![Illustration about International Relations: The United States passed the [Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026], allowing the US President to i](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-09-19%2Ftrump-signs-russia-iran-sanctions-law-opens-door-to-100-tariffs-on-india-0110d16e.png&w=1200&q=75)
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Trump signs Russia-Iran sanctions law, opens door to 100% tariffs on India
The United States passed the [Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026], allowing the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from countries that are top buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas.
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Must ReadPM Modi inaugurates NGT’s climate conference, highlights climate inequality
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an international conference on environment and climate change in New Delhi, organized by the [National Green Tribunal]. He highlighted global climate inequality, noting that developed nations have six times higher per capita emissions than India, and emphasized India's success in meeting its [Paris Agreement] commitments ahead of schedule.
Read on The HinduDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Polity & Governance: A [Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)] is currently reviewing the proposed amendments to the [Foreign Contribution (Reg](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-09-19%2Fjpc-members-question-centre-on-foreign-funds-asset-takeover-provisions-in-fcra-amendments-607da757.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadJPC members question Centre on foreign funds, asset takeover provisions in FCRA amendments
A [Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)] is currently reviewing the proposed amendments to the [Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA)], which the [Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)] justifies as crucial for national security. The key points of contention involve a new provision allowing a government-appointed 'designated authority' to take over assets of NGOs whose FCRA licenses are cancelled or lapse, and the MHA's categorization of foreign funding data by religion.
Must ReadIndia-New Zealand FTA can be a ‘beacon’ for global trade, says minister Todd McClay
The impending implementation of a **Free Trade Agreement (FTA)** between India and New Zealand, negotiated swiftly over nine months, signals a deepening bilateral economic partnership. New Zealand anticipates this FTA will act as a 'beacon' for global trade amidst rising protectionism, aiming to double bilateral trade (currently ~NZ$4 billion) by 2030, with official aspirations reaching NZ$7-8 billion.
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Must ReadNepal disaster impact: Sikkim High Court initiates PIL on climate justice
The High Court of Sikkim has initiated a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) concerning climate justice, prompted by severe flash floods in Nepal triggered by an ice-rock avalanche. The court has identified the Himalayan landscape's fragility, shared by both Nepal and Sikkim, and made the [Ministry of Railways], [National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited], the [Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority], and the State Power Department respondents to examine the impact of development projects.
Must ReadMoody's raises India's FY27 economic growth forecast to 7% citing resilience, but warns of inflation risks
Moody's Ratings has upwardly revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 7%, citing strong private consumption, capital formation, and a robust services sector. However, the agency highlighted significant upside risks to inflation due to elevated global energy prices linked to West Asian conflicts and erratic weather patterns like El Niño.
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Must ReadBalancing deep-sea discovery with environmental stewardship
The author argues against the assumption that technological capability should automatically lead to deep-sea mining exploitation. Highlighting India's current exploration activities under the [Deep Ocean Mission], the article advocates for a cautious approach, emphasizing the need for comprehensive scientific understanding and ecological preservation before embarking on potentially irreversible seabed disturbance.
Read on The HinduDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Economy: Recent [BRICS] Summit discussions highlight a growing push among Global South nations to develop alternatives to the Wes](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-09-19%2Fwhat-are-the-alternatives-to-swift-and-how-are-they-faring-explained-5bb43483.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadWhat are the alternatives to SWIFT, and how are they faring? Explained
Recent [BRICS] Summit discussions highlight a growing push among Global South nations to develop alternatives to the Western-dominated [SWIFT] payment system, driven by concerns over the 'weaponization' of the US dollar through sanctions. While India reportedly advocated for linking Central Bank Digital Currencies ([CBDC]) for cross-border payments, this was not included in the final [New Delhi Declaration].
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Must ReadA homegrown innovation ecosystem is taking root
This editorial analyzes the maturation of India's innovation ecosystem, moving from reliance on imports to indigenous development in critical technologies. It highlights the convergence of public research, corporate R&D, and deep-tech startups as foundational pillars driving this transformation across sectors like semiconductors, space, and biotechnology.
Read on The HinduDive Into Study Notes![Illustration about Population & Demographics: A recent working paper by the [Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)] highlights India's declining To](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorage.googleapis.com%2Fprepdose-article-images%2Fdaily-read%2F2026-09-19%2Fa-costly-policy-error-by-china-should-be-a-cautionary-tale-for-india-d5cd72ae.png&w=1200&q=75)
Must ReadA costly policy error by China should be a cautionary tale for India
A recent working paper by the [Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)] highlights India's declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR), now at 1.9, which is below the replacement level of 2.1. The paper uses China's experience with its One-Child Policy as a cautionary tale, arguing that India must shift its focus from population control to managing the consequences of an aging population, as social norms surrounding smaller families are difficult to reverse once established.
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