Thought police

A professor’s arrest for posts points to misuse of law against dissent

In an unconscionable act, a professor of political science at Ashoka University, Ali Khan Mahmudabad, was arrested on Sunday by the Haryana Police after two separate rst information reports (FIR) were registered against him in Sonipat. These FIRs were over his social media posts in connection with Operation Sindoor. The rst message analysed the strategic reasons for India’s Operation Sindoor as it had to tackle a Pakistan regime — led by the military — that has sought to hide behind non-state actors while promoting terror in India. It also noted how the empanelment of Muslim military officers in India’s press briefings showcased the pluralist vision of the country, even though this was in contrast with the communal reality that Muslims face in many parts of India in recent years. The second post condemned the “blind bloodlust for war” by some netizens following the ceasefire, while arguing that only the world’s military-industrial complex benefitted from war and that both Hindu and Islamic scriptures emphasised that patience and restraint are virtues in conflict. There is nothing objectionable in his posts that were lucid and patriotic calls for an inclusive India and evinced an understanding that India has been forced to target terror-hubs in Pakistan by removing the distinction between terrorists and the larger terrorist infrastructure backed by Pakistan’s military regime. The Haryana Police’s move was based on complaints by office-bearers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s Yuva Morcha and the Haryana State Women Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia, which said that the posts were disparaging to women in uniform and attributed malicious intent to the Indian government. This is plainly false, and there should have been little basis for the Haryana Police to have acted on these complaints, if they had cared to read and understand the clear messages in the posts. It is also alarming that the arrests have been made on charges that are related to endangering the country’s sovereignty and integrity, and promoting enmity between different groups — akin to the charges of sedition levelled against dissidents in the recent past. Too often, and very wrongly, the charge of sedition has been used by law enforcement agencies across India to quell dissent and the professor’s travails are symptomatic of a pernicious trend in recent years, especially in States ruled by the BJP. His arrest is also a reaction to the worsening state of academic freedoms, where critical understanding and reflections in institutes of higher education on the policies and the actions of the state and governments have been frowned upon and even criminalised in some cases. On Monday, the Supreme Court of India agreed to urgently hear the professor’s case against his arrest. The Court must reiterate the importance of the freedom of expression and come down heavily on law enforcement agencies that misuse powers to slap serious charges related to sedition, on frivolous grounds.

Old and unsafe

Cities must undertake fire safety audit for their old buildings

Mixing history, tradition and commerce, the old city neighbourhoods of India’s metropolises have a unique vibrancy, colour and feel. Some of the hardiest entrepreneurs, talented craftsmen and canny business people have set shop there, along with the working classes, that help turn the wheels of the economy. These neighbourhoods are home to narrow lanes, crumbling commercial structures, and pigeon holes that serve as residences. Packed with people, these bustling neighbourhoods create well-knit communities too. Built well before modern fire safety norms evolved, most of these buildings are also major fire hazards. A stone’s throw away from the Charminar in Hyderabad, a building in Gulzar Houz housed a large joint family engaged in the jewellery business from the time of the Nizam, as well as several shops. As is common in old cities, a tunnel-like entrance near the shops led to a passage and then a courtyard around which there were shops on the ground floor and living areas above. A skylight above the courtyard permitted light, but no air. On Sunday morning, a fire devastated the family killing 17, eight of them children. There was only one staircase to the living areas, a common feature in such accidents. A few seconds of inhaling smoke can trigger panic. Brain death happens in a few minutes. The dead had literally no means of escape once the fire took over the narrow passage. Photographs taken hours after the blaze was put out still showed smoke obscuring the insides. Gulzar Houz-type buildings are a common sight across India’s inner cities, and are standing fire hazards. In Hyderabad, the street was wide enough for fire fighters to access but that is not the case elsewhere. A fire safety audit would establish key deficiencies of each building and perhaps suggest solutions. But there are millions of such buildings and this would be a humongous task. Communities can be engaged by city planners to create awareness and promote safety. Too often, a building is built for a certain electric load, and over time, the load increases multi-fold with air-conditioners becoming must-haves. Fire safety takes a hit right there. Creating more access and exit points and training residents to escape fires are eventually the most effective fire safety measures. Each neighbourhood could have volunteer fire champions who would advocate for fire safety. While policy and government action can initiate change, communities will have to be in the forefront of ensuring fire safety.

1. Unconscionable

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Not guided by conscience; unscrupulous; excessive; unreasonably excessive; shockingly unfair or unjust

Tamil Meaning: மனசாட்சிக்கு புறம்பான

Malayalam Meaning: മനസാക്ഷിക്ക് നിരക്കാത്ത

Kannada Meaning: ಅಂತಃಕರಣಕ್ಕೆ ವಿರುದ್ಧವಾದ

Synonyms: Unethical, immoral, unprincipled, unscrupulous, unjustifiable

Antonyms: Conscionable, ethical, moral, reasonable, justifiable

Example Sentence: The arrest of the professor for expressing his opinions was an unconscionable abuse of power by the authorities.

2. Strategic

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them

Tamil Meaning: உத்திசார்ந்த

Malayalam Meaning: തന്ത്രപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ತಂತ್ರಾತ್ಮಕ

Synonyms: Planned, tactical, calculated, deliberate, systematic

Antonyms: Unplanned, random, haphazard, spontaneous, impulsive

Example Sentence: The government's strategic response to terrorism required careful planning and coordination between various agencies.

3. Tackle

Type: Verb

Meaning: Make determined efforts to deal with a problem or difficult task

Tamil Meaning: எதிர்கொள்ள

Malayalam Meaning: നേരിടുക

Kannada Meaning: ಎದುರಿಸಲು

Synonyms: Address, confront, deal with, handle, approach

Antonyms: Avoid, evade, ignore, neglect, shun

Example Sentence: The government had to tackle the issue of cross-border terrorism with decisive action.

4. Regime

Type: Noun

Meaning: A government, especially an authoritarian one; a system or planned way of doing things

Tamil Meaning: ஆட்சி முறை

Malayalam Meaning: ഭരണകൂടം

Kannada Meaning: ಆಡಳಿತ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆ

Synonyms: Administration, government, authority, rule, leadership

Antonyms: Anarchy, disorder, chaos, lawlessness

Example Sentence: The military regime in Pakistan has often used non-state actors to promote terrorism in neighboring countries.

5. Empanelment

Type: Noun

Meaning: The act of including someone in a panel or an official list of qualified persons

Tamil Meaning: குழுவில் சேர்த்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: പാനലിൽ ഉൾപ്പെടുത്തൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಮಂಡಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸೇರಿಸುವುದು

Synonyms: Enlistment, inclusion, incorporation, selection, registration

Antonyms: Exclusion, rejection, removal, elimination

Example Sentence: The empanelment of Muslim military officers in press briefings demonstrated India's commitment to diversity.

6. Briefings

Type: Noun

Meaning: A meeting at which information or instructions are given to people

Tamil Meaning: விளக்கக் கூட்டங்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: വിവരണയോഗങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಸಭೆಗಳು

Synonyms: Presentations, meetings, conferences, sessions, assemblies

Antonyms: Silence, concealment, withholding

Example Sentence: Regular press briefings were held to update the public on Operation Sindoor's progress.

7. Pluralist

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to a system that recognizes more than one ultimate principle or kind of being; advocating diversity of ethnic, cultural, religious, or racial groups

Tamil Meaning: பன்மைவாத

Malayalam Meaning: ബഹുവാദ

Kannada Meaning: ಬಹುತ್ವವಾದಿ

Synonyms: Diverse, multicultural, heterogeneous, varied, inclusive

Antonyms: Monistic, homogeneous, uniform, exclusive, singular

Example Sentence: India's pluralist vision recognizes and celebrates the diversity of its population across religions, cultures, and languages.

8. Communal

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Relating to or characteristic of a community; relating to conflict between different religious or ethnic groups

Tamil Meaning: சமூக/மத சார்புடைய

Malayalam Meaning: സമുദായപരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಸಾಮುದಾಯಿಕ/ಕೋಮು

Synonyms: Sectarian, religious, ethnic, shared, collective

Antonyms: Individual, personal, private, separate

Example Sentence: The professor highlighted how communal tensions have affected minorities in certain regions of the country.

9. Condemned

Type: Verb

Meaning: Express complete disapproval of; censure

Tamil Meaning: கண்டித்தார்

Malayalam Meaning: അപലപിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ಖಂಡಿಸಿದರು

Synonyms: Denounced, criticized, censured, deplored, disapproved

Antonyms: Praised, approved, commended, endorsed, supported

Example Sentence: In his post, the professor condemned the blind calls for war that emerged on social media.

10. Bloodlust

Type: Noun

Meaning: Uncontrollable desire to kill or maim others

Tamil Meaning: இரத்த வெறி

Malayalam Meaning: രക്തദാഹം

Kannada Meaning: ರಕ್ತಪಿಪಾಸೆ

Synonyms: Bloodthirstiness, savagery, brutality, ferocity, cruelty

Antonyms: Compassion, mercy, kindness, gentleness, pacifism

Example Sentence: The professor criticized the blind bloodlust displayed by some citizens who were eager for war without understanding its consequences.

11. Ceasefire

Type: Noun

Meaning: A temporary suspension of fighting agreed upon by all sides engaged in a conflict

Tamil Meaning: போர் நிறுத்தம்

Malayalam Meaning: വെടിനിർത്തൽ

Kannada Meaning: ಕದನ ವಿರಾಮ

Synonyms: Truce, armistice, peace, standstill, suspension of hostilities

Antonyms: Conflict, hostility, warfare, battle, fighting

Example Sentence: After the ceasefire was declared, diplomatic efforts began to establish a more permanent peace.

12. Emphasised

Type: Verb

Meaning: Give special importance or value to something in speaking or writing

Tamil Meaning: வலியுறுத்தினார்

Malayalam Meaning: ഊന്നിപ്പറഞ്ഞു

Kannada Meaning: ಒತ್ತಿ ಹೇಳಿದರು

Synonyms: Stressed, highlighted, underlined, accentuated, underscored

Antonyms: Downplayed, understated, minimized, trivialized, overlooked

Example Sentence: The professor emphasised that both Hindu and Islamic scriptures advocate for restraint during conflicts.

13. Restraint

Type: Noun

Meaning: Unemotional, dispassionate, or moderate behavior; self-control

Tamil Meaning: தன்னடக்கம்

Malayalam Meaning: നിയന്ത്രണം

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಗ್ರಹ

Synonyms: Self-control, moderation, constraint, discipline, reserve

Antonyms: Excess, indulgence, abandon, wildness, immoderation

Example Sentence: The professor called for restraint from all sides to prevent the escalation of military conflict.

14. Virtues

Type: Noun

Meaning: Behavior showing high moral standards; a good or useful quality

Tamil Meaning: நற்பண்புகள்

Malayalam Meaning: സദ്ഗുണങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಸದ್ಗುಣಗಳು

Synonyms: Goodness, righteousness, morality, integrity, excellence

Antonyms: Vices, sins, flaws, failings, defects

Example Sentence: Patience and restraint are virtues that both religious traditions uphold, especially during times of conflict.

15. Conflict

Type: Noun

Meaning: A serious disagreement or argument; a prolonged armed struggle

Tamil Meaning: மோதல்

Malayalam Meaning: സംഘർഷം

Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಘರ್ಷ

Synonyms: Dispute, clash, disagreement, hostility, struggle

Antonyms: Agreement, harmony, peace, concord, cooperation

Example Sentence: The professor's analysis of the conflict between India and Pakistan highlighted the complexities of the long-standing tensions.

16. Objectionable

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Arousing distaste or opposition; offensive

Tamil Meaning: ஆட்சேபகரமான

Malayalam Meaning: ആക്ഷേപകരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಆಕ್ಷೇಪಾರ್ಹವಾದ

Synonyms: Offensive, disagreeable, unpleasant, unacceptable, repugnant

Antonyms: Acceptable, agreeable, pleasant, inoffensive, unobjectionable

Example Sentence: There was nothing objectionable in the professor's posts that warranted his arrest.

17. Lucid

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Expressed clearly; easy to understand

Tamil Meaning: தெளிவான

Malayalam Meaning: വ്യക്തമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟವಾದ

Synonyms: Clear, intelligible, comprehensible, understandable, articulate

Antonyms: Unclear, confusing, ambiguous, vague, incomprehensible

Example Sentence: The professor's lucid analysis of the geopolitical situation helped readers understand the complexities of the operation.

18. Inclusive

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Not excluding any section of society; including all specified items or people

Tamil Meaning: அனைத்தையும் உள்ளடக்கிய

Malayalam Meaning: ഉൾക്കൊള്ളുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಎಲ್ಲರನ್ನೂ ಒಳಗೊಂಡ

Synonyms: All-embracing, comprehensive, all-encompassing, universal, wide-ranging

Antonyms: Exclusive, restrictive, limited, selective, discriminatory

Example Sentence: The professor called for an inclusive India where all citizens are treated equally regardless of their religion.

19. Evinced

Type: Verb

Meaning: Reveal the presence of a quality or feeling; indicate

Tamil Meaning: வெளிப்படுத்தியது

Malayalam Meaning: വെളിവാക്കി

Kannada Meaning: ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿತು

Synonyms: Demonstrated, displayed, showed, manifested, indicated

Antonyms: Concealed, hid, disguised, masked, camouflaged

Example Sentence: The professor's posts evinced a deep understanding of India's security challenges and patriotic sentiment.

20. Disparaging

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Expressing the opinion that something is of little worth; derogatory

Tamil Meaning: இழிவுபடுத்தும்

Malayalam Meaning: നിന്ദിക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ತಿರಸ್ಕರಿಸುವ

Synonyms: Belittling, demeaning, derogatory, deprecating, critical

Antonyms: Complimentary, praising, flattering, admiring, appreciative

Example Sentence: The complaints falsely claimed that the professor's posts were disparaging to women in uniform.

21. Attributed

Type: Verb

Meaning: Regard something as being caused by someone or something

Tamil Meaning: சாட்டினார்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: ആരോപിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ಆರೋಪಿಸಿದರು

Synonyms: Ascribed, assigned, credited, imputed, traced

Antonyms: Denied, disavowed, rejected, disclaimed, dissociated

Example Sentence: The complainants wrongfully attributed malicious intent to the professor's analysis of the military operation.

22. Malicious

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Characterized by malice; intending or intended to do harm

Tamil Meaning: தீய எண்ணம் கொண்ட

Malayalam Meaning: ദുഷ്ടലാക്കോടെ

Kannada Meaning: ದುರುದ್ದೇಶದಿಂದ ಕೂಡಿದ

Synonyms: Spiteful, vindictive, vengeful, hostile, nasty

Antonyms: Benevolent, kind, benign, gentle, well-intentioned

Example Sentence: The police claimed the professor had malicious intent in his posts, despite the clear patriotic tone of his writing.

23. Intent

Type: Noun

Meaning: Intention or purpose

Tamil Meaning: நோக்கம்

Malayalam Meaning: ഉദ്ദേശ്യം

Kannada Meaning: ಉದ್ದೇಶ

Synonyms: Purpose, aim, objective, goal, design

Antonyms: Accident, chance, coincidence, unintentionality

Example Sentence: The complaints misinterpreted the intent behind the professor's social media posts.

24. Alarming

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Causing alarm or apprehension; worrying or disturbing

Tamil Meaning: அச்சம் தரும்

Malayalam Meaning: ആശങ്കാജനകമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಆತಂಕಕಾರಿ

Synonyms: Disturbing, worrying, concerning, troubling, disquieting

Antonyms: Reassuring, comforting, soothing, calming, encouraging

Example Sentence: It is alarming that the authorities are using serious charges to silence legitimate criticism.

25. Endangering

Type: Verb

Meaning: Put at risk or in danger

Tamil Meaning: ஆபத்தில் சிக்க வைக்கும்

Malayalam Meaning: അപകടത്തിലാക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಅಪಾಯಕ್ಕೆ ಒಡ್ಡುವ

Synonyms: Threatening, jeopardizing, imperiling, risking, compromising

Antonyms: Protecting, safeguarding, securing, defending, preserving

Example Sentence: The authorities accused the professor of endangering national security through his social media posts.

26. Sovereignty

Type: Noun

Meaning: Supreme power or authority; the authority of a state to govern itself

Tamil Meaning: இறையாண்மை

Malayalam Meaning: പരമാധികാരം

Kannada Meaning: ಸಾರ್ವಭೌಮತ್ವ

Synonyms: Independence, autonomy, self-government, self-rule, freedom

Antonyms: Dependence, subjugation, subordination, submission

Example Sentence: The charges against the professor falsely claimed that his posts threatened India's sovereignty.

27. Akin to

Type: Phrasal expression

Meaning: Similar or related to; resembling in some way

Tamil Meaning: ஒத்த

Malayalam Meaning: സമാനമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಹೋಲುವ

Synonyms: Similar to, comparable to, like, resembling, analogous to

Antonyms: Different from, unlike, dissimilar to, unrelated to

Example Sentence: The charges against the professor were akin to sedition, which has been misused to silence dissent in the past.

28. Sedition

Type: Noun

Meaning: Conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state

Tamil Meaning: அரசத் துரோகம்

Malayalam Meaning: രാജ്യദ്രോഹം

Kannada Meaning: ರಾಜದ್ರೋಹ

Synonyms: Rebellion, insurrection, mutiny, uprising, subversion

Antonyms: Loyalty, allegiance, faithfulness, patriotism, fidelity

Example Sentence: The charge of sedition has often been misused to suppress legitimate criticism of government policies.

29. Dissidents

Type: Noun

Meaning: People who oppose official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state

Tamil Meaning: எதிர்ப்பாளர்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: അഭിപ്രായഭേദക്കാർ

Kannada Meaning: ಭಿನ್ನಾಭಿಪ್ರಾಯ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸುವವರು

Synonyms: Protesters, rebels, objectors, critics, nonconformists

Antonyms: Conformists, supporters, adherents, loyalists, followers

Example Sentence: Many dissidents have faced similar charges for expressing their views against government policies.

30. Travails

Type: Noun

Meaning: Painful or laborious effort; hardship or suffering

Tamil Meaning: துன்பங்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: കഷ്ടപ്പാടുകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಕಷ್ಟಗಳು

Synonyms: Hardships, difficulties, troubles, tribulations, ordeals

Antonyms: Comforts, pleasures, ease, enjoyment, convenience

Example Sentence: The professor's travails highlight the shrinking space for academic freedom in the country.

31. Pernicious

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way

Tamil Meaning: கேடு விளைவிக்கும்

Malayalam Meaning: ദോഷകരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಹಾನಿಕಾರಕ

Synonyms: Harmful, damaging, destructive, injurious, deleterious

Antonyms: Beneficial, advantageous, helpful, constructive, favorable

Example Sentence: The arrest is symptomatic of a pernicious trend of using legal mechanisms to crush dissent.

32. Quell

Type: Verb

Meaning: Put an end to; suppress

Tamil Meaning: அடக்கு

Malayalam Meaning: അടിച്ചമർത്തുക

Kannada Meaning: ನಿಗ್ರಹಿಸು

Synonyms: Suppress, subdue, crush, stifle, extinguish

Antonyms: Encourage, foster, promote, stimulate, incite

Example Sentence: The government has frequently used sedition laws to quell dissent and silence critics.

33. Dissent

Type: Noun

Meaning: The expression of opinions that are different from those that are officially held

Tamil Meaning: கருத்து வேறுபாடு

Malayalam Meaning: വിയോജിപ്പ്

Kannada Meaning: ಭಿನ್ನಾಭಿಪ್ರಾಯ

Synonyms: Disagreement, difference, nonconformity, opposition, protest

Antonyms: Agreement, assent, conformity, compliance, acceptance

Example Sentence: Academic freedom and the right to dissent are cornerstones of a healthy democracy.

34. Frowned

Type: Verb

Meaning: To regard with disapproval or distaste

Tamil Meaning: கண்டனம் செய்யப்பட்டன

Malayalam Meaning: നിരുത്സാഹപ്പെടുത്തി

Kannada Meaning: ನಿರುತ್ಸಾಹಗೊಳಿಸಲಾಯಿತು

Synonyms: Disapproved, discouraged, disfavored, condemned, censured

Antonyms: Approved, encouraged, favored, welcomed, supported

Example Sentence: Critical thinking in academic institutions has been frowned upon by those who prefer blind conformity.

35. Reiterate

Type: Verb

Meaning: Say something again or repeatedly, typically for emphasis or clarity

Tamil Meaning: மீண்டும் வலியுறுத்து

Malayalam Meaning: ആവർത്തിച്ച് പറയുക

Kannada Meaning: ಮತ್ತೆ ಒತ್ತಿ ಹೇಳು

Synonyms: Repeat, restate, recapitulate, rehash, echo

Antonyms: Retract, withdraw, recant, abandon, disavow

Example Sentence: The Supreme Court must reiterate the importance of freedom of expression to protect democratic values.

36. Frivolous

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Not having any serious purpose or value; unworthy of serious attention

Tamil Meaning: அற்பமான

Malayalam Meaning: നിസ്സാരമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಪ್ರಯೋಜಕ

Synonyms: Trivial, silly, foolish, pointless, trifling

Antonyms: Serious, important, significant, substantial, meaningful

Example Sentence: The complaints against the professor were based on frivolous grounds that misinterpreted his thoughtful analysis.

37. Metropolises

Type: Noun

Meaning: The capital or chief city of a country or region; a very large and busy city

Tamil Meaning: பெருநகரங்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: മഹാനഗരങ്ങൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಮಹಾನಗರಗಳು

Synonyms: Cities, megalopolises, urban centers, conurbations, municipalities

Antonyms: Villages, hamlets, countryside, rural areas, outskirts

Example Sentence: India's metropolises contain historic neighborhoods that blend commerce, culture, and tradition.

38. Vibrancy

Type: Noun

Meaning: The state of being full of energy and life

Tamil Meaning: துடிப்பு

Malayalam Meaning: ഊർജ്ജസ്വലത

Kannada Meaning: ಚೈತನ್ಯ

Synonyms: Energy, liveliness, vitality, animation, dynamism

Antonyms: Dullness, lifelessness, lethargy, stillness, inertia

Example Sentence: The old city neighborhoods have a unique vibrancy that comes from their mix of history, culture, and commerce.

39. Craftsmen

Type: Noun

Meaning: A person who is skilled in a particular craft

Tamil Meaning: கைவினைஞர்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: കരകൗശലവിദഗ്ധർ

Kannada Meaning: ಕುಶಲಕರ್ಮಿಗಳು

Synonyms: Artisans, skilled workers, artificers, tradesmen, handymen

Antonyms: Amateurs, novices, apprentices, beginners, unskilled workers

Example Sentence: Talented craftsmen maintain their traditional workshops in the old city, creating unique handmade products.

40. Canny

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Having or showing shrewdness and good judgment, especially in money or business matters

Tamil Meaning: புத்திசாலித்தனமான

Malayalam Meaning: വിദഗ്ധമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಚಾಣಾಕ್ಷ

Synonyms: Shrewd, astute, clever, wise, judicious

Antonyms: Naive, foolish, gullible, imprudent, unwise

Example Sentence: Canny business people in these old neighborhoods have successfully adapted their trade to changing times.

41. Set shop

Type: Phrasal verb

Meaning: To establish a business or enterprise

Tamil Meaning: தொழில் தொடங்கியுள்ளனர்

Malayalam Meaning: കച്ചവടം തുടങ്ങി

Kannada Meaning: ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ

Synonyms: Established a business, opened a store, started trading, founded a company

Antonyms: Closed down, shut shop, went out of business

Example Sentence: Many entrepreneurs have set shop in these historic areas, taking advantage of the steady flow of visitors.

42. Crumbling

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Breaking or falling apart gradually; deteriorating

Tamil Meaning: சிதைந்து வரும்

Malayalam Meaning: പൊളിഞ്ഞുകൊണ്ടിരിക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಕುಸಿಯುತ್ತಿರುವ

Synonyms: Decaying, disintegrating, collapsing, deteriorating, dilapidated

Antonyms: Sturdy, solid, stable, robust, durable

Example Sentence: The crumbling commercial structures in old city areas pose significant safety risks to occupants.

43. Pigeon holes

Type: Noun

Meaning: Small compartments or recesses for papers, letters, etc.; metaphorically, a small, cramped living space

Tamil Meaning: சிறிய அறைகள்

Malayalam Meaning: ചെറിയ മുറികൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಚಿಕ್ಕ ಕೋಣೆಗಳು

Synonyms: Cubicles, compartments, recesses, niches, small spaces

Antonyms: Expansive spaces, large rooms, open areas

Example Sentence: Many families live in pigeon holes that serve as residences in these densely packed neighborhoods.

44. Bustling

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Full of activity; busy

Tamil Meaning: பரபரப்பான

Malayalam Meaning: തിരക്കേറിയ

Kannada Meaning: ಗದ್ದಲದ

Synonyms: Busy, active, lively, hectic, teeming

Antonyms: Quiet, deserted, empty, inactive, dormant

Example Sentence: Despite the fire risks, these bustling neighborhoods remain vital economic and cultural centers.

45. Well-knit

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Firmly or closely integrated; cohesive

Tamil Meaning: நெருக்கமான

Malayalam Meaning: സുഘടിതമായ

Kannada Meaning: ಒಗ್ಗಟ್ಟಾದ

Synonyms: Cohesive, close-knit, tight-knit, unified, integrated

Antonyms: Fragmented, divided, disjointed, fractured, disconnected

Example Sentence: These neighborhoods create well-knit communities where residents look out for each other.

46. Evolved

Type: Verb

Meaning: Developed gradually from a simple to a more complex form

Tamil Meaning: உருவாகின

Malayalam Meaning: വികസിച്ചു

Kannada Meaning: ವಿಕಾಸಗೊಂಡವು

Synonyms: Developed, progressed, advanced, matured, unfolded

Antonyms: Regressed, declined, deteriorated, receded, devolved

Example Sentence: Modern fire safety norms have evolved over time, leaving many older buildings non-compliant with current standards.

47. Hazards

Type: Noun

Meaning: A danger or risk; something that can cause harm

Tamil Meaning: அபாயங்கள்

Malayalam Meaning: അപകടസാധ്യതകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಅಪಾಯಗಳು

Synonyms: Dangers, risks, perils, threats, jeopardies

Antonyms: Safeguards, protections, securities, safety measures

Example Sentence: Old buildings without proper fire exits constitute major hazards for residents and businesses.

48. Stone's throw away

Type: Idiom

Meaning: A very short distance

Tamil Meaning: மிக அருகில்

Malayalam Meaning: വളരെ അടുത്ത്

Kannada Meaning: ತುಂಬಾ ಹತ್ತಿರ

Synonyms: Nearby, close by, a short distance, in the vicinity, not far

Antonyms: Far away, distant, remote, far-flung

Example Sentence: The building that caught fire was just a stone's throw away from the historic Charminar monument.

49. Engaged

Type: Verb

Meaning: Busy or occupied; involved in activity

Tamil Meaning: ஈடுபட்ட

Malayalam Meaning: ഏർപ്പെട്ടിരുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ತೊಡಗಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದ

Synonyms: Involved, occupied, busy, active, participating

Antonyms: Disengaged, uninvolved, idle, inactive, detached

Example Sentence: The family engaged in the jewelry business had been operating from the same location for generations.

50. Inhaling

Type: Verb

Meaning: Breathe in (air, gas, smoke, etc.)

Tamil Meaning: உள்ளிழுத்தல்

Malayalam Meaning: ശ്വസിക്കുന്നത്

Kannada Meaning: ಉಸಿರಾಡುವುದು

Synonyms: Breathing in, drawing in, sucking in, aspiring

Antonyms: Exhaling, breathing out, expelling

Example Sentence: The victims' deaths were likely caused by inhaling toxic smoke before they could escape the building.

51. Trigger

Type: Verb

Meaning: Cause (an event or situation) to happen or exist

Tamil Meaning: தூண்டுகிறது

Malayalam Meaning: ട്രിഗർ ചെയ്യുന്നു

Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಚೋದಿಸುತ್ತದೆ

Synonyms: Cause, provoke, initiate, spark, set off

Antonyms: Prevent, stop, hinder, restrain, inhibit

Example Sentence: Inhaling smoke can trigger panic, making it harder for people to escape a fire.

52. Panic

Type: Noun

Meaning: Sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behavior

Tamil Meaning: பதற்றம்

Malayalam Meaning: പരിഭ്രാന്തി

Kannada Meaning: ಭೀತಿ

Synonyms: Fear, terror, alarm, fright, dread

Antonyms: Calm, composure, tranquility, serenity, peace

Example Sentence: Fire safety training can help prevent panic during emergencies and save lives.

53. Blaze

Type: Noun

Meaning: A very large or fiercely burning fire

Tamil Meaning: தீப்பிழம்பு

Malayalam Meaning: അഗ്നിബാധ

Kannada Meaning: ಬೆಂಕಿ

Synonyms: Fire, conflagration, inferno, flames, combustion

Antonyms: Extinguishment, dampening, quenching

Example Sentence: Firefighters worked for hours to control the blaze that consumed the old building.

54. Put out

Type: Phrasal verb

Meaning: Extinguish or cause to stop burning

Tamil Meaning: அணைக்கப்பட்டது

Malayalam Meaning: കെടുത്തി

Kannada Meaning: ನಂದಿಸಲಾಯಿತು

Synonyms: Extinguished, doused, quenched, smothered, suppressed

Antonyms: Ignited, lit, kindled, inflamed, started

Example Sentence: Even after the fire was put out, the building remained dangerous due to structural damage.

55. Obscuring

Type: Verb

Meaning: Keep from being seen; conceal

Tamil Meaning: மறைக்கும்

Malayalam Meaning: മറയ്ക്കുന്ന

Kannada Meaning: ಮರೆಮಾಚುವ

Synonyms: Hiding, concealing, veiling, masking, shrouding

Antonyms: Revealing, exposing, displaying, showing, uncovering

Example Sentence: Hours after the fire, smoke was still obscuring the interior of the building, hampering rescue efforts.

56. Deficiencies

Type: Noun

Meaning: A lack or shortage of something; shortcomings

Tamil Meaning: குறைபாடுகள்

Malayalam Meaning: പോരായ്മകൾ

Kannada Meaning: ಕೊರತೆಗಳು

Synonyms: Shortcomings, inadequacies, flaws, weaknesses, limitations

Antonyms: Strengths, advantages, assets, adequacies, sufficiencies

Example Sentence: A fire safety audit would identify key deficiencies in older buildings that pose risks to occupants.

57. Humongous

Type: Adjective

Meaning: Extremely large; enormous

Tamil Meaning: மிகப்பெரிய

Malayalam Meaning: വളരെ വലിയ

Kannada Meaning: ಬಹಳ ದೊಡ್ಡದಾದ

Synonyms: Enormous, massive, immense, colossal, gigantic

Antonyms: Tiny, minuscule, small, little, diminutive

Example Sentence: Conducting fire safety audits for all old buildings in India's cities would be a humongous task requiring significant resources.

58. Initiate

Type: Verb

Meaning: Cause a process or action to begin

Tamil Meaning: தொடங்கலாம்

Malayalam Meaning: ആരംഭിക്കാം

Kannada Meaning: ಆರಂಭಿಸಬಹುದು

Synonyms: Begin, start, commence, launch, instigate

Antonyms: End, conclude, terminate, finish, cease

Example Sentence: Government policies can initiate change, but community involvement is crucial for effective fire safety implementatio