Daily The Hindu Vocab & Editorial 2 February 2026 English Notes for SSC

Daily The Hindu Vocab & Editorial 2 February 2026 focuses on important English vocabulary derived from the recent Union Budget 2026. Understanding these terms is crucial for competitive exams and general comprehension. The budget's strategic choices highlight key distinctions, such as opting for prudence (careful wisdom) over adventurism (risky behavior) and choosing multi-pronged measures instead of big bang reforms. 

Also Read:

• SSC Monthly Current Affairs
• SSC Weekly Current Affairs

Core Vocabulary from the Editorial (Budget Analysis)

This section details key vocabulary used in the analysis of the Union Budget, vital for comprehension and exam preparation.

1. Prudence (Noun)

• Definition: The quality of being careful and wise in decision-making. (विवेक या समझदारी)

• Synonyms: Wisdom, caution, discretion, foresight, carefulness.

• Antonyms: Recklessness, imprudence, carelessness, rashness.

• Example: Fiscal prudence is necessary during global uncertainty.

2. Adventurism (Noun)

• Definition: Risk-taking behavior without careful planning. (अविवेकपूर्ण जोखिम)

• Synonyms: Recklessness, risk-taking, rashness, boldness.

• Antonyms: Caution, prudence, carefulness.

• Example: The budget avoided economic adventurism.

3. Multi-pronged (Adjective)

• Definition: Using several methods or approaches to achieve something. (बहुआयामी)

• Synonyms: Multifaceted, diversified, comprehensive, broad-based.

• Antonyms: Single-pronged, limited, narrow, one-sided.

• Example: The government adopted a multi-pronged growth strategy.

4. Big Bang (Noun Phrase)

• Definition: Sudden and large-scale reforms or changes. (बड़े और अचानक सुधार)

• Synonyms: Radical reforms, sweeping changes, major overhaul.

• Antonyms: Gradual reform, incremental changes.

• Example: The budget avoided big bang reforms.

5. Scattershot (Adjective)

• Definition: Spread over many areas instead of being focused on one; disorganized. (बिखरा हुआ, असंगठित)

• Synonyms: Widespread, dispersed, unfocused, broad, diffused.

• Antonyms: Focused, targeted, concentrated, specific.

• Example: A scattershot approach was adopted across sectors.

6. Propelling (Verb)

• Definition: Driving or pushing something forward; giving momentum. (आगे बढ़ाना, गति देना)

• Synonyms: Driving, boosting, accelerating, pushing, encouraging.

• Antonyms: Hindering, slowing, obstructing, restraining.

• Example: The measures aim at propelling economic growth.

7. Diffused (Adjective/Verb)

• Definition: Spread out over a wide area; not concentrated. (फैला हुआ, विस्तृत)

• Synonyms: Scattered, dispersed, widespread, distributed.

• Antonyms: Concentrated, focused.

• Example: A diffused policy approach was preferred.

8. Disruption (Noun)

• Definition: A disturbance that causes disorder or interruption. This is a favorite word in SSC exams. (व्यवधान, अवरोध)

• Synonyms: Disturbance, interruption, turmoil, chaos, dislocation.

• Antonyms: Stability, continuity, order, smoothness.

• Example: This is not the time for further disruption.

9. Done Away With (Phrasal Verb)

• Definition: To abolish, eliminate, or get rid of something completely. This is a very important term for SSC exams. (समाप्त करना)

• Synonyms: Abolished, eliminated, scrapped, removed.

• Antonyms: Retained, continued, maintained, preserved.

• Example: Big bang reforms were done away with.

10. Follow-Up (Noun/Adjective)

• Definition: An action taken after an initial step to support or reinforce it. (अनुवर्ती कार्यवाही)

• Synonyms: Continuation, subsequent action, extension, reinforcement.

• Antonyms: Abandonment, discontinuation, neglect.

• Example: The scheme is a follow-up to earlier initiatives.

11. Aimed At (Phrasal Verb)

• Definition: Intended for a specific purpose or goal; targeted. (लक्ष्य बनाना)

• Synonyms: Intended for, designed to, focused on, targeted.

• Antonyms: Unrelated to, detached from.

• Example: The scheme is aimed at boosting manufacturing.

Pictorial Vocabulary Practice

This section helps identify word meanings through contextual understanding.

• Bolstering: Strengthening or supporting.

• Sweeping: Something broad, extensive, or comprehensive, meaning it is all-inclusive.

• Synonyms: Broad, Extensive, Comprehensive.

• Notify: To declare officially or inform.

• Equity: Represents justice or fairness, where different aspects are balanced.

• Persisting: To continue an effort consistently.

• Litigation: A legal process or lawsuit.

• Oversight: Refers to supervision or surveillance.

• Compliance: Obedience or adherence; following advice or rules.

• Mandated: Something that is officially ordered or commanded.

• Draw Up: To prepare something, such as a plan or document.

• Dilation: A reduction or the act of weakening something.

Practice: Idioms & Phrases (MCQs)

Here are important idioms frequently encountered in exams.

• A Bird of Passage: Refers to someone who stays only for a short time, like a migratory bird.

• With a String: Describes an offer, gift, or aid that comes with a hidden condition or "strings attached."

• The Thin End of the Wedge: The beginning or start of a harmful development that may seem small initially but will have larger negative consequences later.

• To Shake the Dust Off One's Feet: To leave a place with a sense of resentment or anger.

Practice: One-Word Substitution

This section matches phrases to a single, precise word.

• To confirm or support something: Corroborate.

• To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness: Procrastinate. (Procrastination can become a habit if done consistently.)

• Talking about the affairs of other people: Gossiping.

• A refusal to obey orders: Defiance. (Contrast: Compliance and Adherence are its antonyms, meaning to obey.)

Practice: Phrasal Verbs, Grammar & Spelling

This section focuses on exercises based on vocabulary and grammar.

Phrasal Verbs

• Led Down (Their Arms): To surrender.

• Paper Over: To conceal a problem temporarily rather than resolving it.

• Came Unstuck: Failed unexpectedly.

• Set About: To begin a task.

Error Detection

• Sentence: "Where budget 2025 was largely dominated by the income tax rate and slab relaxations, budget 2026 has done away with big bang measures."

• Analysis: This sentence is grammatically correct. No Error.

• Sentence: "This is not the time for farther disruption."

• Analysis: The error is in the word choice. Farther refers to physical distance, while further means "additional" or "more." The correct word is further.

Vocabulary (Antonym)

• Word: Elegance (meaning stylish, graceful, and properly arranged).

• Antonym: Messiness. The direct opposite of being well-arranged is being messy.

Spelling

• The correct spelling is Respirator.

Reading Comprehension: Budget 2026 Analysis

Passage Summary

The Union Budget 2026 chose prudence and multi-pronged measures over risky adventurism and sudden big bang reforms. Unlike the 2025 budget, which focused on income tax changes, the 2026 budget adopted a scattershot (widespread) approach across various sectors. This diffused (spread-out) strategy is considered more effective than targeted, large-scale announcements, especially given current global uncertainties. The time is not right for further disruption.

The budget includes significant announcements for manufacturing, services, and labor-intensive industries like textiles and leather. It emphasizes seven key manufacturing areas: Bio-pharma, Semiconductors, Electronics, Rare Earths, Chemicals, Capital Goods, and Textiles. Electronics and Semiconductors benefit from existing PLI schemes, with new initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 serving as appropriate follow-ups. The Bio-pharma Shakti Scheme, with an allocation of ₹10,000 crore, is aimed at establishing India as a global bio-pharma manufacturing hub.

Comprehension Questions & Answers

What is the central theme of the passage?

Answer: The preference for cautious, multi-pronged policy measures over radical reforms.

What does the phrase "scattershot approach" refer to?

Answer: Multi-sector, wide-ranging measures that are taken together.

Which of the following sectors is NOT mentioned as receiving support under manufacturing measures?

Answer: Automobiles.

Which sectors are described as benefiting from existing PLI schemes?

Answer: Electronics and Semiconductors.

What is the main objective of the Bio-pharma Shakti Scheme?

Answer: To make India a global bio-pharma manufacturing hub.