ENABLING VOTING RIGHTS FOR MIGRANT WORKERS
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
Bihar is heading for Assembly elections in 2025, but a large section of its migrant population is likely to miss voting due to lack of systems that enable voting from outside their home constituency.
Migration and Its Impact on Voting
- Low Voter Turnout: In Bihar, voter turnout was only 56% in 2024 compared to the national average of 66%. Migration is a key reason behind this gap.
- Extent of Migration: As per 2021 data, nearly 29% of Indians are migrants. While most women move for marriage, about 10% migrate for work — a significant number in labour-exporting states.
- Effect on Democracy: Migrants who cannot vote at their place of origin are left politically unrepresented, weakening democratic participation.
Possible Solutions for Migrant Voting
Support for Intra-State Migrants
- Short-Distance Travel: These workers can return home to vote if logistical support is provided.
- Action Steps: Enforce paid leave on polling day. Arrange special buses for polling-related travel.
Remote Electronic Voting Machines (RVMs)
- Pilot Project by ECI (2023): Modified EVMs can cater to up to 72 constituencies.
- Challenges:
- Opposition from political parties due to technical and legal uncertainties.
- Administrative burden of locating and registering migrants ahead of time.
- Difficult to scale during large elections like Lok Sabha polls.
Postal Ballots for Migrants
- Inspired by Armed Forces Voting: Postal ballots can be extended to migrants.
- Pros: Less complex than RVMs.
- Cons: Needs advanced registration and logistical planning for ballot dispatch and counting.
Change of Voting Constituency
- For Long-Term Migrants: Migrants who live in a new area for 6+ months should be allowed to register there.
- Benefit: Encourages their participation in local governance and policies.
- Challenges: Possible resistance from local residents fearing vote dilution.
Special Focus on Women Migrants
- Women who migrate after marriage often miss voting.
- Special enrolment drives should be carried out in their new homes.
Conclusion
To ensure inclusive and fair elections, India must adopt a mixed strategy involving RVMs, postal ballots, travel support, and enrolment drives to empower migrant workers with the right to vote wherever they live or work.
BHARAT MATA PAINTING ROW AND CONSTITUTIONAL ROLE OF GOVERNOR
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
A recent conflict erupted in Kerala between the Governor and the State government over a picture of “Bharat Mata” displayed at Raj Bhavan during official events. The state objected to its use, citing constitutional norms.
What Sparked the Controversy?
- A painting of Bharat Mata was displayed at Raj Bhavan, showing a woman in saffron clothing with a spear and lion, in front of a map of India.
- The Governor offered floral tributes and lit a ceremonial lamp in front of the picture before government functions.
- The Kerala government objected, saying it is not an official or constitutional symbol.
Constitutional and Legal Stand
- No Official Recognition: The Constitution recognizes national symbols like the flag, anthem, and emblem , but not any image of Bharat Mata.
- Governor’s Role: As per the Constitution, the Governor acts based on the advice of the elected state government.
- SC Interpretation: The Supreme Court has clarified that Governors hold no independent decision-making powers in matters concerning executive functions.
Historical Background of Bharat Mata Concept
- Origins: The image of Bharat Mata was popularized in literature (Bankim Chandra’s Anandamath) and art (Abanindranath Tagore’s painting in 1905).
- Freedom Struggle: The phrase “Bharat Mata ki Jai” was widely used during the independence movement, but no specific visual depiction was adopted.
- Pandit Nehru’s View: Nehru interpreted Bharat Mata not as a figure but as a symbol of India’s people — their struggles, hopes, and aspirations.
Why the Issue is Problematic
- Violation of Constitutional Norms: Displaying non-official symbols during government functions goes against constitutional propriety.
- Religious and Cultural Sensitivity: The image used resembles a Hindu goddess, which may not represent India’s diverse population.
- Institutional Conflict: The Governor–State tussle worsens Centre-State relations and disrupts governance.
Way Forward
- Respect Constitutional Limits: Raj Bhavan should only display symbols and follow protocols recognized by the Constitution.
- Maintain Neutrality: Constitutional authorities must avoid using visuals associated with specific political or ideological groups during official events.
- Dialogue and Restraint: Both the Governor and State should engage in constructive dialogue and avoid public confrontation over sensitive matters.
GOVERNOR
Article 153: Every State has a Governor.
- Article 154: Executive power of the State is vested in the Governor.
- Article 155–156: Appointment and term (5 years) of the Governor.
- Article 157–158: Qualifications and oath of office.
- Article 159: Oath or affirmation of office.
Executive Powers
- Chief Executive of the State—oversees administration and appointments.
- Appointment of key officials (e.g., Advocate-General, State Election Commissioners).
- Ordinance Power: Can issue ordinances when Legislature is not in session (Article 213).
Legislative Powers
- Summoning/Dissolving the State Legislative Assembly (Article 174).
- Addressing the first session each year and after general elections (Article 176).
- Assent to Bills: Can give assent, withhold, or reserve for President’s consideration (Article 200).
- Legislative Messages: Can suggest amendments to Bills (Article 200).
Discretionary Powers
- No Confidence: Deciding whom to invite to form government when no party has clear majority.
- Reservation of Bills: For President’s consideration in matters affecting national interest or High Court jurisdictions.
- Reporting: Can send reports to the President about breakdown of constitutional machinery (failure of State government).
Emergency Powers
- Report on Constitutional Breakdown: May inform the President under Article 356.
- President’s Rule: Based on Governor’s report, President can assume State functions.
Conclusion
The Raj Bhavan controversy highlights the importance of constitutional discipline and non-partisanship in official spaces. All actions and symbols in government functions must align with the principles of secularism and constitutional propriety.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND CITIZENSHIP DISPUTES IN BORDER STATES
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Supreme Court recently stayed the deportation of a woman declared a foreigner in Assam, and the J&K High Court ordered the repatriation of a long-term Pakistani resident, highlighting ongoing concerns about the treatment of citizenship and human rights in India’s border states.
Cases Highlighted
Assam Case – Jaynab Bibi:
- Declared a foreigner by the Foreigners’ Tribunal and Gauhati High Court despite her family living in Assam for generations.
- Supreme Court stayed her deportation and protected her from coercive action until the next hearing.
Jammu Case – Rakshanda Rashid:
- A Pakistani woman living in India for 38 years with her Indian husband and children.
- Deported amid post-terror attack action; J&K High Court directed the Centre to bring her back.
- Her citizenship application filed in 1996 remains unprocessed.
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
- Lack of Evidence: Courts have pointed out that many are wrongly suspected of being foreigners without solid proof.
- Supreme Court (2024): Suspicion cannot replace legal evidence in deciding nationality.
- Human Rights Violations: J&K High Court stressed that protecting human dignity is essential, even before the legal process concludes.
- Delayed Citizenship Process: Bureaucratic delays in citizenship applications, like in Ms. Rashid’s case, deny long-term residents their basic rights.
Broader Context
- Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019: Grants citizenship only to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
- Critics argue it discriminates based on religion and ignores genuine refugees from other communities.
- Political Rhetoric: Comments by some leaders intensify fear among minority groups and undocumented residents.
Conclusion
Citizenship issues must be handled with fairness, legal safeguards, and respect for human dignity. Governments should ensure human rights are protected without waiting for judicial intervention.
STATE-WISE TRENDS IN LIVER DISEASE IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: THE HINDU
Recent health data shows a sharp rise in liver disease-related deaths in India, with significant differences across gender, age, and states — particularly high in the north-east and among middle-aged men.
Rising Liver Disease-Linked Deaths
- Liver diseases now make up a large portion of digestive system-related deaths.
- Digestive diseases were the 8th leading cause of death in 2022, up from lower ranks in previous years.
Gender-Based Differences
- Male deaths due to digestive diseases are over 3 times higher than female deaths.
- In 2022, 75% of digestive disease deaths in men were liver-related, compared to 57.5% in women.
- This suggests lifestyle factors like alcohol use may be playing a larger role in male deaths.
Age Trends
- Women: Deaths due to digestive diseases increase significantly after age 65.
- Men: Most deaths occurred in the 35-54 age group, suggesting middle-aged males are more vulnerable.
Regional Patterns
- Sikkim had the highest proportion of digestive disease deaths (nearly 20% of certified deaths).
- Five north-eastern states recorded over 10% deaths from digestive issues — a much higher rate than the rest of India.
Lifestyle and Risk Factors
- Alcohol Use:
- 19% of men drink alcohol, versus only 1% of women.
- High alcohol use among men may explain middle-age liver disease deaths.
- Meat Consumption:
- Meat-heavy diets also raise liver disease risks.
- North-eastern states show high overlap of alcohol and meat consumption.
Conclusion
The rise in liver-related deaths, especially among men and in the north-east, signals a need for focused research into lifestyle-linked health risks. Better data and preventive health policies are needed to address these growing challenges.
REASSESSING CASTE DATA COLLECTION IN THE CENSUS
TOPIC: (GS2) SOCIAL JUSTICE: THE HINDU
The Union Government has announced that the next Census will take place in 2027 and will include caste details. This has triggered discussions on whether the current Census format needs changes to make the data more useful for addressing inequality.
How the Census is Conducted
- Phase 1: House Listing (2026): Records details of houses and basic amenities.
- Phase 2: Population Enumeration (2027): Collects socio-economic details and is the phase where caste will be recorded.
Why Include Caste in the Census?
- The government states that caste data will help in identifying socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
- The goal is to ensure fair inclusion in policy-making, welfare schemes, and development planning.
Concerns with the Current Approach
- The 2021 draft only included Scheduled Castes, not all castes.
- Data on jobs, education, age at marriage, and housing quality could help analyse caste-based disparities, but linking these is difficult under the current two-phase system.
- Unemployment data is vague due to poor question design (e.g. unclear duration for being “seeking work”).
- Birth and child survival data are of poor quality and better captured through health surveys.
- Migration data is often incomplete or under-reported.
Recommended Reforms
- Shift housing and asset-related questions from the first to the second phase so they can be directly linked to individuals and their caste.
- Improve coverage in urban areas, where omission rates are high, by focusing more on listing accuracy during house-listing.
- Drop outdated questions (like mobile phone ownership, access to banking) to simplify the questionnaire and reduce burden on enumerators.
- Enhance linkage between questions to identify how caste affects living standards, literacy, and employment.
Way Forward
- A revised Census structure can help measure real disparities across castes.
- Reliable data is vital to shape inclusive policies beyond just reservation decisions.
- With better design, the Census can move beyond numbers to real socio-economic insights.
WHAT IS A CENSUS?
A complete count of the population and their characteristics. Conducted to collect data on demographics, socio-economic status, and housing. Helps the government plan, allocate resources, and design policies.
Constitutional & Legal Basis
- Census Act, 1948: Mandates decennial Census under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
- Article 341: Uses Census data to notify Scheduled Castes; similar provisions for Scheduled Tribes (Article 342)
Historical Timeline
- 1872: First census exercise (British India) – headcount only, not decennial.
- 1881: First synchronous, systematic census across all of British India; began the decennial tradition.
- 1941–51: Census paused in 1941–47 due to World War II and partition; resumed in 1951.
- Since 1951: Census conducted every ten years without interruption.
- 2021 Census: Deferred by pandemic; next Census scheduled for 2027, with caste enumeration included.
Conclusion
To make caste enumeration meaningful, the Census process must be updated to ensure reliable and usable data. This would support informed policy decisions aimed at uplifting the most marginalised.
KAILASH MANSAROVAR
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: PIB
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumed in June 2025 after a six-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the India-China military standoff. It is the first restored people-to-people contact initiative between the two countries post-Galwan clashes.
Mount Kailash:
- Height: ~6,638 m (21,778 ft).
- Located in the Trans-Himalayan range in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
- Considered the source of four major rivers:
- Indus (via Sengge Zangbo)
- Sutlej (a tributary of Indus)
- Brahmaputra (as Yarlung Tsangpo)
- Karnali/Ghaghara (a tributary of the Ganga)
- The mountain remains unclimbed due to religious beliefs.
Lake Mansarovar
- A high-altitude freshwater lake near Mount Kailash.
- Located at 4,590 m above sea level.
- Known as one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world.
- Believed to be the source of purity and spiritual energy.
Cultural and Religious Significance
- For Hindus: Mount Kailash is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims perform the “parikrama” (circumambulation) around the peak.
- For Buddhists: It is considered the dwelling of Buddha Demchok, a symbol of supreme bliss.
- For Jains: Mount Kailash is where their first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev, attained liberation.
- For Bon religion: It is a sacred mountain where the founder, Tonpa Shenrab, descended from the heavens.
GST COUNCIL
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: PIB
The next GST Council meeting has been postponed to July 2025, Key items include pruning the 12% tax slab and reconsidering GST on service intermediaries.
Pruning the 12% Tax Slab
- Current Structure: Four main rates—0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, plus special rates (0.25% diamonds; 3% gold/silver) and compensation cess.
- Proposal: Eliminate or reduce items in the 12% bracket, shifting many to 5% or 18%.
- Rationale: Reflect changing consumption—items like toothpaste, soap now essentials.
- Caution: Manufacturers at 12% enjoy input tax credits; moving to 5% could forfeit these credits, raising production costs.
Composition of the GST Council
- Chair: Union Finance Minister (ex-officio).
- Members:
- Union Minister of State in charge of Revenue or Finance;
- Finance Ministers of all States and Union Territories with legislatures.
- Secretary: Revenue Secretary, Ministry of Finance (non-voting).
Voting Weights
- Total Voting Power: Divided between the Centre and States.
- Centre: Holds 1/3 (33.33%) of total votes.
- States Combined: Hold 2/3 (66.67%) of total votes.
- Individual State Share:
- The States’ 66.67% is equally divided among all participating States and UTs with legislatures.
- Example (2025): If 30 States/UTs participate, each has ~2.22% vote weight.
Decision-Making Rules
- Ordinary Agenda: Requires approval by a simple majority (>50% of weighted votes).
- Important Matters (e.g., rate changes, threshold revisions): Require at least three-fourths (75%) of weighted votes.
Significance for Policy
- Cooperative Federalism: Balances Centre’s and States’ interests in tax policy.
- Decision-Gating: High thresholds ensure broad consensus for major reforms—protecting smaller States from unilateral changes.
- Predicting Outcomes: Knowing vote shares helps assess which proposals (e.g., rate rationalisation) are likely to pass.
STATE OF THE CLIMATE IN ASIA 2024 REPORT
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS
The World Meteorological Organization’s “State of the Climate in Asia 2024” report finds that 2024 was Asia’s hottest year on record, marked by extreme heatwaves and rising sea levels.
These trends highlight urgent risks for coastal communities, agriculture, and public health across the region.
- Publisher: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
- Edition: Fifth annual regional climate assessment
- Contributors: National Meteorological Services, WMO Regional Centres, UN agencies, research institutes
- Scope: Tracks temperature, ocean health, weather extremes, and impacts on societies and ecosystems
Key Findings
- Record Temperatures
- 2024 was Asia’s warmest year since records began (1850).
- Every year from 2015 to 2024 ranks among the top ten hottest globally.
- Ocean Warming and Sea-Level Rise
- Asia’s coastal waters warmed at nearly twice the global rate.
- Sea levels along Pacific and Indian coasts rose faster than the world average, endangering low-lying areas.
- Marine Heatwaves
- Most of Asia’s seas experienced severe marine heatwaves in 2024—the largest extent since 1993.
- The northern Indian Ocean and seas near Japan, China, and Korea saw the worst temperature spikes.
- Tropical Cyclones
- Bay of Bengal spawned three major storms (Remal, Dana, Fengal); Arabian Sea saw Cyclone Asna.
- These intensified storm patterns threaten coastal populations and infrastructure.
- Extreme Heat Events
- Temperatures soared above 49 °C in parts of Saudi Arabia’s Makkah region.
- Prolonged heatwaves pose serious health and crop-yield risks.
Conclusion
The report underscores the accelerating impact of climate change in Asia—demanding stronger adaptation measures, coastal defenses, and heat health action plans to protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems.