The Hindu

EDITORIAL ANALYSIS Presents

24th 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. Ceiling (सीमा )

Meaning: An upper limit set on the number or amount of something.

Synonyms: Limit, cap, maximum
Antonyms: Base, floor, minimum
Example: The government imposed a ceiling on the number of
immigrants allowed into the country each year.

2. Preamble (प्रस्तावना )

Meaning: A preliminary statement, especially the introduction to a

formal document.
Synonyms: Introduction, preface, foreword
Antonyms: Conclusion, ending, epilogue
Example: The preamble of the Constitution outlines the goals and
purposes of the document.
 VOCABULARY
3. Crystallised (स्पष्ट कया )

Meaning: Made clear or definite; given a definite form.

Synonyms: Solidified, clarified, defined
Antonyms: Confused, obscured, blurred
Example: The discussion helped crystallise our ideas about the
project.

4. Pruning (छं टाई )

Meaning: Trimming or cutting away dead or overgrown branches or

stems to encourage growth.
Synonyms: Trimming, cutting, clipping
Antonyms: Growing, cultivating, nurturing
Example: The gardener spent the morning pruning the rose bushes.
 VOCABULARY
5. Stymie (बाधा डालना )

Meaning: To prevent or hinder the progress of.

Synonyms: Hinder, block, thwart
Antonyms: Assist, facilitate, aid
Example: The complicated rules stymied their efforts to complete the
project on time.

6. Deprived (वं चत )

Meaning: Suffering a severe and damaging lack of basic material and

cultural benefits.
Synonyms: Disadvantaged, underprivileged, impoverished
Antonyms: Privileged, affluent, wealthy
Example: The charity works to provide educational opportunities for
deprived children.
 VOCABULARY
7. Ostensible (प्रकट)

Meaning: Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so.

Synonyms: Apparent, seeming, superficial
Antonyms: Genuine, real, actual
Example: The ostensible reason for his visit was to inspect the new
facility.

8. Indulge ( लप्त होना )

Meaning: Allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of.

Synonyms: Pamper, gratify, satisfy
Antonyms: Deprive, deny, restrain
Example: She decided to indulge in a luxurious spa day after a long
week of work.
 VOCABULARY
9. Behoove (उ चत होना )

Meaning: To be necessary, proper, or advantageous for.

Synonyms: Be appropriate, befit, suit
Antonyms: Disregard, neglect
Example: It would behoove you to start saving for retirement early.

10. Misgivings (शं का)

Meaning: Feelings of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or

consequences of something.
Synonyms: Doubts, reservations, apprehensions
Antonyms: Confidence, certainty, assurance
Example: She had serious misgivings about taking the new job.
 VOCABULARY
11. Rescind (रद्द करना )

Meaning: Revoke, cancel, or repeal (a law, order, or agreement).

Synonyms: Revoke, annul, cancel
Antonyms: Enforce, uphold, ratify
Example: The policy was rescinded after numerous complaints from
the public
 VOCABULARY
Idioms & Phrases

1. Bits and Pieces

Meaning – small things of different types

2. Kick the bucket

Meaning – Die

3. A man of straw
Meaning – A weak person
 VOCABULARY
4. Bite your tongue
Meaning – To avoid talking

5. At the drop of a hat

Meaning – Willing to do something immediately
Article for Reading

Limit and excess: on the

Patna High Court
judgment and enhanced
reservation
The Patna High Court judgment striking down enhanced reservation
for various communities in employment and education marks yet
another instance of the strict application of the 50% ceiling on total
reservations by the judiciary. The verdict has invalidated the Nitish
Kumar regime’s decision of last year to amend its quota law to raise
Backward Classes (BC) reservation from 12% to 18%, that of
Extremely Backward Communities (EBC) from 18% to 25%, and those
of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from 16% to 20% and 1%
to 2%, respectively. This took the total reservation level to 65%.
Applying judicial precedents that have now crystallised into a legal
bar on reservations exceeding 50%, the court has inflicted a huge
blow to the Bihar government’s plan to utilise its Caste Survey
findings to expand its affirmative action programme. The government
may have erred in its policy approach — armed with caste-wise
population numbers — when its preamble to the amending law said it
aimed to achieve “proportionate equality”.
The court agreed with the petitioners challenging the increased
quotas on a key point: that adequate representation does not mean
‘proportionate representation’, as clarified in the famous
nine-judge verdict in Indra Sawhney (1992). If any attempt to raise
the quota level earmarked for any section to be in proportion to the
State’s population results in the total reservation percentage
exceeding the permissible limit, it is liable to be unconstitutional.

However, it is unfortunate that the court was so zealous about the

reservation ceiling, that it rejected the State’s argument on the
existence of special circumstances. Indra Sawhney did allow the
quota ceiling to be exceeded in “extraordinary situations”. It
suggested that the population living in remote or far-flung areas
may require to be treated in a different way. The court seems to
have taken that geographical remoteness is the only special
situation to justify an enhanced quota and denied the benefit to
Bihar.
It is difficult to believe that a State which is backward in most
parameters of human and social development should be denied the
use of its executive and legislative power to expand its social
justice programme. The court surely saw merit in the argument that
there was no in-depth study before enhanced reservation was
implemented. This raises the question whether the survey was
indeed quite exhaustive when it gave a caste-wise break-up of the
population and their economic conditions. While there may be a
case for pruning the BC or EBC list based on the progress made
over the last few decades, it might not be just to stymie every
attempt to enhance the numerical representation of historically
deprived sections on the ground that it exceeds the quota ceiling.
Summary
The Patna High Court has struck down Bihar's decision to increase reservations
for various communities in employment and education, reinforcing the judiciary's
strict application of the 50% ceiling on total reservations. The court invalidated
amendments that raised reservations for Backward Classes (BC) from 12% to 18%,
Extremely Backward Communities (EBC) from 18% to 25%, Scheduled Castes (SC)
from 16% to 20%, and Scheduled Tribes (ST) from 1% to 2%, taking the total to
65%. Citing judicial precedents, the court ruled that reservations cannot exceed
50%, rejecting the State’s argument of "special circumstances" under the Indra
Sawhney judgment. The ruling is a significant setback for Bihar's plan to use its
Caste Survey findings to expand affirmative action.
The tone is critical and analytical, focusing on the implications of the
court’s decision and questioning the rigid application of the 50%
reservation ceiling without considering Bihar’s unique socio-economic
conditions.
Reading Comprehension

Based on the above passage, answer the following questions:

Question 1:The Patna High Court judgement highlights the tension
between achieving:

a) Absolute equality and meritocracy in government jobs and educational

institutions.
b) Proportional representation for disadvantaged communities and overall
social justice.
c) Strict adherence to the 50% reservation ceiling and economic
upliftment of backward classes.
d) Political expediency of the Nitish Kumar regime and the legal
framework established by the Supreme Court.
e) None of the above
Question 2: The passage mentions the concept of
"extraordinary situations" allowing states to exceed the
reservation limit. The Patna High Court's interpretation of this
concept is most likely:

a) Limited to geographically remote areas as specified in the

Indra Sawhney judgement (1992). (Correct Answer)
b) Applicable to states with a high percentage of historically
oppressed communities.
c) Determined on a case-by-case basis considering social and
economic backwardness.
d) Discretionary power given to the state legislature based on
its caste survey findings.
e) None of the above
Question 3: The passage suggests that the revision of reservation
quotas might be necessary based on:

a) The socio-economic progress made by different backward

communities over time. (Correct Answer)
b) The total number of government jobs and educational seats
available in the state.
c) The political will of the ruling party to implement affirmative action
programs.
d) The recommendations of the Patna High Court based on its legal
analysis.
e) None of the above.
Article for Skimming

Money and muscle:

On Assembly
bye-elections and
Tamil Nadu
Assembly bye-elections seldom throw up surprises. In Tamil Nadu,
close to three out of four by-polls since 1977, when the AIADMK first
swept to power, have gone to the ruling party (or its allies). The July
10 bye-election to the Vikravandi constituency, located in the relatively
backward Villupuram district of the northern part of the State, might
not break this pattern, but the main Opposition, the AIADMK, has
added a new dimension by announcing a poll boycott. The ostensible
reason was its fear that the ruling DMK would “indulge in enormous
use of money and muscle power...”, just as in the Erode (East) bypoll
in 2023. But, clearly, the AIADMK, which drew a blank in the 2024
general election, is wary of failure again. The DMK, the PMK (as a
constituent of the BJP-led NDA), and the Naam Tamilar Katchi are in
the fray. The AIADMK could also be trying to woo back the PMK. In any
case, the boycott does not behove a serious party. But whatever the
AIADMK’s rationale, its stated explanation is a challenge for the
election authorities, who will have to ensure a free and transparent
bypoll.
Previous bye-elections have been marred by the flow of gifts and
money. In Erode (East), the AIADMK had even alleged that the DMK
had confined sections of electors in election offices during the
campaign.

There is a widespread perception that the laws with regard to bribery

as an electoral offence are no deterrent to political parties, especially
those in power. While it is not difficult to sharpen the laws, the
question is whether they will be enforced in a fair manner. So, it is up
to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to now erase these
misgivings. The most powerful weapon that the ECI has against
recognised political parties is the power to freeze their symbols. But,
this has never been used in Tamil Nadu even when allegations of
electoral offences surfaced. In the past decade, on two occasions
when the AIADMK was in power, the ECI was tough when it rescinded,
in 2016, the polling process in Aravakurichi and Thanjavur during the
election to the State Assembly.
And, in April 2017, a few days ahead of polling, it cancelled the R.K.
Nagar by-poll over money power and the offering of allurements to the
electorate. It is another matter that when the elections to the three
seats were held later, the candidates who were in the news earlier for
the wrong reasons, emerged victorious. Unless the ECI sends out a
strong message that there will be no tolerance of bribery, there will not
be much change on the ground. Also, the electorate should not be
swayed by either money or freebies. In this regard, civil society
organisations too have a crucial role to play.
Question 4:
Why did the AIADMK announce a poll boycott for the Vikravandi
bye-election?

A. To protest the perceived unfair use of money and muscle power by

the ruling DMK, similar to what occurred in the Erode (East) bypoll in
2023.
B. Due to a lack of suitable candidates to contest the bye-election.
C. In an attempt to negotiate better terms with the DMK for future
coalition possibilities.
D. Because the constituency of Vikravandi is historically unfavorable
for the AIADMK.
E. None of the above
Question 5:
What role does the Election Commission of India (ECI) need to play to
address AIADMK's stated concerns?

A. To freeze the symbols of all political parties involved in electoral

offences.
B. To ensure a free and transparent bypoll by taking strict measures
against bribery and electoral offences.
C. To facilitate a dialogue between the AIADMK and the DMK to resolve
their differences.
D. To increase the presence of security forces in the Vikravandi
constituency.
E. None of the above
Today's Descriptive Question:

● Write an essay of 200 words about the impact of

Technology on Traditional Education.
Technology has profoundly transformed traditional education,
enhancing learning experiences and accessibility. One
significant impact is the accessibility of information. The
internet provides students with vast resources, including online
libraries, educational videos, and interactive learning platforms.
This access allows for more comprehensive and diverse
learning experiences beyond the constraints of textbooks and
classroom walls.

Another notable impact is the customization of learning.

Educational technology, such as adaptive learning software,
tailors educational content to individual students' needs and
learning paces. This personalized approach helps address
different learning styles and abilities, ensuring that students
receive the support they need to succeed.
Technology also facilitates remote learning, breaking geographical barriers.
Online courses and virtual classrooms enable students from different parts
of the world to access quality education. This is particularly beneficial during
situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, where traditional classroom settings
are not feasible. However, the integration of technology in education also
presents challenges. The digital divide, where some students lack access to
necessary technological tools, can exacerbate educational inequalities.
Additionally, over-reliance on technology may lead to decreased face-to-face
interactions and the development of critical social skills. In conclusion,
technology significantly enhances traditional education by providing access
to information, customizing learning experiences, and enabling remote
learning. Addressing the challenges it poses will ensure that the benefits of
technological integration are maximized for all students.
 ● Write a letter to your friend congratulating him/her on his/her success in
class 12 board exam.
B-32, sector-11
Rohini
New Delhi-110034

January 10, 2023

Dear [Friend's Name],

I hope this letter finds you well and in great spirits. I am writing to extend my heartfelt
congratulations to you on your outstanding success in the Class 12 board exams!

I was thrilled to hear about your excellent results. Your hard work, dedication, and
perseverance have truly paid off, and you have achieved a remarkable milestone. I know
how much effort you put into your studies, and it is incredibly inspiring to see you
succeed with such flying colors.
This achievement is not only a testament to your academic abilities but also to your commitment and
determination. You have set a high standard for yourself, and I have no doubt that you will continue to
excel in all your future endeavors.

As you step into this new phase of your academic journey, I am confident that you will continue to
achieve great things. Remember to take a moment to celebrate your success and reflect on all the hard
work that got you here.

Once again, congratulations on your well-deserved success! I look forward to catching up with you
soon and celebrating this fantastic achievement together.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Match the column

1. Bits and Pieces A. Die

2. Kick the bucket B. A weak person
3. A man of straw C. To avoid talking
4. Bite your tongue D. Willing to do something immediately
5. At the drop of a hat E. Small things of different types
Answer:
1-e
2-a
3-b
4-c
5-d
Vocabulary

1. Ceiling:
2. Preamble:
3. Crystallised:
4. Pruning:
5. Stymie:
6. Deprived:
7.Ostensible:
8. Indulge:
9. Behoove:
10 Misgivings:
11. Rescind:
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