The Hindu Editorial 15th July 2025 Vocabulary, Summary, and Tone

The Hindu Editorial Vocabulary is highly useful for Bank and SSC exams, especially for the English section. Regular reading improves vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar. Editorials contain high-quality language, idioms, phrasal verbs, and advanced vocabulary frequently asked in exams. Learning 10–15 new words daily and reading the summary of the passage from editorials helps in scoring better in Cloze Tests, Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, and Synonyms-Antonyms. It also boosts your confidence in descriptive writing and interviews. Consistent practice with these words, along with usage in sentences, enhances retention. Hence, the Hindu editorials serve as a rich and reliable source for English preparation in competitive exams.

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The Hindu Editorial 15th July 2025

Too close for comfort: On America’s tariff and U.S.-Canada ties
Canada is looking for new friends after the Trump-induced uncertainty

On July 10, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, despite Ottawa rescinding a 3% digital services tax (DST) that was to go into effect on June 30; Mr. Trump had dubbed this as an ‘attack on American firms’. Canada expected that it would generate about $5 billion from DST on revenues from Canadian-source digital services over five years dating it back to January 1, 2022. The 35% tax was imposed despite ongoing trade talks, which Canada was hoping would result in a trade deal by July 21 — as agreed upon between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mr. Trump on the sidelines of the G-7 summit in mid-June. The new 35% tax, that was conveyed to Mr. Carney through a letter, which Mr. Trump sent to more than 20 U.S. trading partners, is likely to exempt items compliant under the 2018 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Canada and the U.S. are each other’s largest trading partners. In fact, despite Mr. Trump’s constant refrain about the flow of fentanyl, the opioid coming through America’s northern borders (less than 0.1% of what lands in the U.S.), what has rankled the American President is the trade surplus of about $63 billion in Canada’s favour. This on-again-off again approach to tariffs as a stick against America’s trading partners has forced even steadfast allies such as Canada to scramble to diversify. Hours before receiving Mr. Trump’s letter, Mr. Carney posted a picture of himself with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on X, saying, “… the world is turning to reliable economic partners like Canada.”

America’s action against Canada brings to mind a similar episode about a decade ago between close neighbours, India and Nepal. India closed land ports following the enactment of Nepal’s new Constitution citing fears about the treatment of the minority Madhesi community that has had close ties to India. This action crippled Nepal’s land-locked economy that was entirely reliant on Indian ports such as Kolkata and Visakhapatnam for its trade. Acute fuel and medicine shortages followed. Nepal’s GDP collapsed from 3.3% in FY15 to 0.2% in FY16, and Nepalis began harbouring a deep resentment toward India. New Delhi’s move forced Nepal to recalibrate its foreign and economic policy, eventually leading it to join China’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2017 and accepting massive infrastructure funds from Beijing, much to New Delhi’s dismay. This episode, between two vastly different nations, would serve Washington well to realise that mending a trade imbalance must not come at the expense of losing one of its closest allies with deep running cultural and linguistic ties, as Canada, with an economy that is one-eleventh that of the U.S. albeit with a trade surplus, now attempts to redraw its foreign and economic strategies.

The Hindu Editorial 15th July 2025: Vocabulary

1. Rescinding (Verb)
Meaning: Cancelling or withdrawing a decision, law, or official measure
Synonyms: Revoking, repealing, withdrawing
Antonyms: Enforcing, approving, implementing

2. Dubbed (Verb)
Meaning: Given a title or name, often informally or critically
Synonyms: Called, labelled, named
Antonyms: Unnamed, anonymous

3. Exempt (Adjective)
Meaning: Not required to follow a rule or obligation
Synonyms: Excused, excluded, free
Antonyms: Obligated, bound, required

4. Compliant (Adjective)
Meaning: Fulfilling the requirements of a rule or agreement
Synonyms: Obedient, conforming, agreeable
Antonyms: Noncompliant, rebellious, disobedient

5. Constant (Adjective)
Meaning: Happening repeatedly or continuously
Synonyms: Repeated, regular, persistent
Antonyms: Occasional, rare, intermittent

6. Refrain (Noun)
Meaning: A repeated statement or complaint (especially in speech)
Synonyms: Repetition, catchphrase, recurring statement
Antonyms: Silence, novelty

7. Rankled (Verb)
Meaning: Caused long-lasting anger or annoyance
Synonyms: Irritated, annoyed, provoked
Antonyms: Satisfied, pleased, soothed

8. Steadfast (Adjective)
Meaning: Loyal, firm, and unchanging in support
Synonyms: Loyal, unwavering, committed
Antonyms: Unfaithful, inconsistent, disloyal

9. Scramble (Verb)
Meaning: To act quickly and urgently in a difficult or unexpected situation
Synonyms: Rush, hustle, scurry
Antonyms: Delay, hesitate, dawdle

10. Crippled (Verb)
Meaning: Severely damaged or weakened
Synonyms: Paralysed, impaired, ruined
Antonyms: Strengthened, restored, empowered

11. Reliant (Adjective)
Meaning: Dependent on something or someone
Synonyms: Dependent, trusting
Antonyms: Independent, self-sufficient, autonomous

12. Acute (Adjective)
Meaning: Very severe or intense
Synonyms: Severe, intense, critical
Antonyms: Mild, slight, minor

13. Harbouring (Verb)
Meaning: Keeping or holding a feeling (usually negative) over time
Synonyms: Holding, nurturing, concealing
Antonyms: Releasing, letting go, discarding

14. Resentment (Noun)
Meaning: Bitter feeling due to being treated unfairly
Synonyms: Bitterness, anger, grudge
Antonyms: Acceptance, goodwill, contentment

15. Recalibrate (Verb)
Meaning: To adjust or change a system, strategy, or action for better results
Synonyms: Readjust, modify, realign
Antonyms: Maintain, preserve, stick (to old plan)

16. Dismay (Noun)
Meaning: A feeling of disappointment or shock
Synonyms: Disappointment, concern, distress
Antonyms: Satisfaction, encouragement, joy

Idioms & Phrases
17. Too close for comfort
Meaning: A situation where two countries or people are so closely connected that rising tension or sudden conflict becomes uncomfortable or risky

The Hindu Editorial 15th July 2025: Summary for Descriptive Practice

On July 10, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, despite Canada withdrawing its 3% digital services tax. This move surprised Canada, especially since trade talks were underway, and both countries had agreed to pursue a deal by July 21. The tariffs, although exempting items under the USMCA, are seen as a response to a $63 billion trade surplus in Canada’s favour. Trump’s repeated complaints about trade and fentanyl have pushed even close allies like Canada to seek new partners. Canada’s outreach to the UK reflects this shift. The editorial draws a parallel with India’s past action against Nepal, which damaged ties and forced Nepal to move closer to China. The piece warns the U.S. that punishing allies like Canada for trade imbalances could backfire diplomatically and economically. Instead of short-term wins, long-term partnerships based on trust and shared values should be prioritised.

The Hindu Editorial 15th July 2025: Student-friendly summary and tone explanation of the passage

On July 10, U.S. President Trump placed a 35% tax on goods from Canada, even though Canada had already cancelled a planned digital services tax. Canada was hoping for a trade deal soon, but this sudden tariff shocked them. The U.S. seems upset about Canada’s trade surplus of $63 billion and blames Canada unfairly for drug issues. This has made Canada, a close and loyal partner, look for other friends like the UK. The article compares this to what happened years ago when India blocked trade with Nepal. That caused Nepal’s economy to suffer and made it turn to China for help. The article warns that the U.S. could damage its relationship with Canada by acting this way. It suggests that being harsh with friendly countries can hurt more in the long run. The U.S. should focus on strong partnerships instead of punishing allies over trade issues.

Tone Explanation
Overall Tone: Analytical, critical, and cautionary
Analytical:
The editorial examines the situation with logic and comparisons, analysing the causes, implications, and historical parallels (India-Nepal situation).
Critical:
It criticises the U.S. government’s unpredictable tariff strategy, especially when used against a long-standing ally like Canada, calling it unfair and diplomatically risky.
Cautionary:
The editorial warns that these actions might have long-term consequences — like pushing allies away and weakening strategic ties — much like how India’s actions affected its bond with Nepal.

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