THE HINDU

EDITORIAL
18th April, 2024

PREPARE FOR BANK (PO/ CLERK), SSC,UPSC, State PSC,

CAT,CTET,RAILWAY EXAMS,CDS, TET, NDA/AIRFORCE, NET
and all Govt. Exams
 VOCABULARY

1. Bountiful: भरपूर
Definition: Something that is abundant.
Synonyms: Plentiful, Copious, Prolific, Lavish.
Antonyms: Inadequate, Scarce, Insufficient,
Meager.
Used in a sentence: The garden produced a
bountiful crop of vegetables.
2. Stoking: उत्तेिजत करना
Definition: To encourage or intensify a feeling.
Synonyms: Fueling, Provoking, Inciting,
Stimulating.
Antonyms: Dampening, Suppressing, Calming,
Soothing.
Used in a sentence: The chef was stoking the
flames to prepare for grilling.
 VOCABULARY

3. Prevalent: प्रिच लत
Definition: Something that is widespread or
common.
Synonyms: Ubiquitous, Rampant, Pervasive, Rife.
Antonyms: Sporadic, Rare, Infrequent, Unusual.
Used in a sentence: The use of social media is
prevalent among teenagers in today’s society.
4. Vulnerable: असुर क्षित
Definition: Being susceptible to harm.
Synonyms: Fragile, Weak, Precarious, Endangered.
Antonyms: Protected, Fortified, Resilient, Defended.
Used in a sentence: Children are particularly
vulnerable to colds and flu during the winter
months.
 VOCABULARY

5. Bolster: सहारा दे ना
Definition: To support or strengthen something.
Synonyms: Reinforce, Boost, Underpin, Prop up.
Antonyms: Weaken, Undermine, Thwart, Impede.
Used in a sentence: She used a pillow to bolster her
back while reading in bed.
6. Robust: मज़बूत
Definition: Something that is strong.
Synonyms: Vigorous, Powerful, Potent, Sturdy.
Antonyms: Fragile, Feeble, Flimsy, Debilitated.
Used in a sentence: The athlete’s robust physique
allowed him to excel in various sports competitions.
 VOCABULARY

7. Persistent: दृढ़
Definition: Something that continues to exist.
Synonyms: Relentless, Steadfast, Unwavering,
Resolute.
Antonyms: Transient, Fickle, Fluctuating, Temporary.
Used in a sentence: Despite the setbacks, his
persistent efforts eventually led to success.
8. Tardy: सुस्त
Definition: Someone or something that is late or
delayed.
Synonyms: Overdue, Belated, Sluggish, Behindhand.
Antonyms: Timely, Punctual, Diligent, Expedient.
Used in a sentence: The students received a detention
for being tardy to class three times in a row.
 VOCABULARY

9. Embittering: अ प्रिय
Definition: Something that causes bitterness or a
feeling of injustice.
Synonyms: Frustrating, Vexing, Disheartening,
Irritating.
Antonyms: Pleasing, Gratifying, Delightful, Inspiring.
Used in a sentence: The argument was embittering
for both parties involved.
10. Altar: मंच
Definition: A raised structure or platform.
Synonyms: Pedestal, Sanctum, Shrine.
Antonyms: Irreverent, Disrespect, Impiousness.
Used in a sentence: She left a bouquet of flowers at
the altar as a symbol of remembrance.
 VOCABULARY

IDIOMS AND PHRASES

1. Silver lining (Idiom)

Meaning: Finding something positive in a
negative situation.

2. To open a can of worms (Idiom)

Meaning: To introduce a complicated or
troublesome situation.

3. Walking on eggshells (Idiom)

Meaning: A situation where people are
careful and cautious in their actions or
words.
 VOCABULARY

4. Account for (Phrasal verb)

Meaning: Explaining the significance of
something.

5. Draw up (Phrasal verb)

Meaning: Articulate significance typically
through communication or expression.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Article for Reading

Rain shocks
India’s farmers must
account for a
stronger monsoon
while sowing
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has

forecast a bountiful monsoon. Rainfall from
June-September is expected to be 6% more than the
87 cm, which is considered to be the average rainfall
the country receives during these months. This is a
fairly bold forecast by the agency that, typically in its
April forecast, avoids suggesting either surplus or
deficit rain. Given that temperatures in many
southern States are soaring and stoking heatwaves,
the anticipation of bountiful rainfall might sound like
welcome news. There is however a dark cloud to this
silver lining. The IMD’s climate models suggest a
30% chance of “excess” rains — defined as more
than 10% of what is usual. By comparison, its
expectation of “above normal” rains is 31%, defined
as between 5%-10% of what is normal.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

The slim difference suggests that excessive rains

are as likely as merely ‘above normal’ showers.
Most of these rains are expected in the second half
of the monsoon, or August and September. The
IMD’s models forecast for this are premised on the
development of a La Niña, or a converse of the El
Niño (which more often than not results in a
decrease in monsoon rainfall). The La Niña is also
expected to be aided by a positive Indian Ocean
Dipole, characterised by a cooler than normal
Indian Ocean in the east as compared to the west,
that helps bring rain to several States in southern
India. The IMD is silent on the quantity of rains in
June and July but expects “neutral conditions”
(neither El Niño, nor La Niña) to be prevalent that
time.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Two arid monsoon months and torrential rains in

the last two may be fine for agriculture but is likely
to result in extreme floods and — as has been
observed in the past — immense damage to lives,
livelihoods and infrastructure. The 2018 floods in
Kerala continue to be a reminder of how vulnerable
India is to natural disasters. While an update to the
forecast is expected around the end of May, the
IMD’s current signal must be urgently heeded.
States must, at the soonest, draw up emergency
plans from their disaster-management modules to
bolster infrastructure, prepare evacuation plans,
conduct audits of the structural stability of dams
and their distress-signalling network and ensure
that broader early-warning networks are in place.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Also, India’s farmers, a majority of whom continue

to be dependent on rain-fed agriculture, must also
be informed of the possibility of a stronger, second
half of the monsoon and incorporate these in their
sowing operations.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Summary:
The India Meteorological Department forecasts a 6%
above-average monsoon from June-September, with
a 30% chance of excessive rains. La Niña and a
positive Indian Ocean Dipole influence this
prediction, with most rains expected in August and
September. While June and July are forecasted as
neutral, the potential for floods and damage to lives,
livelihoods, and infrastructure remains high. Urgent
preparation, including disaster management
planning, infrastructure reinforcement, and farmer
awareness, is advised to mitigate potential risks.
The tone of the passage is informative and cautionary.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Article for Skimming

Missing colleges
Poor
doctor-population
ratio cannot be set
right without better
Centre-State ties
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Even lofty dreams can be felled by the nitty-gritty of

implementation. Nothing exemplies this as much
as the case of the Madurai AIIMS. The idea of
starting a number of All India Institute of Medical
Sciences (AIIMS) across the country certainly
comes from a clear need — to bridge the gap
between demand and supply in India, and set right
the grossly inefficient doctor-patient ratio. In 2003,
the Centre announced the Pradhan Mantri
Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) with this
precise goal. It was in 2006 that the PMSSY got off
the ground and a total of six AIIMS-like medical
institutions were created in the country. Currently,
there are 20 AIIMS institutions with functional
medical colleges and three are under development.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

No doubt, these institutions have created plentiful

opportunities for students and advanced the goal of
taking affordable health-care education beyond
metros. But the intentions are more robust than
implementation. At AIIMS Madurai, a project that
has caused a further embittering of relations
between the central and State governments, there
are persistent complaints of inadequate
infrastructure, facilities, and manpower constraints.
A ‘prestige’ project for the Centre, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for
construction at Thoppur, Madurai, in January 2019.
From 2021, undeterred by the lack of something as
basic as a building, the administration invited
applications from students.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

The construction work is still not complete, and not

one, but three batches of undergraduate students
have been accommodated at the Government
Medical College and Hospital, in nearby
Ramanathapuram district. Last week, these
students went on protest, stating that there was a
ravine-like gulf between what was expected of an
AIIMS institution and their experience of it in
Madurai — in terms of infrastructure, but also
exposure to patients. The extraordinary delay in
constructing the AIIMS became a contentious issue
during the 2021 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu,
with Udhayanidhi Stalin of the Dravida Munnetra
Kazhagam, now a Minister, pointing to a single
brick as the sum total of construction activity there.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

While there are assurances that the project would

be completed soon and students shifted to
Madurai, it is true that 150 students have already
been impacted by this tardy implementation.
Meanwhile, the original issue behind starting AIIMS
remains unresolved. As per official data, the
doctor-population ratio in the country stands at
1:834, worse in rural areas. It is the role of the
Centre and the State to work together to ensure that
these medical institutions are able to provide high
quality education, and that students not made
victims at the altar of federal relations.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Today's Descriptive Question

Write an essay of 200 words on Export-Import policy

of India.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

India's Export-Import (Exim) policy plays a pivotal role in

shaping the country's international trade dynamics and
economic growth trajectory. Encompassing a range of
regulations, incentives, and strategies, the Exim policy
aims to facilitate exports, boost domestic manufacturing,
and enhance competitiveness in the global market. One
of the key objectives of India's Exim policy is to promote
exports by providing various incentives and support
mechanisms to exporters. These include export
subsidies, duty drawback schemes, export finance
facilities, and assistance in market access. By
encouraging exports, the policy seeks to stimulate
economic growth, generate employment, and earn foreign
exchange for the country.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

At the same time, the Exim policy also focuses on

regulating imports to safeguard domestic industries,
promote indigenous manufacturing, and maintain a
favorable balance of trade. Import tariffs, quotas, and
licensing requirements are some of the tools utilized to
manage imports and protect domestic industries from
unfair competition. Furthermore, India's Exim policy is
periodically reviewed and updated to adapt to changing
global trade dynamics, market conditions, and national
priorities. The government's recent initiatives such as the
'Make in India' campaign and the focus on expanding
trade partnerships through regional and bilateral
agreements underscore India's commitment to leveraging
international trade for economic development.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

In conclusion, India's Export-Import policy plays a

crucial role in driving the country's trade agenda,
promoting economic development, and enhancing
global competitiveness. By striking a balance between
export promotion and import regulation, the Exim
policy aims to foster sustainable growth and
integration into the global economy.
Write A letter to the Editor for publishing some articles on stress management
since the exam season begins.

[Your Address]
[City, State, PIN Code]
Date
To,
The Editor
[XYZ newspaper ]
[City, State, PIN Code]
Subject: Urgent Need for Articles on Stress Management During Exam Season
Dear Sir/ Ma’am
With the exam season looming ahead, I am writing
to urge your esteemed publication to consider
publishing articles on stress management
techniques. As students across the country prepare
for their exams, they often find themselves
grappling with overwhelming stress and anxiety,
which can significantly impact their mental and
physical well-being. Addressing this issue through
informative articles on coping strategies,
mindfulness techniques, time management tips, and
relaxation exercises can provide invaluable support
to students facing academic pressures. Moreover,
insights from mental health experts and personal
anecdotes from students who have successfully
managed exam stress can offer reassurance and
encouragement to those feeling overwhelmed. By
shedding light on this important topic, your
publication can contribute immensely to the
well-being of students during this challenging
period and help foster a culture of mental health
awareness and support in our society.

Thank you for considering this request. I eagerly

anticipate seeing valuable resources on stress
management featured in your publication.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Match the words with their meanings.

Column A Column B

1. Stoking A. To support or strengthen something.

2. Vulnerable B. Something that is abundant.

3. Bountiful C. Something that continues to exist.

4. Persistent D. To intensifying a feeling.

5. Bolster E. Being susceptible to harm.

c
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

VOCABULARY FOR ALL

1. Tardy
2. Prevalent
3. Embittering
4. Vulnerable
5. Robust
6. Altar
7. Bountiful
8. Stoking
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