Author: Balaguru Mamundi

  • Editorial 24 september 2024

    Editorial 24 september 2024

    Title: ​ ​ Triumph squared: On India’s chess double win in Budapest

    India’s double gold at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest is an extraordinary feat: only two other countries could do it in history. It came as no surprise to the serious followers of the game, though. The Indian women began as the first seed and the men as the second in the mind sport’s most prestigious team event, for which most of the world’s countries flew down to the Hungarian capital. While the women’s campaign suffered a couple of setbacks towards the end, the men were absolutely dominant right through. The men were so good that they scored four points more than their nearest rivals, the top-seeded United States. What stood out is the fact that India’s twin triumph was fashioned by a bunch of youngsters belonging to the golden generation of Indian chess. That should be a worrying thought for India’s opponents on the chessboard as these champions can only get better and will be playing at the Olympiad and other global competitions for another decade or two. Besides the team golds, India also won the individual golds through D. Gukesh (aged 18), Arjun Erigaisi (21), Divya Deshmukh (18) and Vantika Agrawal (21). The Indian teams also included Chennai’s Grandmaster siblings R. Praggnanandhaa (19) and R. Vaishali (23). It is also worth mentioning that the Indian women’s team did not have Koneru Humpy, one of the strongest female players in chess history.

    Having stressed that, India’s depth in the women’s game is nowhere near that of the men’s. While there are several promising male players outside the Olympiad teams, such as Nihal Sarin and Raunak Sadhwani, it is not quite so in Indian women’s chess. India’s chess administration should try to use the great success of its women at Budapest to promote the game more aggressively among girls. The women’s bench needs to get stronger. The administrators also have to organise elite tournaments in India. The big stars of Indian chess hardly ever play in the country, for there are no events good enough for them. Viswanathan Anand, the man who single-handedly revolutionised chess in India, never had an opportunity to play in a tournament other than a World championship or World Cup at home after he became one of the superstars of world chess. There is the Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, but its format is rapid and blitz, and not the classical variety of the Olympiad. Players like Arjun and Divya have shown in the eastern metropolis how much a top-quality event like that helps Indian players. Indian chess surely could soar higher with more support from the government and corporates.

    Meaning of the word:

    WordMeaningSynonymsAntonyms
    Extraordinary“Extraordinary” means something that is very unusual, remarkable, or beyond what is normal or expected. It often refers to things or events that stand out due to their exceptional quality or uniqueness.Exceptional Remarkable Unusual OutstandingOrdinary Common
    Usual
    Normal
    Rivals“Rivals” are individuals, groups, or entities that compete against each other in a specific domain, such as business, sports, or other competitive arenas. Rivals often strive to outperform one another in pursuit of a shared goal, like winning a competition, gaining market dominance, or achieving a particular objective.Competitors Opponents Contenders ChallengersAllies
    Partners Supporters Friends
  • September 20 Current Affairs Quiz

    September 20 Current Affairs Quiz

    1.Who chaired the High-Level Committee (HLC) set up to study the feasibility of “One Nation, One Election”?

        A) Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    B) Former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind

    C) Chief Justice of India

    D) Union Home Minister

    E) Speaker of the Lok Sabha

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) Former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind

    2.What is the value of the order secured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)?

    A) Rs 500 crore

    B) Rs 650 crore

    C) Rs 750 crore

    D) Rs 850 crore

    E) Rs 950 crore

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    D) Rs 850 crore

    3.Which of the following is NOT one of the AI-powered solutions launched by Bank of Baroda?

    A) Aditi

    B) GyanSahay.AI

    C) ADI

    D) ChatGenius

    E) None of the above

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    D) ChatGenius

    4.Which company has PhonePe partnered with to enable UPI payments in Singapore?

    A) PayPal

    B) Liquid Group

    C) Stripe

    D) GrabPay

    E) Alipay

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) Liquid Group

    5. Which company has been recognized as the No. 1 India-headquartered company in the World’s Best Companies 2024 list?

    A) TCS

    B) Infosys

    C) HCLTech

    D) Wipro

    E) Tech Mahindra

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) HCLTech

    6.What is the projected annual growth rate for India according to S&P Global’s report?

    A) 5.5%

    B) 6.0%

    C) 6.5%

    D) 6.7%

    E) 7.0%

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    D) 6.7%

    7.Within how many months is the Chandrayaan-4 mission expected to be completed?

    A) 24 months

    B) 30 months

    C) 36 months

    D) 42 months

    E) 48 months

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) 36 months

    8.Who chaired the Union Cabinet meeting that approved the building of the first unit of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)?

    A) Home Minister Amit Shah

    B) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

    C) Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    D) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

    E) Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    9.Which of the following statements about the PM Vishwakarma Scheme is correct?

    A) It was launched on 1st January 2023.

    B) It aims to empower traditional artisans through financial support and skill development.

    C) The scheme is only for large-scale industrial enterprises.

    D) It focuses exclusively on digital marketing for artisans.

    E) The scheme is implemented solely by the Ministry of Finance.

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) It aims to empower traditional artisans through financial support and skill development.

  • Editorial 23 september 2024

    Editorial 23 september 2024

    Title: ​ ​ ​​ Unwarranted curbs: On the Centre’s move on a ‘fact-checking unit’

    The Centre’s move to create a ‘fact-checking unit’ empowered to order the removal of ‘fake or false or misleading’ information from digital and social media platforms was never likely to succeed. Justice A.S. Chandurkar of the Bombay High Court struck down the amended rule, in a tie-breaking ruling after a two-judge Bench, in January, was split over its constitutional validity. In an opinion that makes it a 2:1 decision, he agreed with the view of Justice G.S. Patel, who had held that the provision violated the right to freedom of expression and sought to coercively classify speech as true or false based on vague and undefined terms. The rule, introduced as an amendment in 2023 to the rules governing information technology intermediaries and digital media ethics, meant that once the fact-checking unit flagged a piece of information on a social media platform as fake, false or misleading, the platform was bound to take it down. Failure to do so would result in its losing its ‘safe harbour’ protection, or exemption from legal action for third party content hosted on a platform. Editors and publishers rightly saw the creation of a fact-checking unit in the Press Information Bureau as a mechanism by which the Centre could censor anything that it disputes. Political satirists will be forced into self-censorship, argued comedian Kunal Kamra. The government contended that recklessly published material that was contrary to truth cannot have constitutional protection and that aggrieved platforms were free to approach the courts for remedy.

    However, two of the three judges have found the rule unconstitutional, noting that the terms ‘fake’, ‘false’ or ‘misleading’ were not defined and there was no scope for redress provided in the rules. Another point that went against the government was that the restriction was applied only to information about the Centre, and not other kinds of information. Justice Chandurkar also agreed with Justice Patel that a restriction on free speech based on whether something is true or false was not one of the circumstances listed in Article 19(2) of the Constitution for imposing reasonable restrictions. The other judge on the Bench, Justice Neela Gokhale, had upheld the rule, holding that it was not vaguely worded and that there was no bar on a platform publishing a disclaimer to retain its safe harbour protection. She also rejected the idea that such a rule would have a chilling effect on free speech. The prevalence of misinformation or false information is a problem that undoubtedly requires to be tackled, but it cannot be an excuse to create a mechanism by which the government becomes a judge in its own cause or the sole arbiter of what information about itself is misleading.

    Meaning of the word:

    WordMeaningSynonymsAntonyms
    Coercively“Coercively” refers to actions done using force, threats, or pressure to make someone do something against their will. It describes a situation where power or authority is used to compel someone to act in a certain way, often without their consent.Forcibly Compulsorily Mandatorily DuressfullyVoluntarily
    Willingly
    Freely
    Unconstrained
    SatiristsSatirists are writers, artists, or performers who use satire—a form of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule—to criticize or expose the flaws, foolishness, or corruption of individuals, societies, governments, or institutions.Parodists
    Humorists
    Mockers
    Ironists    		Apologists
    Defenders
    Supporters
    Advocates
    Recklessly“Recklessly” refers to acting without thinking about the consequences, often in a careless or irresponsible manner. It describes behavior that shows a lack of concern for safety, risks, or the potential harm to oneself or others.Carelessly Foolhardily Irresponsibly HaphazardlyCautiously
    Prudently Carefully Deliberately
  • RRB PO Mains Bundle Material For Last Four Months Current Affairs (May To August 2024 )

    RRB PO Mains Bundle Material For Last Four Months Current Affairs (May To August 2024 )

    Get fully prepared for the RRB PO Mains with our comprehensive bundle of current affairs materials covering the last four months (May to August 2024). This curated content includes summaries, key events, and important updates across various sectors, ensuring you stay informed and confident for your exam. Perfect for quick revisions and in-depth understanding, this bundle is your essential resource for mastering current affairs and boosting your performance in the RRB PO Mains!

    Fill the below form to download the last 4 months (May-Aug 2024) PDF:

  • September 18,19 Current Affairs Quiz

    1.In preparation for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections, which of the following statements is true about the ‘Vote Ka Tyohar’ theme song launched on 18 September 2024?

        A) The song was produced by a Bollywood studio under the leadership of renowned director Rajkumar Hirani.<br />B) CEO Pandurang K Pole released the song, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout and youth involvement.<br />C) The song was created by Rangyug under the banner of the National Voters’ Awareness Campaign.<br />D) Lyrics for the song were penned by the famous lyricist Gulzar, and the music was composed by A.R. Rahman.<br />E) The initiative is aimed at promoting voter participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections.</p>       
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    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) CEO Pandurang K Pole released the song, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout and youth involvement.

    2.Which of the following states will NOT be highlighted at the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav?

    A) Arunachal Pradesh
    B) Assam
    C) Kerala
    D) Manipur
    E) Mizoram

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Kerala

    3.In which country is the Angkor Wat, recognized as Asia’s most photogenic UNESCO World Heritage site, located?

    A) Thailand
    B) Vietnam
    C) Cambodia
    D) Laos
    E) Myanmar

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Cambodia

    4.Which project is IREDA collaborating on with SJVN Limited and GMR Energy Limited?

    A) 500 MW Lower Karnali hydro-electric project
    B) 600 MW Upper Seti hydro-electric project
    C) 900 MW Upper Karnali hydro-electric project
    D) 700 MW Lower Bheri hydro-electric project
    E) 800 MW Upper Marshyangdi hydro-electric project

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) 900 MW Upper Karnali hydro-electric project

    5. What is the theme of the BRICS Literature Forum 2024?

    A) “Literature and Digital Transformation”
    B) “World Literature in the New Reality: Dialogue of Traditions, National Values, and Cultures”
    C) “Global Narratives and Emerging Voices”
    D) “Literature and Modernity: Bridging the Gap”
    E) “Cultural Exchange and Literary Innovation”

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) “World Literature in the New Reality: Dialogue of Traditions, National Values, and Cultures”

    6.According to the World Bank’s report titled “Unlocking the Power of Healthy Longevity: Demographic Change, Non-Communicable Diseases and Human Capital,” how many lives could investing in healthy longevity potentially save in Low-and-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) by 2050?

    A) 50 million
    B) 100 million
    C) 150 million
    D) 200 million
    E) 250 million

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) 150 million

    7.What is the main purpose of the ISO/UNDP PAS 53002 guidelines launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)?

    A) To provide guidelines for economic growth and industrial development
    B) To accelerate contributions towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
    C) To establish new international trade standards
    D) To enhance global cybersecurity measures
    E) To improve international financial regulations

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) To accelerate contributions towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    8.According to the working paper by Sanjeev Sanyal, what was West Bengal’s share of India’s GDP in 1960-61?

    A) 8.0%
    B) 10.5%
    C) 12.5%
    D) 7.5%
    E) 15.0%

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) 10.5%

    9.Which of the following statements is correct regarding the windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil in India?

    A) The windfall tax was first introduced on January 1, 2021, and was set to zero as of September 18, 2024.
    B) The windfall tax was initially introduced on July 1, 2022, and was set to zero as of September 18, 2024.
    C) The windfall tax was imposed on crude oil imports, and the tax rate was increased to 50% on September 18, 2024.
    D) The windfall tax was introduced on September 1, 2022, and was removed on July 1, 2024.
    E) The windfall tax was set at 10% from its introduction and was removed on September 18, 2024.

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) The windfall tax was initially introduced on July 1, 2022, and was set to zero as of September 18, 2024.

    10.Which company has been chosen by LIC to develop its next-generation digital platform under the DIVE programme?

    A) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
    B) Tech Mahindra
    C) Infosys
    D) Wipro
    E) HCL Technologies

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Infosys

    11.What is the total amount pledged for renewable energy projects by 2030 according to the recent commitments?

    A) $250 billion (Rs 20.5 trillion)
    B) $386 billion (Rs 32.45 trillion)
    C) $300 billion (Rs 25 trillion)
    D) $400 billion (Rs 33 trillion)
    E) $350 billion (Rs 29 trillion)

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) $386 billion (Rs 32.45 trillion)

    12.Which of the following statements is correct about the newly introduced ‘RBL Bank DMI Finance Credit Card’?

    A) The card is only available in metro cities.
    B) The membership fee for the card is Rs 499, excluding GST.
    C) The card offers a basic set of features without rewards or EMI options.
    D) The strategic partnership for the card involves ICICI Bank and HDFC Finance.
    E) The card’s rewards program is limited to discounts at local merchants only.

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) The membership fee for the card is Rs 499, excluding GST.

    13.Who did Amrit Mohan succeed as the Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)?

    A) The card is only available in metro cities.
    B) The membership fee for the card is Rs 499, excluding GST.
    C) The card offers a basic set of features without rewards or EMI options.
    D) The strategic partnership for the card involves ICICI Bank and HDFC Finance.
    E) The card’s rewards program is limited to discounts at local merchants only.

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Dalit Singh Choudhary

    14.Before his appointment as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of Galaxy Health Insurance Company Limited, Gopalan Srinivasan served as the Chairman and Managing Director of which company?

    A) Oriental Insurance Company Limited
    B) United India Insurance Company Limited
    C) New India Assurance Company Limited
    D) National Insurance Company Limited
    E) Life Insurance Corporation of India

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) New India Assurance Company Limited

    15.Who did Jafar Hassan succeed as the Prime Minister of Jordan?

    A) Ali Abu al-Ragheb
    B) Abdullah Ensour
    C) Bisher Khasawneh
    D) Marouf al-Bakhit
    E) Ahmad Lozi

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Bisher Khasawneh

    16.Which Bollywood actress was the chief guest at the Indian Women Dubai Awards 2024?

    A) Priyanka Chopra
    B) Kareena Kapoor
    C) Deepika Padukone
    D) Sameera Reddy
    E) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    D) Sameera Reddy

    17.For which movie did Aishwarya Rai Bachchan win the Best Actress (Critics) Award at the SIIMA 2024?

    A) Ponniyin Selvan 2

    B) Devdas

    C) Jodhaa Akbar

    D) Guzaarish

    E) Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    A) Ponniyin Selvan 2

    18.Which railway station recently received the Non-Suburban Group-1 (NSG-1) status from the Ministry of Railways?

    A) Secunderabad Junction

    B) Vijayawada Junction

    C) Hyderabad Railway Station

    D) Chennai Central

    E) Bengaluru City

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) Vijayawada Junction

    19.Who has become the first Pakistani woman to be nominated to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires?

    A) Saleema Imtiaz

    B) Nida Dar

    C) Bismah Maroof

    D) Javeria Khan

    E) Sana Mir

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    A) Saleema Imtiaz

    20.How much prize money will the winning team of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup receive?

    A) $1.5 million

    B) $2 million

    C) $2.34 million

    D) $2.45 million

    E) $2.75 million

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C)$2.34 million

    21.What is the minimum annual contribution amount for the NPS Vatsalya Scheme?

    A) Rs. 500
    B) Rs. 2,000
    C) Rs. 1,000
    D) Rs. 5,000
    E) Rs. 10,000

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Rs. 1,000

    22.Which edition of Exercise Eastern Bridge is currently being conducted?

    A) 7th Edition

    B) 5th Edition

    C) 3rd Edition

    D) 9th Edition

    E) 6th Edition

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    A) 7th Edition

    23.Which of the following statements about the Special Campaign 4.0 is correct?

    A) The campaign will run from September 2 to October 31, 2024, with a preliminary phase from August 16 to 30, 2024.
    B) Special Campaign 4.0 aims to institutionalize cleanliness in all central government offices using a saturation approach, including field and outstation offices.
    C) The campaign is managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
    D) The previous Special Campaigns covered 250,000 cleanliness sites and freed up 200 lakh square feet of space.
    E) The web-portal launch event for Special Campaign 4.0 included only Public Grievances Officers from 20 Ministries.

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) Special Campaign 4.0 aims to institutionalize cleanliness in all central government offices using a saturation approach, including field and outstation offices

    24.Who are the authors of the book “Sri Rama in Tamilagam – An Inseparable Bond”?

    A) Dr. R.N. Ravi and Dr. D.K. Hema Ravi
    B) Dr. K.K. Hari and Dr. M.K. Hema
    C) Dr. D.K. Hari and Dr. D.K. Hema Hari
    D) Dr. D.K. Ravi and Dr. K.D. Hema
    E) Dr. R.K. Hari and Dr. H.D. Hema

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Dr. D.K. Hari and Dr. D.K. Hema Hari

  • September 17 Current Affairs Quiz

    September 17 Current Affairs Quiz

    1.What is the minimum age limit for senior citizens to receive benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY) as extended by the central government?

        A) 60 years<br />B) 65 years<br />C) 68 years<br />D) 70 years<br />E) 75 years</p>     
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    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    D) 70 years

    2.Where was the 2nd International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2024) recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

    A) Mumbai
    B) New Delhi
    C) Bengaluru
    D) Chennai
    E) Hyderabad

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) New Delhi

    3.What is the primary goal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the National Health Authority (NHA) and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK)?

    A) Developing new pharmaceuticals
    B) Enhancing AI capabilities in the healthcare sector
    C) Improving medical infrastructure
    D) Training healthcare professionals
    E) Conducting international health research

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) Enhancing AI capabilities in the healthcare sector

    4.Where is the 8th India Water Week being held?

    A) Mumbai
    B) Bengaluru
    C) New Delhi
    D) Hyderabad
    E) Chennai

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) New Delhi

    5. Which country was the partner country for the 4th Global Bio-India 2024?

    A) Japan
    B) China
    C) South Korea
    D) Germany
    E) United States

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) South Korea

    6.What is the new name of India’s first Vande Metro service flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

    A) Bharat Express
    B) Namo Bharat Rapid Rail
    C) Modi Metro
    D) Prime Rail
    E) Bharat High-Speed Rail

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) Namo Bharat Rapid Rail

    7.As of the week ending August 30, 2024, what was the record high of India’s foreign exchange reserves?

    A) 670.14 billion dollars
    B) 679.34 billion dollars
    C) 689.24 billion dollars
    D) 695.50 billion dollars
    E) 700.00 billion dollars

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) 689.24 billion dollars

    8.Where was the 4th South Asian Junior Athletics Championships held?

    A) Mumbai
    B) Delhi
    C) Chennai
    D) Kolkata
    E) Bengaluru

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Chennai

    9.Which title did Anmol Kharb win at the 2024 Belgian International Badminton Tournament?

    A) Women’s Doubles
    B) Mixed Doubles
    C) Women’s Singles
    D) Men’s Singles
    E) Men’s Doubles

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Women’s Singles

    10.How many medals and Medallions of Excellence did India win at World Skills 2024 in Lyon, France?

    A) 12
    B) 14
    C) 16
    D) 18
    E) 20

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) 16

    11.In which state will Prime Minister Narendra Modi launch the Subhadra Scheme, the largest women-centric initiative aimed at supporting over 1 crore women?

    A) Tamil Nadu
    B) Karnataka
    C) Odisha
    D) West Bengal
    E) Andhra Pradesh

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Odisha

    12.On which date is World Ozone Day observed?

    A) September 1
    B) September 10
    C) September 16
    D) October 1
    E) October 16

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) September 16

  • Editorial 20 september 2024

    Editorial 20 september 2024

    Title: ​ ​ ​​ Milestones and U-turns: On the government in its third term

    As their third term in office gathers pace, the Narendra Modi government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are eager to claim a seamless continuity with the first two terms, as a mark of effective governance and leadership. The government and the party have used the arbitrary 100-day milestone to showcase their achievements in various sectors, from renewable energy to infrastructure, and the successes of welfare schemes. They have also used the opportunity to pronounce that nothing has changed, despite the dependence of the government on a coalition in the 18th Lok Sabha. As if to prove the point that there is no rethink on any of its controversial agendas from the previous terms, the Union Cabinet, on Wednesday (September 18, 2024), approved a report by a committee headed by the former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, that has endorsed a partisan BJP proposal for simultaneous elections to all State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha. The government has also made it clear that it will work towards a Uniform Civil Code, and continue to push for the expansion of Hindi over English. BJP functionaries are putting on a brave face but cannot wish away the new reality of coalition politics, and the changed dynamics in the party and the larger Sangh Parivar since the results of the 2024 general election.

    Stability and continuity at policy and political levels are signs of good governance, but so are negotiations, compromises and consensus in a diverse democracy. In governance, as in driving, proactive and defensive approaches go together, and U-turns are wise when racing ahead can lead to a collision. The BJP has quietly learnt this lesson, though it is unwilling to own up its own new flexibility. Rigidity has been talked up as a sign of virtuous politics by strong man populism around the world, and the BJP is now haunted by the ghost of its own past bombast. On some major policy issues, the BJP has made course corrections after resistance from allies and the Opposition. It has extended the consultation on the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, abandoned the new pension scheme and the proposed lateral entry scheme in the high bureaucracy. These are areas in need of reforms, but they can be best achieved by openness and flexibility. The BJP’s rigidity on issues has also begotten equally rigid resistance from the Opposition, which is no good for governance. Similarly, the BJP itself is increasingly becoming a coalition rather than an ideological monolith. It is good that the leadership has realised this. It will be better if it also articulates this more honestly.

    Meaning of the word:

    WordMeaningSynonymsAntonyms
    ArbitraryThe term arbitrary generally means something that is based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. It can also refer to decisions or actions that are made without clear rules or standards.Random
    Unpredictable Capricious Subjective     		Rational
    Reasonable
    Logical
    Consistent
    ControversialThe term controversial refers to something that causes disagreement, debate, or public dispute. When an issue, topic, or person is described as controversial, it means they provoke strong opposing opinions or reactions.Contentious Disputed
    Debatable
    Divisive    		Uncontroversial Agreed
    Accepted
    Undisputed
    NegotiationsNegotiations refer to discussions or talks between two or more parties aimed at reaching an agreement or resolving a conflict. During negotiations, each side typically presents its goals, interests, and preferences, and works toward a mutually acceptable outcome.  Bargaining Discussions
    Talks
    Diplomacy    		Disagreement Stalemate
    Impasse Deadlock

  • Editorial 19 september 2024

    Title: ​ ​ ​​ A fair share: On the concerns of high performing States

    At a meeting in Thiruvananthapuram last week, the Finance Ministers of five-Opposition-ruled States demanded a raise in the divisible pool of taxes from 41% — the Fifteenth Finance Commission’s recommendation — to a 50% apportionment, and a cap on the amount the Centre can collect as cesses and surcharges that usually appear as top-ups on invoices meant to fund specific central government projects and beyond the ambit of the devolution mechanism. The Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also reignited the debate by announcing his interest in convening a meeting of Chief Ministers of Opposition and BJP-ruled States to discuss the growing infringement on States’ autonomy to collect taxes since the introduction of the GST framework and the penalising of States with better economic indices. The meeting assumes significance in the backdrop of the paltry sums allocated in the 2024-25 Union Budget for marquee plans such as Bengaluru’s Suburban Rail Project, or the non-allocation of central funds for Kerala’s Vizhinjam Port and the second phase of the Chennai Metro Rail project. The meeting must also be viewed in the backdrop of natural disasters striking various States across India such as the flooding in Tamil Nadu’s southern delta regions last December, the recent heavy rains in western Gujarat, and the devastating landslide at Wayanad, Kerala. The Sixteenth Finance Commission’s recommendations on tax devolution are expected by October 2025.

    While the difference in the State Gross Domestic Product between States is rightly given the highest weightage of 45% by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in determining tax devolution as a measure to provide for the development of India’s poorer regions, this has led to considerably reduced devolutions to top tax revenue contributing States such as Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. As industrial and economic powerhouses, these States require tailor-made capital and social expenditures that could address particular developmental, climate and industrial needs of their varied regions. Apart from the restrictions on States by the GST framework on tax collections, low devolution has also meant that the governments of high-performing States are finding their hands tied at a crucial juncture in their economic and social trajectories. Moreover, neither the GST nor the Finance Commission have addressed contingency expenses, which are now relevant more than ever, to mitigate extreme weather events. In a large and complex country such as India, with vastly divergent social and economic indicators and an equally diverse spread of natural resources and vulnerabilities, it is time for an urgent intervention to amend the tax devolution frameworks that will lead to greater autonomy to the States. This would allow for a truly federal and a participatory governance model.

    Meaning of the word:

    WordMeaningSynonymsAntonyms
    Reignited“Reignited” means to start something again or bring it back to life, often after it has stopped or faded. It can refer to literal fire being lit again or metaphorically to emotions, interests, conflicts, or ideas being revived.Rekindled
    Revived
    Resurrected Reawakened    		Extinguished Suppressed
    Quenched
    Doused
    Infringement“Infringement” refers to the violation or breach of a law, agreement, or right. It often involves unauthorized use or interference with someone’s property, rights, or intellectual property, such as copyright, trademark, or patents.Violation
    Breach Transgression Infraction    		Compliance Observance   Adherence Obedience
  • Editorial 18 september 2024

    Editorial 18 september 2024

    Title: ​ ​ ​​ Third front: On the expanding nature of the conflict in West Asia

    The missile attack on Sunday (September 15, 2024) on Israel by Yemen’s Houthi rebels marked the second breach of Israel’s highly fortified skies by Houthi weapons in two months, pointing to the expanding nature of the conflict in West Asia. In July, an Iranian-made drone launched by the Houthis from Yemen, roughly 2,000 km south of Israel, had killed one person and wounded 10 others in Tel Aviv. In retaliation, Israel launched an air strike on Hodeida, a Houthi-controlled Red Sea port in Yemen. But that has done little in deterring the Houthis. Israeli authorities have provided conflicting accounts about the attack on Sunday (September 15, 2024). They first said the missile had landed in central Israel and caused a fire but added later that it had “fragmented mid-air”. Another official said it was intercepted, breaking it into parts but not destroying it. Whatever the facts, it should remain a security concern for Israel, which has been fighting a disastrous war in Gaza for over 11 months, and a slow-burning war with Lebanon’s Hezbollah in Israel’s north, that the Houthis are penetrating its air space. Israel might launch retaliatory strikes on Yemen again, but the question is whether this would deter the Houthis.

    The Houthis, who control parts of Yemen, have survived multiple air strikes by foreign powers ever since they captured Sana’a, Yemen’s capital, in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition, which backed a rival government in Yemen, declared war against the Houthis in 2015, months after Salman ascended the throne and Mohammed bin Salman became the Defence Minister. But Saudi bombing failed to dislodge the Houthis, which eventually led to a fragile ceasefire between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed government in Yemen. When Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023 and Israel launched its retaliatory invasion, the Houthis “declared war” against Israel, primarily targeting tankers in the Red Sea. In response, a U.S.-led coalition declared an air strike campaign against the Houthis. But months of air strikes led by the U.S. and the U.K. have done little in diminishing Houthi fire power. Israel faces the same dilemma when it comes to tackling the Houthi problem. The Houthis, who have direct Iranian support, are entrenched in Yemen. By taking up the Palestine cause, they are both serving Iran’s strategic purpose and consolidating power at home. And the drone and missile attacks on Israel are an indication of what is to come in Israel’s unending wars. If Israel went to Gaza to crush Hamas 11 months ago, the Jewish state is now fighting three enemy militias at the same time — Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis — with no military solution in the offing. This means that unless there is an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the security situation in West Asia will deteriorate on multiple fronts.

    Meaning of the word:

    WordMeaningSynonymsAntonyms
    RebelsThe term “rebels” generally refers to individuals or groups that resist or fight against an established authority, government, or societal norms. This resistance can take various forms, including protests, uprisings, or armed conflict.Insurgents Revolutionaries Defectors
    Dissidents    		Loyalists Supporters Conformists
    Allies
    RetaliationRetaliation refers to the act of responding to an attack, injury, or wrongdoing with a counteraction, often as a form of revenge or punishment. It involves acting against someone in response to their actions, and it can occur in various contexts, including personal disputes, international conflicts, and workplace situations.Revenge
    Reprisal
    Retribution Vengeance    		Forgiveness
    Pardon Reconciliation Tolerance
    Intercepted“Intercepted” means to stop or seize something before it reaches its intended destination.Seized
    Stopped
    Caught
    Blocked    		Released  Delivered
    Allowed
    Passed
  • September 15,16 Current Affairs Quiz

    September 15,16 Current Affairs Quiz

    1.What is the name of the newborn calf introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and what does it mean?

        A) Surya<br />B) Deepjyoti<br />C) Chandra<br />D) Prakash<br />E) Vidhata</p>      
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    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) Deepjyoti

    2.What was the minimum export price (MEP) for basmati rice set by the Indian government before its removal?

    A) $1,000 per tonne
    B) $1,200 per tonne
    C) $950 per tonne
    D) $1,500 per tonne
    E) $800 per tonne

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) $1,200 per tonne

    3.Who inaugurated the “Constitutional Temple – Samvidhan Mandir” at the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Maharashtra?

    A) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
    B) President Droupadi Murmu
    C) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
    D) Home Minister Amit Shah

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

    4.Who was the Chief Guest at the 1st Foundation Day event of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)?

    A) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
    B) Union Minister Amit Shah
    C) Home Minister Rajnath Singh
    D) Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) Union Minister Amit Shah

    5. What is the primary objective of the Trade Connect e-Platform launched by Union Minister Piyush Goyal?

    A) To increase domestic trade opportunities
    B) To enhance international trade opportunities for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs
    C) To provide financial services to large corporations
    D) To streamline the import-export regulations

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) To enhance international trade opportunities for Indian exporters, especially MSMEs

    6.Where will India’s first silicon carbide manufacturing unit be established?

    A) Mumbai
    B) Bangalore
    C) Bhubaneswar
    D) Hyderabad

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Bhubaneswar

    7.Which two companies have entered into a bancassurance partnership to offer life insurance products?

    A) Max Life Insurance and ICICI Bank
    B) Max Life Insurance and CSB Bank
    C) HDFC Life Insurance and CSB Bank
    D) Max Life Insurance and SBI Bank

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) Max Life Insurance and CSB Bank

    8.What is the name of the operation initiated by the Government of India to provide humanitarian assistance to countries affected by Typhoon Yagi?

    A) Operation Relief
    B) Operation Samudra
    C) Operation Sadbhav
    D) Operation Mitigation

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Operation Sadbhav

    9.On 14th September 2024, who presented the Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar to the Secretary of DARPG, Mr. V. Srinivas?

    A) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
    B) Home Minister Shri Amit Shah
    C) Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan
    D) President Droupadi Murmu

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) Home Minister Shri Amit Shah

    10.Which organization awarded the 2024 Energy Management Insight Award to NTPC Talcher Kaniha?

    A) International Energy Agency (IEA)
    B) Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM)
    C) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
    D) World Energy Council (WEC)

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM)

    11.What is the theme for National Engineers Day 2024?

    A) Engineering for a Digital Future
    B) Building Infrastructure for Tomorrow
    C) Innovating for a Sustainable Future
    D) Engineering Excellence and Innovation

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Innovating for a Sustainable Future

    12.At which Grand Prix did Oscar Piastri claim his first Formula 1 win?

    A) Monaco Grand Prix
    B) British Grand Prix
    C) Azerbaijan Grand Prix
    D) Italian Grand Prix

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) Azerbaijan Grand Prix

    13.How far did Neeraj Chopra throw to secure second place in the Diamond League final in Brussels?

    A) 87.76 meters
    B) 87.86 meters
    C) 87.96 meters
    D) 88.06 meters
    E) none of these

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) 87.86 meters

    14.How many medals did India win at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris?

    A) 25
    B) 27
    C) 29
    D) 31
    E) 35

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    C) 29

    15.Which sport will be featured as a Demonstration Sport at the 2026 Asian Games?

    A) Kabaddi
    B) Yogasana
    C) Archery
    D) Wushu
    E) Cricket

    ANSWER AND EXPLANATION

    Answer:

    B) Yogasana