India's Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided a Jaipur-based pastor, Ravi Mohan Pahadiya, alleging he received foreign funds from a US donor without FCRA permission and used them for proselytisation activities.
Amid significant pushback, the Indian government has indicated its readiness to refer the controversial FCRA Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further review.
Nagaland Chief Minister Rio requested the Centre to reconsider proposed FCRA amendments, highlighting their potential negative effects on Christian groups and humanitarian efforts in the region.
India's US ambassador, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, addressed concerns and debunked 'myths' surrounding the country's foreign funding bill, emphasizing its focus on transparency and clearer rules.
The opposition is preparing to resist the Indian Centre's Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to amend the existing foreign funding law and is currently under fire.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesndtv24d ago3 sources
India has rejected US criticism regarding proposed changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Bill, stating it is an internal matter. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that India, like the US, regulates the flow of foreign funds.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss concerns raised by church representatives regarding the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. The CM stated he received assurances regarding the legislation.
India's Home Minister Amit Shah assured Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma that proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) would not have a retroactive effect, a discussion also involving church representatives.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) froze Osun State government accounts days before the governorship election, citing allegations of vote buying with state funds, a move that has sparked outrage and accusations of political bias.
Shashi Tharoor has written an article asserting that the new Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) bill is primarily aimed at control rather than promoting transparency.
A leader from Team Trump has expressed concern regarding India's proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and its potential impact on India-US ties. The bill aims to empower the government to appoint a 'Designated Authority' to manage foreign contributions if an organization's FCRA registration is canceled.
After a united protest on student issues, Indian Opposition parties are calibrating their parliamentary strategy for upcoming debates on the FCRA amendment bill and the Ram temple, with some keen to participate while others, like Samajwadi Party, have differing views.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced in the Lok Sabha, proposes a new framework for managing foreign contributions and assets when an organisation’s registration is cancelled, surrendered or ceases.
Derek O'Brien of the Trinamool Congress has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting an all-party meeting to discuss the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and delimitation bills. The TMC seeks a broader consensus on these significant legislative matters.
WorldNYTAl JazeeraTimes of India+4hindustan-timesjapan-timesndtvchannel-news-asia1mo ago7 sources
India and New Zealand have announced a 'milestone' strategic partnership, aiming to elevate their ties and target a significant increase in trade by 2030. The two nations also established an Annual Maritime Security Dialogue.
The Indian government has tightened Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) rules for NGOs and associations receiving foreign funds, notably excluding proselytisation from faith-based activities.
An archived report from The Spectator details parliamentary proceedings, though the specific content of the events is not immediately clear from the provided snippet.
The Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) has revealed a refreshed brand identity and a new logo, signaling a modern update to its corporate image.
An Andhra minister has praised the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) approval for the Rural Development Trust, calling it a 'lifeline' restored for the Rayalaseema region.
A Catholic body has called upon the Indian government to withdraw the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) bill, expressing concerns about its implications.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express18d ago3 sources
The Indian Parliament's Monsoon Session concluded with a tense finish, marked by a standoff between the government and opposition over student protests and the FCRA bill. The session saw significant debate and disagreement on key legislative and social issues.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express20d ago3 sources
The Monsoon Session of Parliament is experiencing an impasse, with rival MPs confronting each other, leading to increased security measures. Amidst the disruptions, Amit Shah is scheduled to table the Kerala and NCDC bills in the Rajya Sabha.
The Indian Centre is reportedly considering sending the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) amidst significant opposition.
India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, explained that the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) legislation will apply equally to all faiths and aims to bolster transparency in foreign funding, mirroring similar laws in other countries.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the FCRA Amendment Bill, asserting its aim is to curb anti-national activities rather than target any specific religion.
The absence of the FCRA amendment bill from Parliament's agenda suggests the Indian government might be slowing its progress to politically woo parties like DMK and NCP(SP) for delimitation.
PoliticsTimes of Indiaindian-express23d ago2 sources
NCP-SP MPs, led by Supriya Sule, are scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express their opposition to the current form of the FCRA Bill. Sule has urged the Centre to either withdraw the bill or refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
PoliticsTimes of Indiaindian-express24d ago2 sources
The Congress party has issued a whip to its Members of Parliament and allied opposition parties, instructing them to support the party's stance during the discussion of the FCRA Bill in Parliament. This move aims to ensure party unity on the legislation.
Despite stricter regulations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), foreign contributions to NGOs in India have increased, although the total number of registered NGOs has significantly declined.
The Indian government is addressing concerns regarding a contentious clause in the foreign funding Bill, with the Home Minister reportedly assuring the Mizoram Chief Minister that a retrospective clause will be removed. The Centre aims to pass the bill next week after these concerns are resolved.
The Indian government has reportedly reached out to the Opposition, indicating its willingness to make concessions and soften the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Bill.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express26d ago3 sources
The standoff between the Indian government and opposition continues in Parliament, with Rahul Gandhi insisting on a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah. Kiren Rijiju met with Gandhi in an attempt to break the logjam, as the Congress party remains firm on its demands.
West Virginia Republican Congressman Riley Moore has strongly criticized India's proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026, labeling it a "clear attack against Christians."
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has found no evidence against CM Satheesan in the Punarjani-FCRA case and has closed its probe. This development was announced by Chennithala.
An opinion piece argues that the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) makes it difficult for science in India to thrive with a global outlook and inclusive culture.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express+2ndtvzerohedge1mo ago5 sources
Ahead of the Parliament's Monsoon Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a 'productive' session and made a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi, referring to him as a '56-year-old young man.' The session is expected to feature intense showdowns and discussions on various agendas.
New Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) rules in India are reportedly threatening the existence of the country's civil society organizations. The article highlights the potential impact of these regulations.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express2mo ago3 sources
Amid opposition, Amit Shah launched the new FCRA 2.0 portal and an e-OCI card, aiming to boost real-time monitoring of foreign donations. This initiative seeks to enhance transparency and oversight in foreign contributions.
India's Congress and Left parties have called on the central government to withdraw the recently amended Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) rules.
US lawmakers from both parties have united against recent changes to India's Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), fearing the amendments could harm civil society groups, particularly Christian organizations, by restricting foreign funding.
The Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) and the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) are participating in the International Week of Action. This involvement highlights Qatar's commitment to global financial regulatory cooperation.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express+1ndtv4mo ago4 sources
During an election campaign event in Wandoor, Kerala, the convoy of politician Shashi Tharoor was blocked near the Thiruvalli Chellithodu bridge, and a security staffer was attacked.
The Indian government plans to amend the FCRA, enabling the Centre to seize and manage assets of NGOs with cancelled licenses, a move that has raised concerns about executive overreach and human rights.
India's Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) is undergoing amendments to clarify and fix the validity of foreign contributions received by organizations.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express18d ago3 sources
India's FCRA bill was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) following significant opposition uproar, with critics labeling it as 'anti-minority.' The opposition rejected Amit Shah's offer for a debate, leading to the bill's referral.
The Kerala High Court has upheld a 4% disability quota reservation in promotions for state government jobs. Additionally, the court canceled an order denying FCRA renewal, affirming that the right to protest is not undesirable.
The Tamil Nadu assembly has passed two separate resolutions opposing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, despite opposition from the lone BJP member.
The Indian Centre is seeking consensus to send the foreign funding bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for review. This comes amidst demands for a complete withdrawal of the bill, with the Nagaland Chief Minister urging reconsideration of the FCRA amendments.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to present bills in the Lok Sabha today, including one proposing to rename Kerala as Keralam and another to expand the financing powers of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). Concurrently, India's ambassador to the US has clarified the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), emphasizing it as a sovereign step with parallels in US law, as the government prepares to table the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2026, during the monsoon session.
Opposition parties, led by Congress, plan strong protests against the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, expected in Parliament's Monsoon Session, alleging it targets minorities.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-times24d ago2 sources
Opposition parties in India are persistently demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the FCRA bill, leading to uproar in Parliament. The government, however, maintains that it is not the opposition's prerogative to dictate who speaks in the House.
India's BJP and Congress parties have issued whips as Parliament approaches a final-week showdown, focusing on two critical bills: the Constitution Amendment Bill concerning delimitation and women's reservation, and the FCRA Amendment Bill.
The Indian opposition has voiced its disapproval of the FCRA bill, raising concerns that it targets minorities, while also discussing the delimitation bill and women's reservation within the current Lok Sabha strength.
Indian politician P Chidambaram stated that the FCRA Bill has not been tabled and might not be tabled at all, indicating uncertainty regarding its legislative future.
The Indian Parliament's monsoon session has entered a deadlock for the thirteenth day due to opposition protests, although the government managed to pass key legislation including the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill.
Brazil has downgraded diplomatic relations with Argentina and recalled its ambassador after Argentine President Javier Milei made insulting remarks about Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This move escalates a diplomatic crisis between the two South American nations.
The Indian Centre plans to advance four bills, including those related to FCRA and Supreme Court judges, during the Monsoon Session, despite ongoing parliamentary disruptions caused by the Opposition's protests over the Ram Mandir donation row.
The Indian government is reportedly pushing to pass crucial legislation, including the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill and the FCRA, despite concerns about potential parliamentary delays.
The Indian government has defended its amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), stating that unregulated foreign money poses a threat to democratic integrity, while clarifying that the act does not prohibit NGOs from accessing foreign funds.
The Indian government's Monsoon session agenda includes the FCRA and Vande Mataram bills, while the opposition plans to raise issues such as the Ram Mandir, E20 fuel, and the NEET-UG paper leak.
A significant majority, over 72%, of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) registered under India's Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) are no longer active, with their licenses either cancelled or expired since 2012.
The Indian government has notified new Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) rules, tightening regulations for NGOs, restricting foreign nationals from holding certain positions, and increasing scrutiny on religious conversions.
PoliticsAPReutersBBC+18NPRDWle-figarolsm-lvtvn24digi24YahooTimes of India+10 more3mo ago21 sources
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio began his first visit to India, aiming to repair and strengthen bilateral relations, boost the Quad alliance, and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi and other officials, with a mission to consolidate a partnership affected by tariffs imposed by Donald Trump and renewed US relations with Pakistan and China.
BJP Christian leaders in Kerala claim they were 'ditched' by the Church, alleging its support for the UDF amidst a controversy surrounding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
M.K. Stalin has criticized the FCRA bill as 'draconian' and accused the BJP-led Centre of deliberately targeting Christians ahead of upcoming elections. His comments highlight political tensions surrounding the legislation and religious communities.
The BJP faces backlash from Christian groups in Kerala over the controversial FCRA amendment bill, raising concerns about asset seizure and minority welfare.
PoliticsTimes of Indiahindustan-timesindian-express5mo ago3 sources
The Indian government has introduced the Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill, 2026, in Parliament amid opposition protests, proposing to reduce the maximum imprisonment for foreign funding law violations and including provisions for a designated authority to manage assets.