Daily Current Affairs Archives | Page 21 of 24

16th Finance Commission Retains 41% Devolution, Introduces GDP Criterion – Key Highlights for Exams

Why in News?

The 16th Finance Commission (16th FC), chaired by Arvind Panagariya, tabled its report for the award period 2026–2031. The central highlight is the retention of 41% vertical devolution of central taxes to states while introducing a landmark 10% weightage for GDP contribution in the horizontal distribution formula

Key Highlights:

Vertical Devolution:

vertical devolution refers to the distribution of the net proceeds of central taxes between the Union (Central) government and all the State governments collectively

Retained at 41% of the divisible tax pool (same as 15th Finance Commission).
Applicable for the award period 2026–31.

Horizontal Devolution Changes:

Horizontal devolution refers to the allocation of central tax revenues among individual states in a federation

Introduction of 10% weightage for GDP contribution.
Aims to reward economically productive and efficient states.

What is Finance commission?

The Finance Commission is a constitutional body under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution. It is constituted every 5 years to recommend:

Distribution of tax revenues between Centre and States (vertical devolution)
Distribution among States (horizontal devolution)

Exam Tip:

Article 280 – Finance Commission.
Difference between vertical & horizontal devolution

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/finance/16th-finance-commission-keeps-states-tax-share-at-41/articleshow/127847218.cms?from=mdr

16th Finance Commission Retains 41% Devolution, Introduces GDP Criterion – Key Highlights for Exams Read More »

Karnataka Hate Speech Bill 2025 Reserved for President – Articles 200 & 201 Explained for Exams

Why in News?

The Karnataka Governor has reserved the Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025 for the President’s assent, citing constitutional and legal concerns. This brings focus on the Governor’s discretionary powers under the Indian Constitution.

Constitutional Provisions related to governor assent:

In the Indian Constitution, the primary provisions regarding a Governor’s assent to bills passed by the State Legislature are found in Articles 200 and 201. These articles outline the Governor’s choices and the subsequent role of the President

Article 200:

When a Bill is presented, the Governor has four main options:

Grant Assent: The bill becomes law.
Withhold Assent: The bill does not become law; however, recent rulings state this cannot be used indefinitely (the “pocket veto”).
Return the Bill: Non-money bills can be returned for reconsideration “as soon as possible”. If re-passed by the legislature, the Governor must give assent.
Reserve for President: Mandatory if the bill threatens the High Court’s position, or discretionary if it violates the Constitution, DPSP, or national interest.

Article 201:

When a Bill is reserved, the President may assent, withhold assent, or return it for reconsideration (non-money bills). Unlike the Governor, if the state legislature re-passes a bill returned by the President, the President is not obliged to grant assent

Grounds for Reservation of Bills:

he Governor may reserve a bill. If the bill

Endangers the High Court’s powers
Is against constitutional provisions
Falls under matters requiring prior presidential sanction

https://www.ndtv.com/karnataka-news/karnataka-governor-thaawar-chand-gehlot-reserves-hate-speech-and-hate-crimes-prevention-bill-2025-for-presidential-assent-10925375

Karnataka Hate Speech Bill 2025 Reserved for President – Articles 200 & 201 Explained for Exams Read More »

Munneru–Palair Link Project – Telangana Irrigation & Water Supply Scheme | TGPSC Notes

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

The Telangana government has initiated the Munneru–Palair Link Project to stabilise the Nagarjuna Sagar Project (NSP) ayacut. The project aims to utilize surplus water and reduce flood risks in the region.

Munneru–Palair Link Project:

Munneru–Palair Link Project is a gravity-based irrigation and flood control initiative by the Telangana government. It involves constructing a 9.6-kilometre-long link canal to divert surplus floodwaters from the Munneru River to the Palair balancing reservoir

Project Type: Gravity-based irrigation & drinking water scheme
Location: Telangana (Khammam, Suryapet, Mahabubabad districts)
Water Utilisation: ~50 TMC annually.
Irrigation Stabilization: Stabilizes 1.38 lakh acres of ayacut under the Nagarjuna Sagar Project (NSP) downstream of Palair and 40,000 acres upstream across Khammam and Suryapet districts.
Flood Mitigation: Mitigates the recurring flash floods in Khammam district by productively channeling excess water that previously flowed unused into the sea.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/munneru-palair-link-to-stabilise-nsp-ayacut-save-people-from-flood-fury-uttam-kumar-reddy/article70519238.ece

Munneru–Palair Link Project – Telangana Irrigation & Water Supply Scheme | TGPSC Notes Read More »

Medaram Maha Jatara 2026 – Sammakka Saralamma Festival & Key Facts for TGPSC

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

The Telangana Chief Minister inaugurated the renovated shrine at Medaram ahead of the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara. The State government reconstructed sacred platforms (gaddelu).

Medaram Maha Jatara:

Medaram Maha Jatara (also known as the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara) is Asia’s largest tribal religious congregation, held biennially in the state of Telangana, India. It commemorates the brave fight of a mother and daughter, Sammakka and Saralamma, against the unjust tax laws of the Kakatiya rulers in the 13th century

Location: Celebrated in Medaram Village, Tadvai Mandal, Mulugu District, within the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary.
Largest Tribal Festival: One of the largest tribal congregations in the world. Second-largest fair after Kumbh Mela.
Held once every 2 years (biennial).
Celebrated mainly by the Koya Tribe
Main ritual: Offering Bangaram: Devotees offer jaggery (locally called Bangaram or gold) equal to their body weight to the deities.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/telangana-guv-leaders-offer-prayers-at-medaram-maha-jatara-101769771028233.html

Medaram Maha Jatara 2026 – Sammakka Saralamma Festival & Key Facts for TGPSC Read More »

Telangana Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy 2026–30 – Targets, Features & TGPSC Notes

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Telangana Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

The Telangana government has unveiled the Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy 2026–30. The policy aims to position Telangana as a global hub for life sciences and advanced therapies by 2030.

Key Highlights of the policy:

The Telangana Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy 2026–30, aims to position the state as a top-five global life sciences cluster by 2030.

The policy targets USD 25 billion in investments, creates 500,000 high-quality jobs, and focuses on transforming the ecosystem toward innovation-driven, advanced therapies, such as cell and gene therapies, precision fermentation, and peptides

Vision: Become a leading global life sciences hub by 2030.
Global Target: Top 5 life sciences clusters worldwide.
Investment Goal: $25 billion (₹2 lakh crore)
Employment Target: 5 lakh high-quality jobs
Focus Shift: From supply hub → global originator of advanced therapies

Innovation Support:

Launch of the Life Sciences Innovation Fund, with an initial corpus of ₹100 crore.
Scalable up to ₹1,000 crore

Infrastructure Development:

Green Pharma City establishment
10 Pharma Villages (1,000–3,000 acres each) along ORR
Expansion of Genome Valley
Creation of Bio-innovation & Bio-manufacturing clusters
Collaboration with Union Government

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/telangana-government-unveils-next-gen-life-sciences-policy-at-davos/

Telangana Next-Gen Life Sciences Policy 2026–30 – Targets, Features & TGPSC Notes Read More »

AP Three-Zone Growth Model – North Coastal, Central & Rayalaseema Development Plan | APPSC Notes

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh government has approved a Three-Zone Growth Model to accelerate industrialization and reduce regional disparities. The initiative divides the State into three economic development zones with sector-specific focus.

AP Three-Zone Growth Model

Andhra Pradesh government has approved a Three-Zone Growth Model to accelerate industrialization and ensure balanced regional development, dividing the state into North Coastal, Central Coastal, and Rayalaseema zones.

This strategy aims to foster 15% GSDP growth, with specialized, CEO-led zones focusing on unique strengths—such as port-based industries, IT, and agro-processing—to create jobs and attract investment.

North Coastal Zone (Visakhapatnam): Focusing on port-led industrialization, IT hubs, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.
Central Coastal Zone (Amaravati): Targeting agro-based industries, food processing, logistics, and digital services.
Rayalaseema Zone (Tirupati): Emphasizing renewable energy, mining, horticulture, and spiritual tourism.
Structure: Each zone is led by a senior IAS officer as CEO, supported by zonal committees of ministers and legislators to ensure fast, decentralized decisions.

https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/andhra-pradesh-launches-three-zone-growth-model-to-fast-track-industrial-and-regional-development

AP Three-Zone Growth Model – North Coastal, Central & Rayalaseema Development Plan | APPSC Notes Read More »

Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link Project (PNLP) – Godavari Water Diversion Scheme Explained

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh government has proposed the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link Project (PNLP) to utilize surplus Godavari water.

Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link Project (PNLP):

Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link Project (PNLP) is a major irrigation and water-linking initiative proposed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. It is designed to divert surplus Godavari floodwaters to the drought-prone Rayalaseema region

Purpose: To harness approximately 200 TMCFT (Thousand Million Cubic Feet) of Godavari floodwater that would otherwise flow into the sea, providing irrigation and drinking water to water-scarce districts.

Infrastructure: The project involves taking water from the Polavaram Dam and linking it to the Nallamala Sagar (part of the Veligonda project) in the Prakasam district.

Pumping water from Polavaram Project
Transfer to Prakasam Barrage
Link canal to Nagarjuna Sagar Right Canal
Balancing reservoir at Bollapalli
Final storage at Nallamala Sagar reservoir (Veligonda Project)

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2025/Nov/28/andhra-pradesh-invites-fresh-bids-to-divert-godavari-waters

Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar Link Project (PNLP) – Godavari Water Diversion Scheme Explained Read More »

Ponduru Khadi Gets GI Tag – Andhra Pradesh Handloom Heritage & Key Facts for APPSC

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

Ponduru Khadi from Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its unique craftsmanship and heritage value.

Ponduru Khadi:

Ponduru Khadi is a premium, handspun, and handwoven cotton fabric originating from Ponduru village in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district. Often known locally as Patnulu, the weaving technique is passed down through generations in a village with a long history of khadi production.

Ponduru Khadi receives prestigious GI tag.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission named as registered proprietor.
Ensures only authentic khadi from Ponduru is marketed under this name.
Boosts handloom sector and rural artisans’ livelihood

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:

GI tag identifies products with specific geographical origin and unique qualities.
It is a collective intellectual property right.

Key Features:

Law →
- Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
- Came into force in 2003
Nodal Agency →
- Geographical Indications Registry (under DPIIT)
International Link →
- Aligned with WTO TRIPS Agreement and Paris Convention
Validity → 10 years (renewable)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2215465&reg=3&lang=2

Ponduru Khadi Gets GI Tag – Andhra Pradesh Handloom Heritage & Key Facts for APPSC Read More »

Andhra Pradesh Shipbuilding Cluster at Dugarajapatnam – Key Facts, APPSC Notes

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh government has approved the establishment of a Greenfield Port and Shipbuilding Cluster at Dugarajapatnam under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) of the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways.

Shipbuilding Cluster at Dugarajapatnam:

Andhra Pradesh government has officially approved the development of a ₹29,253 crore greenfield port and National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster at Dugarajapatnam in Tirupati district. This project is envisioned as India’s first mega greenfield shipbuilding cluster and a central component of the national Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): The state has created “National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park Andhra Pradesh Limited” to oversee development.
Infrastructure: The hub will include 1,000 acres for shipyards and 1,000 acres for supporting ancillary industries, with a 2 km waterfront.
Capacity: It aims to build a capacity of 1.2 million Gross Tonnage Per Annum (GTPA), including an anchor shipyard.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/andhra-pradesh-govt-forms-spv-for-mega-shipbuilding-hub-at-dugarajapatnam/article70695823.ece

Andhra Pradesh Shipbuilding Cluster at Dugarajapatnam – Key Facts, APPSC Notes Read More »

PM Modi Highlights Narsapuram Lace Craft as a Model of Women’s Empowerment:

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs / Team PSC Chronicles

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the Narsapuram Lace Craft during the 129th episode of “Mann Ki Baat”, praising its role in women’s empowerment and self-help groups (SHGs).

Narsapuram Lace Craft:

Narsapuram Lace Craft (also known as Narasapur Crochet Lace) is a centuries-old hand-crocheted textile tradition from the West Godavari and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Known for intricate floral and geometric designs.
Has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

About GI Tag:

A Geographical Indication (GI) Tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin

It is a form of collective intellectual property right.
Validity → 10 years (renewable)
Legal framework →Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Came into force in 2003

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/pm-modi-highlights-narsapuram-lace-craft-as-a-model-of-womens-empowerment-1926767

PM Modi Highlights Narsapuram Lace Craft as a Model of Women’s Empowerment: Read More »