What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism.

Cite CBI consent withdrawals as a recurring Centre-State trust deficit, and time-bound consent rules as a trust-building reform.

• Several States withdrew general consent to the CBI, from West Bengal (2018) to Karnataka (2024), usually alleging misuse of the agency by the Centre; Bihar tightened consent in September 2026.
• In 2024 the Supreme Court held West Bengal's Article 131 suit over CBI cases maintainable, treating it as a Centre-State dispute.
• Trust-building reform: a dedicated CBI law with time-bound decisions on consent requests and recorded reasons for refusal.

Supplies a recent Union change that strains Centre-State trust, and specific measures to rebuild it.

• The MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced on 10 August and passed by both Houses by 13 August; Section 9D(2) invalidates unpaid past State levies without refunds.
• PRS has flagged legislative competence, retrospective invalidation of a judgment, Article 14 and excessive delegation as legal issues.
• Suggest framing the conditions in consultation with States and writing guiding principles into the statute.

Use it as a live Centre-State issue: an elected UT government with limited powers seeking statehood, and the trust deficit from delay.

• The Omar Abdullah government (National Conference won 42 of 90 seats; sworn in 16 October 2024) passed a resolution on 28 September 2026 seeking immediate statehood; BJP members walked out.
• The LG holds police and public order, blurring the accountability of the elected government, while the Court in December 2023 directed statehood be restored at the earliest.
• Trust-building measures: a time-bound roadmap, phased transfer of subjects with clear security coordination, and dialogue involving both regions and all parties.

Use NDRF drought aid as a live source of Centre-State friction and to suggest rules-based, time-bound relief as a trust-building measure.

• On 3 October 2026 Karnataka sought ₹7,142.64 crore from the NDRF for 177 drought-hit taluks against estimated losses of ₹46,324.50 crore, since aid follows fixed norms, not total losses.
• After the 2023 drought Karnataka sought ₹18,171 crore and moved the Supreme Court; the Centre released ₹3,454 crore in April 2024.
• States argue norms and delays leave farmers short, while the Centre says aid follows uniform rules; index-linked norms and time-bound IMCT reports and decisions would reduce such disputes.