What does 'atavistic' mean in this editorial?

Atavistic means reverting to an earlier, more primitive type or ancestral characteristic. In Hindi: पूर्वजता की ओर लौटने वाला / प्रत्यावर्ती. The editorial urges India to look ahead instead of into atavistic relapses.

What is the meaning of 'extols'?

Extols means praises highly or enthusiastically. In Hindi: प्रशंसा करना / गुणगान करना. The editorial notes the NEP extols the special importance of English in mathematics, science and legal education.

Is this editorial vocabulary useful for IBPS PO and SBI PO exams?

Yes. The vocabulary, Hindi and English meanings, and the 30-question Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary quiz are designed at IBPS PO Mains level and are useful for SBI PO, RRB PO, RBI Grade B and SSC English preparation.

What is the main argument of this editorial?

It argues that the NEP 2020 contains an unresolved contradiction, praising English as essential yet relegating it to the status of a foreign language through the three-language formula, and that the CBSE's implementation has disrupted students studying foreign languages; the better course is to keep the mother tongue and English as core languages while allowing an optional third language of the student's choice.