26 June 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. Build on Outreach
(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, Government policies and interventions

Context

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs recently launched an outreach programme to increase awareness and accessibility of welfare schemes among tribal communities, particularly targeting remote and vulnerable groups.

Government Initiatives

• The initiative launched two schemes: PM-JANMAN and DAGYU-A.
• Aim: Provide documents like Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat cards, forest rights papers, and open Jan Dhan accounts.
• Encourage community mobilisation and “participatory governance” for tribal inclusion.

Challenges on Ground

• Geographical difficulties in accessing remote hamlets.
• Landlessness and displacement affecting access to benefits.
• Issues like documentation delays—e.g., Katkari Adivasi children without birth certificates.
• Social exclusion due to lack of awareness and local-level mobilisation.

Implementation Constraints

• PM-JANMAN targets 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in 18 states and 1 UT.
• Infrastructure gaps—like missing roads and schools—limit the programme’s potential.
  
• Past delays in recognising displaced communities under Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) remain a concern.

Conclusion/Way Forward:

• Outreach must be continuous, inclusive, and data-driven.
• Training local facilitators, real-time grievance redressal, and stronger coordination with state authorities are essential.
• Government must avoid top-down delivery, and instead co-create solutions with the communities.

Practice Question: (GS-2 | 10 Marks | 150 Words) Discuss the significance and challenges of tribal outreach initiatives such as PM-JANMAN and DAGYU-A. Suggest ways to improve welfare delivery among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 26 June 2025

2. A Different Middle East

(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS2: International Relations, GS3: Security Issues

Context

The editorial evaluates the regional consequences of a possible Iran-Israel war, its ideological roots, and changing alliances in West Asia.

Geopolitical Realignment

• Iran’s ideological antagonism with Israel has deepened since April.
• Iran continues to play a diplomatic double game, supporting militias in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, etc.
• The editorial argues Iran misread the power dynamics, similar to its mistake during the 1991 Gulf War.

US Role and Israel’s Strategy

• The Trump-backed strikes and Washington’s return to Middle East interventionism are critical flashpoints.
• Israel’s new approach post-Hamas war: total deterrence and civilian targeting in response to proxy aggression.

Future Scenarios

• Will Iran retaliate or hold back amid domestic unrest and economic strain?

• How will Europe and the US respond if escalation continues?

• How will Iran’s leadership maintain legitimacy if it avoids fighting?

Conclusion/Way Forward

• The editorial stresses a strategic recalibration is underway in the region.
• India must watch closely due to its interests in Gulf energy corridors and diaspora stability.
• Iran’s internal instability makes its leadership’s future increasingly vulnerable, possibly inviting regime shifts.

Practice Question: (GS-2 | 10 Marks | 150 Words) Critically examine the emerging security and diplomatic challenges posed by escalating Iran–Israel tensions. How should India recalibrate its West Asia policy amid the shifting power alignments?

Read more – 25 June 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis