SBI PO Prelims 4 Aug 2025 Shift 1 Paper

Question Numbers: 8-16Directions: Read the given passage carefully to answer the following questions. Each question will have five alternatives as its answer. Choose the correct option as your answer.Angola, located on the southwestern coast of Africa, has faced numerous economic challenges over the years. Once a nation with significant oil reserves, Angola's economy has heavily depended on oil exports. However, fluctuating oil prices and mismanagement have stalled economic growth, leading to a grim budgetary status that hampers national development. In recent years, efforts have been undertaken to diversify Angola's economy and improve the living standards of its citizens. A critical focus has been on enhancing education and healthcare—two pivotal sectors that are fundamental for long-term development. Investments in these areas are seen as essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and setting the stage for sustainable growth. The Angolan government has allocated increased funds towards education, aiming to revamp its educational infrastructure and improve the quality of teaching. The strategic plans involve constructing new schools, rehabilitating existing ones, and enhancing teacher training programmes. Despite these efforts, numerous schools continue to face severe shortages of essential resources, such as textbooks, technological tools, and trained educators. Many rural areas, in particular, remain underserved, with children often having to travel long distances to attend school. This lack of adequate facilities and staff has hampered the progress of many students, contributing to a grim outlook on the nation's educational standards. Improving educational outcomes is not just about infrastructure but also about addressing systemic issues such as teacher absenteeism, low salaries, and lack of continuous professional development. The educational reforms aim to create a more inclusive and quality education system, but these goals remain distant without significant improvements in resource allocation and governance. Healthcare, another priority, has seen some improvements as well but still faces significant hurdles. Hospitals and clinics, particularly in rural areas, suffer from a shortage of medical supplies and qualified personnel. Chronic underfunding has led to dilapidated facilities and insufficient medical equipment, making it challenging for healthcare providers to deliver quality services. These issues have stalled the healthcare system's ability to provide effective and timely care, exacerbating the problem of preventable diseases and ailments among the population. In urban areas, although the situation may be somewhat better, the influx of rural migrants seeking better care puts additional strain on already overburdened resources. The budgetary allocation for these sectors indicates the government's recognition of their importance, yet the grim reality remains that without substantial and sustained improvements, both the education and healthcare systems risk remaining inadequate for Angola's citizens. The economic constraints have further complicated these efforts, as limited financial resources necessitate careful prioritisation and efficient use of funds. International aid and partnerships with non-governmental organisations have provided some relief, but long-term solutions require internal stability and robust economic planning. For healthcare, the emphasis needs to be on preventive care and public health campaigns that can reduce the incidence of disease. Investing in healthcare education and training for medical professionals is crucial for building a _______ health system. Moreover, aligning healthcare reforms with international best practices and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services across all regions can improve outcomes significantly. In summary, while Angola's efforts to improve education and healthcare are commendable, the stalled economic growth and grim budgetary conditions present significant challenges. Only through continued investment, transparent governance, and effective implementation of policies can Angola hope to overcome these obstacles and achieve better living standards for its people. Addressing these issues is not just about meeting immediate needs but about laying the foundation for a prosperous and stable future.