Todays Editorial Times of India- MSP for kharif crops may toe rabi’s

Formula That Gives Farmers 50% Higher Rate Most Realistic, Feels Govt

The government is likely to fix the minimum support price (MSP) for kharif crops with the formula used for rabi crops for the 2018-19 marketing season—with costs of all inputs and unpaid family labour plus 50% as the benchmark to fulfil the Union Budget’s promise of higher prices to farmers.

The procurement of summer sown crops at the increased price will begin from October. The new price, which will be 1.5 times the cost of production, is to be the benchmark for all crops that are to be covered under MSP.

Official sources said that the formula that determined MSPs for rabi crops was the most practicable. The Centre had in November last year announced MSP for the rabi (winter sown) season and the prices of most crops were significantly higher than 50% of the cost of production when the actual paid cost plus imputed value of unpaid family labour was used as a base to fix the margin.

As this formula is delivering prices higher than the cost of production plus 50%, the government is not likely to seek other options. Some like a calculation of “comprehensive cost”, including imputed rent on owned land and value of capital assets, but such a formula is seen to be unwieldy and possibly prohibitive.

“It is highly unlikely that the government would deviate from the formula which is realistic, considering various factors including the likely implications of MSP on consumers and price trends in both domestic and international markets,” said an official.

Even the commission for agricultural costs and prices (CACP), which recommends MSP to the government, has noted on its website that the “cost of production” is an important factor that is an input in determination of MSP, but it is not the only one.

The move to stick to the current formula may not please many farmer organisations that have been demanding that the MSP be fixed at higher returns. They noted that A2+FL formula (mentioned above) will not be in tune with the recommendation of the M S Swaminathan Committee which called for C2+50% (see graphic).

Arguing for C2+50% as MSP, Sudhir Panwar, president of Kisan Jagriti Manch, said, “The finance minister’s claim that his government already included 50% profit in MSP of rabi crops is misleading as it excluded rental value of land, depreciation and interest which are always computed in other enterprises.”

Besides MSP, the view in the agriculture ministry is that it is time for states to bring in three key legislations—market reforms, contract farming and land lease issues—to provide farmers a robust system to protect their interests.

The Centre has kept the model legislation ready for states to replicate or tweak it as per regional needs.

While the contract farming law will allow farmers to enter into contract with private companies in advance for getting fixed price of their produce, the law on land lease would protect the interests of lessee cultivators or tenant farmers without affecting ownership rights of the landowners.

Q. Give words meaning to the same?

1. Procurment
A. Obtainment
B. Disperse
C. Dissipate
D. Dwindle
E. Lessen

2. Returns
A. Debt
B. Payment
C. Depart
D. Leave
E. Benefit

3. Contract
A. Given
B. Pledge
C. Expand
D. Extend
E. Lengthen

Q. Give words meaning opposite to them?

4. Depriciations
A. Vilipend
B. Belittle
C. Flatter
D. Deflate
E. Disparage

5. Reforms
A. Ameliorate
B. Refine, mend
C. Remould
D. Preserve
E. Mend

English Quiz: IBPS PO, Clerk/ RRB PO/ SBI PO2017

Dear Readers,

                         Today's quiz covers three important topics that are for sure expected in Bank Exams. If one gets a good grip of these topics, then they can have an advantage over others. It is very important for you to understand what to pick and what not to.

Directions (Q.1 to 5): Rearrange the following seven sentences (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F) and (G) in the proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the question given below them.

A) Japanese toys, for instance, are in great demand despite the heavy import duty.

B) The toys that they produce are almost without exception, of inferior quality.

C) Their manufacturers here need to be reminded of this.

D) The two toy-libraries in Mumbai also rely largely on foreign-made toys.

E) But making them is no child’s play

F) Toys are meant for children.

G) Not surprisingly, many parents prefer to buy the imported variety even though these are usually much more expensive.

1. Which of the following will be be the THIRD sentence?

1) C        2) B        3) D        4) E        5) G

2. Which of the following will be be the LAST sentence?

1) C        2) D        3) B        4) E        5) G

3. Which of the following will be be the FIRST sentence?

1) E        2) G        3) A        4) F        5) B

Current Affairs September 14, 2017

Dear Reader's

Indian Affairs

Cabinet approves implementation of the scheme “Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund”
On September 12,2017, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs(CCEA) approved a “Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund” (DIDF) with an outlay of Rs10,881 crore during the period from 2017-18 to 2028-29.This fund will give new impetus to the dairy industry and to people relying on it.The project will be implemented by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Dairy Development Cooperation (NCDC).
The objective of the fund : – 
i)Building an efficient milk procurement system by setting up of cold storage infrastructure.
ii)Installation of electronic milk adulteration testing equipment
iii)Creation/modernization/expansion of processing infrastructure and manufacturing faculties for Value Added Products for the Milk Unions/ Milk Producer Companies.

Chennai-Vladivostok sea route: India’s effort to counter China’s OBOR

India is planning to launch major connectivity initiative, connecting Chennai with key Russian port Vladivostok via sea route with an aim to harness natural resources from Northeast Asia and Western Pacific region. This effort by government of India will counter china’s OBOR project.
Importance :-
i. This shipping link would enable to transfer cargo between Chennai and Vladivostok in 24 days in comparison to over 40 days currently taken to transport goods from India to East Russia via Europe
ii. This proposed maritime route which could be transformed into a corridor could compete with Indo-Japan

Current Affairs July 28, 2017

INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

Cabinet approves revision of guidelines of Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme

On July 26, 2017, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave approval for revision of guidelines of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) Scheme with a view to achieve its intended objectives.
i. The investment limit per fiscal year has been increased to 4 kg for individuals, 4 Kg for Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) and 20 Kg for Trusts and similar entities notified by the Government from time to time.
ii. The ceiling will be counted on financial year basis and will include the SGBs purchased during the trading in the secondary market.The ceiling on investment will not include the holdings as collateral by Banks and Financial institutions.

Lok Sabha passes bill to amend Companies Law

On July 27, 2017, Lok Sabha passed Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2016, a bill to amend the Companies Act, 2013, seeking to strengthen corporate governance standards, initiate strict action against defaulting companies and help improve the ease of doing business in India.
i. The bill was moved by Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs. It was passed with a voice vote, with over 40 amendments.
ii. Threshold for the easy compliance scheme has been raised to Rs 100 crore from Rs 20 crore, making more companies eligible for the simple compliance regime.

Rajya Sabha passes the Indian Institute of Information Technology (Public Private Partnership) Bill 2017

On July 28, 2017, Rajya Sabha passed Indian Institute of Information Technology (Public-Private Partnership) Bill, 2017, a bill to declare 15 Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIITs) set up through public-private partnership mode as “institutions of national importance” as well as to set up such institutes through collaboration.
Key Provisions of Indian Institute of Information Technology Public Private Partnership (IIIT-PPP) Bill 2017:
i. The IIIT (Public-Private Partnership) Bill, 2017 seeks to grant statutory status to 15 IIITs and declare them as ‘Institutions of National Importance’ (INI).
ii. Premier public higher education institutions in India which play a pivotal role in developing highly skilled personnel are conferred INI status through an act of Parliament.
iii. The Bill also seeks to enable these institutions to grant degrees to their studentsin the academic courses conducted by them.

NITSER (National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research) Amendment Bill passed in Rajya Sabha

NITSER (National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research) Amendment Bill was passed in RajyaSabha on 26th July, 2017.  
Key Points:
i. The Bill was passed in the LokSabha on 28th March, 2017.
ii. Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of State (HRD) in  RajyaSabha had informed that the Bill proposes to introduce two new Institutions.
1.Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati
2.IISER Berhampur in the Second Schedule of the NITSER Act, 2007.
iii. Five IISERs at Kolkata (2006), Pune (2006), Mohali (2007), Bhopal (2008) and Thiruvananthapuram (2008) has mandated with promoting quality education and research in the sciences were established.
iv.With the establishment of the two new IISERs there are now seven IISERs.

Punjab launches flagship ‘care companion programme’ scheme

The Punjab health minister Brahm Mohindra has launched a flagship care companion health scheme on 28th of July 2017.
Key Points:
i. The main aim is to improve patient outcomes through better family engagement and education. 
ii. The state department of health and family welfare has signed an MoU with Noora Health India Trust, a healthcare non-profit organisation, for implementation of the ‘Care Companion Programme’ (CCP).
iii. The staff nurses from all six hospitals are trained on how to engage and teach patients in the wards.
iv .The objective is to reduce the number of infant deaths and complications like infections in the first 30 days post- discharge and ensure adoption of long-term health pro-motive behaviours.
v.T he innovative programme includes teaching the family of patient’s high-impact medical skills to take care of the patients in the hospital and at home.
vi. The CCP will be initially implemented in maternal and child health wings of six district hospitals.
vii. Through this initiative, the Families will also learn high-impact health skills for taking care of the new-born baby, their hygiene, thermal care, breastfeeding, and maternal nutrition.
About Punjab
♦ Capital:Chandigarh
♦ Governor:V P Singh Badnore
♦ Chief Minister:Amarinder Singh (INC)

Supreme Court strikes out immediate arrests in dowry cases

Supreme Court strike out immediate arrests in dowry harassment cases was ruled out on 27th of July 2017.
Key Notes:
i. The Supreme Court has said that the police will now have to conduct a preliminary inquiry before making any arrest under the dowry cases.
ii. Every dowry harassment complaint made under Section 498A of Indian Penal Code must be referred to the committee, which would look into them.
iii. The bench of Justices AK Goel and UU Lalit said the anti-dowry law was approvedwith the commendable object of punishing inhumanity of husband when such cruelty leads to the wife’s suicide.
iv. The court’s latest order came as complaints against misuse of the anti-dowry harassment law which was framed in 1983 following a cluster of dowry-related deaths by disappointed wives.
v. With the current misuse of the law, the court said family welfare committees should be set up in every district across the country.
vi. The court also defined the procedures the committees should follow.
vii. The couple and their families should be called in and the matter will be discussed.
viii. Only then the committee will submit a report to the local Magistrate.
ix. According to the court, arrests can be made only if the committee report points to hideous play by the husband.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Bengaluru ranks 40 among top 50 cities for women entrepreneurs – Dell

Bengaluru has ranked 40th out of 50 cities on Women Entrepreneur (WE) Cities Index 2017 study released by Dell. The index ranks cities in terms of its ability to attract and foster growth of women-owned firms.
i. Besides Bengaluru, the only other Indian city in the top 50 list is Delhi at 49th spot.New York topped the list, followed by Bay Area (US), London (UK), Boston (US) and Stockholm (Sweden).
ii. Singapore was at the 8th spot, the only city from Asia Pacific and Japan region.

BRICS nations sign memorandum to facilitate taxation cooperation

The BRICS nations have signed the BRICS Taxation Cooperation Memorandum on 27th of July 2017.
Key Points:
i. The document has been signed by the Heads of Tax Authorities of the five BRICS Nations.
ii. All the five nations agreed to work together to ensure steady employment and better quality of life for their nation as well as for their people.
iii. The aim is to establish a mechanism for taxation cooperation. It includes improving consultation procedures efficiency, boost taxation capacities and plan paths for coordination of taxation policies and tax collection.
iv. The meeting comes ahead of the 2017 BRICS Summit, which is scheduled to be held in Fujian province’s Xiamen, China from 3-5 September 2017.
About BRICS
♦  BRICS was established in 2006. It is an association of five major emerging national economies- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
♦  All BRICS members are either developing or newly industrialised countries. They are also members of the G-20 group.
♦  It became BRICS after South Africa joined it in 2010.
♦ Their total share in the global economy has risen from 12-23% and contributes more than half of global growth.

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI sets up Supervisory Colleges for six Scheduled Commercial Banks which have sizeable international presence

RBI has set up Supervisory Colleges for six Scheduled Commercial Banks which have sizeable international presence.
Key Notes:
i. The objectives of the colleges are to enhance information exchange and cooperation among supervisors, to improve understanding of the risk profile of the banking group.
ii. It helps in facilitating more effective supervision of internationally active banks.
iii. The Banks which are included are State Bank of India, ICICI Bank Ltd., Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Axis Bank Ltd. and Punjab National Bank.
iv. This was stated by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State for Finance.
About RBI
♦ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India’s central banking institution, which controls the monetary policy of the Indian rupee.
♦  Established: 1st April 1935 & HQ: Mumbai Maharashtra
♦ Bank Rate:6.50%; Repo Rate: 6.25%; Reverse Repo Rate:6.00; Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): 4%; Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): 20%

NPCI receives final nod from RBI to function as Bharat Bill Payment Central Unit

The RBI has given a final nod to National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the umbrella organisation for all retail payment to function as the Bharat Bill Payment Central Unit (BBPCU) and operate the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS).
Key Points:
i. On August 31, 2016, 8 BBPS operating units, which received in-principle approval from RBI, took part in the pilot.
ii. Almost after a year of running the pilot, streamlining the technology and business processes, NPCI has now received final clearance from RBI.
iii. Total number of Bharat Bill Payment Operating Unit (BBPOU) certified by NPCI now stands at 24.
iv. The certified units include three public sector banks (Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India and Indian Overseas Bank), 10 private banks, 5 Cooperative Banks and 6 non-bank biller aggregators.
About NPCI
♦  Founded :2008
♦ Headquarters:Mumbai
♦  Chairman:Balachandran M
♦ MD&CEO: A.P Hota

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif resigns over Panama Papers verdict

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has disqualified Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a member of the National Assembly in Panama Papers leak case. He has been found guilty of corruption. It has been announced on 28th of July 2017.
Key Points:
i. The Supreme Court also disqualified Finance Minister Ishaq Dar from office.
ii. Defence Minister Khwaja Asif and former Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif are the new contenders for the post of Pakistan Prime Minister.
iii. His ruling PML-N party, which has a majority in the parliament, is now expected to appoint a new prime minister.
iv. The Supreme Court ordered the National Accountability Bureau to file case against Sharif and his children within six weeks.
v. The Supreme Court dismissed Sharif after an investigative panel alleged his family could not account for its vast wealth.
vi. The Supreme Court also said that Nawaz Sharif didn’t submit valid asset details in 2013 general elections.
vii. Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan is headed the implementation bench said that cases should be opened against Maryam Nawaz (Sharif’s daughter), Captain Muhammad Safdar (Maryam’s husband), Hassan and Hussain Nawaz (PM Sharif’s sons) as well as Prime Minister Sharif.viii. The judgement should be announced within 30 days.
ix. Pakistan’s stock market fell by 3.4% after Supreme Court ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Pakistan :
♦ Capital: Islamabad
♦ Currency: Pakistani rupee

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Dr. Harshvardhan launches “Sagar Vani” – An Integrated Information Dissemination System

On July 27, 2017, Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Dr. Harshvardhan launched an Integrated Information Dissemination System, “Sagar Vani” on the occasion of Foundation Day of Ministry of Earth Sciences in New Delhi.
i. ‘Sagar Vani’ has been launched to disseminate ocean related information and alerts (like high waves and Tsunami early warnings) to the user community (especially fishermen) in timely manner for their safety.
ii. It is an Integrated Information Dissemination System (IDS) and has been developed by Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO)-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) under Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) through the Industry M/s. Gaian Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Iran successfully launches satellite-carrying rocket

Iran has successfully launched a satellite-carrying rocket Simorgh into space on 28th of July 2017.
Key Facts:
i. The launch of a “Simorgh” rocket that is capable of carrying a satellite weighing 250 kilograms (550 pounds). “Simorgh” means “phoenix” in Farsi.
ii. The launch took place at the Imam Khomeini National Space Station in Semnan, 220 kilometers (138 miles) east of Tehran.
iii. The launch will be seen as a major step forward for the country’s young space program.
iv. According to a US National Air and Space Intelligence Centre report from June, the Simorgh could act as a test bed for Iran to produce an intercontinental ballistic missile.
About Iran
♦ Capital :Tehran
♦ Currency: Iranian Rial
♦ President:Hassan Rouhani

Scientists develop new software that can crate 3D models from 2D photographs

Scientists have developed new Artificial intelligence (AI) software called SurfNet that can create three dimensional (3D) models from 2D photographs.
Key Notes:
i. SurfNet can be used in robotics, object recognition and even self-driving cars.
ii. It will give them the ability to understand the 3D environment around them using standard 2D cameras.
iii. SurfNet software using hundreds of thousands of 2D shapes of objects can reconstruct it a model in 3Dimensions.
How It Works?
♦  If you show it hundreds of thousands of shapes of something such as a car, if you then show it a 2D image of a car, it can reconstruct that model in 3D.
♦ It can even take two 2D images and create a 3D shape between the two.
♦ It can also be used to create 3D content for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) by simply using standard 2D photos.

NITI Aayog clears six proposals for high-tech public transport

The NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog has approved 6 transport proposals of the Transport ministry exploring options to improve public transport.
Key Points:
i. The ministry is headed by former top official of Railways to study parameters associated with these technologies and their best global practices.
ii. It includes high-tech mass rapid transportation technologies such as Metrino, Hyperloop, Pod taxis, hybrid buses Stadler buses, and freight rail road.
iii. The new technologies are being explored by the Government as current public transportation is unable to resolve the increasing traffic crisis in the country.
iv. The ministry of road transport and highways had sought the approval of NITI Aayog to experiment and introduce six latest mass rapid transportation technologies.
Some More Points:
♦  Metrino: It is fully automatic, driverless small pods, travel independently suspended over an overhead network.
♦  Pod taxis: It is small automated vehicles, cable cars or pod cars which is equipped to carry a small group of passengers.
♦  Hyperloop: It is a pod like vehicle is propelled through a near vacuum tube connecting cities at speeds matching that of an aircraft.

SPORTS

Prannoy climbs to 17th spot in BWF rankings

Indian shuttler HS Prannoy climbed to 17th position in the BWFworld rankingsreleased on 28th of July 2017.
Key Points:
i. Prannoy has won in the US Open Grand Prix Gold title after beating ParupalliKashyap in the final. His previous ranked was 23.
ii. Kashyap had lost the final but made it to top-50. He is now at 47th position in the world rankings. His previous rank was 59.
iii. Another Indian shuttler Sameer Verma has climed four places from 32 to 28 and became the fourth Indian to qualify for the World Championship.
iv. Indian, Kidambi Srikanth is highest ranked at number 8. India now has four shuttlers in top-20.
v. Ajay Jayaram is at 16th spot, while B Sai Praneeth maintains his 19th position.
Women’s category
i. PV Sindhu has ranked at 5th.
ii. Saina Nehwal slipped a place and is now ranked 16th.
Mixed doubles
i.Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Reddy slipped to three places and now rank 20.
Badminton World Federation (BWF) :
♦ Headquarters‎: ‎Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
♦ Formation‎: ‎1934
♦ President‎: ‎Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen

OBITUARY

Bollywood actor Inder Kumar passes away

Actor Inder Kumar, best known for his role in films like Khiladiyon KaKhiladi and KahinPyaar Na Ho Jaaye, died on 28th July 2017. He was 45.
Key Points:
i. Inder Kumar suffered a heart attack at his residence in Andheri, Mumbai.
ii. Inder Kumar was born in Jaipur and raised in Kolkata.
iii. Inder Kumar had made his Bollywood debut with 1996 film Masoom and worked in over 20 films in a career spanning nearly twenty years

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Hepatitis Day – July 28 2017

World Hepatitis Day has observed on 28th July every year. Viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for 1.34 million deaths per year that’s as many as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis or malaria. Together, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C cause 80% of liver cancer cases in the world.
Key Points:
i. It aims to raise global awareness of hepatitis a group of infectious diseases known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E and encourage prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
ii. This Day brings the world together under a single theme to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change.
iii. The 2017 theme of World Hepatitis Day is “Eliminate Hepatitis” to mobilize intensified action towards the health targets in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
iv. The theme is aimed at achieving elimination of hepatitis, greater awareness, increase diagnosis including universal vaccination, blood and injection safety, harm reduction and treatment.
v.In 2015, there were around 325 million people living with chronic hepatitis, with 257 million people living with hepatitis B (HBV) infection and 71 million people with hepatitis C (HCV).
vi. The most effective current hepatitis B treatment ‘Tenofovir‘ is available for as low as USD 48 per year in many low and middle income countries.
vii. Viral hepatitis caused 1.34 million deaths in 2015in comparison to TB deaths and exceeding deaths from HIV.
viii. Hepatitis B vaccine is preventing approximately 4.5 million infections per year in children.
ix. The targets for 2030 Sustainable Development Goals are to ensure that 90% of people with HBV and HCV infections are tested and 80% are reached with treatment.

THE HINDU EDITORIAL: 8-JULY–2017

Electric horses

After a century of spectacular growth powered by the internal combustion engine, the automobile industry is taking a serious look at moving away from fossil fuels, with cars, bikes and commercial vehicles powered by electricity. This quest for electro mobility has surged ahead with Volvo, the Sweden based manufacturer owned by China’s Geely, announcing a shift to all-electric or hybrid models from 2019. At the heart of the discussion is the affordability of e-vehicles (EVs) and the range they can cover on a single battery charge, if they are to become an attractive replacement for conventional motors. There is also the question of the sustainability of making millions of batteries that must be recycled. Progress is being made on some of these metrics, as a result of which the sales of all plug-in vehicles rose 40%, at 191,700 units worldwide, in the first quarter of 2017 over the same quarter in 2016. And the International Energy Agency says in its Global EV Outlook Report 2017 that the year-on-year growth was 60%. But in perspective, electric vehicles today make up only 0.2% of all light duty vehicles in the world. What is enlivening the debate on EVs is the entry of Tesla, with its goal to mass-market electric cars that are efficient on range, and offer a minimum of 340 km on one charge, while also scoring high on design. As the single biggest component in making electro mobility mainstream, attention is focused on battery technology. If Tesla’s assessment is correct, the technological limits of this power source are being pushed constantly: less material is being used to produce higher energy density, and at lower cost. Unsurprisingly, many major automobile manufacturers have announced plans for electrics to cater to both ends of the spectrum: marques like BMW and Volkswagen aiming at several affordable models with a moderate range per charge, and luxury cars from Daimler and Audi that run longer and appeal to keen buyers. Electromobility is also politically attractive. France, which floated a global tender at the 2015 Paris climate conference for a mass market car that costs under €7,000, announced recently that it will end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2040. India, which committed to reducing the intensity of carbon emissions under the climate agreement, could give electro mobility a boost through its policy on EVs to be declared by December. Making electric two-wheelers and public transport buses attractive through tax incentives is certainly feasible, since these can be charged more easily and used for short trips within cities. The wider challenge today is to find the natural resources such as lithium, cobalt and nickel to make millions of batteries and recycle them later, besides putting up charging infrastructure across entire countries. The solutions are currently expensive. By contrast, the dilemma underscores the elegance of low-cost non-motorised options for cities, such as bicycles and walking.

The waiting game

Ever since the Maha-gathbandhan (grand alliance) of the Janata Dal (United), the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress defeated an ascendant Bharatiya Janata Party in the Bihar elections of 2015, the belief has been that the opposition’s efforts to regroup at the national level will coalesce around these parties. So, when Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar broke ranks and committed the JD(U)’s support to the BJP’s presidential nominee, Ram Nath Kovind, it came as a setback for the entire opposition. Mr. Kovind was the Governor of Bihar till June, and Mr. Kumar called the support a one-of move on account of goodwill for him. Nonetheless, he went on to castigate the Congress for being unable to come up with a coherent alternative to that of the BJP’s agenda, saying a “reactive narrative” would not enable opposition unity. Mr. Kumar’s concerns are not without merit. The Congress put forth the candidature of Meira Kumar clearly as a reactive measure to counter the BJP’s nomination of a Dalit candidate. Till then, the opposition parties had been unable to agree on a candidate due to either a lack of consensus or an inability to set a proactive agenda against the BJP, which seemed to be shaping the contours of the political discourse with ease. But other opposition parties have reason to doubt whether Mr. Kumar was indeed speaking out of a genuine concern for building a strong opposition to the BJP, or working on an exit strategy from the opposition camp so that he could ally with the BJP in time for the 2020 Assembly polls, if not the 2019 Lok Sabha poll. Mr. Kumar had parted ways with the BJP just ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha election, making an issue of the nomination of Narendra Modi as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate. Although the JD(U) makes up the numbers in the Assembly in alliance with the RJD, he knows he could forge a winning combination with the BJP too. This is especially so in the context of the family of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who is himself out on bail in a corruption case, coming under intense pressure from the Central Bureau of Investigation in recent weeks for alleged irregularities. Mr. Kumar had built his initial support base on an anti-corruption platform directed primarily at Mr. Prasad, and a break in ties with the RJD would perhaps not be as much of a surprise as his decision to ally with that party was. By creating this political flutter, Mr. Kumar could also be seeking to increase his own relevance within the opposition to make a bid for the leadership position. He is perceived to be among the possible challengers to Mr. Modi in 2019, and he may be looking to increase his own stock at the expense of the Congress’s. The conflicting signals coming from Mr. Kumar therefore may not reflect any confusion; instead, these could very well be the result of a calculating mind playing the waiting game.

Words

1) Ascendant

Meaning: Increasingly successful or powerful.

Synonym: Flourishing, Developing

Antonym: Declining

2) Coalesce

Meaning: Come or grow together to form one thing or system.

Synonym: Combine, Merge

3) Castigate

Meaning: To criticize someone or something severely.

Synonym: Rebuke, Reprove

Antonym: Praise, Commend

4) Consensus

Meaning: A generally accepted opinion or decision among a group of people.

Synonym: Agreement, Concurrence

Antonym: Disagreement

5) Contours

Meaning: The shape of a mass of land or other object, especially its surface or the shape formed by its outer edge.

Synonym: Outline, Shape

6) Indeed

Meaning: Really or certainly, often used to emphasize something.

Synonym: Truly, Extremely

Antonym: Moderately, Slightly

7) Concern

Meaning: To cause worry to someone.

Synonym: Treat, Involve

Antonym: Serenity, Indifference

8) Ally

Meaning: A country that has agreed officially to give help and support to another one, especially during a war; someone who helps and supports someone else.

Synonym: Associate, Combine

Antonym: Enemy, Split

9) Flutter

Meaning: To make a series of quick delicate movements up and down or from side to side, or to cause something to do this.

Synonym: Hover, Thrash

10) Surged

Meaning: A sudden and great increase or movement forward.

Synonym: Rush, Flow

11) Enlivening

Meaning: To make something more interesting.

Synonym: Uplift, Gladden

Antonym: Detract from, Subdue

12) Feasible

Meaning: Able to be made, done, or achieved

Synonym: Practicable, Achievable

Antonym: Impractical, Impossible

13) Elegance

Meaning: Graceful and attractive in appearance or behaviour.

Synonym: Style, Smoothness

Antonym: Inelegance, Messiness

THE HINDU EDITORIAL: 7-JULY–2017

THE HINDU EDITORIAL

Déjà vu in Brazil

Brazil, Latin America’s largest economy, has been coasting along comfortably with record low inflation for a decade and healthy foreign direct investment to sustain the path of recovery from a recent recession. But the “Lava Jato” anti-corruption movement that rocked it three years back seems to be a long way from delivering on the promise of democratic and transparent governance. Inquiries into public fraud by politicians and captains of business have brought skeletons tumbling out of the cupboard. When Dilma Rousseff, then President, was impeached last year, it had appeared that the worst was over. But now the incumbent President, Michel Temer, has been indicted by Brazil’s top prosecutor. The script is sickeningly familiar. Ms. Rousseff was implicated over a scandal in the state-owned oil giant and its construction arm. The accusation against Mr. Temer is complicity in the authorisation of heavily subsidised public loans for a private corporation in return for political patronage. He has vehemently denied the charges, and termed the Lava Jato campaign, which he had once sympathised with, a witch hunt against political representatives. The course of the investigation against Mr. Temer is as yet uncertain. But his position appears far less precarious than that of his predecessor. The requisite vote in the lower House of Congress to authorise a criminal trial may not materialise eventually, as most members are themselves facing investigations. Representatives from his centre-right Brazilian Democratic Movement Party and Ms. Rousseff’s Workers’ Party have called for the resignation of Mr. Temer. But indications are that few have the appetite to precipitate the situation further. Moreover, upon Ms. Rousseff’s downfall, Mr. Temer, who was Vice-President then, had been catapulted to the country’s highest office. With the next presidential election scheduled for 2018, the search for a successor may not be easy. This continuing turmoil puts at risk assurances of reforms to Brazil’s labour laws and generous pension system. The controversial raising of the retirement age was seen as a major push to overhaul what was one of the world’s most envied social security programmes. Arguably, the Brazilian Left leaned too much towards an unsustainable populist agenda in the heady years of the commodities boom. But its counterparts on the Right appear ill-equipped to position themselves as a realistic alternative despite attempts to attract overseas investment. Like other nations in the region, Brazil badly needs a strong centre that is not tempted to tilt at the windmills of populism. That is the best chance of ensuring accountability to the people and engagement with the rest of the world.

Mr. Modi in Israel

While welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Tel Aviv, his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, said his country had awaited the visit for “seventy years”. Since the birth in 1948 of Israel, whose admission to the UN India subsequently opposed, Israeli leaders had always sought full diplomatic ties. And once the Narasimha Rao government established full diplomatic ties in 1992, Israel pushed for full acknowledgement of bilateral relations on the international stage. As a result, the significance of Mr. Modi’s visit to Israel, as the first Indian Prime Minister there, was the trip itself. This was reflected in the camaraderie between the two Prime Ministers, who spent practically every waking moment together. The agreements signed during the visit, on water, agriculture, space and science and technology, are important no doubt, but not path-breaking. They simply underscore ongoing cooperation in such fields — as well as in the defence sector, India being one of the biggest buyers of Israeli military equipment. Cooperation on cyber-security issues, discussed by officials during Mr. Modi’s visit, constitutes a breakthrough of sorts, given that Israel tends to limit cooperation in this area to a few countries. A decision was announced to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership, signalling a final step to total normalisation of relations. Perhaps this is why Mr. Modi’s address to Israelis of Indian origin in Tel Aviv, with a promise to address visa issues and improve air connectivity, had an emotional pitch different from his meetings with the diaspora elsewhere in the world. However, the best friendships are judged not just by bilateral bonhomie, but by the ability to discuss uncomfortable issues. With Mr. Modi’s visit India has, for all purposes, de-hyphenated its ties with Israel and Palestine, something Israel has always wanted. In a clear repudiation of the Indian practice of keeping Palestinian leaders prominently in the loop, Mr. Modi made a point of not visiting the Occupied Territories. The departure was more prominent in the joint statement, that contained a short paragraph on the “Israel-Palestine” peace process, with no reference to UN resolutions, the two-state solution, or even the need to resume talks, that Mr. Modi had spoken of during the visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to India just a couple of months ago. It would have been more in keeping with India’s stature on the international stage, and its particular leverage with all players in West Asia especially on Palestine, had Mr. Modi made a visible attempt to extract from Israel a commitment to the peace process. India’s evolving ties with Israel no doubt are based on pragmatism and the desire to eschew hypocrisy — but Mr. Modi has infused his visit with a symbolism and substance that could well mark a point of departure in India’s moral support to the Palestinian cause. By way of comparison, U.S. President Donald Trump visited Palestine too when he went to Israel in May.

Words

1) Diplomatic

Meaning: Acting in a way that does not cause offence.

Synonyms: Ambassadorial, Consular, Foreign-Policy

Antonyms: Indiscreet, Tactless

2) Camaraderie

Meaning: Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.

Synonyms: Friendship, Comradeship, Fellowship

3) Diaspora

Meaning: The spreading of people from one original country to other countries.

Synonyms: Relocation, Resettling

4) Bonhomie

Meaning: Cheerful friendliness; geniality.

Synonyms: Geniality, Congeniality, Conviviality

Antonyms: Coldness

5) Repudiation

Meaning: To refuse to accept something or someone as true, good, or reasonable.

Synonyms: Rejection, Renunciation

Antonyms: Confirmation, Acknowledgement

6) Leverage

Meaning: The power to influence a person or situation.

Synonyms: Influence, Power, Authority

7) Eschew

Meaning: To avoid something intentionally, or to give something up.

Synonyms: Abstain From, Refrain From

Antonyms: Indulge in

8) Hypocrisy

Meaning: The practice of claiming to have higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case.

Synonyms: Sanctimony, Pietism

Antonyms: Honesty, Sincerity

9) Infused

Meaning: To fill someone or something with an emotion or quality.

Synonyms: Fill, Pervade, Permeate

10) Inflation

Meaning: A general, continuous increase in prices.

Synonyms: Exaggeration, Overemphasis, Magnification

11) Tumbling

Meaning: To fall a lot in value in a short time.

Synonyms: Fall Sharply, Fall Steeply, Plummet

Antonyms: Rise, Soar

12) Impeached

Meaning: Call into question the integrity or validity of (a practice).

Synonyms: Indict, Charge, Accuse

Antonyms: Acquit, Confirm

13) Incumbent

Meaning: Officially having the named position.

Synonyms: Binding, Obligatory, Mandatory

Antonyms: Optional

14) Accusation

Meaning: To say that someone has done something morally wrong, illegal, or unkind.

Synonyms: allegation, charge, claim

15) Vehemently

Meaning: In a forceful, passionate, or intense manner; with great feeling.

Synonyms: Passionate, Forceful, Ardent

Antonyms: Mild, Apathetic

16) Precarious

Meaning: Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.

Synonyms: Uncertain, Insecure, Unreliable

Antonyms: Safe, Secure

17) Patronage

Meaning: The support given to an organization by someone.

18) Requisite

Meaning: Necessary or needed for a particular purpose.

Synonyms: Necessary, Required, Prerequisite

Antonyms: Optional, Unnecessary, Non-Essential

19) Precipitate

Meaning: To make something happen suddenly or sooner than expected.

Synonyms: Bring About, Hasty, Sudden

20) Catapulted

Meaning: To throw someone with great force/ To suddenly experience a particular state, such as being famous.

Synonyms: Propel, Launch, Hurl

21) Overhaul

Meaning: to repair or improve something so that every part of it works as it should.

Synonyms: Service, Maintain, Repair

22) Envied

Meaning: To wish that you had something that another person has.

Synonyms: Resentment, Best, Finest

Antonyms: Generosity