Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with Christian bodies and Mizoram Chief Minister to assure them that the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, is religion-neutral and will not be applied retrospectively.
Key points
- The Bill aims to amend the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.
- Concerns were raised by Christian organizations that the Bill might target specific religious communities.
- Amit Shah assured that the legislation is 'religion-neutral' and aims to prevent misuse of foreign funds, not to harass any community.
- Assurance given that the Bill will not be applied retrospectively.
- The Bill is expected to be discussed in Parliament soon.
Background & context
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and companies. The Act was amended in 2020 to bring in stricter provisions, leading to concerns and legal challenges.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The FCRA Bill was assured to be religion-neutral and not applied retrospectively.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution and Polity - Significant legislations and amendments, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure.
Why in news?
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to expedite measures for justice to AgriGold scam victims and warned against delaying tactics.
Key points
- CM Naidu ordered faster auction of properties to disburse compensation to victims.
- Government will take firm action against those obstructing relief measures through legal means.
- Emphasis on ensuring early justice for AgriGold victims.
- The government is committed to dealing firmly with delays in the compensation process.
Background & context
The AgriGold Group of Companies defaulted on repayment of deposits to lakhs of investors, leading to a massive scam. Many victims have been waiting for their money for years.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the AgriGold scam relief measures.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity and Accountability in public life - Accountability and redressal mechanisms for citizens. GS Paper II: Governance - Government policies and interventions for vulnerable sections.
Why in news?
The Ministry of External Affairs informed Rajya Sabha that the government spent ₹557.51 crore on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 77 foreign visits between 2021 and July 2026.
Key points
- Total expenditure on 77 foreign visits by PM Modi from 2021 to July 2026 is ₹557.51 crore.
- These visits resulted in the signing of 316 MoUs with various countries.
- Significant FDI inflow of $381.8 billion was recorded during the same period.
- Specific expenditures for select visits (Israel, France, USA, Seychelles) were detailed.
- The visits are cited as crucial for building international partnerships.
Background & context
Foreign visits by heads of government are undertaken to foster diplomatic relations, economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships. The expenditure is often scrutinized against the benefits gained.
★ Prelims fact capsule
₹557.51 crore was spent on PM Modi's 77 foreign visits between 2021 and July 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: International Relations - India's foreign policy, bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India or affecting India's interests.