What to Read in Indian Express Editorial ( Topic and Syllabus wise)

 

Article 1: FGM and Constitutional Morality in India

Why in News: A nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India is examining the constitutionality of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), raising questions on religious freedom vs fundamental rights.

Key Details

FGM is practised among the Dawoodi Bohra community in India, usually on minor girls.

The Government of India has stated that FGM is punishable under IPC (Sections 320–326) and the POCSO Act, 2012.

The case is being examined in the context of Articles 25 & 26 (freedom of religion).

Internationally, FGM is recognised as a human rights violation and form of torture.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Concept & Nature

Definition (WHO Standard): FGM refers to procedures involving partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is widely condemned as harmful and unnecessary.

Prevalence in India: Practised mainly among the Dawoodi Bohra community, usually performed on girls around 6–7 years of age, raising serious concerns about child rights.

Health and Psychological Impact: It leads to severe pain, infections, long-term reproductive issues, and psychological trauma, violating the right to dignity and bodily integrity.

Global Perspective: According to global estimates, 200+ million women worldwide have undergone FGM, making it a significant international human rights issue.

Legal Position in India

Indian Penal Code (IPC): Sections 320–326 criminalise causing grievous hurt, which can be invoked against FGM practitioners as it involves permanent bodily injury.

POCSO Act, 2012: Since FGM is performed on minors, it falls under sexual assault and child abuse, making it punishable under stringent provisions.

Government Stand: The Ministry of Women and Child Development has clarified that FGM is already illegal under existing laws, even without a specific statute.

Judicial Gap: Despite legal provisions, absence of an explicit Supreme Court declaration has led to ambiguity in enforcement and awareness.

Constitutional Dimensions: Fundamental Rights Debate

Article 21 – Right to Life and Dignity: The Supreme Court has expanded Article 21 to include bodily integrity, privacy, and dignity, all of which are violated by FGM.

Article 14 & 15 – Equality and Non-Discrimination: FGM disproportionately affects women and girls, violating gender equality and protection against discrimination.

Article 25 & 26 – Religious Freedom: These rights are subject to public order, morality, and health, meaning harmful practices cannot be justified in their name.

Doctrine of Constitutional Morality: Courts have emphasised that constitutional values prevail over social or religious customs, especially when fundamental rights are infringed.

Essential Religious Practices (ERP) Doctrine

Concept of ERP: The Supreme Court uses the ERP test to determine whether a practice is essential to a religion and thus protected.

FGM and Religion: There is no mention of FGM in core Islamic scriptures, weakening claims that it is an essential religious practice.

Judicial Precedents: Cases like Shayara Bano (Triple Talaq) show that practices violating fundamental rights can be struck down even if claimed religious.

Implication: Even if considered religious, FGM cannot override right to life, dignity, and bodily autonomy.

International Law & India’s Obligations

Human Rights Framework: FGM is recognised globally as a form of torture and gender-based violence, prohibited under international law.

Relevant Conventions: India is a signatory to CEDAW (Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women) and UNCRC (Child Rights Convention).

Customary International Law: The prohibition of torture is a jus cogens norm, binding on all states regardless of domestic law.

Global Practice: Many countries have enacted specific anti-FGM laws, highlighting the need for stronger legal clarity in India.

Key Issues in the Ongoing Supreme Court Case

Framing as Religious Freedom Issue: The case has been referred to a larger bench primarily on Articles 25–26, raising concerns about misclassification.

Consent Argument: Claims of voluntariness are invalid, as minor girls cannot provide informed consent, making it a clear violation of rights.

Judicial Responsibility: The Court must clarify that harmful cultural practices cannot be constitutionally protected.

Public Health and Gender Justice: The issue intersects with women’s rights, child protection, and public health policy.

Contemporary Relevance for India

Gender Justice Debate: The issue aligns with broader reforms such as abolition of Triple Talaq and discussions on Uniform Civil Code.

Child Protection Framework: Strengthening enforcement of POCSO and awareness campaigns is crucial for prevention.

Socio-cultural Sensitivity: Reform requires community engagement, awareness, and behavioural change, not just legal prohibition.

Policy Gap: India lacks a specific anti-FGM law, unlike many countries, which creates enforcement challenges.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court must clearly affirm that FGM is unconstitutional, prioritising right to life, dignity, and bodily autonomy over cultural or religious claims. India should consider explicit legislation banning FGM, strengthen enforcement of existing laws, and promote awareness within communities. Upholding constitutional morality will ensure that the republic protects its most vulnerable citizens, especially young girls.

EXPECTED QUESTIONS FOR UPSC CSE

Prelims MCQ

1. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in India can be prosecuted under:

(a) Only IPC

(b) Only POCSO

(c) Both IPC and POCSO

(d) Neither IPC nor POSCO

Answer: (c)

Descriptive Question

1. “Constitutional morality must prevail over social and religious practices.” Examine in the context of the FGM debate in India. (150 Words, 10 Marks)

 

Article 2: Global Growth & Trade Shifts

Why in News: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised global growth downward amid the West Asia conflict, while raising India’s growth forecast to 6.5%, aided by reduced US tariffs.

Key Details

IMF cut global growth forecast for 2026 to 3.1%, citing geopolitical tensions and energy shocks.

India’s GDP growth forecast was raised by 10 bps to 6.5%, showing economic resilience.

US tariff reduction on Indian goods (50% to 10%) is expected to boost exports.

Rising oil prices (projected ~$82/barrel) may increase inflation and external vulnerabilities.

Global Economic Outlook & IMF Projections

Global Growth Slowdown: The IMF’s World Economic Outlook projects 3.1% global growth in 2026, down by 20 basis points, reflecting uncertainty due to geopolitical conflicts and supply disruptions.

Impact of West Asia Conflict: The ongoing conflict may trigger the largest energy crisis in modern times, especially if disruptions in oil supply routes intensify.

Developing Economies at Risk: Emerging economies are expected to bear the brunt due to capital outflows, inflationary pressures, and weaker trade demand.

Downside Risks: IMF highlights risks of escalation, supply shocks, and global recession, with worst-case growth falling near 2%.

India’s Growth Resilience

Upward Revision in GDP Growth: India’s growth forecast has been raised to 6.5% for FY27, reflecting strong domestic demand and macroeconomic stability.

Strong Recent Performance: India recorded 8.4% and 7.8% growth in the last two quarters of 2025, indicating robust recovery momentum.

Comparative Advantage: India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies, outperforming many developed and emerging peers.

Policy Stability: Sound fiscal management, reforms, and digital economy expansion contribute to sustained growth prospects.

Role of Trade & Tariff Reduction

US Tariff Reduction Impact: The reduction of US tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 10% improves export competitiveness and boosts trade flows.

Trade Diversification Strategy: India is actively engaging in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and reducing dependence on limited markets.

Export-Led Growth Potential: Sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT services, textiles, and engineering goods are likely to benefit.

Balancing Protectionism: India continues to balance domestic industry protection with global integration, especially in agriculture and MSMEs.

Inflation, Energy Prices & External Sector

Rising Oil Prices: IMF projects oil prices to rise by 21.4% to around $82/barrel, increasing import bills for India.

Inflation Trends: India’s inflation is expected at 4.7% in FY27, broadly aligned with the RBI’s target range.

Current Account Concerns: Higher crude prices may widen the current account deficit (CAD) and pressure the rupee.

Supply Chain Disruptions: Conflict-induced disruptions in Strait of Hormuz could affect global energy supply and trade routes.

Monetary Policy & Global Financial Stability

Central Bank Response: IMF advises central banks to act decisively to control inflation expectations, ensuring macroeconomic stability.

RBI’s Role: The Reserve Bank of India maintains a flexible inflation targeting framework (4% ± 2%).

Global Financial Tightening: Higher interest rates globally may impact capital flows to emerging markets like India.

Need for Policy Coordination: Coordination between fiscal and monetary policy is essential to manage growth-inflation trade-offs.

India in the Global Economic Order

Emerging Economic Power: India’s consistent growth positions it as a key driver of global economic expansion.

Geopolitical Advantage: India benefits from strategic neutrality and diversified partnerships in a multipolar world.

Digital & Structural Reforms: Initiatives like GST, Digital India, and PLI schemes enhance productivity and competitiveness.

Long-Term Growth Drivers: Demographics, urbanisation, and innovation remain critical for sustaining high growth.

Conclusion

India must leverage its growth momentum and trade opportunities while managing risks from global uncertainties. Strengthening energy security, export competitiveness, and macroeconomic stability will be crucial. In a volatile global environment, India’s resilience reflects the importance of balanced policy, diversification, and structural reforms.

 

Article 3: Wages vs Inflation Crisis

Why in News: Recent factory worker protests in Noida and Manesar (2026) highlight the growing gap between rising cost of living and stagnant minimum wages in India.

Key Details

Workers protested for minimum wage hikes, better working conditions, and overtime payments.

Inflation for industrial workers (CPI-IW) rose by ~24–28% (2021–2026), but wages lagged behind.

States like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh delayed base wage revisions, worsening real income decline.

Confusion regarding new Labour Codes (2025) has added to worker dissatisfaction.

Minimum Wages in India

Minimum Wages Concept: Minimum wages are legally mandated under the Code on Wages, 2019, ensuring a basic standard of living for workers across sectors. It includes both base wage and variable DA component linked to inflation.

Dual Components of Wages: The wage structure consists of a fixed base wage (revised every 5 years) and a Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) revised semi-annually based on CPI-IW.

State vs Centre Role: Labour is in the Concurrent List, allowing both Centre and states to fix wages, leading to regional disparities in wage rates.

Floor Wage Concept: The Centre sets a national floor wage, but states are free to set higher wages, resulting in uneven wage standards across India.

Inflation vs Wage Growth: The Core Crisis

High Inflation for Workers: As per Labour Bureau data, CPI-IW inflation increased by ~24.8% (2021–2026), with regions like Gurugram and Noida touching ~27–28%.

Wage Growth Lagging Behind: Minimum wages increased by only 15–24% in major states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, indicating a decline in real wages.

Negative Real Income Effect: When wages grow slower than inflation, workers experience erosion of purchasing power, leading to economic distress.

Cost of Living Pressures: Rising prices of LPG (up to ₹4000 in black markets), rent, and food have significantly increased the burden on migrant industrial workers.

Industrial Protests and Labour Unrest

Recent Protests (Noida & Manesar): Thousands of workers protested demanding fair wages and better working conditions, reflecting systemic labour dissatisfaction.

Livelihood Concerns: With over 90 million beneficiaries under PM-KISAN and large informal workforce, wage stagnation directly affects household survival.

Delayed Wage Revisions: Haryana revised wages after 10 years, while Uttar Pradesh delayed revisions since 2012, aggravating worker grievances.

Job Insecurity: Rising input costs and global shocks have led to delayed salaries, layoffs, and uncertainty, intensifying unrest.

Impact of Global Economic Factors

West Asia Conflict: The ongoing conflict has increased energy prices, especially due to disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, raising production and living costs.

Global Supply Chain Disruptions: Increased input costs (fuel, raw materials) have reduced industrial profitability, limiting employers’ ability to raise wages.

US Tariffs and Trade Pressures: Protectionist policies have impacted exports, indirectly affecting manufacturing jobs and wage growth.

Transmission to Workers: Global shocks are transmitted domestically through inflation, job losses, and reduced real wages, affecting vulnerable workers.

Labour Codes 2025 – Reforms and Challenges

Four Labour Codes: India consolidated 29 labour laws into four codes:

Code on Wages

Industrial Relations Code

Code on Social Security

Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code

Working Hours Provision: Defines 8-hour workday and 48-hour weekly limit, aligned with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards.

Flexibility vs Exploitation: Flexible work arrangements (e.g., 12-hour shifts with 3-day breaks) may lead to overwork and misuse by employers.

Implementation Gap: Lack of final rules and state-level notifications has created confusion among employers and workers, weakening enforcement.

Structural Issues in India’s Labour Market

Informalisation of Workforce: Around 90% of India’s workforce is in the informal sector, lacking social security and wage protection.

Migration and Vulnerability: Industrial hubs like Noida rely heavily on migrant workers, who face higher living costs and limited bargaining power.

Weak Collective Bargaining: Trade union recognition remains inconsistent, reducing workers’ ability to negotiate better wages.

Regional Disparities: Differences in wage policies across states lead to unequal labour standards and migration pressures.

Way Forward

Timely Wage Revision Mechanism: Ensure strict adherence to 5-year base wage revision and biannual DA updates to maintain real wages.

Strengthening Labour Code Implementation: Finalise and notify rules across states for uniform clarity and enforcement.

Indexing Wages to Inflation: Link minimum wages more closely with CPI-IW to protect purchasing power.

Social Security Expansion: Extend benefits like ESIC, PF, and insurance to informal and gig workers.

Promoting Collective Bargaining: Strengthen trade unions and ensure institutional dialogue between workers and employers.

Conclusion

The recent labour protests highlight a structural imbalance between economic growth and worker welfare. While India aspires to become a global manufacturing hub, ensuring fair wages, social security, and dignified working conditions is essential. A balanced approach combining labour reforms with worker protection will be crucial to sustaining inclusive and equitable economic development.

EXPECTED QUESTIONS FOR UPSC CSE

Prelims MCQ

1. Consider the following statements regarding minimum wages in India:

Minimum wages include both base wage and variable DA.

Labour is a subject in the Union List.

CPI-IW is used to revise DA.

Which of the statements are correct?

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

Answer: c

Descriptive Question

1. “Rising inflation and stagnant wages have triggered labour unrest in India.” Examine in the context of recent industrial protests. (250 Words, 15 Marks)