27 May 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis
1. States deserve a bigger share of central taxes in post-GST era
Source – (Page 6, The Hindu Editorial)
| Topic: GS Paper 2: Federalism, Centre-State Relations, Tax Devolution |
| Context |
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Issues with Current Devolution Framework
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Post-GST, States lost their exclusive taxation powers over indirect taxes.
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GST compensation ended in June 2022, burdening States with revenue uncertainty.
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The Centre still controls significant fiscal levers, weakening cooperative federalism.
State-Level Demands
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Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin demanded an increase in the States’ share of taxes to 50%.
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Andhra Pradesh CM proposed State sub-groups to focus on GDP, demographic dividend, and technology in governance.
Data Insights
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States’ own tax revenue improved from 6.6% of GSDP (2017–18) to 7.2% (2024–25).
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GST revenues have only recently exceeded pre-GST indirect tax collections, raising questions about efficacy.
Way Forward
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Centre must enhance the frequency of GST Council and NITI Aayog meetings.
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Seriously consider a new formula for tax sharing that reflects current fiscal realities.
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Explore cooperative models for shared tax administration and accountability.
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Practice Question: Examine the challenges faced by Indian States in fiscal devolution post-GST implementation. Suggest policy measures to strengthen fiscal federalism. |
2. Bharat Forecast System set to give sharper rain alerts
Source – ( Page 10, The Hindu Editorial)
| Topic: GS Paper 3: Science and Technology, Disaster Management |
| Context |
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Key Features of BFS
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Developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
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Uses high-resolution 6 km x 6 km weather grids.
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Aims to improve short and medium-term forecasts.
Technological Advancement
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Improves upon 12 km x 12 km models using better computing and data assimilation.
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34 new Doppler Weather Radars to be installed for localized predictions.
Benefits for India
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Enhances disaster risk reduction during floods, monsoons, and crop cycles.
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Supports Panchayat-level planning in agriculture and infrastructure resilience.
Way Forward
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Expand coverage of real-time data sources, especially from vulnerable districts.
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Integrate BFS into local government planning and Smart Cities mission.
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Develop citizen-friendly forecast dashboards and apps for real-time alerts.
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Practice Question: How has Operation Sindoor signaled a shift in India’s use of air power? Examine its implications for national security doctrine and inter-service operational planning. |
3. India pushing back ‘illegal’ immigrants to Bangladesh
Source – ( Page 10, The Hindu Editorial)
| Topic: GS Paper 2: India and Its Neighbourhood, Internal Security |
| Context |
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Deportation Operation
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Two Air India flights moved detainees from Gujarat to Agartala.
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Final repatriation was conducted via the India-Bangladesh land border.
Broader Concerns
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Raises humanitarian and legal issues regarding undocumented migrants.
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Involves coordination with Bangladesh government and adherence to bilateral protocols.
Security and Political Dimensions
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Northeast States sensitive to demographic change due to migration.
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Potential domestic political fallout in border States like Assam and West Bengal.
Way Forward illegal
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Strengthen legal framework for detection and deportation of illegal immigrants.
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Improve border infrastructure and deploy advanced surveillance tools.
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Foster cooperation with Bangladesh for humane and rule-based repatriation.
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Practice Question: Illegal migration poses serious internal security and demographic challenges for India. Examine the measures taken by the Indian government and suggest improvements. |
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