04 June 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. Act North

Source – (Editorial Page, The Hindu Editorial)

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Governance, Polity), GS Paper 1 (Society – Regionalism)

Context

The editorial discusses the political discontent and representation demands from Ladakh, especially in light of recent protests and Supreme Court advocacy.

 

Background

• After the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Ladakh was made a separate Union Territory (UT).
• However, locals now demand constitutional safeguards, political representation, and tribal protections.

Protesters in Leh demand:

• Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule.
• A separate Public Service Commission.
• Parliamentary representation and job security.
• Ladakh’s status as a UT without legislature has led to grievances around autonomy and decision-making.

Constitutional Concerns:

• Sixth Schedule provides safeguards for tribal areas (currently in NE states).
• Applying it to Ladakh would require a constitutional amendment.
• While legally complex, it’s politically necessary to prevent further alienation.

Centre’s Response:

• Government has delayed direct action.
• Need for a consultative democratic mechanism with Ladakh leaders.

Way Forward:

• Political dialogue and a roadmap toward democratic decentralisation.
• Inclusion of tribal voices in policy-making.

Practice Question: The demand for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh reflects deeper issues of democratic representation and autonomy. Discuss the constitutional and political implications of such a demand. (GS2 | 250 words | 15 marks)

 

Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 04 June 2025

2. A strategy fuelled by vision, powered by energy

Source – (Editorial Page, The Hindu Editorial)

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure, Energy, Economy), GS Paper 2 (Governance – Policy Implementation)

Context

India’s emerging natural gas economy, strategic investments, and transition toward clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

 

Background

• India aims to increase the share of natural gas in its energy mix from 6% to 15% by 2030.
• Large investments in infrastructure: pipelines, city gas distribution, terminals.

Key Points:

India’s gas strategy supports energy security, climate goals, and economic growth.

Projects include:

• Expansion of LNG terminals and city gas distribution.
• One Nation One Gas Grid.
• Indian Gas Exchange (IGX).

Domestic production is rising; ONGC and Oil India Limited are pushing output.

 

Strategic Goals:

• Cleaner energy alternative.
• Reducing import dependency.
• Attracting private investment and competition.

Challenges:

• Pricing issues – administered pricing vs market pricing.
• Infrastructure delays in remote areas.
• High LNG import costs.

Way Forward:

• Targeted subsidies for consumers.
• Reform in pricing mechanism.
• Stronger institutional capacity to manage transition.

Practice Question: India’s push for a gas-based economy is both an energy transition strategy and a geopolitical necessity. Evaluate its prospects and challenges. (GS3 – 250 words – 15 marks)

Read more about – 03 June 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis