EK DUM BASIC
TH_Delhi_25_Apr_2022.pdf
💢💢The Hindu Editorial with Vocab - 25th APRIL
Side-stepping irritants: On India-U.K. ties
After two last-minute cancellations due to waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2021, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in Delhi last week, committing to more cooperation with India on trade, defence, combating climate change and cyber security. But it was a visit surprisingly short on actual agreements. While an early harvest agreement on trade had to be shelved — the plan was to announce it by Easter (April) this year — Mr. Johnson and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said they have pushed a deadline to complete the full FTA by October-end or Deepavali, with a view to doubling bilateral trade by 2030. It is not clear whether the respective trade delegations are on track for the final agreement, but Mr. Johnson sounded optimistic, with India fast-tracking its FTAs with the UAE and Australia. Of concern to the U.K. is the lifting of Indian tariffs on Scotch whisky, which might make some headway, as India has accepted lower tariffs on Australian wine and the U.K. seems more flexible in increasing visas to Indian professionals. Both Prime Ministers discussed strengthening defence ties and cooperating strategically in the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders also discussed green technology transfers and international climate finance, although India has yet to commit in writing to the Nationally Determined Contributions that Mr. Modi had described at COP26 in Glasgow.
Mr. Johnson did tread lightly on issues that the Modi government is sensitive about, such as Ukraine and human rights violations. He referred to India’s long-standing relationship with Russia, expressing understanding of India’s position, in stark contrast to the visit of his Foreign Minister two weeks ago. He brushed aside a question on human rights concerns in India, despite facing criticism over posing with a bulldozer while inaugurating a factory on the same day the Supreme Court of India was deliberating over the Government’s controversial new policy of using bulldozers to demolish shops and homes. A sub-group is to be set up to study “extremism” inside India and the U.K., which Mr. Johnson suggested would be used to monitor Khalistani groups (as New Delhi desires), but has a broader mandate to counter all groups and individuals “seeking to incite violent extremism and terrorism”. In return, New Delhi chose not to press the point too hard on why economic fugitives (Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi) have still not been extradited. However, while side-stepping irritants in the relationship can increase the prospects for agreements, it cannot replace the actual work and elbow-grease needed to give ties some momentum after years of stasis. Both New Delhi and London must ensure more concerted efforts to bring those agreements to a finale in the near future, to reach their ambitious goals under “Roadmap 2030” agreed to at the last summit in 2021.
CREDIT SOURCE - THE HINDU
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1. Shelve(V)- to not take action on something until a later time.
2. Optimistic (Adj)- hopeful and confident about the future. आशावादी
3. Tread (V)- walk in a specified way.
4. Stark (Adj)- completely or extremely.
5. Brush Aside (Phrasal Verb)- o treat (something) as not important.
6. Controversial (Adj)- giving rise or likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreement. विवादास्पद
7. Demolish (V)- to completely destroy a building, especially in order to use the land for something else. विध्वंस करना
8. Fugitive (N)- a person who has escaped from captivity or is in hiding.
Side-stepping irritants: On India-U.K. ties
After two last-minute cancellations due to waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2021, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in Delhi last week, committing to more cooperation with India on trade, defence, combating climate change and cyber security. But it was a visit surprisingly short on actual agreements. While an early harvest agreement on trade had to be shelved — the plan was to announce it by Easter (April) this year — Mr. Johnson and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said they have pushed a deadline to complete the full FTA by October-end or Deepavali, with a view to doubling bilateral trade by 2030. It is not clear whether the respective trade delegations are on track for the final agreement, but Mr. Johnson sounded optimistic, with India fast-tracking its FTAs with the UAE and Australia. Of concern to the U.K. is the lifting of Indian tariffs on Scotch whisky, which might make some headway, as India has accepted lower tariffs on Australian wine and the U.K. seems more flexible in increasing visas to Indian professionals. Both Prime Ministers discussed strengthening defence ties and cooperating strategically in the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders also discussed green technology transfers and international climate finance, although India has yet to commit in writing to the Nationally Determined Contributions that Mr. Modi had described at COP26 in Glasgow.
Mr. Johnson did tread lightly on issues that the Modi government is sensitive about, such as Ukraine and human rights violations. He referred to India’s long-standing relationship with Russia, expressing understanding of India’s position, in stark contrast to the visit of his Foreign Minister two weeks ago. He brushed aside a question on human rights concerns in India, despite facing criticism over posing with a bulldozer while inaugurating a factory on the same day the Supreme Court of India was deliberating over the Government’s controversial new policy of using bulldozers to demolish shops and homes. A sub-group is to be set up to study “extremism” inside India and the U.K., which Mr. Johnson suggested would be used to monitor Khalistani groups (as New Delhi desires), but has a broader mandate to counter all groups and individuals “seeking to incite violent extremism and terrorism”. In return, New Delhi chose not to press the point too hard on why economic fugitives (Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi) have still not been extradited. However, while side-stepping irritants in the relationship can increase the prospects for agreements, it cannot replace the actual work and elbow-grease needed to give ties some momentum after years of stasis. Both New Delhi and London must ensure more concerted efforts to bring those agreements to a finale in the near future, to reach their ambitious goals under “Roadmap 2030” agreed to at the last summit in 2021.
CREDIT SOURCE - THE HINDU
-------------------------------------------
1. Shelve(V)- to not take action on something until a later time.
2. Optimistic (Adj)- hopeful and confident about the future. आशावादी
3. Tread (V)- walk in a specified way.
4. Stark (Adj)- completely or extremely.
5. Brush Aside (Phrasal Verb)- o treat (something) as not important.
6. Controversial (Adj)- giving rise or likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreement. विवादास्पद
7. Demolish (V)- to completely destroy a building, especially in order to use the land for something else. विध्वंस करना
8. Fugitive (N)- a person who has escaped from captivity or is in hiding.
25-04-2022_-_Hand_Written_Notes.pdf
3.3 MB
25-04-2022_-_Hand_Written_Notes.pdf
EK DUM BASIC
TH_26_Apr_2022.pdf
🔰The Hindu Vocabulary For All Competitive Exams | 25-04-2022
1.BANISH (VERB): (निर्वासित करना): dispel
Synonyms: dismiss, disperse
Antonyms: engender
Example Sentence:
All thoughts of romance were banished from her head.
2.REINSTATE (VERB): (बहाल करना): restore
Synonyms: put back, replace
Antonyms: abolish
Example Sentence:
The union threatened strike action if Owen was not reinstated.
3.DIGNIFIED (ADJECTIVE): (प्रतिष्ठित): stately
Synonyms: noble, courtly
Antonyms: undignified
Example Sentence:
She maintained a dignified silence.
4.RELUCTANT (ADJECTIVE): (अनिच्छुक): unwilling
Synonyms: disinclined, unenthusiastic
Antonyms: willing
Example Sentence:
He is always reluctant in trying anything new.
5.DISCARD (VERB): (अलग करना): throw away
Synonyms: throw out, get rid of
Antonyms: keep
Example Sentence:
She bundled up the clothes she had discarded.
6.PHENOMENAL (ADJECTIVE): (अभूतपूर्व): exceptional
Synonyms: extraordinary, remarkable
Antonyms: ordinary
Example Sentence:
The town expanded at a phenomenal rate.
7.SCINTILLATING (ADJECTIVE): (चकाचौंध में डालनेवाला): brilliant
Synonyms: dazzling, exciting
Antonyms: boring
Example Sentence:
The audience loved his scintillating wit.
8.RIFE (ADJECTIVE): (व्याप्त): widespread
Synonyms: general common
Antonyms: scarce
Example Sentence:
Male chauvinism was rife in medicine.
9.PRECISION (NOUN): (शुद्धता): exactness
Synonyms: accuracy, correctness
Antonyms: inaccuracy
Example Sentence:
The deal was planned and executed with military precision.
10.IMPRUDENT (ADJECTIVE): (अविवेकी): unwise
Synonyms: injudicious, incautious
Antonyms: prudent
Example Sentence:
It would be imprudent to leave her behind.
1.BANISH (VERB): (निर्वासित करना): dispel
Synonyms: dismiss, disperse
Antonyms: engender
Example Sentence:
All thoughts of romance were banished from her head.
2.REINSTATE (VERB): (बहाल करना): restore
Synonyms: put back, replace
Antonyms: abolish
Example Sentence:
The union threatened strike action if Owen was not reinstated.
3.DIGNIFIED (ADJECTIVE): (प्रतिष्ठित): stately
Synonyms: noble, courtly
Antonyms: undignified
Example Sentence:
She maintained a dignified silence.
4.RELUCTANT (ADJECTIVE): (अनिच्छुक): unwilling
Synonyms: disinclined, unenthusiastic
Antonyms: willing
Example Sentence:
He is always reluctant in trying anything new.
5.DISCARD (VERB): (अलग करना): throw away
Synonyms: throw out, get rid of
Antonyms: keep
Example Sentence:
She bundled up the clothes she had discarded.
6.PHENOMENAL (ADJECTIVE): (अभूतपूर्व): exceptional
Synonyms: extraordinary, remarkable
Antonyms: ordinary
Example Sentence:
The town expanded at a phenomenal rate.
7.SCINTILLATING (ADJECTIVE): (चकाचौंध में डालनेवाला): brilliant
Synonyms: dazzling, exciting
Antonyms: boring
Example Sentence:
The audience loved his scintillating wit.
8.RIFE (ADJECTIVE): (व्याप्त): widespread
Synonyms: general common
Antonyms: scarce
Example Sentence:
Male chauvinism was rife in medicine.
9.PRECISION (NOUN): (शुद्धता): exactness
Synonyms: accuracy, correctness
Antonyms: inaccuracy
Example Sentence:
The deal was planned and executed with military precision.
10.IMPRUDENT (ADJECTIVE): (अविवेकी): unwise
Synonyms: injudicious, incautious
Antonyms: prudent
Example Sentence:
It would be imprudent to leave her behind.
EK DUM BASIC
TH_26_Apr_2022.pdf
The Hindu Editorial with Vocab - 26th APRIL
Victory and challenge: On re-election of Emmanuel Macron
The re-election of Emmanuel Macron in Sunday’s presidential race is a relief not just for France’s political centrists but also for its allies in Europe and America. The election took place amid crises — high inflation; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that pushed France into a difficult choice of imposing sanctions on Moscow even at the cost of higher energy prices; and growing political disillusionment among the country’s youth. The first round had seen the far-right rising to its highest ever levels — Marine Le Pen and Éric Zemmour together gathered more than 30% of votes. Yet, Mr. Macron secured a decisive victory in Sunday’s run-off, with 58.5% vote share against Ms. Le Pen’s 41.5%, showing that the centre can still hold in France. The banker-turned politician, who emerged as the surprise champion of French Republican values against an upsurge of far-right populism five years ago, managed to rally the anti-populist base once more. He went to the voters with three broad themes: his administration’s economic performance, a defence of France’s Republican values and support for European sovereignty. While France’s quick return to growth and low unemployment rate helped him project a convincing macroeconomic picture, his attack on Ms. Le Pen as a threat to the French Republican values and the tough line he took on Ukraine allowed him to mobilise the liberal, centre-right and pro-European sections of voters.
Mr. Macron’s victory offers stability for both France and the EU. But a closer look at the two rounds of elections provides a more complicated picture. The French political landscape, historically dominated by the centre-right conservatives and centre-left socialists, has undergone a major transformation. Mr. Macron has emerged as the poster boy of the centrist bloc, the largely status-quoist voters. And his key challengers are from the far-right, which has anti-Semitic and Islamophobic roots. The third bloc is led by leftist Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who finished third in the first round. The surge of the far-right and leftist candidates suggests that there is widespread voter anger towards the establishment. And the far-right populists, with their cocktail of anti-establishment welfarism and anti-immigrant rhetoric, seem to be better-equipped to tap this anger than the leftists. Ms. Le Pen may not be strong enough, as of now, to capture power, but she was strong enough to pose a credible challenge to Mr. Macron. In his victory speech, Mr. Macron admitted that there is growing anger among sections of the voters towards the political establishment and promised to tackle it. Going forward, his biggest challenge would be to reach out to the disaffected sections of society, address the growing anger in the underbelly of the working classes, and build credible alternatives to the far-right problem.
CREDIT SOURCE - THE HINDU
-------------------------------------------
1. Disillusionment (N)- freeing from false belief or illusions.
2. Decisive (Adj)- settling an issue; producing a definite result. निर्णायक
3. Run-Off (N)- a further competition, election, race, etc., after a tie or inconclusive result.
4. Sovereignty (N)- supreme power or authority. संप्रभुता
5. Macroeconomic (Adj)- relating to the economic system of a whole country or large region.
6. Landscape (N)- a large area of land, especially in relation to its appearance.
7. Anti-Semitic (Adj)- hostile to or prejudiced against Jewish people. सामी विरोधी
8. Underbelly (N)- a hidden unpleasant or criminal part of society.
Victory and challenge: On re-election of Emmanuel Macron
The re-election of Emmanuel Macron in Sunday’s presidential race is a relief not just for France’s political centrists but also for its allies in Europe and America. The election took place amid crises — high inflation; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that pushed France into a difficult choice of imposing sanctions on Moscow even at the cost of higher energy prices; and growing political disillusionment among the country’s youth. The first round had seen the far-right rising to its highest ever levels — Marine Le Pen and Éric Zemmour together gathered more than 30% of votes. Yet, Mr. Macron secured a decisive victory in Sunday’s run-off, with 58.5% vote share against Ms. Le Pen’s 41.5%, showing that the centre can still hold in France. The banker-turned politician, who emerged as the surprise champion of French Republican values against an upsurge of far-right populism five years ago, managed to rally the anti-populist base once more. He went to the voters with three broad themes: his administration’s economic performance, a defence of France’s Republican values and support for European sovereignty. While France’s quick return to growth and low unemployment rate helped him project a convincing macroeconomic picture, his attack on Ms. Le Pen as a threat to the French Republican values and the tough line he took on Ukraine allowed him to mobilise the liberal, centre-right and pro-European sections of voters.
Mr. Macron’s victory offers stability for both France and the EU. But a closer look at the two rounds of elections provides a more complicated picture. The French political landscape, historically dominated by the centre-right conservatives and centre-left socialists, has undergone a major transformation. Mr. Macron has emerged as the poster boy of the centrist bloc, the largely status-quoist voters. And his key challengers are from the far-right, which has anti-Semitic and Islamophobic roots. The third bloc is led by leftist Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who finished third in the first round. The surge of the far-right and leftist candidates suggests that there is widespread voter anger towards the establishment. And the far-right populists, with their cocktail of anti-establishment welfarism and anti-immigrant rhetoric, seem to be better-equipped to tap this anger than the leftists. Ms. Le Pen may not be strong enough, as of now, to capture power, but she was strong enough to pose a credible challenge to Mr. Macron. In his victory speech, Mr. Macron admitted that there is growing anger among sections of the voters towards the political establishment and promised to tackle it. Going forward, his biggest challenge would be to reach out to the disaffected sections of society, address the growing anger in the underbelly of the working classes, and build credible alternatives to the far-right problem.
CREDIT SOURCE - THE HINDU
-------------------------------------------
1. Disillusionment (N)- freeing from false belief or illusions.
2. Decisive (Adj)- settling an issue; producing a definite result. निर्णायक
3. Run-Off (N)- a further competition, election, race, etc., after a tie or inconclusive result.
4. Sovereignty (N)- supreme power or authority. संप्रभुता
5. Macroeconomic (Adj)- relating to the economic system of a whole country or large region.
6. Landscape (N)- a large area of land, especially in relation to its appearance.
7. Anti-Semitic (Adj)- hostile to or prejudiced against Jewish people. सामी विरोधी
8. Underbelly (N)- a hidden unpleasant or criminal part of society.
27-04-2022_-_Hand_Written_Notes.pdf
11.1 MB
27-04-2022_-_Hand_Written_Notes.pdf
Which state will operationalize 15 ' Irrigation Projects ' by 2024 ?
Anonymous Quiz
45%
Gujarat
27%
Kerala
16%
Assam
12%
Odhisa