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

Editorial 1: ​​Loyalty and Ladakh

Context

Negotiations without Sonam Wangchuk’s release will lack credibility.

Introduction

The detention of Sonam Wangchuk under NSA and allegations by the BJP and government highlight rising tensions in Ladakh, a sensitive border region. His campaign for statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards stems from years of broken promises and unmet aspirations. Blaming him for the September 24 unrest overlooks deeper grievances of alienation and neglect.

Detention and Allegations

• Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA).
• The BJP and government have leveled allegations against him, worsening tensions in Ladakh, a sensitive border region.
• Wangchuk had been leading civil society groupsdemanding:
  • Statehood for Ladakh
  • Inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution
• The protest on September 24, 2025, turned violent, and authorities are blaming Wangchuk for the unrest.
• This approach is unwise, ignores ground realities, and fails to address deeper issues.

Background and Broken Promises

• Wangchuk initially supported the Centre’s 2019 decisionto bifurcate Jammu & Kashmir into Union Territories.
• His support was based on the hope that Ladakh would:
  • Gain full statehood
  • Receive cultural and constitutional protectionsunder the Sixth Schedule
• The BJP had publicly promisedSixth Schedule inclusion but did not deliver.
• Instead, developments after Ladakh became a UT alienated local populations.
• Although talks began and a tentative agreement was reached on May 27, 2025, they later collapsed due to mistrust.

Investigations and Allegations Against SECMOL

• Investigations launched into SECMOL, a school Wangchuk co-founded, though he no longer manages it.
• The Centre revoked SECMOL’s FCRA licenceciting alleged financial irregularities.
• Wangchuk has:
  • Denied all charges
  • Welcomed transparent investigations
  • Blamed unrest on six years of unfulfilled promises, particularly:
    • Lack of job creation
    • Absence of constitutional safeguards

Political Reactions and Wider Implications

• The Congress and Oppositiondescribe Wangchuk’s activism as peaceful and Gandhian.
• Use of CBI and ED to manage political dissentreflects a lack of statesmanship.
• Negotiations with other interlocutors while Wangchuk remains in detention will:
  • Have little legitimacy in the eyes of Ladakh and the world
• Branding Ladakhis or their leaders as “disloyal” is counterproductiveand deepens alienation.

Way Forward

• The Centre must adopt a more considerate and inclusive approachtoward Ladakh’s concerns.
• Respecting aspirations for statehood and safeguardswill:
  • Strengthen national security
  • Promote integration
• Heavy-handed tactics may offer short-term controlbut risk long-term instability.

Conclusion

The Centre must adopt a constructive and inclusive approach to Ladakh’s statehood demands and constitutional safeguards. Branding leaders or people as disloyal only deepens mistrust. Genuine dialogue, not strong-arm tactics, can ensure integration and safeguard national security. Respecting Ladakh’s identity, jobs, and aspirations will bring long-term stability, unlike temporary control through detentions and investigations.

 

Editorial 2: ​‘SSTC’ is more than a diplomatic phrase

Context

South-South and Triangular Cooperation offers a roadmap toward a fairer and more sustainable future.

Introduction

With only a third of the time remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, urgency defines the present moment. This is most evident in the growing role of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), celebrated each year on September 12 as the UN Day for SSTC. The date also commemorates the 1978 Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA), which established the foundation for technical cooperation among developing nations.

• BAPA’s legacy: More than an aid framework, the Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA)enshrined principles of solidarity, mutual respect, and shared learning.
• Core values: These principles have become the pillars of South-South cooperation, gaining importance as the global order shiftsand new partnership models are sought.
• Complement to traditional aid: South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)now acts as a critical supplement to conventional aid, especially amid geopolitical tensions, climate change, and rising inequalities.
• Unique advantages: With its cost-effectiveness, replicability, and contextual relevance, SSTC delivers higher returns on investment, particularly at a time of shrinking humanitarian and development funding.

India’s Leadership in South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)

• Embodies the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.
• Transitioned from scarcity to a food-surplus economywith one of the largest food safety nets.
• Acts as a voice for sovereignty, inclusion, and mutual respect.
• Key contributions include:
  • Hosting the Voice of the Global South Summits.
  • Leading the G-20 Presidencyin securing African Union’s membership.
  • Establishing the Development Partnership Administration.
  • Expanding the ITEC programmeto 160+ countries.
  • Launching the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.
  • Promoting Aadhaar, UPI, and digital public infrastructure
• Recognised as a hub of innovationin digital transformation, climate resilience, health systems, and sustainable financing.
• Partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP)over six decades produced impactful initiatives:
  • Annapurti (Grain ATM)
  • Optimised supply chain in PDS
  • Women-led Take-Home Ration programme
  • National rice fortification project
• These initiatives boosted domestic food securityand offer replicable models for other developing nations.

Expanding Role of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)

• Complex global challengesdemand diversified partnerships.
• Triangular cooperationconnects developing nations, traditional donors, and emerging donors to:
  • Share and scale good practices
  • Unlock resources
  • Foster trust and mutual accountability
• Partnerships must go beyond governments, engaging civil society, private sector, and grassroots communitiesfor sustainable, people-centred models.
• SSTC ensures value: frugal, replicable, and offering higher returns on investment, crucial amid declining humanitarian and development funding.
• Global support:
  • Over 47 governments contributedto the UN Fund for South-South Cooperation, impacting 70+ countries and benefiting 155 nations.
  • Since 2017, the India-UN Development Partnership Fundhas financed 75+ projects across 56 developing countries, especially LDCs and SIDS.
• Recent impact:
  • In 2024, WFP mobilised $10.9 millionfrom Global South and private sector for SSTC projects aligned with SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
  • India-WFP collaborations supported rice fortification and supply chain optimisation in Nepal, and a UN project in Lao PDR.
• UN Day for SSTC 2025 theme: “New Opportunities and Innovation through SSTC.”
  • Calls for strong institutions, adequate financing, innovation, knowledge-sharing platforms, accountability, and expanded finance access.
• India’s leadership: strengthening regional and global cooperationin food security, nutrition, and resilience.

Conclusion

The world calls for a renewed spirit of partnership—one that recognises contributions from all nations, promotes equality, and encourages innovation. South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) goes beyond a diplomatic concept; it serves as a powerful tool for transformation, a lifeline for billions, and a pathway toward a fairer and more sustainable global future.