FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026

Why in News?

The recently proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) through the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 have triggered significant political and civil society debate in India.

What are the key mechanisms in regulation of foreign donations in india? 

• Nodal ministry – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the nodal authority responsible for implementing and enforcing the FCRA
• Registration and renewal – NGOs must obtain FCRA registration to receive foreign contributions.
• This registration is valid for five years and must be periodically renewed.
• Failure to comply leads to cancellation or non-renewal.
• Prior permission route – Organisations not registered under FCRA can receive foreign funds through a one-time prior permission mechanism, subject to scrutiny.
• Monitoring and compliance – The MHA monitors fund utilisation through mandatory filings, audits, and reporting requirements.
• NGOs must ensure that funds are used strictly for the declared purposes.
• Enforcement powers – The government can suspend or cancel registrations in cases of violation.
• Since 2015, over 18,000 NGOs have lost their FCRA licences, reflecting stringent enforcement.
• Security considerations – The primary objective is to prevent foreign funding from affecting public order, electoral politics, or national security.

What are the key changes proposed in the amendment bill, 2026?

• Creation of a ‘designated authority’ – A major provision is the establishment of a designated authority empowered to manage, control, or dispose of assets created using foreign funds when an NGO’s registration is suspended, cancelled, or expires.
• This authority would:
  • Possess powers equivalent to a civil court
  • Transfer or sell assets to the government or other entities
  • Address the absence of a clear legal framework in the 2010 Act regarding asset management
• Expanded definition of ‘key functionary’ – The Bill broadens the scope of accountability by including:
  • Trustees
  • Partners
  • Members of governing bodies
  • Karta of Hindu Undivided Families
  • Any individual exercising control over the organisation
• These individuals can be held liable for violations unless they demonstrate due diligence or lack of knowledge.
• Prior approval for investigations – The Bill mandates that any State government or law enforcement agency must obtain prior approval from the Central government before initiating investigations into FCRA-related offences.
• Timelines for fund utilisation – It introduces fixed timelines for the utilisation of foreign funds received under prior permission, replacing the earlier open-ended provision.
• Automatic cessation of registration – FCRA certificates will automatically lapse upon expiry or non-renewal, removing administrative ambiguity.
• Reduction in penal provisions – The maximum imprisonment for offences under FCRA is proposed to be reduced from five years to one year, signalling a shift toward decriminalisation.

What are the concerns and criticism of the bill?

• Allegations of executive overreach – Critics argue that the Bill grants excessive discretionary powers to the Central government, particularly in:
  • Cancelling or denying renewal of licences
  • Taking control of NGO assets
• The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has termed this an instance of “executive overreach.”
• Threat to autonomy of NGOs – The provision allowing the government to assume control over assets is seen as undermining the independence of NGOs and civil society institutions.
• Federalism concerns – Requiring prior Central approval for State-level investigations is viewed as encroaching upon the powers of State governments, raising issues of cooperative federalism.
• Targeting minority institutions – Opposition leaders, particularly from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have expressed concerns that the law could disproportionately affect minority-run institutions such as churches and educational bodies.
• Chilling effect on civil society – Stringent regulations and expanded liability may discourage NGOs from engaging in developmental or advocacy activities, thereby weakening democratic participation.

What are the reasons for opposition protest and deferral of the bill?

• Parliamentary uproar – Opposition Members of Parliament staged protests, including demonstrations at the Makar Dwar of Parliament, demanding withdrawal of the Bill.
• Lack of consultation – Critics argued that the Bill was introduced without adequate consultation with stakeholders, including NGOs and State governments.
• Political sensitivity – The timing of the Bill, especially with elections in certain States, added to the controversy, with allegations of political motivations.
• Fear of misuse – The sweeping powers granted to authorities raised fears that the law could be used selectively against dissenting organisations.
• Due to these concerns, the government deferred discussion and passage of the Bill during the Budget Session.
• Current status of the bill – As of now, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 remains pending.
• It has neither been withdrawn nor passed, indicating that it is still under consideration.
• The government is reportedly engaging with stakeholders, including community groups, to address concerns and build consensus. However, the core provisions of the Bill continue to be contentious.

What lies ahead?

• The proposed amendments to the FCRA represent a significant shift in the regulatory landscape governing foreign funding in India.
• While the government justifies the changes as necessary for transparency, accountability, and national security, critics view them as excessive and potentially detrimental to civil society.
• A balanced approach is essential—one that ensures accountability without stifling legitimate activities of NGOs.
• Strengthening oversight mechanisms while safeguarding democratic freedoms and federal principles will be key to achieving this balance.

Reference

The Hindu| FCRA Amendment Bill

India’s Resilient Production Systems in Agriculture

Why in News?

India’s agriculture and allied sectors have grown at an average annual rate of 4.4% (constant prices) over the past five years, driven by better farm practices, technological integration, and resilient production systems.

What is India’s agricultural production performance?

• Socio-economic footprint – Agriculture and allied activities account for nearly 20% of country’s gross value added, employ approximately 46.1% of the workforce, and support close to 55% of the population.

• Foodgrains (2024-25) – Output of 357.73 MMT (up by 25.43 MMT from the previous year).
• Key drivers – Rice, wheat, maize, and coarse cereals (millets/Shree Anna), reflects productivity gains, better input use, and stronger institutional support.

• Horticulture – Output of 362.08 MT in 2024–25 (surpassing foodgrains) & long-term growth from 280.70 MT in 2013–14 to 367.72 MT in 2024–25.
• Composition – Fruits, Vegetables & Other crops.

Global Agricultural Markets

• India’s agricultural exports have grown steadily in recent years.
• Agri export earnings – Increased from USD 34.5 billion in FY20 to USD 51.1 billion in FY25, reflecting a CAGR of 8.2%.
• Agri-food exports (FY25) – Including processed food products, amounted to USD 49.43 billion, accounting for about 11.2% of total exports.
• Processed food share – It risen consistently, from 14.9% in FY18 to 20.4% in FY25, indicating a progressive shift within the agricultural export basket.

What is India’s position in the world when it comes to cereals, pulses, millets, horticulture & various cash crops?

What are the key policy initiatives aimed at ensuring resilient agricultural growth?

• Increased budget allocation – Increased from Rs. 21,933.50 crore to Rs. 1,27,290.16 crore in 2025-26, representing a six-fold increase in allocation over 13 years.
• Policy Priorities in Union Budget 2026–27 – Focuses on promotion of high value crops includes
  • Coastal regions - Coconut, Sandalwood, Cocoa, Cashew
  • North Eastern states - Agar trees
  • Hilly areas - Almonds, Walnuts, Pine nuts
• National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) – A centrally sponsored scheme to increase the production of rice, wheat, pulses, and nutri-cereals/coarse cereals in the country.
• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31) – Aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by enhancing domestic production reduce import dependence & paved the way for an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” in pulses.
• National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) – Including the Oil Palm & Oilseeds initiatives, aims to achieve self-reliance in edible oil production by 2030-31.
  • Oilseed mission – Recorded over 18% increase in oilseed area, nearly 55% in production, and about 31% in productivity between 2014-15 and 2024-25.
• Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Materials (SMSP) initiative – A centrally sponsored scheme under the "Green Revolution - Krishonnati Yojana".
• Approximately 6.85 lakh Seed Villages have been established, resulting in the production of 1,649.26 lakh quintals of quality seeds.
• Soil Health Card Scheme – Approximately 25.55 crore Soil Health Card have been issued (as of Nov 2025) to promote balanced and site-specific nutrient management.
  • Parameters tested (12) – Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Boron, pH, Electrical Conductivity, Organic Carbon.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Gross irrigated area share has increased to 55.8% (2025), aims to improve on farm water efficiency by promoting drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.

What are the measures related to Credit, Mechanisation, Technology and health?

• Ground-level agri-credit disbursement (FY 2024–25) – Rs.28.67 lakh crore reflecting the structural expansion of institutional finance to the farm sector.
• Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) – 7.72 crore operative accounts (as of March 2025).
• Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) – 27,554 established (2014–15 to 2025–26) to enhance smallholder access to farm mechanisation services.
  • CHC – It is a unit comprising a set of farm machinery, implements, and equipment meant for hiring by farmers.
• Livestock Technology & Health
• Vaccinations (since 2020) – Approximately 125 crore against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
• Artificial inseminations (2024–25) - 88.32 million.
• Impact - Boosts livestock productivity, disease resistance, and genetic improvement.

What are the measures for sustainable agriculture, extension, and mission mode initiatives?

• Natural farming – Expanded to 17,632 clusters covering 6.39 lakh hectares, with 15.79 lakh farmers enrolled, promotes low-input, eco-friendly farming practices.
• Kisan Call Centres – Handled 30.65 lakh farmer queries in 2024-25
• Ethanol blending – India saved over Rs.1.44 lakh crore in foreign exchange as of August 2025, reflects a shift towards technology-driven, resource-efficient, and improved production systems.
• Integrated Support for Farmers – Securing stable farm incomes, institutionalising risk mitigation mechanisms, and strengthening cooperative networks.

What are the Price and Income Support & Crop Insurance Protection measures taken?

• Minimum Support Price (MSP) – Announced for 22 mandated crops and fixed at least 1.5 times the cost of production, with upward revisions for the Kharif & Rabi Marketing Season to ensures remunerative prices, stabilizes farm incomes.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) – A Central Sector Scheme, over Rs.4.27 lakh crore has been disbursed in 22 instalments (as on 17th March 2026), providing direct income support to farmers.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PMKMY) – Aims to provide social security net for the Small and Marginal Farmers (SMF) by way of pension,
• Enrolled 24.95 lakh farmers as of 2nd Feb 2026, extending social security coverage to small and marginal cultivators.

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) – A crop insurance scheme aiming to provide financial protection to farmers against crop loss due to natural disasters (hail, drought, famine), pests, and diseases.
• Insured 4.19 crore farmers during 2024-25, covering 6.2 crore hectares.
• Applications (2016–17 to 2025) – 86 crore+ were processed with claims exceeding Rs.1.90 lakh crore disbursed.
• Growth – Coverage expanded by 32% compared to 2022–23.

What are the few measures for strengthening Cooperatives & Collective Systems?

• PACS Computerisation – Of 67,930 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) under computerisation,54,150 have been onboarded onto Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms, with 43,658 operational.
• New Multipurpose Cooperatives – 18,183 registered (by March 2025).
• Decentralised Grain Storage Programme – Operational in 11 PACS, with 500 new godowns announced in 2024 to enhance local storage capacity.
• Institutional Reforms
  • National Cooperation Policy → governance strengthening.
  • Tribhuvan Sahkari University → cooperative capacity-building.

What are the measures taken for market reforms, value-chain modernisation, and public food distribution?

• Storage projects (as of 28 Feb 2026) – 49,796 storage projects had received financial assistance amounting to Rs.4,832.70 crore.
• Marketing infrastructure projects – 25,009 marketing infrastructure projects had received subsidies totalling Rs.2,193.17 crore.
• e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) – Expanded its outreach to 1.8 crore farmers, 2.72 lakh traders & 4,724 Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) across 1,656 mandis in 23 States and 4 UTs, enhancing digital price discovery and inter-market trade.
• Formation & Promotion Scheme (2020–2026) – 10,000 FPOs registered (by 28 Feb 2026).
• Fisheries sector – 2,195 Farmers’ Fisheries Producer Organisations (FFPOs) formed.
• Kisan Credit Card – Benefits extended to 4.39 lakh fishers.
• Food Processing Sector – It accounts for 12.91% of organised manufacturing employment.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) – 1,185 projects had been completed, strengthening modern processing and cold-chain infrastructure.
• PLI Scheme for the Food Processing Industry (PLISFI) – Aims to modernise food processing, boost competitiveness, and promote high-growth product categories.
• Approved 169 applications, mobilising investments of Rs.9,207 crore, with incentives amounting to Rs.2,162.55 crore disbursed by 31 December 2025.
• One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) – Achieved 99.8% Aadhaar seeding of ration cards, it has been operational in all 36 States & UTs.
• Fair Price Shops (FPS) – Over 99% of the 5.43 lakh FPS are equipped with electronic point-of-sale (ePoS) devices, facilitating the digitisation of more than 98% of transactions and strengthening transparency in distribution.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (FY24) – Rs.267.6 crore was transferred through DBT to over 10 lakh beneficiaries, improving targeting efficiency and accountability.
• SDGs Linkages – India’s agricultural reforms align national priorities with global sustainability commitments, reinforcing resilience and inclusivity.
  • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production)
  • SDG 13 (Climate Action)
  • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure)

What lies ahead?

• India’s agricultural transformation reflects a balanced approach that combines strong production growth, expanding global market presence, and targeted policy interventions across the farm-to-market value chain.
• As resilient production systems continue to evolve, the expanding role of agriculture provides a strong foundation for deeper integration with allied activities, further supporting rural livelihoods, value addition, and long-term economic stability.

Reference

PIB | India’s Resilient Production Systems in Agriculture 

India’s Resilient Production Systems in Agriculture

Why in News?

India’s agriculture and allied sectors have grown at an average annual rate of 4.4% (constant prices) over the past five years, driven by better farm practices, technological integration, and resilient production systems.

What is India’s agricultural production performance?

• Socio-economic footprint – Agriculture and allied activities account for nearly 20% of country’s gross value added, employ approximately 46.1% of the workforce, and support close to 55% of the population.

• Foodgrains (2024-25) – Output of 357.73 MMT (up by 25.43 MMT from the previous year).
• Key drivers – Rice, wheat, maize, and coarse cereals (millets/Shree Anna), reflects productivity gains, better input use, and stronger institutional support.

• Horticulture – Output of 362.08 MT in 2024–25 (surpassing foodgrains) & long-term growth from 280.70 MT in 2013–14 to 367.72 MT in 2024–25.
• Composition – Fruits, Vegetables & Other crops.

Global Agricultural Markets

• India’s agricultural exports have grown steadily in recent years.
• Agri export earnings – Increased from USD 34.5 billion in FY20 to USD 51.1 billion in FY25, reflecting a CAGR of 8.2%.
• Agri-food exports (FY25) – Including processed food products, amounted to USD 49.43 billion, accounting for about 11.2% of total exports.
• Processed food share – It risen consistently, from 14.9% in FY18 to 20.4% in FY25, indicating a progressive shift within the agricultural export basket.

What is India’s position in the world when it comes to cereals, pulses, millets, horticulture & various cash crops?

What are the key policy initiatives aimed at ensuring resilient agricultural growth?

• Increased budget allocation – Increased from Rs. 21,933.50 crore to Rs. 1,27,290.16 crore in 2025-26, representing a six-fold increase in allocation over 13 years.
• Policy Priorities in Union Budget 2026–27 – Focuses on promotion of high value crops includes
  • Coastal regions - Coconut, Sandalwood, Cocoa, Cashew
  • North Eastern states - Agar trees
  • Hilly areas - Almonds, Walnuts, Pine nuts
• National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) – A centrally sponsored scheme to increase the production of rice, wheat, pulses, and nutri-cereals/coarse cereals in the country.
• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31) – Aims to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by enhancing domestic production reduce import dependence & paved the way for an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” in pulses.
• National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) – Including the Oil Palm & Oilseeds initiatives, aims to achieve self-reliance in edible oil production by 2030-31.
  • Oilseed mission – Recorded over 18% increase in oilseed area, nearly 55% in production, and about 31% in productivity between 2014-15 and 2024-25.
• Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Materials (SMSP) initiative – A centrally sponsored scheme under the "Green Revolution - Krishonnati Yojana".
• Approximately 6.85 lakh Seed Villages have been established, resulting in the production of 1,649.26 lakh quintals of quality seeds.
• Soil Health Card Scheme – Approximately 25.55 crore Soil Health Card have been issued (as of Nov 2025) to promote balanced and site-specific nutrient management.
  • Parameters tested (12) – Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Boron, pH, Electrical Conductivity, Organic Carbon.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Gross irrigated area share has increased to 55.8% (2025), aims to improve on farm water efficiency by promoting drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.

What are the measures related to Credit, Mechanisation, Technology and health?

• Ground-level agri-credit disbursement (FY 2024–25) – Rs.28.67 lakh crore reflecting the structural expansion of institutional finance to the farm sector.
• Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) – 7.72 crore operative accounts (as of March 2025).
• Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) – 27,554 established (2014–15 to 2025–26) to enhance smallholder access to farm mechanisation services.
  • CHC – It is a unit comprising a set of farm machinery, implements, and equipment meant for hiring by farmers.
• Livestock Technology & Health
• Vaccinations (since 2020) – Approximately 125 crore against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
• Artificial inseminations (2024–25) - 88.32 million.
• Impact - Boosts livestock productivity, disease resistance, and genetic improvement.

What are the measures for sustainable agriculture, extension, and mission mode initiatives?

• Natural farming – Expanded to 17,632 clusters covering 6.39 lakh hectares, with 15.79 lakh farmers enrolled, promotes low-input, eco-friendly farming practices.
• Kisan Call Centres – Handled 30.65 lakh farmer queries in 2024-25
• Ethanol blending – India saved over Rs.1.44 lakh crore in foreign exchange as of August 2025, reflects a shift towards technology-driven, resource-efficient, and improved production systems.
• Integrated Support for Farmers – Securing stable farm incomes, institutionalising risk mitigation mechanisms, and strengthening cooperative networks.

What are the Price and Income Support & Crop Insurance Protection measures taken?

• Minimum Support Price (MSP) – Announced for 22 mandated crops and fixed at least 1.5 times the cost of production, with upward revisions for the Kharif & Rabi Marketing Season to ensures remunerative prices, stabilizes farm incomes.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) – A Central Sector Scheme, over Rs.4.27 lakh crore has been disbursed in 22 instalments (as on 17th March 2026), providing direct income support to farmers.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PMKMY) – Aims to provide social security net for the Small and Marginal Farmers (SMF) by way of pension,
• Enrolled 24.95 lakh farmers as of 2nd Feb 2026, extending social security coverage to small and marginal cultivators.

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) – A crop insurance scheme aiming to provide financial protection to farmers against crop loss due to natural disasters (hail, drought, famine), pests, and diseases.
• Insured 4.19 crore farmers during 2024-25, covering 6.2 crore hectares.
• Applications (2016–17 to 2025) – 86 crore+ were processed with claims exceeding Rs.1.90 lakh crore disbursed.
• Growth – Coverage expanded by 32% compared to 2022–23.

What are the few measures for strengthening Cooperatives & Collective Systems?

• PACS Computerisation – Of 67,930 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) under computerisation,54,150 have been onboarded onto Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms, with 43,658 operational.
• New Multipurpose Cooperatives – 18,183 registered (by March 2025).
• Decentralised Grain Storage Programme – Operational in 11 PACS, with 500 new godowns announced in 2024 to enhance local storage capacity.
• Institutional Reforms
  • National Cooperation Policy → governance strengthening.
  • Tribhuvan Sahkari University → cooperative capacity-building.

What are the measures taken for market reforms, value-chain modernisation, and public food distribution?

• Storage projects (as of 28 Feb 2026) – 49,796 storage projects had received financial assistance amounting to Rs.4,832.70 crore.
• Marketing infrastructure projects – 25,009 marketing infrastructure projects had received subsidies totalling Rs.2,193.17 crore.
• e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) – Expanded its outreach to 1.8 crore farmers, 2.72 lakh traders & 4,724 Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) across 1,656 mandis in 23 States and 4 UTs, enhancing digital price discovery and inter-market trade.
• Formation & Promotion Scheme (2020–2026) – 10,000 FPOs registered (by 28 Feb 2026).
• Fisheries sector – 2,195 Farmers’ Fisheries Producer Organisations (FFPOs) formed.
• Kisan Credit Card – Benefits extended to 4.39 lakh fishers.
• Food Processing Sector – It accounts for 12.91% of organised manufacturing employment.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) – 1,185 projects had been completed, strengthening modern processing and cold-chain infrastructure.
• PLI Scheme for the Food Processing Industry (PLISFI) – Aims to modernise food processing, boost competitiveness, and promote high-growth product categories.
• Approved 169 applications, mobilising investments of Rs.9,207 crore, with incentives amounting to Rs.2,162.55 crore disbursed by 31 December 2025.
• One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) – Achieved 99.8% Aadhaar seeding of ration cards, it has been operational in all 36 States & UTs.
• Fair Price Shops (FPS) – Over 99% of the 5.43 lakh FPS are equipped with electronic point-of-sale (ePoS) devices, facilitating the digitisation of more than 98% of transactions and strengthening transparency in distribution.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (FY24) – Rs.267.6 crore was transferred through DBT to over 10 lakh beneficiaries, improving targeting efficiency and accountability.
• SDGs Linkages – India’s agricultural reforms align national priorities with global sustainability commitments, reinforcing resilience and inclusivity.
  • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production)
  • SDG 13 (Climate Action)
  • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure)

What lies ahead?

• India’s agricultural transformation reflects a balanced approach that combines strong production growth, expanding global market presence, and targeted policy interventions across the farm-to-market value chain.
• As resilient production systems continue to evolve, the expanding role of agriculture provides a strong foundation for deeper integration with allied activities, further supporting rural livelihoods, value addition, and long-term economic stability.

Reference

PIB | India’s Resilient Production Systems in Agriculture 

Election Commission of India (ECI)

Why in News?

Recently, SC Judge emphasized that the independence of the Election Commission of India is central to ensuring neutrality in elections, warning that dependence on contestants undermines credibility.

• The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
• Role - The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.
• Established in – The Election Commission was established in accordance with the Constitution on 25^th January 1950.
• Structure - It is a 3-member body made up of one Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and 2 Election Commissioners (ECs).
• Appointment of Commissioners
  • The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
  • Tenure - They have tenure of 6 years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
  • Equivalent status - They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
  • Removal - The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office in like manner and on like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
• Constitutional Basis

• Functions
• Administrative – Allots election symbols and grants recognition to National and State political parties.
• Quasi-Judicial – Settles disputes regarding the recognition of parties and allotment of symbols.
• Advisory – Advises the President (for MPs) and Governors (for MLAs) on the disqualification of members (except under the Anti-Defection Law).
• Regulatory – Enforces the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and monitors candidate election expenditure.

Panchayats and Municipalities are handled by State Election Commissions (Art 243K/243ZA).

• Safeguards for Independence – Removal (CEC) – Can only be removed from office in a manner like a Supreme Court Judge (proven misbehaviour or incapacity via Parliament).
• Removal (ECs) – Cannot be removed except on the specific recommendation of the CEC.
• Conditions of Service – The conditions of service of the CEC cannot be varied to their disadvantage after appointment.

References

1. Indian Express | ECI
2. ECI | ECI
3. Live Law | ECI

India–UN Development Partnership Fund

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian Permanent Mission to the UN in New York hosted the Board of Directors meeting of the India–UN Development Partnership Fund.

• Established in – June 2017 by Government of India.
• Total Commitment – 150 million USD.
• Fund Managed by – United Nations Office for South–South Cooperation (UNOSSC).
• Objectives –
  • Promote South – South cooperation.
  • Align with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  • Prioritize Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States.

South-South Cooperation (SSC) is a collaborative framework where developing countries (the Global South) share knowledge, technology, skills, and resources to achieve common development goals

• Scope & Coverage – All 17 SDGs of the United Nations are covered.
• Projects – 36 projects in 37 countries within first 2 years; 21 under implementation.
• Thematic Areas – Climate resilience, renewable energy, gender equality, health, education, livelihoods, infrastructure, water & sanitation, agriculture.
• Commonwealth Window – Focuses on Commonwealth developing countries, leveraging shared institutional and cultural frameworks.
• Proposal & Implementation Process – Concept Note – Submitted by partner country (strategy, features, budget).
• Submission – To Permanent Mission of India (UN, New York) or UNOSSC.
• Review – By Board of Directors.
• Project Document – Prepared by implementing UN agency in consultation with UNOSSC.
• Approval – Within 3 months.
• Implementation – UN agency + partner government; monitored monthly.
• Oversight – Regular review by UNOSSC, Government of India representatives, and partner governments.
• Significance – The India‑UN Development Partnership Fund strengthens India’s role in South–South cooperation, demonstrating India’s commitment to SDGs and global governance.

References

1. Economic Times | India UN Development Partnership Fund
2. UNOSSC | India UN Development Partnership Fund

Appemidi Mango

Why in News?

Recently, Conservationists in Karnataka undertook a 30‑km march in the Aghanashini valley to assess the status of Appemidi mango trees.

• Type – It is a Raw mango variety, prized for its unique aroma and use in pickles.
• Location – Native to the river valleys (Aghanashini, Bedthi, Sharavati) of Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga districts of Karnataka.
• It is renowned as the "king of pickling mangoes".
• It is known for its excellent shelf life.
• Suitable Climatic Conditions
  • Rainfall - These trees typically grow in high soil moisture conditions along riversides.
  • Temperature Range – Thrives in tropical and sub-tropical climates with an ideal range of 24 – 30 degrees Celsius.
• Cultivation – Grows naturally in forest landscapes; not cultivated in orchards.
• Cultivar Varieties- Popular types include Ananta, Bhattana, Kanchappa, and Karnakundala.
• Appearance– Small, pulpy, and parrot-beak shaped, often weighing only about 10 grams per fruit.
• Characteristics –
  • Flavour –Extreme natural sourness; Strong aroma, ideal for pickle making.
  • Growth – Thrives in undisturbed forest belts with native soil and microclimate.
• Conservation Concerns – Climate Change Impact – Extreme weather events have reduced fruiting per tree.
• Tree Density – Higher in areas with minimal human intervention.
• Best Conservation Method – In‑situ conservation (protecting trees in their natural habitat) found more effective than ex‑situ experiments.
• GI Tag – Received in 2009, confirming its unique origin in the Western Ghats of Karnataka.

Reference

Deccan Herald | Appemidi Mango

Blackbuck

Why in News?

Blackbucks once extinct in Chhattisgarh since 1927, are steadily reclaiming their habitat following a reintroduction program launched in 2018.

• Common Name – Blackbuck is a Medium-sized antelope native to India and Nepal.
• Scientific Name – Antilope cervicapra.
• Genus – Antilope.
• Kingdom – Animalia.
• Family – Bovidae.
• Habitat – Open grasslands, scrublands, and lightly forested areas.
• Distribution – Indian subcontinent.
• Morphology
  • Males – Distinctive spiraled horns, dark brown to black coat.
  • Females – Fawn‑colored, usually hornless.

• Diet – Herbivorous – Coarse grasses, pods, leaves.
• Reintroduction in Chhattisgarh – Under scientific wildlife management under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • First Release (2018) – 77 blackbucks (50 from Delhi, 27 from Bilaspur Zoo).
  • Current Population (2026) – 190 (130 wild + 60 in enclosures).
• Monitoring – Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Infra-Red Cameras, daily patrolling by forest guards.
• Future – Introduction in Gomardha Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarangarh‑Bilaigarh district.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Status – Least Concern
  • CITES – Appendix III (India)
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I
• Threats
  • Habitat loss due to agriculture and urbanization.
  • Poaching for meat and horns.
  • Human-wildlife conflict in farming areas.

Reference

TOI | Black Buck