The Hindu

EDITORIAL ANALYSIS Presents

11th June 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. Elite (श्रेष्ठ वगर्य)

Meaning: A select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities

to the rest of a group or society.
Synonyms: Best, top, aristocracy
Antonyms: Commoners, masses, proletariat
Example: The elite athletes competed for the championship.

2. Anointed (अ भषे कत)

Meaning: Chosen or designated as a leader.

Synonyms: Appointed, blessed, consecrated
Antonyms: Rejected, dismissed, repudiated
Example: He was anointed as the successor to the company’s CEO.
 VOCABULARY
3. Debilitating (कमजोर करने वाला)

Meaning: Making someone very weak and infirm.

Synonyms: Weakening, enfeebling, incapacitating
Antonyms: Strengthening, invigorating, energizing
Example: The disease had a debilitating effect on her health.

4. Peerless (अतुलनीय)

Meaning: Unequaled; unrivaled.

Synonyms: Incomparable, matchless, unparalleled
Antonyms: Ordinary, common, average
Example: Her peerless beauty captivated everyone in the room.
 VOCABULARY

5. Fortitude (धैय)र्य

Meaning: Courage in pain or adversity.

Synonyms: Bravery, resilience, endurance
Antonyms: Cowardice, fear, weakness
Example: She showed great fortitude during the long illness.

6. Bane (अ भशाप)

Meaning: A cause of great distress or annoyance.

Synonyms: Curse, plague, blight
Antonyms: Blessing, boon, advantage
Example: Traffic jams are the bane of my daily commute.
 VOCABULARY
7. Rejuvenation (पुनयर्यौवन)

Meaning: The action or process of giving new energy or vigor to

something.
Synonyms: Renewal, revitalization, restoration
Antonyms: Decline, deterioration, degradation
Example: The city’s rejuvenation project has made it a vibrant place to
live.

8. Stagnating (ि थर)

Meaning: Cease to flow or move; become stagnant.

Synonyms: Idle, static, inactive
Antonyms: Active, dynamic, flowing
Example: The economy has been stagnating for years without
significant growth.
 VOCABULARY
Idioms & Phrases

1. Throw in the towel

Meaning - to admit that you are defeated or cannot do something any more.

2. Mare’s nest
Meaning - a false discovery, illusion, or deliberate hoax.

3. A storm in a teacup
Meaning - a situation in which people are very angry or upset about
something that is not important.
 VOCABULARY
4. Blue blooded
Meaning - membership in a noble or socially prominent family.

5. Do a roaring trade
Meaning - to do very good business.
Article for Reading

For plurality: On
CSDS-Lokniti’s post-poll
survey
A drop in satisfaction levels with governance, the stagnating
popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the resilience of
regional parties and the rejuvenation of the Congress party, and
the fading of Hindutva for marginalised sections in the Hindi
heartland. All these contributed to the National Democratic
Alliance’s reduced majority in the 2024 general election,
according to the CSDS-Lokniti’s post-poll survey. In its pre-poll
survey, the agency had indicated that “unemployment” and
“price rise” were key issues for a majority of the electorate and
despite the healthy 46% support for the NDA, a chunk of those
favouring the incumbents were willing to back the Opposition
during the course of the election. The final vote share for the
NDA, at 43.6%, was 1.4 points lower than what the constituents
of this year’s coalition received in 2019 even as the INDIA bloc
secured a significant 41.4% support (if the Trinamool Congress’s
shares are included), a leap from 2019.
In the previous Lok Sabha election, the Balakot action, the PM-Kisan
scheme and 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections
category had helped the Bharatiya Janata Party romp home with 303
seats, according to Lokniti. But this time around, multiple narratives
and political issues tied the party down in its strongholds. Even its
ascendance in Odisha and Telangana was not enough to recoup its
losses in the Hindi heartland.

The strong support by Dalits, other OBCs and minorities to the

Congress in States such as Uttar Pradesh, and the Samajwadi Party’s
terming the BJP’s agenda as a threat to the Constitution put the wind
in the Opposition’s sails. That Congress leader Rahul Gandhi enjoyed
a four-point lead (36% versus 32%) over Mr. Modi among respondents
in Uttar Pradesh, when asked about their preference for the Prime
Minister’s post, must alarm the BJP.
Clearly, the party can no longer expect to rely on Hindutva as
a cementing factor except in States such as Uttarakhand,
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, which are
distinguished by a lack of a diligent Opposition. For the INDIA
bloc, and the Congress in particular, its credible performance
notwithstanding, its task is cut out in these States. The
Congress also increased its vote share in Karnataka from
what it was in the 2023 Assembly elections, but the NDA’s
strong social coalition proved a hindrance in converting
those increased votes into more seats. The message for the
Opposition is clear — wherever it is in power, it must strive to
provide a clear alternative to the NDA in terms of governance.
And where it is not in power, it must rely on building unity
among like-minded forces and a narrative of bringing change
through alternative policies that offer a strong contrast to the
centralising and unitary nature of the BJP.
Question 1:
What was the primary message for the Opposition in terms of
strategy, according to the article?

A. Focus on maintaining the current coalition dynamics without

changes.
B. Increase reliance on Hindutva as a unifying factor.
C. Strive to provide a clear alternative in terms of governance and
build unity among like-minded forces.
D. Prioritize economic reforms over social policies.
E. None of the above
Question 2:
Which combination of factors was identified by the CSDS-Lokniti’s
post-poll survey as contributing to the National Democratic Alliance’s
(NDA) reduced majority in the 2024 general election?

A. High unemployment rates, decreasing global oil prices, and

increased foreign investments.
B. Dropping satisfaction with governance, stagnating popularity of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resilience of regional parties, and the
rejuvenation of the Congress party.
C. Improved performance in traditionally non-BJP states, enhanced
agricultural policies, and increased focus on digital infrastructure.
D. Rising regional party influence, improved health indicators, and a
strong push towards renewable energy.
E. None of the above
Article for Skimming

Master of three: On
the French Open
One of tennis’ foremost challenges is in achieving multi-surface
excellence. Grass, clay and the acrylic require varied skill sets, and
while there are many jacks in the trade, there are very few masters.
Carlos Alcaraz, with his maiden French Open title on Sunday, set
himself on course towards joining an elite bunch of such greats. The
clay-court Major was the 21-year-old’s third, alongside US Open 2022
and Wimbledon 2023, and made him the youngest man in the Open
Era (from 1968) to display such all-court mastery. The victory came at
an important time for Alcaraz. Long considered the anointed heir to
the famed trio of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic,
Alcaraz, in recent months, had not looked the part. Since winning
Wimbledon, Indian Wells in March 2024 was his lone trophy, and the
rise of Italian Jannik Sinner — Australian Open champion and the
World No.1 — meant he had a generational rival to contend with.
Lingering fitness issues, including the arm injury that limited his
Roland-Garros tune-up to just one event, proved debilitating.
But with a back-to-the-wall performance, including in the semifinal and
final where he was down two sets to one against Sinner and a resurgent
Alexander Zverev, Alcaraz chose one of the sport’s grandest stages to
showcase his true worth.

Iga Swiatek is yet to match the Spaniard’s all-encompassing standards,

but over the last two weeks, the 23-year-old showed that she was
peerless on the red dirt. Saturday’s win over the unheralded Italian
Jasmine Paolini earned Swiatek her third straight French Open, fourth in
Paris and a fifth Slam overall. Swiatek’s dominance is best reflected in the
fact that she has only ever entered six Roland-Garros singles main
draws, has a 35-2 win-loss record and has lost just three sets in her four
title-runs. Four-time Major champion Naomi Osaka did come within a
point of ending Swiatek’s stay in the second round, but the Pole
displayed enormous mental fortitude to weather the storm and not let the
doubts consume her. So good was her fortnight that she started drawing
comparisons with the early years of Nadal.
While Nadal’s 14 titles may be insurmountable, Swiatek, like the 22-time
Slam winner whom she idolises, can surely expand her success beyond
clay. She is adept on the hard courts and has been the dominant World
No.1 from April 2022, but for the eight weeks in late 2023 when Aryna
Sabalenka reigned. The lack of success on grass — quarterfinals at
Wimbledon 2023 being the best effort — has been Swiatek’s bane and she
has a golden opportunity to correct that in three weeks.
Summary
Achieving multi-surface excellence is one of tennis's toughest challenges,
with grass, clay, and acrylic courts demanding different skills. Carlos Alcaraz
demonstrated his mastery by winning his first French Open, adding to his
titles at the US Open 2022 and Wimbledon 2023. This victory made him the
youngest man in the Open Era to excel on all major surfaces. Despite recent
struggles, including fitness issues and the rise of rival Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz
showcased his resilience by overcoming deficits in the semifinals and finals
against Sinner and Alexander Zverev. On the women's side, Iga Swiatek
cemented her dominance on clay with her third consecutive French Open
title, her fourth in Paris, and her fifth Grand Slam overall. Swiatek has an
impressive 35-2 record at Roland-Garros and displayed immense mental
strength to win crucial matches. While she draws comparisons to Rafael
Nadal, expanding her success beyond clay remains a goal. Swiatek has been
dominant on hard courts as the World No.1 since April 2022, but grass
remains a challenge, with Wimbledon offering a chance to improve.
The tone of the passage is analytical and celebratory. It carefully
analyzes Carlos Alcaraz's and Iga Swiatek's achievements while
celebrating their mastery and potential for future success in tennis. The
passage highlights their triumphs, acknowledges their challenges, and
sets a hopeful tone for their continued dominance in the sport.
Reading Comprehension

Based on the above passage, answer the following questions:

Question 1
What significant milestone did Carlos Alcaraz achieve with his maiden
French Open title?

A. He became the youngest man to win three Grand Slams in the

Open Era.
B. He became the first player to win French Open, US Open, and
Wimbledon titles before the age of 21.
C. He became the youngest man in the Open Era to achieve
multi-surface mastery.
D. He surpassed Roger Federer in the number of Grand Slam titles
won before turning 21.
E. None of the above
Question 2:
Why was Carlos Alcaraz's victory at the French Open particularly
significant given his recent performance?

A. He had never won a Grand Slam title before.

B. He had been struggling with fitness issues and had limited
preparation.
C. He was ranked World No.1 for the first time after this win.
D. He had lost to Jannik Sinner in the previous major tournaments.
E. None of the above
Question 3
What challenge does Iga Swiatek face in expanding her success
beyond clay, as suggested by the article?

A. Overcoming fitness issues similar to Carlos Alcaraz.

B. Competing against Naomi Osaka's dominance.
C. Improving her performance on grass courts.
D. Maintaining her World No.1 ranking for a continuous period.
E. None of the above
Today's Descriptive Question

● Write an essay of 200 words about highlighting the

influence of Pop Culture on Youth.
Pop culture exerts a profound influence on youth, shaping their
identities, values, and behaviors in significant ways. From music and
movies to fashion and social media, pop culture provides a lens through
which young people view the world and themselves.

One of the most noticeable impacts of pop culture is on fashion and

self-expression. Trends set by celebrities and influencers often become
the standard for what is considered stylish, encouraging youth to adopt
similar clothing, hairstyles, and accessories. This emulation helps them
to feel a sense of belonging and identity within their peer groups. Music
and movies also play a crucial role in shaping attitudes and beliefs.
Songs with powerful messages about love, rebellion, and social issues
resonate deeply with young listeners, often influencing their views and
emotional responses.
Similarly, movies and TV shows offer narratives and characters that
young people can relate to, providing them with role models and shaping
their understanding of various life situations.

Social media amplifies the reach of pop culture, allowing trends and
ideas to spread rapidly. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
enable influencers to impact youth culture on a global scale, promoting
everything from beauty standards to lifestyle choices.

In conclusion, pop culture significantly molds the perceptions and

behaviors of youth. While it offers avenues for self-expression and
connection, it also requires critical engagement to ensure that the
influence is positive and empowering.
● Write a letter to the mayor of your city requesting him/her for a
playground in your locality.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Mayor's Name]
[City Hall]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear Mayor [Mayor's Last Name],
I am writing to bring to your attention the need for a playground in our
locality, [Name of Your Locality]. As a resident, I have observed that our
community lacks a safe and engaging space for children to play and
engage in physical activities.

I kindly request your support in considering the development of a

playground in [Name of Your Locality]. Your attention to this matter
would be greatly appreciated by all community members. I am more
than willing to assist in any way possible to help make this project a
reality.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
Match the column

1. Throw in the towel A. Royal blood

2. Mare’s nest B. To do a very good business
3. A storm in a teacup C. A false discovery
4. Blue blooded D. To show worry on something unimportant
5. Do a roaring trade E. To quit or surrender
Answer:
1-e
2-c
3-d
4-a
5-b
Vocabulary

1. Elite :
2. Anointed:
3. Debilitating :
4. Peerless :
5. Fortitude :
6. Bane :
7. Rejuvenation :
8. Stagnating :
9. Rigour :
10. Meticulous :
Rc answer
1.
Correct Answer: C. He became the youngest man in the Open Era to achieve multi-surface
mastery.

Explanation:
Carlos Alcaraz, with his French Open win, became the youngest man in the Open Era to
demonstrate mastery across all three surfaces (clay, grass, and acrylic), indicating his all-court
excellence.

Incorrect Options Explanation:

A. Although Alcaraz is young, the specific milestone mentioned is about multi-surface mastery, not
just winning three Grand Slams.
B. The statement is incorrect as he did not win all three Grand Slams before the age of 21.
D. This option inaccurately compares Alcaraz’s achievements to Roger Federer’s Grand Slam
titles before turning 21.
2.
Correct Answer: B. He had been struggling with fitness issues and had limited
preparation.
Explanation:
Carlos Alcaraz had been dealing with fitness issues, including an arm injury, which
limited his preparation for Roland-Garros. His victory despite these challenges
demonstrated his resilience and talent.
Incorrect Options Explanation:

A. Alcaraz had already won the US Open and Wimbledon before this.
C. His ranking did not change directly as a result of this win.
D. Although Sinner is a rival, Alcaraz's recent issues were more about his fitness and
preparation.
3.
Correct Answer: C. Improving her performance on grass courts.

Explanation:
The article points out that Swiatek's main challenge is her performance on grass courts,
with her best result being a quarterfinal at Wimbledon 2023.

Incorrect Options Explanation:

A. Swiatek's challenge is not related to fitness issues.

B. While Osaka is a competitor, the specific challenge mentioned is grass courts.
D. Maintaining the No.1 ranking is not her primary challenge; it's her performance on
grass.
4.
Correct Answer: C. Strive to provide a clear alternative in terms of governance and build unity
among like-minded forces.

Explanation:
The article suggests that the Opposition should focus on providing a clear alternative to the NDA
in terms of governance and build unity among like-minded forces with a strong contrast to the
centralising and unitary nature of the BJP.

Incorrect Options Explanation:

A. The article emphasizes the need for changes in strategy, not maintaining current dynamics
without changes.
B. The reliance on Hindutva is noted as diminishing, not increasing.
D. The focus is on governance and unity, not specifically on prioritizing economic reforms over
social policies.
5.
Correct Answer: B. Dropping satisfaction with governance, stagnating popularity of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, resilience of regional parties, and the rejuvenation of the Congress party.

Explanation:
The CSDS-Lokniti’s post-poll survey highlighted that dissatisfaction with governance, stagnation in
Modi's popularity, the strength of regional parties, and the revival of the Congress party were major
factors in the NDA’s reduced majority.

Incorrect Options Explanation:

A. While unemployment was a key issue, decreasing global oil prices and increased foreign investments
were not cited as contributing factors.
C. Enhanced agricultural policies and digital infrastructure focus were not the primary reasons for the
NDA's reduced majority.
D. Improved health indicators and a push towards renewable energy were not mentioned as significant
factors.
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