What’s in Today’s Article?

• State Autonomy in India Latest News
• Rajamannar Committee's Observations on Centre-State Relations
• Renewed Push for Federalism
• State Autonomy in India FAQs

State Autonomy in India Latest News

• Citing concerns over the erosion of state powers, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has set up a high-level committee led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph to review Centre-State relations and suggest ways to strengthen states' constitutional rights. 
• Nearly 50 years ago, then CM C N Annadurai had formed a similar committee under Dr. P V Rajamannar to recommend measures for maximizing state autonomy without compromising national integrity. 

Rajamannar Committee's Observations on Centre-State Relations

• The Rajamannar Committee noted a growing dominance of the Centre over the States, with state-specific matters increasingly controlled by the Centre, often because the same party ruled both levels of government.
• Though initiated during Annadurai’s tenure, the Rajamannar Committee report was submitted under M Karunanidhi's leadership to then PM Indira Gandhi.

De Facto Centralisation of States

• The committee argued that although the Constitution appeared federal, its practical implementation had reduced States to mere administrative units of the Centre.

Constitutional Provisions Enabling Central Control

• The report cited Articles 256, 257, and 365. These provisions gave sweeping powers to the Centre. 
• The Centre could issue directions to the States and enforce them. 
• The committee said President’s Rule was used as a drastic and unprecedented constitutional weapon.

Key Recommendations

• Repeal Article 356 to prevent misuse of President’s Rule.
• Establish a robust Inter-State Council under Article 263 to resolve Centre-State differences through dialogue rather than coercion.

Criticism of Extra-Constitutional Institutions

• The Rajamannar Committee criticised the rise of bodies like the Planning Commission, created by an executive order and not by the Constitution.

Central Control Through Financial Powers

• The committee noted that discretionary grants from the Centre gave it a "whip in its hands," allowing it to control States through financial dependence. 
• It argued that this made the constitutionally mandated Finance Commission irrelevant and reduced States to "suppliants for aid" in their own areas.

Erosion of Federal Balance

• The report warned of a growing "Triple" threat—central planning, massive grants, and party politics—which was steadily eroding the federal structure.

Increasing Central Interference

• The committee observed that the Centre’s frequent involvement in State matters created the impression of an anxiety to exercise overall supervision, undermining State autonomy.

Rethinking the Idea of a Strong Centre

• The Rajamannar Committee challenged the notion that centralisation strengthens India. 
• It warned that by taking on too many responsibilities, the Centre risks becoming weak. 
• True strength, it argued, lies in restraint and clear focus, not in expansionism.
• Quoting C N Annadurai’s 1967 speech, the report stressed that while the Centre must have enough powers to safeguard India’s sovereignty.
  • It should not encroach on subjects like health and education, which do not contribute to national security.

Renewed Push for Federalism

• Half a century later, the Stalin-led DMK government is once again questioning the Centre-State balance, amid disputes over NEET, GST compensation, delimitation, and language policy.

Mandate of the New Committee

• The newly formed committee will review the current legal framework and suggest measures to restore the rights of States within the constitutional setup.

Uncertain Impact

• It remains unclear if New Delhi will act on the new committee’s recommendations, as the Rajamannar Report and later reviews by the Sarkaria and Punchhi Commissions were largely ignored.

A Call for Cooperation

• The spirit behind these efforts echoes Annadurai’s 1967 vision of strengthening Centre-State relations through mutual goodwill and understanding.
   

State Autonomy in India FAQs

Q1. What is the Rajamannar Committee?

Ans. A 1969 Tamil Nadu panel that studied Centre-State relations and recommended steps to enhance state autonomy without harming national unity.

Q2. Why did Stalin form a new committee?

Ans. Stalin formed a panel to review Centre-State relations, amid disputes over NEET, GST, and language policies, aiming for federal reforms.

Q3. What powers did Rajamannar Committee criticize?

Ans. The committee criticized Articles 256, 257, and 365, which allowed excessive Centre control, reducing States to administrative units.

Q4. What key recommendation did the Rajamannar Committee make?

Ans. The committee recommended repealing Article 356 and strengthening the Inter-State Council to resolve Centre-State issues through dialogue, not coercion.

Q5. Will the new committee’s report be implemented?

Ans. Uncertain. Past reports like Rajamannar, Sarkaria, and Punchhi Commission were largely ignored by successive Central governments.

Source: IE | TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Papal Conclave Latest News
• Introduction
• Governing Rules and Procedures of the Conclave
• Political Divisions within the College of Cardinals
• Geographical Shifts in Power Dynamics
• Key Issues Likely to Shape the Conclave Deliberations
• The Unpredictability of the Outcome
• Papal Conclave 2025 FAQs

Papal Conclave Latest News

• On 21 April 2025, Pope Francis died at the age of 88 at Domus Sanctae Marthae in Vatican City.

Introduction

• The Catholic Church has entered a historic moment with the passing of Pope Francis. 
• The Church now stands in the sede vacante period, the interregnum until a new Pope is elected. 
• At the heart of this transition is the Papal Conclave, an ancient, deeply spiritual, yet inherently political process. 
• Governed by strict rules under the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis (UDG), the Conclave blends ritual, secrecy, diplomacy, and strategic negotiation to determine the next leader of the global Catholic community.

Governing Rules and Procedures of the Conclave

• The Conclave’s procedures are strictly dictated by UDG, emphasizing complete secrecy and isolation within Vatican City to minimize external influence.
  • Only cardinals under 80 years of age are eligible to vote.
  • Voting requires a two-thirds majority, necessitating broad consensus and preventing narrow factional control.
  • Despite being barred from voting, senior cardinals (over 80) still participate in pre-Conclave deliberations, potentially influencing the electors.
• Behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, alliances are built, negotiations unfold, and influence is wielded through respected figures known as the 'great electors'. The secrecy ensures that decisions are made based on conscience, away from public or political pressure.

Political Divisions within the College of Cardinals

• The College of Cardinals is notably divided, largely reflecting debates over Pope Francis's reformist legacy and the Church’s future direction. Two broad camps emerge:
• Reformists/Progressives:
  • Support Pope Francis’s emphasis on pastoral theology over rigid doctrine.
  • Advocate for social justice, climate action, migration rights, and greater inclusion of women and LGBTQ+ Catholics.
• Conservatives/Traditionalists:
  • Stress liturgical tradition, doctrinal clarity, and a return to pre-Francis norms.
  • Seek to reaffirm established moral teachings and resist perceived doctrinal dilution.
• However, these divisions are nuanced. Many cardinals from the Global South, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, combine social conservatism (e.g., opposition to same-sex blessings like the Fiducia Supplicans) with a strong commitment to social justice and environmental advocacy, making their voting behaviour less predictable.

Geographical Shifts in Power Dynamics

• Pope Francis deliberately altered the traditional European dominance in the College of Cardinals:
  • Europeans now constitute only about 39.3% of the electors, down from over 50% in 2013.
  • Asia-Pacific represents about 17%, Latin America 15.6%, and Africa 13.3%.
• This diversification reflects the global nature of Catholicism and introduces new political complexities. 
• Cardinals from the Global South, shaped by poverty, migration, and interreligious dynamics, will likely influence the focus of the Conclave toward broader global challenges rather than traditional European concerns.
• The shrinking European share and growing southern representation increase the possibility of a non-European Pope, and make cross-regional coalition-building essential to reach the two-thirds voting threshold.

Key Issues Likely to Shape the Conclave Deliberations

• Several pressing theological and social issues are expected to dominate discussions:
  • Synodality: Pope Francis’s project to promote a more consultative Church faces uncertain prospects, with some seeing it as renewal, others as a threat to hierarchical authority.
  • Handling of LGBTQ+ Issues: The backlash to Fiducia Supplicans (allowing blessings for same-sex couples) highlights tensions between pastoral outreach and doctrinal purity.
  • Role of Women: Calls for greater inclusion, including possibilities like women deacons, are gaining momentum.
  • Clerical Celibacy and Bioethics: Sensitive discussions on evolving traditional stances are expected.
  • Sexual Abuse Crisis: Despite reforms like Vos Estis Lux Mundi, concerns about enforcement and accountability persist, making transparency and survivor support key litmus tests for candidates.
  • Geopolitical and Internal Reforms: The next Pope must address international conflicts (e.g., Ukraine, Gaza), navigate relations with powers like China (especially regarding the controversial Vatican-China deal), and continue internal financial reforms after scandals like the London property case.

The Unpredictability of the Outcome

• Unlike previous Conclaves where front-runners were clear, the 2025 Conclave is marked by unpredictability:
  • The diverse composition of cardinals, many unfamiliar with each other, adds complexity.
  • The secrecy of the proceedings ensures that real alliances and shifts remain invisible until the white smoke announces the decision.
  • The traditional Vatican saying, "He who enters the Conclave as Pope, leaves it as a cardinal," reflects the uncertainty, often, unexpected candidates emerge as compromise choices acceptable to various factions.
• The final choice will be a product of political manoeuvring, individual discernment, and, for believers, divine guidance within the sacred walls of the Sistine Chapel.

Papal Conclave 2025 FAQs

Q1. What governs the procedures of the Papal Conclave?

Ans. The Conclave is governed by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis (UDG).

Q2. What majority is needed to elect the next Pope?

Ans. A two-thirds majority among voting cardinals is required.

Q3. How has the geographical composition of the College of Cardinals changed?

Ans. Europeans now make up only about 39.3% of the electors, reflecting a more global Church.

Q4. What are the main ideological camps among the cardinals?

Ans. The cardinals are broadly divided between reformists supporting pastoral changes and conservatives upholding traditional doctrines.

Q5. Why is the outcome of the 2025 Conclave considered unpredictable?

Ans. Diverse cardinal appointments, shifting alliances, and the two-thirds majority rule make predicting the result extremely difficult.

Source: TH

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Draft GEI Target Rules 2025 Latest News
• Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
• Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI)
• Summary of Draft GEI Target Rules
• Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023 and Its Importance
• Draft Rules Tie into India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme
• Draft GEI Target Rules 2025 FAQs

Draft GEI Target Rules 2025 Latest News

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has released the Draft Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025. 
• These rules set emission reduction targets for "obligated entities" in energy-intensive sectors and establish a compliance mechanism under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023. 
• The CCTS aims to enable carbon credit trading to reduce emissions and support India’s climate goals under the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

• GHGs are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the "greenhouse effect" and raising Earth's surface temperature. 
• The five most abundant GHGs are water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. 
• Other GHGs include synthetic gases like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI)

• GEI refers to the amount of GHGs emitted per unit of product output, such as emissions per tonne of cement, aluminium, or paper produced.

Definitions under the Draft Rules

• GEI Definition: The Draft Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025, define GEI as "greenhouse gases emission intensity in tCO₂e/ equivalent output or product."
• tCO₂e Meaning: tCO₂e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) is the standard unit used to measure the warming impact of all GHGs.

Summary of Draft GEI Target Rules

• Baseline Emissions & Reduction Targets
  • Establishes 2023-24 as the baseline year for emissions.
  • Gradual GHG reduction targets set for 2025-26 and 2026-27.
  • Part of India's Carbon Credits Trading Scheme, 2023.
• Industries & Entities Covered
  • Applies to energy-intensive industries:
    • Aluminium – 13 plants
    • Cement – 186 plants
    • Pulp & Paper – 53 plants
    • Chlor-Alkali – 30 plants
  • Total of 282 industrial units affected.
• Major Companies Assigned Targets
  • Includes leading corporations such as:
    • Vedanta, Hindalco, Bharat Aluminium, SW Cement, Ultratech, Nalco, JK Cement, Dalmia Cement, Shree Cement, Grasim Industries, and JK Paper.
• Compliance & Penalties
  • Rules define compliance mechanisms for industries.
  • Penalties prescribed for non-compliance with reduction targets.

Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023 and Its Importance

• Foundation: The PAT Scheme (Since 2012)
  • PAT (Perform, Achieve, Trade) was launched in 2012 to enhance energy efficiency.
  • It set energy consumption reduction targets for selected energy-intensive industries.
  • Companies achieving more than their targets earned Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts), which could be traded with those who underperformed.
• Evolution: Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023
  • CCTS builds upon the PAT scheme, expanding the focus from energy efficiency to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction.
  • It introduces GHG emissions intensity (GEI) reduction targets specific to industries.
• Why Industry-Specific Targets Matter
  • Critical to achieving India’s climate goals and low-carbon growth.
  • Helps industries reduce, remove, or avoid GHG emissions.
  • Example: Cement plants can lower emissions by using biomass instead of coal or adopting energy-efficient kilns.
• Alignment with International Commitments
  • Supports India’s Paris Agreement pledge:
    • Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels).
    • Encourages the adoption of sustainable and advanced technologies in high-emission sectors.
• Key Objective
  • Drive systemic change in emission-heavy industries by integrating climate action with industrial growth.

Draft Rules Tie into India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

• Framework of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS)
  • CCTS establishes a system for generating, trading, and utilizing carbon credit certificates.
  • Inspired by Article 17 of the Kyoto Protocol, which allowed trading of unused emission units among countries.
  • The trade mainly revolves around carbon dioxide, the principal GHG.
• Role of GEI Targets in Carbon Credit Generation
  • GHG Emission Intensity (GEI) targets clearly define goals for industries.
  • Industries must prepare action plans to achieve these targets.
  • Carbon credits are awarded to industries that reduce their emissions intensity.
• Trading and Compliance Mechanism
  • Carbon credits are traded on the Indian Carbon Market platform.
  • Oversight by: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Union Ministry of Power.
  • Industries falling short must either:
  • Buy credits to cover the gap, or
  • Face penalties imposed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• Incentives for Industries
  • Availability of carbon credits motivates industries to decarbonize.
  • Resource-rich industries can adopt clean technologies and profit from surplus credits.
  • Resource-constrained industries can transition gradually by purchasing credits.
• Global Context
  • Similar carbon credit markets have been operational: Europe since 2005; China since 2021.

Draft GEI Target Rules 2025 FAQs

Q1. What are the Draft GEI Target Rules 2025?

Ans. They set greenhouse gas emissions intensity reduction targets for energy-intensive industries and establish compliance under India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme.

Q2. Which industries are covered under the Draft GEI Target Rules 2025?

Ans. Industries like aluminium, cement, pulp & paper, and chlor-alkali sectors covering 282 units are included under the rules.

Q3. What is the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023?

Ans. CCTS 2023 builds on PAT scheme and allows industries to generate, trade, and utilize carbon credits based on emissions reduction.

Q4. How do industries benefit from meeting GEI targets?

Ans. Industries cutting emissions earn carbon credits, which they can trade for profit or use to offset future emission obligations.

Q5. How does CCTS 2023 align with India's climate goals?

Ans. CCTS supports India's Paris Agreement pledge to reduce GDP emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.

Source: IE

What’s in Today’s Article?

• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) Latest News
• Namami Gange Programme
• Recent Developments
• Background and Legal Transition of NMCG
• Income Tax Issues Related to NMCG
• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) FAQs

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) Latest News

• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) as an authority under the Income Tax (IT) Act, 1961.
• This grants NMCG income tax exemptions, aiding its functioning under the Namami Gange Programme.

Namami Gange Programme

• It is an integrated conservation mission, approved as ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in 2014 with budget outlay of Rs.20,000 Crores.
• It is administered by the Ministry of Jal Shakti's Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, to accomplish the twin objectives of -
  • Effective abatement of pollution, 
  • Conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.
• The program would be implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and its state counterpart organisations i.e., State Program Management Groups (SPMGs).
  • NMCG is the implementation wing of National Ganga Council (NGC), which replaced the National Ganga River Basin Authority.
  • NGC was created in 2016 under the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.
  • NGC oversees efforts to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga River, and is headed by the PM.
• In order to implement the programme, a three-tier mechanism has been proposed for project monitoring comprising of:
  • A high-level task force chaired by Cabinet Secretary assisted by NMCG at the national level,
  • State level committee chaired by Chief Secretary assisted by SPMG at the state level, and
  • District level committee chaired by the District Magistrate.
• Its implementation has been divided into - 
  • Entry-Level Activities (for immediate visible impact), 
  • Medium-Term Activities (to be implemented within 5 years of time frame) and 
  • Long-Term Activities (to be implemented within 10 years).

Recent Developments

• Legal basis of the CBDT notification:
  • Clause 46A of Section 10, IT Act, 1961: Exemption for income of bodies constituted under a Central/State Act for specified purposes. NMCG was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Effective from: Assessment Year (AY) 2024-25.
• Condition: NMCG must continue as an authority under the Environment (Protection) Act with relevant purposes.
• Significance: It ensures financial autonomy and operational efficiency for NMCG, crucial for the effective execution of the Namami Gange Programme.

Background and Legal Transition of NMCG

• Initial status: Registered as a society (August 12, 2011) under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Upgradation: Declared an ‘authority’ (October 7, 2016) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Technical issue: Despite this transition,PAN status continued as Association of Persons (AOP), attracting scrutiny and tax demands.

Income Tax Issues Related to NMCG

• Tax demands: NMCG faced income tax demands totaling ₹243.74 crore.
• Condonation by CBDT:
  • Allowed delayed filing of revised returns for the three assessment years.
  • Enables NMCG to claim tax exemptions retrospectively.
• Reason for relief: Jal Shakti Ministry intervened with the Ministry of Finance.

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) FAQs

Q1. Under which legal provision has the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) been granted income tax exemption by the CBDT?

Ans. NMCG has been granted tax exemption under Clause 46A of Section 10 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Q2. What is the significance of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, in the context of NMCG’s current status?

Ans. NMCG was upgraded from a society to an authority under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, making it eligible for tax exemptions under the notified clause.

Q3. What major administrative challenge did NMCG face with the Income Tax Department despite its change in status?

Ans. Despite being an authority, NMCG’s PAN continued as an Association of Persons (AOP), causing repeated income tax notices and demands.

Q4. How did the intervention of the Jal Shakti Ministry influence the CBDT’s decision regarding NMCG’s tax matters?

Ans. After the Jal Shakti Ministry’s intervention following media reports, the CBDT allowed NMCG to revise its returns and granted retrospective tax exemption.

Q5. Why is the CBDT’s notification regarding NMCG important from a governance and policy implementation perspective?

Ans. It ensures financial autonomy and operational efficiency for NMCG, crucial for the effective execution of the Namami Gange Programme.

Source: IE