{"id":131612,"date":"2026-11-02T11:03:33","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T05:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=131612"},"modified":"2026-11-02T11:52:06","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T06:22:06","slug":"daily-editorial-analysis-2-november-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/daily-editorial-analysis-2-november-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Daily Editorial Analysis 2 November 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong>An Energy Revolution in the Making <\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>India\u2019s transition towards <strong>renewable energy<\/strong> is transforming its economy, energy security, and environmental sustainability.<\/li>\n<li>Solar power is reaching households, farmers, and businesses, reducing electricity expenses and creating employment opportunities.<\/li>\n<li>With <strong>solar capacity increasing from 2.8 GW in 2014 to approximately 171 GW<\/strong>, India is advancing towards Viksit Bharat by 2047 and its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Achievements in India\u2019s Solar Energy Revolution<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>Expansion of Rooftop Solar<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>The<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/translate.google.com\/translate?u=https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/pm-surya-ghar-muft-bijli-yojana\/&amp;hl=hi&amp;sl=en&amp;tl=hi&amp;client=srp\" target=\"_blank\"> PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana<\/a><\/strong> has enabled over 65 lakh households to adopt <strong>rooftop solar<\/strong>, with more than 21 lakh receiving zero electricity bills.<\/li>\n<li>This reduces household expenses and encourages citizens to become energy producers rather than merely consumers, while promoting technical knowledge and entrepreneurship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>Falling Solar Power Costs<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Solar electricity costs have declined from approximately \u20b98\u2013\u20b910 per unit in 2014 to as low as \u20b92.15.<\/li>\n<li>Technological improvements, economies of scale, and government initiatives such as <strong>PM-KUSUM<\/strong> have strengthened affordability and expanded adoption.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>Progress Towards Renewable Energy Targets<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>India has achieved its earlier target of obtaining 50% of installed electricity capacity from <strong>non-fossil sources<\/strong> ahead of schedule.<\/li>\n<li>However, installed capacity alone does not guarantee <strong>reliable electricity;<\/strong> effective storage, transmission, and grid management remain essential.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>The Next Phase: Expanding Solar Energy Infrastructure<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>PM-KUSUM 2.0 and Agricultural Solarisation<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>More than 30 lakh standalone solar pumps have reportedly been installed under PM-KUSUM.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Agricultural solarisation<\/strong> reduces dependence on conventional electricity and diesel.<\/li>\n<li>Agri-photovoltaics, which combines farming with solar generation, can improve land-use efficiency and <strong>diversify farmers\u2019 incomes.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>Rooftop Solar and Green Transmission Corridors<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>India must expand rooftop installations, strengthen Green Energy Corridors, and <strong>digitise electricity networks. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Cooperation between the Union government, States, and private companies is necessary to integrate <strong>renewable power efficiently.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Four Pillars of India\u2019s Renewable Energy Expansion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>Capital and Investment<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Achieving 500 GW of non-fossil capacity requires <strong>approximately $220 billion in investment. <\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Private enterprises, institutional investors, and foreign investors must complement public funding.<\/li>\n<li>Making rooftop installations and solar pumps bankable assets can attract <strong>long-term capital.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>Domestic Manufacturing<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Production-linked incentives have strengthened solar module manufacturing, with capacity exceeding 225 GW.<\/li>\n<li>India must expand domestic production of solar cells, wafers, and polysilicon to reduce import dependence.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>National Green Hydrogen Mission<\/strong>, targeting five million tonnes of annual production by 2030, can further promote industrial decarbonisation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>Energy Storage and Grid Modernisation<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>India may require 236 GWh of battery storage by 2031\u201332. Batteries, pumped-storage hydropower, and smart grids can balance intermittent solar generation.<\/li>\n<li>Modern transmission infrastructure is essential for delivering renewable electricity reliably.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>Human Capital and Green Employment<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Rooftop solar generates employment for engineers, electricians, installers, and maintenance workers.<\/li>\n<li>It can create green jobs for youth, <strong>expand rural employment<\/strong>, and increase women&#8217;s participation.<\/li>\n<li>Vocational training, apprenticeships, and recognised qualifications are necessary to develop a skilled workforce.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>India&#8217;s International Leadership in Renewable Energy<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>G20 and BRICS Cooperation<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>India has promoted renewable energy cooperation through the <strong>G20 and BRICS.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Initiatives supporting solar photovoltaics, smart grids, and storage can encourage technology sharing, investment, and <strong>manufacturing partnerships<\/strong>, particularly among developing countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>International Solar Alliance<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/international-solar-alliance\/\" target=\"_blank\">The International Solar Alliance (ISA)<\/a><\/strong>, launched by India and France in 2015, promotes global solar deployment.<\/li>\n<li>Its training programmes, centres of excellence, and Africa Solar Facility support skills <strong>development and investment mobilisation,<\/strong> particularly across developing economies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Global Cooperation<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026,<\/strong> scheduled for November 2\u20135, provides a platform for cooperation on solar power, green hydrogen, and energy storage.<\/li>\n<li>Solar irrigation, reliable electricity, and <strong>reduced fuel-import dependence<\/strong> can strengthen developing countries&#8217; energy and food security.<\/li>\n<li>This reflects Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the principle of the world as one family.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Challenges and the Way Forward<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>India faces challenges involving financing, import dependence, inadequate storage, transmission constraints, and uneven rooftop solar adoption.<\/li>\n<li>Financially <strong>sustainable distribution companies<\/strong>, predictable policies, and stronger domestic supply chains are essential.<\/li>\n<li>Affordable financing, environmental safeguards, and <strong>responsible water management<\/strong> must accompany expansion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>India&#8217;s solar transformation is creating <strong>economic opportunities<\/strong> while strengthening energy security and reducing electricity costs.<\/li>\n<li>Achieving its renewable energy ambitions requires investment, manufacturing, storage, infrastructure, and skilled human resources.<\/li>\n<li>By combining <strong>domestic innovation<\/strong> with international cooperation, <strong>India can advance towards Viksit Bharat by 2047<\/strong> and contribute to a sustainable global energy future.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>An Energy Revolution in the Making FAQs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Q1.<\/strong> What is the target of India\u2019s non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans.<\/strong> India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q2.<\/strong> What is the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans.<\/strong> It is a government scheme that promotes rooftop solar installations in households.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q3.<\/strong> Why is energy storage important for solar power?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans.<\/strong> Energy storage ensures a reliable electricity supply when sunlight is unavailable.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q4.<\/strong> What is the role of the International Solar Alliance?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans.<\/strong> The ISA promotes global solar energy deployment through cooperation, investment, and skill development.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q5.<\/strong> How can solar energy create employment?<br \/>\n<strong>Ans.<\/strong> Solar energy creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and technical services.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/op-ed\/an-energy-revolution-in-the-making\/article71652686.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">The Hindu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Draft National Steel Policy: Vision 2047 &#8211; From Protection to Global Competitiveness<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The Ministry of Steel has released the Draft National Steel Policy: Vision 2047, which aims to make India a <strong>globally competitive steel producer<\/strong> and increase steel exports to 45 million tonnes (Mt).<\/li>\n<li>However, the policy raises a fundamental question: Does India&#8217;s steel industry derive its competitiveness from efficiency and productivity or from excessive government protection?<\/li>\n<li>Therefore, India must gradually <strong>dismantle protectionist<\/strong> measures, improve mining policy and enhance industrial efficiency to achieve genuine global competitiveness by 2047.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>India&#8217;s Steel Industry &#8211; Growth and Profitability<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>Impressive production growth:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>India has emerged as the world&#8217;s <strong>2nd-largest <\/strong>steel producer, with production reaching 170 Mt.<\/li>\n<li>Its share in global steel production has increased from less than 5% in 2000. However, India remains significantly behind <strong>China<\/strong>, which produces 961 Mt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>High profitability:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>The average EBITDA-to-sales ratio of the Indian steel industry during 2000\u20132025 was approximately <strong>15%<\/strong>, around 3\u20134 percentage points higher than the rest of Indian manufacturing.<\/li>\n<li>The profitability of India&#8217;s three largest steel firms was also 3\u20134 percentage points higher than that of their major global counterparts during 2015\u20132024.<\/li>\n<li>But, high profitability may reflect protection and policy advantages rather than superior efficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Sources of Protection and Their Economic Costs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>Cheap domestic iron ore:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>A 30% export duty on iron ore containing more than 58% iron keeps domestic prices approximately 30\u201340% below global prices.<\/li>\n<li>This effectively transfers value from mineral resources and mining regions to steel manufacturers.<\/li>\n<li>Low domestic prices reduce incentives for exploration and mining, leading to economic losses in mineral-rich regions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>High import tariffs and non-tariff barriers:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>A 7.5% import tariff, combined with an 11.5% safeguard duty, results in an effective duty of approximately 18%. Comparable tariffs in ASEAN countries are only 3\u20134%.<\/li>\n<li>Quality Control Orders (<strong>QCOs<\/strong>) cover 228 steel products, restricting imports and competition.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>Gauba Committee<\/strong> reportedly recommended removing 122 products from the QCO list, but only 59 have been suspended so far.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>Higher costs for downstream industries:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Domestic steel manufacturers sell hot-rolled coils at a 6\u20137% premium over Japan, despite Japan being a high-cost producer.<\/li>\n<li>This increases input costs for &#8211;\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Construction<\/strong>: Steel accounts for approximately 15% of total project costs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Automobiles<\/strong>: Steel and related products constitute roughly 5% of raw material costs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>MSMEs<\/strong>: Higher input costs weaken the competitiveness of smaller industries, particularly export-oriented enterprises.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Thus, protection for the steel industry imposes an indirect cost on the broader manufacturing ecosystem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Impact of Removing Protection &#8211; Examined Through Two Alternative Scenarios<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Policy change (Alternative 1):<\/strong> Reduce tariffs, lowering domestic steel prices by 6%.\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Profitability of the largest private sector steel firm reduces by 25%, that of the largest public sector firm drops by 50%, and the fastest-growing large private firm drops by 40%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Policy change (Alternative 2)<\/strong>: Remove iron ore export duties and purchase ore at global prices.\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Profitability of the largest private firm reduces to approx. 7%, that of the fastest-growing private firm drops by 95%, and that of the largest public-sector firm becomes negative.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The findings indicate that the industry&#8217;s profitability is highly dependent on policy support.<\/li>\n<li>Genuine competitiveness requires firms to survive through productivity, innovation and cost efficiency rather than protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Reforms for Global Competitiveness<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h4><strong>Calibrated liberalisation to strengthen export competitiveness:<\/strong><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Reduce import duties over five years to ASEAN levels.<\/li>\n<li>Remove unnecessary QCOs, particularly those identified by the Gauba Committee.<\/li>\n<li>Introduce greater competition to encourage productivity, innovation and cost reduction.<\/li>\n<li>\n<h5><strong>Lessons from other industries:<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Pharmaceutical and automobile component tariffs declined from approximately 40% in 2000 to 10\u201315% in 2023.<\/li>\n<li>India&#8217;s share in global automobile component exports increased from 0.2% in 2003 to 1.5% in 2024.<\/li>\n<li>Its pharmaceutical export share increased from 0.7% to 2%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h5><strong>Consider strategic privatisation:<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>The profitability gap between private and public-sector steel firms suggests potential efficiency and governance problems in public-sector enterprises.<\/li>\n<li>Market-share trends since 2000 &#8211; SAIL (declined from 30% to 10%), JSW Steel (increased from 1% to 12%), and Tata Steel (maintained approx. 11\u201313%).<\/li>\n<li>Privatisation of selected SAIL plants could improve efficiency, <strong>corporate governance<\/strong> and fiscal outcomes while retaining strategic oversight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h5><strong>Remove iron ore export duty:<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>Abolish the 30% export duty on high-grade iron ore. Allow domestic miners to <strong>realise international prices<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Encourage exploration, investment and efficient resource allocation. Expose steelmakers to global input prices, encouraging productivity improvements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<h5><strong>Overhaul mining policy:<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li>India has explored only around 10% of its obvious geological potential.<\/li>\n<li>The existing mining regime discourages exploration because discoveries must be surrendered for future auctions, with discoverers receiving limited incentives.<\/li>\n<li>Suggested reforms &#8211;\n<ul>\n<li>Adopt exploration-friendly policies followed by <strong>Australia <\/strong>and other mineral-rich countries.<\/li>\n<li>Provide adequate incentives and predictable rights to mining explorers.<\/li>\n<li>Accelerate new mine development.<\/li>\n<li>Increase mining&#8217;s contribution to GDP and improve resource utilisation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Conclusion: <\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>India&#8217;s steel industry has achieved remarkable growth since Jamsetji Tata established the foundations of modern steel production in 1912, overcoming colonial scepticism about India&#8217;s industrial capabilities.<\/li>\n<li>The Draft National Steel Policy: Vision 2047 must build upon this legacy by promoting efficiency, technological innovation, competitive input markets and export orientation.<\/li>\n<li>A phased transition from protection-led profitability to productivity-led competitiveness is essential for sustainable industrial growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Draft National Steel Policy FAQs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Q1<\/strong>. What major challenges India&#8217;s steel industry faces?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ans<\/strong>. Excessive tariff and non-tariff protection, coupled with artificially cheap iron ore, etc.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q2<\/strong>. How do high steel prices affect India&#8217;s downstream industries?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ans<\/strong>. It increases production costs in construction, automobiles and MSMEs, undermining their domestic and export competitiveness.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q3<\/strong>. How can tariff liberalisation enhance India&#8217;s steel industry competitiveness?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ans<\/strong>. It can promote competition, innovation, productivity and export growth.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q4<\/strong>. Why is mining policy reform essential for India&#8217;s steel industry?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ans<\/strong>. It can unlock India&#8217;s geological potential, attract investment and ensure efficient resource allocation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Q5<\/strong>. How can privatisation improve the performance of India&#8217;s public-sector steel industry?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ans<\/strong>. By enhancing operational efficiency, corporate governance and fiscal outcomes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/opinion\/columns\/india-steel-policy-2047-global-competitiveness-tariffs-10946438\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Daily Editorial Analysis 2 November 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":["post-131612","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-daily-editorial-analysis","tag-daily-editorial-analysis","tag-the-hindu-editorial-analysis","tag-the-indian-express-analysis","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131612","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=131612"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131612\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":131648,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131612\/revisions\/131648"}],"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=131612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=131612"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=131612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}