Polity: Supreme Court Upholds ‘Secular, Socialist’ in Preamble of the Constitution
Why in News?
The Supreme Court of India, in the case of Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India (2024), upheld the constitutional validity of the 42nd Amendment (1976) that inserted the terms ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ into the Preamble of the Constitution.
What is the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
The Preamble is the introductory statement that outlines the Constitution’s objectives, guiding principles, and philosophy. It was adopted on November 26, 1949, and draws from the Objective Resolution passed in 1947. The Preamble emphasizes that the source of constitutional authority lies with the people of India and highlights the goals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Key Points
- Non-Justiciable: Although not legally enforceable, the Preamble serves as a guiding light in judicial decisions.
- Integral Part of the Constitution: It is considered an essential part of the Constitution and aids in interpreting the document’s provisions.
The Terms ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ in the Preamble
1. Socialist
- Western Concept: A system promoting government or collective ownership of resources to ensure economic equality.
- Indian Concept: It refers to democratic socialism, which combines a mixed economy—allowing both private and public sector participation—while ensuring that wealth and resources are distributed fairly.
2. Secular
- Western Concept: Strict separation of religion from the state.
- Indian Concept: In India, secularism is characterized by equal respect for all religions, with the state maintaining neutrality and fostering religious harmony. It does not mandate the total separation between religion and the state.
Highlights of the SC Judgment in Dr. Balram Singh Case
1. Context of the 42nd Amendment
The petitioners contended that the insertion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ during the Emergency was illegitimate. However, the Court referenced the Constitution (44th Amendment) Bill, 1978, where these terms were retained after extensive parliamentary deliberations.
2. Parliament’s Power to Amend the Preamble
The Court ruled that Article 368 grants Parliament the power to amend the Preamble, including the insertion of the terms ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’. It clarified that the argument regarding retrospective amendments was flawed, as Parliament’s authority to amend the Constitution is unquestionable.
3. Constitution as a ‘Living’ Document
The inclusion of the terms aligns with the evolving social and democratic landscape of India. Even though the Constituent Assembly initially excluded these terms, their addition reflects India’s changing societal values.
4. Delay in Filing Petitions
The Court also questioned the delay in filing the petitions, which were submitted 44 years after the amendment, noting the wide acceptance of these terms in contemporary India.
5. Interpretation of ‘Secular’ and ‘Socialist’
- Secularism: It ensures that the state does not favour any religion, as enshrined in Articles 14, 15, and 16 (equality before law and non-discrimination).
- Socialism: The term denotes a commitment to being a welfare state, ensuring equitable access to resources for all sections of society.
Significance of the Inclusion of ‘Secular’ and ‘Socialist’
- Governance: The inclusion has not hindered any legislation or policy, as long as they align with constitutional rights.
- Reinforces Democratic Values: It strengthens India’s commitment to inclusive governance and the protection of all citizens’ rights, irrespective of their religion or social status.
- Adaptation to Changing Societal Needs: This addition reflects India’s evolving social dynamics, especially in terms of religious diversity and economic equity.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision reaffirms the constitutional validity of the 42nd Amendment Act, emphasizing that the terms ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ are integral to India’s democratic framework. The verdict highlights the dynamic nature of the Constitution, recognizing the need for adaptations in response to the changing needs of society.
As India Inaugurates Global Cooperatives Alliance, Bhutan Pitches Gelephu as Biggest Co-operative Project
Why in News?
India inaugurated the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference 2024 in New Delhi on November 25, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the event alongside Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. Cooperatives are voluntary associations that enable members to collectively address shared economic, social, and cultural challenges. In India, they have been instrumental in promoting rural development and ensuring inclusive economic growth, making them vital components of India’s socio-economic framework.
History of Cooperatives in India
- Pre-Independence Era:
- 1904: The Cooperative Credit Societies Act aimed to combat rural indebtedness.
- 1912: The Cooperative Societies Act extended cooperatives to non-credit sectors, enabling their growth across industries.
- Post-Independence Era:
- Cooperatives became a key element in India’s Five-Year Plans to promote rural self-reliance.
- 1963: Establishment of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) to fund and support cooperatives.
- 1970s: The White Revolution, led by Amul, showcased the potential of cooperatives in transforming rural economies.
Features of Cooperatives
- Democratic Structure: Each member has an equal voice, regardless of financial contribution.
- Member-Owned: Members collectively own and control the enterprise.
- Profit Sharing: Profits are distributed among members or reinvested for the organization’s welfare.
- Community-Oriented: Cooperatives prioritize the collective good and contribute to local development.
Types of Cooperatives
- Agricultural Cooperatives: Provide credit, inputs, and marketing support to farmers (e.g., PACS).
- Credit Cooperatives: Offer affordable loans, especially in rural areas (e.g., Urban Cooperative Banks).
- Consumer Cooperatives: Supply essential goods at fair prices through member-owned stores.
- Housing Cooperatives: Facilitate affordable housing for members.
- Worker Cooperatives: Managed by workers to ensure fair income distribution.
- Dairy Cooperatives: Enhance milk production and marketing (e.g., Amul).
Legal and Regulatory Framework
- Legal Framework:
- Cooperative Societies Act, 1912: India’s first comprehensive cooperative legislation.
- State Cooperative Acts: States enact their laws since cooperatives are a State subject under the Constitution.
- Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002: Governs cooperatives operating across multiple states.
- Regulatory Bodies:
- Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS): Oversees state-level cooperatives.
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Regulates Urban Cooperative Banks.
- Ministry of Cooperation (2021): Established to centralize and streamline cooperative management.
Challenges Faced by Cooperatives
- Lack of Professional Management: Limited expertise hampers operational efficiency.
- Political Interference: Excessive dependence on government support leads to external control.
- Limited Access to Capital: Funding constraints restrict growth and diversification.
- Inefficient Governance: Weak leadership and internal conflicts impact decision-making.
- Slow Modernization: Hesitation in adopting new technologies undermines competitiveness.
Successful Cooperatives in India
- Amul: A dairy cooperative that spearheaded the White Revolution, improving rural livelihoods.
- IFFCO: One of the world’s largest fertilizer cooperatives.
- SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association): Empowers women through cooperative initiatives.
About the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Conference
- Objective: Strengthen the global cooperative movement, align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and address emerging global issues like climate change and digital transformation.
- Membership: Represents over 315 cooperatives across 110+ countries.
- Significance: Provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy advocacy for cooperative growth.
Conclusion
Cooperatives are pivotal for inclusive growth, rural development, and economic empowerment. Addressing challenges like modernization and governance will enhance their potential to contribute significantly to India’s socio-economic transformation.
Why India’s Trade Deficit Is Not a Weakness: Understanding Its Economic Strengths
Why in News?
India’s persistent trade deficit, wherein imports exceed exports, often raises concerns about the nation’s economic health. However, a deeper analysis reveals that this deficit is not a sign of weakness but rather an indication of India’s economic strengths, particularly in services and its attractiveness as an investment destination.
What is a Trade Deficit?
- A trade deficit occurs when a country imports more goods and services than it exports.
- In India’s case, the goods trade deficit has been a long-standing feature of its economic landscape. However, India compensates for this by excelling in services.
Understanding the Current Account Deficit (CAD)
- Current Account Deficit (CAD): Occurs when a country’s imports exceed exports, including both goods and services.
- In Q1 2024-25, India’s CAD widened to $9.7 billion (1.1% of GDP) from $8.9 billion (1.0% of GDP) in Q1 2023-24. This widening of CAD is primarily due to increased imports of goods.
Capital Inflows and CAD
- Countries with large capital inflows, such as India, typically run a current account deficit. This relationship is rooted in the basic principle that:
- Capital Inflows = Current Account Deficit + Increase in Reserves
- If India attracts foreign investment (capital inflows), it must either run a current account deficit or accumulate foreign reserves.
India’s Strategy with Foreign Investment
- India actively encourages foreign investment to bridge the savings-investment gap and fuel faster economic growth.
- The capital account inflows help in financing the current account deficit and support development goals.
Composition of India’s Current Account Deficit
- Goods and Services Balance: India imports more goods than it exports, resulting in a goods trade deficit. However, India is a net exporter of services, with sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles contributing significantly to the export revenue.
- Net Exports of Services: India’s net service exports help offset the higher import bills, reducing the pressure of the trade deficit.
India’s Economic Strengths
- Comparative Advantage in Services: India’s major strength lies in its service sector, particularly in IT, pharmaceuticals, and business process outsourcing. These sectors allow India to earn foreign exchange and partially offset the import of goods. Despite a goods trade deficit, India’s comparative advantage in services is a key driver of its economic resilience.
- Manufacturing Sector and Domestic Demand: While India has a growing manufacturing sector, there is significant room for improvement. To enhance manufacturing, domestic demand must be strengthened. If domestic consumption rises, India can sustain manufacturing growth while maintaining its current account deficit at manageable levels.
- Balanced Policy on Trade Deficit: India follows a balanced policy, maintaining a manageable current account deficit of around 2% of GDP, supported by equivalent capital inflows. This shows India’s success as an attractive destination for foreign investment.
India’s Approach to Managing Trade Deficit and Economic Growth
- Foreign Exchange Reserves: Foreign exchange reserves act as a buffer against external economic shocks, allowing flexibility to address CAD-related challenges. However, maintaining large reserves comes at a cost, as India pays higher returns to foreign investors compared to its earnings from reserves.
- Prudent Management of CAD: India’s policy allows it to run a current account deficit, provided it is balanced by capital inflows and reserves accumulation. This indicates India’s strategic position in the global economy as a net importer of goods and a net exporter of services.
Conclusion
India’s persistent trade deficit is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it reflects India’s strong position in services and its role as an attractive investment destination. By focusing on domestic demand and manufacturing growth, India can further strengthen its economic position and manage the trade deficit effectively.
The Discrepancy Between Satellite Data of Farm Fires and Air Pollution
Why in News?
Despite GRAP Stage IV, Supreme Court directives, and Delhi government efforts, air quality remains critical. Farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, often linked to the pollution surge, have raised questions about the accuracy of satellite-based stubble-burning data.
Counting of Farm Fires
| Satellite | Launch Year | Instruments | Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASA Aqua | 2002 | MODIS | Tracks atmospheric changes, including fires and smoke, at 1:30 PM and 1:30 AM. |
| NASA Suomi-NPP | 2011 | VIIRS, Ozone Mapping Profiler | Identifies aerosols and smoke contributions to air pollution. |
| GEO-KOMPSAT 2A | 2018 | Geostationary Weather Satellite | Continuous monitoring of aerosol levels and fire activities from a fixed orbit. |
Controversy Around Counting Method
- NASA’s Observations: A senior NASA scientist noted a 40% decline in farm fires in 2023, attributing it to anti-burning campaigns or late-day burning beyond satellite observation times.
- Cross-verification with South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT 2A: Revealed heavier smoke after NASA satellite overpasses.
- Aerosol Data Contradictions: Despite fewer reported fires, aerosol levels matched previous years, suggesting ground-level validation is necessary.
Role of CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management)
| Function | Issues |
|---|---|
| Tasked with resolving air quality issues in NCR. | Media reports indicate CAQM was aware of late-day burning yet maintained a public stance of declining fires. |
| Publicly reported decline in farm fires. Alternate formulas contradicted by aerosol data and visuals from other satellites. |
Can Indian Satellites Bridge the Gap?
| Satellite | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| INSAT-3DR | Tracks wide-area fires using thermal infrared. | Coarse resolution (1-8 km), insufficient for precision. |
| RESOURCE SAT Series | High-resolution cameras for land observation. | Not optimized for detecting small-scale fires. |
| GISAT-1 (Failed) | Proposed for enhanced fire detection capabilities. | Launch failure in 2021 left monitoring capacity constrained. |
Conclusion
The discrepancies in satellite data highlight the limitations of existing technologies in accurately tracking farm fires.
In Brief
Samos Island
A recent migrant boat disaster near the Greek island of Samos led to the tragic loss of eight lives, including six children. This incident has drawn attention to the ongoing migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.
About Samos Island:
- Samos is a Greek island located in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea, just 1,700 meters from the Turkish coast of Asia Minor.
- It is one of Greece’s largest and easternmost islands, covering an area of 478 square kilometers.
- The island features rugged mountain ranges, sandy beaches, olive groves, and pine forests. Mount Kerketeus, the highest peak at 1,433 meters, marks the western tip of the island.
- Samos has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, short winters.
- The island is known for its rich history, with landmarks such as the Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among the notable features is the Eupalin Aqueduct, an ancient engineering marvel.
- Samos is historically significant as the birthplace of the famous Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, known for the Pythagorean theorem. Additionally, the ancient astronomer Aristarchus, who proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system in 500 BC, was born here.
Pterosaur
A newly discovered species of pterosaur was identified from 100-million-year-old fossilized bones found in western Queensland, Australia.
About Pterosaurs:
- Pterosaurs were flying reptiles that thrived throughout the Mesozoic Era (Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, 252.2 to 66 million years ago).
- They were the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight, using strong forelimbs to launch themselves into the air.
- Although not dinosaurs, pterosaurs were archosaurs, a group also encompassing dinosaurs, birds, and crocodiles.
- They included the largest vertebrate ever known to fly, Quetzalcoatlus.
Key Features
- Pterosaurs are an example of convergent evolution, as they are not directly related to birds or bats.
- Their wings were formed by skin membranes stretching between the elongated fourth finger of the forelimb, resembling bat wings.
- Earlier species had long, toothed jaws and tails, while later forms had shorter tails and sometimes lacked teeth.
- Many had long necks with throat pouches, potentially used for catching fish.
- Extinction: Pterosaurs went extinct during the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event (K-T event) around 65.5 million years ago, with their ecological role in the skies taken over by birds, which are considered descendants of dinosaurs.
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), under NITI Aayog, with a ₹2,750 crore allocation until March 31, 2028.
About AIM
- Launched in 2016, AIM aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across schools, research institutes, industries, and MSMEs in India.
- Its two main objectives are:
- Promoting entrepreneurship by providing financial support and mentorship to innovators.
- Fostering innovation through platforms for idea generation among like-minded individuals.
Key Programs
- Atal Tinkering Labs
- Atal Incubation Centres
- Atal New India Challenges & Atal Grand Challenges
- Mentor India
AIM collaborates with academia, industries, NGOs, and individuals to enhance the innovation ecosystem. The initiative is managed using real-time monitoring systems and dynamic dashboards.
Raja Raja Chola I
The birth anniversary of Raja Raja Chola I is celebrated annually during the Sadhaya Vizha in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
About Raja Raja Chola I:
- Born as Arulmozhi Varman in 947 CE, Raja Raja Chola I became one of India’s most renowned rulers, known for his military achievements and cultural contributions.
- His reign from 985 to 1014 CE saw the expansion of the Chola Empire and significant administrative advancements.
Military Conquests
- The Chola Empire expanded from Sri Lanka in the south to Kalinga in the north.
- Raja Raja Chola launched successful naval campaigns, capturing the Malabar Coast, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
Titles
- After defeating the Pandyas, he adopted the title Pandya Kulashani (Thunderbolt to the Pandyas).
- He also took the title Mummudi Chola (The Chola with three crowns).
Important Contributions
- In 1010, Raja Raja built the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, a monumental structure dedicated to Lord Shiva, which became a hub for both religious and economic activities.
- He compiled the works of Tamil poets like Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar into the Thirumurai collection.
SAREX-24: Indian Coast Guard Exercise
The Indian Coast Guard will host SAREX-24 in Kochi from November 27 to 30, organized by the National Maritime Search and Rescue (NMSAR) Board. The exercise aims to enhance search and rescue capabilities through national and international cooperation.
Objectives:
- Improve coordination for Mass Rescue Operations (MRO).
- Strengthen regional cooperation in maritime search and rescue.
- Assess the effectiveness of current protocols.
Participants
Inaugurated by Defence Secretary with Indian Coast Guard overseeing the event. Officials from government agencies, armed forces, and foreign delegates will participate.
Activities
- Table-top exercises, workshops, and seminars.
- Sea exercise simulating emergencies with a distressed vessel and a civil aircraft ditching.
Technological Innovations
The exercise will demonstrate satellite distress beacons, drones for life buoy deployment, and remote-controlled life-saving equipment.
COP29 Climate Finance Agreement
The COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, established a new climate finance target under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). This target aims for $300 billion annually by 2035 to support developing countries, three times the previous target of $100 billion. However, it falls short of the $1.3 trillion requested by developing nations.
Funding Sources
The funds will primarily be provided as loans, with some at lower interest rates. However, specifics on concessional loans or grants remain unclear.
Reactions
- UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell acknowledged that no country received all its demands and called for further collaboration to reach the $1.3 trillion goal.
- Developing countries, including India, expressed disappointment, criticizing the target as insufficient to address urgent climate challenges.
Upcoming Climate Meetings
- COP30 will be held in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025.
- Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) are due by December 31, 2024, detailing progress on climate action.