CAA stands for the Citizenship Amendment Act, passed by the Indian Parliament in December 2019. Here's a breakdown of the Act, its application process, and its implementation in India: **What it is:** * The CAA is a fast-track pathway to Indian citizenship for persecuted religious minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. * These minorities are identified as Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians. * The Act is based on the idea that these groups have faced religious persecution in their home countries. **Who it applies to:** * The CAA applies to undocumented immigrants belonging to the six religious minorities mentioned above, who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. * It provides them with a path to citizenship after they have resided in India for a specific period (typically 5-6 years). **How it works (Application Process):** * The Indian government hasn't released the official application process yet (as of March 12, 2024). However, based on expectations, it's likely to involve: * Submitting documents proving identity and religion. * Providing evidence of arrival in India before the December 31, 2014 cut-off date. * There might be a residency requirement that needs to be fulfilled. **Implementation in India:** * The CAA rules were notified by the Home Ministry on March 11, 2024, which paves the way for its implementation. * However, there are ongoing debates and legal challenges surrounding the Act. **Points to Consider:** * The CAA has been criticized for excluding persecuted Muslims from the eligibility criteria, raising concerns about religious discrimination. * There are also concerns about its potential impact on the National Register of Citizens (NRC), another government initiative. **Finding More Information:** * Indian government websites: Look for updates on the Ministry of Home Affairs website [https://www.mha.gov.in/en](https://www.mha.gov.in/en). * News articles: Reputable news websites will cover developments related to the CAA and its implementation. * Legal resources: Websites of legal institutions or legal professionals might offer analysis of the Act and any ongoing legal challenges. **Important Note:** The situation surrounding the CAA is still evolving. It's recommended to rely on credible sources for the latest information.