01 July 2025: Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. Secular
(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS1 (Indian Society), GS2 (Polity – Constitution and Secularism)

Context

The editorial reflects on the contemporary relevance of the term “secular” in Indian politics and public discourse, especially as it appears in the Preamble of the Constitution and is being increasingly challenged in rhetoric and practice.

Historical Significance

• The word ‘secular’ was added to the Preamble of the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976.

• Despite being absent in original text, secularism was implicitly embedded in the spirit of the Constitution through fundamental rights and directive principles.

• The term represents the idea of equal treatment of all religions by the State, not anti-religion.

Present-Day Erosion

• Increasing communal rhetoric in political discourse and electoral strategies undermines secular values.
• Public institutions and discourse often normalize religious symbolism in official spaces, diluting the secular ethos.
• Judicial silence or selective interpretations have raised concerns regarding constitutional morality.

Role of Institutions

• Election Commission, Judiciary, and Civil Society have the responsibility to uphold constitutional values.

• Constitutional secularism needs active safeguarding in the face of rising majoritarianism.

Way Forward

• Civic education on secularism must be mainstreamed, particularly among youth.

• Public officials and elected leaders must lead by example in maintaining neutrality in religious matters.

• Protecting the secular character of India is essential to maintaining unity in diversity.

Practice Question: (GS-2 | 15 Marks | 250 Words) In the context of increasing religious polarization, examine the constitutional and institutional safeguards that uphold secularism in India. How can these be made more effective?

Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 01 June 2025

2. The Receding Future

(Source: Editorial Page, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS3 (Environment, Climate Change, Economy)

Context

The editorial discusses how India’s policy priorities and economic planning are failing to sufficiently account for climate change threats and long-term ecological sustainability.

Climate Crisis and Development

• India is facing increasing climate-related disasters: heatwaves, floods, cyclones, water stress.

• Despite this, climate adaptation and mitigation efforts are not central to planning at national or state levels.

• Economic growth continues to be prioritized over environmental resilience.

• India needs dedicated climate-risk governance structures, especially in urban planning.

• Climate change must be made a central concern in budgeting and project clearances.

• Public-private partnerships can aid in sustainable innovation and renewable transitions.

• Build climate-resilient infrastructure across states, especially coastal and hilly areas.

• Incentivize low-carbon industries and adopt nature-based solutions.

• Include climate education and awareness in mainstream discourse and academic syllab

Practice Question: (GS-3 | 10 Marks | 150 Words) Discuss how climate change impacts India’s long-term development goals. What steps must be taken to integrate environmental sustainability into policy and economic planning?

Read more – 30 June 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis