Chutzpah (noun): Extreme self-confidence or audacity. (Used regarding the Indian cricket team’s playing style).
Acrimonious (adjective): Angry and bitter (typically of speech or a debate). (Used in the context of the Rajasthan Assembly debate).
Exegesis (noun): Critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially of scripture or law. (Used in the context of interpreting the UNCLOS treaty).
Pusillanimous (adjective): Showing a lack of courage or determination; timid. (Featured in the Word of the Day section).
Autarky (noun): Economic independence or self-sufficiency; a closed economy. (Used regarding India’s AI strategy, advocating for strategic integration, not autarky).
Despondency (noun): A state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage.
Paternalistic (adjective): The policy or practice on the part of people in positions of authority of restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to them in the subordinates’ supposed best interest.
Limbo: An uncertain period of awaiting a decision or resolution. (UPSC Context: The Rs 1,600 crore LIGO-India project remains in limbo pending tender approval).
Cartelisation: When independent businesses illegally collude to control prices and limit competition. (UPSC Context: The CCI penalized cement companies for cartelisation in ONGC bidding).
Pro-natalist: Policies or attitudes that encourage having children to increase the birth rate. (UPSC Context: States like AP and Sikkim are adopting pro-natalist financial incentives).
Vapid: Offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging; bland. (UPSC Context: The opposition criticized the minister’s statement as vapid and lacking strong condemnation).
Abdicating: Failing to fulfill a responsibility or duty. (UPSC Context: A complete ban on social media is seen as abdicating the responsibility of building safe digital spaces).
