{"id":108934,"date":"2026-06-20T08:08:37","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T02:38:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=108934"},"modified":"2026-06-20T10:48:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T05:18:26","slug":"daily-editorial-analysis-20-june-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/daily-editorial-analysis-20-june-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Daily Editorial Analysis 20 June 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong>India\u2019s Cheapest Power is Here, the Grid Must Catch Up\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The rapid growth of solar power and wind energy, now the country&#8217;s cheapest sources of electricity, has positioned India as a global leader in the\u00a0<strong>renewable energy<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>However, the pace of renewable energy deployment has begun to outstrip the development of\u00a0<strong>transmission infrastructure<\/strong>, creating significant bottlenecks.<\/li>\n<li>While clean energy projects can be completed within months, transmission networks often require several years to build.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Transmission as the New Bottleneck<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Growing Energy Demand and Renewable Expansion<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>India currently possesses around 250 GW of renewable energy capacity, with another 100 GW under construction.<\/li>\n<li>As electricity demand rises and sectors such as transportation and industry become increasingly electrified, the country may require nearly\u00a0<strong>2,000 GW by 2050<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Meeting this target will necessitate one of the largest energy infrastructure expansions in the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Constraints in Transmission Development<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Despite impressive progress in renewable deployment, more than\u00a0<strong>50 GW<\/strong>\u00a0of clean energy capacity remains unable to connect effectively to the grid.<\/li>\n<li>The primary reason is the slow pace of transmission development.<\/li>\n<li>New transmission corridors face challenges related to\u00a0<strong>land acquisition<\/strong>, environmental clearances, regulatory approvals, and lengthy construction periods.<\/li>\n<li>As a result, transmission infrastructure has emerged as the most significant barrier to India&#8217;s clean energy transition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Unlocking Capacity Through Existing Infrastructure<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Integrating Battery Storage<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>One of the most effective ways to improve grid efficiency is through\u00a0<strong>battery storage<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Many renewable energy projects use their transmission connections only when electricity is being generated.<\/li>\n<li>By storing excess electricity and releasing it during peak demand periods, batteries can significantly increase transmission utilisation.<\/li>\n<li>This approach could unlock the equivalent of approximately\u00a0<strong>400 GW<\/strong>\u00a0of additional clean energy capacity without requiring new transmission corridors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Utilising Coal-Based Transmission Corridors<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Many ageing\u00a0<strong>coal plants<\/strong>\u00a0operate below capacity but continue to possess valuable transmission connections.<\/li>\n<li>Locating renewable energy projects near these facilities allows clean power to use underutilised transmission infrastructure whenever coal generation declines.<\/li>\n<li>This strategy can improve asset utilisation, reduce congestion, and support nearly\u00a0<strong>100 GW<\/strong>\u00a0of additional renewable energy capacity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Leveraging Existing Substations<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Existing\u00a0<strong>substations<\/strong>\u00a0provide another opportunity for rapid expansion.<\/li>\n<li>Many substations have the ability to accommodate additional renewable energy connections with minimal upgrades.<\/li>\n<li>When combined with storage systems, these facilities can help manage power flows more effectively and support around\u00a0<strong>100 GW<\/strong>\u00a0of additional clean energy generation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>The Role of Advanced Transmission Technology<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Reconductoring and Grid Upgrades<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>A substantial portion of India\u2019s transmission network still relies on conventional conductors that limit power transfer under high temperatures.<\/li>\n<li>Replacing these with\u00a0<strong>high-temperature, low-sag conductors<\/strong>\u00a0through\u00a0<strong>reconductoring<\/strong>\u00a0can nearly double transmission capacity while using the same towers and rights-of-way.<\/li>\n<li>This approach eliminates the need for extensive land acquisition and significantly increases grid efficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Creating Clean-Energy Superhighways<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>When advanced conductors are combined with storage systems and shared transmission infrastructure, the existing grid can support more than\u00a0<strong>1,000 GW<\/strong>\u00a0of additional renewable energy.<\/li>\n<li>These improvements effectively transform existing transmission corridors into\u00a0<strong>clean-energy superhighways<\/strong>, capable of carrying much larger volumes of electricity at relatively low cost.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Economic and Industrial Benefits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Enhancing Competitiveness and Energy Security<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Grid modernisation delivers benefits that extend beyond environmental sustainability.<\/li>\n<li>Improved\u00a0<strong>grid utilisation<\/strong>\u00a0lowers costs, enhances reliability, and strengthens\u00a0<strong>energy security<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Reliable and affordable electricity is increasingly important for industries such as\u00a0<strong>steel<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>aluminium<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>cement<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>chemicals<\/strong>, and\u00a0<strong>data centres<\/strong>, all of which require continuous access to power at predictable prices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Maximising Infrastructure Investments<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>India plans to invest over\u00a0<strong>$100 billion<\/strong>\u00a0in transmission infrastructure and expand its network by approximately\u00a0<strong>40%<\/strong>\u00a0over the coming decade.<\/li>\n<li>Incorporating advanced technologies into these investments can maximise long-term returns while reducing future congestion and capacity constraints.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>The Importance of Policy Reform<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Promoting Storage-Integrated Renewable Energy<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Regulatory frameworks should encourage greater integration of storage systems with renewable energy projects.<\/li>\n<li>Such measures can improve grid efficiency and ensure more effective use of transmission infrastructure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Encouraging Advanced Transmission Technologies<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Procurement and regulatory policies should support\u00a0<strong>advanced transmission technologies<\/strong>\u00a0that provide higher capacity and better long-term performance, even if they involve slightly higher initial costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Coordinated Planning and Renewable Energy Zones<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>The development of\u00a0<strong>renewable energy zones<\/strong>\u00a0alongside optimised transmission corridors is essential for reducing planning delays and ensuring that large volumes of low-cost clean energy can be transmitted efficiently across the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>India\u2019s clean energy future depends not only on generating renewable electricity but also on delivering it efficiently.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Transmission bottlenecks<\/strong>\u00a0have become the defining challenge of the country&#8217;s energy transition.<\/li>\n<li>Through\u00a0<strong>grid modernisation<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>battery storage<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>advanced conductors<\/strong>, improved utilisation of\u00a0<strong>existing infrastructure<\/strong>, and forward-looking\u00a0<strong>policy reforms<\/strong>, India can unlock vast amounts of additional renewable energy capacity.<\/li>\n<li>A smarter, more resilient grid will not only accelerate the transition to clean energy but also support industrial growth, economic competitiveness, and long-term sustainable development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>India\u2019s Cheapest Power is Here, the Grid Must Catch Up\u00a0FAQs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Q1.<\/strong>\u00a0Why is transmission considered the main challenge in India\u2019s energy transition?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans.\u00a0<\/strong>Transmission is the main challenge because renewable energy projects are being developed faster than the transmission infrastructure needed to connect them to the grid.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q2.\u00a0<\/strong>How can battery storage improve grid efficiency?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans.\u00a0<\/strong>Battery storage can improve grid efficiency by storing excess renewable energy and supplying it during periods of high electricity demand.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q3.<\/strong>\u00a0What role can old coal plants play in renewable energy expansion?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans.\u00a0<\/strong>Old coal plants can support renewable energy expansion by allowing clean energy projects to use their underutilised transmission connections.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q4.\u00a0<\/strong>How does reconductoring increase transmission capacity?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans.\u00a0<\/strong>Reconductoring increases transmission capacity by replacing old conductors with advanced high-temperature, low-sag conductors that can carry more electricity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q5.<\/strong>\u00a0Why are policy reforms important for grid modernisation?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans.\u00a0<\/strong>Policy reforms are important because they encourage storage integration, advanced transmission technologies, and better coordination between renewable energy projects and transmission planning.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/lead\/indias-cheapest-power-is-here-the-grid-must-catch-up\/article71122905.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">The Hindu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Moving from Drone Purchases to Drone Partnerships<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>India&#8217;s planned\u00a0<strong>$2 billion<\/strong><strong>\u00a0investment in domestically manufactured drones<\/strong>\u00a0represents a significant milestone in defence modernisation and the promotion of indigenous manufacturing.<\/li>\n<li>Beyond strengthening the domestic defence industry, it reflects a broader shift in military strategy from reliance on expensive platforms such as fighter aircraft and tanks toward smaller, cheaper, and more attritable systems.<\/li>\n<li>However, maximising the benefits of this investment requires\u00a0<strong>reforms in the existing procurement system<\/strong>, which was designed primarily for long-life military assets rather than rapidly evolving drone technologies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>The Changing Nature of Modern Warfare<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Rise of Cost-Effective Drone Warfare<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Recent conflicts have demonstrated the growing importance of\u00a0<strong>micro drones<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>nano drones<\/strong>, and other low-cost unmanned systems.<\/li>\n<li>Countries such as\u00a0<strong>Iran<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>Russia<\/strong>, and\u00a0<strong>Ukraine<\/strong>\u00a0have effectively used large numbers of affordable drones to achieve military objectives.<\/li>\n<li>A key advantage of drones lies in their favourable\u00a0<strong>cost-benefit ratio<\/strong>. In many cases, the cost of intercepting a drone exceeds the cost of manufacturing it.<\/li>\n<li>Consequently, military effectiveness increasingly depends on the ability to deploy large numbers of adaptable and expendable systems rather than a limited number of expensive platforms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Increasing Relevance of Attritable Systems<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>The battlefield is witnessing a shift from preserving every military asset to accepting the loss of low-cost systems that can be rapidly replaced.<\/li>\n<li>This trend has made\u00a0<strong>attritable systems<\/strong>\u00a0a central component of contemporary military strategy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Innovation Through Civil-Military Collaboration<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Role of Civilian Technology<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Modern drone innovation is closely linked to advances in\u00a0<strong>civilian technology<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Commercial drones can be modified for military applications at relatively low cost, creating opportunities for rapid innovation.<\/li>\n<li>Ukraine&#8217;s use of\u00a0<strong>first-person-view (FPV) drones<\/strong>\u00a0equipped with warheads demonstrates how commercially available technologies can be adapted for combat purposes.<\/li>\n<li>Such developments blur the distinction between civilian and military innovation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Importance of Research and Development Ecosystems<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>The growth of China&#8217;s drone industry highlights the value of collaboration among\u00a0<strong>industry<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>academia<\/strong>, and the\u00a0<strong>military<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Strong\u00a0<strong>research and development (R&amp;D)<\/strong>\u00a0networks facilitate technological innovation, faster product development, and greater adaptability to changing operational requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Challenges in Tactical Drone Procurement<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Rapid Technological Obsolescence<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Unlike conventional military platforms that remain relevant for decades, tactical drones face rapid obsolescence.<\/li>\n<li>Advances in\u00a0<strong>electronic warfare (EW)<\/strong>, signal interception, and\u00a0<strong>jamming<\/strong>\u00a0technologies can render drone systems ineffective within a short period.<\/li>\n<li>Adversaries often adapt quickly to new drone technologies, requiring frequent modifications and upgrades.<\/li>\n<li>The replacement of radio communication systems with\u00a0<strong>fibre-optic cables<\/strong>\u00a0in Ukraine illustrates the need for continuous innovation in response to evolving threats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limitations of Traditional Procurement Models<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Traditional procurement frameworks are largely\u00a0<strong>transactional<\/strong>, assuming that military requirements can be fulfilled through one-time purchases.<\/li>\n<li>While suitable for tanks and fighter aircraft, this model is inadequate for technologies that require constant updates and improvements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>India&#8217;s Existing Procurement Framework<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Positive Reforms<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>India has introduced several measures to address emerging technological challenges:\n<ul>\n<li>The\u00a0<strong>Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)<\/strong>\u00a0permits procurement of\u00a0<strong>commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS)<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The\u00a0<strong>Defence Procurement Manual (DPM)<\/strong>\u00a0provides financial flexibility for repairs and upgrades.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Existing policies recognize the need for modernization and technological adaptability.<\/li>\n<li>These reforms represent important steps toward a more responsive procurement framework.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Remaining Gaps<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Despite these improvements, procurement processes continue to focus primarily on acquiring products rather than sustaining capabilities.<\/li>\n<li>The emphasis remains on transactions rather than long-term technological partnerships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Towards a Partnership-Based Procurement Model<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Managed Service Contracts<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>A more effective approach would involve\u00a0<strong>managed service contracts<\/strong>\u00a0between the armed forces and drone manufacturers. Such agreements would include:\n<ul>\n<li>Continuous maintenance and support.<\/li>\n<li>Regular software and hardware upgrades.<\/li>\n<li>Assured supply during emergencies.<\/li>\n<li>Enhanced\u00a0<strong>surge production capacity<\/strong>\u00a0during conflicts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Benefits of Long-Term Partnerships<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Long-term partnerships would provide\u00a0<strong>demand predictability<\/strong>\u00a0for manufacturers while ensuring sustained military readiness.<\/li>\n<li>More importantly, they would encourage continuous collaboration between industry and the armed forces, enabling rapid adaptation to changing battlefield conditions and technological threats.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>India&#8217;s investment in domestic drone production demonstrates a clear recognition of the changing character of warfare.<\/li>\n<li>However, acquiring drones alone will not guarantee military effectiveness.<\/li>\n<li>Sustained success requires procurement systems that prioritise\u00a0<strong>continuous innovation<\/strong>, technological adaptability, and\u00a0<strong>sustained capability<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>By moving from transactional purchases to strategic partnerships, India can build a defence ecosystem capable of keeping pace with the rapid evolution of tactical drones and the demands of future warfare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Moving from Drone Purchases to Drone Partnerships FAQs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Q1.\u00a0<\/strong>Why is India investing heavily in drones?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ans.\u00a0<\/strong>India is investing in drones to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and modernize its military capabilities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q2.<\/strong>\u00a0Why are tactical drones becoming important in modern warfare?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ans.\u00a0<\/strong>Tactical drones are becoming important because they are cost-effective, adaptable, and can be deployed in large numbers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q3.<\/strong>\u00a0What is the biggest challenge in drone procurement?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ans.\u00a0<\/strong>The biggest challenge is keeping drones technologically relevant as they can become obsolete within a few years.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q4.\u00a0<\/strong>How does civilian technology contribute to military drone development?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ans.\u00a0<\/strong>Civilian technology contributes by providing commercial drone innovations that can be adapted for military use.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q5.<\/strong>\u00a0What procurement model is recommended for tactical drones?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ans.\u00a0<\/strong>A partnership-based managed service contract model is recommended to ensure continuous upgrades, maintenance, and technological improvements.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/op-ed\/moving-from-drone-purchases-to-drone-partnerships\/article71123226.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">The Hindu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Daily Editorial Analysis 20 June 2026 by Vajiram &#038; Ravi covers key editorials from The Hindu &#038; Indian Express with UPSC-focused insights and relevance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":34,"featured_media":86373,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[138],"tags":[141,882,909],"class_list":{"0":"post-108934","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-daily-editorial-analysis","8":"tag-daily-editorial-analysis","9":"tag-the-hindu-editorial-analysis","10":"tag-the-indian-express-analysis","11":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108934","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=108934"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108934\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":108955,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108934\/revisions\/108955"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/86373"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=108934"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=108934"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=108934"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}