THE HINDU DATED 22nd SEP 2026

Summary of Important News Items and Editorials- 322

THE HINDU DATED 22nd SEP 2026

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1. India–New Zealand FTA to Take Effect on October 20

The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will enter into force on October 20, 2026, after completion of domestic ratification procedures. New Zealand will provide duty-free access to 100% of Indian exports from the first day. Both countries have an aspirational goal of doubling bilateral trade in goods and services to about ₹35,000 crore by 2030, while New Zealand has committed to facilitate around $20 billion of investment in India over 15 years. (The Beehive) Indian sectors such as textiles, leather, engineering goods and processed foods could benefit from improved access. India, however, has protected politically and economically sensitive sectors, particularly dairy, while calibrated access is provided for some New Zealand agricultural products. The economic logic is diversification at a time of global trade uncertainty. Gist: the FTA illustrates India’s strategy of combining trade liberalisation with safeguards for vulnerable domestic sectors while expanding investment, technology and Indo-Pacific economic partnerships.

2. Ram Temple Donation Case — SIT Identifies 105 Instances of Unauthorised Cash Removal

A Special Investigation Team investigating alleged irregularities involving donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya informed the Supreme Court that it had identified 105 instances of unauthorised removal of currency, based substantially on CCTV footage. The investigation also involved recoveries, forensic examination, audits and assessment of persons allegedly involved. The Uttar Pradesh government told the Court that the investigation was substantially complete and that a chargesheet would be filed by September 25, significant because the statutory 90-day period following the first arrest was approaching its end. (thehindu) The allegations concern criminal breach of trust and other offences, but guilt remains for the trial process to determine. The broader governance principle is that institutions receiving large public donations need transparent collection, counting, custody, auditing and surveillance systems. Gist: religious institutions handling substantial public contributions require strong financial controls and accountability, while criminal allegations must be resolved through evidence, due process and judicial scrutiny.

3. IIT-Bombay Removes Dean Amid Student Protests