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Indian Express
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Bihar's electoral roll revision: Are we shifting from inclusive citizenship to identity-based exclusion?
The recent controversy regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls is indicative of the fading institutional boundaries in contemporary India. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is mandated under Article 324 to revise electoral rolls. Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950 authorises the ECI to conduct a special revision of the electoral roll for any constituency or part of the constituency. Similarly, Rule 25 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 authorises the ECI to conduct an intensive revision of electoral rolls. However, the present order of the ECI brings in the new concept of Special Intensive Revision (SIR). In the domain of citizenship rights, we are moving from jus soli (citizenship by birth) towards jus sanguinis (citizenship by bloodline). Further, this movement is insisting more on technicalities/documentations, which are affecting the vulnerable sections. The recent Bihar caste survey showed that 63 per cent of the population are backward or extremely backward, and 73 per cent of Muslims are backward. Many of these people are now afraid to be declared illegal migrants. In India, historically, due to migration, different cultural identities have gained their own cultural and political space, creating a multicultural society. In the pre-Independence period, the citizenship debate divided the cultural nationalists and political nationalists. Leaders like V D Savarkar linked citizenship to cultural roots. Based on this, he denied equal citizenship to any community whose punya bhoomi (holy land) is situated outside India. The Constituent Assembly of India, however, deliberated on the issue and gave citizenship — through Article 5 — to those who were born in India or resided in the country for at least five years before the commencement of the Constitution and had not acquired citizenship of any foreign country. Through Article 6 (which later became Article 11), it empowered Parliament to make provisions regarding all matters related to citizenship. The Citizenship Act, 1955, removed the provision of citizenship by birth for those born after January 26, 1950, on the condition that any one of the parents should be an Indian citizen. The Assam Accord in 1985 inserted Assam-specific section 6A, which allowed those who migrated between 1966 and 1971 to be registered as foreigners. Those who migrated after 1971 were considered illegal migrants. Through the 1987 amendment, the state gave citizenship based on the principle of jus soli to those who were born before 1987. However, those who were born in and after 1987 were given citizenship based on jus sanguinis. According to the 2003 amendment, the citizenship of a person born after or in 2003 depends on whether both of her parents are already Indian citizens. If not, at least one of them must be Indian, and the other shouldn't be an illegal immigrant. In the year 2024, the Citizenship Rules, 1956, were amended. It openly mentioned the religious identity of the immigrants. Section 8A of the amended rules empowered the collector of a district, in Gujarat and Rajasthan, to register minority Hindus with Pakistani citizenship, who have migrated to India more than five years ago with an intention to settle down permanently, as citizens of India. The 2024 amendment, by bringing in religious identity for acquiring citizenship, has defied the secular outlook of Article 7 of the Constitution, which deals with people who have migrated from Pakistan to India, without mentioning any religion. In 2015, two significant amendments were made to the Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950 and the Foreigners Order, 1948. Both are precursors to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. It further institutionalised this religion-based exclusion by making it easier for a certain group of people to get Indian citizenship based on their religious identity. The current SIR of ECI appears to establish hierarchy in citizenship. The Indian Constitution has served as a significant obstacle to such a shift towards cultural identity-based citizenship. We need critical engagement with the constitutional framework to promote inclusive citizenship norms rooted in political identity rather than cultural identity. The writer teaches at Christ University. Views are personal
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First Post
22-07-2025
- General
- First Post
History Today: When India adopted the Tricolour as its national flag
The Tricolour was adopted to be the national flag of independent India on July 22, 1947. The flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya in 1921 and initially consisted of red and green bands instead of saffron, white and green colours that are visible today read more The Indian national flag is a symbol of the country's freedom from 200 years of British oppression. Representational image The Indian national flag is a sign of the country's freedom from British rule. Fluttering high, especially on government buildings, the Tricolour invokes feelings of pride and nationalism in the hearts of Indians. But did you know that it was adopted just weeks before independence? The Constituent Assembly adopted the tricolour as the national flag of independent India on July 22, 1947. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 2011, Norway experienced one of the deadliest attacks in its modern history when Anders Behring Breivik carried out a two-part assault that claimed 77 lives. Here is all that happened on this day. India adopted Tricolour as its national flag The Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted the Tricolour as the national flag of independent India on July 22, 1947, just weeks before gaining independence. This decision marked a defining step in India's journey to sovereignty. The flag, initially designed by Pingali Venkayya in 1921, had evolved through several alterations over the years as various designs were proposed and used by different factions of the Indian independence movement. The initial design featured red and green bands (symbolising Hindus and Muslims respectively) with the spinning wheel in the centre. On Gandhi's suggestion, a white stripe was later added to represent all other communities and peace. This 'Swaraj Flag' or 'Gandhi Flag' gained unofficial acceptance and was used during various Indian National Congress sessions. The flag consists of saffron, white and green colours along with the Ashoka Chakra. File image/PTI However, the need for a flag that represented all of India without any communal interpretations became paramount as independence approached. An ad-hoc committee, headed by Dr Rajendra Prasad, was tasked with finalising the design. On July 22, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru moved the resolution in the Constituent Assembly that cemented the design. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This flag consisted of saffron (symbolising courage and sacrifice) at the top, white (representing peace, truth and purity in the middle) and dark green (showing fertility and prosperity) at the bottom. The Ashoka Chakra in the middle, derived from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka, symbolises continuous progress. The adoption of the flag was more than a symbolic gesture; it was a proclamation of identity. As Jawaharlal Nehru said in his speech during the flag's adoption, 'This flag is not only of freedom for ourselves, but a symbol of freedom to all people.' Deadliest shooting incident in Norway Norway experienced its deadliest attack since World War II, carried out by far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik on this day in 2011. The two-part attack claimed the lives of 77 people and injured hundreds more. The first attack took place at approximately 3:25 pm, when Breivik detonated a powerful car bomb in the government quarter in central Oslo. The blast, placed near the office of then-Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, killed eight people and caused significant damage to government buildings, shattering windows and creating widespread chaos. Many public offices were less occupied than usual due to the summer holiday, which likely prevented an even higher casualty count. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Andres Behring Breivik gestured as he arrived during his trial in court in Oslo, Norway. File image/AP Roughly an hour and a half later, Breivik arrived at the island of Utoya disguised as a police officer. The island was hosting the annual summer camp of the Workers' Youth League (AUF), the youth wing of Norway's ruling Labour Party. For over an hour, armed with an automatic rifle and a pistol, Breivik systematically hunted down and shot the hundreds of mostly teenage attendees. He lured some victims closer by pretending to be a rescuer, resulting in a horrifying massacre that killed 69 people, many of whom were shot repeatedly or drowned trying to escape into the cold water. Breivik was arrested on the island without resistance. During his trial in 2012, he showed no remorse and described his actions as 'cruel but necessary' to fight what he believed was the Islamisation of Europe and the Labour Party's role in promoting multiculturalism. He was found sane and guilty and sentenced to 21 years in prison, the maximum under Norwegian law, with the possibility of extension. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This Day, That Year On this day in 1992, Colombian drug trafficker Pablo Escobar escaped from police custody. American aviator Wiley Post completed the first solo flight around the world on this day in 1933. In 1812, the duke of Wellington defeated '40,000 Frenchmen in 40 minutes' at Salamanca, Spain.
Indian Express
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
National Flag Day in India 2025: Know the date, history, significance, and more
Every year on July 22, India commemorates National Flag Day, also known as Tiranga Adoption Day. This year, it's being observed on July 22, 2025, falling on Tuesday. On July 22, 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted the Indian National Flag, known as the Tiranga, which means Tricolour. The Indian flag evolved over time, with various designs proposed and used during the freedom struggle, with the earliest flag, created by Sister Nivedita in 1904, featuring red and yellow colours symbolising victory and power, with 'Vande Mataram' inscribed in Bengali. After several modifications over the years, the present-day flag, the 'tiranga' was adopted with three coloured stripes – saffron, white, and green – and the Ashoka Chakra replacing the charkha as the national emblem, was officially adopted on July 22, 1947. On August 15, 1947, India gained independence and Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India, hoisted the Tricolour, the national flag of India, for the first time. National Flag Day instills a sense of pride, patriotism, and national unity among citizens, while encourages reflection on civic responsibilities, upholds the dignity of the national flag, as outlined in the Flag Code of India, and abides by its values. Each colour in the Indian national flag has a significant meaning which reflects the country's values and aspirations, while highlighting the sacrifices and struggles of countless freedom fighters who laid down their lives for India's independence. On this day, schools, government institutions, and various organisations often conduct ceremonies and educational programmes to raise awareness about the flag's history, symbolism, and the rules for its display.
Indian Express
22-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: National Flag Day —10 must-know facts for UPSC Exam
Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your UPSC current affairs knowledge nugget for today on National Flag Day, focusing on the important facts related to the national flag. (Relevance: The topic of the evolution of the Indian national flag and important aspects of it holds relevance for the UPSC exam, as previously, questions have been asked on this theme (do check them in the post-read questions). Thus, knowing about it from a holistic perspective becomes essential.) On July 22, 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the National Flag. The adoption of the tricolour marked a pivotal moment in India's journey towards establishing itself as an independent nation free from colonial rule. In this context, let's know about the Indian national flag in detail through 10 must-know facts about it. 1. Evolution of the Indian National Flag : In the early stages of India's freedom struggle, the need for a unifying flag emerged, leading to Sister Nivedita's proposal in 1904, featuring red and yellow colours symbolising victory and strength, along with 'Vande Mataram' inscribed in Bengali. The first tricolour flag appeared in 1906, showcasing blue, yellow, and red stripes with eight stars representing provinces. Subsequent designs included the 'Calcutta flag' in 1906, the Berlin flag in 1907 by Madam Bhikaji Cama, and the Home Rule flag in 1917, each reflecting the evolving nationalist sentiment. With India's independence announced by Lord Mountbatten in 1947, an ad hoc flag committee led by Dr Rajendra Prasad was established to create a flag representative of all communities. Following Gandhi's approval, it was decided to adopt a modified version of Pingali Venkayya's flag, which previously featured a charkha, was altered to the current flag with the Ashoka Chakra at its centre. 2. Adopted by Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947: With three coloured stripes – saffron, white, and green – and the Ashoka Chakra replacing the charkha as the national emblem, the Trianaga or tricolour flag was officially adopted as the national flag of India on July 22, 1947. 3. Meaning and significance behind the Tiranga (Tricolour Flag) :Each colour in the Indian National Flag carries profound symbolism, reflecting the nation's values and aspirations: ♦ Saffron: The top band signifies courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation, representing the valour and sacrifices of freedom fighters. ♦ White: The middle band embodies purity, truth, and peace. ♦ Green: The lowermost band symbolises fertility, growth, and auspiciousness, reflecting India's agricultural heritage and commitment to environmental harmony. ♦ Blue wheel-Chakra: The chakra is intended to symbolise that life is in movement and that stagnation leads to death. It emphasises the significance of continuous movement and progress, underscoring the importance of forward motion in the nation's journey. 4. Ashoka Chakra in Flag: The Ashoka Chakra in the centre of the flag features 24 spokes, which represent the 24 hours of the day, symbolising the eternal wheel of law and the importance of righteousness. This is inspired by the Dharma Chakra and depicts the 'wheel of the law' in the Sarnath Lion Capital, which was created by the 3rd-century BC Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. 5. Flag dimensions and size: The flag can be as big or small as one wants, but the dimensions of the flag follow a specific ratio. 'The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the National Flag shall be 3:2.' So, the flag must always be a rectangle rather than a square or any other shape. 6. First Indian to raise the flag on foreign soil: Madam Bhikaiji Cama was the first Indian to hoist the Indian flag on foreign soil on 22 August 1907 during a revolutionary meeting in Stuttgart, Germany, showcasing India's aspirations for independence. 7. Flag Code of India: The use, display and hoisting of the National Flag in the country is guided by an overarching set of instructions called the 'Flag Code of India 2002'. It brings together all laws, conventions, practices, and instructions for the display of the National Flag. It governs the display of the National Flag by private, public, and government institutions. It took effect on January 26, 2002. According to the Flag Code of India, paragraph 2.2, which came into effect on January 26, 2002, any person, organisation, private or public, or educational institution (including scout camps) can hoist or display the Tricolour on 'all days or occasions in accordance with the dignity and honour of the National Flag'. It is against rules to display a damaged or disheveled National Flag. At all times, the National Flag must be displayed in a position of honour and should be distinctly placed.'No other flag or bunting shall be placed higher than or above or side by side with the National Flag; nor shall any object including flowers or garlands, or emblem be placed on or above the flagmast from which the National Flag is flown'. The Tricolour should never be used as a festoon, rosette, bunting or for a decorative purpose. No advertisements should be festooned to the pole from which it flies. Traditionally, the Indian National Flag is folded in a rectangular shape, ensuring the saffron band remains on top. According to Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, 'whoever in any public place or in any other place within public view burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon or otherwise brings into contempt (whether by words, either spoken or written, or by acts) the Indian National Flag….shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with a fine, or with both'. The Tricolour should not be stored in a way that might dirty or damage it. In case flag is damaged, the Flag Code instructs not to cast it aside or treat it disrespectfully but 'destroy it as a whole in private, preferably by burning or by any method consistent with the dignity of the flag'. People, who are waving flags made of paper, should not throw these on the ground after the ceremony. The flag 'shall not be allowed to touch the ground or the floor or trail in the water'. 8. Flag manufacturing: After an amendment on December 30, 2021, the material of the flag has been decided as 'handspun and handwoven or machine-made, cotton, polyester, wool, silk or khadi bunting.' 9. National Flag on vehicles: Notably, the National Flag cannot be flown on any vehicle except those of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governor and other dignitaries. The flag should also not be used to cover the sides, back, and top of any vehicle. 10. Right to hoist the national flag is a fundamental right: In 2002, the Supreme Court of India declared the right to hoist the national flag as a fundamental right under Article 19(i)(a) of the Constitution, emphasising its significance in expressing freedom. 1. The design of the Indian tricolour is largely attributed to Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter. Venkayya was born in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh on August 2, 1876. He went to school in Madras and then to Cambridge University. He joined the British Indian Army and was in South Africa where he met Mahatma Gandhi, became his disciple and plunged into the freedom movement. 2. After returning to India, he published a book of flags containing 30 different designs in 1916. He wrote letters to freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi informing them about his idea of having a national flag and he spoke about it at Congress meetings. 3. In 1921, at a meeting in Vijayawada, Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders approved Venkayya's design. The first design comprised only two bands—red and green—and a charkha but on the insistence of Mahatma Gandhi, Venkayya added a white band. Subsequently, the red colour band was changed to saffron and the Ashok Chakra replaced the charkha. 4. Venkayya passed away on July 4, 1963. In 2009, a stamp was issued in his memory. (1) Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002: (UPSC CSE 2023) Statement-I: One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm * 400 mm. Statement-II: The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct (2) What is the number of spokes in the Dharmachakra in the National Flag of India? (UPSC CSE 2008) (a) 16 (b) 18 (c) 22 (d) 24 (Sources: How the tricolour was adopted by the Constituent Assembly, India's 78th Independence Day: 10 interesting facts about the our National Flag, Explained: What are the rules for displaying the Tricolour?, Who was Pingali Venkayya?) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
PM Modi pays homage to K Kamraj on his birth anniversary, says "his ideals on social justice inspire us greatly"
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid homage to freedom fighter and Congress leader K Kamraj on his birth anniversary and said that his noble ideals and emphasis on social justice inspire us all greatly. Taking to X, PM Modi said, "Paying homage to Thiru K. Kamaraj Ji on his birth anniversary. He was at the forefront of India's freedom struggle and provided invaluable leadership in the formative years of our journey after Independence. His noble ideals and emphasis on social justice inspire us all greatly." Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to K Kamraj, calling him "a true son of India." "Today, we pay our sincere homage to K. Kamarajar, a true son of India, revered by the people of Tamil Nadu for his pioneering social welfare initiatives," Kharge wrote on X. Live Events Highlighting Kamraj's active role in the freedom struggle and his "transformative impact" in nation building after independence, Kharge said, "One of the Independence movement's towering figures, a Former Congress President, and a recipient of the Bharat Ratna, Kamarajar was a tireless champion of social justice. His visionary Mid Day Meal scheme stood as a powerful catalyst, breaking down barriers and bringing education within reach for the disadvantaged." Kumaraswami Kamaraj was born humble and poor in a backward area of Tamil Nadu on July 15, 1903. His schooling lasted only six years. At the age of twelve, he was already working as a shop assistant. He was barely fifteen when he heard of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which was the turning point in his life. Kamaraj was elected to the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1937, unopposed. He was again elected to it in 1946. He was also elected to the Constituent Assembly of India in 1946 and later to Parliament in 1952. He became the Chief Minister of Madras in 1954. In 1963, he suggested to Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, that senior Congress leaders should leave ministerial posts to take up organisational work. This suggestion came to be known as the ' Kamaraj Plan '. He was honoured posthumously with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1976.
