linguistic reorganisation of states

The linguistic reorganisation of states in India has been a pivotal chapter in the country's post-independence history. The debate on the divisive nature of linguistic-based state creation, recently reignited by the Tamil Nadu Governor's criticism, highlights the complex balance between preserving regional identities and maintaining national unity. Background of the Reorganisation of St

Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP)

The Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP) is a proposed inter-state water diversion project aimed at alleviating water scarcity issues in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. The project is expected to significantly impact water distribution and management between the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, leading to ongoing conflicts. Objective of PBLP: Water Scar

cooperative and fiscal federalism

India’s journey toward cooperative and fiscal federalism over the past decade has resulted in significant changes in the relationship between the Centre and state governments. The shift towards federalism has involved a more collaborative approach, with both sides working together to achieve common goals. Understanding Federalism in India Reinterpreting Federalism:

 Education From concurrent to State List?

The question of whether education should be brought back onto the State List is a complex and nuanced issue. The debate centers around whether education, which was moved to the Concurrent List, should be managed primarily at the state level rather than the central level Historical context: Education was originally on the State List in the Constitution. It was moved to the Concurrent Li

Exit polls

The exit polls for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India have proven to be notably inaccurate, with the BJP-led NDA's performance falling well short of the projections suggesting over 350 seats. This discrepancy highlights ongoing debates and legal issues surrounding exit polls in India. The concise overview of the history and regulations regarding exit polls in India are given below Histor

Formation of New states

The formation of new states in India often arises from demands rooted in perceived regional disparities or cultural and administrative aspirations. The recent news highlights two key developments: the tenth anniversary of Telangana's formation and the Bhil tribe's demand for a new state called Bhil Pradesh. Formation of Telangana Background: Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2

Special Category Status

It was established to address the specific needs of states that face geographical, social, or economic disadvantages. Evolution and Background Introduction: SCS was introduced in 1969 following the Fifth Finance Commission's recommendations to assist states that were economically or geographically disadvantaged. Initially, states like Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, and Nagaland were grante

Internal Emergency

The news about the 50th anniversary of the imposition of the internal Emergency on June 25, 1975, highlights a significant and controversial period in India's history. Here’s a detailed breakdown to understand the context better: Background on the Emergency 1. What was the Emergency? The Emergency was a period during which democratic rights were suspended, and the central gov

New Rules for Allocation of Symbols

Context: The Election Commission of India has brought in new rules for allocation of symbols to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs).  New rules: To qualify for the 'concession of common symbol allotment,' these parties must submit audited accounts for the past three financial years, expenditure statements from the last two elections, and the

Rethink the emerging dynamics of India’s fiscal federalism

Rethink the emerging dynamics of India’s fiscal federalism     Indian Federalism: A ‘holding together federation’ with a built-in unitary bias. Dual Polity: Separate independent Govts at Centre & States. Written Constitution: Powers of Centre & States clearly marked out in the form a written book. Division of Powers: Powers

The Cauvery-water sharing issue

Why in the News? The Tamil Nadu (TN) government has sought the Supreme Court’s intervention to make Karnataka (KA) release 24,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) from its reservoirs immediately and also direct the latter to release 36.76 TMC as per Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)’s final award of February 2007 that was modified by the SC in 2018.   News in Deta