Archive

Centre’s Health Spending Paradox: Rising State Outlays, Shrinking Union Commitment

Current Affairs 31-Jan-2026

Recent data show that while States have steadily increased health expenditure, the Union government’s health spending as a share of GDP has declined in the post-pandemic period. This divergence has raised concerns about the Centre’s fiscal prioritisation of health, especially in the context of national commitments to strengthen public healthcare and reduce out-of-pocket expenditure.

India’s Solid Waste Reform 2026: From Landfills to Source-Level Sustainability

Current Affairs 31-Jan-2026

The Union government has notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, making source-level processing of waste mandatory for bulk waste generators and local bodies across India. The rules mark a major shift in India’s urban environmental governance by strengthening accountability, reducing landfill dependence, and operationalising the circular economy framework.

India’s Consumption Conundrum: Spending Growth Without Strong Wage Momentum

Current Affairs 31-Jan-2026

As the Union Budget 2026–27 approaches, policy focus is shifting away from short-term consumer relief measures towards other growth drivers. This makes it timely to assess whether household consumption—despite income tax cuts and GST rationalisation—has genuinely strengthened, or whether underlying wage and income weaknesses continue to constrain demand.