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News & Analysis · 21 June 2026

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

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21 June 2026

GS-2News & Analysis21 Jun 2026thehindu.com

Trump threatens to charge U.S. tolls in Strait of Hormuz if final Iran deal not reached in 60 days

The article details escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claimed to close the strait due to Israeli attacks in Lebanon and U.S. breaches of commitments in an interim deal, a claim disputed by the U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose U.S. tolls in the waterway if a final deal with Iran isn't reached within 60 days, citing 'services rendered'. Technical-level talks between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, were set to begin in Switzerland amidst these developments. The interim deal aims to stop fighting and unfreeze Iranian assets.

International Relations
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GS-2News & Analysis21 Jun 2026thehindu.com

Bangladesh issues countrywide alert fearing unrest on anniversary of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League

Bangladesh has issued a nationwide security alert ahead of the founding anniversary of the now-disbanded Awami League, fearing unrest. The Awami League, led by deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was banned after its government was toppled in August 2024 following student protests. The current interim government, which came to power after elections in February 2026, views the Awami League as a 'mafia organisation' and has directed law enforcement to prevent any acts of sabotage or disruption. Police have already arrested over 100 Awami League leaders and activists, primarily on charges of plotting sabotage and holding unauthorized marches. The Awami League, Bangladesh's oldest political party, led the 1971 Liberation War.

International Relations
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GS-2News & Analysis21 Jun 2026thehindu.com

What does the U.S.-Iran agreement say? | Explained

The article details a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the U.S. and Iran, aimed at ending a recent conflict and initiating further negotiations on contentious issues. Key aspects include a ceasefire, lifting of U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, Iran's removal of restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, discussions on unfreezing Iranian funds, and Iran's pledge not to develop nuclear weapons. The deal faces strong opposition from Israel, which views it as a strategic setback and fears a shift in regional power balance. The agreement also addresses the 'downblending' of Iran's enriched uranium under IAEA supervision and the status of enrichment rights, with Lebanon emerging as a critical flashpoint due to Israeli occupation and its impact on the peace process.

International Relations
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GS-2News & Analysis21 Jun 2026thehindu.com

Insuring the informal worker against the heat

The article discusses the emergence of 'parametric' heat-insurance products for informal workers in India, where payouts are triggered automatically when temperatures cross a pre-set threshold. It highlights initiatives by non-profits like Jan Sahas and SEWA, in partnership with insurance companies and CSR arms, to provide financial relief to vulnerable workers against climate-induced heatwaves. The piece also touches upon the challenges of funding such schemes, the behavioral impact on workers, and the broader context of climate change predictions by IMD and WMO.

Social Justice & DevelopmentEnvironment & Ecology
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GS-2News & Analysis21 Jun 2026thehindu.com

Group of Seven | A platform for the globalised elite

The article traces the origin and evolution of the Group of Seven (G7), initially formed in 1975 as the Group of Six, to address global economic and financial challenges among industrialized nations. It details its expansion to G7 with Canada's inclusion in 1976, and its transformation into G8 with Russia's membership in 1998, only to revert to G7 after Russia's expulsion in 2014. The article highlights G7's shift from a purely economic forum to a strategic international mechanism coordinating responses to geopolitical conflicts, global supply chain disruptions, and contemporary issues like climate change, pandemics, and energy security. It also mentions India's participation as a guest in recent summits.

International Relations
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GS-2News & Analysis21 Jun 2026thehindu.com

India rejects Pakistan President Zardari’s remarks on Kashmir

India categorically rejected remarks made by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Kashmir, asserting that he has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters. India's External Affairs Ministry spokesman highlighted Pakistan's abysmal human rights record and its history of targeting minorities, calling Zardari's comments a deliberate political attack driven by bigotry and hatred.

International Relations
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