STATES DEMAND FOR GREATER SHARE IN CENTRAL TAXES IN POST-GST ERA
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
At the recent NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, several Chief Ministers demanded a higher share of central taxes, especially post-GST, arguing that state finances have been weakened due to reduced revenue autonomy and less frequent federal consultations.
Centre-State Fiscal Relationship
- One-sided Fiscal Control: The current Centre-State relationship lacks balance, with the Centre often imposing decisions. States feel they have limited say in national policymaking.
- Limited Forum for Dialogue: NITI Aayog’s Governing Council meets only once a year, making it difficult for states to raise concerns regularly. GST Council, which should meet every quarter, hasn’t met in over five months.
- Missed Collaboration Opportunities: States often focus on local issues due to rare national-level interactions. However, some leaders suggested broader national strategies during the meeting.
PRESENT TAX SHARE BETWEEN CENTRE AND STATES (AS PER 15TH FINANCE COMMISSION):
- Current Sharing Ratio:
The 15th Finance Commission has recommended that 41% of the divisible pool of central taxes be shared with the states.
(Earlier, under the 14th Finance Commission, it was 42%, but reduced by 1% after Jammu & Kashmir became Union Territories.) - Divisible Pool:
Only taxes that are part of the divisible pool—like income tax, corporate tax, GST (central share), excise, etc.—are shared.
Cess and surcharge are not included in the divisible pool. - Vertical Devolution:
This 41% is called vertical devolution, which means the share of states as a whole from the Union government’s net tax revenue. - Horizontal Devolution:
This 41% is then divided among individual states using a formula that considers factors like:- Population (2011 Census)
- Area
- Forest & ecology
- Income distance
- Demographic performance
Suggestions by States
- Focus on National Priorities: Andhra Pradesh CM proposed forming three State sub-groups on: Economic growth and investment, Using demographic strengths, Technology-driven governance
- Call for Higher Tax Share: Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin demanded an increase in the state share of central taxes from 41% to 50%.
Post-GST Financial Challenges
- Loss of Revenue Powers: Many local taxes of the states were merged under GST, reducing their tax autonomy. The 5-year compensation provided by the Centre for GST losses has now ended.
- States’ Own Revenue Performance: States improved their own tax collection from 6.6% (2017-18) to 7.2% (2024-25) of GSDP. Performance varies across states, but the overall trend shows growth.
- Underperformance of GST: GST has not yielded the high revenues initially expected. Only recently have net GST collections surpassed pre-GST indirect taxes.
Need for Equitable Tax Sharing
- States Demand Fair Share: Since states gave up many taxes under GST, they expect a larger portion of central taxes in return. Current 41% devolution is seen as inadequate by many state governments.
- Urgency for Reform: With increased financial responsibilities and limited autonomy, states are pushing for a relook at fiscal federalism. Enhancing states’ fiscal capacity is vital for national development.
NITI AAYOG:
- NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was established on 1st January 2015, replacing the Planning Commission.
- It is a policy think tank of the Government of India, aiming to promote cooperative and competitive federalism.
- NITI Aayog provides strategic and technical advice to the Centre and States on developmental issues.
- It focuses on bottom-up planning, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking.
- The Prime Minister is the Chairperson, and it includes a Governing Council with Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors of Union Territories.
Conclusion
With the growing financial burden on states and the underperformance of GST, the demand for a greater share in central taxes is both timely and necessary. Strengthening cooperative federalism requires the Centre to actively engage with state concerns.
MANAGING ANAEMIA BEFORE PREGNANCY
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Anaemia among Indian women is often detected only during pregnancy, by which time it may be too late to prevent serious complications. For healthier pregnancies and better birth outcomes, anaemia should be identified and treated during the preconception period.
Challenges with Current Focus on Pregnancy Only
- Over 57% of Indian women of reproductive age suffer from anaemia, affecting pregnancy outcomes and maternal health targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Maternal health programmes often begin only after conception.
- Over half of Indian women enter pregnancy already anaemic.
- Common symptoms like fatigue or dizziness are often ignored.
- Anaemia leads to risks like premature birth, low birth weight, preeclampsia, and maternal death.
Limitations of Existing Iron Supplement Methods
- Oral Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) tablets are the standard treatment but cause side effects like: Nausea, constipation, and poor absorption. Low adherence among women.
- Oral IFA is slow to restore iron levels in women with long-term anaemia.
Better Alternatives and Comprehensive Treatment
- IV Ferric Carboxymaltose (IV FCM): Rapidly improves haemoglobin. Not affected by hepcidin (a protein that limits oral iron absorption).
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Affects nearly 49% of reproductive-age women. Vital for red blood cell formation and baby’s brain development.
- Folate and Injectable B12 should be given with IV iron to prevent stubborn anaemia.
- Other health issues to check before pregnancy: Thyroid disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism). Undetected gestational diabetes.
Need for Preconception Screening
- Preconception health is just as vital as prenatal care.
- Community workers like ASHAs and Anganwadi workers can raise awareness.
- Families should support women in getting health checks before planning pregnancy.
ANAEMIA
What is Anaemia?
- Anaemia is a condition where the number of red blood cells (RBCs) or the amount of haemoglobin in the blood is lower than normal.
- Haemoglobin helps carry oxygen to body tissues. Low levels result in fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Major Causes of Anaemia
- Iron Deficiency: Poor dietary intake of iron (especially in vegetarians or children).
- Vitamin Deficiency:Deficiency of Vitamin B12 or Folic acid affects red blood cell production.
- Blood Loss: Heavy menstrual bleeding in women.
Conclusion
Managing anaemia before conception is key to safer pregnancies and healthier children. Preconception care, including screening and effective iron treatment, must become routine. A healthy pregnancy begins before pregnancy itself — ensuring every woman enters motherhood strong and well-prepared.
CUSTOM GENE-EDITING TOOL USED TO TREAT RARE GENETIC DISORDER IN INFANT
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
A new form of gene therapy called base editing, an improved version of the CRISPR-Cas9 tool, was used to treat a rare genetic disease. This case marks a breakthrough in personalised genetic medicine, giving hope to those with rare, untreatable genetic conditions.
What is CRISPR?
- CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.
- It is part of a natural immune system in bacteria that helps them fight viruses.
- Bacteria store parts of a virus’s DNA and use it later to cut and destroy that virus when it attacks again.
- In 2012, scientists Doudna and Charpentier used this system to create the CRISPR-Cas9 tool for gene editing.
How CRISPR-Cas9 Works
- CRISPR-Cas9 acts like a “cut-and-replace” system in DNA.
- The tool includes a guide RNA that finds the faulty gene and an enzyme called Cas9 that cuts the DNA at the specific location.
- Scientists then insert the correct DNA to repair the broken gene.
- This method involves making double-strand breaks, which can lead to unintended changes.
What is Base Editing?
- Base editing is a more accurate version of CRISPR that does not cut both strands of DNA.
- It changes only one specific base (like changing a wrong letter in a word).
- It uses a modified Cas9 enzyme combined with a base-modifying enzyme to rewrite DNA without breaking it.
- This makes the process safer and less likely to cause unwanted mutations.
Case of KJ (Kyle Muldoon Jr.)
- KJ had CPS1 deficiency, a condition causing dangerous levels of ammonia in the blood.
- Doctors designed a base editor tool specifically for his faulty DNA sequence and corrected the error inside his body.
- The process was successful and saved his life.
Challenges and Future Outlook
- High cost: Treatments like this are extremely expensive, possibly over hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- One-time design: Each treatment is unique and cannot be reused for others.
- Limited accessibility: Regulatory hurdles and lack of infrastructure, especially in countries like India, make implementation difficult.
- Pharma hesitance: Companies may be unwilling to invest in non-scalable, custom therapies.
Gene Editing
- What is Gene Editing?
It is a technique used to change or fix specific parts of DNA in the cells of living organisms. - How does it work?
Scientists use tools like CRISPR-Cas9 to cut, remove, or replace faulty DNA sequences, similar to using “cut-copy-paste” on a computer. - Why is it important?
Gene editing can help treat genetic diseases, improve crops, and even fight some infections or cancers. - What is CRISPR?
CRISPR is a popular gene-editing tool that uses a guide RNA and an enzyme (Cas9) to locate and cut specific parts of the DNA. - Are there risks?
Yes, it may cause unintended changes, raise ethical concerns, and is still expensive and under strict regulation in many countries.
Conclusion
Base editing shows great promise in curing rare genetic diseases but faces high costs, regulatory hurdles, and accessibility issues. Wider use will need innovations in affordability and delivery.
ARMS TRADE SHIFT: INDIA REDUCES DEPENDENCE ON RUSSIA
TOPIC: (GS3) SEQURITY: THE HINDU
During Operation Sindoor, India used both indigenous and imported weapons, notably from Russia and Israel. Recent data shows India moving closer to Western arms suppliers, while Pakistan relies heavily on China for its defence needs.
India’s Changing Defence Partnerships
- Earlier Dependency on Russia: Since the 1960s, Russia (then the Soviet Union) was India’s largest arms supplier. India’s reliance on Russia peaked in the 1990s at 96.5% of total imports.
- Shift in the 2020s: Russia’s share has dropped to about 75%. Arms imports have diversified: France: 9%, UK: 5.5%, Israel: nearly 5%, USA: about 3%
Air Power Focus:
- India’s air defence imports from the West have grown stronger.
- In the 2020s, more than 55% of India’s air-related imports are from France, the UK, and Israel.
- India used Western drones like SkyStriker and Russian missile systems like OSA-AK during recent operations.
Pakistan’s Rising Dependence on China
- Historic Suppliers: Pakistan once relied on both China and the U.S. for military imports.
- Current Trends (2020s): China supplies about 95% of Pakistan’s weapons.
- This is a sharp rise from:
- 41% in the 2010s
- 19% in the 2000s
- This is a sharp rise from:
- The U.S. share has declined significantly: N67% (2000s) → 38% (2010s) → less than 1% now
- Air-related Imports:
- Between 50% to 85% of Pakistan’s air defence imports in the past 30 years have come from China.
- Pakistan has used Chinese missiles (PL-15) and Turkish drones in operations.
Global Trends in Arms Exports
- USA Dominates: In the 2020s, the U.S. contributed to over 65% of global arms exports.
- Decline of Russia: Russia’s share dropped to just 5%, especially after the Ukraine invasion.
- China’s Role: China exports less than 2% of global arms. However, 33% of China’s limited arms exports are sent to Pakistan.
Conclusion
India is strategically reducing its over-reliance on Russia and building defence ties with Western nations. Meanwhile, Pakistan is becoming more dependent on Chinese military support, reflecting deeper geopolitical alignments in South Asia.
BUILDING A HEAT-RESILIENT PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
Despite the arrival of the monsoon, India continues to suffer from extreme heatwaves. Experts urge a shift from emergency care to preventive and climate-resilient public health measures.
Heat-Related Health Crisis in India
- India faces frequent and severe heatwaves, increasing health risks.
- Health effects include dehydration, heatstroke, and worsening of chronic illnesses.
- The current approach is mostly emergency-based (beds, IV fluids), not preventive.
Strengthening Primary Health Care
- Primary health centres and ASHA workers are frontline protectors.
- They can be trained to recognize heat stress signs and spread awareness.
- Basic tips like drinking enough water, avoiding peak sun hours, and resting can save lives.
- Link local health workers with weather alerts to plan responses in advance.
- For example, WhatsApp alerts and hydration kits before heatwaves can prevent deaths.
Updating Clinical Protocols
- Many doctors don’t screen for heat-related issues during regular check-ups.
- Heat-related conditions are often misdiagnosed or missed.
- Protocols must be updated to include:
- Regular summer drills
- Heat corners in emergency rooms
- Pre-stocking of cooling supplies
- Post-treatment care for heat illness patients
Need for Intersectoral Collaboration
- Tackling heat is not just the health sector’s job.
- Urban planning must ensure cool buildings and shaded public spaces.
- Water and labour departments must secure summer supplies and safe work timings.
- Climate scientists should work with health experts to guide targeted responses.
- Local-level, cross-sector teams should design solutions like misting shelters and cool roofs.
Equity Must Be at the Core
- Heat affects the poor the most: street vendors, slum children, elderly in crowded rooms.
- Solutions must target vulnerable groups with:
- Mobile hydration points
- Early morning health checks
- Cool shelters for homeless
- Legal protections for outdoor workers
Conclusion
India must act now to build heat-resilient public health systems grounded in equity, science, and prevention, especially for the most vulnerable.
IN-SPACE
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
The Tamil Nadu government has recently approved a Space Industrial Policy. It becomes the third Indian state, after Karnataka and Gujarat, to officially promote the private space sector and attract investments.
What is IN-SPACe?
- Full Form: Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre.
- It is a single-window agency created to support private participation in India’s space activities.
- IN-SPACe works under the Department of Space (DoS) but operates as an independent and autonomous body.
- It encourages non-governmental entities (NGEs)—including startups, companies, and academic institutions—to take part in:
- Building rockets and satellites,
- Providing space-based services,
- Using and co-developing ISRO infrastructure.
- It acts as a bridge between ISRO and the private sector to promote innovation and collaboration.
- The head office is located in Bopal, Ahmedabad.
Tamil Nadu’s Strategic Role in the Space Sector
- The state already has key ISRO installations, like the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri, Tirunelveli.
- ISRO is developing India’s second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi.
- Tamil Nadu is emerging as a hub for space startups, working in advanced fields such as:
- Reusable launch vehicles
- In-space manufacturing
- In-orbit refuelling
- Satellite data analytics
- The Space Technology Incubation Centre (STIC) at NIT Trichy supports ISRO’s projects through academic collaboration and research in southern India.
Conclusion
Tamil Nadu’s space policy and infrastructure, backed by IN-SPACe support, marks a strong step toward building a competitive and innovation-driven private space ecosystem in India.
COASTLINE PARADOX
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: INDIAN EXPRESS
As part of its 2023–24 annual report, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that India’s coastline has been re-measured and now stands at 11,098.8 km, up from 7,516.6 km. This change was not due to any new land additions or natural shifts, but is related to a mathematical issue known as the “coastline paradox”
What is the Coastline Paradox?
- The coastline paradox refers to the idea that the measured length of a coastline depends on the scale of measurement used.
- It means that the more detailed the measurement, the longer the coastline becomes.
- This is because coastlines are irregular, filled with curves, inlets, creeks, and tidal zones that become more visible as smaller measuring units are used.
Origin of the Concept
- The paradox was first noticed by Lewis Fry Richardson, a British mathematician, in the early 1950s.
- Later, Benoît Mandelbrot, a Polish-French mathematician, gave it a mathematical explanation in 1967 and connected it with fractal geometry.
- He showed that coastlines do not have a fixed length, but rather a fractal dimension – meaning they appear longer as you zoom in more.
Why the Measured Coastline Increases
- If we measure using a 200 km scale, we miss small bends and bays.
- At 50 km, more details like coves and headlands are included.
- Using a 1 km unit, we capture tiny details like estuaries, sandbars, and lagoons.
- In theory, if the measurement scale was as small as a water molecule, the length would grow infinitely, even though the land is finite.
India’s Revised Coastline Length
- The earlier figure of 7,516.6 km was based on 1970s-era tools and less detailed mapping.
- The updated length of 11,098.8 km uses modern satellite-based techniques and advanced geospatial tools.
- The government clarified that this increase is not due to geographical change, but rather more accurate and refined mapping methods.
Conclusion
The coastline paradox reveals how measurement techniques affect geographic data. India’s revised coastline length is a reminder of the evolving nature of scientific understanding and the importance of precision in geospatial studies.
ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS
The Chinese Premier’s recent visit to Jakarta, ahead of the ASEAN Summit, highlights the deepening partnership between China and Indonesia. This visit reflects increased diplomatic efforts and China’s strategic interest in engaging with ASEAN more closely.
ASEAN
- ASEAN is a regional body formed to enhance cooperation in political, economic, and security matters among Southeast Asian countries.
- It was created through the Bangkok Declaration in 1967.
- The original members were Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Current Members
- ASEAN now has 10 member countries:
- Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines
- Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
Headquarters
- The ASEAN Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia, highlighting Indonesia’s key role in the group.
Institutional Framework
- ASEAN Summit: Held annually with a rotating chairmanship, this is the top decision-making meeting among heads of states.
- ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC): Ensures coordination and smooth execution of ASEAN decisions and agreements.
- ASEAN Secretariat: Handles administrative and coordination tasks, supports ASEAN programs, and maintains documentation.
- ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): Provides a platform for discussions on political and security challenges, involving ASEAN and dialogue partners. India joined ARF in 1996, showing its growing role in regional diplomacy
Decision-Making Style
- ASEAN uses a consensus-based approach, which means all members must agree before any decision is taken.
- This promotes regional harmony and respects each nation’s sovereignty.
Conclusion
ASEAN plays a central role in maintaining stability and integration in Southeast Asia. The recent China-Indonesia dialogue ahead of the ASEAN Summit signals the region’s increasing importance in global strategic affairs.