Summary of Important News Items and Editorials-3

INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 3rd JULY 2025.

1.   Bihar Rolls Revision Will Disenfranchise 2 Crore Voters: INDIA Bloc    to    EC

The INDIA bloc has raised serious objections to the Election Commission’s special intensive revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls,

warning it could disenfranchise 2–3 crore voters. The EC's requirement for birth certificates and other documents for new voter inclusion, especially for those born after 1987, has raised concerns given Bihar’s historically low birth registration rates. Opposition leaders argue that the short timeline before elections does not allow adequate preparation, especially for poor, illiterate, and migrant communities who may lack documentation. While the EC has maintained that the process follows legal provisions, INDIA bloc leaders contend it violates democratic principles by imposing a citizenship test-like process. Comparisons with demonetisation have also been drawn. Even BJP allies in Bihar are uneasy, worried that genuine voters might be excluded, and blame will fall on political parties. The opposition seeks postponement until after elections to ensure thoroughness and fairness.

2.  4 Red Lines in India-US Trade Talks: Corn, Ethanol, Soyabean & Dairy

India's ongoing trade negotiations with the US face hurdles over four critical agricultural commodities: corn, ethanol, soyabean, and dairy. These are termed “red lines” due to their political and economic sensitivity. India resists opening up its market for GM corn and soyabean imports due to health and ecological concerns, especially ahead of elections in maize- and soyabean-producing states. While India currently permits GM soyabean oil, raw beans and DOC are banned to prevent GM protein exposure in food and feed. Ethanol imports for fuel use are also resisted, as it undercuts India’s  ethanol-blending  program  intended  to  reduce  oil

dependency. The US is also pushing for dairy market access, where India imposes high tariffs and religious-based restrictions. The US aims to breach these barriers, while India seeks to protect its farmers and domestic industry. The outcome will hinge on balancing food security, farmer welfare, and trade liberalisation objectives.