3rd and 4th July 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Simplified

Tags: BRICS, Multipolar World

BRICS Will Help Create a 'Multipolar' World: Modi

1. Overview of PM Modi's Five-Nation Visit

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a five-nation tour on Wednesday.

• The trip includes visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Namibia, and Brazil.

• Purpose: To strengthen cooperation within the Global South and attend the BRICS summit in Brazil.

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2. Participation in the BRICS Summit

• PM Modi will attend the BRICS summit in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

• He emphasized that the summit would help create a “balanced multipolar world order.”

• India sees BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies.

India's Commitment to BRICS

• As a founding member, India aims for a:

  • Peaceful

  • Equitable

  • Just

  • Democratic

  • Balanced multipolar world order

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3. Bilateral Engagements During the Trip

• PM Modi is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

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4. Visit to Ghana

• Modi’s official aircraft landed in Ghana for the first leg of the tour.

• He was welcomed by Ghana President John Dramani Mahama at Kotoka International Airport, Accra.

Meeting with Ghanaian Leaders

• Modi will hold talks with President Mahama.

• He will also address the Parliament of Ghana.

India–Ghana Relations

• Ghana is described as a valued partner in the Global South.

• Plays a key role in:

  • African Union

  • Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

• The visit aims to enhance cooperation in:

  • Investment

  • Energy

  • Health

  • Capacity building

  • Development partnership

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5. State Honour from Ghana

• As per Graphic.com.gh, Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced Modi will receive:

  • The Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana (the country’s highest state honour)

• Previous recipients include:

  • Jacques Chirac (late French President)

  • King Mohammed VI (Morocco)

  • President Lula da Silva (Brazil)

  • Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria)

  • Sam Nujoma (Namibia)

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6. Vaccine Collaboration Talks

• Ghana aspires to become a "vaccine hub" for Africa.

• Talks with PM Modi will cover vaccine production collaboration during the visit.

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Vocabulary with Simple Meanings

Word / Phrase	Simple Meaning
Multipolar world	A world where power is shared among many countries (not just one or two)
Global South	Developing countries mainly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
Emerging Economies	Countries growing fast in business and economy, becoming more powerful
Founding Member	A country that helped start the group or organisation
Equitable	Fair for everyone
Democratic	Based on people’s votes and choices
Bilateral Meetings	Meetings between two countries
Capacity Building	Training people and building skills
Development Partnership	Working together to improve each other’s growth
Parliament	Law-making body of a country
Vaccine Hub	A centre for making and supplying vaccines

CBSE Relevance

Class 10

• Geography & Civics:

  • Global South

  • Role of India in international relations

  • Emerging countries and cooperation

• Current Affairs – Useful for projects and GK

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Class 11

• Political Science:

  • International relations

  • Global groupings (like BRICS)

• Geography:

  • Role of continents like Africa, South America

• Economics:

  • Emerging economies

  • South-South cooperation

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Class 12

• Political Science:

  • Foreign policy of India

  • Multipolar world order

  • Importance of alliances like BRICS

• Economics:

  • Role of Global South in economy

  • International cooperation

• Legal Studies / General Studies:

• International law and diplomacy 
• India's global role and bilateral relations

Tags: Election Commission

Bihar’s Voter List Update and Migrant Voter Concerns

1. What is Happening?

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar.

• This means the ECI is checking and updating the electoral rolls (the official list of voters).

2. What’s the Problem?

• Political parties argue that this process may wrongly remove lakhs of voters, especially migrant workers.

• The ECI has said that only ordinary residents (people who live in that place) will be included on the list.

• The revision process will end on July 31, which is a short window and may not allow migrant voters to return in time.

• About 20% of Bihar’s voting population are migrants who might not be able to come back for verification.

3. What Does the Law Say?

• According to the Representation of the People Act, 1950:
  "A person temporarily away from their place of ordinary residence does not stop being an ordinary resident."

• Election roll rulebooks also say that if someone intends to return, they should not be removed from the list.

• Therefore, short-term migrants must be considered ordinary residents and kept on the voter rolls.

4. Why is This Important in Bihar?

• In the 2024 Lok Sabha (General) Election:

  • Bihar had more men registered to vote, but more women actually voted.

  • For every 1,000 male voters, there were only 917.5 female voters registered.

  • However, for every 1,000 male voters, 1,017.5 women cast their vote.

• This data suggests that many male voters, likely migrant workers, were not present to vote on polling day.

• These men were still registered in their home constituencies but couldn’t return.

5. What is the Real Challenge?

• Bihar has two types of migrants:

  • Short-term migrants – away for weeks or months.

  • Long-term migrants – away for years.

• The ECI must carefully:

  • Retain short-term migrants on the voter list.

  • Encourage long-term migrants to register to vote where they currently live.

6. Why This Matters for Migrant Workers

• Migrant workers play a vital role in the economy of many states.

• They should have the right to vote where they live and work, not just in their native villages.

• This will help ensure better representation and accountability for the issues they face daily.

7. What Should Be Done?

• Removing names without proper checks may weaken democratic participation.

• The revision process should be done carefully and should take more time than the one-month window currently provided.

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Vocabulary – Simple Meanings

Election Commission of India (ECI): The official body that conducts elections in India.
Special Intensive Revision (SIR): A detailed process to update the voter list.
Electoral Roll: The official list of people who can vote.
Migrant Voter: A person who works or lives away from their home location either temporarily or permanently.
Ordinary Resident: A person who usually lives in a certain area.
Verification: Checking a person’s details to confirm their eligibility.
Representation of the People Act, 1950: A law that guides voting rights and election processes in India.
Turnout: The number of people who actually come to vote.
Cohort: A group of people with shared characteristics.
Manuals: Instruction guides used by election officials.
Constituency: The area from which someone votes or contests an election.
Accountable: Being responsible for actions and outcomes.

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CBSE Relevance

Class 10

• Civics / Political Science:

  • Understanding elections and voter rights

  • Importance of including all eligible voters

• Geography:

  • Migration and its social consequences

• General Knowledge / Current Affairs:

  • Real-world implications of governance decisions

Class 11

• Political Science:

  • Election systems and democratic representation

• Geography:

  • Causes and effects of migration

• Sociology:

  • Labor migration and society

• Economics:

  • Economic impact of migrant labor on states

Class 12

• Political Science:

  • Voter rights, electoral reforms, functioning of the Election Commission

• Legal Studies:

  • Rights of citizens, government accountability

• Geography and Sociology:

  • Population movement, urban-rural divides

• Economics:

  • Migration as labor mobility and regional development

• General Studies / Essay Writing:

  • Electoral participation, voter inclusion, governance challenges

Tags: Socialism,  Secularism 

Socialism and Secularism: The Spirit of the Indian Constitution

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1. The Constitution: A Living Document

• The Indian Constitution is not just a legal text.

• It reflects the ideals and aspirations of a nation shaped by the anti-colonial freedom struggle.

• Socialism and secularism are not limited to the Preamble but are embedded in the:

  • Directive Principles of State Policy

  • Fundamental Rights

  • Basic structure of the Constitution

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2. Recent Debate: Removal of Socialism and Secularism

• The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has called for removing the words "socialism" and "secularism"from the Preamble.

• The RSS General Secretary made this statement while criticizing the Emergency period (1975–77), during which the 42nd Amendment (1976) added these words.

• Critics argue:

  • This is not just about language or history.

  • It is a direct attack on the core values of the Indian Republic.

  • The RSS itself cooperated with the Indira Gandhi government during the Emergency, making its criticism opportunistic and hypocritical.

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3. Socialism in the Constitution

• Represents social and economic justice, equality, and the creation of a welfare state.

• The Preamble promises:

  • Justice (social, economic, political)

  • Equality of status and opportunity

• Fundamental Rights:

  • Article 14: Equality before law

  • Article 15: No discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth

  • Article 16: Equal opportunity in public employment

• Directive Principles of State Policy:

  • Articles 38 and 39 clearly express socialist goals

  • Expanded by Articles 41, 42, and 43

  • These articles have shaped important legislation and judicial decisions

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4. Secularism in the Constitution

• Secularism is not passive neutrality but:

  • Active protection of all religions

  • Equal treatment of all citizens regardless of faith

  • Protection of minority rights

• Even before the 42nd Amendment, the Preamble included:

  • Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship

  • Fraternity assuring dignity and unity

• Fundamental Rights:

  • Articles 25–28: Freedom of religion

  • Articles 29–30: Cultural and educational rights

• These rights ensure:

  • The state does not identify with or favour any religion

  • Every citizen has equal rights regardless of faith

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5. The Basic Structure Doctrine

• Introduced in 1973 by the Kesavananda Bharati case

• Parliament can amend the Constitution but cannot alter its basic structure

• The 42nd Amendment (1976) added the terms socialism and secularism after this ruling.

• Therefore, these additions were in line with, and not against, the Constitution’s basic structure.

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6. Foundational Origins: Not Just 1970s Additions

• Socialism and secularism are not artificial insertions from the Emergency era.

• These values were part of:

  • Objective Resolution of the Constituent Assembly

  • Constituent Assembly Debates

  • India’s freedom struggle

• The word secular also appeared in Article 25(2)(a) even before 1976.

• Removing these words from the Preamble would not change the spirit or functioning of the Constitution.

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7. Ambedkar’s Vision: Equality as a Core Principle

• In his final speech to the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar reinforced the importance of equality.

• Equality forms the foundation of socialism and secularism.

• His ideas act as a warning against any effort to weaken these principles.

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8. The Real Agenda Behind the Demand

• The RSS’s call to remove socialism and secularism is seen as:

  • An attempt to undermine the foundations of the Republic

  • A push to replace the Constitution with values from the Manusmriti

  • A step toward building a theocratic Hindu Rashtra

• It is also viewed as:

  • A historical distortion

  • A move to erase the values of India’s freedom struggle

  • A strategy to create an oppressive majoritarian state

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9. The Way Forward: Defending the Constitution

• The Constitution is built to protect justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all.

• Socialism and secularism are pillars of the Indian Republic.

• Attacking these values is equivalent to attacking the soul of Indian democracy.

• Citizens and leaders who respect the values of the freedom struggle must unite to protect the Constitution from such threats.

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CBSE Relevance:

Class 10

Civics / Political Science

• Understanding the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and Directive Principles.

• Concepts of secularism, equality, and justice.

• Role of the Constitution in maintaining democracy and diversity.

History

• Connection between freedom struggle and constitutional values.

Current Affairs / GK

• Ongoing debates about constitutional amendments and their political impact.

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Class 11

Political Science

• Deep understanding of the Basic Structure Doctrine and constitutional amendments.

• Nature of the Indian state – sovereign, secular, socialist, democratic, republic.

• Role of institutions like the Supreme Court in protecting the Constitution.

Sociology

• How constitutional values impact social justice, inequality, and identity.

History

• Links between the freedom movement, the Emergency, and Constitution-making.

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Class 12

Political Science

• In-depth study of constitutional interpretation, democracy, and rights-based governance.

• Importance of the Kesavananda Bharati case in shaping India’s constitutional democracy.

• The role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and debates in the Constituent Assembly.

Legal Studies

• Understanding of constitutional law, amendments, basic structure, and judicial review.

Sociology / Geography

• Impact of secularism and social justice on regional and cultural diversity.

Economics

• Concept of a welfare state, linked to socialist economic policies.

Essay / General Studies

• Relevant for topics on constitutional values, secularism, majoritarianism, democracy, and national identity.

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Vocabulary:

Word / Term	Meaning in Simple Language
Embodiment	A visible or real expression of an idea or quality
Aspirations	Strong hopes or desires for the future
Crucible	A severe test or situation where something new forms
Semantics	The meaning of words or phrases, especially in debates
Opportunism	Taking unfair advantage of situations for self-benefit
Aspirational	Something that expresses a hope or goal
Theocratic	A system of government based on religious control
Majoritarian	A political system where the majority's will overrides minority rights
Edifice	A complex system or structure (used metaphorically for institutions like democracy)
Veiled	Hidden or disguised (used for intentions or motives)
Subvert	To weaken or destroy something from within
Delegitimise	To make something seem illegal or not acceptable
Inviolable	Something that cannot be broken or changed
Objective Resolution	A formal statement adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1946 laying down the principles of the Constitution
Doctrine	A principle or belief held and taught by a group (often legal or political)

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Here is a simplified and shortened version in point format with subheadings, based entirely on the original content:

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Is U.S. Imperialism a Threat to the World? – Simplified Summary

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1. U.S. Military Actions and Global Law

• U.S. attacked Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day war — violated international law.

• Reflects a pattern: from Iraq and Afghanistan occupations to unilateral interventions.

• U.S. acts on its own interests, using power without accountability.

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2. Trump’s Return and American Imperialism

• Trump’s “America First” policy deepens imperialist tendencies.

• Squeezing even allies to regain U.S. dominance and hegemony.

• Actions seen as reckless and unstrategic, not long-term plans.

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3. Rising China and Declining U.S. Power

• China’s rise in economy, technology, and global influence challenges U.S.

• U.S. reacts with tariff wars and rivalry in the Asia-Pacific.

• Leads to U.S.–China Cold War–like tension.

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4. Impact on India and Regional Powers

• India, Brazil, and South Africa lose strategic freedom in a bipolar world.

• Multipolarity (more global power centers) would give India more space.

• India’s alignment with U.S. (like in Quad) reduces autonomy.

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5. India’s Dilemma in Alignments

• India has security challenges (like China), so needs strategic allies.

• Non-alignment weakened as India supported U.S. actions (e.g., silence on Iran attack).

• Such alignment risks undermining India’s Global South leadership.

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6. Effectiveness of BRICS and SCO

• SCO is China-dominated; India–China tension limits its usefulness.

• BRICS has potential but suffers from internal disagreements.

• India’s neutrality weakens BRICS's voice against violations of sovereignty.

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7. Global South’s Future Role

• Global South (developing nations) likely to suffer most from:

  • U.S. trade wars

  • Economic instability

  • Climate change inaction

• India should join mainstream Global South resistance and develop strategy.

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8. Failure of Multilateralism

• Multilateral platforms (like the UN) are failing to protect smaller nations.

• Alternative groupings and minilateralism (smaller coalitions) may help.

• The Global South must collaborate and lead solutions on:

  • Debt crisis

  • Trade imbalance

  • Climate justice

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