Direction: In the following passage some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Following in the footsteps of France, Italy has ______ (1) ______ a new tax to be ______ (2) ______ on large tech companies, a move that is likely to put more strain on the country's relations with the USA. The Italian parliament has approved a 3% digital tax on some digital revenue of technology companies that make over $831 million in global revenue, including at least $6 million in Italy. The tax ______ (3) ______ similar to the one France implemented earlier this year, which has attracted ______ (4) ______ criticism from the USA. According to a report in The Epoch Times, dozens of countries are working on proposals to change corporate tax schemes to ______ (5) ______ money from tech firms that have users across the world, such as Facebook and Google's parent company Alphabet.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank number 4.

The correct answer is "severe."

Key Points

• "Severe" means very harsh or strict (कठोर, सख्‍़त (जिससे व्‍यक्ति को तकलीफ़, परेशानी या कठिनाई हो), and is the most appropriate word to describe the criticism from the USA towards France's implementation of a digital tax on tech companies.
  • Example: Such terrible crimes deserve a severe punishment.
• The correct answer is option 1.
• Correct passage:

Following in the footsteps of France, Italy has ______ (1) ______ a new tax to be ______ (2) ______ on large tech companies, a move that is likely to put more strain on the country's relations with the USA. The Italian parliament has approved a 3% digital tax on some digital revenue of technology companies that make over $831 million in global revenue, including at least $6 million in Italy. The tax ______ (3) ______ similar to the one France implemented earlier this year, which has attracted severe criticism from the USA. According to a report in The Epoch Times, dozens of countries are working on proposals to change corporate tax schemes to ______ (5) ______ money from tech firms that have users across the world, such as Facebook and Google's parent company Alphabet.​

Additional Information

• The word "mild" means not harsh or severe. (नरम; हलका)
• "Critical" means expressing disapproval or finding fault, and could also be a possible option. (दोषदर्शी, आलोचनात्‍मक)
• "Firm" means strong or resolute. (सख्‍़त; सुदृढ़, काफ़ी कड़ा)