Academy Blogs

UPSC & GPSC · Editorial Analysis Unwelcome Surge: The Buoyancy in GST Collections Source: The Hindu Editorial GS-III: Indian Economy & GrowthGS-III: Taxation & Fiscal PolicyGS-III: InflationGS-III: Goods and Services Tax (GST)GS-III: Public Finance Strong tax collections are often viewed as indicators of robust economic activity and rising formalisation. However, an increase in indirect tax collections driven primarily by inflation rather than higher production or consumption can paint a misleading picture of economic health. Recent trends in GST revenues suggest that imported inflation, rising commodity prices and higher input costs may be contributing significantly to revenue growth, warranting a closer examination of the underlying economic fundamentals. Key Issues 1. Inflation-Driven Increase in GST Collections Higher prices automatically generate higher GST collections even if the volume [...]

UPSC & GPSC · Editorial Analysis The Right to a Fair Trial at the Crossroads Source: The Hindu Editorial | Author: Gautam Bhatia GS-II: Fundamental RightsGS-II: Judiciary & Judicial ReformsGS-II: Criminal Justice SystemGS-III: Internal Security LawsGS-III: Counter-terrorism Frameworks The right to a fair trial lies at the heart of India's constitutional order and forms an essential component of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21. While the State possesses legitimate powers to investigate and prosecute serious offences, prolonged incarceration without trial raises fundamental questions regarding due process, judicial accountability, and the balance between national security and individual freedoms. The increasing pendency of undertrial cases under stringent laws has brought this constitutional dilemma into sharper focus. Key Issues 1. Prolonged Pre-Trial Detention Individuals [...]

UPSC & GPSC · Editorial Analysis The Indo-Pacific is Here to Stay, With or Without Washington Source: The Indian Express Editorial | Author: C. Raja Mohan GS-II: India's Neighbourhood RelationsGS-II: Bilateral, Regional & Global GroupingsGS-II: India's Foreign PolicyGS-II: International Relations The Indo-Pacific has emerged as the defining strategic geography of the 21st century, linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans into an interconnected economic and security space. While debates continue regarding the future role of the United States in the region, the Indo-Pacific's significance is increasingly being driven by structural realities such as Asia's economic rise, maritime trade routes, supply-chain resilience, and growing strategic competition among major powers. For India, the Indo-Pacific is not merely a foreign-policy construct but a core component of its economic prosperity [...]

UPSC & GPSC · Editorial Analysis New FCRA Rules Shrink Space for Civic Action Source: The Hindu Editorial GS-II: Civil Society & NGOsGS-II: Governance & AccountabilityGS-II: Fundamental RightsGS-III: Internal SecurityGS-III: Foreign Funding Regulation Civil society organisations play a critical role in strengthening democracy by delivering social services, advocating for vulnerable groups, promoting environmental protection and improving governance outcomes. The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) seeks to regulate foreign funding so that it does not adversely affect national interests or political sovereignty. The policy challenge lies in maintaining appropriate regulatory oversight while preserving the autonomy and functioning of legitimate civic institutions. Key Issues 1. Expansion of Executive Discretion The amended rules provide wider powers to the executive in determining eligibility for receiving foreign contributions. Broader grounds [...]