July 14 – Current Affairs – PM IAS

Mapping the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine

Syllabus: GS2/ Health

In Context

India, with its rich Ayush systems (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, and Homoeopathy), has recently been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for pioneering the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into these systems. This recognition highlights India’s proactive approach in leveraging modern technology to enhance and preserve its traditional medical heritage.

What is Traditional Medicine?

Traditional medicine encompasses the knowledge, skills, and practices based on indigenous theories and experiences, often involving plant, animal, and mineral-based remedies, spiritual therapies, and manual techniques to maintain health or treat illness. It represents a vast repository of wisdom accumulated over centuries, deeply rooted in cultural contexts.

Role of AI in Traditional Medicine

The integration of AI into traditional medicine offers transformative potential across various facets:

• Enhancing Diagnostics: AI-powered systems can combine traditional diagnostic methods such as pulse reading, tongue analysis, and Prakriti (individual constitution) assessment with advanced machine learning and deep neural networks. This synergy can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy, enable earlier disease detection, and facilitate more personalized treatment plans tailored to an individual’s unique physiological and psychological profile.
• Ayurgenomics: This emerging field utilizes AI to merge genomic data with Ayurvedic principles. By analyzing genetic predispositions alongside traditional health parameters, AI can help identify disease risk markers and recommend highly personalized health and lifestyle interventions, pushing the boundaries of precision medicine within the Ayurvedic framework.
• Drug Discovery & Validation: AI’s analytical capabilities are invaluable in scrutinizing the complex molecular basis of herbal formulations. It can support drug repurposing by identifying novel uses for existing traditional remedies and aid in conducting comparative studies across different traditional systems, potentially accelerating the development of new, effective, and safe medications.
• Knowledge Preservation: Ancient traditional texts often contain invaluable therapeutic knowledge that is fragmented or difficult to access. AI tools facilitate the cataloguing, semantic analysis, and translation of these texts, making this knowledge more accessible to practitioners and researchers globally. This also plays a crucial role in protecting against biopiracy by establishing clear digital records of indigenous medical heritage.
• Health System Management: AI-enabled digital records and hospital management systems can optimize data collection, streamline patient care processes, and enhance the efficiency of research in traditional medicine settings. This digital transformation can lead to better resource allocation, improved patient outcomes, and a more robust evidence base for traditional practices.

India’s Initiatives to Facilitate AI in Traditional Medicine

India has been at the forefront of integrating AI into its traditional healthcare systems through several key initiatives:

• Ayush Grid: This ambitious digital health platform forms the backbone for various citizen-centric initiatives. It aims to digitally transform the entire Ayush sector, creating an integrated information highway for all stakeholders, from practitioners to patients and researchers.
• AI-Driven Portals: Platforms such as the SAHI (Standardization & Harmonization of Ayush Information) portal, NAMASTE (National Ayush Morbidity and Standardized Terminologies Electronic) portal, and the Ayush Research Portal are designed to enable online consultations, facilitate collaborative research, and enhance digital literacy among Ayush practitioners.
• Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL): A globally recognized digital repository, TKDL plays a critical role in preserving and protecting India’s indigenous medical heritage. By digitizing and classifying traditional knowledge in multiple international languages, it acts as a robust defense against misappropriation and patenting of traditional Indian medicinal formulations.
• Policy Leadership: India’s proactive stance is evident in its proposal and significant contributions to WHO’s first global roadmap for AI in traditional medicine. This reflects India’s commitment to the principle of “AI for All,” advocating for equitable access to and ethical use of AI in healthcare worldwide.

Challenges

Despite the immense potential, the integration of AI into traditional medicine faces several challenges:

• Data Quality & Standardization: A significant hurdle is the lack of large, reliable, and standardized datasets specific to traditional medicine. Unlike conventional medicine, traditional practices often involve subjective assessments and diverse methodologies, making data collection and standardization complex, which is crucial for effective AI training and validation.
• Digital Gaps: Limited digital infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas, coupled with varying levels of digital literacy among traditional practitioners, restricts the widespread adoption and effective utilization of AI technologies.
• Biopiracy & Data Sovereignty: The digitization of traditional knowledge presents risks of misappropriation of indigenous knowledge and resources without proper consent or benefit-sharing mechanisms. Ensuring data privacy, security, and the ethical use of AI in sensitive health contexts, especially concerning traditional practices, is paramount.
• Human Touch: AI, by its very nature, cannot fully replicate the nuanced, empathetic, and holistic care provided by experienced traditional practitioners, which often involves deep personal connection and intuitive understanding.

Way Ahead

To fully harness the potential of AI in traditional medicine, a multi-pronged approach is necessary:

• Strengthen Data Governance: Establishing robust legal and ethical frameworks for data governance is crucial to ensure data privacy, protect indigenous rights, and promote standardized data collection methods across all Ayush systems.
• Capacity Building: Investing in comprehensive digital literacy programs and developing robust digital infrastructure is essential to bridge the existing digital divide and empower traditional practitioners to effectively utilize AI tools.
• Global Collaboration: Fostering international cooperation for collaborative research, policy development, and the establishment of ethical standards for AI in traditional medicine can accelerate progress and ensure global benefits.
• Evidence-Based Integration: Continued scientific validation of traditional practices through rigorous research, supported by AI, is vital. This will ensure the safe, effective, and accessible integration of traditional medicine into mainstream healthcare, benefiting a wider population. By meticulously documenting efficacy and safety, traditional medicine can gain broader acceptance and contribute significantly to global health outcomes.

Centre Moves SC to Review Ruling on IPS Deputation in CAPFs

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity and Governance

In Context

The Union Government has recently filed a review petition in the Supreme Court against its May 23, 2025 ruling that mandated a “progressive reduction” in the deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). This move underscores a significant ongoing tussle between the aspirations of CAPF cadre officers for better career progression and the Centre’s perceived operational requirements.

Background of the Dispute

The issue of IPS deputation in CAPFs has been a long-standing point of contention. In 2015, Group A officers of the CAPFs approached the Supreme Court, seeking various reliefs including:

• Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU): A demand for financial benefits regardless of actual promotion, mirroring what is available to other ‘Organised Group A Services’.
• Cadre Review and Restructuring: To create more promotional avenues within their own cadre.
• Changes to Recruitment Rules: To reduce or eliminate the reliance on IPS deputation for senior positions, thereby enabling internal promotions to the Senior Administrative Grade (SAG).

The Supreme Court’s May 2025 Ruling

The Supreme Court, in its May 23, 2025 judgment (in the case of Sanjay Prakash & Others versus Union of India), made several key pronouncements:

• Recognition of CAPFs as “Organised Services”: The Court definitively held that Group A officers of the CAPFs (which include forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, SSB, ITBP) constitute “Organised Services” for “all purposes.” This was a major victory for CAPF officers, as it effectively recognized their demand for a structured promotional pathway within their own cadre, akin to other civil services.
• Progressive Reduction of IPS Deputation: The Court directed that IPS deputation posts in the Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) – up to the rank of Inspector General (IG) – be reduced “progressively over a period of time, say within an outer limit of two years.”
• Purpose of the Ruling: The primary objective of the judgment was to address the long-standing grievance of career stagnation among CAPF cadre officers, ensuring fair career progression and curbing the dominance of deputed IPS officers in leadership roles.

Current Scenario of IPS Deputation in CAPFs

Prior to the Supreme Court’s ruling, a significant percentage of senior posts in CAPFs were reserved for IPS officers on deputation. Currently, this stands at:

• 20% of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) posts.
• 50% of Inspector General (IG) posts.

If the May 23 judgment were to be fully implemented, it would significantly curtail IPS dominance in the CAPFs, potentially benefiting an estimated 13,000 CAPF officers through expedited promotions.

Centre’s Rationale for Review Petition

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which is the cadre-controlling authority for both IPS and CAPF officers, has filed the review petition arguing that the deputation of IPS officers is crucial for several reasons:

• Operational Readiness and Efficiency: The Centre maintains that IPS officers bring essential experience in law and order, intelligence, and police administration, which is vital for maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of the CAPFs, especially given their diverse roles in internal security and border management.
• Centre-State Coordination: IPS officers, having served in state police forces, are believed to facilitate better coordination between the Central Armed Police Forces and state police, which is often crucial in federal security operations.
• Maintaining All-India Character: The government argues that IPS deputation helps maintain the all-India character and a broader perspective within these forces.

Despite the Supreme Court’s May ruling, the MHA has reportedly continued to appoint IPS officers to senior positions in CAPFs, indicating its firm stance on the necessity of such deputations.

Concerns of CAPF Cadre Officers

The CAPF officers have consistently highlighted the following issues due to IPS deputation:

• Career Stagnation: The high reservation of senior ranks for IPS officers severely limits promotional opportunities for CAPF cadre officers. For instance, an Assistant Commandant might take an average of 25 years to reach the rank of Commandant, a position they should ideally achieve in about 13 years.
• Morale Impact: Stagnation directly impacts the morale of the forces, hindering their motivation and professional growth.
• Violation of Organisational Integrity: Continued external deputation is seen as hampering the institutional autonomy and long-term professionalization of CAPFs as elite, specialized forces.
• Equality and Justice: CAPF officers argue that denying them equal promotional avenues compared to their IPS counterparts is a violation of principles of natural justice and equality, specifically citing Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and 16 (Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment) of the Constitution.

Way Ahead

The Supreme Court’s decision on the review petition will have far-reaching implications for the future of central policing and paramilitary forces in India:

• Impact on CAPF Structure: The outcome will determine the leadership structure within CAPFs – whether IPS deputation continues to dominate or if internal officers gain greater leadership opportunities.
• Morale and Professionalization: It will significantly impact the morale and professionalization trajectory of thousands of CAPF cadre officers, directly affecting their career progression and the overall efficiency of these vital forces.
• Policy and Cadre Review: The judgment had effectively mandated the government to carry out comprehensive cadre reviews, amend recruitment rules, and ensure Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU) for CAPF officers. The review petition will test the government’s willingness to implement these changes.
• Balance of Interests: The ultimate challenge lies in striking a balance between the Centre’s perceived need for experienced IPS leadership for operational and coordination purposes, and the legitimate aspirations of CAPF officers for fair career progression and recognition as an ‘Organised Service.’

This legal battle highlights the intricate dynamics of civil and armed services administration in India and the ongoing efforts to ensure equity and efficiency within the country’s security apparatus. The Supreme Court’s final decision on the review petition will be a landmark ruling shaping the future of India’s Central Armed Police Forces.

UGC’s Anti-ragging System Has Utterly Failed: Delhi HC

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance; Social Justice

In Context

The Delhi High Court recently made strong observations, stating that the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) anti-ragging system has “utterly failed.” This stern remark comes amidst a persistent rise in ragging incidents and student deaths across higher educational institutions in India, highlighting a critical flaw in the current mechanisms designed to curb this menace.

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Background of the Issue

The issue of ragging in Indian educational institutions has been a long-standing concern. Following various incidents, including the tragic death of Aman Kachroo in 2009 due to ragging, the Supreme Court mandated the UGC to frame comprehensive regulations and establish an anti-ragging prevention program. The UGC subsequently notified the “Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009.”

These regulations aimed to:

• Prohibit and Prevent Ragging: Through various measures, including mandatory undertakings from students and parents.
• Establish Mechanisms: Such as anti-ragging committees, anti-ragging squads, and a 24×7 national helpline.
• Impose Penalties: Including withdrawal of funding from non-compliant institutions.

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Delhi High Court’s Observations

The Delhi High Court, while hearing a petition filed by the Aman Satya Kachroo Trust (ASKT), expressed deep dissatisfaction with the UGC’s implementation of these regulations. Key observations included:

• “Utter Failure”: The Court explicitly stated, “This system has utterly failed. You have not been able to do anything. Except every other day, there is a news report of a student death.” This sharp criticism underscores the perceived ineffectiveness of the current system.
• Underfunding: The Court questioned the meager allocation of ₹44 lakh annually for anti-ragging initiatives, stating, “Spending ₹44 lakh yearly for overseeing the welfare of 35 million students across the country — how do you justify this? You have to open your coffers.”
• Lack of Tangible Action: The Court noted that despite Supreme Court directives, the regulations largely remain “on paper,” with institutions often resorting to mere formalities like mandatory affidavits and posters rather than taking real action.
• Ineffective Helpline: The Court was informed that the anti-ragging helpline currently functions primarily as a referral call center, with direct access to case files discontinued after 2022. Concerns were also raised about the inability to file anonymous complaints in the current system.
• Absence of Data and Accountability: The discontinuation of annual confidential surveys and other public domain reports, as well as the UGC’s apparent lack of records regarding actions taken by Anti-Ragging Squads, highlight a significant accountability gap.

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Reasons for Persisting Ragging

Several factors contribute to the continued prevalence of ragging, despite existing regulations:

• Deep-Rooted Cultural Mindset: Ragging is often mistakenly viewed as a “rite of passage” or an “initiation ritual” to foster bonding, with many seniors justifying it because they themselves were ragged.
• Lack of Stringent Implementation: The primary issue lies in the poor implementation and enforcement of existing guidelines. Institutions often downplay or suppress complaints to protect their reputation.
• Lack of Awareness and Orientation: New students often lack sufficient knowledge of their rights and the available redressal mechanisms. Orientation programs are frequently ineffective in highlighting anti-ragging policies.
• Unaccountable System: Victims often struggle with an ad hoc, non-transparent process where complaints are not adequately addressed, leading to a sense of helplessness.
• Institutional Inaction: Despite mandates for anti-ragging squads and surprise inspections, a lack of consistent action and record-keeping by the UGC and institutions contributes to the problem.

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Way Ahead

To effectively tackle the menace of ragging, a more robust and comprehensive approach is required:

• Enhanced Funding and Resources: A substantial increase in financial allocation for anti-ragging initiatives is crucial to ensure effective implementation, awareness campaigns, and support systems.
• Strengthening Implementation: Strict enforcement of Supreme Court and UGC guidelines is paramount. This includes holding institutions accountable for lapses and ensuring that anti-ragging committees and squads function effectively and transparently.
• Transparent and Accessible Complaint Mechanism: The anti-ragging helpline and online portals must be made more robust, allowing for anonymous complaints and ensuring prompt, transparent, and recorded action on every complaint.
• Capacity Building and Awareness: Regular and effective orientation programs for freshers, along with continuous awareness campaigns for all students and faculty, are essential to change mindsets and foster a culture of zero tolerance towards ragging.
• Technology-Based Solutions: Expanding CCTV surveillance in campuses and developing secure online portals with ID-based dashboards can deter incidents and facilitate anonymous reporting.
• Legal Clarity and Stricter Penalization: There is a need for amendments to existing laws to ensure strict penalization of offenders, including faculty or management found complicit in ignoring complaints.
• Regular Monitoring and Audit: The UGC must establish a robust system for regular monitoring and auditing of institutions’ anti-ragging measures, with public disclosure of compliance reports.

The Delhi High Court’s observations serve as a critical reminder that while policies and regulations exist, their effectiveness hinges entirely on their diligent implementation and the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders to create a safe and respectful environment for students.

Green Revolution: Its Legacy and India’s Strategic Role in Agricultural R&D

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy (Agriculture); Science & Technology

In Context

The Green Revolution, a transformative period in Indian agriculture starting in the 1960s, successfully shifted the nation from chronic food deficits to self-sufficiency. As India navigates new challenges posed by climate change, food security, and nutritional needs, its strategic role in agricultural Research and Development (R&D) becomes even more critical, building upon the foundational legacy of the Green Revolution.

What was the Green Revolution?

The Green Revolution refers to a period of significant agricultural modernization and increased production, primarily in the developing world, initiated by Norman Borlaug. In India, spearheaded by agricultural scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan (the ‘Father of India’s Green Revolution’), it involved the adoption of:

• High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds: Especially for wheat and rice, genetically engineered to produce more grain.
• Intensive irrigation: Expansion of canals, tube wells, and dams to ensure consistent water supply.
• Chemical fertilizers and pesticides: To boost soil fertility and protect crops from pests and diseases.
• Mechanized farm tools: Such as tractors and threshers, to improve efficiency.

This revolution dramatically increased food grain production, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, turning India from a ‘begging bowl’ nation to a food-secure one.

Legacy of the Green Revolution

The Green Revolution left a multifaceted legacy, characterized by both remarkable successes and significant drawbacks:

Positive Impacts:

• Food Security and Self-Sufficiency: India achieved self-sufficiency in food grain production, eliminating mass famines and reducing dependence on imports.
• Increased Agricultural Output: Production of major cereals like wheat and rice surged, leading to higher yields per hectare.
• Farmer Prosperity (initially): Farmers in the benefited regions experienced increased incomes, leading to improved living standards and a shift from subsistence to commercial farming.
• Rural Employment: Growth in agriculture and allied sectors like transportation, food processing, and marketing created new employment opportunities.
• Industrial Linkages: Increased demand for agricultural machinery, fertilizers, and pesticides spurred growth in related industrial sectors.

Negative Impacts and Unintended Consequences:

• Regional Disparities: The benefits were largely confined to well-irrigated regions, neglecting rain-fed areas and exacerbating regional imbalances.
• Environmental Degradation:
  • Soil Degradation: Overuse of chemical fertilizers led to soil nutrient depletion and reduced soil health.
  • Water Scarcity: Excessive reliance on groundwater for irrigation led to falling water tables and waterlogging in some areas.
  • Loss of Biodiversity: Focus on monoculture (a few HYV crops) led to the displacement of traditional, diverse crop varieties.
  • Pesticide Residue: Increased use of pesticides caused environmental pollution and health concerns.
• Increased Inequality: Small and marginal farmers often couldn’t afford the high input costs (HYV seeds, fertilizers, irrigation), leading to a widening gap between rich and poor farmers.
• Farmer Indebtedness: Dependence on purchased inputs and market fluctuations increased the risk of indebtedness for many farmers.
• Limited Crop Diversification: The strong focus on wheat and rice discouraged the cultivation of other important crops like pulses and millets.

India’s Strategic Role in Agricultural R&D Post-Green Revolution

While the Green Revolution addressed immediate food shortages, India’s agricultural R&D landscape has evolved significantly to tackle the legacy issues and new challenges. India’s role is now increasingly strategic, focusing on:

1. Sustainable Agriculture:
   • Agroecological Transition: Promoting practices like organic farming, regenerative agriculture, and natural farming to restore soil health, conserve water, and reduce chemical dependency.
   • Water-Smart Farming: Developing and promoting efficient irrigation technologies (e.g., micro-irrigation, drip irrigation) and cultivating climate-resilient, water-efficient crops.
   • Climate Change Adaptation: Researching heat and drought-tolerant crop varieties, developing early warning systems for extreme weather, and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices.
2. Nutritional Security and Crop Diversification:
   • Promotion of Millets: Initiatives like the International Year of Millets (2023) and renewed focus on coarse cereals aim to diversify cropping patterns, improve nutritional outcomes, and utilize less water-intensive crops.
   • Pulse and Oilseed Development: Strategic focus on increasing domestic production of pulses and oilseeds to reduce import dependence and improve dietary diversity.
   • Biofortification: Developing nutrient-dense crop varieties (e.g., high-iron rice, high-zinc wheat) to combat hidden hunger and malnutrition.
3. Advanced Technologies in Agriculture:
   • Genomic Research & Gene Editing: Leveraging advanced biotechnologies for faster development of disease-resistant, high-yielding, and climate-resilient crop varieties.
   • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): For precision farming, crop health monitoring (using drones and satellite imagery), optimized irrigation schedules, pest surveillance, and personalized farmer advisories (e.g., Kisan e-Mitra chatbot).
   • Internet of Things (IoT): Implementing IoT-based systems for real-time monitoring of soil conditions, weather, and automated irrigation.
   • Nano-technology: Research into nano-fertilizers and nano-pesticides for targeted and efficient input delivery, reducing environmental impact.
4. Strengthening Research Institutions and Funding:
   • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): ICAR and its network of institutes and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) remain central to agricultural research, though there is a recognized need for increased funding (currently below 0.5% of agricultural GDP against a recommended 1%).
   • Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging private sector investment and collaboration in agricultural R&D to accelerate innovation and technology transfer.
   • Decentralized Procurement and Support: Shifting policies to include procurement of diverse crops from underserved regions to promote regional equity and diversification.
5. Global Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:
   • While India benefited significantly from international research (e.g., CIMMYT, IRRI) during the Green Revolution, there is a growing need for India to contribute more to global agricultural innovation, especially in areas like heat and drought tolerance and nitrogen use efficiency.
   • Participating in international forums and sharing expertise to address global food security challenges.

Challenges in Agricultural R&D in India

Despite strategic shifts, India’s agricultural R&D faces hurdles:

• Underfunding: Low investment in agricultural R&D compared to developed nations.
• Yield Gaps: Significant yield gaps persist in many crops compared to global averages, indicating untapped potential.
• Research to Farm Linkage: Challenges in effectively transferring research findings from labs to farmers’ fields.
• Fragmented Landholdings: Small and scattered landholdings make the adoption of large-scale modern technologies difficult.
• Climate Variability: Increasing frequency of extreme weather events demands constant adaptation in research priorities.

Way Forward

India’s journey from food scarcity to surplus, largely due to the Green Revolution, provides a valuable lesson in the power of R&D. Moving forward, a “Second Green Revolution” or an “Evergreen Revolution” (as envisioned by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan) is necessary. This requires:

• Increased public and private investment in agricultural research, focusing on sustainability and climate resilience.
• Strengthening extension services to ensure faster adoption of new technologies by farmers.
• Policy reforms that incentivize crop diversification, sustainable practices, and support small and marginal farmers.
• Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, and gene editing to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
• Fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and farmers.

By strategically investing in agricultural R&D, India can not only ensure its own food and nutritional security but also emerge as a global leader in sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, contributing significantly to addressing the world’s pressing food challenges.’

GST Reforms: Home Minister to Open Talks for Consensus on Rate Rationalisation

Syllabus: GS3/ Indian Economy (Taxation); GS2/ Governance (Cooperative Federalism)

In Context

The Union Home Minister is set to initiate crucial discussions with states and key central ministries to build consensus on long-pending Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms, particularly focusing on rate rationalisation. This high-level intervention underscores the government’s renewed push to streamline India’s indirect tax structure, which has been in operation for eight years, and address persistent challenges.

Understanding GST Rate Rationalisation

GST rate rationalisation refers to the process of reviewing, revising, and simplifying the existing GST rate structure. India currently operates on a multi-tiered GST system with rates of 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, along with special rates for certain items like precious metals (0.25%, 3%) and a compensation cess on luxury and sin goods.

The primary objectives of rate rationalisation are:

• Simplification: Reducing the number of slabs to make the tax system less complex and easier for businesses to comply with.
• Reducing Classification Disputes: Fewer slabs lead to fewer ambiguities in classifying goods and services, thereby reducing litigation.
• Correcting Inverted Duty Structure: Addressing instances where GST on inputs is higher than on the final product, leading to blocked input tax credit (ITC) for businesses.
• Revenue Optimisation: Ensuring a stable and adequate revenue stream for both the Centre and states, while balancing the tax burden on consumers.

A key proposal under consideration is the elimination of the 12% slab, with items currently in this bracket potentially moving to either the 5% or 18% slab. The 12% slab currently includes a wide range of items, from packaged food to household goods and medical supplies.

The Role of the GST Council

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, established under Article 279A of the Constitution, is the apex decision-making body for all GST-related matters. It comprises the Union Finance Minister (as Chairperson) and the Finance Ministers of all states and Union Territories. Decisions in the GST Council are largely taken by consensus, with a weighted voting mechanism (Centre having one-third, and states two-thirds weightage), ensuring cooperative federalism in taxation.

While a Group of Ministers (GoM) on rate rationalisation has been deliberating on these issues for over four years, progress has been limited due to various complexities and differing views among states, primarily concerning potential revenue implications.

Why the Home Minister’s Intervention?

The involvement of the Union Home Minister signifies a higher political impetus for these reforms, indicating that the government is keen to break the deadlock and achieve a consensus. The reasons for this direct intervention include:

• Political Consensus Building: Major changes to the GST structure can have significant political ramifications, especially concerning revenue impacts on states. The Home Minister’s involvement is expected to bring stronger political heft to the negotiation table, facilitating broader agreement among states, including those ruled by opposition parties.
• Addressing Revenue Concerns: Any rationalisation, particularly the elimination of a slab, could lead to an initial revenue loss (estimated ₹70,000–₹80,000 crore if the 12% slab is removed). Convincing states to accept such changes requires assurance on revenue stability and alternative compensation mechanisms.
• Urgency for Reforms: After eight years, the GST system has stabilised in terms of collection (consistently above ₹1.7 lakh crore monthly). This stability provides an opportune moment for structural reforms to enhance its efficiency and simplicity.
• Broader Economic Agenda: Streamlining GST is also seen as crucial for improving the ease of doing business, enhancing India’s competitiveness in the global market, and preparing the economy for upcoming free trade agreements.

Key Challenges to Rate Rationalisation

• Revenue Neutrality: The biggest challenge is to ensure that rate changes do not significantly impact the revenue collection of either the Centre or the states.
• Inflationary Concerns: Shifting items to a higher tax bracket could lead to price increases, potentially fueling inflation, especially for essential goods.
• State Resistance: States are often hesitant to agree to changes that might lead to a perceived loss of fiscal autonomy or a reduction in their share of revenue.
• Complexities of Reclassification: Reassigning items from the 12% slab to either 5% or 18% requires careful consideration to avoid new classification disputes and unintended consequences.

Other Proposed GST Reforms

Beyond rate rationalisation, discussions are also expected on:

• Expanding the GST Base: Bringing currently excluded items like petroleum products, electricity, and real estate under the GST ambit to make it more comprehensive and reduce cascading effects.
• Improving Compliance and Technology Use: Further strengthening e-invoicing, e-way bills, and the GST Network (GSTN) infrastructure, leveraging AI and data analytics to detect evasion and improve compliance.
• Streamlining Input Tax Credit (ITC) System: Ensuring timely and seamless flow of ITC to reduce working capital blockages for businesses, especially MSMEs.
• GST on Life and Health Insurance Premiums: Some states have demanded a reduction in GST on these services, which currently stands at 18%.

Way Forward

The Home Minister’s engagement marks a significant step towards advancing the stalled GST reforms. The success of these discussions will depend on:

• Political Will and Flexibility: The Centre’s ability to offer credible assurances to states regarding revenue stability and growth.
• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Relying on comprehensive impact assessments (by the Fitment Committee and GoMs) to guide rate adjustments.
• Continued Consultations: Sustained dialogue with industry stakeholders, consumer groups, and tax experts to understand their concerns and incorporate practical solutions.

A successful rate rationalisation would simplify the tax structure, reduce compliance burdens, improve ease of doing business, and enhance the overall efficiency of India’s indirect tax regime. This move is crucial for unlocking the full potential of GST as a truly unified and robust tax system, contributing to India’s broader economic growth trajectory.

Environment Ministry Exempts 78% of Coal Plants From Installing FGD Systems

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment; Climate Change; Infrastructure (Energy)

In Context

In a significant policy shift, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has exempted nearly 78% of the country’s coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs) from mandatorily installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems. This decision revises the 2015 norms that had originally mandated all TPPs to install these critical pollution control devices to curb Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) emissions.

What are FGD Systems?

Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems are a set of technologies used to remove Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) from the exhaust gases (flue gases) produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, particularly coal, in power plants and other industrial facilities.

• Mechanism: FGD systems typically use an alkaline reagent (such as limestone, lime, or ammonia) to react with and neutralize the acidic SO2 in the flue gas.
• Types: Common types include wet limestone scrubbing, dry sorbent injection, and seawater FGD (for coastal plants).
• Purpose: The primary goal is to reduce SO2 emissions, which are major air pollutants contributing to:
  • Acid Rain: SO2 reacts with atmospheric moisture to form sulfuric acid, leading to acid rain that damages ecosystems, infrastructure, and historical monuments.
  • Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Formation: SO2 is a precursor to the formation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the atmosphere. PM2.5 is highly dangerous as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing severe respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, heart attacks, and premature death.
  • Direct Health Impacts: High concentrations of SO2 can directly irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs.

The Revised Policy and Categorization of TPPs

The new notification from the MoEFCC categorizes thermal power plants into three groups based on their location and mandates different compliance deadlines for each:

• Category A (Mandatory FGD): Comprises approximately 11% of India’s ~600 TPP units. These plants are located within a 10 km radius of the National Capital Region (NCR) or cities with a population of at least one million (as per the 2011 Census). They are mandated to install FGD systems by December 30, 2027.
• Category B (Conditional FGD): Includes another 11% of TPP units located within a 10 km radius of Critically Polluted Areas (CPAs) or Non-Attainment Cities (NACs). The installation of FGD for these plants will be subject to approval by an Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on a case-by-case basis. If required, they have a deadline of December 30, 2028.
• Category C (Exempted): This constitutes the remaining 78% of TPP units, which are now fully exempted from installing FGD systems. These plants are generally located in regions outside pollution hotspots.

Additionally, plants slated for retirement before December 2030 may also be exempted from SO2 emission norms, provided they submit an undertaking.

Government’s Rationale for the Exemption

The Environment Ministry has justified this policy revision based on several arguments and studies by institutions like IIT Delhi, the National Institute of Advanced Sciences (NIAS), and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI):

• Low Ambient SO2 Levels: The Ministry argues that India’s ambient SO2 levels (ranging from 10-20 micrograms/cubic meter) are well below the national air quality standard of 80 micrograms/cubic meter.
• Low Sulphur Content in Indian Coal: Indian coal is naturally low in sulphur content (typically less than 0.5% by weight), which inherently leads to lower SO2 emissions compared to coal used in many other countries.
• Limited Contribution to PM2.5: Some studies cited by the Ministry suggest that sulphate aerosols contribute a relatively small percentage (0.96% to 5.21%) to PM2.5 levels in cities near TPPs.
• High Costs and Implementation Challenges: The significant capital expenditure required for FGD installation (estimated at ₹1.2 crore per MW, totaling ₹2.54 lakh crore across plants), coupled with limited indigenous vendors and potential increases in electricity tariffs, have been cited as practical hurdles.
• Tall Chimneys and Dispersion: The Ministry claims that the mandatory high smokestacks (220 meters) and favorable meteorological conditions facilitate efficient dispersion of SO2, minimizing local impact.
• “Beneficial Side-Effect” of Sulphates: Some arguments from the expert committee have even suggested that sulphates in the atmosphere might have a beneficial cooling effect by reflecting solar radiation, potentially offsetting global warming. (This specific argument has been heavily criticized by environmental experts.)

Concerns Raised by Environmental Experts and Health Advocates

The decision has drawn strong criticism from environmental organizations, public health experts, and research bodies:

• Underestimation of PM2.5 Impact: Critics argue that the Ministry’s focus on ambient SO2 levels downplays the crucial role of SO2 as a precursor to secondary PM2.5, which is highly detrimental to human health. They emphasize that even if direct SO2 levels are low, its conversion to fine particulate matter poses a significant threat.
• Transboundary Pollution: Power plants are known to emit pollutants that can travel hundreds of kilometers from their source. Exempting plants based on their location within administrative categories ignores the transboundary nature of air pollution, potentially shifting the health burden to rural areas or neighboring states.
• Health Impacts: Increased SO2 emissions, even if dispersed, contribute to the overall air pollution burden, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and premature deaths, particularly in a country already grappling with high pollution-related mortality.
• Dilution of Environmental Standards: This move is seen as a significant reversal of the 2015 commitment and a dilution of environmental safeguards, potentially undermining India’s efforts under its National Clean Air Programme and its climate commitments.
• Violation of Polluter Pays Principle: Exempting polluting industries from investing in mitigation technologies is viewed as a violation of the “polluter pays” principle.
• Lack of Public Debate: Critics have questioned the transparency and scientific rigor of the studies used to justify the exemption, arguing that such a significant policy change should have undergone broader public debate and independent scientific scrutiny.
• Global Trends: While the Ministry claims alignment with global trends of differentiated enforcement, countries like China and the US have implemented widespread FGD systems.

Way Forward

The exemption of a large majority of coal plants from FGD installation raises critical questions about India’s commitment to clean air and public health. Moving forward, a balanced approach is essential:

• Re-evaluation of Scientific Basis: There is a need for independent and comprehensive scientific assessments to clarify the actual contribution of SO2 from Indian coal plants to PM2.5 pollution and its health impacts, considering transboundary effects.
• Strengthening Other Pollution Controls: If FGD is not mandated universally, there must be stricter enforcement of other pollution control measures, such as electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) for particulate matter control and more stringent NOx emission norms.
• Increased Focus on Renewable Energy: Accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources remains the most sustainable long-term solution to reduce dependence on coal and mitigate its environmental impact.
• Investing in Indigenous FGD Capacity: To address cost and vendor availability concerns, India should strategically invest in building indigenous manufacturing and installation capacity for FGD systems, potentially through “Make in India” initiatives.
• Robust Monitoring and Transparency: Enhanced real-time monitoring of emissions from all power plants, along with transparent public reporting of data, is crucial for accountability.
• Public Health-Centric Approach: Environmental policies must prioritize public health outcomes, especially given India’s severe air pollution challenges.

The decision on FGD systems reflects the complex trade-off between energy security, economic costs, and environmental protection. However, any compromise on air quality has profound long-term implications for public health and sustainable development.

Miscellaneous

Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)

Syllabus: GS2/Statutory Body

Context

• The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its 15-page preliminary report on the investigation into the recent Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 260 lives.

What is the AAIB?

• The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and serious incidents in the country.
• Under Rule 3 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017, its sole objective is to prevent future accidents and incidents — not to apportion blame or liability.
• The AAIB has unrestricted access to all relevant evidence, without needing prior permission from judicial or other government authorities.

Do you Know? – Matters of international civil aviation safety are governed by the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention, 1944). – The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN body with 193 member states (including India), oversees technical standards for global air safety. – Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention details international protocols for investigating aircraft accidents. – It mandates that the ‘State of Occurrence’ (where the accident happens) leads the investigation, while states connected to the aircraft (like the State of Registry or State of Manufacture) have the right to participate.

Natural Rubber Production

Syllabus: GS3/ Agriculture

Context

• Experts have projected that India’s natural rubber (NR) consumption will reach 20 lakh tonnes by 2030, highlighting the urgent need to accelerate domestic production to meet rising demand and reduce import dependency.

Status of Natural Rubber in India

• Natural rubber is derived from the latex of Hevea brasiliensis, a tree native to the Amazon Basin. 
• In the financial year 2024–25 (FY25), India’s domestic production of natural rubber stood at 8.7 lakh tonnes.
• During the same period, the domestic consumption of natural rubber reached 14.1 lakh tonnes.
• India is currently the second-largest consumer of natural rubber in the world, after China.
• However, it ranks as the sixth-largest producer globally, highlighting a significant gap between consumption and domestic production.

Initiatives taken to increase rubber production

• NE-MITRA project (North East Mission for Integrated Technology and Rubber Advancement): It aims to increase rubber production and self-reliance in natural rubber, reducing the country’s dependence on imports.
• To address the supply gap, ATMA or Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Rubber Board of India, has launched Project Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development (INROAD).

Importance of Natural Rubber

• Tyre Industry: Consumes over 70% of NR; critical for the automobile, aviation, and defence sectors.
• Employment: Supports ~13 lakh small and marginal farmers, especially in Kerala, Tripura, and NE states.
• National Resilience: Reducing dependence on imported rubber and finished tyres enhances economic security.

Geographical Conditions for Rubber production – Climate: Hot and humid conditions with temperatures between 25-35°C. – Rainfall: Annual precipitation between 1,800-2,500 mm. – Soil Type: Deep, well-drained loamy or lateritic soils with good water-holding capacity. – Altitude: Generally grown up to 300 meters above sea level. Rubber Production in India – Kerala: The leading state in rubber production, contributing over 70% of India’s total output. – Other states are Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Tripura, and Assam.

Exercise Talisman Sabre

Syllabus: GS3/Defence

Context

• India has made its debut in Australia’s largest bilateral military exercise, Exercise Talisman Sabre.

About the Exercise

• Talisman Sabre began in 2005 as a biennial joint exercise between the United States and Australia.
• This year, more than 35,000 military personnel from 19 nations, including Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom, will take part over three weeks.
  • Malaysia and Vietnam are also attending as observers.