no mood to do so and the debate is whether it will resort to further rate hikes or pause after increasing key policy rates a dozen times over the last 19 months. It is due to review its monetary policy later this month. The HSBC survey showed that inflation pressures are firmly in place though the rate is moderating a little. “We are getting close to the end of RBI’s tightening cycle, but we are not quite there yet.” An economist observed.
According to the passage, what is the contribution of services sector to Indian economy?
READING COMPREHENSION :
Activity in the services sector shrank in September as new orders sank, a new survey shows. To add to these worries, overall economic activity is seen to be nearly stagnating, while employment levels fell for the second successive month.
The seasonally adjusted Service sector Business Activity Index fell to 49.8 from 53.8 in August, HSBC Purchasing Managers Index, which is based on a survey of 350 private sector executives, showed. Any reading of less than 50 indicates contraction, while economic activity is seen to be growing if the index is over 50. This is the first time since April 2009 that the services sector, that accounts for more than half the Indian economy, has slipped into negative terrain.
The decline in services sector activity could be attributed to lower demand for offshoring and IT and IT-enabled services from the US and Europe, where several economics are grappling with debt problems. There is also an impact on financial services as banking activity has slowed down on account of higher interest rates and investors are wary of parking their funds in stock markets.
At the moment, manufacturing activity is continuing to grow, though at a much slower pace. As a result, the HSBC India Composite Index-which covers manufacturing and services sector-stood at 50.2 in September, compared to 54.5 in August.
The trend is in line with expectations that the India economy will grow at less than 8% during the current financial year, with agriculture providing the only silver lining. Last year the economy expanded 8.5% prompting the government to predict 9% growth this year. But over the last few months, as the global economic situation deteriorated and higher interest rates slowed down the tempo, the government too is lowering its forecasts although not to the extent that others have done.
But it isn’t just services which are shrinking. The survey shows employment fell for the second successive month, increasing worries for policymakers, who want rapid economic growth to take care of the growing population that is joining the workforce.
Typically, a near-stagnant economy will encourage the central bank to start lowering interest rates to spur economic activity. But given the inflationary pressures, RBI is in no mood to do so and the debate is whether it will resort to further rate hikes or pause after increasing key policy rates a dozen times over the last 19 months. It is due to review its monetary policy later this month. The HSBC survey showed that inflation pressures are firmly in place though the rate is moderating a little. “We are getting close to the end of RBI’s tightening cycle, but we are not quite there yet.” An economist observed.
What was the initial prediction of percent growth of Indian economy, according to the passage?
READING COMPREHENSION :
Activity in the services sector shrank in September as new orders sank, a new survey shows. To add to these worries, overall economic activity is seen to be nearly stagnating, while employment levels fell for the second successive month.
The seasonally adjusted Service sector Business Activity Index fell to 49.8 from 53.8 in August, HSBC Purchasing Managers Index, which is based on a survey of 350 private sector executives, showed. Any reading of less than 50 indicates contraction, while economic activity is seen to be growing if the index is over 50. This is the first time since April 2009 that the services sector, that accounts for more than half the Indian economy, has slipped into negative terrain.
The decline in services sector activity could be attributed to lower demand for offshoring and IT and IT-enabled services from the US and Europe, where several economics are grappling with debt problems. There is also an impact on financial services as banking activity has slowed down on account of higher interest rates and investors are wary of parking their funds in stock markets.
At the moment, manufacturing activity is continuing to grow, though at a much slower pace. As a result, the HSBC India Composite Index-which covers manufacturing and services sector-stood at 50.2 in September, compared to 54.5 in August.
The trend is in line with expectations that the India economy will grow at less than 8% during the current financial year, with agriculture providing the only silver lining. Last year the economy expanded 8.5% prompting the government to predict 9% growth this year. But over the last few months, as the global economic situation deteriorated and higher interest rates slowed down the tempo, the government too is lowering its forecasts although not to the extent that others have done.
But it isn’t just services which are shrinking. The survey shows employment fell for the second successive month, increasing worries for policymakers, who want rapid economic growth to take care of the growing population that is joining the workforce.
Typically, a near-stagnant economy will encourage the central bank to start lowering interest rates to spur economic activity. But given the inflationary pressures, RBI is in no mood to do so and the debate is whether it will resort to further rate hikes or pause after increasing key policy rates a dozen times over the last 19 months. It is due to review its monetary policy later this month. The HSBC survey showed that inflation pressures are firmly in place though the rate is moderating a little. “We are getting close to the end of RBI’s tightening cycle, but we are not quite there yet.” An economist observed.
Which of the following is correct in the context of the passage?
READING COMPREHENSION :
Activity in the services sector shrank in September as new orders sank, a new survey shows. To add to these worries, overall economic activity is seen to be nearly stagnating, while employment levels fell for the second successive month.
The seasonally adjusted Service sector Business Activity Index fell to 49.8 from 53.8 in August, HSBC Purchasing Managers Index, which is based on a survey of 350 private sector executives, showed. Any reading of less than 50 indicates contraction, while economic activity is seen to be growing if the index is over 50. This is the first time since April 2009 that the services sector, that accounts for more than half the Indian economy, has slipped into negative terrain.
The decline in services sector activity could be attributed to lower demand for offshoring and IT and IT-enabled services from the US and Europe, where several economics are grappling with debt problems. There is also an impact on financial services as banking activity has slowed down on account of higher interest rates and investors are wary of parking their funds in stock markets.
At the moment, manufacturing activity is continuing to grow, though at a much slower pace. As a result, the HSBC India Composite Index-which covers manufacturing and services sector-stood at 50.2 in September, compared to 54.5 in August.
The trend is in line with expectations that the India economy will grow at less than 8% during the current financial year, with agriculture providing the only silver lining. Last year the economy expanded 8.5% prompting the government to predict 9% growth this year. But over the last few months, as the global economic situation deteriorated and higher interest rates slowed down the tempo, the government too is lowering its forecasts although not to the extent that others have done.
But it isn’t just services which are shrinking. The survey shows employment fell for the second successive month, increasing worries for policymakers, who want rapid economic growth to take care of the growing population that is joining the workforce.
Typically, a near-stagnant economy will encourage the central bank to start lowering interest rates to spur economic activity. But given the inflationary pressures, RBI is in no mood to do so and the debate is whether it will resort to further rate hikes or pause after increasing key policy rates a dozen times over the last 19 months. It is due to review its monetary policy later this month. The HSBC survey showed that inflation pressures are firmly in place though the rate is moderating a little. “We are getting close to the end of RBI’s tightening cycle, but we are not quite there yet.” An economist observed.
Which of the following may be the most suitable title for the passage?
READING COMPREHENSION :
Activity in the services sector shrank in September as new orders sank, a new survey shows. To add to these worries, overall economic activity is seen to be nearly stagnating, while employment levels fell for the second successive month.
The seasonally adjusted Service sector Business Activity Index fell to 49.8 from 53.8 in August, HSBC Purchasing Managers Index, which is based on a survey of 350 private sector executives, showed. Any reading of less than 50 indicates contraction, while economic activity is seen to be growing if the index is over 50. This is the first time since April 2009 that the services sector, that accounts for more than half the Indian economy, has slipped into negative terrain.
The decline in services sector activity could be attributed to lower demand for offshoring and IT and IT-enabled services from the US and Europe, where several economics are grappling with debt problems. There is also an impact on financial services as banking activity has slowed down on account of higher interest rates and investors are wary of parking their funds in stock markets.
At the moment, manufacturing activity is continuing to grow, though at a much slower pace. As a result, the HSBC India Composite Index-which covers manufacturing and services sector-stood at 50.2 in September, compared to 54.5 in August.
The trend is in line with expectations that the India economy will grow at less than 8% during the current financial year, with agriculture providing the only silver lining. Last year the economy expanded 8.5% prompting the government to predict 9% growth this year. But over the last few months, as the global economic situation deteriorated and higher interest rates slowed down the tempo, the government too is lowering its forecasts although not to the extent that others have done.
But it isn’t just services which are shrinking. The survey shows employment fell for the second successive month, increasing worries for policymakers, who want rapid economic growth to take care of the growing population that is joining the workforce.
Typically, a near-stagnant economy will encourage the central bank to start lowering interest rates to spur economic activity. But given the inflationary pressures, RBI is in no mood to do so and the debate is whether it will resort to further rate hikes or pause after increasing key policy rates a dozen times over the last 19 months. It is due to review its monetary policy later this month. The HSBC survey showed that inflation pressures are firmly in place though the rate is moderating a little. “We are getting close to the end of RBI’s tightening cycle, but we are not quite there yet.” An economist observed.
According to the passage, what (percentage-wise) is the share of manufacturing in Indian economy?
READING COMPREHENSION :
Activity in the services sector shrank in September as new orders sank, a new survey shows. To add to these worries, overall economic activity is seen to be nearly stagnating, while employment levels fell for the second successive month.
The seasonally adjusted Service sector Business Activity Index fell to 49.8 from 53.8 in August, HSBC Purchasing Managers Index, which is based on a survey of 350 private sector executives, showed. Any reading of less than 50 indicates contraction, while economic activity is seen to be growing if the index is over 50. This is the first time since April 2009 that the services sector, that accounts for more than half the Indian economy, has slipped into negative terrain.
The decline in services sector activity could be attributed to lower demand for offshoring and IT and IT-enabled services from the US and Europe, where several economics are grappling with debt problems. There is also an impact on financial services as banking activity has slowed down on account of higher interest rates and investors are wary of parking their funds in stock markets.
At the moment, manufacturing activity is continuing to grow, though at a much slower pace. As a result, the HSBC India Composite Index-which covers manufacturing and services sector-stood at 50.2 in September, compared to 54.5 in August.
The trend is in line with expectations that the India economy will grow at less than 8% during the current financial year, with agriculture providing the only silver lining. Last year the economy expanded 8.5% prompting the government to predict 9% growth this year. But over the last few months, as the global economic situation deteriorated and higher interest rates slowed down the tempo, the government too is lowering its forecasts although not to the extent that others have done.
But it isn’t just services which are shrinking. The survey shows employment fell for the second successive month, increasing worries for policymakers, who want rapid economic growth to take care of the growing population that is joining the workforce.
Typically, a near-stagnant economy will encourage the central bank to start lowering interest rates to spur economic activity. But given the inflationary pressures, RBI is in no mood to do so and the debate is whether it will resort to further rate hikes or pause after increasing key policy rates a dozen times over the last 19 months. It is due to review its monetary policy later this month. The HSBC survey showed that inflation pressures are firmly in place though the rate is moderating a little. “We are getting close to the end of RBI’s tightening cycle, but we are not quite there yet.” An economist observed.
Which of the following is one of the factors, according to the passage, for not lowering interest rates?
READING COMPREHENSION :
Activity in the services sector shrank in September as new orders sank, a new survey shows. To add to these worries, overall economic activity is seen to be nearly stagnating, while employment levels fell for the second successive month.
The seasonally adjusted Service sector Business Activity Index fell to 49.8 from 53.8 in August, HSBC Purchasing Managers Index, which is based on a survey of 350 private sector executives, showed. Any reading of less than 50 indicates contraction, while economic activity is seen to be growing if the index is over 50. This is the first time since April 2009 that the services sector, that accounts for more than half the Indian economy, has slipped into negative terrain.
The decline in services sector activity could be attributed to lower demand for offshoring and IT and IT-enabled services from the US and Europe, where several economics are grappling with debt problems. There is also an impact on financial services as banking activity has slowed down on account of higher interest rates and investors are wary of parking their funds in stock markets.
At the moment, manufacturing activity is continuing to grow, though at a much slower pace. As a result, the HSBC India Composite Index-which covers manufacturing and services sector-stood at 50.2 in September, compared to 54.5 in August.
The trend is in line with expectations that the India economy will grow at less than 8% during the current financial year, with agriculture providing the only silver lining. Last year the economy expanded 8.5% prompting the government to predict 9% growth this year. But over the last few months, as the global economic situation deteriorated and higher interest rates slowed down the tempo, the government too is lowering its forecasts although not to the extent that others have done.
But it isn’t just services which are shrinking. The survey shows employment fell for the second successive month, increasing worries for policymakers, who want rapid economic growth to take care of the growing population that is joining the workforce.
Typically, a near-stagnant economy will encourage the central bank to start lowering interest rates to spur economic activity. But given the inflationary pressures, RBI is in no mood to do so and the debate is whether it will resort to further rate hikes or pause after increasing key policy rates a dozen times over the last 19 months. It is due to review its monetary policy later this month. The HSBC survey showed that inflation pressures are firmly in place though the rate is moderating a little. “We are getting close to the end of RBI’s tightening cycle, but we are not quite there yet.” An economist observed.
Which of the following conveys the meaning of the phrase, “…we are not quite there yet.” As used in the passage?
READING COMPREHENSION :
Activity in the services sector shrank in September as new orders sank, a new survey shows. To add to these worries, overall economic activity is seen to be nearly stagnating, while employment levels fell for the second successive month.
The seasonally adjusted Service sector Business Activity Index fell to 49.8 from 53.8 in August, HSBC Purchasing Managers Index, which is based on a survey of 350 private sector executives, showed. Any reading of less than 50 indicates contraction, while economic activity is seen to be growing if the index is over 50. This is the first time since April 2009 that the services sector, that accounts for more than half the Indian economy, has slipped into negative terrain.
The decline in services sector activity could be attributed to lower demand for offshoring and IT and IT-enabled services from the US and Europe, where several economics are grappling with debt problems. There is also an impact on financial services as banking activity has slowed down on account of higher interest rates and investors are wary of parking their funds in stock markets.
At the moment, manufacturing activity is continuing to grow, though at a much slower pace. As a result, the HSBC India Composite Index-which covers manufacturing and services sector-stood at 50.2 in September, compared to 54.5 in August.
The trend is in line with expectations that the India economy will grow at less than 8% during the current financial year, with agriculture providing the only silver lining. Last year the economy expanded 8.5% prompting the government to predict 9% growth this year. But over the last few months, as the global economic situation deteriorated and higher interest rates slowed down the tempo, the government too is lowering its forecasts although not to the extent that others have done.
But it isn’t just services which are shrinking. The survey shows employment fell for the second successive month, increasing worries for policymakers, who want rapid economic growth to take care of the growing population that is joining the workforce.
Typically, a near-stagnant economy will encourage the central bank to start lowering interest rates to spur economic activity. But given the inflationary pressures, RBI is in no mood to do so and the debate is whether it will resort to further rate hikes or pause after increasing key policy rates a dozen times over the last 19 months. It is due to review its monetary policy later this month. The HSBC survey showed that inflation pressures are firmly in place though the rate is moderating a little. “We are getting close to the end of RBI’s tightening cycle, but we are not quite there yet.” An economist observed.
Which of the following is not true in the context of the passage?
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