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September 21st and 22nd Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – September 21st and 22nd

Table of Contents

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010

Why in News?

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 is currently being examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The issue has gained attention because of proposed changes concerning the regulation of foreign donations received by NGOs and other organisations, particularly the proposed “Designated Authority” for managing assets when an organisation loses its FCRA registration.

What is FCRA?

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions and foreign hospitality by individuals, associations and organisations in India.

Its broad objectives are:

  • To regulate foreign funding entering India.
  • To ensure that foreign contributions are used only for permitted purposes.
  • To prevent foreign funds from adversely affecting national interest, sovereignty, security and public order.
  • To ensure transparency and accountability in the utilisation of foreign funds.

The Act is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

What constitutes a Foreign Contribution?

Foreign contribution broadly includes:

  • Donation, delivery or transfer of currency or securities from a foreign source.
  • Articles received from a foreign source, subject to the limits prescribed under the law.
  • Foreign hospitality is also regulated separately under the Act.

Foreign contributions are commonly received by organisations working in areas such as:

Education | Healthcare | Disaster relief | Social welfare | Environment | Research | Humanitarian activities

Who can receive foreign contributions?

An organisation generally needs FCRA registration or prior permission to receive foreign contributions.

The regulatory framework requires organisations to:

  1. Maintain proper accounts.
  2. Report receipt and utilisation of foreign funds.
  3. Use the funds only for permitted purposes.
  4. Comply with conditions attached to their FCRA registration.

Key Changes in the 2026 FCRA Framework

  1. Activity- and State/UT-specific registration

The amended rules introduce greater specificity in registration.

Organisations are required to identify the specific activities and States/UTs in which they intend to operate rather than relying on broad descriptions of activities.

Significance:
This can make monitoring of foreign-funded activities more precise.

  1. Enhanced reporting requirements

Annual reporting has been strengthened to include greater details regarding:

  • Project-wise utilisation
  • Activity-wise expenditure
  • Foreign donors
  • Organisation’s website and social-media details
  • Ultimate foreign donor, including where funds pass through intermediaries.

Purpose: Greater financial transparency and traceability.

  1. Minimum utilisation requirement

For renewal of FCRA registration, organisations are required to demonstrate utilisation of at least ₹10 lakh in foreign contributions during the preceding two years, subject to the applicable rules.

This seeks to distinguish active organisations from those holding registrations without substantial utilisation.

  1. Proposed “Designated Authority” – Important for UPSC

This is one of the most debated provisions of the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026.

Under the proposed framework, when an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or otherwise ceases, a government-appointed Designated Authority would have powers relating to foreign contributions and assets created from such contributions.

Why is this controversial?

Government’s position:

  • Existing law contains provisions concerning vesting/custody of assets.
  • There is a need for a clear mechanism to manage such assets.
  • The proposed mechanism would prevent foreign-funded assets from remaining in legal and administrative limbo.
  • The government argues that stronger oversight is necessary for transparency and national security.

Concerns raised before the JPC:

  • The scope of the Designated Authority’s powers.
  • Possible transfer or disposal of assets.
  • Concerns regarding procedural safeguards and prior hearing.
  • Questions regarding protection of property rights under Article 300A.
  • Possible implications for institutions such as schools, hospitals, orphanages and religious institutions.

Important: The Amendment Bill is still under parliamentary examination; therefore, these proposed provisions should not be treated as enacted law.

Why does FCRA matter for Governance?

  1. National Security

Foreign funding can potentially be used to influence activities affecting India’s security and sovereignty.

  1. Financial Transparency

FCRA creates a framework for tracking the source and utilisation of foreign funds.

  1. Civil Society

NGOs and voluntary organisations play an important role in education, healthcare, relief work and social development. Regulation therefore needs to balance accountability with legitimate civil-society activity.

  1. Federal Issues

Many FCRA-funded organisations operate at the State level, while FCRA is administered by the Union Government. This creates questions relating to the Centre-State dimensions of regulation.

  1. Constitutional Dimensions

The debate intersects with:

  • Article 19 – freedoms of speech and association
  • Article 21 – procedural fairness and individual liberty in relevant contexts
  • Article 300A – protection against deprivation of property except by authority of law
  • Rule of law and due process principles

FCRA: Key Timeline

Year

Development

1976

First FCRA enacted

2010

FCRA 2010 replaced the earlier legislation

2015

Major changes to the regulatory framework

2020

Significant amendments introduced stricter compliance and utilisation rules

2026

FCRA Amendment Bill introduced; revised FCRA Rules notified

2026

Amendment Bill referred to JPC for detailed examination

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lok Sabha on 25 March 2026, while the revised FCRA Rules were notified on 22 June 2026.

Yudh Abhyas 2026

Why in News?

The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, the annual bilateral military exercise between India and the United States, is being conducted from 15 September 2026. The exercise is being held simultaneously at Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Around 600 personnel from each country are participating.

What is Yudh Abhyas?

Yudh Abhyas is a bilateral India–US Army exercise that began in 2004.

Its major objectives are:

  • Improving interoperability between the two armies.
  • Sharing military tactics, techniques and procedures.
  • Developing capabilities for joint operations.
  • Enhancing cooperation in mountain and semi-mountainous terrain.
  • Improving joint planning and execution of military operations.
  • Familiarising troops with each other’s weapons, equipment and operational procedures.

Key Features of Yudh Abhyas 2026

  1. Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs)

A major focus is improving the capability of both armies to employ Integrated Battle Groups.

IBGs are self-contained, agile military formations designed to undertake rapid operations by integrating different combat and support elements.

UPSC relevance:
IBGs are associated with India’s efforts to make the Army more agile, integrated and rapidly deployable.

  1. Mountain Warfare

The exercise has a strong focus on operations in:

  • Mountainous terrain
  • Semi-mountainous terrain
  • Difficult and high-altitude environments

Training at Auli, Uttarakhand provides an opportunity to practise operations under challenging Himalayan conditions.

  1. Technology-enabled Warfare

Technology infusion is an important component of Yudh Abhyas 2026.

Training includes:

  • Drones
  • Autonomous systems
  • Surveillance and reconnaissance technologies
  • Counter-drone capabilities
  • Contemporary weapon systems
  • Communications and target-acquisition systems

The exercise also provides opportunities for both sides to exchange knowledge about emerging technologies and multi-domain warfare.

  1. Counter-Terrorism Operations

The participating troops have also conducted counter-terrorism and building-clearance drills.

These involve coordinated use of:

  • Infantry assault teams
  • Snipers
  • Drones
  • Canines
  • Robotic/autonomous systems

Such exercises improve the ability of forces to operate together during complex urban and counter-terrorism situations.

Two Important Training Locations

Location

State

Main significance

Auli Foreign Training Node

Uttarakhand

Mountain/semi-mountain warfare, infantry operations and counter-terrorism

Mahajan Field Firing Range

Rajasthan

Firing exercises, weapons systems, target acquisition and technology demonstrations

The simultaneous conduct at two different locations exposes troops to different operational environments.

Important Military Units

The US contingent includes personnel from the 11th Airborne Division, including its 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, popularly known as the “Arctic Angels.”

The Indian contingent includes personnel from the Indian Army’s Garhwal Regiment and other participating formations.

Significance for India–US Relations

  1. Defence interoperability

Regular exercises allow both armies to understand each other’s:

equipment → communication systems → tactics → procedures → command structures

This improves their ability to coordinate during joint operations.

  1. Defence technology cooperation

The exercise provides a platform for exchanging experience in:

  • Unmanned systems
  • Surveillance
  • Counter-drone technology
  • Precision capabilities
  • Autonomous systems
  1. Himalayan operational experience

Training in Uttarakhand is particularly relevant because of India’s requirement to maintain strong capabilities in high-altitude and mountainous terrain.

  1. Indo-Pacific dimension

Yudh Abhyas forms part of the broader India–US Major Defence Partnership and contributes to greater military interoperability between the two countries.

India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

Why in News?

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will come into force on 20 October 2026, after both countries completed the ratification process. The agreement was signed in New Delhi on 27 April 2026.

The agreement is significant because 100% of Indian goods exports to New Zealand will receive duty-free access from the first day of implementation, while New Zealand will progressively reduce or eliminate tariffs on around 95% of its exports to India.

What is a Free Trade Agreement?

A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a pact between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate trade barriers between them.

It may cover:

  • Tariffs/customs duties
  • Trade in goods
  • Trade in services
  • Investment
  • Rules of origin
  • Intellectual property
  • Trade facilitation
  • Regulatory cooperation
  • Movement of professionals

Important: An FTA does not necessarily mean that all trade barriers disappear immediately. Countries can retain exclusions or phase tariff reductions over time.

Key Features of India–New Zealand FTA

  1. Duty-free access for Indian exports

India will receive zero-duty access for 100% of its goods exports to New Zealand from the first day the agreement enters into force.

This is particularly relevant for sectors such as:

  • Textiles and apparel
  • Leather and footwear
  • Engineering goods
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Chemicals
  • Agricultural and processed food products
  • Gems and jewellery

The agreement is expected to improve the price competitiveness of Indian exports in the New Zealand market.

  1. New Zealand’s access to the Indian market

New Zealand will progressively eliminate or reduce tariffs on around 95% of its exports to India. More than half of the covered products will become duty-free when the agreement takes effect.

However, India has retained significant exclusions for sensitive sectors.

India’s major exclusions include:

  • Dairy products
  • Several animal products
  • Onions, chana, peas and corn
  • Sugar
  • Vegetable and animal fats and oils
  • Arms and ammunition
  • Gems and jewellery
  • Certain copper and aluminium products
  1. Investment commitment

New Zealand has committed to facilitate US$20 billion of investment in India over the next 15 years.

India plans to establish dedicated investment facilitation mechanisms to help New Zealand investors.

This can potentially support:

Investment → Capital formation → Technology → Employment → Productivity

  1. Services and professional mobility

The agreement also covers trade in services and movement of professionals, creating opportunities beyond merchandise exports.

Potential areas include:

  • IT and IT-enabled services
  • Professional services
  • Education
  • Tourism
  • Business services

This is particularly relevant for India’s services-export strength.

  1. Strategic dimension

The FTA is not only an economic agreement.

India and New Zealand have also been strengthening their broader bilateral relationship. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand in July 2026, the two countries announced a Strategic Partnership and a Roadmap to 2030.

Thus, the FTA can contribute to:

Economic ties + Investment + Technology + Services + Strategic partnership

Why is the FTA important for India?

  1. Export diversification

India is seeking to diversify its export destinations amid increasing uncertainty in global trade.

Greater access to the New Zealand market can reduce dependence on a limited number of major export destinations.

  1. MSME opportunities

Lower tariffs can make Indian MSME products more competitive in overseas markets.

  1. Employment generation

Expansion of labour-intensive exports such as:

Textiles → Leather → Footwear → Food processing

can support employment.

  1. Investment

The proposed New Zealand investment can contribute to:

  • Infrastructure
  • Manufacturing
  • Services
  • Technology
  • Employment
  1. Supply-chain diversification

Stronger economic relations with New Zealand can contribute to India’s broader strategy of developing resilient and diversified supply chains.

Concerns and Challenges

  1. Domestic industry

Greater access for New Zealand products could create competition for Indian producers, particularly in agriculture and other sensitive sectors.

Therefore, India’s exclusion list is important.

  1. Rules of Origin

Rules of origin are necessary to ensure that goods from third countries do not enter India through New Zealand simply to obtain preferential tariff treatment.

  1. Utilisation of FTAs

Signing an FTA does not automatically increase exports.

Indian businesses need:

Awareness + certification + logistics + quality standards + market information

to actually use the preferential access.

  1. Non-tariff barriers

Even after tariffs are reduced, exporters may face:

  • Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements
  • Technical standards
  • Labelling requirements
  • Certification requirements

Hence, tariff reduction alone does not guarantee export growth.

India–New Zealand Trade: Important Facts

Aspect

Key Fact

Agreement

India–New Zealand FTA

Signed

27 April 2026

Entry into force

20 October 2026

Indian goods exports

100% duty-free access to New Zealand from day one

New Zealand exports

Around 95% to India subject to tariff elimination/reduction

New Zealand investment commitment

US$20 billion over 15 years

Major Indian export sectors

Textiles, leather, footwear, engineering, pharmaceuticals, processed food

India’s sensitive exclusions

Dairy, several agricultural products, sugar, etc.

Kasturirangan Report on the Western Ghats

Why in News?

The Kasturirangan Committee Report on the Western Ghats is back in focus as the Karnataka Legislature is holding a special session to discuss the latest proposal to declare parts of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA).

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued its seventh draft notification in July 2026, and Karnataka has been asked to submit its objections by 27 September 2026.

What is the Kasturirangan Committee?

The High Level Working Group (HLWG) headed by former ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Kasturirangan was constituted in 2012.

Its purpose was to examine the recommendations of the Madhav Gadgil Committee on the conservation and sustainable development of the Western Ghats.

The Kasturirangan Committee submitted its report in April 2013.

Background

Madhav Gadgil Committee → 2011

↓

Recommended a much broader area of the Western Ghats for ecological protection.

↓

Kasturirangan Committee → 2012–13

↓

Suggested a more targeted approach based substantially on remote sensing and GIS techniques.

Key Recommendations of the Kasturirangan Report

  1. Ecologically Sensitive Area

The committee recommended declaring approximately 59,940 sq km, or about 37% of the Western Ghats, as an Ecologically Sensitive Area.

The proposed ESA covers parts of:

  • Gujarat
  • Maharashtra
  • Goa
  • Karnataka
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Kerala

Why only 37%?

The committee attempted to distinguish between:

Natural landscape
→ forests, biodiversity-rich areas and relatively undisturbed ecosystems

and

Cultural landscape
→ settlements, agricultural land and plantations.

The approach therefore sought to concentrate stronger restrictions on areas considered ecologically important rather than treating the entire Western Ghats uniformly.

Karnataka and the Kasturirangan Report

Karnataka is particularly important because a substantial portion of the proposed ESA falls within the State.

The report identified around 20,668 sq km in Karnataka as ESA, covering 10 districts.

The 10 districts

  1. Belagavi
  2. Chamarajanagar
  3. Chikkamagaluru
  4. Kodagu
  5. Hassan
  6. Uttara Kannada
  7. Dakshina Kannada
  8. Mysuru
  9. Shivamogga
  • Udupi

The latest State-level account places the proposed area across numerous villages and taluks, making the issue particularly significant for local communities.

What activities would face restrictions?

The recommendations propose restrictions on activities that can cause significant ecological damage.

Mining and quarrying

  • New mining activities
  • Quarrying
  • Sand mining

Existing mining operations were proposed to be phased out within the prescribed period or when their leases expire.

Industries

Restrictions were proposed on:

  • New Red Category industries
  • Highly polluting industries
  • Certain industrial expansion activities

Power projects

The report proposed restrictions on:

  • New thermal power projects
  • Expansion of existing thermal power projects in sensitive areas

Large infrastructure

Greater scrutiny/restrictions were proposed for certain:

  • Large construction projects
  • Township projects
  • Area-development projects

Why is Karnataka opposing the report?

The major issue is the environment–livelihood balance.

  1. Impact on agriculture and plantations

Large numbers of people in the Western Ghats depend on:

  • Agriculture
  • Coffee plantations
  • Arecanut plantations
  • Other plantation crops
  • Forest-based livelihoods

Farmers and residents fear that ESA restrictions could make future development and permissions more difficult.

  1. Ground verification

Karnataka has argued that the report relied substantially on satellite imagery/remote sensing and that greater ground-level verification is required.

The State has proposed more detailed mapping to distinguish:

Natural forests ↔ agricultural land ↔ plantations ↔ inhabited areas.

  1. Development concerns

Local authorities and residents are concerned about restrictions affecting:

  • Roads
  • Housing
  • Infrastructure
  • Drinking-water projects
  • Tourism
  • Electricity projects

Why do environmentalists support stronger protection?

The Western Ghats are one of India’s most important ecological regions.

Biodiversity hotspot

The Western Ghats contain:

  • High species diversity
  • High endemism
  • Numerous endemic plants and animals
  • Important forest ecosystems

The Kasturirangan report noted around 4,000 species of flowering plants and substantial levels of endemism among different animal groups.

Water security

The Western Ghats are crucial for the origin and regulation of several peninsular rivers.

They influence:

Rainfall → groundwater recharge → river flows → reservoirs → agriculture & drinking water

Therefore, degradation of the Western Ghats can have consequences far beyond the mountain region itself.

Disaster risk

Unregulated:

  • Hill cutting
  • Quarrying
  • Mining
  • Construction
  • Deforestation

can increase ecological vulnerability, including landslides, floods and water insecurity.

Gadgil vs Kasturirangan

Feature

Gadgil Committee

Kasturirangan Committee

Year

2011

2013

Approach

More comprehensive ecological protection

More targeted protection

Area proposed

Entire Western Ghats framework, about 1,29,037 sq km

About 59,940 sq km

Major basis

Ecological assessment

Remote sensing + GIS and ecological assessment

Development approach

Stronger restrictions in graded zones

Greater emphasis on protecting natural landscapes while allowing activities in cultural landscapes

Main concern

Ecological conservation

Balance between conservation and development

The Gadgil panel had proposed an ecological framework covering the entire Western Ghats, while the Kasturirangan approach narrowed the proposed ESA substantially.

“Presumed Ineligible”: Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls

Why in News?

The issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has come under scrutiny because a large number of electors who were initially flagged as having discrepancies were subsequently restored to the electoral rolls after appeals.

An editorial in The Hindu highlights concerns over whether the process may result in eligible voters being excluded first and being asked to prove their eligibility later.

According to data cited from the Election Commission’s counter-affidavit, by early September 2026, more than 38 lakh appeals had been filed before SIR appellate tribunals in West Bengal, but only about 1.22 lakh had been disposed of. Of those cases decided, 1,13,943 electors were restored to the rolls, an inclusion rate of nearly 93%.

What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

Special Intensive Revision is a process undertaken by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to comprehensively verify and update electoral rolls.

Its objectives include:

  • Removing dead voters from electoral rolls.
  • Removing names of persons who have permanently shifted.
  • Identifying and removing duplicate entries.
  • Identifying persons who are not eligible to vote.
  • Ensuring that all eligible citizens are included.

The exercise involves house-to-house enumeration and verification of electors.

Constitutional and Legal Basis

  1. Article 324

The Election Commission of India derives its constitutional authority from Article 324.

It gives the ECI superintendence, direction and control over:

Elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President.

  1. Article 326 – Universal Adult Suffrage

Article 326 provides for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies on the basis of adult suffrage.

Therefore, accurate electoral rolls are essential for ensuring that eligible citizens can exercise their franchise.

  1. Representation of the People Act, 1950

The preparation and revision of electoral rolls are primarily governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

The ECI’s SIR exercise is linked to its statutory responsibility to maintain accurate electoral rolls.

What is the Concern Highlighted in the News?

The central concern is the possibility of wrongful exclusion of eligible voters.

West Bengal example

During the SIR process in West Bengal:

  • Around 60 lakh electors were flagged for “logical discrepancies”.
  • About 27 lakh were subsequently considered ineligible during verification.
  • More than 22 lakh of those found ineligible appealed.
  • Among appeals that had been decided, more than 90% resulted in restoration of the elector’s name.

This has raised questions about whether the initial verification mechanism may have over-identified discrepancies.

Important distinction

A person being flagged for a discrepancy does not automatically mean that the person is an ineligible voter.

The verification and appeals process is therefore important to ensure that legitimate voters are not excluded.

Why is the Appeals Mechanism Important?

The appeals mechanism acts as a safeguard against wrongful deletion.

A voter whose name has been excluded can challenge the decision and provide evidence establishing eligibility.

This is important because electoral-roll errors can have a direct impact on the citizen’s ability to participate in elections.

The broader principle

Electoral roll purification → must be balanced with → protection of legitimate voting rights

Key Issues Involved

  1. Electoral Integrity

Accurate electoral rolls are essential for:

  • Free and fair elections
  • Preventing bogus/duplicate entries
  • Preventing impersonation
  • Ensuring one person–one vote
  1. Inclusion vs Exclusion

The ECI has two simultaneous responsibilities:

Remove ineligible entries
+
Ensure no eligible voter is excluded

The challenge is maintaining this balance during large-scale revisions.

  1. Administrative Capacity

If millions of electors are required to undergo verification, the system needs:

  • Adequate staff
  • Clear procedures
  • Accessible documentation
  • Sufficient time
  • Efficient appellate mechanisms

Otherwise, genuine voters may face difficulties in restoring their names.

  1. Due Process

Any deletion from the electoral roll should involve:

Notice → Opportunity to respond → Verification → Reasoned decision → Appeal

This strengthens transparency and procedural fairness.

Role of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has been hearing petitions concerning the SIR process.

The Court has also emphasised the importance of ensuring that eligible electors are not left out.

In March 2026, the Court directed the establishment of appellate mechanisms in West Bengal, including the involvement of serving or former district judges in verification.

The Supreme Court subsequently upheld the legality of the SIR framework in May 2026, while the continuing litigation has focused on the implementation and safeguards associated with the exercise.

Why is Electoral Roll Revision Necessary?

Electoral rolls are dynamic because people:

  • Die
  • Migrate
  • Change residence
  • Become eligible to vote
  • Change constituencies
  • Have duplicate registrations

Therefore, continuous updating of electoral rolls is necessary.

However, large-scale revision creates the challenge of ensuring that administrative efficiency does not result in disenfranchisement of eligible citizens.

SIR and Important Constitutional Values

Constitutional principle

Relevance

Article 324

ECI’s constitutional authority over elections

Article 326

Adult suffrage

Free and fair elections

Accurate electoral rolls are essential

Equality

Equal opportunity to participate in elections

Rule of law

Electoral decisions should follow established procedures

Democratic participation

Eligible citizens must be able to exercise their franchise

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