Important Vocabs
1.Embark (verb) = to start a journey or a venture
Synonyms: Commence, begin
Antonyms: Conclude, end
2.Fragile (adjective) = easily broken or damaged
Synonyms: Delicate, brittle
Antonyms: Durable, robust
3.Desperation (noun) = a state of despair that
often results in rash or extreme behavior
Synonyms: Hopelessness, despair
Antonyms: Hopefulness, optimism
4.Deem (verb) = to consider or judge something in
a particular way
Synonyms: Consider, regard
Antonyms: Disregard, ignore
5.Maneuvering (verb) = skillfully planning or controlling movements or actions
Synonyms: Navigating, strategizing
Antonyms: Blundering, stumbling
6.Onslaught (noun) = a fierce or destructive attack
Synonyms: Assault, attack
Antonyms: Defense, retreat
7.Precipice (noun) = a very steep or overhanging place
Synonyms: Cliff, brink
Antonyms: Slope, plain
8.Arbitrary (adjective) = based on random choice
or personal whim, rather than any reason or system
Synonyms: Capricious, random
Antonyms: Rational, reasoned
9.Frailty (noun) = the condition of being weak and delicate
Synonyms: Weakness, fragility
Antonyms: Strength, robustness
10.Poignant (adjective) = evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
Synonyms: Moving, touching
Antonyms: Unemotional, indifferent
11.Heed (verb) = to pay attention to
Synonyms: Listen to, follow
Antonyms: Ignore, disregard
Read The Passage Carefully And Answer The Questions Given Below
In the heart of Ladakh, a region known for its stark beauty and resilient people, the struggle for statehood and constitutional recognition has taken a dramatic turn. Sonam Wangchuk, an activist and the inspiration behind a popular Bollywood film ‘3 idiots’, has embarked on a hunger strike under the harsh winter skies, a fast that has now stretched to 20 days. His demands are clear: statehood for Ladakh, inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil. This movement is not just about political recognition; it’s a fight to preserve the fragile ecology and unique culture of this border region. Kargil’s response, a shutdown and a rally, underscores the depth of local support for Wangchuk’s cause. This isn’t a lone activist’s battle but a reflection of a community’s desperation. The demands for the Sixth Schedule status are not just political maneuvering but a plea to protect Ladakh from industrial and mining exploitation.
This constitutional provision could offer a shield against the environmental onslaught that threatens the very existence of its people and their way of life. Wangchuk’s stark warning about the melting glaciers is a reminder of the ecological precipice on which the region stands. Ladakh, often referred to as the ‘Third Pole,’ is a critical water source for billions, making its protection a matter of international significance. This movement has also revealed the fractures and consequences of arbitrary political decisions. The separation of Ladakh from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, while initially met with celebration in some quarters, has now manifested its drawbacks.
The calls for constitutional guarantees and the restoration of statehood reflect a deeper understanding of the need for autonomy and protection within the Indian federal structure. The government of India stands at a critical juncture. The talks between Union Home Ministry representatives and Ladakh’s leaders have so far failed to yield a solution. As Sonam Wangchuk continues his fast, his frailty mirrors the vulnerable state of Ladakh. It’s a poignant reminder of the sacrifices people are willing to make to protect their home, their environment, and their culture. The government must heed this call for justice and provide Ladakh with the constitutional guarantees it desperately needs. The time for action is now, lest we risk losing one of the planet’s most vital ecological and cultural treasures.
Questions based on the passage
- Who is leading the struggle for statehood and constitutional recognition in Ladakh?
a) Sonam Wangchuk
b) Narendra Modi
c) Rajnath Singh
d) Arvind Kejriwal - What is the primary demand of Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike?
a) Inclusion in the Fifth Schedule
b) Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule
c) Separate Union Territory status
d) Direct representation in the Indian Parliament - Which region’s response to Wangchuk’s cause underscores the depth of local support?
a) Leh
b) Kargil
c) Jammu
d) Srinagar - What is the significance of Ladakh being referred to as the ‘Third Pole’?
a) It is the third most populated region in India.
b) It is a critical water source for billions worldwide.
c) It experiences extreme cold temperatures.
d) It is a popular tourist destination. - What political decision in 2019 is mentioned as having drawbacks?
a) The formation of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory
b) The integration of Ladakh with Jammu and Kashmir
c) The inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule
d) The appointment of a new governor for Ladakh - What do the calls for constitutional guarantees and restoration of statehood reflect?
a) A desire for increased taxation
b) A deeper understanding of the need for autonomy and protection
c) A demand for stricter immigration laws
d) A push for increased military presence - What has the government of India failed to provide despite talks with Ladakh’s leaders?
a) Financial aid
b) International support
c) A solution to the statehood issue
d) Military reinforcements - What does Sonam Wangchuk’s frailty symbolize?
a) Ladakh’s vulnerability
b) India’s political instability
c) The government’s incompetence
d) Global warming - What is the primary concern regarding Ladakh’s fragile ecology?
a) Industrial and mining exploitation
b) Deforestation
c) Pollution from urbanization
d) Soil erosion - What urgent action does the article suggest the government must take?
a) Implement stricter security measures
b) Provide economic incentives
c) Provide Ladakh with constitutional guarantees
d) Increase tourism restrictions
Answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | a) Sonam Wangchuk |
| 2 | b) Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule |
| 3 | b) Kargil |
| 4 | b) It is a critical water source for billions worldwide. |
| 5 | a) The formation of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory |
| 6 | b) A deeper understanding of the need for autonomy and protection |
| 7 | c) A solution to the statehood issue |
| 8 | a) Ladakh’s vulnerability |
| 9 | a) Industrial and mining exploitation |
| 10 | c) Provide Ladakh with constitutional guarantees |
