Current Affairs

Editorials · 29 June 2026

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

29 June 2026

GS-2Editorials29 Jun 2026thehindu.com

The new digital slavery needs constitutional guardrails

The article argues that unchecked Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies pose an existential threat to human dignity, democracy, and national sovereignty, likening the ownership of personal data to "digital slavery." It highlights issues such as algorithmic manipulation, deepfakes, disinformation, and foreign interference, which undermine the shared epistemic foundation necessary for democratic functioning. The author calls for India to adopt a rights-based framework for AI governance, ensure platform accountability, protect free speech, implement widespread digital literacy initiatives, and establish early-warning systems against misinformation, elevating AI governance to a constitutional imperative to safeguard democracy.

Indian Polity & Governance

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GS-3Editorials29 Jun 2026thehindu.com

July opens the biggest chapter in India-U.K. trade relations

The article highlights the significance of the India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement (FTA), formally known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is set to come into force from July 15. It emphasizes the deal's potential to accelerate shared growth, unlock opportunities for businesses, and boost bilateral trade. Forecasts suggest a significant increase in GDP for both India (£5.1 billion) and the U.K. (£4.8 billion), and a rise in bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually. The FTA will make trade cheaper and quicker by reducing or removing tariffs on 99% of U.K. tariff lines for Indian products and 90% of Indian tariff lines for U.K. products. It is expected to benefit labour-intensive sectors in India (textiles, leather, jewellery, IT, finance) and critical industries in the U.K. (aerospace, automotives, medical devices, whiskies). Beyond tariffs, the agreement includes provisions on customs, digital trade, services, and unprecedented chapters on anti-corruption, gender, development, and comprehensive labour and environmental commitments, while also maintaining protections for sensitive domestic sectors in both countries.

Indian Economy

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GS-2Editorials29 Jun 2026thehindu.com

How schools can tackle adolescent malnutrition

The article highlights adolescent malnutrition as a silent public health emergency in India, characterized by a 'double burden' of undernutrition and rising obesity, as evidenced by NFHS-6 (2023-24) and CNNS (2019) data. It notes the spread of lifestyle diseases like obesity and high blood sugar to rural populations and the prevalence of the 'thin-fat' phenotype. Emphasizing schools as critical settings for prevention, the article proposes interventions such as improved midday meals, healthier canteens, promoting fruits/vegetables, discouraging Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) and sugary drinks, and ensuring structured physical activity. It also mentions the 'Let’s Fix Our Food' (LFOF) initiative led by ICMR-NIN, which aims to create healthier food environments through policy, nutrition literacy, and regulatory frameworks.

Social Justice & Development

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