Daily Reads 9: News Sources | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) - CAT PDF Download

Article 1

Article Name: Air quality in Delhi severe again
Source: The Tribune

Air quality in Delhi and its suburbs dropped to the severe category again on Wednesday morning, with smoke from post-harvest paddy straw burning in neighbouring states accounting for one-third of the air pollution in the national capital.

Read the full article here: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/air-quality-in-delhi-severe-again-farm-fires-major-contributor-560628

Summary and Theme

The article highlights the severe air quality issues in Delhi, exacerbated by smoke from post-harvest paddy straw burning in neighboring states. The city's Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached alarming levels, with particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations far exceeding safe limits, posing significant health risks. The theme centers on the environmental crisis caused by agricultural practices and the urgent need for effective pollution control measures. The government's response includes the reintroduction of the odd-even vehicle scheme and the temporary closure of schools to protect public health.

Difficult Words

• Particulate matter (PM2.5): Airborne particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
• Respiratory: Relating to or affecting breathing or the organs of breathing.
• Stubble burning: The practice of setting fire to the straw stubble that remains after grains, like rice and wheat, have been harvested.
• Odd-even scheme: A traffic restriction policy allowing vehicles with odd and even number plates to ply on roads on alternate days.

Article 2

Article Name: How Much to Save and How Much to Spend
By: Uma Shashikant
Source: The Times of India

In a bid to secure our future and move towards a romanticised, luxurious lifestyle, we focus too much on savings and end up impacting our present by not prioritising spending where needed

Read the full article here: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/how-much-to-save-and-how-much-to-spend/articleshow/105006666.cms

Summary and Theme

The article examines the dilemma of how much one should save versus how much to spend, using a personal anecdote to illustrate the issue. It tells the story of an elderly man who, despite having a substantial amount of money saved, is reluctant to spend it even on necessities like food when in need. The man prioritizes saving for his grandchildren's education over his current well-being. The theme of the article is the balance between saving for the future and spending for the present, highlighting the importance of finding a middle ground that allows for both financial security and enjoyment of life.

Difficult Words

• Romanticised: To deal with or describe in an idealized or unrealistic fashion; make something seem better or more appealing than it really is.
• Luxurious: Extremely comfortable or elegant, especially when involving great expense.
• Hassled: Harassed; feeling strained or harassed.
• Savings account: A bank account that earns interest on the money deposited.
• Income: Money received, especially on a regular basis, for work or through investments.
• Wealth: An abundance of valuable possessions or money.
• Stock and flow: Economic terms where 'stock' refers to a stored quantity of resources at a point in time, and 'flow' is the rate at which resources are produced or used.

Article 3

Article Name: India Tops Global Road Death Chart
By: Sonalika Sinha and Dipak K Dash
Source: The Times of India

India has the highest number of road fatalities in the world. Two-wheeler rider and pedestrian deaths are rising sharply. Why is the country unable to control it? Why is focus mostly on deaths and not injuries? Is there a need to change policies?

Read the full article here: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-tops-global-road-death-chart-why-is-there-no-control/articleshow/105031630.cms

Summary and Theme

The article addresses the alarming issue of road fatalities in India, which has the highest number of road deaths globally. It points out the sharp increase in accidents involving two-wheeler riders and pedestrians, questioning the effectiveness of current policies and the lack of control measures. The article suggests that there is a need to shift focus from the number of deaths to also include injuries and to reevaluate safety protocols and enforcement. The theme is the critical need for improved road safety measures and policy changes to save lives and reduce accidents in India.

Difficult Words

• Fatalities: Deaths resulting from an accident or disaster.
• Two-wheeler: A vehicle with two wheels, such as a bicycle or motorcycle.
• Pedestrian: A person walking along a road or in a developed area.
• Over-speeding: Driving at a speed over the legal limit.
• Safety devices: Equipment such as seat belts and helmets designed to protect the user from harm.
• Traffic rule violations: Acts of breaking the laws that regulate vehicle operation on roads and highways.