FIXING PROBLEMS, UNLOCKING INDIA’S GROWTH POTENTIAL
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
At the 56th GST Council meeting (September 3, 2025), the government introduced major reforms to simplify India’s indirect tax system.
Key Highlights of GST 2.0
Relief for Consumers and Households
- Basic goods like soap, toothpaste, hair oil, shampoo, packaged food, and kitchen items moved to lower tax brackets, reducing costs for families.
- Lower GST on cement and construction materials makes housing more affordable, supporting the ‘Housing for All’ mission and allied industries like steel, tiles, and paints.
- Life-saving medicines and critical medical devices shifted to nil or 5% GST, improving healthcare access and lowering treatment costs.
Boost to Labour-Intensive Sectors
- Sectors such as textiles, handicrafts, leather, footwear, and toys benefit from reduced rates, protecting profit margins and sustaining rural and semi-urban employment.
- Automotive sector gains from lower tax on small cars, motorcycles, buses, and trucks, encouraging demand and investment.
Support for Exporters and MSMEs
- Correction of inverted duty structures in textiles, fertilizers, and renewables makes exports more competitive.
- Export-driven MSME sectors like handicrafts, leather, and engineering goods will see better margins and growth opportunities.
- Lower duties on capital goods/intermediates promote local value addition and align with ‘Make in India’.
- Removal of refund thresholds for low-value consignments benefits courier and e-commerce exporters by easing liquidity pressures.
Simplification and Compliance Reforms
- GST rationalisation reduces litigation by harmonising tax rates and clarifying grey areas like intermediary services and post-sale discounts.
- Simplified GST Registration Scheme offers automated approvals within three days, cutting compliance costs and helping small businesses formalise and expand.
- Establishment of GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) ensures quicker and fairer dispute resolution, improving business confidence.
Global Alignment and Investor Confidence
- Introduction of a two-rate GST system (standard 18%, merit 5%, and demerit 40% for select items) brings India closer to global practices.
- Predictable and stable tax regime improves the ease of doing business and strengthens India’s attractiveness to foreign investors.
- Positions India as a reliable investment hub in the evolving global supply chain landscape.
Challenges Ahead
- Implementation delays and procedural complexities may remain bottlenecks.
- Effective execution and continuous monitoring are essential for the success of reforms.
Conclusion
GST 2.0 is more than a tax change — it is a structural reform aimed at boosting consumption, empowering MSMEs, improving competitiveness, and driving India’s growth story.
INDIA’S STRATEGIC AUTONOMY IN A MULTIPOLAR WORLD
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
With shifting power equations among the U.S., China, and Russia, India is walking a careful path to safeguard its interests without aligning blindly with any bloc.
Understanding Strategic Autonomy
- Refers to a country’s ability to make independent foreign policy and defence decisions without being bound by alliances or external pressure.
- It is not isolation or neutrality, but the flexibility to engage with all powers on one’s own terms.
- India’s roots of autonomy trace back to colonial history, Nehru’s non-alignment during the Cold War, and today’s multi-alignment approach.
- It is a middle path — avoiding rigid blocs while ensuring space for national interests.
India and the United States
- Partnership has grown in defence, intelligence, military exercises, technology transfers, and Quad cooperation.
- New frameworks like I2U2 and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) add to engagement.
- Frictions exist over trade tariffs, sanctions, and U.S. pressure on India’s energy and defence ties with Russia.
- India’s response: cooperation with the U.S. while retaining policy independence, showing strategic autonomy in practice.
India and China
- Border clashes in 2020 disrupted hopes of peaceful coexistence.
- China is a major trading partner but also a competitor and security challenge.
- India’s strategy:
- Strengthen border security and infrastructure.
- Deepen Indo-Pacific partnerships.
- Invest in domestic defence capabilities.
- Continue engagement through BRICS and SCO despite tensions.
- Balancing between deterrence and diplomacy is the essence of autonomy here.
India and Russia
- Relationship rooted in Cold War solidarity and defence cooperation.
- Despite Russia’s growing ties with China and its isolation post-Ukraine war, India continues trade and defence engagement.
- India diversifies its suppliers but refuses external pressure to cut ties, showing independence in decision-making.
Role in the Global South
- India projects itself as the voice of the Global South, promoting peace, pluralism, and development.
- Approach is pragmatic, interest-based, and non-ideological.
- Many middle powers see India’s stand as a model of balancing autonomy with engagement.
Emerging Challenges
- Global interdependence in technology, defence, and climate diplomacy requires partnerships, limiting absolute independence.
- Domestic issues like economic vulnerabilities, political polarisation, and institutional weaknesses affect autonomy.
- New domains like cybersecurity, AI, space, and supply chain security demand expansion of autonomy beyond traditional diplomacy.
Conclusion
Strategic autonomy is not about isolation but about resilience, adaptability, and clarity of interest.
INDIA’S PLAN TO STRENGTHEN NUCLEAR DETERRENCE AND DRONE WARFARE
TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY: THE HINDU
India has released the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025), a 15-year plan for defence preparedness.
Key Features of TPCR-2025
Strengthening Nuclear Deterrence
- Focus on credible nuclear deterrence through survivability systems and advanced delivery platforms.
- Plans for nuclear command-and-control infrastructure, radiation detection devices, and mobile decontamination units.
- Proposal for unmanned ground vehicles for CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) reconnaissance.
Expanding Drone Capabilities
- Army seeks stealth drones with long ranges (up to 1,500 km) and high altitudes (60,000 ft).
- These drones will carry: Electronic warfare payloads. Nuclear, biological, and chemical sensors. Artillery guidance systems.
- Loitering munitions highlighted for precision strikes using AI-enabled targeting and reusable warheads.
- Integrated surveillance drones to strengthen mechanised forces on the battlefield.
Countering Drone Swarms
- Recognition of the threat from hostile drone swarms.
- Development of adaptive jamming systems and electronic denial bubbles with a 15 km radius to block enemy drones.
Self-Reliance in Defence
- Initiatives aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat to reduce dependence on foreign imports.
- Emphasis on domestic defence production in advanced warfare systems.
Conclusion
TPCR-2025 signals India’s move toward integrated deterrence — blending nuclear resilience, electronic warfare, and drone strike capability. This long-term strategy aims to strengthen defence readiness, enhance self-reliance, and safeguard India’s security in a rapidly changing threat environment.
NITI AAYOG STRATEGY FOR BUILDING A SELF-RELIANT PULSES SECTOR
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
NITI Aayog has released a report “Strategies and Pathways for Accelerating Growth in Pulses towards the Goal of Atmanirbharta”. It highlights India’s need to reduce import dependence despite being the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses.
Importance of Pulses in India
- Nutritional Value: Pulses are rich in proteins, fiber, and micronutrients, supporting nutritional security and human health.
- SDG Linkages: Help in achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
- Environmental Benefits: Nitrogen-fixing ability reduces fertilizer demand, improves soil fertility, and lowers carbon emissions.
- Economic Role: Serve as a crucial source of food and fodder, ensuring dietary diversity and resilience against food insecurity.
Challenges in the Pulses Sector
- Low Productivity: India’s average yield (0.74 t/ha) is below the global average (0.97 t/ha). Lowest productivity among top 10 producers.
- Technological Gaps: Slow adoption of high-yielding varieties compared to cereals. Poor farmer access to quality seeds, irrigation, and extension services.
- Environmental Constraints: Majority grown in rainfed areas with poor irrigation. High vulnerability to droughts, erratic monsoons, and climate shocks.
- Economic & Market Issues: Prices are volatile due to supply-demand mismatches.: Profitability is lower compared to cereals, reducing farmer interest.
Recommendations of the Report
- Area & Diversification: Retain existing crop areas while promoting crop-wise clusters in different agro-ecological zones.
- Seed & Technology Support: Ensure availability of quality seeds, distribute seed kits, and promote “One Block–One Seed Village”.
- Climate Resilience: Adopt proactive measures against El Niño/La Niña and other climatic risks.
- Data & Monitoring: Develop real-time monitoring, market intelligence, and transparent digital platforms.
Mission Atmanirbharta in Pulses (Union Budget 2025–26)
- Procurement Security: Farmers can sell any quantity to NAFED/NCCF under 4-year contracts at assured prices.
- Seed Systems: Distribution of improved seeds in 111 high-potential districts with traceability.
- Strengthening FPOs: Better bargaining power, seed access, and market linkages.
- Nutrition Integration: More pulses in PDS and school meals.
- Value Chain Development: Promote mechanisation, processing, and reduce post-harvest losses.
Conclusion
NITI Aayog’s strategy, combined with the new Mission Atmanirbharta, aims to enhance productivity, reduce import dependence, and strengthen farmers’ incomes. Achieving self-reliance in pulses is vital for food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture in India.
ENVIRONMENT AUDIT RULES, 2025
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Environment Audit Rules, 2025 to strengthen environmental compliance and monitoring. This aims to reduce manpower shortages, bring transparency, and ensure accountability in environmental governance.
What is an Environment Audit?
- A systematic process of inspection, verification, and analysis of projects, activities, or processes that affect the environment.
- Helps track compliance with environmental laws, reduce risks, and promote sustainable practices.
Objectives of the New Rules
- Bridge manpower and infrastructure gaps faced by regulatory authorities.
- Improve transparency and accountability in monitoring projects.
- Build stakeholder trust and encourage responsible environmental governance.
Key Features of the Rules
- Accreditation of Private Agencies: Private organisations can apply for accreditation to act as environmental auditors.
- Certification of Auditors: Done by the Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA) notified by MoEFCC. Based on qualification, experience, or a certification exam.
- Registered Environmental Auditors (REAs): Will conduct compliance checks, sampling, analysis, and verification. Can also assess compensation, verify credits under Green Credit Rules, and audit waste management practices.
Major Regulatory Stakeholders
- Certified Environment Auditor (CEA): Individuals qualifying through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or a National Certification Examination (NCE).
- Registered Environment Auditor (REA): Certified individuals officially listed with EADA to perform audits.
- Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA): Nodal body for certification, registration, training, and monitoring of auditors. Can take disciplinary actions if needed.
- MoEFCC: Central authority responsible for overall implementation and policy guidance.
- CPCB/SPCBs/Regional Offices: Continue inspections, verifications, and provide support to MoEFCC.
Oversight Mechanism
- A Steering Committee headed by an Additional Secretary of MoEFCC.
- Includes representatives from various divisions and regulatory agencies.
- Functions: Monitor progress, address challenges, suggest reforms, and ensure smooth execution.
Significance of the Rules
- Enhances efficiency by involving certified private experts in audits.
- Ensures better compliance monitoring under multiple environmental and forest laws.
- Promotes capacity building through training and accreditation.
- Reduces delays and improves trust in regulatory systems.
Conclusion
The Environment Audit Rules, 2025 mark a major reform in environmental regulation. By combining government oversight with certified private auditors, India aims to achieve more credible, transparent, and effective compliance monitoring for sustainable development.
200TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF DADABHAI NAOROJI
TOPIC: (GS1) INDIAN ART AND CULTURE: THE HINDU
India recently celebrated the 200th birth anniversary of Dadabhai Naoroji, popularly remembered as the “Grand Old Man of India”, for his pioneering role in the freedom struggle.
Early Life
- Born on 4 September 1825 in Bombay in a Parsi priestly family.
- One of the earliest national leaders to connect Indian issues with global audiences.
Key Contributions
- Drain of Wealth Theory: Highlighted how British economic policies drained India’s resources to Britain. Detailed in his famous work Poverty and Un-British Rule in India (1901).
- First Indian in British Parliament: Elected to the House of Commons in 1892, raised India’s concerns on an international stage.
- Swaraj Demand: First to articulate the call for self-rule from the Congress platform (1906 session).
- Organisational Role: Founded Rast Goftar (1851), a journal on civic duties. Established the East Indian Association (1867), uniting Indians across provinces. Active in the Bombay Association (1852).
- Congress Leadership: Served as Congress President thrice (1886, 1893, 1906). Mentored leaders like W.C. Bonnerji and Pherozeshah Mehta.
Legacy
- Combined intellectual rigor with political action, shaping nationalist thought.
- Helped shift Indian politics from petitions to demands for self-governance.
- Passed away in 1917, leaving behind a strong foundation for the national movement.
Conclusion
Dadabhai Naoroji’s vision linked economic critique with political freedom, making him one of the earliest architects of India’s independence movement.
PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TRIBAL GROUPS (PVTGS)
TOPIC: (GS1) INDIAN ART AND CULTURE: THE HINDU
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has asked the Census Commissioner to list PVTGs separately in the upcoming Census. This will help in better planning of welfare schemes and protection of their rights.
Who are PVTGs?
- A special category within Scheduled Tribes (STs), considered the most backward and at risk.
- The idea was first suggested by the Dhebar Commission (1960–61) for groups facing extreme marginalisation.
- First identified in the 5th Five-Year Plan (1974–79) → 52 groups were listed.
- Later, 23 more were added in 2006, bringing the total to 75 groups.
Habitat and Distribution
- Found across 18 states and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Mostly live in remote forests, hilly terrains, or islands with poor connectivity.
- Examples: Baigas (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh), Abujh Marias (Chhattisgarh), Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens (A&N Islands).
Key Features of PVTGs
- Small or declining population, with high social and economic vulnerability.
- Isolated habitats with minimal interaction with mainstream society.
- Dependence on pre-agricultural activities like hunting, food gathering, and shifting cultivation.
- Very low literacy and health levels compared to other STs.
- Rich in unique cultural traditions and practices.
Why Separate Enumeration is Needed
- Until now, PVTGs were counted under general STs, without specific data.
- Separate data will:
- Help design targeted schemes for education, health, and livelihoods.
- Identify infrastructure gaps in their settlements for programmes like PM JANMAN (₹24,104 crore, 2023).
- Ensure habitat protection and safeguard their cultural identity.
- Review whether the current PVTG criteria are still relevant, as some groups may have improved while others lag behind.
Conclusion
A separate Census count of PVTGs will make welfare delivery more precise and effective, while also preserving their cultural and ecological heritage.
BEAS AND SUTLEJ RIVERS
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
Rising water levels in the Beas and Sutlej rivers have caused severe erosion in Marar village of Tarn Taran (Punjab), putting homes and farmland at risk despite embankment repair efforts.
Beas River
- Origin: Starts near Rohtang Pass in the southern Pir Panjal Range, Himachal Pradesh (~4,062 m altitude).
- Length: Around 460–470 km, entirely within India.
- Course:
- Passes through Kullu, Mandi, Kangra (Himachal Pradesh).
- Enters Punjab and merges with the Sutlej at Harike.
- Basin Area: Approx. 20,300 sq km.
- Features:
- Known as Vipasa in Vedic texts and Hyphasis by Greeks.
- Splits into multiple channels in lower stretches before joining again.
- Source of irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower in Himachal and Punjab.
Sutlej River
- Origin: Emerges from Mansarovar–Rakastal Lakes in western Tibet (~4,570 m), called Langqen Zagbo in Tibet.
- Length: Nearly 1,450 km (around 1,050 km within India).
- Course:
- Flows northwest to Shipki La (Tibet–Himachal border).
- Carves gorges in the Himalayas before entering Punjab plains at Rupnagar (Ropar).
- Meets the Beas at Harike, then flows into Pakistan, where it joins the Indus near Mithankot.
- Catchment Area: About 56,860 sq km (20,000 sq km in India).
Features:
- Bhakra Dam built on Sutlej at Naina Devi Dhar – major hydropower and irrigation project.
- Forms nearly 120 km of India–Pakistan boundary in Punjab.
- Main tributaries include the Beas and Ravi rivers.
Conclusion
The Beas and Sutlej rivers are lifelines for Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, supporting irrigation, power, and livelihoods. However, their rising levels and erosion risks highlight the urgent need for river management, embankment strengthening, and climate-resilient planning.