THE HINDU

EDITORIAL Presents

14th October 2023

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

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

1. Atrocities: extremely cruel, violent, or shocking acts. अत्याचार

Synonyms: outrage, malfeasance
Antonyms: virtue, righteousness
Example: The history books are filled with accounts of wartime
atrocities.
2. Condemning: criticising something or someone strongly,
usually for moral reasons. नंदा करना
Synonyms: censuring, denouncing
Antonyms: commending, extolling
Example: The mayor held a press conference to condemn the
recent acts of vandalism in the city.
 VOCABULARY

3. Abhor: to hate something, for example a way of behaving or

thinking, especially for moral reasons. घृणा करना
Synonyms: despise, detest
Antonyms: admire, cherish
Example: I abhor cruelty to animals; it's important to treat them
with kindness and respect.
4. Condone: to accept or allow behaviour that is wrong. माफ करना
Synonyms: tolerate, pardon
Antonyms: castigate, upbraid
Example: I cannot condone cheating on an exam; it's important to
maintain academic integrity.
 VOCABULARY

5. Contend: to compete in order to win something or to achieve a

position of leadership. प्र तस्पधार्थ में होना
Synonyms: contest, vie
Antonyms: cede, yield
Example: The athletes will contend for the gold medal in the
upcoming tournament.
6. Desertion: the act of leaving someone behind in a difficult
situation. प रत्याग
Synonyms: abandonment, forsaking
Antonyms: faithfulness, loyalty
Example: The sudden desertion of customers from the restaurant
was a sign of its declining popularity.
 VOCABULARY

7. Championing: supporting, defending, or fighting for a person,

belief, right, or principle enthusiastically. समथर्थन करना
Synonyms: advocating, endorsing
Antonyms: condemning, protesting
Example: She aims to champion the cause of environmental
conservation in her community.
8. Embroiled: caused someone or something to become involved
in an argument or a difficult situation. आप त्ति में डालना
Synonyms: entangled, mired
Antonyms: liberated, freed
Example: The company became embroiled in a scandal when
evidence of unethical practices surfaced.
 VOCABULARY

9. Vociferous: expressing your opinions or feelings in a loud and

confident way. मुखर
Synonyms: emphatic, vehement
Antonyms: reticent, taciturn
Example: The protestor's vociferous chants demanded immediate
action on climate change.
10. Resonated: reminded someone of something; or was similar
to what someone thinks or believes. याद दलाना
Synonyms: strike a chord, hit home
Antonyms: divert, distract
Example: The powerful message of the speech resonated with
the audience, leaving a lasting impact
 VOCABULARY

Phrasal verbs
11. Harping on: keep talking about something in a boring or
annoying way.
12. Latching onto: following someone and keep trying to talk to
them, get their attention etc, especially when they would prefer to
be left alone.
Idioms
13. Walk a tightrope: to deal with a difficult situation, especially one
involving making a decision between two opposing plans of action.
14. Steal a march on: gain an advantage over someone by acting
before they do.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Article for reading

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 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Within hours of the massacre of Israeli citizens by Hamas

fighters last Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted
India’s solidarity with Israel. While the histories of their conflicts
and the scale of violence have been very different, India has
faced terror attacks all too often to not feel the pain in Israel
where teenagers at a concert, children in a park, grandparents at
home, and even babies in cribs were gunned down, amidst other
atrocities Hamas carried out, including taking dozens hostage.
The sentiments were repeated when Mr. Modi spoke to Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemning terrorism in all
its forms. India’s second big concern has been the safety of its
citizens, especially as Israel began retaliatory strikes on Gaza.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Around 18,000 Indians work or study in Israel, in addition to

about 85,000 Israelis of Indian origin (from Maharashtra,
Manipur, Mizoram, Kerala, and West Bengal). The Ministry of
External Affairs (MEA) has chartered flights to bring them
home. New Delhi has also added nuance to the initial
position, with the MEA delivering the government’s first
formal statement. While repeating the condemnation of the
Hamas attacks, the statement reminded Israel about the
“universal obligation to observe international humanitarian
law”, as it carries out “global responsibility to fight the
menace of terrorism....” In addition, the MEA reiterated its
“long-standing and consistent” position on the Palestine
issue.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

The statement is a reminder of the tightrope India has walked

since 1992, when New Delhi established full diplomatic ties
with Israel, while continuing to support the Palestinian cause.
There has been a shift towards Israel’s position, given
increasingly close bilateral relations, trade, technological
assistance, military procurement, and counter-terrorism
cooperation. In 2017, Mr. Modi became the first Indian Prime
Minister to visit Israel, while in 2018, Mr. Netanyahu visited
India. However, Mr. Modi was also the first Indian Prime
Minister to make an official visit to Palestine. In 2017, India
voted against the U.S. and Israel for an attempt to declare
unilaterally all of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

The policy lines New Delhi is continuing to draw seem clear:

to abhor terrorism, but not to condone indiscriminate reprisal
bombings, even as it holds its consistent position on
Palestine. No claim to righting historical grievances can
possibly be used by Hamas to explain its inhuman attacks on
Israel. However, a responsible state cannot behave like an
insurgent group, and Israel’s latest demand, that more than a
million Gaza residents must evacuate as it continues to
pound the city and plans a possible ground offensive, will
make Delhi’s challenge at balancing policy even more
complex.
Summary:

The passage discusses India’s response to the recent Hamas attacks on Israeli
citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with Israel and
condemned terrorism. India’s concern for the safety of its citizens in Israel led to
the chartering of flights to bring them home. While maintaining support for the
Palestinian cause, India has strengthened ties with Israel in recent years through
diplomacy, trade, technology, and military cooperation. India’s policy is to
denounce terrorism while urging Israel to observe international humanitarian
law. The passage emphasizes the delicate balance India maintains between
these positions and its challenge in light of Israel’s demands amid the conflict.

The tone of the passage is a mix of analytical, diplomatic, and somewhat critical.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Article for skimming

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 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Mizoram, India’s second least populated State, where civil society

predominates politics like, arguably, no other in the country, is
poised to see a three-cornered battle in the Assembly elections
scheduled in November. Unlike other States, Mizoram’s political
contestation is less dependent on money and muscle power, as
social service, public standing and the backing of religious and
social organisations are key conditions for candidature. The ruling
Mizo National Front has to contend not only with its traditional
rival, the Indian National Congress, but also the Zoram Peoples’
Movement (ZPM), which has presented it a tough challenge this
time. It is also facing desertion from its ranks with the Speaker,
Lalrinliana Sailo, latching on to the Bharatiya Janata Party. Chief
Minister Zoramthanga, a seasoned leader of the formerly insurgent
MNF, has played the ethnic card to win support from the Mizo
electorate.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

By championing the cause of the Kuki-Zo people, embroiled

in an ethnic conflict in neighbouring Manipur and by ignoring
a directive from the Union government to collect biometric
data of refugees from Myanmar, citing their ethnic affinity with
the Mizo people, Mr. Zoramthanga has tried to steal a march
over his opponents. While all parties in Mizoram share the
government’s and the ruling party’s view on this issue, the
MNF’s vociferous positioning has given it an edge. During the
peak of the conflict, civil society organisations managed
demonstrations in solidarity with the Kuki-Zo people — an
issue that has resonated with the Mizo electorate.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

The ZPM, meanwhile, has sought to harp on the MNF’s record

on development and to leverage on its surprisingly good
performance in the Lunglei Municipal Council polls, which
indicate its enhanced urban base. In the rural areas, the
strongest opposition to the MNF has emerged from the
Congress, which is leading an alliance of parties, including
the People’s Conference and the Zoram Nationalist Party.
Inflation has remained a key concern in the State, even
relative to the rest of India over the past year, and this could
be one of the factors behind voter choice. Despite being a
small State — 0.1% of India’s population and contributing
close to 0.1% of the national GDP — Mizoram is a crucial
border State with ample potential for economic growth led by
the services and tourism sectors despite being a largely
agrarian economy.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

It has also been regarded as an important gateway in India’s

‘Act East’ strategy, but progress on infrastructure and
projects connecting Mizoram to Myanmar and beyond has
been limited. The multi-party contest should raise
consciousness of matters related to development as much as
those related to ethnic solidarity.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Today's Descriptive Question

Write an essay of 200 words on measures to avert

the massive loss of life and property during natural
disasters.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Natural disasters can wreak havoc, causing massive loss of

life and property. To avert such catastrophic outcomes,
several measures must be implemented. First and foremost,
public awareness and education are critical. Communities
must be informed about potential threats, evacuation plans,
and safety procedures. This knowledge can save lives during
disasters.

Next, robust disaster preparedness and response systems are

essential. Governments should invest in early warning
systems, well-equipped emergency services, and disaster
relief infrastructure. These systems enable timely evacuation
and effective disaster management.
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Furthermore, urban planning plays a crucial role.

Constructing resilient infrastructure and enforcing building
codes can reduce property damage. Preserving natural
barriers like wetlands and forests can mitigate the impact of
disasters. Climate change mitigation and adaptation
strategies are equally vital to address the increasing
frequency and intensity of natural disasters.

In conclusion, a multi-faceted approach involving education,

preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and climate action is
essential to avert the massive loss of life and property during
natural disasters. Proactive measures today can save lives
and protect communities in the face of future calamities.
Please write a letter to the manager of a bank, seeking information about the
kinds of housing loans provided by the bank.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, PIN Code]
[Date]
Date
[Bank Name]
[branch Address]
[City, State, PIN Code]
Subject: Requesting information on housing loans
Dear Sir/ Ma’am
I hope this letter finds you well. I am interested in exploring housing loan
options and would appreciate information regarding the types of housing loans
offered by your bank. Specifically, I would like details on interest rates, eligibility
criteria, repayment terms, and any special features or promotions.
Your guidance will greatly assist me in making an informed decision about my
housing finance needs. Please provide this information at your earliest
convenience. Thank you for your assistance.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

Match the words with their meanings.

Column A Column B

Effect making something weaker or less effective

Blunting tending to cause disagreements that separate

people into opposing groups
Averted
stated as a fact but without any proof

Divisive to cause something to happen

Alleged prevented something bad or dangerous from

happening
 THE HINDU EDITORIAL LIVE DAILY @ 7 AM

VOCABULARY FOR ALL

1. Atrocities:
2. Condemning:
3. Abhor:
4. Condone:
5. Contend:
6. Desertion:
7. Championing:
8. Embroiled:
9. Vociferous:
10. Resonated:
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CONTENT - NIMISHA
BANSAL