What to Read in The Hindu Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1: Reckless escalation

Context

India needs to be more vocal in resisting Israel’s regional aggression.

Introduction

Israel’s September 9 strike on Qatar marked a dramatic escalation in West Asia’s volatile conflict. By targeting Hamas leaders in a mediator state that hosts the U.S.’s largest regional base, Israel crossed a new line. The attack violated Qatari sovereignty and jeopardized fragile ceasefire negotiations, further undermining regional stability and hopes for peace in Gaza.

Reckless Escalation in Qatar

• On September 9, Israellaunched an airstrike on Qatar targeting Hamas leaders.
• The attack marked a dangerous escalation, even by Israel’s own standards.
• Qatar, a S. allyhosting America’s largest military base in West Asia, plays a central role in ceasefire mediation.
• Despite this, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuclaimed “full responsibility” for the strike, which hit a house where Hamas leaders were reportedly discussing a ceasefire proposal.

Global Reactions and Condemnation

• The strike drew widespread criticismand condemnation across the world.
• S. President Donald Trump, usually Israel’s strongest supporter, expressed displeasure.
• The White Houseassured Qatar that such attacks would not be repeated.
• The move highlighted growing international uneasewith Israel’s unchecked military actions.

Threat to Peace and Regional Stability

• Qatarhas long hosted Hamas’s political leadership to facilitate negotiations, with tacit S. approval.
• A recent ceasefire proposalbacked by mediators was rejected by Netanyahu, who vowed to continue operations in Gaza.
• Attacking leaders in the mediator’s territorysignaled Israel’s unwillingness to pursue peace.
• The strike also undermined Arab-Israel normalisation, making it harder for Saudi Arabiaor other Gulf states to engage with Israel.

Wider Implications for India and the World

• Israel’s actionsrisk expanding the Gaza war into the Gulf, an energy hub where millions of Indians
• Prime Minister Modicondemned the violation of Qatar’s sovereignty but avoided directly naming Israel.
• Indianeeds to adopt a stronger stance against Israel’s regional aggression.
• Coordinated efforts with regional and global powersare essential to restore stability in West Asia.

Conclusion

The Qatar strike exposes Israel’s unwillingness to seek peace and its readiness to expand the war beyond Gaza. Global condemnation, including rare criticism from Washington, reflects growing unease with Israel’s unchecked aggression. For India and other powers, this is a warning: regional instability in the Gulf directly threatens economic security, diaspora safety, and the fragile prospects of peace in West Asia.

 

Editorial 2: A ‘health check’ for the new GST health-care reforms

Context

Under GST 2.0, the government has established a framework that strengthens the entire healthcare chain, ensuring smoother operations and better access to medical services.

Introduction

India’s new Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms mark a turning point in the pursuit of universal health coverage. This overhaul of healthcare taxation reflects a strong push to make medical care more affordable and accessible for millions, particularly those burdened by high treatment costs and essential health expenses.

Sectoral changes

1. Removal of GST on Insurance Premiums

• Complete GST removalon individual health and life insurance premiums.
• Families no longer pay 18% extra tax on premiums (e.g., ₹50,000 premium earlier cost ₹59,000 with GST; now only ₹50,000).
• Covers all types of individual life insurance: term, ULIP, endowment, as well as health planslike family floaters and senior citizen policies.
• Reinsurance also exempt, ensuring benefits across the value chain.
• Supports India’s insurance penetration goal (currently 7% of GDP vs global 6.8%).
• Risk remains that insurers may not fully pass on savingswithout monitoring.

2. Hospital Room Charges

• Exemptions retainedfor rooms costing below ₹5,000/day, protecting middle- and lower-income families.
• Non-ICU rooms above ₹5,000/daytaxed at 5% GST (no input tax credit) — rule unchanged since July 2022.
• ICU, CCU, ICCU, NICUrooms remain fully exempt, regardless of cost, keeping critical care tax-free.

3. Core Medical Services

• Medical treatment servicesprovided by hospitals, doctors, and paramedics remain GST-exempt.
• Ensures that essential healthcareis not burdened by taxation.
• The GST system here continues unchanged from 2022.

Business impact

1. Impact on Medicines and Life-Saving Drugs

• GST on most medicines cut to 5%, simplifying compliance and lowering costs.
• Life-saving drugsmoved to zero GST, directly reducing supply chain prices.
• Patients benefit from more affordable treatment options.

2. Medical Devices and Diagnostics

• Medical devices and diagnostic products now under a uniform 5% GST slab.
• Example: CT scan machinestaxed at 5% instead of 18%, reducing hospitals’ capital costs.
• Hospitals face lower procurement bills, enabling reduced patient charges over time.
• Routine tests (blood tests, X-rays, MRIs) may become cheaper as labs’ input costs fall.
• Laboratories remain GST-exempt on services, but reduced taxes on kits, reagents, and equipment lower overall expenses.

3. Benefits for Healthcare Providers

• Pharmacies and small clinicsgain from simpler tax structures and better price competitiveness.
• Manufacturers and distributorswill revise pricing and contracts to align with new GST rates.
• Hospitals and labscan negotiate better terms with insurers and corporate clients.

4. Preventive Health and Wellness

• GST reduced from 18% to 5%on gyms, fitness centres, yoga studios, salons, barbers, and wellness services.
• Cigarettesremain heavily taxed (28% GST + cess, effective 52–88%).
• Introduction of a new 40% “sin goods” slab— will apply once cess liabilities are cleared.
• Sugary drinksshifted from 28% + cess to the new 40% slab, placing them in the highest tax bracket to discourage unhealthy consumption.

5. Everyday Household Relief

• Personal care items like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, and hair oilnow under 5% GST (earlier 12–18%).
• Example: A ₹100 shampoo bottle that earlier cost ₹112–118 will now cost only ₹105.
• Households benefit from cheaper essentialsand easier access to healthier living choices.

GST Reforms for Health Care (Aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047)

• No GST on insurance→ reduces financial burden on households.
• Lower costs for life-saving medicines→ improves affordability of critical treatments.
• Simplified taxes on medical equipment→ encourages adoption of advanced technology.
• Reduced rates on preventive services→ promotes early care and wellness.
• Wider access to treatmentsacross income groups.
• Preventive and wellness servicesbecoming a regular practice.
• Stronger consumer trustin the health-care system.Better control over antibiotic misuse and Schedule H drug sales.
• Ultimately, more lives savedas health care becomes affordable and accessible.

Conclusion

The GST 2.0 health-care reforms mark a transformative step toward affordable and accessible medical care for all. By reducing costs on medicines, diagnostics, insurance premiums, and wellness services, the reforms strengthen the healthcare chain and promote preventive care. With simplified taxation and wider coverage, these measures enhance financial protection, encourage early treatment, and build greater trust in India’s health system.