Current Affairs

Indian Polity & Governance

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

Today's practice test

17 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis17 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Don’t just adapt but lead in determining use of technology to reshape legal system: CJI to NLUs

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant urged National Law Universities (NLUs) to proactively lead in integrating technology, especially generative AI, into the legal system and education, rather than merely adapting to it. Speaking at a conclave, the CJI emphasized the need for academic integrity, responsible and supervised use of AI in classrooms, and developing 'Swadeshi jurisprudence'. He highlighted that technology is already reshaping legal processes like contract drafting, research, and dispute resolution, and called for serious research into algorithmic accountability, data protection, and digital access to justice, ensuring justice remains fair and human judgment central.

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GS-2Editorials17 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Andhra’s urban transformation

Andhra Pradesh's Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department is undertaking a significant urban transformation, aiming for sustainable development by 2047. Key initiatives include streamlining archaic administrative procedures, mandating in-situ solid waste management for large apartment complexes, implementing a 'Reuse of Treated Used Water Policy, 2026' to promote a circular water economy, and redeveloping slums using Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models with Floor Space Index (FSI) relaxations. The state is also promoting green buildings through incentives, optimizing land use, and encouraging transit-oriented development by easing zoning regulations, with a vision to create rapidly growing, adaptive, and environmentally resilient cities like Amaravati.

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GS-2Editorials17 Aug 2026thehindu.com

India’s democracy needs different electoral rhythms

The article critically analyzes the "One Nation, One Election (ONOE)" proposal, arguing that it fundamentally misunderstands India's parliamentary system and poses a significant threat to its federal structure. It contends that ONOE prioritizes administrative convenience over democratic principles, despite arguments for reducing financial expenditure and governance paralysis, and highlights the constitutional friction arising from grafting presidential mechanics onto a parliamentary democracy.

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GS-2Editorials17 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Not just turbulence: on the Air India aircraft incident

The article details an Air India flight incident reclassified as 'serious' due to technical issues and passenger injuries, which subsequently revealed a pilot tested positive for psychoactive substances. It highlights a critical gap in crew screening, urging the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to enforce more stringent psychoactive substance testing under Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) to uphold aviation safety standards.

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16 August 2026

GS-2News & Analysis16 Aug 2026thehindu.com

Retrofitting Tamil Nadu to strike at drug menace

Tamil Nadu has launched a comprehensive strategy to combat drug abuse, spearheaded by the new Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF). This multi-pronged approach involves specialized policing, financial investigations, cyber-surveillance, and extensive inter-departmental coordination (Health, Education, Rural Development, Municipal Administration, Information & Public Relations) for rehabilitation, awareness, and community participation. The initiative aims to dismantle drug syndicates, target financial networks, and leverage technology to achieve a 'Drug-Free Tamil Nadu', addressing both supply and demand for narcotics.

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15 August 2026

GS-2Reports15 Aug 2026downtoearth.org.in

Our plate in the courtroom

The article likely discusses legal challenges, judicial interventions, or policy debates in the courtroom concerning various aspects of food, agriculture, and related policies in India. It could cover issues ranging from food security and the right to food to agricultural subsidies, food safety standards, or environmental impacts of food production, all viewed through a legal or governance lens.

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GS-2Editorials15 Aug 2026indianexpress.com

Jagjivan Ram to Kharge, the distance not covered

The article traces the political journey of Dalit leaders from Jagjivan Ram to Mallikarjun Kharge, examining the progress made in terms of individual political ascent while critically analyzing the persistent challenges and the 'distance not covered' in achieving comprehensive social and political empowerment for the Dalit community. It likely delves into issues of representation, systemic discrimination, and the effectiveness of constitutional safeguards and welfare policies.

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GS-2Editorials15 Aug 2026indianexpress.com

How independent does my state want me to be?

The article, based on its title, likely discusses the extent of autonomy and independence enjoyed by states within the Indian federal structure. It would explore the constitutional provisions, practical challenges, and ongoing debates surrounding Centre-State relations, focusing on legislative, administrative, and financial aspects of state independence.

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GS-2News & Analysis15 Aug 2026indianexpress.com

On Hyderabad students’ ban, Bar Council chief acted on own, say members

The Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman issued a directive to ban NALSAR University students from enrolment and initiate an inquiry against them, reportedly without consulting other BCI members. The directive was quickly retracted twice following internal dissent within the BCI, questions about its constitutionality by NALSAR's Vice-Chancellor, and public reaction, highlighting issues of internal governance and decision-making within the statutory body.

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GS-2News & Analysis15 Aug 2026thehindu.com

TASL, NIBE bag ₹1,577-crore Army contracts for loiter munitions

The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth ₹1,577 crore with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and NIBE Ltd for the procurement of 84 loiter munition systems and 840 loiter munitions for the Indian Army. This acquisition, processed under the 'Buy Indian' category with a Fast Track Procedure, aims to enhance the Army's precision-strike capability up to 100 km. The contracts emphasize indigenous content (60% overall) and align with the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to boost indigenous defence manufacturing.

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GS-2Editorials15 Aug 2026thehindu.com

House in disorder: On the monsoon session of Parliament

The article critiques the monsoon session of Parliament, highlighting its disorder, inadequate deliberation on bills, and the government's handling of protests. It discusses specific legislative attempts like the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, which raised concerns about federalism, and proposed changes to delimitation and FCRA. The piece emphasizes the need for broader consultations and proper parliamentary functioning rather than treating it as an arena for political triumph.

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