Daily "The Hindu" Vocab & Editorial 14 March 2026 | English Notes for SSC

Daily “The Hindu” Vocab & Editorial – 14 March 2026 focuses on enhancing English vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills for competitive exams like SSC. This edition highlights key terms such as Index, Complacency, and Contraction, along with useful phrasal verbs, idioms, and one-word substitutions. By analyzing the editorial on retail inflation in India and the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series, students can learn how to apply vocabulary and grammar in real-world economic contexts, making their preparation both practical and exam-ready.

Economic Terminology & English Language Skills Introduction

This focuses on enhancing English vocabulary and grammar skills vital for competitive examinations, drawing insights from current economic discourse. It systematically presents critical words, their nuances, grammatical rules, and their application within an economic context, particularly regarding the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation dynamics.

Core Vocabulary for Competitive Exams

Understanding precise definitions and applications of key vocabulary is fundamental.

Index (Noun)

A statistical representation or measure used to show changes in economic variables.

• Synonyms: Indicator, Measure, Gauge.

• Antonyms: Irrelevance, Uncertainty.

• Example: The Consumer Price Index measures inflation.

Complacency (Noun)

A feeling of satisfaction that prevents further effort or improvement.

• Synonyms: Self-satisfaction, Overconfidence, Carelessness.

• Antonyms: Concern, Vigilance, Alertness.

• Example: Complacency can lead to economic problems. (Memory Tip: Think of the Covid-19 slogan "दो गज की दूरी मास्क है जरूरी" as a reminder to avoid complacency.)

Contraction (Noun)

The reduction or decrease in size, value, or amount.

• Synonyms: Decline, Reduction, Shrinkage.

• Antonyms: Expansion, Growth, Increase.

• Example: There was a contraction in onion prices.

Largely (Adverb)

Mainly or mostly.

• Synonyms: Primarily, Predominantly, Principally.

• Antonyms: Slightly, Partially.

• Example: Inflation was largely driven by food prices.

Nevertheless (Adverb)

In spite of that, however.

• Synonyms: Notwithstanding, Despite, However, Still.

• Antonyms: Therefore, Consequently.

• Example: Food has a lower weight, but nevertheless its importance remains.

Statistical (Adjective)

Related to the collection and analysis of numerical data.

• Synonyms: Numerical, Quantitative, Data-based.

• Antonyms: Qualitative, Theoretical.

• Example: Statistical data helps economists study inflation.

Quicken (Verb)

To increase or accelerate something.

• Synonyms: Accelerate, Boost, Intensify.

• Antonyms: Slow, Reduce, Delay.

• Example: Retail inflation quickened in February.

Clue (Noun)

A piece of information that helps solve a problem or understand something.

• Synonyms: Hint, Indication, Evidence.

• Antonyms: Confusion, Mystery.

• Example: The CPI data provides clues about future inflation.

Phrasal Verbs

• Take note of: To pay careful attention to something.

• Example: The government should take note of rising inflation.

• Look ahead: To think about or plan for the future.

• Example: Economists look ahead to future inflation trends.

• Drive up: To cause something to increase.

• Example: Food shortages can drive up prices.

Staple (Noun)

A basic and important food item consumed regularly.

• Synonyms: Essential food, Basic item, Necessity.

• Antonyms: Luxury, Non-essential item.

• Example: Rice and wheat are staple foods in India.

Driver (Noun)

A factor that strongly influences or causes something to happen.

• Synonyms: Cause, Catalyst, Trigger.

• Antonyms: Obstacle, Barrier.

• Example: Food prices are the main driver of inflation.

Essential Grammar Rules

Mastering subject-verb agreement is critical for accurate communication.

Rule 1: Singular Subject Agreement

A singular subject, such as "The new series of the Consumer Price Index series," always requires a singular verb (e.g., does), not a plural verb.

Rule 2: Singular Subject Agreement with "Was"

Similarly, a singular subject like "inflation" demands a singular verb like (was), not "were." For instance, "was accompanied" is the correct usage.

Price Pressures on New Series of CPI Inflation: A Reading Passage

India must find sources of sustainable energy to curb (control) inflation.

The second data release of the new series of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) was issued on Thursday. It does not yet have enough historical data for a robust comparison, but it does include sufficient information to provide clues about the future.

Retail inflation in India quickened to a 10-month high of 3.2% in February 2026. This was largely driven by food inflation and precious metal prices. This rise in inflation is something the government should take note of early, avoiding any complacency that might have crept in due to the low inflation levels of the last year or so.

Food has a lower weight in the new series compared to the old one, but it nevertheless remains a major driver of inflation, with a 36.75% weight in the overall CPI. Inflation in food and beverages rose to 3.35% from 2.1% in the previous month. This was driven by quickening price levels in meat, oils, fruits, and nuts categories. Notably, inflation in tomato prices stood at more than 45%. Thankfully, this was accompanied by a contraction in prices of two other staples, onions and potatoes, by 28% and 18% respectively. This balance helped mitigate the overall impact.

A large part of the low inflation last year was due to a statistical base effect that is now gone. Looking ahead, various factors could result in rapidly rising food inflation:

1. Climate Change: Climate scientists are predicting the return of the El Niño effect in the middle of this year's monsoon. A weak monsoon will naturally raise food prices.

2. Geopolitical Conflicts: The second impact will depend on how long the conflict in West Asia continues.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. Question: The new series of CPI currently lacks information about:

• Answer: Sufficient historical data for strong comparison.

2. Question: The passage suggests that the government should:

• Answer: Immediately take early notice and avoid complacency.

3. Question: What is the weight of food in the overall CPI in the new series?

• Answer: 36.75%.

4. Question: Which of the following food items experienced more than 45% inflation?

• Answer: Tomatoes.

5. Question: According to the passage, another factor affecting inflation could be:

• Answer: Conflict in West Asia.

Additional Vocabulary Terms

Initial Words

• Alter: To change. Distinct from Altar, which is a raised platform.

• Corollary: Consequence or result.

• Exercise an option: To choose something or make a correct decision at the right time.

• Stakeholders: Participants in a project.

• Litigation: A legal or lawful action; a lawsuit.

• Arbitrary: Despotic or capricious; unreasonable. This is important to note.

• Instance: Example. Keep this in mind.

• Abruptly: Unexpectedly or suddenly.

• Stave off: (Phrasal verb) To prevent something. This is an important phrasal verb.

• Opaque: Unclear or not transparent.

• Detriment: Harm or damage.

PYQ Vocabulary

• Restive: Restless or rebellious, lacking or denying rest. Contrasted with Docile (submissive).

• To catch the speaker's eye: To get the opportunity to speak formally. (Memory Tip: If someone "catches the speaker's eye," they will get the opportunity to speak.)

• Solipsist: One who believes the self is the only reality.

• Respirator: The correct spelling for the breathing device.

Idioms and Phrases

• To go to Canossa: To submit humbly after resistance.

• To be born under a three-penny planet: Unlucky from birth. Remember this.

• To throw a tub to the whale: To distract a powerful force with a minor offering.

• To call the tune: To be in control or command.

One Word Substitutions

• Recant: To take back, withdraw, or renounce a statement or belief.

• Gossiping: Talking about the affairs of other people.

• Vice: Bad or immoral behaviour or habits. Contrasted with Virtue (good quality). Keep this distinction in mind.

• Halcyon days: A period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful. (Memory Tip: The phrase "Halcyon days" refers to peaceful days.)

Advanced Phrasal Verbs & Antonyms

• Hone in: To focus directly on something.

• Put up with: To tolerate something.

• Tame (Antonym): Wild (meaning to let something remain uncontrolled)