All Editorials Snapshot: 19-August-2025

The Hindu Editorials snapshot

Editorial 1

Familiar Impasse: On the Global Response to Eliminating Plastic Pollution

Efforts to get a worldwide agreement to eliminate plastic pollution have failed again, as many countries remain unwilling to commit. At a recent United Nations meeting, countries disagreed on whether ending plastic pollution means stopping plastic production itself. Everyone agrees plastic waste is a big problem: India, for example, creates 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste a year and recycles only about 30%. Even after some bans and changes, waste management and recycling remain poor—both in India and globally. Most plastics are used once and then thrown away, with nearly half buried in landfills and some ending up as litter. Plastics are also polluting food systems and creating microplastics that harm people and animals. While some nations argue that better recycling is enough, others say production itself must be reduced. But these demands are seen as possible trade barriers, making it hard to agree. Unless all countries can work together with trust and listen openly, future talks will likely fail and plastic pollution will continue to grow.

Editorial 2

Required Reforms: On Reforms to the GST System

The central government’s new plans for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are bold and come at a good time. The main idea is to make life easier for the middle class and businesses by reducing tax rates on most goods—moving almost all items in the 12% slab down to 5%, and many in the 28% slab down to 18%. This move lowers prices for consumers and makes the tax system simpler and fairer, reducing confusion and disputes. Besides rate cuts, improvements are being made to registration, return filing, and getting refunds, so that taxpayers spend less time on paperwork. These GST reforms, along with changes to income tax, are turning 2025 into a major year for tax reform in India. The government knows it might lose some revenue but hopes higher sales and more people paying taxes will make up for it. This approach should help boost the economy, especially with exports facing challenges in the world market. However, States will lose some income and may ask for more money from the Centre. It is important that the central government listens to State concerns while making these changes.

The Indian Express Editorials snapshot

Editorial 3

 ​Cambridge Dictionary’s Latest Additions: A Little Delulu

New words are being created so quickly on social media apps like TikTok and Discord that it’s hard for even expert dictionary makers to keep up. The Cambridge Dictionary has just added terms such as “skibidi” (which can mean cool, bad, or nothing at all), “delulu” (meaning delusional), and “tradwife” (a woman who stays at home by choice and shows this life on social media). Some people argue that these trendy words are just passing slang, but dictionary editors believe some will last a long time. Because the internet spreads words so rapidly, slang can become popular and then disappear just as fast. Words like “YOLO” and “fleek” were once everywhere but have now faded. This shows that even respected dictionaries can get it wrong when trying to predict which new words will really last in the English language.

Editorial 4

 ​Steps to Rationalise GST Slabs: Simpler Is Better

Since the start of GST in India, having too many tax rates and complex rules has caused problems for taxpayers and the government. The GST Council is now focusing on making the system simpler by reducing the number of tax slabs. The plan is to move from multiple rates (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) to just two main rates: 5% and 18%. A few items, like luxury and harmful goods, may get taxed at 40%. Most items in the 12% slab will move to 5%, and many items from the 28% group will go to 18%. This will make the system easier to follow and reduce confusion. Although this change could mean less money for the government at first, it should lead to more people paying taxes and increased sales. The government must talk to the states and make sure everyone agrees before making this change, as some states may worry about losing revenue.

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