Current Affairs

News & Analysis · Indian Polity & Governance

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

24 July 2026

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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23 July 2026

GS-2News & Analysis23 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Amid Lok Sabha logjam, Centre offers debate on NEET paper leak, says street protests ‘won’t help’

The Lok Sabha experienced repeated disruptions due to Opposition protests demanding the Union Education Minister's resignation over the NEET paper leak. While the government offered a debate on the issue, the Opposition insisted on an adjournment motion to prioritize the discussion and continued protests inside and outside Parliament.

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GS-2News & Analysis23 Jul 2026thehindu.com

‘Over 5,200 applications’: Ram Temple trust defers CEO selection by a month

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has deferred the appointment of its first CEO due to a large number of applications and appointed an interim secretary. The trust also reconstituted a panel for religious affairs and reviewed administrative and financial issues, including allegations of donation theft. The Uttar Pradesh government's SIT is investigating the theft, and the trust is cooperating, reviewing its financial SOPs with the State Bank of India.

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22 July 2026

GS-2News & Analysis22 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Supreme Court asks States, UTs to consider raising retirement age of judicial officers from 60 to 61 years

The Supreme Court has directed States and Union Territories to consider raising the retirement age of judicial officers from 60 to 61 years as an interim measure. This directive comes while the court is deliberating on a petition seeking a uniform enhancement of the retirement age for district judiciary judges from 60 to 62 years across the country. The decision is subject to consultation between the State/UT governments and their respective High Courts, and the interim arrangement will not prejudice the final adjudication on the substantive legal question.

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GS-2News & Analysis22 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Lok Sabha suspends TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee for using ‘unsavoury’ language against women MPs

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee was suspended from the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the Monsoon session for using "unsavoury" language against women members. The suspension followed a complaint to the Speaker, a resolution moved by a Union Minister, and a voice vote in the House. The incident occurred after a heated exchange between Banerjee and members of the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), who are former TMC MPs now allied with the NDA.

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GS-2News & Analysis22 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Cockroach Janta Party protests | Collection of The Hindu’s ground reports

The article details a 'Chalo Sansad' protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on July 20, 2026, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks, particularly concerning NEET. Thousands marched to Parliament, leading to clashes with police, internet blackouts in Central Delhi, and protests spreading nationwide. Key figures like CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, actor Shabana Azmi, and activist Sonam Wangchuk were involved.

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GS-2News & Analysis22 Jul 2026thehindu.com

From Potti Sriramulu to Sonam Wangchuk: Hunger strikes that changed India’s politics

The article explores the historical and political impact of hunger strikes in India, from Mahatma Gandhi's satyagraha to contemporary movements. It highlights how figures like Potti Sriramulu, Irom Sharmila, Anna Hazare, Medha Patkar, K. Chandrashekar Rao, G.D. Agrawal, and Sonam Wangchuk used this non-violent protest to influence state formation, challenge contentious laws like AFSPA, advocate for anti-corruption legislation, demand environmental justice, and seek constitutional safeguards for regions, thereby significantly shaping India's political landscape and public discourse.

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GS-2News & Analysis22 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Dharmendra Pradhan meets Birla as government agrees to discuss NEET paper leak in Lok Sabha

The article reports that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the government agreed to discuss the NEET paper leak in the Lok Sabha. The government urged the Speaker to convene an all-party meeting to decide on the debate's rules, date, and duration. The Opposition is demanding a discussion on the issue and the Education Minister's resignation over alleged examination irregularities.

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GS-2News & Analysis22 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Delhi Internet shutdown during CJP protest: Where does the law stand? | Explained

Mobile Internet services were shut down in parts of Central Delhi during a 'Chalo Sansad' protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protest demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET paper leaks. The internet shutdown, which lasted until evening, was condemned by the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) and the Software Freedom Law Centre, India (SFLC), raising questions about its legality and impact on fundamental rights.

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