State Debt Burden Hits 26-38% of GDP in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, WB; Assam at 25.2% Under Special Category Funding

Centre Mandates 60:40 Centre-State Funding Split for VB-G RAM-G Rural Employment Scheme

The Centre has shifted the funding pattern of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (now VB-G RAM-G) from 100% central funding to a 60:40 Centre-State split (90:10 for Himalayan/Northeast states). This marks a major fiscal federalism change, with states allocating full 40% despite political opposition. Essential for Prelims (ratio, scheme name) and Mains (fiscal federalism, rural wage floor).

Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese TiO2: DGTR Final Findings (Aug 3, 2026) - Centre Assures KMML, TTPL

The Centre has assured Kerala of imposing anti-dumping duty on Chinese titanium dioxide following DGTR's final findings. This protects PSUs like KMML and TTPL from low-cost imports. Key for Prelims: DGTR process, anti-dumping mechanism, and dates.

CAG Flags ₹3,161 Cr Power Subsidy Lapse & ₹3,217 Cr E-Procurement Irregularities in Delhi

The CAG report for 2022-23 exposes major flaws in Delhi's power subsidy scheme and e-procurement system, including wasteful subsidies to zero-consumption consumers and suspected collusive bidding. This is crucial for understanding CAG's role, subsidy targeting, and public procurement issues.

₹743.43 Cr Revenue Detected in 6 Months: Andhra AI-GST Model Wins National Acclaim at 6th Coordination Meet

Andhra Pradesh’s AI & Machine Learning-based GST administration model has been nationally acclaimed at the 6th National Co-ordination Meeting. The system detected ₹743.43 crore in revenue in just six months—more than double the previous manual process—and has sparked interest from several states. For exam aspirants, this is a key case study on AI in governance, tax administration reform, and state-level innovation.

Chhattisgarh Tops NITI Aayog Regulatory Ease, Attracts Rs 8 Lakh Cr Investment Proposals

Chhattisgarh's ambitious Industrial Development Policy 2024-30 has drawn Rs 8 lakh crore in investment proposals, signaling a turnaround from Maoist-affected 'Red' zone to an emerging industrial hub. The state ranked first in NITI Aayog's regulatory ease category, underscoring structural reforms that decriminalized 279 business provisions and introduced risk-based approvals. This case study is crucial for understanding how governance reforms can attract investment even in conflict-affected regions.

Andhra Pradesh Missed ₹38,000 Cr Central Grants Post 16th FC; Revenue Deficit at ₹48,000 Cr

The 16th Finance Commission's recommendations have led to Andhra Pradesh losing ₹38,000 crore in central grants, worsening its revenue deficit to ₹48,000 crore in 2025-26. This case is a key example of fiscal federalism dynamics—critical for UPSC Mains GS2 and Prelims. The Centre has provided alternative support through capital grants and interest-free loans.

Delhi Ease of Doing Business Bill 2026: Single-Window, Self-Declaration, No Inspection for 3 Years

The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026, introducing a single-window clearance system and self-declaration for low-risk businesses. This reduces bureaucratic hurdles and aims to make Delhi a more business-friendly capital. For UPSC/State PSC aspirants, this is a key example of governance reform and ease of doing business initiatives.

Parliament Passes Mines and Minerals Amendment Act 2026 Overriding SC Ruling, Extinguishes Rs 2 Lakh Cr Dues

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 restricts states from imposing specified levies on mineral rights and extinguishes ~Rs 2 lakh crore in unpaid dues. Mineral-rich states like Odisha and Jharkhand oppose it as a blow to federal fiscal autonomy, potentially losing thousands of crores annually. This reverses the financial impact of a landmark 2024 Supreme Court ruling that had empowered states to tax mineral-bearing lands.