The Hindu Editorial Vocabulary 3rd December 2024 is an effective tool for regularly learning new words and their contextual meanings. Candidates can utilize this free resource daily to improve their vocabulary knowledge, especially those preparing for government exams like the IBPS PO, SBI Clerk, SSC, and Others.
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A wake-up call: On the growth forecast
Policymakers must not make light of underwhelming growth numbers
Even the most pessimistic economic forecasters did not anticipate the sharp downturn (a sudden and significant decrease) in economic momentum reflected in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates for the July-September quarter. From a five-quarter low of 6.7% in the first quarter (Q1), most independent economists expected GDP growth of 6.5% in Q2, citing slackening urban demand indicators such as moderating GST revenue growth, and weak consumer durables’ and non-durables’ sales. The Monetary Policy Committee (a group responsible for setting interest rates and economic policies) (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its October review, pegged Q2 growth at 7%, while RBI officials projected a 6.8% uptick in an article soon after. That the actual number came in at just 5.4% — the slowest since the third quarter of 2022-23 — with the Gross Value-Added (GVA) in the economy rising at a marginally better 5.6%, is, therefore, a significant shock (a sudden and unexpected event that causes major impact). From a robust 8.2% GDP uptick last year, expectations of another year of 7%-plus growth in 2024-25 now appear precariously poised (at risk of failure) if not overtly optimistic, with the first half clocking just 6% growth.
The RBI’s MPC, which meets again this week, would certainly have to reorient (to change direction or focus) its 7.2% growth forecast for the year, and may find it tougher to keep its focus on reining in (limiting or controlling) inflation amid recent calls from Ministers to cut interest rates to support flailing (struggling or failing) growth impulses and investments. With inflation at a 15-month high of 6.2% in October, the RBI, which is committed to wait for a durable (lasting or stable) decline in price rise before switching gears on rates, is unlikely to accede (agree or yield) to these calls just yet. It may, at best, unveil measures to ease tight liquidity conditions. Mint Street czars (powerful or influential people) have a tough tightrope walk ahead in the face of the growth slump. North Block officials have, however, sought to downplay the recent streak of weaker economic indicators, and termed the Q2 growth print a ‘one-off’ (something that happens only once) number due to an urban demand slack that should dissipate (disappear or fade) in the months ahead. While rural demand is expected to perk up the economy in the second half of the year, along with a relative ramp-up in public capex (capital expenditure, spending on investments) that has suffered so far this year — thanks to a Q1 pause due to the general election and tepid (lukewarm or lacking energy) Q2 spends amid an extended monsoon — it may be too complacent (self-satisfied and unaware of potential dangers) to assume that urban consumption will rebound on its own and interest rates are the only constraint for growth. Poor wage increases and persistent price rise have caught up on urban wallets, and cannot be wished away. The Centre must shed its ‘all is well’ approach, and ring in fiscal measures, including cuts on fuel taxes and high GST rates on some items, to ease living costs and revive demand.
Hindu Vocab Wordlist 3rd December 2024
Upskill yourself and enhance your vocabulary knowledge. Candidates should begin learning new words daily with Hindu Editorial Vocabulary on 3rd December 2024.
- Downturn: A reduction in the amount or success of something, especially a decrease in economic activity.
- Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): A group of people responsible for making decisions about the supply of money and interest rates in a country.
- Shock: A sudden and violent change in a situation, especially one that causes great surprise or worry.
- Precariously Poised: In a dangerous or uncertain situation, likely to fail or collapse.
- Reorient: To change the direction or focus of something.
- Reining In: To control or limit something.
- Flailing: To wave something around in a wild or uncontrolled way, often because of a lack of control or coordination.
- Durable: Able to last a long time without getting damaged or decaying.
- Accede: To agree to a request, proposal, or demand.
- Czars: A person with great power or authority in a particular area.
Hindu Vocab Master 3rd December 2024 with Synonyms & Antonyms
Here are the synonyms and antonyms of all the difficult words in Hindu Vocab Master for 3rd December 2024:
Word | Synonyms | Antonyms |
Downturn | decline, drop, fall, slump | increase, rise, growth, improvement |
Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) | central bank, reserve bank, financial authority, economic board | – (This term doesn’t have direct antonyms, as it refers to a specific body) |
Shock | surprise, jolt, blow, disturbance | calm, stability, composure, normalcy |
Precariously Poised | unstable, insecure, delicate, uncertain | stable, secure, firm, safe |
Reorient | redirect, adjust, alter, realign | misdirect, confuse, ignore, neglect |
Reining In | controlling, limiting, curbing, restricting | releasing, allowing, expanding, unleashing |
Flailing | thrashing, struggling, waving, floundering | steady, calm, controlled, stable |
Durable | sturdy, long-lasting, tough, resilient | fragile, weak, delicate, short-lived |
Accede | agree, consent, yield, comply | refuse, reject, deny, oppose |
Czars | rulers, leaders, authorities, masterminds | followers, subordinates, workers, commoners |
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