Hindu Editorial snapshot – 28-May-2025
Reign of chaos: On Bangladesh’s inner tensions
Tensions are escalating between Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, and the military. On May 26, 2025, the Army publicly opposed the government’s plan to open a humanitarian corridor to Myanmar’s Rakhine State, citing security risks. Army chief Gen. Waker-Uz-Zaman also criticized other government initiatives, including potential foreign management of Chattogram Port and the introduction of Starlink, while calling for early elections. Speculation about Yunus’s resignation was denied by a Cabinet member, but the military’s statements indicate persistent conflict. Yunus assumed power on August 8, 2024, after the fall of the Hasina administration, pledging democratic reforms. However, his government has struggled with instability, violence, and political exclusion. The recent banning of the Awami League, under pressure from student and Islamist groups, has worsened the political crisis. Despite promises of reform, elections have been delayed, drawing criticism from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the military. The country faces increasing turmoil under an unelected leadership, and urgently requires inclusive, free, and fair elections to restore stability and legitimacy.
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Energy and efficiency: On India and greater energy efficiency mandates
Despite significant growth in electricity generation and a rapid rise in renewables, India has failed to meet peak power demand, with the deficit rising from 0.69% in FY20 to 5% in FY24. The delay in adding new power capacity and challenges in integrating renewables underscore the urgent need for improved energy efficiency. Marking a decade in 2025, the UJALA scheme has been instrumental in lowering LED bulb prices and promoting widespread use, alongside the Street Lighting National Programme, which collectively helped reduce peak demand by over 1,500 MW. As of January 2025, around 37 crore LED bulbs were distributed, enabling the sale of 407 crore more. These measures have saved India over $10 billion and avoided building 9,500 MW of new capacity. Broader energy efficiency efforts, enabled by the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, helped avert 15% additional energy demand and 300Mt of CO₂ emissions between 2000 and 2018. However, with rising urbanisation, increasing cooling needs, and peak power demand hitting 250 GW, India—now the world’s third-largest power consumer—still relies on coal for 70% of its energy, with plans for 90 GW more coal capacity by 2032. The country must now expand energy efficiency mandates across buildings, appliances, and MSMEs to meet demand and climate goals.
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