What to Read in The Hindu Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1: Consumption conundrum

Context

Household consumption has the potential to drive economic growth, but it requires a strong push to gain momentum.

Introduction

The Indian economy, driven by consumption, private investment, government expenditure, and net exports, is at a critical juncture. While government spending has powered growth in recent years, fiscal limits, sluggish private investment, and weak exports have shifted focus to household consumption. Recognising this, the government is prioritising demand stimulation through tax reforms, GST rationalisation, and measures to enhance disposable incomes.

Engines of Growth and Emerging Constraints

• The Indian economy depends on household consumption, private investment, government expenditure, and net exports.
• In recent years, government expenditurehas been the strongest driver, aided by infrastructure push and state loans.
• Future govt. capex will continue, but not at the earlier 30–35% growth pacedue to defence and developmental priorities.
• Private investmentremains weak; capacity utilisation has stayed below 80% since 2011, limiting expansion.
• Net exportsface global trade uncertainty and U.S. tariffs, reducing external demand.
• This leaves household consumptionas the main growth driver.

Policy Measures to Boost Consumption

• Two approaches to raise spending: increase incomesand lower prices.
• GST reforms (Sept 2025):
  • Rural: 75% of monthly spend now in nil/5% slab (earlier 56%).
  • Urban: Two-thirds of spend now in nil/5% slab (earlier 50%).
• Budget 2025 income-tax cutsincreased disposable income but failed to change spending habits — most households still prefer savings.
• Wage increases could raise incomes, but are unlikely due to labour oversupplyand skill deficits.

The Present Predicament

• Consumption is the only reliable growth engine, relatively insulated from global shocks.
• However, it has high inertiaand requires sustained fiscal push to gain momentum.
• Without stronger household demand, private investment and overall growth cannot reach the 8%+ target.

Conclusion

Household consumption now stands as India’s most dependable engine of growth, less vulnerable to global shocks but burdened by structural challenges such as low wages and a skill deficit. While fiscal measures can provide an initial boost, long-term economic momentum demands both rising domestic demand and stronger private investment. Balancing these drivers is essential for achieving sustainable, inclusive, and high growth.

 

Editorial 2: ​Basic structure

Context

No public event can impose restrictions based on religion.

Introduction

The Supreme Court’s reaffirmation of secularism as part of India’s constitutional foundation comes at a critical moment. A misguided petition over the Mysuru Dasara festival tried to inject communal divisions into a cultural celebration. By dismissing it, the Court reminded citizens that pluralism, equality, and shared heritage are essential to India’s identity, transcending narrow interpretations of religion.

Supreme Court’s Reaffirmation of Secularism

• The Supreme Court of Indiarecently reiterated that secularism is a fundamental principle and part of the basic structure of the Constitution.
• This restatement became necessary due to a misguided petitionattempting to communalise a national cultural celebration.
• The Court emphasised that secularism and equalityare clearly enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution.

Case of Mysuru Dasara Festival

• The Karnataka governmentinvited Booker Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq, a Muslim, to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festival at the Chamundeshwari Temple.
• The petitionclaimed this act violated Articles 25 and 26 related to religious freedom.
• The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehtadismissed the petition, clarifying that Dasara is a State event, not a private religious ritual.
• The Court stressed that the State cannot discriminateon the basis of religion when conducting public events.

Religion and Constitutional Rights

• The right to practise religiondoes not grant the right to exclude others from participating in its traditions.
• Restricting participation in public gatheringsbased on religion is indefensible in a pluralistic society.
• Though some places of worship still limit entry, such practices remain subject to legal and ethical debate.

Shared Cultural Heritage and Challenges

• For centuries, festivals and pilgrimageshave united India, transcending social and religious barriers.
• Acknowledging this shared cultural heritagehas been common to all political parties, despite their disagreements.
• However, political opportuniststoday attempt to create communal rifts, undermining India’s tradition of coexistence and harmony.
• The Supreme Court’s standmakes it clear that such divisive forces must be held accountable.

Conclusion

India’s strength lies in its unity amid diversity, where festivals and traditions bind communities together. Attempts to communalise public events undermine this shared heritage and threaten national harmony. The Supreme Court’s stance highlights that secularism and coexistence are not optional values but constitutional guarantees. Holding divisive forces accountable is vital to preserving India’s inclusive spirit and democratic fabric.