CLAT 2027 Current Affairs October 21 | Reservation, Delhi Protests, Ladakh, Power Licence, India-NZ FTA

1. Supreme Court Upholds Ruling on BC Muslim Certificates for Converts

In the news: The Supreme Court has upheld the Madras High Court's finding that an order issued by the Tamil Nadu Government on March 9, 2024, is unconstitutional. The order enabled the Muslims of the BC, MBC, DNC and SC communities to get a Backwards Class Muslim certificate and avail the 3.5% quota for the BC Muslim community.

The courts said that conversion does not qualify a person to be a member of one of the seven notified backward communities among the Muslims of Tamil Nadu. A certificate can only document legal status; it cannot create it.

What CLAT 2027 aspirants should know

• Article 341: The President specifies Scheduled Castes. Parliament can change the list by law.

• Para 3, Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950: Limits SC status to people who profess Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism.

• Articles 15(4) and 16(4): Allow special provisions and reservation in jobs for socially and educationally backward classes.

• Article 342A: Added by the 105th Amendment, 2021. It recognises the power of States to keep their own lists of backward classes.

MCQs

Q1. In which Article can the President specify the Scheduled Castes?

A. Article 15(4)
B. Article 341
C. Article 342A
D. Article 340

Answer: B

Q2. In which amendment are the States granted the autonomy to keep their own list of backward classes mentioned for the year 2021?
A. 102nd Amendment
B. 103rd Amendment
C. 104th Amendment
D. 105th Amendment

Answer: D

Q3. In which order did the Supreme Court uphold the invalidation in Tamil Nadu?
A. Government Order dated March 9, 2024
B. Government Order dated February 6, 2024
C. Government Order dated January 1, 2021
D. Government Order dated August 7, 2026

Answer: A

2. UN Experts Say Delhi Crackdown Violates India's Legal Obligations

In the news: A group of UN human rights experts issued a joint statement via the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR). The police action in Delhi during the protest against the deletion of voters violates India's "core international legal obligations," they said.

More than 7,000 youths, journalists and human rights defenders were detained arbitrarily, the experts said. They also expressed concern about reports of sexual violence. They demanded an independent, impartial and thorough enquiry and reparations. The External Affairs Ministry had not responded at the time of reporting.

What CLAT 2027 aspirants should know

• Article 19(1)(a), (b): Freedom of speech, the right to assemble peaceably and without arms.

• Article 19(3): Provides for reasonable restrictions on assembly for the interests of public order and sovereignty.

• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): UN Convention that safeguards these rights. It is an agreement to which India is a signatory.

MCQs

Q1. The right to assemble peaceably and without arms is in which Article of the Constitution?
A. Article 19(1)(a)
B. Article 19(1)(b)
C. Article 19(1)(c)
D. Article 21

Answer: B

Q2. What is the Article in the Bill of Rights which permits reasonable restrictions on the right to assemble?
A. Article 19(2)
B. Article 19(3)
C. Article 19(4)
D. Article 19(6)

Answer: B

Q3. Which UN office issued the experts' joint statement?
A. UN Security Council
B. International Court of Justice
C. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
D. UN General Assembly

Answer: C

3. Centre's Ladakh Draft Gives L-G Final Say; Hill Councils Planned in All Eight Districts

In the news: The Home Ministry's draft talks of an elected body at the Union Territory level in Ladakh and mentions that its laws would only come into effect after the assent of the Lieutenant-Governor. It also aims to gather opinions on the delimitation and reserving seats for women.

The draft has been rejected by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, which had earlier made guarantees. Meanwhile, a regulation issued on October 16 has boosted autonomous hill councils across all eight Ladakh districts. The size of each council will be determined by a council population of 7-24 seats, with 4 seats for women and unrepresented communities nominated.

What CLAT 2027 aspirants should know

• Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019 after Article 370's applicability to Jammu and Kashmir was revoked.

• Article 240: Lets the President make regulations for the peace, progress and good government of certain Union Territories.

• Sixth Schedule: Provides autonomous councils for tribal areas under Articles 244(2) and 275(1). LAB and KDA have long sought Ladakh's inclusion.

• LAHDC Act, 1997: The existing law for hill councils in Ladakh. Only the Kargil council (elected in 2023) is in place today.

MCQs

Q1. Under the Centre's draft, when would a law made by the proposed Ladakh body take effect?
A. After the President's veto period ends
B. After the Lok Sabha approves it
C. After the Lieutenant-Governor gives assent
D. Immediately on passage

Answer: C

Q2. Which Article allows the President to make regulations for certain Union Territories?
A. Article 239A
B. Article 240
C. Article 244
D. Article 371

Answer: B

Q3. How many districts will have hill councils under the 2026 amendment regulation?
A. Two
B. Four
C. Six
D. Eight

Answer: D

4. Haryana Grants 25-Year Power Licence; Employees Call Strike

In the news: On October 19, HERC granted Eleven Power Private Limited a 25-year licence under Section 14 of the Electricity Act, 2003, to distribute power in Gurugram and Nuh, giving over 8.3 lakh consumers a choice between two distribution companies.

The Haryana Electricity Employees and Engineers Joint Front called a three-day strike from Thursday. Farmers' groups and the Opposition also oppose the move. Power Minister Anil Vij said the state would challenge the order before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, as HERC is autonomous. Eleven Power has promised power supply to all consumer categories without discrimination.

What CLAT 2027 aspirants should know

• Section 14, Electricity Act, 2003: Allows the appropriate Commission to grant a distribution licence. A second licence can be given for the same area.

• Section 43: Requires a distribution licensee to supply electricity on request within the timelines set by the regulator.

• State Electricity Regulatory Commission: A statutory body that sets tariffs and grants licences within the State.

• Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL): Hears appeals against orders of the electricity regulatory commissions.

• Electricity is in the Concurrent List, so both the Centre and the States can make laws on it.

MCQs

Q1. Under which section of the Electricity Act, 2003 was the licence granted?
A. Section 12
B. Section 14
C. Section 43
D. Section 62

Answer: B

Q2. Which body hears appeals against orders of State electricity regulatory commissions?
A. National Green Tribunal
B. Competition Commission of India
C. Appellate Tribunal for Electricity
D. Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal

Answer: C

Q3. In which area did HERC allow a parallel distribution licence?
A. Gurugram and Nuh
B. Faridabad and Palwal
C. Hisar and Sirsa
D. Ambala and Panchkula

Answer: A

5. India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Comes Into Effect

In the news: The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) came into effect on Tuesday. It was signed on April 27. It gives duty-free access to a range of Indian goods, including products from labour-intensive sectors such as textiles and leather.

Talks began in 2010, stalled in 2015 and were revived in March 2025. It is India's 17th operational FTA and the seventh to come into force in the last five years. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the deal will grow both economies. New Zealand has committed $20 billion in foreign direct investment over 15 years.

What CLAT 2027 aspirants should know

• Free Trade Agreement: A pact in which countries cut or remove import duties on most goods traded between them.

• The earlier FTAs to come into force in this period are with the UAE, Mauritius, the EFTA bloc, the U.K., Oman and Australia.

• Foreign direct investment (FDI): Investment by a foreign entity in a business in another country.

• Entry 14, Union List: Treaties and agreements with foreign countries fall under the Union's power.

• Article 253: Gives Parliament the power to make laws to implement international treaties.

MCQs

Q1. On which date was the India-New Zealand FTA signed?
A. January 26, 2026
B. March 31, 2026
C. April 27, 2026
D. July 15, 2026

Answer: C

Q2. How many operational FTAs does India now have?
A. 7
B. 12
C. 15
D. 17

Answer: D

Q3. How much FDI has New Zealand committed over 15 years?
A. $5billionB.$10 billion
C. $20billionD.$50 billion

Answer: C

October 21, 2026 Current Affairs: Quick Revision

Given are the important key points for candidates to revise CLAT 2027 current affairs:

• Article 341 and Para 3 of the 1950 Order: SC status is limited to Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists

• Article 342A (105th Amendment, 2021): States can keep their own backward class lists

• Article 19(1)(b) and 19(3): Right to assemble peaceably, subject to reasonable restrictions

• Ladakh draft: Laws of the proposed UT-level body need the L-G's assent

• LAHDC (Amendment) Regulation, 2026: Hill councils in eight districts; 7 to 24 seats each

• Article 240: Presidential regulations for certain Union Territories

• HERC: 25-year parallel licence to Eleven Power in Gurugram and Nuh under Section 14, Electricity Act, 2003; APTEL hears appeals

• India-New Zealand FTA: In force from October 20; India's 17th operational FTA; $20 billion FDI committed over 15 years