Shaktimatha Learning | Daily Current Affairs 2026 | Indian Federal System | UPSC Mains Questions & Model Answers | UPSC Prelims MCQs | Page 5

 

Page 5 – Daily Current Affairs

Date: 26 June 2026

Part 1 – Daily Current Affairs

1. Cooperative Federalism and Governance

Cooperative Federalism continues to play a vital role in strengthening coordination between the Union and State Governments for effective policy implementation, inclusive development, and balanced regional growth.

UPSC Relevance:
• Indian Polity
• Governance
• Centre–State Relations

2. Green Energy and Sustainable Development

India continues to promote renewable energy through solar, wind, and green hydrogen initiatives to achieve energy security, environmental sustainability, and long-term economic growth.

UPSC Relevance:
• Environment
• Renewable Energy
• Climate Change

3. Artificial Intelligence in Public Administration

The adoption of Artificial Intelligence in governance is enhancing public service delivery, improving administrative efficiency, and supporting data-driven policy formulation across various sectors.

UPSC Relevance:
• Science & Technology
• Governance
• Digital Transformation

4. Blue Economy and Coastal Development

Sustainable utilization of marine resources, development of coastal infrastructure, and promotion of maritime trade continue to strengthen India's Blue Economy initiatives.

UPSC Relevance:
• Economy
• Maritime Security
• Sustainable Development

5. Skill Development for Future Workforce

Skill development programmes continue to equip youth with digital, technical, and entrepreneurial skills, improving employability and supporting India's transition towards a knowledge-driven economy.

UPSC Relevance:
• Human Resource Development
• Employment
• Inclusive Growth

Part 2 – Special Topic

Indian Federal System

India follows a federal system of government with a strong Union. The Constitution distributes powers between the Union Government and the State Governments while preserving the unity and integrity of the nation. Therefore, India is often described as a "Federal System with a Strong Centre."

What is Federalism?

Federalism is a system of government in which powers are constitutionally divided between the Union Government and the State Governments. Both levels of government derive their authority from the Constitution.

Salient Features of the Indian Federal System

• Written Constitution.
• Supremacy of the Constitution.
• Division of powers between the Union and the States.
• Independent Judiciary.
• Bicameral Legislature at the Union level.
• Rigid Constitution for specified amendments.
• Single Citizenship.
• Strong Union Government.

Centre–State Relations

Type of Relation	Description
Legislative Relations	Distribution of legislative powers through the Union, State and Concurrent Lists under the Seventh Schedule.
Administrative Relations	Coordination between the Union and the States for effective governance.
Financial Relations	Distribution of revenues, grants, and financial resources based on constitutional provisions and Finance Commission recommendations.

Cooperative Federalism

Cooperative Federalism promotes collaboration between the Union and the State Governments in policy formulation and implementation. Institutions such as the GST Council and NITI Aayog encourage coordination, consultation, and shared responsibility.

Key UPSC Points

• Articles 245–263: Centre–State Relations.
• Seventh Schedule: Union, State and Concurrent Lists.
• Inter-State Council.
• Finance Commission.
• GST Council.
• Cooperative and Competitive Federalism.

Quick Revision

• India follows a Federal System with a Strong Centre.
• The Seventh Schedule divides legislative powers.
• Articles 245–263 deal with Centre–State Relations.
• The Finance Commission recommends the distribution of financial resources.
• The GST Council is an important example of Cooperative Federalism.

Part 3 – UPSC Mains Questions & Model Answers

Question 1 (10 Marks)

"Explain the salient features of the Indian Federal System."

Model Answer

Introduction:

The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system of government with a strong Union. It distributes powers between the Union and the States while maintaining national unity, constitutional supremacy, and democratic governance.

Salient Features:

• Written Constitution.
• Supremacy of the Constitution.
• Division of powers through the Seventh Schedule.
• Independent Judiciary.
• Bicameral Parliament at the Union level.
• Single Citizenship.
• Strong Centre with federal characteristics.

Challenges:

• Inter-State water disputes.
• Financial imbalances between the Union and the States.
• Regional development disparities.
• Administrative coordination challenges.

Way Forward:

• Strengthen Centre–State coordination.
• Promote cooperative decision-making.
• Ensure balanced fiscal federalism.
• Enhance institutional cooperation through constitutional bodies.

Conclusion:

The Indian Federal System successfully balances national unity with regional autonomy. Continuous cooperation between the Union and the States is essential for inclusive and sustainable development.

Question 2 (15 Marks)

"Discuss the significance of Cooperative Federalism in strengthening governance and development in India."

Model Answer

Introduction:

Cooperative Federalism refers to a collaborative relationship between the Union and the State Governments for achieving common national objectives while respecting the constitutional distribution of powers.

Significance:

• Improves policy coordination and implementation.
• Promotes balanced regional development.
• Strengthens participatory governance.
• Facilitates efficient use of financial and administrative resources.
• Enhances national integration while respecting federal principles.

Examples:

• GST Council.
• NITI Aayog.
• Disaster management coordination.
• National health and education initiatives.

Challenges:

• Fiscal constraints of States.
• Political differences between governments.
• Inter-State disputes.
• Implementation gaps in centrally sponsored schemes.

Suggestions:

• Strengthen the Inter-State Council.
• Promote regular Centre–State consultations.
• Ensure transparent fiscal transfers.
• Encourage evidence-based policy coordination.

Conclusion:

Cooperative Federalism is essential for effective governance, inclusive development, and national progress. Strong institutional cooperation between the Union and the States will further strengthen India's constitutional democracy.

UPSC Answer Writing Tips

• Begin with a constitutional definition of federalism.
• Quote relevant constitutional provisions such as Articles 245–263 and the Seventh Schedule.
• Use headings, sub-headings, and bullet points for clarity.
• Support answers with examples like the GST Council and NITI Aayog.
• Present a balanced analysis by discussing both strengths and challenges.
• Conclude with a reform-oriented and constitutional perspective.

Part 4 – UPSC Prelims MCQs

Question 1

The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution deals with:

1. Fundamental Rights
2. Directive Principles of State Policy
3. Distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States
4. Emergency Provisions

Answer: C) Distribution of legislative powers between the Union and the States

Question 2

Which Articles of the Constitution primarily deal with Centre–State Relations?

1. Articles 12–35
2. Articles 52–78
3. Articles 245–263
4. Articles 324–329

Answer: C) Articles 245–263

Question 3

The GST Council is regarded as an important example of:

1. Judicial Review
2. Cooperative Federalism
3. Emergency Administration
4. Unitary Government

Answer: B) Cooperative Federalism

Question 4

The primary function of the Finance Commission is to:

1. Conduct elections
2. Recommend the distribution of financial resources between the Union and the States
3. Frame national laws
4. Appoint Governors

Answer: B) Recommend the distribution of financial resources between the Union and the States

Question 5

India is generally described as:

1. A purely unitary State
2. A federation with a weak Centre
3. A federal system with a strong Centre
4. A presidential federation

Answer: C) A federal system with a strong Centre

Quick Revision

• The Seventh Schedule contains the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.
• Articles 245–263 deal with Centre–State Relations.
• The Finance Commission recommends the distribution of financial resources.
• The GST Council is a key example of Cooperative Federalism.
• India follows a Federal System with a Strong Centre.
• Cooperative Federalism strengthens governance and balanced development.

Today's Motivation

"Great nations are built through cooperation.
Great careers are built through continuous learning.
Stay disciplined, stay curious, and keep growing."

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