About The State Finance Commission
Context: According to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, all states, except Arunachal Pradesh have constituted State Finance Commissions (SFCs). Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: State Finance Commissions (SFCs) Constitutional Basis and Establishment Role and Responsibilities Current Status and Recommendations Importance of State Finance Commissions Ensuring Financial Health and Autonomy of Local Bodies Complementing […]
CAG Report Highlights Critical Issues in Urban Local Bodies Across 18 States
Context: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has raised serious concerns about the condition of urban local bodies (ULBs) in 18 states, which serve approximately 241 million residents. According to the report, there are systemic weaknesses in financial management, staffing, and functional autonomy within these ULBs. These issues are significant as they undermine […]
‘Bulldozer Justice’ in Property Demolition Cases
Context: The Supreme Court of India, invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, has issued guidelines to ensure that due process is followed in the demolition of properties belonging to citizens accused of crimes. This directive comes in response to recent instances where state authorities were alleged to have used demolitions as a […]
Supreme Court Criticizes Delay in Establishing Organised Crime Investigative Agency
Context: The Supreme Court of India has recently expressed its displeasure over the Union government for not implementing its promise in 2015 to install a completely new Organised Crime Investigative Agency (OCIA) or even to enact complete comprehensive legislation to combat trafficking. It clearly indicates that the government is not responsive to the problem of […]
Foreign Contribution Regulation Act FCRA
Context: The Central Government announced that any NGO involved in anti-developmental activities and forced religious conversions will face cancellation of their registration under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010. Relevance: GS-II: Polity and Governance (Government Policies & Interventions, Non-Governmental Organisations -NGOs), GS-III: Indian Economy (External Sector, Mobilization of Resources) Dimensions of the Article: What is […]
What is the Inter-State Council?
Context: The Indian government has recently reconstituted the Inter-State Council (ISC) after two years, with the last reconstitution in 2022, appointing the Prime Minister(PM) as chairman and underscoring a renewed commitment to Centre-State relations and cooperative federalism. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: What is the Inter-State Council? Composition and Leadership: Historical Amendments: Secretariat: Benefits of ISC Deliberations: Challenges Facing […]
51st Chief Justice of India
Context: Recently, the President of India administered the oath of office to Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the Chief Justice of India (CJI). He succeeded Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, becoming the 51st CJI. Relevance: GS II- Polity and Governance Dimensions of the Article: Appointment of the CJI: Qualifications Administrative Powers of CJI (Master of Roster): Removal: -Source: the Hindu
Seeks Third-Party Mediation in Naga Political Issue
Context: The Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN I-M) has called for third-party intervention to resolve its protracted political conflict with the Indian government. Citing betrayal over the 2015 Framework Agreement, the group has threatened to resume armed resistance if their demand for mediation is rejected. NSCN (I-M) accuses the Centre […]
Supreme Court Upholds Hindu Succession Act
Context: The Supreme Court recently upheld the inheritance provisions of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 (HSA), focusing on cultural norms and legislative consistency. This decision comes in the wake of several petitions that challenged the Act’s validity, advocating for equal treatment of men and women in matters of inheritance. Relevance: GS II: Polity and Governance […]
Supreme Court Sets Limits on Government Power Over Private Property
Context: In the recent Property Owners Association v State of Maharashtra Case 2024, the Supreme Court set precedents limiting governmental authority to take over private resources for public distribution. The petitioners contended that private properties should not be appropriated by the state under the pretext of implementing constitutional schemes referenced in Articles 39(b) and 31C […]