Current Affairs

Editorials · 09 July 2026

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

Today's practice test

09 July 2026

GS-3Editorials09 Jul 2026thehindu.com

How India withstood the crisis in West Asia

India successfully navigated the West Asia crisis, which typically causes macroeconomic instability due to high oil prices, by containing fuel and cooking gas inflation better than many advanced and emerging economies. This resilience is attributed to strategic relationships with key partners, diversification of energy suppliers (including Russia, US, Africa, and Latin America), long-term energy planning (such as higher ethanol blending, expanding renewable energy, larger strategic reserves, and stronger refining capacity), and a coordinated "whole-of-government" approach involving various ministries and the National Security Council Secretariat. State-run Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) absorbed significant losses to keep prices affordable for consumers, demonstrating a deliberate policy choice over mere luck.

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GS-3Editorials09 Jul 2026thehindu.com

A crisis on wheels in Kerala

The article discusses the 'Priyadarshini' free bus ride scheme for women launched by the Kerala government, highlighting its immediate financial unsustainability and negative socio-economic impacts. The scheme has exacerbated the debt crisis of the State-owned Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and led to significant losses for private bus operators and auto-rickshaw drivers, prompting calls for agitation. Critics point to the lack of prior financial viability assessment and suggest a more targeted approach for beneficiaries to ensure sustainability, drawing parallels with past populist policy failures.

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GS-2Editorials09 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Checkbox caste: On the counting of caste, Census 2027

The article discusses the upcoming Census 2027, highlighting its key feature of including an 'open column' for respondents to state their caste, which will have statutory backing, unlike the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC). It notes the challenges of open-ended caste data collection, as seen in the unusable 2011 SECC data, and suggests a digital method with curated lists, citing the Bihar caste survey as a potential model. The article delves into the constitutional stance against caste discrimination while arguing that empirical caste data is indispensable for targeting welfare and social justice measures, affirmative action, and informing policies related to the 'creamy layer' and sub-categorisation of castes.

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GS-2Editorials09 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Revolution to resurgence — Iran’s strategic moment

The article argues that Iran is experiencing a "second revolution" or resurgence, emerging stronger and more defiant after recent conflicts with the US and Israel. It highlights the regime's consolidation of power, renewed national pride, potential economic revival due to easing sanctions, and a significant shift in the regional security landscape. This transformation forces countries, including India, to re-evaluate their diplomatic strategies and alliances in the Middle East.

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GS-2Editorials09 Jul 2026thehindu.com

Prisoners of violence: On Sri Lanka’s prison riots

The article discusses a deadly prison riot in Sri Lanka, which resulted in 28 deaths and over 100 injuries, highlighting severe issues of mismanagement, official apathy, and chronic overcrowding in the country's prisons. The incident, linked to an alleged drug operation, underscores the challenges faced by the Anura Kumara Dissanayake administration in tackling the narcotics menace and improving dire prison conditions. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had previously flagged these issues, and the government has now appointed a committee to investigate, accepting responsibility for deaths in state custody.

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GS-2Editorials09 Jul 2026thehindu.com

The Indian diaspora as Australia’s identity, its future

The article highlights the Indian diaspora's emergence as Australia's largest overseas-born community, marking a significant demographic and cultural shift. This growing community is central to the evolving India-Australia relationship, which has moved from basic cultural ties to a strategic partnership based on 'Democracy, Defence, Diaspora, and Dosti'. Prime Minister Modi's visit underscores the diaspora's importance, even as it faces challenges like rising anti-immigration sentiment in Australia. The piece emphasizes the need for both nations to move beyond superficial understanding and invest in evidence-based insights into the diaspora's experiences to strengthen the strategic partnership.

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