Current Affairs

News & Analysis · 30 July 2026

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

30 July 2026

GS-3News & Analysis30 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Parliament Committee calls for upgrading washery infrastructure to spur domestic higher-quality coal production

A parliamentary Standing Committee report highlights the 'major challenge' of high-ash content in domestically produced coal and calls for urgent upgrades to washery infrastructure and increased coal beneficiation. The committee noted the variance in coking coal washery output due to aged infrastructure, legacy technology, and logistical issues, leading to India's reliance on imported coking coal for steel production. Recommendations include timely modernization of washeries, removal of logistical constraints, instituting washeries near pitheads, and aligning future washery development with mine expansion and first-mile connectivity to improve transportation efficiency, lower emissions, and enhance coal utilization economics.

Indian Economy

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GS-3News & Analysis30 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Farmer, worker groups to intensify protests against Centre’s policies

Farmer and worker groups, under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Central Trade Unions (CTUs), have decided to intensify protests against the Centre's policies. Their demands include the repeal of Labour Codes, legalisation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) based on the M.S. Swaminathan Commission formula, modernisation of agriculture under producer cooperatives, and an end to privatisation and the National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0. They also expressed solidarity with students protesting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and raised concerns about unemployment and proposed trade deals impacting India's agricultural sector and MSMEs.

Indian Economy

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GS-3News & Analysis30 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Centre ‘coercing’ vehicle manufacturers into silence on E20 issue: Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal has accused the Centre of coercing automobile manufacturers into silence regarding the negative impact of E20 (petrol blended with 20% ethanol) on vehicles manufactured before 2023. He claims that officials from nine auto firms privately acknowledged that E20 could damage nearly 30 crore older vehicles and reduce fuel efficiency, but none responded in writing due to alleged government pressure.

Environment & Ecology

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GS-2News & Analysis30 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Iran resumes missile attacks as U.S. and Saudis strike Tehran-backed militias in Iraq

The article details a significant escalation of conflict in West Asia, with Iran launching missile attacks on U.S. forces in Jordan, while the U.S. and Saudi Arabia conducted strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters. This flare-up, following a period of calm, raises concerns about a return to all-out war and its impact on the global economy. Saudi Arabia accused Iraqi militias and Houthi rebels (Yemen) of drone attacks on its oil facilities, causing damage and spiking oil prices. Mediation efforts have stalled, and Iran has rejected proposals for managing the crucial Strait of Hormuz, which it has effectively closed, further threatening global energy supplies. The conflict also involves the Bab el-Mandeb strait, another vital trade route.

International Relations

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GS-2News & Analysis30 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Livestream audio muted in CJI’s court during oral mentioning as per directive

The Supreme Court of India's live-streaming audio feed for oral mentionings before the Chief Justice of India (CJI) was muted, as per a directive, while the video continued. The CJI had previously stated that mentionings are an 'administrative' exercise, not a judicial proceeding, and should not be reported. Oral mentionings are a routine where lawyers seek urgent hearings, often for cases involving fundamental rights. The Supreme Court also bars unauthorized recording and monetization of court videos.

Indian Polity & Governance

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GS-3News & Analysis30 Jul 2026thehindu.com

IRDAI greenlights reforms, policyholder fund norms, new general insurer

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has approved significant reforms aimed at enhancing operational and financial flexibility for insurers, strengthening policyholder protection, and streamlining regulatory processes. Key approvals include new Policyholders’ Education and Protection Fund (PEPF) regulations, liberalized investment norms, a facilitative framework for capital infusion, and corporate restructuring. The reforms are crucial for implementing the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025 (SBSR Act), which permits up to 100% FDI in the insurance sector, leading to increased foreign shareholding and capital inflows. IRDAI also granted registration to a new general insurer and introduced perpetual registration for insurers.

Indian Economy

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