What is the significance of the provisions in Article 297 and Article 298 for the distribution of powers between the Union and the States?
The significance of the provisions in Article 297 and Article 298 for the distribution of powers between the Union and the States lies in defining the extent to which each level of government can exercise authority over specific matters.

Article 297 deals with the vesting of valuable resources found within territorial waters, continental shelf, or the exclusive economic zone of India in the Union. This indicates that the central government has the power and responsibility to manage these resources for the benefit of the entire nation.

Article 298, on the other hand, extends the executive power of both the Union and the States to carry on trade, business, acquisition, holding, disposal of property, and making contracts for any purpose. However, it also places certain limitations on this power by providing that the executive power of the Union shall be subject to state legislation in matters not falling under Parliament's legislative domain, while the executive power of each State will be subject to legislation by Parliament for matters not within the scope of state legislatures.

In summary, Article 297 emphasizes the Union government's authority over certain valuable resources found in India's maritime zones, while Article 298 establishes a balance between the executive powers of the Union and State governments, ensuring that both levels of government have some degree of autonomy in their respective spheres.