JUDICIAL SENSITIVITY TO SENTIMENTS: A SIGN OF REGRESSION
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
Recently, courts in India have increasingly been seen demanding apologies for speech that offends, focusing more on sentiments than on upholding free speech. This trend is being criticized for undermining Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which safeguards the fundamental right to free speech.
Courts Managing Speech, Not Protecting It
- Courts increasingly ask individuals to apologize for offensive but lawful speech.
- They focus on how something is said rather than why the right to say it is crucial.
- This weakens the citizen’s power to question authority.
Outrage Over Substance
- Example: A young man criticized the Prime Minister on social media but the court refused to dismiss the FIR, prioritizing national sentiments over free speech.
- Courts often equate emotional hurt with legal harm, which is not the test under Article 19(2).
Popularity Test for Speech
- Courts advise apologies to the public for speech that’s lawful but controversial.
- Example: Kamal Haasan’s remarks about Kannada led to a suggestion for an apology rather than a legal assessment.
- This empowers mobs to litigate and chill free speech.
The Chilling Effect
- Courts treat speech that offends institutions as defamation without rigorous scrutiny.
- Even humorous or critical remarks can lead to FIRs under harsh laws like sedition, deterring open discussion.
- This process itself punishes the speaker and discourages dissent.
Solutions Suggested
- Courts should uphold free speech robustly, focusing on whether the speech incites violence, not whether it offends.
- Apologies should be voluntary, not a judicial prescription.
- Laws like sedition and broad “public order” clauses should be interpreted narrowly to protect liberty.
- Judges must be protectors of constitutional rights, not guardians of sentiments.
LANDMARK SUPREME COURT JUDGMENTS ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH
Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India (1978)
- Key Point: This case expanded the understanding of fundamental rights, including the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
- Judgment: The Supreme Court ruled that any restriction on fundamental rights must be “reasonable” and follow the “procedure established by law.”
- It emphasized that freedom of speech is essential for democracy and any law curbing it must be fair, just, and not arbitrary.
- This case also established that the right to freedom is not limited to the act itself but includes the right to know the reasons for any restriction.
Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015)
- Key Point: This case dealt with freedom of speech in the context of online content and the Internet.
- Judgment: The Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, which was used to arrest people for posting “offensive” content online.
- The Court held that the law was vague and violated the fundamental right to free speech because it imposed unreasonable restrictions.
The ruling reinforced that freedom of expression applies to digital communication and should not be curbed unless it threatens sovereignty, security, or public order.
Conclusion
India’s democracy depends on protecting dissent and free speech, even if it’s offensive. Judicial sensitivity to sentiments weakens democratic values and emboldens those who want to stifle critical voices.
PRELIMS PRACTICE QUERSTIUON:
Which of the following restrictions are allowed under Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution concerning the right to freedom of speech and expression?
- Security of the State
- Friendly relations with foreign states
- Protection of interests of minorities
- Imposition of emergency
Select the correct answer using the code below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
DECLINING POVERTY IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) SOCIAL JUSTICE: THE HINDU
Recent data from the World Bank shows a sharp decline in extreme poverty in India, dropping from 27.1% in 2011-12 to 5.3% in 2022-23. This significant change highlights progress but also raises questions on data collection and its use for policymaking.
Trends in Poverty Reduction
- Extreme poverty in India fell drastically from 27.1% in 2011-12 to 5.3% in 2022-23, according to the latest World Bank figures.
- The poverty threshold used by the World Bank was raised to $3 per day from the previous $2.15, making this decline even more remarkable.
- In absolute terms, the number of people living in extreme poverty dropped from about 344 million to 75 million over this period.
- Even with a higher poverty line of $4.2 per day (for lower-middle-income countries), poverty reduced from 57.7% to 23.9% between 2011-12 and 2022-23.
- This decline appears to be continuing beyond 2023.
Data Challenges and Government Efforts
- The accuracy of poverty data has been debated due to missing official data for 2017-18 over “data quality issues.”
- To address this, the government conducted new household consumption expenditure surveys in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
- These new surveys help provide updated and reliable insights into poverty trends over the last decade.
Multidimensional Poverty and Inequality
- NITI Aayog reported a fall in multidimensional poverty — which includes health, education, and living standards — from 55.3% in 2005-06 to 15% in 2019-21.
- The World Bank also noted a decline in inequality in India between 2011 and 2022, using measures like the Gini and Theil indices.
- However, inequality measured by consumption data tends to show lower levels than income-based inequality.
Policy Implications
- Updated poverty and inequality data are crucial for policymakers to design better-targeted welfare and development programs.
- Reliable data helps in monitoring progress and making informed decisions to further reduce poverty and improve living standards.
Conclusion:
The significant decline in poverty in India reflects positive economic and social progress, but reliable data remains crucial for effective policymaking. Continued efforts are needed to sustain this momentum and address remaining challenges.
CONSULTATIVE REGULATION-MAKING NEEDS FURTHER REFORMS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently introduced new frameworks to make the process of making regulations more open and participatory.
Positive Developments
- RBI now requires “impact analysis” before making new regulations or amending existing ones.
- SEBI must explain the purpose of proposed regulations and both regulators will now invite public feedback for 21 days.
- They will also regularly review their regulations to check if they are still relevant.
Areas for Further Improvement
Need for Economic Rationale
- Regulations should clearly explain the economic reason for their existence.
- They should identify specific market failures or issues they aim to address.
- International practices (e.g., US and EU) require a cost-benefit analysis and the evaluation of alternatives before enforcing new regulations.
- Currently, RBI and SEBI mention broad goals but do not clearly link proposed rules to economic problems.
Strengthening Accountability
- Past records show RBI and SEBI rarely sought public comments on regulations, with RBI doing so on just 2.4% of circulars in one year.
- To improve accountability, regulators should:
- Report how many regulations were open for public feedback.
- Share how many suggestions were accepted or rejected and why.
- Disclose how public input influenced the final rules.
- SEBI sometimes excludes summaries of public comments, citing confidentiality, which undermines trust.
Periodic Reviews
- RBI and SEBI should set clear timelines for reviewing regulations to see if they are working as intended.
- The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) already requires a review every three years, which is a good example.
Broader Reforms Needed
- Limited capacity in regulatory bodies makes thorough impact assessments difficult.
- Piecemeal reforms may not be enough; Parliament could pass a law like the US Administrative Procedure Act to set standard procedures for making regulations, including mandatory public consultation and impact analysis.
Conclusion
RBI and SEBI have taken important steps to improve regulation-making. However, more reforms are needed to ensure these processes are transparent, accountable, and based on clear economic logic. India should learn from international best practices to build a stronger regulatory framework.
DEFENCE PRODUCTION IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
India’s defence production reached a record high in FY24, crossing ₹1.3 lakh crore and showing strong growth. Private companies and MSMEs have contributed significantly to this growth, while defence exports have also surged.
Defence Production Trends
- India’s defence production touched ₹1.3 lakh crore in FY24, a 17% rise from the previous year.
- This is the second consecutive year production has crossed ₹1 lakh crore, highlighting consistent growth.
- Growth rates have been in double digits since FY22, recovering from a contraction of -2.5% in FY20.
Defence Exports on the Rise
- India’s defence exports exceeded ₹20,000 crore in FY23 and FY24, double the levels before FY20.
- Key export items include small arms, protective equipment, and artillery.
- The government has set an ambitious export target of ₹30,000 crore for FY25.
- Exports showed steady growth in recent years despite some fluctuations in the rate of growth (Chart 3).
Role of Private Companies
- Public sector companies continue to dominate, but private companies’ share has grown from around 20% in FY17 to about 24% in FY25.
- Private companies also hold a large share of defence exports due to easier export clearances.
- This indicates a shift towards a more balanced production ecosystem (Chart 4).
Contribution of MSMEs
- MSMEs have become key players by supplying components to defence manufacturers.
- In FY25, procurement from MSMEs reached ₹13,000 crore, more than double the year’s target.
- Previously, annual procurement from MSMEs was around ₹3,000 crore between FY18-FY20, but has grown significantly since (Chart 5).
Stock Market Trends
- Defence stocks saw a sharp rise after Operation Sindoor.
- Week of the strike: Defence stocks rose by 20.8%, compared to 3.1% rise in Nifty50.
- Next week: Defence stocks grew 5.4% while Nifty50 fell by 0.5% (Chart 1).
- This surge highlights increased investor confidence in the defence sector during geopolitical tensions.
Challenges
- Despite growth, defence’s share in overall government spending has declined.
- India still spends a higher proportion of GDP on its military compared to many emerging markets.
Conclusion
India’s defence production and export growth signals a positive shift towards self-reliance. With rising contributions from private companies and MSMEs, India is building a stronger domestic defence industry, though challenges remain.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CENSUS
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Union Home Ministry announced that the next Census will be held in two phases with March 1, 2027, as the reference date. It will be India’s first Census after a long delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic and includes plans to collect caste data.
When was the first Census conducted?
- The first synchronous Census in India began in 1881 during British rule.
- W. C. Plowden was the first Census Commissioner.
- Since then, it has been conducted every 10 years, except for the delay in 2021 due to COVID-19.
How is the Census conducted?
- Union List Subject: The Census is listed under the Union List, meaning it is the responsibility of the Central government.
- Key Law: The Census Act, 1948, regulates the process.
- Two Phases:
- Phase 1: House Listing — Collects data on housing conditions and household assets over 5-6 months.
- Phase 2: Population Enumeration — Captures details like name, age, sex, religion, caste (SC/ST), literacy, and occupation.
- The data is compiled and published in provisional and final reports.
Why is caste being counted in the upcoming Census?
- Earlier, only SC and ST categories were recorded.
- Due to demands from various political parties and social groups, the government decided to collect caste data for all Hindus.
- This will aid in formulating policies for backward classes.
Why are southern and smaller States concerned?
- States like those in the south and some smaller states fear that population-based seat redistribution might reduce their political representation.
- They worry about losing Lok Sabha seats in the next delimitation exercise after the 2027 Census.
- Many have asked for a freeze on the current number of seats to avoid losing influence.
Significance of the Current Census
- First Census after 2026: Could influence the delimitation of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies.
- Women’s Reservation: Data may be used to reserve one-third of seats for women.
- Policy Planning: Essential for social welfare, resource allocation, and governance decisions.
Way Forward
- Caste data must be collected carefully to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- States’ concerns about representation must be addressed with consensus before implementing seat changes.
- Delimitation should be done cautiously, ensuring that no state is unfairly treated.
- Women’s reservation should be implemented based on reliable data from this Census.
INDIA PLANNING TO LOCALISE EV MANUFACTURING
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) recently notified the guidelines for the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India. This scheme aims to boost domestic EV manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports.
Highlights of the Scheme
- Reduced Customs Duty: Currently, fully built electric cars attract 70-100% customs duty. Under the new scheme, this duty will be reduced to 15% for imported EVs priced at $35,000 or more.
- Investment Requirement: To get this benefit, companies must invest at least ₹4,150 crore in India within three years. They must also develop infrastructure and facilities to support domestic manufacturing.
- Localization Targets: At least 25% of manufacturing must be local within three years. This figure should rise to 50% within five years.
- Import Cap: A maximum of 8,000 cars can be imported annually at the reduced duty rate. The maximum customs duty benefit allowed under the scheme is ₹6,484 crore.
Potential Benefits
- Can encourage global EV players to set up plants in India, creating jobs.
- Aims to strengthen local supply chains and component manufacturing.
- Supports India’s goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy.
Challenges and Concerns
- Technology Transfer: Experts warn that without proper technology sharing, local players may not benefit fully. Countries are usually hesitant to share advanced technology, so India must plan accordingly.
- Focus on Four-Wheelers: The policy emphasizes passenger cars, but two-wheelers and three-wheelers dominate EV sales. Majority of Indians rely on public transport, which also needs attention.
- Impact on Local Industry: Companies like Tata Motors have opposed reduced import duties, fearing harm to local players. Local manufacturers want more support to build capacity before competing with global brands.
Encourage e-mobility
- FAME India Phase II: Offers subsidies for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and buses, including tax incentives on vehicles and components to reduce costs and increase adoption.
- Reduced GST on EVs: Goods and Services Tax (GST) on EVs has been reduced from 12% to 5%, encouraging buyers and manufacturers to switch to electric.
- Income Tax Deduction on EV Loan Interest: Under Section 80EEB of the Income Tax Act, individuals can claim a deduction of up to ₹1.5 lakh on interest paid on loans for buying EVs.
- PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell Batteries: Provides financial incentives to manufacturers investing in domestic battery production, lowering costs and boosting local EV supply chains.
Way Forward
- India should focus on building skills, R&D, and technology transfer.
- Policies must balance attracting foreign investment and supporting local companies.
- The scheme must also include plans for public transport and smaller EV segments.
Conclusion:
India’s push to localize EV manufacturing can boost the economy, generate jobs, and reduce carbon emissions, but success depends on balanced policies that foster technology transfer and support all EV segments. Inclusive growth in e-mobility requires attention to public transport and smaller vehicles alongside passenger cars.
UPSC MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
“Examine the challenges and opportunities in promoting domestic electric vehicle manufacturing in India. How can government policies ensure balanced growth of the EV sector while protecting local industries?”
INDIA’S WIND SECTOR
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
India aims to reach 500 GW of non-fossil energy by 2030, including over 100 GW from wind power. Concerns have emerged about the sector’s cybersecurity, technology transfer, and local innovation.
India’s Wind Energy (2025)
- Installed Capacity: As of FY 2024, India’s wind energy capacity stood at 16 GW, powering growth in the sector
- Share in Renewable Energy Mix: Total renewable energy capacity reached 4 GW, with wind making up about 23% of that mix (10.5% of renewable total) .
- Non-fossil capacity (including renewables + nuclear & large hydro) accounts for 8–47% of India’s 456.7 GW total power capacity
- Overall, Power Mix: Total installed capacity is 7 GW, with 209.4 GW (≈47%) from renewables. Wind accounts for roughly 10.5% of the renewable segment, translating to about 11% of total power capacity .
- Top 3 Wind-Generating States: Gujarat: ~12,474 MW, Tamil Nadu: ~11,409 MW, Karnataka: ~6,731 MW
Challenges in India’s Wind Sector
Cybersecurity Threats
- Renewable energy networks rely on SCADA systems for operations.
- A cyberattack on these systems could disable wind farms in seconds.
- Stronger digital security measures are only now being introduced.
Need for Localisation and Innovation
- Proposed policies require wind turbine data to be stored within India.
- Foreign companies will no longer have remote access to Indian wind farms.
- OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) must set up R&D centers in India to foster local innovation.
- India should aim to design turbines for its own climate and grid conditions, not just import technology.
Climate Adaptability
- India’s extreme conditions (high temperatures, coastal air, monsoons) challenge imported turbine designs.
- There is no mandatory in-country testing to ensure turbines can handle India’s weather.
- Without this, India risks using turbines that fail in harsh conditions.
Software Security Concerns
- Wind turbines use software-driven components like power converters and firmware.
- These systems can be vulnerable to hidden software bugs or backdoors.
- Mandatory security audits are needed, especially for equipment from countries with geopolitical tensions.
Policy Recommendations
- Enforce strong regulations for in-country R&D and prototype testing.
- Mandate climate resilience testing for all wind turbines before approval.
- Include cybersecurity requirements, like audits of software and hardware, in vendor certifications.
- Strengthen the regulatory framework to make guidelines mandatory, not optional.
Conclusion
India’s wind sector must focus on innovation, security, and localised solutions. Policies must ensure turbines are not just made in India but truly designed for Indian conditions.
INDIA-MONGOLIA JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
The 17th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ is currently being held from May 31 to June 13, 2025, in Mongolia. The exercise aims to boost cooperation and interoperability between Indian and Mongolian forces.
Key Features of the Exercise
- Focus Areas: Non-conventional operations in semi-urban and mountainous areas under UN mandate. Sharing best practices in counter-terrorism and precision shooting.
- Training Goals: Enhance the operational abilities of both armies. Build coordination and understanding in complex terrains.
- UN Peacekeeping: Includes simulations of UN peacekeeping missions to improve cooperation in real-world scenarios.
- Cultural Exchange: Emphasizes cultural understanding and friendship between the two forces.
Significance
- Strengthens defence ties between India and Mongolia.
- Prepares both countries to deal with modern security challenges.