SECULARISM — IMPLICIT FROM DAY ONE, EXPLICIT IN 1976
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The debate around the inclusion of “secular” in the Preamble of the Constitution in 1976 continues to generate political and academic interest. Faizan Mustafa highlights how secularism has been a foundational value of India even before it was formally added during the Emergency.
Introduction
- Secularism in India is not a Western import or Emergency-era imposition. It reflects ancient Indian values like those seen in Ashoka’s edicts and ideals from the freedom struggle.
- Though the word “secular” was added to the Constitution in 1976, the spirit of secularism was always present.
Historical Roots of Indian Secularism
- Nehru opposed organized religion and led efforts for a secular polity.
- Ashoka’s Dhamma promoted religious tolerance and ethical governance.
- His Rock Edicts 7 & 12 advocated harmony among religions and discouraged glorification of any one faith.
- The 1928 Motilal Nehru Report and the 1931 Karachi Resolution demanded state neutrality in religious matters.
- Even V.D. Savarkar’s 1944 draft Constitution stated that India should have no state religion.
Secularism in the Constitution
- Though the word “secular” was not originally included in the Preamble, the idea was always implied.
- The Constituent Assembly rejected the proposal to begin the Constitution with “In the name of God.”
- No member, including Syama Prasad Mookerjee, ever demanded a Hindu Rashtra.
- Supreme Court declared secularism a part of the “basic structure” in Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
- Many key constitutional ideas (like federalism or rule of law) also are not directly mentioned but are accepted as fundamental.
Benefits of Secularism for All Religions
- Secularism allows religions to operate without state interference.
- When a religion becomes a state religion, the state may control or dilute it, as seen in Islamic states or Anglican Church history.
- In India, even the Ram Temple consecration was done per state decision, not religious authority.
Comparative Models of Secularism
- England: Has an official church but ensures equal rights to all religions.
- Greece and Ireland: Acknowledge dominant religions in their Constitution but provide equality to all faiths.
- Pakistan and Sri Lanka: Declare or favour a religion but provide legal safeguards for minorities.
WHAT IS SECULARISM?
Secularism means that the State has no official religion. It treats all religions equally and does not favour or discriminate against any religion.
- Citizens are free to follow, practice, and preach any religion of their choice.
- The government cannot force or ban any religion in public or personal life.
- Religious groups cannot interfere in government policies and vice versa.
Words Added to the Preamble in 1976 (42nd Amendment)
In 1976, the following three words were added to the Preamble of the Constitution of India:
- Socialist
- Aims to ensure equal distribution of wealth and reduce inequality.
- Promotes welfare policies and supports the weaker sections.
- Secular
- Ensures that the State remains neutral in matters of religion.
- Gives freedom of religion to every citizen.
- Integrity
- Refers to national unity and territorial integrity.
- Aims to maintain the onenness and indivisibility of India.
Conclusion
India’s secularism is rooted in ancient values and was a clear goal of its Constitution makers. The inclusion of the term in 1976 only clarified what was always intended. Rather than rejecting secularism, we must reaffirm its role in maintaining religious freedom and unity.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLIMATE-INDUCED MIGRATION IN RURAL INDIA
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
Rising climate-related disasters such as droughts and floods are forcing lakhs of rural Indians to migrate, especially from regions like Bundelkhand and Vidarbha, raising concerns about livelihoods, social disruption, and urban challenges.
What is Migration?
Migration means people moving from one place to another, either within a country or to another country—for reasons like jobs, education, safety, marriage, or better living conditions.
It can be temporary or permanent, voluntary or forced.
Types of Internal Migration:
- Rural to Urban – Village to city (most common)
- Urban to Rural – City to village (less common)
- Rural to Rural – One village to another
- Urban to Urban – One city to another
Climate and Migration Link
- Climate change is worsening droughts and floods across India.
- As livelihoods collapse in rural areas, especially in agriculture, people are being pushed to migrate for survival.
Case Study 1: Bundelkhand’s Drought Crisis
- Covers parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, known for low rainfall and rising temperatures.
- Panna district in MP has seen declining rainfall and rising heat.
- Districts like Datia, Lalitpur, and Mahoba have faced repeated droughts since the late 1990s.
- Crop failures have deepened farmer debt, forcing many to migrate to cities like Surat, Delhi, and Bangalore.
- Migration has broken village social networks and increased women’s vulnerability.
Case Study 2: River Erosion in Charpauli, Bangladesh
- Annual floods in the Jamuna River wash away homes and land.
- Families are displaced permanently, either to nearby villages or cities like Dhaka.
- A study found the river’s banks eroding by 12–52 metres annually.
Case Study 3: Sugarcane Labour Migration from Vidarbha & Marathwada
- These Maharashtra regions lie in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats and face erratic rainfall.
- Families migrate seasonally to sugarcane farms in western Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Migrants work under contractual debt bondage, often in poor living conditions.
- Even the elderly are now migrating, a sign of worsening distress.
Migration – Adaptation or Crisis?
- Migration has been viewed by some experts as adaptation to climate change, helping people diversify income.
- However, in the Indian context, especially Bundelkhand, it is seen more as forced displacement than choice.
- Migrants often end up in informal work, urban slums, or in jobs with no security or dignity.
WHAT ARE PUSH AND PULL FACTORS?
- Push factors are the reasons that force people to leave their place of origin.
- Pull factors are the reasons that attract people to a new place.
Push Factors (Reasons People Leave)
These are negative conditions in the home region:
- Unemployment or low income – No job opportunities or poor wages.
- Poverty – Lack of basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare.
- Natural disasters – Floods, droughts, earthquakes, etc.
- Conflict or violence – War, terrorism, or communal unrest.
- Political instability – Corruption, poor governance, or lawlessness.
- Lack of education or healthcare – Poor schools and hospitals in rural areas.
- Environmental degradation – Crop failure, desertification, or pollution.
Pull Factors (Reasons People Arrive)
These are positive conditions in the destination area:
- Better job opportunities – Higher wages and regular work.
- Higher standard of living – Better housing, electricity, clean water, etc.
- Quality education – Good schools and universities.
- Advanced healthcare – Access to hospitals and doctors.
Way Forward
- Strengthen rural climate resilience through better water conservation, crop diversification, and local job creation.
- Recognise migration as a last resort, not a solution.
- Support migrant families with social protection, housing, health care, and education.
Conclusion
Climate migration in India is a growing humanitarian and development concern. It must be addressed through inclusive rural planning and better protection for vulnerable communities.
ASSESSING INDIA’S CARBON CREDIT TRADING SCHEME (CCTS) TARGETS
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
The Indian government has announced greenhouse gas emissions intensity targets under its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) for eight major industrial sectors. Experts are assessing whether these targets are strong enough to support India’s climate goals, especially its 2070 net-zero commitment.
What are Carbon Credits?
- A carbon credit is a permit that allows a country, company, or organization to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO₂) or an equivalent amount of another greenhouse gas (GHG).
- It is a tool used to limit greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.
- Carbon credits are earned when an entity reduces or avoids emissions, like by planting trees, using renewable energy, or improving energy efficiency.
- These credits can be sold to other entities that have exceeded their emission limits.
What is CCTS?
- The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme is a compliance mechanism where industries can buy or sell emission credits based on their performance.
- It covers eight major sectors: aluminium, cement, paper and pulp, chlor-alkali, iron and steel, textile, petrochemicals, and refineries.
Why Overall Impact Matters
- Experts argue that evaluating individual sector or company targets doesn’t show the full picture.
- It’s the economy-wide reduction in emissions intensity that truly matters for climate goals.
- This approach is better suited to measure whether India is moving towards its net-zero 2070 target.
Learning from the PAT Scheme
- India’s earlier Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) programme showed mixed performance at the entity and sector levels.
- Even when some sectors became less energy-efficient, overall energy intensity for the economy improved.
- This was due to the success of market mechanisms where efficient companies sold their extra credits to others.
How Ambitious are the CCTS Targets?
- Based on preliminary modelling, emission intensity in India’s manufacturing sector is expected to reduce by 2.53% annually between 2025–30.
- However, under the current CCTS targets, the projected annual reduction is only about 1.68% (2023–27), which may fall short.
- This suggests that industrial decarbonisation is slower compared to sectors like energy, which have more affordable mitigation options.
HOW CARBON CREDIT TRADING WORKS
- Suppose Company A emits less CO₂ than its allowed limit.
- It earns carbon credits for those unused emissions.
- Company B, which emits more than its limit, can buy these credits from Company A.
- This process is called Carbon Trading or Emissions Trading.
What Does the UNFCCC Say About Carbon Credit Trade?
- The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) governs global climate actions and has guidelines for carbon credit trade under its agreements:
Kyoto Protocol (1997) – First formal system
Introduced three market-based mechanisms:
- Clean Development Mechanism (CDM):
Developed countries can invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries and earn credits. - Joint Implementation (JI):
Countries can work together to meet targets by sharing emission-reducing projects. - International Emissions Trading (IET):
Countries with extra emission units can trade with those that exceed their targets.
Paris Agreement (2015) – Article 6
- Focuses on voluntary cooperation among countries to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- Encourages use of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) (like carbon credits) to meet targets.
- Promotes sustainable development and environmental integrity.
- Countries must track, report, and ensure transparency in carbon trading.
Conclusion
The current targets under the CCTS may not be aggressive enough to meet India’s climate ambitions. A more meaningful assessment must focus on aggregate national-level emission reduction, aligned with the 2030 NDC goals and the 2070 net-zero path.
THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF EMPLOYMENT IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
India is seeing major shifts in employment trends with growing concerns around youth unemployment, unemployability, and the widening skill gap. The India Employment Report 2024 and EPFO data have raised questions on job readiness and the need for urgent reforms.
Key Employment Trends
- EPFO Data shows rising formal employment, especially among 18–25 age group.
- A large share of new EPFO subscribers are fresh graduates, showing push towards formalisation.
- However, long-term job stability and wages remain uncertain.
Challenges in Youth Employment
- Youth form 83% of India’s unemployed population (India Employment Report 2024).
- Those with higher education are also struggling to find jobs.
- Only 50% of graduates are job-ready (Economic Survey 2023–24).
- A majority of youth lack basic digital and professional skills
Technology and Future Jobs
- AI and automation are changing job profiles, especially in the tech sector.
- By 2030, 170 million new jobs may be created, but 92 million could be lost, resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs.
- To benefit, India must bridge the skill gap urgently.
Way Forward: Key Reforms Needed
- Stronger industry-academia links and accountability of institutions for placements.
- Mandatory digital and soft skills training, with Idea Labs in schools and colleges.
- Global skilling strategy to meet job demands abroad, especially in ageing countries.
- Creation of Indian Education Services to bring top talent into education.
- Allow industry professionals to teach to make education more practical.
Conclusion
India must act swiftly to prepare its youth for future jobs. A skilled and adaptable workforce is key to turning demographic advantage into economic success.
WHO ARE QUALIFIED AS ‘ORDINARILY RESIDENT’?
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Election Commission of India has launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which revived discussions around the definition of “ordinarily resident” for voter registration — especially in the context of migrant workers.
What Does the Law Say?
- Section 19 of RP Act, 1950: A person must be ordinarily resident to be registered as a voter.
- Section 20 explains that owning a house doesn’t automatically make one a resident. Temporary absence from one’s residence doesn’t affect one’s status.
- Special categories (armed forces, government employees abroad, etc.) are treated as ordinarily resident in their home constituency.
- Section 20A (added in 2010) allows Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to vote from their home address listed in the passport.
Role of the Registration of Electors Rules (1960)
- The RER governs how names are added or removed from electoral rolls.
- These rules are framed by the Centre in consultation with the Election Commission.
Challenges for Migrant Workers
- Gauhati High Court (1999) ruled that “ordinarily resident” means someone who lives there habitually, not temporarily.
- Migrant labourers move frequently and often stay in temporary housing near work sites.
- Though they return home regularly, strict interpretation of residency can lead to loss of voting rights in their home constituency.
- Around 11% of India’s population migrates for employment, roughly 15 crore potential voters.
Concerns with the Current System
- Migrants may not wish to register in their temporary location.
- Removing their names from home constituency rolls can disenfranchise them.
- This defeats the purpose of universal adult suffrage and electoral fairness.
Way Forward
- The RP Act and RER may be amended to protect the voting rights of migrant workers.
- Mechanisms like postal ballots, remote voting, or special provisions can be explored.
- Aadhaar linkage could help prevent duplicate registrations across different states.
- Learnings from special provisions for NRIs and service voters could guide reforms.
Conclusion
India must safeguard migrant workers’ right to vote by updating laws and adopting inclusive practices. A fair electoral process must reflect the realities of internal migration.
INDIA MUST RECOGNISE ITS OPEN ECOSYSTEMS?
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
India’s open ecosystems like deserts, grasslands, and savannas are being wrongly treated as “wastelands,” sparking concern among ecologists and pastoral communities. Experts urge a relook at policies that degrade these valuable lands in the name of development.
Open ecosystems
- Open natural ecosystems in India, such as deserts and grasslands, are wrongly classified as wastelands.
- These areas are ecologically rich and vital for biodiversity, traditional livelihoods, and carbon storage. Treating them as unproductive land harms both nature and people.
Why Deserts and Open Lands Matter
- Deserts cover one-third of Earth’s land and are home to specially adapted plants, animals, and ancient human cultures.
- Civilisations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley thrived in desert climates.
- India’s deserts and open landscapes like grasslands and savannas support unique species like the Great Indian Bustard and Indian wolf.
Misclassification as Wastelands
- Official maps label millions of hectares of open ecosystems as wastelands — a colonial concept.
- These areas are often targeted for afforestation, farming, or industrial use.
- Tree planting in these areas can disturb native vegetation and local ecology.
Pastoralist Communities at Risk
- Groups like the Dhangar, Rabari, and Kuruba depend on grasslands for livestock grazing.
- When these lands are fenced or turned into forests, it disrupts livelihoods, mobility, and traditional knowledge.
- Pastoralists often act as natural guardians of biodiversity.
The Way Forward
- Focus on restoring land with native species, water conservation, and soil health.
- Use local knowledge and low-tech methods like rotational grazing and water harvesting.
- Policies should reward soil carbon storage and respect ecosystem diversity.
- Recognise deserts and grasslands as living, valuable ecosystems—not degraded lands.
TYPES OF LANDS IN FOREST SURVEY
In the Forest Survey of India (FSI) reports, especially in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR), land is classified into different types based on tree canopy density and land use. Below is a simplified classification as per the ISFR:
Types of Lands in Forest Survey (as per ISFR)
Forest Cover
This refers to actual forested area on the ground, irrespective of ownership or legal status.
It is classified into 3 categories:
- Very Dense Forest (VDF): Canopy density ≥ 70%, Indicates good forest health
- Moderately Dense Forest (MDF): Canopy density 40% to <70%, Generally found outside protected areas too
- Open Forest (OF): Canopy density 10% to <40%, Often degraded or fragmented
Scrub
- Canopy density <10%
- Represents degraded forest land with scattered trees/shrubs
Non-Forest
- Land that does not have tree cover or is used for: Agriculture, Urbanization, Industry, Infrastructure
Recorded Forest Area (RFA) / Forest Area
- Legally defined under forest laws
- Includes: Reserved Forests, Protected Forests, Unclassified Forests
- May or may not have actual tree cover
Conclusion
India must shift from “greening” deserts to valuing and protecting its open ecosystems. These lands are not wastelands, but rich in life, culture, and sustainability.
134TH SESSION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO) COUNCIL
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
India actively participated in the 134th IMO Council Session in London and raised major concerns related to maritime safety and gender equality in shipping.
About IMO
- A UN agency formed in 1958 to regulate international shipping.
- Headquartered in London, with 176 members.
- Focuses on safety, environmental protection, and legal regulations at sea.
India’s Key Interventions
Maritime Safety & Accident Investigations
- India flagged two major shipping accidents off the Kerala coast: MSC ELSA 3 (sank in May 2025). WAN HAI 503 (fire in June 2025).
- Requested IMO to: Investigate such incidents globally. Update safety rules for dangerous cargo, especially lithium-ion batteries.
Emergency Response Standardisation
- Proposed global uniform protocols for handling sea emergencies.
- Emphasised best practices to improve cargo ship safety.
“Sagar Mein Samman” Initiative
- Promotes safe and inclusive workplaces at sea.
- India reported 650% rise in women seafarers.
- Aims to increase female participation in maritime careers.
Relevant Laws
- MARPOL (1973): Controls pollution from ships.
- Merchant Shipping Act (1958): Allows India to act against unsafe ships.
Way Ahead
- Use AI & blockchain for cargo safety.
- Build global maritime investigation mechanisms.
- Extend India’s gender inclusion model globally.
- Train developing nations in IMO safety standards.
INDIA’S FIRST E-TRUCK INCENTIVE SCHEME
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Indian government has officially launched its first dedicated scheme to support the adoption of electric trucks, under the PM E-Drive Initiative.
About the E-Truck Incentive Scheme
- First-ever scheme in India that targets electric trucks (e-trucks), which were excluded under previous EV schemes like FAME.
- ₹500 crore has been allocated; 20% of this is reserved for Delhi-registered vehicles.
- To avail benefits, old diesel trucks must be scrapped.
- Manufacturers must give:
- Battery warranty: 5 years or 5 lakh km.
- Vehicle and motor warranty: 5 years or 2.5 lakh km.
About PM E-DRIVE Scheme
- Timeline: October 1, 2024 – March 31, 2026.
- Merges the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS-2024) into one umbrella initiative.
e-Voucher Mechanism
- One vehicle per Aadhaar. e-Voucher is auto-generated at sale time and is used by OEMs to claim government subsidies.
Charging Infrastructure
- Focus on reducing range anxiety through promotion of EV Public Charging Stations (EVPCS).
- Charging points to be set up in high-EV-use cities and along major highways.
Conclusion
India’s first e-truck incentive scheme marks a major step toward greener freight transport and supports clean mobility goals. By combining financial incentives with charging infrastructure, it aims to make electric trucks a practical and sustainable option.