What to Read in Indian Express Editorial ( Topic and Syllabus wise)

 

Article 1: Educational Institution Security

Why in News: Several schools in Delhi have recently received frequent bomb threat emails (mostly hoaxes), highlighting the vulnerability of educational institutions as soft targets and the growing need for stronger security preparedness.

Key Details

Schools in Delhi have been receiving bomb threat emails in recent years, forcing evacuation and police intervention.

Administrations follow emergency protocols such as building evacuation, bomb squad searches, and coordination with police.

Such threats disrupt academic schedules, create panic among parents, and cause logistical challenges for schools.

The incidents highlight the broader issue of security vulnerabilities in public institutions such as schools.

Soft Targets in Security Framework

Definition of Soft Targets: Soft targets refer to public places with large civilian presence and limited security infrastructure, such as schools, hospitals, malls, and religious institutions. These locations are vulnerable to threats because security screening is often minimal.

Schools as Vulnerable Institutions: Educational institutions typically have open campuses, multiple entry points, and large student populations, making surveillance and security management challenging.

Global and National Examples: Incidents such as school attacks in the United States and threats to schools in India highlight the global concern of educational institutions becoming security targets.

Psychological and Social Impact: Even hoax threats can generate fear, anxiety, and disruption among students, teachers, and parents, affecting the overall learning environment.

Frequency and Nature of Threats

Rise of Hoax Bomb Threats: Many threats received by schools are anonymous emails or online messages, often later identified as hoaxes but treated seriously due to potential risks.

Digital Communication as a Tool: The increasing use of email and online platforms enables anonymous individuals to send threats easily, complicating identification and investigation.

Pattern in Recent Years: School authorities report that such threats have become more frequent in the past two to three years, indicating emerging security challenges.

Legal Implications: Sending bomb threats or spreading panic through false information is punishable under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and cyber laws.

Security Protocols and Emergency Preparedness

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Schools follow protocols such as immediate evacuation, police notification, and bomb squad inspection whenever a threat is received.

Evacuation Drills: Many institutions conduct regular safety drills to ensure that students and teachers know evacuation routes and assembly points.

Role of Technology and Equipment: Security measures such as CCTV surveillance, metal detectors, and bag checks can strengthen preventive mechanisms.

Coordination with Authorities: Close coordination between school administrations, police, disaster response teams, and local authorities is essential for effective response.

Administrative and Logistical Challenges

Large Student Population: Some schools accommodate thousands of students, making evacuation and security management complex and time-consuming.

Parental Panic and Crowd Management: During emergencies, parents rush to schools, leading to traffic congestion, confusion, and panic, complicating evacuation procedures.

Academic Disruption: Threats often result in suspension of classes for an entire day, affecting teaching schedules and examinations.

Resource Constraints: Many schools lack adequate resources to install advanced security infrastructure or maintain dedicated security staff.

Role of Community Awareness and Preparedness

Safety Education for Students: Training students about emergency procedures and safety awareness can help maintain calm and order during evacuations.

Parental Cooperation: Updated contact information, adherence to identification protocols, and cooperation with school authorities are crucial during emergencies.

Cyber Vigilance: Authorities must strengthen monitoring of online threats and digital communication channels to identify perpetrators quickly.

Community-Based Security: Security should involve collaboration among schools, parents, police, and local communities to create a comprehensive safety network.

Conclusion

Ensuring the safety of schools requires a multi-dimensional approach involving technology, administrative preparedness, and community participation. Governments and educational institutions must strengthen security protocols, promote cyber vigilance, and enhance emergency response mechanisms. At the same time, awareness among students, parents, and staff can reduce panic and improve resilience. Protecting schools is essential not only for safety but also for safeguarding the right to education and a secure learning environment.

EXPECTED QUESTIONS FOR UPSC CSE

Prelims MCQ

1. In the context of internal security, the term “soft targets”refers to:

(a) Military installations
(b) Public places with minimal security infrastructure
(c) High-security government offices
(d) Strategic defense facilities

Answer: (b)

Descriptive Question

1. Discuss the role of institutional preparedness and community participation in strengthening security in public institutions such as schools. (150 Words, 10 Marks)

 

Article 2: Renewable Grid Integration

Why in News: Operational inflexibility of coal-based thermal power plants is causing renewable energy curtailment in India despite rapid growth in solar and wind capacity.

Key Details

India added over 44 GW renewable energy capacity in 2025, raising total installed renewable capacity to about 262 GW.

Renewables now account for over 51% of India’s total installed power capacity.

Due to grid constraints and thermal plant inflexibility, 2.3 TWh of solar power was curtailed between May–December 2025.

Curtailment resulted in ₹575–690 crore compensation to renewable energy developers.

India’s Renewable Energy Expansion

Rapid Capacity Growth: India has significantly expanded its renewable energy sector, with installed capacity reaching about 262 GW in 2025, including solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. This reflects India’s commitment to cleaner energy sources.

Energy Transition Targets: India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 under its climate commitments. Renewable energy expansion is central to reducing emissions and improving energy security.

Global Climate Commitments: India’s renewable push aligns with commitments made under the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions intensity.

Role of Solar Power: Solar energy has become the fastest growing renewable source due to falling costs, large solar parks, and initiatives such as the National Solar Mission.

Operational Inflexibility of Coal-Based Power Plants

Minimum Technical Load (MTL): Many coal-fired power plants cannot operate below 55% of their capacity, limiting their ability to reduce output when renewable generation rises.

Technical Constraints: Operating at low loads can cause boiler instability, turbine stress, and higher maintenance costs, particularly in older power plants.

Reluctance of Thermal Operators: Thermal plants often avoid reducing output because frequent ramping up and down reduces efficiency and shortens equipment life.

Impact on Grid Operations: Since coal power forms the backbone of India’s electricity supply, inflexibility in these plants makes it difficult to adjust supply according to renewable generation patterns.

Renewable Energy Curtailment in India

Loss of Clean Power: According to the energy think tank Ember, India lost around 2.3 terawatt-hours (TWh) of solar power in 2025 due to curtailment.

Impact on Households: The lost solar generation could have supplied electricity to nearly 14 lakh households annually, indicating the scale of inefficiency.

Financial Burden: Curtailment resulted in ₹575–690 crore compensation payments to renewable energy developers under power purchase agreements.

Peak Solar Generation Issue: Solar energy peaks during the day, but inflexible coal plants cannot reduce output quickly enough, forcing grid operators to curtail renewable power.

Grid Stability and Frequency Management

Unified National Grid: India operates a single national electricity grid, linking power generation, transmission, and distribution across the country.

Frequency Regulation: Grid frequency must remain within 49.900–50.050 Hz, as mandated by the Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC) to ensure stability.

Over-Supply Challenges: When renewable generation is high and coal plants continue operating, excess power pushes system frequency above safe limits, requiring curtailment.

Recent Grid Observations: In May 2025, system frequency remained above the prescribed range for about 20% of the time, indicating supply imbalance.

Policy Efforts to Improve Thermal Flexibility

CEA Incentive Proposal: The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has proposed incentive schemes to encourage thermal plants to operate more flexibly.

Lowering Minimum Technical Load: Authorities are encouraging plants to reduce their MTL from 55% to around 40%, which would allow more renewable power to enter the grid.

Technological Upgrades: Retrofitting coal plants with flexible operation technologies can help them ramp generation up or down faster.

Integration of Energy Storage: Expanding battery storage and pumped hydro projects can store surplus renewable power and release it during peak demand.

Conclusion

India’s clean energy transition depends not only on increasing renewable capacity but also on modernising grid operations and improving thermal power flexibility. Upgrading coal plants, strengthening transmission infrastructure, and deploying energy storage systems will be essential to integrate large volumes of renewable energy efficiently. A coordinated policy approach involving grid reforms, technological innovation, and regulatory incentives will ensure that renewable energy growth translates into actual decarbonisation and energy security.

EXPECTED QUESTIONS FOR UPSC CSE

Prelims MCQ

1. Minimum Technical Load (MTL) of a thermal power plant refers to:
2. a) Maximum power output possible
   b) Minimum stable generation level at which a plant can operate safely
   c) Minimum electricity demand in the grid
   d) Minimum transmission capacity of the grid

Answer: (b)

Descriptive Question

1. Rapid expansion of renewable energy requires greater operational flexibility in thermal power plants. Discuss the challenges and policy measures needed for renewable energy integration in India. (250 Words, 15 Marks)

 

Article 3: Energy Security & LPG Demand

Why in News: India’s dependence on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) imports has increased significantly, with nearly 60% of the country’s LPG demand now met through imports.

Key Details

India’s LPG imports have increased 12 times between 1998-99 and 2024-25, reflecting growing domestic demand.

LPG import expenditure has risen sharply from ₹1,274 crore to about ₹1.06 lakh crore during the same period.

Government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and rising urbanisation have significantly boosted LPG consumption.

Domestic LPG production has stagnated since 2017-18, creating a widening gap between demand and supply.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Nature and Importance

Definition and Composition: LPG is a mixture of propane and butane gases, produced mainly as a by-product of crude oil refining and natural gas processing. It is widely used as a cooking fuel due to its high calorific value and clean combustion.

Role in Household Energy: LPG has become the primary cooking fuel for millions of households, replacing traditional fuels such as firewood and cow dung. This transition has improved energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Clean Energy Advantage: Compared to biomass fuels, LPG produces significantly lower particulate matter and carbon emissions, contributing to improved public health and environmental sustainability.

Strategic Importance: As a widely used household fuel, LPG plays a key role in energy access, social welfare, and economic development, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

Rising LPG Imports in India

Sharp Increase in Import Volume: LPG imports increased from 1,722 thousand metric tonnes (TMT) in 1998-99 to 20,667 TMT in 2024-25, representing nearly a 12-fold growth over 27 years.

High Import Dependence: India currently imports about 60% of its LPG requirements, indicating growing dependence on international markets for domestic energy needs.

Increasing Import Expenditure: LPG import costs have increased dramatically from ₹1,274 crore in 1998-99 to approximately ₹1.06 lakh crore in 2024-25, reflecting both higher demand and global energy price fluctuations.

Dominant Share in Petroleum Imports: LPG now accounts for around 53% of total petroleum product import expenditure, making it the most imported petroleum product in India.

Drivers of Growing LPG Demand

Rapid Urbanisation: Urbanisation has led to changing lifestyles and increased preference for modern cooking fuels. Urban households typically rely on LPG due to convenience, efficiency, and reliability.

Expansion of Middle-Class Households: Rising incomes and improved living standards have increased the adoption of LPG among the expanding middle class.

Government Welfare Schemes: Programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) have played a major role in expanding LPG access to poor households by providing free connections and subsidies.

Transition from Traditional Fuels: Rural households previously depended on biomass fuels like firewood and animal dung, but welfare schemes and awareness campaigns have accelerated the shift toward cleaner LPG fuel.

Role of Government Schemes in Expanding LPG Use

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): Launched in 2016, the scheme provides free LPG connections to women from poor households, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce indoor air pollution.

Rural Energy Access: By 2024, about 10.56 crore PMUY connections had been distributed, with nearly 80% of beneficiaries belonging to rural households.

Consumption Growth Impact: Following the launch of PMUY in 2016-17, LPG consumption witnessed a growth spike of 10.1%, highlighting the strong influence of welfare schemes.

Social and Gender Impact: LPG access reduces drudgery for women and improves health conditions by reducing exposure to smoke from traditional fuels.

Demand–Supply Gap in LPG

Rapid Consumption Growth: LPG consumption increased from 5,352 TMT in 1998-99 to 29,664 TMT in 2023-24, reflecting a more than fivefold rise.

Limited Growth in Production: Domestic LPG production increased from 3,599 TMT to 12,779 TMT during the same period, indicating slower production growth compared to demand.

Widening Supply Deficit: The supply gap widened dramatically from 1,753 TMT in 1998-99 to about 16,885 TMT in 2023-24, making imports essential.

Production Plateau: Domestic LPG production has largely stagnated at around 13,000 TMT per year since 2017-18, indicating structural constraints in production capacity.

Energy Security Concerns

Dependence on Global Supply Routes: Nearly 90% of India’s LPG imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints.

Geopolitical Risks: Political instability in the Middle East or disruptions in maritime trade could significantly affect India’s LPG supply.

Price Volatility: International energy price fluctuations directly impact India’s import bill and subsidy burden.

Strategic Vulnerability: High import dependence increases risks for India’s energy security and macroeconomic stability.

Environmental and Developmental Dimensions

Cleaner Fuel Transition: LPG adoption contributes to the transition toward cleaner household energy, supporting climate and sustainability goals.

Health Benefits: Reduced reliance on biomass fuels lowers indoor air pollution, which is responsible for millions of respiratory illnesses annually.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): LPG expansion supports SDG-7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Energy Equity: Access to LPG improves quality of life in rural and marginalized communities.

Conclusion

India’s growing LPG consumption reflects progress in clean energy access and socio-economic development, but rising import dependence poses challenges to energy security. Strengthening domestic production, diversifying energy sources, promoting alternative clean cooking fuels, and improving energy efficiency are essential for achieving a balanced and sustainable household energy system.

EXPECTED QUESTION FOR UPSC CSE

Prelims MCQ

1. Consider the following statements regarding LPG in India:

LPG is mainly produced as a by-product of crude oil refining and natural gas processing.

India is currently a net exporter of LPG.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana aims to increase access to LPG among poor households.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)