Current Affairs

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict in Gaza. India, which advocates a two-state solution and peaceful coexistence, reiterated its support for all diplomatic efforts towards regional stability.

Key Provisions of the Peace Plan

• Deradicalisation of Gaza: Transforming Gaza into a terror-free zone without threats to neighbouring countries.
• Immediate Ceasefire: Suspension of all military operations between Israel and Hamas.
• Hostage Release: All hostages (living or deceased) to be returned within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance.
• Interfaith Dialogue: A global platform for tolerance and reconciliation among Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
• Economic Revival: Establishment of a special economic zone, investment initiatives, and large-scale job creation.

Background of the Israel–Hamas Conflict

• Historical Roots: The conflict traces back to the 1947 UN Partition Plan, which proposed separate Jewish and Arab states. Arabs rejected the plan, while Jews declared Israel’s independence in 1948, leading to successive wars.
• Oslo Accords (1993): Signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to establish peace. Hamas opposed the agreement, continuing armed resistance.
• Recent Escalation: In October 2023, Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, killing over 1,200 Israelis. Israel retaliated with extensive military operations, resulting in 64,000+ casualties in Gaza, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.

India’s Stand

• India supports a sovereign, independent Palestine living peacefully alongside Israel.
• It maintains balanced relations with both Israel and Palestine, providing humanitarian aid to Gaza while also strengthening defence cooperation with Israel.
• Welcoming the US initiative aligns with India’s long-standing call for dialogue, non-violence, and respect for international law.

Significance

• For West Asia: If successful, the plan could end one of the most intractable conflicts in modern history.
• For India: Stability in the region secures energy supplies, ensures diaspora safety, and strengthens India’s diplomatic footprint as a responsible global actor.

Context: India has announced the establishment of the first-ever railway links between India and Bhutan, marking a historic milestone in bilateral connectivity. The two proposed rail projects — Kokrajhar–Gelephu (Assam–Bhutan) and Banarhat–Samtse (West Bengal–Bhutan) — together cover 89 km and are estimated to cost ₹4,033 crore. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has designated the projects as Special Railway Projects under the Railways Act, 1989, highlighting their strategic importance.

About the India–Bhutan Rail Projects

1. Kokrajhar–Gelephu Line (Assam–Bhutan):
   • Length: 57.5 km
   • Purpose: To connect the heart of Bhutan’s southern industrial town Gelephu with India’s Kokrajhar, enhancing trade and tourism.
2. Banarhat–Samtse Line (West Bengal–Bhutan):
   • Length: 31.5 km
   • Purpose: To boost cross-border movement of goods and agricultural products between Bhutan’s Samtse district and India’s Dooars region.

Both projects are designed to improve cross-border connectivity, promote sub-regional trade, and integrate Bhutan with India’s Northeast transport network.

India–Bhutan Relations: A Historical and Strategic Partnership

• Treaty of Friendship (1949, revised 2007):
  • Established the foundation of bilateral relations.
  • The 2007 revision allowed Bhutan greater foreign policy autonomy while retaining India as a trusted development and security partner.
• Economic and Developmental Cooperation:
  • India remains Bhutan’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly 80% of Bhutan’s total trade.
  • India has pledged ₹10,000 crore for Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024–2029) — double the assistance provided in the previous plan — underscoring the growing depth of the partnership.
• Hydropower Cooperation:
  • A major pillar of India–Bhutan relations.
  • Joint projects include Chukha, Tala, Mangdechhu, Kurichhu, and Punatsangchhu-II, which collectively supply clean hydropower to India while generating revenue for Bhutan.
• Recent Infrastructure Initiatives:
  • The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Darranga (Assam), inaugurated in November 2024, facilitates trade and the movement of third-country nationals.
  • These projects align with India’s Neighbourhood First and Act East policies.

Strategic and Regional Significance

• Boost to Connectivity:
  The railway lines will enhance Bhutan’s access to Indian ports and industrial corridors, improving trade logistics.
• Economic Growth:
  Better transport will lower freight costs, encourage cross-border commerce, and stimulate tourism.
• Geostrategic Relevance:
  Strengthening India–Bhutan transport links also reinforces regional stability and acts as a counterbalance to China’s growing presence in the Himalayas.
• Integration with BIMSTEC:
  The projects contribute to sub-regional connectivity under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Conclusion

The upcoming India–Bhutan railway connectivity is more than a transport project — it represents a deepening of historical friendship, economic interdependence, and strategic partnership. As Bhutan prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, enhanced physical connectivity with India will be pivotal in supporting its economic transformation and regional integration.

Context: Senior advocate R. Venkataramani has been reappointed as the Attorney General (AG) of India for a two-year term by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

About the Attorney General of India

• Constitutional Basis: Established under Article 76 of the Constitution, the Attorney General is the highest law officer of India.
• Appointment: Appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Union Government.
• Eligibility: Must be qualified to be a judge of the Supreme Court (at least 5 years as a High Court judge or 10 years as a High Court advocate, or an eminent jurist).
• Tenure: No fixed term; holds office during the pleasure of the President. Can be removed by the President at any time.
• Parliamentary Rights: Under Article 88, has the right to participate in proceedings of both Houses of Parliament, but cannot vote.

Functions of the AG

1. Legal Advice: Advises the Union Government on matters of law and constitutional interpretation.
2. Court Representation: Appears on behalf of the Government in the Supreme Court and High Courts.
3. Other Duties: Performs tasks assigned by the President, such as representing India in international legal disputes.
4. Guardian of Public Interest: Ensures government actions are legally sound, balancing executive power with constitutional limits.

Significance

• The AG ensures that laws and policies of the Government are consistent with the Constitution.
• Plays a vital role in high-profile cases such as Centre–State disputes, constitutional amendments, and national security-related litigation.
• As the chief legal advisor, the AG’s opinion shapes critical government decisions.

Limitations

• The AG is not a government servant; he is an advocate.
• Cannot appear against the Government of India.
• Cannot defend an accused in criminal proceedings without government approval.

Quick Fact: The first Attorney General of India was M.C. Setalvad (1950–1963), who served for 13 years, the longest tenure in Indian history.

Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 in parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh for another six months, citing security concerns in these border and insurgency-affected states.

AFSPA Coverage

• Manipur: Entire state remains under AFSPA, except for 13 police stations in five valley districts. The extension comes amid ethnic violence that has persisted since May 2023.
• Nagaland: AFSPA continues in 9 districts and 21 police stations across five additional districts, due to ongoing Naga insurgency.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Three full districts and areas under selected police stations in Namsai (bordering Assam) are notified under AFSPA because of cross-border militant activities.

About AFSPA, 1958

• Declaration Power (Sec 3): The Centre, Governor, or UT Administrator can declare any area "disturbed" through a Gazette notification. The declaration must be reviewed every six months.
• Special Powers (Sec 4): Armed forces can:
  • Use force, including lethal force, against unlawful assemblies.
  • Arrest without a warrant.
  • Search premises to maintain order.
• Assembly Ban: Gathering of five or more persons can be prohibited in disturbed areas.
• Immunity (Sec 6): Personnel cannot be prosecuted without prior sanction from the Central Government.
• Review: Regular re-evaluation ensures that AFSPA is temporary and based on security conditions.

Constitutional & Governance Dimensions

• Centre-State Balance: AFSPA underscores the tension between national security imperatives and state autonomy.
• Human Rights Concerns: Critics highlight misuse, civilian casualties, and prolonged enforcement in the Northeast.
• Judicial Scrutiny: The Supreme Court in Extra Judicial Execution Victim Families Association (2016) stressed accountability and limited use of force.

Significance for India

• Internal Security (GS3): AFSPA remains a key tool in tackling insurgency, though its prolonged use raises questions on governance and human rights.
• Policy Challenge: Balancing security needs with democratic accountability and trust-building in conflict zones remains central to India’s counterinsurgency framework.

Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) license of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO. The action came after violent protests in Leh, which the government claimed were “incited” by his statements. This episode has once again drawn attention to the role and regulation of foreign funding in India.

What is the FCRA?

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 is a comprehensive law regulating the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions or hospitality by individuals, associations, and companies. Its roots lie in the original FCRA of 1976, enacted during the Emergency, which aimed to prevent foreign powers from influencing India’s internal affairs.

The 2010 Act consolidated and strengthened these provisions, aligning them with India’s democratic and sovereign principles.

Read also: FOREIGN DONATIONS AND ITS REGULATION

Objectives of the Act

• Safeguarding sovereignty and democracy: Ensures that foreign funds are not used to affect electoral politics, public opinion, or policymaking in ways that undermine national interest.
• Transparency and accountability: Mandates strict reporting and auditing mechanisms for organisations receiving foreign contributions.
• Public interest safeguard: Empowers the state to monitor, suspend, or cancel registrations when misuse or risks are detected.

Key Features

1. Registration & Renewal: NGOs and associations must register under FCRA, valid for five years, with renewal applications filed six months before expiry.
2. Designated Bank Account: All foreign funds must be received through the State Bank of India, New Delhi branch, to allow direct government monitoring.
3. Prohibition of Transfer: Registered NGOs cannot transfer foreign contributions to unregistered entities.
4. Barred Recipients: Foreign contributions are prohibited for:
   • Candidates for elections
   • Journalists or media companies
   • Judges and government servants
   • Legislators, political parties, or their office-bearers
   • Organisations of political nature
5. Exemption for Relatives: The 2022 amendment raised the threshold for reporting foreign remittances from relatives abroad from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh, easing compliance for families.
6. Grounds for Cancellation: False statements, non-utilisation of funds, or activities against “public interest” can lead to suspension or cancellation of licenses.

Contemporary Issues

• Civil Society Concerns: Critics argue that the FCRA is used selectively, stifling NGOs critical of government policies, especially in areas like climate activism, human rights, and environment.
• Government’s Position: The state defends the law as essential for safeguarding sovereignty, transparency, and national security in an era of rising foreign interference.
• Judicial Stance: The Supreme Court (2022) upheld key FCRA provisions, noting that receiving foreign donations is not a fundamental right but a privilege subject to state regulation.

Significance

The FCRA strikes a balance between enabling legitimate charitable and developmental work while preventing undue foreign influence in sensitive sectors. The Sonam Wangchuk case reflects how FCRA intersects with activism, governance, and geopolitics, making it a critical issue for India’s democratic and regulatory landscape.