What to Read in The Hindu Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1: ​​​Radical tunnel

Context

The Physics Nobel underscores the worth of curiosity-driven inquiry over immediate practical utility.

Introduction

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics celebrates a milestone in quantum mechanics, honouring John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis for proving that quantum laws extend beyond the microscopic world. Their discovery of macroscopic quantum tunnelling and energy quantisation in visible circuits not only redefined the boundaries of physics but also laid the groundwork for modern quantum technologies.

Pioneering Discovery

• In the 1980s, John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinisdemonstrated that the laws of quantum mechanics extend beyond subatomic particles to macroscopic electrical circuits.
• Their experiments revealed macroscopic quantum tunnellingand energy quantisation in circuits visible to the naked eye.
• For this breakthrough, they received the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics, marking a rare return of pure quantum mechanics to the Nobel spotlight.

Experimental Breakthrough

• Conducted at the University of California, their work used a circuit made of two superconductors separated by an ultrathin insulating barrier—a Josephson junction.
• In classical physics, current would remain trapped unless sufficient energy crossed the barrier; but near absolute zero, it ‘tunnelled’ through—a uniquely quantum phenomenon.
• The circuit behaved like a single giant particlewith discrete energy levels, confirming that collective superconducting properties act as a single quantum variable.
• To rule out interference, the team meticulously shielded the setup from microwave noise, ensuring the authenticity of their results.

Applications and Legacy

• Josephson junctionstoday form the core of superconducting qubits used in modern quantum computers.
• Their principles underpin quantum voltage standards, ultrasensitive magnetometers, and single-photon detectorsvital to astronomy and biomedical imaging.
• The discovery proved that quantum laws apply to systems “large enough to hold in hand”, establishing the field of applied quantum engineering.

Continuing Challenge and Broader Message

• The current focus lies in preserving quantum statesby improving materials, filtering, cryogenic control, and hybrid architectures combining superconducting, mechanical, photonic, or spin systems.
• The 2025 Nobel also symbolizes the value of curiosity-driven inquiry, pursued without concern for immediate utility.
• What began as an abstract test of quantum limitshas become the foundation of next-generation technologies, inspiring scientists and engineers worldwide — including in India’s quantum-technology missions.

Conclusion

By extending quantum mechanics into the macroscopic realm, the 2025 laureates blurred the line between theoretical physics and applied engineering. Their work proves that curiosity-driven research can reshape the technological landscape. From Josephson junctions to quantum computers, their discovery bridges imagination and innovation—affirming that the quest to understand nature’s limits remains humanity’s most powerful driver of progress.

 

Editorial 2: ​​Release Wangchuk

Context

Detaining peaceful activists undermines, rather than advances, the nation’s true interests.

Introduction

Good governance and democracy rest on the State’s ability to address legitimate public concerns through dialogue and institutional redress, not coercion. The detention of peaceful activists like Sonam Wangchuk under preventive laws such as the National Security Act (NSA) highlights the tension between national security and civil liberty, raising questions about India’s democratic maturity and constitutional morality.

Essence of Good Governance and Democracy

• The foundation of good governancelies in providing space, flexibility, and institutional means to address challenges, including those linked to national security.
• A mature democracyresolves legitimate demands—such as calls for greater autonomy in governance—through dialogue and accommodation, not through coercive laws.
• Resorting to preventive detention against peaceful dissentersreflects a failure of democratic engagement.

The Case of Ladakh and Sonam Wangchuk

• The protests in Ladakhdemanding Statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule stem from genuine democratic aspirations.
• While those responsible for violence or arsonmust face legal accountability, using the National Security Act (NSA) against peaceful protesters is misguided and disproportionate.
• Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist and reformer, has consistently followed non-violent methods, advocating for environmental protectionand local governance for Ladakh.
• His actions reflect the Gandhian ethos of peaceful dissentthat shaped India’s freedom movement and democratic culture.

Constitutional and Legal Perspective

• The Supreme Court of Indiahas repeatedly emphasised the need to differentiate between “law and order”(individual disturbances) and “public order” (community-wide disruptions).
• The NSAapplies only when acts disturb the “even tempo of life of the community.”
• There is no evidencethat Wangchuk’s peaceful activism meets this threshold.
• The Centre’s actionsuggests a failure to apply the judicially mandated “subjective satisfaction” test, showing no real threat to public order.

Broader Democratic Implications

• Equating dissent with seditionundermines constitutional freedoms and erodes trust between citizens and the State.
• Similar misuse of preventive laws has occurred earlier—such as the detention of Kashmiri leaderspost-Article 370 abrogation—to bypass due process.
• Ladakh’s demandsfor self-governance are legitimate and deserve a sensitive, empathetic response, especially given its strategic border significance.
• The Centre should revoke Wangchuk’s detentionand resume constructive dialogue with the people of Ladakh to prevent further alienation and instability.

Conclusion

The true strength of a democracy lies in its tolerance of peaceful dissent and its commitment to dialogue over detention. By engaging empathetically with Ladakh’s aspirations and revoking unjust preventive actions, the State can reinforce public trust, constitutional values, and national unity. Upholding freedom and justice in governance ensures that security complements democracy, not contradicts it.