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Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected indirectly by elected members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs). They use the system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote. One-third of members retire every two years, ensuring the House is permanent.
Click to View MoreThe Archaeological Survey of India has approved fresh excavations at Balirajgarh fort in Bihar, believed to be ancient Mithila’s capital. The move highlights decades of neglect, exposing systemic issues in heritage management such as resource shortages, procedural delays, centralization, and lost socio-economic potential from poor conservation.
Click to View MoreThe 16th Finance Commission retained States’ 41% share, but controversy grows as the Centre’s rising use of non-shareable cesses and surcharges under Article 271 shrinks the effective divisible pool, raising federal trust concerns and prompting calls for constitutional reforms to strengthen cooperative fiscal federalism.
Click to View MoreConcerns over Indian federalism's erosion stem from centralisation, citing fiscal policies, Governors' controversial roles, and central agency use. However, the judiciary protects states' rights, while institutions like the Finance Commission and NITI Aayog foster devolution, suggesting a strained but resilient cooperative federal structure.
Click to View MoreFiscal federalism in India is strained by shrinking state autonomy, centralization of revenues under GST, and rising cesses that narrow the divisible pool. To restore balance, the 16th Finance Commission must expand untied transfers, streamline CSS, and rebuild fiscal trust for equitable regional development.
Click to View MoreThe Supreme Court’s order restoring MGNREGS funding to West Bengal reinforces the right to work and judicial oversight in welfare delivery. Arising from fiscal federalism tensions, it stresses the need for stronger social audits and cooperative Centre-State relations to safeguard rural livelihoods and accountability.
Click to View MoreLadakh’s statehood and Sixth Schedule demand arises from lost representation post-2019. The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance seek safeguards for its tribal population, fragile ecology, and land rights, but the constitutional amendment poses a federal challenge balancing autonomy with security.
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