Current Affairs

News & Analysis · 22 May 2026 · Indian Polity & Governance

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

22 May 2026

GS-2News & Analysis22 May 2026thehindu.com

Supreme Court questions quota to children of economically, educationally advanced families in backward classes

The Supreme Court has questioned the continued grant of reservation benefits to children of economically and educationally advanced families within backward classes, emphasizing that social mobility achieved through parental empowerment should lead to their exclusion from reservation. This observation was made during a hearing challenging a Karnataka High Court judgment that upheld the exclusion of a petitioner from reservation based on the 'creamy layer' principle, where parents' combined income exceeded the prescribed threshold. The court highlighted that existing government orders provide for such exclusion, but these are being challenged. It also briefly noted a separate case where it stated that the legislature must decide on the creamy layer for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

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GS-2News & Analysis22 May 2026thehindu.com

Muslim side moves Supreme Court challenging Madhya Pradesh HC order in Bhojshala complex dispute case

The Muslim side has moved the Supreme Court to challenge a Madhya Pradesh High Court order that declared the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar district a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The High Court also quashed a 2003 order by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that allowed Muslims to offer namaz inside the complex every Friday and suggested the Muslim community seek separate land for a mosque.

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GS-2News & Analysis22 May 2026thehindu.com

Supreme Court grants bail to J&K man booked under UAPA after five years in custody as undertrial

The Supreme Court granted bail to a Jammu and Kashmir man, Suhail Ahmad Thokar, accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) after he spent five years as an undertrial. The court emphasized the right to speedy trial and personal liberty, reiterating that 'bail is the rule and jail is the exception' even in UAPA cases, a stance that contrasts with previous judgments. The case involved allegations of 'hybrid terrorism' and cross-border conspiracy following the abrogation of Article 370.

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GS-2News & Analysis22 May 2026thehindu.com

Govt. to ensure no ‘unnatural demographic changes’ in the country, each infiltrator to be expelled: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the government's resolve to stop infiltration and expel all infiltrators to prevent 'unnatural demographic changes' in the country. He detailed plans for a 'Smart Border' concept using advanced technology (drones, radars, cameras) to secure Pakistan and Bangladesh borders. The Minister emphasized the need for enhanced coordination between the Border Security Force (BSF) and local revenue officials, police, district administration, state police forces, other paramilitary forces, Narcotics Control Bureau, and intelligence agencies. He also mentioned a high-powered demography mission to identify infiltration routes and highlighted challenges like fake currency, cyber security, hybrid warfare, and drones.

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GS-2News & Analysis22 May 2026thehindu.com

Parents, students challenge CBSE three-language rule for Class 9

Parents and students have approached the Supreme Court to challenge a CBSE policy making three languages compulsory for Class 9 students from July 1, citing academic burden. The policy, part of NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023, mandates at least two of the three languages be native Indian languages, with no Board exam for the third language in Class 10. States and UTs have flexibility in implementation.

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