27 February 2026

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), the umbrella body of farm outfits, has launched a nationwide campaign titled “Strong States for Strong India”. The campaign demands the restoration of the taxation power of States by amending the GST Act and the scrapping of a proposed India-U.S. bilateral trade agreement that farmers fear will devastate small and marginal agriculturalists.

This issue is at the heart of India’s Cooperative Federalism. The SKM’s demand to meet Chief Ministers and Leaders of the Opposition to pass Assembly resolutions against “anti-national trade deals” is an attempt to use state-level machinery to influence national foreign and economic policy. For UPSC aspirants, this provides a rich ground for analyzing the Article 253 of the Constitution (legislation for giving effect to international agreements) and the growing tension over Fiscal Federalism.

For SSC students, the specific demands, such as the repeal of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, and the restoration of MGNREGA, are key policy-related facts.

Background or Context

The campaign is a response to two main triggers: the ongoing negotiations for an India-U.S. trade deal that might open the agriculture sector to American products like soyabean and corn , and the perceived decline in the “fiscal autonomy” of states due to the GST regime and Finance Ministry letters asking states to end bonuses for wheat and paddy.

Five Important Key Points

• The SKM launched the ‘Strong States for Strong India’ campaign to protect “federal rights” and restore state taxation powers.
• Farmers are demanding that the India-U.S. bilateral trade agreement be scrapped, fearing it will devastate small farmers.
• A key demand is the amendment of the GST Act to address the decline in the fiscal autonomy of Indian States.
• The SKM is seeking resolutions from State Assemblies urging the Union government to refrain from signing the proposed trade deal.
• Demands also include repealing the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar Act, 2025 and restoring the MGNREGA.

Constitutional Provisions and Federalism

Under Article 246, “Agriculture” is a State List subject (Entry 14), while “Trade and Commerce with foreign countries” is a Union List subject (Entry 41). The SKM’s campaign highlights the conflict when a Union trade deal impacts a State subject. The demand to restore “taxation power” also challenges the current GST structure, which centralized most indirect taxes under the GST Council.

Economic Impacts of Trade Deals

The opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, has echoed these concerns, claiming that permitting U.S. agricultural imports would “destroy the foundation of the country”. From an economic perspective, while trade deals can lower consumer prices, they can lead to “import surges” that crash domestic farm prices, particularly for crops like oilseeds where India is already vulnerable.+1

Governance and Social Protection

The demand to restore MGNREGA and repeal the new Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar Act suggests a dissatisfaction with the transition from a demand-driven work guarantee to a mission-mode scheme. This touches upon the “Right to Work” and the governance of rural distress.

Geopolitical Dimensions

The India-U.S. trade relationship is a cornerstone of India’s “Global Strategic Partnership.” However, the “sacrificing” of farmers for political or financial interests is a powerful political narrative that can impact bilateral negotiations, as seen during the 2020-21 farm protests.

Challenges in Implementation

Amending the GST Act to restore taxation powers would require a two-thirds majority in the GST Council and ratification by half of the State Legislatures, making it a nearly impossible hurdle in the current political climate.

Way Forward

The Union government should adopt a “Consensus-based” approach for trade deals involving agriculture by consulting State governments early in the negotiation process. A “Sovereign Compensation Fund” could be established to protect farmers from price crashes resulting from international trade agreements.

Relevance for UPSC and SSC Examinations

• UPSC Paper: GS-II (Polity – Federal Structure, Interstate Relations; GS-III – Agriculture: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and MSP).
• SSC Topics: Names of farm organizations (SKM), acronyms (GST, MGNREGA), and recent acts (Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar Act).
• Key Terms: Fiscal Autonomy, Article 253, GST Act Amendment, India-U.S. Trade Deal, Strong States Campaign.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced significant revisions to air ticket refund and modification norms, effective immediately. The most prominent change is the extension of the “look-in” window—during which a passenger can cancel or amend a booking for free—from 24 hours to 48 hours.

This move is a major win for consumer rights in India’s rapidly growing aviation market. As air travel becomes more common among the middle class, the “predatory” cancellation fees of airlines have been a major point of public grievance. The new rules also mandate full refunds for medical emergencies, addressing a long-standing demand for more compassionate travel policies. For UPSC aspirants, this is a case study in Regulatory Governance and the government’s role in protecting citizens in a liberalized economy.+1

For SSC candidates, the specific numbers (48-hour window, 7-day lead time for domestic flights) and the name of the regulator (DGCA) are essential for exam preparation.

Background or Context

Prior to these rules, the 24-hour free cancellation window was often too short for passengers to realize errors in booking or for emergency situations to stabilize. The regulator has also addressed a common “blame game” between airlines and travel agents by making the airline solely responsible for processing refunds, regardless of the booking portal used.

Five Important Key Points

• The free cancellation and modification window for air tickets has been extended from 24 hours to 48 hours after booking.
• Passengers are now entitled to a full refund if they cancel travel due to their own or a co-traveller’s medical emergency.
• Airlines are now solely responsible for processing refunds, even for tickets booked through third-party portals or travel agents.
• Free name corrections on tickets are now permitted within a 24-hour window of booking.
• These rules apply only if the booking is made at least 7 days before departure for domestic flights and 15 days for international flights.

Governance and Regulatory Issues

The DGCA’s intervention shows a shift toward “pro-active regulation.” By setting clear, non-negotiable standards, the regulator is reducing the litigation burden on consumer courts. This reflects the principle of “Ease of Living” for citizens, a core pillar of the current government’s governance philosophy.

Economic Implications for the Aviation Industry

While these norms benefit passengers, they might impact the “cash flow” of airlines, which often rely on non-refundable ticket fees for revenue stability. However, the 7-day/15-day lead time provision protects airlines from last-minute cancellations that would leave seats empty.

Social Impact

The “medical emergency” clause is a significant social welfare measure. It recognizes that travel plans are often disrupted by factors beyond human control and ensures that families already facing medical distress are not further burdened by financial losses from non-refundable tickets.

Legal Framework

The DGCA derives its power to issue these “Civil Aviation Requirements” (CARs) from the Aircraft Act, 1934 and the Aircraft Rules, 1937. These rules have the force of law, and non-compliance can lead to the suspension of an airline’s operating license.

Challenges in Implementation

The biggest hurdle is the “sole responsibility” of airlines for agent-booked tickets. Airlines often claim they haven’t received the money from the agent yet. The DGCA will need a robust monitoring mechanism and a portal for passenger grievances to ensure airlines don’t delay refunds using administrative excuses.

Way Forward

The DGCA should consider a “Universal Refund Dashboard” where passengers can track their refund status in real-time. Additionally, a standardized definition of “medical emergency” (e.g., a certificate from a registered medical practitioner) should be established to prevent disputes.

Relevance for UPSC and SSC Examinations

• UPSC Paper: GS-II (Governance – Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial bodies; GS-III – Infrastructure: Airways).
• SSC Topics: Regulator names (DGCA), recent policy changes, and consumer rights.
• Key Terms: Look-in Option, 48-hour Window, Medical Emergency Refund, Sole Responsibility for Refunds.

India is set to transition to a new GDP base year, incorporating more granular and “on the ground” data to reflect the structural changes in the economy since the last revision. A key feature of this new series is the replacement of “proxy-based” estimates for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) with actual financial data sourced directly from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

For UPSC aspirants, understanding the methodology of GDP calculation is fundamental to Economics. A shift in the base year is not just a statistical exercise; it changes the way we perceive growth, debt-to-GDP ratios, and sectoral contributions. The inclusion of Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) data is a major step toward capturing the “missing middle”—the millions of small enterprises that form the backbone of the Indian economy but were previously undercounted.

For SSC students, the names of the committees involved (Sub-Committee on Incorporation for New Data Sources) and the specific databases used (STRBI, MCA) are high-yield facts for the General Awareness section.

Background or Context

National accounts are periodically revised to capture new industries, changing consumption patterns, and better data sources. The previous series faced criticism for its reliance on “proxies” for the private sector. The new approach uses the Statistical Table Related to Banks in India (STRBI) from the RBI for more accurate banking sector estimates and actual MCA filings for the corporate sector.

Five Important Key Points

• The new GDP series aims to more accurately capture output and value-added data through enhanced reporting from local and state autonomous bodies.
• Proxy-based approaches for estimating NBFC activity are being replaced by actual financial data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• ASUSE (Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises) data is being used more effectively to capture the informal and small-scale sectors.
• The new series will utilize the Reserve Bank of India’s STRBI data to estimate the activity of both public and private sector banks.
• Enhanced reporting from local bodies will increase the amount of “directly estimated” data, reducing the reliance on imputed figures.

Economic Implications and Data Accuracy

Moving from “imputed” to “directly estimated” data reduces the margin of error in national accounts. This is vital for policy-making; if the government knows exactly how much the informal sector is contributing (via ASUSE), it can better tailor its social security and credit schemes.

Governance and Institutional Issues

The role of the National Statistical Office (NSO) and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is under focus. The coordination between these bodies and the MCA/RBI is a testament to the “Whole of Government” approach to data transparency. However, the “misuse” of funds in other areas, such as the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) mentioned in state reports, highlights the need for similar transparency in government expenditure.

Science and Tech in Statistics

The use of digital databases like the MCA-21 portal is a prime example of how digital infrastructure is enabling better economic governance. Automated data harvesting from these portals allows for “real-time” or near-real-time economic monitoring, a far cry from the manual surveys of the past.

Comparative Analysis

Most developed economies (OECD) use “direct estimation” for their corporate sectors. By moving away from proxies, India is aligning its statistical standards with global best practices, which enhances the credibility of Indian growth figures among international investors and ratings agencies.

Challenges in Implementation

The main challenge lies in the “unincorporated sector.” While ASUSE data is an improvement, the sheer size and diversity of India’s informal economy make it difficult to achieve 100% accuracy. There is also the lag in data reporting from rural local bodies that needs to be addressed.

Way Forward

The government should aim for a “Permanent Survey” model rather than periodic ones to ensure data remains fresh. Furthermore, integrating GSTN (GST Network) data into the GDP calculation could provide an even more accurate picture of the organized trade sector.

Relevance for UPSC and SSC Examinations

• UPSC Paper: GS-III (Economy – National Income Accounting, Growth and Development).
• SSC Topics: Abbreviations (STRBI, ASUSE, MCA), and concepts of Base Year and GDP.
• Key Terms: Base Year Revision, Directly Estimated Data, NBFC actuals, ASUSE, Statistical Credibility.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a high-profile visit to Israel, where he has emphasized that stability in the West Asian region is “directly linked” to India’s own national security and economic interests. This visit comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, including border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the shifting goals of the U.S. administration under Donald Trump regarding Iran.

For India, the West Asian region is not just a source of energy but a critical destination for its diaspora and a key node in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The Prime Minister’s outreach to the Indian-origin Jewish community in Israel also underscores the “soft power” and cultural diplomacy that India is leveraging to solidify this strategic alliance. UPSC aspirants must analyze this within the framework of “De-hyphenation” and “Extended Neighborhood” policies.

SSC aspirants should note the locations mentioned (Jerusalem), the names of leaders, and the specific focus areas of cooperation such as education, culture, and national service.

Background or Context

India-Israel relations have evolved from cold-war era distance to a robust strategic partnership. Prime Minister Modi was the first Indian PM to visit Israel in 2017. The current 2026 visit focuses on navigating the “Iran Question” and the broader regional instability that threatens trade routes. The Prime Minister has consistently advocated for a resolution through “peaceful means,” reflecting India’s stance as a responsible global power.

Five Important Key Points

• PM Modi stated that India’s security interests are “directly linked” to peace and stability in West Asia.
• The Prime Minister engaged with the Indian-origin Jewish community in Jerusalem, highlighting their contributions to Israeli public life.
• India continues to seek the resolution of regional tensions through “peaceful means” and diplomatic dialogue.
• The visit occurs against the backdrop of rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have seen unprovoked firing and soldier captures.+2
• U.S. President Donald Trump’s shifting goals regarding Iran are a major factor in India’s strategic calculations in the region.

Geopolitical and International Dimensions

India’s “strategic autonomy” is on display as it maintains a deep partnership with Israel while also managing relations with Iran. The stability of the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea is vital for India’s oil imports. Any escalation between Israel and regional actors like Iran would have immediate inflationary impacts on the Indian economy.

Security and Defense Cooperation

While the news highlights cultural and stability aspects, the underlying bedrock of India-Israel ties is defense and intelligence sharing. Israel is one of India’s top three defense suppliers. The stability PM Modi speaks of is also a prerequisite for the success of collaborative defense projects and the security of Indian workers in the region.

Economic and Energy Security

West Asia hosts over 8 million Indian expats who send back billions in remittances. Furthermore, India’s energy security is heavily dependent on the stability of this region. The “peaceful means” advocated by Modi are essential for maintaining the unhindered flow of crude oil and LNG.

Comparative Analysis

Unlike some Western powers that take hardline stances, India’s approach is one of “principled engagement.” By recognizing the Indian-origin community, India builds a bridge that is immune to changes in political leadership, a tactic it has successfully used in the U.S. and U.K. as well.

Challenges in Implementation

The biggest challenge is the unpredictability of regional actors. The recent “large-scale offensive” by the Taliban against Pakistan and the “unprovoked fire” across the border show how quickly the security situation can deteriorate, potentially drawing in larger regional powers.

Way Forward

India should continue to push for the IMEC as a stabilizer for the region. Strengthening the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, USA) grouping can provide a formal platform for addressing both economic and security concerns without taking sides in sectarian conflicts.

Relevance for UPSC and SSC Examinations

• UPSC Paper: GS-II (International Relations – India and its Neighborhood, Effect of Policies of Developed Countries on India’s Interests).
• SSC Topics: Names of world leaders, capital cities (Jerusalem), and recent bilateral visits.
• Key Terms: West Asian Stability, Indian-Origin Jewish Community, Peaceful Resolution, Strategic Autonomy, IMEC.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has officially announced a new “Rail-Tech Policy” aimed at transforming the Indian Railways into an innovation-driven sector. The policy marks a significant shift from traditional procurement methods, which were often bogged down by rigid specifications, toward a more flexible framework that engages start-ups and innovators to solve complex operational challenges.

This policy is crucial for India’s economic and infrastructure goals. As the country aims for a $5-trillion economy, the efficiency and safety of its “lifeline”—the railways—are paramount. The integration of advanced technologies like AI for wildlife protection and elephant intrusion detection exemplifies a move toward sustainable and tech-savvy transport. For UPSC aspirants, this represents a major step in the “Viksit Bharat” agenda, focusing on indigenous R&D and digital transformation.

For SSC candidates, the policy’s financial details, such as the 50% funding support for start-ups, and the specific technological focus areas are vital for objective-type questions. The policy also aligns with the broader “Startup India” and “Make in India” initiatives.

Background or Context

Historically, the Indian Railways relied on a complex “vendor selection” system that prioritized established players and rigid technical standards, which often stifled small-scale innovators. The new policy seeks to dismantle these barriers by introducing a dedicated innovation portal for open submissions. This allows any start-up with a viable solution to receive government backing and eventually scale their product through long-term orders.

Five Important Key Points

• The Rail-Tech Policy provides financial support of up to 50% of the development cost for selected technological solutions by start-ups.
• A dedicated innovation portal has been launched to enable open and transparent submission of proposals from innovators.
• The policy shifts the focus from rigid specifications to a framework driven by trial and adoption of new technologies.
• Key innovation areas include AI-powered elephant intrusion detection systems and other wildlife collision reduction tools.
• The government has committed to placing “substantial long-term orders” for successful projects to ensure business scalability for start-ups.

Economic Implications and Data

The railways are a capital-intensive sector. By funding 50% of R&D costs, the government is de-risking the innovation process for young entrepreneurs. This is expected to create a secondary market for rail-tech, boosting the MSME sector and creating high-skilled jobs in AI, IoT, and material sciences.

Technological Framework (Science and Tech)

The focus on AI-powered detection systems is a significant leap. These systems use acoustic sensors and thermal imaging to detect movement near tracks, preventing accidents that involve both humans and wildlife. Furthermore, the policy encourages the use of data analytics to optimize track maintenance and passenger services.

Environmental Impact

The inclusion of wildlife protection technologies in the primary tech policy reflects an “Environment First” approach. Reducing elephant fatalities on tracks has been a long-standing challenge in regions like Odisha and the Northeast. This policy provides the technical teeth to conservation efforts.

Governance and Efficiency

Moving away from a “complex system of vendor selection” reduces the potential for corruption and favoritism. A simplified, portal-based submission process ensures that the best idea wins, regardless of the size of the company, promoting healthy competition and meritocracy in government contracts.

Challenges in Implementation

Integrating cutting-edge technology with the vast, legacy infrastructure of the Indian Railways is the biggest challenge. There is also the “valley of death” for start-ups—the period between a successful pilot and large-scale procurement—which the policy aims to bridge with its “long-term order” promise.

Way Forward

The Ministry should ensure that the intellectual property (IP) rights of the start-ups are protected while ensuring that the technology is affordable for mass rollout. Regular hackathons and “Grand Challenges” specifically for railway bottlenecks could further stimulate interest in this sector.

Relevance for UPSC and SSC Examinations

• UPSC Paper: GS-III (Economy – Infrastructure; Science & Technology – Indigenization of Technology).
• SSC Topics: Names of Union Ministers, funding percentages in government schemes, and AI applications in public sectors.
• Key Terms: Rail-Tech Policy, 50% Development Funding, Innovation Portal, Elephant Intrusion Detection, Viksit Bharat.

The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, recently initiated a suo motu case and ordered a complete ban on a Class 8 NCERT social science textbook. The court’s action was triggered by a specific section in the textbook that discussed “corruption in the judiciary,” which the Bench described as a “calculated move” to instill bias against the judicial institution in young, impressionable minds. The court has initiated contempt proceedings against high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Education and the NCERT, signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward narratives that undermine the constitutional standing of the judiciary.

For UPSC aspirants, this issue transcends a mere dispute over curriculum content; it touches upon the fundamental doctrine of the separation of powers and the protection of institutional integrity. The judiciary, as the custodian of the Constitution, must maintain a high level of public trust to function effectively. When state-sponsored educational materials are perceived to tarnish this image without nuanced context, it raises serious questions about the “deep-rooted conspiracy” the Chief Justice alluded to.

The triggering event has also sparked a political row, with the opposition claiming the curriculum revision was an “RSS-driven exercise” aimed at ideological shifts. For the SSC examination, the specific names of individuals involved, such as the Chief Justice and the NCERT Director, as well as the constitutional articles related to contempt of court, are of paramount importance.

Background or Context

The controversy stems from the February publication of a revised Class 8 social science textbook by the NCERT. While curriculum updates are routine, the specific mention of “venality” and “corruption” within the judiciary—presented as a standalone fact to middle-schoolers—was flagged by the Supreme Court Secretary General. The government, through the Solicitor-General, has since offered an unconditional apology, but the court remains firm on investigating the “well-orchestrated” nature of the inclusion.

Five Important Key Points

• The Supreme Court ordered a “blanket and complete ban” and the immediate seizure of all physical and digital copies of the Class 8 NCERT social science textbook.
• Chief Justice Surya Kant characterized the textual depiction as a “reckless and motivated” attempt to instill institutional bias in children.
• The court has issued show-cause notices for contempt of court to the Secretary of the Department of School Education and the Director of NCERT.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has joined the call for accountability, emphasizing that responsibility must be fixed for the controversial chapter.
• The Solicitor-General informed the court that the individuals responsible for the content would be blacklisted from future Education Ministry assignments.

Constitutional Provisions and Legal Framework

The primary legal instrument at play is the Power of Contempt under Articles 129 and 215 of the Constitution. Article 129 empowers the Supreme Court to punish for contempt of itself, a power intended to protect the majesty of the law and ensure the administration of justice is not obstructed by scandalizing the court. Furthermore, the NCERT’s autonomy under the Ministry of Education is under scrutiny, as it is expected to provide balanced educational content under the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).

Institutional Integrity and Education

The case highlights the sensitive intersection of education policy and institutional respect. While academic freedom and critical thinking are essential, the “impressionable minds” argument used by the Bench suggests that certain institutions, like the judiciary, require a level of protection from unsubstantiated or simplified narratives in state-authored books. This reflects the “Heads must roll” philosophy of the current CJI regarding administrative negligence.

Governance and Executive Accountability

The executive’s role in overseeing autonomous bodies like the NCERT is a critical governance concern. The Solicitor-General’s “unconditional apology” indicates an admission of oversight failure. The probe will likely look into the vetting process of the Textbook Development Committee to understand how such content bypassed multiple layers of review.

Geopolitical and Comparative Dimensions

Globally, the treatment of national institutions in school curricula varies. In many mature democracies, the judiciary is subject to academic critique, but the “intent” and “context” are vital. In India, the high level of judicial activism and its role as the final arbiter of the Constitution make any attempt by the executive to “portray the judiciary as a venal institution” a potential threat to the democratic balance.

Challenges in Implementation

The primary challenge is the “immediate seizure and sealing” of digital copies. In the age of the internet, once a PDF is released, it is nearly impossible to erase it completely. The government must coordinate with ISPs and digital libraries to ensure the “blanket ban” is effective across all platforms.

Way Forward

A transparent review mechanism for NCERT textbooks, involving independent academics and judicial observers for sensitive topics, is necessary. The government should also establish clear guidelines on the “critique of institutions” in school books to balance democratic education with institutional respect.

Relevance for UPSC and SSC Examinations

• UPSC Paper: GS-II (Polity and Governance – Separation of Powers, Judicial Integrity, and Role of Autonomous Bodies).
• SSC Topics: Constitutional Articles (Art 129), NCERT structure, and current events related to the Supreme Court.
• Key Terms: Contempt of Court, Suo Motu, Separation of Powers, Institutional Integrity, NCERT Autonomy.