Editorials

It's federer again!!!! -Editorials-09-06-2009

2009-06-09T19:56:00.002+05:30

A post after a loooooooooong time. Done with my B.E. :)

Finally the much expected win for federer has come, this time unexpected!! The talented youth has now equaled Pete Sampras record of 14 grand slam titles and that too at Roland Garros. The first pgh talks about the victory of Federer at the french open. It was a victory that was destined and that too without fighting too hard with any of the rivals like NAdal, Murray, etc. After losing at he same court for three lng years federer has made a great come back.

The second pgh then lists out how the passage to victory was not a bed of roses for federer who had to undergo a lot of challenges.A comparison is also drawn between federer and sampras in this pgh.
Long live federer!!

Hindu Editorial Analysis-19/03/2009

2009-03-19T21:21:00.002+05:30

Theme of the Editorial- A meet to help resolve the crisis

Last weekend saw some light at the end of the tunnel. The finance ministers and central bank governors of all the G-20 countries met in order to discuss the economic crisis. While thre was some division between US and European countries, all was settled in this meet. The meet resolved with the note that 'any action can be taken so as to restore growth'. The core issues will however be discussed by the G-20 heads at the summit to be held in London on April 2nd. The G-20 countries are adopting two track approach-strengthening the financial sector as well as repairing the present system.
The second pgh stresses on the unity of the G-20 countries. There has to be a coordination between them.Only collective efforts will help them to overcome the current crisis.The financial sector has taken a beating with the failure of many institutions. Compromise is the key for all the problems. MArk April-2nd on your calendars and let us hope for a historic change!

The Hindu Editorial Analysis-18/03/2008

2009-03-18T22:40:00.003+05:30

Theme of the Editorial: The rising face of poverty

The first pgh talks about the strategies of those who have overcome poverty. The pgh begins on a concerned note stating that a lot of people have been finding models to put an end to poverty. The latets study by World bank 'Moving out of poverty:Success from the bottom up' has come up with a different approcah to tackle poverty. Some of the individuals have stated that they have overcomed this problem by:
(i) Investing in business and migration(60.1% of respondents)
(ii) Individual initiative in agriculture(17.4%)
(iii) Asset accumulation(4.7%)

However very very few have overcome Poverty by
(i)Assistance from NGO(0.3%)
(ii)Illegal activities(0.1%)
(iii) Lottery/Luck(0.0% -Like the slumdog kids:))

From the above data, it is clear that charity oriented prrgms have little impact on poverty eradication and only a few have been benefitted by such plans. The pgh then concludes on a note that poverty eradication is only short lived and there must be a permanent solution.

the second pgh gives out facts supporting the above statement. According to the world bank, a quarter of the population now exists below the poverty line. Although poverty indirectly depends on the prosperity of a nation, something can be done about reducing it. The pgh finally ends stating the solution that only social sector investments and economic avenues for poor to channel' can help overcome poverty with ease.

Hindu Editorial Analysis-16/03/2009

2009-03-17T21:48:00.004+05:30

It's been a fortnight since I posted. Looks like I am deviating from my goal. I am just setting myself a reminder that I shouldn't no matter what:)

Theme of the Editorial: Global warming and its effect on birds

The first pgh of the editorial talks abut global warming in general and how it has affected all the species in this world. From human beings to birds, all of us have been a victim of global warming. The increase in global temperature has caused movement of some plants to higher altitudes and there are certain changes to a particular species. The movement of the birds in the north direction has raised an eybrow and has set the scientists to wonder if global warming is the real cause. This fact is well supported with the Aubudon data showing 58% of the birds have migrated. The proof of birds responding to temperature changes is well explained with an example of the bird Sylvia Atricapilla as they have been found to be wintering in large numbers.
The second pgh then highlights the actual theme of the passage-'The missing birds'. The fact that the birds are facing a serious threat can easily be found by keenly observing their flight,resting plces, food access, etc. The increase in temperaturew would only lead to further depletion of food resorces thus making the birds starve. Hence there is no doubt that global warming has an impact on the birds. The passage ends on a note explaining how we need to protect these winged creatures.

The Hindu Editorial Analysis-04/03/2009

2009-03-05T00:05:00.003+05:30

Theme of the Editorial: The great 'SriLankan' Escape

The terror strikes again and this time it is the Sri Lankan cricket team which fell into the prey of the terrorists. The editorial talks about how these terrorist actions have been designed in order to get maximum publicity. With five of the Sri Lankan Players suffering from minor injuries, the entire team certainly have to thank their stars as they are safe. The terrorists were well equipped and were loaded with arms and ammunitions.The pakistani police also deserves a special mention as six brave policemen have lost their lives trying to save the team.Needless to say, further ties between Srilanks and Pakistan looks gloomy. The paragraph also draws a comparison between Srilanks and Pakistan in terms of terror.
The second paragraph then brings an unforgettable comparison of this event to the 1972 shoot out of 11 Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics. Certainly the future of Pakistani Cricket team is a big question mark as the fact that it is likely to co-host the 2011 worldcup seems improbable.

The hindu Editorial Analysis-26/02/2009

2009-02-26T23:34:00.003+05:30

Theme of the Editorial: Toxic effects of Mercury in lamps

The first pgh of the editorial talks about the danger of using mercury in lamps and how a better solution can be achieved. The author begins the editorial by giving out a feasible solution stating that CFL(Compact Fluorescent lamps) is a much better option when compared to mercury lamps. These lamps save power and also earn carbon credits. The production of CFL is on a hike. However there is a problem here. As more and more people shift from the mercury lamps to the CFL lamps, the disposal of the old lamps becomes a problem as they contain mercury. However there is no solution for this issue from the government. The pollution control board has promised safe disposal of mercury so that it does not become a threat to mankind.
The second pgh then describes about the disastrous effects of mercury in detail. The organic form of mercury is extremely dangerous to the environment. The author also explains this with the help of an example of how several people suffered from the crippling nervous disease because they consumed fish that was harvested in the mercury waters. Hence a lot of regulations have been put forth by many countries so as to prevent such accidents. At the end of the pgh, the author has given some solutions on how to handle disposal of mercury. The old lamps can be given to the retailers and new CFc lamps can then be ontained at a cheaper rate. Also, the consumer must be aware of the ill effects of mercury and hence must not dispose them with the general waste. Of course, recycling is also considerd a good option. With so many pointers, the CPCB will only hope that people follow.

The Hindu Editorial Analysis-23/02/2008

2009-02-23T23:15:00.001+05:30

Theme of the Editorial: Chavez's Win at the election

Chavez is victorious one's again and the fact that the people of Venezuela are quite fond of him is quite obvious from the recent elections. This time it was not the president's election but election to determine if Mr Chavez was eligible for another term after his tenure gets over in the year 2012 . The first paragraph clearly lists the merits of Mr Chavez and his proposal. The pgh also talks about how his project of social transformation is well received among the people.
The second paragraph also continues to sing in glory of Mr Chavez and his famous policies. His policies were a huge success as it had a deadly combination of high economic growth and equatable sharing of benefits. The paragraph also highlights about how Venezuela has grown from time to time, the primary reason being its utilisation of its resources. The revenues thus generated from Oil has been utilised efficiently in programs such as public health and poverty reduction.The country is not even affected by the global crisis in the sense that the high prices of crude in the past acts as a shelter for the economic crisis today. Very often a comparison to the United States lashes out. The reason is clear. The venezuelan govt has been successful in implementing the policies which the US has not. We have to wait and watch for the next election to see if Chavez makes it once more!

The Hindu Editorial Analysis-21/02/2009

2009-02-21T11:52:00.003+05:30

Theme of the Editorial: Hits and Misses of the Interim Budget 2009

Today's editorial is also about the interim budget that brought disappointment to many. The first paragraph begins on a praiseworthy note by appreciating the governments effort to allocate Rs 30,100 crore for the sake of rural employment. The NREGS(National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme),was started by the UPA government to help the rural folks get a job. Needless to say, the program has received a warm response.
The second paragraph then highlights the demerits of this program and how it is being utilised as a political weapon to obtain votes. Despite the governments effort to provide employment, the world bank has named India in the list of 'high exposure' to poverty list. this means that there will be more pink slips in the future. The efforts of the government are not futile and only leaves us wondering if this scheme really provides employment oppurtunity or is only a gimmick. The major sectors that have had a blow during this recession are IT, Textiles, etc. The author also condemns the government's inability to address the employment issues of the urban folks in the budget. This certainly leaves the next successful government a lot of task to be completed when they propose the next budget.

Words for today-20/02/2009

2009-02-21T00:10:00.003+05:30

1. Wangle: to manipulate or Juggle
She wangled a job for which she had no training.

2. Wan: Pale
Her face became wan at the sight of blood.

3. Venerable: Deserving high respect
One must always treat a Venerable guest with a lot of care.

4. Hubris: Overbearing Pride, Arrogance

A lot of people think I am arrogant. Actually there is no such hubris within myself.

5. Serendipity: The effect by which someone discovers something accidentally.
By sheer serendipity the new project thus became a cardboard design.

Words for today-17/02/2009

2009-02-17T21:49:00.003+05:30

1.Clandestine- Secret
The army's mission is clandestine.

2. Fiasco: Complete failure
The Satyam fiasco is widely talked about.

3. Juxtapose: To put side by side especially for comparison.
The author decided to juxtapose the two sentences since they each strengthened the meaning of the other.

4. Debacle: Sudden collapse, downfall
The Satyam debacle came as a shock for everyone.

5. Yokel: Uncivilised, unsophasticated
Even though many people considered him a yokel, he had many good ideas to share about how to survive when the big storm hit.

Hindu Editorial Analysis- 17/02/2009

2009-02-17T21:30:00.003+05:30

Theme of the Editorial: Budget 2009

The editorial begins on a derogatory note condemning the present UPA government. As the tenure of the UPA government is going to end in a short term, it did not live up to the expectations of the people. The passage then talks about how a good oppurtinity is wasted and how the budget could have been presented in a better way. The expenditure as stated by the interim budget sums up to Rs 9,53,231 crore which comprises of planned and non planned expenditure. The most interesting part of this budget is that it has been presented by Pranab Mukherjee who is currently holding charge as the finance minister. After a span of 25 years, Mr.Mukherjee is presenting the budget. The tax payers have not been benifitted by this year's interim budget as no changes have been made. The editorial also reasons for this issue by stating that the government has anticipated lower tax revenues and thus has provided for a higher fiscal deficit.

The second paragraph then talks about the fall of the stock markets on announcement of the budget.Clearly this is a sign of disappointment.The flagship programmes have however been benifitted as they are to get adequate funds. The provisions for major subsidies has also been increased. However infrastructure has not received any attention this budget. Over all, it's disappointment 2009!

5 words for today

2009-02-16T23:08:00.001+05:30

Starting from today, I will post the 5 new words I learnt today along with their meanings and usage. If any of them seems new to you, add them to the list of words you now know!

1. Pallid: Pale

I am becoming pallid day by day.

2. Insipid: Lack of flavour or zest
The drink was insipid.

3.ignominy: Humiliation, shame
I could not bear the ignominy of being forgotten

4. Tranquil: Calm
Being in a tranquil place allows one to relax.

5. Conundrum: Riddle, Puzzle
This case seems to be like a conundrum.

Hindu Editorial-16/02/2009

2009-02-16T19:43:00.001+05:30

The theme for Today's Editorial is Charles Darwin. This great man needs no introduction. the editorial marks the 200th birth anniversary of this great man.(He was born on 12th Feb). The concept of evolution was made popular by Darwin. He was the one who suggested the popular 'survival of the fittest' theory. The editorial then briefs about the book written by Darwin-'on the Origin of species by Means of natural selection' . The book ends on a note saying life is beautiful wih so many forms and the evolution of each one of them is remarkable.
The second paragraph of the editorial then talks about how the present generation has . Noted nobel laureate James Watson then gives his views on evolution and how the common man has evolved. Some of the ways by which evolution has taken place is also highlighted in the passage. The duplication of genes, addition and deletion of DNA bits are the examples given in the passage to understand evolution better. The paragraph then takes a leap towards the recent trends. From studying the development of nerves in fruit flies to cancer in mice, the researchers are facing challenges from all sides. The paragraph then ends on a note from Dr Watson saying that Evolution can no longer be considerd just a theory. It is a fact.

Why this name?

2009-02-15T16:44:00.000+05:30

I would have tried some 100 options when I wanted to name my blog. Needless to say none of them were available.I finally choose ilearnalot. Though it was not there on the list of names I choose, it didn't sound very bad to me afterall.

This is my first attempt at blogging and I sincerely hope I take it on a serious note. The main reason for creating this blog is to improve my language skills. Although I started this blog with the notion of writing the analysis of 'THE HINDU' editorials daily, I might take it a step further if all goes well. This blog is more for my understanding and if it could benefit you, all the more better.