Pain remains
1. Inflation Falls, But Pain Remains
Inflation fell to a 77-month low of 2.1% in June 2025.
Policymakers may feel relief.
But the general public still faces pain, with some good news but also rising costs in many areas.
Inflation fell to a 77-month low of 2.1% in June 2025.
Policymakers may feel relief.
But the general public still faces pain, with some good news but also rising costs in many areas.
2. Fall in Food Prices (Seasonal, Not Structural)
Food inflation eased.
Food and beverage prices fell by 0.2% in June 2025.
Last year in June, food inflation was 8.4%.
Prices of vegetables, pulses, spices, and meat dropped.
But this is due to seasonal factors, not a long-term trend.
Food inflation eased.
Food and beverage prices fell by 0.2% in June 2025.
Last year in June, food inflation was 8.4%.
Prices of vegetables, pulses, spices, and meat dropped.
But this is due to seasonal factors, not a long-term trend.
3. Rising Prices in Other Essentials
Food isn’t the only spending area.
Many common items and services saw higher inflation in June.
Food isn’t the only spending area.
Many common items and services saw higher inflation in June.
Education and Stationery
Inflation rose to 4.4% in June (highest in 15 months).
Driven by higher school, college, and tuition fees.
Health Care
Inflation also hit a 15-month high.
Personal Care
Inflation rose to 14.8% in June.
This is the eighth month of double-digit inflation in 9 months.
Prices of soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and sanitary napkins increased.
These are daily-use products, not luxuries.
4. CPI Weight Problem
Though food prices fell, everything else got more expensive.
Raises an old policy question:
Is headline inflation showing the real price rise for average Indians?
Food has 46% weight in CPI.
But new Household Consumption Survey shows food is only 30% of actual household spending.
Lowering food weight in CPI will make inflation data more accurate.
Though food prices fell, everything else got more expensive.
Raises an old policy question:
Is headline inflation showing the real price rise for average Indians?
Food has 46% weight in CPI.
But new Household Consumption Survey shows food is only 30% of actual household spending.
Lowering food weight in CPI will make inflation data more accurate.
5. CPI Update in Progress
Ministry of Statistics is updating the CPI.
The CPI base year (currently 2011–12) is being changed.
Category weights are also being revised.
This update is urgent because even monetary policy is based on the current, outdated CPI.
Ministry of Statistics is updating the CPI.
The CPI base year (currently 2011–12) is being changed.
Category weights are also being revised.
This update is urgent because even monetary policy is based on the current, outdated CPI.
6. Conclusion
Do not be misled by the fall in headline inflation.
The real experience of the average Indian shows that cost of living is still painful.
The real story lies in the details of inflation, not just in the overall number.
Do not be misled by the fall in headline inflation.
The real experience of the average Indian shows that cost of living is still painful.
The real story lies in the details of inflation, not just in the overall number.
More than symbolic : Legislative measures to curb unhealthy food intake are a must
1. Health Ministry's New Move
The Health Ministry has asked all government departments to display oil, sugar, and trans-fat content in popular Indian snacks like samosas, jalebis, vada pavs, and laddoos.
Goal: To show health risks of eating these foods regularly.
The campaign will start at AIIMS Nagpur and later expand to other cities.
The Health Ministry has asked all government departments to display oil, sugar, and trans-fat content in popular Indian snacks like samosas, jalebis, vada pavs, and laddoos.
Goal: To show health risks of eating these foods regularly.
The campaign will start at AIIMS Nagpur and later expand to other cities.
2. CBSE’s Sugar Awareness Drive
CBSE has told all affiliated schools to set up ‘sugar boards’.
These boards will show:
Recommended daily sugar intake
Sugar content in commonly eaten foods
Health risks of eating too much sugar
Healthier food alternatives
CBSE has told all affiliated schools to set up ‘sugar boards’.
These boards will show:
Recommended daily sugar intake
Sugar content in commonly eaten foods
Health risks of eating too much sugar
Healthier food alternatives
3. Obesity on the Rise
Studies show obesity is increasing in India.
As per NFHS data:
Men: From 15% (2005-06) to 24% (2019-21)
Women: From 12% to 23% in the same period
Studies show obesity is increasing in India.
As per NFHS data:
Men: From 15% (2005-06) to 24% (2019-21)
Women: From 12% to 23% in the same period
4. Visual Warnings Like Tobacco Products
Indian snacks have hidden oil and sugar content.
People often overlook this.
These new labels will act like “visual behavioural nudges”, similar to pictorial warnings on tobacco.
Indian snacks have hidden oil and sugar content.
People often overlook this.
These new labels will act like “visual behavioural nudges”, similar to pictorial warnings on tobacco.
5. Awareness Alone is Not Enough
Just giving information will not change behaviour.
No strong laws yet on:
Front-of-pack labels on packaged food
Advertising and promotion of unhealthy food to children
Just giving information will not change behaviour.
No strong laws yet on:
Front-of-pack labels on packaged food
Advertising and promotion of unhealthy food to children
6. Tax on Unhealthy Food
Adding extra tax on foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) can reduce use.
Some countries have already done this.
India’s National Multisectoral Action Plan (2017–22) also suggests this.
Adding extra tax on foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) can reduce use.
Some countries have already done this.
India’s National Multisectoral Action Plan (2017–22) also suggests this.
7. FSSAI Labelling and Court Orders
The FSSAI Packaging and Labelling Regulation was amended in 2020.
On July 15, the Supreme Court told FSSAI to enforce labelling on packaged food.
But FSSAI still needs to define upper limits for sugar, salt, and fat.
These limits are not yet finalised or approved.
The FSSAI Packaging and Labelling Regulation was amended in 2020.
On July 15, the Supreme Court told FSSAI to enforce labelling on packaged food.
But FSSAI still needs to define upper limits for sugar, salt, and fat.
These limits are not yet finalised or approved.
8. Studies Support Warning Labels
A 2022 study found that warning labels worked best to identify unhealthy food.
An ICMR-NIN study found that both warning labels and nutristar ratings helped reduce consumption of even moderately unhealthy foods.
A 2022 study found that warning labels worked best to identify unhealthy food.
An ICMR-NIN study found that both warning labels and nutristar ratings helped reduce consumption of even moderately unhealthy foods.
9. Conclusion: Need for Laws, Not Just Labels
Measures to raise awareness without legal action will remain mostly symbolic.
Legislative steps are necessary to reduce unhealthy food intake.
Measures to raise awareness without legal action will remain mostly symbolic.
Legislative steps are necessary to reduce unhealthy food intake.
The issue with criminalising all adolescent relationships
1. Supreme Court’s Judgment in Adolescent Relationship Case (May 2025)
The Supreme Court gave a major judgment in Re: Right to Privacy of Adolescents (May 2025).
It focused on the voice of the young girl affected by the criminal case filed for her protection.
Used Article 142 of the Constitution to avoid giving sentence to a young man convicted under Section 6 of the POCSO Act (aggravated penetrative sexual assault).
Case details:
A 14-year-old girl from rural West Bengal left home to be with a 25-year-old man.
Her mother filed the case.
The girl stayed in a shelter, returned home, but left again due to stigma, family pressure, and surveillance.
She married the man and had a child in 2021 (when she was 17).
The man was later arrested for kidnapping, rape, sexual assault, and child marriage.
The Supreme Court gave a major judgment in Re: Right to Privacy of Adolescents (May 2025).
It focused on the voice of the young girl affected by the criminal case filed for her protection.
Used Article 142 of the Constitution to avoid giving sentence to a young man convicted under Section 6 of the POCSO Act (aggravated penetrative sexual assault).
Case details:
A 14-year-old girl from rural West Bengal left home to be with a 25-year-old man.
Her mother filed the case.
The girl stayed in a shelter, returned home, but left again due to stigma, family pressure, and surveillance.
She married the man and had a child in 2021 (when she was 17).
The man was later arrested for kidnapping, rape, sexual assault, and child marriage.
2. Lower Court and High Court Decisions
POCSO Special Court
Sentenced the man to 20 years imprisonment, despite the girl’s helpless condition in court, holding a baby.
Calcutta High Court Appeal (2022)
Noted the girl was cut off from her family, caring for the child and a sick mother-in-law.
Saw that the couple came from a poor background and didn’t understand the law.
Reversed the conviction with a “humane view”.
Mentioned that POCSO laws make adolescents vulnerable to prosecution for normal sexual behaviour.
Also made problematic comments about girls needing to control sexual urges and blaming girls for “giving in”.
3. Supreme Court’s Suo Motu Action (December 2023)
After media criticism, the Supreme Court took up the case on its own in Re: the Right to Privacy of Adolescents.
Restored the man’s conviction.
Rejected ideas like non-exploitative sex with minors and older adolescents, even though accepted in international human rights law and medical science.
The UNCRC's General Comment No. 20 advises states not to criminalise consensual, non-exploitative sexual activity between similar-aged adolescents.
After media criticism, the Supreme Court took up the case on its own in Re: the Right to Privacy of Adolescents.
Restored the man’s conviction.
Rejected ideas like non-exploitative sex with minors and older adolescents, even though accepted in international human rights law and medical science.
The UNCRC's General Comment No. 20 advises states not to criminalise consensual, non-exploitative sexual activity between similar-aged adolescents.
4. Expert Committee and Final Step (August 2024)
The Court formed a committee with:
A clinical psychologist
A social scientist
A child welfare officer
Purpose: To check if the woman (now an adult) wanted to live with the accused or accept help from the government.
The committee and the Court found:
The girl suffered emotional and financial hardship.
There was a “collective failure of the systems” to protect her.
The Court noted the irony: she spent money and went to court many times to free the man, but sentencing him would hurt her more.
Concluded that not sentencing the man was true justice.
Declared the case “extraordinary”, and it cannot be used as precedent.
The Court formed a committee with:
A clinical psychologist
A social scientist
A child welfare officer
Purpose: To check if the woman (now an adult) wanted to live with the accused or accept help from the government.
The committee and the Court found:
The girl suffered emotional and financial hardship.
There was a “collective failure of the systems” to protect her.
The Court noted the irony: she spent money and went to court many times to free the man, but sentencing him would hurt her more.
Concluded that not sentencing the man was true justice.
Declared the case “extraordinary”, and it cannot be used as precedent.
5. Romantic Cases under POCSO Act
Enfold Study (2016–2020)
Studied 7,064 POCSO cases from Assam, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.
Found 1,715 romantic cases — 24.3% of total cases.
In 82%, the girl refused to testify against the man.
Enfold & P39A Study
Looked at 264 cases under Section 6 of POCSO.
Found 25.4% were consensual relationships.
6. Mixed Court and Scientific Views
High Courts
Many said that POCSO was not meant to criminalise consensual sex.
Scientific Studies
Show that sexual exploration is normal in older adolescents.
Bombay High Court (2025) – Aakash Waghmare vs State of Maharashtra
Refused to cancel a consensual relationship case.
Said courts should wait for the government to decide on decriminalising adolescent relationships under POCSO.
Shows case-by-case rulings are not enough — system-wide reform is needed.
7. Court Acknowledges Systemic Failure
Supreme Court said this case shows a total failure of society and legal systems.
Reasons:
Community shaming
Family rejection
Judges using paternalistic language
Weak child protection
Corruption in law enforcement
Sensational media
Court hoped that using Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 would help.
But in real life, many girls face institutionalisation, shame, and loss of freedom.
Supreme Court said this case shows a total failure of society and legal systems.
Reasons:
Community shaming
Family rejection
Judges using paternalistic language
Weak child protection
Corruption in law enforcement
Sensational media
Court hoped that using Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 would help.
But in real life, many girls face institutionalisation, shame, and loss of freedom.
8. Victim’s Trauma and the Law
Law sets age of consent at 18 (raised from 16 in 2012).
Supreme Court refused the High Court’s claim that the law makes girls voiceless.
But the expert committee said:
The law saw a crime — the girl did not.
Her trauma was from police, courts, and legal battle — not from the relationship.
Law sets age of consent at 18 (raised from 16 in 2012).
Supreme Court refused the High Court’s claim that the law makes girls voiceless.
But the expert committee said:
The law saw a crime — the girl did not.
Her trauma was from police, courts, and legal battle — not from the relationship.
9. Problems with POCSO's Blanket Rule
The case shows a need to rethink POCSO’s assumption that all adolescent sex is exploitative.
The girl's consent was flawed due to:
Age, poverty, lack of support, child marriage culture, and limited life choices.
The case shows a need to rethink POCSO’s assumption that all adolescent sex is exploitative.
The girl's consent was flawed due to:
Age, poverty, lack of support, child marriage culture, and limited life choices.
10. Recognising Limited Adolescent Agency
Some young people marry early to use the limited options they have.
The focus should be:
On state support, not punishment
On helping adolescents exercise choice
On expanding their opportunities
Some young people marry early to use the limited options they have.
The focus should be:
On state support, not punishment
On helping adolescents exercise choice
On expanding their opportunities
11. What True Justice Should Include
Justice must:
Recognise consent for adolescents above 16
Define when consent is invalid (e.g., coercion, power imbalance)
Tackle root causes of underage elopements
The Supreme Court told the government to work on:
Sexuality education
Life-skills training
Emergency services
Counselling
Data collection on such cases
Justice must:
Recognise consent for adolescents above 16
Define when consent is invalid (e.g., coercion, power imbalance)
Tackle root causes of underage elopements
The Supreme Court told the government to work on:
Sexuality education
Life-skills training
Emergency services
Counselling
Data collection on such cases
The U.S. established and extinguished multilateralism
1. U.S. Weakens Multilateralism
Donald Trump’s actions reflect global change and support India’s rise.
The U.S. has sidelined the United Nations, weakening the Global South’s collective power.
Now prefers strategic bilateral deals that break global unity.
The BRICS Summit (July 2025) showed no opposition to this shift.
The BRICS Declaration (31 pages, 126 outcomes) ignored the rejection of multilateralism and the need for South-South cooperation.
Unilateral tariffs are now used to pressure countries for individual concessions, not for global agreement.
Donald Trump’s actions reflect global change and support India’s rise.
The U.S. has sidelined the United Nations, weakening the Global South’s collective power.
Now prefers strategic bilateral deals that break global unity.
The BRICS Summit (July 2025) showed no opposition to this shift.
The BRICS Declaration (31 pages, 126 outcomes) ignored the rejection of multilateralism and the need for South-South cooperation.
Unilateral tariffs are now used to pressure countries for individual concessions, not for global agreement.
2. U.S. Strategy in 2025
Trump knows that 2025 is not 1950; the U.S. can no longer set global rules.
U.S. national goal: self-sufficiency and countering China’s influence.
The world is now deeply connected, and trade, sanctions, and influence zones are stronger than global institutions.
75 years of diplomacy have been replaced by raw power.
Trump knows that 2025 is not 1950; the U.S. can no longer set global rules.
U.S. national goal: self-sufficiency and countering China’s influence.
The world is now deeply connected, and trade, sanctions, and influence zones are stronger than global institutions.
75 years of diplomacy have been replaced by raw power.
3. India’s New Global Role
India has a young population and is expected to be the third largest economy by 2027, and overtake the U.S. by 2075.
To achieve global influence, India must accept that multilateralism has ended.
Focus should be on national growth and South-South cooperation.
Global South unity can no longer rely on UN voting blocs.
India needs their support to win global posts, but already lost the UNESCO Vice Chair post to Pakistan.
India should clearly define strategic autonomy as:
Neutrality between big powers
Voting based on India’s own core interests
India has a young population and is expected to be the third largest economy by 2027, and overtake the U.S. by 2075.
To achieve global influence, India must accept that multilateralism has ended.
Focus should be on national growth and South-South cooperation.
Global South unity can no longer rely on UN voting blocs.
India needs their support to win global posts, but already lost the UNESCO Vice Chair post to Pakistan.
India should clearly define strategic autonomy as:
Neutrality between big powers
Voting based on India’s own core interests
4. India Should Look East
For Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), with over 1 billion people, India must look East, not West.
Trade with ASEAN should be the focus, not just the U.S.
Loss of exports to the U.S. (like steel) can be replaced by:
Expressways, high-speed rail, data centres with good electricity
Science universities
In 2013, China spent half its GDP on infrastructure, achieving strong long-term growth.
For Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), with over 1 billion people, India must look East, not West.
Trade with ASEAN should be the focus, not just the U.S.
Loss of exports to the U.S. (like steel) can be replaced by:
Expressways, high-speed rail, data centres with good electricity
Science universities
In 2013, China spent half its GDP on infrastructure, achieving strong long-term growth.
5. India Leads in Technology
India is at the front of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, India has more GenAI patents than the U.K. and Germany.
This shows a strong base for self-driven growth and national development.
India is at the front of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, India has more GenAI patents than the U.K. and Germany.
This shows a strong base for self-driven growth and national development.
6. Military Strategy and Growth
Worldwide, military thinking now includes:
Air defence, satellites, missiles, drones, and cyber warfare.
India can now lead in all areas, for the first time since independence.
This reduces need for large ground forces and costly imports, giving more foreign policy flexibility and economic benefits.
Worldwide, military thinking now includes:
Air defence, satellites, missiles, drones, and cyber warfare.
India can now lead in all areas, for the first time since independence.
This reduces need for large ground forces and costly imports, giving more foreign policy flexibility and economic benefits.
7. New Approach to Borders
India is changing its view on border issues from colonial times, to focus on growth.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India and China must build trust and settle borders.
China, focused on Taiwan and U.S. actions, responded well.
Indus Waters Treaty talks with Pakistan show more chances for trust.
Settling the border in eastern Ladakh could help solve issues in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lesson from Operation Sindoor: real wisdom is knowing when to stop—military options won’t solve everything.
India is changing its view on border issues from colonial times, to focus on growth.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India and China must build trust and settle borders.
China, focused on Taiwan and U.S. actions, responded well.
Indus Waters Treaty talks with Pakistan show more chances for trust.
Settling the border in eastern Ladakh could help solve issues in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lesson from Operation Sindoor: real wisdom is knowing when to stop—military options won’t solve everything.
8. BRICS Summit 2026 – India’s Opportunity
India hosts the BRICS Summit in 2026 – a chance to revive Global South unity.
Must move away from the old UN-style G-77 vs G-7 bargaining.
Instead, aim for:
Shared prosperity
New tariffs and trade chains
Focus on Southern countries’ consumption, not Western markets
Products can be provided at low cost without harming local production.
A big change – but multilateralism in 1950 was also a big shift.
India hosts the BRICS Summit in 2026 – a chance to revive Global South unity.
Must move away from the old UN-style G-77 vs G-7 bargaining.
Instead, aim for:
Shared prosperity
New tariffs and trade chains
Focus on Southern countries’ consumption, not Western markets
Products can be provided at low cost without harming local production.
A big change – but multilateralism in 1950 was also a big shift.
Contesting the future of forest governance
1. Conflict Over Forest Rights in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh forest department issued a letter making itself the nodal agency for Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
CFRR gives gram sabhas the right to manage customary forests, undoing colonial-era state control.
The letter:
Violated FRA by ignoring gram sabhas' legal authority.
Imposed a model plan from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), which is not required by law.
Banned NGOs and other departments from helping gram sabhas.
Chhattisgarh forest department issued a letter making itself the nodal agency for Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
CFRR gives gram sabhas the right to manage customary forests, undoing colonial-era state control.
The letter:
Violated FRA by ignoring gram sabhas' legal authority.
Imposed a model plan from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), which is not required by law.
Banned NGOs and other departments from helping gram sabhas.
2. Withdrawal of Letter After Protests
The letter was withdrawn after strong protests from gram sabhas, elected leaders, and Adivasi rights groups.
But the attack on gram sabhas’ autonomy continues, raising questions about forest governance under FRA.
The letter was withdrawn after strong protests from gram sabhas, elected leaders, and Adivasi rights groups.
But the attack on gram sabhas’ autonomy continues, raising questions about forest governance under FRA.
3. Traditional Forest Management System
Forests (except protected areas) have been managed through forest departments’ working plans.
These plans are based on colonial "scientific forestry", aimed at maximising timber production.
Ecologist Madhav Gadgil and others criticised this model.
Working plans once allowed clear-felling and single-species plantations.
Forest degradation and invasive species raise doubts about these methods.
Still, departments rely on working plans for structure and funding.
Forests (except protected areas) have been managed through forest departments’ working plans.
These plans are based on colonial "scientific forestry", aimed at maximising timber production.
Ecologist Madhav Gadgil and others criticised this model.
Working plans once allowed clear-felling and single-species plantations.
Forest degradation and invasive species raise doubts about these methods.
Still, departments rely on working plans for structure and funding.
4. FRA’s New Vision for Forest Management
FRA sees local communities as key to forest survival and sustainability.
Gram sabhas are to create forest management plans focused on local needs.
These plans are to be integrated with working plans, but in CFR areas, only gram sabha plans apply.
Over 10,000 gram sabhas have CFRR titles, but less than 1,000 have created management plans.
Many face problems due to:
Forest departments refusing to recognise or support them
Delays and rejections of CFRR claims
Revoking titles
Denying funds
Claims that communities can’t manage forests scientifically
FRA sees local communities as key to forest survival and sustainability.
Gram sabhas are to create forest management plans focused on local needs.
These plans are to be integrated with working plans, but in CFR areas, only gram sabha plans apply.
Over 10,000 gram sabhas have CFRR titles, but less than 1,000 have created management plans.
Many face problems due to:
Forest departments refusing to recognise or support them
Delays and rejections of CFRR claims
Revoking titles
Denying funds
Claims that communities can’t manage forests scientifically
5. MoTA’s Inconsistent Role
In 2015, MoTA allowed simple plan formats for gram sabhas.
In 2024, under pressure, a joint letter with the Environment Ministry required CFR plans to follow the National Working Plan Code (NWPC) and include foresters.
This goes against the FRA.
In 2015, MoTA allowed simple plan formats for gram sabhas.
In 2024, under pressure, a joint letter with the Environment Ministry required CFR plans to follow the National Working Plan Code (NWPC) and include foresters.
This goes against the FRA.
6. Problems With NWPC Requirements
NWPC says plans should reflect owners’ interests and how to meet them.
But NWPC’s process is slow, data-heavy, and still focused on timber.
Gram sabha plans focus on livelihoods, not just timber.
NWPC offers little help for such goals.
NWPC plans collect data but ignore forest ecosystems.
Gram sabhas have local knowledge and don’t need such abstraction.
Climate change makes flexible planning more important — something gram sabhas can do better.
NWPC says plans should reflect owners’ interests and how to meet them.
But NWPC’s process is slow, data-heavy, and still focused on timber.
Gram sabha plans focus on livelihoods, not just timber.
NWPC offers little help for such goals.
NWPC plans collect data but ignore forest ecosystems.
Gram sabhas have local knowledge and don’t need such abstraction.
Climate change makes flexible planning more important — something gram sabhas can do better.
7. Moving Forward With Gram Sabhas
The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (2023) provides a framework for CFR plans.
Though not perfect, gram sabhas can use it with flexibility and experience.
MoTA must stop enforcing NWPC rules on CFR plans.
Forest departments should:
Give funds and support when needed
Abandon timber-focused science
Adopt a new, people-friendly forest management approach
The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (2023) provides a framework for CFR plans.
Though not perfect, gram sabhas can use it with flexibility and experience.
MoTA must stop enforcing NWPC rules on CFR plans.
Forest departments should:
Give funds and support when needed
Abandon timber-focused science
Adopt a new, people-friendly forest management approach
The need to protect India’s linguistic secularism
1. India’s Linguistic and Religious Diversity
India has 121 languages and 270 mother tongues (2011 Census).
Language and religion are central to India’s cultural identity.
Both also act as cross-cultural barriers, visible in communal tensions like those in Maharashtra.
Language is a key factor in protecting secularism, unity, and integrity.
India has 121 languages and 270 mother tongues (2011 Census).
Language and religion are central to India’s cultural identity.
Both also act as cross-cultural barriers, visible in communal tensions like those in Maharashtra.
Language is a key factor in protecting secularism, unity, and integrity.
2. Indian Secularism vs Western Secularism
Western secularism (from 19th-century England) calls for a complete separation between state and religion, without criticizing any religion.
India follows a different model:
The state has no religion of its own.
The Constitution gives every citizen the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion.
It is based on religious tolerance and equality.
Western secularism (from 19th-century England) calls for a complete separation between state and religion, without criticizing any religion.
India follows a different model:
The state has no religion of its own.
The Constitution gives every citizen the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate religion.
It is based on religious tolerance and equality.
3. Indian Secularism Includes Language
Indian secularism is not pro- or anti-religion/language, but also not neutral.
It is a state policy that allows the state to act against communalism, whether religious or linguistic.
Indian secularism is not pro- or anti-religion/language, but also not neutral.
It is a state policy that allows the state to act against communalism, whether religious or linguistic.
4. National Language vs Official Language
India has no national language to protect linguistic diversity.
The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution lists 22 scheduled languages.
Article 343 states:
Hindi in Devanagari script is the official language of the Union.
States are free to choose their own official languages.
India is a unitary federation (a Union of States).
No state can claim exit or separation based on language or culture.
India has no national language to protect linguistic diversity.
The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution lists 22 scheduled languages.
Article 343 states:
Hindi in Devanagari script is the official language of the Union.
States are free to choose their own official languages.
India is a unitary federation (a Union of States).
No state can claim exit or separation based on language or culture.
5. Right to Protect Language and Culture
Article 29 gives citizens and minorities the right to preserve their language, script, and culture.
Language cannot be used as a ground for discrimination.
2011 Census data:
96.71% of people speak one of the 22 scheduled languages as mother tongue.
Of the 121 total languages, 22 are scheduled, and 99 are not.
Article 29 gives citizens and minorities the right to preserve their language, script, and culture.
Language cannot be used as a ground for discrimination.
2011 Census data:
96.71% of people speak one of the 22 scheduled languages as mother tongue.
Of the 121 total languages, 22 are scheduled, and 99 are not.
6. Need to Respect Linguistic Diversity
All languages, regardless of region or state, must be respected.
This is essential to protect linguistic secularism.
All languages, regardless of region or state, must be respected.
This is essential to protect linguistic secularism.
7. Resistance Against Hindi Imposition
Southern and northeastern states have opposed Hindi imposition, fearing cultural domination.
Dravidian movements in Tamil Nadu promoted Tamil and English.
Maharashtra has shown sensitivity on the language issue.
Recent violence against non-Marathi speakers reflects identity politics.
This is not cultural protection, as real protection requires tolerance and liberality.
Southern and northeastern states have opposed Hindi imposition, fearing cultural domination.
Dravidian movements in Tamil Nadu promoted Tamil and English.
Maharashtra has shown sensitivity on the language issue.
Recent violence against non-Marathi speakers reflects identity politics.
This is not cultural protection, as real protection requires tolerance and liberality.
8. India’s Liberal Tradition
India has always embraced:
Different religions, lifestyles, food habits, and ideas.
This is due to India’s tolerant and liberal nature.
India has always embraced:
Different religions, lifestyles, food habits, and ideas.
This is due to India’s tolerant and liberal nature.
9. Dangers of Conservatism in Language or Religion
In a globalising world, conservative approaches to language or religion will:
Fragment society.
Weaken the secular fabric.
In a globalising world, conservative approaches to language or religion will:
Fragment society.
Weaken the secular fabric.
10. Political Responsibility
Political parties must ensure protection of India’s diversity.
This diversity is safeguarded by the Constitution and is central to national unity.
Political parties must ensure protection of India’s diversity.
This diversity is safeguarded by the Constitution and is central to national unity.
97% ‘untouchability’ cases pending in courts: govt. report
1. Report on 'Untouchability' Cases (2022)
The Union Government’s 2022 annual report on the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955 has been released.
The report was made public by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The PCR Act covers offences related to “untouchability” in social and religious spheres and prescribes penalties.
It requires an annual review with inputs from States and Union Territories.
The Union Government’s 2022 annual report on the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955 has been released.
The report was made public by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The PCR Act covers offences related to “untouchability” in social and religious spheres and prescribes penalties.
It requires an annual review with inputs from States and Union Territories.
2. Fall in Cases Registered
According to NCRB data:
13 cases were registered under the PCR Act across the country in 2022.
This is a decline from 24 cases in 2021 and 25 cases in 2020.
In 2022, these cases were reported from:
Jammu and Kashmir (5)
Karnataka (5)
Maharashtra (2)
Himachal Pradesh (1)
According to NCRB data:
13 cases were registered under the PCR Act across the country in 2022.
This is a decline from 24 cases in 2021 and 25 cases in 2020.
In 2022, these cases were reported from:
Jammu and Kashmir (5)
Karnataka (5)
Maharashtra (2)
Himachal Pradesh (1)
3. Police-Level Case Status
51 cases were pending with police in 2022 (including older ones).
Chargesheets were filed in 12 cases.
The report noted that:
No State or UT declared any area as “untouchability prone”.
51 cases were pending with police in 2022 (including older ones).
Chargesheets were filed in 12 cases.
The report noted that:
No State or UT declared any area as “untouchability prone”.
4. Court-Level Case Status
A total of 1,242 cases were pending trial under the PCR Act in 2022.
31 cases were disposed of in court:
Only 1 conviction
30 acquittals
Review of earlier reports showed:
All 37 cases disposed between 2019–2021 also ended in acquittals.
A total of 1,242 cases were pending trial under the PCR Act in 2022.
31 cases were disposed of in court:
Only 1 conviction
30 acquittals
Review of earlier reports showed:
All 37 cases disposed between 2019–2021 also ended in acquittals.
5. Comparison with SC/ST Act Cases
In contrast, cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, have been steadily increasing.
In contrast, cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, have been steadily increasing.
‘Good progress on EU FTA talks, less so on ASEAN pact review’
1. India’s Active Trade Negotiations
India is working to:
Sign new trade agreements with the U.S. and European Union (EU).
Review the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with ASEAN.
Multiple Indian negotiation teams are involved in this process.
India is working to:
Sign new trade agreements with the U.S. and European Union (EU).
Review the existing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with ASEAN.
Multiple Indian negotiation teams are involved in this process.
2. Progress with the European Union
“Good progress” has been made in talks with the EU.
The 12th round of negotiations ended last Friday.
Satya Srinivas, Special Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said:
Both sides have exchanged market access offers for services and non-services.
A few chapters of the deal may be completed soon.
There are long discussions on chapters with disagreements.
“Good progress” has been made in talks with the EU.
The 12th round of negotiations ended last Friday.
Satya Srinivas, Special Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said:
Both sides have exchanged market access offers for services and non-services.
A few chapters of the deal may be completed soon.
There are long discussions on chapters with disagreements.
3. U.S. Trade Deal Negotiations
A team from India is currently in Washington for talks — the third visit in recent months.
The Fall deadline for finalising a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and Bilateral Investment Treaty is still active.
This time, India’s team includes sectoral specialists to deal with detailed issues.
A team from India is currently in Washington for talks — the third visit in recent months.
The Fall deadline for finalising a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and Bilateral Investment Treaty is still active.
This time, India’s team includes sectoral specialists to deal with detailed issues.
4. U.S. Tariff Announcements
Sources say:
U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff letters have had no actual effect so far.
Tariffs have only been announced, not implemented.
Sources say:
U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff letters have had no actual effect so far.
Tariffs have only been announced, not implemented.
5. ASEAN FTA Review Status
Rajesh Agrawal, another Special Secretary, said:
Nine rounds of talks have been held with ASEAN.
Progress so far is uneven (chequered) and slower than expected.
Some positive developments are happening in:
Customs
Trade facilitation
Technical cooperation
Market access discussions
Rajesh Agrawal, another Special Secretary, said:
Nine rounds of talks have been held with ASEAN.
Progress so far is uneven (chequered) and slower than expected.
Some positive developments are happening in:
Customs
Trade facilitation
Technical cooperation
Market access discussions
6. Next Steps with ASEAN
Next two meetings are planned:
In New Delhi (August)
In Malaysia (October)
The goal is to make strong progress by the ASEAN-India Summit at the end of October.
Quote from Mr. Agrawal: “The endeavour is in that direction.”
Next two meetings are planned:
In New Delhi (August)
In Malaysia (October)
The goal is to make strong progress by the ASEAN-India Summit at the end of October.
Quote from Mr. Agrawal: “The endeavour is in that direction.”
CBSE Relevance :
These topics cover important areas of Economics (Inflation, CPI), Political Science (Secularism, Forest Rights), Legal Studies (POCSO, civil rights), Health Education (food and obesity), and International Relations (Multilateralism, FTA talks). Understanding them supports curriculum areas like Indian Constitution, Rights and Duties, Contemporary World Politics, Public Policy, and Social Issues in India.
Vocabulary:
Secularism – A system where the government is separate from religion.
Multilateralism – A policy of multiple countries working together in international affairs.
Inflation – The rise in prices of goods and services over time.
Untouchability – Social discrimination against certain castes, illegal in India.
Adolescents – Teenagers or people in the age group of 10–19.
FTA (Free Trade Agreement) – An agreement between countries to trade without heavy taxes or restrictions.
Gram Sabha – A village-level body of all adult citizens responsible for decision-making under local self-government.
Secularism – A system where the government is separate from religion.
Multilateralism – A policy of multiple countries working together in international affairs.
Inflation – The rise in prices of goods and services over time.
Untouchability – Social discrimination against certain castes, illegal in India.
Adolescents – Teenagers or people in the age group of 10–19.
FTA (Free Trade Agreement) – An agreement between countries to trade without heavy taxes or restrictions.
Gram Sabha – A village-level body of all adult citizens responsible for decision-making under local self-government.
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