Current Affairs

Editorials · 22 July 2026 · Indian Polity & Governance

Syllabus-mapped editorials, PIB updates, reports, judgments, and policy news for prelims and mains revision.

22 July 2026

GS-2Editorials22 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Why Punjab’s Dalits remain divided

The article analyzes the political marginalization of the Scheduled Caste (SC) community in Punjab, despite constituting the highest percentage of the state's population (32%). It highlights that internal divisions among the 39 different SC castes, further split by religions and sects (Deras) like Ravidassias, Ad-Dharmi, Balmikis, and Mazhabis, prevent them from forming a unified political force. This fragmentation, coupled with mainstream political parties' focus on 'appeasement politics' rather than genuine empowerment through constitutional protections and reservation laws, has limited their political influence. The article notes the historical dominance of Jat Sikhs in Punjab politics and the brief tenure of Charanjit Singh Channi as the only Dalit Chief Minister since 1977. With the 2027 Assembly elections approaching, political leaders, including the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, are actively courting Dera followers, underscoring the significance of Dalit voters.

Social Justice & Development Indian Polity & Governance

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GS-2Editorials22 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Lists of folly: On the Supreme Court, the SIR and benefits

The Supreme Court has reiterated its stance that exclusion from electoral rolls cannot be linked to consequences unrelated to voting, specifically in response to West Bengal government orders that made welfare benefits and caste certifications contingent on outcomes of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Court emphasized that SIR outcomes are solely for electoral purposes and cannot determine citizenship status or eligibility for welfare schemes like Annapurna Yojana and Public Distribution System, citing its previous judgment in the Bihar SIR case. The article highlights the legal paradox of citizenship and electoral rolls, stressing that linking absence from the roll to subsistence benefits is illogical and cruel, and raises concerns about universal human rights.

Indian Polity & Governance

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GS-2Editorials22 Jul 2026thehindu.com

The salt of democracy

The article analyzes climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike in Delhi, comparing it to Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March as a symbol of reclaiming democratic rights and fostering civil disobedience among the youth. It highlights the government's perceived indifference and use of state force, contrasting it with the fundamental responsibility of accountability in a democracy. The movement, initially focused on the NEET-UG paper leaks, evolved into a broader expression of dissent, uniting diverse groups and questioning the legitimacy of state actions against peaceful protest. The author emphasizes the reawakening of public spirit and the importance of dissent in a democratic setup.

Indian Polity & Governance

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