Directions (16-18): In the given question, two words are omitted, which are replaced by blanks. Choose the best combination of the words that can fit into the given blank at the same order so to make a grammatically and logically correct statement.

The central bank introduced measures to ______ shadow banking activities and ______ liquidity to ensure financial stability.

To determine the correct combination of words that fit the blanks, we need to analyze the logical relationship and context of the sentence: "The central bank introduced measures to ______ shadow banking activities and ______ liquidity to ensure financial stability."

Let's look at the context clues:
1. Shadow banking activities are unregulated financial intermediaries that can pose systemic risks to the economy. To ensure "financial stability," a central bank would typically want to restrict, curb, or shut down such risky, unregulated activities rather than support or validate them.
2. Liquidity refers to the availability of liquid assets (money) in a market or economy. In times of stress or to ensure stability, a central bank will aim to supply, provide, or inject liquidity into the banking system to keep money flowing.

Now let's evaluate the given options in the order they appear:
- invigorate, conserve: "Invigorate" means to give strength or energy to. Energizing shadow banking would increase financial risk, which goes against the goal of financial stability. Thus, this option is incorrect.
- dismantle, infuse: "Dismantle" means to take apart or bring to an end. Curbing or dismantling shadow banking reduces risk. "Infuse" means to inject or introduce (e.g., infusing liquidity into the market). This fits both blanks perfectly and makes logical and grammatical sense.
- prolong, restrict: "Prolong" means to extend the duration of. Prolonging shadow banking activities would increase instability. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- validate, suspend: "Validate" means to make or prove valid/legitimate. Validating shadow banking contradicts the usual regulatory stance. "Suspend" liquidity would dry up funds and cause panic, which contradicts the goal of ensuring financial stability. Thus, this option is incorrect.

Therefore, the combination "dismantle, infuse" is the only pair that is grammatically correct and logically aligns with the central bank's objective of maintaining financial stability.