Detailed grammatical solutions

The Hindu
EDITORIAL ANALYSIS Presents

11th March 2025

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

State PSC, CAT,CTET,RAILWAY EXAMS,CDS,
TET, NDA/AIRFORCE, NET and all Govt.
Exams
1. Inevitability (अ नवायर्यता )

➔ Meaning: The quality of

being certain to happen;
unavoidable nature.
➔ Synonyms: Certainty,
necessity, unavoidability
➔ Antonyms: Uncertainty,
improbability, doubt
➔ Example: The inevitability
of technological
advancements means that
industries must constantly
adapt to stay competitive.
2. Formidable (दुजर्जेय )

➔ Meaning: Inspiring fear or

respect through being
impressively large,
powerful, intense, or
capable.
➔ Synonyms: Intimidating,
powerful, daunting
➔ Antonyms: Weak,
unimpressive, feeble
➔ Example: The defending
champions remain a
formidable opponent for
any team in the
tournament.
3. Gritty (साहसी )

➔ Meaning: Showing
courage and
determination despite
difficulty.
➔ Synonyms: Tenacious,
brave, resolute
➔ Antonyms: Cowardly,
weak, timid
➔ Example: The soldier’s
gritty determination
helped him survive the
harsh conditions of war.
4. Sluggish (सु स्त)

➔ Meaning: Moving,
operating, or reacting
more slowly than usual.
➔ Synonyms: Lethargic,
slow, inactive
➔ Antonyms: Energetic,
swift, dynamic
➔ Example: The sluggish
economy has made it
difficult for businesses to
expand.
5. Decisive ( नणार्ययक )

➔ Meaning: Settling an
issue; producing a definite
result.
➔ Synonyms: Conclusive,
crucial, definite
➔ Antonyms: Indecisive,
uncertain, hesitant
➔ Example: The captain’s
decisive leadership helped
the team secure a
last-minute victory.
6. Stifled (दबाया हु आ )

➔ Meaning: Prevented or
constrained from
continuing or developing.
➔ Synonyms: Suppressed,
restrained, smothered
➔ Antonyms: Encouraged,
liberated, allowed
➔ Example: The strict
policies stifled innovation
within the organization.
7. Setback (झटका )

➔ Meaning: A reversal or
slowing of progress.
➔ Synonyms: Hindrance,
obstacle, defeat
➔ Antonyms: Progress,
advancement, success
➔ Example: The sudden
injury to their star player
was a major setback for
the team’s championship
hopes.
8. Prohibited ( न षद्ध )

➔ Meaning: Formally
forbidden by law, rule, or
authority.
➔ Synonyms: Banned,
forbidden, restricted
➔ Antonyms: Allowed,
permitted, authorized
➔ Example: Smoking is
strictly prohibited in
public places.
9. Astounding (आश्चयर्यजनक )

➔ Meaning: Extremely
surprising or impressive.
➔ Synonyms: Amazing,
astonishing, breathtaking
➔ Antonyms: Ordinary,
unimpressive, expected
➔ Example: His astounding
performance in the
competition left everyone
speechless.
10. Adroitly (चतु राई से )

➔ Meaning: In a skillful or
clever manner.
➔ Synonyms: Skillfully,
adeptly, dexterously
➔ Antonyms: Clumsily,
awkwardly, ineptly
➔ Example: The negotiator
adroitly handled the
complex trade
discussions.
 VOCABULARY
One-word substitute:

1. A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases:

Panacea

2. A substance that induces insensitivity to pain:

Anesthetic

3. Decorative flags or streamers, typically used for celebrations:

Bunting

4. A person who pretends to have virtues, beliefs, or principles that they do not actually
possess:
Hypocrite
 VOCABULARY
Phrasal Verbs:

1. Wrap up
Meaning: To finish or complete something.

2. Run into
Meaning: To meet by accident or unexpectedly

3. Map out
Meaning: To plan or design something in detail.

4. Drop off
Meaning: To decrease or decline; to deliver someone or something at a
specific location.
 VOCABULARY
Idioms & Phrases

1. On a roll like a runaway wheel

Meaning: Experiencing continuous success or momentum.

2. Roll in the dough

Meaning: Be very wealthy or make a lot of money.

3. State of the art

Meaning: The most advanced or sophisticated level of technology
or design.
 VOCABULARY
4. A bunch of baloney
Meaning: Nonsense or something not true.

5. Off the top of my head

Meaning: Saying something without much thought or preparation.
Article for Reading

Limited-overs form:
on cricket and the
Indian team
India’s latest triumph in the ICC Champions Trophy carried an
air of inevitability. In Sunday’s final, they overcame a gritty
New Zealand side by four wickets with an over to spare. As
fireworks lit up the Dubai sky and the 252-run target was
chased down, the victory reaffirmed India’s dominance in
white ball cricket. Across 24 ICC tournament matches —
including the 2023 ODI World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup,
and the Champions Trophy — Rohit Sharma’s men have
secured 23 wins, an astounding 95.83% success rate.
Stationed in Dubai for three weeks due to the Indian
government’s refusal to allow play in Pakistan, the official
host, India benefited from a fixed venue and minimal travel
fatigue. However, their success was not merely
circumstantial — they executed their plans with precision.
Group stage wins against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New
Zealand, followed by a semifinal triumph over Australia, set
the stage for the final against the Black Caps.
Despite concerns about New Zealand’s history of
upsetting India — most notably in the 2019 World Cup
semifinal — the Men in Blue handled the challenge
adeptly. On a sluggish pitch, India’s strategy of fielding
four spinners proved decisive. Varun Chakaravarthy,
Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav stifled
New Zealand’s scoring, though Mitchell Santner’s team
still managed a competitive 251 for seven. In a
high-stakes final, scoreboard pressure is always a factor,
but Rohit’s composed 76 set the tone, and India’s deep
batting line-up ensured a comfortable finish. While India
has faced setbacks in Test cricket, including losses to
New Zealand at home and Australia away, their
limited-overs form remains formidable. The squad’s
depth is evident — Rishabh Pant was left out of the
playing XI, while talents such as Suryakumar Yadav and
Ishan Kishan did not even make the squad.
Contributions from Shreyas Iyer, K.L. Rahul, and Hardik
Pandya underscored the collective effort, while
Mohammed Shami’s return offset the absence of the
injured Jasprit Bumrah. Virat Kohli’s consistency and
Rohit’s leadership suggest that retirement is not imminent
for either stalwart, but selectors must look ahead to the
2027 ODI World Cup. Honest assessments and strategic
planning will be crucial to ensuring India’s sustained
dominance in the years to come.
Summary

India secured a triumphant victory in the ICC Champions Trophy,

defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final. This win
reaffirmed India’s dominance in white-ball cricket, boasting an
exceptional 95.83% success rate across 24 ICC tournament matches.
Despite being stationed in Dubai due to political restrictions, India
executed their strategies effectively, particularly by utilizing four
spinners to restrict New Zealand to 251/7. Rohit Sharma’s composed
76 and India’s deep batting lineup ensured a comfortable chase.
While India has faced setbacks in Test cricket, their limited-overs
form remains strong, with immense squad depth. Looking ahead,
selectors must plan strategically for the 2027 ODI World Cup to
maintain India’s supremacy.
Tone:

The tone of the passage is analytical, celebratory, and

forward-looking. It highlights India’s achievements while
objectively assessing their performance and the need for future
planning.
Reading Comprehension

Based on the above passage, answer the following questions:

Question 1:
How did India counter New Zealand’s challenge in the final?

A) By relying on a pace-heavy bowling attack.

B) By aggressively attacking in the first 10 overs.
C) By deploying a spin-heavy bowling strategy.
D) By restricting New Zealand to under 200 runs.
E) None of the above
Question 2:
What key challenge does the passage suggest India’s cricket team
selectors must address for the future?

A) Transition planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

B) Finding a replacement for Rohit Sharma as an opener.
C) Overhauling the entire bowling unit.
D) Reducing reliance on spin-friendly pitches.
E) None of the above
Question 3:
Which aspect of India's recent cricket performances has been a
concern despite their white-ball success?

A) Inconsistent T20 performances.

B) Struggles in Test cricket.
C) Poor fielding in ICC tournaments.
D) Dependence on only a few key players.
E) None of the above
Article for Skimming

An India-U.S. trade
agreement and the
test of WTO laws
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief working visit
to the United States, on February 13, 2025, New Delhi and
Washington agreed to negotiate the first stage of a
mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement
(BTA) by the fall of 2025. While economists are busy
calculating tariffs and trade volumes, it is essential to
examine this development through the lens of international
trade law. A significant portion of international trade law is
codified in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
(GATT) and governed by the World Trade Organization
(WTO). Since both the U.S. and India are members of the
WTO, their bilateral trade dealings must align with the
standards set by WTO law. This makes the proposed BTA
between the two countries particularly important.
Currently, the scope of the BTA is unclear. The U.S.-India
Joint Leaders Statement, of February 13, only references a
multi-sector BTA without providing specific details about
its coverage.
It is important to note that this agreement is not labelled as a
free trade agreement (FTA). However, the terminology is less
significant than the actual content of the agreement. The WTO
system operates on the most favoured nation (MFN) principle,
which prohibits discrimination between trading partners.
Therefore, an FTA that grants preferential access to certain
countries violates the MFN rule, although countries can still
establish FTAs under specific conditions. One of these
conditions, outlined in Article XXIV.8(b) of the GATT, requires
member countries to eliminate customs duties and other trade
barriers on “substantially all the trade” within the FTA. Although
the term “substantially all the trade” is not defined in the
agreement, it is understood that the FTA should encompass a
very high percentage of trade between the member countries.
This requirement exists because FTAs are exceptions to the
MFN principle, which is a cornerstone of the multilateral trading
system. Therefore, these exceptions must be tightly controlled
and not permitted lightly.
The proposed BTA between India and the U.S. must cover
“substantially all trade” to be legally valid. It also needs to be
notified to the WTO. Whether such an agreement will be
economically beneficial for India is a topic of debate, with
differing opinions. Legally speaking, if India and the U.S.
reduce tariff rates on each other’s limited products, as part of
some bilateral deal, without extending similar treatment to
other countries, it would violate WTO law. One possible way
for India and the U.S. to establish a BTA for select products
without violating WTO laws is to notify the agreement as an
‘interim agreement’, leading to the formation of an FTA. Since
countries cannot finalise FTAs overnight, Article XXIV of
GATT permits them to sign ‘interim agreements’ that pave the
way for an eventual FTA, subject to specific conditions.
Question 4:
Under what condition can India and the U.S. establish a BTA
covering limited products without violating WTO rules?

A) By ensuring that at least 50% of total trade is covered under

the agreement.
B) By notifying the agreement as an ‘interim agreement’ leading
to an eventual FTA.
C) By securing exemptions from the WTO under a special
economic agreement.
D) By limiting the agreement to agricultural goods only.
E) None of the above
Question 5:
What legal condition must a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) meet
under GATT Article XXIV to be considered valid?

A) It must provide equal trade benefits to all WTO members.

B) It must be reviewed by the United Nations before being
implemented.
C) It must eliminate tariffs and trade barriers on "substantially all
trade" between the parties.
D) It must receive approval from at least two-thirds of WTO
member states.
E) None of the above
Today's Descriptive Question:
Precis Writing.

Original Text
The term "Silver Economy" refers to the economic opportunities associated
with the aging population. As life expectancy increases and birth rates
decline, many countries face a demographic shift toward an older population.
This trend presents both challenges and opportunities for governments,
businesses, and society at large. The silver economy is fueled by the
purchasing power and specific needs of older adults, including healthcare,
assistive technologies, housing, travel, and financial services. Globally, the
spending power of the elderly is expected to grow, driving innovation in
products and services tailored to their requirements.
For instance, advancements in telemedicine, age-friendly smart homes, and
recreational activities are increasingly becoming popular among senior
citizens. From a policy perspective, nations are focusing on creating inclusive
environments that enable older individuals to remain active participants in
society. Initiatives such as lifelong learning programs, senior employment
policies, and social engagement activities aim to harness the potential of this
demographic while improving their quality of life. Additionally,
intergenerational collaboration—where younger and older generations share
skills and resources—can foster a more harmonious society. However,
challenges such as increased healthcare costs, pension sustainability, and
social isolation among the elderly persist. Governments must strike a balance
between leveraging the silver economy and addressing these issues to ensure
equitable and inclusive growth. As the silver economy continues to expand, it
highlights the importance of treating aging not as a burden but as an
opportunity to build a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable global
economy.
Precis:

The "Silver Economy" taps into the economic opportunities

arising from an aging population. With growing life expectancy
and declining birth rates, older adults significantly influence
markets like healthcare, housing, and technology. Policies
focusing on lifelong learning, senior employment, and social
inclusion aim to harness their potential. However, challenges like
rising healthcare costs and social isolation must be addressed.
Viewing aging as an opportunity, the silver economy emphasizes
innovation and inclusivity, transforming aging populations into
valuable contributors to global growth.
● You are the HR Manager of XYZ Pvt. Ltd. Write an email to a
candidate, John Doe, informing him about his selection for the
role of Marketing Executive and providing details of the joining
process.
To: …….@gmail.com

Subject: Congratulations on Your Selection as Marketing

Executive

Dear John Doe,

I hope this email finds you well. I am delighted to inform you that
you have been selected for the role of Marketing Executive at XYZ
Pvt. Ltd. after an impressive performance during the interview
process. Congratulations on this achievement!

We are excited to have you join our team and contribute to our
organization's success. Below are the details of the joining
process:
1. Joining Date: [Insert date, e.g., Monday, February 5, 2025]
2. Reporting Time: [Insert time, e.g., 10:00 AM]
3. Reporting Location: [Insert office address, e.g., XYZ Pvt. Ltd.,
123 Business Avenue, City, State, ZIP]
4. Documents to Carry:

A copy of this email for reference

Valid government-issued ID proof (original and photocopy)
Academic and professional certificates (originals and
photocopies)
Two passport-sized photographs
Bank account details for salary processing
5. Contact Person: [Insert name and contact information of HR
representative]

On your first day, you will undergo an induction session to

familiarize yourself with our company policies, team structure,
and work culture.
Please confirm your acceptance of this offer and your availability
to join on the specified date by replying to this email at your
earliest convenience. If you have any questions or require further
assistance, feel free to reach out to us.

We are thrilled to welcome you to the XYZ Pvt. Ltd. family and
look forward to a successful journey together!

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
HR Manager
XYZ Pvt. Ltd.
Match the column

1. On a roll like a runaway wheel A. Be very wealthy diligently

2. Roll in the dough B. Nonsense or something not true
3. State of the art C. Saying something without much thought
4. A bunch of baloney D. Experiencing continuous success
5. Off the top of my head E. The most advanced technology
Answer:
1-d
2-a
3-e
4-b
5-c
Vocabulary

1. Inevitability:
2. Formidable:
3. Gritty:
4. Sluggish:
5. Decisive:
6. Stifled:
7. Setback:
8. Prohibited:
9. Astounding:
10. Adroitly:
Rc ans
1.
Ans: C
Explanation:
Reference from passage:
"On a sluggish pitch, India’s strategy of fielding four spinners proved decisive. Varun
Chakaravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav stifled New Zealand’s
scoring."

India’s decision to field four spinners—Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and
Kuldeep Yadav—helped stifle New Zealand’s scoring on a sluggish pitch.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Incorrect: India relied more on spinners rather than pace.
(B) Incorrect: There is no mention of an overly aggressive approach in the first 10 overs.
(D) Incorrect: New Zealand managed to post 251 for seven, not under 200.
2.
Ans: A
Explanation:
Reference from passage:
"Virat Kohli’s consistency and Rohit’s leadership suggest that retirement is not imminent for either
stalwart, but selectors must look ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Honest assessments and
strategic planning will be crucial to ensuring India’s sustained dominance in the years to come."

The passage notes that while Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain consistent, selectors must
strategically plan for the future, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(B) Incorrect: Rohit Sharma's role as an opener is not identified as a key challenge.
(C) Incorrect: The bowling unit performed well in the tournament and does not need an overhaul.
(D) Incorrect: The passage does not suggest reducing reliance on spin-friendly pitches.
3.
Ans: B
Explanation:
Reference from passage:
"While India has faced setbacks in Test cricket, including losses to New Zealand at home
and Australia away, their limited-overs form remains formidable."

While India has dominated in limited-overs cricket, the passage points out that they have
faced Test losses to New Zealand at home and Australia away.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Incorrect: The passage highlights T20 success, not inconsistency.

(C) Incorrect: There is no mention of fielding issues.
(D) Incorrect: India’s depth suggests they are not overly reliant on a few players.
4.
Ans: B
Explanation:
Reference from passage:
"Since countries cannot finalise FTAs overnight, Article XXIV of GATT permits them to sign ‘interim
agreements’ that pave the way for an eventual FTA, subject to specific conditions."

According to Article XXIV of GATT, countries can sign ‘interim agreements’ that serve as a step
toward an eventual FTA, allowing them to temporarily reduce tariffs without violating WTO rules.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Incorrect: There is no specific percentage threshold for trade coverage under a BTA.
(C) Incorrect: WTO does not provide broad exemptions for special economic agreements.
(D) Incorrect: Limiting the agreement to agricultural goods would not automatically make it
WTO-compliant.
5.
Ans: C
Explanation:
Reference from passage:
"One of these conditions, outlined in Article XXIV.8(b) of the GATT, requires member countries to
eliminate customs duties and other trade barriers on 'substantially all the trade' within the FTA."

According to Article XXIV.8(b) of GATT, an FTA must cover a high percentage of trade between
participating nations. This condition exists to ensure that FTAs do not undermine the MFN principle.

Why the other options are incorrect:

(A) Incorrect: FTAs provide preferential treatment, which is the opposite of equal benefits for all.
(B) Incorrect: The United Nations does not review FTAs; the WTO does.
(D) Incorrect: FTAs do not require a two-thirds majority approval from WTO members.