The Hindu Editorial (Steep climb) – Apr 17, 2021

The three seats of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong in the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal may count for little numerically in the State Assembly of 294 members, but theirpolitical significance is a different story. For further reading, visit “The Hindu”. Below is today’s word list-1 for The Hindu Editorial (Steep climb) – Apr 17, 2021.

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The Hindu Editorial (Steep climb) – Apr 17, 2021:

steep (adjective) – sudden, sharp, rapid.
climb (noun) – growth, rise, expansion.
count for (phrasal verb) – be worth; have value/significance.
count for little (phrase) – relating to something which has little value/significance.
singularly (adjective) – remarkably, noticeably, particularly, extremely.
drive (verb) – force, compel, prompt.
decade (noun) – a period of ten years.
agitation (noun) – (public) protest.
eruption (noun) – outbreak, outburst, flare-up, upsurge.
blockade (noun) – barricade, barrier; obstacle/impediment.
(economic) blockade (noun) – disruption of the economic activities (e.g. supply of essential goods and others) of an area.
ripple (noun) – a certain feeling that spreads through (like a series of waves).
autonomy (noun) – self-government, self-rule, independence, freedom.
foothold (noun) – grip, anchorage, purchase, support.
in favour of (phrase) – in support of, to the advantage of, approve of.
affinity (noun) – empathy, rapport, sympathy; relationship, bond, connection.
stake (noun) – share, interest, involvement, concern (in a situation/system).
in general (phrase) – as a whole, generally, normally.
ambiguous (adjective) – arguable, debatable, equivocal, ambivalent; unclear, puzzling.
stance (noun) – position, approach, opinion, standpoint.
segment (noun) – section, portion, part, division.
nominee (noun) – candidate.
campaign (verb) – canvass, electioneer, solicit (ask for/request) votes.
reiterate (verb) – repeat, say again, restate.
stay away from (phrasal verb) – avoid, to not get involved in.
contentious (adjective) – controversial, disputable, debatable, disputed.
frame (verb) – formulate, plan, devise, work out, orchestrate.
antagonistic (adjective) – hostile, inimical, opposed.
plain (noun) – flatland.
concession (noun) – favour, right, privilege; granting of something.
let alone (phrase) – to say nothing of; not to mention.
unsympathetically (adverb) – disagreeably/objectionably, antagonistically, opposedly/inimically.
Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) (1988-2012) (noun) – Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC), was set up under ‘The Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council Act, 1988’ notified by the Government of West Bengal on 15.10.1988. The hill areas under DGHC comprised of the three hill Sub-Divisions of Darjeeling District, viz, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong and 13 Mouzas of Siliguri Sub-Division of that District. It allowed autonomy to the region and for the “social, economic, educational and cultural advancement” of the people of these regions. The DGHC was given executive power to oversee public works, health, agriculture, water resources, forest management and other administrative functions in these hills areas.
Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, 2012 (noun) – The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Act, 2011 (come into force with effect from 15.03.2012) has provided for the establishment of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration for the region comprising the three subdivisions Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and some Mouzas of Siliguri subdivision in the District of Darjeeling. The objective is to establish an autonomous self-governing body to administer the region so that the socio-economic, infrastructural, educational, cultural and linguistic development is expedited and the ethnic identity of Gorkhas established, thereby achieving all-round development of the people of the region.
mitigate (verb) – reduce, lessen, decrease, make less severe.
grievance (noun) – complaint, criticism, problem, objection/protest.
splinter (verb) – separate, break away (into smaller groups).
faction (noun) – group, section, division (within a larger group).
alliance (noun) – association, union, partnership.
set up (phrasal verb) – establish, create, institute.
ally (noun) – partner, supporting (political) party (with common interests).
lead to (verb) – result in, cause, bring on, give rise to.
erosion (noun) – disintegration, deterioration, decline, undermining/weakening.
suspicion (noun) – misgiving, doubt/qualm, distrust, scepticism.
bring into (verb) – result in, cause, bring about, create.
nationalist (noun/adjective) – relating to nationalism.
nationalism (noun) – it refers to a system (with a narrow set of ideas) created by a group of people who believe their nation is superior to all others. It is also a perception of national superiority and an orientation toward national dominance- called chauvinism (excessive nationalism).
agility (noun) – quickness, swiftness, dexterity, deftness.
probably (adverb) – most likely, in all likelihood, all things considered, perhaps.