No extra year – The Hindu (Jan 18, 2018)

Courtesy: The Hindu

come as no surprise (phrase) – to be anticipated (expected).
(in) accordance (with) (noun) – in agreement with, in conformity with, commensurate with.
harbour (verb) – feel secretly, bear, foster.
inexplicable (adjective) – unaccountable, unexplainable, incomprehensible.
assertion (noun) – declaration, contention, statement.
tenure (noun) – incumbency, term of office, period/time in office.
provision (noun) – term, clause; condition.
dilute (verb) – lessen, diminish, reduce.
unambiguous (adjective) – unquestionable, undebatable; clear/well defined.
transitional (adjective) – provisional, interim, temporary.
incumbent (adjective) – current, existing, present.
predecessor (noun) – forerunner, precursor, antecedent.
impediment (noun) – hindrance, obstruction, barrier.
swearing-in (noun) – a ceremony at which a person is admitted into office by taking oath.
rationale (noun) – reason/basis;thinking; motivation.
loophole (noun) – an ambiguity in the law; flaw/fault, defect.
consolidate (verb) – strengthen, secure, reinforce/fortify.
strain (noun) – pressure, tension, demands/burdens.
unveil (verb) – present, disclose, make public.
indict (verb) – charge, accuse, arraign for.
desperate (adjective) – eager, longing, desirous.

Note:

Click each one of the words above for their definition, more synonyms, pronunciation, example sentences, phrases, derivatives, origin and etc from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/.
Definitions (elementary level) & Synonyms provided for the words above are my personal work and not that of Oxford University Press. Tentative definitions/meanings are provided for study purpose only and they may vary in different context. Use it with the corresponding article published on the source (website) via the link provided.
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