Familiar Impasse: On the Global Response to Plastic Pollution
Syllabus
- GS Paper-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
- GS Paper-II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.
Context An editorial in The Hindu on August 19, 2025, discussed the recurring deadlock in global negotiations on a universal treaty to combat plastic pollution. The editorial, titled “Familiar impasse,” highlighted the failure of the sixth attempt by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to get member nations to agree on a comprehensive treaty. It pointed out the fundamental disagreement between major blocs of countries on whether a solution requires tackling plastic production itself.
In-depth Analysis and UPSC-Relevant Points
This editorial is highly relevant for UPSC as it addresses a major global environmental challenge and the complex dynamics of international cooperation. It presents a critical perspective on the limitations of multilateralism in the face of competing national interests.
- The Problem of Plastic Waste: The editorial provides a stark reality check on the scale of the plastic pollution crisis. It notes that the world produces over 430 million tonnes of plastic annually, with a significant portion ending up in landfills or as litter. For India, the numbers are equally alarming, with the country generating millions of tonnes of plastic waste but recycling only a small fraction. This is a classic example of a ‘Tragedy of the Commons,’ where individual convenience (using plastic) leads to a collective environmental disaster. The editorial rightly points out that while bans on single-use plastics have had some success in inducing behavioral change, they have had little impact on the larger issues of waste management and recycling.
- The Global Divide on Solutions: The core of the impasse, as the editorial explains, lies in a fundamental disagreement on the solution. While all countries acknowledge the problem of plastic pollution, there is no consensus on whether the treaty should mandate a reduction in plastic production. Nations that are major producers and consumers of plastic, often viewing it as a cheap and practical material, are resistant to calls for production caps. They see such proposals as a tactic by other countries to impose trade barriers and create tariff uncertainty, thus hindering their economic growth. This highlights the tension between environmental goals and economic development, a recurring theme in international negotiations.
- Erosion of Trust in Multilateralism: The editorial’s final argument is a crucial one for understanding the current state of global governance. It observes that the “halcyon days” when a few countries could steer environmental resolutions based on the “common good” are long gone. In the current fragmented geopolitical landscape, trust among nations is low, and every proposal is scrutinized for its potential to serve the national interests of the proposer. The editorial suggests that until nations can build greater trust and engage with open minds, more meetings will be futile. This reflects a broader trend of “beggar-thy-neighbor” policies in the international system, where nations are less willing to sacrifice their short-term economic interests for long-term global benefits.
Mains Question: The global impasse in negotiating a universal treaty on plastic pollution highlights the challenges in balancing economic interests with environmental sustainability. Analyze the key reasons for this deadlock and discuss India’s role and responsibilities in addressing this crisis, both domestically and internationally.
Required Reforms: On Reforms to the GST System
Syllabus
- GS Paper-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment.
- GS Paper-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Context An editorial in The Hindu on August 19, 2025, addressed the ongoing debate on the need for reforms to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India. The editorial, titled “Required reforms,” argued that while the GST has been a major tax reform, it still suffers from complexities and inefficiencies. It contended that risking some short-term revenue to rationalize rates and boost consumption would ultimately benefit the economy.
In-depth Analysis and UPSC-Relevant Points
This editorial is directly relevant to the UPSC syllabus as it provides a critical analysis of a major economic reform. It covers key concepts like tax reform, economic growth, and the complexities of federal fiscal relations.
- The Imperative for GST 2.0: The editorial acknowledges the transformative impact of the GST, which unified a multitude of central and state taxes. However, it argues that the system is still far from perfect. The existing multi-tiered rate structure, with rates of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, along with a cess on certain goods, creates confusion and compliance challenges for businesses. It also leads to litigation and disputes. The editorial argues for a rationalization of the rate structure into fewer slabs, or even a single rate, to simplify the system and boost compliance. It also suggests that a reduction in GST on essential goods would put more money in the hands of consumers, which would in turn boost demand and economic growth.
- Balancing Revenue and Consumption: The editorial highlights a classic dilemma in fiscal policy: the need to balance revenue generation with the imperative to stimulate economic activity. The government has been hesitant to rationalize GST rates, fearing a loss of revenue, which could derail its fiscal targets. The editorial, however, argues that this is a short-sighted view. It contends that a simpler and more transparent GST system, with lower rates, would not only reduce compliance costs for businesses but would also encourage more formalization of the economy. It would lead to higher consumption, which would eventually offset any initial revenue loss and create a virtuous cycle of growth. This is a critical point for understanding the long-term benefits of structural economic reforms.
- Federalism and Fiscal Autonomy: The editorial implicitly touches upon the delicate balance of fiscal federalism in India. The GST Council, which decides on GST rates, is a constitutional body where both the Centre and the states are represented. Any reform to the GST system requires a consensus in the GST Council, which can be difficult to achieve. The editorial suggests that the Centre should build consensus with the states on the need for reforms, even if it means some short-term revenue loss for the states. This is a key challenge for any major economic reform in India and a significant area of analysis for UPSC aspirants.
Mains Question: The GST system, while a major tax reform, continues to face challenges related to its multi-tiered rate structure and compliance issues. Analyze the need for a ‘GST 2.0’ in India and discuss the economic and political challenges in rationalizing the GST rates to boost consumption and economic growth.
The Path to Ending Global Hunger Runs Through India
Syllabus
- GS Paper-III: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
- GS Paper-II: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Context An editorial in The Indian Express on August 19, 2025, focused on India’s pivotal role in achieving the global goal of ending hunger. The editorial, titled “The path to ending global hunger runs through India,” argued that the country’s progress in reducing undernourishment and its massive public food distribution system are a model for the developing world. It contended that India is no longer just a recipient of aid but a key player in the fight against global hunger.
In-depth Analysis and UPSC-Relevant Points
This editorial is highly relevant for UPSC as it provides a nuanced perspective on India’s food security challenges and its growing role as a global leader. It connects domestic policy successes with international implications and highlights the transition from a ‘food-deficit’ to a ‘food-surplus’ nation.
- From Food Security to Nutrition Security: The editorial praises India’s progress in reducing undernourishment, with the percentage of undernourished people declining significantly in recent years. It attributes this success to the government’s massive and well-managed public food distribution system, which covers more than 800 million people. However, the editorial correctly points out that the next major challenge for India is to move beyond simply ensuring ‘food security’ (enough calories) to achieving ‘nutrition security’ (a balanced diet). It notes that a healthy diet remains unaffordable for a significant portion of the population and that issues like child stunting and wasting persist. This is a crucial distinction for UPSC aspirants, as it shows a shift in policy focus.
- The Role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): A key argument of the editorial is that India’s digital governance breakthroughs, such as Aadhaar-enabled targeting and biometric authentication, have been a game-changer in its food security efforts. These technologies have helped in reducing leakages and in ensuring that food subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries. The editorial suggests that this model of digital public infrastructure for social protection is being studied worldwide and can be a powerful tool for other developing countries to combat hunger and poverty. This highlights India’s growing role as a provider of “digital public goods” for the world.
- India’s Global Significance in the Agri-Food System: The editorial emphasizes that India’s role in the global food system extends beyond its borders. India is now a major exporter of rice, wheat, and sugar, and its progress in agriculture is a “global public good.” It argues that India’s lessons in agri-food system transformation, such as shifting production from calorie-heavy cereals to more nutrient-rich foods like pulses, fruits, and vegetables, can inspire other nations. It also points to the need for reforms in India’s agricultural supply chain, such as investments in cold storage and logistics, to reduce food loss and to enhance its role as a reliable global food supplier.
Mains Question: India’s journey from a food-deficit nation to a global food security player offers valuable lessons for the world. Analyze the key factors behind India’s success in combating hunger and discuss the challenges it faces in transitioning from ‘food security’ to ‘nutrition security’ to achieve its global leadership potential.
