19 June 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. India, Russia sign long-term energy pact

Source -Page 1, The Hindu, Delhi Edition

Topic: GS Paper 2 (International Relations), GS Paper 3 (Energy Security)

Context

India and Russia have signed a comprehensive long-term energy agreement to ensure consistent energy supplies, particularly crude oil and LNG.

Content:

• Highlights of the Pact:

  • Long-term oil and LNG supply at preferential terms.

  • Joint investment in refining and petrochemical infrastructure.

  • Collaboration on renewable energy and nuclear technology.

• Strategic Implications:

  • Reduces India’s dependence on West Asian oil.

  • Strengthens energy security under India’s Energy Transition Mission.

  • Deepens bilateral ties amid global geopolitical shifts (e.g., Ukraine conflict).

• Concerns:

  • Sanctions on Russia may complicate logistics.

  • Overdependence on one partner may affect diversification strategy.

Practice Question: Evaluate the strategic implications of India’s energy partnerships with Russia in the context of changing global geopolitics.

2. Govt. expands PM-SURAJ to urban informal sector

Source – Page 10, The Hindu, National Section

Topic: GS Paper 2 (Welfare Schemes), GS Paper 3 (Inclusive Growth)

Context

The government has extended the PM-SURAJ (Support for Urban and Rural Artisans and Job-seekers) scheme to include gig and informal workers in urban areas.

Content:

Key Features:

• • • Micro-credit and skilling support for self-employed and gig workers.

    • Interest subvention and market linkage for artisans and vendors.

    • Integration with digital platforms for access to benefits.

Significance:

• • • Supports urban livelihood resilience.

    • Promotes financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.

    • Aligns with Digital India and Skill India missions.

Challenges:

• • • Ensuring beneficiary identification and fund delivery.

    • Coordination among ministries and urban local bodies.

Practice Question: Discuss the significance of integrating informal sector workers into formal welfare frameworks with reference to the PM-SURAJ scheme. (GS2 | 250 words | 15 marks)

3. India slips in Global Innovation Index 2025

Source – Page 12, The Hindu, Business Section

Topic: GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology, Economy)

Context

India dropped two places in the Global Innovation Index (GII), sparking concerns over R&D funding and innovation output.

Content:

Current Ranking: 42nd in GII 2025 (previously 40th)

Reasons for Decline:

• • • Low R&D expenditure (less than 0.7% of GDP).

    • Weak linkages between academia and industry.

    • Patent output and research quality lagging behind peers.

Way Forward:

• • • Boost public-private partnerships in innovation.

    • Increase investments in science education and research.

    • Leverage India’s digital infrastructure for innovation diffusion

Practice Question: Critically analyze India’s innovation ecosystem in the context of its performance in the Global Innovation Index. (GS2 | 250 words | 15 marks)

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