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GS Paper: GS3

  • GST reform and unfinished business in tobacco control

    Why in the News?

    As India completes eight years of implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the focus has moved from its economic benefits to its problems, especially in public health, like the poor taxation of tobacco.

    What are GST’s major achievements and gaps after eight years?

    Achievements: 

    • Unified Tax System: Replaced multiple indirect taxes with one national tax, promoting the “One Nation, One Tax” concept.
    • Increased Revenue Collection: GST collections reached ₹22.08 lakh crore in 2024–25, showing consistent growth.
    • Improved Ease of Doing Business: Simplified compliance through harmonised tax rates and digital processes.
    • Boosted Logistics Efficiency: Removal of inter-State checkpoints reduced transport time and costs.
    • Reduced Tax Cascading: The Input Tax Credit mechanism lowered production costs for businesses and prices for consumers.

    Gaps:

    • Ineffective Public Health Taxation: Tobacco taxation remains weak under GST, despite high health and economic burdens.
    • Decline in Specific Excise Duties: Over-reliance on ad valorem GST weakened price control on harmful products like bidis and cigarettes.
    • Inadequate Tax on Bidis: Bidis, widely consumed by low-income groups, are under-taxed and not covered under the GST compensation cess.
    • Loss of Revenue Post-Cess Expiry: The GST compensation cess (a major source of tobacco tax) will expire in 2026, risking affordability and public health.
    • Weak Deterrent Against Tobacco Use: Unlike pre-GST years, tax stagnation has failed to reduce tobacco consumption, ignoring WHO’s 75% tax recommendation.

    Why is GST ineffective in curbing tobacco use?

    • Lack of Significant Tax Hikes Post-GST: Since the introduction of GST in 2017, there have been no major tax increases on tobacco products. In contrast, during the pre-GST era (2009–17), regular hikes in excise and VAT contributed to a 17% decline in tobacco use.
    • Low Overall Tax Burden: The total tax on tobacco remains below the WHO-recommended 75% of retail price — only 22% for bidis, 54% for cigarettes, and 65% for smokeless tobacco. This allows tobacco products to remain affordable, especially for youth and low-income groups.
    • Under-Taxation of Harmful Products like Bidis: Bidis, the most consumed smoked tobacco product, are exempt from the GST compensation cess. Despite causing harm similar to cigarettes, they generate very low tax revenue and are widely used by low-income populations, reducing the deterrent effect of taxation.
    • Reduced Price Deterrence:  After GST, the share of excise duty fell sharply (e.g., from 54% to 8% for cigarettes), weakening the price-based disincentive for tobacco use.
    • Industry Manipulation of Ad Valorem Taxes: GST relies heavily on ad valorem taxes (based on product price), which are easier for the tobacco industry to manipulate through pricing strategies. Without specific excise duties, companies can keep prices low, making harmful products like bidis and cheap cigarettes affordable to the masses.

    What reforms can align tobacco taxes with health goals? (Way forward)

    • Introduce or Increase Specific Excise Duties: Add a fixed per-unit tax (specific excise) on tobacco products along with GST. Eg: Countries like the Philippines combine ad valorem and specific taxes, leading to higher prices and lower consumption.
    • Raise GST and Cess to Statutory Limits: Increase GST on tobacco to the legal ceiling of 40% and expand the GST Compensation Cess to include under-taxed products like bidis. Eg: Bidis, used by the poor and causing major health harm, are not covered under the cess, reducing their tax burdenand health deterrence.
    • Link Tax Policy with Inflation and Income Growth: Regularly update tobacco taxes to offset rising incomes and inflation, preventing increased affordability over time. Eg: WHO recommends adjusting taxes annually so that tobacco doesn’t become more affordable even if incomes rise.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2019] Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the goods and services tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017.

    Linkage: The article talks about the GST replaced many older taxes like VAT and excise duty, helping create a single national market. Although GST collections have steadily grown—reaching ₹22.08 lakh crore in 2024–25—the revenue from tobacco (about ₹551 billion a year) is much less than the huge cost of tobacco-related health problems, which is ₹2,340 billion every year.

  • ZSI records 683 faunal discoveries in its 110th year

    Why in the News?

    The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) released Version 2.0 of the Checklist of Fauna of India, documenting 105,244 species and subspecies.

    Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India

    • The ZSI was set up by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale in 1916.
    • It is the premier taxonomic research organisation in India, based in Kolkata.
    • It was established to promote surveys, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge of various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of India.
    • The ZSI had its genesis as the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
    • Since its inception, the ZSI has been documenting the diversity and distribution of the fauna of India towards carrying out its mandate of conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programmes.
    • The ZSI has published an extremely large amount of information on all animal taxa, from Protozoa to Mammalia.

    Key Findings About ZSI’s Work and Discoveries (2024–25):

    • Significant Animal Discoveries:
      • New Genus: Dravidoseps gouensis – a new genus of skink (lizard) from Western Ghats
      • New Species of Snakes: Anguiculus dicaprioi – named after actor Leonardo DiCaprio, belongs to the Colubridae family
      • Other Reptiles: 2 new genera and 37 new species of reptiles discovered
      • Amphibians: 5 new amphibian species, including frogs from northeastern and southern India
      • Other Invertebrates: Multiple new insect species, particularly among beetles, moths, flies, and bees
    • Highest representation among newly discovered species were insects, especially:
      • Coleoptera (beetles)
      • Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies)
      • Diptera (flies)
      • Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps)
    [2020] With reference to India’s Biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Primates

    (c) Reptiles

    (d) Amphibians

     

  • New flowering plant named after Nyishi Tribe

    Why in the News?

    A new species of flowering plant, Begonia nyishiorum, has been discovered in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.

    New flowering plant named after Nyishi Tribe

    About Begonia nyishiorum:

    • Overview: Begonia nyishiorum is a recently identified flowering plant found in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, and is endemic to this region.
    • Scientific Recognition: It was officially described in June 2025 in Novon, a peer-reviewed journal published by the Missouri Botanical Garden.
    • Feature: The species is notable for its crimson, fringed scales (indumentum) on light green petioles, a distinct trait among Asian begonias.
    • Habitat and Range: It thrives on moist, shaded mountain slopes between 1,500 and 3,000 metres in altitude.
    • Ecological Sensitivity: Known from only two forest locations, the plant is potentially vulnerable and warrants conservation attention.
    • Name Origin: The species name nyishiorum honours the Nyishi tribe, known for their traditional ecological stewardship of local forests.

    About the Nyishi Tribe:

    • Overview: The Nyishi are the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh, with a population of about 300,000.
    • Name Meaning: The word “Nyishi” combines “Nyi” (man) and “Shi” (being), signifying a civilised human in their language.
    • Linguistic Identity: Their language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family, although its origins remain debated among scholars.
    • Geographic Spread: They live in eight districts of Arunachal Pradesh (like East Kameng, Papum Pare, and Kurung Kumey) and parts of Assam.
    • Livelihood Practices: Their economy includes slash-and-burn farming, hunting, fishing, and handicrafts such as bamboo work and weaving.
    • Key Festivals: They celebrate Boori-Boot (Feb) for unity, Nyokum (Feb) for prosperity, and Longte (Apr) for protection from evil.
    • Social Structure: Nyishi society is patrilineal and clan-based, with no caste system or rigid social hierarchy.
    • Role of Women: Women are seen as symbols of peace and prosperity, and marriages involve reciprocal family exchanges that build community ties.
    [UPSC 2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange-coloured fruit pulp.

    In which part of India has it been discovered?

    Options: (a) Andaman Islands* (b) Anaimalai Forests (c) Maikala Hills (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast

     

  • India’s first Genomic Atlas reveals deep Ancestry and Health Risks

    Why in the News?

    A landmark study published in the ‘Cell’ journal has sequenced the genomes of 2,762 Indians from 23 states and union territories, creating the most comprehensive genomic map of India to date.

    About the Genomic Atlas:

    • Overview: The Genomic Atlas is the most comprehensive genetic mapping of Indian populations, covering caste, tribe, language, geography, and urban-rural distinctions.
    • Collaboration: It was conducted by Indian and international institutions, aiming to understand how ancient migrations and social structures shaped Indian genomes.
    • Use of Molecular Clocks: Researchers used genetic mutations as molecular clocks to trace human ancestry and map the evolutionary history of diverse groups in India.
    • Focus on Disease and Ancestry: The study explores recessive disorders, disease-linked mutations, and interbreeding with archaic humans like Neanderthals and Denisovans.
    • Scope: Plans include expanding coverage to more isolated communities and building tools to track disease origins within genetically distinct Indian groups.
    • Impact on Precision Medicine: It aims to improve personalised healthcare by incorporating Indian genetic diversity into global medical research.

    Key Highlights of the Study:

    • Discovery of New Gene Variants: Over 2.6 crore previously undocumented genetic variants were discovered, many of which are absent from international gene databases.
    • Single-origin migration: Indians descend primarily from a single out-of-Africa migration ~50,000 years ago, not earlier human groups.
    • Three major ancestral components:
      • Ancient Ancestral South Indians (AASI) – early hunter-gatherers.
      • Iranian-related Neolithic farmers – from Sarazm (~4th millennium BCE).
      • Eurasian Steppe pastoralists – arrived around 2000 BCE, tied to Indo-European languages.
    • Additional East Asian ancestry: Found in East, Northeast, and some Central Indian populations (e.g., 5% in West Bengal), likely post-Gupta or rice cultivation-related (~520 CE).
    • Caste endogamy impacts: Long-term inbreeding within castes has led to high homozygosity, raising the risk of recessive genetic diseases.
    • Archaic DNA: Indian genomes show rich Neanderthal and Denisovan segments, especially in immune-related genes like MHC, TRIM, and BTNL2.
    • Unique health risks: A BCHE variant linked to anaesthetic reaction is enriched in Telangana; 7% of discovered protein-altering variants relate to serious genetic disorders.
    • Every individual had at least one genetic relative in the sample—revealing extreme interrelatedness and strong founder effects, particularly in South India.
    • Unmatched Neanderthal diversity: India harbours the widest variety of Neanderthal-derived genetic fragments among global populations.
    [UPSC 2021] In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:

    1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of the egg.

    2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from the mother and not from the father.

    Options: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Secondary Pollutants constitute up to third of PM2.5 Pollution

    Why in the News?

    A recent study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) highlights that secondary pollutants, particularly ammonium sulphate, are responsible for nearly one-third of India’s PM2.5 pollution.

    What are Primary Air Pollutants?

    • Definition: Primary air pollutants are directly released into the atmosphere from specific sources like vehicles, coal plants, industries, and biomass burning.
    • Natural and Man-made Origins: They arise from both natural events, such as dust storms, and human activities like fuel combustion.
    • Key Examples:
      • Carbon monoxide (CO) – from incomplete fuel combustion in vehicles and stoves.
      • Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) – from burning sulphur-rich coal, especially in power plants.
      • Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) – from high-temperature fuel combustion in vehicles and factories.
      • Particulate Matter (PM) – includes soot, dust, smoke, and other visible particles.
      • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – released from fuel fumes and industrial solvents.
    • Impact: These pollutants are immediately harmful to health and easier to trace to their sources.

    About Secondary Air Pollutants:

    • Definition: Secondary pollutants form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions involving primary pollutants and environmental agents like sunlight and water vapour.
    • Formation Factors: Their creation depends on weather, sunlight, and existing pollutants, making them more complex.
    • Key Examples:
      • Ammonium sulphate and nitrate – from SO₂ and NH₃ reacting in the air.
      • Ground-level ozone (O₃) – formed when NOₓ and VOCs react under sunlight.
      • Acid rain components – such as sulfuric and nitric acids.
      • Photochemical smog – a mix of toxic secondary pollutants in urban air.
    • Impact: They contribute heavily to PM2.5 pollution and have long-lasting, widespread effects.

    Highlights from CREA’s Study:

    • Ammonium Sulphate Share: This secondary pollutant accounts for 34% of India’s PM2.5, averaging 11.9 μg/m³ nationwide.
    • Source Link: It forms from SO₂ (mainly from coal plants) reacting with ammonia from fertilisers and waste.
    • FGD Compliance: Only 8% of India’s coal plants have installed flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) units, despite regulations.
    • High Exposure Zones: Within 10 km of coal plants, ammonium sulphate levels are 2.5 times higher than in distant areas.
    • NCAP City Impact: In 130 cities, it contributes 20–43% of PM2.5; in 114 cities, the share exceeds 30%.
    • Other Contributors: Ammonium nitrate and similar secondary compounds form up to 50% of PM2.5 in many places.
    • Policy Suggestions: The study urges rapid FGD rollout, fertiliser reform, and strict pollution control enforcement.
    [UPSC 2013] Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among-

    Options: (a) NO 2 , O 3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight * (b) CO 2 , O 2 , and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight (c) CO, CO 2 , and NO 2 at low temperature (d) high concentration of NO 2 , O 3 and CO in the evening

     

  • Botrytis Fungus and Wine-Making

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have found that Botrytis cinerea, the fungus used in high-end sweet wines, cannot be cloned because none of its nuclei carry a full set of chromosomes, a rare genetic trait among fungi.

    About Botrytis Fungus:

    • Overview: Botrytis cinerea, also called noble rot, is a fungus that infects ripe grapes and causes them to shrivel while concentrating sugar and flavour.
    • Fungal Classification: It belongs to the ascomycetes group and produces spores in sac-like structures known as asci, each containing eight ascospores.
    • Role in Winemaking: Under controlled vineyard conditions, Botrytis infection is desirable, as it enhances the sweetness and aroma of wine.
    • How is Wine Made Using It?
      • Effect on Grapes: The fungus dehydrates the grapes, which increases the sugar content and concentrates flavours naturally.
      • Harvesting Method: Grapes affected by Botrytis are hand-harvested, making the process labour-intensive and expensive.
      • Wine Varieties Produced: It is used to produce premium dessert wines such as Sauternes (France), Tokaji Aszú (Hungary), and Trockenbeerenauslese (Germany), known for their complex flavours and high value.

    Significance of Recent Findings:

    • Cloning Discovery: A recent study in Science found that Botrytis cannot be cloned, as no single nucleus contains a full set of chromosomes.
    • Unique Genome Structure: The chromosomes are distributed across multiple nuclei, which is unprecedented in any known fungus, animal, or plant.
    • Scientific Impact: This challenges conventional genetics and may lead to new insights in genome organisation and fungal evolution.
    • Dual Importance: Botrytis is now seen not only as a key player in winemaking but also as a genetic curiosity in modern science.
    [UPSC 2009] In the context of alternative sources of energy, ethanol as a viable bio-fuel can be obtained from:

    (a) Potato (b) Rice (c) Sugarcane* (d) Wheat

     

  • National Statistics Day

    Why in the News?

    June 29 is observed annually as National Statistics Day in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, hailed as the Father of Indian Statistics.

    About National Statistics Day:

    • Purpose: National Statistics Day is observed on June 29 each year to commemorate the birth anniversary of P.C. Mahalanobis and highlight the value of statistics in national development.
    • First Observance: It was first celebrated in 2007, following a government resolution to raise awareness about the role of statistics in socio-economic planning.
    • Objectives: It aims to emphasise the use of statistical tools in governance, policy-making, and development planning.
    • Organizers: Events are led by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI).
    • Annual Themes: Each year features a dedicated theme focusing on a statistical challenge or development goal.
    • Events and Outreach: Celebrations include seminars, exhibitions, competitions, and lectures across institutions.
    • Commemorative Status: Though not a public holiday, it is a nationally recognized observance.

    Who was P.C. Mahalanobis?

    • Background: He was born on June 29, 1893, in Kolkata, into a Brahmo Samaj family.
    • Education: He studied at Presidency College and later at King’s College, Cambridge.
    • Legacy Title: He is hailed as the Father of Modern Statistics in India and was known as “The Professor”.
    • Institution Builder: He founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) and helped set up India’s Planning Commission.
    • His Major Contributions:
      • National Sample Survey (NSS): Launched in 1950, it enabled the systematic collection of household data for policymaking.
      • Mahalanobis Distance: Introduced in 1936, it remains a widely used statistical tool for identifying outliers in data.
      • Applied Statistics: He applied statistical methods to flood control in Bengal and Odisha, offering cost-effective solutions.
      • Planning Vision: Mahalanobis played a key role in drafting the Second Five-Year Plan, focusing on industrialisation and state-led growth.
      • Academic Promotion: He started the journal Sankhya, modeled on Biometrika, to foster statistical research in India.
      • Infrastructure Vision: His early proposal led to the Hirakud Dam project, completed in 1957.
      • Balanced Approach: Though viewed as pro-Soviet during the Cold War, he was admired for his intellectual integrity.
    [UPSC 2016] A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of:

    (a) S. Ramanujan (b) S. Chandhrashekhar (c) S. N. Bose (d) C. V. Raman

     

  • Species in news: Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)

    Why in the News?

    The elusive dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, has been rediscovered in Assam’s Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL) after being thought locally extinct.

    About Dhole:

    • Overview: The dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, is a carnivorous mammal from the Canidae family.
    • Habitat: Historically, dholes inhabited southern Russia, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia but are now limited to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China.
    • Clusters in India: In India, dholes are found mainly in the Western and Eastern Ghats, the Central Indian Landscape, and the Northeast.
    • Key States: According to a 2020 study, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh lead in dhole conservation efforts.
    • Social Behaviour: Dholes live in packs of up to 30 but may also hunt solo or in pairs depending on prey availability.
    • Ecological Role: As predators, dholes help regulate prey populations and maintain ecosystem balance.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Endangered
      • CITES: Appendix II (not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so if trade is not closely controlled).
      • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II (considered important for conservation and are granted a high degree of protection).

    Back2Basics: Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL)

    • Geographic Spread: KKAL is located south of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, comprising Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and the Karbi Anglong Hills.
    • Ecological Importance: KNP is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, known for rich, unmodified ecosystems.
    • Wildlife Corridor: KKAL facilitates seasonal migration during Brahmaputra floods, supporting species movement and survival.
    • Flagship Species: The landscape hosts the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as Bengal tigers, elephants, swamp deer, and wild buffalo.
    • B2B Corridor: KKAL forms a vital link in the proposed Bhutan-to-Burma (B2B) Connected Landscape, a 1,400 km biodiversity corridor across northeast India.

     

  • [pib] Researchers validate Optical Properties of Teak Leaf Extracts

    Why in the News?

    In a breakthrough, scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have found that teak leaf extract (Tectona grandis) could offer a natural, sustainable solution for laser protection.

    About Optical Properties of Teak Leaf:

    • Natural Composition: Teak leaves (Tectona grandis) contain natural compounds that can interact with strong laser light.
    • Laser Blocking Ability: These compounds can block harmful laser rays while allowing normal light to pass, making them suitable for selective light filtering.
    • Nonlinear Optics: This unique behaviour is called a nonlinear optical property, where a material responds differently to high-intensity light.
    • Linear vs Nonlinear: In linear optics, the material’s response is directly proportional to the light’s intensity. In nonlinear optics, the response becomes non-proportional, especially under laser exposure.

    Back2Basics: Teak as Timber in India

    • Teak (Tectona grandis) is a large deciduous hardwood tree native to India and Southeast Asia, mainly found in tropical dry and moist deciduous forests.
    • It is highly valued for its durable, strong, and water- and pest-resistant wood, making it the “King of Timbers”.
    • India manages 35% of the world’s planted teak forests, with major natural habitats in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
    • Teak is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List but is not under CITES; private plantations are crucial for meeting demand due to restrictions on commercial felling in government forests.
    • Green felling is prohibited in government forests under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and National Forest Policy, 1988, with timber supply to be met mainly from dead/diseased trees or private plantations.

    Recent Breakthrough:

    • New Discovery: Scientists discovered that teak leaf extract can function as a natural laser shield.
    • Protection Potential: The extract can block high-intensity laser beams, offering protection to human eyes and sensitive optical devices.
    • First of Its Kind: This marks the first known instance of a natural material exhibiting such laser-blocking properties.

    Significance for Humans:

    • Practical Applications: It can be used in laser safety goggles, optical sensors, and other light-sensitive technologies.
    • Safe Alternative: It offers a non-toxic, eco-friendly substitute to chemical-based laser protection materials.
    • Sustainability Impact: The use of plant-based materials supports cost reduction and promotes sustainable innovation in science and optics.
    [UPSC 2015] In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?

    Options: (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest* (b) Tropical rain forest (c) Tropical thorn scrub forest (d) Temperate Forest with grasslands

     

  • Type 2 diabetes rising among young people, posing lifetime risks: Lancet

    Why in the News?

    A new series by The Lancet highlights a major shift in global health. Type 2 diabetes, which earlier affected mostly older people, is now increasing quickly among those under 40. Around 260 million young adults worldwide already have the disease.

    What distinguishes early-onset type 2 diabetes from adult-onset in impact?

    • Longer disease duration with increased complications: Being diagnosed at a younger age means living longer with the disease, increasing the risk of complications like kidney failure, heart disease, and nerve damage throughout life. A 25-year-old with diabetes may face multiple health issues by age 40, compared to someone diagnosed at 55.
    • Greater loss in life expectancy: Individuals diagnosed before the age of 30 can lose up to 15 years of life expectancy, whereas older adults diagnosed later typically lose fewer years. A young adult may not survive past their 60s if the disease is poorly managed, while an older adult may live well into their 70s or 80s.
    • More disruption to personal and economic life: Early onset affects critical life stages like education, job opportunities, and family planning, placing greater mental and financial stress. A person in their 20s may have to drop out of college or limit employment due to frequent medical care needs.

    Why is early-onset diabetes a major concern for Indian health systems?

    • Rising burden on already stretched public healthcare: India’s healthcare system is under pressure from both infectious and non-communicable diseases. Early-onset diabetes increases the demand for long-term care, monitoring, and medication. A 2023 ICMR study found that more than 25% of diabetes cases in India are now diagnosed before the age of 40.
    • Economic impact on productivity and workforce: Early-onset diabetes reduces an individual’s healthy working years and impacts productivity, especially in labour-intensive sectors. According to the ICMR 2023 study, diabetic workers lose an average of 7–8 additional workdays annually, leading to reduced output, absenteeism, and rising employer costs.
    • Greater lifetime healthcare costs and complications: Early diagnosis leads to decades-long care, including medication, check-ups, and complication management, increasing costs for families and public health insurance. Eg: A young diabetic using insulin, requiring eye and kidney screenings, adds a heavy burden on schemes like Ayushman Bharat.

    How do socio-economic and environmental factors drive its rise?

    • Unhealthy food environments and marketing: Easy availability and aggressive marketing of processed and sugary foods through social media influence poor dietary habits among youth. Eg: Fast food delivery apps and influencer-driven trends promote ultra-processed snacks in urban areas like Delhi and Mumbai.
    • Inequality in access to healthcare and lifestyle management: Low-income groups lack access to nutritious food, safe exercise spaces, and preventive healthcare, increasing risks of obesity and diabetes. Eg: Children in urban slums of Kolkata face limited health awareness and inactivity, raising early-onset diabetes risk.
    • Impact of early-life undernutrition and developmental challenges: Poor maternal nutrition, low birth weight, and childhood undernourishment raise the chance of developing type 2 diabetes later, even without obesity. Eg: In rural Madhya Pradesh, undernourished children show insulin resistance despite having a low BMI.

    Why is prevention more effective than treatment in tackling this issue?

    • Reduces lifelong health burden and complications: Preventing diabetes avoids decades of medication, monitoring, and risks of complications like kidney or heart disease. Eg: Promoting physical activity and healthy diets in schools can reduce diabetes risk and future hospital visits.
    • More cost-effective for individuals and health systems: Prevention strategies like awareness campaigns and food policies cost less than long-term drug therapy and hospitalisation. Eg: Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages, adopted in over 100 countries, has reduced sugary drink sales and lowered obesity-related costs.
    • Addresses root causes and promotes healthy behaviours: Focusing on prevention changes social and environmental conditions that lead to obesity and diabetes. Eg: Urban planning with parks, pedestrian paths, and fitness centres encourages active lifestyles, lowering diabetes risk.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthen preventive public health strategies: Implement nationwide programs promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and early screening in schools and communities to reduce risk factors from a young age.
    • Ensure equitable access to care and awareness: Expand access to affordable diagnosis, lifestyle counselling, and essential medicines in both urban and rural areas, especially targeting low-income and high-risk groups.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2022] The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges, and what steps need to be taken to meet them?

    Linkage: This question directly addresses “newer health challenges” and the steps required to meet them. The need for “urgent investment in prevention, early diagnosis and targeted care” mentioned in the article directly aligns with the “steps to be taken” aspect of this question.