Why in news?

On Mahavir Jayanti (March 31), PM Modi inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Museum in Koba, Gandhinagar, dedicated to Jain history and Samrat Samprati, grandson of Emperor Ashoka.

While Ashoka is known for spreading Buddhism, Samprati is remembered for promoting Jainism across India and beyond, playing a key role in expanding the faith’s influence.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Mauryan Legacy Beyond Ashoka
• Samprati: The Jain Counterpart to Ashoka

Mauryan Legacy Beyond Ashoka

• The Mauryan Empire (3rd century BCE) is best known for Emperor Ashoka (c. 269–232 BCE), who expanded the empire and promoted a moral order based on Buddhist principles.
• His model of ethical kingship influenced regions beyond India, especially Buddhist Southeast Asia.
• Jainism Within the Mauryan Era
  • Despite Buddhism’s prominence, Jainism also remained significant during this period.
  • Ashoka’s first wife, Padmavati, is believed to have been a Jain, and his grandfather, Chandragupta Maurya, is said in Jain traditions to have embraced Jainism, migrated south during a famine, and died in meditation at Shravanabelagola.
  • While Chandragupta is central to the Digambara tradition, Shvetambara texts highlight Ashoka’s grandson, Samprati, as a key figure.
  • After Ashoka’s death (in 232 BCE), the empire may have been divided between his grandsons Dasharatha and Samprati.
  • Samprati, son of Kunala, is portrayed in Jain texts as a devoted follower who played a major role in spreading Jainism, particularly by promoting and distributing images of the Jinas across the subcontinent.

Samprati: The Jain Counterpart to Ashoka

• Samprati, believed to have ruled between 230 and 220 BCE, emerges in Shvetambara Jain texts as a key royal patron of Jainism.
• Over time, his legacy expanded through medieval works like Samprati Nripa Charitra, portraying him as a central figure in Jain religious history.
• Conversion and Religious Commitment
  • While some traditions claim he was Jain from birth, most accounts highlight his conversion under the monk Suhastin in Ujjain.
  • He adopted Jain lay practices, including daily icon worship, and developed a deep personal commitment to Jain dharma, rather than acting out of political motives.
• Expansion of Jainism Across Regions
  • After his conversion, Samprati is credited with actively spreading Jainism by sending monks to distant regions, building and renovating temples, and installing numerous Jain icons.
  • His efforts helped consolidate Jainism across regions like Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Malwa, and Rajputana.
  • Some traditions even extend his influence to China, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Central and West Asia.
• Temple Building and Religious Infrastructure
  • Samprati’s contribution went beyond missionary activity.
  • Like Ashoka with Buddhist stupas, he is said to have institutionalised Jain religious culture through large-scale temple construction and icon installation.
  • Traditions credit him with building 125,000 temples, renovating 36,000, consecrating millions of icons, and establishing 700 charitable centres.
• Legacy in Jain Tradition
  • In western India, many ancient temples and icons without clear historical records are often attributed to Samprati.
  • His role in Jain history is seen as parallel to Ashoka’s in Buddhism, symbolising a ruler who not only spread teachings but also embedded religious practices across regions.
• Historical Sources and Death
  • Samprati’s life is documented in texts like Sampratikatha, Parishistaparva, and Prabhavakcharita.
  • He is believed to have ruled for about 50 years and died around 190 BCE, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a champion of Jainism.

Conclusion

The story of Samprati and Jainism spread highlights how Ashoka’s grandson played a crucial role in expanding Jainism. The Samprati and Jainism spread effort involved sending monks, building temples, and installing Jain icons across regions.

Through these actions, Samprati and Jainism spread became a defining chapter in ancient Indian religious history.

Why in news?

The Union government has deferred discussion on the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha recently. The Bill proposes changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, aimed at regulating foreign funds to ensure they do not harm national interest, public order, or security.

However, the Bill has triggered controversy, with Opposition parties alleging it could adversely impact minority institutions, especially Christian organisations. The issue has gained political significance ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections, with strong opposition from both the ruling Left and the Congress in the state.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About FCRA
• Why the Amendment is Proposed?
• FCRA Amendment Bill 2026: Key Changes
• Why the FCRA Amendment Bill is Controversial?
• The Kerala Factor in the FCRA Controversy

About FCRA

• The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) is a law that regulates the acceptance and use of foreign funds by individuals, NGOs, and associations in India to ensure they do not affect national interest.
• FCRA was first introduced in 1976 amid concerns that foreign entities were influencing India’s internal affairs through funding.
• It aimed to ensure organisations operate in line with the values of a sovereign democratic republic.
• The Act has been amended three times (2016, 2018, 2020) to strengthen oversight.
• The most significant changes came in 2020, which increased government control and scrutiny over how NGOs receive and utilise foreign funds.
• FCRA 2010: Consolidated Framework
  • Key Objectives - A revised law was enacted in 2010 to consolidate regulations on foreign funding and prevent its misuse for activities harmful to national interest.
  • Registration Requirement - NGOs, associations, and individuals must obtain registration or prior permission to receive foreign contributions.
  • Permitted Uses - Foreign funds can be used only for specified purposes: Cultural; Economic; Educational; Social; Religious.
• Scale of Foreign Funding
  • Around 16,000 organisations are registered under FCRA.
  • They collectively receive about ₹22,000 crore annually in foreign contributions.

Why the Amendment is Proposed?

• The government argues that the current law lacks a comprehensive framework for handling assets when FCRA registration lapses.
• Key issues cited include:
  • Multiple investigations and inconsistent penalties
  • No clear timelines for utilisation of funds
  • Ambiguity in handling assets during suspension
  • Lack of clarity on cessation of registration

FCRA Amendment Bill 2026: Key Changes

• The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 proposes a major structural change by introducing a “designated authority” appointed by the Union government.
  • This replaces Section 15 of the existing Act, aiming to address gaps in managing foreign-funded assets.
• The designated authority will take over, supervise, and manage foreign contributions and assets if an organisation’s FCRA registration is:
  • Cancelled
  • Surrendered
  • Expired or not renewed
• A registration will be deemed expired if:
  • No renewal application is filed
  • Renewal is denied
  • Renewal is not obtained before expiry
• Return or Permanent Takeover of Assets
  • If an organisation later gets its registration renewed or reissued, the authority may return unutilised funds and assets.
  • Assets can be permanently taken over if:
    • Registration is not renewed or restored within a specified period
    • The organisation becomes defunct or ceases to exist
  • In such cases, assets may be:
    • Transferred to government bodies (Centre, State, or local)
    • Sold or disposed of through prescribed processes
  • Special Provision for Religious Institutions - Under Clause 16A(7), if the asset is a place of worship, the authority can assign its management to another person, ensuring that its religious character is preserved.
  • Religious and civil society groups argue that the amendment could threaten the functioning of minority institutions and NGOs that depend on foreign funding for social, educational, and charitable work.

Why the FCRA Amendment Bill is Controversial?

• The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 has triggered a political and social debate over its implications for NGOs and religious institutions, especially regarding government control over foreign-funded assets.
• Government’s Justification
  • Addressing Legal and Operational Gaps - The Union government argues that the amendment is necessary to fix gaps in handling cases where FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, or expires.
  • Security Concerns - The Bill targets entities with “ill intentions”, particularly those allegedly using foreign funds for forced religious conversions.
• Opposition’s Concerns
  • Risk of Asset Takeover - Opposition parties warn that if an NGO’s renewal application is delayed or rejected, its registration could lapse, allowing the designated authority to take control of its assets.
  • Fear of Excessive Government Control - Critics argue this provision could place NGOs and charitable organisations at the mercy of the Union government, reducing their autonomy.

The Kerala Factor in the FCRA Controversy

• The debate over the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 has intensified in Kerala, especially with the Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, giving the issue strong political significance.
• As per the 2011 Census, Kerala has a population of over 3.34 crore, with Christians forming the second-largest minority at more than 61 lakh people. This makes them a crucial voter base in the state.

Why in the News?

• India is accelerating the shift towards piped natural gas (PNG) to reduce LPG import dependence and improve energy security.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Cooking & Transport Fuels (Types, Transport & Distribution Mechanism, etc.)
• News Summary (Switch to PNG, Advantages, Challenges, Way Forward)

Types of Cooking and Transport Fuels

• India uses multiple forms of gaseous fuels for domestic and industrial purposes.

• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a mixture of propane and butane obtained during oil refining and natural gas processing.
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas cooled to extremely low temperatures to convert it into liquid form for transport.
• Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is natural gas supplied directly to households through pipelines.
• Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is natural gas compressed for use as a vehicular fuel.

• Each of these fuels differs in storage, transport, and usage. LPG is cylinder-based, while PNG is pipeline-based, making it more continuous and convenient.

Transport and Distribution Mechanisms

• The logistics of fuel distribution differ significantly across fuel types.

• LPG is transported in cylinders after being liquefied and pressurised, and delivered physically to households.
• LNG is transported through specialised carriers at extremely low temperatures and later regasified.
• PNG is delivered through underground pipelines directly to consumers.

• Pipeline-based delivery reduces handling and storage risks while ensuring an uninterrupted supply.

Why LPG Became Dominant in India?

• India adopted LPG as the primary cooking fuel due to logistical convenience.
• Cylinder-based delivery is easier to implement compared to building an extensive pipeline network.
• This made LPG suitable for rapid expansion, especially under schemes like PM Ujjwala Yojana.
• However, LPG supply chains are vulnerable to disruptions, especially due to import dependence.

News Summary

• The Union Govt is actively promoting piped natural gas as an alternative to LPG, driven by concerns over import dependence and global disruptions.
• India currently has around 33 crore LPG connections. Officials estimate that domestic natural gas production could potentially support up to 30 crore connections if households transition to PNG.
• One of the key reasons behind this push is India’s heavy reliance on LPG imports.
  • Nearly three-fifths of LPG demand is met through imports, with about 90% routed through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been affected by geopolitical tensions.
• In contrast, LNG imports are more diversified globally, making natural gas a more secure option.
• The government is also taking policy measures to accelerate PNG adoption. It is expected that around 15 lakh new PNG connections will be added in the near term.
• A major policy shift includes discouraging dual connections. Households may be required to transition fully to PNG where available, leading to an increase in PNG adoption.
• Currently, PNG connections have crossed 1.5 crore and are expected to reach 2 crore soon. The government aims to expand this to 12 crore connections by 2034.
• To support this expansion, India is rapidly developing pipeline infrastructure. The existing pipeline network spans about 25,000 km, with an additional 10,500 km under construction.

Advantages of PNG

• Energy Security. Reduces dependence on LPG imports and vulnerable supply routes.
• Convenience. Provides an uninterrupted supply without cylinder replacement.
• Cost Efficiency. Lower logistics and handling costs in the long run.
• Environmental Benefits. Natural gas burns cleaner than LPG and reduces emissions.
• These advantages align with India’s broader goals of energy transition and sustainability.

Challenges in PNG Expansion

• High initial investment in pipeline infrastructure.
• Difficulties in land acquisition and approvals.
• Uneven geographical coverage.
• Limited awareness and technical readiness among industrial users.
• Additionally, India’s LNG system operates on a “just-in-time” model with limited storage, making it vulnerable to supply disruptions.

Way Forward

• India must adopt a balanced approach for gas-based energy transition.

• Expand pipeline infrastructure to underserved regions.
• Increase domestic natural gas production.
• Strengthen LNG import and storage capacity.
• Improve regulatory coordination for faster approvals.
• Promote awareness and technical support for industries.

Context:

• The debate on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has resurfaced, this time catalysed by judicial observations rather than executive action, despite Article 44 placing it within the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
• A recent petition before the Supreme Court sought to strike down the Muslim Shariat (Application) Act, 1937, prompting important reflections on personal laws, gender justice, and constitutional equality.

Key Issues in the Current Debate:

• Judicial push vs legislative domain:
  • A three-judge Bench led by the CJI Surya Kant highlighted the need for reform in Muslim Personal Law (MPL).
  • However, concerns arise regarding judicial overreach into a domain reserved for policymaking.
• Equality vs testamentary freedom:
  • Equal succession rights may be undermined by absolute testamentary powers (allowing a person to will away their entire property to anyone he chooses).
  • For example, the Gujarat UCC has been challenged for inconsistencies in inheritance law.
  • Notably, none of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956; the Indian Succession Act, 1925; and the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code, 2024, restrict such testamentary freedom.

Muslim Personal Law - Nuanced Realities:

• Protective features in inheritance:
  • Under the Muslim Shariat (Application) Act, 1937, a Muslim cannot will away more than one-third of property, and cannot favour one heir without consent of others.
  • These restrictions may protect women’s inheritance rights better than some “uniform” laws.
• Codified and jurist-made nature: MPL is not merely customary, it is partly codified through legislation (1937 Act), and developed through judicial precedents and scholarly interpretations.

Constitutional and Judicial Dimensions:

• Essential religious practices debate: In Shayara Bano vs Union of India (2017), instant triple talaq was invalidated as it lacked Qur’anic basis.
• However, inheritance rules are Qur’an-based, making reform constitutionally complex.
• The evolving jurisprudence (e.g., Sabarimala review) questions the “essential practices doctrine.”

Gender Justice - A Mixed Picture:

• Gaps in existing laws:
  • The Shariat Act excludes agricultural land, limiting women’s property rights.
  • State land laws (e.g., Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006), provide partial rights (e.g., to unmarried daughters).
  • Hence, such distinctions violate Article 14 (Right to Equality).
• Progressive aspects of MPL:
  • Marriage is treated as a civil contract, not a sacrament.
  • Key protections are consent of bride mandatory, Mehar (dower) as financial security, and customisable Nikahnama.
  • Similarly, divorce rights are Khula (no-fault divorce for women), and judicial divorce under Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939 on grounds like cruelty, desertion, etc.
  • In some respects, MPL appears more women-friendly than certain provisions in Hindu law or even recent UCC models.

Challenges in Implementing UCC:

• One-size-fits-all approach: Uniformity may ignore community-specific safeguards, especially for women.
• Risk of regressive outcomes: Removal of beneficial provisions (e.g., limits on testamentary powers) could harm vulnerable groups.
• Federal and legal complexities: Personal laws intersect with Religious freedoms (Article 25), Equality (Article 14), and legislative competence (Centre vs States).
• Social sensitivities: Perception of UCC as targeting specific communities may hinder consensus.

Way Forward:

• Gradual, piecemeal reform: Instead of a blanket UCC, pursue incremental harmonisation of laws.
• Focus on substantive justice: Prioritise gender justice over mere uniformity. Ensure reforms do not dilute existing protections.
• Adopt Best Practices across laws: Incorporate progressive elements from all personal laws. For example, testamentary restrictions (from MPL), and gender-equal succession (from Hindu law).
• Address structural gaps: Reform land laws to ensure equal rights for women. Remove arbitrary distinctions (e.g., married vs unmarried daughters).
• Build social consensus: Engage stakeholders, religious bodies, and civil society to ensure inclusive reform.

Conclusion:

• The UCC debate must move beyond ideological binaries of uniformity versus diversity.
• A truly effective civil code should be just, inclusive, and gender-sensitive, rather than merely uniform.
• India’s legal evolution has historically involved cross-pollination of ideas across traditions—a process that should guide future reforms.
• The goal must not be legal homogeneity, but substantive equality and dignity for all citizens.

Context

• India’s LPG crisis of March 2026, triggered by the war in West Asia and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, is often explained through import dependence, chokepoint vulnerability, and inadequate storage.
• While these explain the trigger, they fail to address why a major welfare programme could not shield its beneficiaries.
• The deeper issue lies in the welfare architecture, which amplified the crisis’s impact and the distinction between supply chain shock and structural weakness is crucial to understanding the severity of the disruption.

Gaps in India’s LPG Welfare Architecture and Its Impact

• Expansion Without Resilience
  • Over the past decade, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) expanded LPG access to over 10 crore households, significantly improving clean cooking access.
  • This transition reduced reliance on biomass fuels, delivering measurable gains such as time savings, reduced drudgery, and improved health outcomes for women.
  • The programme represented a major step toward energy transition and social welfare expansion.
  • However, the model prioritised connections over continuity. While access increased, the system lacked safeguards to ensure uninterrupted supply during disruptions.
  • The absence of resilience planning meant that benefits remained conditional on stable market conditions, exposing households to external shocks.
• From State Provision to Market Dependence
  • A critical shift occurred when LPG replaced kerosene distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
  • Despite inefficiencies, the PDS ensured state-controlled supply, physical stockholding, and predictable access.
  • The transition to LPG moved households into a market-based system dependent on global commodity flows.
  • India imports nearly 60% of its LPG, with about 90% routed through the Strait of Hormuz, creating a severe geopolitical risk.
  • Unlike crude oil, there is no dedicated strategic LPG reserve, and existing reserves remain limited.
  • This shift replaced a controlled but flawed system with an efficient yet fragile one, without building adequate supply security mechanisms.

The Illusion of Sovereign Guarantee

• PMUY projected a strong sovereign guarantee, reinforced through government branding, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), and political ownership.
• These elements created an expectation of state accountability and reliability.
• In practice, however, supply depended on global markets and vulnerable trade routes. The state retained symbolic control while lacking direct capacity to manage disruptions.
• This resulted in a misalignment between promise and delivery, where visible assurances were not supported by physical infrastructure or contingency systems.

The Crisis Impact: Unequal Burdens and Social Stratification

• Even in normal conditions, many beneficiaries struggled with affordability constraints, leading to low refill rates or partial reversion to traditional fuels.
• Rising prices and delays intensified this energy insecurity.
• Existing social inequalities further shape access. Scheduled Caste and tribal households face lower LPG usage due to gaps in distribution networks and entrenched hierarchies.
• During shortages, these disparities become sharper, reflecting structural exclusion within delivery systems.
• The gendered burden is equally significant. Although women are the formal beneficiaries, they lack control over supply and pricing.
• When LPG becomes inaccessible, women absorb the impact through increased labour, often reverting to biomass.
• This undermines gains in women’s empowerment, revealing a gap between formal entitlement and actual agency.

The Way Forward: Designing for Resilience

• Strengthening the system requires targeted reforms rather than complete overhaul.
• Establishing a strategic LPG buffer can protect against short-term shocks, while diversifying import routes can reduce reliance on a single maritime chokepoint.
• Clear crisis protocols are essential to ensure equitable distribution during shortages. Expanding alternatives such as community biogas, supported under initiatives like GOBARdhan, can provide localised energy solutions.
• Similarly, scaling up piped gas networks in urban areas can reduce dependence on cylinder-based supply.
• A resilient welfare system must incorporate redundancy, decentralised alternatives, and adaptive mechanisms to prevent disruptions from reaching households.

Conclusion

• The LPG crisis highlights a fundamental limitation in welfare design: success was measured in coverage expansion rather than reliability.
• While PMUY achieved large-scale inclusion, it did not ensure continuity under stress.
• A durable welfare system must go beyond access to guarantee supply stability, especially in times of crisis.
• True transformation requires embedding resilience, ensuring that benefits remain intact even under adverse conditions.
• Without this shift, welfare gains remain vulnerable, and the promise of inclusive development risks becoming contingent on fragile global systems.

Context

• There was a recent controversy surrounding a Class VIII textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training about a chapter ‘Corruption in Judiciary’.
• And the intervention of the Supreme Court of India has revived debate over the limits of criticism of the judiciary and the scope of contempt powers.
• The decision to withdraw the book and appoint a review committee underscores the delicate balance between protecting judicial authority and safeguarding free speech, academic freedom, and democratic values.

Understanding Contempt of Court

• The power of contempt is a key mechanism to uphold the integrity of the judiciary. It consists of civil contempt and criminal contempt.
• Civil contempt addresses disobedience of court orders, while criminal contempt involves acts that obstruct justice, prejudice proceedings, or scandalise the court by undermining public confidence.
• The concept of scandalising the court is complex. It is not intended to protect individual judges from criticism or personal offence, but to prevent the spread of false narratives that damage the institution.
• The distinction lies between legitimate critique and malicious criticism that weakens the system.

The Foundation of Judicial Power: Public Trust

• The judiciary does not command the power of the purse or the power of the sword. Its authority rests on the Constitution, the rule of law, and most importantly, public trust.
• This trust is built through consistent delivery of justice, protection of fundamental rights, and adherence to fairness and objectivity.
• Public confidence forms the backbone of judicial legitimacy. Persistent and unfounded attacks can erode this trust, thereby weakening the judiciary’s ability to function effectively.
• At the same time, openness to accountability and introspection is essential to maintain credibility.

The Judiciary and Tolerance of Criticism

• Judicial wisdom has long emphasized tolerance toward criticism. Sabyasachi Mukherjee acknowledged systemic shortcomings and encouraged inward reflection.
• P. B. Gajendragadkar cautioned that excessive use of contempt powers could harm the court’s dignity rather than preserve it.
• The broad shoulders approach, articulated by S. P. Bharucha, highlights the importance of restraint.
• Courts must demonstrate judicial restraint, allowing space for dissent and criticism without reacting defensively.
• Globally, Lord Denning affirmed that courts should not use contempt powers to suppress criticism. Freedom of speech, including the right to fair comment, remains fundamental.
• Judicial dignity is best upheld through fairness, objectivity, and judicial conduct, not punitive action.

Drawing the Line: Responsible Criticism vs. Contempt

• A clear boundary exists between acceptable criticism and actionable contempt. Criticism must be fact-based, non-reckless, and free from ill intent.
• Deliberate attempts to denigrate the institution or spread misinformation may justify legal intervention.
• This distinction is crucial because the judiciary exercises judicial review, a power that ensures accountability, transparency, and good governance.
• Public support for this role depends on trust in the institution. Weakening that trust risks undermining democratic checks and balances.

The Role of Due Process and Academic Freedom

• Situations involving intellectual or academic expression require a cautious approach.
• Providing an opportunity for explanation, clarification, or correction aligns with due process and promotes fairness.
• A measured response can prevent escalation and preserve institutional dignity.
• The judiciary, as a protector of rights, must ensure that academic freedom is not stifled. Excessive intervention may create a chilling effect, discouraging open discussion and critical thinking.
• A balance between institutional respect and freedom of expression is essential.

Challenges Within the Judiciary

• Internal challenges, particularly judicial corruption, pose a significant threat to public confidence. Even isolated instances can damage the institution’s reputation.
• Existing mechanisms such as impeachment, transfer, and in-house inquiry often prove inadequate or slow.
• Strengthening accountability mechanisms is necessary to address misconduct effectively.
• This would reinforce trust, support honest judges, and enhance the overall administration of justice. A transparent and robust system is essential for sustaining credibility.

Conclusion

• The tension between protecting judicial authority and preserving freedom of expression is inherent in a democracy.
• The judiciary’s strength lies not in the frequent use of contempt powers but in its ability to command respect through integrity, fairness, and constitutional values.
• A balanced approach that embraces constructive criticism while guarding against harmful attacks can strengthen both the judiciary and democratic discourse.
• By promoting accountability, respecting free speech, and maintaining public trust, the judiciary can continue to serve as a guardian of rights and the rule of law.