The Hindu Editorial : May 28, 2025 - Learn Vocabulary

Boost your English with The Hindu Editorial – May 28, 2025

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Reign of chaos

Yunus is pushing Bangladesh to the brink of instability

Tensions between Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, and the military are no longer a secret. On Monday, an army spokesperson publicly voiced opposition to the government’s proposal to open a “humanitarian corridor” to Myanmar’s conflict-torn Rakhine State, home to the persecuted Rohingya. The government’s plan is to supply medicines and other aid, but the military believes it would pose significant security challenges. Last week, Bangladesh army chief, Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman, expressed concerns about several of the government’s initiatives, including the so-called humanitarian corridor, the potential foreign management of Chattogram Port, and the introduction of Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite Internet service. He also urged the government to hold early elections for “a stable, elected government” that is capable of making decisions related to national security. Amid the growing rift, speculation swirled in Dhaka last week that Mr. Yunus might step down. Later, a Cabinet member said that Mr. Yunus “is staying with us”, but the Army’s subsequent press conference suggests that the cold war is far from over.

When Mr. Yunus, backed by student groups, took over as the ‘Chief Adviser’ of the interim government on August 8, 2024, three days after the fall of the Hasina administration, he promised to lead Bangladesh into a new dawn of democracy from the semi-authoritarian years of the Awami League. But nine months on, he is still struggling to stabilise the country and rein in the mobs. The government’s crackdown on the Awami League, one of Bangladesh’s largest political parties, has further eroded hopes for inclusive elections. Most of the party’s senior leaders are either in exile or in hiding, while hundreds of party workers have been killed. Earlier this month, the interim government officially banned the Awami League, yielding to pressure from the student leaders and Islamist factions. Mr. Yunus and his allies, including the National Citizen Party, established by student leaders after Ms. Hasina’s fall, claim that elections can be held only by mid-next year, citing the need for electoral and political reforms. But the continued delay has sparked protests by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and drawn public criticism from the military. By postponing the elections, suppressing the Awami League, using both state and non-state tools, and failing to restrain the mobs, Mr. Yunus, an unelected leader, is steering Bangladesh into deepening chaos and uncertainty. What Bangladesh urgently needs is a stable, legitimate government with a clear popular mandate. The interim government and all relevant stakeholders must prioritise holding inclusive, free and fair elections, at the earliest possible opportunity, ensuring the participation of all political factions.

Energy and efficiency
India must reduce its power consumption by increasing efficiency

Despite robust growth in electricity generation over the past two decades, with rapid additions of renewable energy in the past five years, India has been unable to meet its peak power demand, with the deficit widening from 0.69% in FY20 to about 5% in FY24. This reveals constraints in the supply of power — new power production is time consuming, especially if fossil-fuel based, even as India attempts to integrate renewable power into the power grid. Therefore, India must focus on enhancing energy efficiency holistically to reduce power demand, also the quickest and least expensive way to address rising power demand and climate change. This year marks a decade of India’s groundbreaking energy efficiency scheme, UJALA, which has helped bring down the price of energy efficient light emitting diode (LED) bulbs from about ₹500 a decade ago to ₹70, enabling its widespread home use. The scheme succeeded as another public energy efficiency measure was baked into the initiative — the Street Lighting National Programme, which led to the installation of over 1.34 crore LED lamps across urban local bodies and gram panchayats, and reducing peak demand by over 1,500 MW. As of January 2025, the government has distributed about 37 crore LED bulbs and enabled the sale of about 407 crore more.

LED bulbs consume half the amount of power of compact fluorescent lamps, while incandescent light bulbs require nine times the power that LEDs consume, translating into considerable cost savings for Indian homes. But estimates also suggest that the UJALA scheme alone has helped India save over $10 billion and avoided building over 9,500 MW of new generation capacity, which is the equivalent of 19 new coal-fired 500 MW power plants. Indeed, there are other energy efficiency measures that India has taken following the enactment of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. The International Energy Agency states that between 2000 and 2018, energy efficiency improvements enabled India to avoid an additional 15% of energy demand and 300Mt of CO₂ emissions. But with India’s rapid urbanisation in the past two decades and rising per capita energy consumption to meet cooling needs as summers get hotter, peak power demand reached 250 GW last year. India is today the third largest power consumer globally, after China and the United States. Moreover, 70% of its energy output continues to be from coal and India has plans to add another 90 GW of coal-based capacity by 2032. What is needed now is greater energy efficiency mandates across sectors such as buildings, home appliances and the country’s sprawling MSMEs.

The Hindu Editorial Vocabulary Analysis

May 28, 2025

1. spokesperson

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: A person who speaks on behalf of a group or organization
Tamil Meaning: பேச்சாளர் (Pēccāḷar)
Malayalam Meaning: വക്താവ് (Vaktāv)
Kannada Meaning: ವಕ್ತಾರ (Vaktāra)
Synonyms: Representative, mouthpiece, advocate, delegate, envoy
Antonyms: Listener, audience, recipient
Example Sentence: The army spokesperson clarified the military's position on the proposed humanitarian corridor to Myanmar.

2. voiced

Type: [Part of speech: Verb]
Meaning: Expressed or articulated an opinion or concern
Tamil Meaning: கூறினார் (Kūṟiṉār)
Malayalam Meaning: പ്രകടിപ്പിച്ചു (Prakaḍippichu)
Kannada Meaning: ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದರು (Vyaktapaḍisidaru)
Synonyms: Expressed, articulated, stated, declared, communicated
Antonyms: Suppressed, silenced, concealed, withheld
Example Sentence: The military leadership voiced strong opposition to the government's foreign policy initiatives.

3. proposal

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: A plan or suggestion put forward for consideration
Tamil Meaning: முன்மொழிவு (Muṉmoḻivu)
Malayalam Meaning: നിർദ്ദേശം (Nirdēśaṁ)
Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾವನೆ (Prastāvane)
Synonyms: Suggestion, recommendation, plan, scheme, offer
Antonyms: Rejection, refusal, opposition, denial
Example Sentence: The government's proposal for a humanitarian corridor faced significant military resistance.

4. humanitarian

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective]
Meaning: Concerned with human welfare and the alleviation of suffering
Tamil Meaning: மனிதநேய (Maṉitanēya)
Malayalam Meaning: മാനുഷിക (Māṇuṣika)
Kannada Meaning: ಮಾನವೀಯ (Mānavīya)
Synonyms: Compassionate, charitable, benevolent, altruistic, philanthropic
Antonyms: Inhumane, cruel, selfish, heartless, callous
Example Sentence: The humanitarian crisis in Myanmar requires immediate international intervention and aid.

5. corridor

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: A passage or route, especially one providing access between regions
Tamil Meaning: நடைபாதை (Naṭaipātai)
Malayalam Meaning: ഇടനാഴി (Iḍanāḻi)
Kannada Meaning: ಮಾರ್ಗ (Mārga)
Synonyms: Passage, pathway, route, channel, conduit
Antonyms: Barrier, blockade, obstruction, wall
Example Sentence: The proposed corridor would facilitate the delivery of essential supplies to conflict-affected areas.

6. conflict-torn

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective/Compound word]
Meaning: Severely damaged or disrupted by ongoing conflict or war
Tamil Meaning: மோதல் சூழ்ந்த (Mōtal cūḻnta)
Malayalam Meaning: സംഘർഷബാധിത (Saṁgharṣabādhita)
Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಘರ್ಷಗ್ರಸ್ತ (Saṁgharṣagrasta)
Synonyms: War-ravaged, strife-ridden, battle-scarred, devastated
Antonyms: Peaceful, stable, harmonious, tranquil
Example Sentence: The conflict-torn region of Rakhine State desperately needs humanitarian assistance and stability.

7. persecuted

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective/Past participle]
Meaning: Subjected to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race, religion, or beliefs
Tamil Meaning: துன்புறுத்தப்பட்ட (Tuṉpuṟuttappaṭṭa)
Malayalam Meaning: പീഡിപ്പിക്കപ്പെട്ട (Pīḍippikkappeṭṭa)
Kannada Meaning: ಹಿಂಸಿಸಲ್ಪಟ್ಟ (Hiṁsisalpaṭṭa)
Synonyms: Oppressed, harassed, tormented, victimized, mistreated
Antonyms: Protected, defended, supported, welcomed
Example Sentence: The persecuted Rohingya community continues to face severe human rights violations in Myanmar.

8. pose

Type: [Part of speech: Verb]
Meaning: To present or constitute a particular problem, danger, or difficulty
Tamil Meaning: ஏற்படுத்து (Ēṟpaṭuttu)
Malayalam Meaning: ഉയർത്തുക (Uyarttuka)
Kannada Meaning: ಒಡ್ಡು (Oḍḍu)
Synonyms: Present, create, cause, generate, constitute
Antonyms: Resolve, eliminate, remove, solve
Example Sentence: The humanitarian corridor could pose significant security challenges for Bangladesh's border regions.

9. concerns

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: Matters that cause worry or anxiety; issues requiring attention
Tamil Meaning: கவலைகள் (Kavalaigaḷ)
Malayalam Meaning: ആശങ്കകൾ (Āśaṅkakaḷ)
Kannada Meaning: ಚಿಂತೆಗಳು (Ciṁtegaḷu)
Synonyms: Worries, anxieties, issues, problems, troubles
Antonyms: Confidence, assurance, certainty, peace of mind
Example Sentence: The army chief expressed serious concerns about the government's foreign policy decisions.

10. initiatives

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: New plans or processes introduced to address particular issues or achieve specific goals
Tamil Meaning: முன்முயற்சிகள் (Muṉmuyaṟcigaḷ)
Malayalam Meaning: സംരംഭങ്ങൾ (Saṁraṁbhaṅṅaḷ)
Kannada Meaning: ಉಪಕ್ರಮಗಳು (Upakramagaḷu)
Synonyms: Programs, projects, schemes, ventures, undertakings
Antonyms: Inaction, passivity, neglect, abandonment
Example Sentence: The government's new initiatives include modernizing port management and improving internet connectivity.

11. rift

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: A serious disagreement or division between people or groups
Tamil Meaning: பிளவு (Piḷavu)
Malayalam Meaning: പിളർപ്പ് (Piḷarp)
Kannada Meaning: ಬಿರುಕು (Biruku)
Synonyms: Division, split, breach, schism, disagreement
Antonyms: Unity, harmony, agreement, reconciliation
Example Sentence: The growing rift between the interim government and military threatens Bangladesh's stability.

12. speculation

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: The forming of theories or conjectures without firm evidence
Tamil Meaning: ஊகம் (Ūgam)
Malayalam Meaning: ഊഹാപോഹങ്ങൾ (Ūhāpōhaṅṅaḷ)
Kannada Meaning: ಊಹಾಪೋಹ (Ūhāpōha)
Synonyms: Conjecture, rumor, theory, hypothesis, guesswork
Antonyms: Fact, certainty, evidence, proof, reality
Example Sentence: Speculation about the Prime Minister's resignation dominated political discussions last week.

13. swirled

Type: [Part of speech: Verb]
Meaning: Moved rapidly in a circular or spiraling pattern; circulated widely
Tamil Meaning: சுழன்றது (Cuḻaṉṟatu)
Malayalam Meaning: കറങ്ങി (Kaṟaṅṅi)
Kannada Meaning: ಸುತ್ತಿದವು (Suttidavu)
Synonyms: Circulated, spread, whirled, rotated, proliferated
Antonyms: Settled, calmed, stagnated, remained static
Example Sentence: Rumors about political changes swirled throughout the capital city.

14. step down

Type: [Part of speech: Phrasal verb]
Meaning: To resign from a position of authority or responsibility
Tamil Meaning: பதவி விலக (Patavi vilaga)
Malayalam Meaning: സ്ഥാനമൊഴിയുക (Sthānamoḻ​iyuka)
Kannada Meaning: ಪದತ್ಯಾಗ ಮಾಡು (Padatyāga māḍu)
Synonyms: Resign, quit, retire, withdraw, abdicate
Antonyms: Step up, assume office, take charge, continue
Example Sentence: Political pressure mounted for the interim leader to step down and call early elections.

15. subsequent

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective]
Meaning: Coming after something in time; following
Tamil Meaning: அடுத்தடுத்த (Aṭuttaṭutta)
Malayalam Meaning: തുടർന്നുള്ള (Tuḍarnuḷḷa)
Kannada Meaning: ನಂತರದ (Naṁtarada)
Synonyms: Following, later, next, succeeding, ensuing
Antonyms: Previous, prior, earlier, preceding, former
Example Sentence: The army's subsequent press conference revealed the depth of military-civilian tensions.

16. far from over

Type: [Part of speech: Idiom]
Meaning: Not finished or resolved; continuing or likely to continue
Tamil Meaning: முடிவுக்கு வரவில்லை (Muṭivukku varavillai)
Malayalam Meaning: അവസാനിച്ചിട്ടില്ല (Avasāniccuṁiṭṭilla)
Kannada Meaning: ಕೊನೆಗೊಂಡಿಲ್ಲ (Konegoṁḍilla)
Synonyms: Ongoing, continuing, unresolved, persistent, unfinished
Antonyms: Concluded, finished, resolved, ended, completed
Example Sentence: The political crisis in Bangladesh is far from over despite attempts at reconciliation.

17. backed

Type: [Part of speech: Verb/Past participle]
Meaning: Supported or endorsed by someone or something
Tamil Meaning: ஆதரவளித்த (Ātaravaḷitta)
Malayalam Meaning: പിന്തുണച്ച (Pintuṇacca)
Kannada Meaning: ಬೆಂಬಲಿಸಿದ (Bembalised)
Synonyms: Supported, endorsed, sponsored, aided, championed
Antonyms: Opposed, hindered, undermined, abandoned
Example Sentence: The interim leader was backed by student organizations during the political transition.

18. took over

Type: [Part of speech: Phrasal verb]
Meaning: Assumed control or responsibility for something
Tamil Meaning: பொறுப்பேற்றார் (Poṟuppēṟṟār)
Malayalam Meaning: ചുമതലയേറ്റു (Cumatala​yēṟṟu)
Kannada Meaning: ಅಧಿಕಾರ ವಹಿಸಿಕೊಂಡರು (Adhikāra vahisikoṁḍaru)
Synonyms: Assumed control, seized power, inherited, acquired, commandeered
Antonyms: Relinquished, surrendered, handed over, abandoned
Example Sentence: Muhammad Yunus took over as Chief Adviser following the fall of the previous administration.

19. interim

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective]
Meaning: Temporary; in the meantime; provisional
Tamil Meaning: இடைக்கால (Iṭaikkāla)
Malayalam Meaning: ഇടക്കാല (Iḍakkāla)
Kannada Meaning: ಮಧ್ಯಂತರ (Madhyaṁtara)
Synonyms: Temporary, provisional, transitional, acting, caretaker
Antonyms: Permanent, lasting, final, definitive, established
Example Sentence: The interim government was expected to organize elections within a reasonable timeframe.

20. dawn

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: The beginning or emergence of something; daybreak
Tamil Meaning: விடியல் (Viṭiyal)
Malayalam Meaning: ഉഷസ്സ് (Uṣass)
Kannada Meaning: ಉದಯ (Udaya)
Synonyms: Beginning, start, emergence, onset, daybreak
Antonyms: End, conclusion, sunset, twilight, termination
Example Sentence: The new leader promised to usher in a dawn of democratic governance and transparency.

21. semi-authoritarian

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective/Compound word]
Meaning: Partially dictatorial; having some characteristics of authoritarian rule
Tamil Meaning: அரை சர்வாதிகார (Arai carvātikāra)
Malayalam Meaning: അർധ സ്വേച്ഛാധിപത്യ (Ardha svēcchādhipatya)
Kannada Meaning: ಅರ್ಧ ಸರ್ವಾಧಿಕಾರಿ (Ardha sarvādhikāri)
Synonyms: Quasi-dictatorial, partially autocratic, hybrid regime
Antonyms: Democratic, liberal, free, open, pluralistic
Example Sentence: The country struggled to transition from semi-authoritarian rule to full democracy.

22. stabilise

Type: [Part of speech: Verb]
Meaning: To make or become stable; to establish equilibrium
Tamil Meaning: நிலைப்படுத்து (Nilaippaṭuttu)
Malayalam Meaning: സ്ഥിരപ്പെടുത്തുക (Sthirappeḍuttuka)
Kannada Meaning: ಸ್ಥಿರಗೊಳಿಸು (Sthiragoḷisu)
Synonyms: Balance, steady, secure, consolidate, normalize
Antonyms: Destabilize, unsettle, disturb, disrupt, weaken
Example Sentence: The interim government struggled to stabilise the country's political and economic situation.

23. rein in

Type: [Part of speech: Phrasal verb]
Meaning: To control or restrain; to bring under control
Tamil Meaning: கட்டுப்படுத்து (Kaṭṭuppaṭuttu)
Malayalam Meaning: നിയന്ത്രിക്കുക (Niyantrikkuka)
Kannada Meaning: ನಿಯಂತ್ರಿಸು (Niyantrisu)
Synonyms: Control, restrain, curb, check, suppress
Antonyms: Release, unleash, encourage, liberate, free
Example Sentence: The government failed to rein in the violent mobs that terrorized opposition supporters.

24. crackdown

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: A severe or harsh enforcement of laws or suppression of particular activities
Tamil Meaning: ஒடுக்குமுறை (Oṭukkumuṟai)
Malayalam Meaning: അടിച്ചമർത്തൽ (Aḍiccamarttal)
Kannada Meaning: ಸೀರನೆಯ ಕ್ರಮ (Sīraneya krama)
Synonyms: Suppression, clampdown, repression, enforcement, purge
Antonyms: Leniency, tolerance, permissiveness, relaxation
Example Sentence: The government's crackdown on opposition parties raised concerns about democratic freedoms.

25. eroded

Type: [Part of speech: Verb]
Meaning: Gradually weakened or diminished; worn away
Tamil Meaning: அழிந்தது (Aḻintatu)
Malayalam Meaning: ക്ഷയിച്ചു (Kṣayiccu)
Kannada Meaning: ಕ್ಷೀಣಗೊಂಡಿತು (Kṣīṇagoṁḍitu)
Synonyms: Weakened, diminished, undermined, deteriorated, worn away
Antonyms: Strengthened, reinforced, built up, enhanced, consolidated
Example Sentence: Public trust in democratic institutions has been severely eroded by recent political developments.

26. inclusive

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective]
Meaning: Including all parties, groups, or elements; not excluding any
Tamil Meaning: உள்ளடக்கிய (Uḷḷaṭakkiya)
Malayalam Meaning: ഉൾക്കൊള്ളുന്ന (Uḷkkoḷḷunna)
Kannada Meaning: ಸಮಗ್ರ (Samagra)
Synonyms: Comprehensive, all-encompassing, broad-based, universal, participatory
Antonyms: Exclusive, selective, restrictive, limited, narrow
Example Sentence: Democratic elections must be inclusive to ensure all political groups can participate fairly.

27. exile

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: The state of being barred from one's native country; banishment
Tamil Meaning: நாடுகடத்தல் (Nāṭukaṭattal)
Malayalam Meaning: നാടുകടത്ത് (Nāḍukaṭatt)
Kannada Meaning: ದೇಶಭ್ರಷ್ಟತೆ (Dēśabhraṣṭate)
Synonyms: Banishment, deportation, expulsion, ostracism, expatriation
Antonyms: Return, homecoming, repatriation, welcome, inclusion
Example Sentence: Many political leaders were forced into exile following the change in government.

28. yielding

Type: [Part of speech: Verb/Present participle]
Meaning: Giving way to pressure or influence; surrendering
Tamil Meaning: அடிபணிதல் (Aṭipaṇital)
Malayalam Meaning: വഴങ്ങൽ (Vaḻaṅṅal)
Kannada Meaning: ಒಪ್ಪಿಗೆ (Oppige)
Synonyms: Surrendering, submitting, conceding, giving in, capitulating
Antonyms: Resisting, opposing, standing firm, refusing, rejecting
Example Sentence: The government ended up yielding to pressure from extremist groups despite international criticism.

29. allies

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: Partners or supporters; those who cooperate with or support another
Tamil Meaning: கூட்டாளிகள் (Kūṭṭāḷigaḷ)
Malayalam Meaning: സഖ്യകക്ഷികൾ (Sakhyakakṣikaḷ)
Kannada Meaning: ಮಿತ್ರರು (Mitraru)
Synonyms: Partners, supporters, confederates, associates, collaborators
Antonyms: Enemies, opponents, adversaries, rivals, foes
Example Sentence: The interim leader worked closely with his political allies to implement governance reforms.

30. citing

Type: [Part of speech: Verb/Present participle]
Meaning: Referring to or mentioning as evidence or justification
Tamil Meaning: மேற்கோள் காட்டுதல் (Mēṟkōḷ kāṭṭutal)
Malayalam Meaning: ഉദ്ധരിക്കൽ (Uddharikal)
Kannada Meaning: ಉಲ್ಲೇಖಿಸುವುದು (Ullēkhisuvudu)
Synonyms: Referencing, quoting, mentioning, invoking, indicating
Antonyms: Ignoring, omitting, overlooking, dismissing
Example Sentence: The government postponed elections, citing the need for comprehensive electoral reforms.

31. reforms

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: Changes made to improve a system, organization, or institution
Tamil Meaning: சீர்திருத்தங்கள் (Cīrtiruttaṅgaḷ)
Malayalam Meaning: പരിഷ്കാരങ്ങൾ (Pariṣkāraṅṅaḷ)
Kannada Meaning: ಸುಧಾರಣೆಗಳು (Sudhāraṇegaḷu)
Synonyms: Improvements, modifications, changes, amendments, restructuring
Antonyms: Regression, deterioration, stagnation, status quo
Example Sentence: Electoral reforms are essential to ensure free and fair democratic processes.

32. sparked

Type: [Part of speech: Verb]
Meaning: Triggered or initiated; caused to begin or develop
Tamil Meaning: தூண்டியது (Tūṇṭiyatu)
Malayalam Meaning: ജ്വലിപ്പിച്ചു (Jvalippiccu)
Kannada Meaning: ಹುಟ್ಟಿಸಿತು (Huṭṭisitu)
Synonyms: Triggered, ignited, initiated, provoked, stimulated
Antonyms: Extinguished, suppressed, prevented, stopped, quelled
Example Sentence: The delayed elections sparked widespread protests across the country.

33. suppressing

Type: [Part of speech: Verb/Present participle]
Meaning: Restraining, preventing, or putting an end to forcibly
Tamil Meaning: அடக்குதல் (Aṭakkutal)
Malayalam Meaning: അടിച്ചമർത്തൽ (Aḍiccamarttal)
Kannada Meaning: ನಿಗ್ರಹಿಸುವುದು (Nigrahisuvudu)
Synonyms: Restraining, repressing, quelling, stifling, crushing
Antonyms: Encouraging, supporting, promoting, liberating, freeing
Example Sentence: Suppressing political opposition undermines the foundations of democratic governance.

34. restrain

Type: [Part of speech: Verb]
Meaning: To hold back or prevent from acting; to control or limit
Tamil Meaning: கட்டுப்படுத்து (Kaṭṭuppaṭuttu)
Malayalam Meaning: നിയന്ത്രിക്കുക (Niyantrikkuka)
Kannada Meaning: ತಡೆಯು (Taḍeyu)
Synonyms: Control, curb, check, hold back, constrain
Antonyms: Release, unleash, encourage, liberate, free
Example Sentence: The government must restrain violent groups to maintain law and order.

35. mobs

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: Disorderly crowds of people; unruly groups engaged in lawless activity
Tamil Meaning: கும்பல்கள் (Kumpaḷgaḷ)
Malayalam Meaning: ജനക്കൂട്ടം (Janakkūṭṭaṁ)
Kannada Meaning: ಗುಂಪುಗಳು (Guṁpugaḷu)
Synonyms: Crowds, gangs, throngs, masses, rabble
Antonyms: Individuals, orderly groups, peaceful assembly
Example Sentence: Violent mobs attacked opposition party offices across several districts.

36. steering

Type: [Part of speech: Verb/Present participle]
Meaning: Guiding or directing the course of something
Tamil Meaning: வழிநடத்துதல் (Vaḻinaṭattutal)
Malayalam Meaning: നയിക്കൽ (Nayikkal)
Kannada Meaning: ನಿರ್ದೇശಿಸುವುದು (Nirdēśisuvudu)
Synonyms: Directing, guiding, leading, controlling, navigating
Antonyms: Following, drifting, abandoning, neglecting
Example Sentence: Critics argue the interim leader is steering the country toward greater instability.

37. chaos

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: Complete disorder and confusion; absence of order or control
Tamil Meaning: குழப்பம் (Kuḻappam)
Malayalam Meaning: കുഴപ്പം (Kuḻappaṁ)
Kannada Meaning: ಅವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆ (Avyavasthe)
Synonyms: Disorder, confusion, turmoil, anarchy, pandemonium
Antonyms: Order, stability, peace, harmony, organization
Example Sentence: The country descended into political chaos following the disputed election results.

38. uncertainty

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: The state of being uncertain; lack of certainty or predictability
Tamil Meaning: நிச்சயமின்மை (Niccayamiṉmai)
Malayalam Meaning: അനിശ്ചിതത്വം (Aniścītatvaṁ)
Kannada Meaning: ಅನಿಶ್ಚಿತತೆ (Aniścītate)
Synonyms: Doubt, ambiguity, unpredictability, insecurity, instability
Antonyms: Certainty, clarity, predictability, security, stability
Example Sentence: Political uncertainty has severely impacted investor confidence and economic growth.

39. legitimate

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective]
Meaning: Conforming to law or rules; justified and acceptable
Tamil Meaning: சட்டபூர்வமான (Caṭṭapūrvamāṉa)
Malayalam Meaning: നിയമാനുസൃത (Niyamānusṛta)
Kannada Meaning: ಕಾನೂನುಬದ್ಧ (Kānūnubaddha)
Synonyms: Legal, valid, authorized, rightful, proper
Antonyms: Illegitimate, illegal, invalid, unauthorized, improper
Example Sentence: The country needs a legitimate government with clear electoral mandate to restore public confidence.

40. mandate

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: Official authority or permission to carry out a policy; public support for a political program
Tamil Meaning: ஆணை (Āṇai)
Malayalam Meaning: അധികാരം (Adhikāraṁ)
Kannada Meaning: ಆದೇಶ (Ādēśa)
Synonyms: Authority, commission, directive, order, sanction
Antonyms: Prohibition, ban, restriction, denial
Example Sentence: The interim government lacks a popular mandate to make major policy decisions.

41. stakeholders

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: People or groups with an interest or concern in something
Tamil Meaning: பங்குதாரர்கள் (Paṅkutārargaḷ)
Malayalam Meaning: ഓഹരിയുടമകൾ (Ōhariyuḍamakaḷ)
Kannada Meaning: ಪಾಲುದಾರರು (Pāludāraru)
Synonyms: Participants, interested parties, shareholders, partners
Antonyms: Outsiders, uninterested parties, non-participants
Example Sentence: All political stakeholders must work together to ensure peaceful elections.

42. factions

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: Small organized groups within a larger organization, often in opposition
Tamil Meaning: பிரிவுகள் (Pirivugaḷ)
Malayalam Meaning: വിഭാഗങ്ങൾ (Vibhāgaṅṅaḷ)
Kannada Meaning: ಗುಂಪುಗಳು (Guṁpugaḷu)
Synonyms: Groups, cliques, wings, sects, divisions
Antonyms: Unity, whole, majority, consensus
Example Sentence: Different political factions must be included in the electoral process for democracy to succeed.

Second Editorial: Energy and Efficiency

43. robust

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective]
Meaning: Strong, healthy, and vigorous; showing strength and vitality
Tamil Meaning: வலுவான (Valuvāṉa)
Malayalam Meaning: ബലമുള്ള (Balamulḷa)
Kannada Meaning: ಬಲವಾದ (Balavāda)
Synonyms: Strong, vigorous, sturdy, resilient, powerful
Antonyms: Weak, fragile, frail, vulnerable, feeble
Example Sentence: India has shown robust growth in electricity generation over the past two decades.

44. renewable

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective]
Meaning: Capable of being replenished naturally; relating to energy from sources that are naturally replenished
Tamil Meaning: புதுப்பிக்கத்தக்க (Putuppikkatakkka)
Malayalam Meaning: പുനരുൽപ്പാദിപ്പിക്കാവുന്ന (Punarulppādippikkāvunna)
Kannada Meaning: ನವೀಕರಿಸಬಹುದಾದ (Navīkarisabahuḍāda)
Synonyms: Sustainable, regenerative, inexhaustible, green, clean
Antonyms: Non-renewable, finite, exhaustible, fossil-based
Example Sentence: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are crucial for India's sustainable development.

45. deficit

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: A shortage or lack of something; the amount by which something falls short
Tamil Meaning: பற்றாக்குறை (Paṟṟākkuṟai)
Malayalam Meaning: കമ്മി (Kammi)
Kannada Meaning: ಕೊರತೆ (Korate)
Synonyms: Shortage, shortfall, lack, insufficiency, scarcity
Antonyms: Surplus, excess, abundance, plenty, sufficiency
Example Sentence: The power deficit has widened significantly, indicating growing demand-supply imbalance.

46. constraints

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: Limitations or restrictions that prevent free action
Tamil Meaning: கட்டுப்பாடுகள் (Kaṭṭuppāṭugaḷ)
Malayalam Meaning: നിയന്ത്രണങ്ങൾ (Niyaṁtraṇaṅṅaḷ)
Kannada Meaning: ನಿರ್ಬಂಧಗಳು (Nirbaṁdhagaḷu)
Synonyms: Limitations, restrictions, barriers, obstacles, hindrances
Antonyms: Freedom, liberty, flexibility, opportunities, advantages
Example Sentence: Supply constraints in power generation require immediate attention and strategic planning.

47. integrate

Type: [Part of speech: Verb]
Meaning: To combine or bring together to form a unified whole
Tamil Meaning: ஒருங்கிணைத்தல் (Oruṅgiṇaittal)
Malayalam Meaning: സമന്വയിപ്പിക്കുക (Samanvayippikkuka)
Kannada Meaning: ಸಂಯೋಜಿಸು (Saṁyōjisu)
Synonyms: Combine, merge, unite, incorporate, blend
Antonyms: Separate, divide, segregate, isolate, disconnect
Example Sentence: India must successfully integrate renewable power sources into the existing power grid system.

48. holistically

Type: [Part of speech: Adverb]
Meaning: In a way that considers the whole system rather than individual parts
Tamil Meaning: முழுமையாக (Muḻumaiyāga)
Malayalam Meaning: സാമഗ്രികമായി (Sāmagrikamāyi)
Kannada Meaning: ಸಮಗ್ರವಾಗಿ (Samagravāgi)
Synonyms: Comprehensively, entirely, completely, totally, systematically
Antonyms: Partially, selectively, incompletely, fragmentarily
Example Sentence: Energy efficiency must be approached holistically to achieve maximum impact across all sectors.

49. groundbreaking

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective]
Meaning: Innovative and pioneering; introducing new ideas or methods
Tamil Meaning: முன்னோடி (Muṉṉōṭi)
Malayalam Meaning: പുതുമയുള്ള (Putumayuḷḷa)
Kannada Meaning: ಹೊಸತನದ (Hosatanadda)
Synonyms: Revolutionary, innovative, pioneering, novel, cutting-edge
Antonyms: Traditional, conventional, outdated, old-fashioned, routine
Example Sentence: The UJALA scheme was a groundbreaking initiative that transformed India's lighting sector.

50. widespread

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective]
Meaning: Existing or happening over a large area or among many people
Tamil Meaning: பரவலான (Paravalāṉa)
Malayalam Meaning: വ്യാപകമായ (Vyāpakamāya)
Kannada Meaning: ವ್ಯಾಪಕವಾದ (Vyāpakavāda)
Synonyms: Extensive, broad, general, universal, pervasive
Antonyms: Limited, restricted, narrow, localized, confined
Example Sentence: The widespread adoption of LED bulbs has significantly reduced household electricity consumption.

51. baked

Type: [Part of speech: Verb/Past participle (figurative use)]
Meaning: Built in or integrated as an essential component
Tamil Meaning: உள்ளடக்கப்பட்ட (Uḷḷaṭakkappaṭṭa)
Malayalam Meaning: ഉൾപ്പെടുത്തിയ (Uḷppeḍuttiya)
Kannada Meaning: ಸೇರಿಸಲಾದ (Sērisalāda)
Synonyms: Integrated, embedded, incorporated, included, built-in
Antonyms: Separate, external, additional, optional, detached
Example Sentence: Energy efficiency measures were baked into the street lighting program from the beginning.

52. compact

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective]
Meaning: Small and efficiently designed; closely packed together
Tamil Meaning: சிறிய (Ciṟiya)
Malayalam Meaning: ചെറിയ (Ceṟiya)
Kannada Meaning: ಸಣ್ಣ (Saṇṇa)
Synonyms: Small, condensed, concentrated, tight, dense
Antonyms: Large, spacious, expanded, loose, scattered
Example Sentence: Compact fluorescent lamps were the predecessor to more efficient LED lighting technology.

53. incandescent

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective]
Meaning: Relating to electric light produced by a heated filament
Tamil Meaning: ஒளிரும் (Oḷirum)
Malayalam Meaning: പ്രകാശമുള്ള (Prakāśamuḷḷa)
Kannada Meaning: ಪ್ರಕಾಶಮಾನ (Prakāśamāna)
Synonyms: Glowing, luminous, radiant, bright, brilliant
Antonyms: Dim, dark, dull, non-luminous
Example Sentence: Traditional incandescent bulbs are highly inefficient compared to modern LED alternatives.

54. enactment

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: The process of passing legislation; making a law official
Tamil Meaning: இயற்றுதல் (Iyaṟṟutal)
Malayalam Meaning: നിയമനിർമ്മാണം (Niyamanirmāṇaṁ)
Kannada Meaning: ಕಾನೂನು ಮಾಡುವಿಕೆ (Kānūnu māḍuvike)
Synonyms: Legislation, passage, adoption, ratification, approval
Antonyms: Repeal, abolition, cancellation, revocation
Example Sentence: The enactment of the Energy Conservation Act marked a significant step toward sustainable energy policy.

55. emissions

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: Substances discharged into the atmosphere, especially gases from industrial processes
Tamil Meaning: உமிழ்வுகள் (Umiḻvugaḷ)
Malayalam Meaning: ഉത്സർജ്ജനം (Utsarjjanaṁ)
Kannada Meaning: ಹೊರಸೂಸುವಿಕೆ (Horasūsuvike)
Synonyms: Discharges, releases, outputs, effluents, pollutants
Antonyms: Absorption, capture, sequestration, retention
Example Sentence: Reducing carbon emissions is crucial for combating climate change and environmental degradation.

56. urbanisation

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: The process of population shift from rural to urban areas
Tamil Meaning: நகரமயமாக்கல் (Nagarāmayamākkal)
Malayalam Meaning: നഗരവൽക്കരണം (Nagaravalkaraṇaṁ)
Kannada Meaning: ನಗರೀಕರಣ (Nagarīkaraṇa)
Synonyms: Urban development, city growth, metropolitan expansion
Antonyms: Rural development, de-urbanization, countryside growth
Example Sentence: Rapid urbanisation has increased energy demand significantly in Indian metropolitan areas.

57. mandates

Type: [Part of speech: Noun]
Meaning: Official orders or requirements; authoritative commands
Tamil Meaning: கட்டளைகள் (Kaṭṭaḷaigaḷ)
Malayalam Meaning: നിർദ്ദേശങ്ങൾ (Nirdēśaṅṅaḷ)
Kannada Meaning: ಆದೇಶಗಳು (Ādēśagaḷu)
Synonyms: Requirements, directives, orders, commands, regulations
Antonyms: Suggestions, recommendations, options, choices
Example Sentence: Stronger energy efficiency mandates are needed across industrial and residential sectors.

58. sprawling

Type: [Part of speech: Adjective]
Meaning: Spreading over a large area in an untidy or irregular way
Tamil Meaning: பரந்து விரிந்த (Parantu virinta)
Malayalam Meaning: വിരിഞ്ഞുകിടക്കുന്ന (Viriññukiṭakkunna)
Kannada Meaning: ಹರಡಿರುವ (Haraḍiruva)
Synonyms: Extensive, widespread, scattered, expansive, distributed
Antonyms: Compact, concentrated, centralized, contained, organized
Example Sentence: India's sprawling MSME sector offers significant potential for energy efficiency improvements.

With today’s THE HINDU Editorial from May 28, 2025, you've learned 55+ powerful vocabulary words. Consistent practice like these builds not just your word bank but also sharpens your comprehension and expression for exams and real-world communication. Keep reading, keep learning! 💪📖

The Hindu Editorial – May , 2025

Aspirants can find the other – THE HINDU EDITORIAL – Vocabulary words from the below given table.

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