Current Affairs

News & Analysis · 24 July 2026

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

24 July 2026

GS-2News & Analysis24 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Activist on hunger strike over Ken-Betwa river link project ends fast after 18 days

Activist Amit Bhatnagar ended an 18-day hunger strike against the Ken-Betwa river linking project after the government assured rehabilitation and improved compensation for affected people, including tribals, in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur and Panna districts. The protest, led by Jai Kisan Sangathan, focused on ensuring justice for those impacted by the project.

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GS-3News & Analysis24 Jul 2026thehindu.com

U.S. slaps 10% tariffs on goods imported from India over issue forced labour

The U.S. has imposed 10% tariffs on goods imported from India and 16 other countries, citing the use of forced labor in their production. This action was taken by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, at the direction of President Donald Trump. India, which was previously subject to 12.5% tariffs, has contested these investigations and amended its foreign trade policy to prohibit the import of goods produced using forced labor. The U.S. is India's second-largest trade partner and the largest destination for its exports, with bilateral goods trade reaching nearly $141 billion in 2025.

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GS-2News & Analysis24 Jul 2026thehindu.com

International waterways must remain safe and unimpeded: S. Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, at the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum, emphasized the need for safe and unimpeded international waterways, adherence to international law (UNCLOS 1982), and dialogue for resolving regional conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Myanmar, and the Israel-Palestine crisis (advocating a two-state solution). He reiterated India's stance on the South China Sea, supporting a legally binding Code of Conduct, and called for 'zero tolerance for terrorism' and collective action against cyberscam centres. India will host EAS activities on maritime security and heritage. Separately, the MEA responded to Pakistan's remarks on Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), stating India has placed the IWT in 'abeyance' since a 2025 terror attack.

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GS-2News & Analysis24 Jul 2026thehindu.com

BJP leaders, allies urge Centre to treat youth protests with empathy

The article discusses the Indian government's response to widespread youth protests, particularly concerning paper leak cases, and the political reactions from within the ruling BJP and its allies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases, but senior BJP leaders and NDA allies urged the Centre to handle protesters with empathy, criticizing the 'brutal mishandling' by law enforcement. They noted that the protests have become a focal point for broader youth grievances and emphasized the need for the government to re-engage with the younger generation.

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GS-2News & Analysis24 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Three days since July 20 violence, Delhi Police, MHA yet to acknowledge police excesses

The article details alleged police excesses during a July 20, 2026 protest in Delhi, where disproportionate force, including pellet guns, was reportedly used against unarmed demonstrators. Despite videos showing police brutality, the Delhi Police and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have not acknowledged the incidents. The Delhi High Court has intervened, seeking responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on Public Interest Litigations (PILs) alleging excessive force and instructing the preservation of evidence. Injuries, including potential vision loss, were reported, and an Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) was removed from protest duties after being seen assaulting a woman. Senior advocates in court highlighted issues like officers without name badges, use of non-standard equipment, and alleged molestation of women, demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT), FIRs, departmental action, and a judicial inquiry.

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GS-2News & Analysis24 Jul 2026thehindu.com

PM Modi promises 'more strict actions against paper leaks' amid CJP protests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the government will take "more strict actions" against paper leaks, including a proposed Bill for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishment for offenders. This move comes amid ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination. The Union Cabinet is set to discuss the draft Bill, with efforts to pass it swiftly in Parliament during the Monsoon Session.

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GS-2News & Analysis24 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Protests over paper leak intensify in States

The article details widespread protests across India by student organizations, civil society groups, and political parties against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak and the subsequent police crackdown on protesters. Demands include the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, scrapping of NEET, and broader education reforms. The agitation, which began in Delhi, quickly spread to numerous states, leading to clashes with police, detentions, and legal cases.

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