States' Pre-Poll DBT Schemes Spike Welfare Spend to ₹98,857 Cr in TN, ₹1.8 Lakh Cr in WB Amid Rising Debt-to-GDP Ratios

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.

Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill 2026: Centre Restricts States' Mineral Levies After SC 2024 Verdict

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026, passed by Parliament, restricts states from imposing additional levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land, effectively overriding the Supreme Court's 2024 judgment that upheld states' power to tax mineral rights. This reignites Centre-state tensions, especially with mineral-rich states like Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, potentially impacting their fiscal autonomy and federal balance.

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.

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).

Rajya Sabha Passes Mining Amendment Act 2026: States Barred from Taxing Mineral Rights; Odisha, Jharkhand Oppose

The Rajya Sabha has passed a key amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, which prohibits states from levying any tax or cess on mineral-bearing lands and operations. This move, aimed at ensuring uniform pricing, has sparked a major federal clash with mineral-rich states like Odisha and Jharkhand, who see it as an infringement on their fiscal autonomy and a threat to their revenue-dependent welfare schemes.

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.