UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 2- issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Introduction A year after the September 24 violence in Leh, political dialogue between Ladakh’s representatives and the Centre continues on constitutional safeguards, democratic representation, land, jobs, culture and environment. The… Continue reading Dialogue, not agitation, holds key to Ladakh’s political future
Tag: Social issues
Mining Amendment is Unfair to States
UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 2- Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Introduction Mining is concentrated in States such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, which bear both the benefits and costs of extraction. The MMDR Amendment Act, 2026 seeks predictable taxation… Continue reading Mining Amendment is Unfair to States
Should the Use of Gen AI Be Banned Among Younger Students in Schools?
UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 2- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education And GS Paper 3- Science and Technology Introduction Generative AI is rapidly entering children’s learning and digital environments through schools, educational apps, search engines and games. It can support personalised learning, creativity and teachers, but excessive dependence may… Continue reading Should the Use of Gen AI Be Banned Among Younger Students in Schools?
What is Article 371(K), and what could it mean for Ladakh?
UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 2- Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Introduction The Centre has proposed Article 371(K) as a new constitutional safeguard for Ladakh, with a directly elected UT-level body and legislative powers. The proposal seeks to address long-standing demands… Continue reading What is Article 371(K), and what could it mean for Ladakh?
The High Cost of India’s Private Health-Care Boom
UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 2- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Introduction India’s private health-care expansion has improved access to specialised treatment, advanced technology and tertiary care, but it has also created a serious affordability gap. Treatment in private hospitals costs far more than in public facilities, while many… Continue reading The High Cost of India’s Private Health-Care Boom
The Vexed Problem of Fertilizer Overuse and Subsidy
UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 3- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support price Introduction India’s fertilizer sector faces a growing challenge of import dependence, rising subsidy costs and inefficient fertilizer use. Geopolitical disruptions have increased the prices of fertilizers, natural gas and other inputs, exposing India’s dependence on external supplies. At… Continue reading The Vexed Problem of Fertilizer Overuse and Subsidy
Decentralised Education, Create Jobs
UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 3- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources. Introduction India’s large young population is increasingly educated, but many young adults still face unemployment and weak employment prospects. The core problem is not only access to education but also its quality, relevance and connection with… Continue reading Decentralised Education, Create Jobs
The Federal Dilemma of Delimitation
UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 2- issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure. Introduction Delimitation is not merely a process of redrawing constituencies; it can reshape India’s democratic representation and federal balance. The central challenge is to reconcile fair representation based on population with the political interests of States that controlled population growth. The debate… Continue reading The Federal Dilemma of Delimitation
Fiscal Federalism, Efficiency versus Equity Concerns
UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 2 – Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure. Introduction The 16th Finance Commission (2026–31) keeps the States’ share in central taxes at 41% but changes the structure of fiscal transfers, especially grants-in-aid. It gives greater importance to efficiency, fiscal discipline and performance, while reducing several equalisation grants. This has… Continue reading Fiscal Federalism, Efficiency versus Equity Concerns
Curbing ‘Paper Leaks’ and Ensuring Institutional Accountability
UPSC Syllabus: Gs Paper 2- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education Introduction High-stakes public examinations such as NEET and UGC-NET determine educational and career opportunities for millions of candidates. Repeated controversies in NEET-2024, UGC-NET 2024 and NEET-2026, despite investigations reportedly finding no prosecutable evidence of a conventional paper leak… Continue reading Curbing ‘Paper Leaks’ and Ensuring Institutional Accountability
